Platinum October 2020 by DC Thomson Shop

Hello!

And welcome to this month’s issue. Some may say it’s shallow but I’m wondering how everyone has got on with their hair during the past few months? At the start of lockdown, I decided as long as salons were closed, I wouldn’t dye my hair. I’ve long toyed with the idea of going gloriously grey and it seemed the ideal opportunity. Obviously it’s not a recent photo of me you’re looking at. I was actually due to get my hair done just before lockdown and I cancelled the appointment. So, at the time of writing, I’m 25 weeks without my hair being dyed or cut. I’d love to tell you it’s going really well but frankly — it isn’t! It’s the annoying in-between stage that’s so hard to deal with. It’s about 12 different colours, and not in a good way. Great hair can be such a morale boost. That feeling of swishing out of the salon with a just-done “do” is always a lift. And it feels as if there’s no escape from bad hair. I’ve done what so many people in my position do and looked online for inspiration. Instagram is packed with other women attempting to say goodbye to dye and, as far as I can see, they’re doing it so much more stylishly than I am. If you’re contemplating doing the same thing, check out colourist Jack Martin, who takes women with in-between hair and transforms them into silver goddesses. I’d consider visiting him — but it would involve a trip to California. If you’re going through the same thing, check out @greytransitionproject, @silverstrandsofglitter and also @grey_feels_great forr some inspiration. These women insp

are totally rocking their silver, as are some of our fabulous street style stars — have a look at fabulous Mia on page 106. Other people’s reactions to my half-grey locks are really interesting. Some have encouraged me to keep going, others have been quietly horrified and one even said it will “add 10 years to how old you look”. I disagree — and so what if it does? Those views belong in the 1950s. Having said that, I’m not sure if I’ll stick with it. One day at a time! I keep wondering if I could go pink... As we always say on Platinum, “your hair, your way”. It’s that simple! If you’re going through the same process as me, I’d love to hear from you — especially if you’ve got any tips for me. In the meantime, enjoy an issue jam-packed with inspirational women. We’ve got Liz Hodgkinson in a philosophical mood on her grandchildren not having time to see her any more, Melanie Cantor on life as a showbiz agent and reader Julie Ford’s story about taking a new path after having breast cancer. That’s the thing about Platinum — we’ll never run out of stories from amazing women. Enjoy the issue!

SMOOTHING

WEARING

This gorgeous green and gold wedge bangle. Love it! £115 from littlebylittlejewellery.com

My hair might be inbetween colours but Philip Kingsley’s new 5 in 1 Elasti-Styler, £34, is fabulous for frizz ﬁghting and refreshing waves.

SENSIBLE

But not boring! These ﬂats have a touch of glam to them — but they’re so comfy, too. They tick every box. £80, Dune.

PLATINUM

THE

TEAM DESIGNERS

EDITOR

Ali Kirker akirker@dctmedia.co.uk

Daniel Scottow Sarah Slater

DEPUT Y EDITOR

PRODUCTION

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PRODUCTION EDITOR

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HEAD OF MAGAZINES

Maria T. Welch

SUB-EDITOR

CONSUMER MAGAZINES PUBLISHER

Sarah Proctor

Sally Hampton

PICTURE EDITOR

FEATURES

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FEATURES EDITOR

PICTURE RESEARCHER

Adrianne Webster awebster@dctmedia.co.uk

Gillian Petrie INSIGHTS AND INNOVATIONS MANAGER

FEATURE WRITERS

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DIGITAL WRITERS

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ST YLIST

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DESIGN EDITOR

HEAD OF ENTERPRISE

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STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

DESIGN

Craig French cfrench@dctmedia.co.uk

Gail Valentine Boo Hill

Alexandria Turner Lee Harrow Louise Kettle Rachael Kilgour

HEAD OF SALES

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ON THE COVER 12 ANTHEA TURNER: talks growth

and new beginnings.

18 FASHION THAT FLATTERS:

Experiment with pattern in your autumn wardrobe.

47 FULL BODY HEALTH: Our team of

experts keep you in-the-know about brains, bowels and core strength.

54 LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: We explore

the new relaxed state of normal.

PLATINUM

86 WALKING TO TRANQUILLITY:

Julie Ford’s inspiring story about overcoming breast cancer.

94 THE TRUTH ABOUT DIVORCE:

Is going it alone everything it’s cracked up to be? We ﬁnd out.

124 BE BOLD: Boo Hill shows you how

to wear red with conﬁdence.

148 RUTH JONES: reminisces about

the books that shaped her.

October 2020

STYLE

26 FASHION INSIDER:

Gail Rolfe shows you how to use tones to create head-turning looks.

72 THE MAGIC OF HOUSEPLANTS:

Transform your home into a peaceful haven.

76 A PEACEFUL, LAKESIDE RETREAT:

Look inside the Cunliﬀe family home in the Lake District.

88 SAVE OR SPEND?:

Alison Young on how to make your skin glow whatever your budget.

140 YOUR BEST EVER GARDEN:

Mark Lane is potting and planting for a colourful autumn.

PEOPLE

60 LESSONS FROM MY MUM:

Sangeeta’s story about how her family overcame adversity.

82 WAXING LYRICAL: Ruby Wax on

kindness and mental health.

98 THE JOY OF BEING SINGLE: Is

ﬂying solo everything it’s cracked up to be? We ﬁnd out.

102 KALLY ELLIS: The ﬂorist who

Cover Image: © Camera Press/Gemma Day

turned her passion for plants into a globally renowned business.

HEALTH

58 DR DAWN’S HEALTH NEWS:

Some medical musings and guidance on ﬂu jabs and more.

110 WHY CORE STRENGTH IS KEY:

Our experts explain why core strength is key for full-body health.

150 HOW ARE YOU REALLY FEELING?:

The relationship between mind and body.

PLATINUM

ANTHEA TURNER: O N H E R CA R E E R A N D F I N D I N G LOV E

YO U R B E ST E V E R GARDEN WITH MARK LANE

R U BY WA X

TRAVEL

T H E J OY OF BEING SINGLE

65 48 HOURS IN DEVON: Avoid the

crowds with this oﬀ-the-beatentrack guide to one of the UK’s most picturesque spots.

68 BATHTUBS WITH A VIEW Relax in

a stunning tub with these perfect countryside getaways.

FOOD & DRINK

30 SAY HELLO TO AUTUMN: With our

selection of hearty and warm dishes — best enjoyed al-fresco.

C H E C K YO U R ST Y L E

36 VALENTINA HARRIS: Invites you to

celebrate the tastes of the season.

136 INDIAN-INSPIRED DESSERTS: Fresh and indulgent

desserts from south Asia.

REGULARS

114 SHE-RO: Fearless actress and

P L AT I N U M PICKS

passionate activist, Viola Davis.

132 MAGGIE PHILBIN’S TECH TALK:

Need-to-know TV tech.

Platinum, published by DC Thomson Media, 185 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2HS. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. We are committed to journalism of the highest standards and abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice, which is enforced by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).

T H E LOW D OW N O N B R A I N H E A LT H PLATINUM

experts From leaders in health and wellbeing, to finance gurus and tech specialists, you can count on our experts to filter through the jargon and get straight to the point about issues that matter to you.

BOO & DOTTIE

MARK LANE

Former model Boo and make-up guru Dottie are back with tips on how to look your best. Boo is on red alert, showing you how to style scarlet for walk, café and cocktail bar. Dottie shows you how to transfer from a vibrant summer palette to deeper autumnal looks with ease.

You may recognise our gardening expertt from his work presen nting on Gardener’s World and the Royal Hortic cultural Society’s ﬂow wer shows. Join Mark as he explores his autumn garden and prepares for a winter of pruning, planting and potting.

STYL E & B E AU TY

GARDENING

JA S M I N E B I R T L E S

GAIL ROLFE

TV personality, standup comedian, author and ﬁnance expert, Jasmine knows her stuff when it comes to money. In her ﬁnancial update, you’ll learn about the country’s economic changes and how to make the most of your money in the “new normal” climate.

Gail is a former fashion editor and champions the celebration of life and style in your 60s and beyond. As our industry insider, she shows you how to achieve bold, headturning looks using subtle textures and lighter colour palettes.

FINANCE

FA S H I O N

JA N E M O O R E

D R DAW N H A R P E R

VA L E N T I N A H A R R I S

JOANNA SI MON

If you haven’t seen Jane on ITV’s Loose Women, then you will know her as a bestselling author and journalist. In her column, she speaks candidly about sharing household responsibilities, before revealing her favourite fake tan and hacks for how to travel light.

Best known as a presenter of Channel 4 hit series Embarrassing Bodies , NHS doctor, author and TV personality Dr Dawn has a wealth of knowledge. Our health expert has essential advice on ﬂu vaccines and the importance of blood pressure monitoring at home.

As a cook, author, broadcaster and our very own food expert, Valentina takes you beyond the kitchen to celebrate the tastes of the season. She discusses making the most of this wonderful time of year and how to ﬁnd ingredients outdoors.

There’s no one better than Joanna for needto-know wines — after all, she was a critic at The Sunday Times for two decades. This month, she delves into red wines, showing you the best regions to buy from and how to ﬁnd a taste that is perfect for you.

COLUMNIST

H E A LT H

FOOD

WINE

GUE ST EX PERTS

JO HEMMINGS

A L I S O N YO U N G

A behavioural psychologist and award-winning life coach to the stars, Jo has helped dozens of people re-evaluate their outlook to live a happier life. In this issue, she explores why we’re all in hope that some elements of lockdown remain — even just a little.

Appearing on TV and radio as a skincare expert is an everyday experience for Alison. She tackles the popular perception that you need surgery or injectables to feel and look your best. Her skincare guide recommends critically acclaimed creams, new beauty tools and desert island beauty essentials.

H E A LT H

B E AU TY

JA N E P E R RO N E

S A N G E E TA W A L D R O N

Jane is a journalist specialising in plants and gardening. Her award-winning podcast On The Ledge centres around all things green. She tells Platinum about the power of plants in your home and how they can improve wellbeing and help to remove chemicals.

PR expert Sangeeta tells her mother Dharam’s story; how she faced racism after opening a shop in the ‘70s and then overcame prejudice to become a much-loved member of the community. Sangeeta describes her mum as kind and inspirational — we heartily agree.

HOMES & GARDENS

PEOPLE

St yle — Treat s

LAYER IT UP

Cushion, £12.50, M&S

Necklace, £28, Oliver Bonas

PICKS

H E A D I N TO T H E N E W S E A S O N IN STYLE WITH THESE FA B U LO U S A U T U M N A L B U Y S .

Sweet & spicy

Trousers, £59.50, Oliver Bonas

Maya Njie Vanilj Parfum, £85, mayanjie.com

GO BOLDER

Cardigan, £35.99, Mango

Ring, £149, Thomas Sabo

PLATINUM

Dress, £49, Dancing Leopard

Scarf, £25, Daisy Park

gol

WINTER STYLE

...

Vase, £9.99, TK Maxx

Au t u m

Naked Honey Eyeshadow Palette, £43, Urban Decay

Buy once, wear forever Boots, £65, Joe Browns

Jacket, £35, F&F

Throw, £35, M&S Earrings, £15, Oliver Bonas

Skirt, £155, Fresha Lond don

Drawers, £69.99, Homesense

Bag, £275 B £275, R Russell ll & Bromley B l

Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil, £48, Space NK

PLATINUM

People

“In the face of adversity you

LEARN and GROW.” F R O M D I V O R C E TO C A R E E R C H A N G E S TO F E R T I L I T Y I S S U E S , ANTHEA TURNER HAS BEEN THROUGH IT ALL. HERE, SHE TA L K S TO W R I T E R G E M M A C A LV E R T A B O U T H E R C A N - D O AT T I T U D E A N D W H AT K E E P S H E R G O I N G T H R O U G H I T A L L .

nthea Turner is talking about the moment she felt, for the first time in her life, truly alone. Following years of back-to-back, longterm relationships and in the aftermath of her second divorce — a messy, humiliating split from husband of 15 years, Grant Bovey — the former GMTV and Blue Peter presenter became depleted and it hit like a thunderbolt. “I was on my way to Gatwick Airport, going to drop my car off, get on a plane to visit some friends in the south of France and I burst into tears on the motorway because I just felt so alone,” recalls Anthea, 60. “Not long after, there was another incident where I felt it again. I blew a tyre on a roundabout at 12.30am so I pulled over and looked in horror at this tyre, thinking, ‘Normally I would have rung my husband, but I’ve got nobody to call’. “Growing up, my dad sorted things out like insurance and cars, then I always had what I would call ‘capable’ boyfriends, including my first husband, Peter Powell. He was my manager, a fixer and a sorter. In a relationship, you naturally apportion jobs. “It’s not even a sexist thing, it’s just what happens naturally, but a lot of us hold onto relationships that are not right simply because we live in fear of being on our own. That was me.” Under the strain of betrayal and heartbreak and as pain piled on top of pain, the usually luminous and confident Anthea lost her sense of identity. But, during her halfdecade relationship sabbatical and thanks to the natural healing power of time, hours of professional therapy and by developing a deep “spiritual understanding” of herself, she eventually emerged stronger. “In the face of adversity you learn and grow and I’m now a more rounded human,” she explains. “Over those five years by myself I became massively independent and I’m far more comfortable with myself. I have an inner, visceral knowing that I can deal with things.”

Including, reveals Anthea with pride, broken shelves. “One morning a shelf fell off the wall and a man and drill guy wanted £90 to fix it, so I went to Homebase, bought a Bosch drill, some wall plugs and screws, came home and repaired it myself. You think you can’t do something simply because for years you haven’t needed to, and then you do.” She grins. “It’s good to be capable.” Said shelf is “still up to this day” at Anthea’s riverside apartment in west London, where she warmly welcomes Platinum with a mini-guided tour over Zoom. It’s a ladylike space awash with shiny silver accents contrasting against cream leather and an elegant, ornate statement mirror on the dining area wall. She describes the apartment as her spot of “girl heaven”. However her interior design style is also creeping in at her fiancé’s place — the dashing, half-Italian businessman Mark Armstrong, 55, who swept her off her feet after a Cilla-style introduction last July by mutual pal, TV personality Lizzie Cundy. Anthea accepted Mark’s marriage proposal two months into the relationship during a romantic trip to Rome. Was it an easy decision to make, being in her 60s, knowing what she wanted from love and not wanting to waste time? “Totally and utterly. Tick, tick, tick. We’ve had enough experiences in our lives to know instinctively when something is right, and what shone through with Mark was a sincerity and a kindness that hit me like a bolt,” she says, jolting backwards to accentuate her point. In conversation, Anthea gesticulates aplenty and underlines her words with a variety of animated facial expressions — mostly of the smiling variety, as when discussing a summer break, a trip her fiancé planned meticulously. “I love him for the fact he enjoyed doing it so much and also that he enjoyed doing it for me, for us,” she says. “I’ve never been loved so much in all my life!”

““I’ve neverr b been loved d s much inn so a my life!”” all

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People

The wedding was planned for September in Italy, but was postponed because of coronavirus. Yet Anthea isn’t hung up on disappointment. “We weren’t at the point where we’d booked the choir,” she says before recalling a nugget of advice she once received from her DJ pal Chris Evans. “Chris said, ‘Sometimes in life, you need to just go with the flow and I don’t think you’re very good at doing that’. I thought about that a lot during my sabbatical and when people were like, ‘Aren’t you devastated that you couldn’t get married in September?’, I thought, ‘No’. For no other reason than it doesn’t really matter, and maybe it’ll be better next September.” Pragmatic, calm and a now dab hand with a power tool, does Anthea — who in the mid noughties fronted BBC reality show Perfect Housewife — feel she will be a better wife the third time around? “No, because I think I was always a great wife! It’s not about being better,” she replies. “Nobody fought harder to save my marriage [than me], but be careful for what you wish. There’s a lovely phrase: ‘If the door doesn’t open, it’s not your door’. It wasn’t right, it needed to end and now, standing back, I’m really glad it did.” One thing that survived Anthea’s ill-fated failed marriage to Grant — he had an affair for almost three years, which Anthea discovered — is her bond with his three daughters Lily, 28, Amelia, 27 and Claudia, 24, who she lovingly refers to as “my girls”. Over the years, Anthea tried many rounds of IVF treatment and never conceived, which she “used to think was a terrible thing, that I’d failed”, but is now a reality she has accepted. “I have the most beautiful, healthy and close relationship with three children I didn’t give birth to and as good a relationship as any of my friends have with their children. Dare I say it, some might say, better,” says Anthea, who wrote a book How To Survive Divorce in 2017, adding that “controlling” herself, bearing “no ill will” and having “no regrets” has allowed her to sustain a positive relationship with Grant and, therefore, the girls. 14

PLATINUM

She remains a very hands-on stepmum. “It would have been very easy for me to alienate myself, but how nice is it that the five of us can sit down and have a meal? It’s genuinely not a hardship.” Given that Anthea understands firsthand that there is no one way to create a family, have she and Mark — who has a “delightful” 16-year-old son — considered the possibility of adopting or fostering an older child? “I don’t think that would be something we would do or want to do because life is about having balance and our balance is the four children,” says Anthea. “I look forward to the day when the only other children in our lives are the children of our children!” Anthea turned 60 in May, which she celebrated with a small dinner, and says entering a new decade heralds the beginning of her “second spring” and she’s “just getting started”. Truthfully, she looks much younger

than her years, easily a decade in the opposite direction, and today doesn’t appear to be wearing make-up. Her layered, normally blow-dried locks are gathered into a half-ponytail, which she jokes is her “drawn through a hedge backwards” look. Though she believes having “quite a wide, plump face” has been genetically kind, Anthea makes no secret of her penchant for non-invasive procedures “to keep wrinkles at bay”, specifically Botox and collagen threads. On the morning of our interview, she has had a skin laxity treatment called Profilo — injections of slow-releasing hyaluronic acid to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Her honesty about “tidying up as you go along” is, in an industry when many women simply claim to be blessed with good genes, refreshing. “You have to help yourself,” stresses Anthea. “At 60, the outside shell is deteriorating and we’re women,

With fiance Mark Armstrong

with three times a week Pilates workouts, plus exercise that almost doesn’t feel like exercise. For example, she wears 2.5kg ankle weights around the house and garden and one mile “walk runs”, which involve walking “very briskly” while retaining perfect posture. Anthea has been an advocate of the Alexander Technique, a method to improve poise and flexibility, since learning about it as a teenage ballerina. “I watch people running and want to go up to them and say, ‘You’d do more for your figure if you walked properly for a mile rather than running like a jelly’,” she sighs. “The basic thing that the Alexander Technique teaches you is to stand up straight and face your body in the right direction of travel. It’s that simple.” Anthea admits that since her late 50s and especially since the onslaught of Covid-19, she has been fastidious about respecting her own physical health and is “constantly beating the drum” with others also in her age group. “I don’t think I’ve ever in my whole life been so aware of health and the downside of ill health, which has been there for all of us to witness. If we want to get the best out of life, there’s nothing more important than being healthy. People can glibly say, ‘50 is the new 40’, but actually, 60 is 60 and you have to look after yourself because life is precious.” She adds, “It was lovely to see people clapping the NHS but if you really want to save the NHS on an ongoing basis, be healthy and leave the NHS to people who don’t have a choice.” Anthea is the eldest of three girls born to mining engineer Brian and Jean, a teacher who retired early to care for their middle daughter Ruth who died at the age of 15 from complications of spinal bifida. Anthea dubs her parents the ShangriLa of Stoke on Trent — the Midlands town where Anthea was raised — because “they find everything they need in each other” are still going strong in love and health. “Fit as a flea” Brian is 88 and Jean, who despite a minor stroke in 2018 can “still do The Times crossword in record time”, celebrates her 90th birthday in October. Initially set on a career in PR, Anthea found her way into broadcasting after landing a job as a runner at BBC Radio Stoke

Walk into a “Walk oom, stand ro d up straightt u annd smile. It’s thhe cheapesst t tip.” ti ” beauty we’re vain and want to look after ourselves. How we look contributes to confidence, and nobody wants to look old. So as we get older and lose our youthful bloom, some good little procedures can bring a little of that bloom back.” That’s all well and good for women with a bulging pot of disposable income, but what about those who don’t? “Walk into a room, stand up straight and smile. It’s the cheapest beauty tip,” advises Anthea. “As you get older, when you smile it takes your cheekbones up and you look a heck of a lot better than if you’ve got a miserable face on. Then teeth, teeth, teeth. Get your teeth professionally cleaned. It makes a massive difference and every so often, I put a teeth whitening tray in. Then invest in a good hairdresser, and look after your hair with a good cut.” Save for a period of “picky eating” after her second divorce when she became “too skinny for my frame”, Anthea’s weight has barely fluctuated during her adult life. A slender size 10, she swears by “common sense eating”, so doesn’t eat too much of any one thing. She stays in shape

PLATINUM

People

before cutting her television teeth on kids’ Saturday morning show UP2U. She then hosted Top Of The Pops and Blue Peter before moving to breakfast television where she earned the nickname “TV’s Golden Girl”. She’s waiting for filming to restart on her London Live current affairs show Anthea Turner’s Hot Topics, but these days Anthea is better known for her contribution to fitness reality TV. She has competed in Dancing On Ice, The Jump and, most recently, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. What’s the appeal of risking life and limb for entertainment? “The cheque,” replies Anthea and a loud guffaw follows before she gives what she calls the “PR answer”. “Television’s changed and if you want to stay in the business and working, then you have to embrace what’s out there. Also, I’ve done everything where you get to learn something — either about yourself or a skill I couldn’t do before. When I did The Jump, I was the oldest and last woman standing. “As we get older, our lives become a little safer and our hazard assessment sometimes goes into overdrive so it’s important to push our boundaries. I’ve started cycling again and am really enjoying it. Do something that takes you out of your comfort zone, something you can talk about — on a horse, on a bike, walking. If you’re capable of putting one foot in front of the other and have the time, do it. Even if you’re on your own — go with a friend or, even better, not knowing anybody.” While Anthea’s own go-get-’em attitude might inspire even the most idle into visiting the nearest branch of Mountain Warehouse, behind her fierce energy and drive, lies a little vulnerability. “I worry about all sorts of things,” she admits. “I’ve always enjoyed doing the job and things like talking to you, but what I’ve never been able to deal with is the manipulation side of it. Those today who come up through reality television know how to play the game far more than I ever did. I still don’t fully understand it and that’s something I’ve never been very comfortable with.” After being eliminated from chef Marco Pierre White’s Hell’s Kitchen in 2009, 16

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Above: Looking fabulous at friend Lizzie Cundy’s book launch. Left: With ex-husband, Grant Bovey, and her three stepdaughters.

Anthea recalls being told by the show psychologist, ‘Of course you know how you could have stayed in’.” “It was the fact I didn’t create a drama. I played it for real. I couldn’t make up if I was sad, or if I was happy. There was a time when I was thinking, ‘I should know how to do that’ but, actually, I’m glad I don’t. [Reality TV star] Gemma Collins knows exactly how. My goodness, one day they’ll be doing University degrees on her!” Still, Anthea has no apprehension about her future in television. Once fearful of facing invisibility later on in her career, she admits to being pleasantly surprised by the “huge swathe” of older women still working in the industry, a group she is proud to be part of. “I didn’t think I would be doing what I did, still be doing it by this point and still having something positive to offer and, yet, I am still busy and relevant,” she says. “I’m glad that we are recognised and that wisdom has a value.” Across the board, it’s certainly an exciting time for Anthea. “I’m thankful for all my blessings,” she grins.

Through the years It was her threeyear stretch on Top Of The Pops that launched Anthea’s career in 1988, before Blue Peter made her a household name and crowned her “Queen of Tracey Island” in 1992.

WHAT ANTHEA SAYS “Do not worry if you’re in the right place at the right time. Just enjoy it.” Anthea’s move to GMTV in 1994 made her the second-highest paid female presenter on British TV, second only to Cilla Black.

“The elixir of youth is not in a pot of cream — it’s your attitude.”

After starring in Anthea Turner: The Perfect Housewife in 2006, she continues to share homemaking secrets online, with many dubbing her as a modern “cleanfluencer ”.

Images © Alamy, BBC Pictures, Camera Press/Gemma Day, Getty Images, PA Photos, Photoshot, Shuttestock, W8Media/Mega Agency

“NEVER PUT UP THE SHUTTERS TO FINDING LOVE.”

“WE ALL HAVE TO COME BACK WITH LESSONS FROM LIFE AND ACTUALLY, THE LESSON IS WHAT YOU DON’T NEED WHAT YOU CAN REALLY LIVE WITHOUT. YOU’LL THINK, “OH NO, I COULD NEVER DO X, Y, Z. YES, YOU CAN. YOU’LL BE FINE. IT’S FINE.”

Of her time on ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2013, she says, “I loved every minute of it.” Earlier this year, she competed on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins alongside Brendan Cole and John Fashanu.

“I’m not one for raking over the past. I absolutely live for the now and never wish I could go back in time. It’s not worth it.”

Jacket, £405, Marc Cain Blouse, £69, Phase Eight Trousers, £225, Marc Cain Trainers, £100, Vionic

Stylist – Boo Hill Photography – Olly Suckling at Cliqq Photography Hair and make-up – Dottie Monaghan Model – Brigett English

Check it out A CLASSIC PRINT LIKE CHECK D O E S N ’ T H AV E TO B E B O R I N G . I T ’ S T I M E TO G E T R I D O F T H E R U L E B O O K — PA I R Y O U R C H E C K S W I T H B O L D C O LO U R S A N D M I X A N D M ATC H PAT T E R N S A N D T E X T U R E S .

PLATINUM

St yle — Fa s h io n Necklace, £65, Lily Rose London

Bag, £85, Harris Tweed

PERFECT SIZE FOR DAYS OUT

Blazer, £49, Topshop

...

Skirt, £240, Essentiel Antwerp

Sleeveless sweater, £59.95, Massimo Dutti

Trousers, £140, Whistles

Pashmina, £99, Pure Collection

Earrings, £26, Daisy Park

Boots, £39.99, Bon Prix

Trainers, £49, Kurt Geiger

PAIR WITH RED PLATINUM

Coat, £124.88, Helene Berman at QVC Coatigan, £135, Kettlewell Colours Cowl Models Own Hat, £9.99 and boots, £39.99, both T.K. Maxx Trousers, £19.99, Uniqlo

Embrace

COLOUR Create an impactful look by pulling through the shades used in your statement piece. Here, we focused on the mustard, pink and sage threads used in this gorgeous coat.

PLATINUM

St yle — Fa s h io n

Ess

Earrings, £10, Very

tia

Coat, £348, Brøgger

l ba sic Jumper, £79, Arket

CITY BREAK OR COUNTRY STYLE

Scarf, £18, Oliver Bonas

...

Skirt, £49.99, TK Maxx

Bag, £35, Charles & Keith

Chinos, £75, Hush Belt, £59, Hobbs

Boots, £129, Joules

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So st ylis h w

ith

tweed

Beret, £29.95, hatsandcaps.co.uk

CHIC STYLE Necklace, £34.95, Seol + Gold

Bag, £27, Glamorous

Blouse, £12, F&F

Coat, £300, Whistles Scarf, £18, Oliver Bonas

Earrings, £9, Accessorize

Sweater, £49.95, Massimo Dutti

Boots, £49, Shoeaholics

Trousers, £70, Kaya Turello

Bracelet, £79, Thomas Sabo

PLATINUM ATINUM

St yle — Fa s h io n

Make a

STATEMENT For effortless style, team your checks with vibrant block colours, contrasting patterns and layered jewellery.

Coat, £124.50, Helene Berman at QVC Jumper, £69, and trousers, £79, both Phase Eight Boots from a selection at New Look

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Country

CHIC

Outdoorsy looks can still incorporate glamour and style by the bucket (or tractor) load. Focus on layering with quality textures, like crisp cottons, cosy knits and durable leather.

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Shot on location at Browning Bros. Glamping in Essex. browningbros.co.uk

Shirt, £19.99, Bon Prix Jumper, £149, The White Company Skirt, £85, Phase Eight Boots, £99, Lotus Shoes Bag, £24.99, Bon Prix Hat, £18.99, T.K.Maxx

St yle — Fa s h io n

Earrings, £16.99, TK Maxx

Jumper, £55, Oliver Bonas

Jumpsuit, £99, Phase Eight Wrap, £229, The Travel Wrap Company Boots, £90, Giesswein

Skirt, £130, Palones

Silk scarf, £54, Marella

Play with p att

TEAM WITH TAN — NEW CLASSIC

...

Bag, £119, TK Maxx

Shirt, £95, TOAST

Boots, £140, Dune London Necklace, £35, Accessorize

Hat, £60, Reiss

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FASHION

INSIDER I

n my dreams I have the svelte, lithe body and giraffe-like legs of an 80s supermodel who strides the streets like a glamazonian goddess. Think Elle Macpherson or Christy Turlington. But the reality is that even with a father who was 6ft 3in, that was not how God or nature made me. With the careful choice of the right clothes, I have learned over the years that I can elongate my body and appear more sylphlike. How can this magical transformation be achieved? The answer is quite simply to wear one colour, shade or tone from head to toe. The effect is instantaneous. It doesn’t really matter which colour palette you choose. While black can be too funereal, blues and greys offer a softer and more flattering option. You can pick vibrant zesty limes, yellows or tangerine. Or, opt for the sumptuous mix of all shades of milky latte. These are outfits that can be casual or smart, formal but versatile, worn with heels, trainers and anything in between. And you will come to depend on them for their easy, yet upscale practicality.

Clever tweaks

Cape, £79.95, Massimo Dutti

Scarf, £39, Mint Velvet

This outﬁt ticks all the sartorial boxes. While not totally season-less, it will take you from now through to April, with a few changes. If the climate is less benevolent add a tweed blazer, or a sleeveless gilet underneath. In warmer times, opt for a T-shirt or silky blouse. Ultimately, if you look at each one individually, they are all wardrobe basics that can be worn in myriad ways.

Handbag, to rent, BagButler

Multi-task Multi task magic work

The cape is a stylish layer over jeans, tailored trousers or even leather leggings. My one hesitation would be to add it to a skirt. The trousers are a chic loungewear option which can be dressed up or down depending on whether you pair them with a silk camisole and blouse, a tonal sweatshirt, ballet ﬂats or trainers — or up the ante with heels.

Gold and pearl earrrings, £120, Vero onique Pullen

Trousers, £69.95, Massimo Dutti

Trainers, £130, Reiss

Earring shot: Georgina Piper

Fashion expert Gail is passionate about style. Find her on Instagram @myageisirrelevant, where you can enjoy more of her fabulous chic tips and life stories.

T H I S M O N T H O U R FA S H I O N I N S I D E R G A I L R O L F E T U R N S H E R AT T E N T I O N TO T H E H A R M O N I O U S WAY TO A C H I E V E A P O W E R F U L A N D H E A D -T U R N I N G TO N A L O U T F I T.

St yle — Fa s h io n

Work with your ﬁgure

Scarf, £17.99, Zara

If you are petite and curvy, I suggest you add a belt to emphasise your waist and don’t make sweaters too oversized. If you are willowy and rangy, then you can pull off a mannish oversized sweater or detailed print blouse. I love the addition of a similarly toned scarf and a bold necklace. In winter, swap heels for boots and throw over an allenveloping coat.

All in the accessoriess

These outfits can be worn without extra finishing touches — but any jewellery you add to an outfit will make an inestimable difference, the way so many accessories do. Keep with the tonal theme of your outfit for an instant effect, or add a soft opposing touch of colour for some depth and lift.

Shirt, £115, Reiss

Necklace, £59.99, Uterque

FOR PHONE, PURSE & LIPSTICK

Handbag, £59.99, Zara

...

Skirt, £175, Reiss Shoes, £120, Uterque

Work so well with jeans

Earrings, £19, Hobbs

Online inspiration

When seeking style inspiration, I turn to Pinterest because, unlike Instagram, I can view hundreds of different versions of one look, on women of all ages and sizes from around the world and ingenious styling variations. Several years ago, I keyed in “pleated skirt, lime green, street style,” and the picture that came up has stayed with me as one of my all-time favourite ensembles. The skirt had sold out long before, but as a style template it was a golden moment. When I discovered this Reiss aqua blue pleated skirt, I knew I had discovered a fabulous new version. All I needed to ﬁnd was a similar sweater, shoes and crossbody bag.

Shoes, £99, Uterque

Step brighter

For these trends, you may ﬁnd that you have most of the components already in your wardrobe. Or you may have to treat yourself to the one missing element, like these loafers by Uterque. A beautifully designed wardrobe staple with a modern twist. Shoes, £59.99, Zara

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A free Will-writing service to protect all that’s in your heart We’ve teamed up with the Goodwill Partnership to offer a free Will-writing service to help you protect everyone and everything you care about. Simply chat through your wishes via video call, over the phone or in your own home,* then receive your Will – which is checked by a solicitor – directly to your door. There’s no obligation to donate to the RSPCA – but if animals are in your heart, will you help us protect them always, with a gift in your Will?

FREE

Will-writin service g

To book your appointment: Call: 0800 500 3104 Visit: www.rspca.org.co.uk/freewillservice

*Home appointments may not be immediately available due to Covid-19. Offer only available to residents of England & Wales. Only simple Wills included. Full terms & conditions apply: www.rspca.org.uk/willwriting All photos: RSPCA Photolibrary.

Registered charity in England and Wales 219099. The RSPCA helps animals in England and Wales and does not operate in Scotland.

Foo d & D r i n k

platinum FOOD & DRINK From scouring your garden for natural ingredients, to indulging in desserts that will transport you to the heart of southern Asia, we’ve got all the ingredients you need for an autumn filled with flavour.

P36-39

SEASONAL DELIGHTS

P136-139

ADD CULTURE TO YOUR MENU

Prepare for the changing of the seasons with Valentina Harris. Using tempting desserts, hearty soups and all-natural ingredients, our expert’s collection of Italian-English recipes brings the cosiness we all need as the colder weather approaches.

With delicate tarts and indulgent Indian tray bakes, not only will you get a taste of a traditional Asian table, but enjoy a bounty of ﬂavours that make for the perfect end to any meal.

P30-35

FRESH, VIBRANT AND DELICIOUS

Say hello to autumn by experimenting with ﬂavours of fresh root veg, buttery savoury pastry and rich stews. Taken from Gill Meller’s book, Root, Stem, Leaf, Flower, there are plenty of dishes to satisfy even the pickiest of palates.

P 4 2- 4 5

TIPPLES & NIBBLES

Back with our favourite tipples and nibbles, turn to page 42 to discover some unusual cocktails and canapés that will brighten up your next event or gathering.

F I N D YO U R P E R F E CT G L A S S O F R E D W I N E O N P 4 0 , W H E R E J OA N N A S I M O N R E V I E W S F LO R A L S C E N T S , F U L L B O D I E S A N D G O R G E O U S C O LO U R S . PLATINUM

hello Say to

autumn HEARTY AND SO-DELICIOUS THESE RECIPES ARE PERFECT FOR CUDDLING U P A N D T U C K I N G I N TO . N E W S E A S O N F L AV O U R S N E V E R TA S T E D S O G O O D .

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Foo d & D r i n k

Apple, carrot, lemon and cinnamon cake

Made with spelt ﬂour, fresh carrots and a sharp Bramley apple purée, this cake is so unbelievably moist that we want to call it a pudding, but we’re going to resist as it’s good to eat at any time.

SERVES 8–10 2 Bramley apples, quartered 250g light brown soft sugar 100g currants Juice and zest of 1 lemon 100ml sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing 2 eggs 250g carrots, peeled and grated 1tbsp grated root ginger 2tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of sea salt 2tsp baking powder 200g spelt flour For the drizzle Juice of 1 lemon 50g light brown soft sugar For the icing 150g softened unsalted butter 300g icing sugar Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

Place the apples in a pan with 50g of the sugar, the currants and the lemon juice and set over a medium heat. Cook, stirring regularly, until you have a compôte that is bubbling, silky and thick. Spoon the compôte into a bowl to cool. Meanwhile, lightly grease and line a 20cm cake tin and heat the oven to 170°C/gas 3. Pour the oil into a large bowl, add the remaining sugar and the eggs and beat with a whisk until pale and fluffy. Fold in the apple and currant compôte, along with the lemon zest, grated carrot, ginger, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, stir the baking powder into the flour, then fold this gently through the wet ingredients in the

bowl to form a batter. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the top a bit. Loosely cover the top of the cake tin with a piece of foil to stop the cake getting too dark during baking. Bake for about 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for a further 20 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave in the tin while you make the drizzle. Set a small pan over a medium heat, add the lemon juice and sugar and bring to a simmer. As soon as the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Prick the cake all over with a thin skewer and drizzle the syrup over while the cake is still warm. While the cake is cooling, make the icing. Place the butter in a bowl and whisk until the butter is light and pillowy. Add half the icing sugar and continue to whisk until thoroughly combined. Then, add the remaining icing sugar, along with the lemon zest, and beat some more. Finally, add the squeeze of lemon juice to soften the mixture to the desired consistency. Remove the cake from the tin and use a palette knife to spread the icing over the top and sides in a relatively even layer and serve.

IN THE KNOW

Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and just half a teaspoon a day can help reduce blood markers in those with type 2 diabetes.

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Warming vegetable stew

Sometimes early autumn can be just as warm and beautiful as late summer. No surprise really — it’s hard to know where one begins and the other ends. Despite the falling leaves, there’s still a place for lighter, fresher meals — this stew is delicate, colourful and full to brimming with vibrant vegetables.

SERVES 6 150g dried haricot beans 1 large squash, peeled and cut into cubes 3 fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut into 6-8 wedges 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil To serve 750g large ripe tomatoes Boiling water 2 onions, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds, lightly bashed 4 celery sticks, cut into 2cm slices Pinch of chilli flakes 4 bay leaves 4 thyme sprigs Juice and zest of 1 lemon 250ml vegetable stock 1 large glass or red wine 1 handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 handful of dill, chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

If you’re using dried beans, soak them in a bowl of water for 6 hours or overnight. Then, drain them and transfer the beans to a pan. Cover with water and bring to the simmer. Cook for 35–40 minutes, or until they are almost tender. Drain and set aside. Heat the oven to 200°C/gas 6. Place the squash and fennel in a roasting tin. Trickle over half the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Tumble everything together, cover loosely with baking parchment or foil and roast for 35–40 minutes, turning once or twice during cooking, until the vegetables are nice and tender. Meanwhile, prick the tomatoes with a knife, then place them in a large heatproof bowl. Pour over the boiling water to cover and leave them to stand for 3–4 minutes to loosen the skins. Using a slotted spoon, remove the tomatoes from the water and, when the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel away as much skin as you can and discard in the compost. Roughly chop the tomatoes and set aside. When the fennel and squash are ready, heat a really big cast-iron casserole pan over a medium heat. Add the remaining olive oil and, when it’s hot, add the onions, garlic and herbs and spices. Stir the vegetables as they soften, for about 12–15 minutes, taking care that they don’t burn. When they are sweet and tender, add the chopped tomatoes and stir well. Add the haricot beans, the roasted fennel and squash, the stock and the red wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring gently every so often. Then, add the lemon juice and plenty of salt and pepper to taste. 32

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Foo d & D r i n k

quick+

easy

Red onion, sage, blue cheese and potato farls

What’s not to love about a potato cake? Light, ﬂuffy and with a slight crust, they’re the perfect addition to any breakfast – with lashings of sauce on the side, of course. This recipe is a twist on the classic, incorporating rich blue cheese and herby sage.

SERVES 2–4 250g large white potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks 25g unsalted butter 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 handful of sage leaves, finely chopped 40g plain flour 100g blue cheese, crumbled ½tsp baking powder Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place the potato pieces in a pan and cover with salted water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or so, until tender. Drain and allow

the potatoes to steam off for a few minutes in the colander, then tip them back into the pan and mash them with half the butter. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the remaining butter, followed by the sliced onion and a little salt and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until beginning to soften. Add the sage leaves, stir well and remove from the heat to cool. Add the flour, blue cheese, baking powder and softened onion to the potato, season well with salt and pepper and mix to combine. Shape the potato dough into a round that measures about 16cm in diameter, then cut this round into 4 quarters. Wipe out the onion pan and return it to a medium heat. Lay the quarters down in the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

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A gift in your Will has the power to keep families together for longer We call it Will Power By leaving a gift in your Will to the British Heart Foundation, you’ll be helping to power our research into heart diseases, vascular dementia, stroke and their risk factors. Your generosity will mean generations can continue to make special memories for years to come. Visit bhf.org.uk/wills to ﬁnd out more and request a free gift in Wills guide.

Foo d & D r i n k

Squash, lentil, tomato and rosemary pie

Seasonal squash and lentil is a match made in heaven, brought together with fragrant rosemary and spices. Crumble over some feta for a salty twang; capers or chopped sun-dried tomatoes would work well, too.

SERVES 6 For the pastry 300g plain flour 150g unsalted butter, cubed and chilled Pinch of fine sea salt 150ml chilled water For the filling 2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 onions, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2tsp crushed coriander seeds 1tsp smoked paprika 1 large squash 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 150g red lentils 2 rosemary sprigs, chopped 750ml vegetable stock 1 handful of flat-leaf parsley 1 small handful of chopped chives 200g feta cheese, broken into chunks Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make the pastry, pulse the flour, butter and salt in a food processor to the consistency of breadcrumbs. With the motor running, add the chilled water, until the dough comes together. Remove the dough, knead it a couple of times, then wrap it in parchment and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. While the pastry is in the fridge, make the filling. Place a large, heavy-based pan on a medium heat and add the olive oil. When it’s hot, add the onions, garlic, coriander and paprika. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring regularly, for 10–12 minutes, or until the onions are soft and fragrant. Add the vegetables, lentils and rosemary and stir well. Pour over the stock, stir again, and bring up to the simmer. Reduce the heat a little and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes, until the squash starts to break down, the lentils are soft and have thickened the sauce nicely and everything looks godly. Season, taste and season some more, then stir in the parsley and chives, remove from the heat and allow to cool. Remove the chilled pastry from the fridge about 30 minutes before you intend to bake the pie. Heat the oven to 200°C/gas 6. Grease and flour a 30 x 20cm pie dish or something similar. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface as evenly as you can until you have a sheet large enough to line the base and sides of the dish with a good overhang. Spoon the filling into the lined dish. Push in the chunks of feta and fold the overhang up and over the edges. Season with some salt and pepper, then bake for 40 minutes, until the pastry is crisp and golden. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Root, Stem, Leaf, Flower by Gill Meller, £27, Quadrille. Photography by Andrew Montgomery

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Celebrating the tastes

n o s sea of the

FOOD EXPERT VA L E N T I N A H A R R I S SHARES HER FAV O U R I T E F O O D S FOR TRANSITIONING FROM SUMMER TO A U T U M N , A N D H O W TO F O R A G E FOR THE SEASON’S MOST DELICIOUS PRODUCE.

s nights begin to grow chillier, it’s time to make the most of the produce of late summer and early autumn, slowly starting to make a change, moving gradually towards winter comfort food and relying less on crisp salads and summery dishes. This is only just the beginning of autumn and there are still usually plenty of warm sunny days, and sometimes even the precious gift of an Indian Summer to look forward to. So it is not quite yet time for thick soups, reassuring stews and creamy mash to become the dishes of the day. This is that particular time of year when my focus always turns towards the delights of foraging, especially for wild fungi. Depending on the weather, from around midAugust to October, wild mushrooms make their thrilling appearance in forests and woodlands all around the country. Mushrooms and fungi really flourish

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when wet or damp conditions are quickly followed by a period of warmth and sunshine. They just pop up as if by magic, and need to be picked and used soon, as they will deteriorate as quickly as they appeared — either vanishing back into the ground as compost, or withering and drying out. A fresh, wild mushroom really is a thing of exceptional tastiness and wonder, made even more special by the effort that goes into to their harvesting. Although do make sure to take an experienced guide with you to make sure you’re picking the right thing. As a girl growing up in Tuscany, at this time of the year we would set out to forage porcini, chanterelles and other fabulous wild fungi, including the rare but exceptional Caesar’s mushroom. Fungi do seem to be creatures of habit and often like to grow in the same places year after year. To help spread them around and increase the harvest, it is important to use a basket for picking so that as you move about, scanning the ground and thinking about how you are going to prepare these treasures, the spores can fall. Also, do use a penknife to cut the mushrooms through the stem rather than pulling or tearing at them, so you don’t risk damaging the base, which will prevent them from growing back. A soft brush is useful for removing excess soil or debris from the stalks and will also help spread the spores and you also end up with a basket of lovely, clean produce that is ready to cook or enjoy raw in a salad. Mushrooms should never be washed if at all possible, as they will just absorb water and risk becoming horribly soggy and tasteless during the cooking process. Perhaps one of the most easily recognisable wild fungus in this country is the wonderfully rotund, almost surreal-looking giant puffball. When I lived in Norfolk and my children were growing up, the sudden appearance of dozens of these pure white spheres in a field near our house was a sure hint that autumn was on the way, although it often looked more as if aliens had landed overnight! I would carry them home, make sure they were clean,and then use them in all sorts of delicious ways.

Foo d & D r i n k

“This is the perfect time of year to forage mushrooms, make jam and enjoy seasonal produce.”

Image © istockphoto

Autumnal fruits are high in pectin — ideal for making jams ans jellies, and creating crumbles and pies.

I found lining a deep roasting tin with thick slices of fresh giant puffball, brushed with oil, scattered with finely chopped garlic and parsley and finally seasoned with salt and pepper, made a wonderful bed for roasting chicken, pork or beef. Once the meat was cooked and the mushrooms soft and luscious, they could be whizzed in the food processor to make a wonderfully simple mushroom gravy for the meat. This is also the season for ripe, juicy grapes — not just those that are harvested for wine, but also eating grapes, or table grapes as they are sometimes called. I know that grapes are widely available all year round, arriving from far distant lands, but the sweetness and intensity of grapes that are picked in season and have had less distance to travel is something else entirely. At this time of year I like to use them in cooking wherever I can, as their season is so short, which just makes them even more special. My simple recipe for pork sausages with grapes is a dish that is often made for the hardworking grape pickers as a simple, tasty lunch. It’s a wonderfully quick, one-pan meal that only needs some crispy roast potatoes or crusty bread and maybe a crisp green salad to make it into a real celebration of autumn. Polenta also comes into its own at this time, and is a wonderfully comforting and warming staple for the cold season ahead. If you have never used polenta before, try the mushroom and cheese crostini recipe overleaf. Polenta is gluten-free and a deliciously simple base for

stronger flavours. Some of my other favourite seasonal pleasures include locally grown apples, pear and plums; root vegetables; late season raspberries (especially the goldenyellow variety); big, slightly woolly peaches that are best cooked; and also chestnuts, sweetcorn, squashes and pumpkins. All of these are at their absolute best around now, and can and should be used in many ways. Eating seasonally is important for so many reasons. Firstly, it just tastes better, because food grown and picked in season will be riper, fresher and sweeter and naturally contains more vital nutrients to support our body’s nutritional needs. It also costs less, because a large harvest of in-season produce means the price will go down. If it’s in season, it’s more likely to be produced locally, which helps to push the cost down, lessening the need for large transportation or storage costs. If you don’t fancy foraging for wild mushrooms this autumn, you could simply opt to go out for a walk and pick fresh, seasonal produce that is easier to identify. For example, wild sloes can be used to make sloe gin — if you hurry up and make it now, it might be ready to enjoy in time for Christmas! There might even be some late season blackberries to combine with new season apples for a classic flavour combination in pies, crumbles, or a simple compÔte to spoon over porridge or yogurt. Once bottled or potted up, all of these delights would make lovely edible gifts that will not only look and taste great and keep for months, but hopefully their creation will also fill you with a wonderful sense of achiewvement. There is nothing quite so gratifying as making something quite literally from scratch — and this is the perfect season of the year to get stuck in! PLATINUM

IN THE KNOW To make braised radicchio leaves to accompany the polenta, put shredded radicchio leaves and a little butter in a pan. Then cook gently until soft, adding a little water as needed.

Grilled polenta with mushrooms

This is a quick and easy way to use up leftover polenta. It is a deliciously different appetiser that is ďŹ lling and pretty to look at. You can vary the ďŹ&#x201A;avour by using fried onions instead of the mushrooms if you prefer, or make it really Venetian by adding some warm, braised radicchio leaves.

SERVES 4 1 quantity polenta, cut into 8 squares 3tbsp olive oil 250g Asiago or fontina cheese, cubed A little milk 400g mushrooms, sliced

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2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 45ml finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, to garnish Sea salt and ground black pepper

Heat the grill and lightly oil the polenta squares. Put the cheese in a heatproof bowl and add milk to cover. Set it over a pan of simmering water and allow the cheese to melt and blend with the milk, stirring frequently. Meanwhile, put the remaining oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and stir-fry the mushrooms

and garlic for 10 minutes, until the mushrooms are cooked, then season. When the cheese and milk have formed a smooth sauce, grill the polenta on both sides for a minute or two, until golden and crisp. Arrange two squares of grilled polenta on each plate and cover with a spoonful of the melted cheese. Spoon the mushrooms evenly over the top, then sprinkle each portion with chopped flat leaf parsley and serve immediately.

Polenta cake

Foo d & D r i n k

This is a crumbly cake which falls apart as soon as you bite into it. It has a wonderfully granular texture, and excellent flavour. Polenta flour, generally much more widely available in the region of the Veneto than wheat flour, has many culinary uses, including cake making. Traditional recipes for this cake exist all over the region, but this is one of the richest because of the large quantity of almonds.

SERVES 6 TO 8 Butter, for greasing 300g blanched almonds 300g sugar 300g fine yellow polenta flour Grated rind of 1 lemon 3 egg yolks 90ml single cream Pinch of salt Flaked almonds, to decorate

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4 and liberally grease a shallow 20cm cake tin with butter. Grind the almonds finely using a mortar and pestle or in a food processor, then mix them with the sugar, polenta flour and the lemon rind in a large bowl. Mix in the egg yolks and the cream to make a thick but wet dough. Stir in a pinch of salt. Pour into the cake tin and bake for 20 minutes, until firm and crisp. Cool in the tin, then sprinkle with flaked almonds.

Sicilian mushroom fritters

These little fritters make a wonderful canapé or antipasto dish. They taste especially delicious when handed around with a garlicky dip, possibly with a yogurt or sour cream base, or with traditional l’arrabbiata. Whichever type of mushrooms you choose, make sure they have a soft texture.

MAKES 24 500g mushrooms 2 eggs, beaten 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped 45ml chopped fresh parsley 45ml grated pecorino cheese 45ml fresh white breadcrumbs Sunflower oil, for deep-frying Sea salt and ground black pepper

Fill the base of a steamer with water and bring to the boil. Put the mushrooms in the steamer or steamer basket and steam until just cooked. Squeeze the mushrooms to remove some of the moisture and then chop them very finely in a food

processor or with a heavybladed knife. Put the chopped mushrooms in a bowl and add the eggs, garlic, parsley, cheese and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and plenty of ground black pepper. Mix well. Shape the mixture into 24 balls and flatten these to make round fritters. Heat the oil for deepfrying to 180ºC/ gas 4 or until a small piece of bread, dropped into the oil, browns in about 45 seconds. Fry the fritters, in batches if necessary, for 2–3 minutes until they rise to the surface and are crisp and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen paper and keep hot while cooking successive batches. When all the fritters are cooked, serve them immediately.

The Italian Regional Cookbook by Valentina Harris, £25, Lorenz Books

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Joanna Simon is one of the UK’s leading wine experts, sampling some of the best wines around. Here, she transports us to sunny Spain, tasting the most delicious, fruity reds the country has to oﬀer. Enjoy with tapas for a truly authentic experience.

e buy red Rioja in droves, loving its fruity, mellow, oaksoftened flavours, the way it goes well with food and comes in different quality tiers, so that there’s one to suit every occasion or budget. I’d be the last person to discourage you from it — and I recommend trying white and rosé Rioja, too, if you don’t know them. But, if you’re a red Rioja fan, there are lots of other Spanish reds that I’m sure you’ll also love. Some are made from Rioja’s predominant red grape, Tempranillo. Others are made in different regions from grape varieties such as Garnacha (aka Grenache), Cariñeno (aka Carignan or Samsó), Monastrell, Mencía or Bobal. The globetrotters Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot also pop up, sometimes as standalone stars and sometimes giving a boost to local varieties. I’ve chosen six favourites from various regions, but there are many more.

With summer coming to an end, we’re turning to warming red wines from Spain. Joanna Simon shares her six favourites that are simply bursting with flavour.

Acústic Celler Vinyes Velles Nobles 2017, Montsant £17.50, OR £15.50 IN A 12-BOTTLE MIX, LEA & SANDEMAN The wines of Montsant offer a cheaper alternative to the fashionable reds of Priorat, the region it surrounds southwest of Barcelona. Their soils are different, but both regions have venerable old vines, share Garnacha and Carignan as their dominant grape varieties and make powerful, hearty reds. Acústic has opulent black cherry fruit deftly matched to crunchy black pepper spice.

Emilio Moro Tempranillo 2017, Ribera del Duero £16.99, MAJESTIC Ribera del Duero, Rioja’s competitor to the west, grows Tempranillo (usually called Tinto Fino here), but makes reds that are generally more intense and concentrated than Rioja, thanks to higher altitudes and more extreme temperatures. The Moro family’s deeply satisfying ﬂagship wine has dark, rich, cassis ﬂavours framed by subtly smoky oak.

Especially good with lamb.

Finca Constancia Entre Lunas Organic Moon Wine 2017, Castilla Y Leon

Pleno Tempranillo 2018, Navarra £7.75, OR £6.85 IF YOU BUY 12, HAYNES HANSON & CLARK Navarra lies along the northeast ﬂank of Rioja and used to be known for its rosés, but now focuses more on reds and whites. Some are made from the likes of Cabernet and Chardonnay, others from Tempranillo or Garnacha. The young and vibrant Pleno is as smooth as it is refreshing, with plum and cherry fruit and a touch of earthy spice. Great value and can be drunk cool.

£10, SAINSBURY’S This Tempranillo comes from organic plots on the large Finca Constancia estate near Toledo in the heart of Castilla. As well as being organic, the vines are cultivated biodynamically, meaning in accordance with phases of the moon, hence the name Moon Wine. Full-bodied and velvety, with black fruit ﬂavours and soft, chocolatey oak.

Try with slow-roast pork or a vegetarian cassoulet.

Virgen del Galir Maruxa Mencía 2018, Valdeorras

LaFou El Sender 2017 Garnatxa Negra Syrah, Terra Alta

£10.99, MAJESTIC The Mencía grape of northwest Spain’s Galicia (as here) and Bierzo regions has rocketed up the charts in recent years, not least because of the rediscovery of remote, old vineyards. This unoaked example has lovely briary cherry and chocolate aromas, a succulent, savoury, red-cherry palate and delicate herbal, mineral freshness. It’s happy alongside red meat but also goes with mezze and dishes like stuffed red peppers.

£10.99, WAITROSE Terra Alta is off the beaten track in the far west of Tarragona province in Catalunya, but its wines — whites and rosés, as well as reds — are beginning to get better known, deservedly so in the case of wines such as El Sender. Made from Grenache Noir (Garnatxa Negra in Catalan) and Syrah, its generous black cherry and blueberry fruit is streaked with black pepper and softened by creamy vanilla oak.

Joanna’s essential wine facts It varies with region in Spain, but Reserva usually means a wine has been aged for 3 years, at least one of them in cask.

Outside of Spain, Po r t u g a l a n d Wa s h i n g t o n S t a t e , the word Reserve/ Reserva/Riserva is more loosely defined, if at all.

Wines that aren’t vegan may have been clarified using egg white, casein, isinglass or gelatin.

Biodynamic growers cultivate their vineyards according to the lunar phases and are certified by D e m e t e r.

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Tipples & nibbles C E L E B R AT E T H E TA S T E O F AUTUMN WITH RECIPES I N C O R P O R AT I N G TA R T P E A R S , J U I C Y TO M ATO E S AND DELICIOUS, FULL OF F L AV O U R A P P L E S .

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Foo d & D r i n k

Apple and bramble cocktail

A fruity ﬁzz that’s sure to suit all tastes. Serve in your fanciest glass, sit back and enjoy.

SERVES 1 50ml Black Cow Vodka 20ml apple juice 10ml blackberry liqueur Soda water

Add the vodka, apple juice and liqueur to a tall glass and mix. Add cubed ice and top with soda. Garnish with a slice of apple and a blackberry. Enjoy!

IN THE KNOW A single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily recommended minimum of vitamin C.

Rustic cherry tomato, cashew cheese & pesto tarts A simple, vegan-friendly dish from rebelrecipes.com that may be small in size, but is certainly large on ﬂavour.

SERVES 4 For the tart base: 2tbsp ground flaxseed 6tbsp filtered water 50g ground almonds 75g buckwheat flour 75g white flour 1tsp baking powder 2tbsp neutral oil like rapeseed or olive 7tbsp almond milk Pinch of sea salt For the filling: 200g cashews, soaked for 4 hours 3tbsp nutritional yeast ½tsp sea salt ½tsp English mustard ½tsp garlic powder 5ml water

For the pesto: 3tbsp pine nuts, toasted 2 handfuls basil 2tbsp nutritional yeast ½tsp sea salt 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil 50ml water Toppings: 300g multi-coloured cherry tomatoes, halved Drizzle of olive oil Pinch sea salt Basil Chilli flakes

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4, and line a baking tray with baking paper. Make a flax egg by mixing the ground flax with water in a bowl, then set aside to thicken. In the meantime, add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix to combine. Add the oil, almond milk and

flax egg and mix thoroughly to form a dough, then set aside. Make a cashew filling by adding all the listed ingredients to a food processor and blitzing until smooth. Make a pesto by adding all the pesto ingredients to a food processor and blitz to get a chunky paste. Next, divide your dough into four and roll out into discs. Transfer the dough discs onto the baking tray, then spoon the cashew cheese mix onto each base, top with pesto and sliced tomatoes. Pull up the sides around the filling and pinch to secure. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove and allow to cool before serving. Top with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of sea salt. PLATINUM

Foo d & D r i n k

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Pear and gorgonzola tartines

Pears are at their best from August to late October, and work beautifully here served on crunchy toast with creamy gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle with honey for a hint of sweetness.

SERVES 4 30g walnuts 2tsp butter 2tsp brown sugar 1 sprig of thyme 1 can (415g) Del Monte® Pear Halves in Juice, drained, or 4 fresh, ripe pears 4 slices of bread

IN THE KNOW One medium pear contains about a quarter of the recommended daily intake of ﬁbre, helping your digestive system and gut health.

50g soft blue cheese (Stilton, Gorgonzola or Roquefort) Drizzle of honey

In a non-stick frying pan and over medium heat, add a teaspoon of butter, a teaspoonful of brown sugar and the walnuts. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon until it caramelises and set aside on a plate. Cut the pear halves in two. In the same frying pan, add a sprig of thyme and the remaining butter and brown sugar. Let the butter melt over medium heat, then add the pears. Cook until golden. To assemble the tartines, toast the bread slices, then spread with a thin layer of your preferred soft blue cheese and place the pear slices on top. Add the walnuts and a drizzle of honey to ﬁnish.

Spiced apple and blackberry cocktail Zesty with a hint of spice, this is the perfect tipple for an autumn evening.

SERVES 1 45ml Cotswolds Dry Gin 8 blackberries 15ml cinnamon liqueur 12.5ml lime juice 50ml apple juice 8ml almond syrup

Rim the martini glass with oat crumble. Put 8 blackberries in a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and add the other ingredients. Shake and strain into a glass. Garnish with apple & blackberry for extra pizazz. PLATINUM

platinum HEALTH

From looking after your mental health and exercising your brain, to exploring the full-body benefits of strengthening your core and how to boost your bowel health, we cover all bases in this month’s health section. P48-53

LET’S GET SERIOUS ABOUT BOWEL CANCER It’s not exactly dinner party conversation, but some experts believe breaking the taboos around bowel health could help improve our wellbeing. Find motivational accounts about beating bowel cancer and essential advice in Charlotte Haigh’s guide to having, living with and surviving bowel cancer.

Images © Getty Images, Istockphoto

P58-59

P110-113

Finding strength in your core

Having a strong core isn’t just about achieving the perfect six-pack or showing off how many sit-ups you can do. We take an in-depth look at how maintaining core muscles can help with back pain and improve overall health, ﬁtness and feel-good factor.

P150-155

DR DAWN’S HEALTH NEWS

Our health expert looks at home BP monitoring, before explaining why you should make taking your ﬂu vaccine a priority. Sharing information on the 20-20-20 rule, Dr Dawn opens our eyes to the beneﬁts of taking time away from screens.

How are you really feeling?

The human brain is an amazing and intricate structure. Health writer Hilary Boddie explains why there’s a stronger link between mind and body than we may once have thought. Covering diagnostic tools, medication and how to identify signs of illness, she answers the questions we all have about brain health.

O N PAG E 8 6 YO U ’ L L F I N D O U T H OW WA L K I N G H E L P E D J U L I E F O R D OV E R C O M E B R E A ST C A N C E R A N D R E D I S C OV E R S E L F - LOV E . PLATINUM

H ea lt h

Let’s get

serious about

bowel cancer I T ’ S N OT E X A C T LY D I N N E R PA R T Y C O N V E R S AT I O N – B U T B R E A K I N G T H E TA B O O S A R O U N D B O W E L C A N C E R C O U L D H E L P S AV E T H O U S A N D S F R O M T H I S C O M M O N F O R M O F T H E D I S E A S E . C H A R LOT T E H A I G H E X P LO R E S H AV I N G I T, L I V I N G W I T H I T A N D S U R V I V I N G I T.

e may worry mainly about breast cancer — but bowel cancer is the third most common form of the disease to affect British women. And it’s the fourth most common cancer overall in the UK, with 42,000 cases diagnosed each year. “However, it’s the second biggest cancer killer,” says Genevieve Edwards, CEO of charity Bowel Cancer UK. “It really doesn’t have to be that way, because bowel cancer is often curable if diagnosed and treated early, and it’s actually also very preventable.”

What is bowel cancer?

First, it’s important to understand this part of your body. Let’s face it, you probably don’t think about it all that often. “The bowel is a part of your digestive system and is actually made up of two parts, the large and small bowel,” says Dr Rishi Goel, consultant in gastroenterology at Kingston Hospital, London. “The large bowel includes your colon, rectum and your anus. When we talk about bowel cancer, we’re talking about cancer that affects your colon or rectum — it’s also called colorectal cancer. The disease can affect any part of your colon, which is the first part of the bowel and around five feet long. It can also start in your rectum, which is the last part of your bowel and stores stools until you’re ready to pass them.” Although cancer can affect your anus and small bowel, it’s much more rare.

“Bowel issues are often curable if diagnosed and treated early.”

Who’s at risk?

Like most cancers, bowel cancer is linked to age. According to Bowel Cancer UK, nearly 60% of cases are diagnosed in the over-70s and more than 94% are found in those aged 50 and older. However it can affect anyone of any age. “Don’t assume you’re too young if you’re in your forties,” says Edwards. One in 15 men will develop it in their lifetime compared to one in 18 women. A 2017 UK study suggested lifestyle factors — such as excess alcohol and a diet high in meat — could explain why men are at higher risk. Family history is also a factor. If you had a close relative who was diagnosed with bowel cancer, your risk is higher.

Pinpointing the problem “Most people will survive stage one bowel cancer,” says Edwards. “But if you’re diagnosed with stage four, the chances drop dramatically, and fewer than 10% survive up to five years.” That’s why early detection is so important. The UK screening programme can pick up very early signs and also detect non-cancerous polyps in the bowel, which may sometimes go on to develop into cancer. These can easily be removed to reduce your risk. The screening test is super-simple. When you’re eligible, you’re automatically sent a home test, which looks for hidden (doctors sometimes say ‘occult’) blood in your poo. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, people over the age of 60 are invited to take part in bowel cancer screening, while in Scotland, screening starts from age 50. You’ll be eligible for screening every two years until you reach the age of 75. But as you may be at risk even if you’re not eligible for screening, it’s vital you see the doctor if you notice any concerning symptoms.

IN THE KNOW Bowel cancer can take up to a year to move from one stage to the next.

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The treatment journey

Treatment depends on which part of the bowel is affected, as well as the stage of cancer. “Most people will have surgery to remove the cancerous area,” says Dr Goel. “You may have keyhole surgery, where the surgeon makes very small incisions to access the area. But some people need open surgery, opening up your abdomen to remove the tumour. “Some hospitals in the UK also now offer robotic surgery, using a machine guided by the surgeon for precision, which should reduce any complications and lower the chance of open surgery being needed.” Some have chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy too. Rather than immediately reattaching the areas either side of where the tumour was, the surgeon may give the two ends a chance to heal by bringing them out in an opening on your abdomen, called a stoma. They then attach a bag over the opening of the bowel to collect your poo. “For most people, this is temporary, and your surgeon will reattach the two ends and remove the bag a few months later,” says Dr Goel. If cancer’s low in the rectum, you’re more likely to need a permanent stoma.

diary of what you’ve noticed, as this will give your GP useful information and may help speed up a potential diagnosis,” says Edwards. You could keep a note of: when your symptoms started how often you have them anything that makes them feel better or worse any family history of cancer Your GP may give you a rectal examination with a gloved finger to check for bumps or swelling. “People often feel nervous about this but it’s painless,” says Edwards. Your doctor may be able to reassure you on the spot. Or they might order blood tests, and tests to check your poo for signs of blood — particularly if you have other potential symptoms of bowel cancer but no bleeding from behind. They may also refer you for specialist tests in hospital, which use a thin tube called an endoscope with a light and camera at the end to examine your bowel. These tests can be a bit uncomfortable but they shouldn’t be painful. And remember, they could save your life.

What to expect at your GP appointment

Of course, it’s one thing knowing you should probably see your doctor — and quite another making that appointment. “Some symptoms manifest in poo, which is probably why it’s a bit of a taboo,” says Edwards. “The actress Julie Walters put it beautifully when she talked about her own bowel cancer diagnosis — she said, ‘It’s just your digestive system.’ It’s important to remember doctors have seen every bit of every body. They really won’t be fazed.” First, your doctor will ask you about symptoms. “It can be very helpful to keep a

Some studies have shown eating nuts can reduce risk of bowel cancer. Plus they’re beneficial for heart health.

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Bowel cancer survival in the UK has more than doubled in the last 40 years.

1 in 3

will have a noncancerous polyp in the bowel by the age of 60.

Bowel cancer mortality rates have fallen by since the early 1970s.

RUTH MAHER ,

Images © Istockphoto

60, FROM WINDSOR,

first spotted blood in her stool in February 2011. “I thought it was something I’d eaten, but I noticed there were red spots in my stool every time I went. It became more prominent. Then, one day, I went to the loo and so much blood came out, it wasn’t really a proper stool at all. “The GP said it could be colitis, diverticulitis or bowel cancer. I just heard the last one. I was shocked — I’d really thought she’d reassure me it was just piles. I was sent for a sigmoidoscopy, which looks at the lower bowel. The procedure was OK. But I’ll never forget what the doctor told me: ‘The sample we’ve taken doesn’t look good.’ I was actually in floods of tears all the way home. “The next stage was a CT scan, then an MRI. It turned out I had cancer of the rectum. Although it was the size of a kiwi fruit, my cancer was stage one. I was told it had probably taken two years to grow from a polyp to that size. “I had keyhole surgery and a temporary stoma that was removed a few months later. I thought that was it, bar regular check-ups, with a colonoscopy, scan and blood tests every six months for the first two years. Then, in 2015, I was visiting

of cases are considered preventable.

“I have a lot more energy.” my son in Chichester and felt I needed the loo. I went into a nearby pub and poo and blood ran out of me like water. It then kept happening. “My GP implied I was being paranoid — despite my history — and gave me a low-fibre diet fact sheet. But back in my job at an airport check-in desk, I was having to go to the loo 20 times a day. I was losing weight and my appetite had gone. I was away from the desk at work so much I was threatened with disciplinary action. Eventually, I had a colonoscopy, which showed I had a tumour that was large but treatable. This time, I had chemotherapy first and then my whole rectum was removed, which meant I ended up with a permanent colostomy bag. “I’ve learned to live with it. But it took a while to build up my strength after the surgery. “I’m now in a good place, though and my husband and I have cut out meat. I continue to have regular check-ups and I’ve set up a local support group for people with stomas. I started walking a lot more with my dog, and lost two stone. I have a lot more energy as a result. I just wish screening for bowel cancer could be lowered to 50 — mine would probably have been picked up at polyp stage and I wouldn’t have had to go through all that.”

Rates of bowel cancer have dropped by 4% in the UK in the last

10 years

Spot the signs DR GOEL’S KEY TELLTALE SYMPTOMS: Bleeding from your bottom, or blood in your poo. A change in bowel habit. This could mean needing to go to the loo more often, looser stools, or being constipated. What’s key is to notice anything that’s unusual for you. Unexplained weight loss. Tiredness and breathlessness. These can be signs of anaemia, which may be caused by internal bleeding. Any unusual pain in your abdomen. Feeling you still need to strain to go to the loo even if you’ve only just had a bowel movement. A lump in your abdomen. “All these symptoms can have other, less serious causes,” says Dr Goel. “But they’re what we call ‘alarm symptoms’ and should always be checked out by a doctor.”

Incidence rates are predicted to fall by 11% in the UK by

85-89 is the age group with the highest rate of bowel cancer.

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Lockdown delays

“Screening was paused during lockdown so now over 1 million in England alone haven’t had it,” says Edwards. “And for those who went to the GP during the peak of lockdown with concerning symptoms, only 25% with red flag symptoms were referred. Even once you’re in the system, the diagnostic process has been delayed. Fecal matter contains the virus and for diagnosis in hospital, air is put into your digestive system to open it up, so doctors can look at it with an endoscope. This generates aerosol, potentially spreading virus particles — which means the room would have to be deepcleaned in between appointments, hugely reducing the numbers that could be seen and slowing up people’s diagnoses. We’ll have a backlog for some time.” This, she says, is all the more reason to be aware of potential early symptoms and get straight to the doctor if you notice any, so you have as few delays as possible.

PREVENT FUTURE PROBLEMS Keep to a healthy weight. Research suggests 11% of bowel cancers are linked to being overweight or obese. ---“Some research has shown eating a lot of red and processed meat raises your risk,” says Dr Goel. “Too little fibre is also connected.” According to Cancer Research UK, 30% of cases in the UK are connected with a lack of fibre. “I like to think in terms of a balanced diet rather than focusing on specific foods,” says Dr Goel. “You should have at least five daily portions of fruit and vegetables, pulses, beans and wholegrains to keep up your fibre intake.” You could swap some of your meat for pulses and lentils. ----

IN THE KNOW

There haven’t been many breakthroughs in bowel cancer treatment for years. “But more personalised treatments are becoming available,” says Edwards. “And we are seeing the development of drugs for people with speciﬁc mutations. Although it’s for a rare type of the cancer, it’s a big step forward.”

Stay active — the more you move, the lower your risk. “Exercise is generally good for your digestion, helping food move through,” says Dr Goel. “It also helps reduce any inflammation in the bowel, and it can help keep your weight down.” ---Tackle bad habits. Smoking is linked to 7% of bowel cancer diagnoses, while excess alcohol consumption is connected to around 6% of cases.

H ea lt h

THE OVERLAP ILLNESSES

Inﬂammatory bowel disease (IBD)

“Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both inflammatory, autoimmune bowel conditions,” says Dr Goel. “Symptoms tend to come and go but can include diarrhoea, pain and sometimes bleeding. IBD can raise your risk of bowel cancer, particularly if you have ulcerative colitis, which can increase your risk by three times compared to the general population. The link with Crohn’s is less clear. But the risk is strongly related to how well-controlled your IBD is. If you’ve had a lot of inflammation for a long time, your risk of bowel cancer is higher.”

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

It may have a similar abbreviation to IBD but IBS is much more common and far less serious, though it can be very debilitating, with symptoms including bloating and diarrhoea and/or constipation. “Sometimes people with IBS worry they’re at higher risk of bowel cancer but there’s no connection,” says Dr Goel.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulae are pouches that can form in the wall of the gut. They’re common as you get older and don’t usually cause problems, but if they become inflamed you may be diagnosed with diverticulitis, which can cause pain and even infection. “There’s no evidence that it raises your risk of bowel cancer but it should always be treated, so don’t simply put up with symptoms,” says Dr Goel.

RACHEL HAYNES

is a mother of two and a business owner and was just embarking on a new relationship when she was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. Her journey then took her on an adventure, which led to life-changing surgeries and eventually joining the 8% of people who survive advanced bowel cancer. “Back in 2011, I was diagnosed for the first time with advanced bowel cancer after months of denying the seriousness of my symptoms. I was single mother of two children and was told I had just a 7% chance of seeing them grow up. “Cancer causes your world to change overnight and you have no choice but to adapt quickly. All at once, you learn to live a simpler life with many restrictions and health anxieties. You have to continually reassess what is important and what you can live with, or without. Every day you are confronted with your fragile mortality. “Cancer has forced me to live a life that is radically different to my old life and has been the best opportunity to make a new start and stop taking life for granted. “I was once told that the only things we can control are how we react to an event. I didn’t have time to prepare for my cancer diagnosis, but I have had lots of time to think about how I am reacting to it. “As a consequence of multiple liver surgeries, I am left with a nagging, sometimes stabbing pain just under my ribcage on my right side. I used to view this with fear, thinking it must be another tumour growing inside me. But now I like to think of it as the

“ I survived bowel cancer – twice” thorn in my side — a reminder that difficulty can occur at any moment. “This wake-up call is my chance to make this second chance at life stick. Now I am grateful for every morning I wake up. I don’t take a kind word or action for granted. I am easily brought back to what is important in life, even if it’s a daily struggle to unlearn old habits and replace them with new ones. When I wake every morning, look outside and see the tree that is always there, looming over our road, the first thing I do is give thanks. “There is a real temptation to live in denial; it can be quite a comfortable place. I did it before cancer and, to be honest, during it. It was only after my second wake-up call, when it came back again after a year of remission, that I was really confronted with my mortality and any mask of denial I had built up, fell away. “I am miraculously now considered cured after more than six years clear of any visible signs of cancer. I like to think of these last few years — when I processed everything and wrote my book — as my incubation period. I finally feel completely ready to hatch and determined not to return to my old ways. “Love makes everything bearable. After being on the receiving end of such love and kindness during my illnesses, I look for ways to give back and respond with love every day. It’s my survivor’s obligation and it’s actually the greatest blessing.” Rachel’s book, What Doesn’t Kill You: The Highs, Lows and Unexpected Gifts of Cancer is on sale now. PLATINUM

Life in the slow lane T H E H E I G H T O F LO C K D O W N M AY S E E M A W H I L E A G O , B U T I T F O R C E D U S TO R E -A S S E S S OUR LIFESTYLES. COULD A M O R E R E L A X E D WAY O F L I V I N G A C T U A L LY B E T H E K E Y TO A M O R E S AT I S F Y I N G L I F E ? J O D U N B A R E X P LO R E S T H E N E W R E L A X E D S TAT E O F ‘ N O R M A L ’ A N D W H Y W E ’ R E LO V I N G I T.

re-Covid-19, it was all too common to rush around, fitting in appointments and time with friends between different obligations. Feeling a bit stressed was the norm for many of us. But with months of reduced company and time to ponder, are we all planning on rushing back to a frenetic pace of life or do we crave a simpler way of being? You’d be forgiven for seeking the latter. After all, a more peaceful life has been proven to be better for our health — some experts say stress levels can reduce your life span. Researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare discovered that heavy stress can shave up to two years off a person’s life. By reducing stress and avoiding constant multitasking — said by many to put excess strain on the brain — you are improving your health and hopefully your life expectancy.

LONG LASTING HOBBIES

Did lockdown turn you into a gardener? Many of us grasped the temptation to get green ﬁngered as lockdown began, with mail order plant and seed company Thompson & Morgan recording a boom in sales. Sonia Mermegen from Thompson & Morgan says, “We noticed an increase in sales and online trafﬁc during the pandemic as people turned to gardening. We’ve seen a particular emphasis on edibles, as people wanted to grow their own vegetables.” And it seems plenty of us are keen to continue our new-found love of growing. Sonia explains, “Customers have also been ordering compost and containers, and more people appear to be growing their own veg to harvest later this year. Now’s the time to sow cabbages, chard, salad mixes, radishes and turnips.” Amateur bakers who perfected the banana loaf during lockdown

“It is said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit and 90 days to make a permanent lifestyle change.”

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may find they want to keep up their newfound skills, for both the pleasure it delivers and the stress relieving properties. Pauline Beaumont has written Bread Therapy, which taps into our current passion for handcrafting bread. She says, “Once you have experienced the satisfaction of transforming flour, water and salt into delicious and nourishing bread it is not something you’ll want to let go of. It is said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit and 90 days to make a permanent lifestyle change, so it may well be that baking will continue well after the pandemic has receded into memory.” If you’re keen to keep up your bread-making skills Pauline recommends trying new combinations and making more complicated loaves. “Try using wholemeal flour made from spelt, rye, teff or emmer and super-charge the benefits by mixing in extra bran, sunflower, pumpkin, flax or nigella seeds, all excellent prebiotics for gut and brain health.”

H ea lt h

THE FUTURE IS FLEXIBLE

Images © Istockphoto

SOCIAL LIFE OVERHAUL

Whether it’s been quizzing via Zoom, signing up to Houseparty or finally having time to phone or FaceTime your oldest friends, lockdown saw our social habits totally transform when face-to-face contact became impossible. A survey by the Office of National Statistics found that over 80% of respondents found video calls helped them cope with the effects of staying in so much. Lockdown made some of us reconsider our levels of vanity, too. Pre-Covid, a night out could often mean dressing up and applying make-up, but thanks to video calls, jeans and a clean T-shirt has often sufficed, perhaps making us feel less pressure on our appearance — something the nation was forced to cope with when hairdressing and beauty salons were closed for more than three months. Lockdown probably magnified the relationships you missed most. But offline, some relationships have been able to flourish. Before Covid-19, busy lives often meant many of us barely knew our neighbours. Perhaps the weekly NHS clap at the height of lockdown brought your street together. And the neighbour you barely saw prelockdown is someone you now share regular socially distant chats with or perhaps help out with groceries. In a recent survey, 45% of participants declared they hoped to continue looking out for their neighbours, post-lockdown, suggesting our recently re-discovered community spirit is here to stay.

For years we’ve heard that we need to manage work stress in order to get the most out of life. But did anyone ever manage it? Then Covid-19 came along and saw us forced to stay at home, taking more time over tasks with less rushing around. It’s hard to imagine slipping straight back into our old routines. Indeed, employment lawyer Amy Sergison from Muckle LLP says, “I expect that we will see a seismic shift in the way we work after lockdown. Huge swathes of us had to work from

home when lockdown commenced, and it has proven that working ﬂexibly and in an agile way can work.” Amy recognises that the mindset of workers has changed — possibly forever. “Rather than spending time commuting, many workers are now making the most of that recovered time to start work earlier, or take some time out for themselves before they start; to go for a run, walk or read a book. Employers seem to be asking staff what they want from their working lives and I expect many more of us will want to explore some form of ﬂexible working arrangement.”

ON AVERAGE LOCKDOWN GAVE US

Some retailers saw sales of gardening and DIY materials go up

MORE FREE TIME WEEKLY. GARDENING AND DIY TIME LEAPT BY 147%.

as we spent more time on home improvements during the pandemic.

THE NUMBERS OF US COOKING FROM SCRATCH HAVE LEAPT BY ABOUT

Puzzle maker Ravensburger say sales of jigsaw puzzles have gone up by

SINCE MARCH ACCORDING TO FIGURES FROM PREMIER FOODS.

since the beginning of lockdown.

11 HOURS

20%

LOCKDOWN GAVE US GREATER OPPORTUNITY FOR READING, WITH KINDLE AND AUDIBLE APPS SEEING A

41%

RISE IN USAGE.

22%

370%

Knitting has been found to reduce stress levels and bring down blood pressure.

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ALISON

FROM DERRY

“Life before lockdown was pretty hectic and fast paced. I enjoyed a very active social life and spent lots of time in the gym. Eating on the go was normal for me! Covid-19 stopped all this, it forced me to look at how I was living and create a more relaxed life. After a few weeks I managed to enjoy a slower pace of living and for the first time in years, relax in my home surroundings. I watched lots of films and read books and listened to the radio. I even started baking more: I have made flapjacks, brownies and cheesecake and even tried making my own soda bread, which was delicious. We enjoyed quality time as a family; none of us have ever spent this much time at home! We spent our evenings having games nights in the kitchen playing Ludo and Monopoly, chatting about anything and everything — it’s a time I have truly treasured. I was content working from my spare room and benefited lots from walks and runs outdoors in the glorious weather, plus some HIIT workouts and a bit of weight training, and my sleeping pattern improved. I won’t let myself go back to pre-lockdown normality, I want to keep enjoying quality time with my family and being more chilled out. Lockdown has made me realise life is very precious and should not be taken for granted.”

“Even sleep was better.”

TRUDIE

FROM NEWCASTLE

“I’ve still been at work, as I’m employed by the NHS, but my nights and weekends have been spent doing the things I enjoy rather than rushing around doing food shopping. Life has been far less stressful. Instead, I have shopped online and arranged deliveries where I can, so I have spent less and saved myself a fortune as I don’t buy anything on a whim. Another bonus is there’s no hunting for parking spaces! It’s also been nice being able to have actual family time at home, too. I’ve enjoyed having my husband and son in the house more, instead of them being in the pub. I have loved going for walks with my husband. We had proper conversations; and my son and I have cooked alongside each other. Don’t get me wrong, in the beginning, I think we were ready to kill each other, but after a few weeks we mellowed! I’ve been enjoying reading books and spending time outside in the lovely weather we had. I don’t think my garden has ever been as nice as it is now since I’ve been able to spend more time on it: I jet washed our patio, planted pots and worked on our raised beds, too. It’s been such a nice way of life.”

“Life is less stressful now.”

Be unproductively productive – it’s good for you Make a list of three important task for the day. Tick them off and you’re done, completing 21 satisfying ‘jobs’ a week. If you feel this isn’t enough, you should re-evaluate your priorities.

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Embrace quality over quantity on all aspects of your life from food and friendships to reading and browsing social media. Your experiences will be far more satisfying.

Learn to say ‘no’ and mean it. Volunteering and keeping busy should be fun but stretching yourself too thinly will lead to stress, upset and frustration.

H ea lt h

“Some have had

a preview into what retirement might look like.”

P S Y C H O LO G I S T JO HEMMINGS E X P LO R E S W H Y WE’RE ALL H O P I N G T H AT ELEMENTS OF LO C K D O W N L I F E REMAIN — EVEN JUST A LITTLE.

s a psychologist, I have spent much of the last few months counselling clients on the anxiety, distress and disruption that Covid-19 has brought to our lives. What is startlingly apparent to everyone is that we have all been impacted in some significant way. But once the novelty value — the honeymoon period if you like — of lockdown was over and it set in properly, I wasn’t especially surprised to notice that many people were not just reluctantly enjoying the imposed slowdown in their lives, they were actively embracing it and, in some instances, rather sad or disappointed as life started to resume in the way that is more familiar to us. The takeaway benefits have been varied. From opportunities to reconnect with old friends on Zoom, to spending more quality time with family and even those who were relieved not to be under pressure to maintain their beauty maintenance routine or spending on clothes.

In fact, the ‘less pressure’ factor was a frequent reason why many of my clients were enjoying life in the slow lane. Less pressure to go out and socialise or to appear to be busy were just two of the examples I was given. Another client found that she was feeling increasingly less ‘guilty’ about indulging in activities like watching TV, reading and gardening. She felt that they had to be fitted in around life before. Now ‘they are life’ she told me. While some relationships came under strain during lockdown, others flourished. Re-connecting with partners as it ‘used to be’ was a revelation for a number of my clients. Even pets got a look in. Routine activities like walking the dog, became a joy rather than a burden, with one of my clients telling me that her dog was walked so often that he now runs away from the door when he sees the lead come out, rather than to it! Some people discovered a whole new world online that they previously weren’t familiar with, or had a preview into what retirement might look like, without having to take the actual decision. Some heard birdsong properly for the first time in years in the unpolluted skies over their gardens and parks. I saw an overwhelming number of benefits that I know many will want to continue to love, cherish and maintain, long after life has finally returned to its ‘new normal’.

“The ‘less pressure’ factor was a frequent reason for why many of my clients were enjoying life in the slow lane.”

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P L AT I N U M E X P E R T Dr Dawn Harper

Dr Dawn’s H E A LT H N E W S

Best known as a presenter of Channel 4 hit series Embarrassing Bodies, NHS doctor and TV personality Dr Dawn has a wealth of knowledge. She shares her expert advice to help you live life on full power.

Do you and your loved ones have a ReSPECT form?

The coronavirus pandemic saw far too many families suddenly and unexpectedly having to make decisions about the medical care of their loved ones in the case of a medical emergency. It highlighted the value of having had these conversations before such an emergency, so that relatives and the medical teams looking after patients are clear about an individual’s wishes if they are not able to voice those wishes for themselves. In general practice, we document those wishes on a ReSPECT form (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment). The form outlines the clinical care an individual would and would not like in a future emergency, should they ﬁnd themselves unable to make or express those choices at the time. Anyone can discuss a ReSPECT form with their doctor, but it is particularly important for those who are nearing the end of their life or who may be at risk of sudden deterioration and collapse. It may not be the easiest of conversations, but knowing what your loved ones would want — should the unthinkable happen — makes decision-making so much clearer. So if someone you know is frail and at risk, please make sure they have a ReSPECT form on ﬁle.

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T H I S M O N T H O U R I N -T H E - K N O W D O C TO R S H A R E S A H A N D Y R U L E TO H E L P Y O U R E Y E S W H E N U S I N G S C R E E N S , T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F G E T T I N G T H E F L U VA C C I N E A N D R A I S I N G AWA R E N E S S A R O U N D D O M E S T I C A B U S E .

The value of home BP monitoring

Our blood pressure is supposed to rise when we are stressed, in pain or exercising, so it is common to see patients whose blood pressure readings are high when slightly nervous in the GP consulting room. I am a huge fan of the home blood pressure monitor and have often found I can reduce or even stop blood pressure medication as a result of using them. The best way to use them is to take readings twice a day at random times, every day for a week, and then take the readings and your monitor into surgery to compare it against the surgery machine.

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Make your flu vaccine a priority

Flu season is just around the corner and sadly, each year, around 10,000 deaths are caused by flu. Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and we know it is a virus that prefers cold, damp conditions. There is a real concern that we could see a spike again in the autumn and if this occurs at the same time as the flu season, it could result in even more deaths and excess pressure on the NHS. The UK Government recently announced that more than 30 million people will be vaccinated during the coming flu season. Those aged 50-64 will now be invited for vaccination later in the season. If you were shielding or live with someone who was, you will also be eligible. It takes 10 to 14 days for your immune system to fully respond to the vaccine, so it is important to have your vaccine as soon as you can. If you are eligible for an NHS vaccine, please make it a priority. If you are not, you may like to consider having it done privately.

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A FLU VACCINE ON THE NHS IF: You are 65 or over (priority) You are 50-64 (later in season) You were on the shielding list, or live with someone who was You are pregnant You have a serious medical condition You live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person You are a frontline health or social care worker You are a child over six months of age with a long-term health condition You are a child aged two or three or are a child at primary school

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Images © Istockphoto

Protect your eyes with the 20-20-20 rule

Screen time is a big issue these days and this year in particular, many of us will have spent more time than ever in front of a screen, which can lead to eye strain. Adopting the 20-20-20 rule may help. For every 20 minutes that you spend in front of a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It doesn’t have to be exactly 20 feet, just looking across the street is good enough, but the 20 seconds is important. It takes 20 seconds for your eyes to completely relax. And remember to blink. Normally we blink 15 - 20 times a minute without thinking about it, but researchers have found that when reading or watching a screen we blink half as often, which can lead to dry eyes.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s a subject we may not like to talk about, but one that we definitely should. Calls to domestic violence helplines were up at least 50% during lockdown and of course that only reflects the tip of the iceberg. Domestic abuse affects millions of both men and women of every race, religion, culture and status and it’s important that we speak up if we have suspicions. When the worst happens and a person is seriously injured or, even worse, killed, there are always people known to that individual who admit that they had been concerned about domestic abuse, but hadn’t reported anything because they couldn’t be sure and didn’t want to jeopardise their relationship with the couple. It is important to know that you can report any concerns anonymously and that your call will be treated confidentially and sensitively. You may only have one tiny piece of the jigsaw, but other neighbours, friends or colleagues may have different pieces which, when added together, may give the authorities a clearer picture and could potentially save a life, so don’t stay silent. This month, of all months, it is time to speak up. PLATINUM

People

Lessons from my

inspirational mum AWA R D -W I N N I N G P R A N D M E D I A S P E C I A L I S T S A N G E E TA WA L D R O N , REVEALS HOW HER MUM, DHARAM, FA C E D R A C I S M A F T E R O P E N I N G A SHOP IN THE ‘70S, AND DISCUSSES T H E T I M E S S H E E N C O U R AG E D, S U P P O R T E D A N D S TO O D B Y H E R .

Above, Sangeeta and mum Dharam and, below, mum and daughter on Sangeeta’s 21st birthday.

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love this Willy Wonka fact about myself, which is that my maternal grandfather owned an ice cream factory in Kimberly, South Africa, called Covent Garden Ice Creams. My mum came from from one of South Africa’s founding Indian families, growing up during the time of apartheid, where you were put in your place according to the colour of your skin. This never influenced the essence of my mother, which was absolute kindness and a trust in the magic of life. She influenced my life in so many ways, from introducing me to Nancy Drew, Jackie magazine, Dr Who, Somerset Maugham, Daphne du Maurier, Deepak Chopra, buying me my first music cassette (Dr Hook) and, importantly, to be an independent, thinking woman. She has always been my role model. In the ‘70s, my mum decided to run her own business, a wool shop, which she opened in North London. People made a point of coming into the shop to tell her that they would not be buying from her because she was not white and they did not like Indians. That did not deter my mother. Her kindness simply won everyone over. Customers would confide in her about everything — from their marriages, to divorces, financial woes and more. I remember as a child waiting for my mum to turn the ‘Closed’ sign on the door, as closing time was long gone, but there would still be customers in the shop chatting. My favourite times in the shop were at Christmas, which were so festive and customers would pop in for sherry and mince pies. When my mum decided to sell the shop, it was such a different story; her customers begged her to stay, saying they would be losing a friend. From the age of 12 to 16, my life changed dramatically. My dad, Sham Lal, a teacher, was the victim of a brutal race hate crime. After living 20 years in the UK, it made him decide to return

Sangeeta, age 19, with Dharam in Nahan. Right, Dharam proudly reads the book Sangeeta wrote. Below, Dharam (right) as a young woman with her family.

to India. My mum did not want to split the family, so we relocated with my dad to India — a country that Mum, my younger brother Vishal and myself didn’t know, hadn’t ever been to and, if that wasn’t strange enough, only my dad could speak Hindi. I was 14 when we emigrated and, after two years, just as we were finding our feet as a family, my dad suddenly passed away. My mum was now a widow in her late 40s in a country she was still discovering. She wanted to find her purpose in life and do something useful; that’s when she found the local hospital. We were living in the lower ranges of the Himalayas, in a hill station called Nahan, which had one local government hospital for the district. It was full of patients who were vulnerable and poor, who could not afford their medicines or to feed themselves. In Indian government hospitals food and medication are not supplied, you have to pay for both. The first time we went to the hospital, I was about 17 years old and the hospital looked picturesque, shrouded with pine trees and with a mountainous backdrop — but this image was beguiling. As soon as you entered the hospital you smelled fear and illness. It was overwhelming. I shall always remember our first case, a young boy in the children’s ward. He looked three years old, but was actually seven and was suffering from severe malnutrition. He needed a special food plan, which was expensive. This boy had come from a village right in the interior of the mountains. His grandmother had carried him on her back for days to get him to the hospital, otherwise he would have died. My mum bought his medicines from her widow’s pension and for the next three weeks, I walked twice a day to the hospital to deliver his food that my mum had prepared. He went on to recover, which was wonderful.

“ CUSTOMERS

TOLD HER THEY WOULDN’T BUY FROM HER BECAUSE SHE WAS INDIAN. ” Mum took me to the leprosy colony for the ﬁrst time on my 19th birthday. She thought it would be a nice idea to distribute an Indian sweet called ladoos, which are sugary orange balls that everyone loves. We arrived with our ladoos, but I was nervous about what I would see and decided I wasn’t going to look at anyone and would keep my eyes down. I started to hand out the sweets and as I was doing so, one rolled away. Someone caught it and handed it back to me, which forced me to look up. I looked into a face of complete sadness, which belonged to a man from Nepal. He was cured of leprosy, but his family did not want him back. I found out that he had been at the colony for over 20 years. The leprosy colony was also picturesque, with a green lawn bordered by ﬂower beds full of marigolds, where all the rooms led onto a clean white veranda. I actually asked the nurse what the patients did all day because, while it was so tranquil, it was a place where time had stood still and not in a good way. There was no television, no entertainment and the patients rarely had visitors. Our distribution of ladoos was a real occasion. Something so simple had brought such joy. PLATINUM

Had enough of being Overweight? Are you constantly struggling to achieve a healthy and sustainable weight? How many diets have you tried and failed, feeling totally frustrated and not knowing what to do next?

Rachel Ricketts, Weight Loss Consultant

can be extremely frustrating no matter what you do, you just can’t get to the weight you want to be. If you have reached the stage where enough is enough and you want to get your weight under control once and for all, read on!

Improving your health and wellbeing None of us need to be reminded how being overweight can affect so many different areas of one’s life, to name just a few: appearance, self-confidence, health and fitness. It is one thing knowing this, but what do you do when you feel you have tried everything?

Feeling and looking better As the weight falls off, time after time clients remark how much better they feel about themselves and how their energy levels have increased. Typical health improvements include blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels returning to normal ranges.

With an average weight loss of 7-14lb a month for clients and hundreds of hand written testimonials and reviews, Rachel’s results speak for themselves.

Rachel and her team have helped over 8,000 clients of all ages to reduce their weight successfully with the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. Many come to see her as a last resort and are delighted to have achieved and successfully maintained the weight they want to be.

A sustainable way to lose and maintain your weight The Metabolic Weight Loss Programme is designed to help make the necessary changes in your eating habits, increase your metabolic rate, get to the weight you want to be and then maintain it. It is easy to follow and there are no pills, diet shakes or meal replacements.

Clients often comment on just how impressed their doctors or consultants are with their weight loss and health improvements. ‘My doctor is very happy - I’ve been able to come off blood pressure and cholesterol medication.’ Another client’s doctor said, ‘All my lady patients on thyroid medication are struggling to lose weight, but you’ve lost 2 ½ stone despite being on thyroxine!’

One-to-one support Time and again, clients comment that they couldn’t have lost their weight without the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme, personalised support and encouragement of Rachel and her team. Consultations are available every 7-10 days with email support as needed. For those who are not able to visit the centre, a very successful remote support service is provided.

Call now for a free consultation

01342 327396

www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk

“ SHE ALWAYS TAUGHT

ME TO TRUST MY INSTINCTS AND PAY IT FORWARD. ” After that day, I became a regular visitor and we bought the colony a radio. When I turned 21, I told my mum that I was leaving home and was returning to England. She never tried to stop me and understood that I had never quite fitted in; I always felt on the outside, which was strange, as I was living in the country of my roots. I got off the plane in London in 1991 with £200 in my pocket, two degrees and a lot of life lessons ahead of me. I focussed on my career and had Sangeeta with her a boyfriend or two. Life could not husband, Steve. have been more differerent to what I had experienced in India. In 1995, I was in love, and after four years of being together, we decided to get married. He was not Indian and this was never an issue for my mum, but was something that she would have to deal with in India. She had to tell family and friends that her daughter was to marry someone out of the culture, and people were narrow-minded. My mum would be judged for my choices — but she said I wasn’t to worry, she knew how to deal with it. A year later I was getting divorced! Calling home was one of the most difficult things I had to do. I remember being upset on that long distance phone call, but my mum was so understanding and told me not to think of it as failure, but instead to think of it as having taken a bad photograph. I found that strangely reassuring and I am very thankful my mum was so supportive. After my divorce, I went back to India and when I arrived, the first thing my mum said was that she had just got round to telling everyone that I had got married and that I would have to pretend that I was still married and not to mention the divorce. Did I mention that my mum had this natural comedic timing? Two trips later, everyone in India finally caught up with my divorce and my life! It took me a long time to get over my divorce. In spite of all the pep talks and self-help books, I still felt a failure and after such a hard time, I somehow got into the wrong relationship and believed it was my punishment. We were two people who were not meant to be together, but I felt I had to make it work. We were together for eight years and, during this time when I visited my mum every year, I never confided in her about this relationship, but she was quietly watching from the sidelines.

It was in that eighth year, when visiting my mum, that she asked me what I was doing with my life. She didn’t wait for me to answer and said, ‘If I were you, I would have left him long ago.’ That was all I needed. As soon as I got back, I packed my bags and left. That was in 2003. Three years later, on January 28, 2006, I met an amazing man called Steve and a few weeks later, we decided to go to Las Vegas to get married. We didn’t tell anyone — no one. We wanted it to be a big surprise. Before leaving on that plane for Vegas, I posted my poor mum a letter, which started, “By the time you read this, I will have got married…” I didn’t want to tell my mum beforehand, and am not really sure why. Looking back, perhaps I did not want to worry her, or to talk me out of this big decision. When we got back to London after the wedding, I called Mum. She was hurt that I did not tell her or expect her to understand. Thankfully, our relationship quickly healed thanks to my mum’s understanding once again. Steve and I have now been married 14 years and my mum adored him. They had such a warm, wonderful relationship and when we would visit, Steve would go with her for her hospital work. In 2007 my mum’s ﬁrst and only grandchild was born, who she called Raja Rory (King Rory). My pregnancy was tough. I was conﬁned to bed for eight months and in and out of hospital and during that time, my mum would call me every day to read to me, meditate with me, sing to me. Again, she was such a support. My mum was so kind throughout her life. Right until her 80s, she kept her hospital work going. She was an extraordinary woman who always encouraged me to be creative, trust my instincts and to pay it forward to create change. I’ve always tried to do those things — it’s what I learned from her as I grew up. I lost my mum in January and I miss her enormously.

Sangeeta’s mum, Dharam.

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Bathtubs with a view P 6 8 -7 1

48 hours in Devon P65-67

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Gorgeous gardens P140-143

home & away In this month’s travel and homes section, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of glorious getaways, plus expert tips on how to create a peaceful retreat at home.

The magic of houseplants P 7 2-7 5

A Lake District home P76-81

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Images © Istock, Gap Interiors

ho knew 48 hours in Devon could be so inspiring? On page 65, Lynn Houghton packs her bags for an enchanting trip over heather-covered hillsides and along crystalline coastlines. Bathing is one of those rare pleasures that holds magic in its simplicity. Anya Meyerowitz looks not for luxury living rooms in her search for the perfect break, focussing instead on ﬁnding Britain’s best bathtub views. Ranging from an extravagant roundhouse in Somerset to a secluded Scottish escape, this unique feature is bound to spark inspiration for your next jaunt. At home, we explore the magic of houseplants on both your health and interior style. With the weather turning colder, we’re creating a peaceful botanical haven indoors. And on page 76 we learn about one couple’s stunning renovation project on the shores of Lake Windermere.

Travel

48 hours in Devon F R O M W I N D S W E P T, H E AT H E R - C O V E R E D D A R T M O O R TO T H E T W O D I ST I N CT I V E C OA ST L I N E S, T H E R E ’ S M U C H TO ENJOY IN PICTURESQUE D E V O N . W R I T E R LY N N H O U G H TO N PA C K S H E R B A G S TO F I N D O U T M O R E .

T Plymouth and the Mayflower 400

Plymouth is one of England’s oldest historic naval ports and famous for its gin distillery, ancient shipyard and the charming, cobblestoned Barbican district. The 72ft tall Smeaton Tower is a lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe, which offers broad-ranging views of Plymouth Sound. It was from the historic shipyard that the ship Mayflower departed, famously sailing across the Atlantic Ocean in September, 1620. The 66-day journey changed history forever. Plymouth is one of the epicentres of the Mayflower 400 commemorations taking place this year, and is the location for The Box, a new multi-million-pound gallery and museum complex. The Box will house Plymouth’s most important heritage collections all on one site and will feature a new Mayflower 400: Legend And Legacy exhibition, which will include 300 items on loan from museums across the world including Native American artefacts.

WHAT TO SEE

he majestic and historic county of Devon has villages that have been inhabited since the 12th century, with remnants of Iron and Bronze Age settlements, too. But it is this county’s varied and dramatic landscape that draws millions of visitors each year. With its stunning coastline, wild moorland, rivers, valleys, forests and fertile meadows, this enchanting terrain is also dotted with bewitching places to stay; alluring for any holidaymaker. Read on for our picks of this gorgeous corner of England.

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Plymouth.

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Dartmoor National Park

The vast moor and heathland of Dartmoor National Park covers nearly 386 square miles and ranges from bog-covered granite to wooded valleys, ancient forest to meandering rivers and magnificent mires. It is Dartmoor’s windswept, open spaces that make it an irresistible magnet for nature lovers and active types. Another draw is the domestic animals that roam unfettered here. Ancestors of Welsh pit ponies that worked in the mines; Whiteface and Greyface sheep, descendants of the native heath herds; and Highland cattle all wander free on these craggy meadows. Busy with tors, Bronze Age Stone Circles and medieval villages, the park captures the imagination of history buffs, too. Possibly one of the most scenic walks in Britain — some would say even the world! — the Dartmoor section of the 630-mile South West Coast Path National Trail takes walkers through secret coves and secluded beaches, but also offers stunning views out to the sea, where the path skirts along the cliff ’s edge.

Visit Dartmoor for its wealth of nature and wildlife.

Sidmouth Beach

Blessed with a gorgeous shoreline, the charming coastal town of Sidmouth is famous for being located on a truly arresting stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Climb down the red cliffs using the well-known Jacob’s Ladder from the Connaught Gardens above and, once on the beach, enjoy a stroll, a swim, or just relax on the sand. The town itself is full of attractive Regency and Georgian architecture harking back to the time when London nobility spent their holidays here. Visit during their walking festival in late September where you can join locals on scenic walks along the coastline (check it’s still going ahead before booking). Dogs are also welcome, so Sidmouth would make a great choice for a pet-friendly getaway.

The Jurassic cliffs at Sidmouth Beach.

So quaint…

WHERE TO STAY

Bridge Cottage

The Landmark Trust charity rescues and refurbishes unique ancient and antique properties that people can then use for accommodation. One such example is the Bridge Cottage in Peppercombe, which sleeps three. Smallholders’ and labourers’ cottages in this part of Dartmoor were built of the local materials most easily available, such as rubble stone, cob (mud mixed with straw) and thatch. It is of these natural resources that Bridge Cottage is constructed. Peppercombe is a steep and wooded valley, with a stream that runs down to a meadow and becomes a fine waterfall before tumbling onto the beach. From the cliff tops, the North Devon coastline curves away in both directions with views of Lundy Island on the horizon.

Bridge Cottage in Devon sleeps three from £275 for a four-night break landmarktrust.org.uk

Travel

The Moorland Garden Hotel

Conveniently located just a short drive from Plymouth and within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park, the Moorland Gardens Hotel is an ideal location for experiencing the moors, but also exploring further afield. Tucked away on nine acres of land, amid beautiful and carefully tended moorland gardens, the 42-room hotel is spacious, comfortable with an elegant décor, and is also family and dog-friendly.

Cosy pubs and inns

Bed and breakfast £85 per night based on a double occupancy Garden Room moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk

WHERE TO EAT

The Pigs Nose

This traditional pub in the village of East Prawle, right on the southerly tip of Devon, is well known for its homecooked food, Pieminister pies, and real ale served straight from the keg. If the food and ale don’t satisfy, the live music most certainly will.

pigsnoseinn.co.uk

Enjoy seasonal food in beautiful surroundings.

Images © Istockphoto

The Pig at Combe

Only eight miles from the coast, in the sun-drenched Otter Valley, this former manor home is now a hotel and exceptionally good restaurant. This close proximity to the sea means fresh fish is a staple of the menu at The Pig. This is also true of the succulent shellfish from nearby Exmouth Mussels, and meat procured from the butcher at Honiton. The three walled gardens that run alongside The Pig grow such a vast array of fresh produce that it is mind-boggling. And much of it ends up on your plate! Plus the decor brings a little of the outdoors inside, with plants grown and displayed all around the interior. Be sure to book well in advance, as this is a very popular eaterie. thepighotel.com/

at-combe/devon-restaurant

The Pig at Combe’s resident chef, Daniel Gavriilidis, has worked at Charlotte’s Place in Ealing and Tom Aikens’ restaurant in Chelsea, followed by two years as pastry chef at two Michelin stars Pied À Terre in Fitzrovia.

The Cott Inn

Voted one of the top 20 pubs in the UK, The Cott Inn offers traditional pub fare with a side order of charm. There’s a spacious and relaxing beer garden to enjoy drinks outside, and a cosy interior for after a rainy day exploring. The delicious food is made using naturally reared Devon meats and local line-caught fish.

cottinn.co.uk

The Oyster Shack The Oyster Shack, on the River Avon, nestles under a bright orange sail. It started life as an oyster farm with people coming from miles around to enjoy fresh seafood. They would bring deckchairs, a bottle of wine, and settle in to eat the wonderful crustaceans they had purchased. The vibe is pretty much the same now and the seafood is still delicious. The premises might be a bit shabby chic, but it’s all part of the casual ethos of the place.

oystershack.co.uk

The Rugglestone Inn

Located in a beautiful village, this inn is part of a grade II listed building and dates back to 1832. Inside you’ll find a cosy bar and open log fire. Outside, there’s a garden complete with picnic tables for dining al fresco. rugglestoneinn.co.uk

Bathtubs

with a view

A well-timed bath is profoundly beneficial. Like chilled white wine after a long, summer’s day, bathing is one of those rare pleasures that holds magic in its simplicity. Anya Meyerowitz explores where you can find the most unique the UK has to offer.

“T

here must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them,” wrote Sylvia Plath in The Bell Jar. And I agree. There is no act of self-love, nor indulgence, greater than slipping into the sumptuous suds of a freshlydrawn bath. There’s only one way to upgrade tub time and that’s to take it in one of the UK’s bathtubs with a view. From country manor hotels to outdoor cauldrons that glint in the sun, at these properties Britain’s baths have been given the attention they deserve.

Barford Beach House, Cornwall

The master suite of this six bedroom, self-catering property has a unique vantage point over the rugged landscape that surrounds it. The shiny William Holland brass bath (that means ‘uber fancy’ in layman’s terms) boasts a quirky porthole view out onto the breaking waves outside and the horizon beyond. Encased in a black marble and glass structure, it provides a moment of solace before an evening of drinks in the cocktail bar, a boogie in your own underground club and perhaps even a ﬁlm in the cinema room. Secret doorways, magical features and quirky design touches are everywhere, making this house perfect for a family gathering or party weekend. From £3,500 per weekend; tregullandandco.co.uk/barford

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For a relaxing weekend

The beach house offers incredible sea views.

The cabin features a wide balcony over the lake, complete with a luxurious outdoor bathtub.

Travel

For adventure lovers

Lime Wood Hotel, New Forest

Number Thirty Eight, Bristol

Set in Clifton, just north of the city centre, this boutique hotel feels like a glamorous townhouse home-from-home with enormous bay windows, a suntrap terrace and 10 gorgeous bedrooms. The top-ﬂoor tub boasts a sweeping cityscape view out through the windows, across the Cathedrallike tower of the university in the distance. You’ll also ﬁnd a range of sumptuous 100 Acres products with which to run your bath. The independent company create soaps and lotions made from botanicals and essential oils renowned for their therapeutic qualities. Who says a stylish city break has to be all about pounding the pavements? From £117 per night, including a complimentary breakfast; number38clifton.com

A city slicker’s dream

Nestled on the far side of the lake at the end of a winding private pathway is a magical, timber-clad, hideaway — the Lake Cabin, akin to being on your own private little island. Just a stone’s throw from the main house of the ﬁve-star hotel, the waterside retreat opens up onto the water with a large balcony, featuring its own freestanding, silver tub. At night, the lanterns overhead cast an ethereal glow over the silent waters and during the day an abundance of wildlife provide a nonchalant audience for proceedings. From £995 a night on a room-only basis; limewoodhotel.co.uk

Travel

Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire

Set in 100 acres of exclusive Oxfordshire countryside, the sought-after soakers of this plush private-members club are available for non-members to book too. You’ve probably seen the copper tubs open to the elements here, plastered all over Instagram, Facebook and, in short, anywhere that those lucky enough to visit can put them. The private decks on which they sit boast waterfront views, rocking chairs and an array of full-size Cowshed products to really help you soak into the luxury mindset here. Plus, the facilities are without peer — from the Cowshed spa with sauna, hammam, hot tubs and a broad range of treatments, to the luxurious cinema, cookery school and spacious gym and spinning studio. From £350 per night on a room-only basis; Sohohouse.com

For much needed peace

Enjoy a peaceful evening on your balcony after a day boating or out walking.

Croft 103, Scotland

These two secluded self-catering boltholes on the shores of Loch Eriboll near Durness, in North West Sutherland, Scotland, are the nicest way to enjoy soaring mountains, aquamarine seas, and views that stretch for miles under a vast sky. Each croft boasts two clawfoot baths, one inside and the slightly braver option, open to the elements, outside. Perched on a huge terrace, the freestanding tubs give you a front row seat, or soak, to the endless starry sky — a truly ethereal bathing experience — just remember to bring your towel outside with you. Visit in winter and you may see the breathtaking Northern Lights. From £1,680 per week; croft103.com

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For splendid isolation

The roundhouses feature boho chic interiors with luxurious touches.

Cedar-Clad Roundhouses, Somerset

Nestled on the border of Somerset, Devon and Dorset lies an organic farm whose fields and woodland are peppered with remarkable glamping units (though we use the word ‘glamping’ lightly — we’re talking real luxury). Strung with fairy lights and full of luxe detail, all are superbly romantic, and each has a private garden with a firepit to toast marshmallows and star-gaze. But best of all, aside from the boho-chic interiors, are the alfresco bathtubs, nestled in their own rustic wooden structures. Turn on the fairy lights, pour in a generous glug of bath oil and pop the champagne; indoor living is definitely overrated. From £95 per night; kiphideaways.com

For a romantic break

Create the perfect bath FOR ULTIMATE INDULGENCE:

Olverum, £35; olverum.com This highly concentrated, therapeutic bath oil which containss 10 pure essential oils, is carefully blended to work k synergistically, and is a v very effective way to natu urally relieve stress and help you achieve a grea at night’s sleep.

FOR A MOOD BOOST:

Calavera Bath Bomb, £5.95; lush.com Lush’s cult bath bombs are a must for sudseekers everywhere. The lime and neroli are sure to lift your spirits, and they also create a rainbow of dancing colour in your tub.

FOR RELAXATION:

p this works deep k, sleep bath soak £22; thisworks..com ning This award-winn blend is loved byy w and wellness warriorrs and those in the know when it comes to a relaxing l i soak. k Th The naturally therapeutic bath salts will re elieve stress and tension as you simply lie and unwind.

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St yle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H o m es & Ga rde n s

The magic of

houseplants N OT O N LY C A N I N D O O R G R E E N E R Y T R A N S F O R M Y O U R H O M E I N TO A P E A C E F U L H AV E N , B U T I T C A N ALSO IMPROVE WELLBEING. HOUSEPLANTS AND GARDENING EXPERT JANE PERRONE TELLS US MORE.

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“People are waking up to the benefits of keeping plants indoors.” Plants can change the atmosphere of any room.

he moment I really knew that houseplants had hit the big time was when I turned up for London’s ﬁrst ever houseplant festival back in September last year, to be greeted with a line of people snaking along the pavement as far as the eye could see. It had the vibe of an exclusive gig that everyone was desperate to get into — all these foliage fans were prepared to wait for up to two hours just to get inside the Garden Museum, for the chance to buy houseplants. It wasn’t always this way. Less than ten years ago, every garden centre I talked to was scaling down or even shutting its houseplant sales areas. Friends would raise their eyebrows at my fusty indoor jungle, and I felt like an oddball if I tried to explain to colleagues at work how much fun I’d had repotting my plants that weekend. Now, every town and city has its own houseplant boutiques, and the same friends are begging me for cuttings of the plants they’d previously scoffed at. As a lifelong houseplant enthusiast and grower, it’s wonderful to witness this transformation. People of all ages are waking up to the beneﬁts of keeping plants indoors as a way of reducing stress, adding beauty to their homes and boosting their mood. Oliver Heath is an architectural and interior designer and a specialist in creating biophilic spaces. He says, “Bringing plants into spaces can have such an enormous impact on the quality of the space and its overall design, look and feel.” But it’s not just about appearances. Oliver tells me about a study by Professor of Architecture

Roger Ulrich that showed patients recovering from gall bladder surgery, whose rooms looked out onto trees and greenery recuperated 8.5% faster than those overlooking a brick wall. Before you rush out and buy your own readymade jungle, though, it’s worth doing some thinking ﬁrst about what plants will do best in your space, because there’s nothing that makes the heart sink more than bringing home a lush new plant — only to ﬁnd it wilted and sad within a matter of days.

IN THE KNOW

Researchers from the University of Exeter found that indoor plants can increase productivity by 15%

Just a decade ago, garden centres were considering closing houseplant sales areas — but in 2020, they’re thriving.

St yle — H o m es & Ga rde n s

Start out by looking at your home and ﬁguring out what you can offer to your plants. Identify the rooms that have large, sunny windows where cacti and succulents can shine, and make sure you’re aware of the cold draughts and shady corners where your plant choices will be limited to tough foliage, such as Aspidistras and Chinese evergreens.

ways 2 to create a beautiful houseplantﬁlled home

Dry air is one of the main perils of modern homes for many houseplants, but some can cope better than others. The best way to tell is to check out the leaves of your plants — the paper-thin foliage of Calatheas and palms will soon become miserable unless the air around them is humid, whereas the thick, ﬂeshy leaves of succulents, Hoyas and Peperomias can cope with less moisture.

Making the most of your space is vital — if you just plonk pots on windowsills and tables, you’ll run out of room very quickly. Use plant stands, pedestals and hangers to bring foliage into bare areas of the room. Place self-watering trough planters behind the sofa, so climbers can cling to a trellis on the wall behind, or repurpose a clothes rack with shelves underneath to accommodate trailing plants on macramé hangers.

When buying new plants to add to your collection, make sure you wrap them well to protect from draughts during transport. Avoid buying plants from outdoor markets or shop forecourts that are often exposed to extremes of temperature. Give newbies some time to adjust to your conditions, and quarantine them away from your other plants in case they are harbouring pests or diseases.

Reminding us of nature, being outdoors and a slower pace of life, plants in the home have been shown to reduce tension by almost 40%.

Don’t forget that plant roots need air as well as water to thrive. If your plant is wilting, check before watering it, as this can be a sign that there is too much water around the roots, rather than an indication that it’s thirsty. Most houseplants don’t need to be watered until the soil around the roots is getting dry — you can test this by sticking a ﬁnger or a wooden kebab skewer at least halfway into the pot.

And ﬁnally, your plants will love a spa day just as much as you do! Putting plants into the sink or bath and giving foliage and soil a spray with water will dislodge any dust and allow build-ups of mineral salts to wash away. Don’t try this with hairy-leaved plants, though. They are better dusted with a clean, soft paintbrush or make-up brush.

A breath of fresh air T H E Y H AV E B E E N P R O V E N TO H E L P I M P R O V E T H E Q U A L I T Y O F I N D O O R A I R — A N D T H E B I G G E R A N D L E A F I E R , T H E B E T T E R . P L A N T S N AT U R A L LY S U C K U P P O L L U TA N T S F R O M T H E A I R A N D P U M P O U T LOT S O F LO V E LY O X Y G E N .

FICUS

This indoor fa amily, which includes the rubber r plant and other popular varietties such as the weeping w ﬁg, can purify air very effectively. They are high hly rated in NASA tests an nd have been found to remo ove around 47% of chemicals such as formaldehyyde, which is emitted by gas stoves and car exhau usts.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

A study by NASA revealed that chrysanthemums are able to absorb 53% of chemicals such as benzene — a carcinogenic substance sometimes found in products like paint, detergents and candles. According to Feng Shui, they can bring happiness and laughter into your home.

P PEACE LILY

ALOE VERA A

The most sea arched d-for plant online iss Aloe e Vera, with more tha an 600,000 enquiries every month in the UK. Interest in the plantt has shot up since the outbreak of Covid-19 as this Arabian succulent is a well-known air pu puriﬁer,, as well as possessing antioxidant and antibacterial prop perties.

Cover Image: © Cat Lane, Istockphoto, Shutterstock

SPIDER PLAN NT

Spider plants hav ve increased massiv vely in popularity overr the last ﬁve years as a houseplant and not n only are they trendy, th hey are known to purify th he air too, being great carbon c monoxide absorb bers — e note. city dwellers take

The beau utiful peace lily is one of the most effective plants when w it comes tto purifying air, even outdoing Aloe Vera in cleaning the air of tric chloroethylene (found in ca arpet cleaning products and a wipes) and ammon nia (a common tradittional cleaner). These plants are great for keeping in the bathroo om too, as they help p curb mildew.

DRACAENA TRIFASCIATA

Originating from the deserts of Ethiopia, this plant is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, Saint George’s sword and snake plant. Hardworking and robust, this plant reduces humidity in the home and converts poisonous substances into oxygen. Some varieties will provide small, sweetlyfragranced ﬂowers.

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A peaceful lakeside retreat B U I L D I N G T H E I R O W N H O M E G AV E O W N E R S C H R I S T I N E A N D J O H N C U N L I F F E T H E P E R F E C T O P P O R T U N I T Y TO TA K E A D VA N TA G E O F T H E I R L A K E D I S T R I C T V I E W S A N D TO M A X I M I S E T H E I R D E S I R E F O R M O D E R N L I V I N G . J O H A N N A T H O R N Y C R O F T S P E A K S TO T H E C O U P L E TO F I N D O U T M O R E .

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St yle — H o m es & Ga rd e n s

Owners Christine and John wanted to make the most of their stunning surroundings in the Lake District.

he Lake District is a world-renowned part of England thanks to its extraordinarily beautiful landscapes made famous by some of its devotees — poet William Wordsworth, author Beatrix Potter and fell-walking guide and author Alfred Wainwright. During normal circumstances it has a reported 15.8 million visitors every year and tourism is the mainstay of the economy. Second home owners queue up to buy property with stunning views over the lakes and fells, too. Christine and John Cunliffe are no strangers to the area. John’s grandmother moved here from Manchester in 1917 as a retreat for her war-wounded husband and their four children. The original house was just a little wooden cabin, but 40-odd years ago it was demolished,

and the family built the substantial Lake House on raised ground above the edge of a wooded tarn. John moved away, attending hotel school in London, where he met Christine. They spent years abroad in New York City, Cyprus and Jamaica before returning to London to join the Trusthouse Forte group, later buying The Hole In The Wall restaurant in Bath. An advertisement in a catering magazine caught John’s eye. A former old family house run as a B&B was for sale. The rest, as they say, is history. “We lived in a caravan while we built our business,” says Christine. Their business project has now become a 25-room luxury hotel and spa with a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Gilpin has become as famous and as much-loved as nearby Lake Windermere. PLATINUM

“The views and open-plan living are definitely our favourite aspects of the house.” Eventually the Cunliffes moved to the Lake House, only a mile from the hotel. “Our two sons had left home and it felt such a luxury to have so much space,” Christine explains, “but more recently we thought we’d like to build a modern, easy-to-run home.” Fortunately, younger son Ben owns an architectural and building practice in nearby Kendal. Staveley-based interior designer Sarah Jane Nielsen, who had worked closely on the Gilpin interiors and restaurants, was also on hand to help pull the project together. “The Lake House, now a sixbedroom extension to the hotel, had planning permission for an annex plus plenty of land, so it made sense to build there,” explains Ben. It was agreed that an upside-down, three-bedroom and three-bathroom house was ideal to maximise views over the water. The double gable design would butt up to the old house, but would be clearly contemporary and individual. “Our priority was that it should be as light as possible,” says Christine, “and Ben took that seriously, ensuring that daylight reached right into the lower bedroom level, too.” Modern recyclable, pre-fabricated materials meant that in a week, the structure was up and watertight. However bats had to be removed from the Lake House wall, while special holes were created for them and they were later returned.

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Main and below: Seating is designed for style and comfort and the colour palette of blues, creams and natural wood invites a sense of calm.

St yle — H o m es & Ga rd e n s

Right: Maximising light was a priority and here, the hall is mostly comprised of glass, while skylights above ensure the staircase is well lit.

Heating is provided by what was the first lake source system in the UK, Ben noting that environmental concerns are “our thing — we try to build as passively as possible”. Christine and Ben joke that as a family business, things are designed by committee. “John looks after the costs and Christine and Sarah Jane are fastidious over every detail,” he notes. “Sarah came in at the drawing stage to devise the room schemes, furniture, finishes and lighting selections.” Christine wanted the interiors to be based on subtle, natural colours and layered textures with interesting lighting. “Sarah and I always agree on luxurious wallpapers and although I am not really a colour person, she has introduced the soft green touches that really work here. I fill any gaps with personal and homely things. We brought very little from the Lake House as it had its own history, while this house was to be just ours. Although one or two inherited things have come with us,” says Christine. There is certainly a feeling of luxury here, where American Stereo and

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“Reflections from the water and sky pour through the skylights.”

Right: The main bathroom features a luxurious finish wall covering, Galuchat by Elitis from Abbott and Boyd. Christine found the mirror at a garden centre in Barton Grange.

Weitzner silk and linen wall coverings are employed throughout and beautifully made curtains by Ashley Zakowski in Lancaster, featuring Jim Thompson fabrics, create a cosy night-time atmosphere. Richly coloured oak floors and a plaid inset carpet anchor the top floor living space. While there is a country feel because of the open structural beams and the leafy views, it was Christine’s desire for light that even on a grey November day means the house seems to float above the lake. Reflections from the water and sky pour through the roof lights and the many glazed doors, bouncing off the smooth, contemporary kitchen units. All the glass also allows a sense of nature to touch indoors. “The views are probably our favourite aspect of the house,” says Christine, “but also the open-plan living area takes us back to happy days in Jamaica. We love big rooms, cooking and entertaining,” she notes. New-build homes are something of a rarity in this part of the world, so the Cunliffes rightly feel very pleased with what the team have achieved. The family are all nearby, the Gilpin keeps them busy (there is no talk of retirement yet) and the couple, along with Sarah Jane, have created a home that they feel truly reflects their interests and style. PL L ATINUM

People

Waxing lyrical R U B Y WA X M AY H AV E M A D E H E R N A M E A S A C O M E D Y A C TO R A N D PRESENTER IN THE ‘90S, BUT THESE D AY S S H E ’ S B E S T K N O W N F O R H E R W O R K A S A M E N TA L H E A LT H C A M PA I G N E R . S H E O P E N S U P TO KIRSTY NUTKINS ABOUT THE PRESSURES OF MODERN LIFE, THE POWER OF MINDFULNESS AND WHY P O S I T I V I T Y G O E S A LO N G WAY.

ust as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the globe earlier this year — bringing with it a succession of ever more worrying daily headlines — Ruby Wax was busy writing a book entitled And Now For The Good News, aimed at helping us look at the world with a renewed sense of optimism. The irony was not lost on her. But while there didn’t seem much to be positive about at the time, she hopes the book will give us all some inspiration and hope as we emerge from lockdown. “It’s the kind of thing we need to be reading right now,” says Ruby, who is chatting to us from her countryside bolthole in Weston, Stevenage, to where she has retreated from London since travel restrictions were lifted. “A lot of people want to change their lives or live more meaningfully after what’s happened. Well, hopefully this will help them.” It’s taken Ruby two years to complete the book, which focuses on the ‘green shoots’ (as she calls them) across everything from technology and education to business and health that have turned our world into a better place. “I focus on the positive stories, the ways the world is shifting for good — whether that’s an amazing eco community with zero emissions or a forward-thinking company that’s giving some of its profits to good causes. It’s about getting away from the negativity, the frightening news headlines. “I haven’t watched the news for a long time and, you know what? I’m happier for it. We seem to live in a climate of terror these days. We all thrive on

fear. And that’s a huge worry for our mental health.” Ruby has a lot to say on the subject of mental health. So much so, in fact, that she was awarded an honorary OBE for her services to mental health in 2015, something she said she “felt thrilled and honoured by — particularly as I’m American”. Despite building a successful career as a comedy actor, stand-up and TV presenter — best known for her brash, chats with celebrities on a string of TV shows during the ‘90s, such as Ruby Wax Meets — away from the spotlight, she was struggling. She had been battling depression for most of her life and, in 2007, she reached breaking point when she was admitted to The Priory for six weeks. The experience proved to be a turning point for her. Therapy and medication helped her to recover, while professionally she took a dramatic about-turn. With the help of her friend Judith Owen, she scripted a live show called Losing It, in which she charted her own experiences of depression. Tinged with her trademark acerbic humour, it was equal parts poignant and laugh-out-loud funny. They performed in private NHS mental health institutions before taking it to theatres, and it proved a runaway hit. Around this time, Ruby also set out on a road of self-discovery. She qualified as a psychotherapist and became interested in mindfulness, a method of cognitive therapy in which you learn to observe the sensations in your body during stress. It encouraged her to sign up for a two-year Masters degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy at Oxford University, and she has since penned a series of books exploring the mind, depression and our relationship with the modern world. She still practises mindfulness every day and says it has a powerful effect on the brain. “Mindfulness is so important because it reduces the cortisol, that red mist that you have in your head. If you practise mindfulness regularly, you’ll gain the tools to try and bring down that mist and be able to focus on what you want to concentrate on. It’s just like going to the gym. You need to exercise your brain. “Before I go on stage, I always sit and meditate to calm myself. And when I’m on stage and I’m feeling nervous or I’ve forgotten my lines and I’m getting scared, I find I can pull that cortisol down and get back in the zone. I call it ‘getting the frazzle down’.” The word ‘frazzle’ is one Ruby uses often. She has a

“I want to live

in a world where people talk from the heart and nobody is scared to look vulnerable.”

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People

“The secret

to my long and happy marriage? We don’t see each other much!” best-selling book called A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled — which spawned her 2018 onewoman show, Frazzled — and it’s also in the name of her charity. Ruby founded Frazzled Cafe three years ago after coming up with the idea at Oxford. These online group therapy sessions encourage people to share personal experiences in the style of Alcoholics Anonymous, and offer an outlet for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of modern life. “I don’t know anyone who isn’t frazzled, myself included,” says Ruby. “There was a time where I wanted to pretend to everybody that I was really interesting and wanted and busy — because we all have an addiction to busyness. “I wanted to create a group where I could just be myself, because opening up and talking with like-minded people is half the cure, so Frazzled Cafe provides that space for us to share. I get a huge amount from it, too. Now, I’m talking to people who I love every day, even though I don’t know who they are! They’re my tribe, my people. “That’s the kind of world I want to live in,” she adds, “one where people talk from the heart and nobody is scared to look vulnerable.” For Ruby, avoiding social media is also important. “Social media feeds into our natural competitiveness as humans. People get addicted to it and it’s unhealthy. I go on Twitter to advertise my work, but I don’t do Facebook and Instagram. I could easily become addicted to everything if I let myself! You have to know your own cut-off point.” Ruby says that getting older (she’s now 67) means that she knows herself better and is more attuned to what she wants out of life. As a young woman, she was ambitious but dipped her toe into everything. Now, she’s focused on the things she’s really passionate about — first and foremost, her mental health projects. But that doesn’t mean she’s about to turn her back on her life as a comedian. “I’d like to do a tour off the back of my new 84

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People

Images: © Rii Schroer / Eyevine, Shutterstock

Ruby with her husband, film and TV producer, Ed Bye.

book, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens,” she says. Ruby, who was born and raised in Evanston, outside Chicago, but who has spent most of her life living in the UK, spent lockdown at her home in Notting Hill with her third husband, Ed Bye, to whom she has been married for 32 years. She says that escaping to the countryside when she was able to has been a tonic. She sits in a room with a huge window overlooking open fields, where she gets her head down and works without distraction. And by distraction, she means her husband. She’s left him behind in London. “The secret to my long and happy marriage? We don’t see each other much,” says Ruby, without even a hint of laughter. “Honestly, we do try to lead separate lives and meet once in a while. “You can’t depend on your partner to make you feel like you’ve got a great life — you have to do that for yourself. It’s not an ‘us’. We have our space and our separate interests, and that’s how it works. I’m here the whole time now and my husband comes back and forth. He’s like a sherpa, he brings me things!” The couple have three grown-up children, Max, Maddy and Marina, all now in their 30s,

Ruby’s new book And Now For The Good News… To The Future With Love is published in the UK and Ireland on September 17.

and Ruby says that she’s relieved that none of them have suffered from mental health issues. “They’ve never had depression, but like all young people they’re anxious,” she reflects. “Again, it’s that thing of being frazzled. Thankfully they don’t have a disease, like I had. But I would like to think I could spot the signs if they did. “My family were really supportive during my dark days of depression,” she adds. “I didn’t have to pretend it wasn’t there. But thankfully I’ve been OK for a long time now. I mean, that’s a miracle.” Ruby seems pretty well balanced on most topics, but when we get onto the subject of ageing, it seems she’s as nonplussed about the issue as most people are. “I think it’s terrible,” she says. “If I was to constantly go, ‘I wish I was this or that’, I don’t think it would make me very happy. I wouldn’t have cosmetic surgery now — perhaps I would have done when I was younger. I’m happy putting on one of those nice filters when I’m doing a video call, though!” So, what next? As someone who is constantly ripping up the rule book and reinventing herself, surely Ruby has big plans in the pipeline. “I’m excited about the new book and the reason I wrote it was to try and change my own life as much as everyone else’s. When coronavirus has passed, I’d like to work with some of the extraordinary people I’ve met while writing it, perhaps go and join one of those eco communities for a while and change my perspective. We’re all living in a ‘new normal’ now, so who knows when this will happen, but these things get me excited. There’s a lot that I want to do.” PLATINUM

People

Walkyour way to

tranquillity

A FITNESS EXPERT FOR MORE THAN 45 YEARS, J U L I E F O R D TA L K S TO MAIRI MULHERN ABOUT H O W WA L K I N G N OT O N LY HELPED HER FIND JOY A F T E R B AT T L I N G B R E A S T C A N C E R , B U T M OT I VAT E D H E R TO S TA R T H E R O W N B U S I N E S S , TO O .

Julie enjoys walks along the English coast with her son, Matthew.

eing diagnosed with stage two breast cancer was a real shock for Julie Ford, a former PE teacher, personal trainer, and fitness expert. “It was six years ago, but I remember experiencing an overriding feeling of shame,” she recalls. She had always been active, healthy and fit — how could she possibly have cancer? “I was told that I would need radiotherapy and goodness knows why, but I irrationally thought friends and family would be disappointed in me. I am forever offering lifestyle advice and educating them on health and how to stay in shape — I felt like a hypocrite, so kept it quiet. When I eventually told them, of course they were supportive, helping me feel less scared.” Julie made it through 20 sessions of radiotherapy in 20 days and now only needs one sitting every six months. “People are surprised when I tell them I had a positive experience. Despite our situations, it was a joy to bond with the inspirational women around me. After nearly one month, they turned into some of my closest friends. Every moment was treasurable.” She emphasises, “I can’t say it enough — get your mammograms. When I went for mine, the radiologist told me that 30 women had cancelled their appointments that day. Such madness! It’s free and it can save your life.” After getting the all-clear, the first thing Julie

“I’ve embraced fads in my life and come to the conclusion that walking is the best way to love the skin you’re in.”

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wanted to do was get back to the gym to rebuild her fitness. But after the first few hours using weights and treadmill running, she felt trapped. “I simply needed to walk outdoors and spend time in the fresh air.” According to the NHS, a brisk 10-minute walk can help reduce your likelihood of chronic illnesses like heart disease, asthma and type 2 diabetes. It was autumn when Julie ventured out for the first time. “It felt as though I was walking on air. The maple trees were vivid orange and the skies were clear. Van Gogh said that if you love nature, you’ll see beauty in everything, and I agree.” The serotonin and endorphins that are released after just 30 minutes of walking — about one and a half miles at a leisurely pace — can improve your mood, helping to let go of stress and worries, which was essential for Julie. “Outdoor air keeps blood oxygenated, which improves brain function and keeps blood pumping to your muscles. Walking

“Walking with resistance is equally beneficial if out in the fresh air with family and friends or in the comfort of your own home.”

Steps to achieving ﬁtness and strength Julie believes her lifestyle tips will help you achieve body conﬁdence and happiness.

Moderation and hydration

“Eat fewer fatty foods and do more walking. Opt not for a quick ﬁx, but a sustainable one — you’ll feel so much better about yourself. I have been three stone heavier in my life and swear by drinking a half-pint of water every two hours, with a slice of lemon as an antioxidant. It keeps your skin healthy, muscles hydrated and mind active.”

Reach for your goals

tones your legs, arms and torso,” she notes. “I’m 66 and have been a coach for 45 years and I still love what I do. I had no intention to retire anyway, but having cancer motivated me to live true to my passions; to love openly and grab life by the horns. “When I became passionate about walking, I realised it was time to try something new.” So Julie launched her own business. “As women, we’re expected to fit beauty stereotypes and body images in the media. But who is celebrating the bodies that carried children and survived disease?” Wanting to empower women over 50 to embrace the confidence and joy that comes with walking, she created InStepp, a tool that helps tone your body as you walk. “It’s strengthening anytime, anywhere — the kind of exercise that doesn’t involve trips to the gym or intimidating classes,” laughs Julie. “And it’s fun, too.” After trying nearly every fitness fad throughout her time as a personal trainer, Julie has come to the conclusion that “walking is the best way to love the skin you’re in,” she says. “Even if you aren’t used to regular walking at first, you’ll soon start to look forward to it. “Appreciate the beautiful world around us. We sometimes feel we’re not worth it or we’re invisible but that’s not true. Everybody has something in them, it’s just finding out what that is.”

“If you’re aiming to get ﬁt and lose weight, start stretching before regular bouts of activity — simply reaching slowly up and down to the ﬂoor does the job. This kind of gentle body care will not only loosen your muscles but leave you feeling energised and ready to face what life throws at you, too.”

Filling time

“Build in exercise over longer periods of time — now that’s fat burning. Use your spare time to up your stamina here and there. I subscribe to N.E.A.T exercise. That’s ‘non-exercise activity time’, or periods you can use to be active when you’re not speciﬁcally exercising. At home watching the TV for two hours is obviously not a workout, but when the ads come on, walk up and down the stairs and do curls or squats for up to three minutes. Squats are one of the biggest calorie-consuming movements you can do. Even something as simple as getting up and down off of the ﬂoor takes a lot of energy.”

B E AU T Y G U R U A L I S O N YO U N G I S B AC K — T H I S T I M E TO A D V I S E W H E N Y O U C A N E C O N O M I S E O N P R O D U C T S A N D W H E N I T PAY S TO S P L A S H O U T O N HAIR, MAKE-UP AND SKINCARE BUYS.

ST S

A multi-award-winning beauty expert and writer, TV presenter and brand consultant, Alison is an absolute beauty addict. She splits her time between London and the country, riding her horses and walking her beloved dogs.

LER

Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream, £42, John Lewis & Partners

P L AT I N U M E X P E R T Alison Young

Save or spend?

Where to save

A tip I always give my customers is to use products in a variety of ways. We are far too ‘goody two shoes’, only applying strictly where it says on the box. Get creative and you can save a pretty penny. ‘SHOP YOUR CABINET’

If your skin is dry, line up your moisturisers from thin to thick and apply them in layers – oils, serums, day creams, night creams. Try your moisturiser on your neck and décolleté before you consider buying another specialist product for this area.

INVEST IN MASKS

Liz Earle Super Skin Moisturising Mask, £43, Boots

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A great bargain tip is to buy moisturising mask products rather than straight moisturiser. You tend to get more for your money and they should last longer. An effective buy is Liz Earle Super Skin Moisturising Mask — it doubles up as a night cream and should last for ages.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE

MULTI-TASKING HEROES

You don’t need a cabinet overﬂowing with lotions and potions for every inch of your face. Stock up on multi-purpose heroes. For instance, eye creams also make fantastic lip line creams. The two areas are similarly thin and delicate, so the cream helps target the same issues. Use ﬁngertips to pat in to lip lines before bed, and wake up with a softened pout. For most of us, I do believe good moisturisers are worth paying for. However, day moisturisers are perfectly good for night-time use, too — just layer with oils for an extra boost of moisture. Clarins Multi-Active Range is great. And your daily moisturiser can works as an eye cream, too. For a home facial, leave layered creams on overnight. Experiment — your skin will let you know if something isn’t working for you.

Change your technique rather than your regime — swipe up and swipe down. Bring body products up to jawline and face products down to the bust line so you are double-dosing the neck — it’s worth pampering. You may also save money and reduce waste so it’s win, win!

Vita Coco Coconut Oil, £6.99, Holland & Barrett

You can even delve into your kitchen cabinets for an inexpensive, effective beauty routine. Coconut oil is ultra moisturising and can be used on the body, as a hair mask, on cuticles and nails — you name it. An aloe vera plant can soothe and calm sensitive or sunburned skin. Simply chop off a little piece, squeeze out some juice and apply to any sensitive areas. It should keep in the fridge for three days. Even kitchen olive oil can be used as a quick moisturising ﬁx. There’s no need for beauty FOMO (fear of missing out). Don’t rush to buy something because it’s new. Buy what you love, use up what you have, layer products and listen to your skin.

LUXE

Hayo’u Beauty Restorer Jade Facial Massage Tool, £38, facegym.com

Where to spend There are certain items I believe it is worth investing in, especially as we get a little older. I think a good serum can work wonders and swear by IT Cosmetics Fifty Serum, £38, with high performance ingredients that really make an impact. I also love Lancome Genefique and Time Bomb Powerball.

INVEST IN BEAUTY TECH

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-wear Brow Pencil, £30.50, Debenhams

Lancaster Sun Sensitive Cream SPF50, £21, allbeauty.com

Beauty gadgets can really make a big difference and their quality is improving all the time. It may seem like a big investment, but it can save a fortune in professional treatments. I use massage tools and muscle stimulation systems such as Hayo’u Beauty Restorer Jade Facial Massage Tool, which you can pop in your bag and use anywhere, any time. So easy and it really does make a difference. I also never, ever omit sunscreen. To me that’s one of the best skin investments you can make — and high SPF products are much nicer to use than they used to be. I love Lancaster, which can be pricier, but to me, worth it. I use it every day, summer or winter.

SPEND MORE TO GET MORE

Another one that may seem a bit strange is to invest in good brow and

Image © Istockphoto

My desertt iisland beauty picks ks

Here are some of the products I would simply not be without. 1. Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Body Oil, £46, Liberty London A body and shower oil scented with cardamom, jojoba and peach kernel oils. 2. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, £44, Debenhams This nourishing balm removes make-up, dirt and excess oils from skin, and works to smooth and hydrate at the same time. A fantastic all-rounder! 3. Percy & Reed Perfecting Wonder Balm, £18, Boots An all-in-one hair primer, leave-in balm and styler. Great for keeping in your bag for quick touch-ups. 4. It Cosmetics Conﬁdence in a Cream, £42, cultbeauty.com Developed by plastic surgeons, this super cream transforms skin for a supple, healthier and glowing ﬁnish. For more beauty tips, head to platinum-mag.co.uk

St yle — Beaut y lip pencils. Getting the shade exactly right for you is key, so a brand with a wide shade choice is important. You also need one with strong pigmentation and staying power, which the less expensive brands can’t always offer. I love MAC and Bobbi Brown and their choice of shades are second to none. Getting these shades right can really add deﬁnition to the face.

NAILED IT

Stop wasting money on throwaway nail ﬁles and get yourself a Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File, from £25. It prevents damage and seals the ends of nails to prevent splitting.

TREAT YOURSELF

I swear by Elemis Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules, £69.50. They de-stress the skin and contain relaxing essential oils. They are great de-sensitisers for an eczema ﬂare-up or as a countdown to a big event. They are blended, so you simply pop the oil out into your hand and apply. Very easy to use and I take them everywher here with me.

Boo and Dottie

TAKE A TREND O U R S T Y L E E X P E R T S S H A R E T H E I R T I P S F O R T H E U LT I M AT E Y E T- E A S Y T R A N S I T I O N A L S T Y L E T H I S S E A S O N .

Lipstick in Oxblood, Burberry, £27 It melts on effortlessly and can be built on to achieve more depth, with a beautiful satin ﬁnish — and it really moisturises lips.

Dottie Monaghan

The must-have trend for this autumn is the power lip. That may seem strange given that we are wearing facemasks. But lipstick has power and for those times we aren’t in masks, it’s so uplifting. Think about how women wore stronger lip colours in the 1940s or the strong, dark lips of the 1990s after the recession. Lipstick sales rise in times of trouble, too. The impact of it is simply undeniable. The statement red lip is everywhere. But red isn’t the only colour trending — Bordeaux and aubergine are such a bold choice. If the idea of a dark or strong red lip sets your knees a quiver, build up to wearing it. Apply a small amount to the centre of your bottom lip, smudge your lips together and fill in around the lip line by blending using a small lip brush. This will give you a hint of darker colour, and then, as you get more confident, add to it. Team with a neutral eye and bold nails for a polished finish.

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Lip Crayon in Cherry y, L’Oreal Paris, £9.99 Retractable crayon style applicator, so great for the handbag g. Comes in 14 shades and makes applying a darker tone lipstick so easy, as the shape of the top offers controllability. abil

Mark. Epic Lipstick in Heartbreaker, £7.50, Avon This launched recently and offers lasting colour, yet has a lightweight feel with a demimatte ﬁnish.

Lip Colour Balm in Berry Jane, £20, Beauty Pie A luscious lip balm stick, which also offers moisturising properties.

60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in Wild Spice, £3.49, Rimmel London A beautiful coral colour that gives a super shine ﬁnish and is great when you’re in a rush, as it really does dry in 60 seconds.

Lipstick in Hel’s Bells, £25, Charlotte Tilbury This has a light diffusing pigment, which reﬂects light and gives a fuller look to the lips.

M Melted Chocolate Eye eshadow Palette, £19, Too Faced T This innovative 2-iin-1 whipped liquid e eye shadow delivers a creaseproof, wa aterproof ﬁnish h tto your eye ma make-up. To top it off, it also has a light smell of chocolate.

St yle — Fa s h io n & Beaut y

Necklace, £39, Accessorize Chunky chain necklaces will update last year’s favourite outﬁt with ease.

Suede boot, £155, Dune A wardrobe staple for most, which is now right on trend. Update any favourite outﬁt with a pair of knee high boots.

Earrings, £15, Oliver Bonas Chunky, heavyduty chains are being used in jewellery, and as embellishments on bags and shoes.

Images © Shutterstock

Bag, £14, Matalan Embellished handbags add impact to any everyday outﬁt instantly.

Belt, £15, Very Belts are wide with large buckles to emphasize and cinch in your waist.

Bag, £25, Dorothy Perkins Soft handheld clutches and pouch bags in velvet, suede or soft leather can add a seasonal update to your wardrobe.

Earrings, £8, Roman Originals Don’t save for a special occasion — these gorgeous earrings will work for both night and day.

FROM BOO TO YOU

...

Stole, £115, Kettlewell Colours Rose pink is one of my favourite colours, so I use this pretty cashmere stole as a chunky scarf for day (it’s so soft to wear), or as a delicate wrap for evenings.

Boo Hill

I love accessories. The right choice completes an outfit and gives it personality and this season they are taking centre stage. I’m certainly not one for fashion rules, but I do think it’s useful to know the seasonal trends. I’ve chosen some of the strongest looks from the catwalk that are on sale now. New accessories make it so easy to transform last year’s favourite clothes into this season’s ultra chic attire. It’s the key to doubling your wardrobe by varying your choice of belts, jewellery, shoes and bags. They can change an outfit from one mood to another in an instant. They’re fun, too — those little finishing touches make me smile. Boo and Dottie are here to answer all your fashion and beauty queries. Email booanddottie@ platinum-mag.co.uk and you might see the answer in a future issue. PLATINUM

People

P L AT I N U M E X P E R T Jane Moore A journalist and TV personality, Jane regularly appears on ITV’s Loose Women and you’ll ﬁnd yourself nodding along with opinions. Follow Jane on Instagram at @janepmoore for daily style inspiration.

a supermarket till recently, I glanced over my shoulder to see a woman unloading her trolley while simultaneously struggling to control her toddler. “Don’t worry,” I smiled, nodding towards my 16-year-old daughter who was helping to pack up the shopping, “one day your kids will help out.” “I doubt it,” she sighed. “I only have boys.” She seemed harassed enough without me ﬁring in a retort, so I kept schtum, but the comment infuriated me. Back in the ’50s, when women were advised to put a fresh ribbon in their hair and dinner on the table, such casual sexism was rife. But in supposedly progressive, 2020 Britain, her inference that shopping (and, presumably, housework etc) is solely the domain of the female because the male of the species simply doesn’t want to do it, is so depressing. Who’s on dishwasher duty Newsflash: The majority in your house? of women don’t want to do it either. But chores need to be done and parents who wilfully enable their sons to shirk it really aren’t the least bit helpful. Last year, a survey of around 8500 heterosexual couples showed that when both were in full-time employment, women were five times more likely than men to spend at least 20 hours a week doing household chores.

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THIS MONTH, UNMISSABLE JANE MOORE DISCUSSES SHARING THE HOUSEHOLD R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S , H E R T I P S F O R T R AV E L L I N G L I G H T A N D A FA K E TA N T H AT P R O V I D E S T H E M O S T A M A Z I N G FA U X G LO W.

Even former PM Tony Blair admits that he hasn’t washed his own clothes or cooked a family meal since he first came to office in 1997. Despite her career as an international lawyer (who, by the way, scored higher in their legal exams than he did) it seems that his wife Cherie still bears the brunt of the domestic duties. Seriously? In our house, The Husband would need a map to find the washing machine, but he loads/empties the dishwasher far more than I do and likes to cook. I do the ironing (I find it therapeutic) while he always empties the bins and waters the garden. The chores may differ but, most importantly, the effort is equal. We brought up our daughters to do their bit and they’re both in long-term relationships with young men who, thankfully, were brought up to do the same. Neither would dream of assuming that household chores are ‘a woman’s work’. But some of their peer group have found themselves living with boyfriends who, enabled by parents such as the woman in the supermarket, think that the pair of boxer shorts they drop on the bathroom floor just magically gets washed and put back in their underwear drawer. Similarly the dirty plate they left on the kitchen table and the bed they were last out of and left completely unmade. Don’t get me wrong. In households where one person works and the other stays home, the dynamic of the latter doing more housework than the other is absolutely fine. But if you’re both working then, believe me, an imbalanced division of chores will lead to, at best, a lot of bickering, at worst, the end of the relationship. Or perhaps we should all take a leaf out of the late, great Joan Rivers’ book: “I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again.”

In defence of travelling light

Images © Istockphoto

A survey on packing habits says that two-thirds of women take more than 30 outfits on a two-week holiday. Not me. Years of being a roving reporter and jumping on and off planes quickly has taught me to pack very lightly indeed. I’ve been told I’m going to Switzerland on a skiing story, only to be diverted at the last second to the Caribbean where I landed with a suitcase full of salopettes, thick jumpers and balaclavas. On a Royal tour of Nigeria and Cameroon in 1990, my suitcase went missing and, much to Princess Diana’s amusement, I had to pop to the local market and buy a deeply unflattering outfit to tide me over. All of it taught me the valuable lesson that, as long as you have your passport and tickets, everything else is mere bagatelle. Consequently, I am legend among my friends for always taking hand luggage on a two-week vacation. Last year, I did an Instagram post showing how many mix and match outfits I can cram in to my cute Victorinox cabin bag and the overwhelming response revealed that holiday packing is a polarising subject with no grey areas. You either travel light like me, or go the full Joan Collins.

Life hack

The ﬁrst time I self-tanned, I overdid it and turned Spacehopper orange. But even when I perfected the art, the early products had that tell-tale, cloying smell, invariably streaked and made my bedsheets resemble the Turin shroud. Thankfully, self-tanning products have come a long way since then and for those of us who like a slightly bronzed face without the risk of sun damage, Tan-Luxe is a must. I’d never heard of it, but my Loose Women colleague Christine Lampard bought me a bottle for my birthday and now I’m hooked. Each morning, I just squeeze a couple of drops in to a dollop of my usual facial moisturiser and rub it in for a fabulous ‘glow and go’ look. The beauty of Tan-Luxe — The Face (there’s one for the body, too) is that you control its effect by how many drops you use — two or three for a ‘radiant glow’ or more for a fully bronzed look. It doesn’t smell or streak, takes about three hours to work and costs £35 for a 30ml bottle that, in my case, is still going strong after several weeks. Tantastic.

Jane is a devotee of hasslefree travelling.

Everyone’s a critic

Whether you’re planning a trip, buying nail varnish or even a car, the opinion of people who have experienced it before you can be extremely valuable. But some people go powercrazy and come up with the most bizarre observations. A cottage I was looking at on AirBnB had all ﬁve star reviews except for a guest who’d awarded it only three stars because… wait for it… “There were too many cushions on the bed.” Err, right. And on Trip Advisor, a tourist who visited the 158ft-high Blackpool Tower criticised it for being “rubbish if you’re scared of heights” while another wrote, “Great views but if you, like me, suffer from vertigo, forget it.” I haven’t yet found a review that describes the sea as “too wet”, but I’m sure it’s on there somewhere. PLATINUM

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Relat io n s h ips

The truth about

DIVORCE Divorce in later life is on the rise, with 80% of those who separate when they are older claiming that they are happier single. What is behind the trend? Jenna Macfarlane investigates.

hroughout most of history, marriage has meant sticking with your partner for better or worse, through sickness and in health. But times are changing. Divorce is on the rise. And older couples — “silver splitters”, as they’re often called — are a big part of the trend. The number of women over the age of 65 getting divorced has increased by 23% in the last ten years. While there will always be some who believe that couples don’t “work hard enough” at marriage these days, it can also be viewed as a positive. It shows us if you’re trapped in an unhappy relationship, it’s OK to walk away — and to live your life the way you please. Studies have shown that it’s women who are initiating the breakup process more than ever, ditching the “hang in there” attitude and going for divorce papers. But why is this happening? Do mature women heading for divorce do so because they wish to feel free again and regain their sense of identity? Or is it simply because they’ve fallen out of love? Dr Annie Hickox is a Yorkshire-based consultant clinical psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience in consultation and teaching. One of her specialities is relationships. She believes a growing number of these women may be divorcing their partners as they feel more empowered and confident about dealing with the risks of trying the single life. “Feminism, employment opportunities and perhaps that divorce no longer carries the stigma that it used to, may all be factors. It’s also possible that the internet plays a role — online forums have enabled some women to discover that they’re not alone,” she says. Taking the plunge and divorcing later on can have incredible beneﬁts. Apart from immense emotional relief, women may gain a new sense of identity by having control over every aspect of their lives. Dr Hickox frequently speaks with women who realise they have nothing to lose by ending their marriage — and for the first time in their lives, are liberated by being able to have complete control.

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“There was relief, but also loss and loneliness for the first couple of years.”

Dr Annie Hickox is a clinical psychologist.

have a stronger sense of self and what they actually want before they start to look for a new long-term partner. For those not content with the prospect of being happily long-term single, most women are able to form a new serious relationship within a few years. Another consideration for women is whether or not to keep in touch with ex-husbands. Contact may be awkward or lead to resentment and further fallouts. “Communication skills are key in working through the family issues and I encourage everyone to put effort into constructive, non-blaming communication with their exes when possible. “It may require women to grit their teeth, but it can also feel like a huge achievement to survive that first family gathering without letting anger and resentment spoil the experience for everyone.” Despite these inevitable obstacles to consider, women who divorce when they are a little older can completely change the direction of their lives. Dr Hickox advises, “Managing expectations and looking at life’s trials as opportunities to grow rather than as obstacles, will help many women come through this transition constructively. “Starting again can be a fulfilling, meaningful and absolutely life-changing experience.”

Although newly-divorced baby boomers can reap the benefits of splitting up, building a new sense of identity takes time, patience and adjustment. Dr Hickox warns that carving out a new path in life may seem appealing, but the reality is that some women can experience a sense of emptiness and disorientation after going their own way. This can be due to the breakdown of family units and the reactions of adult children, with differing levels of support from friends, too. She says, “One of my clients felt a huge sense of relief when she first separated, but felt lonely and lost for the first couple of years when her friends declined to invite her to couples’ dinner parties. She had expected her young adult children to be supportive, but found they felt IN THE angry and abandoned.” KNOW However, like many difficult life decisions, Unhappy longthere are pros. One plus of silver divorce is term marriages and discovering what you really want in a longpartnerships increase term partner. the likelihood of How long should newly-divorced women developing depression wait before getting into another serious and anxiety, according to the Mental Health relationship, or even before going on dates? Foundation. Does that old cliché that says the only way to get over someone is to meet someone else hold true in this situation? Dr Hickox believes that the first two years of being single again are crucial to work on self-identity and fulfilment. She suggests that women wait until they 96

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Going it alone

Relat io n s h ips

TWO OF OUR AMBASSADORS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH D I V O R C E A N D W H Y C O M M I T T I N G TO T H E S P L I T G R A N T E D T H E M A KIND OF FREEDOM THEY HADN’T EXPERIENCED IN YEARS. For Patrica Frew, divorcing her second husband meant she was able to concentrate on herself. She was 52 when they made the decision, simply because they had drifted apart over time. “It was a mutual decision. I felt as though a dark cloud had been lifted off my shoulders and I could start living my life again. “By that age, I knew my own mind and was ready to get on with my own life. My daughter was grown up and married, so I had no commitments. I was independent with no money worries and the confidence in my abilities to do whatever I wanted. “I never regretted the divorce but after we had been separated for a month, my husband phoned to ask if I had changed my mind as he wanted to come back. I had to say no, despite being upset, as there was no way I could give up my new freedom. “The only time the divorce was hard for me was during the weekends, when most people were out with their partners or socialising as part of a group of couples. “But I put my self-pity behind me and studied for a Master’s degree in Charity Finance. Then I set up my own accounting consultancy and wrote a book, A Greek Summer. “Had I still been married to my husband, I don’t think any of this would have been possible. Going back to university certainly wouldn’t have been possible — I don’t think I’d have had encouragement I needed.”

“BY THAT AGE, I KNEW MY OWN MIND AND WAS READY TO GET ON WITH MY NEW LIFE.”

Google searches for

“I want a divorce” rose by 230% in the first week of January 2020 compared to December 2019.

60%

of marriages are expected to end in divorce by their 20th anniversary, says the Office for National Statistics.

Deborah Armstrong regained personal freedom after divorcing her second husband a few years ago. She felt most of their problems stemmed from living together, which lead to her feeling constrained and as if she couldn’t be herself any more. “When I left the marital home, I bought a smaller, very ‘me’ house down the road. I felt a sense of relief and freedom, and felt more in control of my life. I have quite a few divorced female friends, so I had plenty of people to socialise and go out with. “Because I had made the decision to end the relationship and had thought about it for some time, I was prepared before I jumped, whereas my ex-husband struggled as he had no control of the situation. “I think I found out more about myself and recognised that marriage isn’t necessarily for everyone — or at least, it doesn’t have to be the same for everyone. “I now live with my partner of five years and our non-marital status makes me feel more able to be myself. “Although starting again was daunting and scary, I knew it was right for me. I won’t deny I had some difficult moments, but I have never regretted my decision. In fact, at times it was exciting. You only get one life and you’ve got to live it the way that is going to make you happiest.”

“I FELT MORE IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE.”

In 2017,

In the UK,

62%of divorces

in heterosexual couples were initiated by the wife.

of same-sex divorces were in female couples.

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The joy of being single W H AT H A P P E N S W H E N A R E L AT I O N S H I P FA L L S A PA R T ? R E V E L AT I O N A N D S E L F -A C C E P TA N C E , A R G U E S W R I T E R S H E L A G H M U R R AY .

don’t want another man in my life. I don’t need another man in my life. I’ve discovered that there is joy to be found in being me, on my own. Although one year ago, it was another story when my husband told me that he was leaving. To be fair, there had been many moments when I’d come very, very close to leaving myself — it could have gone either way. Nevertheless, I wish someone had been there to tell the woman in tears on the sofa, that things would be OK. In fact, I wish someone had been able to tell me that things would be more than OK — that there would be joy. Once upon a time, a single older woman was seen as something of a tragic ﬁgure. Either a spinster (odious word) or a widow, she was to be pitied for having no man to protect her and provide for her. Older women aren’t who they used to be! Divorce among the over-50s is rising — unlike other age groups, where it’s tending to drop off. Maybe we’ve just reached an age where we’re not prepared to put up with it any more. With age comes experience and the realisation that we only get one shot at life — that it’s up to us to make the changes that we need to live a life that we can be proud of. There’s joy in the little things. Is it shallow of me to ﬁnd joy in them? For one, there’s less washing. How does it happen? One minute you’re looking at the beautiful stars together, the next you’re somehow washing his underpants. No more ironing, too. Not entirely true — but I can go for weeks without having to iron anything.

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If I want to watch back-to-back episodes of Downton Abbey (again), I can. If I want to watch ﬁve minutes of something, get bored and switch channels — I can. If I don’t want to have the TV on at all, I can do that, too. And I can enjoy more curries! He didn’t like curry. I love curry. I’ve eaten a lot of it this year. No more picking up after someone else either. It’s the age-old dilemma. They leave a mess — you either have to pick it up or you have to leave it there. And it’s hard to say which is most irritating. Now, I have the bed all to myself. I can spread out. I can throw the covers off or keep the thick duvet on all summer long. When I’m wide awake at three in the morning, I can put the light on and read, or turn the TV on or get up and make a cup of tea. It’s entirely up to me. They may be little things, but they all added up to something bigger, for me. A drip, drip, drip of minor irritations that built up to a deluge that eventually swamped me. There is much more than that, though — there’s a deeper happiness. There’s joy in being selfreliant. I’ve learned to trust myself — I don’t need to ask someone else if it’s OK to do this or that. I make the decision myself. I no longer need permission. I don’t always get it right, I’ve made mistakes — but they’re my mistakes. There’s joy in not needing to compromise. Living with someone inevitably means compromise, which is ﬁne, up to a point — but sometimes you just want to do it the way you want to do it. There’s joy in not needing to convince. You know those awkward times when you discuss something with your partner, because you feel that you should? But it turns out they don’t agree with you, so you end up doing what they think is best

Relat io n s h ips

“I can’t imagine linking my life with someone else’s ever again. It’s me now – and I’m in this relationship with me for the long-term.”

IN THE KNOW

Images © Istockphoto

In 2017, the Journal of Environmental Psychology reported that being single without loneliness can increase productivity and spark creativity.

because if you don’t, they’ll say, “Well, why did you bother asking if you’re just going to do what you want to do anyway?” I’ve also learned to ask for help. Learning to ask for help has perhaps been the hardest thing of all. But people have been so supportive and I’ve found joy in discovering friends that I never knew I had. It isn’t a one-way street, either. There is joy in being able to support these friends in return. A coffee with a rant is a very powerful thing. There’s joy in looking at the world through my own eyes, not through someone else’s. I can see it clearly — it’s my world — and it feels good. I can’t imagine linking my life with someone else’s

ever again. It’s me now and I’m in this relationship with me for the long-term. It’s just over a year since he left, and my life is almost unrecognisable. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all a bed of roses. There are worries, there are stresses and there are problems. I’m not the woman I was, I’m the woman I always wanted to be. I’ve changed my car, changed my name, changed my job, taken in a lodger and started a blog. But more importantly, I’m changing on the inside. I can feel something bubbling up inside of myself. Conﬁdence? Becoming me again? Whatever it is, it’s good. I wake up in the morning ready to face the day. Life is good. It’s not perfect —but it’s good.

PLATINUM

Relat io n s h ips

Over to One of Platinum’s brand ambassadors, Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb is a barrister specialising in family law, a qualified mediator, collaborative lawyer and family law arbitrator. We asked Elissa about her experiences of divorce — both personally and professionally.

you

s a barrister of 30 years standing, specialising in matrimonial finance, being divorced myself (twice!) was something I would tell clients to break the ice. My first time was after twenty years of marriage. We have two fabulous children now in their 40s who, with their respective spouses, have provided us with seven grandchildren. Why did we divorce? It is difficult now, with the passage of time, to remember my reasons, so much water having flowed under the proverbial bridge. After two decades, the marriage wasn’t what I wanted it to be. He was good looking, successful and a good provider and therefore stable and reliable. But I wanted something more exciting, having got married at the tender age of 19, so I sabotaged the marriage. Even with my bad behaviour, I think my ex would have kept going to keep the family together but I wanted my freedom. When it came, freedom wasn’t at all how I imagined. While I was desolate, my ex was rediscovered by an old flame who reignited their connection and he remarried two and a half years after our divorce. The early years of our divorce were strange. It was easier not to see him or speak to him and I was envious that he had found happiness in another relationship while I drifted, not really knowing what I was looking for and having achieved the much wanted freedom but feeling far too lonely to enjoy it. The days were busy with work and my evenings were often busy either working or socialising with friends without having to worry about when I came home or check in with anyone. All of that stuff proved to be pretty superficial, and the thing that no one prepares you for is going back at night to the empty home. No one with whom to share your experiences, or rant to about

something unfair that happened in the day. Eating alone is no fun and finally, worst of all is bedtime and the empty bed. No-one to be hugged by. It was the loneliness that took me to the lonely hearts ads in the newspapers in search of a new partner — enter husband number two. My major criterion was clear, anyone permanent could not have children as I didn’t want the complication of stepchildren to rival my children. We met, we sort of got on, it was ok. Marriage number one taught me to lower my expectations. We cannot expect one single person to be able to fulfil all our needs, and yet I think that is why we search so intently for ‘the one’. While the 19-year-old me wanted a romantic ideal that exists only in books and films, older me just wanted a partner so I wouldn’t feel alone, which led me into a marriage far worse than the first, having failed to fully ‘vet’ the new husband. At first he was fun, but it simply did not work out and I even felt distanced from friends and family during it. After seven years I had to admit failure and so followed divorce number two. The first divorce was heartbreakingly sad, the second one was just embarrassing. In addition, and unlike my first husband who wanted to settle out of court, number two wanted his day and it was difficult. This experience was far more damaging than the first and it took me much longer to recover from. I did find love again with someone who really loved and cared for me. It was a bittersweet experience as we had just under ten years together, but few of those as qualitative as I would have liked because Alzheimer’s took Bernard away far too soon and I lost him at least three times; once with the wretched disease, the second time when for his own safety he had to be admitted to a care home and then the final goodbye less than a year ago. Losing Bernard and my newly acquired widowhood has brought back all the feelings of loneliness I experienced a quarter of a century ago. For generations before me, divorce was harder to obtain and those who managed were often stigmatised. It is also trite, but true, that when marriage was ‘till death us do part’, life expectancy was far lower. Nowadays if you marry in your 20s and stay together you could be married for 75 years! Regardless of age, it seems women are more likely to be the instigators of a divorce. It is easier to do it, there is little or no social stigma these days to being a divorcee and financially, there is often no reason to remain in a dead marriage. It is an enormous shock to most husbands that their wives instigate it and often by then, it is too late to save the marriage.

“No one prepares you for going back at night to an empty home.”

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St yle — H o m es & G Ga rde n s

“My success is down to going with my gut and acting beyond my comfort zone.” F R O M O S C A R S PA R T I E S TO AWA R D C E R E M O N I E S , M C Q U E E N S F LO W E R S A R E WORLD-RENOWNED FOR T H E I R C R E AT I V E A P P R O A C H TO F LO W E R D E S I G N . FOUNDER AND OWNER K A L LY E L L I S T E L L S S U D I P I G OT T W H Y W O R K I N G W I T H F LO W E R S H A S B R O U G H T HER SO MUCH JOY AND HAPPINESS.

’m a risk-taker,” laughs Kally Ellis, florist extraordinaire and founder of McQueens Flowers, a boutique company synonymous with natural glamour and spectacular displays. Blooms from McQueens have graced the haute vases of Claridge’s Hotel and the annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party in LA. From a modest beginning in Shoreditch, McQueens is now a worldwide industry name, flourishing in New York, Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Japan and all over Europe to name a few. Kally candidly admits her entire career has been based on, “going with my gut and acting beyond my comfort zone.” Ridiculously romantic though it sounds, her dream of running a florist was inspired by a trip to Paris where she had admired the beautiful hand-tied bouquets that lined street-side markets and settled on patisserie coffee tables. After graduating with a degree in languages in 1984, Kally left the University of East Anglia and found herself working in the marketing department of a French bank. She longed for something more and so took redundancy before serendipitously noticing a “for sale” sign in the window of a small, neglected shop in a Shoreditch backstreet. The budding business owner knew she had to take a leap of faith and so bought

the shop. She named it McQueens after its last owner, who was auntie to the late fashion designer, Alexander McQueen. After her early boutique buy, Kally veered into more rustic avenues, taking rundown bars and old public houses under her wing and giving them new leases of life as the now numerous McQueens destinations. Kally clearly has an instinctive eye for beauty. Overall, she loves soft antique toned colours, such as dusty pinks and muted mauves. Florally, she adores sweet peas and peonies, particularly “coral charm”, which has a deep coral hue that changes to a cream shade, chameleon-like, after flowering. She fondly credits her original love of flowers to her 89-year-old Cypriot-born mother. “Mum can grow anything in her London garden,” Kally explains admiringly. “She has created a beautiful, true Mediterranean oasis.” Throwing out the rule book is what quickly made Kally and the McQueens brand unique. She had no floristry training whatsoever. “Nor do I write a business plan — I wouldn’t know how to. It has all been a mixture of intuition and creativity.” Though Kally lives in London’s Tufnell Park, it’s in her Norfolk home that she spends weekends with her husband, children’s novelist Damian Kelleher. She enjoys seeing her garden evolve with the changing of the seasons and considers the wisteria bursting into flower to be the most wonderful part of all. “I’m enjoying bringing the outside in, especially our blowsy peonies and path of David Austin roses — simply heavenly! I love to

“I believe everyone should treat themselves to flowers — they’re so uplifting and good for the soul.”

Kally is well-known for her unique take on flower arranging.

have flowers in every room; it is a luxury I’ve grown used to. “Strangely, up to now I haven’t been that much of a gardener, but what I do love is gathering wild flowers I find at the edges of the fields in Norfolk — cow parsley, bluebells — it’s like being in a sweet shop for me. Teddy, our Bedlington Terrier, enjoys the long walks, too.” Kally acknowledges that, sadly, the florist industry is going through a hard time. However she’s looking forward to the day when groups can gather freely and big events — especially weddings — can take place once more. On her decision to sell her company, the successful entrepreneur confides, “It had gotten too big for me and I felt it was time to let it evolve.” She admits it was also a combination of impulsiveness and the pragmatism of having found a gem of a managing director in Richard Eagleton. Kally emphasises she is still committed to the company and has remained an active consultant throughout the challenging pandemic era. “I was ready to embark on a new stage in my life,” she had told me a couple of weeks before lockdown, when she have had no inkling of how poignant her departure would turn out to be. She has tips for budding business people out there. “Everybody should know, business is built around relationships. That’s one of the reasons we’ve been successful, because I do like making my clients my friends — and they are my friends first and foremost. That sort of thing doesn’t happen immediately. It takes years to build and we’ve grown organically as a result. People think they can do it and be successful immediately. It doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long, hard slog.”

rd e n s St yle — H o m es & Ga rde

MCQUEENS STYLE TIPS B R I N G K A L LY ’ S E L E G A N T A N D U N I Q U E S T Y L E TO Y O U R H O M E W I T H H E R P O I N T E R S O N C H O O S I N G T H E P E R F E C T B LO O M S .

Envisage your vase

You want to avoid excessive splaying at the top of your vase. I like clay bottles with long necks that are both rustic and graceful. Depending on how you style your ﬂowers, a small cluster of these clay vases — large, small, patterned, plain — looks particularly elegant.

Value stems as well as blooms

Think about how the ﬂowers will physically support each other as well as how they complement each other aesthetically. Be wary of mixing tulips with other ﬂowers as they grow towards the light, so can overpower more delicate species. However, a bouquet of multi-coloured tulips works beautifully as a statement piece.

Accuracy is key

Cut ﬂower stems at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area of the stem. This lets them drink more water and grow more evenly. Be especially mindful of this with blooms of woodier stems.

Fabulous foliage

Use lots of interesting foliage. I love rosemary and olive branches, placed alongside just one kind of bloom, be it poppies, peonies or anemones. Sharp silhouettes smoothed by sprinkles of kind colours and ﬂuffy petals.

Play with your style

Don’t be precious! Keep it clean, bold, unstructured and d most of all, real.

She explains, “Like so many industries, we’re focusin ng on the positives right now. When avenues are closed to you, you have to find new routes and differen nt ideas. So many companies are coming up with inn novative and original new ways of reaching out to their markets. Still, having survived the 1990s recession, I am under no illusions aabout what challenges the economic downturn may bring. “Yet I am optimistic and believe that with hard work and properly understanding our clients, business will gradually bloom again. It helps that we are top-end and clients with money tend to go on having money. Or maybe in a recession, flowers are a little luxury that people do their best to hang on to.” McQueens have launched an innovate new service called “Crafted By You” to complement their flower schools. Every fortnight, they send flowers and share an online arrangement tutorial. “It’s fantastic 104

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because it allows everyone to show off their creative talents and make some really beautiful arrangements. You don’t just learn about flowers, you learn about how to arrange them, and it’s exciting to acquire new skills. “We’ve also been very busy setting up a charity called Blooming Heroes; one that brings together leading players in the flower industry to raise funds for the NHS. That’s hugely satisfying because this year, everyone haas been trying to support the real heroes of th he moment. Now it’s McQueens’ chance to make a continuous contribution.” Building an idea from scratch and creating ssomething beautiful is a challenge that Kally naturally gravitates to. “I do,” she laughs, “I enjoy relying largely on gut instinct and I’ve always had an instinct for taking risks.” Lockdown has put on hold her most thrilling new project: a ruined Masseria in southern Italy. This former fortified farmhouse in the heart of Puglia “is literally a pile of stones presently.” Kally, who has used her time at home to dream and plan her new abode, laughs, but hints that she may one day run the Masseria as an exclusive retreat. It’s the soaring vaulted ceilings, the special paint finishes, vintage amphora and ultra-luxurious bathrooms and surroundings that she yearns for. “I believe in buying the best one possibly can and then doing the best one possibly can to make it beautiful.” Why southern Italy? “Damian and I have stayed with our friend Charlie Higson, who has a house there. We loved its remoteness, beauty and the food. Charlie encouraged us

Kally believes flowers can c affect our moods.

to look for a property of our own and we didn’t need much persuading. Another near neighbour is actress Helen Mirren. Kally is delighted that the t indomitable actress seems to have taken t her under her wing and invited herr into her beautiful shabby-chic farm fo or lunch, recommending local craftspeople and designers like herself. But as she prepares for her return to her beloved Italian haven, Kally admits she really did miss the simple pleasures of normality in and outside of work during the height of lockdown. She dreamt of meeting friends for lunch, going to art exhibitions, shopping for unusual brooches, walking the dog on Hampstead Heath and spending time with her children, Freddie and Sophie. She also adores visiting beautiful gardens, including both Chelsea Physic Garden, Waterloo Park in London and Holkham Hall in Norfolk. “I love eating, cooking and shopping for ingredients — it occupies a lot of my thinking. There’s a strong Greek influence in my cooking with oregano, coriander seeds and fresh mint often featuring. “One thing I won’t do though, is cook with flowers — edible or not. It fills me with absolute horror. “Flowers remain my essential luxury. I believe everybody should treat themselves to flowers as often as they can, they’re so uplifting and good for the soul.”

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MIA, 54

“I’d say I’m a ‘90s ‘ﬂy girl’ at heart, with a little boho in the mix. Think the band TLC with some iconic 70s Biba style in there, too. Comfort is key for me. I’m really into dungarees and slouchy trousers with off-the-shoulder tops.” M Y ST Y L E I S … H I P - H O P C H I C

“I love to contrast my feminine, ﬂoral dresses with trendy, bright trainers and chunky boots.” M Y ST Y L E I S . . . FUNKY AND FUN — LIKE ME!

Street

STYLE Our ambassadors and fabulous inﬂuencers share their stylish at-home looks.

BRIGITTE, 52

“I love wearing jumpsuits — they are so versatile and easy to dress up with heels, or dress down with some trainers. A white T-shirt is a wardrobe staple for me, worn here with my favourite red pleated skirt and white trainers. Easy, relaxed and hides a multitude of sins!” M Y ST Y L E I S … CLASSIC & CLEAN

JA N E , 5 9

JUDITH, 71

“This is one of my favourite outﬁts. The trousers and shirt were supermarket buys; the waistcoat and hat from a vintage shop. I think style is about the accessories and I love to wear a hat.” M Y ST Y L E I S … QUIRKY COOL

“I chose this dress because I love the off-the-shoulder style, and it is loose ﬁtting so nice and cool in the hot weather.” M Y ST Y L E I S … CLASSIC AND FEMININE

ANNEMARIE, 58

PETE, 60

“I like to feel smart, tidy and ready for what any day might throw at me. I love a crisp shirt and smart trousers — a classic look that works for any occasion.” M Y ST Y L E I S . . . S M A RT, T R A D I T I O N A L A N D E A S Y- G O I N G

“The base of my style is very much rock chic, with a touch of femininity. I may swap out jeans for harem pants and if I’m wearing pretty blouses, I’ll add black neutrals on the bottom. On special occasions, I’ll pull out a dress like this one. Midi, ﬂoral and sleek.” M Y ST Y L E I S … ELEGANT ROCKER PLATINUM

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My grandchildren don’t want to see me any more L I Z H O D G K I N S O N S AY S H E R B E LO V E D G R A N D C H I L D R E N A R E TO O B U S Y TO V I S I T H E R A S T H E Y ’ V E G R O W N U P A N D A R E H AV I N G N E W A D V E N T U R E S . S H E B E L I E V E S , T H O U G H , T H AT T H E Y W I L L A LWAY S H AV E A S P E C I A L B O N D .

Liz on holiday with her grandchildren when they were young.

hen my five grandchildren were small, they loved to come and stay with me, mainly because I gave them treats and allowed them to do things that were strictly forbidden by their parents. It was particularly exciting for them when I had a seaside flat, as they could go to the beach, into the amusement arcades and enjoy riding on dangerous and scary funfair attractions. Once I got into real trouble for allowing them to go bungee jumping. Their parents were horrified when they found out, but the kids, of course, loved every minute. They were also thrilled to go on holiday with my ex-husband and myself to Eigg, a remote Scottish island where getting there was half the fun and included

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overnight sleepers, taxis and a specially-chartered ferry. They could hardly sleep for excitement and still remember it as one of their best holidays ever. I also enjoyed their company and lively chatter and felt that their boundless enthusiasm kept me young and in touch with their generation. But, sadly, that was then. Now that two of them are at university and two more are in the process of applying, I have become a yesterday’s person, a relic from their past. Funfairs and amusement arcades have long lost their appeal and so, quite honestly, have I. They rarely ring, write or text and have to be dragooned into making a visit. Mostly, these days, my sons visit on their own. It’s true that on the very rare occasions we do meet we can still have a good chat, but their own friends and

People

“The best thing you can do, I believe, is to keep some memories alive for them to delve into once they get older.”

Other abandoned grannies have said the same, complaining that when their teenage or student grandchildren deign to visit, all they do is fiddle with their phones and wait for it to be time to go. If I think back, it was the same story with my own sons. They too, used to look forward to visiting their grandparents or having them to stay. They especially enjoyed seeing my ex-husband’s parents, as they had a dog, Sally, when I would never allow them to have a dog. My own mother, too, was a doting grandparent and saved up some money for each of them to spend on their gap years. Yet for the three years Tom was at university, he never once paid her a visit, even though she only lived 16 miles away. Once again, his university life was too full and exciting for him to think that his old granny might love a surprise visit from him. For Tom and Will, their grandparents became case histories, interesting to discuss and reflect on, but not actually to go and see. Is there anything that us suddenly neglected grandparents can do about it? No, we just have to accept that this is the way things are, and that grandchildren grow out of you in much the same way that they grow out of their Barbie dolls, Lego sets and teachers at school. They want to be adult and you remind them of when they were children and had to have their hands held when crossing the road. In later life, when you have long gone, they may wish they had paid you more attention. I wish now that I had asked my grandfather about the First World War, or what it was like for my grandmother to go into service at the age of 12, or to be the eldest of ten children. The best thing you can do, I believe, is to keep some memories alive for them to delve into once they get older. A few old photographs, diaries, school reports and so on will ensure that you will never be forgotten. For although they may neglect you now, you still have a place, I like to think, deep in their hearts.

pursuits have become more enticing. They are, quite simply, too busy with their own lives to think much about the grandparents who so indulged them when they were children. Should I be concerned? Not really. I just have to accept that this is the natural order of things as if I think back, it was exactly the same with me and my own grandparents. Because my parents were both out at work, my grandparents more or less brought me up and I adored my grandfather, a particularly kind and gentle man. I remember when I was about eight, I fell over and hurt myself. I ran into the house crying and my grandfather said, “Never mind, let’s go for a walk.” For months, I had been longing and longing for a bike I had seen in a nearby cycle shop and on our walk, my grandfather took me into the shop and started speaking to the owner. I hardly dared believe it, but that bike was already mine! Sometime earlier, my grandfather had bought it, intending it for my birthday but as I was so upset from my accident, he decided to bring the date forward and let me have it there and then. It was one of the most thrilling events of my childhood, which is why I can still remember it so vividly. My grandmother, All grown up: Liz says she sees less of her adult grandchildren. too, was kindness itself, often preparing little treats for my tea, such as strawberries in season and shrimps or prawns from the fish shop, or making a special cake. With such love and warmth lavished on me, one might imagine my grandparents would have a place in my heart for ever, but no, it was not to be. By the time I was 18 and at university, they had become dull old people in my mind and it was a duty, not a pleasure, to have to go and see them. They were no longer relevant to the sophisticated adult life I was leading. And truth to tell, they had also become rather an embarrassment.

Why core

strength

is key

It’s not about endless crunches and that elusive quest for a flat tummy. Strengthening your core can improve back health, will help you move better and feel stronger, writes Hannah Ebelthite.

hen it comes to core strength, you’d be forgiven for thinking a six-pack is the goal (and a goal you possibly gave up on by your 30s!), but those visible abdominal muscles, so often used in fitness marketing, are more an indication of low body fat than core strength. In fact, the six-pack — or rectus abdominis to give its full name — is the least functional muscle group when it comes to core stability and fitness. To locate your true source of inner strength, you have to go a bit deeper. Think of your torso as a tree, with your core as the trunk and everything else as branches. Your core is basically a cylinder comprising all the back and abdominal muscles that surround your torso, with your diaphragm as the ‘lid’ and your pelvic floor muscles at the base. Your innermost abdominal muscles — the transverse abdominus and multifidus (deep spinal muscles) — together stabilise the spine. On top of these are the rectus abdominus, internal and external obliques (waist muscles) and the erector spinae (the larger muscles on either side of your spine). Together, your abdominals allow you to flex and rotate your spine and pull in your tummy, while your back muscles and even your diaphragm are what let you extend and straighten your spine and support your torso. So when we talk about core strength we mean all these muscles, working together in synergy.

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Why is core strength so important?

The stronger your core muscles are, the more comfortable and co-ordinated you’ll be when performing all sorts of movements. Whether you’re lifting a grandchild or swinging a golf club, getting in and out of the bath or gardening, a strong core is key to helping to make you more balanced and stable. Training your core will help you get strong for everyday life, reduce chances of injury and improve performance in any sporting or fitness activity you do. Get into the habit of engaging it and you should do better. A solid core is also good for posture, as abdominal muscles act as an anchor for your lower spine, pelvis and hips, helping to stabilise you and ensuring your obliques, glutes, hamstrings and hip flexors all work together as a unit. It can help alleviate back pain, too.

H ea lt h

Back pain affects around a third of all adults and a weak core is often the cause, particularly when it comes to lower back pain. And this can result in injuries to other parts of the body too, such as shoulders, hips and knees. Modern life predisposes many of us to bad posture — think how much of your day you spend at a desk, in the car or on the sofa. And how many of us are still working from home due to Covid-19, putting in long hours at ‘home offices’ — many of which are probably not ergonomically fit for purpose? Strengthening your core helps reverse any “forward curve” in your back and promotes better posture round the clock, taking pressure off your lower back. Other results of better posture include circulation, organ support and improved digestion. And perhaps most importantly, a strong core and the stability that comes from it make you less susceptible to balancerelated falls.

Core meets pelvic ﬂoor For many women, the pelvic floor can be the key to real core strength. When we talk about the pelvic floor, what we’re describing is a group of muscles that stretch from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back. Its job is to support the pelvic organs, bowel, uterus and bladder. Toning the pelvic floor can have a positive impact on posture, core stability, and ease of movement as well as sexual sensation and bladder weakness, which affects as many as one in three women. Pelvic floor exercises are nothing new and the most well-known are Kegel exercises, which have been recommended since the 1940s. This method, which involves tightening, lifting, pulsing or holding the pelvic floor muscles, is recommended by GPs, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, fitness instructors and personal trainers. Simply search ‘pelvic floor’ on nhs.uk for a useful how-to, with video, and you can also download the Squeezy app (£2.99) with instructions and prompts.

“A weak core is a common cause of back pain.” engaged like this as you move. Our expert overleaf has a more detailed guide. You don’t even have to move to give yourself a decent core workout. Isometric exercises — where force is applied without changing the length of the muscle — are great for abdominal strengthening as the main focus is stablising the body. Lots of yoga moves, including the warrior pose, dead bug or V-hold can effectively work your core without breaking a sweat. Anything you do to destabilise yourself means you have to recruit more muscles to stay upright. Try using a Swiss ball, wobbly cushion or Bosu board when exercising — or standing on one leg while brushing your teeth (close your eyes for a real challenge!). These all work your core and make it stronger.

Convinced? Let’s get started

When it comes to strengthening your core it’s not so much exercising it, but more being aware of and engaging it. In that sense, you can work your core without specific workout time. As you breathe out, draw your abdominals in towards your spine and your pelvic floor up and try to keep your core UM

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“I wanted to reduce my risk of falls” JUNE ORPWOOD , 66,

All in the technique

Forget intense ‘abs blast’ workouts, endless crunches, non-stop sit-ups or those abdominal machines advertised on shopping channels. All those moves traditionally thought of as flat-tummy exercises are great if your technique is right — but can be harmful if not. A common mistake is pushing down on the pelvic floor and out at your middle as you crunch, which can make issues like pelvic floor weakness and abdominal separation (diastasis recti) worse. These moves are a good route to neck and back pain and, if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, the forward flexion involved in sit-ups and crunches can be dangerous.

Core classes

If possible, it’s always best to get some one-to-one instruction on the basics of core exercises. This could be from a physiotherapist, personal trainer or smallgroup Pilates class. It’s easy to do them wrongly or ineffectively, so it pays to have individual guidance. Of course, many classes are still taking place virtually, so if that’s your only option choose a small, real-time class where the teacher can also see you. Save DVDs and online videos for when you’re sure you know what you’re doing. Other classes that are great for your core include yoga, tai chi, qi gong, Body Balance, ballet and barre-style workouts. Whatever form of exercise you love, your performance, results and enjoyment will be enhanced by a stronger core. From cycling to running, stand-up paddleboarding to tennis, dancing to ping-pong — all movement comes from your core. 112

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feels empowered since starting Pilates classes. “I like to think I’ve kept fairly fit over the years. I play badminton, take the dog on long walks and run around after my grandchildren. But it was doing the latter that led me on my latest path to core fitness. Last spring, I was playing with my granddaughter in the woods when I tripped over and landed on my shoulder. It was agony and a trip to A&E soon revealed a broken shoulder and six weeks of immobility. As a matter of course, I was offered a bone scan, which I thought nothing of. So I was shocked when the results showed I had osteoporosis. “I suddenly felt older and more vulnerable. Now the idea of falling over held more threat — it could mean another fracture. I read up and realised weight-bearing exercise was what I needed to do to help maintain my bone mass. But what felt more important was improving my balance, so I was less likely to fall again. Combining the two, I joined the Pilates class in my village hall. “From the first class, I could see how it might help me. It taught me how to engage muscles not just during exercise but in everyday movements. I really enjoy the classes — even when we had to move online during lockdown — and I’ve bought equipment so I can do exercises on my own at home. I’m hoping to sign up to a tai chi class soon. I feel much more aware of my body and conscious in the movements I make. Working on my core strength makes me feel younger.”

Run smarter

A strong core can help you run faster, due to the support it gives other muscles. Exercises like Reformer Pilates let you build strength and definition without bulking up.

H ea lt h

What the expert says Jacqueline Hooton is a personal trainer based in West Sussex. She runs Her Garden Gym fitness studio and also offers one-to-one training online, as well as plenty of advice and tips on Instagram (@hergardengym). “The first thing to mention is that stress incontinence, pain during sex, inability to locate your pelvic floor muscles when trying Kegels — they might be common problems, but you don’t have to put up with them. Once post-natal, always post-natal, so just because your problems started decades ago, doesn’t mean you can’t still seek help now. If you’ve not had children, hormonal changes around menopause can also result in pelvic floor-related issues. So my message is, don’t settle for pads or fear surgery. Ask your GP to refer you to a women’s health physiotherapist. “The best way to get started with core work is to go right back to basics and start with your breath. On all fours, let your tummy completely relax and hang down, just let it go. Then, as you exhale, draw up your pelvic floor muscles and pull your tummy in — as if you’re aiming your belly button to your spine. This tension and tone, like a natural girdle, is what we’re talking about when we say ‘engage your core’.

“Go right back to basics and start with breathwork”

“Once you have this awareness, you can do this simple exercise any time, anywhere, whether sitting, standing or during activity. It’s really good to keep practising. If you do nothing else, start doing this key core move today. Remember the two Es: engage as you exhale. “From there you can progress to Pilates-type moves. Some really effective exercises are: SHOULDER BRIDGE Lie on your back, knees up, feet on the floor. As you exhale and engage, tilt your pelvis up so your lower back is flat on the floor (imagine you’re crushing a grape under it). This may be enough. If you feel you can do more, slowly lift up from the hips, one vertebra at a time, until only your shoulders are on the floor. If you start to feel it in your hamstrings more than your glutes, come down a level. This is really good for strengthening your glutes and stabilising the hips. SUPERMAN From all fours, looking down and keeping your neck in alignment, raise one arm and the opposite leg to horizontal. Hold for a few seconds, keeping your core engaged, lower and alternate. 100-PREP An easier, but just as good version of a classic Pilates exercise called 100. Lie on your back, knees up, feet on the floor. Raise one leg up to tabletop position, engage your core and slowly lower the leg as if dipping your toe in water. Raise back to the start. Alternate legs but work up to doing both legs at once.

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Images © Istockphoto

Get the kit 1. ELVIE TRAINER, £169, ELVIE.COM It can be hard to know if you’re doing pelvic ﬂoor exercises correctly, but this trainer helps keep you right. It’s comfortable and syncs to your smartphone, giving you realtime feedback as you squeeze. It also reminds you when to practise and tracks your improvement.

2. YOGA MAT, £35, YOGAMATTERS. COM This mat is 8mm thick so gives good support for painful joints and makes lying postures more comfortable. It is also made to last, is wipe-clean, non-slip and it’ll save carpets or wood ﬂoors from home-workout wear and tear. A great investment.

3. BALANCE BALL, £29.99, JOHN LEWIS A ﬁtness ball is a key piece of equipment in lots of Pilates and balance classes, and is great for at-home use, too. “At home, try simply sitting on it, engaging your core, then raising and lowering alternate knees,” says Hooton. “It’s much harder than it sounds!”

4. PILATES 9, RING, £9.99 DECATHLON N One ring, ma any uses! Can be squeezed d between you ur hands to imp prove upper body strength, or yyour thighs for stronger ronger legs. You’ll ﬁnd this used in many Pilates exercises as it helps you engage your pelvic ﬂoor, too. A good all-rounder.

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Viola Davis T H I S M O N T H , W E C E L E B R AT E A F E A R L E S S A C TO R A N D A C T I V I S T W H O S E D I F F I C U LT C H I L D H O O D S H A P E D T H E F O R M I D A B L E W O M A N S H E I S TO D AY.

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hen Viola Davis was nine years old, she and her big sister Diane won a talent contest in their home city of Central Falls, Rhode Island. Their prize was a plastic baseball bat, which they used to kill the rats that had infested their apartment and chewed the faces off all Viola’s dolls. The rats still give her nightmares, but it was dreaming that helped her escape, and ultimately led to her becoming an actor. When real life was too unbearable for little Viola, she transformed into Jaja: rich, white, dripping in diamonds, and the proud owner of a chihuahua and a Los Angeles mansion. Her sister Deloris became Jagi, and together they could while away hours in their fantasy world. Nowadays, she has her palatial mansion, and acting continues to be not only a balm, but a way for her to creatively channel the hardship of her childhood. There was plenty of love in her family, but she grew up in poverty. Viola wet the bed until she was a teenager, and often had to wear smelly clothes because there was no hot water or soap. She stole from shops, rummaged in bins for food, and caused untold trouble at school despite being very smart. Her father was a violent alcoholic. The whole family struggled and suffered. The odds were certainly stacked against her, but Viola was determined to follow a different path — and she wasn’t afraid to put in the hard work to reach her goals. An acting teacher asked 14-yearold Viola and her classmates to raise their hands if they wanted to be actors. They all did. He went on to tell them in no uncertain terms how tough it would be to succeed. As he spoke, every hand went down. Except one. This is not a woman who gives

up. Her friend Meryl Streep once knowingly joked that Viola was “a newcomer at 45” but, of course, the truth is that Hollywood woke up to her leading lady potential ridiculously late. While she waited for producers to turn the spotlight on her, she continued to outshine her castmates in a series of supporting film and TV roles, as well as treading the boards and winning her first Tony in 2001. The turning point in her career came in 2009, when she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Doubt. In the years that followed, she won another Tony, an Emmy, and in 2017 became the first Black actor to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting when she added an Oscar — for Fences — to the list. Now her shelves are groaning under the weight of dozens of well-deserved trophies. When she’s standing on stage accepting an award, the razzle-dazzle of Tinseltown couldn’t be further from the trauma of her youth. When she’s standing up for the rights of Black people, however, it’s clear that shockingly little has changed since the days when her mother gave her a crochet hook to defend herself against the white boys who hurled racist insults. Viola’s experiences of poverty and discrimination permeate her philanthropy and influence the parts she chooses (though she now regrets her role in The Help, a film she says was “created in the filter and the cesspool of systemic racism”). It took her a long time to believe that her voice was worth hearing, but now she uses it to call out injustice and inequality in Hollywood and beyond. With a life story to rival the plot of the most heart-wrenching blockbuster, Viola Davis is a reminder that hope, talent and perseverance are a recipe for success.

Images © Danielle Levitt /August, Shutterstock

THE ODDS WERE AGAINST HER. BUT SHE’S PUT IN THE WORK NOW SHE USES HER PLATFORM.

WHAT VIOLA SAYS “I feel like my entire life has been a protest.” “I DON’T HAVE ANY TIME TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT WORRYING ABOUT WHAT SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T LOVE ME HAS TO SAY ABOUT ME.”

“Living out loud is living a life that’s bigger than yourself. Living out loud is long after you’re gone — you leave something on this Earth that’s bigger than yourself.” “WHEN YOUR PASSION AND DRIVE ARE BIGGER THAN YOUR FEARS, YOU JUST DIVE.” Visit platinum-mag.co.uk for more stories of inspirational women.

RUTH

JONES

I, An Actor

by Nicholas Craig

This book is more than 30 years old now, but it’s still so funny. It’s the memoirs of ﬁctitious actor Nicholas Craig and a proper good send-up of an actor’s life. I also often turn to Dear Fatty by Dawn French when I need cheering up. If ever you need a bit of joy, read the story of Dawn’s ﬁrst pony and competing in the gymkhana. I defy you not to laugh!

A N AWA R D -W I N N I N G TV WRITER AND B E S T- S E L L I N G AUTHOR, RUTH JONES’ CREDITS I N C L U D E G AV I N & S TA C E Y . H E R E S H E SHARES THE BOOKS T H AT S H A P E D H E R .

Image © Ray Burmiston

’m a 53-year-old actress, screenwriter and novelist from Wales. During lockdown, I did virtual yoga most days with my 15-year-old niece and also got into gardening. I managed to grow two pansies and a lettuce. Reading helped me through, too. I love escaping into the world of a book — nothing compares. I’m a fan of psychological thriller writers like Adele Parks, Lisa Jewell and Alice Feeney, but I also love Jojo Moyes and David Nicholls.

Ruth’s new book Us Three is out on September 3, published by Transworld.

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott

I know it may sound like I’m jumping on the bandwagon, but I loved the Louisa May Alcott books, especially Little Women. I treasure a copy that my mum gave me in 1976, in which she wrote ‘Happy Easter love from Mummy’. One of the lines that’s particularly poignant at the moment is “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship”. It will always remind me of my mum.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Becoming

I’ve just re-read it for the umpteenth time. I ﬁrst read it when I was 16. It’s so evocative and gripping and terrifying in parts, but more than anything it reinforces the importance of never making assumptions about others. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Oh and plus, it’s a damn good tale!

by Michelle Obama

The Last Letter from Your Lover

by Jojo Moyes

Generally speaking, I cry at anything Jojo Moyes writes. She is a master of tugging at the heartstrings till you’re awash with tears. The ﬁrst book of hers I read was Last Letter from Your Lover. It had me in pieces, as did Me After You, especially the letting go of the balloons scene up on the roof terrace.

I listened to the audiobook version of this autobiography. Michelle’s incredible story and the journey she has been on, told in her own voice, completely enthralled me. The book is compelling, warm, funny and poignant and her voice is so soothing to listen to if you choose to hear it on audiobook.

Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins

This was the answer I gave when asked what bedtime reading I did at my interview to study drama at Manchester University. It’s become a family joke that this answer was the reason I didn’t get offered a place. But I’m glad I didn’t, because if I had, I wouldn’t have gone to Warwick — where I spent three of the happiest years of my life. So swings and roundabouts. Cheers Jackie. I think you’re ace.

Ruth’s debut novel Never Greener was a Sunday Times number one bestseller. She has won acclaim for her performances in BBC dramas Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Little Dorrit and Hattie. Ruth has written two books and for ﬁve television shows.

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People

The celebrity

world’s fixer&

fairy godmother M E L A N I E C A N TO R WA S D E D I C AT E D TO M A K I N G T H E A M B I T I O N S O F B R I TA I N ’ S M O S T R I C H A N D FA M O U S COME TRUE FOR 30 YEARS. FORMER CELEBRITY A G E N T M E L A N I E S P O K E TO G E M M A C A LV E R T O N C H A N G I N G H E R C A R E E R TO F O L LO W H E R D R E A M .

elanie Cantor’s own aspirations were pushed aside to tend to the evergrowing world of celebrity from the early ‘80s. However the loud, proud and popular publicist dreamed of becoming a published author — so when Melanie turned 50 and had a lightning bolt moment, she seized it with both hands. Closing down her business and reinventing herself as an author required guts, a lot of patience and a passport. She enrolled on a creative writing course in rural France, then a “more serious” one at Oxford University before enduring multiple manuscript rejections. Then — a decade later — she hit the literary jackpot. Last June, her debut novel Death And Other Happy Endings was published to wide acclaim. This summer came her second, Life And Other Happy Endings. “For 30 years, I looked after other people’s ambitions and I felt I had done my bit for everybody else. I wanted to look after my ambitions and that ambition was to write,” says Melanie. She insists it’s never too late to start over. “Whatever your age, you have to believe in yourself and follow your dreams. If you’re going down a path you think you need to travel, but are then steered off-course, just see where it takes you. Don’t be fixed and

closed to opportunities that come your way. “Yes, I wanted to be a novelist, but I had to take different routes to try and work out how best to do it because I hadn’t trained as a writer. It took me ten years of training to reach the point where my first book came out and I couldn’t be more proud of it.” Rejection, adds Melanie, was no bad thing. “It’s lovely to be able to look back and say ‘The right book has come out at the right time with the right agent and editors’ and because I worked so bloody hard and never gave up.” Melanie, now 63, has long been blessed with tenacity and drive. Born in Cricklewood, north London, and raised in nearby Finchley, she enjoyed a “blissful childhood” before bypassing university. On her mother’s recommendation she instead gained a secretarial qualification. Hired first as secretary to the general manager at the Daily Express, she moved into consumer PR — a role she “hated” — before returning to secretarial work, working for legendary theatre publicist Peter Thompson, who in time rewarded her with her own PR accounts. Five years on, in October 1982, she became press officer for ITV’s brand new breakfast show, TV-am. From the off, the programme was beset with problems, not least with its presenters Robert Kee, Angela Rippon, David Frost, Anna Ford and Michael Parkinson — the so-called “Famous Five” — who failed to gel on screen.

“You have to believe in yourself.”

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Annd Ford (right) and Angela Rippon (below), who worked with Melanie on breakfast TV in its early days.

Within three months, Angela and Anna had been sacked and Britain’s press were fixated. “I was on the front line,” says Melanie, recalling how every day she fended off journalists who stationed themselves in the TV-am foyer. “I had been instructed to say ‘no comment’ to everything and one day a journalist asked, ‘Has Anna Ford been fired?’ When I replied ‘no comment’ he replied, ‘But she’s just driven out the building saying she’s been given the boot’. It was incredibly stressful.” After leaving TV-am, Melanie was hired as a freelance publicist for TV presenters Michael Parkinson, Angela Rippon and Selina Scott. In 1985 she took on more stars, including Adam Ant and Michael Aspel. Soon Melanie was tipped off that Michael Aspel was having an affair — and the Daily Mirror knew about it. “I spoke to his agent and we expected Mike to knuckle under and, hopefully, there would be no story to answer to,” she recalls. “So when Mike told his agent ‘it’s serious,’ I said, ‘Then he has to tell Lizzie, his wife [actress Elizabeth At a showbiz party

“I was on the front line. It was incredibly stressful.”

with Ulrika.

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Power]. We can’t have this coming out in the press before his wife knows.’ Michael told Lizzie, then for three weeks, the story didn’t come out. I thought, ‘oh my God, I’ve made Mike tell his wife he’s having an affair!’ “Three weeks later the Mirror confronted him and, fortunately, we were ready with a statement. “As we’ve seen with the whole Dominic Cummings lockdown rule-breaking thing, in the end, you’re going to get found out. So why not come clean? If there’s a fact out there, deal with it as best you can.” Melanie admits she once made an exception to this rule. Piers Morgan, then editor of the Daily Mirror at the time, called to ask about her client, former weather girl Ulrika Jonsson, and Gladiators star Hunter, aka James Crossley. The couple dated in 1996 after Ulrika divorced cameraman John Turnbull. “Hunter had been seen climbing over her garden fence,” says Melanie. “I think she was still married at the time, though. I don’t remember the specifics, but there was a huge reason why she didn’t want that to come out. So I’m afraid I obfuscated to Piers and he really got annoyed with me. I said to Ulrika, ‘I’m never doing that for you again!’” In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, the media was so obsessed with Ulrika she was what Melanie calls “one step down from Princess Diana”. Consequently, “very dangerous, difficult situations” arose, including paparazzi chases, which Melanie experienced first-hand. “We were chased back into Ulrika’s house by paparazzi. We got inside, and our backs were against the door. It was scary,” she recalls. “At the time, Ulrika’s little cottage was on the street. I said, ‘Ulrika, you’ve got to move!’ I understood that danger of exposure.” A journalist once accused Melanie of getting “too close” to her clients but she has no regrets. “They knew I cared and that whatever I was advising for them was what I thought was best,” says Melanie, who “still adores” Ulrika — she is godmother to two of her children, Cameron and Bo — and remains in contact with TV presenters Melinda Messenger and

People

Images © Karla Gowlett, Press Association, Shutterstock

“I’ve had a really great life, but turning 60, I’m having the best time!” Melanie Sykes, who she admires for “telling it like it is”. Inevitably, not all Melanie’s working relationships went swimmingly. She once represented — in her words — a “bonkers” but “brilliant interior designer” who was driven entirely by fame and money. “I couldn’t work with that,” she admits. “You shouldn’t be looking for fame but to be the best in what you do. If that leads to fame, fine — if you can handle it, of course.” Not every celebrity can. Melanie describes the fate of late Paula Yates, who she became friendly with during her Peter Thompson years, as “devastating”. The TV hostess died of a heroin overdose in September 2000, three years after her fiancé, INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, took his own life. “She had so much to give. She was so bloody funny, a total star, and that’s the tragedy,” says Melanie. “Some people find it very difficult. Look at Caroline Flack, who I didn’t know. You’d think she had everything going for her — beauty, talent and, yet, she seemed so empty.” Happily, Melanie looks back on the highlights of her three decades working in show business with fondness, including flying first class to Barbados with Ulrika to record a TV show. Her many “chit-chats” with actor Rupert Everett who “never behaved like a star” were legendary, as was the memorable evening she was the landing mat for a very drunk Caroline Aherne, the late star of The Royle Family. “I went to a leaving party of a BBC executive and I happened to be standing next to Caroline,” remembers Melanie. “Suddenly, I felt the full weight of her as she went to lean on me, then she collapsed to the floor. Her ‘people’ saw it and shuffled her out very quickly!” These days, happily single Melanie is relieved to be

Melanie and Ulrika became such good friends that Melanie is godmother to two of Ulrika’s children.

no longer “consumed by work”. She describes herself as “much more chilled” and has more time to spend with her sons Alexander, 34, and Joseph, 32. She is also discovering new opportunities in unlikely places. After turning 60, when she stopped bleaching her hair and decided to embrace her natural grey, Melanie was model-scouted at both Kings Cross train station and Liberty department store. She has subsequently appeared in two Dove advertising campaigns. More recently, to lift women’s spirits during lockdown, she started #projectuplift, an Instagram fashion diary where she models her favourite colour-popping outfits from her inspiring wardrobe. Throw in her rising-star status as an author and Melanie is understandably excited about her bright future. “As a writer of novels, you think something’s going to happen to your character, then suddenly they start leading the way. Life is like that,” she says. “I’ve had a really great life, but turning 60, who would have believed all of this? I’m having absolutely the best time.” Life and Other Happy Endings by Melanie Cantor, £7.99, available in paperback from Transworld. PLATINUM

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Indian inspireds dessert chat bombs

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ring Late flowe annuals such s, as sunflower cosmos and can still nicotiana vases, for cut be so deadhead to arly them regul nuous ensure conti flowering.

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PERT AS NING EX R GARDE GARDEN JOIN OU AUTUMN RES HIS NTER OF H E E X P LO OR A WI . PA R E S F P OT T I N G AND PRE NG AND , PLANTI OUR P R U N I N G H O W TO M A K E Y KEEP IT LEARN US AND O E G R G. O G S O N LO N GARDEN ALL SEA T H AT WAY

ERT UM EXP P L AT I N Mark Lane

for BBC A presenter d, Mark Worl Gardener’s should be says gardens to spend joyful areas ghout the time in throu colour and year. He loves his advice creativity and eﬀective. and is practical

Potting thent pla winter perfectabout your

ng Start thinki Ordering containers. ornamental in October for delive ry still your plants n centres will or visiting garde plant when the to give you time warm. still viola, compost is for pots are nthus, Perfect plants ower, polya tulips and primrose, wallfland forget-me-nots. time to plant are the m Now is the colour sweet Willia top five tulips white come in many a alliums. My with Winter violas have erry ripple, ns and many ; abu tulipa blueb rite is combinatio ed with purple petals nce. My favou its petals streak gany sweet fragra with deep maho honey bee, hassan, with ow; orange honeyviola F1, or golden-yell with r, copper and tulip edged with e ambe warm carrot-orang . a rich emperor, a r why scented petals base; jan reus, to hony of colou ? It a pale yellow outside and dark perfect time For a cacop Now is the the in sorbet F1 mixed finally, crimson on shady areas white not try viola r think about internally and flowers from y-white Indian lake n. Spring colou life comes with , blue to orange, your garde tion, a cream an area to rpiece. grand perfec to deep purple collections and Dutch maste will bring such of bulbs, will red use and crimson alliums, try single-colou too. Unlike and with the as ones, the perfect n scent. red For and know r s, multi-colou dicum, also bring colou cousins, pansieup as pure white globes allium hollan their larger Bulbs such tion, with its tend to hold purple sensa rs. For a cooler blue or white winter violas er weather. Fill snowdrops, a, white of purple flowe e, try the blue better to harsh and position them anemone bland rosa, white or iners planting schem later flowe ring line your conta anemone nemodaffodils and the or back door, in allium and ow its by your front off buttery-yell now. halon, with s or show them be planted sphaerocep flowe rhead a pathway ead with a bluebells can skimmia, the egg-shaped Deadh ts. stick stems drum hanging baske regularly to prolong on slender Consider ferns,ve and even rs — watch them the wind — and to pair of scisso in biennial foxglo honeysuckle as they sway ling l of yellow flowe ring. sweet-smel 141 s are great e a looser umbe for flavum. bloom achiev NUM go yellow rs, PLATI ing — its flowe ing and cover bell-shaped for tree climb trelliswork.

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How to wear

RED FROM SHOPPING AND C O F F E E TO A G I R L S ’ N I G H T O U T, G I V E T H I S S E A S O N ’ S H OT T E S T SHADE A WHIRL. by BOO HILL

rom the catwalk to the high street, we’re all on red alert this season — it’s one of autumn’s biggest trends. If you’ve always thought it isn’t your colour, now is the time to take another look and give red a go. It’s far more versatile than you may think. We know how red is responsible for lifting neutrals, glamourising black and, in fact, adding impact to just about any outfit but this season it breaks all the rules. It still looks stunning worn on its own and it can now be worn with a rainbow of colours, too. Teaming with pink, orange and lime gives this season’s red a fabulously vibrant feel. Red is such an instant mood-lifter, too. It’s just perfect when you want to chase away the blues.

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A suit this stylish really speaks for itself and needs very few accessories. It looks equally great with heels or pumps. Choose an accent colour, in this case blue, for shoes and a bag.

Create the look

Jacket, £160 and skirt, £65, both Kaya Turello; shoes, £39.99, TK Maxx; bag from a selection at Dune

So c hic

Create the look

Lace blouse, £75, Kettlewell Colours; vest top, £22, Oasis; trousers, £112, Fre eshna London; shoes, £2 243, Chie Mihara; bag, £12.99, TK Maxx

B e bo l d

W e

here w y an

Style scarlet with other bright colours. Orange and red with a dash of lime combine together beautifully. These ﬂuid trousers are so ﬂattering, too.

Accessorising is the simplest way to pick up on a trend. Choose a red scarf, bag and shoes to refresh a more neutral outﬁt while giving it the easiest of updates.

Create the look

Trench coat, £135, Rino & Pelle at QVC; T-shirt, £19.99, John Lewis; trousers, £24.90, Uniqlo; shoes, £24.99, TK Maxx; scarf, £9.99, H&M; bag, £87, Ashwood at QVC PLATINUM

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Mix it

Scarf, £10, TK Maxx; vest top, £14.99, River Island; cardigan, £49, Kettlewell Colours; trousers, from a selection at Phase Eight; shoes, £10.99, New Look; bag, £19.99, TK Maxx

Create the look

Make a statement by mixing clashing colours and prints. Pink, red and orange pulled together with a bold ﬂoral scarf will transform you.

Sc et s a rl le tap

This season try swapping your go-to black sweater for a vivid red one. It’s just as useful as it can be worn with the same outﬁts, but is much more chic.

Create the look

Sweater, £150, Hope; scarf, £50, Laslett England; shirt, £55, by Ruth Langsford at QVC; skirt from a selection at Uniqlo; shoes £75, Van-dal

Your n

ew -to go

Red-hot style Just a touch of colour can make all the difference.

Bangle, £38, Seol + Gold

Jacket, £160, Kaya Turello

Bag, £14, Matalan

Metallics and red are the perfect match and don’t always have to be dressy. Opting for gold laceups rather than heels means a more casual feel. This suit and trainers combination is perfect for lunch or days out.

Create the look

Jacket, £405 and trousers, £269, both Marc Cain; blouse, £39.99, TK Maxx; necklace, £19.99 and bag £29.99, House of Fraser; shoes, £19.99, New Look

Boots, £79, Topshop

Plate, £4.99, Kitchen Craft

Hanging basket, £12, Gisela Graham London Table lamp, £340, Nest Velvet armchair, £399, Made.com

Scandi STYLE

Lantern, £65, John Lewis & Partners

Face vase, £37.90 and accessories, Beaumonde

Reed diffuser, £27, Of Cabbages & Kings

Clock, £49, Cult Furniture

ADD STYLE, SERENITY AND C H A R M TO Y O U R A U T U M N A L HOME WITH THESE HYGGEINSPIRED PIECES.

Candle, £30, Skandinavisk

Rug, £45, Mint & May

Dresser, £4,200, Kitchen Makers

Vase set, £125, Shimu

Staying in Going out F R O M AT- H O M E M A S T E R C L A S S E S A N D S M A L L S C R E E N D E B U T S , TO E N T H R A L L I N G R E A D S A N D I N N O VAT I V E WAY S TO S TAY A C T I V E I N D O O R S , T H E R E ’ S A B S O L U T E LY N O T I M E F O R B O R E D O M OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. SO MANY A C T I V I T I E S , S O M A N Y LO V E LY C H O I C E S TO M A K E !

Unique experiences The Essential Guide for Soul Adventurers: A 40 Day Guide to Joy ON SALE NOW

This limited edition book leads you through a virtual 40-day athome yoga retreat. Focussing on the healing practices of Kundalini yoga, meditation and shamanism, this guide to joy will help destress and calm your body and mind. Each morning, use your phone to scan the book’s QR code and watch yoga expert Trish Whelan’s online tutorial to keep yourself on track. Each class is ﬁlmed in multiple locations across the magical island of Ibiza, where Trish has lived and

practised for the last eight years. It’s the perfect source of escapism and relaxation. Join the soul adventure by buying your copy at whitehair.co/ post/soul-adventures.

The Luna Cinema OCTOBER 1-4

Playing some of the world’s favourite ﬁlms, The Luna Cinema takes the magic of the silver screen outdoors. Enjoy watching classics both old and new on cinema-sized screens as the sun sets behind you. Tickets are allocated to seated sections, keeping plenty of space between groups. With a maximum of four people per pitch, each is complete with loungers, blankets and access to toilets two metres apart. The Greatest Showman shows on September 30, followed by Joker, Rocketman, Grease and Dirty Dancing on various dates. Find all information and locations at thelunacinema.com

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Fatal Isles

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 3

In the middle of the North Sea, between the UK and Denmark, lies the beautiful and rugged island nation of Doggerland. Detective Inspector Karen Eiken Hornby has returned to the main island, Heimö, after many years in London to be one of the few female police ofﬁcers in Doggerland. Regret strikes when she wakes up in a hotel room next to her boss, but worse is to come. Next day his exwife is found brutally murdered, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit island community. The story follows Karen as she struggles to ﬁnd the killer. The deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes that even small islands can hide huge secrets.

W h at’s O n

Getting creative Interior design with Steph Briggs OCTOBER 8

Get lost in a fantastic read this month.

The Mousetrap

ST MARTIN’S THEATRE, LONDON FROM OCTOBER 23

From October 23, St Martin’s theatre welcomes its longestrunning production, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap back to the West End stage. In its 68th year, the whodunit show will bring drama and mystery to more intimate audiences. Digital and printat-home tickets will be scanned upon entry, the theatre will be cleaned between performances and rows of seating will be removed to avoid close contact with others. Though having some more legroom and a couple of extra cup holders won’t be a problem — we’ll take a gin and tonic for each hand, if you don’t mind. Find tickets at londontheatredirect.com

Interior design enthusiasts and upholstery fanatics — this experience is for you. Enjoy two masterclasses with the Queen of Upcycling, Steph Briggs. In her two-hour “How to Create Your Own Lampshade” session, you’ll learn how to make stunning features of various sizes. All eco-friendly materials will be provided in your at-home kit, sent by La Di Da Interiors one week before your class. All you need is a pair of scissors, an iron and your creativity. For £28, choose morning or evening slots on October 8 and 21. There are only ﬁve spaces per class, so log onto ladida-andover.com and book quickly.

Virtual cookery hub AVAILABLE NOW

A cookery school in the comfort of your own kitchen means no more embarrassment when your cheese roux turns out lumpy or your pastry falls apart at the seams. In Larks Live’s virtual food hub, you can travel to Spain with Tim Maddams in his tapas class, enjoy light ﬂuffy chocolate eclairs with Mikael Perret and experience the taste of Persia with Jazzi Curley. Masterclasses range from £10 to £15, depending on your chef and your recipe. Go to larks. live to explore your options.

OCTOBER 28

For its 28th year, the Raindance Film Festival is bringing the crème de la crème of independent ﬁlm to your living room. You can expect exclusive viewings, live activities, industry sessions, panels and gigs from various central London venues. It’s not the immersive cinema experience we’re used to, but signing into raindance.org/festival between October 28 and November 7 will ensure that staying at home doesn’t mean missing out on seeing some really worthwhile ﬁlms that might otherwise slip under your radar.

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MAGGIE PHILBIN’S

TECH TALK T H I S M O N T H P L AT I N U M ’ S T E C H E X P E R T S H A R E S H E R F I R S T F L AT S C R E E N T V MEMORIES, AND WHY FINDING A TECH BARGAIN IS SOMETIMES BETTER THAN BUYING A BRAND NEW MODEL.

P L AT I N U M E X P E R T Maggie Philbin An award-winning gadgets guru, Maggie has received eight honorary degrees and an OBE for her work promoting diversity in the tech industry. She is one of the UK’s leading tech experts.

“There are so many different ways to watch TV now.”

a child I watched history-making events such as the moon landing and The Beatles miming to She Loves You on Ready Steady Go on a television that majestically filled an entire corner of the room with a flickering black and white screen not much bigger than my iPad. As a ten-year-old, I watched the first episodes of Tomorrow’s World on that set, including an item by Raymond Baxter about a special solution which could be applied to your television screen to prevent glare from the sun. I got into a lot of trouble for smearing toothpaste over the screen to see if that might have the same effect. Wind the clock forward and, much to my surprise, I found myself presenting the very latest TV tech on that show. Sometimes this included rather bizarre items like showing how rubber plants could be used as very effective TV aerials. (Only in the days of analogue, it won’t work in the digital era!) I also demonstrated the first flat screen TVs, which seemed impossibly elegant. I was secretly rather chuffed when I unboxed one into my own home 20 years ago, as I always feel a sense of personal satisfaction when the tech I promised we’d all be using really does become part of our lives. I mounted it a bit too high on the sitting room wall, but it looked great. All these years later, after not bothering to adjust where it was positioned, deciding to watch a long film delivers a crick in your neck like you’ve been anxiously looking at a Heathrow departures board all night (remember that — when we all went abroad on holiday?). Plus, you can only do that if you are lucky enough to have bagged a spot on the sofa in front of the screen. The time is right for an upgrade.

of over 60s have ‘bingewatched’ a TV show, with BBC iPlayer being the preferred streaming service. Most of us still prefer to watch our favourite shows on a traditional TV, though tablet use is increasing.

I n T h e K now

Get set to stream

Make the most of your TV with these top rated streaming services.

Amazon Prime

Watching TV on a tablet.

Latest model isn’t always best choice

Nowadays, people seem to think nothing of spending £7,000 upwards on TVs that are compatible with every kind of app — and possibly the ability to control the National Grid as an optional extra! You might expect me to review various tellies and let you know which would be a good buy. However, as I am still self-isolating and not comfortable about people coming into the house to wrench TVs from walls for me and to assess potential replacements, I’ve had more time to think about my purchasing strategy. I’m considering netting myself a bargain by looking not at the very latest OLED TV models, but at ones that ﬁrst launched a year ago. They will deliver a massively improved experience and are often available at nearly 50% off their original price. I know I’ll need to move quickly to take advantage of bargains like this. I’m considering two models, both still available online for just over £1,000. Sony KD55AG8BU 55” 4K (I love both picture and sound quality on their sets and have always had Sony sets, so some brand loyalty kicks in here), but there’s another very strong 55” contender in the LG OLED55C9PLA. The latter has rave reviews, and one detail I like is the ‘Magic remote’ with onscreen cursor for clicking on apps or the TV guide.

Tech turned even easier

There are so many ways to watch your favourite programmes now — iPads and other tablets are great if you travel a lot. If you’re considering a streaming device then it’s worth taking a look at one that does a bit more than stream content. The Amazon Fire Cube (£109.99) is a 4K TV streamer that combines the capabilities of an Amazon Echo with the streaming apps of an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Use your voice to ﬁnd TV and ﬁlms but also to control thermostats, check the weather, set timers, turn on lights or music — even when the TV is switched off.

PROS: Monthly subscription gives you unlimited access to music, e-books, free delivery on many items from Amazon and exclusive discounts. CONS: There are lots of in-app purchases, from £2.49 to £22 depending on rating. If you watch one thing: Little Fires Everywhere Sign up for £7.99 per month or £79 for the year. First month is free at amazon.co.uk

BritBox

This is the BBC and ITV’s answer to Netﬂix, streaming the best of British cinema and TV. PROS: If you missed new programmes on iPlayer, ITV Hub or 4oD, you can view them on Britbox. CONS: Access to British dramas only — many of which are available on other streaming sites now. If you watch one thing: Lambs of God Pay £5.99 per month after a 30-day free trial at britbox.co.uk

BFI Player

The British Film Institute’s collection of critically acclaimed, landmark and archived ﬁlms. PROS: Their “Red Label” service rents brand new, independent ﬁlms ahead of public release. CONS: Limited content means you may need to search for bigger titles elsewhere. If you watch one thing: Parasite Rentals start from £2.50. Sign up for a 14-day free trial at player.bif.org.uk

Netﬂix

With over 195 million paying subscribers, Netflix is one of the world’s biggest streaming services. PROS: Access to impressive documentaries, from biopics about Dolly Parton, to in-depth criminal investigations into the Mafia in the ‘80s. The choice is vast. CONS: Content is changed frequently and there is restricted access depending on your location. If you only watch one thing: Self Made Register for a month’s free trial before paying £8.99 per month at netflix.com

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ur stunning Double Daffodils are a variety like no other, producing large vibrant ﬂower heads with a look similar to that of a peony. They are the perfect addition to the spring border where they will naturalise well if left undisturbed and provide a beautiful show every year.

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15 DAFFODIL REPLETE CODE - PD197 £9.99

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BUY 15 OF ONE VA R I E T Y A N D C H O O S E F R O M : A ) TA H I T I , B) REPLETE, C) SIR W I N S TO N C H U R C H I L L , D) DICK WILDEN OR E) WHITE LION. OR ORDER OUR 75 D O U B L E DA F FO D I L COLLECTION AND R EC E I V E 1 5 O F E AC H VA R I E T Y F O R O N LY £19.97, HALF PRICE.

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Indian inspired desserts I N D U LG E Y O U R S E L F W I T H T H E S E S W E E T B I T E S T H AT W I L L T R A N S P O R T Y O U TO R U R A L I N D I A , W I T H T H E S M E L L O F R O S E P E TA L S A N D S P I C E S I N T H E A I R . E N J O Y W I T H A P OT O F C H A I T E A A N D A L LO W Y O U R S E L F S E C O N D S !

Chocolate chat bombs

SERVES 2

Rich and decadent, with a hint of fragrance from the rose and nuttiness from the chopped pistachio. The perfect bite-size treat.

150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 10 shop-bought pani puri (dough balls) Flesh and seeds from 4 passion fruit 2tbsp chopped pistachios For the ganache 110ml double cream 110g dark chocolate Â˝tsp dried rose petals, plus more to garnish For the whipped cream 120ml whipping cream 2tsp icing sugar, sifted 1â &#x201E;8tsp ground cinnamon 1 vanilla pod/bean, seeds only

Set a small heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Put the chocolate in the bowl and stir until fully melted. 136

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Carefully take each pani puri and coat in the melted chocolate, then set aside on baking parchment and allow to cool fully. While the pani puri are cooling, start to make your chocolate ganache by setting a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the double cream, bring up to the boil, then remove from the heat. Roughly chop the dark chocolate and place into a mixing bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, add the dried rose petals and stir well until the chocolate has fully melted. Set aside and allow to cool. Meanwhile, whip your cream with the other ingredients in a large mixing bowl until it forms stiff peaks. To assemble, carefully break a hole in the top of each pani puri. Start by adding the fresh passion fruit and chopped pistachios until they fill the pani puri by a third, then spoon in the chocolate ganache until each pani puri is two-thirds full. Finish by filling them the rest of the way up with the whipped cream. Garnish with dried rose petals and chopped pistachios.

Foo d & D r i n k

Cardamom custard tart SERVES 6–8

Cardamom works tremendously well in any milk based dishes; its aromatic oils seem to bring custards alive. The other spices you can omit or enhance as your taste demands — but the sprinkle of cardamom at the end wakes the pudding up.

For the pastry 145g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 250g plain flour ¼tsp ground cloves 1⁄8tsp ground ginger ¼tsp ground cinnamon ¼tsp ground nutmeg 110g granulated sugar 1 egg, beaten 1tbsp full-cream milk For the custard 250ml double cream 250ml whole milk 1 vanilla bean, split 8 large egg yolks 100g granulated sugar 2 green cardamom pods, crushed 2.5cm piece of fresh root ginger, peeled 1 whole nutmeg 1 clove 2 black peppercorns 1 small bay leaf 3 sprigs of fresh thyme ¼tsp rosewater 1/8tsp ground turmeric 1tbsp ground cardamom, plus extra to sprinkle

Start by making the pastry. Rub the cold butter into the flour and ground spices with your fingertips until it starts to resemble breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, egg and milk and gently bring together until it forms a smooth dough. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pastry out to a thickness of 3–4mm. Then line a 20cm tart pan, leaving about 3cm of pastry overhanging the edge of the pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C/ gas 4. Take your pastry case out of the refrigerator, prick all over with a fork and line with baking parchment, then fill with baking beads. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the baking beads and parchment and bake for a further 15 minutes Remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 140°C/ gas 1. To make the custard, put the cream, milk and vanilla pod in a medium saucepan set over a medium heat and bring up to the boil. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until pale white, then pour a little of the hot cream mixture over the egg yolks and mix well. Pour this back into the saucepan, then add the rest of the custard ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring continuously, for a further 5 minutes. Strain the custard into a pouring jug and skim off any froth or bubbles. Carefully pour the custard into the case, then place the tart case on a shelf in the middle of your oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until just set — there should still be a slight wobble to the custard as it’s removed from the oven. Trim off the overhanging edges, then leave to cool completely. Finish with a sprinkle of ground cardamom just before serving. PLATINUM

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Carrot halwa

SERVES 4–6

Carrots in India are more like fruit than an anodyne root vegetable. They are full of sweet, deep ﬂavour, which makes them excellent ingredients in desserts. This great recipe showcases carrots in a very different way. It’s a kind of ﬂourfree, sticky carrot cake. And it’s heavy — you only need a small slice… or two.

2tbsp vegetable oil 2 cardamom pods 500g carrots, peeled, washed and coarsely grated 700ml whole milk 250g granulated sugar 50g raisins Pinch of saffron threads

Put the vegetable oil in a large high-sided frying pan set over a medium-high heat. When hot, add the cardamom pods and fry until they become fragrant — about 30 seconds. Add the grated carrot to the pan and fry for 4 minutes. Add the milk and bring up to the boil. While boiling, stir constantly for 5 minutes, ensuring the milk doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 1 hour, uncovered, making sure to stir regularly. After an hour the milk should have reduced by about a half. At this point add the caster sugar, raisins and saffron threads, then turn the heat up to medium and continue to cook for a further 15 minutes, stirring regularly, until the halwa is glossy and thick. You can serve the halwa warm or cold, and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Mowgli Street Food: Authentic Indian Street Food by Nisha Katona, £25, published by Watkins Media

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Foo d & D r i n k

Indian spiced rocky road SERVES 6-8

A delicious twist on a traditional rocky road, this version incorporates cardamom, ginger and cinnamon, offering a taste of India at home.

150g softened, unsalted butter 350g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 3tbsp golden syrup ½tsp ground cardamom ½tsp ground cinnamon 100g digestive biscuits 100g ginger snaps 50g dried cherries 50g dried cranberries 75g mini marshmallows 30g coconut flakes 30g crystallised ginger, cut into pieces 2tsp dried rose petals 2tsp chopped pistachios

Grease and line a square 25cm baking pan. Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water,

making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Put the butter, dark chocolate, golden syrup, ground cardamom and ground cinnamon in the bowl and stir well until the butter and chocolate have melted. Put the digestive biscuits and ginger snaps into a freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin — you want large, chunky pieces of biscuit. Once the chocolate mixture is fully melted, remove from the heat and add the crushed biscuits, cherries, cranberries, marshmallows, coconut flakes and crystallised ginger and mix well. Pour into the lined cake pan, then sprinkle over the dried rose petals and chopped pistachios. Set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before turning out and cutting into slices.

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St yle — H o m es & Ga rde n s

Your

best

ever GARDEN with MARK LANE

JOIN OUR GARDENING EXPERT AS H E E X P LO R E S H I S A U T U M N G A R D E N A N D P R E PA R E S F O R A W I N T E R O F P R U N I N G , P L A N T I N G A N D P OT T I N G . L E A R N H O W TO M A K E Y O U R GARDEN GORGEOUS AND KEEP IT T H AT WAY A L L S E A S O N LO N G .

I P L AT I N U M E X P E R T Mark Lane

A presenter for BBC Gardener’s World, Mark says gardens should be joyful areas to spend time in throughout the year. He loves colour and creativity and his advice is practical and eﬀective.

love this time of year. Not only because it’s my birthday, but also because of the smell of bonfires and cosier evenings around a fire. It’s the perfect time to lift and divide overcrowded herbaceous perennials, collect seed and cut flowers for the vase, too. It’s also a great time to plant up your winter ornamental pots and start preparing bulbs for wonderful colour next spring and early summer.

COOLER DAYS When temperatures drop, remember to protect your containers by wrapping them in horticultural ﬂeece or hessian.

Seeds, stems and sowing

With the clocks going back and shorter days rolling in, time well spent now in the garden will reap rewards for upcoming months. Seedheads can look great on plants with good structure — especially over the winter months — and provide food for wildlife too. Achillea, echinacea, agastache or rudbeckia should be left in place. If yours are grown alongside ornamental grasses, then your garden will look good throughout winter. The odd seedhead can be cut off and turned over into a paper bag, then hung upside down until all of the seeds have collected in the bag ready to sow as free plants next year.

LATE BLOOMERS Late flowering annuals such as sunflowers, cosmos and nicotiana can still be cut for vases, so deadhead them regularly to ensure continuous flowering.

Potting the perfect plant

Sunnier spots, brighter buds

Create beauty in the shade

Now is the perfect time to think about shady areas in your garden. Spring colour will bring such an area to life and with the use of bulbs, will bring colour and scent. Bulbs such as pure white snowdrops, blue or white anemone blanda, white anemone nemorosa, white or buttery-yellow daffodils and bluebells can be planted now. Consider ferns, skimmia, the biennial foxglove and even sweet-smelling honeysuckle — its yellow blooms are great for tree climbing and covering trelliswork.

Now is the time to plant tulips and alliums. My top five tulips are the tulipa blueberry ripple, with white petals streaked with purple; abu hassan, with deep mahogany petals edged with golden-yellow; orange emperor, a carrot-orange tulip with a pale yellow base; jan reus, a rich crimson on the outside and dark Indian lake internally and finally, grand perfection, a creamy-white and crimson Dutch masterpiece. For the perfect alliums, try allium hollandicum, also known as purple sensation, with its globes of purple flowers. For a cooler planting scheme, try the blue allium and the later flowering sphaerocephalon, with its drumstick egg-shaped flowerheads — watch them on slender stems as they sway in the wind — and to achieve a looser umbel of yellow bell-shaped flowers, go for flavum.

Start thinking about your winter ornamental containers. Ordering your plants for delivery in October or visiting garden centres will still give you time to plant when the compost is still warm. Perfect plants for pots are viola, primrose, wallflower, polyanthus, sweet William and forget-me-nots. Winter violas come in many colour combinations and many have a sweet fragrance. My favourite is viola F1, or honey bee, with its warm amber, copper and honeyscented petals. For a cacophony of colour why not try viola sorbet F1 mixed? It comes with flowers from white to deep purple, blue to orange, single-coloured collections and multi-coloured ones, too. Unlike their larger cousins, pansies, winter violas tend to hold up better to harsher weather. Fill your containers and position them by your front or back door, line a pathway or show them off in hanging baskets. Deadhead with a pair of scissors regularly to prolong flowering. PLATINUM

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Divide and nurture

Overcrowded perennials that may not have flowered so well this year can be lifted, divided and replanted throughout your garden. Dividing plants sounds complicated, but it really is easy and it is a great way to get to know how your plants grow. Geraniums, for example, have a network of tightly-packed roots that can be pulled apart by hand. Having a good clump of root and greenery or shoots when planting in a fresh hole will let them start setting their roots into the soil, getting established and ready to flower next year. Woody perennials, or those with a woody crown like aster or agapanthus, will need some brute force to divide. First, dig them up and either take a spade and cut downwards through the plant like slicing a cake, or use a sharp knife and divide the clump into sections. Each section can again be replanted in a fresh hole. Most herbaceous perennials will need dividing every three to five years, but remember that you can also take cuttings and collect their seed to make more plants for free, too.

Welcome the outside in

Every year, I give my houseplants a summer holiday by displaying them outside on the patio. Most houseplants are from warmer climes and are therefore not frost hardy, so now is the time start bringing them indoors. Do this slowly to acclimatise them to the warmer temperature inside, especially if central heating is on. Bring them closer to the walls of your house, hold back from watering slightly and when ready, bring them indoors to be enjoyed.

Planning ahead

As well as your winter containers, start thinking about your spring pots and get in early with ordering or buying your spring bedding plants — deciduous trees will start to lose their leaves and it is important to keep lawns and pathways clear of leaves. Collect them up and either put into a leaf bay or inside black plastic bags with some water and holes to make your own leaf mould (great for adding to containers and borders). Turn your compost heaps to let air in by creating pockets where oxygen can get inside and supply the beneficial microbes. Sow winter salads, clear out greenhouse crops, buy garlic for planting and be sure to harvest squashes and pumpkins ahead of the first frosts.

IN THE KNOW TREE PEONIES

These will survive in dappled shade. Look for their graft — a woody bulge at the base of the stems — and plant 10 to 15 centimetres below soil level, with just the twigs or stems visible.

HERBACEOUS PEONIES

These will die in the autumn, before tree peonies begin to shrub. Plant herbaceous peonies five centimetres below soil and in sunshine.

Lights, £70, Amara

Book, £17.99, Oliver Bonas

Gloves, £16.70, Gyrofish

SWEET PEAS Sow sweet peas in pots in the greenhouse or on a bright windowsill for a lovely winter display.

Compost scoop, £18.95, Annabel James

Tools bag, £23.99, Dobbies

Lantern, £73, Beaumonde

The new

normal in finance O U R M O N E Y E X P E RT I S B AC K W I T H E S S E N T I A L A D V I C E O N M A N A G I N G Y O U R A S S E T S . G E T TO K N O W T H E C U R R E N T F I N A N C I A L C L I M AT E A S J A S M I N E L E A D S Y O U T H R O U G H C H A N G E S TO S AV I N G A N D L E N D I N G , T R AV E L I N S U R A N C E , M O R TG A G E R AT E S A N D TA X E S TO H E L P Y O U F I N D Y O U R F E E T P O S T- PA N D E M I C .

Sorting through your savings

P L AT I N U M E X P E R T Jasmine Birtles

he coronavirus pandemic has affected our borrowing, saving, investing, benefits and jobs and will very likely continue to do so in the months and even years to come. I’m going to give an overview of what you can expect from house prices, savings rates, loans and taxes going forward. As ever, it’s a mix of good and bad; of cuts and losses, but also of opportunities and potential earnings. Here are my predictions — with a little help from industry experts — for our finances for the rest of 2020 and into 2021.

You will already have noticed that savings rates dropped to practically nothing when the Bank of England reduced the base rate (the rate at which it lends money to the banks) to a barely-there 0.1% at the beginning of the crisis. When the bank then injected a total of £300 billion into the economy — known as quantitative easing, or “printing money” as I like to call it — banks and other lenders suddenly had access to a lot of cheap money and didn’t need our savings, which meant they could offer us miserly rates. As the economy struggles to kickstart itself again, interest rates are likely to stay low. This encourages borrowing, which means the outlook for savings is not sunny. However, Anna Bowes from savingschampion.co.uk says that while savings rates are likely to stay low for some time, there are glimmers of hope for those with cash to put away. “There are a number of new banks waiting to gain their full banking licences,” she tells me. “It’s these new banks who need to raise funds from savers that can inject at least some competition into the market.” One of these now licensed new banks is Zopa Bank, which has ﬁxed term savings rates that rank in the top ﬁve of the best accounts. As Anna says, “Don’t leave your cash to languish with your high street bank. Even in this low rate environment, better rates can be found elsewhere which can make a meaningful difference to the amount in your pocket.”

Keeping track of your credit cards and loans

Borrowing over the next year or so is likely to be an odd mixture of money that is cheap but is, at the same time, hard to get hold of. The low Bank of England interest rate has meant that personal loans are extremely cheap and are likely to stay low for some time. But it’s now harder to borrow this money unless you have a squeaky-clean credit record and a secure income. Sarah Coles of investment company Hargreaves Lansdown says, “For millions of furloughed workers, the future is highly uncertain and there’s every chance that the wave of job losses is just the beginning. Banks will be particularly wary about lending in this environment. If you have taken any kind of payment holiday during the crisis, you might find it even more difficult to borrow. While it can’t affect your official credit rating, we’re already seeing lenders take payment breaks into consideration.”

F i na nce

The independent Ofﬁce for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects Government borrowing to be £300 billion higher than they anticipated by 2021.

28%

Monitoring mortgages and house prices

Low interest rates should be good news for home buyers who are looking to get a cheap mortgage — and for those with a hefty deposit to put down, it certainly is. However, ﬁrst-time buyers with little or no money to put into a deposit will be put on the back foot as there are few, if any, high loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages on the market. This is because lenders were forced to give many of their borrowers “mortgage holidays” for at least three months during lockdown. Essentially, unless you have at least 15% of the house price to put down as a deposit, there are very few mortgages available. However, if you do have a sizeable deposit, mortgage rates are delightfully low and likely to stay that way, which will help homebuyers who keep their jobs and those who are looking to re-mortgage. Sellers, though, will need to offer bargains if they’re to shift their properties in the next year. David

Hollingworth from L&C Mortgages says, “While there has certainly been a strong interest from buyers since lockdown, it’s not completely clear if that’s the pent-up demand caused by the pausing of the market, or whether it may be more sustainable.” Gill Fielding of Fielding Financial, who runs courses in property investment, is more bullish about the market. She believes there will be a 1%-3% increase in prices by the end of this year. She also says there are great buying opportunities for those wanting to invest. “The highest searches on relevant websites at the moment are for properties further from towns and cities,” she says, “and for properties with larger gardens and a space to work from home — all criteria most likely generated by the virus. This could mean that properties that don’t have these items are likely to be cheaper currently, but the prices should come back into line when the pandemic is over and people get back to normal.”

of UK adults are suffering from anxiety because of their financial circumstances

11%

OF THOSE AGED OVER 55 ARE WORRIED ABOUT JOB SECURITY BECAUSE OF COVID-19

ONE IN NINE MORTGAGE HOLDERS HAVE TAKEN A MORTGAGE HOLIDAY

If you’re struggling for money, you can take out

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The Bank of England has predicted that we will have a V-shaped recovery — in other words, we will bounce back quickly and strongly.

Your travel insurance options

In the early days of the pandemic, a number of travel insurers stopped selling travel insurance altogether. They have gradually made their way back into the market but have generally offered insurance that doesn’t include Covid-19 (or any other pandemic) cover. However, a handful of insurers, such as CoverForYou and Cedar Tree, do offer Covid cover and Neil Wright, the founder and MD of both says, “I expect over the coming months, the rest of the market will follow our lead. Whether they will go as far as us and offer this level of Covid cover as standard on all new and existing policies, remains to be seen. “Inevitably, in the next 12 months there will be price increases because all policy underwriters are sitting on signiﬁcant losses and these will only increase as more holidays and ﬂights are cancelled. “My advice is to purchase an Annual Multi-trip policy as soon as you can, as you will only be hit with price rises on future renewals.”

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Considering where and when to invest Back in March, it looked as if the stock market — both in the UK and America — would go into freefall and struggle to pull itself up again. In fact, thanks to Quantitative Easing and furlough pay going to people with time on their hands and an interest in investing, stocks and shares rallied as individuals and institutions piled into what looked like a cheap market. However, everyone recognises that shares and other investments are likely to be even more volatile than usual going forward, as economic uncertainty continues to rule the waves in the UK and around the globe. Tom Selby, senior analyst at investment company AJ Bell says, “History tells us that the market will likely rebound. There have been many market crashes throughout time and the market has always recovered, so the question is how quick will the rebound be? We’ve already seen the UK market bounce back from its March lows, so anyone who was canny enough to invest then has already seen healthy returns.”

F i na nce

The reality of jobs and unemployment

The outlook for jobs in many parts of the economy is bleak, with airlines, retailers, entertainment and the hospitality sectors hit particularly hard over recent months and shedding thousands of jobs. The worry now is that as the Government’s furlough scheme finally ends, this situation is going to get worse. However, some sectors have actually benefited from the crisis and already have job opportunities. Technology companies have benefited from an increased reliance on services like video conferencing. Healthcare has benefited as the world urgently seeks medicines and a vaccine. Consumer goods companies profited from the rush of demand for cleaning products and supermarkets have seen a surge in sales as people have gone back to eating all of their meals at home. The Bank of England has predicted that we will have a V-shaped recovery — in other words, we will bounce back quickly and strongly. But Tom Selby of investment company AJ Bell is more cautious. He says, “If the restrictions can be gradually lifted without a significant spike in new cases, we may get the V-shaped recovery we all hope for. However, if the UK is hit by a second wave of Covid-19 cases and the Government halts or even reverses the lifting of lockdown restrictions, growth will be stunted and we’ll be looking at a much more prolonged U-shaped recovery.”

FIND EXPERT PENSIONS A D V I C E AT M O N E YA D V I C E

SERVICE.ORG.UK

The future? State Pension age could be put up to 70 and the triple-lock on pensions could be removed; free bus passes could go and winter fuel payments could be cut.

Where are we now and what will this cost us?

It’s a good question and the answer is likely to be painful! How long it takes us to pay off that extra debt will depend on the strength of our economic recovery. If we have a strong and quick recovery, then income from taxes will be high and the benefits bill will be low, which will help pay off the debt quickly. “However,” says Tom Selby, “it seems unlikely the UK will simply be able to grow its way out of trouble and with Boris Johnson ruling out austerity — instead pledging to “build, build, build” to fuel the economic recovery — it seems increasingly likely we will see at least some tax increases and benefit cuts as the Treasury looks to balance the books.” One area that may be ripe for cuts is in the many perks that the over-60s enjoy. Not only could the State Pension age be put up, but the triple-lock on pensions could be removed, free bus passes could go and winter fuel payments could be cut. It’s also possible that retirees might have to continue paying National Insurance (NI) once they are 65, which they currently do not. It has already been confirmed that many pensioners will have to now pay for their TV Licence. It’s likely that we will all have to pay higher taxes in some way — and the benefits and tax breaks many currently enjoy will gradually be eroded. But in the short-term (up to the middle of next year) the Government is likely to continue to pump money into the economy and keep taxes low to encourage business. So I say, make the most of it while you can!

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BOOK CLUB

BOOK of the MONTH

A GREAT READ

OUR RESIDENT BOOK REVIEWER SHARES HER BEST FICTION AND NON-FICTION READS OF THE MONTH.

GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER B E R N A R D I N E E VA R I S T O

P L AT I N U M E X P E R T Adele Parks

ulti-million selling author Adele is also Ambassador for the National Literacy Trust. She has written 20 novels and all of them have made the bestseller lists. Recently she has been working on the launch of one of those bestsellers, Lies Lies Lies, as it goes on sale in the USA. F O L L OW H E R O N TWI TT E R @ A D E L E PA R K S A N D I N S TA G R A M @ A D E L E _ P A R K S Pick up a copy of Just My Luck by Adele Parks, published by HQ.

Experimental, daring, subversive — this novel cowon the Booker Prize in 2019 and won Fiction Book of the Year at the 2020 British Book Awards, where Evaristo was also awarded Author of the Year. It is fair to say everyone is still talking about this lyrical, exceptional novel that explores female black identity and sexuality in Britain. This beautifully-written novel does not follow a plot in the conventional way, nor does it have a linear timeline or a single focal character. It is experimental, challenging and brave — and will give you a lot to think about. It is ambitious, but so accomplished, that the reader ﬂows with the cast of 12 characters on their personal journeys through Britain, from Newcastle to Cornwall, over the last hundred years. The book’s unity comes from the fact all 12 are searching for something — a past they can depend on, a future they can be excited about, a home, a lover, a missed mother or a lost father. It’s astonishing!

CITY OF SPIES MARA TIMON SKINCARE: THE ULTIMATE NONONSENSE GUIDE CAROLINE HIRONS Caroline Hirons’ blog has been viewed over 100 million times — undoubtedly, she’s a respected expert. I might guess that she’s a millennial serving up nebulous advice to others, but no — Caroline Hirons is a no-nonsense woman in her 50s, who cuts out the jargon, tells you what is and is not needed to achieve your best possible skin. Brilliant! I believe Skincare is set to become the go-to book for people of all ages and skin types, who simply want to healthier and brighter skin. I know I need to stay up to date to achieve that, but often feel overwhelmed — there are so many products on the market. Skincare explains facts, myths, and ingredients lists while offering simple advice on how to choose the right products for you. It’s the ultimate guide.

THE PHONE BOX AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD L AU RA I M A I M E SS I N A When Yui loses her mother and daughter in a tsunami, she wonders how she will ever carry on in the face of this unthinkable loss. Yui hears about a man who has an old disused telephone box in his garden. There, those who have lost loved ones ﬁnd the strength to speak to them, and begin to come to terms with their grief. People travel miles to this box, in the hope of healing. Yui makes her own pilgrimage to the phone box — but ﬁnds she cannot bring herself to speak into the receiver. Then she meets Takeshi, a bereaved husband whose daughter has stopped talking in the wake of their loss. This novel will break your heart and put it back together again — and lift it! Perfect for fans of The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

It is 1943 and SOE agent Elisabeth de Mornay has escaped Nazioccupied France. She receives orders to infiltrate high society in Lisbon, and find out who is leaking information to the Germans. As a French widow of independent means, she will be able to meet all the rich Europeans who have gathered to wait out the war. But in a city that is filled with spies, who can she trust? This is a highly accomplished debut featuring a splendidly spirited heroine, a cast of convincing characters and a pacey plot. It’s been described as Casablanca meets le Carré.

THE BIG FIVE-O JANE WENHAM-JONES Four friends are approaching their big Five-O birthday. They’re planning an unforgettable party — but they have more on their minds than canapés. Charlotte is feeling the distance with her husband. Single mother Roz lives in fear her daughter will discover how she pays the bills. Fay is successful — but she is hiding the story behind her painful divorce. And singleton Sherie, her cat is the only male in her life who ever stays. As the party looms, emotions are intensiﬁed, and it is only a matter of time for secrets to spill. This is a lovely, fun, light-hearted read.

AFTER THE SILENCE LOUISE O’NEILL Ten years ago, as a violent storm raged, Henry and Keelin Kinsella hosted a wild party on the island of Inisrún. When morning broke, Nessa Crowley’s lifeless body lay in the garden, her murder cloaked by party music and thunder. It was impossible to get off the island that night. The killer couldn’t have escaped — but no one was charged, even though the islanders knew who was to blame. Years later a documentary crew arrives, determined to discover the truth. A skilful exploration of the themes of isolation, secrets and lies. A close-knit community can offer protection to the innocent and the guilty.

Platinum has launched its very own book club and we’d love you to join. Tell us what our next great read should be at mail@platinum-mag.co.uk For more must-read books, head to our website platinum-mag.co.uk PLATINUM

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How are

you really feeling? W I T H W O R L D M E N TA L H E A LT H D AY TA K I N G P L A C E I N O C TO B E R , H I L A R Y B O D D I E DISCOVERS WHY BRAIN H E A LT H S H O U L D D E F I N I T E LY BE ON OUR MINDS.

ow is the perfect time to give your mental wellbeing the full focus it deserves — for many, it has never seemed so under threat. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental wellbeing of millions, compounding feelings of anxiety and isolation. In this country alone, ﬁgures from charity Age UK show that as many as half of adults aged 55 and over have experienced common mental health problems.

much or too little, and experience severe mood swings and persistent thoughts and memories that we can’t shake off. Even these days, too often people feel afraid to admit they are struggling with their mental health.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. “Difﬁcult or traumatic events from your childhood, loneliness, severe or long-term stress, bereavement or unemployment can all affect your mental health,” says Stephen Buckley from the charity Mind.

The mind-body connection

What do we mean by mental health?

How can it make you feel?

When our mental wellbeing is affected it can leave us feeling tired all the time and low in energy; angry, upset, worried or scared; numb or as if nothing matters; or hopeless and helpless. It may cause us to retreat from friends and family and our usual activities, sleep too

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It can strike at any age

“As we transition through midlife, we face different challenges. Nearing retirement, changes in status, less certainty about physical health and facing bereavement can all have an impact on our mental health,” says Jolie Goodman, from the Mental Health Foundation.

Mental wellbeing has an impact on physical wellbeing. “I think people are starting to realise that we have to treat the whole person,” says Dr Mike Dow, author of The Brain Fog Fix. “Having a more positive mindset can help you live longer, survive a heart attack, and is generally associated with less inﬂammation in the body. The mind-body connection is real and incredibly potent.” Sara Davenport, author of Reboot Your Brain (reboothealth.co.uk) agrees. “Underestimating the importance of treating mental and emotional issues can result in more serious physical health problems further down the line, of both brain and body.” So, what are the most common mental health issues?

H ea lt h

“The mind-body connection is real and incredibly potent.” Depression

Depression is more than just feeling low, and can be a serious illness that impacts your everyday life. Symptoms include feeling sad and losing interest in everything; low self-esteem; disturbed sleep, reduced appetite, low energy and poor concentration. Depression can lead you to withdraw socially. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to keep on top of things. Changes in the balance of three key brain chemicals — dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin — are known to be characteristic of depression, although their unique interrelation varies signiﬁcantly from person to person. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s important to seek help.

Anxiety and panic disorders

Most of us feel anxious at times but it is when this anxiety is prolonged and impacts on your ability to live your life that it can become a problem. Anxiety can be triggered by uncontrollable worries about many different things in your everyday life, or by being in social situations. Sometimes it can lead to a panic disorder, which is where you experience regular or frequent panic attacks without a clear cause or trigger. These panic attacks are an exaggeration of your body’s normal response to a perceived threat. You might feel that you are going to faint, have a heart attack or even die. These types of feelings are accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, feeling faint or dizzy, very hot or very cold, sweating, trembling, feeling sick, experiencing a chest pain or struggling to breathe as if you were choking. Anxiety and panic disorders can be very intrusive and frightening, but there are techniques you can use to help you cope. Talk to your GP about how to get support.

Alongside the obsessions are compulsions — activities that you do repeatedly to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsession. For example, you might check that a door is locked again and again, wash your hands over and over or keep repeating a speciﬁc phrase in your head or out loud. The aim of a compulsion is to try and deal with the distress caused by obsessive thoughts. You might have to continue doing the compulsion until the anxiety goes away and things feel right again. Repeating compulsions is often very time-consuming and the relief they give you doesn’t usually last long. It can make you feel trapped and cut off from the world. To ﬁnd out more and get help and support, contact ocdaction.org.

Grief

Grief is the process and array of emotions we go through as we gradually adjust to the loss of someone close. It can be emotionally devastating and draining. The range of physical and emotional processes may include shock, disbelief, intense sadness, pain, anger, resentment, guilt, abandonment and anxiety as we gradually come to terms with our loss. Everyone experiences grief differently; if you feel you are not coping and it’s impacting on your life, it’s important to seek support. This could be with a family member, a close friend or one of several specialist counselling services available.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

With OCD, obsessions and compulsions can take over your life. Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts, images, urges, worries or doubts that repeatedly appear in your mind. They interrupt your thoughts against your control, and can be really frightening. For example, you might have a fear that something bad will happen if everything isn’t clean, in order or symmetrical.

Exercise is key Keeping active is good for your mind.

Oxygen boost

“Exercise helps deliver oxygen and energy to your brain. This encourages neuroplasticity — the formation of new neurons and the strengthening and growth of neural pathways,” explains Sara Davenport.

High energy

The greatest beneﬁt comes from high intensity training (HIIT). This leads to a greater overall change in the total accumulated volume of blood ﬂow which helps bring blood and oxygen to your brain.

Short bursts

HIIT means alternating between short, intense bursts of exercise, like jumping jacks for 20 seconds, followed by 10-second low intensity recovery like walking on the spot. Simply repeat this cycle for 10-15 minutes.

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“Understanding your triggers could help” Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This type of anxiety issue was first recognised in war veterans, but can also develop after being involved in a traumatic, harmful or life-threatening incident. Symptoms can include vivid flashbacks, intrusive thoughts or images, nightmares, intense distress caused by reminders of the trauma and physical symptoms such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling. Everyone’s experience of PTSD will be different, but understanding your triggers could help. Speak to your GP about finding help and support.

Post-menopause depression

Going through menopause can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster. “Postmenopause depression is very common, yet it’s deﬁnitely under-recognised and undertreated,” says Dr Anne Henderson, consultant gynaecologist and accredited menopause specialist, gynae-expert.co.uk. “There are also circumstantial factors to consider, such as kids leaving home, the prospect of retirement and relationship problems.” During perimenopause and beyond, hormone levels ﬂuctuate and oestrogen levels fall. “This has an impact on parts of the brain dense in oestrogen receptors, such as the limbic system, responsible for emotions, memory and arousal, and the pre-frontal cortex, which affects cognition,” adds Dr Henderson. “Generally, post-menopause, women have a third of their life to look forward to. It’s important to look at all the options to achieve a better quality of life — be it through lifestyle changes, HRT, herbal options, or a combination of all three.”

Treatments & technologies Cognitive therapy

“Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy, sometimes offered by the NHS, designed to help you to identify connections between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours,” explains Mind’s Stephen Buckley. It can help to stop negative cycles of thoughts, behaviour and emotions by working to build new habits that help you feel better.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants work by increasing levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline, which are linked to mood and emotion. They are not a cure for mental health issues and can produce a range of side effects but they have proved a valuable weapon in the battle against severe depression. Typically, doctors prescribe them for at least a year for patients to feel the full beneﬁt and cessation has to be monitored gradually, to avoid withdrawal symptoms. “Whilst these drugs won’t cure mental health problems, they can help ease many symptoms and allow you to cope at work and at home,” says Stephen Buckley.

CBD

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a chemical compound derived from the cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp, but without the psychoactive compound THC, so it won’t make you ‘high’. It works by enhancing the effects of serotonin, to reduce and relieve anxiety and stress, promote relaxation, improve sleep and lift mood. CBD comes in different forms including capsules, gummies, drops and sprays and is completely safe to use, but anyone with a medical condition should check with their GP beforehand.

Looking to the future

Advances in technology are helping to increase our understanding of the brain. This includes the use of connectomics, a new ﬁeld of studying the brain’s connections between cells, using a comprehensive map of the brain’s neural pathways called a connectome. Some areas of treatment are also moving more towards a digital approach, with more people turning to e-counsellors to get the support they need.

DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, language, visual perception and changes in mood. The number of people affected by dementia is set to triple in the next 30 years. 152

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Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, affects more than 520,000 people in the UK. It’s caused by a build-up of proteins which form abnormal structures (‘plaques’ and tangles’) in the brain, which eventually cause nerve cells to die and a loss of brain tissue.

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“Depression is an illness like any other.” MAGGIE THOMPSON,

56, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Maggie suffered from severe depression. She believes her health suffered after years of workplace bullying and sexual abuse. Finally, after reaching her lowest ebb, she quit her job and moved away. Although life is much better now for Maggie, she still knows her depression can strike at any time. “I have depressive episodes. Some days I can get up, run, visit friends and feel OK but I know the anxiety is there and I have to control it the best I can,” she explains. “When the depression is bad, I cannot do the simplest tasks. I feel exhausted and consumed with fear and dread.

“When we moved, I found a brilliant doctor. Over time I got changes in medication, counselling, therapy — the help I really needed. Now, even when I feel bad, I know I’ve someone who I can talk to. “At one point, I was only getting three to four hours sleep a night which was so draining. Then I discovered Neubria Drift, a natural herbal and vitamin supplement to aid sleep. This helped so much. I have energy; I even started running and love it. “I’ve learned a lot about mental health through my healing journey. It’s important to find trusted people who you can talk to. Internalised thoughts and feelings can be so destructive. Also, don’t be ashamed to seek help — depression is an illness like any other.”

Need help?

nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxietydepression/mental-health-helplines has details of helplines and support groups if you have been affected by mental issues.

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Our brain is the control centre

of our entire being. Not only does it regulate our central nervous system, linked via the spinal cord with every part of our body, but it’s also responsible for every thought and emotion we feel.

The limbic system, also known as the mammalian brain, is under the cortex (outer layer) of the brain in the temporal lobes and regulates motivation, emotion, learning and memory.

Stress can drain more than

An adult brain weighs about

3 pounds (1.5kg).

The brain is divided into two cerebral hemispheres. The left brain controls the muscles on the right-hand side of the body and the right brain controls the left side.

The hippocampus

is one area of the brain where brand new neurons can be created in a process called neurogenesis. “Studies in older mice have shown that by increasing neurogenesis in the hippocampus, memory can be improved in humans,” says Dr Gottwald.

Get to know your

brain The brain is nearly

60% fat

and certain essential fatty acids, especially longchain omega-3s, help regulate and improve neurotransmitters which enhances learning and memory.

Brain Training Total recall

Learn a new activity. It needs to be challenging for your brain to grow, complex to make it work and require practice — you can’t improve your memory if you don’t work at it.

A Mediterranean diet, with plenty of fruits, veg, wholegrains and healthy fats like olive oil could be good for your brain.

70% of the blood from your frontal lobes — the area connected to thinking — depriving them of oxygen and impairing your ability to focus.

Research has revealed that, in some cases, antidepressant drugs can help boost neurogenesis and gradually help rebuild the structure of the hippocampus.

Improve your short and long-term memory

Meditate

Studies suggest mindful meditation can help engage new neural pathways, helping to increase the capacity of working memory. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and use your breath to help you relax and put thoughts aside.

Sleep well

Quality sleep not only helps us to store and remember information throughout the day, it’s also important to enable us to process and retain that information and store long-term memories.

ON SALE SEPT 30

In our

NEXT ISSUE…

Our wonderful, feel-good November issue. Home & away

UK holidays that feel abroad. Yes, please! Breathtaking whalespotting breaks.

Fashion & beauty b

IIs fat the future of beauty? Winterproof W your glamour. Miinimum inimum products products, maximum maximu style. 1 winter coat – 5 great loo oks

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People

Graham Norton bares all. Jenny Eclair laughs in the face of ageing. Gloria Hunniford on never slowing down.

Food & drink

EXCLUSIVES

EXCLUSIVE The Hairy Bikers talk to Platinum and share their recipes. Decadent and luxurious chocolate treats to make at home. Our essential wine recommendations.

Health & wellbeing

Special report. Insomnia — ﬁghting it every step of the way for your best sleep solutions yet. Looking at your most vital immune response — understanding inﬂammation. Miracle magnesium — quite possibly the most important mineral right now.

Plus great reads

Relax with our step-by-step guide to creating your own exquisite festive wreaths. The women who work outdoors and enjoy battling the elements. Why I treasure every day — the miracle drug keeping one woman alive.

O R D E R A C O P Y F O R D E L I V E R Y AT D C T H O M S O N S H O P. C O . U K PLATINUM

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puzzles SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 161 167

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Y W H

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

You have ten minutes to ﬁnd as many words as possible using the letters in the wheel. Each word must be three letters or more and contain the central letter. Use each letter once, and no plurals, foreign words or proper nouns are allowed. There is at least one nine-letter word.

4 2 4

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CELL BLOCK

Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by the same number throughout this grid. Use the decoded letters given to work out the identity of other letters and ﬁll in the grid. The alphabet list and reference grid will help you to keep track of the letters you’ve decoded.

1 23

1 17

23 23

18 12

9 19

CODEWORD

FROM 10-MINUTE TEASERS TO MORE COMPLEX WORD WORKOUTS, PLATINUM PUZZLES ARE THE ULTIMATE RELAXATION

6 4 2

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4 4 6

6 4

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AVERAGE: 24 words GOOD: 32 words EXCELLENT: 40 words

2 6 2

Fill the grid by drawing blocks along the gridlines. Each block must contain the number of squares indicated by the digit inside it. Each block must contain only one digit.

P u zzles

CROSSWORD 1

11 12

18 19

23 24

28 29

35 36

41 42

44 45

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SUDOKU Fill in the blank squares with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.

MEMORY BOOSTER Puzzles are good for your brain. Short-term memory is enhanced as clues are retained when solving puzzles. Imagination is also stimulated as the bigger picture is incorporated.

6 4 3 7

4 2 6

4 5 8 4 2 9 3 5 7 5 2 1 6 4 5 1 3 4 9 7

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 161 167

ACROSS 1 Trace mineral found in dairy products (7) 5 Small breakfast vessel (3‑3) 9 Boulder (4) 12 Powerful squirts of water (4) 13 Venerate (7) 14 Dangerous, risky (6) 15 Baton twirler (9) 16 Deliberately omit (4) 17 Lazily (4) 19 In a house’s servants’ quarters (5,6) 21 Dignified and graceful (7) 24 Over the age of eighteen (5) 25 Woolly ruminant (5) 26 Experiencing the collywobbles (6) 29 Blemish (4) 31 Fish, often canned (4) 32 Loosen (4) 33 Discretion (4) 36 Animal related to the llama (6) 38 Swimming stroke (5) 39 Female parent (5) 42 Day of religious observance (7) 44 Esteemed (11) 46 Consumed (4) 47 Bitter or lager, eg (4) 48 Tunnel to assist traffic flow (9) 51 Disburse (3,3) 52 Chisel‑shaped tooth (7) 53 Wee drop of the hard stuff (4) 54 Glide smoothly over the surface (4) 55 Rope for tethering an animal (6) 56 Nosey parker (7) DOWN 2 Field of combat (5) 3 Pale yellow substance taken as a laxative (6,3) 4 Cosmos (8) 6 Voluble but insincere (4) 7 Saucy and irreverent (6) 8 Well rounded (5) 9 Gruff (7) 10 Decorative fasteners for shirt sleeves (9) 11 Children’s game (8,5) 18 Oatmeal cooked in water (5) 20 Finally become (3,2) 22 Spirits (6) 23 Weakness, cowardliness (13) 27 Take food (3) 28 Eventually (2,4) 30 Afternoon refreshment (3) 34 Wales, in Welsh (5) 35 Mythical creature reputedly found at the bottom of a garden (5) 37 Shady moneylender (4,5) 40 Not hindered (9) 41 Cone‑bearing fir (4,4) 43 Sleeping area in a house (7) 45 Top up, replenish (6) 47 Amount of loaves baked at a time (5) 49 Excessive amount (5) 50 Israeli city and port (4)

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P u zzles

FITWORD D

3 letters

6 letters

8 letters

COB

ABOUND

BIENNIAL

EMU

ITALIC

COALESCE

LIB

OPENER

DESPOTIC

OWN

PEBBLE

EPIDEMIC

4 letters

DISH FEAR RAND

RATTLE SHRINE SIENNA UNFURL

WADE

9 letters

CAPTIVATE DEFERENCE PORCUPINE PROPELLER SPECTACLE

How long will it take you to correctly ﬁt these words into the grid?

SOLUTIONS CODEWORD P O S T P O N E

L A L A L I AG A A T O P R

B RO T E I E X T Z L E V E

D E C J M S A UN U L A N I SM T I T Y F L I I MN E S E R AR Y D C W RU S I O R S R YWH E

CROSSWORD

A T H L E L I X T Y P I C O S E S T Y L Q E UOR I D E O S R E C T E K I S SO L O E A N NON E T D R E U S

T E N A L I U S T E F T O R V E S E T E E R

CA L C I U R A N J E T S I N T V MA J OR E R R B E L OWS N I E ADU L T U A S PO T T E L A L P ACA O S S ABB A T N E U S E D B H R A P A YOU T R O C S K I M H

E DUOV Z K T BMF L H N I P X ARQ JWS Y CG

SUDOKU 9 8 4 3 1 5 7 2 6

2 6 3 7 4 8 1 5 9

5 1 7 9 2 6 3 4 8

4 3 5 6 9 2 8 1 7

6 7 9 4 8 1 2 3 5

M D T T

P O S T M A N S K N O C K

R E E F I L A L

EGGC L H L I S E B E E S K G Y I R S U S H E E P L I A UN F E R AWL I E P R E S Y S R UN A E NC I S R S T E R

FITWORD U P ROCK L A U UN S A F E M P F I P I D L Y N I E L E GAN T I K QU E A S Y U A DO T AC T R Y MUMMY P N R T I G I OU S N M D E R P A S S T E P OR DRAM E E T ME DD L E R

COA L E S C E P I P M P E BB L E U N C D E S P O T I C R R A A PORC U P R P L T WA D E E P I T L V I T A L I C A L E O T F E AR B I E

D E N F E R E I N C D E

I S H U R I AN E E S M I E BOUN W N NN I A

H L D

C D L

CELL BLOCK 1 2 8 5 3 7 9 6 4

7 4 2 1 5 9 6 8 3

8 5 6 2 7 3 4 9 1

3 9 1 8 6 4 5 7 2

4 2 4

6 4 2

4 4 6

6 4

3 5

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WORDWHEEL

The nine-letter word is HANDIWORK.

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The

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O U R M U S T- K N O W I N T E R I O R H A C K S , B E A U T Y B U Y S AND LIFE MUSINGS FOR THE MONTH AHEAD.

Sometimes it seems there just aren’t the right words to express how you feel — especially after all the changes that have been thrust upon us this year. But there is a way to process the range of emotions you may now be feeling. Paul Anthony Jones is the author of The Cabinet Of Calm: Soothing Words For Troubled Times, a gorgeous book full of exquisite words that are both comforting and unfamiliar. With explanations of the origins of words, Paul’s style is incredibly soothing. We’re off to snerdle in our growlery and read some more of it. We’re adding to our vocabulary by reading it, too!

Lets get physical

Leggings — absolutely liberating leisurewear, or the hideous invention of a cruel mind? Though their creation dates back centuries, the unforgiving figurehuggers we’re familiar with arrived with the invention of Lycra in 1958, gaining popularity with Jane Fonda in the ‘70s and Madonna in the ‘80s. Not to mention the fitness and yoga booms of the last two decades. Asos alone has around 850 different styles on offer — imagine trying on that lot — and cult activewear brand, Sweaty Betty, has options from ‘bum sculpting’, ‘zero-gravity’ and ‘squat-proof’ items. Its website also confirms “power workout technology for a flattering silhouette”. That’s great — but we still won’t look like Elle Macpherson in ours.

Go for the glow

Summer has slipped away for another year, but that’s no reason to give up the sun-kissed look. Beloved by beauty editors, Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Cream, £42 and Baume Essentiel, £33 are go-to glowgetters that highlight and ﬂatter the skin on your cheeks, temples, eyes and lips. You’ve earned a little treat, so splash out at chanel.com.

Beautiful blooms

One of October’s most gorgeous ﬂowers is the hydrangea, with its big, powder-puff blooms. When you buy fresh blooms, be sure to cut stems with a sharp knife and put in water immediately. If they wilt, re-cut stems and plunge into boiling-hot water for 30 seconds and pop into fresh water. If you can’t ﬁnd the real thing, breathe in the delicious scents of the RHS’s hydrangea candle from wax-lyrical.com, £12.

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Help at home

Spending a lot of time at home this year might mean you’re a little exhausted by your décor. It’s time to fetch the Farrow & Ball lookbooks, Pantone swatches and heed advice from the professionals. We love The Great Indoors podcast, with Sophie Robinson and Kate WatsonSmyth on iTunes. It’s full of friendly advice and inspiration to help you translate your personality into your spaces. And read of unique ideas in Happy Inside, by Elle Decoration’s former editorin-chief, Michelle Ogundehin. See more at michelleogundehin. com. Pass the sugar soap!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

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The freestanding cordless VAX Glide can be stored away neatly and at just 4.9kg, it’s lightweight and easy to use around the whole home. The removable VAX ONEPWR battery gives you up to 30 minutes runtime, enough time to clean without recharging** and is fully charged in just 3 hours - or swap for another battery to extend your runtime.

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