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 [email protected] ) 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