A muddle of eggs, racing, letters and beer.

It's the first episode of the month, so it's of course the front section this week – starting as always with Letter from the Editor, then the lead feature stories, plus this month's reader's letters:

• In her end-of-the-year round up, Laura thanks the team - and you

• A swift look at the baking aisle in your local supermarket will tell you that the UK egg industry is in crisis. Andrew Livingston reports

• Ever been to the races? Me neither. My first visit to a racecourse – on a windblown and wet November day in Wincanton – wasn’t at all what I expected, says Laura Hitchcock

• Letters to the Editor – listen to what others think (our postbag is always open – send emails to letters@bvmagazine.co.uk )

• Hidden away in a fold of Cranborne Chase outside Shaftesbury, Guy Ritchie's Gritchie Brewery is crafting a fine reputation

• 1855 has opened in Sturminster Newton, and the eclectic new browsing bank of artisans and traders has proved an instant and massive hit in the town