The Lady Magazine

4 April 2014

Dear Reader, It can’t be easy being a child star. How on earth are you supposed to get your homework done when your childhood’s a whirlwind of blockbuster film roles and red carpet twirls? Emma Watson, however, appears to have managed her early fame with dignity and aplomb. Cast as girl wizard Hermione Granger when she was just nine years old, she spent 12 years immersed in the hugely popular Harry Potter franchise, but remains both down to earth and superbly talented, as you can read on page 16. We also have bestselling author Nina Stibbe on how a job advertisement in The Lady transformed her life (and led to regular suppertime meetings with Alan Bennett); Midsomer Murders actor Gwilym Lee on surviving Britain’s most dangerous countryside community, and Fiona Hicks on how she joined her beloved grandmother for a flower arranging course. And if you’re considering private education for the children in your life, don’t miss our essential Independent Schools Guide on page 53. Very best wishes, Matt Warren, Editor