TIPSS Content Catalogue Nov 17 by Tania Houston

Content Catalogue November 2017

Article Index And Another Thing... : Tom And The Man Who Came To Dinner (Part2)

Baking: Chilled Orange Mousse With Fresh Orange Glaze

Computer Tip: The Best Bargains

Beauty: Christmas Gifts

Book Reviews: Gift Inspiration

Driving: Mercedes: Just What Do All Those Letters Mean?

Finance: Should You Invest In Stocks And Shares, And If So, How Do You Start?

Gardening: A Busy November

Health: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

History: The History of Chocolate

Hobbies: Bottoms Up! Let’s Toast This Terrific Tasting Hobby

Home & Interiors: Scandi Winter Trends

Life Begins: Retirement: Time To Call In The Builders?

The Life List: More 1970s’ TV Revisited

Motoring: Honda’s automatic Africa Twin is a commuter’s dream

Pets: How To Care For Your Pet In The Colder Weather

Parenting: Quality Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank

Recipe: French Omelette With Garlic Tomatoes

Short Story: The Urn

Technology: Black Friday and Cyber Monday: will you bag a bargain? 29

Travel Feature: Dochu La - A Special Place in Bhutan

Special: Seventy Years of Marriage: The Queen and Prince Philip

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: Left and Right

Quiz 2: Same Character, Different Actor

Simple Crossword 38 Spot the Difference 38 Sudoku - Easy

Sudoku - Hard

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

And Another Thing..

And Another Thing... Tom and the Man Who Came to Dinner (Part 2) by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook

Ken, my oldest friend (who had invited himself to stay chez Hughes), was trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. To make himself scarce during the day, he would either nurse a pint down The Old Paraffin Lamp, go for a long walk, or sit in the library and annoy the librarian with requests for obscure titles about fine art.

really ‘do’ jobs.”

at me anxiously.

“Oh doesn’t he now? Well I don’t really ‘do’ bed and breakfast, OK?” At which point, in sauntered Ken carrying the carpet sweeper, and staring at the rug in the hall. “Well that’s another job out of the way - anything to help.”

After a week and a half into Ken’s three day stay, the novelty value of a house guest began to wear rather thin on Sarah (My Dearly Beloved), who became prone to tugging at my hem, pulling me to one side and saying, “Tom, we can’t just keep him here forever.”

“Anywhere nice, Sarah dear?”

“But, well you haven’t got a job and well, we thought by now, you see the thing is, my friend Barry has a building company and he’s looking for labourers and I’ve had a word and well, you can actually start tomorrow.” Aghast, Ken’s knees gave way as he leaned against the occasional table for support.

“He’s not here forever, he’s just couch surfing.” “Well he can go and surf somewhere else, I’ve had enough. He hasn’t even got a job.” “The thing is, Ken doesn’t

Sarah barged past. “I’m going.”

“Not really, I’m going to work!” (Slam) Ken, looking hurt, examined the Ewbank. I decided that certain things needed pointing out to our house guest. “Ken, old chum, the thing is, not that we don’t love you being here…” “How kind, because I love being here.” “That’s lovely but…” Ken, pinny in hand, looked

“Working on a building site? With my back?” “Why, what’s up with your back?” “An old industrial injury.” “Ken, you used to work in soft furnishings!” “Listen, those hessian backed rugs weighed a ton. Anyway, I can’t work on a building site. It’ll…stop me looking for a job. Tom, why don’t we talk all this over in The Lamp?”

Three hours later and all seemed well with the world. Ken was in a good mood as we both became lachrymose, reminiscing about our salad days. Unfortunately, the return from our bacchanalian reverie coincided with Sarah’s half day. Leaning on me for support, my rheumy-eyed pal looked on in wonder as half-closed suitcases began flying past our bemused gaze and onto the front path. “Listen here, Bootsy and Snudge – if you think I’m letting you two live high on the hog while I’m slaving away you can forget it. Here, clear out and go and find somewhere else to doss down.”

Two hours later, sober, chastened and of no fixed abode, we were sat at a taxi rank considering where to rest our bones. Ken was the first to speak. “Listen Tom old darling, does this mean I’m homeless?”

up Sarah asked, “Where’s Ken?” “Ken? He’s gone to stay with his Auntie Joan in Blackpool. He said it was for the best. Anyway, he bought you this.” I slid a box over to her. She looked up and lifted up the lid.

“Well Ken, it’s like this – if my name is on the deeds and I’ve been given my marching orders, I don’t hold out much hope for you.”

“A Victoria sponge? I suppose it’s quite apt.”

After a night ringing round, I returned home to find Sarah sat at the kitchen table, nursing a cappuccino. Sheepishly, I popped my head around the corner. Without looking

“Well don’t leave it too long, the date’s up today.”

“I told him it was your favourite. I’ll get a knife.” “I don’t want any just yet.”

*Note to readers – Victoria sponge is very easily cleaned off cupboard doors.

Cake and Bake

Baking

Chilled Orange Mousse with Fresh Orange Glaze A light, creamy and refreshing dessert that can be prepared a day in advance. Serve with crisp butter biscuits or shortbread fingers.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

3 gelatine leaves 150ml fresh orange juice 250g ricotta cheese 250g full fat soft cheese 100g caster sugar 2 tsp orange zest 300ml double cream 2 egg whites

FOR THE ORANGE GLAZE • 1 gelatine leaf • 150ml fresh orange juice • 2 oranges, peeled, segmented and flesh chopped • Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate

Serves 8 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling and chilling

TIP Stir a spoonful of warmed fine-shred marmalade into the orange glaze before it cools for an extra tangy flavour. 6

1. Soak the gelatine leaves in a shallow bowl of cold

water for 5 minutes until soft. Heat the orange juice in a small pan until almost boiling then remove from the heat. Squeeze the excess liquid from the gelatine leaves and stir into the hot juice until dissolved. Cool for 15 minutes.

2. Beat the ricotta and cream cheese together in a

large bowl until smooth, then beat in the caster sugar and orange zest. Fold in the cooled gelatine.

3. Whip the cream in a bowl until softly peaking and in

a separate bowl whisk the egg whites until stiff. Fold the cream into the orange mixture followed by the egg whites.

4. Spoon the mixture into a 20cm square baking dish that is at least 5cm deep. Gently level the surface and chill in the fridge for 3 hours, or until set.

5. To make the orange glaze, soften the gelatine in

cold water as in step one. Heat the orange juice in a small pan until almost boiling then remove from the heat. Squeeze the excess liquid from the gelatine leaf and stir into the hot juice until dissolved. Cool for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until beginning to thicken. Pour over the chilled mousse then top with the diced orange flesh. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours, or until the glaze has set. Serve cut into squares decorated with fresh mint sprigs.

The Best Bargains

Computer Tip

For the best online prices, it’s a really good idea to sign up to shopping sites’ mailing lists. There are often sales, flash discounts and other offers that non-subscribers don’t hear about, and in some cases the discounts can be very big: for example, New Look has offered £25 off orders and GAP has taken 20% off sale items and 30% off full-price styles. You could also sign up for a deals service such as Groupon, but beware: they send an awful lot of emails, and many of the deals are subject to limits in terms of availability and expiry. Whenever you see a supposed bargain on a product or service you can get elsewhere, it’s always a good idea to see what the going rate usually is.

Beauty

Beauty Christmas Gifts by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk it just wouldn’t be Christmas without a few ‘smellies’ under the tree. if you’re stuck for the perfect giftset this Christmas, look no further. For the intrepid traveLLer

Shorter 1 page cream, Save the Males moisturiser, Modern fo mat acream Frictionrexfoliating lso and Clear Improvement charcoal body wash. All the a va able 50ml and 150ml, products areilbetween and you’re saving over £15 on the cost of buying them separately. Plus you get a free wash bag. The shave cream in particular is sure to prove a hit. It smells good, soothes irritation, helps to avoid nicks and leaves skin feeling moisturised. See www.origins. co.uk. For the green goddeSS

Whether she’s constantly jetting off on mini-breaks, or just pulls the tent out at the slightest opportunity, treat her to elemis’ the adventuress set. The six travelfriendly bestsellers include Ultra-Rich ProCollagen Marine Cream, Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream (which smells amazing) and Smart Cleanse Micellar Water. You also get a case to keep them in. The products are worth £86, so the giftset is pretty good value at £54 from www.elemis. co.uk. For the man in your LiFe origins men’s grooming treats looks to be a good buy. For £40 you get the Blade Runner shave

optiat’s founders decided they wanted to do something about the amount of used coffee grounds that are discarded every year. So they started buying the grounds and turning them into luxurious face and body scrubs. Now Optiat has several ranges, all featuring at least one ingredient that would otherwise go to waste. The 100% natural soaps include antioxidant-rich chai spices. The soaps are very gentle and help to boost circulation and leave skin feeling smoother. They’re also cruelty-free, vegan and organic. Individually, the soaps cost £6.95 each, but you could treat your eco-conscious friend to all five with the Soap Block Collection for £29.95 from www.optiat.co.uk.

precious Lip Collection (£20) is pretty high on the list. Four miniature lip products are included: Joli Rouge lipstick in 742, For the Instant LightperFeCtioniSt Lip Comfort Oil in Honey and Clarins two Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors. have all very wearable colours, and you They’re some save over £11. Plus you get the obligatory fantastic free makeup bag, making it a really giftsets little giftset. See www.clarins. attractive out this co.uk. Christmas. It’s For mumS and workahoLiCS hardBuSy to choose rest Lavender just one, but theBath Salts by neal’s yard remedies go down(£20) a treat. precious should Lip Collection is Made pretty high on the list. Four miniature lip products are included: Joli Rouge lipstick in 742, Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey and two Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors. They’re all very wearable colours, and you save over £11. Plus you get the obligatory free makeup bag, making it a really attractive little giftset. See www.clarins. co.uk. For BuSy mumS and workahoLiCS rest Lavender Bath Salts by neal’s yard remedies should go down a treat. Made

than buying separate gifts. Pacifica’s Mini Body Butters with French sea salt and organic lavender giftset is essential oil, the bath salts help to draw out £28.99, toxins, so less calm the mind and aid sleep. They come than £6in a pretty little drawstring bag and youtube. also get a wooden scoop. It’s £15, from per www.nealsyardremedies.com. Each butter For Luxury StoCking FiLLerS is richly scented and packed with skinSets that caningredients be split intosuch individual loving natural as cocoa presents work out better value butter, aloeusually vera and jojoba oil. See www. than buying separate gifts. Pacifica’s Mini naturisimo.com. Body Butters giftset is £28.99, so less than £6 per tube. Each butter is richly scented and packed with skinloving natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, aloe vera and jojoba oil. See www. naturisimo.com.

Book Review

Gift Inspiration Books make great gifts. If you’re stuck for inspiration or looking for some ideas for your own Christmas wish list, check out this month’s recommendations. For fans of Sarah Waters and Susanna Clarke. The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock – Imogen Hermes Gowar The year is 1785 and widower John Hancock finds himself the owner of what appears to be a dead mermaid. The artefact proves the talk of the town and gains John access to a whole new circle of society, a society that includes the alluring courtesan, Angelica Neal. 18th century London is brought vividly to life in this enchanting debut novel. Enjoyed The Rosie Project and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time? Try… The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr – Frances Maynard Elvira doesn’t see the world in quite the same way as most people. As a result, she lives a fairly sheltered life, caring for her overbearing mother and indulging her interest in biscuits. But then her mother has a stroke and Elvira has to find her own way in the world. With a great storyline, well-rounded characters and plenty of humour to boot, Frances Maynard’s debut novel is a triumph.

Love dystopian fiction such as The Hunger Games and Divergent? Try…

simple to follow, with attractive photographs and engaging introductions.

The Gender Game – Bella Forrest In Violet Bates’s world, women rule. Men have few rights and boys can be sent away if they’re deemed capable of aggression. Across the river it’s another story – in Patrus men have the power. Violet is serving time in a detention facility when she’s offered the chance to have her slate wiped clean, in return for completing a mission in Patrus. An enjoyable, easy read.

Love a good psychological thriller? Add this to your wish list.

Fans of The Great British Bake Off will be clamouring for this one… Nadiya’s British Food Adventure – Nadiya Hussain As Nadiya says, British food today is a melting pot of cuisines from different cultures. This book reflects that, with twists to classic British dishes and more modern favourites. The book ties in with Nadiya’s latest TV series, so includes several of the dishes featured on the show. You’ll find recipes such as Minted Lamb and Apple Pasties, Mango and Passionfruit Jam Roly Poly and Masala Eggy Bread. Recipes are

The Stolen Child – Sanjida Kay Without giving too much away, The Stolen Child centres around Zoe, Ollie and their daughter, Evie. Evie was adopted by the couple from birth, but starts to receive letters and gifts from a man claiming to be her father. A man who says he wants her back. Full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you like Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman, try… Hannah Green and Her Unfeasibly Mundane Existence – Michael Marshall Smith Eleven year old Hannah Green finds the world isn’t quite as mundane as she thought, when it turns out her grandfather is in league with the devil. The world is out of kilter, and the unlikely trio have to work together to put things right. A thoroughly enjoyable read, with great descriptions, bags of humour and believable characters.

Mercedes: Just What Do All Those Letters Mean?

I have heard tell that the way Mercedes names its products is a German state secret, known only to a chosen few and passed down to a successor in a ceremony conducted, behind closed doors, in a castle somewhere in Bavaria. But now, having met my shadowy contact in a deserted underground car park, I think I understand just what those letters, stuck on the rear of their vehicles, mean. Take the two-seater SLK. Those letters stand for “Sportlich, Leicht, Kurz”. In English that’s “Sporty, Light, Short”. Seems pretty straightforward to me. So is the S Class a sporty car then? No - the S Class is a “Sonderklasse”, or special model. K for Kurz (Short) is also used on their “Kompakt” models (some of which aren’t

short) and models that have turbo-charged engines, as that’s what a “Kompressor” is in Deutsch. I’ll try another letter. E should be easy (no pun). E is for Executive. You see lots of big Mercedes E Class cars. However, E also stands for “Einspritzing”. Not an iced fizzy wine drink, but fuel injection. How about the letter G? In the 1970s, both dictators and film stars the world over were chauffeured around in the 600 Grosser Mercedes limousine. So G must mean “big, grosser limo”? Right! But only if you are planning to drive your celeb off-road: G, also stands for “Geländewagen”, which is an all-terrain vehicle. We come now to a truck Mercedes make called the UniMog…no, I’m not going to go there. I’m already confused. Still none the wiser, perhaps I’d better try sneaking into that ceremony in the Bavarian castle… By Iain Betson

Portrait Half Page Version als o available

Driving

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Should You Invest In Stocks And Shares, And If So, How Do You Start?

With savings interest rates at a record low, you may be considering whether to take a more adventurous approach with your money. Purchasing stocks and shares is one way to do this – it’s a long-term investment that can reap benefits if you’re prepared to take a risk and branch out from the ‘standard’ savings accounts. Investing in this way can provide you with funds you wouldn’t otherwise accrue, as long as you’re not looking for a return in the short-term. So before we see how to get started, let’s look at what stocks and shares are in more detail. A smAll piece of A compAny When you purchase shares in a company, you’re essentially buying a small part of that organisation. Limited companies often issue shares to raise money on start-up, and also further down the line if they need additional funding for expansion, or a large project, for example. Stock is the term used to cover different types of share, of which ordinary shares,

preference shares, and nonvoting shares are just a few examples. • ordinary shares - Also known as ‘common stock,’ ordinary shares provide you with a share of a company’s assets and profits by way of dividend payments, as well as voting rights on issues such as executive pay or the appointment of directors. • preference sharesDividend payments are fixed at a certain rate when you buy preference shares. There are no voting rights, but you do receive payment before holders of common stock. This is true in good times and bad – if the company experiences financial difficulty, for example, as a preference shareholder you would be positioned higher up the ranking for payment. • non-voting shares - These are ordinary shares that do not carry voting rights, although in some instances shareholders may have the right to vote under certain circumstances. Where does the vAlue lie When investing in stocks And shAres? The potential value of investing in stocks and shares is twofold: dividend payments You receive a dividend payment as long as the company remains profitable, but the amount you receive depends on the type of share you hold. Payments are usually made twice a year, and you generally have a choice of taking the

money as cash or reinvesting it in more shares.

Shorter 1 page format also available

growth potential A company’s growth potential relies on a number of factors, including: • Size of their market share. • Management efficiency and experience. • Brand identity and its popularity with the wider population. • Company profits and profit margins. The price of shares is driven by expectation of the company’s performance. It will rise if there is significant interest or if traders have high expectations that the company will do well, based on the management/ executive team. hoW do you get stArted When investing in stocks And shAres? Initially, you should determine the level of risk you’re willing to accept. Understanding that there is always an element of risk, however small the investment, and balancing this with the potential rewards, is a sensible approach. There are two types of investment when it comes to stocks and shares – direct and indirect. direct investment This involves choosing the stocks and shares yourself, rather than using the services of a broker or other professional advisor. It’s likely to be cheaper, but you won’t receive the expert direction or guidance that a beginner often needs.

There are online investment platforms where you can set up an account and pay for your investments as a lump sum, or ‘drip feed’ payments using a monthly direct debit. Some people prefer to make monthly payments as it can smooth out market fluctuations and spread the risk a little. indirect investment You can also purchase stocks and shares through a stockbroker or financial company. They may also provide online services for buying and selling, but you’ll receive a professional opinion on the most appropriate investments based on your circumstances. This comes at a cost, of course, so you need to weigh up the benefits of receiving expert advice if your own knowledge of stock market investment is minimal.

other Aspects to consider if you decide to invest • You can lower your exposure to risk by diversifying the investments. • It’s generally advised to invest for a minimum of five years, but longer if possible. • Carry out lots of research on each company prior to making an investment. • Compare fees and charges between providers. • Regularly review your investment portfolio. Investing in stocks and shares can provide a higher return than cash that’s held in a savings account, as long as it’s viewed as long-term. It can help you achieve your financial goals faster, and you also have the option of choosing stocks and shares yourself or using an advisor. The downsides of this type of

investment include potential volatility in the market, the fact that your money is tied up for the long-term, and that it’s not risk-free. So what is your attitude to risk? Could you see yourself investing in the stock market? www.moneyadviceservice. org.uk/en/articles/investing-inshares www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/investingguides/ article-2537768/MIDASSHARE-TIPS-Your-completeguide-joining-excitement-sharebuying-stock-market.html www.moneywise.co.uk/ investing/first-time-investor/ beginners-guide-to-investingthe-stock-market www.moneysavingexpert.com/ savings/stocks-shares-isas www.moneyobserver.com/howto-invest/investing-stocks-andshares-beginners-guide

Gardening

A Busy November by Pippa Greenwood

It is time for the seasonal slowdown, as your garden and most of the plants and animals in it start to prepare for the colder months ahead. But, of course this doesn’t mean to say that you can start snoozing! There are lots of jobs which, if done now, could end up saving you time and money later on in the season or when the garden comes back to full life next spring, so I thought it’d be a good idea to take a look at the top November gardening tasks that you should try to get to grips with. Get prepared for a relatively weed-free few months but hoe off weeds that are around now, as some might still set seed during mild, damp periods. Provided they don’t have any seed pods on them their top-growth can safely be composted. Bin, burn or rot down fleshy weed roots to prevent them growing in the compost heap! Flower beds and borders are likely to have a lot of deteriorating plants in them now. Cut back or pick off

obviously diseased leaves and stems, and remove some of the foliage that is dying back purely due to the time of year. The flower beds will look a lot neater and it’ll give you an insight as to what might need replacing. Leave some deteriorating but healthy foliage in place to provide some protection for the crowns of the more fragile plants. Rabbits can be a menace at the best of times, but over the next few months their natural or wild food supplies are likely to dry up. This means they will be on the lookout for some tasty meals from your garden. Make sure that rabbit netting is not damaged and that trees, especially those that have been planted recently, are fitted with tree guards. Rake, rake and rake some more! That’s what you’ll need to be doing if there is a sizeable tree near your lawn. Use a spring-tined rake and do it on a regular basis - if you don’t collect up the fallen leaves they can do quite a lot of damage to the grass

Shorter 1 andaclimbers Trees, shrubs p ge that have been planted over f o rmat may alsneed the last few weeks o a littlea protection over their v a i l abthatlewill first winter. Foliage beneath.

be perfectly tough and hardy once the plant is established may well succumb to frost or cold wind damage this year. If heavy frosts are forecast or winds are getting icy, a layer or two of horticultural fleece draped over the plant and pegged in place, should do the trick, and can be removed on warmer days. I’ve also got some great fleece ‘jackets’, complete with a drawstring and in various sizes, available from my website - perfect for easy protection of all sorts of sizes of plants and shrubs, see www.pippagreenwood. com/products/protect-yourcrops. If you’re planning on planting a hedge, bear in mind that many hedging plants are far cheaper if bought ‘bare root field grown’, meaning they are lifted from their nursery field without being potted on. These plants generally

establish and grow really well and are likely to be available now, but to make sure you get the pick of the bunch get your order in now. Bare root plants are not feasible once the leaves start to appear next year. Send off for a good collection of seed catalogues and check out the various websites so that you can start to look at what you want to grow next year. Many suppliers offer seeds and young plants of many vegetables, so order now and you can relax, knowing that you have got your first choice selection. Check out my website, www. pippagreenwood.com/growyour-own, for a Grow Your Own package perfect for the less experienced vegetable

grower - the plants you choose come with weekly advice emails telling you exactly what you need to be doing. Established clumps of bamboo should be thinned out now. The extra space that the remaining canes will have will allow them to grow away better, and also gives them more freedom to move about in that way which makes bamboos so very appealing. Less tender bulbs such as nerines and many of the agapanthus are more likely to come through the winter with style if you give them a little protection now. Mound dry chipped bark or other mulch over the area in which they are planted.

And last but not least, water butts may not have had a lot of water going in to them over the last few drier months, but this is likely to change. Before they fill up with rain, grab a sturdy brush and clean each one out thoroughly, removing deposits of algae, soggy bits of plant and general gunge! Rinse out and then re-install ready to collect some rain. Visit Pippaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a gorgeous selection of useful gardening items, perfect for gifts too, including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, fleece jackets, cloches, fruit cages, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls, copper tape, pullout EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

Health

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

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Around 44,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. It’s one of the most feared, yet preventable, cancers. Lung Cancer Awareness Month aims to foster hope with news of new treatments and alleviate stigma, reminding us that lung cancer can affect anyone. Lung CanCer Causes smoking Smoking is responsible for 90% of all UK cases and 6 million deaths, worldwide, each year. Tobacco smoke contains 60 carcinogens and also causes breast, bowel (colorectal), blood, bladder, liver, mouth, pancreatic and stomach cancer. Cannabis also contains carcinogens. Starting smoking when young increases lung cancer risk, but quitting reduces risk to that of a non-smoker in 15 years. Passive smoking Non-smoking women living with smoking partners are 25% more likely to develop lung cancer than those with nonsmokers. Smokers should never smoke near others or in their environment, as toxins can settle on surfaces and be re-released or form toxic compounds. It’s now illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying under-18s. environmental Toxins These include radon, arsenic, asbestos, beryllium, cadmium, coal and coke fumes, silica, nickel, diesel fumes and high levels of nitrogen oxide (mostly from vehicles).

age and genes About 80% of lung cancers occur in the over-60s and a family history of lung cancer may increase risk. symPToms of Lung CanCer If you have any of these symptoms, DO see your doctor immediately but DON’T panic; they can indicate less serious conditions. Common symptoms: • A new, persistent cough. • A long-standing cough that changes or worsens. • Persistent/frequent chest infections. • Pain or blood when coughing/ breathing. • Persistent breathlessness/ fatigue. • Loss or change of appetite. • Unexplained weight loss. Less common symptoms: • Finger clubbing (fingers become more curved or thicken at the fingertip). • High temperature. • Difficulty or pain when swallowing. • Wheezing. • Hoarseness. • Swelling of your face or neck. • Persistent ache or pain in the chest or shoulder. • Pins and needles/numbness in fingers/toes. • Drowsiness, weakness, dizziness and confusion. • Breast swelling in men. • Blood clots. • Severe pain in the shoulder or down the arm. • In one eye: drooping eyelid and/or a small pupil. • Loss of sweating on one side of the face. Diagnosing Lung CanCer Your GP will assess your general health and breathing. They may refer you for a blood test and/or X-ray. If necessary, they’ll refer you to specialist who may

perform further tests including scans (ultrasound, CT or PET), a bronchoscopy and a biopsy. TyPes, sTages anD TreaTmenT of Lung CanCer The more common non-small cell lung cancer is classified in stages 1 to 4. Stage 1 is the least extensive, while Stage 4 indicates lung cancer that has spread to both lungs or other areas. Treatment depends on your health and the type, stage and position of your cancer. Treatments include: • Surgery. • Chemotherapy. • Radiotherapy. • Chemoradiotherapy. • Symptom relief. If you’re in good health and the cancer is in one lung, surgery followed by radiotherapy is often chosen. In other cases, chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy will be recommended. small cell lung cancer usually spreads more quickly. It’s classified as ‘limited’ if it hasn’t spread beyond one lung and nearby lymph nodes, and ‘extensive’ if it’s spread beyond this. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is usually recommended. new immunotherapy and targeted treatments are improving outcomes, so don’t delay a visit to the doctor.

longer 1½ page format also available

information and support:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month lcam. org Macmillan Cancer Support www.macmillan.org.uk/information-andsupport/lung-cancer Tel: 0808 808 00 00 The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation www.roycastle.org/how-we-help/lungcancer-information Tel: 0333 323 7200

History

The History of Chocolate By Catherine Rose

Our favourite confectionary, chocolate dates back four thousand years to Central America where indigenous Indian tribes produced an antecedent very different to today’s. Although debated, the word chocolate is said to come from the Mayan term ‘xocalatl’ meaning ‘bitter water’. It was the Mayans who first cultivated the cacao plant growing in the rainforests of Mesoamerica - an area that today encompasses Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. They fermented, roasted and ground the beans of the plant into a paste that they would mix with water and spices to produce a potent frothy bitter liquor. Drunk cold, it was an aphrodisiac with magical moodenhancing properties. On conquering the Mayans, the Aztecs - who lived in the mountains where cacao did not grow naturally - demanded a tax in cacao seeds so that they could control and cultivate the beans themselves. Cacao seeds became a currency for the Aztecs and were used to buy everything from produce to prostitutes! Believed to be a gift from their god of creation and wisdom,

Quetzalcoatl, cacao was so precious that chocolate was reserved for those of importance such as rulers, warriors and priests, and often drunk from gold vessels during religious ceremonies. Women were not permitted to partake. Conquistadors took chocolate back to Spain in the 16th century where they added sugar to sweeten it. Soon, the custom of drinking chocolate had spread across Europe. Cocoa plantations were set up in tropical regions of the various colonies. It wasn’t until 1828 that the solid sweet chocolate we know today was born. Casparus van Houten invented the hydraulic cocoa press which separated cocoa butter (contained in the bean’s nib) from cocoa mass. This ground mass became the basis for modern chocolate. Casparus’ son Coenraad van Houten, a chemist, continued his father’s work, adding alkaline salts to remove the naturally bitter taste. By using the ‘Dutching method’ that combined and heated the mass with water, cocoa butter and sugar, Coenraad produced a thick chocolate paste which then hardened inside moulds into a delicious confectionary. When van Houten’s patent expired in 1836, other companies started manufacturing their own chocolate. In 1847, J.S. Fry & Sons produced the first commercial chocolate bar in

England. Although it was not as palatable as the chocolate we eat today, people were enthralled, and the company launched their eponymous Fry’s Chocolate Cream in 1866.

longer 1½ page same year, Richard fThat orm a also and GeorgetCadbury, philanthropists had taken ava labwholecocoa over theirifather’s business, purchased one of

van Houten’s cocoa presses. They began producing boxes of chocolates at their Birmingham factory. In 1875 they unveiled their first dark chocolate Easter egg filled with chocolate dragees. The Swiss have long been at the forefront of chocolatemaking and in the same year that Cadbury produced its first Easter egg, the first milk chocolate bar was made by a Swiss confectioner named Daniel Peter after he added condensed milk to the chocolate-making process. Then in 1879, Rodolphe Lindt invented the conching machine. The machine agitated the chocolate mixture and revolutionised its texture, making a much smoother, more velvety paste. The early part of the 20th century saw an explosion in the availability of chocolate with names that are still popular 100 years later. Cadbury’s Dairy Milk was launched in 1905 made with ‘more milk than any other chocolate bar’. In 1914, Fry’s Turkish Delight was produced. Then in 1915, Milk Tray came onto the market - the first box of chocolates affordable to all.

Hobbies

Bottoms Up! Let’s Toast This Terrific Tasting Hobby “Honeydew melon…a little smell of cream…it reminds you of lying in bed upstairs and having a tiny waft of someone marvellous having made you breakfast downstairs. You get that smell of toast and butter…” These are the words of wine expert Jilly Goolden, describing the aroma of a Chenin Blanc wine to a Guardian reporter at the launch of the wine-tasting courses she runs at her Sussex home. While some readers may find Jilly’s descriptions a tad over the top, most wine lovers would probably admire her ability to find so many different sensations packed into one sniff of vintage white. Since she first appeared on our TV screens in the 1980s, Jilly has waxed lyrical about wines of every age, colour and price. She believes that drinkers who simply quaff a bottle without dwelling on its finer points are “probably missing out 50% of what it [the wine] has to say to you.” whaT does wine TasTing involve? Wine tasting is the practice

Shorter By Kate McLelland 1 pagof esampling and evaluating of using the senses of touch, sight and smell to evaluate began to emerge. The ormat awines different wines. It isfbelieved rules put in place at that time lso evolved into a craft that the first wines were have since a va- anilabwithleits own precise language produced in Mesopotamia ancient region that included and methods. If you’re taking present day Iraq and Kuwait together with parts of Syria and Turkey - between 4,000 and 3,000 BC. By the time of the Roman Empire, the production of wine had spread throughout the Mediterranean, even as far as the British Isles. The ancient Romans were particularly passionate about their wines, realising that the more a wine was allowed to mature, the better it tasted. They were also the first to introduce wooden barrels, glass bottles and corks to preserve the precious liquid. It’s more than likely, therefore, that the first wine tasters were slaves employed by their masters to check that wines were drinkable (and also, possibly, to ensure that they hadn’t been poisoned by their enemies!) Although unofficial methods of wine tasting have been around for thousands of years, it was not until the 14th century that more formalised ways

up wine-tasting as a hobby, you won’t be obliged to use the specialised terminology employed by today’s professional wine-tasters and sommeliers, but you will need to follow some basic rules to help you identify the particular characteristics of the wine you are sampling.

The four sTages of wine TasTing The first phase in the four recognised stages of winetasting is appearance. The liquid is examined to see how well it reflects or refracts light, whether it is cloudy or clear, and how much the process of oxidisation over time might have affected its colour. The wine’s smell (also known as its “nose”) is then judged. Tasters must attempt to describe the perfume it gives off, as determined by its “aromas” and “bouquets”. “Aroma” refers to the smell of the specific grape - or combination of grapes - used,

while “bouquet” refers to the scent created as the wine matures. To judge the taste, swirl the wine around your mouth so your taste buds can do their work. As well as teasing out the specific flavours of the wine, you’ll be considering the amount of sweetness and/or tartness you find. You might also want to judge the amount of astringency (bitterness caused by the tannin in grape skins) you can detect. Overall, you’ll be looking for “balance” in the wine, deciding whether all its components are in harmony. The final part of the process is to consider the impression left on your tongue when you have either swallowed or used a spittoon to clear the wine from your palate.

At this stage you’ll be able to tell a well-made wine by its crisp, clean finish: poor quality wines often leave a watery and insubstantial aftertaste. The best quality wines leave a “long finish”: that’s a flavour that remains in the mouth after the wine has gone. how do i sTarT? If you’re not sure how to kick off your wine-tasting hobby, an online search will lead you to a number of excellent courses, taking place nationwide. On the jobs and training website run by the Reed Group you’ll find a short online course costing £97 (visit the Hospitality and Catering section at reed.co.uk for details), alternatively Jilly Goolden herself runs winetasting afternoons under the title “The Wine Room” at £125 per person, taking place in the

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex (telephone 01342 822251 or email wineroom@jillygoolden. com). As you develop confidence you’ll be able to explore some of the 400 or more commercial vineyards that operate in the UK. Visit England has a list of vineyards, many of which are open to the public, offering luxury on-site accommodation in B&Bs and self-catering accommodation so you can relax and make the most of your wine-tasting experience (visitengland.com). Whether you’re planning to become the next Jilly Goolden or simply someone who loves to explore the subtleties and complexities of wine, you’re certain to find a course or vineyard experience to suit. Bottoms up!

Home Interiors

Home & Interiors Scandi Winter Trends

By Katherine Sorrell games; a log burner. You get the idea. Overall, it’s not about spending money, but trying to be kind to yourself; hygge is when there’s nothing going on to worry or annoy you, and you’re able to take great pleasure from simple things.

Shorter 1 page format also available Lagom

If you thought lagom was a kind of bean and gluggavedur a creamy Christmas tipple, don’t miss Katherine Sorrell’s guide to the Scandinavian interiors trends that will see you (and your Instagram feed) through the winter. Hygge The best known of our Scandi set, hygge (named a word of the year 2016 by the Oxford dictionary) was massive last winter and it looks like it’s here to stay. Pronounced ‘hoog-uh’, the Danish word is not directly translatable into English, and can be a noun, verb or adjective, but the overall concept stands for cosiness and contentment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and enjoying good times with friends and family. When you recognise that special moment – it’s the feeling of hygge. It’s

well known that the Danes are the happiest people on the planet, and maybe it’s all because of hygge, which is an integral part of the nation’s culture and psyche. The high season for hygge is winter – it helps make long, dark evenings more bearable – and, especially, Christmas. Key elements? Home-cooked comfort food such as porridge or stews; eating with family or friends; candles (the Danes burn more candles than any other European nation) or pools of warm, well-positioned light; reading in front of the fire on a rainy day; squashy sofas and armchairs; a cup of warm cocoa (or tea in a china cup, or freshly brewed coffee, or home-made mulled wine); sheepskins, knitting (especially Fair Isle and hand-knitted socks); hot water bottles; piles of throws and cushions; board

The lagom trend hails from Sweden, and it roughly translates as ‘not too little, not too much’ – in other words, just the right amount. It’s applied to everything, from drinking coffee to buying a house, and its aim is fairness and contentment (you know how well-adjusted the Swedes are). Apparently, while hygge is a momentary state of happiness, lagom is more to do with an overall approach to life. And this sense of moderation and balance extends naturally to home design – functional, unfussy, minimal and well-made pieces are key, with an emphasis on durability and sustainability. Remind you of anyone? You’ve guessed it – Ikea has created a LIVE Lagom project, in which the Swedish flatpack superstore ‘supports customers and co-workers with products, workshops, bespoke advice and an active community to help save energy and water, reduce waste and promote a healthy lifestyle.’ How else can you incorporate a sense of lagom in your home? Well, keep things simple, declutter, tidy and organise your storage,

reduce your carbon footprint (time for LED light bulbs, for a start) and choose furniture and accessories that are pared-back and practical, stylish without being showy. Incorporate a palette of neutral colours and natural materials and away you go. Just right. gLuggavedur It seems it’s not possible to go six months without another Scandi trend taking hold, and the latest is gluggavedur, this time from Iceland. It means, literally, ‘window-weather’, or an overall concept of curling up indoors while watching the world go by outside, specifically when the weather looks nice from indoors but is probably not so great when you’re actually out in it. Make the most of snuggling up in the comfort of your living room or bedroom and looking out on a cold, sunny day by enhancing your window area – beautiful curtains or blinds, perhaps with a pretty tie back or a tactile blind pull; maybe some wooden shutters, a window seat with a comfy cushion and a throw, and even some plants, candles or carefully selected art works nearby.

image Left: oslo grey and lime cushions, £50 each, and throws, £125 each, all aLSo Home: 01483 608 614; www.alsohome.com image above: oyster luxury cream sheepskin rug, £69, the Swedish Wooden Horse Company: 01444 414 070; www.theswedishwoodenhorse.com

Life Begins

Retirement: Time To Call In The Builders? by Kate McLelland

When Saga Home Insurance conducted a poll of UK residents who had retired or were just about to retire, it found that many of the people questioned had decided to undertake major household renovation projects, spending £17,000 on average to improve their homes. If you are going to spend more time at home, it’s natural to want to make improvements. But before you start browsing the latest trends in glossy interior design magazines and booking a builder, it may help if you stop for a moment to consider the practicalities. How long do I want to stay In my present Home? If you want to stay on in your home for another twenty years, then it’s advisable to ‘futureproof’ it by making it as energy efficient and accessible as possible. The changes you make now will avoid the need for disruption when you are older and less able to manage household renovation projects. Eco-friendly improvements such as modern insulation and solar-panel heating can make a big difference to your annual energy bills and increase your

property’s value in the long run. Other improvements - designed to support you as you age - might include adding larger, double-glazed windows that let in more light, replacing garden steps with a ramp, or putting in grab-bars to help when getting in and out of the bath. How mucH sHould I spend on tHe renovatIon? If it seems likely that you will move on in the not-so-distant future, then you should avoid spending money that you won’t be able to recoup when you sell. For example, there will be little chance of recouping the cost if you put a £25,000 bespoke kitchen into a terraced house valued at £150,000. According to Ideal Home (idealhome.co.uk), one of the best ways to add value to your home is by building an extension or conservatory. The cost of adding a singlestorey extension can increase the value of your property by 5%, a new en-suite or second bathroom can add a further 5%, while a new kitchen with plenty of storage can add up to 4% to your home’s value. Estate agents can be a valuable source of advice on

longer property so 1trends ½ pinayour gearea, call your agent for some local format also insights. How can I fInance Home available Improvements? From April 2015, UK residents

aged 55 or over have been able to access the money in their state pension pots, spending or investing it as they wish, so this might provide a useful source of income for any home improvement projects. Taking up an equity release scheme is another possibility if you are over 55. This arrangement is similar to a mortgage, but your loan and interest are only paid back to the provider when you die or go into long-term care. Recent events, including the Brexit vote and this year’s general election, have led to a more cautious, ‘wait-and-see’ attitude in the property market, so this is a good time to explore ways of creating more value in your current home. If you can resist the urge to spend, spend, spend whilst taking time to research the kind of refurbishment jobs that will really enhance your property’s value, you should find that that your investment will go on providing benefits well into the future.

The Life List More 1970s’ TV Revisited British society had a lot to contend with in the 1970s – the three-day week, compulsory flares, a giant Curly Wurly, and a secret campaign to educate the public through cunningly disguised television programming. Only now can the truth be revealed… Crossroads – Long-running Health & Safety series about a motel’s shoddy building standards and the environmental impact on the people there. Contained frequent examples of memory loss, poor coordination and acting strangely. Nationwide – Regional programming proving that nothing says ‘regional’ like an eccentric in outdated clothing who speaks with a thick accent. Pot Black – Novelty colour-blind snooker competition, where players tried to pot the mid

grey ball and then the dark grey ball, while avoiding the slate coloured one.

Portrait Half Page Version als o Seaside Special – Televised version of a typical a v a i labdancers, coastal resort, complete with cheesy le faded music hall stars and a salty disposition. Rentaghost – Paranormal public information series about rising unemployment in the afterlife and the need to up skill while still alive. Special features included how to train a pantomime horse.

Life List

Warring couples and drunken chip fights were edited out.

Love Thy Neighbour – Sociological study about a racist who ‘does not mean anything by it’ and a West Indian man who’s only racist in retaliation. Some said it was like Rising Damp, only in two houses. The Sweeney – Fly-on-the-wall and fist-inthe-face docudrama about a police team who collectively failed to read the Met’s briefing on safe driving, community policing, and negotiating resolutions without resorting to violence. It’s an unfair cop. By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk

Honda’s Automatic Africa Twin Is A Commuter’s Dream

Motoring

by James Baggot

scooter-like commuter, darting for gaps.

Honda’s Africa Twin has gained a cult following – and rightly so. It’s a do-it-all enduro bike that’s not only comfortable, but incredibly capable too.

thought they do make the Africa Twin rather wide.

We’ve been riding the firm’s latest model with the revolutionary automatic DCT transmission for a few months now and soon discovered it’s a staple commuting tool. If you’re already a fan of enduro-style bikes, the seating position and handling characteristics will be very familiar. The relatively small screen does cause a bit of buffeting, but the sit-up-andbeg style riding position works brilliantly in town. I’ve ridden the 998cc parallel twin cylinder machine to London and back to the South Coast six times now and found that the seat does get a little uncomfortable after an hour or so – at 6’4’’ I am just a little too big for the Honda. However, that said, when the stop-start traffic bites, the Africa Twin makes for a brilliant gapfinding tool. The light steering and automatic gearbox in ‘sport’ setting transforms it into a

longer 1½ page The test bike has the optional f hard luggage fitted – both top ormat al so box and panniers at a cost available of £920. Sounds pricey, but they’re impressively capacious,

Honda has fitted an automatic DCT gearbox to its Africa Twin endurance machine. James Baggott reports on life with the 998cc continent crosser.

On the road, the Honda handles neutrally. Leaning over hard might make you question the available grip; however, that could be down to the tyres. I’ve also noticed the standard forks on the front dip considerably under braking – if you’re used to BMW’s telelever setup on the GS, this bike’s main rival, it takes some getting used to. The engine develops 94bhp and 98Nm of torque which feels perfectly punchy enough. The real talking point is the DCT automatic gearbox though. For those of you unfamiliar with the setup, the Africa Twin in this guise has no gear pedal and the lever for the clutch isn’t for the clutch at all – instead it operates a handbrake, and is positioned sensibly far enough away that you won’t end up pulling it unintentionally. Once you’re used to it, you’ll soon be enjoying the break your left arm and foot get. As a hardened biker I never thought it would be something I’d enjoy riding quite as much as I do. There are a few niggles though.

I’ve found the fuel tank a little on the small side. At just 18.8 litres it’s not nearly enough for a bike capable of long distances, and frustratingly won’t get me the 160 mile round trip to London and back without refuelling. I’ve also found the centre stand a little precarious. It’s hard to get your motorcycle boot-clad foot between the frame and stand to push it down sturdily enough. That might have something to do with my big feet and correspondingly large boots, but it’s still annoying. Those minor gripes aside, I’m finding the Africa Twin to be a brilliant companion. Its combination of solid build quality and capability in a variety of circumstances makes it the perfect bike to tackle our congested roads in pretty much all weathers. And if you’re doubting that automatic transmission – give it a try, you might just like it as much as me.

FACTs AT A glAnCe Model: Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT Price: £10,499 engine: 998cc, Parallel twin Power: 94bhp, 98Nm Top speed: 115mph MPg: 48mpg (estimated)

How To Care For Your Pet In The Colder Weather With colder weather now upon us, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll take care of your pet to minimise illness and make sure they’re safe. So what areas should you be thinking about? Paws Although dogs’ paws may be more at risk of damage from frost and icy conditions when they go for walks and runs, other animals also experience pain in this area. They can suffer from cracked paws, and pick up salt deposits, which if ingested could cause stomach

PETS

issues and illness. • Check paws for build-up of snow or ice between the pads – wipe with a warm washcloth and dry well, checking for cracks or irritation, and keep fur between the pads clipped short. Your vet may be able to recommend balm or ointment/ oil to soothe their paws. Arthritis If your pet suffers from arthritis, they’ll stiffen up in the cold weather and may find it difficult to walk. • Provide a heated mat in their bed – cosy sheepskin or fleece mats bring relief from arthritis, allowing your pet to enjoy the rest they need.

Pets

Older animals Older pets can suffer more at this time of year, even if they don’t have arthritis. They’ll be less flexible generally, and potentially more susceptible to picking up germs. • Make sure they exercise enough – carry on taking your dog out for regular walks, taking into account the wintery conditions. Take advantage of a break in the weather if you can, and choose your route carefully. www.fantasticpetcare.co.uk/blog/ how-to-care-for-pets-in-coldweather/ www.dogsnaturallymagazine. com/15-winter-care-tips-for-yourdog/

Portrait Half Page Version als o available

By Ann Haldon

Quality Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank

Parenting

Rainbow Route Railway & Station Set Building sets are popular with children and adults alike. They’re also a great way to spend some quality oneon-one time together. Keep an eye out for the K’Nex STEM Explorations range, which incorporates elements of science, technology, engineering and maths. The vehicles set (£24.99) includes pieces for seven different vehicles, two working motors and instructions for five experiments. LEGO is 85 years old this year. There are now literally hundreds of kits to choose from. The Lego Elves range centres on a girl called Emily Jones who finds her way to Elvendale. The range has been added to this year, with a new story focusing on Emily’s sister, Sophie, who is kidnapped by a goblin. Sets start at a few pounds and come with linked activities and videos online. The Capture of Sophie Jones kit (£17.99) proved a real hit with our eight year old tester and her dad. Wooden train sets make for hours of entertainment. Younger children can quickly become bored once the track is set up though. Hape’s new Rainbow Route Railway and Station Set (£59.45 from Amazon) is brightly coloured and has lots of extra features to keep kids amused. There’s a bead maze,

tambourine track, shape sorter and mini-xylophone, and it’s suitable for toddlers aged 18 months and up. Gift experiences When you look back on your childhood, you’ll probably remember days out with your family more than particular toys. Lots of child-friendly venues offer gift vouchers, including pottery barns, cinemas and amusement parks. Search online for local venues, or take a look at www. virginexperiencedays.co.uk and www.redletterdays.co.uk. Animal adoption gifts often include regular updates on the animal, along with magazines and a cuddly toy. Adopting a tiger through Born Free (www. bornfree.org.uk) costs just £2.50 a month. How about a personalised book of vouchers? Search for templates online, or design your own on www.canva.com then fill in the vouchers with activities that are free, or low-cost, such as: • One movie night, complete with popcorn. • Two hours of den building with Mum. • A hot chocolate with whipped cream. • One day of no chores. • A pamper evening with face masks and a manicure.

by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk • An extra hour to play before bed. • An hour of playing the game of your choice with Mum and Dad. • Baking cakes with grandparents. Gifts under £5 Most children enjoy reading or being read to. You’ll find plenty of books to choose from on The Book People’s website www.thebookpeople.co.uk, with up to 75% off RRP. When we checked there were 950 picture books for under £5, and thousands more across other age groups. If you enjoy making gifts, you could: • Use scraps of felt to create a roll-up fuzzy felt game. • Fill a Kilner jar with the dry ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. • Make playdough (mix and heat on the hob 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of warm water, 1 cup of salt, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and a few drops of food colouring). Finally, when it comes to games and jigsaws for 2 to 7 year olds, you can’t go wrong with Orchard Toy, see www. orchardtoys.com. There are plenty of options for under £5, including Jungle Snakes and Ladders, Little Bug Bingo and Dinosaur Dominos.

French Omelette with Garlic Tomatoes Serves 1

Ready in 15 minutes

Recipe

Eggs are the perfect fridge standby for a quick and filling supper. Here’s how to make a classic creamy French omelette for one in a few simple steps – the recipe can easily be doubled to serve two people.

Toss the tomatoes and garlic with the olive oil. Place on a foil-lined grill pan and cook under a medium heat for 4-5 minutes until just tender.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

8 cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 large eggs 1tbsp milk Salt and freshly ground black pepper Large knob of butter Spinach and rocket leaves, to serve

Meanwhile, lightly beat the eggs and milk in a jug and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the butter in a small omelette or non-stick frying pan until it is just foaming. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir gently with a fork, drawing the mixture in from the sides to the centre as it sets and letting the liquid egg run out to the sides. When the omelette is just set, stop stirring and cook for a further 30 seconds to brown the underside (see tip). Place the grilled tomatoes on top of the omelette.

TIP

Take care not to overcook the omelette – keep the heat at medium and remove the pan from the heat when the top is still soft and creamy.

Slide the omelette onto a serving plate, tipping the pan to gently fold it over the tomatoes. Serve immediately with salad.

Short Story

Short Story The Urn By Jackie Brewster Leaning wearily against the dart board in the back room of the Horse and Jockey, Ron waited for his crew to settle down. He’d been tempted out of retirement for one last job. He never could say no to the persuasive charms of Clarice. She was sitting to his right, legs crossed, a spiral note book between her perfectly manicured fingers. Their eyes met briefly, she smiled, and he knew just what she was thinking. The job was just twelve hours away and these assembled young bloods had adrenalin coursing through their veins. He had to get them focussed. There could be no repeat of last year’s carnage. He still hadn’t fully recovered. If he closed his eyes he could still see it all - the chaos, the confusion. They’d not bargained on the urn - it was a wild card that had cost them dearly. This time, he vowed, they would not make the same mistake. He shrewdly observed each member of the team, assessing their strengths. By the door was Joe the Crow, army background, good with crowd control. Joe’s missus, Dolores, leaned against the pool table. A dental nurse in a former life, she was known around these circles for being good at mopping up, should the situation arise. And it almost always did, Ron thought ruefully. Wendell Wright, perched on a bar stool, was the money man. Though new to this game,

he came highly recommended. He’d count up what they’d made on the other side, if, of course, they made anything. And, finally, the charming Clarice. She was Ron’s eyes and ears, but, more importantly, she had access to the keys. “Let’s begin,” Ron said finally. “We know why we’re here, so let’s do this right.” “We won’t let you down Ron,” Dolores pouted. “I heard about what happened last time,” Wendell added. “Bad luck.” Ron bristled, though he suspected that word had got round. “Okay, so listen up and listen up good.” Ron raised himself to his full height. “Clarice, what time can you get hold of the key?” “Half eight,” Clarice said. “I need you on the ground then,” Ron said. “Can you do it?” Clarice nodded. “And the rest of you,” Ron said, “in position by nine prompt.” He turned to each of them. “Dolores, I want you behind the counter with Clarice. Joe, you’re on the door. And Wendell, keep your eyes on the cash at all times.” Wendell nodded. “What about you Ron?” Dolores asked.

“I think we all know.” Ron had to say it; it was the elephant in the room. “I’ll be responsible for the urn.” He looked at his crew and they looked back with awe and respect. He could feel their faith in him; he just wished he could feel it in himself. “Is it the same urn as,” Dolores’s voice was almost a whisper, “…last year?” Ron nodded gravely. “I’ve heard reports that it’s got worse,” Joe added warily. This was the worst possible news. It felt to Ron as though all the air had been sucked out of the room. Wendell slowly raised his hand. “Shall I bring my own kettle as back up?” he asked. “Just in case?” “Perhaps it would be better if we all brought one?” Dolores said. “I’ll bring the one from our caravan too.” Clarice made a note in her book. “There’s no way I’m relying on that dreadful church hall tea urn again.” Ron felt a great weight lifting off his shoulders. Maybe, just maybe, this year’s Over Sixties Club coffee morning would go without a hitch after all.

Technology Technology

BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY: WILL YOU BAG A BARGAIN? It’s the annual online shopping frenzy, but not all bargains are brilliant. At the end of November the UK will celebrate a fairly new annual event: Black Friday. It’s an import from the US, where retailers kick-started the Christmas shopping season with big bargains, and now it happens here too. This year Black Friday falls on 24th November, but there will be deals for the week running up to it and in the days afterwards too, most notably Cyber Monday on 27th November. One of the biggest Black Friday players is Amazon, which extended the shopping weekend to what it called Black Friday Deals Week in 2016. Other retailers have followed suit, making Black Friday a week-long event that often carries across well into the next week. It’s mainly an online event, although some High Street chains take part too, and while the emphasis in previous years has been on electric and electronic items such as home electricals, computing and gadgets, the scope has been widening to encompass fashion, jewellery and other distinctly low-tech 1 items too. Are the bargains real? The short answer is “hmmm”. Prices are often displayed on the basis of how they compare to the recommended retail price, but in many cases that’s fiction: in electronics, you’ll often find TVs with an RRP of thousands being sold everywhere for half that amount. If you’re considering a big-ticket item such as a television or other expensive electrical products, it’s well worth using sites such as PriceSpy to see what other retailers are offering or CamelCamelCamel to see what Amazon has previously been charging. For example, at the time of writing (not Black Friday!), Amazon is offering

a saving of £539 on the LG 65UJ750V TV, bringing the price down from £2,099 to 2 £1,560 - but CamelCamelCamel shows that the highest price Amazon has charged was £1,699. It’s still a saving, but it’s not as big as it seems. That’s not to say there aren’t real bargains to be had. There are, but they’re in among a lot of endof-line stock and carefully negotiated deals with suppliers. The best deals tend to be on the things with the highest profit margins, so for example, if you’re looking for a PlayStation 4 you’ll see bigger discounts on bundles - combinations of consoles, accessories and games - than on the console by itself, because the profit margins on bundles have more wiggle room. The trick to bagging a great bargain on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the days before and after is to know what you want, know what you want to spend and know what the going rate for a particular product is - and to make use of the price checkers we’ve already mentioned. It helps if you’re flexible, too: the likelihood of a specific model of TV being offered at the right price is quite low, but if you’re willing to consider very similar models or models from other manufacturers you’ll often find that you can get what you want for the price you’re willing to pay. And don’t forget, if you’re buying online you have the full protection of EU consumer legislation, and the distance selling regulations in particular: if you aren’t happy for any reason, you can return goods for a full refund if you do so within seven days of delivery. Main Image- LG TV, an Amazon bargain, 1. Amazon Black Friday teaser 2. Screengrab of camelcamelcamel price history

Travel

Dochu La A Special Place in Bhutan By Solange Hando Dochu La is neither the highest pass in Bhutan nor the most dramatic, but at 3,100 metres it is the most visited by locals and visitors. Some 30 km from Thimphu, on the highway heading east, it links the modern capital to the ancient capital of Punakha. Up there, in clear weather, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including Gangkar Puensum, the highest in the kingdom at 7,158 metres, but beyond the spectacular panorama, the ‘pass of rocks and water’ is imbued with spirituality. As you approach the final bends, high above paddies and orchards, prayer flags line the road, their traditional rainbow colours fluttering in the wind, blue for the sky, white for clouds, red for fire, green for water and yellow for the earth. Inscribed with Buddhist prayers, they pop up all over the kingdom, tall sentinels guarding sacred sites or frail garlands draped around shrines or trees where the spirits are said to live. One more bend and the pass comes into view, with 108 chortens (local shrines) - an auspicious number - built in three concentric tiers around a hillock, rising towards the

main shrine. Like most chortens in Bhutan, they are small square monuments, white with a red band below a roof of stone slabs. Whatever the location, chortens must be built according to strict traditions with rituals, prayers and offerings enshrined at different stages of construction. The Dochu La chortens were commissioned by the first wife of the Fourth Dragon King in gratitude for his safe return when, in 2003, he led his army to push Assamese insurgents back across the Indian border. In brilliant sunshine, blanketed in snow or hidden in mist and fog, the chortens hold everyone spellbound as devotees walk around seven times clockwise to ensure good karma. It can be a challenge at this altitude but across the road, the cafeteria is a great place to recover with hot tea, snacks and breathtaking views, weather permitting. Meanwhile, people pray on the edge of the precipice, offering rice and flowers to the mountain gods, others climb to the hilltop temple where bright murals depict an intriguing mix of mythology and history spanning 500 years. The Druk Wangyal temple was built in 2008 to mark the centenary of the monarchy, a beloved

institution which brought enduring peace after centuries of turmoil. On December 13th, a colourful festival takes over the temple grounds as masked dancers pounce and twirl on the flagstones and myriad prayers drift across the mountains. Look around and you are sure to feel the ‘gross national happiness’ unique to Bhutan. Dochu La is also a beautiful backdrop to the Royal Botanical Park inaugurated in 2008 and the first of its kind in the country. Covering 47 square kilometres of protected land, it is home to musk deer, leopards, tigers, red pandas and over 40 species of birds. Forested slopes extend as far as you can see, conifer, broad leaf, subalpine or temperate, laced with trails which vanish into the distance sprinkled with the heady scent of daphne, the paper-making plants. Spring is blossom time with masses of magnolia and most of the 46 species of rhododendrons found in Bhutan. In the dedicated Lamperi Garden within the Park, the annual rhododendron festival attracts people from afar, keen to enjoy the pristine surroundings and the auspicious blessings of the Dochu La pass.

Seventy Years of Marriage The Queen and Prince Philip but, unsurprisingly, he was courting older girls. However, he visited Windsor often and was entranced by the family feeling of Christmas there with Elizabeth in 1943, which his own life so lacked.

On 20th November, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrate seventy years of marriage (the longest of any British monarch). We look back over their 75-year romance. A Queen in WAiting And A HAndsome Prince Born on 21st April 1926 to Albert and Elizabeth, the Duke and Duchess of York, Princess Elizabeth became heir to the throne when her uncle’s abdication in 1936 made her father King George VI. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born on 10 June 1921 to Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg. An oftentragic childhood was spent in exile with relatives, mainly in England without his parents. His mother was taken to an asylum when he was nine. After boarding school, he joined the Royal Navy and served during WWII. Elizabeth and Philip first met at a royal wedding in 1934, but in 1939 Philip gave 13-yearold Elizabeth a tour around Dartmouth Naval College. She was instantly smitten

An unsuitAble boy? After his posting home in January 1946, Philip regularly visited Buckingham Palace, carrying a picture of Elizabeth in his bag while she made noticeably more fuss about her appearance! In a letter, Philip wrote that he had “fallen in love completely and unreservedly.” But despite Philip’s loyal service and royal connections, the courtship wasn’t welcomed by all. Philip didn’t have the ‘right’ education, clothes or money - and had sisters married to Nazis. However, Philip’s uncle, Lord Mountbatten, worked to change popular opinion. When Philip proposed in summer 1946, the King consented but insisted on delaying the official announcement until Elizabeth turned 21. Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles and was merely Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on their official engagement in July 1947. Before the wedding, however, he was made Duke of Edinburgh, with Elizabeth becoming Duchess on their marriage. mArried life Elizabeth and Philip married at Westminster Abbey on 20th November 1947. A year later their son Charles arrived,

Special

followed by Anne in 1950. But family life was soon disrupted. In February 1953, Philip broke news of the King’s death to Elizabeth while in Kenya, and abandoned his naval career to support her in her new role. They moved to Buckingham Palace and Elizabeth was crowned on 5th June 1953 at Westminster Abbey, watched by millions on TV. Andrew and Edward, born in 1960 and 1964 respectively, completed their family. golden yeArs Throughout the years, they have continued to show affection and support for each other, enjoying the ups (jubilees, the arrival of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren) and weathering the downs (long separations from their children, family scandals and divorces, fires; their ‘annus horribilis’). In a thoughtful gesture, the Queen gave her husband the title of Lord High Admiral, titular head of the Royal Navy, when he turned 90. “Their marriage is a true love story,’’ said former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter. On their Golden Wedding anniversary in 1997, they paid touching tributes to each other. “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” said the Queen. “Tolerance is the one essential ingredient in any happy marriage,” said Prince Philip. “The Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.”

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.

8 7

15 19

18 20 15 12

General Xword

21 6

20 18

1 21

23 18

13 22

7 26

15 19 19

19 9

18 5

21 10

24 21

9 22

21 15

20 10

18 16

26 17

General Knowledge Crossword Across 7. European principality (6) 8. Characteristic of a clan (6) 9. Precious stones (4) 10. Epic poem adapted for recitation (8) 11. Public toilet in a military area (7) 13. Holy book of Islam (5) 15. End of a roof (5) 17. Scottish bread (7) 20. Citrus fruit with a loose and easily removed rind (8) 21. German composer (1685â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1750) (4) 23. Greek goddess of

wisdom (6) 24. Strand of yarn (6) Down 1. Capital of Italy (4) 2. Title given to a former ruler of Germany (6) 3. Violently fast stream of water (7) 4. Cornstalks (5) 5. Traditional Italian straw-covered wine bottle (6) 6. Nocturnal African mammal that feeds on termites (8) 12. Menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices (1,2,5)

Only f or sub scriber paying s for tw o or more p ostcod es exclus ivity 14. Small dynamo with a secondary winding (7) 16. Steps consisting of two parallel members connected by

rungs (6) 18. Bionic man or woman (6) 19. Male member of a religious order (5) 22. Lake in north central Africa (4)

Cryptic Xword

Cryptic Crossword 1

10 11

13 14

16 17 20

Across 1 Pricy starter more stuffed (6) 4 Dog that’s eked nosh out (8) 9 First danger sounded naughty! (6) 10 Twisted sneer foe anticipated (8) 12 Demanding old flame giving a performance (8) 13 Dog bent lead to advantage (6) 15 Every enemy behind a friend (4) 16 Deviant seeing second book (7) 20 Flourish for backward salespeople (7) 21 He has some cider to conceal (4) 25 Evil or misrepresented man (6) 26 Boxer – dog put on a register (8) 28 Offer one should love to accept? (8) 29 Cat? It’s getting put out still (6) 30 The Spanish incident (the middle fraction) (8) 31 Unreal dance shows nerve! (6)

Down 1 Cheese near Pam’s stew (8) 2 PM, note, like Netanyahu (8) 3 Short looker has to leave fair play (6) 5 Um, Otis disheartened a god (4) 6 Cronies wrongly accepting a situation (8) 7 City poems, when written up (6) 8 A man had some food to give (6) 11 The opposite of popular poetry (7) 14 Regret about steady income (7) 17 Horrible guy first regrets stripping women! (8) 18 Small sister is missing clergyman (8) 19 Really odd article standing on end (8) 22 Join unqualified driver in a car (6) 23 Girl pleasant, having heart of gold (6) 24 Short story without a following was illuminating (6) 27 Former secretary put on weight (4)

Solution Across: 1 Padded, 4 Keeshond, 9 Risque, 10 Foreseen, 12 Exacting, 13 Basset, 15 Ally, 16 Genesis,

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.

44 15

3 words

EXTINCTION

10 5

31 1

4 words 34 35

03/08/2017 Mini Cryptic Crossword

Hidato.indd 1

CANKICKINES

10:51:32

Across 1. Sweets spoiled in a river (7) 7. One young lady is wrong (5) 8. Obscure cheat used lace (7) 9. Irritable alien going around pen (5) 11. Convert in aboriginal territory? (5) 12. Blair failed to make a sign (5) 14. Detailed notes about last trainee (5) 16. Least shallow river – bother! (7) 18. Explosive dessert, so it’s said (5) 19. Comments about blemishes (7) Down 1. ‘Intact’ is half understood (5) 2. Fresh start not enjoyable (3) 3. All possible energy, really (5) 4. Sauce short saps have left (5) 5. The digs unexpectedly seen (7) 6. American Idol (unfinished show) (5) 10. Lime’s ruby core is glorious! (7) 12. Cast close to an entrance hall (5)

THE

12:24 16:48 08:35 11:02

Mini Cryptic Xword

3 words

Hidato & Pictogram

13. Snake put in Bern shedding its skin (5) 14. Best stuff around came back (5) 15. Roman emperor

bought it, using letters (5) 17. A part of the queen, one hears (3)

Left and Right

Quiz 1

1. Does the Statue of Liberty hold a torch in her left or right hand? 2. In tennis, if the score is “advantage”, will the player serving be serving from the left side or the right side of the court? 3. On the TV show The Simpsons, who opened a store in the Springfield Mall called The Leftorium, specialising in products designed for left-handed people? 4. On a standard UK keyboard, left and right brackets feature on which two number keys? 5. What was Right Said Fred’s only UK number one single? 6. With which arm did Diego Maradona score his famous “hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup?... his left or his right? 7. Which Irish comedian was famous for wearing wellington boots, one labelled “L” for left, and one labelled “R” for right? 8. In 2003, who became the first ever left-handed golfer to win the US Masters? 9. If an actor is facing the audience and needs to follow the instruction “exit stage left”, should they turn to their left or their right? 10. What is the most populated country in the world where everyone drives on the left side of the road?

also available as a quarte r page

Same Character, Different Actor

Quiz 2

For each pair of actors below, can you name the character that both have played in different films from the given years? For example, the correct answer to the clue “Sean Connery (1962) / Roger Moore (1973)” is “James Bond”.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Steve McQueen (1968) / Pierce Brosnan (1999) Michelle Pfeiffer (1992) / Halle Berry (2004) Rex Harrison (1967) / Eddie Murphy (1998) David Bowie (1988) / Michael Palin (1979) Rick Moranis (1994) / Stephen Baldwin (2000) Douglas Fairbanks (1920) / Antonio Banderas (1998) Christopher Lee (1958) / Gary Oldman (1992) Fay Wray (1933) / Naomi Watts (2005) Peter Sellers (1963) / Steve Martin (2006) Morgan Freeman (2003) / Alanis Morrisette (1999)

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

Simple Xword

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

7 Type of fruit (6) 8 Opulence (6) 9 Touch (4) 10 Start (8) 11 Modified (7) 13 Impede (5) 15 Remove from home (5)

13 14

19 20

17 Water closets (7) 20 Calculation (8)

21 Horrid (4) 23 Male relatives (6) 24 Snub (6) Down 1 Manufactured (4) 2 Horse's fastest pace (6)

Spot the Difference

3 Observed (7)

14 Advisory group (7)

4 Chubby (5)

16 Cold (6)

5 Specialist (6)

18 Caring (6)

6 Piece of jewellery (8)

19 Slightly drunk (5)

12 Splitting (8)

22 Lie in wait (4)

Sudoku Easy

Sudoku Hard

Trial

E R MAK B 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: 9 4 letters: 12 5 letters: 5 6 letters: 1

Word Ladder

3 Letters ARE ARC ARM BAR BRA EAR ERA MAR RAM 4 Letters BAKE BARE

BARK BEAK BEAM BEAR BERM MAKE MARE MARK RAKE REAM 5 Letters AMBER BAKER

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.

I R I S

Here is one possible solution (others may exist) IRIS irks arks arms aims ails oils

ÂŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

BREAK BRAKE MAKER 6 Letters EMBARK

oily LILY

L I L Y

Dance

Word Search

Bachata Balboa Bolero Boogaloo Breakdancing Can can Fandango Salsa Flamenco Swing Foxtrot Tango Jig Waltz Jitterbug Jive Limbo Lindy hop Macarena Merengue Paso doble Reel Rumba Find the names of the different types of dance 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: 69 words Fair: 63 words

A E

D E

N V T

Answer: ADVENTURE

U R 41