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ISSUE 185

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Winter action plan

Live Longer &✓More healthier! energy ✓ Strong bones

✓ Better memory ✓ Happy heart EXCLUSIVE

James Bulger…

21 years on

‘I’m keeping my little boy’s memory alive’

Fashion trend

How to be bold with colour

Call the Midwife’s Jenny Agutter

‘The story that broke my heart’

Beauty SOS Tasty traybake Gorgeous treats glowing skin in 4 easy steps…

jan 21feb 3, 2014 £1.40

“Ground floor: Perfumery, stationery and leather goods, wigs and haberdashery, kitchenware and food. Going up...” … So began the opening for the classic TV comedy series Are You Being Served? While it made us laugh the show also harked back to a day when every town centre had its own Grace Brothers!

How we were tempted in as children by those amazing window displays promising a world of wonder. What a treat it was to take a ride in the grand lifts, always operated by a smartly turnedout member of staff. And, of course, we couldn’t leave without visits to the ladies’ fashion department for mum to try on gorgeous silk scarves in every colour of the rainbow.

Sadly, most family-run department stores have long since disappeared. Yet the nostalgic style of shopping is very much in the public eye, with TV programmes such as Mr Selfridge and The Paradise making us long for a time when shopping was a more glamorous affair; when shop assistants knew their customers so well that regulars were given accounts, yet they still always addressed you as “madam”. And the knowledge all staff had of their particular department made them trustworthy and reliable.

It’s easy to think that this kind of service has been lost for ever, but perhaps that isn’t the case?

Simon Russell,director of Retail Operations and Development 22

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Are we being In an ever-changing world we celebrate the great British department store and ask what the future may hold for the shops that were once at the heart of every high street

By Laura Bradder

Reflecting a bygone shopping age, the cast of Are You Being Served? and inset, a modern-day haberdashery department at John Lewis

for John Lewis, believes things haven’t really changed that much since the department store’s heyday: “Historically department stores had everything under one roof, and outstanding service.

Today the principles are exactly the same. Certain goods may move around, or be expanded a bit more according to changing needs, but the people who work in each department continue to have a real passion for it, so for example those who work in the haberdashery will be keen crafters in their spare time.”

Simon admits, though, that the word ‘service’ means

something slightly different to today’s customers: “It used to mean that single interaction with the salesperson, who customers often knew well and trusted, but now it can mean anything from browsing on a reliable website to coming into the shop and having a great conversation with an expert, or getting items delivered to your door on time and from a pleasant driver. It’s the true endto-end experience, and it has to run seamlessly together. In fact, an even more personalised level of service is expected, so we’re seeing the launch of loyalty cards, for example, which offer deals

‘Local department store was a source of wonder’ “As a little girl in the early Sixties I always regarded a visit to Dodges - the familyrun department store in Fareham, the market town where I grew up - as a source of wonder. It meant I could watch the handwritten receipt and money whizz high along the length of the store via the pneumatic tube system to the central cashier who sorted out change and whizzed it back again. Magic! So much more exciting than a till. And Dodges cafeteria also served ‘frothy coffee’ in transparent pyrex cups very ‘with it’. And if I was lucky I got given the complimentary Lincoln biscuit.”

Valery McConnell, Yours Editor at Large

✢ What do you think? Do you yearn for the old-fashioned department stores, or love the convenience and choice of shopping online? Write to the address on page three and let us know.

relevant to the individual. With more choice on the High Street than ever, we have to listen to the customer more and more.”

Of course, the way we shop has inevitably changed through the years – it was the growth of supermarkets and purpose-built shopping centres in the Sixties that signalled the beginning of the end for many local stores. Today, it’s the convenience and choice offered by Internet shopping that causes the biggest threat.

Simon says: “It’s true that many of the goods we offer can be bought in more than one shop or from a different website, but

that just means that we have to put a lot of effort into our service to distinguish the shopping experience for our customers. And some small department stores are actually thriving, probably more than you would think. Customers do still value service and quality.

It’s the ones who still offer this but continue to move with the times as well that will succeed.”

So how can retailers get that blend just right? The new ‘click and collect’ phenomenon may be the answer – Christmas sales via this method increased by 60 per cent this year for John Lewis alone. Simon says: “Customers

love click and collect. It blends the convenience of ordering on the website with the physical experience of visiting a department store. It’s a real growth area. People live busy lives, and anything that makes it easier for them is a real bonus, but they still value shopping as a social activity, and like the reassurance of collecting an item face-to-face.”

With so many challenges facing them, it’s difficult to know if department stores will survive in their current format, let alone return to the exciting local stores we remember. But Simon does think they have a place on the High Street of the future: “I believe they will be very relevant in years to come, just as they’ve always been. They still inspire customers, and the social activity of shopping won’t go away. But change will continue, and department stores will have to offer something a little different. For example, we’re starting to trial travel agents and ‘little Waitrose’ outlets in our stores to offer even more under one roof.

And technology will continue to change the way things are done in store, too. In the end, it comes down to making tradition and innovation work together to ensure shopping remains an exciting and fulfilling experience.”

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PICS: BBC PICTURES

ng served?

❙ shopping talk ❙

Style

Ready steady

notes

SKINCARE Over time the skin renewal process naturally slows down, which is why our skin can appear dull and lacklustre. The good news is, even the dullest skin can be transformed with the right care.

Glow boosting skincare

PICS: JUMPFOTO; MASTERFILE

✢ THE ALL-IN-ONE Keep things simple and invest in one of the new Elemis Radiance Collections. Each one contains a full-size specially paired cleanser and toner, plus a handbag-sized Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, which acts as a radiance booster and primer. We like the Illuminating collection (£35), which as well as the flash balm, contains a Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser (150ml) to cleanse and deeply moisturise with added anti-ageing ingredients. ✢ EXFOLIATE As we age our skin cell turnover slows down, which means it takes longer for our skin to shed those dull dead skin cells. One of the quickest (and easiest) ways to rediscover your natural glow, is to exfoliate regularly. Aim to do this once or twice a week, but choose a gentle fine exfoliator, rather than a scrub. Boots No7 Total Renewal Microdermabrasion Exfoliator (£11/75ml) refines, and renews, sweeping away dead skin. It also stimulates cell renewal for brighter and fresher looking skin. ✢ FACE OILS Dry, dehydrated skin can lose its plumpness and 36

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GLOW! Forget expensive facials – fresh, glowing skin is within easy reach with these clever beauty buys

adding a facial oil to your beauty regime is a quick way to boost your hydration levels for a more youthful appearance. We love the Sanctuary Spa Lipid Recovery Facial Oil (£22/30ml), because it’s packed full of nourishing antiageing ingredients that leave skin hydrated and most importantly looking younger!

✢ TARGETED TREATMENT If your main bugbear is dull skin hampered by age spots there are lots of products that can help.

Eucerin’s Even Brighter range contains products that are proven to enhance radiance and visibly reduce hyperpigmentation.

The Eucerin Even Brighter Spot Corrector (£14.50/5ml) offers a targeted treatment that visibly lightens age spots and other pigmentation in just four weeks.

By Beauty Editor, Michelle Nightingale

MAKE-UP Cheat your way to a fresh-faced glow with clever make-up!

STEP 1 Start with a tinted base. Try Soap & Glory’s Glow Job Daily Radiance Moisture Lotion (£11/50ml).

This tinted moisturiser is a great little product if you’re in that dull skin slump between winter and summer. It gives a light wash of colour and also contains great moisturising and elasticityboosting extracts, plus antiageing Vitamin E.

TOP TIPS…

✢ Avoid regular washing with very hot water, which can strip the skin of essential oils and cause irritation. ✢ Make sure you allow time for your products to work.

Swapping creams too often means you won’t get a chance to see the benefits, plus you’re more likely to clog and irritate your skin.

!

✢ Dot a small amount of highlighter on the inner corner of your eyes and you’ll instantly look more awake and radiant!

STEP 2 Add a hint of shimmer.

Soap & Glory Hocus Focus Illuminator (£13/30ml) is a multitasking hero! This instant illuminating lotion softens the appearance of fine lines. Blend along your cheekbones as a highlighter or add a tiny drop to your foundation for a dewy finish.

STEP 3 Blusher is mandatory. L’Oréal Paris Sandalwood Rose True

››

Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more beauty tips and advice

Rise and shine DIY facial Try this quick facial from skin therapist Nataliya Robinson (www.nataliyarobinson.co.uk).

It’s a great way of restoring your skin’s radiance and helping improve elasticity.

You’ll need: ✢ 7g Easy bake yeast ✢ A clean face towel Mix the easy bake yeast with warm water to create a smooth cream-like consistency. Cleanse your face normally and then apply the yeast paste. Soak the face towel under hot water, wring it out and then apply as a hot compress to your face on top of the mask for less than a minute.

Next, make the towel hot once more and apply on your face again. Repeat this four times (it should take around 4-5 minutes).

After the fifth application, wash the mask off with warm water and immediately massage your face with an ice cube. Do this for no more than a minute.

Match Blush (£7.69) gives a lasting natural look and isn’t too sparkly.

Fuss-free and a great price.

STEP 4 Liven up your lips. Nothing perks up tired lacklustre skin, like a flash of colour on the lips.

Even a natural rose shade will do wonders for a pale and dull complexion. We love the brand new bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Feel the Love (£16). It’s a gorgeous caramel rose pink shade that gives just enough colour, but still looks natural.

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STOCKISTS: bareMinerals 0800 652 3362 www.bareminerals.co.uk; Boots No7 0845 609 0055; Elemis 0117 316 1888 www.timetospa. co.uk; Eucerin available from Boots; L’Oréal available nationwide; Sanctuary Spa available from Boots; Soap & Glory available from Boots.

Details correct at time of going to press

Next issue: Age-proofing beauty buys that are worth the money!

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Style notes

FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE

✢ A colourful mac or trench coat like this one is a great way to play it safe, yet still brighten up your wardrobe.

Red mac, £79, 8-18, Petite at Marks & Spencer

bold with colour Be

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

Say goodbye to boring and hello to all things bright and beautiful! ✢ Blue heels, £35, 4-10, Evans

Play it safe and brighten up your look with these colourful must-have accessories!

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✢ Red shoes, £12, 3-8, George at Asda

STOCKISTS: Accessorize 0844 811 0068; Debenhams 0844 561 6161; Dorothy Perkins 0844 984 0261; Evans 0844 984 0262; George at Asda 0800 952 0101; Isme 0844 811 8112; Jones Bootmaker 0800 163 519; Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999; M&Co 0800 031 7200; Marisota 0871 984 6000; Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200; Next 0844 844 8939; Wallis 0844 984 0266 Details correct at time of going to press Unfortunately we cannot guarantee availability, particularly during sale time.

✢ Scarf, £12, Accessorize 38

✢ Necklace, £25, Wallis

✢ Coloured jeans make a great alternative to blue and black. This wine-coloured pair are super flattering and smart, too.

Cream blouse, £28, 6-22, Next; wine coloured jeans, £28, 12-32, Marisota; shoes, £30, 3-8, Next; bangles, £8.50, M&Co

EVERY FORTNIGHT

TOPTO-TOE COLOUR

SLIM YOUR FIGURE

t

✢ Green bag, £32, Accessorize

››

✢ Yellow bag, £29, Accessorize

Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more great fashion advice

✢ Red is classic but to ✢ Be brave with top-to-toe stop it looking cheap, colour teamed with simple stick to a simple fuss-free nude accessories, or throw style that can be worn caution to the wind and choose day or night. contrasting colours.

Red dress, £30, 6-22, Peplum top, £55 and skirt, Next; shoes, £49.50, 3-8, £49.50, both 8-22; shoes, Marks & Spencer £17.50, 3-8, all Mark & Spencer; clutch bag, £55, Jones Bootmaker

✢ Pink mini tote, £20, Dorothy Perkins

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Next issue: We put the best figure-fixing jeans to the test!

PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP HANAN TOUHAMI

✢ Colour can still be smart ✢ Wearing dark shades on your and grown up although this bottom half is a clever slimming versatile jacket would look trick, but you can still add a hint just as good paired with of colour by choosing darker casual jeans. hues, rather than boring black, complemented by a lighter top.

Pink tailored jacket, £50, 12-32, Marisota; top, £19.50 Blouse, £39, 8-20, Betty Jackson. and trousers, £49, both 8-22, Black at Debenhams; moss green Marks & Spencer; shoes, £75, skirt, £48, 12-20, Laura Ashley; 3-9, Jones Bootmaker shoes, £75, 3-8, Jones Bootmaker

✢ Belts, £8 (pack of three), Accessorize

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health &

vitality Spot the signs

1

Changes in your sight can be subtle so it’s a good idea to regularly check your eyes for signs and symptoms of vision problems. Put a book or magazine on a table or shelf a particular distance away from you and check every now and again if you can still read the detail on the spine or the cover. Notice if any part of your vision is blurred or distorted.

Finding it difficult to see people’s faces could indicate AMD or struggling with dazzling lights could suggest cataracts. Report anything unusual for you to your GP or optometrist.

7 ways to...

protect your eyes

eat bright foods

2

The brighter the food on your plate the better it is for your eyes. Antioxidants, including betacarotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin have been found to help protect your macula (the central part of your retina) from free radical damage that could lead to Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). You can find these antioxidants in yellow and green foods such as dark leafy greens, egg yolks, yellow peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

According to experts, half of all sight problems could be prevented with simple lifestyle changes – try these easy steps By health editor, Rebecca Speechley

Switch on the lights

3

Having more lights in your home might sound obvious, but a recent study found that people often see better during vision tests than they do in real life because the lighting in the optometrist’s office is so much better than in their homes. This could explain why your glasses might not be making things as clear as they could be. Solve the problem by improving your lighting at home to help you see clearly.

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Don’t forget healthy fat

4

Foods full of healthy fats such as oily fish, nuts and olive oil could help to reduce inflammation in your eyes that could lead to AMD. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon, and nuts such as walnuts and almonds could also help to prevent irritating dry eyes. Try to eat at least one portion of oily fish every week and snack on a small handful of nuts once a day.

Get an extra boost

5

Taking a specific vision supplement could really help to improve your sight. Try New Nordic Blue Berry Eyebright (£19.99/60 tablets), which is a highly concentrated blueberry supplement that provides 10 milligrams of lutein per day. Lutein is a carotenoid naturally found in the macula of your eye – the part of the eye responsible for your central vision. If your macular becomes damaged through AMD you may notice the centre of your vision becomes blurred.

Having enough lutein in your diet could help prevent AMD and protect your sight. Call New Nordic on 01482 300695 or visit www. newnordic.co.uk*

y Yours promotion y

exercise your eyes

6

Your eyes need exercise too, according to health expert Dr Oz (www. doctoroz.com). Try these daily exercises: Look up, then slowly circle your eyes ten times in each direction.

Improve your focus by holding a pen at arms’ length, focus on it, then bring it in towards your nose, then back out again. Repeat 10 times. Finish by massaging temples in small circles 20 times in each direction. Then close your eyes for a few minutes to relax them.

Get checked

7

Have your eyes tested at least every two years.

Many vision problems don’t have symptoms you can notice yourself so it’s important to have regular eye checks by a qualified optometrist. Free eye tests are offered for over-60s, over 40s with a close relative with glaucoma, or if you’re at a high risk of glaucoma yourself.

Optometrists can also pick up other health problems, such as diabetes, while they are checking your eyes.

B See your GP before taking vitamin supplements or herbal remedies, particularly if you take prescribed medicines. always speak to your GP before stopping any medication or before starting any diet or exercise regime.

Keep your eyesight healthy with a New Nordic Blue Berry Eyebright supplement.

Blueberries have been traditionally used by Swedish pharmacists to treat sight problems, and the Blue Berry Eyebright range of supplements is based on a traditional Nordic remedy. There are two supplements to choose from: Blue Berry Eyebright (£19.99/60 tablets – two a day with a meal) and Blue Berry Eyebright Plus (£22.95/30 tablets – one a day with a meal).

Blue Berry Eyebright and Blue Berry Eyebright Plus both contain Vaccinium myrtillus, a special blueberry species native to Northern Europe. These small blueberries are known for their intense colour and nutritional content. The powerful antioxidants in the blueberries are carefully extracted to preserve their health benefits.

The blueberry extract is then mixed with eyebright and a standardised extract of tagetes flower to provide 10 milligrams of lutein, a carotenoid naturally found in the macula of the eye – the part of the eye responsible for your central vision.

Blue Berry Eyebright Plus also contains Vitamin A (the eyevitamin), zinc and copper, all of which are vital for maintaining healthy vision. Zinc and Vitamin A are also essential nutrients for maintaining energy and vitality too helping you to enjoy your day-to-day life.

B Find out more at www.newnordic.co.uk * Do not exceed the stated dose.

Caution: Seek professional advice before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Warning: Not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Keep out of reach of children.

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PIC: ALAMY; ISTOCK PHOTO; BAUER

Brighten your sight

y your stars y

horoscopes ght

Astrologer Lynne Ewart predicts what’s in store for you

this fortni

Between January 21 and February 1 The New Moon on January 30 marks a chapter where teams and groups will feature in the news. Jupiter and Pluto repeat a recovery aspect they made last summer, bringing further progress to on-going official matters and many a kindhearted moment, too.

PIC: REX FEATURES

If it’s your birthday this fortnight…

… you are Aquarius, like Oprah Winfrey, born January 29, 1954.

Aquarians are essentially humanitarians and usually good at standing back from a problem to get a cool, detached overview. They may seem less emotional, but the truth is they feel it matters to do more than just show their feelings. They often do a lot for others, very quietly. Oprah’s chart shows that despite her early traumas, the one place she’s always felt free is in her mind.

She’s about to learn to do some new things and fulfil an old promise to herself.

AQUARIUS

GEMINI

LIBRA

Jan 21-Feb 18 Mars is urging you to see the wider world. Beyond January 30 there’s fresh vitality and perhaps a whole new experience awaiting you.

Thought for the fortnight: You could enjoy something you’ve been wary of.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705710

May 22-June 21 What you want to do right now looks achievable, but you might need to re-organise things to fit everything into your schedule.

Thought for the fortnight: An official process could be tied up in April.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705702

Sept 23-Oct 23 That new Moon at the end of January heralds a new beginning in your personal world. This is a great year for you and yours – you can make it happen!

Thought for the fortnight: Tickets could be booked.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705706

PISCES

CANCER

SCORPIO

Feb 19-Mar 20 This is a great time for Pisceans to holiday or even hibernate, although it looks as though January will close on a livelier note than it began.

Thought for the fortnight: Something is sorted by early February.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705711

June 22-July 22 A pleasure plan goes ahead and you’ll fulfil a special wish as January gives way to February, when someone gives you a green light.

Thought for the fortnight: A woman you’re close to is about to do well.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705703

Oct 24-Nov 22 At the very core of your life, there’s a sense of liberation thanks to what you’ve shed of late, enabling the start of a whole new phase.

Thought for the fortnight: Relatives at a distance could be in touch.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705707

ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Mar 21-Apr 20 A new Moon shines over your house of friendship, tugging you towards a group of like-minded others or into a rekindled project.

Thought for the fortnight: Try not to fret about a matter of timing.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705700

July 23-Aug 23 At this time of year you need sunshine, even if it’s nipping outside the minute the Sun appears! The more you circulate the better you’ll feel.

Thought for the fortnight: You could meet someone rather intriguing!

B For a weekly update call 09044 705704

Nov 23-Dec 21 A new routine can be more successful when begun with the new Moon from the 30th.

Get ready to point yourself at a project and be a winner!

Thought for the fortnight: There could be some encouraging money news.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705708

TAURUS

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

Apr 21-May 21 As Venus moves forward right after a rather important new Moon, this could be a turning point for you, a ‘make it better’ time linked to your current ambitions.

Thought for the fortnight: A youngster has independence in mind.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705701

Aug 24-Sept 22 As January merges into February, there’s progress on several different levels for you and yours, as everyone starts getting back in touch, probably all at once!

Thought for the fortnight: There’s relief over a work or wellbeing issue.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705705

December 22-Jan 20 Look out for a surprise offer or option that presents itself between January 28 and February 2, as this could be the answer you’ve been seeking since last summer.

Thought for the fortnight: Money matters could perk up when least expected.

B For a weekly update call 09044 705709

Calls cost 66p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other operators and mobiles may vary. Weekly readings last approx five minutes, monthly readings approx nine minutes, year ahead readings approx 13 minutes. For entertainment purposes only. Users must be over 18. Service provider: Spoke. Customer services helpline: 0845 270 8302 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). www.lynneewart.com YOURS

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