Candis Magazine - September 2023

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HEALTH • HAPPINESS • FAMILY LIFE

SEPT 2023

MICHAEL FASSBENDER

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OUR SEPTEMBER MUST-HAVES

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WELCOME TO

Hello We’re embracing September with a bumper issue full of inspiring features. Imagine if you could turn your passion into a profession. In Living the dream on page 20, we meet three people who did just that. They have chosen careers that are as rewarding as they are satisfying and which allow them to indulge their interests and get paid for it!

They also share their tips and advice on getting into their chosen field.

Life throws up many challenges – from health issues for you and your family to dealing with various crises, both emotional and practical. Often we just grit our teeth and get through. In our feature The secret superpower on page 62, we explain how to be more resilient. In this way, we learn from life’s challenges and use that experience to help ourselves and others in the future.

And if you’re in the mood for a bit of life laundry as well, Louise Baty’s tips on decluttering on page 28 will help you restore order at home. So you’ve got everything you need for an autumnal reset!

Enjoy…

The Candis team

To become a member and subscribe to Candis, call customer relations on 0800 814 5400, or email customer@candis.co.uk, or log on to candis.co.uk INFORMATION IN THIS ISSUE IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS, BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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Contents CANDIS SEPTEMBER 2023

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FEATURES 14 Mr Nice Guy Actor Michael Fassbender sings the praises of the strong women in his life 20 Living the dream Three people explain how they achieved their perfect job 28 Clear the clutter Tips on tackling the build-up of surplus items your home 32 Learning to live well How Angie Whitmarsh rose to the challenge of diabetes 38 The things that made me Eamonn Holmes shares the influences that shaped him 54 Trends over time A nostalgic look at fashion through the decades 58 Teen spirit We catch up with Canine Partners’ Candy and Candis 62 The secret superpower How to build resilience to get you through tough times

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LIFESTYLE 44 Neutral territory Sophisticated, timeless fashion to bridge the seasons, in shades of cream, beige and brown

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50 Pump it up Fantastic flats to step out in style and comfort, plus WIN a pair of Vionic shoes, worth £120

93 On the trail of dinosaurs Discover the splendours of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and charming seaside towns

68 Health news How to spot ultra-processed foods, a cataract fact, misophonia and what to do about arthritis

128 A problem shared Anxiety about a holiday with new neighbours and concern about a teen’s uncharacteristic behaviour

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58 HOME AND FOOD 74 Catherine’s kitchen Savour the delights of pork shoulder steaks, capers, butternut squash and a truffled supermarket find

PHOTOS ALAMY, ISTOCK, FABIO DE PAOLA

78 Dinner’s in the can Four quick, easy and delicious family meal ideas using versatile and cost-busting tinned foods 84 Purple reign Plants in rich purple hues to bring opulence and warmth to a late-summer garden, plus jobs to do in September 90 Old friends How to spot signs of ageing and age-related ill health in a pet and recognise when it’s time to take them to the vet

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COMPETITIONS AND OFFERS 52 Beautiful jewellery Save 20% on DEMI+CO’s extensive range of contemporary jewellery

REGULARS

88 Amazing alliums For late-spring flowers, 100 allium bulbs worth £22.69, free for every reader 104 Win a Schwinn indoor cycle Pedal your way to fitness with this state-of-the-art exercise bike, worth £899

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106 Gorgeous giveaways Fantastic prizes up for grabs 120 Feeling lucky?

Check your Candis numbers to see if you have won 138 Wish list Fabulous gifts – and they could all be yours

6 This month There are shows and exhibitions aplenty to enjoy in September, plus lots of great things to read and watch 98 The shopping list Marnie is drawn to a special offer at her local store, in this short story by Fiona Lucas 109 Take a break Packed puzzle pages and a chance to win cash prizes 124 All about you!

Anniversaries to celebrate, plus letters and handy tips 130 Your horoscopes Russell Grant’s predictions 137 Next issue A peek at the October issue

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THIS MONTH SEPTEMBER As we head towards autumn and savour the last of the clement weather, we’ve compiled a selection of great shows, exhibitions, books and TV programmes for you to enjoy…

DRAMA

COMEDY

MUSIC

As You Like It: celebrate love, transformation and community with Shakespeare’s joyous comedy. Watch the exuberant tale of romance and redemption at the Globe Theatre, London – showing until 29 October. shakespearesglobe.com

Ricky Gervais: the funny man is bringing his new show, Armageddon, to venues across the UK and will be at Utilita Arena Birmingham on 4 September, with dates for the rest of this month at The London Palladium. ticketquarter.co.uk

Shania Twain: her first time performing on tour in almost five years, between 14-28 September, Shania is bringing her highly anticipated show, Queen of Me, to venues across the UK and Ireland. shaniatwain.com/tour

Dates for your diary…

5 SEPTEMBER International Day of Charity 2023 5-11 SEPTEMBER Know Your Numbers Week (Blood Pressure UK) 8-17 SEPTEMBER Heritage Open Days 10 SEPTEMBER World Suicide Prevention Day 11-15 SEPTEMBER Pension Awareness Week

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THIS MONTH

APP APPEAL INSTAPAPER

Come across an interesting article while browsing? Save them in an instant and sync them to your other devices to read when and where you want.

Capture text without the web clutter and customise your experience by adding highlights and notes and adjusting fonts and themes. instapaper.com

Candis Loves…

JOT IT DOWN

Make sure the family know what’s going on with this Personalised Weekly Family Planner Whiteboard, which can have up to six names. It’s easily wiped clean to plan for the week ahead – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! £15, notonthehighstreet.com

Awardwinning animation!

It’s 30 years since the release of The Wrong Trousers, featuring legends Wallace & Gromit and introducing villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw. To celebrate this momentous anniversary, The Cartoon Museum in London and studio Aardman have collaborated to create a spectacular exhibition, 30 Years of the Wrong Trousers, which runs from 12 September until 15 April 2024. Dive into Wallace & Gromit’s comic history with exclusive pieces, clips, storyboards and movie materials, workshops, expert model makers and more! cartoon museum.org

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Dolphin delights

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wake of boats and leap from the water.

Minke whales are curious creatures, often approaching vessels for a closer look, displaying their white-banded flippers. All three are regularly seen in summer and autumn, along with several other species.

For the best chance of spotting one, pick a calm day when the sea is smooth – it’s hard to spot a fin amongst the waves!

Clifftops make great vantage points, and binoculars are helpful if you have them.

Want to know more? Discover some of our favourite seaside destinations at wildlifetrusts.org/seaside

PHOTOS JOHNMCPHERSON/ 2020VISION

Together, whales, dolphins and porpoises are known as cetaceans.

These marine mammals might seem exotic, but many of them can be found much closer to home than you might think. You can see whales from Whitby, porpoises off Plymouth, and dolphins in Dorset. In fact, the UK’s coastlines offer some of the best whale watching in Europe!

Harbour porpoises are small and subtle.

When they come up for air, they give just a glimpse of a grey back and a stubby, triangular fin. Bottlenose dolphins, in comparison, are show-offs. They surf the

WORDS BY TOM HIBBERT, THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS,

Meet the mammals making a splash in our seas!

THIS MONTH

AUTHOR Q&A We caught up with bestselling author of contemporary fiction, Amanda Prowse, to find out more about her writing inspirations and latest novel, All Good Things What was the first book you ever read?

The first book that had a life-changing impact on me when I was 14 was The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. I took every step with the main character, and knew that if ever I could make a reader feel that way, it would be incredible!

Did you always want to be a fiction writer?

I longed to be a fiction writer but never thought I would achieve my dream. I am an ordinary woman from an ordinary house with an ordinary life and I thought to be a writer you needed to lead an exotic life. I was an avid reader and books were and are the most precious things in my life – I will never forget the feeling of achievement when I finished writing my first novel, just over a decade ago.

Does people-watching give you inspiration for the characters you create?

Yes! It’s my favourite hobby! Cafes, parks, bus stops, you name it – I love to pick up habits or quirks of people I see, and if I hear a snippet of conversation, so much the better!

Is it difficult writing male characters?

No. I grew up with three brothers. I am married to Simeon and we have two sons, so mine is a very male world! That helps me gauge how my characters will react.

In All Good Things, you write about the secrets of two neighbouring families – do your readers relate to these storylines?

I think they do. I tend to write about everyday life and the challenges we all face

daily. Some of the most gratifying feedback is when a reader tells me they walk in my characters’ shoes. I think fiction can be a wonderful way of understanding our real lives. Never more so than in All Good Things.

What book can you read again and again?

So many! The Thorn Birds, obviously. Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, The Twilight series, the Lemony Snicket books, A Series of Unfortunate Events, all Robert Bryndza’s thrillers – as you can see, I have quite an eclectic taste!

What would surprise us about you?

I present as a very confident, outgoing woman who can be the life and soul of the party and yet I struggle with crippling shyness and a lack of self-confidence that means I would, most of the time, rather hide away.

What’s next for you?

So many wonderful books in the making!

I am always excited about the new stories I am writing and never more so than right now – I just can’t wait to send my new characters out into the world!

All Good Things

by Amanda Prowse is out now (£8.99, Lake Union Publishing).

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THIS MONTH

THE BOOKSHELF

Find some time to immerse yourself in a good book, we’ve six new titles to inspire CRIME DRAMA

“Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness” James Thurber, American author, playwright and humorist.

Taste of Blood

by Lynda La Plante (£22 HB, Zaffre)

The latest Jane Tennison thriller has her regretting her transfer to a quiet police station in Bromley. But when a complex domestic assault comes to light, she’s intrigued. From the warring neighbours who witnessed the incident to a missing boy who disappeared after the tragic death of his girlfriend, the case is more sinister than she first realised. It’s up to Jane to find a link between the crimes in this shocking case, one of the most challenging of her career.

WOMEN’S FICTION

ROMANTIC FICTION

The Bellbird River Country Choir

The Forever Garden

by Sophie Green (£9.99, Sphere)

It’s 1998 and single mum Alex leaves her job in Sydney to spend more time with her daughter, Kim. They head to Bellbird River, a small town far from the city. We meet Victoria and her opera-singing cousin Gabrielle, who are at a crossroads in their lives, as well as Debbie, who’s new to the area, and Janine, a local baker.

When a pianist brings everyone together to form a choir, the camaraderie that develops in rehearsals helps each of the women to push forward and leave their pasts behind. This is a heartwarming story of new beginnings and friendship.

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by Rosanna Ley (£8.99, Quercus)

Lara lives with her daughter, Rose, and her granddaughter, Bea, at their family olive grove in southern Italy. She’s spent years trying to forget events that caused her to flee Dorset 70 years earlier. Bea is a horticulturist and has caught the eye of handsome restaurateur Matteo. Lara worries that Bea will make the mistake she did and asks her to travel to Dorset with her to restore her family’s neglected garden. With beautiful descriptions of Italy and Dorset, this story explores the secrets of three generations of women to show it’s never too late to start again.

THIS MONTH

PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER

HISTORICAL FICTION

None of this is True

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal

by Sophie Irwin (£16.99 HB, Harper Collins)

by Lisa Jewell (£20 HB, Century)

Podcaster Alix Summers is enjoying her 45th birthday at her local pub when she meets Josie Fair, who’s also celebrating her 45th birthday. Josie is in awe of Alix’s family and lifestyle and persuades her to make a podcast about her own story. As Josie ingratiates herself into her life, Alix realises she is not all that she seemed. Events escalate and Alix begins to wonder is Josie’s story at all true or total lies. With dark themes and great characterisation, this twisty thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Recently widowed after ten years of marriage to the Earl of Somerset, who was 25 years her senior, 27-year-old Eliza has spent the last ten years living to everyone else’s rules. So finding herself free at last, she heads to Bath with her cousin Margaret to have some fun. A love triangle ensues, taking the story in unexpected directions, and Eliza’s true nature blossoms as she navigates her own emotions and future. Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this well-observed Regency story with a plucky protagonist.

DEBUT

Over My Dead Body

by Maz Evans (£16.99 HB, Headline)

When Dr Miriam Price is found dead, the police suspect suicide. But what they can’t know is that Miriam is watching from the afterlife, knowing she was murdered. Miriam discovers that she can communicate with her elderly neighbour, Winnie. But Winnie is ill and doesn’t have long to live, so the two of them must get to the bottom of what happened pronto, or Miriam could be stuck in limbo forever! With a dialogue full of banter and quips, you’ll have a smile on your face as you read this cosy whodunnit!

WORD OF THE MONTH

Philocalist Someone who is able to cherish the little things.

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THIS MONTH

WHAT TO WATCH

We’ve some great choices for you to enjoy…

BIG SCREEN

A Haunting in Venice While attending a seance in post-Second World War Venice, Hercule Poirot – now retired – must use his detective skills once again to uncover the murderer of one of the guests. Starring Kenneth Branagh as Poirot, other cast members include Jamie Dornan, Michelle Yeoh and Kelly Reilly.

The fantasy epic about Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) of the all-female group Aes Sedai that became the mostwatched on Prime Video on its release returns for even more action – with most of the original cast returning for the next part of their adventure, barring one major shake-up…

ITVX The Winter King

The Winter King tells the story of how former warrior-turned-monk Arthur became the lord of war despite the illegitimacy of his throne. This bold and revisionist take on well-loved Arthurian legends stars Iain De Caestecker as Arthur, Eddie Marsan as High King Uther and Nathaniel Martello-White as Merlin.

MOVIE MOMENTS The inspirational story of Tina Turner’s life and her rise to stardom, What’s Love Got To Do With It, was released in the UK 30 years ago this month – on 17 September 1993.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

PHOTOS ISTOCK, ALAMY

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Mr Nice Guy Life is sweet for Michael Fassbender – and finding the right balance is all thanks to the women around him, he tells Gabrielle Donnelly

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Below Michael Fassbender in Inglourious Basterds

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ou could never accuse Michael Fassbender of wanting to be typecast. He first came to notice playing a Second World War soldier in the acclaimed TV miniseries Band of Brothers in 2001. He played the Irish Republican hunger striker Bobby Sands in Hunger in 2008, and a British film critic-turnedcommando in Inglourious Basterds in 2009. He leapt from Magneto in the X-Men films to Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre in 2011; has played a sex addict in Shame; an eerie android in Prometheus; the founder of Apple in Steve Jobs; a musician who lives inside a giant papier-mâché cartoon head (yes,

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

really) in the offbeat comedy Frank; and is about to be seen both playing real-life football coach Thomas Rongen in the sports drama Next Goal Wins, and co-starring with Arnold Schwarzenegger and David Hasselhoff in the fantastical martial arts drama Kung Fury 2.

So the question begs to be asked – will the real Michael Fassbender please stand up?

It turns out that in person he’s a genial sort – friendly, mildmannered and, endearingly, well aware of the good luck he has encountered in his life. “I feel like I’m a pretty light person, to be honest,” he once told me. “It’s interesting that I have played a lot of dark characters on the screen because in my own life I feel like I’m in a pretty privileged position.

Yes, there are times when I’ll get depressed and sort of slump, like anybody else, but on the whole, I know I have a privileged life and try to enjoy it to its fullest.”

He was born in 1977 in Heidelberg in West Germany, the son of a German father and a

“It’s interesting that I have played a lot of dark characters on the screen because in my own life I feel like I’m in a pretty privileged position… and I try to enjoy it to its fullest”

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Above left Michael with his parents

Above right With his wife, Alicia Vikander

Northern Irish mother, and raised mostly in Killarney, where the family moved when he was two and where his father owned a restaurant, West End House. It was, he says, a happy childhood.

“I’m definitely like my mum in that I love stories and music, which are both very Irish things to love, and she introduced me to the films that inspired me in terms of becoming an actor, so that artistic taste in me probably comes from my mother’s side. But let’s not forget my dad, because he’d be very upset! I have a useful stubbornness that I got from him, and my dad’s side of the family also always instilled into me the idea: ‘If you’re going to do

something, do it properly, or don’t bother doing it at all,’ so I’d say I’m a mixture of the two.”

Although happy at home, he admits that he spent some lost years at school. “I was the class clown. I think it was a tool for me to fit in – much to the detriment of my education,” he says now.

“I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I saw what my dad was doing in the service industry and I didn’t have the skills to do that. I was dabbling in music for a while, but I wasn’t good enough at that, either. What got me into acting was a guy called Donie Courtney [acclaimed actor, writer and director Donal Courtney, who sadly died last

“There are some very powerful women in my life – my mother, my sister, my grandmas – who have hugely shaped who I am today… And my wife, of course. She’s also a very powerful woman!”

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

year]. He was a past pupil at my high school, St Brendan’s College, and came back and opened up a drama class on a Wednesday. This was about the time I was realising I wasn’t good enough at music, so when the acting came about, I thought, ‘Well, if I can’t play the guitar, at least I can pretend to!’

But I ended up doing two of those drama classes and that was it for me – I felt comfortable in that form of expression and felt, like, ‘OK, this is what I want to do.’”

He left Ireland at 19 to attend the Drama Centre in London.

Then he dropped out of the Drama Centre and toured as a jobbing actor on stage for a while – supplementing his living by the obligatory actors’ part-time jobs of bartender, postman and manual labourer – until Band of Brothers made him famous. Now 46, he’s at the top of his game and one of the most sought-after actors in the industry – he’s enjoying his success, he says, but

admits that the glare of publicity can grow tiresome.

“Fame is the tricky part for sure,” he says. “I used to be able to fly under the radar and do my own thing, but not so much these days. The payoff is very good, of course, but I don’t know if the being famous ever gets easier.

I think you just have to make your peace with it.”

He remains close to both his parents and to his older sister, Catherine, a neuropsychologist.

“I’m really happy I had a sister, because I learnt so much from her about women when we were growing up, to see them not just as the opposite sex, but as people I can have friendships with too.

My sister’s a single mother. She’s got two boys and she works as a neuroscientist, so she’s pretty formidable, pretty amazing. There are some very powerful women in my life – my mother, my sister, my grandmas – who have hugely shaped who I am today… And my

Below left Michael in Band of Brothers Below right With the late Donal Courtney

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Below left Michael in Next Goal Wins Below right With his sister, Catherine

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wife, of course. She’s also a very powerful woman!”

He met Swedish-born actress Alicia Vikander on the set of the 2016 film The Light Between Oceans; they married in Ibiza in late 2017; nearly two years ago, they had a son, whose name they are taking pains to keep from the public eye. Michael likes to keep his family life as private as possible, but he has said more than once that for a woman to keep his interest, she must be strongminded and intelligent.

“I think women are so much more evolved and complicated than men,” he once said. “I think we men are kind of stupid and straightforward and I suppose because women have had to deal with men suppressing them for thousands of years, they’ve had to become more evolved. Also, because they have this amazing system that allows them to carry children inside them, they also have the brain that goes with that. I just think they’re more advanced than we are. You can

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see it in the teenage years that girls mature much quicker than guys, and that’s probably true in adult years as well.”

In Alicia’s case, he adds affectionately, that strength of mind is matched by a parallel strength of body. “She’s pretty formidable,” he says with a chuckle. “Obviously, I can lift heavier weights, but you should see the ferociousness with which she attacks her exercise! There’s an app that I think is now called the Sweat app but used to be the Bikini Body. She said, ‘Have you heard of this app?’ I was, like, ‘No, of course I haven’t heard of the Bikini Body app!’ She said, ‘Do you want to try it?’ I said, ‘Sure. How hard can it be?’ And it’s hard! We sometimes do it together and she gets in more reps than me! On the other hand, now I have a bikini body, so I’m ready for the beach!”

When they’re not working, the family live in Lisbon, a halfway spot between Alicia’s native Sweden and Michael’s former home of London. “It’s my home

PHOTOS CPI, SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY, SWNS, VALERIE O’SULLIVAN

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

now,” he says of the city, “as much as London was my home when I lived there. I wanted to stay in Europe and it’s such a beautiful city, Lisbon. I love the people, I love the food and there’s great surfing just 25 minutes away.

I enjoy starting the morning getting into the ocean. Portugal is sort of a little hidden gem and it’s a great adventure to live there.”

He was raised Catholic, and although he no longer practises, he says he still retains a part of his Catholic upbringing. “I go to Mass at Christmas, and sometimes, if I’m visiting certain places, I will go into a church and light a candle for relatives or friends who have passed away.

I definitely feel that those people are still around. I consider myself as a spiritual person and I do believe in a higher power that connects us all together.”

His own rule for life, he says, is related to that belief. “It’s a very simple rule, which is basically treating others as I would like to be treated. I think these days, we’ve become a bit too obsessed with the individual – ‘How can I become a more successful person?

How can I achieve happiness?’ I think we need to start looking to each other more and wondering how we can take care of each other, not just of ourselves. I think we need to start working together and loving each other more…

Does that sound corny?”

Not in the least.

Passionate pursuits Michael’s secret love is motor racing.

Here, we take a look at some other stars with interests beyond stage or screen…

SIR ROD STEWART – MODEL RAILWAYS Music legend Sir Rod Stewart recently revealed that, alongside releasing 13 studio albums and travelling on 19 tours, he’d been working on a model railway for 25 years! Spanning 1,500sq ft, this project – based on the cities of Chicago and New York in 1945 – required Rod to request an extra room for his constructions while on tour.

TOM HARDY – JUJITSU This actor not only holds the heart of many adoring fans, but also a blue belt in the martial art jujitsu. Tom’s actress wife, Charlotte Riley, praised him for taking time out to pursue this passion, saying that, in their industry, “one passion can completely consume you.”

TOM CRUISE – FENCING The Top Gun star introduced his friends Will Smith and David Beckham to this sporting hobby of his.

According to Will, they don’t get enough time to hang out, and, as Tom has a room in his house for training, he has them meet there as his way of getting the trio together and bonding. Touché, Tom.

REAL LIVES

LIVING THE DREAM If you live to work, you’re very lucky, as many people confess they only work to live. Finding a career that makes every day a joy isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort to find your dream job

THE PERSONAL STYLIST Abbey Booth, 47, lives in Herts with her husband and two children. She switched to a new career from corporate finance I’ve always been interested in fashion.

As a little girl, I always wanted a shop, and when I heard a programme on Radio 4 talking about following your dream, I decided to open a pop-up shop selling women’s clothing, which I advertised on Facebook. It got so busy and there was so much stock that my husband said I needed a proper shop. My stepdad loaned me money for the rental deposit and I just went for it. My aim was to create a safe, welcoming space, especially for women who didn’t have confidence in how they looked or didn’t have loads of money.

If you don’t have confidence in how you look, that changes everything and 20

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REAL LIVES

I wanted to reveal the real woman, so I retrained in visual merchandise in 2009, then in colour analysis and body shape, and then became a personal stylist.

Sometimes it’s a one-off for a mother of the bride, where the aim is to mark a special occasion but not find yourself in one of those traditional dress and jacket, ageing looks. Along with that, Royal Ascot, a black-tie dinner or making a presentation are the types of request I get most often.

Sometimes, I’m asked to do a wardrobe refresh, and I’m likely to be in their bedroom, their most private space. Add to that trying on clothes, so they’re usually in their underwear. I’m very aware it might have taken a long time to build up to it.

The best part of my job is that sense of transforming someone’s approach to their style. Most of my clients are women, but I occasionally have men looking for advice.

I’m also the course leader at the London College of Style, which is important because personal styling isn’t a governed industry, though I feel it should be.

At times, I’m helping women who’ve been through surgery or been ill, so personal styling can be very restorative. I was really happy to be involved in the Breast Cancer Now fashion show – it’s always so rewarding to see the difference that styling can make.

I can’t think of any situation where personal styling hasn’t helped someone and one of my best moments was a client who was really nervous about speaking at events, which she had to do as part of her work. She learnt to use clothes as armour, which helped her love herself and stand a little bit taller. To me, that’s dressing the woman who’s really there.

ABBEY’S ADVICE TO BECOME A PERSONAL STYLIST “This can be a challenging industry to get into at a young age, as many customers may want someone around their own age to guide them. However, this is where qualifications can help, as well as experience. Aim for a personal stylist qualification that includes colour and body shape analysis – bear in mind that this is an unregulated industry, so make sure you’re booking a credible course and research reviews and recommendations.

“Get fashion experience – there are apprenticeships and internships in clothes shops, as well as fashion and art courses, which include placements.

“Always stay aware of trends, new styles and influences. Finding a mentor can also be really helpful, as on-the-job experience is vital in this area.”

The average starting salary for a personal stylist is £20k.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

REAL LIVES

THE DOG BEHAVIOURIST Jeanette Muldoon, 43, is a dog behaviourist with thefamilydogclub.co.uk who lives in the New Forest with her husband Gav and two children I’ve always loved dogs, though initially, working with them was just a dream as I worked in finance and accounting. My husband Gav worked in quality control and it was fine, but it just wasn’t fulfilling. Dogs were our passion, so in 2011, we sold our cars, bought a van and a franchise for dog walking and doggy daycare, which Gav managed.

It was quite a move, as our daughter was just a year old. I had stayed on in my accounting job, but soon became really engrossed in what Gav was doing.

He studied with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), and as we live in a really rural area, ideally suited to this

MY JOB IS SO “SATISFYING AND

I CAN REALLY SEE THE DIFFERENCE I CAN MAKE – DOGS ARE WONDERFUL CREATURES AND HELPING THEM LIVE HAPPILY AND SAFELY IS SOMETHING I’LL NEVER TIRE OF

”

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type of business, he soon had three dog walkers working for him.

My fascination lies in dog behaviour and I have an eye for body language, so in 2013, I gave up my job and joined Gav in the business. Everyone thought we were mad, but I did think hard about it. I knew my customer service and financial experience would be really useful. I could see how much Gav was enjoying his work, and since his focus is gundog training and obedience classes, I could add another element by offering behaviour training, which is quite specific. Obedience classes tend to be very

straightforward as dogs love to learn, but I found the neurological side of dog training fascinating.

I did the IMDT training and constantly update my skills with their courses on dog behaviour. In lockdown, a lot more people got dogs, but the downside was the change we saw in dogs afterwards. We did all our courses online during lockdown, so you couldn’t have dogs mixing and breeders couldn’t allow people to come and handle puppies. As a result, we now see many dogs who don’t know how to socialise with other dogs and are also more nervous around people.

We have three dogs of our own who I include in the behaviour training and they can be very calming for other dogs. I do one-to-one training initially and cover aggression towards humans or other animals, predatory, obsessive, repetitive behaviours and fear and anxiety. There will always come a point when the dog needs to learn to mix with other dogs, and I’ll then run reactive sessions, which need to be very carefully managed.

I don’t believe owners have as much impact as is maintained, except those who buy dogs as weapons, when they’re taught dangerous behaviours that can’t be managed. You also have to be realistic – I got asked once to socialise a 12-yearold dog who was going blind, and that is about managing the owner’s perspective, where they realise the dog should just live out their life in peace, without further training. My job is so satisfying and I can really see the difference I make – dogs are wonderful creatures and helping them live happily and safely is something I’ll never tire of.

JEANETTE’S ADVICE TO BECOME A DOG BEHAVIOURIST “Check with bodies such as the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers to source training. Individual companies offer apprenticeships, so check any near you.

“A dog behaviourist needs more than a love of dogs and confidence dealing with them – you will also need to invest in courses to ensure your skills are fully developed and up to date.

Volunteer or work with a dog walker/dog trainer to get a realistic view of everything involved in training. Many trainers start off with a mentor, so it’s good to make connections.

“Consider combining dog behaviourist sessions with a dog-walking service when getting started, as your reputation tends to grow through recommendation.

You can also buy into a franchise, which will require some capital, though at its most basic, you can start simply by advertising locally and making sure you keep accounts.”

The average salary is from £10k part-time to up to £70k a year full-time if running classes.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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THE PHOTOGRAPHER Photographer Chris Watt, 53, lives near Edinburgh with his wife Lisa – who now works with him – and children Abby and Lewis

After watching a film called The Killing Fields when I was 15, the idea of being a photojournalist grabbed me.

I bought a camera, converted the shed at the bottom of my parents’ garden into a dark room, and that was the start of a career that still fascinates me. My first job at age 17-18 was in the print room at The Scotsman newspaper in Edinburgh, organising copies of pictures from the paper. I’d haunt the photographers, pestering them to follow them on jobs and they were amazingly welcoming.

Eventually, the picture editor asked if I wanted a job and that exposed me to a whole breadth of photography. I finally became a staff photographer on the Evening News.

My timing wasn’t great as I’d just got married and had a mortgage, and that move meant a drop in salary, but the experience led to me being headhunted by The Herald in Glasgow and then by the Daily Record, which was my true introduction to photojournalism.

I reported on the Omagh bombing, as stark and 24

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TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHRIS’S WORK, GO TO CHRISWATT.COM

REAL LIVES

heartbreaking as you’d expect, and regularly reported on Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles. In Kosovo, we were meant to be joining the Nato convoy, but got separated and plodded on, not realising we were on our own until we got to Pristina. A local took pity on us and put us up for a very scary night listening to the bombing as we tried to sleep on the floor.

Nato arrived the next day and we set to work, though the scenes of mass graves and devastation were unimaginable. We were ambushed on the way back and a machine gun was emptied into the car, but we all survived. Lisa was seven months pregnant with Lewis and all I could think was, “If I die tonight, my wife’s going to kill me.” Afterwards, we

discovered we hadn’t even been properly insured, so our families would have been destitute if we’d died.

I really felt I was doing something of value and I loved it, but it was time to step back from the danger, though I hated the doorstepping side of reporting. I went freelance in August 2001, confident that all my contacts would ensure a steady stream of work. Except 9/11 happened and all PR/advertising work disappeared, which meant many 3am jitters, especially as our daughter Abby was on the way.

I basically hustled everyone and everywhere and weddings, events, graduations and corporate work started happening, as well as news and magazine commissions UK-wide. It all happened CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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REAL LIVES

CHRIS’S ADVICE TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER

YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING AND IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT, SO ALWAYS BE OPEN TO THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

“

”

again in 2008 with the financial crash and again with Covid, as the 19 March brought a stream of emails cancelling everything for months ahead.

I now work with Mary’s Meals in Africa, which is supported by Gerard Butler. The first time I met him in Liberia, we were in a hot little room with cheap plastic chairs and I was trying to be casual – “Nice to meet you, Gerry” – as I sat down nonchalantly on one of the chairs, except the heat had melted the legs and it collapsed under me and pitched me on to the floor. I always say that people skills are really important in photography, but that was my finest ice breaker. Everyone takes photos now, but we still need professional photographers to make people relax, get the best out of them and to document all the big events, from worldchanging situations to special family moments.

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“You’ve got to be practical and develop your potential,” says Chris. “I would say that the basis of the job is your technical skills, so start by getting some training at local colleges that will give you a good grounding.

“Secondly, look at other people’s work and how they’ve achieved results. You never stop learning and it’s important to remember that – videos and drones are part of every photographer’s skillset now – so always be open to the latest developments.

“Don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s all about the equipment – I have friends who are absolute magpies with kit, believing that if they just get this or that, their photography will be perfect. Trust your eye and never underestimate the importance of people skills – never be clinical and always make it about the people.

“Be self-critical, be analytical, and if possible, start in a job rather than immediately striking out on your own – you’ll learn so much.”

The average salary is £25k+, with work such as photojournalism offering a much higher rate.

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CANDIS LIVING

Clear the clutter Overwhelmed by clutter? Why not get set for autumn with a fresh start, says Louise Baty Do you find you can’t move for books, old clothes and random charging cables in your home but can’t seem to sort through your junk?

Then you’re not alone.

According to research, the average UK adult hasn’t decluttered their home in two-and-a-half years.

A staggering 67 per cent of 2,000 people surveyed confessed to clinging on to items just in case they were needed one day in the future, while 14 per cent felt that they didn’t have time to declutter.

Clutter is an issue for many of us, but don’t wait for spring to get cleaning.

Autumn is an ideal time to sort out your home. As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, it makes sense to get your house in order for the cosy season.

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Kitchen

You probably use the same few pots, pans, utensils and crockery daily but have cupboards of unused ‘just in case’ china and gadgets. Face facts – if you haven’t used something in the last year, you probably never will. List kitchen items on local Facebook selling groups or give away on Freecycle… that unused saucepan set could be ideal for a teenager heading off to university. For items worth keeping but only used occasionally, such as at Christmas, store in the loft. You’ll clear space for everyday items and leave worktops free for cooking and preparing food.

Anything broken or damaged should go, along with out-of-date food. Donate anything unwanted but edible and within its use by date to the local food bank.

Organise cupboards so that frequent-use ingredients (oil, salt and pepper) are within easy reach and heavy things are in lower cupboards.

CANDIS LIVING

STICK TO THE RULES 1 Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on too much in one go.

2 Choose one manageable category or area, such as your wardrobe or kitchen items.

3 Pick a day when you have uninterrupted time and you’re not feeling distracted.

Lounge

A multi-use living room can easily become a jumble of books, toys and tech. IKEA’s KALLAX storage system consists of different-sized cube units that fit a variety of fabric, wicker or cardboard boxes and can be placed in alcoves. Habitat produces a similar system, Squares, available at Argos. Designate one box for crafts, one for toys, one for tech, and label with pictures to help children put things away. Sell unwanted consoles, phones, books, magazines, DVDs and CDs on musicmagpie.co.uk; download the app and scan items before sending. Wilko sells bamboo magazine files (£7) for storing your favourite magazines… don’t forget Candis! A digital Kodak photo frame (£69.99) allows you to display all your digital photos in one place, without having to print them out.

Ornaments are notorious dust collectors. Decide which bring you joy and donate the rest. Don’t keep ornaments received as gifts out of duty; this is your home and you get to decide what stays!

4 Lay everything out from your chosen category or area so that you can easily identify duplicates… five TV remotes?

Time to streamline!

5 Decide whether something should stay by asking: “Is it useful?” and “Does it bring me happiness?” If not, get rid.

6 Set a decluttering target.

Aim to clear 50 per cent of items from your chosen area or category.

7 Avoid unnecessary waste. If an item is unwanted but could be used by someone else, sell or donate it. If something is broken, check if it can be recycled at your local centre.

8 Label four large boxes – keep, donate, sell and recycle – and put items into them. Do what the boxes say!

9 Clean the decluttered space before putting back your ‘keep’ items.

10 Decluttering is an ongoing process. Try a ‘one in, one out’ policy to avoid build up.

CANDIS LIVING

Hallway

It’s the first space anyone sees when walking through the front door, yet hallways attract unsightly clutter, including unworn shoes and coats. Once you’ve cleared unwanted items into recycle/donate/sell piles, consider investing in a space-saving shoe cabinet. IKEA’s budget TRONES cabinet (£29 for two stackable units) has shallow foldaway sections, which also store documents. The top section is ideal for keeping glasses, keys and loose change in one place.

Only keep out coats suited to the season. IKEA’s PLOGA vertical hook rack allows you to store several coats neatly. Store all other coats out of sight in vacuum bags until they’re needed. Organise post with a wall organiser by mDesign, which offers space for letters as well as handy key hooks.

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CANDIS LIVING

Bathroom

PHOTOS ISTOCK

Bedroom

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, but a space crammed with clutter is not conducive to rest and relaxation.

Wardrobes are often crammed with unworn clothes. Take out each item, asking yourself honestly if you’ll wear it again. If not, someone else may love it, so list it on a selling site such as vinted.co.uk. Postage is paid by the buyer so anything you make, you keep. Store out-of-season clothing in vacuum bags and organise underwear and socks with Dunelm drawer organisers (£4.50 a pack).

Sort through bedding and donate anything in good condition to charity. Remove ornaments and toiletries from your bedside table and reduce it to the essentials – a book, alarm clock and beside lamp. Now, doesn’t that feel better? And… relax!

Your bathroom should exude calm, as the place you can retreat to for a bit of ‘me time’ after a long day. Having to clear out grotty toys and empty bottles from the bath before you fill it is hardly ideal. First things first, go through all the bottles of toiletries languishing beside your bathroom sink and bath. Recycle any empty bottles. Anything unwanted but opened can be donated to charities and women’s refuges. Check toiletriesamnesty.org for information on where to donate locally. Donate bath toys your children no longer use.

If space is tight in your bathroom but you’d like to invest in decent storage, an under-sink unit could be the answer. Made to fit around sink pipes, a unit such as Dunelm’s classic Nautical Under Sink cupboard (£79) provides storage for essentials such as shampoo, soap and toilet rolls, while also concealing unsightly pipes – a win-win all round!

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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REAL LIVES

BIG GIVE 2023

LEARNING TO LIVE WELL

Angie Whitmarsh, 63, from Southampton, explains how the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation has helped her

W

hen Angie Whitmarsh, 63, was pregnant with her first child in 1989, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. “I was putting on a lot of weight and my baby was measuring large, so they did a test, which showed I had a lot of sugar in my urine.

My midwife said this meant my kidneys were failing, which was scary to hear and my mind just went off on a tangent.

I kept thinking I was going to deliver my baby then need a kidney transplant.”

After delivering her baby two weeks past her due date, Angie’s health returned to normal. “She was a very big baby – 10lb 15½oz – but healthy, and tests showed my diabetes had gone. It was like a light switch and all the symptoms, feelings and effects on my body – such as extreme tiredness – just vanished.”

When Angie became pregnant again in 1992, she found the diabetes had returned. “I got to a point where I literally couldn’t keep my eyes open.

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I was so exhausted. I remember going to a barbecue and I kept falling asleep. Then that night I woke up and drank two litres of water as I was thirsty. The next day my husband went to work and I just felt like the room was constantly spinning.

I phoned my sister and she came to drive me to my GP. I came out of the house, and as I turned, my vision went and my house looked like it was in the distance through a tunnel.

“The doctor got me an ambulance to hospital and I remember lying there and hearing my dad and sister talking, but I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow, open my eyes or respond to them.”

Angie remained in hospital for three days. “Luckily, I didn’t need any more hospital stays after that until my son was born, when again, my symptoms completely vanished. I asked a doctor if there was anything I should do, as this had happened twice now, but their response was just to tell my friends and

I HAD TWO TEENAGERS, WAS WORKING FULL TIME AND RUNNING A HOUSEHOLD, AND IT GOT TO A POINT WHERE I WAS SO EXHAUSTED, I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AND JUST GOING TO BED

“

”

family that if I collapsed later in life, I should be checked for diabetes. I thought, ‘Well, they’re not very concerned, so I shouldn’t be either.’”

In 2004, Angie found herself feeling very tired. “I thought at the time it must be my age, even though I was only 45. I had two teenagers, was working full time and running a household, and it got to a point where I was so exhausted, I was coming home from work and just going to bed.

“I had also started experiencing pains across my back and in my kidneys, so I went to the GP and after several trips was eventually given a urine test, as they didn’t really know what else to do.”

Angie was called back to the GP surgery and told she had Type 2 diabetes. “I was put straight away on a lot of tablets – metformin, simvastatin and fenofibrate – because my blood sugar levels were quite

high, so I’d obviously had it for a while but it had been undiagnosed.

“I was very angry, as I knew there were people who were heavier and less healthy than me who hadn’t got diabetes, and it just didn’t seem fair. I had a lot of trouble getting my head around the things I had to cope with, the changes I had to make and what the consequences might be, and I was particularly terrified of losing my sight and started to wear sunglasses at the slightest hint of brightness.”

Over the next few years, Angie’s medication was swapped around to try and control her diabetes more effectively.

“I was put on a product called Byetta, which is an injectable medication used to treat diabetes, but I had to inject it an hour before I ate. I was a full-time police officer, so found it really difficult to know at what point I would be able to eat, as CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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REAL LIVES

IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE “TO KEEPP WITH NEW THINGS FROM

PEOPLE WHO KNOW AND LEARN NEW SKILLS FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT

”

you can’t predict accidents, burglaries or other serious incidents. Even socially, I would meet up with friends and they might want to go to a pub first, then find somewhere to eat – and then you don’t know how long it will take for food to arrive.”

In 2009, Angie was told by her consultant her blood test results weren’t good and he was going to put her on insulin. “It was a terrible time: my mum had died suddenly and I was returning to work after compassionate leave. The same day, my son had a near miss after a car left the road and hit a group of students next to him, so I just cried when the consultant told me this. He signed me off work again after hearing what had happened and I was started on insulin.

“I’ve lost over three stone since I started taking insulin and my HbA1c level (average blood sugar level) has gone down significantly, so I’m now on less insulin.

I will never be able to come off it entirely, but the tiredness I felt has now gone, so I feel better and healthier than I have for the last couple of decades.

“I was told my tablets would reduce once I started using the insulin, which 34

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unfortunately hasn’t been the case. It can be difficult to manage it all and I can’t say I’m used to the regime even now, as we went on holiday recently and I completely miscalculated the tablets I took with me.

“My son is also getting married this year, and while it’s great to hear all their exciting plans for the wedding, I’m also thinking about what time we will be eating, as I don’t want to be passing out. It’s always there in your mind and my bags and pockets are full of snacks in case a meal is delayed.

I’ve had to say goodbye to nice, small evening bags, as I need something to fit my test kit, insulin pens and needles and all that sort of thing.”

One thing that has helped Angie learn how to manage her condition better and cope with the challenges are the Diabetes Wellness Days run by the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation. “I went along to the charity’s very first wellness day 15 years ago and thought it was marvellous, so I have been attending the Wellness Day South every year since.

“The great thing about these days is you go along with an idea of the things you want to find out, but there is such

REAL LIVES

a variety of companies attending, new pieces of technology, and talks and presentations from experts, that you learn so much fascinating and helpful stuff you had no idea you needed to know.

“You get the opportunity to meet with people in the same situation, experiencing the same things, and I’ve made lots of friends through the events. The health professionals and experts are also there at lunch, so you can chat to them. They’re so generous with their time and expertise.

“Because things change all the time, and diabetes is also a condition you have to

manage yourself the majority of the time, often with limited access to medical professionals, it’s really important to be able to keep up with new things from people who know and learn new skills for self-management. There will be people there who have been managing their diabetes for 40 or 50 years and they’ll say, ‘Oh, I learnt this or that today.’

There’s always something new you can learn and you just come away from these days with so much new information and with the motivation to keep going and living well with diabetes.”

THE CANDIS BIG GIVE DIABETES RESEARCH & WELLNESS FOUNDATION TOTAL RAISED: £8,256 The money raised in the Candis Big Give will go towards this year’s big Diabetes Wellness Event, United Through Diabetes, at Chesford Grange in Kenilworth on Saturday 16 September.

The Diabetes Wellness Days enable people with all types of diabetes and their family, friends and carers to share their experiences and listen to talks by healthcare professionals and experts to help them gain a better understanding of diabetes, improve self-management skills, stay well and reduce risk of complications.

This year, the charity is celebrating its 25th anniversary, so it is replacing its normal three annual wellness days (South, Midlands and North) with one large special event that will be bigger than anything it has done before.

The event will be a unique one-stopshop of support for people of all ages and backgrounds and will feature dedicated programme streams of talks, activities and workshops for those with Type 1 diabetes, those with Type 2 diabetes, harder to reach communities, and families of children with Type 1 diabetes.

The charity is also bringing together some of its research advisory board members and past funded researchers to talk about the progress in diabetes research over the last 25 years.

There will also be a Diabetes Cafe, tai chi, guided walks of the trim trail and a flypast by Type 1 pilot Douglas Cairns.

Visit drwf.org.uk for more information or to register to attend the event.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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REAL LIVES

WHAT DIABETES RESEARCH & WELLNESS FOUNDATION MEANS TO ME

BIG GIVE 2023

Sarah Tutton, chief executive for the DRWF, tells us why the work it does is so important “I’ve been working for Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation since 1999 – initially putting together its newsletter before becoming chief executive in 2005 – so I have seen the charity grow from its infancy to what it is today, which has been a real privilege.

Making a meaningful difference to someone’s life every day is something I really value and is what drew me to working for the charity, but I’ve gone on to have several family members with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, so it has become more closely connected to me in a personal capacity.

As chief executive, I’m responsible for the strategic direction of the charity and making sure we do all the things that will help us achieve our mission, which is to support diabetes research and provide the practical tools and inspiration to people living with diabetes on a daily basis.

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Being the size we are, we have to work very much as a team and we all get involved in all of our activities. The relationships we build with our supporters and service users tend to be more personal and long-standing. We have people coming along to our events who have been with us for 25 years, which is really special.

Just knowing you’re providing support that makes a real difference on a daily basis is so rewarding and really motivates me and our team.

With diabetes, 95 per cent of care is through a self-care approach, and I think the way we deliver the information and support to help people with this is what makes us unique. People really seem to like and engage with the way we do things, which is fantastic and is really demonstrated by the long-standing relationships and connections we have built over time.”

CANDIS PEOPLE

THE THINGS THAT MADE ME

EAMONN HOLMES The TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, 64, currently co-hosts Breakfast with Eamonn & Isabel on GB News. He and his wife, Ruth Langsford, live in Weybridge, Surrey, with their dog Maggie

PICTURE: JOHN F KENNEDY

Growing up in Belfast, we had three pictures in our living room: the Sacred Heart, the Blessed Virgin Mary and John F Kennedy with his wife, Jacqueline. JFK was the first Irish Catholic to become President of the United States, and that meant a huge amount to us. I was four when he was assassinated in November 1963 and his death was a massive event, with my aunties and cousins weeping with grief.

CANDIS PEOPLE

SANCTUARY: TV

The TV was very important in our home.

Unable to play outdoors because of the Troubles (it just wasn’t safe to be a boy on the streets of Belfast in the 60s and 70s), my four brothers and I lived vicariously through American movies, in which teenagers had lives we could only dream of: going to discos, dating girls and so on. But TV educated me. I could travel the world safely – and also discover what was going

on in my own country, my own city and my own streets. Looking back, I think I always knew I was destined to work in TV and, aged 21, I became the youngest anchor on British TV, hosting Ulster TV’s hour-long teatime news show. I was lucky I was chosen and lucky that I was good enough to succeed at the job. As I say, it’s one thing to have the ball put in front of the goal for you, but you still have to be able to get it into the back of the net!

TOY: BATMOBILE

TV introduced us to the fantasy worlds of Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet, Joe 90 and Batman and Robin. None of us were going to live like those superheroes. But we could enter into their world through the toys, cards and other paraphernalia that accompanied the shows. My Batmobile had a flame popping in and out of its exhaust when you pushed it along, as well as a hook to pull Batman’s boat – meaning you’d have to buy the boat too!

I still have a passion for these kinds of old toys.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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CANDIS PEOPLE

MANTRA: “WHAT WOULD CAPTAIN KIRK DO?”

As a nine year old, I looked up to Star Trek’s Captain Kirk – and to this day, I ask myself, “What would Captain Kirk do?” He was the best kind of leader, not assuming he had all the answers but instead surrounding himself with people who did. He was never too arrogant to ask, “Can we do this? Can it be done?” To be a good leader, you have to be aware of your own limitations. And, although it comes naturally to me to assume the role of being in charge, I’ve always known how much I don’t know, and like Kirk, I surround myself with people I can trust to give me the best advice.

COMIC: THE VICTOR

“I looked up to Star Trek’s Captain Kirk – he was the best kind of leader, not assuming he had all the answers but instead surrounding himself with people who did” 40

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For escapism, TV always trumped reading a book.

But I was a voracious reader of the comics that our father bought us on an almost daily basis.

From The Dandy to The Beano, Superman, Spider-Man and Marvel, there was a different title published most days of the week. My favourite was Victor, packed with Second World War stories. I still get a warm fuzzy feeling if I see a copy – and I feel sorry for today’s children missing out on that sense of anticipation, waiting for the next thrilling instalment in a comic serial.

HAPPY PLACE: OLD TRAFFORD

SCHOOL: ST MALACHY’S COLLEGE, BELFAST

I went to St Malachy’s College, a diocesan school where a number of teachers were priests.

It was a beautiful school, with a chapel, cloistered passages and courtyards.

My time at St Malachy’s informed my lifelong values, although the school’s strict discipline would probably not be tolerated these days. I remember arriving a few minutes late one day.

The bus I’d been on had been hijacked by gunmen and set on fire and I’d had to run the last mile of the journey. When I told the headmaster, he didn’t skip a beat. He just said, “Detention! Report to the office.”

That was life in the 1970s. You just got on with it!

I’m a lifelong Manchester United fan and so are my children. Being at Old Trafford to watch a game together is a wonderful thing we can share. I sit on the board of the Manchester United Foundation and feel very privileged to do that. I go to most games, and the camaraderie of being among people from all walks of life, all sharing the same love of football is amazing. Our Belfast-born George Best played for the club and was one of the three top footballers in the world. I was lucky enough to be his friend and I remain friends with his son, who’s grown into a fine young man.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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CANDIS PEOPLE

PASSION: CARS

My father was very protective of his car – an Austin 1800. In our teens, my brother Brian and I would spend our Saturdays washing it until it sparkled. As a reward, Dad would let us drive it around for a bit – so we’d cruise around the city wearing our sunglasses and thinking we were like Starsky & Hutch! I’ve never lost my passion for cars.

TAILOR: GEOFF SOUSTER

I’ve been having my suits made for me since the early 1990s. My tailor – Geoff Souster at Souster & Hicks in Woburn – makes beautiful suits and I’m at my most comfortable when I’m wearing one. I love a good tie, too. A tie transforms a plain suit and reflects the occasion. In 2018, I was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting. To collect the medal from HM The Queen, I chose a morning suit paired with a pale-blue waistcoat, a blue tie and a matching handkerchief in my top pocket. It was a very special day in my life.

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PET: MAGGIE

Despite having worked as a farming reporter when I was 19, I’d never felt much of an affinity with animals before we got our dog Maggie. I had her DNA tested and it turns out she’s a mix of Border Collie and Dachshund.

She brings so much joy to my day, waking me up with friendly licks and greeting me with excitement when I’ve been out for a few minutes. The love of a dog is incredible. But I now see Maggie’s eyes in other animals and I’ve become quite passionate about animal welfare issues and want to speak up on behalf of animals.

Ruth and I are patrons of the Dogs Trust, where we adopted Maggie from.

PHOTOS ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK, ISTOCK

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Neutral territory Tonal shades of cream, beige, camel and brown are timeless, sophisticated and look über-expensive. The perfect wardrobe pieces to bridge the seasons…

White cotton shirt £18; sand belted trousers £20; both 6-20; Primark The Edit

CANDIS STYLE

Crochet frill top £18 8-20 V by Very

Cream tailored trousers £35 8-24 M&S

White blouse £35 8-24 M&S A classic white shirt is a wardrobe essential, with multiple ways to wear it.

Check smock dress £49.50 8-24 M&S Loafers £95 Dune

White shopper £35 M&S Nude clothing calls for nude undies.

Cream trousers and shirts can be very unforgiving!

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Block heel shoes £49.50 M&S Coord ombre shirt £18; matching skirt £16; both 6-20; Primark The Edit

Animal prints are neutral, too, and look striking with simple but elegant separates.

Snake-print dress £49 8-24 Cotton Traders

CANDIS STYLE

Twist-front dress £39.50 8-24 Peacocks Pearl bow blouse £50 8-18 Monsoon

A handful of basics in neutral tones gives endless mix-and-match possibilities.

Leopard skirt £99 8-18 Phase Eight

Cord jacket £79 8-24 M&S

Animal-print belt £39.50 Oliver Bonas

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Floral dress £25 6-20; Primark The Edit

Want to add some colour?

Autumn hues like red, orange and wine work with neutrals.

CANDIS STYLE

Statement necklace £32 Phase Eight Camel cargo trousers £39.50 8-24 M&S

Gold is the jewellery of choice to complement these earthy hues.

Sweater £65.95 8-22 Seasalt Cornwall

Shirt £20 8-20 Peacocks

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CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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MEMORY LANE

TRENDS OVER TIME We take a look back at some of the fashion trends through the decades 60s – YOUTHQUAKE YEARS

The decade that saw huge social changes and a fashion revolution.

STYLE ICONS

LONDON CALLING

The mods and rockers were also helped to focus the tastes of young people everywhere, as well as inspiring the look of bands such as The Who, Small Faces and The Beatles.

At the centre of this youth fashion movement was London – breaking the dominance of conservative couture houses with fashionforward boutiques. The era-defining miniskirt was influenced by an emerging London street style and a shift towards informality and social change.

HIPPIE COOL The end of the decade saw the rise of hippies and a boho, ethnic vibe. Jeans with frayed hems or long flowing skirts were teamed with T-shirts, peasant blouses or halter-neck tops. Tiedying became a form of anti-war protest and flower patterns abounded.

Accessories often featured feathers and peace symbols.

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MEMORY LANE

70s – FUN FASHION BELLBOTTOM TROUSERS AND BELL SLEEVES

PLATFORM SHOES While platform shoes were not a new concept, the 70s took them to extremes of height, colour and often psychedelic pattern – think Elton John, the Bay City Rollers or Stevie Nicks. This was the era of glitter and glam that was celebrated through rock stars and fashion.

The early 70s took the best 60s looks but made them more flamboyant.

Highly fashionable were tops and dresses with bell sleeves, which flared widely from the elbow and were sometimes extremely long. Another defining fashion trend of the decade, a bit like the mullet of clothing, bellbottom trousers were tight on top and looked like they meant business, and wide, screaming ‘party’, at the bottom – a statement for both male and female 70s fashionistas everywhere.

FRINGING Spilling over from the 60s when many designers had become inspired by Native American and African fringe styles, the look continued into the 70s and was adopted by Cher as her trademark style. There was also a liking for Western style, with bolo ties and embroidered button-up shirts major trends.

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MEMORY LANE

80s – POWER DRESSING

90s – A MOMENT FOR MINIMALISM

HAIR AND MAKE-UP Bubble perms were de rigueur with padded hairbands and Fergie bows – named after Sarah Ferguson. The short hairstyle of Princess Diana when she married was also copied. More was more when it came to make-up.

Think purple eyeshadow, blue This mascara, peach blusher and decade was a frosted-pink lip – and that all power suits, was just for daytime! perms and prominent make-up.

FASHION

With more women getting into senior positions at work and wanting to project a strong and efficient image, they wore power suits, often in primary colours – jackets with broad, padded shoulders and large gold buttons, pencil or pleated skirts and sometimes trousers.

SUBCULTURE STYLE Various subcultures influenced 90s fashion, including grunge, with dark flannel shirts and ripped jeans becoming a signature, as bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam grew in popularity. Films, music videos and the glitterati also influenced fashion trends in this decade – in the form of checked skirts, dungarees, pleather dresses, velvet suits, crop tops, athleisure and streetwear inspired by hip-hop.

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MEMORY LANE

2000s – ANYTHING GOES SUPERMODELS ARE GO Throughout the 90s, supermodels ruled the runway and dominated the fashion industry. From the Trinity – Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington – to the Big Five – adding Tatjana Patitz (later replaced by Claudia Schiffer) and Cindy Crawford. Later in the decade, this group would further evolve into the Big Six with the rise of Kate Moss.

IMAGES ISTOCKSHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY, GETTY

There was a futuristic look to the 90s, as the new millennium approached.

UGG BOOTS Created by a surfer in Australia in the early 70s, when they were called Ughboots, and then distributed in the US by another surfer under the name UGG, the boots became the footwear of choice in the noughties, partnering with brands such as Jimmy Choo and Swarovski and appearing on Oprah Winfrey’s show as one of ‘Oprah’s Favourite Things’.

DRESSES OVER JEANS

The millennium saw casual couture continue to dominate the fashion scene.

Between 2002 and 2005, celebrities paired a variety of dresses with denim for public appearances, such as the red carpet. As with most fashion trends, this wasn’t confined to the celebrity world as many people were inspired by the style of their favourite stars to make this a look in their own everyday lives.

CASUAL COUTURE Fashion also reached its most casual towards the end of the 20th century, with baggy T-shirts, cargo pants and slip dresses being super-popular.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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TEEN SPIRIT Puppy training coordinator for Leicester & Nottingham, Katie Roche, updates us on Candy, our now adolescent sponsored dog, as she progresses to advanced training

CANDIS PUPDATE

K

PHOTOS FABIO DE PAOLA

atie tells us, “Candy is still with her Puppy Parent volunteer, Les Powell.

She was spayed last month, 16 weeks from the end of her first season, with a one month recovery period.

This time was used to tighten up her general skills before she will go on to advanced training. Candy coped with her first season well and managed with not having as much exercise. We stuck to light exercise in the garden and inside tasks when she felt up to it. We wait 16 weeks before we spay to avoid a prolonged phantom pregnancy, which can happen a few weeks after the procedure and can make young dogs feel a bit low.”

Since Candy’s come out of season, Les has noticed that she has matured and is less excitable. She’s still full of beans but is making better decisions! Katie says, “We refer to this age as their adolescent phase. As the dog gets bigger, they form more neural connections in their brains, making them more independent. They want to go off and do things on their own and may become less engaged. So, we go back to basics and refocus on solid recall and keeping their engagement around

distractions. We lower our expectations of what to expect and make it nice and easy with lots of little wins. Candy is extremely toy and people-motivated and has a huge love of life.

Les is a fantastic handler and they really enjoy working together.

Candy enjoys all the obedience training and shows good resilience. She’s happy to go off with other trainers, which will help when she is in advanced training and living with a new foster family.

“The general stages that the advanced training team are looking for are recall and settling around people and other dogs. We are going over the three main core skills: touch, tug and retrieve. With retrieve, we are introducing objects of different textures, shapes and sizes, such as keys and items she’s not familiar with.

“We’re doing lots of classes together to manage distractions and to ensure she can stay calm and focused. Les works hard with her every day to encourage her to settle in public, increasing the time she stays by his side, just switching off from what’s going on around her. Candy’s inquisitive and very clever, and we’re very happy with her progress so far.”

“SINCE CANDY’S COME OUT OF SEASON, LES HAS NOTICED THAT SHE HAS MATURED AND IS LESS EXCITABLE. SHE’S STILL FULL OF BEANS BUT IS MAKING BETTER DECISIONS!” CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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CANDIS PUPDATE

LIFE SKILLS At this stage in her training, Candy is learning core skills that can be extended to full tasks as her training progresses RECALL

Candy has mastered recall – she doesn’t wander or get distracted.

USING THE RAMP TO GET INTO A CAR

Candy is comfortable using a vehicle ramp. She will need this skill when she is a jacketed canine partner.

LEAD WORK

THREE MAIN CORE SKILLS: TOUCH, TUG AND RETRIEVE

These skills can be extended to cover almost any task. From opening doors to picking up objects, they are crucial skills to work with.

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Pictured here with Les and Katie, Candy walks well on her lead and gives Les her full attention.

She’s a clever girl and is learning to ignore distractions from other dogs and people. As she progresses, she’ll receive lots of treats and praise.

Candy is doing well and we ensure that her training is always fun.

CANDIS PUPDATE

CARING FOR CANDIS Laura Loftus, interim director of operations, gives us an update on Candis’s future Occasionally, our dogs don’t complete their training to become a fully jacketed assistance dog as they may require additional support and training that makes them unsuitable for life as a canine partner. Sometimes, these issues are to do with health or allergies. Other times, the issues are behavioural and to do with their early socialisation experiences. Such issues can become apparent at any time during the puppy’s early years, or later, in advanced training.

Our training teams are highly experienced in reviewing and assessing our puppies and dogs. They know how to support the puppy or dog to work through issues that might arise during training.

However, there are times when a dog has a behavioural issue that proves too difficult for them to overcome.

Our dogs’ well-being is a priority and Candis had been developing well with her taskwork, but has shown sensitivities

that, despite support from our specialist trainers, she was not able to overcome.

Candis is also receiving ongoing treatment for her health.

We had assessed Candis for a career change to join the demo team as an applicant assessor dog, but now we do not feel this is the career path best suited to her needs and well-being.

A small number of dogs each year are deemed unsuited to becoming an assistance dog and we then consider rehoming them with a loving family.

These dogs, like Candis, may require additional support and training once they are in their new home.

We are now looking to rehome Candis, hopefully into a home where a family member has a disability so she can continue to have a positive impact. This will be a place that is best for her, in an environment where she will receive the best ongoing health and training support.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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CANDIS REPORT

THE SECRET SUPERPOWER We hear a lot about resilience – but what does it really mean?

Here’s how to build a superpower to get you through life

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Baker, author of The Getting of Resilience from the Inside Out. “People with resilience can bounce back from stress or traumatic events, not just surviving, but thriving.”

Resilience is evident, she says, “when amateurs run a marathon and determinedly push

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towards the finish line despite being physically exhausted. Or when individuals face unexpected health crises and find the emotional reserves to move forward towards recovery.”

Yet with mental health crises ubiquitous postpandemic, many

CREDIT STYLE CREDIT STYLE

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nce, we talked about a ‘stiff upper lip’ when it came to difficulties.

Now, rather than expecting people under pressure to ‘just get on with it’, we focus on resilience. But what is it, how does it help us and how can we build our own so we’re better equipped to cope?

Resilience is not the same as having to appear forever strong – it’s a form of emotional robustness that allows us to process our negative feelings and recover, rather than sink under their weight.

“During challenging times, some people can access an inner strength, almost like a magical source of power that helps them pull through,” says psychotherapist Sally

CANDIS REPORT

businesses struggling and the cost of living spiralling – along with the negative effects of social media and the ongoing threats of climate crisis and war – becoming more resilient may seem impossible for many of us. A recent study by resilience training company Springfox and the Resilience Institute found that resilience levels, particularly in younger employees, are low and getting worse.

The 2023 Global Resilience Report found that workers under 30 are at greater risk of developing anxiety and depression compared to older people, with almost 18 per cent classified as ‘fragile’, while 60 per cent are ‘coping but distressed’.

Building resilience, according to the study, means focusing on traits including optimism, self-esteem and ‘a feeling of being in control and able’. Further research shows that chronically ill people who report greater resilience enjoy better quality of life, better mental health and ‘faster physical recovery from setbacks’.

WHAT IS RESILIENCE?

“It comes down to how quickly do we get back up when life throws a big curve ball at us?” says executive coach and psychologist Dr Samantha Madhosingh. “We all have resilience to some degree. It’s a set of skills formed when we withstand difficulties, adjust to circumstances, and are flexible when things go wrong or are challenging. Being resilient doesn’t mean you don’t have an emotional response or experience, but that you have a set of tools and skills to help you cope with the emotional distress caused by whatever is happening.” The idea, says Dr Madhosingh, is not to be mired in the emotion for so long as to feel helpless or hopeless.

Being strong and being resilient are not the same thing, she adds. “Often, people are told to be strong when others aren’t comfortable with seeing their emotional expression – perpetuating the myth that showing emotion is a sign of weakness,” she says. “It isn’t. It takes great courage to express your emotions appropriately.”

Resilience means fully feeling and expressing the emotion – sadness, grief or disappointment. “You feel it, you talk about it if you need to, and then

“DURING CHALLENGING TIMES, SOME PEOPLE CAN ACCESS AN INNER STRENGTH, ALMOST LIKE A MAGICAL SOURCE OF POWER THAT HELPS THEM PULL THROUGH”

3202 YL64 UJ | K U.O2023 C. SID|N AC JULY CANDIS.CO.UK

Firstly, says Sally Baker, forget the idea of strength. “Being strong and pressuring others to be strong in difficult circumstances is asking the impossible.

Ideally, resilience is a mindset developed during childhood from being raised in a family where your physical and emotional needs are met.”

Trusting yourself to overcome obstacles and recover from disappointments is the bedrock of resilience – and it’s not the same as ‘ploughing on’ or the old wartime ‘mustn’t grumble’ mindset.

Instead, says Sally Baker, “it’s about tackling self-limiting beliefs and underdeveloped self-esteem, which are more prevalent for those raised in less-thanideal family circumstances,” she adds.

“Building resilience begins with having compassion for yourself and interrupting the critical inner voice. Thinking, ‘I’ll

HOW TO BE MORE RESILIENT Psychotherapist Roxy Rhodes (roxyrhodes.co.uk) gives her tips on building your own resilience.

1 Identify your stressors Work, family, money, ill health – once you know your stress triggers, you can start to develop strategies for coping with them.

Lots of us pretend to ‘thrive’ on stress, but it’s rarely true. There’s a difference between being stretched and being stressed, so pay attention to your emotions around different areas of your life, and rather than ploughing on, acknowledge what you’re feeling and why.

E L Y T S TI D E R C E L Y T S TI D E R C

are able to move forward,” explains Dr Madhosingh. “The time it takes depends on the severity of the situation. Someone is more likely to bounce back quickly from losing an important account at work than from losing their job.”

Resilience isn’t about specific experiences, says Sally Baker, but about how we interpret them in the context of our lives. “No therapy or self-help book can prevent adverse events. However, focusing on learning to interpret these events differently can lead to an outcome that allows resilience to grow.”

The Springfox report found that ongoing emotions such as worry, uncertainty and boredom all have a negative impact on resilience levels.

The solution is not to deny the emotions, but to approach them differently. Without the coping skills needed, says Dr Madhosingh, “you may turn to maladaptive coping such as alcohol or food addiction.”

HOW TO BUILD RESILIENCE

CANDIS REPORT

never get over it’ or ‘It’s all over, I won’t get another job at my age,’ serves to reinforce the belief that you’re fragile or crushed by events.”

Being resilient doesn’t mean you have to go it alone – the old ‘deal with your own problems’ advice is now redundant.

“Bouncing back doesn’t mean you don’t need help,” says Baker. “Getting support from a friend, a family member, a

therapist or counsellor to help you cope with a really difficult situation can be extremely useful in helping to build and maintain our resilience.”

And it isn’t something that you need permanently. According to a new study from North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management, resilience is a dynamic process, rather than an unchanging trait, and once you have the skills, it will be available to you when it’s needed.

2 Take action early Don’t wait till it’s too late and you’re overwhelmed and paralysed with stress.

Take action before it gets too much to handle. Cancel plans, move deadlines, delegate tasks. Then make a plan to avoid getting into the same position in future.

4 Be kind to yourself Don’t talk yourself down to others or in your head. Positive self-talk means encouraging yourself as you would a friend you care about.

Instead of saying, “I could never do that,” say, “I could try that…”

Notice when you’re catastrophising and match each disaster thought with a more positive one. Optimism can be practised like any other skill.

3 Give yourself a break Often, we think taking everything on like adding pieces to a Jenga tower shows how strong we are – but that’s the fastest way to weaken resilience. Giving yourself a break, allowing downtime and learning to say ‘no’ means you’re building your resilience and will have more left in the tank when stress does arise.

5 Ask for help It’s important to ask for help when you need it – the most resilient people have a support network to rely on and put time into maintaining important relationships. You don’t need to go it alone.

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CANDIS REPORT

One signifier of resilience is having a strong sense of purpose in life.

Research by the University of Barcelona found this can improve cognitive skills among middle-aged adults and even help to grow more functional connections in the brain, potentially warding off dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Resilience can also help to manage ill health. A recent study published in the journal Health Psychology Research discovered that patients with multiple sclerosis who reported better psychological resilience tended to recover more quickly from physical setbacks.

Developing resilience also means being able to help others more easily.

Learning to manage your own stress where possible gives you a framework to share with others – children, colleagues, friends and family – so you can not only weather your own crises, but help those around you through the storm.

HOW TO BUILD RESILIENT CHILDREN Helping children towards resilience is one of the most important things you can do. Here’s how, according to Dr Madhosingh.

1 Let them fail Let your kids learn how to fail. Our children have the lowest levels of resilience of any generation before them. Help them learn how to ‘fail forwards’ – recognising what went wrong, what role they played in it and what circumstances were out of their control. That way, they learn what needs to change next time.

2 Teach them emotional control Encourage them to view themselves positively no matter what’s happened – “I can do things differently next time” is a far better approach than “I’m such an idiot.” Explain that they can walk away from an intense or difficult situation, ask for help, take deep breaths and calm themselves, and always encourage a hopeful outlook.

3 Validate their feelings It’s important always to validate children’s feelings. If they are sad or disappointed, it’s OK for them to cry. If they are angry or anxious, let them take deep breaths and talk about it. Teaching them healthy emotional expression is a key part of resilience building.

4 Show them how to let go Help your children to understand that they can’t control everything.

Sometimes, we all have to let go and accept the reality of a situation. Help them to understand that you can’t change other people and you can’t always change your circumstances or the events that are happening to you.

All that you can control is your preparation and your own reactions.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

CREDIT STYLE CREDIT STYLE ILLUSTRATIONS ISTOCK

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HEALTH NEWS

HEALTH NEWS Our health expert, Leah Hardy, has a wealth of savvy tips and up-to-the-minute intel on staying fit and well in the months ahead

SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT

How to spot UPFs With ultra-processed foods now making up so much of our diets, what are the long-term health risks?

T

he average adult in the UK now gets over 50 per cent of their calories from ultraprocessed foods (UPFs).

According to Dr Chris van Tulleken, author of a new book, Ultra-Processed People, this should worry us.

Why? Just a ten per cent increase in the proportion of calories we get from UPFs is linked to a 15 per cent increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and a 12 per cent higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

The chance of developing dementia may rise by 25 per cent, and among those who eat the most UPFs, the risk of premature 68

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

death soars by 62 per cent.

Their formulas also tempt us to eat more. In one study, people given UPFs consumed 500 calories a day more and gained 2lb in two weeks, while those eating fresh, unprocessed foods lost 2lb. A new UK study of 200,000 adults

by Imperial College’s School of Public Health found that higher consumption of UPFs may be linked to an increased risk of developing cancer.

The official food classification system defines UPFs as “formulations of several ingredients that … include food

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

substances not used in culinary preparations, in particular flavours, colours, sweeteners, emulsifiers and other additives.” And while packaged snacks and gaudily coloured sweets are UPFs, seemingly healthy foods such as cereal bars and sweetened low-fat yoghurts can fall into the same category because of additives used to make them last longer and enhance the taste.

How do UPFs harm us? Scientists aren’t sure. Many UPFs are high in fat, sugar and salt, but studies also suggest that some food additives can play havoc with gut bacteria by increasing bugs associated with poor blood sugar and obesity and reducing healthy bacteria.

Emulsifiers are substances that are used to blend ingredients together. Carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate 80 have been found to “impact intestinal microbiota in a manner that promotes gut inflammation and associated disease states.”

Lecithin – derived from soy or sunflower oil – doesn’t have this effect.

High-fructose corn syrup, invert sugar, modified starches, hydrogenated oils, preservatives and colourings are also signs of UPFs. Studies have found “detrimental impacts” on gut bacteria when foods contain thickeners. These include maltodextrin, propylene glycol alginate, glyceryl stearate, kappa and lambda carrageenan, guar gum, gum arabic and locust bean gum. Artificial sweeteners and polysaccharides may also promote intestinal inflammation and alter our sugar metabolism.

HEALTH NEWS

Exercise of the month

An exercise to help improve your balance and core strength Fitness expert Rosemary Mallace of Strong After Sixty says, “Good balance is vital for quality of life as we age. This exercise helps boost balance and strengthens your legs and core.”

1 Stand close to a chair or

the wall in case you need some support.

2 Stand tall and take your right foot off the ground.

3 Bring your knee up so your thigh is parallel to the ground and imagine you are standing in the middle of a clock face.

4 Straighten your leg so you are touching 12 o’clock, bring your leg back to the starting position, then straighten your leg and point your toe to three o’clock. Stretch your leg behind to touch six o’clock.

5 Repeat 12 times and then switch legs.

Find Rosemary’s free workouts on YouTube: @rosemarymallacesassy 70

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

Health myth debunked YOU CAN’T HAVE CATARACT SURGERY UNTIL YOUR VISION IS SEVERELY CLOUDY Cataracts are when the lens of your eye develops cloudy patches. However, founder of London Ophthalmology Centre, Vik Sharma, says you can opt for treatment at the first sign of trouble. Lens replacement surgery is usually offered on the NHS if your cataracts affect your eyesight and quality of life. Symptoms include seeing ‘halos’ around lights, faded or yellowing of colours, double vision in one eye and the need to change your glasses prescription more often. The NHS offers replacement lenses for near or distant vision.

Private hospitals provide a broader range that can sometimes restore perfect sight. Prices start at around £3,000 per eye, without a referral from a GP or optician.

PHOTOS ISTOCK

BALANCE CLOCK

THE CONDITION YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF…

Misophonia

D

oes hearing someone else chew make you feel murderous? Or does the sound of a person breathing make you see red? If so, you might have misophonia. “Misophonia is a decreased tolerance to specific sounds, but it’s more than just being annoyed or irritated.

It’s an extreme reaction that includes anger, panic or feeling trapped and helpless,” says Dr Jane Gregory, a clinical psychologist at the

University of Oxford. A new study from King’s College London and Oxford University has found the condition affects one in five people to varying degrees. Research from Newcastle University in 2017 showed that you can see differences in the brains of sufferers when exposed to trigger sounds. There’s no cure, but wearing headphones or earplugs or playing music may help.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may also help sufferers cope better.

One-year survival rates for people with cancer in England increased by almost 10 per cent from 65.6 per cent in 2005 to 74.6 per cent in 2020, according to NHS England.

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HEALTH NEWS

Three of the best…

SUPPLEMENTS FOR ARTHRITIS

The best things you can do for…

ARTHRITIS

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onsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. NSAIDs are also available as creams or gels to rub into painful areas. This can be an effective and safer treatment than taking NSAIDs by mouth. Applying creams containing menthol or capsaicin, which makes chilli peppers spicy, may interfere with the transmission of pain signals.

See your GP for other treatments if these aren’t enough to control pain. Prescription drugs may include amitriptyline, a type of antidepressant that, in a low dose, can be useful for pain, especially nerve pain resulting from arthritis. Gabapentin can also help with nerve pain. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine are usually used to slow the progress of rheumatoid arthritis and other types of ‘inflammatory’ arthritis. Steroids like prednisone reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage.

Exercise can improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around joints. Ask for a referral to a physio if you are nervous about starting. Keeping a healthy weight will reduce stress on joints, and eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and oily fish may help reduce inflammation. Some supplements may benefit, but check with your GP first.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

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FOOD NEWS

CATHERINE’S KITCHEN This month, our food editor, Catherine Hill, discovers new products, shows you how to make the most of your leftovers and brings you the best that autumn has to offer…

M

aybe I shouldn’t confess to this, but I’ve always found cooking pork chops a little hit and miss – I often err on the side of caution and overcook them. But since discovering pork shoulder steaks (courtesy of my very lovely and self-confessed ‘know-it-all’ butcher), I have never looked back!

This cut of pork really does deliver on flavour. They’re a little tougher than say loin steaks, but what they lack in the tender department, they more than make up for in taste. If we’re lucky enough to have some sun this month, I’ll be out there barbecuing

them after marinating in an aromatic blend of sesame oil, soy, sugar, five spice and garlic. And if the weather turns, they’re delicious pan-fried with bashed garlic, apple and plenty of sage. Add a glug of cider, simmer until tender and finish with a spoonful of crème fraîche.

Fabulous with mash, Dijon mustard and the first of the autumn greens.

FOOD NEWS

LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS I couldn’t do without that little jar of capers at the back of my fridge!

I don’t use them often, but when they’re needed, there’s nothing better.

These small, green, briny beads are actually unopened flower buds, harvested from the caper bush. To use, rinse well, pat dry and roughly chop to release their flavour. They are delicious in citrusy dressings, tomato-based pasta sauces and almost all fish dishes. Try adding to mayo to cut through its richness or toss in foaming butter for a sauce for fish, roast veg or chicken.

IN A PICKLE We teamed our falafel burgers (see page 77) with a delicious, lightly pickled cabbage. If you fancy having a go, it’s so easy to make and any leftovers will keep in the fridge for a good couple of days.

Very finely slice half a red cabbage (you’ll need about 250g in total) and pop in a bowl. Whisk together 4 tbsp white wine vinegar, 25g caster sugar, ½ tsp sea salt and 1 tbsp olive oil. Pour over the cabbage, add a good pinch of chilli flakes and combine well. Cling and chill for a couple of hours or overnight to allow the cabbage to soften a little.

GO GREEN It’s great that most supermarkets can now recycle plastic bags, cling film and bread bags, but most of the supermarket bags of pasta are not recyclable. However, Barilla’s classic blue range has been redesigned and is now sold in 100 per cent recyclable cardboard boxes.

Ditching that plastic window in the front has enabled them to save around 126,000kg of plastic every year. And the great news – its pasta is pretty awesome too! Usually around £1.40 for a 500g box.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

75

FOOD NEWS

SEPTEMBER HARVEST

Sweet, tender and full of flavour, butternut squashes are a fantastically versatile winter vegetable that team well with so many different ingredients

Look out for squashes that have their skin intact and feel firm and heavy, as this means they’re still full of water and will keep well. Stored in a cool, dry place, they’ll last for a couple of months, but once cut, keep in the fridge and use within a day or two.

Their lovely, sweet flavour definitely needs to be paired with something savoury – mushrooms, bacon and hot spices all work well, as do salty ingredients such as soy sauce, miso and umami-rich cheeses such as Parmesan.

I rarely peel squashes if I’m going to roast them as the heat works to soften the rind and gives the squash an interesting texture. And if I have time, I’ll save the seeds from the centre and roast them with a splash of soy for a delicious snack or topping for salads.

BUTTERNUT MAC AND CHEESE This sauce is divine poured over pasta or gnocchi…

Combine 200g cubed butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil, season well and roast for 20 minutes. Scatter with chilli flakes and chopped sage and roast for 5 minutes. Sauté a diced onion and a chopped garlic clove until tender, add the roast squash and any pan juices and 50g grated Parmesan. Blend with a stick blender, adding about 100ml boiling water to give a nice, thick sauce consistency. Season and pour over pasta, scatter with more Parmesan and bake until golden.

FOOD NEWS

SECRET INGREDIENT Aquafaba is the name of the liquid that your canned chickpeas sit in. Almost 20 years ago, it was discovered that this liquid has the ability to mimic egg whites. The water can be whisked into a meringue-like consistency with a hand whisk. Simply whisk for 10-15 minutes, adding caster sugar once firm

peaks have formed. The liquid from one can of chickpeas should yield about 100ml of aquafaba and will need 100g of caster sugar to sweeten. Pipe on to baking parchment as you would for normal meringues and cook for 1¾ to 2 hours at 130°C/gas mark ½. Great for vegans or anyone who is egg intolerant.

IMAGES ISTOCK, STOCKFOOD CREDIT STYLE CREDIT STYLE

SUPERMARKET MUST-HAVES Every now and then, I come across a food brand and know that no matter what it makes, it’s going to be fantastic. Crosta & Mollica is one of those! From its organic Piadina Flatbreads, its award-winning sourdough pizzas (available in major supermarkets) to its pasta sauces, it just gets better and better. Its latest addition is the oven-ready Truffled Mushroom Arancini – delicious rice balls with a centre of sautéed porcini mushrooms, summer truffle, Grana Padano cheese, garlic and herbs.

Great served as a little snack alongside a glass of fizz!

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

77

EAT WELL FOR LESS

DINNER’S IN THE CAN Always at the ready, fantastically cheap and endlessly versatile, canned food forms the backbone to so many delicious dinners

A

store cupboard with a good selection of tinned foods means that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to putting together a quick, tasty midweek supper. There are some tinned foods that I would never be without, and top of the list are tomatoes. Not only are they cheap and full of flavour, the heat used in the canning process means that tinned tomatoes have much higher levels of lycopene – a powerful antioxidant essential for heart health and which helps fight certain cancers.

Plus because fruit and veg are often picked, processed and canned within hours, their nutritional value is often the

same if not better than fresh produce that could be weeks old by the time it reaches your fridge.

Canned pulses are another favourite, as it means I can enjoy all the flavour and health benefits of pulses without having to soak and cook them. As a standalone ingredient they’re great but they’re also a fantastic way of stretching meals and introducing interesting textures and flavours.

Canned tuna has a real intensity of flavour that works well in Italian-style pasta sauces, potato-based fish cakes as well as flaking into delicious bean and tomato salads pepped up with a rich, oily herb vinaigrette.

Tip…

FALAFEL BURGERS

Before cooking all of the burgers, take a spoonful of the mixture, press into a mini pattie and fry until crisp - the perfect way to check that your seasoning is spot on.

Ready in 15 minutes plus chilling

2 x 400g canned chickpeas, drained 6 spring onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 8 tbsp finely chopped parsley 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander good pinch chilli flakes 4 tbsp plain flour oil for shallow frying

1 Place the chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until you have a thick, textured purée. Tip into a bowl and add the spring onions, garlic, parsley, spices, flour and 1 tsp salt.

Using your hands, bring the mixture together until well combined and able to hold its shape. Divide into four and shape into large burgers. Chill for 20 minutes or until needed.

2 Heat the oil in a large, non-stick pan, carefully add the burgers and cook for 2 minutes on each side, turning occasionally until crisp, golden and cooked through. Serve in toasted buns with lettuce, sliced avocado, mayo, chilli sauce, some pickled fresh cabbage* and a handful of fries.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

79

EAT WELL FOR LESS

SMOKED BACON, BEAN AND LEEK CHOWDER

Ready in 45 minutes

1 tbsp oil 150g thick cut smoked bacon, chopped 25g butter 1 onion, finely chopped 2 large leeks (around 400g), halved and finely shredded 2 tbsp plain flour 1.2 litres hot vegetable stock 400g can haricot beans, drained 195g can sweetcorn, drained 100ml double cream 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan, add the bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the butter to the same pan, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add the leeks, cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2 Add the stock to the pan, whisk until smooth, bring to the boil, stirring as it bubbles. Reduce the heat and stir in the beans and sweetcorn.

Simmer for 15 minutes until the leeks are tender. Return the bacon to the pan, heat through and stir in the cream and parsley, reserving a little of each to garnish.

Ready in 1 hour PHOTOGRAPHY TERRY BENSON. PROP STYLING LUIS PERAL

ALL RECIPES SERVE 4 AND ARE CREATED EXCLUSIVELY BY CATHERINE HILL

TUNA AND ARTICHOKE PASTA BAKE

350g rigatoni 3 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 1 tsp sugar 400g can artichoke hearts, drained and sliced 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and chopped 2 tbsp chopped oregano 2 tbsp chopped parsley 2 x 160g cans tuna in oil, drained 200g mozzarella, sliced

1 Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the pack instructions so that it still has a little bite. Drain and set to one side. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the garlic and very gently cook for 2 minutes, taking care not to burn. Add the tomatoes, sugar and 200ml water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes until thick and rich. Season well.

2 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas 6. Stir the artichokes, capers and herbs into the sauce along with the pasta.

Spoon into a 2-litre ovenproof dish or pan. Scatter over the tuna and stir in.

Top with the mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and piping hot. Serve straight away.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

81

EAT WELL FOR LESS

MEXICAN CORNED BEEF HASH

Ready in 30 minutes

700g waxy potatoes

400g can black beans, drained

4 tbsp rapeseed oil

340g can corned beef, cubed

2 onions, halved and finely sliced

handful coriander, chopped

1 red pepper, thickly sliced

a good splash of chilli sauce

2 garlic cloves, chopped good pinch chilli flakes ½ tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp paprika

To serve: 4 fried eggs avocado, sliced lime wedges

1 Cut the potatoes into bite-size pieces, place in a pan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set to one side. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan, add the onions, red pepper, garlic and spices and cook for 5 minutes until softened.

2 Stir in the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beginning to crisp up at the edges.

Add the beans and corned beef, stir through and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Scatter with the coriander and season to taste. Serve topped with chilli sauce, fried eggs, avocado and lime wedges.

Tip… If you fancy keeping the flavours more on the traditional side simply omit the spices and instead stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard when you add the corned beef.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

83

PURPLE REIGN Rich shades of purple add warmth to late-summer borders.

Anne Swithinbank reveals the best combinations to show them off As days shorten, shadows lengthen and late summer melts into autumn, the rich purple flowers of Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ stand out in the garden.

On well-grown plants hard-pruned the previous February or March, they are packed so closely together you can barely put a pin between them. Clambering over trellis or scrambling through trees and shrubs, this easy-going clematis makes a living cloak of regal purple. Yet each flower is centred with the welcome detail of creamy-yellow. The rich opulence of purple flowers can be overpowering, but set them against yellow, cream or acid green and they jump into the foreground. Plant a ‘lemon peel’ clematis such as C. tangutica nearby and let them mingle.

On a colour wheel, purple is flanked by mauve-pink and violet-blue and flowers in these shades will complement each other. Pretty mixtures often occur naturally with seed-raised plants such as dame’s violet (Hesperis matronalis), a biennial best planted now to bloom next May and June. For alliums in 84

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

varying shades of purple, mix the bulbs of several varieties together and plant now for next spring. Opposite purple lies contrasting yellow, itself veering on one side to orange and the other to lime green.

Placing purple and orange flowers together might seem like a bold move but can look spectacular in the right setting.

For me, borders work best when they are given a theme, with plants selected because they’ll grow or look well together.

Purple suits a jewel border where flowers are chosen for their fineness of form or brilliance of colour. Here we expect the thrill of clashing shades and appreciate tall spikes of purple-pink loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria ‘Robert’) bursting into bloom alongside a stand of Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’, with both happiest in moist soil. For drier spots, try the bright-purple flower spikes of Balkan clary, Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’, with the yellow and mahogany daisies of blanket flower (Gaillardia ‘Goblin’).

Jewel garden flowers should inspire close inspection and include summer-flowering

YOUR GARDEN

meadow rues like Thalictrum ‘Black Stockings’, whose lavender-purple blooms have a fluffy appearance, held in clusters atop dark stems. From a spring planting, the deep-purple flowers of Gladiolus ‘Black Velvet’ show well above tobacco plant Nicotiana alata ‘Lime Green’. Poppy Papaver somniferum ‘Dark Plum’ opens single blooms of plum-purple to add a sultry glimmer from wiry stems.

To bloom on into the autumn, plant New England Aster novae-angliae ‘Violetta’, a tall perennial for the back of a border.

Note how blue-purples add a cool, calm note in the garden, while red-purples add warmth. Some flowers hold a bit of both, so you’ll find lupins such as ‘Gallery Blue’ or ‘Purple Emperor’ with two-tone lightand dark-purple blooms. The spires of ‘Masterpiece’ are a handsome mix of purple and orange. The sweet pea ‘Matucana’, well-known for its rich, sweet scent, bears flowers of purple and magenta. Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ and other purple-leaved shrubs make rich contrasts amid greenery or against a lawn.

For an autumn display in containers, select a purple-leaved heuchera or small evergreen shrub like Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ or even Hebe ‘Golden Pixie’, and surround with winterflowering pansies in a variety of violet shades and creeping purple-leaved bugle (Ajuga reptans ‘Atropurpurea’). In colder gardens, the pittosporum and hebe will benefit from some winter protection.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

85

YOUR GARDEN

GET THE LOOK

Citrus trees are fun but do need specific growing conditions. Whether you have a potted lemon, lime or orange enjoying fresh air and sunshine outside, now’s the time to bring them in for winter. Most citrus can withstand cold temperatures almost down to freezing, but will flower and fruit best when kept from 7-15°C in winter. These plants like cool, bright conditions in a porch or conservatory and don’t thrive well in dry, centrally heated rooms. Our Tahiti lime is in my office outbuilding, with windows facing north and east. Water with rainwater when possible and use a liquid fertiliser or winter citrus feed. These are hungry plants and their leaves will turn yellow if not fed year-round. Wipe away scale insects if necessary, then sit back and enjoy fragrant blossom and home-grown fruits.

CREDIT STYLE CREDIT STYLE

THE INDOOR GARDEN

PHOTOS GAPPHOTOS, ISTOCK, ALAMY, GARDENWORLD IMAGES

A

mong the many plants with sumptuous purple flowers, Penstemon ‘Raven’ stands out. Known as beard tongues, penstemons have a long flowering period from July to October.

Most are hardy in all but the coldest gardens, as long as old stems are left in place until spring. It is a good plan to strike a few summer cuttings just in case. Flowering now, the potato vine – Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’ – is a sun-loving scrambling climber whose purple flowers are centred with yellow. For a pot, Buddleja ‘Little Purple’ from the Butterfly Candy series bears tapering panicles and remains under 1m.

YOUR GARDEN

SEPTEMBER CLIPPINGS PLANT SPRING-FLOWERING BULBS such as hyacinth, daffodils,

chionodoxa and Dutch iris promptly so they can put down good root systems before winter. Leave tulips until November.

ADD BULBS TO LAWNS. Purple-

PLANT NEW CLEMATIS but if soil is still dry, soak the planting hole first and water them in well afterwards. Set the roots a little deeper than they were in the pot.

flowered Crocus tommasinianus is a classic and multiplies happily as long as the leaves are allowed to die back naturally before the patch of grass is cut.

CHECK THE MESH COVERS For longer grass, taller camassias with blue or white flowers are perfect and will PROTECTING BRASSICA PLANTS from egg-laying cabbage white tolerate damp clay soils. butterflies. There is often a late hatching GIVE A LAST GENERALof caterpillars that will make PURPOSE FERTILISER to bedding a mess of your cauliflower plants and dahlias still going strong. In a and purple-sprouting good autumn, they will flower until the broccoli plants. first frosts. Don’t feed trees and shrubs REMEMBER NOT or they might put on sappy new growth vulnerable to winter frost damage. They TO TIDY UP TOO VIGOROUSLY are best fed in spring.

AND DISTURB WILDLIFE.

Leave some areas untouched, add to log piles and if cutting meadow grass, leave some of it long for cutting next year. Let seed heads stay in place and add fruiting plants such as holly and rowan (Sorbus ‘Hilling’s Spire’ is good for small plots) as food for birds.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

87

FREE GIFT WORTH £22.69*

AMAZING ALLIUMS Undemanding and easy to grow, these beautiful flowers will bring an explosion of colour to your outside space From late spring, this Allium Bulb Bumper Pack will provide swathes of colour from a selection of classic bulbs.

Easy to grow and adaptable, these varieties are suitable for pots, borders, rockeries and naturalising in grass, and many can be used as cut flowers. The collection comprises Allium ‘Purple Sensation’, Allium moly, FREE* 100 Allium roseum, Allium ALLIUM BULB COLLECTION sphaerocephalon – and all * you pay is the postage.

Pay £5.95 postage

88

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

READER OFFER

WHY NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS?

CROCUS ‘BOTANICAL MIXED’ Perfect for containers and borders, these colourful blooms will sparkle like jewels each spring.

NARCISSUS ‘JETFIRE’

This dwarf daffodil has bold yellow petals and bright orange trumpets – perfect for rockeries and containers.

HOW TO ORDER ONLINE: thompson-morgan.com/TM_CM13 COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM BELOW Ts&Cs: FREE* Allium Bulb Bumper Pack despatched from September 2023 onwards.

Other items will be acknowledged by post or email advising dispatch and sent separately.

Delivery to UK addresses only. Please note that your contract for supply of goods is with Thompson & Morgan, Poplar Lane, Ipswich IP8 3BU. All offers are subject to availability.

Only one pack per reader. Offer closes 30 September 2023. Images are for illustration purposes only. Regretfully, we are unable to ship live plants to the following areas: HS, IV41-IV49, IV51, IV55-56, KW15-KW17, PA34, PA41-48, PA60-PA78, PA80, PH40-PH44, TR21-TR25, ZE1-ZE3. We are also unable to ship seeds or plants to EU countries and Northern Ireland.

FREE* 100 ALLIUM BULB COLLECTION OFFER Send order and payment to: FREE* 100 Allium Bulb Collection Offer, Dept TM_CM13, PO Box 162, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3BX OFFER AMOUNT PRICE KC1068 Crocus ‘Botanical Mixed’ £9.99 50 Bulbs £11.99 KF5263 Crocus ‘Botanical Mixed’ £16.99 100 Bulbs £23.98 Narcissus ‘Jetfire’ £9.99 45648 25 Bulbs £16.99 KA8404 Narcissus ‘Jetfire’ 50 Bulbs £19.98 KB6738 Hyacinth ‘Midnight £12.99 Mystic’ 8 Bulbs £14.99 KB6222 Hyacinth ‘Midnight £19.99 Mystic’ 16 Bulbs £29.98 KF5716FFP FREE* 100 Allium Bulb FREE* 1 Collection, worth £22.69 CODE

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HYACINTH ‘MIDNIGHT MYSTIC’

Rare and highly sought-after, this original black hyacinth looks spectacular in pots, beds and borders.

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CANDIS.CO.UK | NOVEMBER 2022

89

OLD FRIENDS Just as with humans, pets’ health can decline with age. Pet charity Blue Cross reveals the signs that may need the help of your vet

Middle age for most cats and dogs is now generally considered to be when they are older than seven. As with some people, our pets can slow down with age.

You may notice changes in your pet – they want to go out less, sleep more or put on weight.

Some pets may become friendlier and want to spend more time with their owners, while others may become grumpier and more aloof. Your pet may also become more anxious because they might not see or hear as well as they used to and are slower at getting away from danger.

Changes in personality can, however, sometimes be 90

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

a sign that your pet is in pain or ill, so if you’re concerned then contact your vet.

Improvements in medicine mean there are medications and diets available to help reduce some of the effects of old age. Age is not a reason to accept ill health, and even older pets can lead happy, active lives.

Many vets are now starting to provide ‘senior care’ programmes, and these are worth considering. Picking up changes in your pet quickly allows earlier treatment and may considerably improve your pet’s quality of life. Don’t forget that older pets need regular boosters for vaccinations, plus flea and worming treatments too.

PET CLINIC

SIGNS OF AGEING As the body slows down, it uses less energy, so there can be a tendency to gain weight as fat deposits increase.

Teeth and gum problems are more common in older pets. If you notice any difficulty or pain when eating, excess drooling, or a bad smell from your pet’s mouth, contact your vet.

The skin becomes less elastic and the coat loses its shine and white hairs might appear.

Hearing and sight may deteriorate.

FEEDING THE OLDER PET It is better to feed your pet one of the many senior diets, as they are lower in calories and reduce the likelihood of weight gain.

Specially formulated diets are available to help manage medical conditions associated with ageing, but these should be used under vet advice, and all dietary changes should be made gradually.

Antioxidants and supplementation with polyunsaturated oils, as provided by some of the senior diets, have no proven benefit, but can help some pets – your vet can discuss if they are a suitable option for your pet.

Sleep patterns often change, with pets becoming restless or vocal at night or sleeping more.

The muscles and bones become weaker and the immune system may not work as well, so your pet becomes less able to fight off infections.

In older cats, conditions that cause them to lose weight are common, such as kidney and thyroid disease, so any weight loss should be checked by a vet.

As your cat ages, it’s kind to provide an indoor litter tray because they may feel vulnerable outside as their hearing and sight deteriorates.

If your cat is looking unkempt or developing matted fur, there may be dental disease or joint problems that are affecting their ability to groom.

Reduced activity in older animals can result in claws overgrowing, so consider getting them clipped.

TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VET IF THEY Are eating less Are drinking more than normal Have smelly breath Have lost weight Are showing stiffness, a limp or difficulty in jumping on to things Have any lumps or bumps, especially if they are rapidly getting bigger Are getting tired when out for a walk Have a cough Have trouble passing urine or faeces Have become dull, disorientated or are having trouble with balance Have discharges from the vagina

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

91

PET CLINIC

AGE-OLD PROBLEMS MY PET SEEMS CONFUSED, WAKES ME IN THE NIGHT PACING OR CANNOT FIND ME IN THE PARK. Pets experience brain changes like those in people with Alzheimer’s, with similar effects on their behaviour, so you should consult a vet with any concerns. Similar drugs to those used in Alzheimer’s have been used in pets – and for some, they work well. Some medical disorders can also produce these symptoms, so the vet needs to examine your pet to decide whether additional tests are needed.

Certainly joint function deteriorates with age, and arthritis is common.

Weight control is vital and an exercise plan may help symptoms.

Keep the amount of daily exercise constant, as unusually strenuous activity may make your dog sore the next day.

Exercise your dog little and often. Allow them to go at their own pace. Do not take your dog out on days when they are stiff.

Provide a soft bed and maybe put a ramp over your steps. Massage, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy may help.

Modern medical treatments help reduce pain to improve your dog’s quality of life and activity, which can help with weight control.

Never give your dog any human medicines.

MY CAT IS DRINKING LOADS. An increased thirst in a pet that lasts longer than a day or two should be investigated. There can be many causes, such as kidney disease, thyroid disease or liver disease. Your cat could even be diabetic. Even if your cat has kidney disease, there are still things that can be done to slow down the progress of the disease and make your pet more comfortable.

For more expert pet advice or to make a donation to the national pet charity, visit bluecross.org.uk 92

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

PHOTOS ISTOCK

MY DOG IS A BIT STIFF IN THE MORNINGS.

UK TRAVEL

ON THE TRAIL OF DINOSAURS Venturing a little way beyond Dorset’s well-trodden paths pays dividends when it comes to finding the perfect UK coastal getaway, says Tristan Parker

Dorset’s rural splendour has led to it becoming a serious holiday hotspot over the years. One region that gets a

of the area’s 185 million years of history, and have become a key component of Dorset’s visual identity. little less attention, however, is West It’s no surprise, then, that the coast plays Dorset. This is an area sometimes a leading role in so many Dorset holidays. overlooked by visitors keen to explore The beaches are, of course, stunning and the headline sites – Durdle Door, varied, but the coast here holds far more Sandbanks, Corfe Castle. than just tropical-like sands and azure As a result, West Dorset feels more waters (though there’s plenty of both if peaceful compared to some regions. But it that’s your thing). Superb hiking trails, also houses showstopping sights of its award-winning pubs and restaurants, own, most sitting on or nearby the area’s historical museums, monuments and generous allocation of the Jurassic Coast’s captivating coastal towns are within easy 95 miles. As England’s first natural World reach. And that’s before you head inland.

Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast is an It all makes Dorset a difficult place to invaluable part of Britain. Its undulating leave. So, focus on making the most of terrain, soaring cliffs and fossil-strewn your time there with our guide to the very rockfaces reveal tantalising reminders best bits of West Dorset.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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UK TRAVEL

MUST-DOS

CHESIL BEACH

This 18-mile-long stretch of pebbles and shingle may not have the golden-hued glamour of other beaches in the region, but its ruggedness and seemingly endless arc give it a unique charm. Its mystique hasn’t gone unnoticed by literary heavyweights, either. Thomas Hardy rather grimly referred to it as ‘Deadman’s Bay’ and Ian McEwan made it infamous in his powerful novel, On Chesil Beach. It makes for an enriching walk, particularly when the south-eastern section peels away from the mainland, out to Portland, below Weymouth.

THE ANCHOR INN

ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDEN

If you’re visiting Chesil Beach, it’s worth detouring to this resplendent 18th-century garden. Found roughly around the halfway point of the beach and set in a valley a short way off the coast, the garden displays plants and flowers from all around the world. Banana plants, eucalyptus and palm trees nestle happily together, enjoying the microclimate, as do groves of beautiful camellias and magnolias, both of which have brought the garden considerable acclaim. If that isn’t enough to keep you busy, there’s a ‘Burmese rope bridge’ to clamber over and a lily pond to relax by if you fancy a change from coastal scenery.

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There are pubs with views and then there’s The Anchor Inn in the coastal hamlet of Seatown.

The views in every direction are special, even more so from the raised beer garden, which lets patrons fully admire the deep blue expanse below. But Visit England’s Tourism Pub of the Year in 2017 was also given for the fantastic food, the joyous selection of local ales and ciders and the spot-on service.

There’s a no-booking policy owing to the pub’s popularity, but it’s usually possible to pick up a table fairly quickly.

GOLDEN CAP

As the highest point on the south-west coast, this mighty hill holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors, offering views that are just as stunning as you’d expect. There are numerous walking routes to get you there, each with its own vistas of the Dorset countryside and/or coastline, depending on whether you’re starting inland or picking up part of the Jurassic Coast. Once at the top, get a selfie next to – or standing on top of – the reassuringly weathered concrete pillar (known as a ‘trig pillar’, or triangulation point, in hiking circles) and soak up the genuinely magnificent views spilling out across the south coast. Dartmoor is visible on a clear day.

UK TRAVEL

FACTFILE

LYME REGIS

This small seaside town is one of West Dorset’s most popular spots, not just for fossil hunters, but also for its quirky shops and upmarket restaurants. Trace the harbour wall, known as the Cobb (where a black-cloaked Meryl Streep gazed out to sea in The French Lieutenant’s Woman), before grabbing craft refreshment at Lyme Regis Brewery. Then have afternoon tea at the Alexandra Hotel.

CHARMOUTH

Charmouth’s appeal lies in its unspoilt, peaceful atmosphere, as well as its marvellous beach. It’s another hub for fossil hunters, and the free-to-enter Heritage Coast Centre further explores the area’s fossil heritage, showcasing several brilliantly preserved dinosaur skeletons. It also boasts a much-loved bakery and two excellent pubs in The Royal Oak and The George.

BRIDPORT

In this fashionable and buzzy market town, you’ll encounter kooky bookshops, alfresco antiques markets, record shops selling choice vinyl, and numerous cafes utilising the area’s local produce.

Make sure to factor in a visit to West Bay, where TV drama Broadchurch was filmed, and its two beaches – quieter West Beach and livelier East Beach.

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Where to stay: Cosy B&Bs and traditional hotels aren’t hard to track down in West Dorset’s seaside towns. If you’re on a budget (and even if you’re not), it’s worth considering camping, as sites are plentiful and well-equipped.

Getting around: A car is recommended, as smaller villages and more remote coastal spots may not have extensive bus services.

Having said that, it’s easy to pick one well-connected or well-stocked location (Bridport is a good bet) to base your trip around.

For more information go to visitdorset.com

PHOTOS, ISTOCK, ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK

TOP TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Climate: Dorset generally has something approaching a maritime climate, essentially meaning that – in theory – winters are a little milder than the rest of the UK and summers a little cooler.

In practice, however, Dorset often enjoys warmer weather than most areas of Britain and definitely sees its fair share of gloriously sunny days during summer.

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FICTION

The shopping list At her local store, Marnie stumbles upon a missing ingredient in her recipe for happiness, in this short story by Fiona Lucas

W

hy didn’t supermarkets do bags of spinach just for one person? Marnie knew this was a small, local branch, but surely that meant their customer base was people like her, people who dropped in on their way home from work or nipped out to pick up a few bits, rather than parents of large families doing a weekly shop. So, why were the bags of spinach large enough to feed a small village for a week?

Huffing, she picked one up anyway. She was making her absolute favourite dish this evening, one her ex-husband had always turned his nose up at. She had only five items on her list, and spinach was the first, so into the basket it went, even though Marnie knew most of it would end up as putrid, dark-green mush at the bottom of her salad drawer by the end of the week.

It was exactly a year ago today that she’d found the messages on her ex’s phone – picture messages hidden under the name Dave. But Marnie didn’t know

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many Daves with plumped-up lips, hair extensions and a pair of 34FFs. Her ex hadn’t even tried to deny it when she’d confronted him. Instead, he’d looked relieved. That night, he’d packed a bag and left to shack up with ‘Dave’, whose real name turned out to be one that had been popular at least a decade after Marnie had been born.

She was just perusing the citrus fruit – wondering if she should get a couple of lemons, just in case – when she noticed someone else standing just where she’d been, frowning at the giant bags of spinach. See? It wasn’t just her! This guy looked like… Well, he looked quite nice, actually. Mid-forties, so maybe a couple of years older than her, with greying temples and a nice strong nose.

Marnie... Just because you’ve made it out of the flat tonight in more than your tracksuit and slippers doesn’t mean you’re ready to be looking at other men.

Well, not other men, since there was no longer a man in her life to be other to,

FICTION

but men in general. New men. Which meant they were scary men. Even if they had nice long legs and a kind look around their eyes.

She turned away quickly, but not before she heard him make an identical sound to the one she’d made as he dumped a bag of spinach into his basket. Smiling to herself, she scurried off to the next aisle.

This evening was supposed to be a fresh start, a time to concentrate on herself.

She needed to keep that in mind and not get distracted.

For too long she’d gone without carbs, had counted calories and worked out ruthlessly, all with some vague idea that having a ‘revenge body’, as her best friend put it, would make her feel better. She still didn’t have a revenge body, just squishy bits in different places from where they were before, and she was fed up with feeling hungry all the time.

So, when she’d scrolled social media this morning and realised one of the ex-friends she hadn’t unfollowed yet had commented on one of Dave’s posts celebrating one year of living with the man of her dreams, she had an epiphany.

She couldn’t – shouldn’t – let her health and physical appearance be based on the goal of making her scummy ex regret his decision, even though she wouldn’t take

him back in a million years. She’d blocked the ex-friend and decided it was time to do something for herself, because she wanted to. To nurture herself.

And she was starting with her favourite chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and orzo. She didn’t care if it had carbs and fat. It was heaven on a plate.

Thinking of which… She took a sharp right into the dairy aisle and headed for the shelves containing double cream, the second item on her list.

She was just dithering about whether she should get a small or a medium pot, when she noticed someone standing beside her. “Sorry,” a warm voice said, and Marnie turned and found herself staring into a pair of rich brown eyes.

It was him. Spinach guy.

She jumped back so quickly she knocked his basket and almost sent the contents of her own flying, too. “Sorry,” she blurted out, and then turned and darted away. Once she was out of his eyeline, her shoulders sagged. Nicely done, Marn. While you aren’t interested in finding another man at the moment, it doesn’t mean you have to act like a total melon in front of

“She noticed someone else standing just where she’d been, frowning at the giant bags of spinach. See? It wasn’t just her!”

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

99

FICTION

one. But there was nothing she could do about that now. She’d just have to find a little dignity and carry on shopping as if nothing had happened.

However, it seemed the supermarket gods had decided to have a bit of fun with her, because when she headed down the meat and poultry aisle, there he was, picking up a plastic packet of chicken thighs. He gave a brief nod, along with a half-smile that said, “We have to stop meeting like this.” And she gave him a lopsided smile back, not knowing what else to do.

And then again, when she was scouring the shelves of pasta, he appeared right behind her. When they both reached for the orzo at the same time, she froze.

He pulled his hand back and let her go first. “What can I say? We both seem to have excellent taste.”

That’s when she looked down at his basket. There were some shallots and heads of garlic in there – things she already had at home – and a block of Parmesan. Exactly the ingredients she needed to make her dish. It was like…

He wasn’t stalking her, was he?

“You must have seen Saturday Kitchen too,” he said. “I couldn’t resist the look of that Italian dish they did.”

She was about to say she’d been cooking this dish for more than a

decade, but then she remembered having the TV on the previous weekend while she’d been doing the ironing, how she’d seen someone cooking something quite similar. And the memory of that dish, of how happy she’d been every time she made it, had been nudging her all week until she’d finally given in.

It also made her realise he had a very good reason for appearing in the same aisles as her. Nothing scary or stalkerish about it at all. “Yes…” she replied, daring to look at his face. “Can’t go wrong with chicken, garlic and cream, can you?”

He smiled at her. “Not in my book.”

There was a moment when neither of them moved, but it wasn’t awkward, like they were trying to work out what to do or what to say. It was just warm. Easy.

And then the corners of his eyes crinkled further, and he backed away and went in search of the rest of his shopping.

And Marnie… you really should return to yours.

Spinach. Cream. Chicken. Orzo. Only one more thing to get.

But as she walked up and down the aisle, mentally checking there wasn’t anything else she needed, she couldn’t help wondering where he’d gone. They must have got out of sync somehow.

By the time she got to the condiments, pickles and preserves, she decided that if

“The memory of that dish, of how happy she’d been every time she made it, had been nudging her all week” 100 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

FICTION

he picked up a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, she’d have to pay attention to the message fate was sending her. She was going to speak to him. Maybe even ask him if he’d like to get a coffee sometime.

Her heart was thudding by the time she was scanning the jars of olives and roasted peppers. There. Sun-dried tomatoes. She held her breath, picked the jar up, then looked around.

Sure enough, he appeared at the bottom of the aisle, but when he saw her standing there, he faltered, then he strode away towards the biscuits and breakfast cereals.

Marnie exhaled shakily. Oh, well. She really shouldn’t let her imagination run away with her like that.

Her basket felt extra-heavy as she made her way to the bank of self-scan tills at the front of the shop. She looked down at the gathered ingredients. Had this been a stupid idea? It was just a pasta dish, after all, not some magical talisman that would grant her a future of love, health and happiness. Maybe she should put it all back. Get herself a salad and some lean chicken instead?

She started walking back towards the fresh produce section, trying desperately not to scan the shop for a long-legged figure with a similarly laden basket.

When she got back to the salad display, she pulled the bag of spinach out of her basket, but instead of placing it on the display shelf with the rest, she just stared at it.

No. She was not putting it back. That felt too much like defeat.

So what if spinach guy’s interest had just been a figment of her imagination?

The important thing was that she’d been interested – for the first time since her marriage had ended. She’d seen a nicelooking guy and she’d got butterflies in her stomach. That was a milestone worth celebrating.

She headed back to the tills, smiling to herself. Her best friend had been nagging her to download a dating app for weeks now. Once she’d had a plate piled full delicious pasta, perhaps she would.

She swiped the items in her basket past the scanner and placed them carefully in her shopping bag, hardly hearing the little electronic beeps because she was too busy imagining herself getting ready for a night out, catching her reflection in the mirror and being pleased with what she saw. It didn’t even make her frown when her contactless card went on the fritz again and she had to stick it in the machine and punch in her number.

That is what healing feels like, she told herself. You’re ready. You’re finally ready.

She was halfway down the street back to her flat when she had the horrible feeling something was missing. Shopping bag… check.

She pulled the strap of the tote bag off of her shoulder, then rummaged inside with her free hand. Phone… check.

Card wallet… yes. But when she pulled it out to look at it, one slot was empty.

Oh, God… Her bank card!

She turned and sprinted back towards the shop, arriving in a breathless jumble CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 101

FICTION

102 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

“Where was her new-found confidence when she needed it? Maybe she wasn’t as ‘ready’ as she’d thought” He looked a little sheepish. “When I saw you pick that up, I decided to go and get something else. I didn’t want you to think I was… you know… being creepy.”

She smiled at him. She got that. And it showed a certain level of respect and sensitivity she appreciated. Which reminded her… She’d made herself a promise, hadn’t she? That if fate showed its hand, she’d take action.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “I told myself if you bought sun-dried tomatoes it was fate, that I’d… I don’t know… Talk to you, at the very least.”

One corner of his mouth twitched.

“Well, we have both got the same taste in dinner.”

She nodded, then swallowed. Yes, they had. And there was an obvious solution, but cooking for him, or having him cook for her, seemed too intimate when they’d only just met. She looked away briefly, but when she caught his eyes again, he added. “But maybe a coffee would be better for now? There’s a great cafe a few doors down.”

She smiled back, noticing those lovely crinkles next to his rich, brown eyes.

“I think that sounds perfect.”

ILLUSTRATIONS ISTOCK

of arms and legs as she skidded through the automatic doors and ran towards the tills.

Oh. Spinach guy.

Standing at the till she’d just left, a plastic card in his hand.

“I think that’s mine,” she said shakily.

“I found it in the machine,” he replied.

“I was just about to…” He looked up at the flashing red light above the till, indicating that he’d called for assistance.

Marnie’s insides warmed. He was that kind of man. Honest. Her instincts had been right.

A sales assistant appeared. “Can I help?”

He smiled at the girl and then back at Marnie, before handing her bank card back to her. “Actually, I think we’re good.

But thanks.”

The girl tutted then headed back to where she’d been stacking shelves nearby.

“I really appreciate…” Marnie began, as she watched him pick up the block of Parmesan and swipe it past the scanner.

Oh, Lord. Where was her new-found confidence when she needed it? Maybe she wasn’t as ‘ready’ as she’d thought.

She watched the items go into his bag, as if hypnotised. Spinach… Chicken…

Cream… Wait a minute! Her jaw slackened a little as he held a jar of sundried tomatoes up to the scanner and heard it beep.

She pulled out an identical jar out of her bag. “Snap.”

Candis Travel Offer

Christmas in Andalucia

6 days 1st person from

£1,449 2nd person from

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Seville, Granada & Cordoba, staying in Antequera

Andalucia

Antequera

Seville

Antequera Hills Buy One Get One Half Price* 4Hotel in Antequera Using code CANDISHALF

Discount offer ends 7th September 2023

Special buy one get one half price offer to all Candis readers 6 days, departing 22nd December 2023 Half Board & Included Excursions | Flying from 12 regional airports

Experience the magic of Christmas in Andalucia this festive season with Mistral Holidays!

During our stay, we’ll explore spectacular Seville, discover fascinating Granada and we've also included a visit to Cordoba. � Two glasses of local wine, beer or soft drinks and a 1/4 bottle of water with evening dinners and Christmas Day lunch

Your Festive Holiday Includes: � Excursion to Seville � Excursion to Granada

� Services of a Mistral Representative in resort

� Excursion to Cordoba � 5 nights accommodation at the 4 star Antequera Hills Hotel in Antequera

� Return flights to Malaga

� Twin/double bedroom with private bathroom

� One piece of hold luggage and one piece of hand luggage per person

� 11 meals: 5 buffet continental breakfasts, 5 evening dinners and Christmas Day lunch

� ATOL Protected

To book or for more information visit or visit

� Transfers between the airport and hotel

01352 756864

www.mistralholidays.co.uk

quoting

For our Christmas in Andalucia festive holiday we stay for five nights in the 4 star Antequera Hills in Antequera. The hotel is within walking distance of the town centre and has an outdoor swimming pool, its own gardens and terraces, a piano bar and restaurant.

There is also a souvenir shop and a hair salon and wellness centre (payable locally). Meals are taken in the hotel's restaurant and wine and mineral water are included with the evening dinners and Christmas Day lunch.

The bedrooms are spacious, comfortable and have satellite TV, telephone, safety deposit box and an en-suite bathroom.

CANDISHALF

Operated by Mistral Holidays. ABTA V0669 and ATOL Protected 6900. Subject to availability and full T&C’s apply. Single room supplements apply and flight supplements apply from some airports and dates. Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin/double room.*Discount offer applies to new air holiday bookings only and applies to the base holiday price and excludes any supplements and upgrades. Offer expires 07/09/23. Discount codes can not be used in conjunction with any other discount codes, promotions or offers and can only be used with the holidays shown above. Prices shown are inclusive of current discounts and are subject to flight and accommodation availability. Prices are correct at 13/07/23 and are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed upon enquiry, see our website for latest pricing. Please note that on certain peak dates or with high demand, we may use an alternative hotel of the same standard. For full terms and conditions please see our website.

COMPETITION

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Fill out the form on page 135, call our hotline on 0844 545 7821* or enter on our website at candis.co.uk/win/competitions. Closing date is 30 September 2023.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 105

FABULOUS GIFTS

GORGEOUS GIVEAWAYS We’ve a fabulous selection of prizes up for grabs this month…

OFFER 1 FOR BARBIE FANS OFFER 2 GIDDY-UP HORSEY! The cute and cuddly Biscuit & Skip Rocking Horse mixes traditional and timeless charm with a modern twist. Set on a sturdy wooden base, Biscuit likes to let his feet go clippity clop! We’ve a Biscuit & Skip Rocking Horse for ages 12 months+ to give away worth £164.95. (littlebirdtoldme.com).

This handsome rocking horse has a scrunchy tail and mane in soft velour.

Prepare to be captivated by an original feature-length documentary that follows the remarkable life and legacy of King Charles III – Britain’s 40th monarch. Courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films, this definitive documentary of Charles’s life from prince to king, directed and written by Robin Bextor, features brand-new interviews from experts and chronicles his remarkable ascent, culminating in the coronation in May. We’ve five His Majesty King Charles III DVDs to give away, worth £9.99 each (Amazon, HMV).

This compelling documentary takes a retrospective look at the life of Charles Philip Arthur George, who, at 74 years old, was the longest-serving heir apparent to accede to the throne.

106 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

COMPILED BY SALLY EVANS.

OFFER 3 ALL HAIL THE KING

CALLS TO 084 NUMBERS COST 5P A MINUTE PLUS YOUR PHONE COMPANY’S ACCESS CHARGE.

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Suitable for ages 3+. Enter today for your change to win!

FABULOUS GIFTS

OFFER 5 SOAPY FUN

OFFER 4 BACK TO SCHOOL It’s almost time for the children to go back to school!

We’ve teamed up with STABILO to give away three back-toschool prize bundles, worth over £50 each. Ideal for children perfecting their handwriting skills, the bundle includes STABILO’s fantastic EASYoriginal pen and EASYgraph pencils. Winners will be able to choose their preferred set, left- or right-handed. Alongside this, STABILO has included an amazing collection of colouring pencils and highlighters to help kids unleash their creativity! Enter today for your chance to win!

OFFER 6 SCOOTING ADVENTURES! The bestselling two-wheeled Neochrome Micro Scooter (for ages eight to adult) is now available in a stunning rainbow-inspired design and we’ve one to give away, worth £179.99 (micro-scooters.co.uk).

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Break off a piece and run under warm water, lather up in your hands and enjoy the smells and colourful bubbles from your custom-made soap.

Enter today!

Enter online at candis.co.uk/giveaways, call 0844 545 7825 or fill out the form on page 135. Closing date 30 September 2023.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 107

BEAUTIFUL

BLOOMS

PERFECT FOR ALL OCCASIONS Surprise someone special with a beautiful bouquet and save 15% at bunches.co.uk – simply quote CAND15

YOU’LL ALSO GET...

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CHOOSE from a range of flowers, plants, greetings cards, hampers and gifts

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FOR MORE DETAILS candis.co.uk/flowers OR CALL 01623 750 343

Promo code is not applicable on subscription gifts or hampers. Only one promotional code per order. Discount excludes delivery. Bouquet pictured: Rainbow Galaxy, subject to availability.

SAVE WITH

TAKE A BREAK SIX CHANCES TO WIN PRIZES!

Make the most of the late summer sunshine and relax with our packed puzzle pages.

If you get stuck, turn to page 134, or enter your prize answers on page 135

WORDSEARCH Y

FIND ALL THE LISTED WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARENTS’ EVENINGS AND REPORTS IN THE GRID. Words may be listed vertically, horizontally, backwards or on the diagonal, but must always be in a straight, unbroken line.

F

B

J

D

I

S

C U

G A E

I

N

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A H

L O H G

I

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ASSESSMENT

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DISCUSS

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TEACHER

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 109

PRIZE PUZZLES

WIN £50

SPOT THE MATCHING PAIR JUST TWO OF THESE PICTURES ARE EXACTLY THE SAME, BUT CAN YOU FIND WHICH ONES THEY ARE? Once you’re sure of your choice, fill in the corresponding letters on the form on page 135 and you could be in with a chance of winning £50.

110 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

A

B

C

D

E

F

PRIZE PUZZLES

PATHFINDER

L

BEGINNING WITH THE HIGHLIGHTED LETTER, FOLLOW A CONTINUOUS PATH TO FIND ALL BUT ONE OF THESE WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH SCHOOL SUBJECTS. The trail passes through each and every letter once and may twist up, down or sideways, but never diagonally.

Which word from the list does not appear in the trail?

WIN £50

Enter it on page 135 for a chance to win £50.

A N

C

E G M E

C N E

S

S

U A N F O

E

M T

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LANGUAGE LITERATURE MATHS MUSIC

4 4 1 8 3 9 5 6 9 7

7 1 5 4 2 6 1 3 5 2 1

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8 6

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ENGLISH FRENCH GERMAN HISTORY

BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY COMPUTING DRAMA

G U A G E

6 4

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SCIENCE SOCIOLOGY SPANISH

SUDOKU PLACE THE DIGITS 1 TO 9 INCLUSIVE INTO THE BOXES, SO THAT EVERY HORIZONTAL ROW, EVERY VERTICAL COLUMN AND EACH SET OF NINE SMALLER SQUARES CONTAINS A DIFFERENT NUMBER.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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PRIZE PUZZLES

ARROW WORD Large Skilled Despised, bunch of and loathed flowers talented

Give up, forsake

Colour lightly

Indonesian holiday isle

Fine net

Take the wheel

Wheel marks

Really want

Political territory such as Dubai Pretty, appealing

Weight of 2240 pounds World’s tallest bird

Sudden rush of wind

Mexico’s neighbour (inits)

Closed up

Free (of)

_ Deighton, English thriller writer

Nonpartisan Small simple earring

Over the top Main division of geological time

Lion’s lair

PICTURE THIS AS PUPILS AND STUDENTS START A NEW YEAR OF STUDYING, CAN YOU NAME THESE ITEMS OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT?

Brainteaser

Listings magazine Radio Times celebrates its 100th anniversary this month.

It initially carried details of just radio stations, but in what year did it become the world’s first television listings magazine?

112

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

PRIZE PUZZLES

V S

U

I S

E R

E P

Anagram crossword THE ANSWERS ARE ANAGRAMS OF THE CLUES… 1

2

3

4

5

WORDWHEEL USING ONLY THE LETTERS IN THE WORDWHEEL, FIND AS MANY WORDS AS POSSIBLE – NONE OF WHICH MAY BE PLURALS, FOREIGN WORDS OR PROPER NOUNS. Words must be three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and the letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one nine-letter word in the wheel. Enter it on page 135 for a chance to win £50.

6

WIN £50

Missing link FIT TEN WORDS INTO THE GRID SO EACH ONE CONNECTS UP WITH THE WORDS ON EITHER SIDE EG – WISHING – WELL – DONE. Read down the letters in the shaded squares to reveal a word associated with science.

7 8

9

ACROSS 1 SHRUB 4 REINED, 6 WARTS, 8 ANOINT, 9 FIBRE DOWN 2 RUDE, 3 LOST TIN, 5 CREATOR, 7 MODE

OTHER

HITCH

DAB

CREAM

SPEED SKIPPING

OFF LADDER

MOVIE

SIGN

RISING

SQUIB

DAY

SWITCH

PARADISE

PROPERTY

TUDOR

BUSH

CARBON

EDITOR

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

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PRIZE PUZZLES

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

WIN £75

1

2

3

7

4

5

6

8 9

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN £75, try to complete our cryptic crossword.

Once you’ve filled it in, arrange the highlighted letters from the grid to spell out a keyword. The clue this month is where to rear children, or plants?

(7). Now enter it on page 135.

10 11 13 14 16

17

15

18 19

20 21 22

ACROSS 3 Stratagem initially covered sign (6) 7 Wide or bizarre and eccentric person (6) 9 This roc bothered another bird (7) 10 Part of New York where Mahler composed (6)

11 Cleverly employ right synthetic substance (7)

13 Reportedly dispatch vehicle (6) 14 Cue on time (6) 16 More confused when series broadcast after first of May (7)

19 Depicts muddled stance (6) 20 Claims from supporter in jumble sale (7) 21 Told of direct channel (6) 22 Replace dry one over there (6)

114

12

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

DOWN 1 Do not forget second ring (6) 2 Hats for a pound one tries out (8) 4 Praise when former road tax cut short (5) 5 I’d take one instant to take up jargon (5) 6 Willingly receive (7) 8 Drive round and round at speed (5) 12 Old freeholders develop army, one with a happy ending (8)

13 Synopsis sounds seasonal (7) 14 Reporters’ force (5) 15 Rotten place to clear (6) 17 Reception room with nothing left out of bar (5)

18 One without small fireplace (5)

PRIZE PUZZLES

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8 9 10 11 14

15

12

16 17

19

13

18

20

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN £75 complete the crossword and arrange the highlighted letters from the grid to spell out a keyword. The clue this month is absence without leave (7).

Now enter it on page 135.

21

WIN £75

22 23

ACROSS DOWN 1 Thing that doesn’t follow 1 Graceful in appearance and the general rule (9)

7 Almost closed (4) 8 Resentful, begrudging (7) 9 Blinking face part! (6) 10 Post sent by plane (7) 11 Seek and gather food and

manner (7)

2 Clothe (5) 3 Calculated by amount used or done (3,4)

4 Reflexive pronoun (6) 5 Central cathedral section (4) supplies (6) 6 Receiving (6) 14 Large billed tropical bird 12 Previous (3-4) (6) 13 Maddened (7) 17 Person entitled to vote (7) 15 Impervious to light (6) 19 Quit (premises) (6) 16 Goad, provoke (6) 21 Controlling a car (7) 18 In bronze medal position (5) 22 Reddish brown colour (4) 23 Without fixed limits (4-5) 20 Range between soprano and tenor (4)

Do you know?

Singer Bryan Ferry celebrates his 78th birthday this month.

He had several hits as part of Roxy Music, but only one song went to number one in the UK – can you name it?

PRIZE PUZZLES

CODEWORD WIN £50

10 8 8 19 10 5 19 5 7 19 267 7 26 19 7 10 810 5 19 75 26 77 19 8 19 26 7 19 21 24 24 24 24 24 24 6 3 15 6 7 15 17 7 21 17 6 15 76 17 21 24 24 24 3 15 7 17 21 24 24 24 21 15 16 24 6 20 5 15 16 21 15 16 24 6 20 5 15 16 21 15 16 24 616 20 15 21 15 24 56 20 16 5 15 16 9 11 11 15 14 14 9 5 8 245 2024 16 20 15 16 5 24 20 16 14 914 11 8 5 24 15 20 16 15 9 11 1 16 16 6 26 1 8 6 6 8 19 6 17 19 6 17 266 1 16 616 8 66 19 17 619 26 1 8 6 17 6 26 21 6 9 6 9 9 7 9 207 2320 23 21 6 9 96 23 6 9 7 20 23 21 21 6 FF 79 F20 F 12 18 26 18 22 2522 5 25 13 5 6 13 266 18 22 25 522 13 26 12 18 25 65 13 6 26 25 18 18 15 15 1 14 5 1 17 5 6 17 5 6 255 1 514 17 65 517 25 18 15 1 6 5 25 18 15

3 3

WORK OUT WHICH LETTER EACH NUMBER 8 8 REPRESENTS AND THEN TRANSFER THE CORRECT6 6 LETTERS INTO 12 THE PANEL 12 BELOW TO 14 SPELL OUT THE 14 PRIZE ANSWER. 16 1 1 2 2 7 7 17 15 5 17 19 5 17 19 17 1616 15 Enter it on page 116 21 72 15 17 515 19 17 7 17 5 19 17 V V 135 for a chance V V 11 6 5 13 6 18 17 7 16 1111 66 55 13 66 18 17 7 16 13 18 17 7 16 to win £50.

11 6 5 13 6 18 17 7 16 6 24 24 6

24 15 15 24

15 6 615

6 16 12 17 66 24 12 12 17 24 16 6 12

6 66 17 16 17

66 24 24

N N 16

N

N

6 17 4 16 17 2416 17 24 17 4 4 17 16 24 17 6 4 17 16 24 17 23 66 23

23 23

6

6

6

H LI JM KN LO AA BB CCADDBEE CFF DGG EHH FII JGJ KK Q R PS S QTT R U SV V TWUXX VYY W Z X Y Z O MLP PN Q ONR U A B C D E F G LH MI N J K M O P Q R W S T U VZ W X Y Z 11

22 1

1414

15 1716 18 17 19 18 20 19 20 21 23 22 24 23 2524 26 151514 16 24 2625 25 26 26 16 18 20 14 17 15 16 19 17 18 21 19 22 20 21 22 25 23 24

1717

25 1617 24 16 24 7 5 25 2517 17 17 17 16 25 24 17 7716 5524 17

VV

NN

13 33 2 44 3 55 4 66 5 77 6 88 7 9 10 9 11 11 10 12 12 11 13 12 97 8 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 13 11 12 13

V V

N N

Quizzical Actors Hugh Grant and Colin Firth celebrate their 63rd birthdays this month, just a day apart. They have starred together in all three of the Bridget Jones films but which other film have they appeared together in?

116

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SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

5

1

1

PRIZE PUZZLES

NUMBERFIT FIT ALL THE LISTED NUMBERS INTO THE GRID.

4

5

1

3 DIGITS

634

8526

41357

7 DIGITS

114

687

8632

70635

2156227

144

70867

2441652

74355

3201635

161

4 DIGITS

5 DIGITS

202

1134

13613

405

1400

33401

434

3742

35445

247346

8 DIGITS

451

4114

37174

365662

62724433

504

4484

38316

381417

564

8201

40001

566022

611

8232

41073

864166

4476842

6 DIGITS

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

117

PRIZE PUZZLES

BRICKWORK ne on purpose (10)

1

ANSWER EXCEPT THE eased, letEACH go (9)

2

FIRST USES ALL THE LETTERS

d in a shop (8) PREVIOUS ANSWER IN THE

3

– usually in a different order – ver for powering a machine by foot (7) plus or minus one letter.

4 5

rson in charge (6) 1 Done on purpose (10)

2 Released, let go spected aged member of (9) the community (5)

6

3 Sold in a shop (8)

tlered creature 4 Lever(4) for powering a machine by foot (7)

7 8

5 Person charge (6) e of the colours ofinthe rainbow (3)

6 Respected aged member of the

avel as a passenger (4)(5) community

9

7 Antlered creature (4) 10 8 One of the colours of the rainbow (3) 11 Travel creature as a passenger mmon fly9eating (6) (4) 10 Stuck your nose in (5) 12 air a meeting (7) 11 Common fly-eating creature (6) 13 12 Chair directions a meeting (7)(8) atter in different 13 Scatter in different directions (8) 14 nding machine (9) 14 Vending machine (9) 15 15 Extreme economic(10) downturn treme economic downturn (10)

uck your nose in (5)

WORDBUILDER USING THE NINE LETTERS PROVIDED CAN YOU

I

N

O

L

G

S

A

D

WHICH WORD USES ALL NINE LETTERS?

118

5 LETTERS

Clock faces Creature from outer space Fly without propulsion Nimble, sprightly Utopian

6 LETTERS

___ Radcliffe, Harry Potter actor Act of declaring something to be untrue

SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

Being retailed (2 words) Puts into position Tarnished

7 LETTERS

Armies, hordes Closing tightly Renting

8 LETTERS

American vehicle fuel Oblique (glance)

IMAGES ISTOCK, ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK

E

ANSWER THESE CLUES? Every answer must include the highlighted letter L. Which word uses all nine letters?

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120 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

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EACH NUMBER HERE WINS £25 IN HIGH STREET VOUCHERS 01023744 01036973 01051739 01054046 01072134 01082365 01091477 01101528 01104782 01133773 01144254 01152544 01163267 01186773 01194760 01195481 01213649 01215162 01245571 01294774 01303578 01314362 01343970 01344058 01344765 01365079 01365480 01375775 01414459 01425467 01486283 01536482 02051452 02062360

02081077 02085068 02095673 02121983 02131867 02177382 02203368 02205461 02212574 02213653 02235477 02253336 02293567 02303967 02344550 02394767 02495979 02497274 02607477 03083877 03096469 03122250 03133564 03182382 03205279 03232968 03266674 03355383 03485465 03517476 04061870 04082257 04091751 04102644

04104978 04113858 04124748 04133254 04152338 04184277 04204177 04206368 04216577 04226781 04255676 04306769 04324176 04375782 04384461 04386975 04454762 04505574 04515859 04616378 05061355 05084160 05084851 05093248 05124082 05133842 05155374 05163642 05164648 05183955 05184464 05195155 05213354 05244458

05294481 05305863 05313445 05396978 05466178 05474961 05475376 05495662 05535558 05607475 06081350 06091837 06116875 06233544 06235255 06367079 06426062 06436569 07102873 07125157 07141824 07144248 07153151 07203369 07285961 07515378 08091876 08101335 08161920 08166269 08205862 08254480 08255060 08264480

08486474 09102355 09117376 09124761 09132955 09133348 09134962 09172655 09183065 09215054 09253578 09283581 09565775 10122283 10144163 10154751 10154973 10164049 10193845 10253339 10353958 10415363 11193842 11257882 11334757 11335560 11505261 12173565 12192753 13204270 13222346 13236570 13286375 14175970 14203639 14222761 14284263 14315673

14387481 15232978 15245559 15547181 16264851 17182021 17192328 17304063 17354770 17394162 17426782 18224670 18225153 18254246 18267175 18303644 18304272 18345760 19214550 19232842 19315073 19343761 19344674 19357077 19497577 20236079 20415964 21276882 21437778 23242852 23256778 23293556 23404269 23457377 23596061 24295668 24315983 24404557

24646678 25276366 25304665 27416682 28335256 29306062 29466066 30346073 30394144 30395963 30607175 31366162 31366481 31414368 31495658 31535677 32395069 32636674 33406181 33445478 33476377 35465278 36385661 36435167 36474964 37424359 38437277 39505173 40434762 40445283 40485058 41436368 44556670 45616278 46486769 46535556 52576171 67727475

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

121

LOYAL MEMBERS CAN NOW

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HIDDEN GEMS

If you’ve been a Candis subscriber for more than 12 months you will be awarded an extra number for each additional year of your membership – up to five in total.

These will be your original numbers plus up to four more with the additional Hidden Gems letters added that indicate the length of your membership

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS...

In the first year of your membership you have your Candis Lucky Number, which is the same as your membership number In the second year of your membership your TOPAZ Hidden Gems number will be your membership number with the TP prefix In your third year your RUBY number will have the RB prefix In your fourth year your SAPPHIRE number will have the SP prefix In your fifth year your EMERALD number will have the EM prefix 122 MARCH 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

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EACH NUMBER HERE WINS £50 IN HIGH STREET VOUCHERS TP01202278 TP01424863 TP02051420 TP02053673 TP03163559 TP03326278 TP04134451 TP04262880 TP04335070 TP05083050 TP05273472 TP06406078 TP07136474 TP08166370 TP08245758 TP08364358 TP10163649 TP10164964 TP10284852 TP11505466 TP13466771 TP15162667 TP16234269 TP16293082 TP17253681 TP19313945 TP20262739 TP20617077

TP23364767 TP23406272 TP24424861 TP24487579 TP26356078 TP26397781 TP27546265 TP27587076 TP30384967 TP31566672 TP32355163 TP32525464 TP33386872 TP37405165 TP43548081 TP58616268 RB01377882 RB01445370 RB01466270 RB01576577 RB02031218 RB02085977 RB02506465 RB03092076 RB03355159 RB04101530 RB04174966 RB04344479

RB05132749 RB05202470 RB05204566 RB05283739 RB06146776 RB06233279 RB07143136 RB07143466 RB07195668 RB07425583 RB08597476 RB09143074 RB10416364 RB12192730 RB12313437 RB16526465 RB17547078 RB21272875 RB23252783 RB23444969 RB24537577 RB24737476 RB26273143 RB26317082 RB27285482 RB28323758 RB31323756 RB41425461

RB54607482 SP01102224 SP01184345 SP01284769 SP02164581 SP04192664 SP04223643 SP04255781 SP05143780 SP06587275 SP07182378 SP07384455 SP08213754 SP10142331 SP12506076 SP13405273 SP14174546 SP18222834 SP20293173 SP21313563 SP22657378 SP24616481 SP27395961 SP30347273 SP30646973 SP31364049 SP33394658 SP38436572 SP40475277 SP44536266 SP45535772 SP46535556 EM01043983

EM01091967 EM01215483 EM01333759 EM02344072 EM02416473 EM03426678 EM03486477 EM04153456 EM04153958 EM04163549 EM04163667 EM04315464 EM08346875 EM08566272 EM09193756 EM10235181 EM11203445 EM11446178 EM13303538 EM14525670 EM15163144 EM15304658 EM16485971 EM17235371 EM17364041 EM19356377 EM23297177 EM26497276 EM31485461 EM35567683 EM42465355 EM44717281 EM45465861

HOW TO CLAIM Matched your Lucky Number on pages 122 or 123, or Hidden Gems number on page 124 or this page? CALL THE CLAIM LINE ON 0800 814 5400

OR LOG ON TO CANDIS.CO.UK/WIN/MEMBERDRAWS before 30 September 2023. See page 134 for Ts&Cs.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 123

ALL ABOUT YOU!

Enjoy!

Chris Hayfield from Solihull is looking forward to a family gathering at his local pub in celebration of his 80th birthday on 24 September.

Have a great time.

50 and fabulous

Sonya Stewart from Newcastle upon Tyne will be holidaying in the sun with husband Dave for her special birthday on 15 September. Bon voyage!

Pedal power

In celebration of her 65th birthday on 4 September, Frances Billingham is taking part in a 200-mile charity bike ride in aid of Hope Centre, a homeless shelter that turns people’s lives around.

Taking her from the coast of France to the war graves at Ypres in Belgium, the ride culminates in a service at the Menin Gate, where Frances’s great uncle’s name is inscribed. The best of luck!

Happy birthday

Lesley Jones from Cheshire turns 75 on 10 September and is planning to celebrate with a lovely meal out with her family and friends.

124 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

Special times

Marcia Adey is 80 on 4 September and will be celebrating with family. She and her husband, Brian, also had their Diamond wedding anniversary in June. Quite a memorable year!

Celebrate

A joyous celebration with family and friends is arranged for Susan Rogers, from Bristol, who will be 70 on 7 September.

YOUR PAGES

Platinum wedding

Len and Audrey Smith from Burton-on-Trent will celebrate 70 years of marriage on 19 September.

Audrey told us that she and Len were thrilled to get a letter from the Queen ten years ago, and now they’re looking forward to a letter from the King!

Congratulations!

Hip hip hooray Janice Short from the Norfolk Broads will be 90 on 21 September. Janice is looking forward to seeing her friends, as well as her four daughters and their partners, her five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren!

IN GOOD COMPANY Happy birthday to these celebrities who share our readers’ birthday month

GLAM AT 80 Gloria Gaynor Singer, 7 September

Diamond wedding Jack French from Liverpool wanted to surprise his wife, Marie, a long-term subscriber, by letting us know that they will be celebrating 60 years of marriage on 7 September with all their family. Have a wonderful day!

SUAVE AT 75

Jeremy Irons Actor, 19 September

Family fun

A day at the Newbury Show is planned for Irene Pond’s 70th birthday on 16 September. She’s hoping to enjoy the show with her husband, their three children and their families, with a meal in the evening. Enjoy!

BUSY AT 70

Diane Abbott Politician, 27 September

YOUR PAGES

YOUR LETTERS The key to happiness?

I enjoy reading my Candis, and each issue is filled with interesting articles and useful advice. I also like to put pen to paper, and this is my latest offering, I hope that other readers agree: As we get older, real beauty travels from the face to the heart.

Appeal turns into charm, hurt to wisdom, and great moments become shared memories.

The real beauty of life is not how happy you are, but how happy others are because of you.

Tina C Vowles, Gloucestershire

Celebrity surprise Well, they say you learn something new every day! I enjoyed reading Wise Oldman, the celebrity interview in the July issue. I am an ardent Gary Oldman fan and an avid watcher of Eastenders, but until reading the interview, I never realised that he was the brother of Laila Morse who plays Big Mo in the soap. Now, looking at the photo of the two of them side by side, the resemblance is striking.

I wonder how many other celebrities have unknown siblings?

Please keep up the good work.

Katie Gooding, Tidworth

Comedy hero I wanted to write in to thank you for the wonderful article on Gyles Brandreth in the July edition of Candis (The Things That Made Me). I volunteer at Petersfield Museum in Hampshire, and he recently gave a hilarious talk about his jumpers. He was absolutely delightful and spent a long time chatting to visitors and signing books.

Anyone who saw him at the Edinburgh Fringe was in for a treat.

Thanks for such an interesting feature.

Paula Roberts, Southport

CELEBRITY

Wise Oldma n

Gary Oldman may have swap for a glittering ped his work ing-class backg acting caree r, but he still the ground round has his feet – thanks to firmly his mum, says Gabrielle Donn on elly

G

14

126 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

INTERVIEW

ary Oldman is an actor be swallo actor who is wed up in his famou that any sightin role for disappearing s g of his work. Wheth into Gary Oldman himselthe actor er he’s imposs f will be playing doome d ible to catch.

Which is Sid Vicious of punk rock star notable in that, the as Gary once and Nancy, Kenne 1984 biopic Sid confes sed Harvey Oswald dy assassin Lee like dressinto me, he really doesn’t in the drama g up very in 1991, über-s JFK “It’s a funny thing,” much at all. py George Smiley Tinker Tailor he mused. in “Because Soldier Spy in I do like 2011, Winston Church and to be honest to move freely, ill in Darkest Hour in 2017, happy with just , I’m probably or Harry Potter’ putting a comb godfather Sirius s through my hair Black in the and wearing Harry Potter a T-shirt, but films, two things somehow over will be certain Below the years, these roles have : whoever he Gary Oldman plays my (well, except just come way and found for in 2011’s me. It’s not will be comple Sirius Black) you wake up tely Tinker Tailor one day and say, like any other charac different from ‘Well, I really need Soldier Spy to play Dracu played, and so ter he has ever [Bram Stoker thoroughly will ’s Dracula, 1992]’ la the ‘I really need to play Mason or Verger [Hannibal Lecter disfigured victim’s gruesomely Hannibal].’ It’s in 2001’s just that these roles will come across your desk and you’re intrigu ed by them.

I’ve ended up doing all these So roles where I’ve got a false nose and a wig and everyt of a very elabor hing, and it’s sort ate Halloweentype dress-up thing like when you’re a kid. It’s also a questio hiding, and I n of think that’s maybe JULY 2023 | CANDIS .CO.UK

“I used to get an actor wasupset that my working drinking! I was getting in the way of as my get to that poigoing to die, and when you nt, you have to choose”

YOUR PAGES

READER RECOMMENDS Save time and money...

DE-CREASE

Clothes bought online can arrive very creased. Just spritz with a fine water spray and put in tumble dryer for a few minutes.

No ironing necessary!

Rosemary Woolard, Herts

FRESHEN UP

NO WASTE

Use up the last of your after-sun cream by applying it as body lotion. The scent will also remind you of your lovely holiday.

Kim Gravell, Powys

Remove odours and refresh rugs by sprinkling baking soda on to them, work in with a soft brush and then vacuum them clean.

Nicola Lloyd, Glasgow

SPREAD THE LOVE

IMAGES ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

I always keep little packs of butter for greasing baking tins and for scones when eating alfresco.

Anita Dale, Bristol

GET IN TOUCH

There’s £25 in HSV for any tips and letters featured. Want to see your birthday, anniversary or family celebration here?

We’ll do our best to include you, but please send in early to avoid disappointment. Email sally.evans@newhallpublishing.com

@candismagazine Candis, Newhall Publishing Ltd, New Hall Lane, Hoylake CH47 4BQ

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 127

YOUR PROBLEMS

A PROBLEM SHARED… ...is a problem halved. Our straight-talking agony aunt, Flic Everett, offers a different perspective and insightful advice to help alleviate your worries and ease any troubles

“CAN GOOD NEIGHBOURS BECOME GOOD FRIENDS?”

O

ur neighbours moved in about six months ago.

They’re a nice, retired couple around our own age (late 60s) and we have enjoyed quite a few

barbecues with them.

I like her very much, but my husband finds his counterpart a bit bombastic. Now, though, they have asked us to join them on a week’s

I imagine many readers will give a little shudder of sympathy at your plight. We have all made those friends, who are nice enough to spend a bit of time with, but don’t fully understand the boundaries. A shared holiday is a significant leap from casual drinks in the garden and, as you rightly point out, a huff or misunderstanding may well affect your happiness as neighbours. The neighbour relationship, when it works, is very special. Someone you trust living in close proximity who you can chat with, whose cat you’ll feed, and who will water your plants in return, is a beautiful thing. Becoming close 128 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

break in a shared cottage. I’m worried that if we agree and it goes wrong it will be awkward to continue as ‘friendly neighbours’. Should we make an excuse?

friends with neighbours, however, is fraught with difficulty – because if you decide you want to back off a bit, there’s nowhere to go.

If you would like to pursue this friendship, start with a night away rather than a week to see a show, say, and see how it goes. If you make an excuse they may ask again – so try, “We love hanging out with you, but for holidays, we tend to do our own thing. Can’t wait to hear about it, though.”

That’s why boundaries, both physical and social, are important – build fences not walls, but don’t knock them down entirely.

YOUR PROBLEMS

“MY TEEN GRANDDAUGHTER IS SUCH A WORRY”

I

have always been close to my granddaughter, but she recently turned 15 and is causing us all enormous worry.

She has a boyfriend who is 18, and I know she goes out drinking and who knows what else. She’s I do – hormones.

Ages 14 to 16 (ish) is when growing up truly kicks in. Your granddaughter may have worries and troubles at school, anxieties about her body and her future, sadness about family issues – and her way of dealing with that stressful stew of emotion is to pull away from adults and their well-meant advice, and turn to her friends, who can reinforce both her feelings and her behaviour. Teens of this age are all about embracing their peer group and often rejecting their parents in the process. It hurts but it’s not abnormal. She has to begin to make

disobedient and rude, and my (single mum) daughter is at her wit’s end. I haven’t said anything yet, as I don’t want to alienate her further, but should I? She was a lovely girl and I don’t know what’s happened to cause this change.

her own decisions and that means making mistakes. Her boyfriend, however, is over the age of consent and it would be illegal for them to have sex.

As her gran, you are in a unique position – an adult she cares about, who isn’t her mother, who can have a quiet word. Ask your daughter’s permission before you step in, but saying, “I love you very much and I want to be sure you’re safe and You can send your problems to Flic at the address given on page 127 or email flic@candis.co.uk Flic will endeavour to send a personal reply to every letter she receives.

happy – is anything feeling stressful at the moment?” is not contentious or inflammatory. Try not to be judgemental, don’t make it about you and your worries or how unfair it is on her mum – this conversation must be an opening she can take if she needs to, a supportive and loving place she can come to when necessary.

She may shut down – but knowing you’re available will be vital.

Teens are new, fragile, pre-adults, and they need to know they are loved, no matter what.

Be that love and security for her. She will come through and you’ll have her back, in every sense.

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 129

YOUR HOROSCOPE From health matters and work to money and relationships, our resident astrologer, Russell Grant, reveals what could be in store for your star sign over the coming month SIGN OF THE MONTH

VIRGO

24 AUG – 23 SEPT

You will be so active mentally and physically that there is no time to pause, let alone eat and sleep properly. Is it possible you have taken on so many responsibilities that you feel tired, irritable and overly anxious? It’s not easy to look after yourself when you are always on the move.

Think about scaling back your schedule towards the end of the year to accommodate your own needs.

New relationships will light up your life as 2024 begins.

This could be a business partnership, a friendship or a romance. Embrace the social opportunities. Accept that partnership arrangements will demand a commitment of time, attention and energy from you both. There will be many mutual benefits from these connections.

The spring will bring creative beginnings relating to your job, personal life and domestic matters. Put your imagination to work and focus on your craft, an artistic endeavour or business plans.

Consider the steps needed for something new.

130 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

LIBRA

24 SEPT – 23 OCT

Uncertainty or fear of everything going wrong will make you want to cancel a trip or other arrangements. You might feel out of your element or without a safety net when some changes seem too risky and make you nervous. Your life has taken you slightly off course and it may be necessary to return to places, people or surroundings that make you feel most comfortable. Close friendships and spending time with family can help you reconnect in a positive way.

YOUR STARS

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

You could find yourself struggling with changing circumstances as the month begins. Having to work alongside an erratic colleague will only add to your concerns. It will be hard not to take their outbursts personally. Eventually, the pressure will ease, but until it does, adaptability is important. Don’t get so swept up in emotion that you struggle to look at life in a rational way. Stay calm, breathe deeply and detach emotionally to view situations objectively.

Whether it is headaches or general discomfort, listen to your body and be proactive about your health. Nourishing your body with healthy food, fresh water and gentle movement will give you an attractive glow. Others will comment on how radiant you look.

Higher energy levels and positive selftalk will also inspire you to break a bad habit. Take a flexible approach to unexpected challenges. You are in charge of your own destiny.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Don’t wait for the whirlwind of life to stop before you find silence. Knowing you are making the right decisions can help bring a more tranquil frame of mind. Choose peace by turning inward for solace and centring. This can enable you to tune out external distractions and embrace a calmer state of being.

Working with your hands can still help your mind and calm emotions.

Woodwork, knitting, pottery and baking are all worth exploring.

You don’t have to do everything yourself – in fact, you can’t do it all. You would like to manage completely on your own, but sometimes you have to accept help.

A challenge you have taken on is causing you too much anxiety. Joining forces with a friend, neighbour or colleague would be the ideal solution. Working alongside a talented team will bring goals closer to completion. A message received as the month ends will give you clarity about which direction to take.

24 OCT – 22 NOV

22 DEC – 20 JAN

23 NOV – 21 DEC

21 JAN – 19 FEB

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023

131

YOUR STARS

PISCES

ARIES

20 FEB – 20 MAR

21 MAR – 20 APR

A vivid dream will inspire you to bring old commitments that are no longer meaningful to you to an end. The moment you close a door to the past, a new one will open up. You’re starting to see every day as a blank canvas and to have faith in your power to create the life you want. This ‘out with the old and in with the new’ mentality will enable you to make some big changes. Be proud of your accomplishments. Celebrate by giving yourself small rewards.

Having an attitude of gratitude will help to attract more of what you want from the long-term future. Be grateful for blessings you already enjoy. If someone goes out of their way to make life easier for you, be sure to thank them.

Look for a way to return the favour, whether it is cooking them a meal or doing something for them when they least expect it. As the month ends, there is an issue you will be determined to work at until it is finally laid to rest.

TAURUS

GEMINI

21 APR – 21 MAY

22 MAY – 21 JUNE

If you’re trying to keep fit and it feels like it’s all pain and no gain, you may need some form of exercise that suits you better. Ask a fitness expert to recommend a routine that could be more appropriate for you. If imbalance has become a way of life, you have got into the habit of discarding your own needs. You are giving too much to other people, work, social media and family. To reverse this pattern, start setting boundaries.

Carve out more time for yourself.

Separating your own needs from those of others around you will be critical for your self care. You can’t keep on giving to your family, your boss, your friends and workmates until your cup is empty. Insist on taking regular breaks, or better still, book some time away at a private hideaway where no one can reach you. Insomnia can be a problem when you find it hard to relax your mind. Luxuriate in a warm bath and read comforting books as a way to relax in the evenings.

132 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

CANCER

22 JUNE – 23 JULY

Pay attention to whatever emotions might surface as the month begins. You feel things very deeply and expressing your thoughts and feelings will prove therapeutic. It is time to release feelings that are toxic to you, whether this is anger, resentment, fear or frustration.

Your sensitivity is a gift that allows you to put yourself in other people’s shoes and sense when they might need you.

Your kindness and compassion will characterise everything you do.

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travelinsurance

ISTOCK

24 JULY – 23 AUG

You have mastered skills and gained a lot of knowledge over the years. People respect your practical and sensible approach. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to take a workshop, teach a class or lead a civic group or organisation.

You might think up a few effective business tactics that will save a lot of money and time. You are totally focused on your work, and when you pour so much energy into achieving your aims, success has got to be the outcome.

Quotezone.co.uk is a trading style of Seopa Ltd. Newhall Publications Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Quote system provided by Seopa Ltd. *Exclusive to Candis Club members only who purchase a new home, car or pet insurance policy. £10 Love2shop voucher and Candis Price Promise provided by Candis Club.

WINNING WAYS

WORDSEARCH Y G L E B T A Y I R T B I Y E

F A O L E S S E R G O R P D C

B E H A V I O U R E G U O U R

J I G H L E E S T O P E T T E

D N I A L V C E U I M T E S P

I L E S S O N N L C N D V E O

S A N N G R C D A E C N A I R

C H E E N P L L M D F E L O T

U I D D M M A S P I N T S N D

S N A U F I S L E R E E E S L

S A T O O E S R O A O R T A R

I T R T S R H A C O A B N T G

I M F S O I P H N P H R L T A

G Y A I T C E J B U S C R E N

N D I A R R N O A L A H S Y M

NUMBERFIT

BRICKWORK

3 7 6 2 7 2 4 4 3 3 8 2 0 1 1 0 1 2 3 8 6 4 1 6 6 1 4 0 0 1 3 6 1 3 3 3 4 0 1 6 8 7 4 1 3 5 7 5 6 4 1 8 4 1 3 4 4 7 6 8 4 2 7 4 3 5 5 1 3 1 1 4 6 6 3 7 4 2 4 5 1 8 5 2 6 5 0 8 6 3 4 6 0 4 0 2 2 4 4 1 6 5 2 4 1 0 7 3 2 8 2 0 2 5 1 2 4 7 3 4 6 4

D E L I B E R A T E L I B E R A T E D R E T A I L E D T R E A D L E L E A D E R E L D E R D E E R R E D R I D E P R I E D S P I D E R P R E S I D E D I S P E R S E D I S P E N S E R D E P R E S S I O N

SUDOKU

ARROW WORD

2 5 6 7 1 8 3 4 9 9 7 3 2 6 4 5 1 8 4 1 8 3 9 5 7 2 6 8 6 5 1 4 2 9 3 7 3 4 2 6 7 9 8 5 1 7 9 1 8 5 3 2 6 4 5 8 9 4 2 6 1 7 3 1 3 4 5 8 7 6 9 2 6 2 7 9 3 1 4 8 5

D R T B M A B L E E M I R A T E O T O N N L S C U T E O S T R I C H Q S H U T U R G U S T N E U T R A L E E X C E S S I V E S T U D E R A D E N

ANAGRAM CROSSWORD B R U S H U T D E N I E R D L E S T R AW O C D N A T I O N O M B R I E F

MISSING LINK HALF, HAND, BUMP,

PICTURE THIS Protractor, Bunsen

ROPE, STAR, DAMP, TRIP, LOST, ROSE, COPY Keyword LABORATORY

burner, compass

WORDBUILDER Dials, Alien, Glide,

BRAINTEASER November 1936 DO YOU KNOW? Jealous Guy,

Agile, Ideal; Daniel, Denial, On sale, a cover of the John Lennon song Aligns, Soiled; Legions, Sealing, Leasing; Gasoline, Sidelong; Alongside.

QUIZZICAL Love Actually

JUNE SOLUTIONS QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

A U T O P I L O T C C I R U A N O N R E G R E S S L U O E C T U L I P S B A R R I E R L A S E R A S E R T O F F E E I I I N O N S T O P C L O S E T G R C R N A V O C A D O L I M A I F D R G G O L D F I E L D

C D H O T T U B N O V E L S S I U H R T H I N N E R T OM A T O E G N R I I S R A E L I I T A L I C M S N E K I B O S H S M I D G E N I O U C A O C T A N E R A I N B OW I N E N L S T O N E D S I G N E T N T

Keyword: SURFING

Keyword: HAMMOCK

PATHFINDER C O N C E G A E P O

R U U S N O M V R I

T B O E E D E S E N

N I S N E U D T C E W E L I H B M C N T T A A G V D E T A F

P M I L S M A F T A

I L L B N D R O L U

CODEWORD R A C A A H E E K O

E C K H A N D S T R

The missing word is RACKET

R M T E M P L E R E P A I R J H L F D AWE S OM E Q U A R T Z C T C T I O U T P O S T M E R G E R R E A A E V O K E D M A I L B O X M X M D O U N P A C K O B L I G E D T U T E U E N L I S T H E R E S Y Y E F LWT H N X A S C U D V M B Z R I O K G P Q J E Y

Keyword: BARBECUE

MATCHING PAIR: A & B WORDWHEEL The nine-letter word is: SUNFLOWER DID YOU SPOT THE PIGS IN JUNE? 46, 105, 127

134 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

1 Competitions/free draws are open to Candis Club members resident in the UK or RoI, excluding employees of Newhall Publishing Ltd and their immediate families.

2 Winners must agree to the publication of their name, photograph and hometown in Candis, on its website or any publicity material produced. For a copy of the full rules, visit candis.co.uk/rules or call free on 0800 814 5400.

3 By participating, you accept the terms set out in the full rules. Candis Club’s decision is final and binding.

4 Claims delayed or lost are not accepted.

Proof of posting is not accepted as proof of receipt.

5 Phone entries cost 5p a minute any time from anywhere in the UK unless otherwise stated.

FREE PRIZE DRAW RULES Non-members resident in Northern Ireland wishing to participate in free draws must request a free draw card in writing from the address on page 135. Entrants must register their claim with the club. Winning claims can be made either in writing to the address on p135, by telephoning 0800 814 5400 or by emailing fpdclaim@candis.co.uk. All claims must include the participant’s name, address and free draw number and must be made before the last day of the month printed on the cover of the issue of Candis magazine in which the draw appears.

RULES FOR OTHER COMPETITIONS AND GIVEAWAYS 1 Only one entry per competition/ giveaway is allowed per entrant.

2 Entries to competitions/giveaways in this issue should be sent to the address on p135.

3 Except where specifically stated, the winner(s) will be the first correct entry/ entries selected after the closing date.

4 The closing date for competitions/ giveaways in this issue is 30 September 2023 unless otherwise stated.

5 No responsibility can be accepted for circumstances outside the company’s control, including any third party’s ability to supply the prizes as published. No cash alternatives can be offered and prizes are not transferable.

6 Entries will be processed and entrants’ details may be made available to our partners or selected companies. If you object to this, please ring our customer relations team on 0800 814 5400. If you are unsure of your membership/free draw number, call 0800 814 5400 or email whataremynumbers@candis.co.uk

*CALLS COST 5P PER MINUTE PLUS YOUR COMPANY’S ACCESS CHARGE

THIS MONTH’S SOLUTIONS

COMPETITION & FREE DRAW RULES GENERAL RULES

WINNING WAYS

PUZZLE & COMPETITION ENTRY FORM Now you can enter all of our fabulous competitions and great giveaways on the one handy form you see below! You can also enter most of our competitions and giveaways online – along with other wonderful web-only prizes – at candis.co.uk/competitions and candis.co.uk/giveaways

POST TO CANDIS SEPTEMBER COMPETITIONS, Newhall Publishing Ltd, New Hall Lane, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4BQ Closing date 30 September 2023

Full name

GIVEAWAYS Tick to enter

Address

Page 50

Vionic shoes n

1 n Giveaways, pages 3 n 106-107 5 n

Postcode Telephone no.

Page 138

Email address

2 n 4 n 6 n

Wish list n

Candis Club no.

COMPETITIONS Page 104

Schwinn cycle competition

Page 110

Spot the matching pair

Page 111

Pathfinder

ANSWER

£100

Page 113 Wordwheel Page 114 Cryptic crossword Page 115 Quick crossword Page 116 Codeword

FIND THESE PIGGIES AND WIN

We’ve got three prizes of £100 up for grabs in our fun Piggy Prize Draw. Simply find the three pigs hiding on the pages of this month’s Candis and write the page numbers below. Three winners will then be chosen at random after the closing date of 30 September 2023.

Piggy page numbers:

MOVING HOUSE?

IF YOU’RE A MEMBER, TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS. JUST CALL OUR CUSTOMER RELATIONS TEAM ON 0800 814 5400 OR LOG ON TO CANDIS.CO.UK/CHANGEDETAILS BEFORE THE DATE OF YOUR MOVE

CANDIS.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2023 135

CANDIS CLUB

How buying a subscription helps…

In 2023, Candis Club will donate at least £150,000 from members’ magazine subscription revenue to health charities taking part in the Candis Big Give. Any additional funds will go to charities at the discretion of the General Committee of Candis Club.

To find out more about all the charities taking part in this year’s Candis Big Give go to candis.co.uk/charity

DONATIONS TO DATE We never forget it’s YOUR subscriptions that enable Candis Club to give huge amounts to charities. Our running total shows how much

£31,620,386

to the Cancer and Polio Research Fund (1962 to 2002)

£4,429,597

to the National Asthma Campaign (1990 to 2002)

£5,500,979 to Marie Curie (1998 to 2012)

£3,304,767 to Macmillan Cancer Support (1993 to 2013)

£3,309,982

to Bliss, the special care baby charity (1990 to 2009)

“THE MISSION OF CANDIS CLUB IS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER, TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING, COMMUNITY AND FAMILY LIFE, AND TO SUPPORT AND ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF HEALTH CHARITIES”

£2,190,977

to Liverpool University’s Cancer Tissue Bank Research Centre (1989 to 1993)

£1,549,998

to the British Heart Foundation (2002 to 2008)

£914,053

to local groups via the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) (1990 to 2009)

£220,000 to ICAN (1989)

£246,876

Annual Candis Club Membership £9.95. Annual Subscription £44.95.

Monthly Subscription £4.15. Prices and dates in the magazine are correct at the time of going to press. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any letter or material submitted. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for the safe-keeping of unsolicited material.

136 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

to Tommy’s, the baby charity (2006 to 2009)

£303,774

to Children’s Hospices UK (2008 to 2010)

£2,950,000

to charities in the Candis Big Give

TOTAL TO DATE

£56,541,389

PHOTO ISTOCK

THE CANDIS TEAM Consulting Editor Anita Comerford | Creative Director Gareth Evans Art Editor Lindsay Price | Middleweight Designer Jess Lord | Picture Editor Tracey Pocock Content Editor Sally Evans | Junior Content Editor Olivia Wilkinson | Fashion & Beauty Editor Justine Brennan | Food Editor Catherine Hill | Sub Editors Gill Hook, Liz Atherton Repro Stephen Dobbie | Editorial Director Fergus McShane | Finance Director Christine Blackford | Managing Director Richard Woolliams | Advertising Heather Borrett | Advertising enquiries 07932 834207 | Printed by Acorn Web | Published for Candis Club by Newhall Publishing Ltd, New Hall Lane, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4BQ | Email customer@candis.co.uk

NEXT MONTH IN

Making a difference Meet three women effecting real change

Get ahead with part one of the Christmas countdown

Let the great outdoors help you embrace autumn

PLUS PERFECT ISLAND GETAWAYS IN THE UK

NOT A MEMBER? TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 0800 814 5400 OR GO TO CANDIS.CO.UK/SUBSCRIBE

FABULOUS GIFTS

WISH LIST We’ve found gorgeous products to make summer’s end extra special…

STAY POLISHED!

STATEMENT EARRINGS Add a hint of shimmer to your outfit with these gorgeous Pearl Double Drop Earrings made from pearlescent marbled acrylic with gold – for that fabulous finishing touch. £18 notjustashop.arts.ac.uk

Treat your nails to the Leighton Denny Wings Collection, a trio of nail polishes in luminous shades – Butterfly Wings, Dragonfly Wings and Firefly Wings.

Vegan and cruelty-free. £15 leightondenny.com

ENHANCE YOUR EYES

STYLISH STORAGE Beautifully decorated with original artwork, this waterproof washbag is perfect for storing your weekend necessities. £24 corinnealexander.co.uk

GREAT HAIR DAY

WIN THE ENTIRE PAGE

– ENTER ON Add volume and bounce to PAGE 135… your salon blow-dry at home!

The Revlon One-Step Volumiser Plus reduces frizz and static and is ideal for all hair types. £69.99 Amazon, Revlon Hair Tools, Boots, Argos, Just My Look

138 SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK

COMPILED BY SALLY EVANS

Create a bold or soft look with Lacura’s Radiant Rust Quad Eyeshadow Palette in champagne, rose-gold and copper shades, with Vitamin E to hydrate and protect. £3.99 Aldi

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