❙ star chat ❙
What’s driving
Alan wild? Everything in the garden is definitely not lovely as far as Alan Titchmarsh is concerned By Alison James
e’s a mild-mannered, easygoing sort of chap is gardening expert, TV chat show host and writer Alan Titchmarsh. It’s one of the reasons he is so popular. But now he’s on a mission. He wants to save something infinitely precious to us all – the hedgerows and wild flowers that grow naturally by the sides of our roads and are being literally mown down by local authorities. “Obviously the vegetation on roadsides and central reservations needs trimming if it restricts the view of drivers and the passage of pedestrians,” Alan says. “But elsewhere, why? “We’ve all seen a bloke on a ride-on mower, ear defenders clamped in place, roaring up and down the verge, scattering clippings, but leaving most of the clods on the mown strip where they kill the sward beneath. The sward is a rich botanic garden that is part of our heritage. “The road verges near where I live have some really gorgeous displays of native flowers, such as bluebells, violets, stitchwort and orchids, but they are sometimes being mown down in their prime, depriving us of their beauty, wildlife of food and, in the end, contributing to the eventual loss
H
Alan’s on a mission to help save Britain’s verge-side wild flowers
YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
❙ strap strap ❙ of the flowers altogether. We have lost 98 per cent of our wildflower meadows so let’s look after the slivers that are left.” Alan feels so passionately about this issue that he has spoken out on behalf of the charity Plantlife which is running a campaign, Flowers on the Edge. The campaign was launched after the charity was inundated with complaints from people who were horrified to see verges mown down almost as soon as the flowers appear. “If roadsides and hedges do need to be trimmed, the job should be carried out in January or February when birds are not nest-building and other forms of wildlife are at their least active. It should not be necessary to trim them every year. Reducing it to every second or third year will result in the production of better cover and more flowers and fruits that are beneficial to insects, mammals and birds,” Alan explains. “Verges would be better left uncut until autumn when the wild-flower seed has been shed to ensure next year’s blooms. “The extra cost of removing the cut material and composting it at the council’s recycling centre would be more than compensated for by the fact that the mower does not have to turn out at all between March and October. What’s more, longer grass is better at absorbing litter, and who wouldn’t rather gaze on a swathe of wild flowers than lumps of rotting grass?” The value of the wild-flower sward to bees and butterflies
as well as thousands of other insects birds and mammals would be incalculable. It’s a ‘no-brainer’ as far as Alan is concerned. “What’s not to like?” he asks. “The councils save money that can be better spent on other things. With the rapid reduction in butterfly and hedgehog numbers over the past few years, this is a situation that
Prince Charles and Alan share a passion for protecting plants
‘If roadsides and hedges do need to be trimmed, the job should be carried out in January or February’ we need to act upon – and fast. “People should tackle their local council about it. And if you are a local councillor, please sort it out. Cut less, cut later and clear up. It really matters.” With spring here at last and his ITV chat show put to bed for another season, Alan has started thinking about the Chelsea Flower Show which takes place towards the end of May and is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Alan also has something to celebrate as this is his 30th year reporting on the Show for the BBC. Speaking recently, he said: “The Show continues to be an absolute delight for me. Not only as a place to meet old friends and new plants, but also it’s a chance to show off the world of horticulture. We gardeners are,
by our very nature, a relatively understated bunch but there’s one week in the year when we really do take centre stage, and it is an opportunity not to be missed.” With Chelsea’s centenary just around the corner Alan is excited by the prospect of British gardeners showing they are at the forefront of the plant world. And also proud to have been part of the Chelsea story. “Whether or not I am around when the next 100 years of Chelsea begin remains to be seen, but to have been a part of promoting it for the last 30 has been a tremendous pleasure and a privilege I would not have missed for worlds.” ✢ How you can make a difference: if you would like to support the Flowers on the Edge campaign, write to your local council stating that they should cut roadside verges less often and later in the year. ✢ To find out more about the Flowers on the Edge campaign visit www.plantlife.org.uk/ roadvergecampaign
Crosswort
Early purple orchid
Harebell
Lady’s bedstraw YOURS
PICS:ALPHA; EXPRESS; ANDREW GAGG; BETH NEUMAN
Britain’s five most threatened wildflower species…
Meadow cranesbill EVERY FORTNIGHT
15
‘I’m running m first marathon How a daughter’s love of running inspired her mum to join in – and now they’re tackling London’s toughest race together… By Laura Bradder s she takes her place among the thousands of runners at the start of this year’s London Marathon, Rusty Wright admits she’ll be nervous. “There are so many things to think about. I’ll probably be most worried about making sure I go to the toilet at the right time!” she laughs. That sense of humour is typical of the youthful energy that has led Rusty to take on the huge personal challenge of completing her first marathon at the age of 72. And she won’t be alone, as her daughter, Jo (43), will be running alongside her. Their journey started around six years ago, when active Rusty was adjusting to retirement. She says: “I wanted a reason to still get up in the morning. I started going to the gym, but I wanted more of a challenge.” It was then that Jo suggested running. She had completed 5km fun runs herself, and felt her mum would enjoy it, too. “Mum was a bit worried about pushing herself at
A ✢ For more information on ‘Team Run for It’, call 0800 169 0311 or visit www.runforit.org.uk ✢ The Virgin London Marathon will be shown on Sunday, April 21 on BBC1 from 8.30am to 2pm. YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
Capital idea: Jo and Rusty are heading south for London’s most demanding race
‘You become part of a world where people are proud of what they do’ first,” Jo remembers. “She had to learn to keep going.” Rusty admits: “I thought I had better start off walking at the first event. But my husband, Stuart, knows me well, and said, ‘You won’t walk for two steps!’” He was right, and, with Jo’s support, Rusty got the buzz for running. “It’s great fun, and there’s such camaraderie at the races,” she says. “You become part of a world where people are very proud of what they do, and always ask how you’re getting on.” With the charity races coming thick and fast, the pair gradually built their distance running up to
village where everyone rallied around, but nowadays we’re scattered all over the place,” she says. “Some people miss out and get lonely. I have friends who are scared of computers and not familiar with them, but we just have to realise that communication is possible.” With Rusty living in Blackpool and Jo in West Yorkshire, they have been using electronic communication to help them train for the Marathon. Rusty says: “We have watches that track our runs, and then we can link them up on the computer and see each other’s progress – and pass comment, of course! It has really helped to give me motivation and encouragement.” Jo agrees: “Since we made this commitment, it has been an incredible journey, and really brought me and Mum closer, which I didn’t think was possible – although I’m not sure about her texting me every day to tell me how much further she has run than me!” Both generations are now looking forward to the big day, and all the family will be there to cheer them on. “They’ll have a long wait for me coming in!” Rusty laughs. “I’m aiming for about five to six hours, but I’ll just let Jo go and I’ll run at my own pace. As long as we have fun and raise the money, that’s what’s important.” ✢ To support Rusty and Jo, visit their fundraising page at http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ JoandRusty
PIC:
g my on at 72!’
the Great North Run half marathon, and Rusty began to see a difference in her health. “I have never been so fit!” she says. “You have to look after yourself a lot more when you’re running, so I pay more attention to things like my feet and skin to make sure they’re in good condition.” She has also found her age a bonus, particularly when it comes to training. “I can pick the best training times with not working any more! If you start running at my age, you don’t have to go fast – I used to run in spurts, then walk for a bit. I use running magazines to give me tips and help me plan my training. But mostly I don’t think of it as racing, just running and keeping fit.” Jo is extremely proud of her mum, and says: “Age doesn’t come into it. People compare her to others at 72, but she’s just my mum, and she’s wonderful. I hope I have half her energy when I’m older!” Having completed the Great North Run four times, Rusty and Jo decided they wanted to go one step further, and are now facing the challenge of the London Marathon. “I applied as a bit of a joke!” Rusty says. “I never thought I’d get a place, getting the letter was a real shock.” Unfortunately, Jo didn’t receive a place in the ballot, but decided to take a charity place, and Rusty has joined her in ‘Team Run for It’, running in aid of Age UK and YouthNet. The charities have come together to raise £1 million for a new service asking young volunteers to help isolated older people get online to stay in touch with their family and friends. The cause is close to Rusty’s heart, as she has four daughters and four grandsons living in different parts of the country. “People used to have a
PICS: CHRIS BULL/UNP
❙ across the generations ❙
YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
Yours 50+ FaSHION Meet our reader fashion editors... CATH GETLEVOG, 60, from Bedworth Is a full-time carer for her mother and also volunteers at a local primary school. “Next, M&S, Wallis and Tesco are my favourite shops; M&S for choice and Next for shoes.” IrENE IMPEY, 58, from Milton Keynes Mostly shops at Next and M&S. “I’m on a limited budget, so look for affordable style.” It annoys her that a few stores claim to cater for more mature women but are so frumpy! JACQUELINE wILLIAMs, 56, from Lincoln Jacqueline intends to age disgracefully. “Why should I wear frumpy things just because I’m over 50?” She loves the sales and runs her own upholstery and soft furnishing business.
sUE sMITH, 65, from Gosport Is always looking for a bargain, but wishes fashion designers catered for real women with curves. Short skirt lengths are a real bugbear of hers and her guilty pleasure is her collection of scarves – she has hundreds!
34
YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
AwArds 2013
Best 50+ retailer
Next
For choice and a good range of sizes Next is a one-stop shop. If you’re looking for everyday basics, great occasion wear and gorgeous accessories you’re sure to find something at Next. Garments are well cut with sensible sizing and inspired by the latest fashion trends – without being too scary! The accessories are pretty, but we are really impressed with the shoes, which come in sizes 3-9 and in some wide fit and half sizes. We think Next is a fabulous all-rounder and you agree: “You can always find something at Next and they are never frumpy,” says Irene. What’s more we never go into a store and think ‘it’s all a bit young’ – Next seamlessly blurs any age gap. “Next offers a lovely range of styles and has definitely cornered the market for both young and older customers,” says sue.
“We are really impressed with Next for its variety and size range ... it you’re tall, petite or plus size there’s a range for you” Michelle, Fashion & Beauty Editor
✢ KATHY wEArs: Pink top, £18, 6-22; trousers, £35,6-18 R-XL length; bangle, £12, all Next; shoes, £30, 3-8, M&S ✢ JACQUI wEArs: aqua top, £18, 6-22; trousers, £30, 6-26; scarf from a selection at Next; shoes, £30, 3-9, all Next
Cath talks flattering tops with Jacqui
✢ KATHY wEArs: Floral jacket, £55, 6-18 (regular and petite); cream jeans, £24, 6-22; lace shoes, £36, 3-9, all Next
trend with their fashion and shoes and offer such a big choice” Cath
Photographic tote, £36; pink flats £25, 3-9, Next
Re dict Ver Shoes in a range of fittings are essential
Irene looks for style along with affordability
PIC:
“‘Next are always on
Yoaudresr
YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
35
To re nt £ 7 per m41 onth
| IT’S A FACT | It’s £1,440 a year
cheaper to buy a home in the UK compared to renting one. A three-bedroom house typically costs £621a month to buy and £741to rent. Find properties to buy and rent using www.rightmove.co.uk or www.zoopla. co.uk (also for current values and sold prices).
y To bu
£r6m2o1nth
pe
GREENWATCH
Yours cash saver Find just what you need for free, or advertise things you want to give away, using www. uk.freecycle.org or Ilovefreegle. org. There’s a lot of quality stuff on these sites. You simply sign up to a local group and monitor the offers. Plus, if you’re a Facebook member, check for local selling groups where items can usually be posted for free.
The Marine Conservation Society’s Big Beach Clean-up, supported by M&S, is on April 22–28 and aims to clear over 15 tonnes of litter. False teeth and a pink thong were found at last year’s clean-up! Register in advance at www.mcsuk.org/ foreverfish to receive £5 off a £35 M&S food shop (t&cs apply) on the day of your beach clean.
Watching the
pennies
BUDGET BEATERS 31 per cent of UK drivers automatically renewed their car insurance policy last time and more than a quarter did so out of loyalty to their insurer. “Auto-renewing benefits your insurer far more than you. Spending a few minutes comparing premiums and cover level could save you hundreds of pounds as the best deals are usually offered to new customers,” says Scott Kelly at Gocompare.com. Ask your insurer for a better deal, or use a broker or comparison websites.
60
YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
| IT’S A FACT |
We spend 58p in every £1 in supermarkets, up from 46p in 2001. We’ve also doubled our spending in restaurants and cafés but have fallen out of love with TV rentals, catalogue shopping and cheque usage in the last12 years.
SAVE ON DESIGNER WEAR
Need an amazing outfit for a special occasion but can’t stretch to the designer price tag? Then consider buying online from Revolve Boutique (www.revolveboutique.co.uk) which offers pre-owned luxury clothes and accessories. Choose from designers including Moschino and Jimmy Choo. We found a gorgeous Burberry handbag for £45. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an item for a one-off event like a wedding, you can hire handbags, jewellery and accessories from www.kennedypurple.com including a Louis Vuitton shawl for £30 for one week’s hire. Otherwise borrow from friends or scour charity shops. Get 15 per cent off EXTRA any item at www. FOR YOU revolveboutique.co.uk using code RB13YM at the checkout until May 17, 2013. Standard delivery £5.
Cash in the attic Cake stands have become popular due to shows like BBC TV’s The Great British Bake Off. “Art Deco-style stands are desirable, and anything pretty or chintzy,” says Judith Miller of Miller’s Antiques. “Grimwades Royal Winton is a popular maker but
the look of the piece is the most important thing.” Enterprising dealers have taken advantage of the surge in popularity by converting plates into stands by drilling holes and fitting metal parts. “To see if a stand is original, unscrew the metal parts and look inside the hole. If the glaze runs inside, it’s original,” says Judith. This c1950 Grimwades Royal Winton ‘Julia’ cake stand is valued at £55-£65.
BEST BUY No-frills Aldi and Lidl scored highly for pricing and value in a recent supermarket survey while Tesco disappoints with its pricing, store environment, fresh produce quality and customer service. Waitrose came out on top. Mysupermarket.co.uk compares the price of your basket at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, Boots, Superdrug and Majestic and claims you can save an average of £17 each shop.
››
Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more money saving tips and advice
Ask Michael... The Yours money expert Michael Wilson answers your questions My husband and I are keen photographers and chose our overseas holiday with this in mind. Between us we probably have £2,500 worth of equipment. I hear terrible stories about people having trouble claiming under their travel insurance when valuables are stolen. What should we do?
Q
Michael says: I assume you use this expensive equipment everywhere – not just when you travel abroad – so are just as likely to suffer loss or damage in the UK as when you are away. Contact your home contents insurers and ask what ‘All Risks’ cover is available, which should provide cover at any time or location for an extra premium. For travel insurance, find a policy that gives a rebate if you reject cover for baggage, personal effects and valuables; with ‘All Risks’ cover you won’t need to be insured twice. Home contents insurers tend to offer a better claims service than travel insurers and are unlikely to include large deductions for wear and tear as most contents policies pay ‘new for old’ except for clothing. Check the policy to see what precautions you are expected to take, like not leaving cameras in an unattended vehicle. ✢ Michael is a consumer champion and runs the Insurance Complaints Bureau. He can be contacted on mjw@insurance-complaints.co.uk
››
Next issue: Save on 43 UK attractions, including Alton Towers YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
61
PICS: ALAMY; ISTOCKPHOTO. WORDS: SARAH JAGGER
EX Y CL ou U rs SI VE
How to...
5 easy-peasy
TARTS
Perfect for guests, these dishes make beautiful centrepieces…but are such a doddle to prepare and serve
Beetroot, Goat’s Cheese and Hazelnut Tart Sweet beetroot and tangy goat’s cheese work wonderfully together Serves:
6
Per serving: 593 cals Fat: 41g
Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 35minutes ✢ 500g (1lb11/2oz) puff pastry ✢ 4 tbsp olive oil ✢ 3 large red onions, finely sliced ✢ Sprig rosemary leaves, chopped ✢ Salt and pepper ✢ 350g (121/4oz) cooked beetroot, quartered ✢ 250g (83/4oz) goat’s cheese, crumbled ✢ 2 tbsp hazelnuts, roughly chopped ✢ Olive oil, for drizzling ✢ Watercress or rocket to serve
Sat fat: 18g
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/ Gas Mark 5. Roll out pastry into a square or round, no thicker than a 10 pence piece. 2. Put onto a floured baking sheet and prick all over. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven (if the centre has risen, gently flatten). Turn the oven up to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. 3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan and add onions. Add 2 tbsp water, season and cover. Turn the heat down very low and sweat for about 20 minutes (check to make sure they’re not burning. If so, add a splash more
water if needed). 4. Stir in the rosemary. If the mixture is very moist, turn the heat up to cook off any excess. 5. Top the pastry with the onions, leaving an edge, then add beetroot wedges and crumbled cheese. Season to taste and drizzle with oil. 6. Cook for 10-15 minutes, scattering over the hazelnuts 3 minutes before the end (they just need toasting). Add watercress or rocket leaves to serve. © Diana Henry for www.lovebeetroot.co.uk
TOP TIP try using walnuts instead of hazelnuts, and dressing a side salad with nut oil vinaigrette
YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
FOOD
notes
Salmon, Courgette and Feta Tart A tasty alternative for lovers of salmon Serves:
8
Per serving: 498 cals Fat: 37g
Sat fat: 20g
Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 40 – 45 minutes ✢ 150g (51/4oz) butter, melted ✢ 6 sheets filo pastry ✢ 4 courgettes, thinly sliced ✢ 213g (71/2oz) can salmon, drained ✢ 6 eggs, plus 2 yolks ✢ 375ml (13floz) single pouring cream ✢ Salt and pepper ✢ 150g (51/4oz) feta cheese 1. Preheat oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. 2. Brush the base of a 30x40cm (12x16in) baking dish with melted butter. 3. Layer with filo sheets, brushing each with melted butter. 4. Top with courgettes and the salmon, broken into chunks. 5. Place the eggs, cream, salt and pepper in a bowl and whisk until well combined. 6. Pour the egg mix over the filling and top with crumbled feta cheese. 7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until just set. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
TOP TIP For a healthier option, replace half the cream with sour cream or natural yogurt
© www.princes.co.uk
TOP TIP Make this suitable for vegetarians by replacing the Parmigiano Reggiano and Gruyère (made using rennet) with a vegetarian cheddar cheese
Asparagus Tart Asparagus season is coming… make the most of it with this unusual idea Serves:
8
Per serving: 260 cals Fat: 20.4g Sat fat: 9.4g
Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes ✢ 250g (83/4oz) asparagus spears ✢ 250g (83/4oz) puff pastry ✢ 3 tbsp crème fraîche ✢ 1 egg, plus another yolk ✢ 50g (2oz) Gruyère, grated ✢ About 25g (1g) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, finely grated 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. 2. Line a baking tray with non-stick, greaseproof baking paper. 3. Cut the thick ends off the asparagus spears and
steam for a minute (they should still be firm). 4. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to make a rectangle about 20x35cm (8x14in) and place on the tray. Score a 2.5cm (1in) border around the pastry, without cutting through it. 5. In a small bowl, mix together the crème fraîche, eggs and Gruyère. Spoon the mixture onto the pastry, leaving the scored border clear of the filling. Top with asparagus and sprinkle grated Parmigiano on top. 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is cooked and the filling is pale golden. © www.co-operativefood. co.uk/recipes
YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
85
S tyle Look younger notes
MAKE-UP SWAPS If you’re still using the same make-up you did in your 30s, it’s time to move on. Try these simple swaps today and we’ll help you stay younger looking for much longer By Beauty Editor, Michelle Nightingale
SWAP foundation tide marks for a seamless base It’s a big ageing culprit, but finding the perfect foundation shade can be a challenge. For the perfect match, we like the No7 Foundation Match Made Service – a free service in Boots stores. A No7 advisor will assess your skin’s colour values and a device will then generate your perfect No7 shade match. We recommend No7 Restore & Renew (£16.50), which is extra hydrating and firming.
TIP Using a foundation brush may seem a faff, but coverage will be more even and natural.
SWAP dark lip liner for a clear barrier Lip liner is brilliant for preventing your lipstick from bleeding into fine lip lines, but it can be tricky to get right. A clear liner will keep your colour in place, without it looking dated. Try Pixi Lip&Line Primer (£12), which is a double-ended wand with a clear waterproof liner to stop your lipstick seeping into fine lines, plus a priming balm that smoothes
and neutralises lip colour. It contains evening primrose oil and chamomile to rejuvenate, as well as hyaluronic filling spheres to blur imperfections. A flawless base for your lippie in two easy steps. TIP Apply the balm first, then your lip colour and trace around your natural lip line with the liner.
SWAP matt lipstick for a sheer formula Matt lipstick formulas don’t do ageing lips any favours as they tend to emphasise lines. New lipstick formulas are sheer, moisturising and will even work to reduce fine lines. We can’t get enough of Max Factor’s Colour Elixir Lipstick (£6.99), which contains skin-softening conditioners and Vitamin E to protect and repair. It has staying power and comes in lots of wearable shades.
TIP Use with a brush to stop you applying too much, which causes lipstick bleed. YOURS
EVERY FORTNIGHT
43