This week in Magazines 24 May 2013

There have been several magazine closures over the past couple of weeks:

• Doctor Who Adventures – not on subscription
• Practical Parenting Pregnancy
• Junior
• Zip
• Science Illustrated UK
• More
• Action Force Monthly
• Tractor & Farm Trader
• Easy Living

New Launch : Blossom Magazine, Just for little girls

With the several recent closures of magazines we have seen, it is refreshing to have a new launch announced.  The new title comes in a category which is seeing good growth in popularity, the pre-school magazines age group.

Blossom Magazine is aimed at young girls aged between four and six years of age.  Rather than focussing on one particular character, the magazine features content based on a number of well-known brands and popular activities.

This is a magazine with a lot of educational potential in the content.

New Launch : Superman Magazine

With the impending release of the June Blockbuster Man Of Steel, May sees the launch of the new Superman Magazine, from Titan Publishing.  The magazine is priced at £2.99, and is aimed at 9-17 year old boys.  Each issue will feature two full length action packed comic strips for readers to enjoy. With new storylines and artwork, but all the favourite characters from the franchise which readers will be familiar with, Superman Magazine will retell the story of the Man Of Steel.

 

One Shot Magazine : Official Tour De France Magazine

It doesn’t seem like 5 minutes ago Bradley Wiggins was winning the 2012 Tour De France, but the excitement is already building for this year’s competition.

What’s more 2013 will be the Tour De France centenary.  To celebrate this premium package features a 228 page magazine, a wall chart, highlights DVD and an official route map.

One Shot Magazine : Tour De France 2013 Race Guide

Cycling Weekly and Cycle Sport publishers IPC produced this souvenir for avid fans of the Tour De France 2013. This will include exclusive interviews with Bradley Wiggins and team mate Chris Froome.  There will be a 64 page photography led pullout celebrating the heritage of the Tour.

One Shot Magazine : British & Irish Lions 2013

Continuing the theme of 2013 sport related one shot magazines, this special focusses on the British and Irish Lions, bring rugby fans everything they need to know ahead of the tour against Australia.  It contains a thorough break down of players in both squads and information for travelling supporters.

In the next issue : Closer 28^th May

This issue of the celebrity focussed weekly magazine is a dieting special, including a free pullout on health eating including the secrets which help stars to stay thin as readers gear up for the summer.

In the latest issue : BBC History magazine

The June issue features the rise of the Tudors and their victory over Richard III, and there are also articles on the heroes of Everest, the monastic revolution, and the complex life and death of suffragette Emily Davison. From June 2013 the magazine increases its cover price from £3.99 to £4.25 per issue.

Revamp : Top Gear

The leading magazine which backs up the BBC TV series Top Gear gets a sharper new look and more images.  From the June issue on sale from 22^nd May the magazine will feature an expanded features section with more reviews and road-tips.  The June issue also features 3D content which readers can enjoy using the glasses, which are cover mounted on the front of the magazine.

Special Edition : Grand Designs

The June issue of Grand Designs magazine (on sale 24^th May) will feature special content to appeal to the growing number of home owners who are considering extending their properties.  The magazine publishers predict there will be a boom in property extension projects over the next few years, with the relaxation of the planning rules.  This special edition will look at 20 extension projects and offers expert advice and tips for navigating the process of creating a professional finish.

Free Gift : Trash Pack

Last month saw the launch of The Trash Pack magazine, aimed at primary aged boys.  The second issue published on the 24^th May carries a free toy from the Trash Pack range on its cover.

Free Gift : Fly Past

The nostalgic aviation title will have a free giant sized poster for readers that features the Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War.  The main magazine continues the theme inside taking a detailed look at its Luftwaffe counterpart, the Focke-Wulf FW 190 and the Curtiss Warhawk.

This week in Magazines 17 May 2013

Welcome to our weekly round up of what is new in the world of magazines, with new releases, seasonal specials, one off magazines and other news.

New Launch – Puzzler Number Fit

Puzzler Media has launched a new monthly puzzle magazine aimed at the growing popularity in number based puzzle formats.  Puzzler Number-Fit offers straight forward puzzles for readers to complete by filling in grids with numbers provided.  This magazine is expected to have a wide range appeal, and be of particular interest to those puzzlers looking for an alternative to Kriss Kross and Sudoku based puzzles.

Free Gift - Fantastic Funworld

The July issue of Funtastic Funworld will feature a fantastic free gift which consists of a five piece doctors set comprising of a stethoscope, thermometer, medicine tube, plasters and first aid box.

The magazine will feature a special taller cover.  The last time the magazine carried a similar doctors kit free gift it was hugely popular, and we are expecting it to be a popular choice again.  Be sure to get your copy of Funtastic Funworld.

Special Issue - Little White Lies

In celebration of the June release of the new Superman film Man Of Steel, the June issue of Little White Lies is a special Superman themed issue.

The magazine certainly will be a collector’s item for fans of the film, and features a holographic steel cover and includes a critical review of the film as well as exclusive interviews and features.

Relaunched Magazine – Take A Break Codebreakers

Take a Break Codebreakers has been revamped and now features an extra 16 pages for the same great price.  The 23^rd May issue also includes a competition to win £5000 as well as tickets to see the Rolling Stones.

One Shot Magazine - Sir Alex The Greatest

Looking back at the career of Alex Furguson, this 84 page souvenir magazine will offer features and photographs from gthe archives of the Daily Mirror, including on and off field controversies from throughout his career at Manchester United.

Magazine News – Prince Charles to edit Country Life magazine

Rural weekly magazine Country Life magazine has secured a major coup in lining up Prince Charles to edit the magazine later this year.

The special commemorative issue of the 116 year old title will coincide with the princes’ 65^th birthday in November.

He has given the magazine team unprecedented access to his land and will use the magazine to talk about his passion for the countryside.  Editor Mark Hedges said “We’re delighted to be able to call on his wise input and creativity.  We know the result will be a very special issue, which should become a collector’s treasure”.

May Newsletter : Free Gifts Galore!

It's May already, and time for our monthly newsletter round up of what's new at Unique Magazines.  In this months newsletter you will find:

• A great selection of outdoor magazines for some summer fun
• A great read on the Top Sewing and Needlecraft magazines
• Free Gifts including a £25 GorillaPod Camera tripod, a Nantucket Bagg from the Little Knitting Company worth £32.25, an Executive Pen Set with Time Magazine, A baby bottle steriliser worth £24.99 with Prima Baby and Pregnancy and a Nourish Radiance Rejuvenating Serum worth £16.95 with You and Your Wedding.
• Our Online Newsagency growth update
• A reminder of the great benefits of subscribing with us, including a £40 Wine Voucher and 20% off greeting cards

Oh, and remember, it's Fathers Day on the Sunday 16th June so if you want to plan ahead and buy a great gift for Dad, then take a look at what we have in store.

Get Outdoors with these great Camping, Walking and Climbing magazines

With spring seeming like it has finally sprung, and summer apparently not far away it may be time to start thinking about planning some weekend and holiday activities in the great outdoors.

We have a wonderful selection of magazines dedicated to outdoor activities such as camping, climbing and walking. Take for example Lakeland Walker, which is a magazine dedicated to the routes and activities you can take part in throughout the Lake District, with a subscription price of only £19.95 for 12 months, with a saving of 5%. Alternatively we have Climber magazine, which as the name suggests is dedicated to people who enjoy climbing (both indoors and outdoors) mountaineering, hill walking and rock climbing.

Improve your catch with these great Angling magazines

Here at Unique Magazines we have our very own angling enthusiast in the shape of Paul, the IT Guy. He has been an avid fly fisherman for over 20 years, and a shore and boat angler for the last 4 years. "I am very much a self taught angler" says Paul, "and I have learnt much from websites and video tutorials, but I still get a lot of information from magazines. I tie my own flies using patterns in the magazines, and I have also started making my own sea angling traces using patterns from the magazines."

If you are an angler, or know someone who is then a magazine subscription is a great way to get the latest tips and techniques, as well as gear reviews and great advice through the Q&A sections. We have angling magazines to cover all the angling disciplines such as Fly Fishing on River and Still waters, sea fishing from the shore and boat, Coarse fishing, Pike fishing, Pole fishing and Sport fishing.

The Great British Sewing Bee

You may be aware that there has been a huge surge in the number of people interested in sewing, knitting, crochet and other needle crafts. There is a new wave of TV programmes to cater for this audience, which like gardening and cooking programming before it is starting to fill our television schedules. The popular TV show The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC2 pits a group of amateur sewers against each other in a series of challenges. With this in mind we thought it time we reviewed some great needlecraft magazines, bringing you the Top 10 Sewing and Needlecraft Magazines.

Yarnwise Magazine 12 Issues for £48 Save 20%	Patchwork and Quilting 12 Issues for £39.95 Save 22%	Crochet Today 3 issues for £18.99 £4.95 for a Single Copy	Sewing World 12 issues for £39.95 Save 33%

Free Gifts when you Subscribe

There are some fantastic free gifts to be had when you subscribe to your favourite magazine. In this months newsletter we feature 3 particularly good FREE GIFT promotional offers. These gifts are in limited supply, so hurry to secure yours.

Free GorillaPod Magnetic Tripod worth £25 when you subscribe to Outdoor Photography Magazine

With every subscription to Outdoor Photography we are giving away a GorillaPod Magnetic Tripod worth £25. So for as little as £42.66 for a 12 month subscription, you can save 10% on the magazine cover price and get this great photography gadget. This would make a great Fathers Day Gift!
The Magnetic GorillaPod’s flexible arms mean you can mount your digital camera in a wide variety of ways, allowing you to wrap round bars, rails, or secure on uneven or rough terrain.
Compatible with any digital camera up to 325g with a ¼” tripod thread, the GorillaPod uses a flexible ball-and-socket joint system for maximum adjustability.

Free Little Knitting Company Nantucket Bag worth £32.25 when you subscribe to Knitting Magazine

With a subscription to Knitting Magazine, you will receive this wonderful free Nantucket Bagg from the Little Knitting Company, which is worth £32.25. These amazing reversible Nantucket Baggs are the only bags like it in the world. It's a tote, a tool roll, wall rack and converts to a back pack. Further more we have a great 30% saving on a 12 Month subscription to Knitting Magazine, only £46.20 for 12 Issues, that's just £3.85 per issue.

Get a FREE Executive Pen Set when you subscribe to Time Magazine

When you subscribe to Time magazine you will not only save 81% on the cover price, you will also receive this fantastic executive pen set. We love a bulleted list, so this pen set consists of:

• Ballpoint pen and propelling pencil
• Beautifully balanced design for comfort and ease of use
• Stylish matt metal finished casing
• Smart metal presentation case
• Ideal for either the home or the office

FREE Microwave Steam Steriliser worth £24.99 with Prima Baby & Pregnancy

When you subscribe to Prima Baby & Pregnancy for £24.99, you will receive this Vital Baby Nurture microwave steam steriliser worth £24.99. What's more, the subscription price of 12 Issues for £24.99 is already a 26% saving over the normal cover price. There are only 30 Microwave Sterilisers in stock, so hurry to get yours.

FREE Nourish Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum worth £16.95

Subscribe to You and Your Wedding, and receive this Nourish Radiance serum worth £16.95 absolutely FREE. There are only 20 to give away, so hurry to get yours.

Great NEW Magazines

We are constantly adding new magazines to our store, with dozens of titles added every week. We have recently added VWt Magazine, which is the only magazine dedicated to the VW T4 and T5 Transporter vans. VW's have massive cult status, and the transporter van is no exception. Due to the massive interest in the customisation of these vans, VWt magazine was born. We have a fantastic introduction deal of only £22 per year, saving you 54% on the cover price.

Classic Land Rover 12 Issues for £39 Save 22%	It's Dinosaur Action! 3 Issues for £15.99	Homemaker 13 issues for £55 Save 15%	Loaded 6 issues for £19.99 Save 21%

Update on our Online Newsagency

Recent visitors to our website www.uniquemagazines.co.uk will notice that our strap line is now "The Online Newsagent". This is because we now stock over 1000 magazines, both specialist magazines and titles from around the world.

Our aim is to have over 2000 different magazines in stock at any one time. All of our single magazines sold through our Online Newsagency service are sold at the cover price, plus a postage and packaging cost which is currently £1.20 to the UK, £2 for Europe and £2.56 for anywhere else in the world.

So why not take a look around and sample some of the fantastic specialist and international magazines we have to offer.

Sports Illustrated Magazine Honours Boston Marathon First Responders

We were all shocked by the images on Monday evening  of the horrific incident at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon.

A bomb rocked the jubilant atmosphere, and as the first responders rushed to the scene a second device was detonated.

Sports Illustrated magazines has chosen to honour those brave first responders in it's latest magazine cover.

The cover is striking in it's minimalism, 2 Boston police officers rush to the aid of a stricken competitor, 78-year-old Bill Iffrig of Lake Stevens, knocked to the floor by the blast.

The image has already gone viral, and is a stark reminder of the harrowing events on Monday.  It's a powerful image, so little wonder it has captured the attention of so many people around the world.

What do you think?  Let us know in the comments below.

Top 10 Sewing & Needlecraft Magazines

According to the BBC in the last few years there has been a “quiet revolution” going on in Britain’s homes.

People have been buying sewing machines, going to needlework classes and joining sewing circles.

The hype is partly attributed to the television programmes like Project Runway which has interested a new generation to create its own fashion and C4’s Home Made Home.

With this in mind I thought I would give you a guide to the top ten sewing and needlecraft magazines available at Unique Magazines using our sales information for the last 2 years.

Magazine subscriptions make an excellent gift so if you know someone that enjoys sewing and needlecraft one of these magazines would make a fantastic gift for them.

So let’s get started counting down from 10 to 1.

10) The World of Cross Stitching

The World of Cross Stitching is THE cross stitch magazine to inspire every stitcher whatever your level of expertise.

Every monthly issue is packed with the very best cross stitch designs, expert advice and in-depth technical features, as well as product news, reader letters and stories, competitions and free gifts.

As a cross stitch fan The World of Cross Stitching is my favourite magazine in this countdown.

It is a great place to start if you want to get into needlecraft but lack the ability, as cross stitch is easy to pick up and the result makes a great present for a loved one.

We have 6 and 12 month World of Cross Stitching subscriptions available with an incredible saving of 44% on the cover price.

Make sure you don't miss out – Subscribe to World of Cross Stitching today!

9) Magic Patch Magazine

In each bi-monthly issue of Magic Patch magazine the English language patchwork and quilting magazine from Holland you will find incredible project ideas and extensive patchwork ideas that are expertly tailored to the seasons and the skill level of any quilter.

Considered to be one of the best quilting and patchwork magazines, it is no surprise that Magic Patch has received great reviews and widespread popularity.

It contains detailed, easy to read instructions and a wide assortment of tips, techniques, and patchwork advice.

If you have been quilting for a long time or are just looking for a new hobby, Magic Patch has loads of stunning photography and project ideas that will help you pick up your needles and get quilting now!

We have 6 and 12 month Magic Patch subscriptions available from Unique Magazines.

8) Crochet Today Magazine

In each bi-monthly issue of Crochet Today Magazine this American crochet magazine you will find ideas and patterns to create funky fashion items, afghan blankets, accessories and jewellery, home décor items and much more.

It contains easy-to-follow instructions for all ability levels and information and advice from the industry’s top experts.

Crochet Today Magazine also features articles from fellow crocheters.

As well as all that, the website Crochet today website features a how-to section, patterns and a shop.

Flick through a free sample of Crochet Today here we have 6 and 12 month Crochet Today subscriptions available.

So if you fancy trying a new needle craft - Subscribe to Crochet Today Magazine.

7) Yarnwise Magazine 

Yarnwise (formerly Knit) is the knitting magazine for experienced or adventurous knitters. Written by knitters for knitters with emphasis on technique, Yarnwise offers between 10-15 original and interesting patterns per month, plus informative features, news, interviews and more.

Flick through a free sample of Yarnwise Magazine here.

We have a 12 month Yarnwise Magazine subscription saving 20% on the cover price or we have single issues available.

6) Patchwork and Quilting Magazine

Patchwork and Quilting magazine is a leading monthly magazine in the subject of stitching and quilting in the UK. The magazine gives a huge amount of information on the various aspects and methods of patchwork, stitching and quilting.

The magazine gives the opportunity for novice quilters, to learn the art of quilting and patchwork with its articles on how to stitch different patterns but it is ideal for all skill levels.

Patchwork and Quilting is full of information on different types of quilts, like Traditional American Block Patchwork, Half Square Triangles, among others.

If you are interested in quilting or learning how to quilt then Patchwork and Quilting Magazine is perfect for you subscribe today!

We have 12 and 24 month Patchwork and Quilting Magazine subscriptions available saving up to a fantastic 27%.

5) Burda Style Special Magazine

Burda Style Special Magazine (formally Burda Plus Fashion) is the sister to Burda Style.

Published 8 times per year Burda Style Special contains patterns for home sewing projects in UK sizes 4-22. It features techniques and how-to sections as well as fashion news.

We have 3, 6 and 12 month Burda Style Special Magazine subscriptions available so subscribe to Burda Style Special Today!

4) Inside Crochet Magazine

Inside Crochet is the UK’s only monthly crochet magazine.

From the creators of Yarnwise each issue of Inside Crochet is packed full of modern patterns for women, men, children and the home.

It features news, reviews and trends with projects for all skill levels.

Inside Crochet is written by passionate crocheters for passionate crocheters.

Flick through a free sample of Inside Crochet here

Subscribe to Inside Crochet today for a 20% saving on the cover price.

Get a 12 month Inside Crochet Subscription or single issues are also available.

3) Sewing World Magazine

Sewing World is a monthly magazine for people who love to sew with their machines or want to learn.

Each issue is packed with fun projects for all levels of ability, tips and techniques, master class, show news, book reviews, new product information and reviews, interviews with experts, a regular look at blogs and websites and a how to section.

There is also a SUB Club which is an exclusive draw for subscribers and a sneak peek at next month’s issue.

Subscribe to Sewing world for up to a fantastic 37% off the cover price.

We have 12 and 24 month Sewing World Subscriptions available.

2) Making Magazine

Making Magazine is your guide to creating “beautiful crafts for your home”.

This is a monthly all-round craft magazine full of projects for you and your home including sewing, embroidery, quilting, jewellery making and much more.

Flick through a free sample of Making Magazine here.

Subscribe to Making Magazine and save up to a great 36%.

We have 6, 12 and 24 month Making Magazine subscriptions available.

1) Burda Style Magazine

Burda Style “for people who sew” is our number one selling sewing and needlecraft magazine selling 5 times more that our number 2.

Burda Style’s aim is to bring sewing to a new generation of fashion designers and hobbyists.

Burda Style is published in 99 countries and 16 languages each English language issue contains up to 50 new patterns.

Flick through a free sample of Burda Style here

We have 3, 6 or 12 month Burda Style Magazine Subscriptions available.

So there we have it the top 10 run down of the most popular sewing and needlecraft magazines available from Unique Magazines.

Other top selling magazines available in this category are:

• Threads
• Simply Crochet
• Quilt Mania
• Knit Now
• Cross Stitch Gold
• Cross Stitch Card Shop
• Cross Stitch Crazy
• Crafts Beautiful

Peppa Pig vs Moshi Monster

The Peppa Pig brand of magazines has overtaken the top seller Moshi Monster magazine as the biggest selling kids magazine in newsagents, according to the publisher of the two titles.

Redan publishing said that February 2013 was the best ever month for Fun To Learn Peppa Pig Magazine, with the fortnightly pre-school magazine peaking at 112,000 copies per issue.

Adding these fantastic figures to the spin off publication Peppa Pig Bag O' Fun, the Peppa Pig brand recorded sales of 272,000 copies sold during the month, putting it ahead of Moshi Monster Magazine which sold 231,000 per issue.

These sales figures came in the same month that Hachette launched it's new Peppa Pig part work, which sold out its 430,000 copy within days.

Redan managing director Robert Sutherland said "Peppa Pig has proved to be the most popular character in our portfolio".

The original animated series was created by London based Astley Baker Davies and was launched in 2004 on channel 5.

The Trash Pack Magazine | New Launch

There is a brand new magazine hitting the shelves this month (April 2013), in the shape of a magazine with trading cards.

The Trash Pack is a range of toys launched in 2011, and becoming hugely popular in 2012, based around character which live in bins and has been licensed for a UK news trade release.

The launch of the magazine will be on sale on 26 April 2013, with a cover price of £2.99

With every issue of The Trash Pack magazine you will receive a free pack of trading cards and a free toy on the cover.

We will have copy of this magazine in stock on launch day, so watch this space for more information.  You can also subscribe to The Trash Pack Magazine through our website for 3, 6 and 12 issues.