TIPSS Content Catalogue June 17 by Tania Houston

Content Catalogue June 2017

Article Index And Another Thing... : Tom and the Monkey Wrench 4 Baking: Apricot Jam Swiss Roll 6 Computer Tip: Tape Up Your Webcam 7 Beauty: Five Minute Fixes 8 Book Reviews: Inpsirational Stories 10 Driving: Plan Your Car Hire This Summer

Finance: Different Types of Holiday Insurance: Are You Fully Covered? 12 Gardening: Outdoor Relaxation

Health: Carers Week: Who Cares for The Carers?

History: The History of Hygiene

Hobbies: Hunters and Seekers, Sign Up Here 18 Home & Interiors: The Art of Display 20 Life Begins: Face-Agram Or Instabook? The Mature Userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide To Social Media

The Life List: Progressive Proverbs

Motoring: Kia Picanto

Pets: Use The Summer Months To Help Your Dog Become Fit & Healthy 25

Parenting: Top Tips to Help Your Child Sleep

Recipe: Bolognese Meatballs

Short Story: Isolated Showers

Technology: Garden of Delights

Travel Feature: China - Pandas in Chengdu

Puzzle Index Cartoon 1 32 Cartoon 2 32 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Page 33 Codeword 34 General Knowledge Crossword 34 Cryptic Crossword 35 Hidato 36 Mini Cryptic Crossword 36 Pictogram 36 Quiz 1: Party Time

Quiz 2: Song Title Brackets

Simple Crossword 38 Spot the Difference 38 Sudoku - Easy

Sudoku - Hard

Two Minute Trial 40 Word Ladder 40 Wordsearch - Cathedral 41 Wordwheel 41

And Another Thing..

And Another Thing... Tom and the Monkey Wrench by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook

I drained my cocoa, turned off the bedside lamp and lay prostrate to await the Sandman’s dusty grip. Judging from the rhythmic breathing emanating from Sarah (My Dearly Beloved), I guessed she might already be far away in the Land of Nod. I was just about to begin my ritual slow motion leg flailing to avoid the cold spot when I heard it. Drip, drip…drip. That blasted pipe under the bathroom sink again. I prayed to the plumbing gods for it to stop. But no matter, Sarah was definitely asleep - or maybe not: “Tom can you hear that? Tom? Tom?” (Shove) “Mmmm…” “Don’t pretend you’re asleep. I told you to get that tap fixed. Did you ring Billy the Pipe?” Wrinkling my nose I buried my face into the pillow, pretending that I’d temporarily awoken, only to plunge back into the inky

depths of slumber. “I’ll ring Billy tomorrow, I’m sure he’ll err…mmm…” Then, disaster - the duvet was flung over me like a massive folded omelette and out she went. Now doubly insulated, I squirmed under further, trying to make myself invisible. Through the endless folds of Egyptian cotton I could hear rummaging and shoving. But this was not Lady rummaging (clothes, dishcloths, bag of lipsticks) - this was Man rummaging (metal, wood and screws!). It was against the natural order of things, it was wrong. And then, horror of horrors - I heard banging! Banging? A woman doing man’s work. Humiliation heaped upon shame, I padded out to the bathroom where I stood rubbing my eyes and hovering as Sarah, with only her hind quarters visible, cussed and tutted under the sink. Desperately, I tried to formulate a sentence

that would avoid annoying this virgin plumber. “Err, shall I fetch a torch darling?” “You can fetch me a plumber.” Testosterone taking over, I decided to wrest control. “Here, let me see.” Sarah withdrew angrily and, with less than sincere gesticulations, invited me to investigate. “Go on then, let’s get an expert opinion shall we?” Using my iPhone torch, I peered up at the tangle of copper pipes and fittings that looked more like a modern art installation than a method of carrying water to a tap. Gingerly, I massaged the offending joint as a teardrop of water enveloped my finger. “Pass me the monkey wrench.” I commanded. Sarah burst out laughing. “Monkey wrench? Where do you think you are? Screwfix?” Extracting myself from the

cabinet I strode downstairs, through the kitchen and into the garage to locate my tool bag. If a job’s worth doing, etc. etc. Opening my bag of man implements I found: some used sand paper, an old biscuit tin full of nails, a toffee hammer, a fountain pen, a packet of tiny screwdrivers and - yes! Unbelievably, the one thing I needed. Triumphant, I bounded back upstairs to attend to my emergency DIY. I clamped my implement onto the offending nut. I pressed and I turned this way and that. Nothing. Eventually Sarah tapped me on the shoulder. “Tom, what on earth is that?” “My monkey wrench.”

“That’s your Auntie Rita’s nut cracker. She’s been asking about it since the Christmas before last. You looked me in the eye and swore blind you didn’t know where it was. You fibber!” “Well she won’t miss it, Uncle Willy’s loaded.” “That’s not the point! Anyway, what possible use is that?” “Well, that thing under there is a nut isn’t it?” “Listen mate, there’s only one nut in this bathroom.” And with that, the dripping stopped. There, sorted. Unfortunately the dripping was replaced by a hiss and then a jet of pressured water that began soaking my

slippers. “Tom! Right that’s it, ring that emergency number - now!” “At three o’clock in the morning? How much will that cost?” “A lot less than a divorce.” Two hours later a proper man in overalls stepped over the pots and pans and in a jiffy resolved the issue. Tired, wet and £135 poorer I retired to bed, joined by Sarah holding Auntie Rita’s prized possession. “Why have you still got hold of those? There’s no nuts need cracking in here.” Clicking the grips together Sarah replied, “Don’t be so sure Thomas, don’t be so sure.”

Cake and Bake

Baking

Apricot Jam Swiss Roll Great for a teatime treat, this light sponge cake is best eaten on the day it’s made. For a chocolate version replace 25g of the flour with 25g sifted cocoa powder.

Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C, Fan 180C, Gas 6. Lightly

• 100g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling

• 3 large eggs • 100g self-raising flour FILLING

• 100g unsalted butter, softened • 225g icing sugar • Few drops vanilla extract • 6 tbsp apricot conserve

Serves 8-10 Ready in 40 minutes, plus cooling time

TIP

Use any fruit conserve you like or try lemon or lime curd for a really tangy filling.

grease a 33x23cm Swiss roll tin and line the base and sides with baking paper. Lightly grease the baking paper. Place the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl and whisk with a hand-held electric whisk until the mixture is very thick and pale and the whisk leaves a trail when lifted out – this will take 8 to 10 minutes. Sift the flour over the whisked mixture, and gently fold it in with a metal spoon until just incorporated. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin, tilting it gently to make sure the mixture spreads evenly into the corners. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the sponge is pale golden and springs back when lightly pressed with your fingertips. Whilst the cake is baking, place a sheet of baking paper on a clean damp tea towel and sprinkle with 2tbsp caster sugar. Quickly invert the hot sponge onto the paper and peel off the lining paper. Trim the edges of the sponge and roll up firmly from one short end with the paper inside. Leave to cool completely. To make the buttercream filling, beat together the butter and vanilla extract then gradually beat in the icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the paper. Spread the buttercream over the sponge then spread the apricot conserve on top. Gently re-roll and serve sliced.

Tape Up Your Webcam!

Computer Tip

Does your PC or laptop have a webcam built into it? You should cover the lens with tape whenever you don’t need to use it. That’s not our advice; it’s the advice from FBI director James Comey, who describes it as a simple but important security measure. It turns out that PC webcams are extremely easy to hack with malicious software, often without anybody realising, and the same software can disable the little LED light that’s there to let you know when the camera is on. There have been multiple cases of people using such software to spy on unsuspecting PC users, especially women, and while few of us have to worry about giving away state secrets the thought that someone might be watching us get dressed isn’t something we’re very enthusiastic about. If only we could fix every possible PC security issue with a little bit of black electrical tape.

Beauty

Beauty Five Minute Fixes by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Great results with minimum effort Nails Inc’s Gel One Coat polish delivers, as the saying goes, what it says on the tin. You get a glossy, gel-like finish, in just one coat. It lasts for ages, particularly if you have time to apply a base coat and top coat. Even on its own, it should stay chip free for a few days. Perfect for a quick pedicure to match your new summer sandals, Gel One Coat also contains biotin to help strengthen your nails. If you’re looking for a suits-all summery pink, try Portobello Mews. Exclusive to Marks and Spencer, Gel One Coat polishes cost £13 each. See www. marksandspencer.com. The phrase ‘flawless’ gets rather overused in the beauty industry, but in this case it really

Shorter 1 page format alisswell-deserved. The o Air Airbrush Mineral availableFoundation System sprays a light mist of

foundation to give you an even, smooth base coverage in seconds. The foundation is mixed with air, so you only end up using a few drops, meaning skin doesn’t feel too suffocated. It is quite easy to overdo it, so you’ll want to aim to build up colour gradually. The full Mineral Air Airbrush Foundation System comes with a choice of seven shades of foundation and a liquid blush. At £114.99, it’s certainly not cheap, but at least you don’t need to use a separate primer or concealer. It’s exclusive to www.idealworld.tv.

One for the boys Lightly massage Green People’s Organic Homme 7 Active Fix Repair Serum around your face and neck, and under your eyes, for a wealth of benefits. Ingredients have been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and firm skin. Rich in antioxidants, the serum helps to fight free radicals, so protects against aging. It also helps to hydrate the skin and absorbs easily, so doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy. The serum is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to irritation, acne, eczema and other skin complaints. It’s £17 from www.greenpeople.co.uk.

Natural skincare brand Optiat has recently brought out a new collection of clay masks. 100% natural, the masks are formulated with ingredients such as exfoliating organic hemp husks, kaolin clay, activated charcoal and essential oils. They only need to be left on for five minutes to give you a deep, gentle clean. Skin feels softer, smoother and fresher. See www.optiat.com. While it isn’t an instant fix, you’ll reap the

the results; my skin felt softer, plumper and less tired looking within just rewards from Murad’s Retinol Youth a few days. I have quite Renewal Serum pretty quickly nonetheless. sensitive skin so can’t 93% of testers saw a reduction in lines and always use retinol creams, wrinkles in just two weeks. It only takes but this was gentle a minute to massage the serum into your enough not to cause skin before bed each any irritation. (I did get night. The retinol helps a couple of spots in the to boost cell renewal first week, but they soon and freshen skin. I was disappeared.) Cost £65 really impressed with from www.murad.co.uk. the results; my skin felt softer, plumper and less tired looking within just a few days. I have quite sensitive skin so can’t always use retinol creams, but this was gentle enough not to cause any irritation. (I did get a couple of spots in the first week, but they soon disappeared.) Cost £65 from www.murad.co.uk.

Book Review

Inspirational Stories Tales of wartime, refugees and hardships overcome.

Behold the Dreamers - Imbolo Mbue Jende and Neni are firm believers in the American dream and know they can achieve a better life for themselves and their son. Jende works long hours as a chauffeur for the wealthy Clark Edwards and his family, while Neni does care work and studies to be a pharmacist. Then Jende is told his application for a green card has been rejected. As cracks also start appearing in the Edwards family’s lives, it seems the American dream may not be all Jende and Neni hoped for. Alone on a Wide Wide Sea - Michael Morpurgo Six year old Arthur is shipped off to Australia in 1947. He’s put to work on a farm and treated as little more than an unpaid servant. All he has left of his life in England is his lucky key, and memories of the big sister who stayed behind. Years later, Arthur builds a boat for his daughter Allie, to take her back to England and find his sister. A powerful story of what it means to be a family, Alone on a Wide Wide Sea is 10 years old this year. Why not lose yourself in Arthur’s story this summer?

The Girl Who Beat ISIS Farida Khalaf and Andrea C. Hoffmann ISIS kidnapped Farida Khalaf from her Northern Iraqi village in 2014. Beaten, raped and sold as a slave, the teenage Farida refused to bow down to her captors or to convert to their religion. After numerous attempts, and nearly being beaten to death, Farida eventually escaped with five other girls. Having been granted asylum in Germany, this is her harrowing tale as told to Andrea C. Hoffmann. Goodnight Mister Tom Michelle Magorian This classic tale tells the story of a cantankerous old man who takes in an evacuee in World War II Britain. Tom Oakley is gruff, reclusive and still grieving for the wife and son he lost so many years ago. His ward William has his own demons to battle, including an abusive mother. Together they learn to put the past behind them and trust in each other. When Will is summoned back to London and fails to keep in touch, Tom knows something’s wrong and sets off for the City to bring Will home.

The Nightingale - Kristin Hannah Two sisters in France at the start of World War II. One wants to keep her head down, wait for her husband to come home and keep her daughter safe. The other plans to do everything in her power to fight the enemy. Each will end up making her own contribution, resisting the Nazis and saving lives. As much a tale of sisters as it is of war, this is a truly powerful read that will haunt you for days afterwards. The Girl with Seven Names - Hyeonseo Lee Hyeonseo Lee gives us a glimpse into life in secretive and oppressive North Korea. She was raised in a country where the slightest sign of resistance against the government is punishable by torture or death. At 17, Hyeonseo fled to China, leaving behind her family, and wasn’t able to see them again for 12 years. She is now an advocate for refugees and speaks out about the plight of the people who still live in fear in North Korea. Her TED talk has been viewed 4 million times, by people across the world.

Plan Your Car Hire This Summer Wherever you holiday, having your own transport can add an extra dimension to your exploring, rather than having to rely on excursions offered by your hotel or travel company. Even if your break is in the UK, hiring can ease the journey there too. A couple of years ago we caught the train to Cornwall; speeding by all the traffic jams was very satisfying and when we reached Penzance we hired a car and continued our journey. But if you haven’t hired a car in a while be aware that, since the abolition of the green paper part of the driving licence, in order to hire a vehicle you will now need to obtain a ‘check code’ from the DLVA website (www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence). You give the hire company this

code to allow them to access your driving licence information. These codes can only be used once, are valid for 21 days and are only for use with licences issued within the UK.

Portrait If hiring abroad, check that Hathese lf Pcodes agarealone evalidis in that country or if your photo ID licence sufficient. If not, youV may erneed sioanninternational also driving permit too. avain ithelawords Finally, if you are overseas, bleof Michael Caine in The Italian Job: “Remember

Driving

they drive on the wrong side of the road” (well, the right side actually).

Joking aside, I found that once on the highway things were easy; it was at junctions and roundabouts that things got tricky. Oh, and I lost count of times I tried to change gear with the door handle! Enjoy your holiday motoring and have a safe trip there. By Iain Betson

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Different Types Of Holiday Insurance: Are You Fully Covered? which might be suitable for you?

Buying holiday insurance can sometimes take a back seat when you’re planning to get away. It’s an important investment in your health and safety, however, offering protection and reassurance if something goes wrong when you’re a long way from home. The cost of holiday insurance depends on a number of factors including your age, the length of time you’ll be away, whether or not you’re travelling alone, and the types of activity on the agenda. A comprehensive ‘standard’ policy generally covers the following, although policies do vary: • Holiday cancellation or missed departure. • Theft. • Medical assistance. • Emergency repatriation. • Baggage loss or delay. • Other lost or damaged items. • Personal injury. • Cover for damage caused by you or a member of your group. So what other types of holiday insurance are available, and

Single trip/ annual or multi trip If you only intend to take one break during a 12month period, a single trip insurance policy would be the most costeffective choice as long as it covers everything you need. Annual or multi trip insurance is more suitable if you’re going away more than once a year, but there’s usually a maximum allowable duration which is generally 90 days. European/worldwide travel The expense of repatriating travellers from countries outside Europe, or obtaining medical treatment in the USA for example, is very high. Insurance companies have to take this into account when pricing their policies, so if you’re only travelling to Europe the cost should be lower than for worldwide travel. Take care to check whether a specified number of days are mentioned in the policy. Your insurance will be invalid if you exceed this number, and you won’t be eligible to make any type of claim. Winter/extreme sports A ‘standard’ holiday insurance policy usually contains exclusion clauses relating to winter or extreme sports due to the additional risk of injury. Also, winter sports equipment

is expensive, so you’ll need to pay more to cover it against loss or theft.

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Gap year/backpackers’ insurance Backpackers’ insurance provides cover for an extended length of time away from home, but there may be certain limitations specified in the policy, for example the number of times you can return to the UK. There could also be restrictions on returning home before the stated period ends, so it’s important to check the details with this type of policy. Unlike annual insurance where you can go away for several trips during a 12-month period, gap year and backpackers’ insurance covers one extended holiday break. Family policies Family travel policies generally require all those included on the policy to live at the same address, and can be a cheaper option than insuring each family member individually. Some insurers offer higher rates of cover, or even free insurance for children under a certain age. Group travel Groups such as work colleagues, stag and hen parties, or school trips, where everyone travels to and from the same place, can use group travel insurance to save money. Some insurance companies offer one member of the group free insurance as an incentive. Over 65s Many insurers charge higher premiums as you get older, with

some unwilling to provide cover for anyone over the age of 65. This is due to the increased risk of poor health, but there are some companies that offer holiday insurance specifically for this age group. You’ll probably pay a higher premium, however, as it is viewed as ‘specialist’ insurance. Golf insurance Although insurers perceive golf as a low risk sport, high value equipment means that a golfing holiday will need specialist insurance for potential loss, damage or theft of golf clubs and other items. Cover for green fees, should you be unable to play due to illness or other situations such as adverse weather conditions, may also be included. Cruise holidays Although you might expect a standard comprehensive insurance policy would provide

all you need for cruising, this type of holiday introduces specific risks that wouldn’t exist on a ‘traditional’ holiday. These include cover for missing a port or destination on the itinerary, due to bad weather or poor timetabling by the cruise company. Other situations include being confined to your cabin because of sickness on-board ship, or missing an excursion that you’ve already paid for due to illness. Caravanning holidays When you take a caravan abroad, or even in this country, you’ll need to insure it in addition to your car. Some insurers offer increased protection for larger units, or for destinations further afield than Europe. Pre-existing medical conditions If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might be

tempted to take a chance with your holiday insurance and not disclose it. This can prove to be a very expensive mistake, however, as the cost of repatriation is extremely high. Fortunately, some insurance companies offer policies for those already suffering from a health condition. Although it will be more costly than buying a standard policy, it’s impossible to put a price on peace of mind while you’re away. www.moneysupermarket.com/ travel-insurance/policy-types/ www.comparethemarket.com/ travel-insurance/cruise/ www.travelsupermarket.com/engb/travel-insurance/medicalconditions/ www.askfinancially.co.uk/ travelinsurance/types-holiday.htm www.caravanclub.co.uk/ insurance/overseas-holidayinsurance/types-of-cover/

Gardening

Outdoor Relaxation by Pippa Greenwood

When you get back from a hard day’s work, or when you simply find the time to escape into the garden after a stressful day, then it is essential that you are met by a soothing environment. It is all very well creating a garden with lots of straight lines and wacky bits of metalwork, but if you want to really let your garden take the strain, then concentrate on a truly relaxing feel that will help you to unwind as you enjoy soft shades and textures of foliage, delicate flower colours and fabulous perfumes. Plants have an amazing ability to calm and soothe even the most wound up, stressed out mood, but what should you grow if you really want to create that perfect place to relax? Start by considering a fairly gentle perfume, like that produced by many roses. One of my favourites is ‘Felicia’. For something

slightly richer try ‘Tuscany Superb’. If you have an arch, arbour, pergola or even a spare bit of fence then train a honeysuckle over it. The combination of its delicately coloured flowers and fabulous perfume will cheer you up and you can even enjoy it in the early evening as you sit back and relax with a cup or glass of your favourite tipple! A sowing of night-scented stock will produce plants that, although not flamboyant, have the most heavenly rich perfume – also perfect for early evening relaxation as this is when the flowers open and produce wafts of really sweet scent. If you have space for a good-sized container plant, then grow your own Datura or Brugmansia. Commonly known as the angel’s trumpet and although potentially very poisonous, these plants produce large

Shorter 1 page format Think too of plantsalso with aa relaxing vailafeelbtole them, such as the grass elegant trumpet-shaped flowers with a wonderful perfume.

Chasmanthium latifolium. This grows to a height of about 45 cm and carries its flattened seed heads in vast numbers above the leaves. They move about delicately in the breeze and are almost impossible not to stroke. Grow some Artemisia abrotanum - its soft, wonderfully grey-green leaves will make you want to touch it, and when you do so you will find it also releases a lovely aroma. The perfume of lavender is often used in aromatherapy because of its calming, soothing properties, so what could be better to grow in a sunny spot with free-draining soil than some lavender? You can even use it to edge a border providing conditions are

right, and it not only has lovely, slightly furry or felt-like foliage but also produces that heavenly smell. Take a look at some of the grasses and bamboos that are available; the rustling sound of bamboo foliage as the stems sway gently in a breeze, or as you brush your hand against them, is one of the most relaxing sounds I know, and for smaller spaces many of the grasses form wonderfully rounded and quite irresistible clumps of foliage. When it comes to choosing favourite flowers, don’t forget that although some bright colour is a good

way to cheer you up, if you want to relax then concentrate on cream, white and, of course, the pastel shades. There are a host of these available for annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers. Don’t forget that green is known to be a relaxing colour too, so ensure that you include plenty of plants with good foliage and, in shady areas, you may find that a miniature grotto-like patch planted up with ferns is just what you need. And finally, before you rush off to the garden centre to buy some of these truly magical ingredients, just a reminder that water in a garden always helps to

relax you. Whether it’s a small pond or perhaps a bubble fountain, position it where you can hear that sound of moving water or enjoy watching the wildlife as it comes to feed and drink – and before you know it you will find that you want to move the whole of your life into your garden. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a really useful selection of favourite gardening items including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls and copper tape, pullout EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Carers Week: Who Cares for The Carers?

Carers Week is an annual awareness event highlighting the challenges carers face. This year’s campaign runs from 12th to 18th June and focuses on Building Carer Friendly Communities: ‘places that understand a carer’s daily reality and do what they can to make life a little bit easier for them.’ Caring in the UK The facts: • Three out of five of us will become a carer at some point. • Around 6.5 million people in the UK provide unpaid care for a disabled, ill or older relative or friend. • At least 380,000 older carers in England provide 50+ hours of care a week without any help from their local authority; over 100,000 are in their eighties and beyond. • Many carers are unaware of the support and financial help they’re entitled to. “We know that caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but without the right support at the right time, caring can also have a huge impact on a carer’s emotional and physical health, work and finances,” says Heléna Herklots CBE, Chief Executive of charity Carers UK. Research shows that caring can isolate carers and potentially damage their physical and mental health and their relationships. It can also make it difficult to hold down a job, even

driving them into poverty. are YoU a hidden Carer? “Please don’t call me a carer - I don’t want that title. I am her son, not a carer!” “I pop in to my neighbour every day and do all her shopping and cleaning for her, but I am not her carer. They go in to get her up and washed.” These responses, gathered by a recent campaign to identify ‘hidden’ carers, highlight a common problem. Many carers don’t see themselves as carers if they don’t help someone dress, take medication, move about or go to the loo - or if they’re ‘just’ a husband, wife, parent, son, daughter, friend etc. Yet helping with shopping, laundry, cleaning, cooking, form-filling or money management is all part of caring, and caring is caring - whoever it’s for. BUilding Carer FriendlY CommUnities Carers say that support and awareness in their community make a positive difference. The Carers Week campaign wants us to raise awareness in schools and organisations; recommend carer-friendly organisations, services and businesses; and pledge to make our own organisations carer-friendly. If you’re an employer, this could include giving carer employees: • An extended lunch hour, giving them time to eat and check on the person they care for. • Flexibility to work more when they can, while allowing time off for appointments and adapting start/finish times etc. If you’re a GP, hairdresser, physiotherapist or any other professional person offering appointments, could you offer mobile services or make

appointments to fit around carers’ needs? soUrCes oF sUpport For Carers Help is available, but can be hard to find. the nhs Choice Care page www.nhs.uk/conditions/socialcare-and-support-guide/Pages/ what-is-social-care.aspx These eight charities support Carers Week. Services they offer include counselling, practical and financial help, respite care and advice. age UK www.ageuk.org. uk/home-and-care/advice-forcarers/are-you-a-carer; Tel: 0800 678 1174 Carers trust www.carers.org/ support@carers.org; Tel: 0300 772 9600 Carers UK www.carersuk. org/help-and-advice advice@ carersuk.org; Tel: 0808 808 7777 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm independent age www. independentage.org; email: advice@independentage.org; Tel: 0800 319 6789 Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm macmillan Cancer support www.macmillan.org.uk/ information-and-support/ audience/looking-after-someonewith-cancer.html; Tel: 0808 808 00 00 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm the mnd association www. mndassociation.org/forcarers; email: mndconnect@ mndassociation.org; Tel: 0808 802 6262 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & 7-10.30pm the ms society www.mssociety. org.uk/ms-support/for-carers; email: helpline@mssociety.org. uk; Tel: 0808 800 8000 Mon-Fri 9am–7pm Which? elderly Care www. which.co.uk/elderly-care/forcarers

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History

The History of Hygiene By Catherine Rose running with vermin and excrement.

We take for granted the availability of hot water on tap and the vast range of personal hygiene products available. But in the Middle Ages, things were a little different. Describing the flooring of medieval houses, the social critic Erasmus (1466-1536) said they “… are covered with rushes, occasionally renewed, but so imperfectly that the bottom layer is left undisturbed, sometimes for twenty years, harbouring expectoration, vomiting, the leakage of dogs and men, ale droppings, scraps of fish, and other abominations not fit to be mentioned.” Outside, conditions were worse. Our modern sewage system didn’t exist until Victorian times. In towns, waste from chamber pots kept under the bed was simply jettisoned out of the window to fall in the gutter below, unless you were lucky enough to be within spitting distance of an open cess pit. Pavements were generally built high and gutters would have been filthy places,

Seasonal baths were recommended by the monasteries but understandably, large quantities of hot water were difficult to come by without the plumbing we enjoy today. Public baths had a poor reputation and personal bathing was uncommon. When it took place, it was often in a wooden barrel with herbs added to the water. Personal hygiene amongst the nobility was better. Before dining, they would wash their hands in a stone basin called a laver (French for ‘to wash’). Castles also had garderobes or privy chambers – primitive toilets consisting of a stone or wooden bench with a hole cut in. Waste would fall into the moat below. The King had a servant specifically to wipe his bottom with the grand title of ‘The Groom of the King’s Close Stool’. The groom looked after the King’s personal commode and although it sounds like a grim job, it was a highly respected and trusted position. People didn’t change their clothing as often as we do today so body odour was disguised with perfume. Lice were commonplace – even wigs could become infested. Wealthy women carried nosegays to combat bad smells when outdoors.

Pomanders would be hung in the wardrobe to sweeten the smell of stale clothing. When clothes were washed, to remove stains, they were scrubbed with a mixture of urine, ashes and lye. Soapwort – a flower that lathers in water – was also used.

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Sanitary towels were washable rags filled with sphagnum moss, also known as blood moss and often used in battle for its absorbent properties. Teeth were cleaned with a cloth and a herbal abrasive, usually ashes of rosemary and mint or powdered sage, followed by a vinegar mouthwash. When toothache became unbearable, people visited the local barber who was also a minor surgeon, hence the barber’s traditional striped red and white pole which stands for blood and bandages. Following the widespread outbreak of the Black Death, Edward III passed a law to clean up ditches and waterways. Although it would be around 300 years before bacteria were discovered, the link between poor hygiene and the spread of the disease had been noticed. Since then, thankfully, we have become cleaner. Some argue we have gone too far the other way, and that a little dirt helps strengthen immunity – although I am sure that no one would want a return to the Middle Ages.

Hobbies

An unusual arts project launched in Scunthorpe this year has reflected the public’s growing passion for interactive games, particularly if they involve solving puzzles to reach a goal. Five gold artworks, with a value of at least £1,000 each, were hidden around the area and clues to their location were encoded in paintings hanging at the town’s 20-21 Arts Centre. Everyone loves the idea of finding hidden treasure, but these days opportunities are not just limited to rare events like the Scunthorpe gold hunt. It’s now possible to take part in well-organised hobbies where you can use your skills to track down hidden items or find concealed information. The craze for such games began with Letterboxing. The origin of this activity can be traced to Dartmoor in Devon, where, in 1854, a well-known local guide called James Perrott left a bottle in a cairn beside Cranmere Pool. The idea was that visitors could place a card in the bottle as proof that they had completed the arduous, eight-mile journey there. This

Hunters and Seekers, Sign Up Here Shorter By Kate McLelland 1 page eventually inspired the City Hunt (cityhunt. foidea rmat London’s of placing boxes in remote co.uk) you can download a a l s o and inaccessible locations map in order to explore availabfree along the Dartmoor trail, into less well-known London areas l e which visitors could drop a with intriguing histories, such postcard or letter. Whoever subsequently discovered the box was obliged to post the letters inside (hence the title ‘Letterboxing’) and the challenge was to see how long it took before correspondents received their mail. In the 21st century it’s inevitable that the focus has changed from ‘snail-mail’ to the internet. Nowadays participants make the most of available technologies, using smartphone apps equipped with GPS mapping systems to reach their goals. Treasure HunTs If you’d like to try out a treasure hunt you can buy maps online that will allow you to explore a particular place in your own time, working alone or in a group. You can choose the option of a walking, cycling or driving trail (or even a combination of those elements). Many ‘hunts’ offer you the chance to get to know an area better, learning facts and exploring places you would not normally visit. At

as Blackfriars, Elephant and Castle and Bermondsey. Unfortunately there are no prizes involved - the reward is simply enjoyment and knowledge - but City Hunt plans to run an annual, massparticipation event for which prizes will be awarded.

Major treasure hunts often reach the news. The 2012 Olympics was the backdrop to the biggest ever treasure hunt game, when 466 participants, all ambassadors for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, worked in 93 teams of five to follow clues hidden on either side of the river Thames. GeocacHinG There are over 2 million geocaches hidden across the globe, and over 5 million people currently play the game. Geocaching is a world-wide, high-tech outdoor treasure hunting game that gets you walking in the outdoors, introduces you to interesting or scenic locations and helps you feel connected

to others taking part. In order to get involved in geocaching you need a sense of adventure, a GPS receiver (anything from a smartphone app to a standalone device costing several hundred pounds), access to the internet and some form of transport. A geocache is established when someone places a small, waterproof box in a favourite spot, then records its GPS coordinates on a website so a fellow geocacher can search for it. The cache hider’s ‘reward’ is to read the online comments left by the players who find the box. Geocaches normally contain a logbook, a pencil and a few (usually) low value items known as ‘swag’. You should never remove a ‘swag’ item

unless you can replace it with something of equal or higher value. When you find a geocache, you must sign and date the log book, decide whether you want to swap any swag items and replace the cache exactly where you found it. Once you get home you should record your discovery online. Some boxes can be found in towns and cities but most are hidden in the countryside. You will therefore need to reach your location by car or bicycle before beginning a search on foot. One important consideration is whether or not you have permission to walk through a particular area to reach a geocache. The Geocache Association of Great Britain (gagb. co.uk) holds a database of landowners who have given

permission for geocache activities on their land. The GAGB site is also a good source of information on all aspects of geocaching. If you enjoy following a trail and exploring new locations, not to mention the thrill of using your detective skills to find something that would otherwise remain hidden, then you’ll be well rewarded by these exciting outdoor hobbies. However you don’t always need the code-breaking skills of Alan Turing or the high-tech powers of GPS to find what you are looking for. On the Scunthorpe gold hunt Rachel Welch of Grimbsy beat the crowd to discover the first object. How did she do it? By ignoring the codes provided and relying solely on her powers of observation!

Home Interiors

Home & Interiors The Art of Display

By Katherine Sorrell

effective display. For serious collectors, carefully positioned ceilingmounted spotlights are the ideal solution, but if you experiment with an adjustable lamp you may well be able to provide a more informal (and much cheaper) quick fix for a simple domestic display. Think about where the light comes from: directly above, behind (for a dramatic silhouette) or from the front, and how ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ the bulb should be in order to enhance colour and texture. Would you like to create displays of your treasured possessions that show them off to their finest advantage? Our top ten tips are sure to help. 1 Consider what you are displaying, whether it is sturdy or fragile, valuable or everyday. Do you wish to admire it from afar and protect it from sun, dust or accidental damage? Or are you happy for it to be close to hand and perhaps picked up at will? You may find you can manage with a display on a mantelpiece, shelf or table top, or you may wish to invest in a specially designed cabinet, case or stand. If you opt for specialist display furniture, whether that is a former shop fitting or a set of glass shelves, choose pieces that complement the style and proportions of your home. 2 Good lighting makes all the difference to an

3 Group objects together and they can be much more than the sum of their parts. Even the most unprepossessing of objects carries a certain weight when displayed in a group, and this sort of display is also ideal if some of the pieces are not exactly perfect, or if the items are not of great individual value or importance. A group display may consist of almost anything: a series of Delftware plates or tiles, a dozen framed silk headscarves, pebbles in graduating sizes, mirrored baubles, wooden shoe lasts, a row of modern chairs in sorbet shades…you can have great fun with almost anything you decide to gather together. 4 Displays of identical pairs of objects are probably the most simple, and often the most visually powerful, of all. Whether it’s a pair of silver candlesticks or

two raffia-wrapped lamps, there’s something extremely pleasing about this mirroring and doubling. The only catch is that you must ensure your objects are placed evenly and symmetrically. If you’re not confident about judging by eye, there’s nothing wrong with using a tape measure!

Shorter 1 page format also available

5 When choosing a group of different objects to display, look for ways in which they will work together, whether by colour, size, shape, texture or proportion. It is important to have something that creates coherence, and don’t forget that what you leave out can be as important as what you put in. However much you love them, some objects may simply not fit well into the group. 6 Every time you display more than one object, you need to make a decision whether to opt for symmetry or asymmetry. It depends partly on the items you have and partly on your home and personal taste. Symmetrical displays tend to appear more classical, considered and refined, and suit traditional rooms; the Georgian period, for example, tended to emphasise the rules of symmetry. Asymmetry, on the other hand, is ideal for making an impact in a contemporary space, and can seem more spontaneous and intuitive. 7 Less can often be more, and a great way to make

an impact with a display is by showing off a single, fabulous, huge object. Bear in mind that a large item needs space around it in which to ‘breathe’, so ensure it doesn’t overwhelm its surroundings by giving it plenty of wall, floor, cabinet or shelf space, and don’t place furniture too close. 8 Small objects can be lost among the general furnishings of most rooms, so be particularly careful about how you display them. Try to ‘frame’ them within their surroundings – maybe in a specially designed cabinet or niche, on a side table rather than a coffee table, or on a plinth rather than a long, wide shelf, and they will demand an appreciative glance and a closer look. 9 Don’t be daunted by the

thought of displaying large groups of paintings, prints or flat objects on a wall. Start by laying your potential group on the floor and assessing how well the elements cohere. Choose the piece that you wish to be most prominent, then surround it with pieces that work well alongside it, perhaps making a larger rectangle of the group, or else setting a consistent line along one side, the top or the bottom. 10 Finally, stand right back and get an overview of your final display. Does it need tweaking? Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things around. Whatever your choice of objects and however you have arranged them, try not to make the finished result overly formal or perfect. This is, after all,

your home and not a gallery, and the only important thing is that you absolutely love what’s around you.

Left Image: Ebony glazed display cabinet, £668.25, Alexander & Pearl: 020 8508 0411; www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk Right Image: Pastel lustre vases (set of three), £39.95, MiaFleur: 0116 298 6393; www.miafleur.com

Face-Agram Or Instabook? The Mature User’s Guide To Social Media

Life Begins

by Kate McLelland

Nowadays grandparents are proving a match for their grandchildren when it comes to posting comments and uploading photos to social networking sites such as Facebook. Social media’s fastest growing demographic is older users. When the seniors’ website silversurfers.com recently surveyed over three thousand of its members, it found that 81% of the sample checked their Facebook accounts more than once a day. But what if you haven’t yet ventured into social networking? How do you know where to start? If you’ve always wanted to dip your toe into the social networking pool - but fear you’ll drown in a sea of unfamiliar terms and bizarre practices - here’s a quick guide to three of the most popular platforms: Facebook According to silversurfers. com, Facebook is the platform of choice for the over-50s. Many older users believe that they will get even more value from the site as they grow older. What is Facebook? It’s a free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload videos and images and send messages.

Facebook is the most popular of all social media platforms, so it’s very likely you’ll find someone you know there. On the downside, the site has been criticised for invasive advertising and for being vulnerable to hacking attacks and scams. TWiTTer According to statistics portal Statista, 27% of Twitter users in the UK are aged 45 and over. High profile ‘mature’ users include Donald Trump and Stephen Fry, both of whom have enjoyed a rather volatile relationship with the service. What is Twitter? Twitter is a free-to-use online news and social networking channel where users post and interact with short messages known as ‘tweets’. If you want to find out what the public is thinking on any particular subject, ask Twitter. It’s also a great way to broadcast an opinion and connect with friends’ views, but messages are restricted to 140 characters, so Twitter won’t work for you if you’re the sort of person who likes to send long-winded ‘catch-up’ letters in Christmas cards. insTagram Instagram is the fastest growing social media network. It is currently more popular

longer with the younger generation, 1½arepsigns but there agthateolder users are starting to catch on. format also What is instagram? Instagram is a social avaiapp networking labcreated le so users can share photos and

videos from a smartphone or tablet. It’s a simplified version of Facebook, but with an emphasis on mobile use and visual sharing. Instagram is a quick and easy way to show the world where you are and what you’re doing. On the negative side, you and your friends will only be able to use this app on iPhone and Android phones; because Instagram has been created for mobile phone and tablet users, it doesn’t work as well on a standard computer or laptop. If you’re still feeling confused about which platform to choose, don’t worry. Simply ask around to find out which sites your friends and relatives use. That way if you have any problems finding your way around, you’ll always have someone to help. At first social media may feel like an alien world with its own particular language but once you’ve started, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Before long you’ll be posting like a pro … or maybe even tweeting like a Trump?

The Life List Progressive Proverbs Worldly wisdom may seem timeless, but sometimes our conclusions are out of date. For example, chickens can be counted before they’re hatched now - by using a UV light. And that’s not all that has changed... Nothing good ever came out of a windowed envelope. A broken clock is right twice a day, unless it’s digital. You automatically forget your number plate as soon as you reach the car park ticket machine. Toast falls butter side down on trousers. If you want to find something try looking for something else. A watched pot is a poor use of a webcam. A text in time saves minutes on a pointless call.

Look after the pennies...because they’re the only interest available on your savings.

Portrait Half Page Two wrongs...is about right. When in Rome, expect Vtheericesicream on toabelsboth delicious and expensive. o The pen is mightier thana the broken pencil, but v a i lable not as satisfying to chew.

The squeaky wheel...will be on your supermarket trolley.

Life List

Keep your friends close...and your pretend friends on social media. God helps those who help themselves, apart from shoplifters and kleptomaniacs. You can’t judge a book by its cover, or trust the objectivity of its online reviews. Honesty is the best policy if you’ve got a bad memory. The grass is always greener on a TV gardening show. That’s because they’ve picked the perfect day to make you green with envy. A little knowledge is a web search waiting to happen.

By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk

Motoring

Motoring Kia Picanto

Kia wants to ditch their blue rinse image and target a younger age group with their spiced up city car. The refreshed model teams sporty looks with a more focused driving style to woo young professionals to part with their cash. But are the tweaks enough? Looks and image Kia has worked hard to liven things up, with an extended ‘tiger nose’ grille, smart LED driving lights and a large front air intake. Double wheel arches add flair, there’s a ‘shark’ antenna and the GT-Line specification includes sporty red trim and a twin-tipped exhaust. space and practicaLity The Picanto is Kia’s second best-selling model in the UK after the Sportage and is predominantly bought as a second car by more mature buyers. Kia thinks the new technology – like wireless charging for your mobile, parking camera and Apple CarPlay – will tempt younger, first time car buyers. Kia has created a little more cabin space over its predecessor by increasing the

wheelbase and reducing the front overhang, but rear legroom is still limited. Up front you’ll sit shoulder to shoulder with your passenger, but there’s ample leg room and the driving position is comfortable. Autonomous emergency braking – which warns, then stops you, if it senses a crash – as well as a smart torque vectoring system that improves handling by braking individual wheels are also available. What’s under the bonnet? Three engine options are offered: a 1.0-litre, 67bhp, 89g/ km, three-cylinder; a 1.2-litre, 84bhp, 104g/km four-cylinder; and a 1.0-litre turbo charged, 100bhp version of the three cylinder. We couldn’t try the latter but both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre are punchy and more than adequately powered. Our pick is the 1.2-litre, which hits 60mph in 12 seconds, tops out at 107mph and returns 61.4mpg. Manual and automatic options are available across the range. behind the WheeL The Picanto will divide opinion. Older buyers looking for a comfortable ride will notice the improved suspension. However, the sprightly engines, quicker turn in and faster steering may make them feel too hurried behind the wheel - exactly what Kia is hoping younger buyers

By James Baggott

longer 1½ page format also available

will appreciate. Overall there’s a noticeable improvement in both ride and handling, largely thanks to reduced weight and a stiffer body, but whether that’s suitable for you will depend on your driving style. VaLue for money As the time of the test there were few details as to what options will feature on UK models. Kia UK will follow the conventional Kia strategy of one, two, and three levels of specification and the GT-Line, driven here, will slot between two and three. In the GT-Line model we tried at the Spanish launch, a seveninch media screen, wireless charging for mobiles, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay all featured, along with a heated steering wheel and seats, climate control and electric windows and mirrors. Verdict Kia has sharpened up the looks and driving dynamics of the third generation Picanto. In titanium silver or shiny red it looks striking, and will likely attract younger buyers who demand cool technology. However, these tweaks may put off the stalwart Picanto buyer. Kia is confident though, and is promising ‘modest price rises’ over the current range. The entry level model will be no more than £9,000 and the top of the range no more than £14,000. That said, they’ve meddled with a well-known formula and that brings risk – only time will tell if the gamble will pay off.

Use The Summer Months To Help Your Dog Become Fit And Healthy

PETS

As we all know, it’s very easy to put on weight during the winter without even realising it. The same applies to your dog, who might currently be displaying a larger than expected stomach - but it’s easy to help them lose weight and become fitter.

play into their exercise regime will work wonders. You can build a home-made agility course using large boxes and tubes, or buy the ready-made versions from pet stores and supermarkets. Hide and seek, or playing ball games on the beach will also be well received.

It’s not always obvious that your dog is gaining weight though, so it’s a good idea to have regular checks using your vet’s scales. Taking photos of your dog every few weeks during the whole year will also reveal any additional poundage.

losing weight. It’s so easy to lose track of their food intake during a day, but choose a good quality food that will be easily digested.

So what else can you do to help them shed their excess weight during the longer days of summer? Not just walks Variety is the key to faster weight loss, and incorporating

Pets

Portrait Half Page Version als o Portion control a v ilahow Exercise plus careful controla over blmuch e your dog eats is a powerful combination for Help from your vet Most vets run weight-loss clinics which are useful if you also have any health concerns about your dog. The vet can offer valuable advice, and make sure you’re giving them the correct food.

By Ann Haldon

Parenting

Top Tips to Help Your Child Sleep Image: Children’s pyjamas by Panda & Ping, www.pandaping.com

Late nights, early mornings and night-time wanderings can really have an effect on your child’s wellbeing (and your stress levels). If your child is struggling to sleep, these tips might help. Get into a routine According to Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council, a bedtime routine is vital. She told the NHS, “A bedtime ritual teaches the brain to become familiar with sleep times and wake times. It programmes the brain and internal body clock to get used to a set routine.” Ban screen time before bed The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets and other digital devices has been found to disrupt sleep. A Norwegian study of 10,000 teenagers found that the more time the teenagers spent on electronic devices during the day, the less sleep they got. So keep phones, tablets and TVs out of your child’s room and ban them from being used for at least an hour before bedtime. Get plenty of exercise and fresh air Both exercise and time spent outdoors have been found to promote a better night’s sleep. So take the kids to the park,

by Kate Duggan

or play out in the garden in the afternoon.

when it gets cold, can help to cut down on the excuses.

Try calming music Quiet, soothing music can help your child to relax. If you play the same song every night, it can even become a sleep trigger. Good choices include Kesang Marstrand’s ‘In the Land of Dreams’, and ‘Hello Night’, which you can find on YouTube, or play direct on www.kesangmarstrand.com. You could also try recordings of white noise, which some children find relaxing.

Make peace We all find it hard to get to sleep if we’re worried or stressed. Your child is no different. If they’re upset because you’re cross, or if they’re worried about an argument from earlier in the day, they might struggle to drop off. So try to make peace and keep calm. And take time to discuss anything that might be bothering them, from exam nerves to fall-outs with friends.

Cut down on sugar Fruit juice, squash, sugary drinks and caffeine can all stop your child from getting to sleep. Try to make sure they stick to water or milk for a few hours before bedtime. And cut out any sugary snacks, or anything that might cause bloating or trapped wind. Even naturally sweet foods, such as honey, can have an effect on your child’s sleep pattern.

Find out what works, and stick to it All children are different, and the perfect solution for one might not work for another. Some parents swear by bathing their child before bed; others find a bath wakes their child up. A few drops of lavender essential oil on their pillow helps some children to drop off, while others just dislike the smell. Some children sleep better in complete darkness; others need a nightlight to feel secure enough to rest. As with all parenting, there is an element of trial and error involved, but when you find what works for your child, build it into your daily routine.

Plan ahead What excuses does your child use for getting out of bed in the night? What can you do to make it easier for them to stay in bed? Little things, like a bottle of water on the bedside table, or an extra blanket for

Bolognese Meatballs Serves 4

Recipe

Ready in 50 minutes

These delicious homemade meatballs are flavoured with basil and oregano then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Serve with spaghetti for a classic Italian supper, or for a change pile on top of boiled rice or steamed couscous.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

400g lean minced beef 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil 1 tsp dried oregano 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp virgin olive oil 500g carton passatta (sieved tomatoes) 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste 1 tsp sugar 400g spaghetti Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve Fresh basil sprigs, to garnish

TIP

Give the meatballs extra flavour by adding some chopped black olives, 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese or 2 tsp drained and rinsed baby capers.

Put the mince, basil and oregano into a food processor or blender with half the chopped onion and half the crushed garlic. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then process until almost smooth. Divide and shape the mince mixture into about 28 small meatballs. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning frequently until browned all over. Remove the meatballs from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the rest of the onion and garlic to the pan and fry for 5 minutes. Pour in the passatta and add the sundried tomato paste and sugar. Bring to the boil. Return the meatballs to the pan and stir in 150ml water. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding a little more water if necessary. Season to taste. Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of lightly salted water for 12 to 14 minutes or according to the packet instructions. Drain well. Serve the meatballs and sauce with the spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs.

Short Story

Short Story Isolated Showers As Arlene pushed open the front door a cascade of mail spilled across the mat. She scooped it up hurriedly and placed it on June’s sideboard. Though glad to see that the house was still standing for when June returned from her holiday, Arlene was anxious to check on the back garden. Aunty June had asked her to pop round and water the broad beans while she was away. Arlene had dutifully given them a good soaking throughout the first week, but then the weather had turned gloriously warm. Thanks to a mixture of barbeques and white wine spritzers, she had completely forgotten about the beans. She prayed, for her sake, that they still had signs of life. June was perversely fond of her beans. Each morning, before training, she would whizz them into smoothies. She said they gave her bulk. Forcing open the back door, Arlene strode down the path towards the bean row. Even from a distance she could see that she was saved. The beans were bushy, bursting with life, and the richest shade of green. Arlene silently thanked Reg from next door. To get a closer look she stepped over June’s outdoor bench press and shrieked. An unpleasant wetness rushed over her flip-flops and up her ankles. The entire garden was sitting under two inches of water. “I wondered when you’d be back.” Reg popped his head

over the fence. “It’s had a real soaking, hasn’t it?” Arlene lifted each foot out of the sodden grass and grimaced. “What’s happened?” she asked. “Is it a burst main?” “Don’t you remember?” Reg said cheerfully. “Last week you left the hosepipe on, and it’s still going.” Arlene was suddenly aware of the garden tap fizzing away furiously, while still attached to the hosepipe that snaked its way down the garden. “Why didn’t you come round and turn it off?” she asked furiously. “I thought she wanted it that way,” Reg said indignantly. “You thought June wanted to turn her back garden into the Everglades?” Arlene asked exasperated. “Why would she want that?” “I don’t know, do I?” Reg said. “I don’t like to interfere in women’s business.” A brown duck splashed across the lawn and pecked at the sodden grass. “That’s just the icing on the cake,” Arlene said. “You know how she hates ducks.” “Can’t stand them,” Reg nodded sagely. “After that one cost her the championship.” “Shoo birdy, shoo,” Arlene said. The duck ignored her. “Is she on a water meter?” Reg asked. “Probably,” Arlene said crossly. “This is on you Reg - you

should have turned the tap off.” “No chance.” Reg put his hands up. “I don’t get involved.” “What am I going to do?” Arlene whined. “This isn’t going to drain away in time, it’s not like I can pull out a plug.” “The sun will burn it off eventually,” Reg reasoned. “She’ll have the greenest garden on the street and then she’ll be happy.” “But what happens when she gets her water bill?” “Then I’d rather not be in your flip-flops,” Reg said pompously. “If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me.” Arlene gave him a withering look. “I’ll tell her you saw the hosepipe running and did nothing.” Reg went pale. “Can’t we just say we’ve had lots of rain?” he suggested. “Won’t she notice that everywhere else is dry?” “We’ll both say it was isolated showers.” “Agreed.” Just then they heard June’s taxi pulling up in the street outside. Arlene looked at Reg in alarm. “But what about the duck?” By Jackie Brewster

Garden of Delights

Technology

Gadgets to make the outdoors great again

It’s that time of year again: it’s stopped raining for a bit, the sun’s started to poke out from behind a cloud and most of England has had a hosepipe ban for the last five months. It’s summer, and that means spending all of your time outside for no particular reason. There is no shortage of gadgets to brighten up your outdoor life, from solar lights to barbecue boosters, but it’s worth having a think before you spend any money: for example, a set of solar string lights that costs about four pounds isn’t going to be very bright or last for very long. Look out for two things in particular: the size of the solar panel and the number of LEDs. The bigger the panel the more power it’ll grab from the sun, and the more LEDs the brighter it’ll be. Watch out for colours, too: normal white LEDs have a bluish cast, so if you prefer yellow you’ll need to look for “Warm White” LEDs. One of the best things technology can do in your garden is remove some of the drudgery. The Garden Groom Pro looks like a giant caterpillar, but it’s a hedge trimmer with a difference: it hoovers up the cuttings so you don’t have to spend all week sweeping the street. At £79.99

it’s not too pricey compared to normal trimmers, and at 3.5kg it shouldn’t break your arms either. While we’re on the subject of trimmers, for just £29.99 the VonHaus Cordless 2 in 1 Grass and Hedge Trimmer can make life easier too: it has interchangeable blades suitable for hedge, grass or shrub trimming, and it moves from handheld to upright with the addition of a single handle and wheel. Technology needn’t be complicated to be effective: Hozelock’s garden watering system is fairly low-tech but works a treat. It’s a modular system that enables you to run watering all around your garden by connecting multiple Hozelock components together, and controllers range from simple timers to one that connects to the internet and can be controlled from an iPhone or Android app. That component isn’t cheap - it’s currently £109.99 - but you can buy it bundled with complete watering kits for around £180, which isn’t bad for an entire garden irrigation system. Every year we ask ourselves the same question: can we afford a robot lawnmower yet? Sadly this year we have

the same answer: not quite. Prices are coming down - the Flymo 1200R Robotic Mower is down to just under £600 this year, compared to an original RRP of £999, but it’s still a little too expensive for us. You may disagree, however: £600 isn’t a lot in the world of premium lawnmowers, so if you’d normally consider a self-propelled petrol mower the Flymo isn’t significantly more expensive - and it’s a lot quieter too. One increasingly important area for gardeners is security: thieves will happily run off with expensive plants, garden furniture or anything else of value. If you fancy adding a camera to keep an eye on things when you’re not around, Samsung’s very clever £125 Smart Home Camera is easy to install and works with computers and mobile devices alike. You can even get it to notify you on your phone when it detects movement, so you can see if it’s a fox or something more sinister. It has audio detection too, which is useful in low light.

Images L to R: Garden Groom Pro trimmer; Hozelock cloud controller; Flymo 1200R robot lawnmower; Samsung Smart Home outdoor camera

Travel

China Pandas in Chengdu By Solange Hando

Only 1,000 giant pandas are believed to survive in the wilds of China, 80% of them in the south-west province of Sichuan where, in 1987, a Research and Breeding Centre for Giant Pandas was set up in a northern suburb of Chengdu. From the original six pandas rescued at the start of the programme, nearly 100 have been successfully bred, thus increasing the population without affecting those in the wild. Today this awardwinning centre is one of the best places in the world to see giant pandas in a semi-wild environment.

In this natural environment the pandas are not as pristine and white as their cuddly toy counterparts, but despite their somewhat muddy bottoms you can’t help falling in love with those big dark eyes that seem to look straight into your soul. Wander along the trails and you gaze in wonder as you see pandas eat, sleep or play in large enclosures and, if you’re lucky, you may get within feet of a bear. But most of the time they’re far too busy to take any notice, for there’s bamboo to munch, trees to climb and mates and cubs to socialise with.

Not surprisingly, the centre is a popular attraction for foreign and domestic tourists, including Chinese schoolchildren on their annual outing, but those in the know visit early in the morning to avoid tour groups and watch the pandas waking up, all set for their bamboo breakfast. It’s also a pleasant time to wander through the grounds, before the heat sets in, and enjoy over 100 hectares of greenery landscaped to resemble the bears’ natural habitat, with hills and lake, 400 species of trees and some 10,000 clumps of bamboo and bushes.

Besides the giant pandas, you’re almost sure to spot a few members of the red variety, much smaller and often going in pairs, sleeping in the trees, eating, lapping up water or just nosing around. Other rare breeds who found a home in Chengdu include black-necked cranes, white storks and golden monkeys who live alongside song birds, egrets, peacocks and swans. Meanwhile the new-born pandas are cared for in the nursery, so tiny you can’t imagine they’ll ever grow into soft furry giants - but visitors

who don’t mind the extra cost can have a peep or even a cuddle. But it is all in a good cause for this is a non-profit organisation and all funds are reinvested into the project. Besides the adoption scheme, the centre raises extra funds through various activities and the sale of panda memorabilia in order to sustain its twofold ambition: conservation and education. Conservation involves studying the behaviour and specific needs of pandas and encouraging breeding, naturally or, if that fails, by artificial insemination. Increasing numbers, they say, is the key to survival and the time may come when some bears born in captivity could be released into the wild. On the other hand, education means raising awareness about the giant pandas’ plight, not only in the Chengdu Centre but also worldwide by working with a range of partners far beyond the borders. Having settled in Edinburgh in December 2011, Tian Tian and Yang Guang haven’t managed to breed just yet but they are doing well and remain the only giant pandas in the UK.

Cartoon Panel

Cartoon Strip

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Page

Code Word

CODEWORD

Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

14 3

3 10

17 22 25 16

General Xword

19 9

19 10

16 20

17 3

13 13

26 26

13 9

10 15

4 11

1 12

17 20

19 19

10 20

4 3

8 6

General Knowledge Crossword Across 1. Travelling show (6) 7. Raymond ___, novelist who created the private detective Philip Marlowe (8) 8. Burrowing bivalve mollusc (4) 10. Wise Men who brought gifts to Jesus (4) 11. Cockpit cover (6) 12. Hard, black wood used in cabinetwork (5) 14. After the expected or usual time (7) 17. Marked by refinement in taste and manners (7) 18. Venomous hooded snake (5) 21. Cipher used by Germany during World War II (6) 23. Cotton fabric used on wounds (4) 25. Administrative

division of a county (4) 26. Necrosis of bodytissue caused by interrupted bloodcirculation (8) 27. Elongated cluster of flowers (6) Down 1. Loud laugh suggestive of the noise made by a hen (6) 2. Quantity of paper equal to 500 sheets (4) 3. Firm open-weave fabric used by window-cleaners (5) 4. Toothed wheel second year (8) engaged with a pawl 15. Smear with (7) ointment (6) 5. Chief Norse god (4) 16. Deep-fried ball 6. Period of 366 days of ground dried (4,4) chickpeas or broad 9. Device that attracts beans (7) iron (6) 19. Wide street or 13. Occurring every thoroughfare (6)

Only f or sub scriber paying s for tw o or more p ostcod es exclus ivity 20. Tree with rotresistant wood (5) 22. Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (4) 24. Capacious bag or basket (4)

Cryptic Xword

Cryptic Crossword 1

10 11

13 14

16 17 20

Across 1 Baked food secretaries taste (6) 4 A country with more residents in view (8) 9 Cook receiving large honour (6) 10 Related umpire made a mistake (8) 12 Clueless rating on manoeuvres (8) 13 Underling wearing short skirt? (6) 15 Sign taken from groom entrances! (4) 16 More humorous prattle about me (7) 20 Conversion of an older man (7) 21 Trimmed goatee put up with (4) 25 Operatives get older notes, oddly (6) 26 Uncertain thane’s upset about it (8) 28 Large tin that’s changed shape (8) 29 Some kid starts to carve or draw (6) 30 Crazy girl – nuts! – taking stock? (8) 31 Dante wrongly claims verse is coming (6)

Down 1 Ask Odin out – he’s a god! (8) 2 Author, when about to tarry (8) 3 Weary again? Go to bed (6) 5 Beer, note, for a smart man (4) 6 A luxury vessel is a joke! (3-5) 7 Skilful radio play not ending (6) 8 Passionate article on strange trend (6) 11 Very old insect eating nice stew (7) 14 Tales, in short, set in shops (7) 17 Lookout posted to Nile settlement (8) 18 Banter concerning level peg (8) 19 Note dismantled torch, etc (8) 22 A priest beyond our reach, initially (6) 23 Negligent redhead (the third girl) (6) 24 Stolen coin almost paid back (6) 27 The best part of a factory design (4)

Solution Across: 1 Pastry, 4 Panorama, 9 Salute, 10 Referred, 12 Ignorant, 13 Minion, 15 Omen, 16 Wittier,

Pictograms

Hidato Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

15 16

28 1

Mini Cryptic Xword

15/03/2017 Mini Cryptic Crossword

Hidato.indd 1

NODT NOET NOIT NOTT

3 words WILL IT FLOAT? IS IT EDIBLE? WILL IT IGNITE? CAN I BUY IT?

10:24:06

Across 1. Two left – a novel problem (7) 7. Deer biting second tongue (5) 8. Great tin seen differently (7) 9. Informer giving real tips to fool (5) 11. Note added to awful lament (5) 12. Swan following Dutch yes man (5) 14. Marvell’s first poetry forms (5) 16. Odd garnets moved around (7) 18. Grumbler’s confession about a girl (5) 19. Cor, Hal’s turned academic! (7) Down 1. Up to 500 treated Gino (5) 2. Old filling an alien allowed (3) 3. Sign in sum sorted out (5) 4. Solitary leader out in front (5) 5. Put up with poor, rude Ned (7) 6. Edge inside like beginner (5) 10. One may get a lot from this! (7) 12. Trousers in France, I answer shortly (5)

4 words

6 4

FITIVO

19 49

3 words

Hidato & Pictogram

13. One entering low grounds (5) 14. Stuff written about hot month (5)

15. Complete female (the queen) (5) 17. Garden I loathe some love (3)

Party Time

Quiz 1

1. Appearing regularly alongside Noel Edmonds on the TV show Noel's House Party, what colour were Mr Blobby's spots? 2. With his 2016 hit single, Party Like A Russian, which famous British singer was accused of racism by Russian media, with one newspaper claiming he will never perform in Russia again? 3. Also used as a general term for a large celebration or party, what name is given to a large gathering of Scouts who rally at a national or international level? 4. What animal is the traditional mascot for the Republican Party of the USA? 5. Referring to himself as a "comedy terrorist", whose 21st birthday party did Aaron Barschak gate-crash in 2003 by dressing up as Osama bin Laden? 6. According to the theme tune of the 1980s animated TV series Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles, which of the main characters "was a party dude"? 7. In a 1977 BBC TV production of the play Abigail's Party, who played Abigail? 8. Named after a word that means "forbidden or disapproved of", what party game was first published in 1989, with the aim being for a player to have their partners guess a word on their card without using the word itself or five additional words listed? 9. In 2012, Leanne Wood became the first female leader of which political party? 10. In the novel Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, which three characters does Alice have a "mad tea-party" with?

also available as a quarte r page

Song Title Brackets

Quiz 2

Can you give the full titles of 10 songs from the bracketed parts of their titles and the years in which they reached number one?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(Playing With My Heart) 1985 (A Little Bit Of) 1999 (Just Like) 1980 (Everything I Do) 1991 (I Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Get No) 1965 (Uh Oh Uh Oh) 2009 (Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Home) 1983 (Exordium And Terminus) 1969 (Who Loves Me) 1987 (Barry) 2009

Only f or sub scriber paying s for tw o or more p ostcod es exclus ivity

Simple Xword

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

7 Eighth month (6) 8 Son of a monarch (6)

9 Knock unconscious (4) 10 Family member (8) 11 Award (7) 13 Strangely (5) 15 Begin (5) 17 Fun-loving (7) 20 Single-storey residence (8)

13 14

19 20

21 A long walk (4) 22 Obstructs (6) 23 A rat (6) Down 1 Mumble (6) 2 Destroy (4)

Spot the Difference

3 Gazing (7)

14 Scowls (7)

4 A fruit (5)

16 Ridicules (6)

5 Annual celebration (8)

18 Mean (6)

6 Place of learning (6)

19 Nearby (5)

12 Fight (8)

21 Conceal (4)

Sudoku Easy

Sudoku Hard

Trial

B O T CAL You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 13 4 letters: 13 5 letters: 2 6 letters: 1

Word Ladder

3 Letters ACT ALB BAT BOA CAB CAT COB COT

LAB LOB LOT OAT TAB 4 Letters ALTO BLOC BLOT

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

N E W T

Here is one possible solution (others may exist) NEWT neat beat bent bend bond POND

ÂŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

BOAT BOLA BOLT CLOT COAL COAT COLA COLT TACO

P O N D

TALC 5 Lett BLOA OCTA 6 Lett COBA

Cathedral

Word Search

Brecon Ripon Bristol Truro Canterbury Wells Chichester Coventry Derby Dundee Durham Ely Guildford Hereford Lichfield Lincoln Newport Norwich Oban Oxford Perth Portsmouth Find the names of cathedrals in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

Word Wheel

TARGET Excellent: 78 or more words Good: 65 words Fair: 58 words

T S

O D

T E A

Answer: POSTDATED

P D 41