Yours magazine issue 231 by Bauer Media

By Alison James ue Cleaver is so brilliant at playing Corrie’s Eileen Grimshaw, it’s easy to believe that she really is the sharp-tongued phone operator at Streetcars Taxis, who spends her spare time in the Rovers, on the sofa with manfriend Michael or cat ﬁghting with his ex Gail! But in reality, Sue’s life has far more depth than Eileen’s. It is, for instance, impossible to imagine the Corrie character training to be a psychotherapist in her spare time. But that’s exactly what Sue is doing. “I have another

‘Psychotherapy has changed the way I see life’

‘I’m leading a

’ double life! Corrie actress Sue Cleaver reveals a fascinating aspect of her life away from the Street 14

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year to go before I finish my four-year course in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy at the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy, although I am now qualified to take clients,” she smiles as we catch up with her at an awards ceremony. “It is hard work fitting it in with Corrie and learning my lines but I love it.” So what prompted Sue into training to become a psychotherapist? “I’ve always been fascinated by the good it can do,” she goes on. “What’s not good about having time for self-reflection and trying to understand your behaviour? Having therapy myself and then studying psychotherapy has completely changed the way I see life and I’ve learnt so much about myself. “I think it should be mandatory for all teens in the country to have therapy. It should be part of the educational curriculum and there should be a therapist available in every school. We’re not

❙ star chat ❙

Sue with rescued Stafﬁe George Paws

Sue, as Corrie’s sharp-tongued Eileen, far right, with fellow Street stars Beverley Callard (Liz) and Susie Blake (Bev)

close,” she says. “So although we get on very well, we also clash a lot. We have lots of fun together and we decided a few years ago that each year, we’d do a motherson holiday. “We’ve been to the Caribbean, done a couple of city breaks and had the best time. We’ve also driven each other up the wall, but that’s natural, I think.”

‘As an actress I much prefer it when Eileen has her ups and downs’ The other ‘man’ in Sue’s life apart from Elliot and her partner Brian is her dog, George Paws – a rescued Staffordshire bull terrier. Sue initially agreed to take the dog on a ‘fostering’ basis from a friend who runs boarding kennels in Stockport, Cheshire, but she and her family fell in love with him and ended up keeping him on a permanent basis. “Poor George was on his last days when my friend took him in,” Sue (52) reveals. “He was skin and bones, and had not been looked after at all. We went to see him, to see if we could give him a happy home at weekends, just to get him ready for life with a loving family. But within days it became apparent that we just couldn’t give

As Glenda in the TV sitcom Dinnerladies

him back and that we were the loving family he was after. “People tend to think of Stafﬁes as ‘hard’ dogs, but they used to be called nanny dogs because they are that good with children. Yet they can end up being left in an awful condition like George was, just being thrown away. “He’s very well-behaved but not typically ‘cute’. I always thought if I did have a dog it would be something cute and ﬂuffy, but then our George Paws came along! He’s even got his own drawer now with all his things, and a bandana that he wears.” We can’t let Sue go without asking her about Eileen’s relationship with Michael. Is he the one? “Oh I hope not,” she laughs. “I don’t really want a happy ending for her. As an actress I much prefer it when she has ups and downs. Eileen’s far more interesting to play when she’s unhappy!” ✢ Corrie is on ITV1 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. YOURS

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PICS: BBC, ITV, VINCENT COLE/MEN SYNDICATION, REX SHUTTERSTOCK

always equipped to deal with stuff that happens when we’re younger and we can make wrong decisions years later based on what happened back then. Therapy would enable teenagers to learn how to process what’s happening in their lives, understand it, understand themselves, and forgive themselves. That’s vital for teenagers and would be so beneficial. It’s also a great confidence builder.” Sue continues to have therapy herself once a week. “You have to have had therapy in order to train as a psychotherapist yourself,” she explains. “It has given me a complete understanding of certain behaviour – how and why we react the way we do. It can’t help but affect every relationship in your life. “I love it and get excited about having therapy. It’s an hour when it really is all about you. It’s a bit like going to the gym – but for your mind rather than your body.” With regard to her own clients, what’s the reaction when they see that Eileen from Corrie is their therapist? “It’s maybe a bit weird for them at first but once we sit down and we start talking, they forget all about it,” she laughs. “The people who come to see me have something they want to talk about, they have a problem. That’s what they’re concerned with, not who I am or what I do. “As you’re not allowed to take on people you know as clients, I don’t see any of my Coronation Street colleagues in a professional capacity. I feel very lucky in being able to act for a living and now also practice as a psychotherapist.’’ On screen as Eileen, Sue is mum to sons Todd and Jason, but in real life, she has one 20-yearold son, Elliott. “We’re very alike and very

HEALTH &

vitality

Make your own

remedies Meet our experts

Nici Hofer and Karin Berndl co-authored the natural remedy bible Vinegar Socks (Hardie Grant, £12.99)

ou don’t always need to head to the doctor or the chemist for solutions to common health problems. Nature has provided lots of simple but powerful ingredients, many of which you’ve probably got already in your kitchen cupboards. You may even remember your mum or grandmother using some of them. We’ve rounded up some quick, natural remedies you can whip up in your kitchen.

The sore-throat tonic “Sage is excellent for treating any inﬂammation in your mouth and also has virus-zapping, immune-boosting properties,” says Nici Hofer natural health expert and author of Vinegar Sock. Simply pour 250ml boiling water, into a mug with 2 sage leaves in it. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes then strain and drink. You can also gargle with this mixture if you have sore gums or mouth ulcers – just leave it to cool a little. 44

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Janey Lee Grace is an expert on natural remedies and beauty treatments – www.imperfectlynatural.com

Treat your everyday health niggles with some homemade concoctions that really work! By Charlotte Haigh MacNeil

The foot deodorant Struggle with sweaty feet? Bathing them in cooled black tea can help because tea’s tannins kills the bacteria that cause odour. This foot bath can also be really refreshing after being on your feet all day. Just brew up a pot of strong black tea, allow it to cool down, then pour it into a bowl big enough to rest your feet in for 10 minutes.

The cough blitzer “There’s no need to spend money on cough medicines,” says Natural Health Expert Janey Lee Grace. “Try this traditional treatment instead. Coat an onion in brown sugar and leave overnight. Then take a spoonful of the ‘syrup’ it creates. It can really help ease a cough and you can’t taste the onion!”

The cold zapper Got those telltale snifﬂes? Janey Lee Grace swears by this simple remedy to nip it in the bud. “Take 1 tsp of crushed garlic with manuka honey, both known to boost immunity and help ﬁght off colds. You could also try some hot water with the juice of ½ lemon and a big chunk of grated ginger.”

Garlic is known to be antibacte rial, plus it’s rich in antioxidants and he lps strengthen your immune syste m

❙ help yourself ❙ The sleep-better soother

The joint-pain easer

Family worries, hormonal ups and downs and juggling different commitments, can leave you tense and tired at the end of the day. This soothing bath essence may help. “Lavender can be very relaxing and soothing,” says Nici. “And adding it to a bath is the best way to get the beneﬁts because

warm water helps your skin absorb the essential oils and you inhale some in the steam too.” Make your own lavender bath by pouring boiling water over a cupful of lavender ﬂowers and leaving to infuse for ten minutes. Strain and add to a warm bath, then spend 15 minutes soaking in the tub.

Research has shown curcumin, a property found in the spice turmeric, has anti-inﬂammatory actions that can ease joint pain in arthritis. Try this delicious smoothie: blend a glass of milk with a banana, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp turmeric and a little honey to taste. Whizz together and drink immediately.

Turme ric’s a bit of a wonde ringredient - as we ll as easing joint pain, its anti-inflammatory prope rtie s may have a role to play in the pre vention of Alzheime r’s

The weight-loss booster Some research has suggested cinnamon can help lower blood sugar and keep you feeling fuller for longer. In people with type 2 diabetes, it may even help lower heart disease risk. 1 tsp is the amount that seems to make a difference, so stir it into porridge or yogurt at breakfast-time to help curb your appetite and stop you reaching for the biscuit tin mid-morning.

The skin softener Olive oil is a multi-purpose moisturiser, rich in anti-ageing, skin-nourishing Vitamin E. Massage it into your cuticles to strengthen your nails and rub it into chapped lips to stop them ﬂaking. It’s also great for any dry, sore patches of skin on your feet or elbows.

The headache buster Ginger has anti-inﬂammatory properties and is a traditional headache remedy. It may be particularly helpful for migraines because it can help ease nausea. Grate 1 tsp of fresh ginger, pour boiling water over it and add 1 tsp honey if you wish. Leave it to infuse for 10 minutes, then drink. If you don’t have fresh ginger, use 1 tsp ground ginger instead.

Ginge r has such powe rful anti-nausea prope rtie s it may be he lpful for trave l sickne ss - try sucking ginge r swe e ts to he lp pre vent it YOURS

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Good to KNOW... Whether you’re shopping on the high street or online we can help you buy with conﬁdence ost of us have a lot of shopping to do at this time of year – presents to buy, clothes for special occasions and food for big get-togethers. Or perhaps you’ve got a big ticket item to buy or you want to take advantage of seasonal sales? Whatever you’re shopping for the consumer experts from Which? have given us the lowdown on our purchasing rights.

BUYING ON THE HIGH STREET Most of us are surprised to learn that high-street shops don’t have to accept returns if the item isn’t faulty or damaged. So if you simply change your mind about something, the shop is under no obligation to take it back. The good news is that most retailers have what’s called a ‘goodwill returns policy’ which means you can get an exchange, refund or credit note for most items. But always check the shop’s policy before you buy something you’re not 100 per cent sure of. If you’re buying for someone else and you’re worried they might not like the gift, or you’re not sure it will ﬁt, remember to ask for a gift receipt so they can return the item for an exchange or refund.

Sales shopping There’s nothing like bagging a bargain in a sale, but if you change your mind remember that the returns rules are slightly different on discounted items. It really does depend on the shop’s returns policy on whether you can take something back if you decide you don’t like it. So check your receipt or their website for details of their policy. If you ﬁnd that your bargain is faulty you have the right to claim for a refund, replacement or repair. If the retailer refuses to honour this, send a letter to the store manager stating your rights. ✢ There is a handy letter template in the consumer section of the Which? website at www.which.co.uk

Send a letter to the store manager stating your rights

BUYING ONLINE With more and more of us shopping online, and with Christmas just round the corner, it’s vital that we all understand how our rights are different from the ones we have on the high street. Generally speaking, you have more rights when you shop online compared to in-store. For example you can cancel your order any time from the moment you place your order up to 14 days after you receive it – which is handy if you don’t like something or ﬁnd a better deal elsewhere. But, watch out, there are some items you can’t return if you simply change your mind, such as CDs, DVDs or software if you’ve broken the seal on the wrapping, perishable items such as food and ﬂowers, and tailor-made or personalised goods.

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YOUR DELIVERY RIGHTS Getting your parcel delivered on time and in one piece is not always as easy as it should be. It can be deeply frustrating if you stay at home for a parcel that doesn’t arrive, or if it is delivered but is left somewhere inappropriate. We’ve heard of cases where parcels were left in wheelie bins and even in a rabbit hutch! Trying to locate a missing parcel can be a thankless task, but you do have rights. What many people don’t realise is that it’s actually the retailer who is responsible for the safe delivery of anything you buy until it arrives safely in your hands or to someone appointed by you to accept the parcel. This, importantly, means that retailers are liable for the service provided by the couriers they employ. The delivery ﬁrm is not liable, so don’t bother chasing the courier for a replacement, it’s the shop you need to contact.

Faulty products This month, the law on consumer rights in the UK got a huge makeover and some of the existing legislation was scrapped and streamlined into one law called the Consumer Rights Act. Under the new Act, anything you buy must be of satisfactory quality, ﬁt for purpose and as described. If you do buy or receive something that turns

Sadly there are many fraudsters online who will try to rip you off, but following a few simple rules should protect you. Make sure your PC has good virus protection to help keep you safe online (turn to page 57 for our guide). Only shop on secure sites that display a locked padlock or key symbol in the browser window – they usually have a web address that begins ‘https’. Finally,

choose your payment method wisely. It can be a good idea to get a credit card that you use just to buy things online as this will make it easier to track genuine purchases. If you spot anything on your statement you haven’t bought on your card you can report it to your bank quickly, without having to worry that fraudsters have access to your bank accounts.

Only shop on secure sites that display a locked padlock in the browser window

You have 30 days to request a full refund out to be broken or faulty, you now have 30 days from the date you bought it to let the retailer know what the problem is and to request a full refund. It really does pay to know your rights as this can save you time and money if something goes wrong. ✢ For more advice and information on your consumer rights, visit www.which. co.uk/consumer-rights

✢ NEXT ISSUE Bag those bargains with our ideas for saving on Christmas shopping YOURS

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PICS: GETTY IMAGES; ISTOCKPHOTO

Stay safe online

Bring the festive spirit into your home with these delightful homemade decs! 2

DAZZLING DEC

A STRING OF ROBINS These chubby little redbreasts will welcome your guests at Christmas – try popping a small cinnamon stick inside to add a touch of festive fragrance!

8 weeks ahead

Materials needed: • 1 fat quarter of fabric for the robins (we used two contrasting shades of grey) • Three 12cm (5in) squares of red fabric for the breasts • Eight 10 x 6cm (4 x 2½in) pieces of wing fabric (this could be the same as the body fabric) • Six buttons for the wings • Six small buttons for eyes • Toy ﬁller • A few beads • Embroidery thread to hang 1. Begin by drawing your templates. Draw out the body of a robin on a piece of paper using the pictures above as a guide. Draw a semi-circle for the wing and a leaf shape for the breast. For each robin you will need 2 body pieces, 2 breast pieces and four wing pieces. Cut your templates out on paper. Use these to cut out the pattern pieces in fabric. 2. Place the red breast over the tummy, and satin stitch in place. 3. Sew the wing pieces right sides together, with a little gap at the top for turning. Turn the right side out and stuff, then sew the opening closed by hand. 92

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4. Stitch the wings to the sides of the body by hand and add a button for decoration. We stitched halfway across the top of the wing and about half an inch underneath. 5. Sew the two body pieces right sides together, leaving a gap in the bottom for turning. Turn the right side out and stuff tightly. Hand-sew the opening closed. 6. Sew straight through the head to attach the eye buttons either side. 7. Sew the remaining two robins in the same way. 8. Take the embroidery thread, add a few beads, and sew to the bottom of the ﬁrst robin. Do the same from the middle of this robin’s back, and sew to the tummy of the next. Repeat with the third robin, make the thread from its back a bit longer and tie in a loop. Projects taken from Debbie Shore’s Christmas Projects Twin CD Set, available to purchase at www.crafterscompanion.co.uk

Make & Bake special

DECORATIONS… CHRISTMAS ANGEL Perfect for topping the tree or gracing your mantelpiece! Time to make: 1-2 hours

Materials: • Mâché angel (can be bought from Hobbycraft stores) • Paintbrush • White acrylic paint • PVA glue • Silver glitter • Silver pipe cleaner • Red acrylic paint • Scissors • Black marker pen (thin nib variety) • Decorative paper (we used sheet music paper)

2 weeks ahead

1. Start by painting your angel all over with white paint. When it’s dry, give it a second coat – this will give a more even ﬁnish. 2. Apply glue to the front of her wings in a nice even layer, right to the edges. Sprinkle silver glitter all over, leave for a few minutes, then shake off! When this is dry do the same to the back of her wings. 3. Twist a pipe cleaner into a circle and weave the rest of the pipe cleaner in and out of the circle to make it nice and ﬁrm. Attach to the top of her head with some glue and press it down for a few minutes to keep it in place. 4. Mix a tiny amount of red paint with some white paint to make a light shade of pink. Paint two rosy cheeks onto her face. With your marker, draw two little semi-circle eyes.

5. Cut long strips the length of the angel’s body out of your chosen paper (we used old music paper for the dress but use any paper you like). Make the strips thicker at one end and thinner at the other. Use a dab of glue to attach the thin end to the top of her body. Attach all of your strips to her body to make the dress. www.hobbycraft.co.uk

PARTY CRACKERS

along the long edge using double-sided tape. 2. Roll the crêpe paper 4 weeks around so that it wraps ahead around it evenly. Time to make: 10 mins per cracker 3. Secure the end of the crêpe paper with double-sided tape. Materials: • Crêpe paper 4. Loop the twine/ribbon around one end • Toilet paper cardboard rolls of the cracker core and secure in place • Double-sided tape with a bow. • Selection of twine 5. Leave between 6-8cm (3¼-2 ½in) of • Selection of decorative toppers and crêpe paper at the end and cut off excess ribbons using pinking shears or scissors. • Pinking shears or scissors 6. Add your ﬁlling so that it sits inside the • Cracker ﬁlling (eg sweets, chocolates, cracker core, then repeat step four to paper party hats) secure the open end. 7. Decorate the cracker using ribbons 1. Take one sheet of crêpe paper and and embellishment toppers. secure it centrally to the cardboard tube www.hobbycraft.co.uk There’s no need to buy expensive Christmas crackers – simply make your own!

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Something for everyone in

Vancouver This Canadian city offers so much more than stunning scenery By Lizzy Dening

Canada is famed for its winter sports but there’s so much else to do. Vancouver offers live theatre, foodie tours, underground exploration and sky-high bridges. So whoever you travel with, there’ll be something to suit everyone.

Travelling solo

✢ Foodie fans can make friends and get to know the area, with a two-hour guided tour of Granville Island – a gastronomic dreamscape of locallyfarmed produce and food artisans. Munch your way around the famous public market, meet the makers and try cheeses, charcuterie, Granville Island will get your tastebuds tingling!

breads, doughnuts and world-class coffees. The tour includes 20 tastings from local producers and runs daily through the summer from 10.30am, or from Thursday-Sunday, until May 20. Priced $49.

moon cakes, or tuck into a duck wrap. Over the summer, there are late-night markets at the weekend, which are second-to-none for a lively atmosphere.

✢ 001 604 295 8844, www.foodietours.ca/

✢ Discover Vancouver’s secret side with a walking tour of its dirty history. Forbidden Vancouver offers various routes that delve into prohibition, lost souls, bathtub gin, mobsters, murders and secret gatherings, taking you along cobbled streets and moonlit alleys for 90 minutes of intrigue. Walk prices start from $22 for The Lost Souls of Gastown, to $49 for Secrets of the Penthouse, and run on different dates and times.

✢ Pick up some unusual souvenirs in Chinatown, between Main Street and Keefer, where you’ll ﬁnd all sorts of teas, herbs, embroidered linens, silk robes and cooking utensils. If you’re peckish, stock up on traditional

✢ 001 604 839 3126, www.forbiddenvancouver.ca YOURS

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