The Lady Magazine

16 January 2015

We live in an age of celebrity. Many, of course, are deservedly famous; they are great writers, actors, scientists. Others, however, are merely famous for being famous. They seek to be as recognisable as possible and so live their entire lives in public. But what of all the modest, everyday heroines who make life truly better for those around them? Perhaps they’re a carer or a lollipop lady, a helpful neighbour or a committed teacher. They go the extra mile – but don’t seek riches, attention or acclaim for their hard work. It’s just what they do. Well, we think it’s high time that they did get a little well-deserved recognition and so on page 16, bestselling A Woman Of Substance author Barbara Taylor Bradford reveals how she, with a little help from The Lady, will be celebrating these everyday stars with a very special award. And yes, you will be able to nominate your own Lady Of Substance. We also have the cast of Call The Midwife, who give us a very colourful behind-the-scenes insight into the new series (who would have thought that wimples could cause you so much bother?); a novice playwright’s humorous account of how he came to cast a man in the role of Margaret Thatcher; and a very special glimpse of the new Elvis exhibition at London’s O2 with none other than his former wife, Priscilla Presley.