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Why I love

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TREATS

recipes

28 January 2020 £1.30

THE BEST FOODS FOR

GOOD 8 HEAhLt TbeHsurprised! top tips

You mig

So cute!

CABLE KNIT FOR TOTS The right

DENIM

Claudia Winkleman I can’t imagine how irritating I am on TV!

Fancy a

WALKING HOLIDAY?

From

£20

for YOUR shape

Read our all-ability choices

Inside this issue

Hello!

How not to get tricked

As an avid online shopper, I spend a lot of my time updating my passwords to ensure my risk of being scammed is as low as possible. But, sadly, as our financial lives become more complex, the fraudsters are coming up with ever more ways to try to trick us out of our possessions, cash and savings. At this time of year, many of us are thinking about booking our annual holiday, but did you know that thousands of us are conned by fake travel firms every year? We’ve asked our expert Frances Quinn to compile a brief guide to protecting yourself online. Turn to page 27 to read her insightful top tips and enjoy safer shopping today!

Catherine

Editor-in-Chief catherine.westwood @ti-media.com

ON THE COVER

8 Cover star: Claudia Winkleman: ‘My kids are mortified by me’ 12 Health: The myths and truths of good nutrition 18 Fashion: Denim to flatter your body shape 20 Real life: This home is a haven for hedgehogs 22 Cookery: Sweet treats that cut the sugar but not the taste 38 Travel: Walking holidays for every level of ability 47 Knitting: A child’s jacket that takes one ball to complete

22

1 Craft: Chic rracotta wellery 2 Gardening: vergreen shrubs

20

CTION

GREAT READS

4 Good to share 10 Celebrating Britain: What happens if the Queen retires?

15 It’s a funny old world: TV host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen 17 Beauty: Bargain buys for under £20 27 Good to know: Protect your money from financial tricksters

YOUR HOME

34 Homes: Opulent jewel colours for the bedroom 40 Reader offer: Cross-stitch kits

3 of the best… Colour block knits

7 Short story: Wake Up Call 44 Short story: Telling the Bees 52 Serial: Resident Ghosts 61 Book club

HEALTH

29 Your wellbeing: Age as well as 80-year-old Lee Janogly 30 Dr Gill: Coping with…

Poor sleep 33 Here to help: Keren Smedley answers your letters

LAST BUT NOT LEAST…

55 Your weekly stars 58 Puzzle time 60 What’s on 62 Rosemary

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!

COVER PHOTO: WIREIMAGE

Why not subscribe now to Woman’s Weekly and get six issues for just £1!* IN THE PINK Did you know that wearing a lighter shade near your face makes you look younger? I’m in! £55, oliverbonas.com

HAPPY DAYS This sunny yellow and blue design is inspired by the horizon and warmer days to come! £55, whitestuff.com

BOLD & BRIGHT The four shades in this knit are the on-trend colours this spring. Team with the jeans on page 18. £20, mandco.com

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o t d o Go

E R A SH

en Helping birds, gold gap years – and the Fab Four!

From us to you

Beside the seaside Ever wondered which is the best UK seaside town? Well, we have the answer. After an analysis of over 100 coastal towns, Southwold takes the top spot. This pretty town in Suffolk is closely followed by Felixstowe, Teignmouth and Folkestone. Each one has been assessed for factors like average rainfall, temperature and beach quality by comparethemarket.com

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… Factor in some extra grooming time. According to research by showerstoyou.co.uk, those glamorous ladies and gents in the East of England spend up to seven hours a week on activities such as exercising, teeth care, showering, waxing, exfoliating and moisturising, while most of us Brits spend only around three hours a week on these tasks. The most neglected area? Nail care.

4 Woman’s Weekly

UK commuters spend around DID £1.8 billion a year on train YOU KNOW? tickets, according to Sainsbury’s Bank, at about £2,600 per person!

On this day in history On 24 January 1962, Brian Epstein signed a management contract with a band called The Beatles. Led by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, they’d been playing in Liverpool’s Cavern Club and in Hamburg. That summer they recorded Love Me Do with producer George Martin, and by October it had become their first hit. Please Please Me followed – the band’s first No.1 hit in January 1963.

The rest, as they say, is musical history.

This week Handy info How many DIY tools could you recognise? When shown 15 tools in a survey (carried out by myjobquote.co.uk), hardly anyone could name more than four correctly.

Easiest to recognise were the chainsaw, hammer, screwdriver and drill; hardest were the bar clamp, stud finder, bench vise and calliper. And guess what – men were better at naming the tools than women, but not by much. So keep up those DIY skills, girls.

Across the country large numbers of winter thrushes, fieldfares and redwings are turning up on lawns as the temperature plummets. Sadly these birds are all on the conservation status red list and are globally under threat as numbers have declined dramatically. What can you do? RSPB wildlife advisor Charlotte Ambrose says, ‘You can help these birds get through this cold snap by putting out fruit like apples and pears, and planting winter berry plants, such as holly.’

Visit rspb.org.uk for more tips.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON It’s no wonder we love a cuppa – it helps Brits achieve inner calm. Half the population (50%) say their mood and outlook changes after a cup of tea, while almost 90% say there’s some truth in the saying ‘a cup of tea is the answer to every problem’.

We couldn’t agree more!

For your diary

The Wedding Singer, starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton, is playing at the newly opened Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London from 30 January until 1 March, so get your tickets now. The show is based on the 1998 Hollywood film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore; troubadourtheatres.com

Deal of the week Feast Box, a curated food box delivered straight to your door, and Robinsons Fruit Cordials, have joined forces to bring people expertly selected food and drink pairings for those trying to cut out or reduce their alcohol consumption. Woman’s Weekly readers can get 30% off their first two boxes on feastbox.co.uk.

Enter code DRYJAN30 at checkout. Offer valid until 15 February 2020.

Getting the travel bug Fancy a Golden Gap Year? Like young people, retirees are now enjoying exploring the world, with a quarter going on holiday more than five times a year.

Spending by the over-65s on travel abroad has risen by a whopping 37%, according to new research by Inspired Villages/Legal & General. Let’s get those bags packed!

Woman’s Weekly

WORDS: HELENA CARTWRIGHT. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY

FEED THE BIRDS

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o t d o Go

E R A SH

t a h w r a e h to e v lo We F r o m o s , to p u n e you’ve be y o u t o ! h c u do get in to us

QUIET LIFE

Letter of the week

Rosemary’s article Forty-year Itch? (29 October) reminded me how the passing of years can alter us. At a school reunion, those who’d exuded the most confidence in the classroom seemed to lack drive after leaving, resulting in fewer goals being reached. Yet the quiet ones, with the least expectations, had excelled. Seeing these changes was thought-provoking – I left intent on taking a closer look at myself.

Gloria Wilding, Merseyside

Look what I made!

I like to read my Woman’s Weekly in the bath, so decided to make a holder for the back of the door.

I used two tea towels, one for the main part and the other for the pockets. I used garden canes to stiffen the top and bottom, and backed it with heavy interfacing, before stitching on the pockets and a strap. I’m so pleased with it!

Susan Newbold, Lincolnshire

Where I read mine

Here I am at Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand, where abused and injured elephants are cared for.

No chains, no basket riding, no bullhooks, no football, no painting; just respect, care and love for the rest of their lives. My daughter, Rachael, and I stayed for two extraordinary days. I saved up seven issues of Woman’s Weekly to read during our month’s stay, then passed them on to the Thai staff who loved the magazine – the English speakers, that is!

Ann Cann, North London ✣ We’d love to see where you read your copy of Woman’s Weekly. The more exotic the location, the better!

Get in touch WE LOVE LETTERS Woman’s Weekly, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. P.S. It really helps when you put your details in capitals.

CELEB SPOTTING What a ‘Surprise, surprise!’ meeting with the much-loved iconic Swinging Sixties singer Cilla Black! This helped make our amazing trip to Liverpool unforgettable.

Barbara Coleman, Coventry ✣ Got a pic that makes you smile?

We can give it a good home

Important! All contributions to Woman’s Weekly must be original and NOT duplicated to other publications. £25 will be paid to the writer of the ‘Letter Of The Week’ for all rights in each letter printed. The Editor reserves the right to modify any letter. TI Media Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission to Woman’s Weekly in any format or medium, including social networking sites. We regret that we cannot enter into personal correspondence. Photos of children under 18 must be accompanied by written permission of a parent/legal guardian. All details correct at time of going to press.

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We do not return photos (apart from You Wore It Well) so please do not send originals.

EMAIL US womansweeklypostbag @ti-media.com Tell us your full name, address and daytime phone number, please FANCY A CHAT? Log on to facebook.com/ womansweekly We can’t wait to hear from you!

This week

What you’re

WEARING ROSE SHEEHY, 64 Tell us about your look I like smart, easy-to-wear pieces. Today I’m wearing a jumpsuit from Phase Eight. I love the colour! My leather jacket is by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams – it goes with so many things – and my faux-fur scarf is also Phase Eight. My shoes are Hobbs – my favourite store.

And the best bit of your body?

My face.

SUSAN SCHNEIDER, 49 Tell us about your look My look is modern classic with a touch of quirkiness – and a splash of colour!

I bought my green faux-fur coat from a boutique in Ibiza. It’s probably my weirdest holiday buy ever, but I couldn’t go home without it. I’ve been waiting for ages to wear it.

Underneath I have a long white tunic shirt and black leggings – my ‘go-to’ comfy basics. My trainers are Chanel and my bag is Louis Vuitton. I’m happy to shop anywhere – designer or high street – and just buy what I love.

And the best bit of your body?

My hair.

You Wore It Well CHRISTINE KESTEMONT, 70 Tell us about your look It’s sleek and fitted.

I don’t like anything loose. I’ll either wear soft colours, such as dove grey, or go for rich colours – purples and reds are a favourite. It all depends on my mood. Today it’s a pale coat and trousers from Zara. My shoes and bags are both by Uterqüe. My scarf was a gift – I like to wear colour near my face.

And the best bit of your body? My slim legs.

HELENA WILDS, (STYLE IS AGELESS!) Tell us about your look I’m into knitwear and love layering up.

My sweater is River Island and my leggings are Gap. I like a long boot with a skinny jean or leggings. These are New Look.

I found my cape in a charity shop and my bag is Primark.

And the best bit of your body?

My legs.

Sheila Howard, 1947 This is of my friend, Connie, and me on holiday on the Isle of Wight.

She wore a pink dress and mine was green. We were both 20.

Now nearly 93, we still meet up once a week. ✢ We’d love to see how great you looked in any era up to and including the 1980s. Please send a good-quality photo with your name, address and daytime phone number clearly written on the back, to: Fashion Dept, Woman’s Weekly, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Photos will be returned.

Woman’s Weekly

7

The

‘My kids are

interview

MORTIFIED BY ME!’

Strictly and Best Home Cook presenter Claudia Winkleman on why she can’t watch herself on TV

C

laudia Winkleman has a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humour that makes her instantly likeable when you meet her.

In person, the Strictly presenter is exactly like she is on TV – amusing, vivacious and eager to put others at ease. But she confesses she never watches her shows, so doesn’t view Strictly or Best Home Cook.

‘I’ve never watched myself and I can’t imagine how irritating I am,’ confesses the 47-year-old presenter and mum of three, who’s been married since 2000 to film producer Kris Thykier.

She continues with the joke.

‘I don’t even believe Best Home Cook goes out on telly.

It’s just something my parents have created to make me feel

With journalist mum Eve Pollard

good about myself, so I’m delighted Barry and Eve got you here today so that I don’t feel like my life has been wasted.’

Claudia says her kids, Jake, 16, Matilda, 13, and Arthur, eight, aren’t interested in her showbiz career either.

‘The oldest one is mortified, just mortified,’ says Claudia.

‘He’s like, “You’ve got to stop doing it, Mum.” They’re not interested in my TV shows, they don’t watch.’

And Claudia insists she’s just like us. ‘I ride the Tube four times a day and nobody notices me – even when I start humming the Strictly theme tune!’

But Claudia’s doting parents watch her, while her mum, journalist and presenter Eve Pollard, can’t resist regularly dishing out fashion advice.

‘My mum will often text me uring Strictly and say, “Why ot a red lipstick?”’ laughs laudia, referring to her ademark super-pale lippy, dding, ‘After 37 years, s always Tippex.’

Claudia may avoid tuning to her own shows, but it’s ely millions of viewers will gerly return to the second ries of Best Home Cook, MasterChef-inspired ogramme that focuses home cooking.

Claudia presents the show, mforts contestants who n’t get through and samples e food made by the skilled mateurs alongside esteemed

Co-presenting Strictly with Tess Daly Claudia with Best Home Cook co-stars Chris Bavin, Angela Hartnett and Mary Berry

Angela Hartnett.

‘Somebody made something I’d never actually had before – omelette Arnold Bennett – and it was the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my entire life,’ enthuses Claudia.

‘My head just shot off my shoulders! I went home and my husband asked, “How was your day?” and I was like, “Why do you ask?” and I had this big hamster cheek full of it that I’d forgotten!’

Claudia has spoken of having to choose work projects very carefully, after feeling overwhelmed and missing out on her kids growing up. She quit her jobs on Film… and The Great British Sewing Bee, but it’s clear why Claudia wants to work on Best Home Cook.

says. ‘And what s so gnificent about her is that is Mary Berry – she’s a queen. The contestants want to please everybody, but they really want to please Mary.

When she walked past a bench, you could feel everyone take a breath.

But she puts everyone at ease, from the contestants to the camera crew.’

And Claudia and Mary got on beautifully off-screen during the filming of the show, hunkering down together to get cosy.

‘Mary and I get cold, so we like a very hot room and we would put hot-water bottles up our tops and blankets on and heaters full on,’ says Claudia.

‘Angela was boiling, asking “What are you doing to me?!”

‘I’m not lying. The heating is full on, but we’re freezing. I’ve never knowingly been warm.

‘I never watch.

I can’t imagine how irritating I am’

Celebrity

I would happily wear a sweater on the beach.’

While Claudia calls her own style of cooking ‘ramshackle’, her skills clearly helped her in the romance department.

‘When I fell in love with my husband a million years ago, I knew that he loved chilli con carne,’ she says. ‘I was living with my mum – I probably still would be if I hadn’t got married – and I learned how to make a great chilli.’

That convinced him? ‘That, among other things,’ she says slyly. Claudia’s husband, she says, is ‘good at burgers and fish and barbecuing.’

Despite more than two decades in the public eye, amid rave reviews for cohosting the nation’s favourite dance contest, Claudia still seems a little shocked about her success and remains typically modest about her achievements.

‘I don’t take anything for granted,’ she finishes. ‘There’s nothing worse than going, “Yeah, it’s going well!”. I’m grateful that I’m employed and thanks to everyone for that – I imagine it’ll stop any minute now. But while it’s still going, marvellous. Fine. Thank you very much!’ ✣ Best Home Cook continues on Thursdays on BBC One. Woman’s Weekly

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WORDS: VICKI POWER. PHOTOS: GETTY, BBC/KEO FILMS/NICKY JOHNSTON, BBC/GUY LEVY. PROGRAMME TIMINGS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Claudia and husband Kris married in 2000

Celebrating

BRITAIN

What happens if the

QUEEN RETIRES? Amid rumours that our longest-lived monarch might step back in 18 months’ time, could there be a bigger role for Prince Charles?

thday 21 Big bir l turn 95 in April 20

The Queen wil t and it is increasingly speculated tha use after a lifetime of service she might d this milestone to take a well-deserve cial but unofficial ‘retirement’ from offi duties – while still remaining as the ent y: British monarch. In Charles at Sev ert Thoughts, Hopes and Dreams, Rob ‘trigger Jobson suggests the Queen could 95 that a period of regency’ at the age of er to will give her eldest son the ‘full pow g, but reign’. So she wouldn’t be abdicatin royal the Prince of Wales would carry out duties in her name.

Abdication

Despite a palace insider saying she had given ‘considerable thought’ to ‘passing the reign to Charles’, a separate royal expert reveals that’s not officially possible.

‘The Queen cannot retire without abdicating,’ they insist.

Queen Elizabeth in 1953

The Queen turns 95 next year

The Queen’s top 10 moments

1 2 3

Elizabeth ascended the throne aged just 25 after learning her father, King George VI, had died.

Her coronation on 2 June 1953 was a national event and the first ever to be broadcast on television.

She juggled the early years of her reign with raising a young family.

The Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 marked 25 years on the throne.

In 1992, Windsor Castle caught fire. The Queen was widely praised for showing strength and dignity in a difficult situation.

In 1997, she paid a touching ribute to Diana, rincess of Wales, fter she died in car crash. ‘She ever lost her apacity to smile nd laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness,’ she said.

The Queen became, in 2011, the first monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since it became independent.

After initial worries about Prince Charles’ relationship with Camilla, the Queen held a reception in honour of their marriage in 2005.

She’s an enthusiastic lifelong follower of horse racing.

Revealing her great sense of humour, the Queen starred in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony with Daniel Craig.

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Prince Charles could deputise

A ‘shadow king’?

While the Queen is in good health, ‘she intends to serve while that permits’, according to the experts. But anyone who’s reached the age of 93 knows that ill health could be around the corner.

Although Prince Charles, next in line to the throne, cannot take over the reins unless the Queen officially abdicates, there are rules to state he can ‘deputise’ should she fall ill.

Were the Queen to become incapacitated in some way, the Regency Act of 1937 would allow Prince Charles to deputise. This bill, proposed in 1789,

came into force in 1811 after George III was deemed unfit to rule due to illness and his son ruled as Prince Regent.

What we may see is Charles slowly becoming a ‘shadow king’ as the Queen steps back. ‘I think we will definitely see a stepping back – I don’t think we’ll see a massive handover,’ says Royal expert Russell Myers. ‘It will be a very, very subtle process.

‘We won’t see a sudden coronation of King Charles. Certainly, her taking more of a back seat, the patronages are already being passed over.’

The official statement Despite the level of speculation, a spokesperson for Clarence House says the Queen has every intention of ruling until the end of her life.

‘There are no plans for any change in arrangements at the age of 95 – or any other age.’

In no other walk of life would we expect anyone to still be working hard at the age of 95, so if that’s true, it displays a truly extraordinary commitment to public service!

On the throne for 66 years

WORDS: GEORGIA FARQUHARSON. PHOTOS: BETTMANN ARCHIVE, GETTY, PA ARCHIVE/PA IMAGES, PA WIRE/PA IMAGES, POOL/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES, PRESS ASSOCIATION IMAGES, TIM GRAHAM PHOTO LIBRARY VIA GETTY IMAGES

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Woman’s Weekly

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8

nutrition truths &

MYTHS Think you know what’s best to eat for good health? Think again! We give you the inside track from the experts

1

2

Eat little and often

The fact is, constant grazing is one of the main reasons health experts think that we have an obesity problem. And our obsession with snacking has spawned a multimillion-pound industry that encourages us to eat even more between meals.

Try to stick to three balanced meals a day without snacks to help keep your weight under control and give your digestion a rest, says GP Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones. ‘Fasting – no snacking and/or prolonging the time between your evening meal and breakfast the next day – can help blood sugar and insulin levels and other metabolic processes.’

3

Fat is bad

On the contrary, fat is absolutely essential to health. ‘It’s really important to eat optimum amounts of good-quality fats, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds,’ says Harley Street nutritionist Kim Pearson. They provide essential fatty acids and help lower cholesterol. It’s saturated and trans fats that we need to treat with caution. They can increase cholesterol and are found in processed/ fatty meats, hard cheese, fried foods, and snacks such as biscuits and cakes.

Cut out sausages to avoid cancer

heart disease, they judged that the chance of any benefit from eating less was actually small. However, experts generally agree that it’s best for our health to cut back on red and processed meat, so aim for at least a couple of meat-free meals a week.

4

Fresh is best

Not always. ‘Frozen foods, such as fish, veg and berries, can be as nutritious as fresh, if not more so,’ says Kim. ‘They’re often frozen soon after being harvested or caught, so nutrients are locked in immediately. It can be the same with canned produce, although it depends on the food and what it’s in. Choose juice, not syrup.’

Swapping frozen for fresh can save money, reduce food waste and means there’s always something healthy to hand when you need to rustle up a quick, nutritious meal.

WORDS: TANYA PEAREY. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

Researchers recently rattled the nutrition world by reversing the World Health Organization’s advice about cutting back on red and processed meat because of a link to cancer. While their analysis of past studies supported the link to illnesses such as cancer and

Health Carbs make you fat

6

Too many carbs can make you fat.

But too much of any food causes weight gain. Carbohydrates are an affordable source of energy and, although not an essential nutrient, it’s best not to cut them out completely.

Just watch portion size and choose carefully. ‘There’s a huge difference getting carbs from a white sliced loaf versus wholegrain rice,’ says Kim. ‘Avoid white flour products. They’re refined, which means they’ve had vital nutrients (minerals and fibre) stripped away, and are broken down quickly into simple sugars in the bloodstream, contributing to energy slumps and diabetes.’

7

Nutritional advice is confusing One week sausages are bad; the next they aren’t.

It’s tricky keeping up with what’s healthy, but it needn’t be complicated if you listen to people in the know. For individual advice consult a qualified nutrition expert, says Kim. ‘Nutrition advice is general, but people have different lifestyles, health and food traditions.’

There are fantastic tips and delicious recipes from experts you can trust in Woman’s Weekly Healthy Living, including food to fight cancer, boost energy and protect your heart, on sale 23 January for just £2.20.

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Always eat five a day

5

Never eat after 6pm

While it’s a myth that calories eaten after this time are more likely to be stored as fat, it isn’t a good idea to eat too much late in the day, although health experts aren’t exactly sure why. Recent research at Columbia University suggests that a big meal after 6pm makes you more likely to develop heart disease. The year-long study found that those who ate a larger proportion of their daily calories later had higher blood pressure, were more overweight and less able to control their blood sugar.

Yes, you should always eat at least five different fruit and veg daily because the more you can pack into your diet, the better.

They contain essential vitamins and minerals, vital for digestive health, says Kim. ‘They also have antioxidant nutrients, which mop up free-radical damage – one of the major causes of ageing – helping to prevent disease.’

But also try to eat a rainbow.

Different nutrients present as different colours in fruit and veg, so eat as wide a range as possible to reap the greatest benefits.

Woman’s Weekly

13

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Column

It’s a funny old world

‘At least now my shirts are being bought as big girls’ blouses...’

This week’s columnist: TV presenter and homestyle consultant Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

When I was asked to visit Shooting Star Children’s Hospices’ new charity shop in London’s Battersea to celebrate a successful first year, I was only too willing. I wanted to give a little of my iconic style, so I donated a jacket that I’d hand-painted myself.

It had a phoenix on one shoulder and a dragon on the other, so anyone who thinks of themselves as a bit of a dandy was sure to take a fancy to it.

I also gave the shop a number of my bespoke shirts in unusual fabrics, which I was rather surprised to see were flying out the doors – but not with men as one would imagine. Women were buying them as blouses. That’s fine by me, of course. As far as I’m concerned, for years I’ve been referred to as ‘Laurence, that big girl’s blouse’. At least now my shirts are actually being bought as big girls’ blouses.

Charity shops used to be smelly and dingy and dark, but today they’ve quite rightly become the place to be. We all

want the next big thing, and sometimes we find it from someone else’s vintage.

The only difficulty I found during my visit was persuading my wife Jackie not to buy everything. In fact, I thought a fight might break out at one point, as Jackie and another lady both took a liking to the same evening stole. Luckily it all ended very good-naturedly and the other lady was allowed to buy it. It was quite amusing.

As parents and now grandparents, Jackie and I wholeheartedly believe in the charity’s ethos – helping families where a child is suffering from a life-limiting condition. The hospices themselves are such warm and loving places. It’s extremely powerful when you see so much positivity coming out of such awful situations.

We went on a celebrity version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to raise money for Shooting Star and came away with £500,000 – the only celebrities to win that much.

‘We all want the next big thing’

The money made such a difference to the charity. The lady from Shooting Star was chuffed to walk in to the bank with a cheque for half a million pounds, signed personally by Chris Tarrant, but seemed disappointed when no one even passed comment. Perhaps she wanted a glitterball, or streamers at the very least!

But they just said thank you kindly, and popped it away…

PHOTOS: BRETT COVE/SPLASH, PA IMAGES

‘My funny old week’ WHERE I’VE BEEN I went to London to meet my co-presenter on the Australian TV show, House Rules, before visiting next week.

WHAT I’VE SEEN The new charity shop, which was so impressive and really great fun.

WHO I’VE MET On our way into London we found ourselves sitting next to Sophie Aldred on the train. She went to school with Jackie and they hadn’t see other for 35 years. It’s a small world!

WHAT I’VE BOUGHT I have my eye on a very lovely lamp base at the charity shop...

At the Shooting Star shop

NEXT WEEK Russell Watson

DISCOVER HYDRATED HAIR, AND INTENSE CARE

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16 RICH SHADES

CREATE YOUR

COLOUR #CREATEYOURSTYLE

LONG-LASTING COLOUR PERFECT GREY COVERAGE

Beauty

THE ALL-ROUNDER A multipurpose balm is the perfect winter saviour.

We like L’Occitane Le Petit Remède, £10.

LATHER UP Soap & Glory Mist You Madly Soaps & Dreams shea butter and argan oil body bar, £5, is the ultimate multitasker.

CLEAR COMPLEXIONS Powered by active probiotics and extracts from Japanese cedar buds, Indeed Labs noAcid pads, £19.99, exfoliates and revitalises your skin.

GLOW TIME This ultralight, easily absorbed face oil is packed with rosehip and vitamin E. Willowberry Nutrient Boost travel size, £13.99.

10 under £20

SHOWER TIME The avocado oil in the Guava & Gold Paradise Found Bath & Shower Gel, £20, will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

BEAUTY bargains

BUFF UP This clever all-in-one tool blends, buffs and sets your make-up.

Sunday Ivy The Purple Rain Blender, £8.

Go on, treat yourself!

COMPILED BY: SOPHIE CULLEN

NAIL IT! Spruce up your nails with the gorgeous new glossy red Beet It polish, Sally Hansen Good.

Kind. Pure, £6.

BRIGHT EYES Try swapping your classic black eyeliner for something more daring, like L’Oréal Le Liner in Blue Jersey, £8.99.

CLEAN AND CLEAR You’ll feel radiant after using Super Facialist Renewing Cleanser, £11, that’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, age-fighting retinol and fruit AHAs.

SOFT FOCUS Make your skin appear poreless with this lightweight E.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder, £8.

Woman’s Weekly

17

Figure FIXERS Choose the right denim to suit your shape SLIMLEG JEANS

Sculpt Denim Leggings, £22, sizes 6-26, available in five lengths, Next

Don’t be put off by ‘skinny’ jeans, they’re easier to wear than you think! There are plenty of great designs on the high street that give a little extra help. M&S, Next and Levi’s all offer shaping jeans that fit, smooth and enhance. Highwaisted styles will hold in your Magic Lift Slim Fit tummy, and if you Jeans, £35, want to disguise sizes 6-24, M&S your middle, add longer, looser, tunic-style tops.

Jeans, £69, sizes 6-18, available in short, regular and long, Mint Velvet

Plus 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans, £80, sizes 16-24, Levi’s

Shirt, £29.50, and jeans, £25, sizes 6-24, M&S

WIDE-LEG JEANS £25, sizes 14-32, available in short, regular and curve fit, Evans

18 Woman’s Weekly

£30, sizes 10-32, JD Williams

Flares and bootcut styles are perfect for pear shapes as they balance wide hips, skim your thighs and highlight a smaller waist. If you’re a plus size, try Evans for designs that are cut longer in the body, narrower at the waist and wider through the thigh for a flattering fit. Most wide-leg jeans look best with heels, and even a small one creates the illusion of longer legs.

£54.95, sizes 2-24, Gap £60, sizes 8-24, available in four lengths, Long Tall Sally

Fashion £20, sizes 8-20, Matalan

£69, sizes 6-18, Sosandar £65, sizes 8-24, Monsoon

DRESSES Dress, £45, sizes 8-22, Kaleidoscope

COMPILED BY: ELOISA JOHNSON

JACKETS

If you’re looking for a stylish alternative to jeans, try a denim dress, which is just as versatile and can be easily dressed up or down with the right accessories.

These designs suit apple shapes because they skim the waist and fall loosely over the stomach, hips £49.50, and thighs – try teaming with opaque tights to show sizes 6-24, off slim legs. If you’re big busted, wear with a few M&S Collection buttons undone to create a flattering V-neck.

There are now so many versions of this classic, it’s never been easier to find £49.50, the right style for you. We sizes 6-24, love the smarter feel of Per Una at M&S belted designs and they work wonders at nipping in your waist and highlighting curves.

Utility jackets, the designs with chest pockets, suit more athletic frames, so avoid if you have a larger bust, while the classic buttonup style tends to be shorter in length and looks lovely £79, sizes 8-16, on petites. Balance a bottomAND/OR at John heavy figure with details Lewis & Partners around collars to draw the eye up away from the hip area.

£35, sizes 6-22, available in regular and tall, Next

£29.99, sizes 4-16, New Look Petite

Woman’s Weekly

19

For the

LOVE OF HOGS Marian Grimes, 63, transformed her home into a haven for hedgehogs in need

W

hen mobile hairdresser Marian Grimes, 63, from Norfolk, found a hedgehog in the road one day, seven years ago, she instinctively knew something was wrong.

Having grown up in the countryside, feeding the birds and loving nature, she knew the little fellow was in trouble.

‘I initially picked him up and put him under a hedge,’ says Marian. ‘But something stopped me leaving him there.

I thought, “No, hedgehogs shouldn’t be out in the day.”’

She took the hedgehog – who she named Paul, after her husband – to a friend,

Sandra, who ran a hedgehog sanctuary. Fortunately, Paul recovered, but Marian soon discovered that Sandra had to give up her work.

‘I was worried,’ Marian says. ‘Who would take in hedgehogs without her?’

Marian’s mind was made up and, learning from Sandra, she decided to do her bit for the prickly folk of Norfolk.

Soon word had spread and people began to bring her animals they had found.

‘I had my first double hutch made and my first residents were Hori and one-eyed Mr Friday,’ Marian recalls.

They were first kept in the conservatory, where Mr Friday

Home for a few of the Haven’s guests

0

eekly

would bang on his cage when he wanted feeding.

‘He even came up to the mesh to touch noses with me,’ says Marian, ‘and I would often bring him through to sit on my lap in the lounge.’

Marian carried on learning from Sandra and also took a course, but Marian with there were a few little Thimble (also teething problems. above and right) ‘We found that the conservatory church hall and has charity was too hot in summer and boxes in her local pet shop not warm enough in winter,’ Marian says. Another problem and a nearby garden centre.

‘As more people learnt was that she had to pay about the Hedgehog Haven, for everything out of her the more they wanted to own pocket and feared she do to help,’ she says. wouldn’t be able to home all ‘Amazingly, my two friends the needy hedgehogs people Caroline and Sam Clark even were hoping she could take. forewent their honeymoon to Luckily, these problems were go on a sponsored walk, coast solved when a friend donated a spare shed and a hedgehog to coast, to fund an outdoor pen for the hogs to stretch support group, Hodmedod’s their legs in warmer weather.’ (an old Norfolk name for The hedgehogs that come to the creatures), offered to have Marian have a multitude of electricity installed in it. problems and medical needs, Marian also started running from being dehydrated or fundraising nights at her local

Real life

heal sufficiently for them to make it on their own.

Two such hogs are her longest resident, Bertie, who she estimates to be nearly 10 years old, and an elderly lady called Sunshine, who Marian has a soft spot for.

Even though she is caring for upwards of 60 hedgehogs at any given time, Marian is passionate about informing the public and teaching the next generation. This can bring truly rewarding results.

‘I went to give a talk at a school and took one of my hedgehogs with me,’ she says.

‘The children listened to what I said about the hogs not being out in the day and, incredibly, when they found one on the playing field,

They have to be nursed and fed around the clock

they rang me. It was lovely.’

And what about husband Paul, 65, who has to put up with disrupted meal times and even cancelled evenings out when an emergency comes in?

‘Paul has been so supportive all through this venture,’ says Marian. ‘He’ll happily answer the phone to worried members

A helping hand...

DON’T: Give hedgehogs milk and bread. As much as they love it, it makes them ill as they are lactose intolerant.

DO: Put out food and water, particularly in hot, dry spells.

Food should be meat-based dog or cat food, especially i jelly. The ater dish hould be bout the epth of a owerpot aucer.

DO: Get help for a hedgehog if you find it out in the day, especially if it is lethargic and allows you to pick it up.

A nursing mum foraging for food will be more active and appear to have a purpose, so should be left alone. ✢ If you find a hedgehog that seems to be in distress, call The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (01584 890 801) and they’ll advise you on the most appropriate rescue centres in your area.

Woman’s Weekly

21

WORDS: SERENA SHORES

underweight in summer, to poisoning from slug pellets and weed killer, getting tangled in garden netting, and broken limbs from being hit by cars.

‘One of the saddest cases was little Freddie last year,’ says Marian.

‘He had horrific strimmer injuries and there was nothing I could do to save him.’

Later in the year, Marian often sees people bring in tiny ‘autumn juveniles’, the second litter for many hedgehog sows, too small to survive winter hibernation. They have to be nursed and fed around the clock, and Marian gets up several times a night to take care of them.

Although she aims to release hedgehogs back into the wild once they are recovered, some must have a permanent home with her because they are blind or their injuries don’t

of the public and offer advice.

‘The only problem,’ she laughs, ‘is that he won’t help clean out the hutches as he doesn’t like the smell!.’

Marian finds the generosity and support of people to be heart-warming, but admits that funding for food and shelter is the most difficult thing, as is finding room for her increasing number of patients, and time to care for them. However, her work in raising awareness in her community has contributed to saving more and more hedgehog lives each year.

As word spreads, so does the demand on her energy and finances, but Marian is determined to keep going.

‘I can’t bear to turn away a hedgehog in need. But what keeps your morale up is rescuing a seriously ill animal then seeing it recover to full health and returned to the wild, where it belongs.’

Sweet treats with

LESS SUGAR

Trying to cut out refined sugar but still craving something sweet?

With our natural-sugar bakes, you won’t taste the difference PER LARGE TART

488 cals, 24g fat, 11g sat fat, 61g carbs

TIP If you like the idea of lemon thyme and want more, add a sprig when making the curd for an extra hit.

LEMON TART WITH HONEY MERINGUE

A sweet and sharp tart that’s perfect for a teatime treat.

MAKES 6 LARGE OR 24 MINI TARTS ✣ 300g (10oz) shortcrust pastry ✣ Lemon thyme, to garnish For the curd: ✣ 60g (2oz) butter, softened ✣ 100g (3½oz) organic honey ✣ 2 eggs and 4 egg yolks ✣ Zest and juice of 2 lemons For the honey meringue: ✣ 2 large egg whites ✣ ¼tsp cream of tartar ✣ 175g (6oz) organic honey You will need: ✣ 6 x 10cm (4in) fluted tart tins or 24 mini tins, lightly oiled; baking beans, a piping bag and a star nozzle

1

Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface to 3mm (¼in) in thickness.

Cut rounds and carefully line the tart tins, leaving an overhang to allow for shrinkage. Prick the bases, line with foil, fill with baking beans and blind bake for 15-18 mins.

Remove the foil and beans 22 Woman’s Weekly

and bake for 5-7 mins until the pastry is lightly golden.

For the curd, whisk the butter and honey together until pale.

Gradually add the eggs and yolks, followed by the lemon zest and juice.

Cook over a pan of simmering water, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.

Remove from the heat.

Once fully cooled, fill the tart shells with curd.

For the meringue, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar in a stand mixer until foamy. In a small pan, heat the honey to 118C. Remove from the heat and leave for 1 min until the bubbles settle.

Using the mixer at its lowest setting, slowly pour the honey down the side of the bowl into the egg white mixture. Turn up the mixer and whisk until the side of the bowl is cool to the touch.

Transfer the meringue to a piping bag with a star nozzle and pipe on top of the lemon curd. Gently caramelise the meringue using a blowtorch or place under a hot grill for a few mins.

Sprinkle with lemon thyme.

2

3

4

TIP Frozen fruits are ideal for jams and compote as you can make them all year round.

PER SERVING

409 cals, 28g fat, 8g sat fat, 33g carbs

VICTORIA SPONGE This classic cake has had a sugar-free makeover.

SERVES 16 ✣ 220ml (7½fl oz) vegetable oil ✣ 2 eggs ✣ 300g (10oz) organic honey ✣ 200ml (7fl oz) buttermilk ✣ 300g (10oz) plain flour ✣ 100g (3½oz) ground almonds ✣ 1tsp bicarbonate of soda ✣ 2tsp white wine vinegar ✣ 2tsp vanilla extract ✣ 400ml (14fl oz) whipping cream ✣ Edible flowers, to decorate For the strawberry compote: ✣ 1 apple, peeled and diced

✣ 400g (14oz) frozen strawberries, defrosted ✣ Juice of 1 lemon You will need: ✣ 3 x 15cm (6in) round cake tins, greased and lined with baking parchment

1

Heat the oven to 160C/ Gas 3. Whisk together the oil, eggs, honey and buttermilk until well blended.

Sift the flour and ground almonds together. Whisk in the oil mixture and mix until smooth. Add the bicarb, vinegar and vanilla extract

and mix thoroughly.

Divide the mix among the 3 cake tins and bake for 40-45 mins. Remove from the oven and leave in the tins for 10 mins. Turn out the cakes and leave them to cool fully on a wire rack.

For the compote, put the apple, strawberries and lemon juice in a saucepan, bring to the boil and cook, stirring constantly and breaking up the fruits, until the compote is reduced by a third. Blitz with a hand blender and leave to cool.

2 3

4

To assemble the cake, whip the cream until it holds a stiff peak – be mindful not to overwhip it but also make sure that the cream isn’t too soft. Place 1 layer of sponge on a serving plate or cake stand, add a third of the cream and smooth to the edges with a palette knife. Top with half the compote. Repeat for the second layer and top with the final sponge. Spread the remaining cream over the top of the cake and decorate with edible flowers. >> Woman’s Weekly

23

APPLE AND HAZELNUT PARIS-BREST

This French classic is named after an old bicycle race spanning from Paris to Brest in Brittany. The shape represents a bicycle wheel, and we love them!

1

Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. For the choux pastry, sift the flour with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Gently heat the butter, milk and 100ml (3½fl oz) water in a heavy-based saucepan until melted.

Increase the heat and, just as it reaches boiling point, remove from the heat and mix in all the flour at once.

Beat with a wooden spoon until a smooth paste is formed. Return the pan to the heat and continue to beat for 2 mins or until it forms a ball and comes away from sides.

Set aside to cool for 10 mins.

Gradually beat in the eggs, mixing well after

2

3

PER SERVING

398 cals, 26g fat, 16g sat fat, 35g carbs

24 Woman’s Weekly

254 cals, 20g fat, 6g sat fat, 12g carbs

each addition. Place the mixture in a piping bag and pipe 10 rings of choux (draw circles on the reverse side of the parchment to use as a guide). Sprinkle with the chopped hazelnuts and bake for 20-25 mins.

For the filling, whisk the egg yolks until pale, then add the cornflour. Heat the apple juice in a saucepan, then slowly whisk it into the yolks. Transfer the mixture back to the pan, return to the heat and bring to the boil, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened.

Transfer to a bowl; put the

4

custard in the fridge to cool.

In a food processor, blitz the roasted hazelnuts into a paste. Remove the apple custard from the fridge and whisk in half the hazelnut paste. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Put the remaining hazelnut paste in a smaller piping bag.

To assemble, cut the choux rings horizontally through the middle and pipe the filling onto the base. Pipe a ring of hazelnut paste over the filling and add the pastry lid. Dust with powdered erythritol, if desired.

5

6

LEMON, HONEY AND EARL GREY LOAF

This lemony loaf cake is naturally delicious.

SERVES 10 ✣ 125g (4oz) butter, softened ✣ 125g (4oz) organic honey ✣ 2 eggs ✣ 135g (4½oz) plain flour ✣ ½tsp baking powder ✣ ¼tsp bicarbonate of soda ✣ 45g (1½oz) soured cream ✣ Chocolate shavings, to decorate For the syrup: ✣ Juice of 2 lemons ✣ 2tbsp honey For the ganache: ✣ 200g (7oz) no-addedsugar dark chocolate – we like Chocologic ✣ 200g (7oz) whipping cream

✣ 2 Earl Grey teabags You will need: ✣ 900g (2lb) loaf tin, lined with baking parchment

1

Heat oven to 160C/ Gas 3. For the syrup, put the lemon juice, honey and 100ml (3½fl oz) water in a small pan and bring to the boil. Take off the heat and set aside.

For the cake, cream the butter until pale and slowly pour in the honey.

Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until fully combined.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarb and ¼tsp salt, and fold this through the butter mixture. Then fold in the soured cream.

Pour the mix into the loaf tin and bake for 40-45

2

3

mins, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and pour over the lemon syrup. Leave the cake to cool slightly in the tin, then turn out and cool fully on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, for the ganache, finely chop the chocolate, put it in a bowl and set aside. Heat the cream in a saucepan, add the Earl Grey teabags and leave it to infuse for 30 mins. Discard the teabags.

Reheat the cream until it just starts to steam, then pour it over the chocolate and whisk gently until smooth and glossy. Allow the mix to cool and firm up a little. Pour the ganache over the cake and decorate with chocolate shavings.

4

5

RECIPES AND STYLING: KEIRON GEORGE. ASSISTED BY: SAMUEL GOLDSMITH. PHOTOS: SEAN CALITZ. PROPS: HAYLEY CAINE

MAKES 10 ✣ 90g (3oz) strong bread flour, sifted ✣ 90g (3oz) unsalted butter ✣ 100ml (3½fl oz) whole milk ✣ 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ✣ 45g (1½oz) chopped hazelnuts ✣ Powdered natural erythritol, to dust (optional) For the filling: ✣ 45g (1½oz) egg yolks, around 3 yolks ✣ 15g (½oz) cornflour ✣ 250ml (8fl oz) no-addedsugar apple juice ✣ 100g (3½oz) roasted hazelnuts You will need: ✣ Baking tray lined with baking parchment; piping bags and a star nozzle

PER SERVING

TIP Use a mandoline to save time and get the apples wafer thin.

PER SERVING

255 cals, 17g fat, 7g sat fat, 19g carbs

FILO APPLE ROSES

Have you ever seen a prettier little tart? These super-easy sweet treats will surely stand out in any dessert spread.

MAKES 12 ✣ 4 sheets filo pastry ✣ 125g (4oz) butter, softened, plus extra, melted, to brush ✣ 60g (2oz) honey or maple syrup ✣ 2 eggs ✣ 125g (4oz) ground almonds ✣ 35g (1¼oz) plain flour, sifted

✣ 6 apples, quartered, cores removed and very thinly sliced (see tip) ✣ Powdered natural erythritol, to dust (optional) You will need: ✣ 12-hole muffin tray

1

Heat the oven to 180C/ Gas 4. Layer the sheets of filo, brushing each with melted butter as you go. Cut

the pastry into 12 squares and use them to line the muffin tray. Set aside.

Cream together the butter and honey. Add the eggs, one at a time, then the ground almonds and flour, and mix until smooth. Divide the frangipane among the muffin holes.

For the roses, lay overlapping slices of

2 3

apple in a line about 30cm (12in) long. Roll up the apple, from left to right, as tightly as possible. Lay the apple spiral in a muffin hole on top of the frangipane and push down lightly. Repeat for the remaining tarts. Bake for 40 mins until the edges of the filo are golden and crisp. Dust with powdered erythritol, if desired.

Woman’s Weekly

25

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Length 63cm (25¼ in. approx.).

Washable knit.

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Good to know Stay alert and protect your cash

Pension grabbers

Beat the

‘Fauxmance’ fraud

Criminal gangs set Fraudsters may offer early access up fake profiles on to your money or tout high-return dating websites, often ‘investments’ that either don’t exist or are too risky for a retirement pot. claiming to be living abroad. After gaining ✣ Do not make a decision without the victim’s trust, they independent advice. Find start asking for money. a registered adviser at ✣ Scammers become unbiased.co.uk affectionate quickly and give few checkable details about themselves. Never send money or give financial information to someone you haven’t met.

SCAMMERS!

As our financial lives are becoming more complex, Phoney Frances Quinn has tips to keep you safe from tricksters holidays Doggy dupers

PHOTOS (POSED BY MODEL): ALAMY, GETTY

Imposter calls

Your phone provider rings to say you’re in arrears.

They offer to prove their authenticity by temporarily disconnecting you. The line goes dead, but it’s simply muted. Or the caller claims to be the bank or police, saying you’ve been a victim of fraud. They suggest you check they’re genuine by calling back, but stay on the line when you hang up, so when you dial they’re still there. They ask for your PIN and send a courier for your card to access your account. ✣ Never reveal your PIN or give your card to a courier.

To check the caller is genuine, call on your mobile or a neighbour’s landline.

audsters advertise dogs online, ut tell you that you can’t see e dog because they’re too r away and they’ll ask for the oney via bank or wire transfer. owever, you won’t get a dog nd you won’t see your money gain either.

Buy from reputable breeders r get a rescue dog.

Sham shops

Scammers can set up a fake version of a reputable company’s website, and redirect users to it. ✣ Check the website address is exactly what it should be – there’s often a tiny spelling change. Keep on top of security updates on your computer, as these will help protect you from the hacker’s malware programs.

Holidaymakers lose millions of pounds every year by booking properties that don’t exist or aren’t owned by the people taking the money.

Scammers set up fake websites, take payment upfront, then disappear. ✣ Book through a company that’s a member of ABTA, or if paying an owner direct, speak to them on a landline phone number.

Paying by credit card gives you protection from fraud.

Conveyancing cons

Criminals hack homebuyers’ emails then, when they’re due to transfer money, send an email supposedly from their solicitor supplying the bank account to use. Once the money is transferred, they empty the account. ✣ Always check that bank details contained in an email are genuine before transferring any funds.

Woman’s Weekly

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Health

Your wellbeing Latest health solutions for your mind and body

WORDS: TANYA PEAREY. PHOTOS (‘NEWSFLASH’ POSED BY MODEL): GETTY. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR DOCTOR

Lee Janogly, 80, is a diet and exercise counsellor

MY HEALTHY LIFE Lee Janogly

M

y go-to remedy Fresh air. Like most people I sometimes feel a bit down and sad, especially since my husband died. My answer is getting outside!

I’m lucky to live near Kenwood House, a stately home in London set in magnificent grounds, with lawns sloping down to a beautiful lake. This always lifts my spirits.

My favourite meal Friday night has always been family night, and whichever children and grandchildren

are around gather in my house or at my daughter Carolyn’s, who lives nearby. She makes a delicious chicken soup. This is followed by roast chicken, crispy roast potatoes and a rainbow of vegetables like broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn.

Dessert is her special apple amaretti tart, which is a family favourite. ow I keep fit and healthy ’m a qualified fitness nstructor so even at he age of 80, exercise s my thing, and a habit I try to instil in my grandchildren.

Exercise is so

important, especially as you get older, because if you don’t keep supple and strong, your joints stiffen up and you can experience aches and pains.

My perfect day Every Wednesday I go to my local leisure centre and take part in a lively aerobics class with fantastic music from the 70s and 80s. I’d then jump on the Tube into the heart of London’s Theatreland to a matinee of a musical or play.

I loved Come From Away.

Getting Old, Deal with It by Lee Janogly (£9.99, Mensch Publishing) is out now.

BRANCH OUT Salmon and mackerel aren’t the only oily fish available – although they’re by far the most popular among Brits.

Be adventurous and try anchovies, trout, pilchards and herring.

Nightmares help us cope with stress Researchers from America and Switzerland have found that having bad dreams helps prepare us for real-life dangers. The study found that those who suffered with nightmares handle stressful situations more efficiently because the brain regions that are activated by a nightmare were more responsive the day after.

NEW READ

3 ways to... get oily fish into your diet USE TINNED OR FROZEN It’s often cheaper than fresh, but can still have plenty of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely beneficial for our hearts and brains.

Newsflash

Lots of us admit to not eating it despite the benefits because we don’t like the taste, texture or smell. Disguise it in stews, curries or a comforting fish pie.

TOTAL GUT BALANCE (£21.99, COUNTRYMAN PRESS) We’ve all heard about the importance of our gut microbiome for our digestive health.

But this guide focuses on our mycobiome – the fungi living inside our bodies – with health advice and 50 recipes by renowned scientist Dr Mahmoud Ghannoum.

Woman’s Weekly

29

Dr Gill

Advice from our Woman’s Weekly doctor

Aspirin and your health An analysis of 20 trials published in the British Medical Journal has shown that patients who have had a coronary artery bypass would be better off taking aspirin and another antiplatelet drug (either clopidogrel or ticagrelor) as double therapy to prevent the graft failing, rather than being on aspirin alone. Discuss with your doctor at your next review.

Coping with...

POOR SLEEP

Sleep is essential for physical and mental health, although the amount we need varies

S

leep needs are individual. The average ‘normal’ amount for an adult is around seven to nine hours a night, while babies and children need more and the elderly may sleep less.

Without enough sleep, or good-quality sleep, you’ll feel tired during the day, which affects your ability to work, as well as your emotional state. You may feel irritable or find it hard to concentrate. Most sleep problems are short-term, resolving with no long-term issues, but chronic insomnia may affect immunity and growth.

Lifestyle factors

Sleep problems present in different ways, including difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently, or waking early and being unable to get back to sleep – meaning you don’t feel refreshed the next day.

There are many medical factors that affect sleep, from acute anxiety, stress and depression to long-term physical illness, such as pain or breathing difficulties.

New parents can simply find that the chaotic rhythm of a new baby disturbs A research study* has shown that their sleep for many months. cardiovascular disease is less likely in the A poor sleeping environment, such third of people aged over 45 with the highest as an uncomfortable bed or a room muscle volume than in those with the lowest. that’s too warm, cold, light or noisy, Men with the highest muscle-tissue volume can make it difficult to sleep. were found to be 81% less likely to have Other lifestyle issues, for example a heart attack or stroke. The prevalence of shift work or jet lag, can make a obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, regular sleep habit hard to achieve, which are all risk factors for cardiovascular while alcohol, caffeine or a large disease, were all lower among people meal late in the evening will prevent with the highest muscle volume. easy sleep. Some medication (such

MUSCULAR MIDDLE AGE

30 Woman’s Weekly

Ways to improve your slumber ✣ Avoid daytime naps, and relax before bed with something quiet – take a warm bath, listen to music or read.

Set regular bed and waking times. ✣ Ensure your bedroom is slightly cooler than other rooms, with thick curtains, and use an eye mask and earplugs to keep out light and noise. ✣ Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, nicotine or caffeine for a few hours before bed, and don’t have backlit devices such as computers, TV or phone lights on. ✣ Write a list of your worries (and ideas to solve them) before bed, to help you forget about them until morning.

as some antidepressants, anti-epileptics and steroids) can affect sleep too.

Moderate daytime activity can help – try a walk, swimming or yoga – but avoid anything vigorous for several hours before going to bed. And if you can’t sleep, don’t force it – get up and do something relaxing for half an hour.

If you can’t sort your sleep problems with self-care, see your GP, who will ask about sleep routines, alcohol and caffeine consumption and lifestyle habits. They may suggest keeping a sleep diary to

*STUDY BY SCIENTISTS AT THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY, GETTY/ISTOCK, GETTY/EYEEM

Dr Gill Jenkins has more than 25 years’ experience as a GP

Health

Q

My doctor says I shouldn’t regularly take the diclofenac I use for migraines. Why not?

A

review your sleep patterns and will check your medical history for any illness or medication that may be relevant.

Therapy or tablets?

Cognitive behavioural therapy designed for people with insomnia (CBT-I) may be offered. It aims to help you avoid thoughts and behaviours affecting your sleep.

Some people try over-the-counter sleeping tablets, but they don’t address the underlying problem and can have side effects. Prescription sleeping tablets are usually a last resort, prescribed for only a few days for the same reasons, and can become less effective over time.

Cholesterol is bad TRUE FALSE – well, partly. We need it OR to repair tissue, but there’s good FALSE? cholesterol and bad cholesterol, and it’s the ratio that matters. Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad cholesterol) raises the risk of heart disease, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or good cholesterol) helps to remove LDL, stopping arteries furring up and reducing the risk.

4 fixes for... dandruff BABY SHAMPOO

MEDICATED SHAMPOO

DANDRUFF SHAMPOO

SEE YOUR GP

A daily gentle baby shampoo may be enough, as one cause of dandruff is sensitivity to perfumed shampoos and conditioners.

For some, the cause is a mild infection with a yeast-like fungus, so try a medicated shampoo containing an antifungal such as ketoconazole.

Other over-the-counter dandruff shampoos contain coal tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid. You may need to try a few to find the best for you.

If you know you suffer from psoriasis or eczema, ask your GP about more specific hair lotions to settle symptoms, including steroid lotions.

Woman’s Weekly

31

DR GILL IS UNABLE TO OFFER INDIVIDUAL ADVICE OR SEE INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS. ADVICE GIVEN HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. SEEK HELP FROM YOUR GP IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM

Diclofenac is one of the group of painkillers called ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatories’ (NSAIDs) that also includes ibuprofen and naproxen. As well as pain, it reduces swelling, inflammation and stiffness. NSAIDs have been used for many years, as they are very effective, although we already knew of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeds and kidney damage.

However, more recent research has shown that people who take NSAIDs, especially diclofenac, may have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke, potentially without warning, and it can be fatal. The risk is even higher in those with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking or a history of cardiac disease, or those who take NSAIDs for a long time.

Generally, doctors are reviewing people on these drugs and advising against long-term use where possible, especially diclofenac. Discuss it further with your GP.

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Health

Here to help Let counsellor Keren lighten your load

My granddaughter is a chatterbox

Q

My four-year-old granddaughter talks all the time, and it’s a bit exhausting being with her. I asked her to stop talking when she was with us last and her mother was furious. She says she’s learning and only if she’s rude or talks over someone can we comment.

Surely she has to learn to be quiet?

Georgina, Godalming Her mother is right. She’s learning and trying speech out. The more she talks and listens, the wider her vocabulary will be. I understand that small children can be exhausting, but that’s the adult’s problem, not the child’s.

If it’s too much for you to be around her or look after her, you need to remove yourself or reduce the amount you’re doing. The last thing you want to do is stifle her excitement with words and her desire to share her world with you.

A

Should I keep offering to help him?

Q

My brother is in his 60s and depressed. He has diabetes and, as he doesn’t look after himself, has lost a toe and a finger. I’ve supported him both times he was in hospital, had him back to stay until he felt stronger and talked endlessly about what he should do to help himself. Nothing changes.

He has to go into hospital again and I’ve said he can’t stay with us afterwards.

Am I being too harsh?

Name and address withheld It does sound as though he’s really struggling to manage his life and that he’s unable to make the necessary changes to improve matters.

You can’t make him change, but you can offer suggestions and support. Take a minute, though, to think about what your role is. From what you’ve said, I know

A

Why is this wedding such a big deal?

Q

My 54-year-old friend is getting married for the first time. She’s as excited about it as I was in my 20s. I find it hard to understand as we’re all so much older and most of us have children of marrying age.

She’s having four bridesmaids and she wants us to pay for our dresses. I don’t like the dress she’s chosen and I don’t have enough money to waste on something I know I’ll never wear again.

Name and address withheld be a second time and Of course she’s that would be different. excited! She’s Talk to her about getting married to your dress, as I know someone she has fallen weddings can be very in love with, and she expensive for the guests wants to share this and those who have a special time in her life special role. See if you with friends and family. could agree a colour This is a first for your and length of dress, and friend and it feels then have an option to exciting, whatever her choose your own, as I’m age. If you were to sure she’ll understand marry again, it would

A

you want him to be safe. If you’re sure he’ll be all right on his own, then it’s up to you if he comes to stay. If he won’t, then helping him to find solutions is important.

I feel cut off in winter

Q

I find the relentless winter really hard. I’m 73 and get very cold when I go out. I worry about it being icy so stay in a lot. I feel cut off from others and no one stops for a chat as they do in the summer. There must be things I can do, but I’m not sure what.

Fiona, Sheffield

you can’t afford to buy something you’ll never wear again. If she’s adamant about the style, maybe she can help with the cost. ✣ Keren welcomes your letters, emails and texts, but she cannot reply to individual cases and will select correspondence at random for publication.

A

What are the things that interest you? Jot down a few ideas and see if there are any classes nearby that may suit you, as this would be a good way to meet people. Also, check out if there are any social events, such as lunches for the over-60s, that you could put your name down for.

Some organisations even lay on transport.

Contact your local council to see what they can offer you in terms of taxi fares or ask them to direct you to charities that provide transport for older people. That way, you can get out and connect with other people whatever the weather.

Woman’s Weekly

33

PHOTO (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

Our relationship expert Keren Smedley has over 20 years’ experience

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S

ettling herself on the train, Glynis sat quietly by a window and watched the landscape roll by. Small boats rocked on a wrinkled sea and houses in pastel shades lined cobbled streets. As the train picked up speed, the view changed to countryside, then towns.

Her eyes grew heavy, which often happened in the afternoon these days.

She supposed that at her age it wasn’t unusual. She gave in to drowsiness and her thoughts drifted to the meeting with the young estate agent…

They had been in the bungalow’s hall, decorated in a delicate duck-egg blue.

‘I thought you might like a copy of this,’ Craig had said, handing Glynis a glossy brochure.

She flicked through the pages. There was a photo of the lounge bathed in dappled sunlight, with the shadow of Georgian-style doors spilling onto the pale-sand carpet.

In the master bedroom plantation shutters filtered out the glare.

‘So any more news on the flat?’ Craig asked.

She gave a little grimace.

‘Hopefully, the solicitor will have an update this afternoon.’ The chain had broken a couple of months previously. Further along the line some joker had demanded a price reduction on a property just days before exchange and when that had been refused, they’d withdrawn from the process.

‘Good. The McKenzies are hassling me daily,’ he said, with a grin.

‘I appreciate all your hard work, Craig.’

There’d been some delicate negotiation with the McKenzies but they’d settled

Wake Up

CALL

The first big step had taken courage, but it would need even more to give up all she’d had on a few thousand below the asking price.

‘Well, it’s a stunning bungalow, tastefully decorated, a short trot to the beach, no traffic noise…’

‘Sold!’ Glynis said, with a laugh.

Craig laughed, too. ‘I get carried away when I see it.’

Shaking his head, he said, ‘And when you consider what you can buy here compared with crazy London prices.’

She nodded. ‘True.’

The bungalow was about the same price as the London flat, and it had everything Craig had mentioned, plus an affluent retired community and an abundance of gardeners to service immaculate front gardens, whereas in London…

Glynis jumped, jolted awake by an announcement that they were arriving at Paddington. She picked up her bag and jacket and made her way off the train to the Tube station. She stepped

onto the escalator, descending into the stifling heat unique to the Underground and a moment later was on the train to the solicitor’s office.

Clarice, her solicitor, explained that the chain now looked strong and they were all set to exchange within a couple of weeks.

It was as they shook hands that Clarice said, ‘I have to say, I admire you making this sort of move at…’

‘At my age?’ Glynis said, with raised eyebrows and an amused smile.

Clarice blushed. ‘Oh, no, I didn’t mean that – but at a time most people wouldn’t want such a big change.’

‘Well, I’m not most people.’

Glynis took the bus, sat at the front of the top deck as she had as a child and watched the hustle and bustle in the streets below.

She alighted at Notting Hill and walked past vintage shops that sold dresses like the

Short story nes she wore in her youth, music shop that sold vinyl ecords like the ones she ill played and an artisan akery, which made loaves at tasted like the ones she sed to bake.

She reached a purposeuilt low-rise block of flats et in leafy grounds and sat n a bench under a tree.

Ralph always imagined ving a sedate life away om London crowds once they retired. Her husband saw himself pottering on a little boat, doing a bit of fishing.

She’d had misgivings leaving the area where she’d always lived, but as an art lover, she decided she’d take up painting inspired by long walks on the beach. Friends were envious. Everywhere was so busy these days, so much traffic, so much noise.

Glynis had tried but had no aptitude for painting and missed the art galleries and museums. Squawking gulls woke her instead of the dawn chorus and who’d have thought it would be so hard to sleep without the lull of traffic?

But Ralph was in his element, so she contented herself with decorating the bungalow and enjoying occasional trips to the capital.

It was a year after her beloved husband passed away that she started looking at properties again and finally found somewhere she loved.

Not only for the simple en-plan design, but also its oximity to transport, to the any parks, to a diverse pulation. She smiled at the und of a distant drill, the ail of a siren and watched attering sparrows dart back d forth onto a bird feeder a branch of the tree.

She was wide awake nd home.

THE END Claire Buckle, 2020 Woman’s Weekly

37

Travel

Walking breaks

YOU’LL LOVE

Whether you’re into hardcore hiking or a just fancy light stroll, there’s a walking holiday for every ability Explore England’s idyllic countryside in Sussex Tall chalk cliffs, rolling hills and grassland that seems to go on forever – the South Downs are idyllic. And they are right on your doorstep!

On a walking holiday with HF Holidays you’ll see the Sussex countryside at its best. Whether you want a three-night minibreak

or a week-long hike, they offer both guided and self-guided trips.

You’ll meet the Seven Sisters cliffs, take a dip in the ocean, and stay in country house hotels. ✣ For a three-night break, prices start at £335pp; hfholidays.co.uk The towering Seven Sisters

Amble through the Austrian Lakes

Lake Wolfgang, Austria

Discover Mozart’s home and the setting for The Sound of Music, and be spellbound by the beauty of Austria’s alpine scenery. This Riviera Travel walking tour takes in the true highlights of this small but mighty country, all on foot.

Hike up to You’ll not only a waterfall walk in the incredible mountainous countryside, but also see gorgeous palaces, walk up to a waterfall and even dip your toes in on the shores of Lake Wolfgang. There may be no better way to take in Austria’s beguiling beauty. ✣ An eight-day trip starts at £1,299pp; rivieratravel.co.uk

Lend a helping hand in Tenerife

Blue skies over the Orotava Valley

This is a walking holiday with a difference. Travel Eyes specialises in taking people with impaired vision on holiday. But that’s not where the story ends. People with full sight can also book – for a discounted price – so long as you’re open to lending a hand with mobility.

On their Tenerife walking holiday, you’ll hike in Mount Teide National Park and explore the Upper Orotava Valley and glorious beaches. Plus, describing your surroundings to fellow travellers will help you remember it all more vividly. ✣ Prices start at £1,599 for customers with impaired vision or £1,099 for sighted travellers; traveleyes-international.com Stroll through rolling vineyards

Take a self-guided tour of the Venetian Hills

If you’ve ever wanted to explore one of Italy’s most visited cities but don’t fancy the crowds, Headwater’s holiday is the way to do it. You’ll spend time in Venice proper, of course, but then retreat to the hills to see gorgeous views of the bucolic landscape, stroll among wild flower meadows and visit architectural treasures like churches and monasteries on route.

Expect to walk through vineyards, orchards and olive groves, and to eat exceptionally good pasta to keep that energy up. ✣ Prices start at £1,085pp for an eight-night trip; headwater.com

WORDS: HELENA CARTWRIGHT. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY

Walk the coastal paths in southern Portugal The Algarve‘s wide, sandy stretches are ideal places to lay down a towel and catch some rays. But walking along the coastal paths here offers an entirely different perspective on this pretty region of Portugal.

On Riviera Travel’s Portugal for Solo Historic Tavira Travellers trip, you’ll see is full of charm the quaint towns and villages that pepper this coastline. Plus, you’ll get to explore the medieval town of Tavira, and do a tour of Seville in Spain. ✣ Prices start at £1,259pp for an eight-day adventure; rivieratravel.co.uk

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40 Woman’s Weekly

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Clay CHIC

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WORDS AND MAKES: ESME CLEMO. PHOTO: BARRY MARSDEN

Add fun pieces to your jewellery box using this easy technique

YOU WILL NEED ✣ Terracotta air-dry clay ✣ Small and medium circle cookie cutter ✣ Gold-plated headpins ✣ Gold-plated eye pins ✣ Gold-plated jump ring ✣ Gold-plated necklace chain ✣ Gold-plated trigger clasp ✣ Gold-plated long ball ear wires ✣ Craft knife and cutting mat ✣ Rolling pin ✣ Fine sandpaper ✣ Wire cutters ✣ Two pairs of round-nose pliers

STOCKISTS Beads unlimited goldplated findings box, £5, terracotta air-drying clay, £3.75, all Hobbycraft.

1

On the cutting mat, roll out the terracotta air-dry clay to 3mm in thickness. Taking the cookie cutters, cut out four small circles and two medium circles from the clay.

For the circular earrings, leave two of the small circles whole and push a

2

gold-plated headpin through the centre. Allow to dry.

For the drop earrings, cut the remaining two small circles in half and push eye pins through the centres.

Cut a medium circle into quarters and thread two with headpins. Allow to dry.

For the necklace, cut the remaining medium circle in half and thread with an eye pin. Thread a quarter with a headpin and leave to dry.

Once dry, remove the pins and sand down any rough edges and surfaces. Replace

3

4

5

Difficulty level

the pins, trim down excess wire with the wire cutters and using the two pliers, twist the remaining wire into a loop.

Using our photo as a guide, thread the loops of wire onto one another and squeeze the loops closed with the pliers.

Add a jump ring to the top of the necklace, thread onto a gold-plated chain and finish with a trigger clasp and jump ring at the ends.

For both sets of earrings, add long ball ear wires to the tops.

6

7

Woman’s Weekly

41

Gardening

The perfect STRUCTURE Striking shrubs that keep their foliage all year round take centre stage during the winter months

Going green

It’s at this time of year, when most plants have died down, that you can truly appreciate what evergreens bring to the party. Bestowing character and structure, they make striking focal points, hide boundaries and create backdrops for plants with winter interest.

On a grey day, their leaves stand out with attractive shapes, colours and textures. And the bonus is, most are low maintenance, needing just occasional trimming.

Euphorbia characias wulfenii

Masters of disguise

Fatsia japonica

Variegated valuables

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ 42 Woman’s Weekly

Add splashes of colour with variegated evergreens, such as the silver holly, Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’, which has leaves that start off purplishpink and mature to green with silver edges; or Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’, which has yellow-edged green leaves that turn reddish-bronze when the temperature falls. If you have a tricky site where little else will grow, such as dry shade, the Japanese spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica) is for you, lighting up a dark corner with reflective green leaves splashed with yellow. Another bringer of cheer, suited to sunny sites, is Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’), with dense, golden foliage.

Tall evergreens are useful for hiding or replacing fences and screening roads. The native holly (Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol’) is a fantastic choice – it’s happy in sun or shade and easily pruned. It combines glossy, rich-green leaves (giving safe homes for nesting birds), with vibrant red berries (only on female plants) that are a feast for wildlife. Another do-gooder is Osmanthus x burkwoodii, with smooth, dark-green leaves and scented white flowers in spring.

Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol’

Eye-catching choices Just one or two thoughtfully placed evergreens will draw the eye, creating a pleasing view. If you have a sunny and sheltered space, try Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’, which has a soft, rounded form (3-4ft tall), wavy-edged mintgreen leaves and dark stems. For colder areas, Viburnum tinus is a winner – its dense, dark-green leaves contrasting with pinkish-white winter blossom. Then there’s the handsome hardy spurge (Euphorbia characias wulfenii), with upright grey-green foliage and acid-green flowers in spring, or the exotic-looking false castor oil plant (Fatsia japonica), which grows up to 6ft and has hand-shaped leaves (see far left).

WORDS: CHRIS MORLEY. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY

Shape up

Evergreens look smart and sophisticated when clipped into architectural shapes and hedging – think lollipop-style bay trees flanking a door, or a path edged with clipped yew or box. If you are in an area that suffers from box blight or the box moth caterpillar, substitute it with sweet box (Sarcococca ruscifolia) for shady areas, or for a warm and sheltered aspect, the fragrant common myrtle (Myrtus communis).

Myrtus communis

I

t had all started one frosty January, with the simplest of phrases: ‘I need a favour.’

Gerald braced himself.

He knew how chats like this with his sister usually went. ‘Ask away,’ he said wearily.

‘My gardening group’s been let down. I need you to fill in. You could talk about your bees,’ suggested Pam. ‘They’d love that and by the time spring comes around, they might even be tempted to try a bit of beekeeping themselves.’

‘I’d rather not,’ replied Gerald. ‘The hives haven’t been doing so well recently and I need to focus on keeping them safe until the weather warms up.’

He’d started keeping bees soon after he married Laura.

She hadn’t been keen on the idea, but she did love her garden. Over time, she’d been won round. Sometimes he found her talking to the hives. She said it was good for the bees. He’d dismissed the idea, but since he’d lost her, honey yields had fallen.

Gerald realised his sister was still talking. ‘Sorry, Pam, I missed that.’

She sighed. ‘Please help me, Gerald. You give talks all the time.’

‘Yes, about local history.

Plus I don’t have any photos of bees, only slides. I’d need a projector.’

Pam dashed his excuses away and it wasn’t long before he found himself agreeing. He could never say no to his baby sister, not even now she was pushing 60.

That Friday night, he waited at the front of the hall, while Pam introduced him.

‘Tonight, Gerald Martin, also known as my big brother, has kindly stepped in after 44 Woman’s Weekly

Telling THE BEES She was blunt, creative and lively – everything he wasn’t – but maybe that was exactly what he needed

our speaker was taken ill.

He’s going to talk about bees.’

‘Thanks, Pam.’ Gerald wasn’t usually nervous. He’d given dozens of talks, but they were usually to teachers and historians. If he made the talk too simple, people would get bored. Too much detail and he’d lose them.

He started with facts.

‘Bees put a lot of work into making honey. It’s estimated that to produce a pound of honey, bees need to fly more than 50,000

mi es. Put into context, that s about twice the circumference of the earth.’

As he hoped, that drew a few murmurs. When the first slide came on the screen, it was a bit dark. In these days of high definition and digital, the photos looked tired, but they were all he had.

Gerald carried on, talking about the roles of the various bees in the hive.

‘It’s easy to spot the queen bee. She’s bigger than the

He could never say no to his sister, not even now she was pushing 60

others. It’s her job to ay eggs. A healthy hive will have upwards f 30,000 bees, all roduced from eggs aid by the queen.‘ He used to call his ife Queenie. She an the house the way queen bee runs the ive. Everyone knew here they fitted in.

They had five children, ll girls. As their family rew up, they’d looked orward to having the ouse to themselves, magining all the things hey could do together. ut, within six months f their youngest leaving home, Laura was gone.

He changed the slide to show a drone. ‘Male bees are called drones. They develop from unfertilised eggs. Their only mission in life is to mate with a queen bee.’

A hand went up. ‘What do drones do the rest of the time, when they’re not mating?’

Somebody tittered. ‘There’s always one,’ thought Graham.

‘That’s a good question,’ he eplied. ‘The short answer is, not a lot. Their purpose is to y after a new queen when she leaves the hive, and try to mate with her. After the mating flight is over, drones are no use to the hive. They get kicked out and die shortly after, usually from lack of food.’

He checked his watch.

‘Right, time to take a break.’

He’d just got a coffee when the woman who’d asked about drones sat down next to him.

‘Are you interested in keeping bees?’ he asked, just to be polite. ‘You obviously know something about them.’

She shook her head. ‘Not really. I’m a keen gardener but I don’t normally come to talks. It was your sister who convinced me. I’m particularly interested in bees in myth and

folklore. I’m hoping you’ll talk about that in the second half.’

He shook his head. ‘I’m into facts, not fiction. I’m going to talk about plants and flowers that attract bees, and take questions.’ He paused, his curiosity piqued. ‘So how do you know my sister?’

She ignored his question.

‘Your photos aren’t very good.

I’d be happy to take some new photos for you. It’s no trouble,’ she said.

Gerald shook his head.

‘Thanks, but I don’t expect to be talking about bees again.

I’m only doing this as a favour for my sister.’

‘That’s a shame.’ She had strangely compelling eyes.

‘I was hoping we could spend some time together. Bees are fascinating, but I’m more interested in finding out about you.’

Gerald didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t used to anyone being so direct. As she looked into his eyes he found it hard to look away.

‘I need to have a word with my sister. Sorry,’ he said, as he hurried off.

‘Who’s that woman?’ he asked, when he found Pam. ‘What woman?’ she replied.

Gerald sighed. ‘You know exactly who I mean – the one who asked about drones.’

‘Eva Nolan, she works at the museum. I’ve mentioned her a number of times.’ She paused.

‘Why? Do you like her?’

‘Of course I don’t like her,’ Gerald replied. ‘She’s much too forward.’

Pam gave him a quick hug.

‘It’s time you lightened up.

It’s been three years since Laura died. Relax, have fun.

You’re only 61.’ She checked the time. ‘Right – time for the second half,’ she said.

Gerald frowned. Now he thought about it, Pam had mentioned Eva a few times.

He started the second half

by talking about other types of bee. ‘There are over 200 species of bee in the world.

Most are solitary and don’t live in colonies like honeybees.

They find a nook or cranny, or build nests in the ground.’

Eva raised her hand.

‘I thought you were going to answer questions.’

‘I will. At the end,’ he said.

He showed some slides featuring different kinds of solitary bee, but it was hard to tell the difference between them. He was thinking about changing tack, when Eva raised her hand again.

‘What can you tell us about bees in myth and folklore?

Aren’t bees said to have magical powers?’

‘I have no idea,’ he replied.

‘I’m a practical man, I don’t believe in magic. As this is a gardening club, I’d like to show you some of the bees’ favourite plants.’

The flower slides had been taken by his wife and were of far higher quality. He turned the next part of his talk into a test, asking the audience to identify each plant. Laura had loved photographing flowers.

He went through the year starting with spring – crocus, alyssum, apple blossom, hyacinths, borage and calendula, moving onto snapdragons, strawberries, foxglove and the ever-popular lavender in the summer.

‘Once autumn arrives, there will be fewer bees, so go for late-bloomers, like honeysuckle and goldenrod.

Runner beans are good too.’

When he’d been through the year, right up until the current season, he asked if there were any questions.

Three hands went up, including that of Eva. He left her until last, hoping

he’d run out of time, but the other questions were simple and didn’t take long to answer.

‘And finally, the lady at the back,’ he said.

‘My uncle was a keen apiarist. Whenever anything important happened, he always told the bees about it.

Do you talk to YOUR bees?’

‘I don’t,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry, but we’ve run out of time.’

Her question had hit him like a blow to the chest. Laura always told the bees what was happening in her life.

When he asked why she did it, she said it was to make sure the bees were happy and didn’t fly away.

And she swore that talking to them made the hives more productive.

As he busied himself, packing away, he wondered if there was something in it.

He was a very experienced beekeeper. The bees were part of the family, but he’d never actually talked to them.

He hadn’t even told them when Laura died.

When Eva spoke to him, he was so deep in thought, it made him jump.

‘That was a good talk,’ she said to him. ‘You’re obviously an expert.’

‘Thank you,’ he said.

‘I meant it about the pictures, though. I’d happily take some new photos for you.’

The way she was looking at him was most unsettling.

‘Thanks, but this talk was a one-off. I’ll be sticking with history from now on.’

She nodded. ‘Talking about history, people used to think bees came down from heaven because no one ever saw them mating. Did you know that?’

‘No, but it makes sense.

When the drones join the queen in her mating flight,

Gerald wasn’t used to anyone being so direct

it happens high up in the air.

Too high for people to see.’

He carried on packing away, hoping that she’d leave him, but she carried on talking.

‘There’s lots of folklore too – like if a bee comes into the house, you’ll have a visitor, but you mustn’t kill the bee or the visitor will bring bad news.’

He nodded dismissively.

‘It’s been nice talking to you, but I must be on my way.’

As he turned to go, she pressed a piece of paper into his hand. ‘Talk to your bees,’ she said softly. ‘Tell them what’s going on in your life.

Then, when you’re ready, give me a call. Take as much time as you need, I’m in no hurry.’

Over the next weeks and months, he couldn’t resist going online, to see what he could find out about bees in myth and folklore. Bees led him to other insects, and then on to spiders. What he found was so fascinating, he couldn’t help making notes and soon had the bones of a new talk.

So, early one bright spring morning, he went to see how the hives were doing. As he checked the frames, he told the bees about Laura’s death and apologised for not telling them sooner. It was strangely cathartic. The more he talked, the better he felt, as though a weight had lifted from him.

After that, he talked to the bees whenever he checked the hives. The next time he harvested the honey, the yield was up. Not by much, but enough to notice.

One day, he told the bees that he had news.

‘I’m going to call Eva, the woman from the gardening club. I’m going to invite her round to take some photos.’

And, as the bees buzzed gently around him, he knew that they approved.

THE END Catherine Howard, 2020 Woman’s Weekly

45

© TI MEDIA LIMITED, 2020. PHOTO: GETTY

Short story

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Knitting

CABLE star

*YARN SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Only one ball is needed to complete this gorgeous shawl-collared jacket Difficulty MEASUREMENTS level To fit ages 1-2 (2-3) (3-4) years.

Actual chest measurements 64 (68) (72) cm/25¼ (26¾) (28¼) in.

Length to shoulder 32 (36) (40) cm/12½ (14¼) (15¾) in.

Side seam 13 (15.5) (17.5) cm/5¼ (6) (7) in.

Sleeve length, with cuff turned up 22 (25) (28) cm/8¾ (10) (11) in.

MATERIALS 1 (1) (1) 400g (840m) ball of Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool (80% acrylic, 20% wool) in Ivory Aran (962)*. Pair each of 4mm (No.8) and 5mm (No.6) needles; cable needle; stitch holders; removable stitch markers or contrast thread; 4 buttons. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 18 stitches and 24 rows, to 10x10cm, over stocking stitch, using 5mm needles.

ABBREVIATIONS St(s), stitch(es); k, knit; p, purl; dec, decrease; tog, together (decrease by working as many sts together as stated); C4B, cable 4 back, slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, k2, then k2 from cable needle; C4F, cable 4 front, slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, k2, then k2 from cable needle; C8B, cable 8 back, slip next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, k4, then k4 from cable needle; C8F, cable 8 front, slip next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, k4, then k4 from cable needle; tbl, through back of loop; inc, increase 1 st (by working into same st twice); skpo, slip 1 st, k 1 st, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted st (to decease 1 st); yf, yarn forward (to make 1 stitch); patt, pattern; rep, repeat; beg, beginning.

NOTES Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate.

Instructions are given for small size. Where they vary, work figures in round brackets for larger sizes. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket.

TESTED

BY US so they work for you Instructions overleaf Woman’s Weekly

47

BACK With 4mm needles, cast on 69 (77) (85) sts.

1st rib row (right side): P1, [k1tbl, p1] to end.

2nd rib row: K1tbl, [p1, k1tbl] to end.

Last 2 rows form rib.

Rib another 8 (8) (10) rows, increasing 1 st at centre of last row – 70 (78) (86) sts.

Change to 5mm needles.

Continue in patt: 1st row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, *k4, p2, k12, p2, k4*, p2, k8, p2; rep from * to * once, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

2nd, 4th and 6th rows: K5 (9) (13), p60, k5 (9) (13).

3rd row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, *C4F, p2, C8B, k4, p2, C4B*, p2, C4B, C4F, p2; rep from * to * once, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

5th row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, *k4, p2, k12, p2, k4*, p2, k8, p2; rep from * to * once, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

7th row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, *C4F, p2, k4, C8F, p2, C4B*, p2, C4B, C4F, p2; rep from * to * once, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

8th row: K5 (9) (13), p60, k5 (9) (13).

These 8 rows form the cable panels with rice stitch edges.

Patt until back measures 29 (33) (37) cm from cast-on, ending with a p row.

Shape upper arms: Cast off 4 sts at beg of next 6 rows – 46 (54) (62) sts.

Shape shoulders: Cast off 7 (10) (13) sts at beg of next 2 rows – 32 (34) (36) sts. Cast off.

LEFT FRONT ** With 4mm needles, cast on 31 (35) (39) sts.

Rib 10 (10) (12) rows as given for back. ** Change to 5mm needles and continue in patt: 1st row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, k4, p2, k12, p2, k4, p2.

2nd, 4th and 6th rows: P26, k5 (9) (13).

3rd row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, C4F, p2, C8B, k4, p2, C4B, p2.

5th row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, k4, p2, k12, p2, k4, p2.

7th row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 2 (4) (6) times, C4F, p2, k4, C8F, p2, C4B, p2.

8th row: P26, k5 (9) (13).

These 8 rows form the cable panels with rice stitch edges.

Patt until front measures 19 (22) (25) cm from cast-on, ending with a wrong side row.

Shape front neck: Next row: Patt to last 2 sts, skpo – 1 st decreased.

Next row: Patt to end.

Rep last 2 rows, 10 (11) (12) times more, and first row again – 19 (22) (25) sts.

Patt a few rows straight until front measures the same as back to upperarm shaping, ending at armhole edge.

Shape upperarm: Cast off 4 sts at beg of next and 2 following wrong side rows – 7 (10) (13) sts.

Patt 1 row. Cast off.

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RIGHT FRONT Work as given for left front from ** to **.

Change to 5mm needles.

Continue in patt: 1st row: P2, k4, p2, k12, p2, k4, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

2nd, 4th and 6th rows: K5 (9) (13), p26.

3rd row: P2, C4F, p2, C8B, k4, p2, C4B, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

5th row: P2, k4, p2, k12, p2, k4, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

7th row: P2, C4F, p2, k4, C8F, p2, C4B, [p1, k1tbl] 2 (4) (6) times, p1.

8th row: K5 (9) (13), p26.

These 8 rows form the cable panels with rice stitch edges.

Patt until front measures 19 (22) (25) cm from cast-on, ending with a wrong side row.

Shape front neck: Next row: K2tog, patt to end – 1 st decreased.

Next row: Patt to end.

Rep last 2 rows, 10 (11) (12) times more then first row again – 19 (22) (25) sts.

Patt a few rows straight until front measures the same as back to upperarm shaping, ending at armhole edge.

Shape upper arm: Cast off 4 sts at beg of next and 2 following right side rows – 7 (10) (13) sts.

Patt 1 row. Cast off.

SLEEVE (BOTH ALIKE) With 4mm needles, cast on 49 (53) (57) sts.

Rib 13 rows as given for back.

Mark each end of last row with removable st markers or contrast thread for cuff fold.

Beg again with the 1st rib row, rib a further 10 rows, increasing 1 st at centre of this last row and ending with a 2nd rib row – 50 (54) (58) sts.

Change to 5mm needles and continue in patt: 1st row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 7 (8) (9) times, k4, p2, k8, p2, k4, [p1, k1tbl] 7 (8) (9) times, p1.

2nd row: K15 (17) (19), p20, k15 (17) (19).

3rd row: P1, [k1tbl, p1] 7 (8) (9) times, C4F, p2, C4B, C4F, p2, C4B, [p1, k1tbl] 7 (8) (9) times, p1.

4th row: K15 (17) (19), p20, k15 (17) (19).

These 4 rows form the cable panels with rice stitch edges.

Working new sts into rice stitch, inc 1 st at each end of the next and 8 (9) (11) foll 4th rows – 68 (74) (82) sts.

Patt straight until sleeve measures 22 (25) (28) cm from markers, ending with a wrong side row.

Cast off.

LEFT FRONT BAND AND COLLAR With 4mm needles and right side facing, cast on 22 (23) (24) sts for left back of collar, pick up and k37 sts from cast-off edge of left front to beg of neck shaping, and pick up and k43 (48) (53) sts to cast-on edge – 102 (108) (114) sts.

1st rib row: [K1tbl, p1] to end.

This row sets the rib. ***Next 2 rows: Rib 24, turn, rib to end.

Next 2 rows: Rib 28, turn, rib to end.

Next 2 rows: Rib 32, turn, rib to end.

Next 2 rows: Rib 36, turn, rib to end.

Continue in this way, working 4 more sts in rib on each turning row, until you have worked rib 56, turn, rib to end.*** Rib 1 row across all sts.

Next row: Buttonhole row: Rib 3, rib2tog, yf, [rib 10 (11) (13), rib2tog, yf] 3 times, rib to end.

Rib 2 rows across all sts.

Cast off in rib.

RIGHT FRONT BAND AND COLLAR With 4mm needles and right side facing, beg at right front cast-on edge, pick up and k43 (48) (53) sts to beg of neck shaping, pick up and k37 sts to cast-off edge, cast on 22 (23) (24) sts for right back of collar – 102 (108) (114) sts.

Continue in rib and work as given for left front band and collar from *** to ***.

Rib 5 rows across all sts.

Cast off in rib.

TO MAKE UP Join shoulder seams. Join collar seam. Sew collar to back neck.

Sew on sleeves. Join side and sleeve seams. Sew on buttons.

FEATURE: TERESA CONWAY. PHOTOS: ANGELA SPAIN/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM. STYLIST: ANNE HARTNETT. DESIGNER: PENNY HILL

Knitting

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RESIDENT Ghosts

With flood waters rising and tension in the air, they were soon trapped in an unenviable situation THE STORY SO FAR: Caroline Watson has bought a dilapidated old rectory at auction, intending to open it as a B&B, but it is in a far worse state than she realised and she needs help from new friend, Jessica. To raise funds she registers it with a location company and reality show Resident Ghosts hires it for a week. But then on the night they are due to arrive, there is a terrific storm and filming is suspended.

Meanwhile, a motorcyclist on his way to the rectory wakes up in a ditch in rising flood water next to his bike and manages to scramble to safety. Jessica drives down the hill to see if the road to the village is flooded. On the way she sees a figure standing in the road in front of her and swerves to avoid him, but is she too late..?

J

essica flung the car door open and almost fell as she stumbled into the storm, blinded by the driving rain.

What if she’d killed him?

She felt her way round to the back of the car and there in the road was a dark shape lit by her taillights.

‘Oh, God,’ she whispered.

A hand touched her arm and she screamed and spun round, pressing her back against the car.

‘You all right?’

‘I think I just killed someone,’ she blurted out.

‘No,’ he said. ‘You didn’t.’

‘I did. Someone was in the road. I swerved but I lost the back end and I hit him. Is he dead?’

He put his hands on her shoulders. ‘That was me,’ he said. ‘You didn’t hit me.

I jumped clear. That’s just a branch. I’ll shift it before anyone else hits it. You should get back in the car.’

She didn’t argue, but her legs wobbled as she stumbled 52 Woman’s Weekly

back to the front of the car.

Her heart pounded wildly and she jumped when the passenger door opened and he got in beside her.

‘How are you feeling?’ he asked.

‘Relieved. Scared. Wet,’ she said. ‘I was on my way down to the village.’

She saw blood mingled with rain streaming down his face.

‘You’re bleeding. Are you sure I didn’t hit you?’

To her surprise he laughed. ‘I think I’d know if I’d been hit.

I crashed my bike further down the hill.

I was on my way up to the Old Rectory. Do you know it?’

‘I’ve just come from there.

Are you something to do with Resident Ghosts? They’ve cancelled filming this week,’ she said. ‘Come back with me and we’ll get you cleaned up.’

SERIAL PART TWO

‘Sounds good to me,’ he said. ‘I’m Will Vincent by the way. The mystery celebrity.’

She looked blankly at him and he burst out laughing.

‘I know,’ he said. ‘I often get that reaction. I’ve only been doing this for a couple of years. My big break was playing a dead body in Casualty.’

‘Are you OK to drive?’ he asked.

She nodded. Her legs were still shaking, but if she didn’t do this, she might never drive again.

As she turned on the ignition, she recalled why she’d been distracted.

‘I want to check something out on the way,’ she said.

‘You mean we’ve come to the back end of nowhere for nothing?’

Someone hammered relentlessly on the door and Caroline hurried to open it, sure something terrible must have happened.

A woman pushed her way into the hall.

‘We’re half drowned and freezing to death,’ she said.

A man and younger woman followed carrying several bags.

‘You’re Hermione Dove,’ Caroline said, fighting to keep her excitement under control.

‘The medium.’

‘And I’m Emmanuel Hunter,’ the man said, pushing his way in front of Hermione. ‘Our car came off the road, but fortunately no one was hurt.’

‘Caroline Watson,’ she said.

‘Welcome to the Old Rectory.’

She turned to the younger woman who peered at her through rain-smeared glasses.

‘Izzy Tabb,’ she said. ‘Mr Hunter’s assistant.’

Serial is the door at the end.’

Hermione picked up one of the bags. ‘I’ll go first,’ she said. ‘I think I’ll have a bath while I’m there.’

Will guessed that three people had been in the car since three doors and the boot had been left open.

‘They probably carried on up the hill,’ Jessica said.

‘It’s not too far.

You asked if I was OK,’ she added.

‘But how about you?’

‘I’ve been through worse,’ he said.

They got back in Jessica’s car and despite his aching body, Will felt as if a weight had been lifted. He’d made up his mind; Resident Ghosts would be his last appearance if it went ahead at all.

said, her eyes glittering with interest.

‘Will Vincent,’ Will said.

‘The mystery guest.’

‘Well, at least they sent us a pretty one this time, even if no one will have heard of him.’

‘Leave him alone, Hermione,’ Emmanuel said.

Will sat on a stool in front of the Aga and Caroline cleaned up his cuts.

‘What happened to you?’ she asked.

‘I came off the road and ended up in a ditch,’ he said.

‘Join the club,’ Emmanuel said. ‘What a night.’

‘I can’t remember how it happened, but it’s coming back to me. I think I may have been run off the road.’

Emmanuel’s eyebrows shot up. ‘There were no other vehicles involved in our accident,’ he said.

‘I wasn’t suggesting there was,’ Will said. ‘I remember a dip in the road which was starting to flood and thinking I should keep going rather than try to turn.’ He frowned.

‘Yes! I saw something in my side mirror, a headlight.’

‘What if it was us?’ Izzy fretted. ‘I didn’t see anything, but it was hard enough just following the road.’

‘I’m sure it wasn’t you,’ Will said. ‘It may even have been another motorbike or perhaps I imagined it.’

‘There’s no one else here,’ Caroline said, then the enormity of the situation hit her. They were alone on the hill and stranded.

‘I’ve enough food to last a few days,’ Caroline said as she and Jessica prepared a meal later.

‘Days?’ Hermione cried.

Continued overleaf

Relief flooded through her when headlights broke through the darkness

‘My friend was driving down to the village,’ Caroline said. ‘Did you see her?’

‘A car drove past us,’ Izzy said. ‘Perhaps that was her?’

‘It most likely would have been. I’m afraid filming has been cancelled,’ Caroline told them.

‘What?’ Hermione cried.

‘You mean we’ve come all this way to the back end of nowhere for nothing?’

‘You didn’t see that coming, did you, Hermione?’

Emmanuel drawled.

‘I’ve told you before, it doesn’t work like that,’ Hermione snapped back.

‘You’ll be comfortable here for the duration,’ reassured Caroline, smiling.

‘We’ll see,’ Hermione sniffed.

Hermione was dry under her heavy coat, but Izzy and Emmanuel were soaked.

‘You should get out of those wet clothes,’ Caroline said.

‘Have you anything to change into? The bathroom is warm and there are plenty of towels in the airing cupboard.’

‘Bathroom?’ Hermione said.

‘In the singular?’

She shrivelled under Hermione’s dark gaze. How could she ever have thought this woman warm-hearted and sympathetic?

‘I’m used to having my own trailer,’ she said pointedly.

‘I’m sure you are,’ Caroline said. ‘Turn right at the top of the stairs and the bathroom

Caroline pulled back the curtain and peered out into the dark. The storm showed no sign of abating.

Relief flooded through her when headlights broke through the darkness and Jessica’s car turned in.

When Caroline opened the door, she saw Jessica wasn’t alone.

‘Caroline, this is Will Vincent,’ Jessica explained.

‘He’s the mystery celebrity.’

‘I’m pleased to meet you.’

Will said. ‘I’m sorry to turn up like this. I didn’t know the show had been cancelled.’

Caroline and Jessica helped him peel off his motorcycle leathers. His clothes were mostly dry underneath.

‘There might be others out there,’ he said as Jessica went to get changed. ‘Jessica and I found their car.’

‘They’re through here,’ Caroline assured him.

‘Who is this?’ Hermione

Woman’s Weekly 53

‘That’s ridiculous. I’m not staying here.’

She pulled her phone out of her bag and waved it in the air.

‘I don’t have a signal.’

‘It’s been coming and going,’ Caroline said.

‘But you have a landline?’

Hermione demanded.

‘I’m afraid not.’

‘Oh, for pity’s sake,’ Hermione huffed, then she screamed as lightning flashed, the lights went out and a massive clap of thunder shook the house.

‘Sit tight everyone,’ Caroline said cheerfully.

‘I have candles.’

‘Well, go and get them then,’ Hermione snapped.

‘What’s wrong?’ Emmanuel said cuttingly. ‘Afraid of ghosts, are we?’

Using the torch app on her phone, Caroline found the candles in the pantry.

‘This house is definitely haunted,’ Hermione said as Caroline lit them. ‘It’s going to be an excellent location when we do start filming.

I can sense a lot of restless spirits here.’

‘Tell us, Caroline,’ Hermione went on. ‘What experiences do you have?’

‘Oh, er, strange noises in the night,’ Caroline said.

‘And once I’m sure I saw a misty figure on the stairs.’

Hermione gasped suddenly.

‘You’re a widow, Caroline.’

Caroline’s skin tingled.

She would never get used to that label.

‘Yes,’ she whispered.

‘He’s here. Watching you.’

‘Oh, please,’ Emmanuel muttered. ‘Spare us. You’re not on camera, Hermione.’

‘There was a plane crash!’

Hermione cried and Caroline heard Jessica gasp.

She wanted Hermione to stop.

What if there was something in all this and David really was here?

‘He’s so sorry he didn’t get to say goodbye and he’s devastated that his passengers lost their lives.’

Caroline turned away, pretending to be busy preparing dinner.

‘It wasn’t his fault,’ Hermione declared.

Caroline knew that. There was a fault with the plane, but David had been held responsible and he obviously wasn’t able to defend himself.

‘Caroline,’ Hermione demanded. ‘Look at me.’

Caroline turned round slowly, scared of what she might hear.

‘His last thoughts were of you,’ Hermione said. ‘He says you’re going to regret buying this place.’

They all jumped when they heard someone banging on the back door.

Jessica ran to fetch a warm blanket while Caroline led the bedraggled, shivering newcomer to a chair close to the Aga. ‘Keith!’ Emmanuel said.

‘What happened to you?’

‘You know this man?’

Caroline asked.

‘Of course! It’s Keith Corbett, our producer,’ Emmanuel said.

‘My car was swept away,’ Keith stammered. ‘I only just made it out of the car in time.’

Will helped him out of

What if there was something in all this and David really was here?

54 Woman’s Weekly

his wet clothes and Jessica returned with a blanket.

‘Thank goodness you made it here, Mr Corbett,’ Izzy said. ‘You could have got hypothermia.’

‘It seems we have a medical expert in our midst,’ Hermione said, her voice dripping sarcasm.

‘You’re right, Izzy,’ Will said. ‘He’s very lucky to have got here when he did.’

Hermione shot him a look.

‘Maybe you should stick to animals,’ she said snarkily.

‘Now, where am I going to be sleeping tonight?’

Caroline had chosen the nicest room, knowing Hermione would expect it.

‘I’ve put your bag in there,’ she said.

Hermione stepped inside and turned her nose up.

‘Very funny,’ she said.

‘Where’s the bed?’

‘Right there,’ Caroline said, indicating one of a pair of folding beds.

‘I’m not sleeping on that.

I want a proper bed.’

‘It is a proper bed,’ Keith said wearily.

Hermione went back to the landing.

‘Have you seen what they expect me to sleep on?’

‘Stop being a diva,’ Emmanuel said. ‘Just be thankful you’ve somewhere to sleep at all.’

‘Just go to bed, Hermione,’ Will said. ‘We’re all tired.’

‘Who asked you?’ she snapped back. ‘No one’s heard of you. You only turned to acting because your wife left you for your partner.’

‘How do you know?’

Will asked, his voice low, his expression impossible to read in the candlelight.

‘I know everything about everyone,’ she retorted.

‘I’ve had enough,’ Emmanuel said. ‘Which room is mine?’

Jessica showed the men to their rooms, while Caroline took Izzy up to one of the big attic rooms.

Back on the landing, Hermione still refused to use the room set aside for her.

‘You can have my bed,’ Caroline said.

They’d already moved the folding bed Jessica normally slept on into Caroline’s room to make more space.

Hermione complained that it was in her way, but Caroline pretended not to hear as she closed the door on her.

‘I’m sorry,’ Caroline said to Jessica as they settled down for the night.

‘Don’t be. I’m glad not to have to share with her. Was it true, what she said about your husband?’

‘Yes,’ Caroline said and blew out the candles. ‘Night.’

Caroline was jarred from sleep not long after by a piercing scream, shortly followed by Jessica.

Caroline lit candles and they hurried out on the landing. Will and Keith emerged from their rooms and Izzy came thundering down the stairs from the attic.

Last to emerge from his room was Emmanuel.

‘Where’s Hermione?’ Keith asked shakily.

CONTINUES NEXT WEEK Teresa Ashby, 2020

© TI MEDIA LIMITED, 2020. ILLUSTRATIONS: CAT O’NEIL/KILLINGTON ARTS

Serial

Your stars For 22–28 Jan with Barbara Goldsmith

yourastrologysigns.com

LIBRA 24 Sep – 23 Oct Relationships are highlighted for you, whether it’s meeting someone romantically or starting a new friendship.

SCORPIO 24 Oct – 22 Nov This is a very creative time.

Put your focus on something you truly enjoy and watch it blossom and grow.

SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov – 21 Dec This is a good time to pour energy into your finances.

Create a plan, set yourself goals and resolve to act.

CAPRICORN 22 Dec – 20 Jan You’re ready for a growth spurt. What would you like to learn? Pick something you enjoy and take a course or some lessons.

AQUARIUS 21 Jan – 19 Feb Sometimes, you need to release the past in order to move on. Don’t hang on to someone or something which is past its sell-by date.

PISCES 20 Feb – 20 Mar New social connections and interesting meetings are in your stars. Someone you meet will have a big impact.

ANSWERS TO 14 JANUARY PUZZLES

Natural remedies from the hedgerow

to s e p i c Re ur o y t s o bo ty i n u m im

Make Luca the llama!

SUDOKU

7 6 4 8 2 3 5 9 1 CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1 Filthy 4 Harbours 9 Pastry 3 2 1 6 5 9 8 4 7 14 Autopilot 15 Disease 16 Aroma 17 Toga 19 Smarmy 5 9 8 1 4 7 3 6 2 20 Typist 21 Tyne 24 Road tax 25 Officer 27 Outsize 8 4 9 7 6 2 1 5 3 6 3 5 4 8 1 2 7 9 29 Detonating 31 Dense 33 Shrink 36 Alley 38 Illness 2 1 7 3 9 5 6 8 4 40 Remedying 42 Youth club 44 Reactor 45 False 1 8 3 9 7 6 4 2 5 46 Cuddly 47 Alive 48 Importance 53 Marquee 4 7 2 5 3 8 9 1 6 9 5 6 2 1 4 7 3 8 54 Paddock 55 Wildcat 57 Limp 59 Dieted 61 Errand 62 Dent 65 Torch 66 Wittier 67 All-seater 69 Weaned CODEWORD 70 Pathways 71 Toured DOWN: 1 Flatter 2 Lot 3 Hype S C H I S M S T O P G A P E E Q C O I L F 5 Afternoon 6 Badly off 7 Upset 8 Scarper 9 Peep Show S E X T U P L E T R H I N O A A I E E A B R MAGE N T A MACH I N E 10 Scab 11 Roomy 12 Climax 13 Tape deck 18 Giant E O T R Y A ONC E W I D E A J AR 22 Stingy 23 Etched 26 Chessman 28 Initial 29 Diary S A D A R P O M 30 Trifle 32 Sprat 34 Deprived 35 Embryo 37 Launder NU G L Y F T Y P NE OR U BS Y L 39 Label 41 Geese 43 Hold up 45 Fettle 46 Complete BU U EZ Z XI N GH CH O MP P EE R AE 49 Make ready 50 Niche 51 Reviewed 52 Home brew RN A BR B NI OS V DE R LT A KE E NE HAUGH T Y H Y BR I D 54 Pit stop 55 Wangle 56 Tutored 58 Merge 60 Drift 63 When 64 Veto 68 Tar Answer: WOODLOUSE WORDWISE Agar, area, aria, attar, attire, aver, avert, gaiter, gear, giver, grate, grave, great, grit, irate, raga, rage, ragi, raita, rate, ravage, rave, regatta, rite, rive, rivet, tare, target, tart, tear, tetra, tiara, tier, tiger, tire, trait, treat, triage, trite, trivet, vert Answer: GRAVITATE LINKWORD TICKET, WINDOW, BEAVER, CANNON, GROUND, PENCIL, BOTTOM, SPREAD, DOCTOR, ESTATE Answer: POND SKATER

PHOTOS: ALAMY, TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM, BARRY MARSDEN, NORTH NEWS & PICTURES

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Someone from the past may come back into your life. This is a good week for writing and taking time out to relax.

TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May It’s a time for socialising and for meeting new people. You may meet a soulmate who has similar ideals to you.

GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun You’re focused on travelling and exploring new horizons.

Now you can deepen your knowledge of a subject that really interests you.

CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul Concentrating on your health and well-being is important right now. You may start a new exercise or diet regime.

LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug Relationships are in the spotlight for you. It’s a great time to bring new energy into an existing relationship.

VIRGO 24 Aug – 23 Sep If you’ve been thinking of starting a business, this is definitely the week to do it.

Networking with people is the key to your success.

In your NEXT ISSUE

‘I’m so grateful for our little princess’

On sale 29 January Editorial Complaints We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (https://www.ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to: Complaints Manager, TI Media Legal Dept, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

Woman’s Weekly

55

Research saved Hugo’s life One in 19 people in the UK will be diagnosed with a blood cancer – such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. Sadly it claims the lives of around 40 people every day.

Our ground-breaking research is changing that, and each breakthrough means more children like Hugo are with us today.

Will you help fund the next breakthrough?

Text Bloodwise to 70800 to donate £10* Together we can beat blood cancer in this lifetime.

*You will be charged £10, plus your standard network rate. 100% of your donation will go to Bloodwise.

Bloodwise is a registered charity 216032 (England & Wales), SCO37529 (Scotland).

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Fiction

The Living Series

from Woman’s Weekly

FEBRUARY ISSUE on sale 27 December MARCH ISSUE on sale 23 January APRIL ISSUE on sale 20 February MAY ISSUE on sale 26 March JUNE ISSUE on sale 23 April JULY ISSUE on sale 28 May

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PUZZLE TIME

Wordwise LINKWORDS You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters shown in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square.

No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which this week’s clue is: Person from abroad

G I R F NE OE R

Average = 16 more than 25 = well done

SUDOKU

To solve this puzzle, fill in the grid so that each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column contains the numbers 1-9.

YOU CAN WORK IT OUT...

Fit 10 words into VILLAGE the grid so that GOLD each links with LAST the end of the word on its left SITTING and the beginning ROYAL of the one on the right. Then OUR unscramble the letters TABLE in the shaded squares to make a word.

MOUNTED CLUE: Daughter ALL of Zeus and Demeter in CLIMATE Greek mythology

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

Just decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we’ve revealed the codes for three letters.

Once you’ve filled in these letters throughout the puzzle, you’ll have enough info o guess words nd discover ther letters. Use he letter checklist nd letter grid to eep track of the tters you have ready found.

PERSON LABEL WALTZ GOOD LIFE CHRISTMAS RACKET ESCORT DOWN HANDS

A codeword is like a crossword puzzle but there are no clues!

BCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR

UVWXYZ

Puzzles Just for fun!

Jumbo PUZZLE

Read down the letters in the shaded squares to spell out an Ancient Greek mythical king.

ACROSS

1 Work hard (6) 4 Boggy (6) 8 Due to (7,2) 14 Frightening tidal wave (7) 15 Sticky black syrup used in puddings (7) 16 For sale at a reduced price (2,5) 18 Practising (a play) (10) 19 Sharp pain in the side during exercise (6) 20 Full force (of a blow) (5) 22 House-letting contract (5) 24 Biblical king (7) 25 Gold or silver, for instance (5) 27 Abraham’s wife (5) 30 Trunk of a statue or body (5) 33 Being untruthful (5) 36 Disturbingly (10) 37 Living on a pension (10) 39 Risk, luck (6) 42 Former Mrs Donald Trump (5) 43 Expensive edible shellfish (6) 45 Big, black-and-white, bamboo-eating animal (5,5) 46 Surrenders (a criminal) for trial abroad (10) 47 Shockingly explicit (5) 51 Room at the top of a house (5) 53 Unfitting (5) 56 Cornish dish (5) 58 Point of view (7) 59 Adjust (a clock) (5) 62 Allow entry to (5) 63 Most senior in years (6) 64 Below the surface of a pond, eg (10) 67 Remove from contact with the public (7) 70 Island north of Sardinia (7)

71 Building that is offensive to view (7) 72 Cowboys’ shooting sessions (9) 73 Drive away, scatter (6) 74 Estimate the value of (6)

DOWN 1 Word-for-word, exact (translation) (7) 2 Large branch (5) 3 Caught by surprise (8) 5 Fill with amazement (8) 6 Storage hut (4) 7 Sailor of a small boat (9) 8 Alcoholic-refreshment marquee (4,4) 9 Dress, put garments on (6) 10 Mysterious phenomenon in the sky (inits) (3) 11 Fairy-like creature (3) 12 Predict, prophesy (8)

13 Horse-racing adviser (7) 17 Blacksmith’s workplace (5) 21 Crafty scheme (4) 23 Is grateful for (11) 25 Particular point in time (6) 26 Keyboard machines (11) 28 Visitor from space (5) 29 Fish with rod and line (5) 31 Wet (weather) (5) 32 Covering giving shelter from the sun (6) 33 Expressive, song-like (7) 34 One who enters using military force (7) 35 Sighed with pain (7) 38 Common garden bird (6) 40 (Lead) into sin (6) 41 Cry of a crowd (5) 43 Frequently (5)

44 Skin on top of the head (5) 48 Not covered against loss (9) 49 Girl’s name or part of the eye (4) 50 Talking (8) 52 Directs (an orchestra) (8) 53 Flood or overwhelm (8) 54 Stated without proof (7) 55 Fishing boats with large nets (8) 57 Budgie’s quavering sound (5) 60 Soup dishes (7) 61 Mary’s biblical husband (6) 65 Steak shaped like a letter (1-4) 66 Sound made by a snake (4) 68 Be in possession of (3) 69 ___ Baba, panto character (3)

✣ The answers for 14 January puzzles are on page 55. The answers to all this week’s puzzles will appear in two issues’ time.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY, TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Call 020 3148 5000. Email womansweeklypostbag@ti-media.com. Advertising: 020 3148 3675. Offers: 0800 138 2826. Back issues: 01795 662976; email support@mags-uk.com or order online at http://mags-uk.com/browse-by-publisher/ti-media.html. Unless otherwise stated, all competitions, free samplings, discounts and offers are only available to readers in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland. All details correct at time of going to press.

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What’s on Top entertainment for going out or staying in

Show

Gliding into 2020 Birmingham Royal Ballet’s mesmerising UK tour of its critically acclaimed production of Swan Lake will be delighting audiences from 29 January to 4 April. With this romantic fable, set to Tchaikovsky’s moving score, coming to Southampton, Birmingham, Salford, Sunderland and Plymouth, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see one of the most classic and atmospheric of ballets.

During the Birmingham run, there will also be a relaxed performance, which makes this wonderful show truly one for all the family, whatever your access needs. For more information, visit brb.org.uk/whats-on/event/swan-lake

Iconic British soul and funk band The Real Thing are celebrating their 50th anniversary in January, with a Best of The Real Thing album, including a never-before-released track, and a documentary.

Everything – The Real Thing Story tells the journey of this trailblazing band, reflecting the difficulties they faced and the successes, as well as their place in Britain’s black music revolution. For cinema listings, visit therealthingofficial.com

TV

Film

The Personal History of David Copperfield Out 24 January Director Armando Iannucci, the comic genius behind The Thick of It, brings us this highly original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel.

Dev Patel (left) heads a star-studded cast as the hero, which includes Peter Capaldi as Mr Micawber, Tilda Swinton as Betsey Trotwood, Hugh Laurie as Mr Dick, and Ben Whishaw as a creepy Uriah Heep.

The National Television Awards ITV

David Walliams (left) hosts this year’s ceremony live from London’s O2 on 28 January. Will he bag an award for best TV judge, or will his Britain’s Got Talent boss Simon Cowell triumph? Having won at the BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes this year, will hit series Killing Eve win again? Meanwhile, Ant and Dec are up for the Best Presenter award – for a record 19th time.

WORDS: JASON BEST, MICHAEL DARLING, EMMA SHACKLOCK, ZOE WEST. PHOTOS: BBC, GETTY

The Real Thing

Event

Relaxing

Book club

Our pick of the best reads around An Almost Perfect Holiday Book of the week

by Lucy Diamond (£12.99, HB, Pan Macmillan) Holidays can be a chance to relax and reflect on life back home. This can also throw up problems, as Em, Olivia and Maggie find out when they each book a cottage in Cornwall.

Em has planned a break with her teenagers and new boyfriend, Olivia, an escape on her own and Maggie, a conciliatory trip with her daughter. These women are all so relatable that you’ll want the best for them all in this engaging and life-affirming novel.

The Other People

by CJ Tudor (£12.99, HB, Penguin) Coming home one night, Gabe sees his daughter Izzy’s face in the rear window of the car ahead. Arriving home, he discovers his wife dead and the body of a girl who the police are convinced is Izzy. Three years later, the events that led to that night are emerging – for when justice isn’t served, some choose to take it into their own hands. Intriguing, dramatic and heartbreaking.

It Started with a Secret

The Windermere Children BBC2

TV

This one-off drama tells the true story of the deeply traumatised children who had survived the death camps of the Holocaust and were brought to Britain to recover in the Lake District. Romola Garai (above right) plays art therapist Marie Paneth and Tim McInnerny is philanthropist Leonard Montefiore in this moving tale, which also features real-life interviews with some of the survivors.

by Jill Mansell (£14.99, HB, Headline) Having secured her dream job by fibbing, Lainey finds herself organising a retired actor’s life. Trying to concentrate on work, Lainey knows one thing she isn’t looking for is love – although Seth, the actor’s grandson, is attractive.

As her feelings grow, she wonders how Seth would react to her secret, not realising he may have one of his own. This is a heartfelt read that’s sure to lift your spirits.

Rosemary

A date

DILEMMA

You’ll recall that last week we left our hero tied to the railway line as the 8.55 commuter special from King’s Cross steamed relentlessly towards him, the villain standing at a safe distance, wearing the appropriate high-visibility jacket and hard hat, and twirling his moustache.

Would our heroine manage to gallop alongside the train, climb aboard, and pull the communication cord? Or is she sitting quietly at home, having mistakenly pencilled in ‘9.30 – Rescue Hero’ on the following day in her diary?

If you don’t remember any of this, please note that I am speaking metaphorically.

We did end with something of a cliffhanger, but it was more along these lines.

Our hero (Mr Dear) is taking a short break with some chums. Our heroine (me) finds herself at a loose end and is walking the dog in the park. It is raining heavily, and so she takes refuge in the café.

There, waiting for her, twirling his own metaphorical and in reality non-existent moustache, is The Villain (Graham, known to regular readers as The Man Who Once Spent an Evening Chatting to a Much Younger Rosemary on a Hay Cart, Thus Getting Her Hopes Up, Before

Accepting a Better Offer).

We’d just reached the stage, you’ll remember, when he discovered that Mr Dear was away.

‘I don’t suppose,’ he said, ‘that you might be free for dinner this evening?’

It’s at this point moustaches would usually be twirled.

Before we continue with the action, such as it is, here’s a warning to younger readers.

There may be some of you for who life is just one long queue of eligible men asking you out for dinner.

Make the most of it. There will come a time when you will find yourself very much out of practice in dealing with attractive invitations.

One day, you’ll discover that your first response is not, ‘It’s tempting, but I think I can hold out for a better offer.’

Instead, your immediate thought will be, ‘Oh God, oh God, can it really be almost 40 years since an unattached male asked me out?’

This was my first thought.

My second thought was, ‘Oh, wait a moment, this might be easier to follow if I set the thoughts out in list form.’

First thought: ‘Oh God, oh God’ etc (see above).

Second thought: ‘I’m so

out of practice at this sort of thing [see first thought].

What should I say?’

Third thought: ‘Oh dear, I can’t really say yes, can I? What sort of woman accepts dinner invitations from old flames when their husband is enjoying a weekend jaunt with chums?’

Fourth thought: ‘Mind you, dinner out is going to be a lot more fun than watching MasterChef on iPlayer.’

Fifth thought: ‘And it’s only dinner with an old friend.

Good grief, where’s the harm in it?’

Sixth thought: ‘Yes, absolutely right. Why shouldn’t somebody treat me to dinner in a nice restaurant?’

‘I’m not sure I can,’ I said.

‘My daughter did say she might be popping round.’

This is what, technically, is known as an outrageous fib.

‘Oh, what a pity,’ he said.

‘I thought we might try that little French place on the bypass. My son’s been there and says the food is the best in the county.’

Goodness, the temptation – not just any old dinner, but dinner at The Little French Place on the Bypass.

‘I could probably do lunch tomorrow,’ I said. ‘That’s if

‘I thought we might try that little French place on the bypass’

you’re free. And if you don’t think it’s rude that I’m turning down dinner, but sort of inviting myself…’

‘Rude? Why should I think it’s rude,’ beamed Graham.

‘I’d be delighted to have lunch. My treat, of course.

I’ll pick you up at midday then, shall I?’ Mr D phoned when I got home. ‘Having a wonderful time,’ he said. ‘Excellent lunch today,’ he said. ‘Then an agreeable afternoon snooze,’ he said, ‘followed by a cream tea and rather cosy little tea shop. The chaps are treating me to dinner tonight,’ he said, ‘as a little thank you for organising the trip. A marvellous place they’ve picked,’ he said, ‘with log fires, a dining room that overlooks the river, and a chef whose desserts are the stuff of legend.’

Putting the phone down, I thought about my appointment with iPlayer and MasterChef, and phoned Graham.

‘Sorry to be annoying,’ I lied, ‘but my daughter now wants to pop over for lunch tomorrow. I don’t suppose the offer of dinner is still open, is it?’

Rosie x

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Is dinner with an old flame really so naughty?

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