From a milliner inspired by topiary to a model-turned-ecological gardener and a couple who swapped jobs in telecommunications for growing vegetables, Sir David Beckham’s rural heroes tell Julie Harding why craft and the countryside are key

Nicole Brown on her trajectory from fangirling Mary King to commentating alongside Ian Stark – and how her curious nature has stood her in good stead

Julie Turner on making a rocking horse’s nose look soft, bringing joy through restoration and giving extra pats to the scary ones

SARAH DITUM

An online auction reminds T essa Waugh to make good on an old promise – and she’s rewarded with a stunning and enjoyable ride for all participants, including a bionic cob

THINGS ARE very quiet here at the moment. It’s weird - I am used to a life overfull of things to do. For the first time in 20 years I have no building project on the go, and general maintenance, fenci