During the 1870s the “Friend” set about establishing its place in the hearts of its devoted readers. Peace had been restored once more, and it was time for the “Friend” and its readers to leave behind the dark days of war and embrace a bright new future.

In 1981, “The People’s Friend” introduced a new “filler” feature to the magazine. It was called “The Farmer And His Wife” and was a series of couthy tales told by a fictional farmer named John Taylor. If you’re an author yet to be published in the “Friend”, please send your story to [email protected]

I still have a few slots to fill in our December issues and hope to have all the Christmas reading complete soon. The People’s Friend Annual 2026 The Sixties and Seventies were defining years for Britain, transforming the country into a place of freedom and hope, and the “Friend” was there every step of the way. From the start, the “Friend” was intended for the whole family. The Children’s Corner was a regular feature of the “Friend” for over a century, with stories, puzzles and general knowledge for the little ones. Our opening story is “The Perfect Resolution” by Eirin Thompson. Dorothy has a New Year’s Resolution – but it’s not concerning herself, it’s concerning her son! Village newcomer Alice hopes to make new friends by sharing her “Damsons In Distress!”. By Jane Bettany, with artwork from Andre Leonard.

Dundee became known as the “City of the 3 Js”– jute, jam and journalism, reflecting the importance of these three very different industries to the prosperity of the city.Cara is cat-sitting for her lovely gran. What could go wrong?! “A Major Problem”, by Eirin Thompson, is illustrated by Mandy Murray. You can enjoy little nuggets of information about all destinations throughout the UK, accompanied by lovely J.Campbell Kerr illustrations.

Diane loses her beloved climbing rose, and struggles to find a replacement in “A Rose By Any Other Name”, by Patsy Collins. Artwork, Ruth Blair. And sometimes – like this week – I’ll post a general round-up of the latest news from the Fiction Desk. The Fiction Team For now, at least, the war was over, life could return to normal – and the “Friend” and its readers could look forward to the future. Supplements such as “Aunt Kate’s Jumper Book” and “Aunt Kate’s Cookery Book” were included free with “The People’s Friend”. An imaginary pet leaves one little lad “In The Dog House”, in Becca Robin’s short story. Illustrated by Pat Gregory. The Love Darg, The People’s Friend’s own charitable appeal, started in 1895. The name came from an old Scots phrase meaning “a day’s work done for love”. In time it transformed into a major nationwide charitable appeal where readers would make thousands of gifts which were donated annually to over 80 hospitals, children’s homes, care homes and hospices across the UK in time for Christmas. It’s still going today, with readers knitting or crocheting items or giving cash donations each year.

Your Memories

stories for our annual are perhaps the most traditional of all our fiction, and often reflect the passing year, so seasonal submissions are welcome. To Buy A Copy