❙ strap strap ❙
‘How I soothed Sir T Brenda Blethyn chats to Yours about working with the Welsh superstar, playing Vera and how she almost killed her camera crew By Alison James
I
n her cream tailored jacket and smart black trousers, with glossy chestnut hair and subtle make-up, Brenda Blethyn looks nothing like Vera Stanhope, the scruffy Detective Inspector she’s currently portraying in ITV1’s Vera. When I say she looks every inch a star in a laid-back kind of way, she laughs: “Tom Jones! Now there’s a star for you.” Brenda is talking about Tom because she and fellow actress Alison Steadman starred with him in the Sky Playhouse drama, King of the Teds, which was screened a few weeks ago. She says: “Tom had never acted before and he was incredibly nervous. He just kept saying ‘sorry’ during the reading of the play and asking if he was doing it right. We said he was doing fine and tried to reassure him and calm his nerves. “He’s a peach. You might think he might be a bit arrogant, but not one bit. He is such a gent and so down to earth. There’s nothing egotistical about him. It was so refreshing that someone who’s a megastar is so lovely and amenable. “His son, who works for him, showed us pictures of the place in Wales where Tom
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❙ star chat ❙
grew up. It reminded me of my mum’s front room. The furniture was the same.” One of the lovely things about Brenda is that she’s constantly going off-topic and dropping in delightful little anecdotes about her own life. For instance,she reveals that she loves making bread pudding. “Good oldfashioned bread pudding like my mum used to make every week. I stow it in the freezer and bring it out slab by slab. I tell you what, it’s really good! My husband Michael loves it, too.” Brenda (66) certainly doesn’t look as though she regularly feasts on bread pudding as she’s very trim. She says: “I like good but plain food, natural foods, green foods, and fish. I eat properly. I run, too. I’ve done a couple of London marathons. I wanted to do the Great North Run last year – I’d
‘Tom had never acted before and was incredibly nervous’
done all the training – but at the last minute the producers of Vera asked me not to for insurance purposes. Because I slouch around as Vera, people think I must be like that in real life, too.” Does it bother Brenda to be playing a character who has been described as a bag lady? “I thought I’d smartened her up a bit for this series!” she laughingly protests. “But no, it doesn’t bother me at all. There are women in responsible jobs up and down the country who look like Vera. She’s always working, everything has to be done now – you see her running all over the place. It’s the job that’s the most important thing to her. “She doesn’t take good care of herself, she drinks too much and doesn’t eat well. She doesn’t look in the mirror, she often sleeps in her clothes – although that’s not to say she’s dirty! Sometimes she’s at the office all night and doesn’t have any spare clothes. She doesn’t follow the normal patterns. “As Vera is very different from a lot of shows I guess it gives you space for a lot more acting. I like the fact that its not bombarded with background music. I think the music that is used is really good. The Northumbrian scenery is lovely, too. It gives you a real feel of the place and is almost like another character in the drama.” Brenda is from the South East and Vera is a Geordie. How’s she finding the accent? Is she in touch with her inner Cheryl Cole? “Kind of,” she laughs. “The biggest compliment I got was when a Geordie cab driver picked me up and said I looked just Brenda and Alison Steadman took Sir Tom under their wing
like that Vera woman. I replied that I was her and he said, ‘But you’re a southerner! I thought the actress who played Vera was from up here’. I gave him a very nice tip! “I do feel a bit like a native when I’m in Brenda as the North East. The scruffy Vera people are so friendly and I have a real loyalty towards them and the place. I sometimes talk in the accent when I’m out and about up there – especially when I’ve got a big scene the next day. ‘That Vera woman’ certainly seems popular with the viewers as it is now in its second series. Brenda says: “People on the street – mostly women of around my age – come up to me and say, ‘Oh, I love that Vera’. It’s always ‘that Vera’, never just Vera! They’re so kind and generous and it makes me feel very proud. Maybe I’m flying the flag a bit for women of our age. There aren’t that many of us in TV drama.” Before Brenda goes, I ask her one last question: as Vera, does she do any of her own stunts? “Funny you should ask that,” she smiles. “I always do my own driving but I almost killed everyone in the last series! The director said I had to get out of the car quicker than I was doing. I said that would be tricky as I had to take the car out of gear, put on the handbrake, switch off the ignition and take my seatbelt off. They told me not to bother with the handbrake. “So I left the gear in neutral and jumped out, but then the car started rolling towards the camera crew. It stopped about a millimetre away from them. It was quite hairy!” YOURS
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PICS: REX FEATURES ;CELEBRITY PICTURES/DAVID VENNI
r Tom Jones’ nerves’
makE-Up FIT She has the world’s most recognised face, but how does the Queen make sure she’s always picture perfect? We find out... e’ve been used to seeing the Queen’s face almost daily for the past 60 years, with her image printed on money and postage stamps as well as in photographs and on TV. But as we’re so accustomed to her appearance, it’s easy to forget how flawless she looks. At 86, her skin is magnificent, her make-up understated yet elegant. So how does she manage to get it so right? Royal make-up artist Teresa Fairminer, who counts Princess Margaret among her previous clients, says the Queen’s late sister loved Elizabeth Arden make-up, and had a drawer full of products in her dressing table. It’s likely this preference runs in the family, as Elizabeth Arden has held the Royal Warrant for Manufacturers of Cosmetics since 1962. More recently, though, Her Majesty has grown fond of French label Clarins, which gained the Royal Warrant in 2007. This month it launches a Diamond Jubilee Limited Edition Hand and Nail Cream, sales of which will support the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. Although it has never been said exactly which products the Queen uses, she clearly plumps for bright lipstick. Teresa says: “Lipstick is where our Queen excels. It’s never too strong, always the perfect complement to her face. She definitely doesn’t apply lip
W
Time To face her public… The queen achieves the effect of eyeshadow by not putting foundation round her eyes
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❙ royal secrets ❙
T FOR a queen hoW To GeT The QueeN’S NaTural looK STep 1… Look after your skin. Teresa says, “It’s a simple routine she has stuck to since the Fifties, which is a traditional cleanse, tone and moisturise first, with maybe a smidge of cream rose tinted blusher to liven up the cheeks.” Top with powder foundation blended down into the neckline. SplurGe... elizabeth arden Ceramide Cream Blush, £24 SaVe... no7 Blush Tint Cream Blush, £10
“It’s widely thought the queen usually does her own make-up” foundation around her eye area, leaving it looking brighter. Is there anything Teresa thinks the Queen could improve? “I’d love to shape her eyebrows, just a smidge,” she confesses. But overall, she says Her Majesty has got her look just right. “I really love her face as it is! She sticks to what she knows best, and it always works. She has done us proud.”
STep 2… always ensure you use a good eye cream. Teresa says: “Investing in a specific eye cream definitely helps control the onslaught of deep wrinkles around the eyes.” applying every day can make the eye area puffy, though, so stick to just three or four times a week for best results. SplurGe... Liz earle Daily eye Repair, 10ml, £14.25 SaVe... Lacura q10 Moisturising eye Cream, 15ml, £1.49 STep 3… pick the right lip shade for you. Teresa says: “Greying hair can make facial features look washed out, so rule out any shades too dark or too pale as they’ll bring attention to any lines. Think English rose with subtle warm hues to highlight and rejuvenate the lips.” Take great care in the application of your lipstick. “make sure it glides on leaving a gentle sheen helping you look younger,” says Teresa. “If you go over the lip line, wipe it away immediately and then blot with tissue. a lip brush will improve the finish, but it’s not always necessary, especially if you have experience of putting on your own make-up as the Queen does.” SplurGe... Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in Melon, £16.50 SaVe... avon ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in Carnation, £7 YOURS
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pICS: pa; GETTY ImaGES
liner, but makes sure she takes her powder foundation round the edge of the lips, which ensures the lipstick doesn’t bleed into little lines.” It’s widely thought the Queen usually does her own make-up, even touching up on the go, as we can see above! She possibly uses brushes from royal supplier Kent Brushes to apply her perfectly placed powder. Teresa says the Queen doesn’t wear eyeshadow, but rather avoids putting
lippY oN The Go… Her Majesty shows impressive skill in touching up her lipstick without a mirror to guide her
Look sLimmer
clever dressing can give the impression you’ve dropped a dress slim down arms and waist
These trousers have a secret tummy panel; wear them with a fitted shirt that skims over your hips
A tailored jacket is perfect for flattering full arms and a chunky waist; this dress and jacket will see you through the autumn, as well
PHOTOGRaPY RUTH JENkINSON; STYlIST; JO WINcH; HaIR aNd makE UP; SaRaH JaNE GREEN aNd HaNNaN TOUHamI
The miracle trousers
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Blouse, £24, 8-24, littlewoods; confident curve trousers, £29, 6-22, Savior at Isme; clutch bag, £55, m&co; shoes, £25, 3-7, Next; bracelet, £15, debenhams
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dress, £35, 10-28; jacket, £35, 10-28, both Isme; shoes, £15, 3-8, marks & Spencer
Tummy-taming dress This dress has a secret panel in the lining to hold in a wobbly tummy and hips; the style works well for day and evening
confident curves dress, 10-28, £45, Savior at Isme; necklace, £17.50, marks & Spencer; cuff, £8, Wallis, shoes, £30, 3-7, m&co
in an instant!
size – look for prints and secret slimming panels
Style notes
By Jo Winch
The all-over figure flatterer
A taller, slimmer look
10 dress slimmer tips!
This printed tunic is on trend and flattering,as it hides arms, hips and waist; team it with slim-fit straight-leg trousers (avoid leggings as the top is too short!)
Never doubt the slimming power of a simple wrap dress; diagonal stripes make hips and thighs appear more slender
1 Look for dresses and skirts with a lining that will stop that unflattering cling. 2 Don’t hide your shape in baggy tops and trousers as these will make you appear bigger then you are. 3 Horizontal stripes and pleats are a no-no. 4 Jersey, silk and soft-draped fabrics will skim and flatter your figure. Avoid shiny, clingy fabrics such as satin that will exaggerate any lumps and bumps. 5 Choose the right undies; knickers and bras that dig in will add bulges, opt instead for magic underwear such as Spanx, that smooth and help slim your waist. 6 Busty ladies should say no to round and polo necks and stick with deep V-necks to help flatter your curves. 7 Choose a patterned or bright top with plain trousers if you want to draw attention away from your hips and legs. 8 Don’t go for cropped-styled trousers with a wide hem; whatever your shape or size these give a dumpy effect! 9 Do try trousers with vertical pinstripes for their leglengthening properties. 10 Don’t wear ultra skinny jeans if you have a bit of a tummy as they will only emphasise it.
Tunic, £35, 8-20, Marks & Spencer; trousers, £25, 8-20, Marks & Spencer; shoes, £30, 3-7, M&Co; bangle, £6, Next
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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for lots more exciting fashion ideas
Dress, £16, 8-18, George at Asda; necklace, £8, F+F at Tesco; shoes, £30, 3-7, M&Co
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STOCKISTS: Debenhams 08445 616 161; George at Asda 0800 952 0101; Isme, 0844 8118112; Littlewoods 0844 822 8000; Marks & Spencer 0845 6090200; M&Co 0800 0317 200; Next 0844 8448939; Tesco 0800 505 555; Details correct at time of going to press
Next issue: How to mix and match summer essentials
Beat stress at 50, 60 & 70+ T oo much stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, bowel disorders, chronic fatigue and insomnia. New research by US scientists reveals it can even make you age quicker by speeding up the ageing process in the cells of your body. But it‘s not all bad news according to stress specialist Helen Wingstedt who says: “Stress can be your best friend if you understand it and use it effectively. After all, stress isn’t an illness, it’s a side effect of life!”
IN YOUR
50s
Feeling permanently wound-up? Can’t remember the last time you really relaxed? Here’s how to let the stress melt away By Kate Corr STRESS FACT:
11 million work days are lost in Britain because of stress, depression and anxiety
You often feel stressed at work, where you feel taken for granted, and at home where you never seem to have time for yourself.
Source: Labour Force Survey
✤ What sort of stress is it? “There are two main types of stress; positive and negative,” says Helen. “Feeling stressed about a job interview or important event is positive stress which is temporary, normal, and will actually help you to focus. This is very different from the long-term, negative stress created by a health problem, a bullying boss, a relationship crisis, or the strain of caring for a sick relative.”
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✤ Kick something Punching and kicking are a great way to release the stress of daily life so it’s no wonder that kickboxing is now extremely popular among women of all ages. Take out your stress on a punch bag, learn some self-defence techniques, improve your strength, tone up your body and feel more confident. Ask about classes at your local community centre or buy a DVD such as 10 Minute Solution – Kickbox Bootcamp for as little as £4.93 on www.amazon.co.uk
✤ Eat some almonds When your nerves are jangling, choosing the right foods can actually calm you down. Almonds help lower blood pressure and are bursting with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that bolsters the immune system. They also contain Vitamin B which helps to keep your mood steady and stops your heart from racing. Buy a packet of organic almonds for £1.99 from Holland & Barrett, or try Fudges Roasted Almond Biscuits (£1.99, good supermarkets) or get your recipe books out and bake some yourself!
You feel stressed by the idea of not working and by how you’ll manage financially. Maybe you’re also caring for someone and can’t see a time when life will get easier.
IN YOUR
60s
✤ Write it down Whether you’re feeling stressed about your relationship or your pension, research* shows that putting pen to paper can reduce the level of anxiety and is particularly helpful for chronically stressed carers. It can also help you work out where your stress comes from – is it really about something that happened today or does it go deeper? Treat yourself to a journal – WH Smith has some lovely journals ranging in price from £4 to £20 – and resolve to write in it every single day. *Source: University of Texas, Austin
✤ Learn how to breathe
A recent survey of 3,000 men and women found that husbands are more likely to send their wives’ blood pressure soaring than the other way round
PICS: REX FEATURES; ISTOCKPHOTO; CORBIS; MASTERFILE; THINKSTOCK
STRESS FACT:
Sometimes in the midst of chaos all we can do is breathe deeply. Try a mantra, such as ‘I know I Did you know? am breathing in… I know I am breathing out’ to Science backs up the old theory that help keep your breathing a warm milky drink eases insomnia slow and steady. If you and restlessness because calcium have more time, lie down can reduce muscle spasms and and try muscular relaxation exercises. Breathe in and soothe tension tense each muscle as much as Source: University of California, San Francisco you can, then relax it fully as you breathe out. If you need more guidance, borrow a relaxation CD from your local library or try levels, enhance your mood and hypnotherapist Glenn Harrold’s boost your heart health. Go for best selling CD Complete a walk in a park, help a friend on Relaxation (£8.96). their allotment, or get involved with one of the many nationwide ✤ Go outside community projects organised Research from the University by Ecominds. Go to the Mind of Essex shows that contact information line on 0300 123 with nature and green spaces 3393 or www.mind.org.uk to find can significantly reduce stress out about activities in your area. And what about 70-plus? Turn the page to find out
Source: Philips YOURS
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0 1 BEST... of the
places to
ramble ✤ a riverside walk, LONDON This easy circular walk through bermondsey and along the River PiCtUre Thames explores london, old and PerFeCt new. In under an hour you can take in some of the capital’s major tourist attractions including Tower bridge, the Tower of london and City Hall and venture off the tourist trail to enjoy local landmarks like the gardens of St mary magdalen Church. Distance: 2.3 miles start: artesian Health Centre,138 Grange road, se1 3GF More info: www.getwalking.org/walking-routes
✤ speyside Way, aVieMOre One of Scotland’s premier longdistance path follows the fast-flowing Spey for 65-miles from the Cairngorms’ wild uplands, through dramatic pine forests, to the Galloway coast. Some of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries also happen to be dotted along the route... Distance: 65 miles start: aviemore More info: http://www.speyside-way.org.uk/
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✤ a walk in Constable Country, esseX This circular walk takes you through the picturesque water meadows and gentle rolling hills that provided inspiration for the work of locally-born John Constable. Ramble through tranquil countryside, including Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley. If you have time, a visit to bridge Cottage at Flatford, a small museum dedicated to the artist’s work, is a must. Distance: 7 miles start: Dedham Car Park, Mill Lane More info: www.walkmag.co.uk/walks
lakeside ✤ Ullswater, stroll CUMBria
✤ The Jurassic Coast, DOrseT The Dorset and East Devon coast is England’s first natural World Heritage Site. One of the most spectacular features is Durdle Door, a dramatic natural archway that lies to the west of lulworth Cove along a stretch of magnificent coastline.
This is a gentle amble alongside beautiful Ullswater, the lake District’s second largest lake. Every day Ullswater steamers cruise up and down its length, providing visitors with an opportunity to combine the best of both worlds.
Distance:16 miles start: Osmington More info: www.walkmag.co.uk/walks
Distance:13 miles start/end: The sunray pub, Osmington More info: www.walkmag.co.uk/walks
✤ Harting Down, HaMPsHire This circular walk starts by following the South Downs Way and finishes at Harting Down, an area of ancient chalk downland within the South Downs National Park and nature reserve. The final stretch involves an ascent of beacon Hill for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Downs. Distance: 5½ miles start/end Circular walk from Harting Down, near Petersfield More info: www.walkmag. co.uk/walks
✤ Kinder scout, PeaK DisTriCT NaTiONaL ParK Every passionate walker should make the pilgrimage to the summit of kinder Scout. The village of Edale, nestled beneath kinder, makes an excellent starting point.
✤ Offa’s Dyke,
✤ Hadrian’s Wall Path The 84-mile national trail is a lifetime highlight for any walker, or you can choose a stretch of the Roman monument to tackle. Step back in time as you retrace the footsteps of a centurion patrolling the remnants of wall, and enjoy stunning views of sparsely populated borderland scenery.
NOrTH-easT WaLes Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail offers a huge diversity of landscapes. This particular section, roughly Oswestry to llangollen, is less physically demanding than some. Enjoy Ceiriog valley views, the historical Chirk Castle and a final, triumphant stride across the highest navigable aqueduct ever built. Distance: 7½ miles start: Oswestry Old racecourse Country Park More info: www. walkmag.co.uk/walks
Distance: 84 miles (7 days) start/Finish Points: segedenum roman Fort at Wallsend-on-Tyne/ Bowness-on-solway Tyneside More info: http:// www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall/
✤ The Wales Coast Path This may the Ramblers will be celebrating the launch of the all Wales Coast Path, the first in the world to span an entire country’s coastline. That’s 870-miles of accessible coastline to explore. Pembrokshire and Ceredigion Coast Paths are worldwide favourites so choose a long or short stretch, depending on your preference, and get rambling! Distance: 870 miles in total More info: www.ramblers.org.uk/wales
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For further route details or to join one of the led walks, or to find out more about becoming a member of The ramblers call 0207 339 8500 or visit www.ramblers.org.uk
Visit www.yours.co.uk Home & Leisure to learn about Open Garden Weekend
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Next issue: The top ten nature reserves in BritainYOURS
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PICS: ©RamblERS; GETTY ImaGES; alamY; NaTIONal TRUST maRk lEES
Distance:12 miles start/end: edale station More info: www.walkmag.co. uk/walks
Spring for knitters with more experience
★★★★
classic
This pretty cardigan will complete your outfit this season mAteriALs 6(7:7:8) 50g balls Twilleys of Stamford Freedom Sincere DK yarn in shade 611 Amethyst. Pair each 3.25mm (UK10) and 4mm (UK8) knitting needles. 3.25mm (UK10) circular knitting needle. 4 buttons. Stitch holder. Row markers. Yarn quantities are based on average requirements when specified tension and yarn is used. Different yarn may be used but ensure tension of replacement yarn matches that stated in the pattern for best results.
tension Always check tension carefully and adjust needle sizes throughout if necessary. 20 sts and 28 rows = 10cm/4in square over pattern using 4mm (UK8) needles or the size required to give the correct tension. It is essential to work to the stated tension to ensure success.
ABBreViAtions
meAsUrements
notes
Alt – alternate; beg – beginning; cm – centimetres; dec – decrease(ing); DK – double knitting; foll – following; g – grammes; in – inch(es); inc – increase(ing); k – knit; mm – millimetres; 0 – no stitches or rows; p – purl; psso – pass slipped stitch over; RS – right side; sl 1 – slip one stitch knitways; st(s) – stitch(es); st-st – stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows); tog – together; WS – wrong side; yfwd – yarn forward; yrn – yarn round needle.
to fit bust 81 86 91 97 cm 32 34 36 38 in Actual measurement (at underarm) 89 93 101 105 cm in 35 361/2 393/4 411/4 Length to shoulder point (approx) 52 53 54 55 cm 1 3 1 1 21 /2 in 20 /2 20 /4 21 /4
Figures in brackets () refer to larger sizes (see measurements chart). Where one set of figures is given this applies to all sizes. If a zero is given, this means you do not need to work these instructions.
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BAck Using 3.25mm (UK10) needles, cast on 107(113:123:127) sts. Set rib Row 1 (RS) k1, (p1, k1) to end. Row 2 p1, (k1, p1) to end.