What’s new, Pussycat? Tom Jones tells all to The Big Issue

This week we have Tom Jones. He has an autobiography out, so we’ve had him deliver a Letter To My Younger Self. There is much here, including his love of the queen, the moment in his life when he was happiest and, of course, “the sex”. Revealing.

Melvyn Bragg, another similarly aged British icon and working class boy done good, explains why he loves the Peasants Revolt – and why he isn’t against a return to the spirit of 1381.

We also launch our annual Design a Christmas Cover competition. The comp is kicked off by Chris Riddell, the children’s laureate and our Competition Champion. He offers advice and top tips. The closing date is November 20. It’s open to 13-year-olds and under and the winning cover runs on the December 6 edition. Pass it on. It’s a great competition.

Also this week, John Bird explains why it’s time for a step change for him, a change in how he thinks and works. He has been thinking outside the box, long enough he says.

Samira Ahmed, meanwhile, looks at the Bay City Rollers and tries to get to the bottom of why, despite their success, they are not celebrated. Has the abuse they suffered damaged our memories?

Our featured vendor is William Herbert, who works a pitch in Islington. Drink slayed him, but The Big Issue – and gardening – has helped him, he says, get off the floor.

You’ll also find Ian Leslie with a fascinating piece on the nature of curiosity, Ben Whishaw celebrates the movie Suffragette and Adam Forrest investigates the PM’s plans for new home building.