On February 24, 2026, Yours magazine, a cherished staple for mature women across the United Kingdom, marked an extraordinary milestone: its 500th issue. This special occasion was celebrated with a bumper 116-page edition, and who better to grace the cover than the legendary Dame Judi Dench? At 91, Dench remains an icon of stage and screen, and her exclusive interview in the commemorative issue offers readers a heartfelt glimpse into her philosophy on living well, resilience, and the joys of later life.
The magazine’s editorial team pulled out all the stops to make the 500th issue a true event. Readers are treated to £6,000 worth of prizes and cash—a veritable treasure trove for loyal subscribers and new fans alike. There’s even an extra Real Life & Puzzles magazine tucked inside, packed with uplifting real-life stories, challenging brain teasers, and chats with beloved stars such as Esther Rantzen and Michael Palin. For those seeking culinary inspiration, the issue offers delicious comfort meals and retro bakes, while fashion enthusiasts will find the latest trends and beauty tips tailored to their tastes.
But perhaps the most touching initiative tied to this milestone is the launch of the Yours Forest of Remembrance. In a move that blends community spirit with environmental stewardship, Yours is inviting readers to help plant 500 trees—one for each issue published—each dedicated to a loved one. Donations for the project support Trees For Good Causes, an organization that not only plants trees but also raises vital funds for hospice care charities every year. This effort gives readers a chance to honor personal memories while contributing to a greener future and supporting those in need.
Georgina Ventre, Editor of Yours, expressed her excitement about the milestone, stating, “We’re thrilled to celebrate our special 500th issue with a true Yours favourite and national treasure, Dame Judi Dench. Our readers trust Yours to reflect what matters most to them—whether that’s expert health advice, uplifting real-life stories, or simply a warm and welcoming place to connect with others. Many tell us that Yours is their ‘fortnightly treat’—a trusted companion that blends practical guidance with heartfelt storytelling and a timeless sense of belonging.” According to Ventre, the magazine’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to provide both practical support and a sense of community, a combination that has resonated with its audience for decades.
Tammi Townley, Publisher of Yours, echoed these sentiments, calling the 500th issue “an extraordinary milestone, and a true testament to the enduring bond between Yours and its readers.” Townley noted that the celebratory edition is “one of our most value‑packed yet—with £6,000 worth of prizes to be won, plus an extra Real Life & Puzzles magazine included at no additional cost.” She emphasized that the heart of Yours’ success is its “timeless appeal: it’s where the past meets the present. Rooted in tradition and shared heritage, the magazine offers a warm, familiar space for mature women who cherish kindness, family and community.” With over 31,000 subscribers, Yours has built one of the most loyal readerships in the magazine business, a testament to its unique blend of nostalgia and modern relevance.
The choice of Dame Judi Dench as cover star is no accident. Dench, a perennial favorite among Yours readers, embodies many of the values the magazine celebrates—resilience, grace, and a zest for life that knows no age limit. In her interview, Dench reflects on her remarkable career and her approach to living well at 91. She shares insights on staying active, finding joy in everyday moments, and the importance of family and friendship. Her words resonate with readers who see in her a role model for embracing life’s changes with humor and dignity.
Dench’s recent work continues to captivate audiences. According to Good Housekeeping, her performance as Cecily, Duchess of York, in the acclaimed BBC series The Hollow Crown is one not to be missed. The series, based on Shakespeare’s history plays, has been praised for its star-studded cast—featuring Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Whishaw, and others—and its compelling portrayal of Britain’s royal power struggles. Dench described her character as “a kind of Miss Marple,” a woman who has suffered tremendous loss but remains shrewd and resilient. “If anyone says, ‘I’m in a terribly bad way,’ she says, ‘You may be in a bad way, just wait until you hear what’s happened to me!’ That’s the Duchess of York in Richard III,” Dench told the BBC. She also praised Shakespeare’s female roles in the play, noting, “There are wonderful parts for women in it and they are very much a comment on the play.”
For those inspired by Dench’s career, The Hollow Crown series 1 and 2 are currently available to stream on Prime Video, offering a deep dive into British history and the nuanced performances that have become Dench’s trademark. The magazine also recommends exploring Dench’s other period dramas, such as All is True (available on BBC iPlayer), which chronicles the later years of William Shakespeare, as well as her unforgettable turn as M in the James Bond films.
Beyond the glitz of celebrity interviews and prize giveaways, Yours’ 500th issue stands as a celebration of community, memory, and continuity. The Yours Forest of Remembrance project exemplifies this ethos, inviting readers to plant trees in honor of loved ones—a gesture that is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. Each tree serves as a living tribute, connecting the magazine’s past, present, and future with the enduring cycles of nature and remembrance.
As Yours magazine looks ahead, its editorial team remains committed to the values that have defined it for so long: kindness, connection, and a celebration of life at every stage. The bumper 500th issue is more than just a magazine—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, the strength of community, and the enduring appeal of a publication that has truly become a “fortnightly treat” for generations of readers. With its blend of expert advice, real-life inspiration, and a warm, welcoming spirit, Yours continues to offer a trusted companion for those navigating the joys and challenges of later life—one cherished issue at a time.