To say we love a cuppa here on the Fiction Desk is something of an understatement. Tracey has a pot-for-one in an Art Deco style on her desk and a strict ‘no tea bag in a mug’ policy – it’s loose tea (or two teabags) in the pot. Shirley often has healthy herbal tea, and Alan is partial to English Breakfast or a warming spicy ginger tea. Well, strictly speaking, his favourite tea is High Tea, because it involves cake!
My grandma always had her tea in a cup – she reckoned it just didn’t taste the same in a mug. Research suggests that 65% of us have a favourite cup or mug for our early morning cuppa. And what better accompaniment to a relaxing read of your “Friend” than a cup of tea?
A Lovely Keepsake
To celebrate our 150th Anniversary, our Illustrations Editor, Sarah, has designed a beautiful commemorative mug. Made from fine bone china, each mug is hand-made using traditional methods in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of pottery. And a 22-carat trim around the rim makes it that little bit extra special.
Priced at £18.00 (which includes postage and packing), this lovely keepsake features The People’s Friend logo as it’s evolved through the years. It’s easy to order, too – just pop over to www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/pf150, or call free on 0800 318 846 in the UK – 44 (0) 1382 575580 if you’re overseas. Lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays (GMT).
A Special Anniversary
While we’re talking tea, to celebrate our special anniversary we also have an Anniversary Tea Caddy & Dundee Cake Pack available. Priced £16.00, each caddy is filled with 30 Scottish breakfast tea bags from Brodies, the tea specialists, and is embossed with a thistle motif. Good news – in this pack, you’ll also find a traditional, rich handmade fruit cake, with the zest of tangy marmalade, spices and almonds. Tea, anyone?
Help us celebrate our 150th Anniversary with our Special Collector’s Edition, just £6.99 and available now
Lucy Crichton Better known as “Fiction Editor Lucy”, I am always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, I enjoy working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of “Friend” fiction!
