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YOUR066-cover Agutter copy.indd 21 YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN PANTONE 185 C BLACK
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24/6/09 16:45:24 24.06.2009 15:49 Rival Colour LTD
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…with Jenny Agutter By Kate Corr
S
he may be a critically acclaimed actress with a career spanning four decades, but at the age of 56, Jenny Agutter has just had her first taste of working in an office. Not literally of course. The office Jenny has been turning up at every day had rather a lot of cameras inside… because her latest role in ITV1’s new comedy drama series Monday Monday is as a loyal PA to a supermarket boss. “We filmed the series inside a real office building. Our desks were all set out for us and after a while it began to feel like I was actually working there, not just acting,” she laughs. The role wasn’t an obvious choice, but great fun. “My character is a bit like Deborah Meaden on Dragons’ Den; charming on the surface but made of harder stuff underneath.” Some would say deadly! Monday Monday is set in the head office of a Leeds supermarket chain, which is a far cry from the glamorous Hollywood life Jenny led for many years, (she moved to LA at 21 to launch her film career and stayed until she was 37). Jenny has always enjoyed taking parts people wouldn’t expect her to play, from skinny dipping in Walkabout at 16, to playing the amoral Tessa in Spooks. She has just finished working on a major new British film called 1939. The film focuses on events leading to the outbreak of World War Two and will be released later this year. But she’s currently far more concerned about getting her son
6
The much-loved British actress tells Yours why she’s relishing her new TV role as a formidable PA who keeps her boss in line
Charming but deadly –Jenny as the PA you wouldn’t want to cross
Jonathan through his ‘A’ Levels. “He works extremely hard and he’s very academic but he worries… and that worries me,” she says. “You want to say ‘oh it doesn’t really matter,’ but of course it does matter – it’s his future.” Leaving ballet school at 17 without qualifications always made Jenny herself feel vulnerable. “I never felt as at ease,” she says. “Everyone else had studied at drama school and I sometimes felt a little foolish, worried I’d be found out.”
She needn’t have worried, of course. Thanks to her natural instinct and talent, her career, which started with a dancing role in a Walt Disney film at the age of 11, has turned out rather well. She’s worked with theatrical legends like Sir John Gielgud and made many memorable films such as American Werewolf in London and Equus. Yet you’ll often find this resolutely down-to-earth household name travelling on the bus. “I hate driving, it’s so stressful and there’s nowhere to park, so you’ll often see me on the bus. I like the train too,” says Jenny, who regularly travels between her homes in Cornwall and London. It seems rather fitting that Jenny should like travelling by train, although it‘s hard to believe that 39 years have passed since she first waved her red petticoat to stop a derailment in The Railway Children. The fact that she is still very happy to talk about the role which shot her to fame – when many others in her position would have grown weary of hearing it mentioned – says a lot about the person she is. “The Railway Children is part of my life,” she says simply. So much so, that she even agreed to revisit it more recently in a TV adaptation of the story – only this time playing the mother. “Many people were shocked by that,” she says. “They didn’t want to be reminded
YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
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Life felt barely worth living for Sue Harvey until a dog came along and led her to a new husband! By Ellie Guttridge
C
old, wet and feeling thoroughly miserable, Sue Harvey hauled herself out of her wheelchair and onto the double bed. Without even the energy to undress, she pulled the duvet over her clothes and lay there sobbing. “I just wanted to go to sleep and not wake up. I couldn’t face it any more,” recalls 60-year-old Sue, who is severely disabled and was struggling to live alone. Divorced with a grown-up son, her difficult plight was brought home to her after getting caught in a shower while out shopping for bread. Unable to pull off her sodden raincoat, she cursed her body’s limitations as she was forced to wheel to her front gate and beg help from a passing stranger. “I just kept thinking ‘What has my life become?’ ” The following morning, Sue woke up feeling listless and unable to face life when she heard her son Ross’s key in the door. “It was around 11am and Ross was surprised to find me fully clothed in bed. As I revealed my despair, he suggested I apply to Dogs for the Disabled for help. I’d never heard of them before and was amazed that they had specially trained dogs who could help me undress and pick things up I’d dropped. Suddenly there was a glimmer of hope.” After six months of searching for a suitable dog, Inka, a two-year-old golden retriever, bounded into Sue’s life. “We bonded straight away and she just seemed to know instinctively the help I needed. I burst into tears when I took her home – she was wonderful.” Almost overnight Sue’s world changed beyond belief. “There was nothing Inka
18
One big family
Sue and Byron love life with the help of assistance dogs Max and Isis
‘Our dogs brought us together’
YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
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Emotional
HEALTH
Meet the Yours experts Dr Ceri Parsons lectures in psychology at Staffordshire University. For more details visit www.bps.org.uk Christine Northam has been a Relate counsellor for almost ten years. For more details call 0300 100 1234. Lynda Field has over 20 years of experience as a counsellor, therapist and life coach. Call 01223 236805.
Meet the Yours panel Joy Harris (57) has been married for 33 years with two grown-up children. Her role is that of a listening ear. Marion Clarke (62) was widowed eight years ago and says being single again is a huge learning curve.
Philip Weiner (69) has survived heart surgery, become a grandfather and done a degree since retiring.
How can I say thank you?
best friend has been Q Mya brilliant support to
me throughout my divorce and I want to show her my appreciation, but as soon as I try to say thanks she brushes me off – any ideas?
Joy says: Don’t bombard her with thanks because she sounds like someone who doesn’t like a fuss. She was there for you because she’s not just a friend for the good times. Cherish her, because friends like these can be hard to find. If you’ve tried to thank her several times, she will have got the message by now. Seeing you picking up the pieces and moving on is reward enough for her. If you insist, have some flowers delivered.
40
Your probleM
solved!
Every fortnight, our experts – plus Yours readers with plenty of life experience – take a look at your family issues and come up with possible solutions!
Does she have something to hide? has recently Q Mybeendaughter-in-law behaving out of character. I
saw her talking to a man I didn’t know in town the other week and ever since she’s been cagey with me. At the time I thought nothing of it, but now her strange behaviour is making me think she has something to hide. Should I tell my son, or speak to her first?
Christine says: This is a tricky one because you’re picking up on your daughter-in-law’s behaviour without knowing really what’s causing it. You may be assuming she’s seeing another man without that being the case. Think this
through very carefully before taking any action. There are three possible ways of tackling this. Firstly, you could do nothing. She and your son need to be responsible for their own marriage and probably they won’t appreciate any interference from you. I know it’s hard to stand back, but they do need to sort out any relationship problems themselves. Secondly, you could sincerely and quietly ask her if she’s OK. Explain that you’ve noticed that she’s seemed preoccupied recently, and that you’re concerned that something is troubling her. If she asks for your help, then you would have to decide what to do. Lastly, seeing her talking to another man may mean absolutely nothing so, once again, take no action as in the future she may think you don’t trust her.
My friend is bringing me down I spend time with one Q Whenever of my friends I come away feeling
miserable. No matter what problems I have, hers are always worse. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but I can’t bear to spend any more time with her - what should I do?
Ceri says: Often unwittingly, individuals within friendships adopt certain ‘roles’. Your friend may have taken on the position of ‘victim’ in the relationship. Friendships are often viewed like transactions
and if the costs outweigh the benefits, you may need to exit the friendship. This is one option, however it seems unforgiving and you do mention that you don’t want to hurt your friend’s feelings. It’s also worth realising that people sometimes don’t recognise the patterns within friendships and confronting your friend about this might be one strategy. You could also do something out of character, such as ignoring any future minor complaints and refocusing the conversation on to other topics. Your friend may resist. On the other hand, your friend might thank you for helping her to view the world in other ways.
Do you have an emotional problem that needs solving? Ask our experts by writing to – Your Problems Solved at the usual Yours address found on page 49.
YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHTT
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15/6/09 13:35:56
Why is she thinking of herself?
has been diagnosed with cancer, but all my mum Q Mycanfather talk about is what will happen to her if he dies. How can I
make her see that this really isn’t about her?
Philip says: This is a time for the family to pull together and support each other. Your mum is frightened and it would help nobody to make her feel guilty as well. The prospect of losing one’s partner must be almost unbearable, and in such circumstances we often focus on secondary matters rather than deal with the situation as it is. It may well be that your dad is also focused on your mum’s future. Talk to both your mum and dad and find out what practical support you can give. It is not your mum’s fault, nor yours, that he has cancer. Find out what the prognosis is, and ensure all the support services are in place. Then make it clear to both your parents how much you care for them and that you will be there for them whenever they need you.
I I nt
Yours sexpert Julie Peasgood offers some love advice for grown-up women (and men too)
M
y goddaughter, Alice, comes out with the funniest things. Full of enthusiasm for a cookery programme she’d seen on TV, she proudly announced, “I’ve learnt how to do this wonderful soup! You just pile loads of vegetables into a pan, boil them all up, and it makes a vegetable brothel…” I also heard recently about a little boy of three, who was watching his mother breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked, “Why have you got two, Mum? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?” Then there’s my friend Steff, who was giving a bath to her two grandsons, aged seven and nine. Suddenly, the youngest tried to divert her eyes away from his older brother, yelling, “Don’t look, Granny Steff! Tom’s got a direction!” Joking apart, it’s so easy for young people to get the wrong end of the stick, and then to pass on the wrong information. And this can often happen when it comes to sex. I’m sure a lot of us will remember those playground discussions where another
‘Why have you got two, Mum? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?’ child (usually older) claimed to be an authority on how babies are made. We can hang on to some outlandish ideas picked up this way unless or until someone sets us straight. When the time is right there’s no substitute for hearing the facts of life from a trusted older person - though sometimes pearls of wisdom do come from the very young. I think my favourite line comes from Rosie, an inspired five-year-old, who asked her grandma how old she was. Her gran replied that she was so old she didn’t remember any more - to which Rosie advised, “Just look in the back of your knickers, Gran. Mine say Five to Six.” MORE HEALTH, DIET AND WELLBEING NEWS YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
YOUR066-37-41 recharge.indd 41
PIcS: maSTERFIlE
lynda says: It sounds like you’re being torn between being there for your friend when she wants you and also needing to live your own life. Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether we are being a good friend or simply being put upon. The fact that she ‘keeps calling all the time’ is an indication that she is overstepping your boundaries and that you are letting her. If she
calls when she knows you have plans, this is a sure sign that she is so preoccupied with her own pain that she has forgotten that you have a life, too. But when you say that ‘I feel I can’t ignore her’ you demonstrate the part you play in this scenario. Look closely at why you need to be on constant call. Do you feel guilty that you are feeling OK and she is not? Do you find it hard to say ‘no’? If you keep on doing the same thing then the same thing will keep on happening, so it’s time to change your approach. Explain that you can’t keep taking calls at home and if she still keeps calling, tell her you’re about to go out. Use some time management skills to help you draw up your new boundary lines. You could arrange to go out and meet up with her for a coffee for say half an hour. Then leave to do something else. Being a good friend doesn’t mean being a doormat!
Ing
Q
My friend is going through a divorce and keeps calling all the time. She even calls when she knows I have plans and I feel I can’t ignore her. It drives my husband mad. I want to be there for her, but her constant calls are becoming an issue – what can I do?
M
ak
I want to be a good friend but…
ly ate spe
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15/6/09 13:36:06
Yours 50+ ‘Give m me some x fi Fashion summer style’ summe By Rebecca Speechley
Angie Gedney, 50 Before My fashion dilemma:
I’ve just turned 50 and I desperately want to update my look, but I’m not sure where to start.
My wardrobe staples are: Long flowing skirts. I always end up wearing the same old things.
My favourite fashion memory: In my 20s I
PRICES AND STOCKIST DETAILS WERE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ALL ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN YOUR LOCAL STORE
was quite fashionable. My favourite outfit was a cotton cerise pink shift dress with white spots. I used to wear it all the time and still have it. I went through a ‘black’ phase, which made me look really washed out – so now I want colour.
Angie A ngie says: “I haven’t really got a style, but now that I’ve reached 50 I style don’t want to look like an old frump. I have three daughters who are all very critical about what I wear and I think they’d like to see me in something a bit more fashionable. They’re always commenting on my square shoes. “I usually shop in high street stores such as Matalan and Dorothy Perkins. I have to wear smart clothes for my job at a local college, so at the weekends I tend to go casual – but I do love to dress up and I’d love a gorgeous look for summer that’s
2
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Stockists: Debenhams 08445616161 Next 0844 844 8939 Noli 020 75801288 Wallis 0870 830 0462
“Thank you for a wonderful day. I would never have picked out this outfit and I don’t usually like showing my legs, but I feel amazing and I love the whole look”
1
3
Get the look: Floral print dress 6-22, £45, Next Silk chiffon edges cardigan 8-16, £59, Noli Wedge sandals 3-8, £25, Red Herring at Debenhams Bead earrings £6, Wallis
The verdict
p Our 5-step rescue plan
There’s no such thing as age appropriate dressing – let your figure dictate the clothes you wear. Aim to make the most of your figure. If your outfit fits well and flatters your figure, you’ll instantly look younger. Buying fashionable clothes is a great way to look younger, but only if the style suits you. Bold floral prints are in style this summer. Arms can be a big issue post-50. A lightweight cardigan is a great option for covering up in summer. Avoid thick chunky styles that just add bulk to your figure. Angie’s cardigan has sheer chiffon cuffs, which makes it a little bit special. Look out for beaded details, embroidery or contrasting trims if you’d like a cardigan with a little bit more glamour.
stylish, age appropriate and will meet the approval of my discerning daughters.”
Shoes can be a big age giveaway. Thick, clumpy, square heels aren’t flattering – they make your legs look chunky and don’t help you to feel elegant. Wedges such as the ones Angie is wearing are a great option because they are easy to walk in and won’t sink into the grass at summer parties. Even her daughters should approve. If you can’t wear heels, seek out some feminine ballerina style flats.
4
Give your outfit a style and youth boost with great accessories. Pretty be beaded dangly earrings help to finish off Angie’s look. You do need to spend a fortune don’t on jewellery – New Look, W Wallis, BHS, Primark, Dorothy Pe Perkins and Accessorize all ha have great ranges to suit any bu budget. If you have daughters still at home, as Angie does, you could share accessories between you so that you have p even more options.
5
Angie should swap her long floaty floaty skirts for shorter styles. Unless you’re tall and willowy, long skirts can really swamp you and make you look shorter than you are. Very few peop people have great looking kne knees – especially at 50+ 50+, but you don’t need an ankle-length a skirt h them. Choose to hide h a hemline that sits just below your knees like Angie’s; it shows yo legs off at their your slim slimmest part.
YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
YOUR066-46-47 Makeover.indd 46
12/6/09 15:41:19
Do you want a new look? If you have a fashion problem you’d like us to fix, please write to us, enclosing a recent picture of yourself, with your name, age and daytime contact details
Yo-WuErEKs
8 BEAUTY E CHALLENG
We know it can take time to really see the benefit of some anti-ageing products. So we’ve asked real women to put the beauty companies’ claims to the test for a rigorous eight weeks. Product: The Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Oil £15/15ml TESTER: Irene Hart (45) from Hertfordshire THE BEAUTY CLAIM: New this
spring, this Vitamin E facial oil is the perfect pre-moisturiser treat. It moisturises and nourishes while also helping to protect your skin against damaging free radicals. Rose scented oil absorbs quickly to leave your skin feeling silky-smooth.
IRENE SAID: This was easy to apply
BY REBECCA SPEECHLEY, STYLIST: DANIELLE ELMES, PICS: RUTH JENKINSON
and glided on smoothly. As it’s an oil I’d expected it to feel heavy and greasy, but it completely surprised me. It felt very light and I could instantly see my skin looked smoother and softer. The feeling stayed for quite some time, so I could really feel the benefit. After eight weeks, my skin texture did look as though it had improved slightly. I would definitely buy it again, but at £15 it’s perhaps a little steep for such a small bottle.
A FRIEND SAID: Two friends agreed my skin looked smoother.
Yours VERDICT: A great oil to use
before your normal moisturiser for extra smooth skin.
4/5
Fancy being a tester? Write to Michelle O’Neill at Yours magazine, Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough PE2 6EA. YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
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reader memories ✽
’ … r e b m e m ‘I? re
EvEryonE usEd thE grEEn
Some days it was for drying the washing, then play was forbidden
I
n the carefree days when I was growing up in the Fifties, the drying green was our playground – although to the adults it was a place to hang the washing. ‘Stay out of the green when there’s washing hanging up!’ we were told. At least eight families shared our drying green, so it was quite a good size. Luckily, people seemed to have their set days to use it and there were usually gaps without washing ropes where we could play our imaginative games. The billowing sheets
usually represented the windfilled sails of our pirate ships! Another constant instruction was to ‘stay out of the wash house’ – but we’d go in there when it was raining or too windy to play outside. We practised our prowess with yo-yos and held meetings there to plan what we’d get up to in the school holidays. The wash house became our ‘gang hut’. It wasn’t used much in the afternoons, so we’d push the big, round wooden tubs back to give us more room. Sometimes it still felt warm from the fires our mothers had
lit in the morning to warm the tub water for the laundry. It was nearly all girls who lived in the houses surrounding the green, including my two friends, Gladys and Marjory. Actually, there were two distinct greens, separated by a fence. The other green had neat little gardens surrounding it and it definitely looked more cared-for than ours. However, this pristine appearance came at a price – children were only allowed on it if they sat quietly on the grass, or pushed a little doll’s pram daintily around. As you’ve probably guessed, this was of no use to Gladys and me. Our hero was a comic cartoon character called Wild Young Dirky. He used to roam
Joyce as a youngster– or is that Wild Young Dirky?
the moors rescuing wounded animals and fighting baddies, which he did by being an absolute wizard at throwing dirks, or short knives.
continued over the page
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Reader Joyce Stark, 63, from Angus, looks back on the green that was her playground, and the friends she made along the way
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10/6/09 14:46:04
t u o l l u p s r u The Yo
SUMMER FUN WITH THE GRANDKIDS n grandchildren Fresh air and sunshine are good for the them away from (and us) so this summer why not tear put together the TV and computer games? We’ve outside… loads of great-value ideas to have fun Compiled by Sharon Reid
YOUR066-67 pullout cover.indd 67
Plus more than £1000 worth of prizes to give away!
12/6/09 09:43:53
l-out // Summer fun with the Grandchildren // The Yours pull-out // Summerr fu
HeaD fOr THe S r O O D T U O T a e Gr You don’t have to travel to have fun in the sun. We’ve a host of activities you can do in the garden or a nearby park
Bug and bee hotel
Attract more mini beasts to your garden by getting the grandkids to make a bug and bee hotel. All you need to do is bundle together bamboo canes cut into 15cm (6in) lengths. Tie them around the middle and hang from a tree, or wedge them into a clay flowerpot and place on its side in a quiet area of the garden. Then sit back and wait for the residents to move in.
Make a bird feeder
Birds are the easiest creatures to attract to your garden – just supply some food and they’ll turn up. Here’s a neat little feeder the grandkids can make from things lying around the house.
1
Cut a hole in one side of an empty, washed juice carton, about 5cm (2in) from the bottom – this will be the doorway of the feeder.
2
Cut some leaf-shapes from old plastic bags and stick them to the carton with glue.
Keep a nature diary
Ask your grandkids to keep a record of all the wildlife that visits your garden. Even if they don’t see the animals themselves, help them to look for signs of little visitors such as footprints or feathers.
Science project
Here’s your chance to help scientists learn more about the way the world is changing. Evolution MegaLab, a study organised by the Open University, invites us all to record the number and types of banded snails in our gardens or local parks and submit the results online. For more information visit www.evolutionmegalab.org
3
Poke several small drainage holes in the bottom of the carton. Staple or glue the top opening closed. Pierce hole in the top and thread through wire or string to hang the feeder from.
4
Poke a twig through the carton just below the doorway, to act as a perch. Add some birdseed and hang the feeder where wheere you can see s the birds visiting. This extract is from the RHS eex Wildlife Wild d Garden, Dorling Kindersley £9.99. Yours Kind Kin FOR YOU readers read can buy it for special price of £7.99 the sp including free p&p. To order, call includin Bookshop on 08700 707 717 the DK DK Booksho and quote ref ‘Wildlife/Yours’ and ISBN number 1405334358. The offer is subject to availability. Allow up to 14 days for delivery. Open to UK residents only.
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merr fun with the Grandchildren // The Yours pull-out // Summer fun with the Super seeds
Children love to watch things grow from seed. Now there’s a great new range of child-friendly kits called Fun to Grow priced from just 99p each. Containing everything you need and easy-to-follow instructions these kits will give a bumper crop in no time. Call 0844 922 0606 or visit www.suttons.co.uk
We have 40 pa packets of Connor Carrot Polly and Po o Pansy seeds to give away. awa ay Send your name and address to: Fun To Grow add d issue 66, Yours Give Gi FOR YOU Giveaway, Magazine, Media House, Mag Peterborough Business Peter Park, Peterborough PE2 6EA, Pet or pansy. The first 80 stating carrot o entries drawn after July 17 will be the winners. If you do not wish to be contacted in the future by Yours Magazine please write ‘No Further Contact’ clearly on the postcard.
EXTRA RA A
Wham bam – make a wigwam!
Children love playing in dens. To make a wigwam den, all you need is eight tall bamboo canes, old sheets, string and some pegs. Push one end of each cane into the ground about 1ft apart, going round in a circle. Pull the tops of the canes together and tie with string. Peg the sheets to the canes, remembering to leave an opening for your little Indians to get inside. It’s a great place to serve a picnic (see pages 70 and 71).
Let’s go on an insect safari
You’ve probably heard of pond dipping for little water creatures – but how about bush tickling for bugs? The method is simple – just place a tray on the ground under a large shrub then, using a bamboo cane, gently stroke the bush from top to bottom. All sorts of insects will fall into the tray and children will love inspecting them, especially if you have a magnifying glass. Ask them to make a chart to record the types of mini-beasts they find.
Foot art
How about this creative idea from Cathy Olmedillas, the editor of Anorak magazine. Roll out a whole length of wallpaper in the garden. At one end, place some trays filled with poster paint, and at the other a bucket of water and a towel. Ask the children to put both feet in the paint tray and walk across the paper. There’s no mess because they simply wash their feet when they get to the other end. For more ideas like this one or information about Anorak magazine visit www.anorak-magazine.co.uk
Doodle your day away
If the weather lets you down, bring the outdoors inside with this Doodle Bugs activity book. It is different from a colouring book because the children use their imagination to complete these creepycrawly themed doodles. Doodle Bugs is available form Buster Books, priced £5. Call 01903 828800 or visit www.doyoudoodle.co.uk where you can also download and p print a free doodle.
We h have five copies of Doodle Bugs and d five copies of Holiday Doodle Book 2 to give away. Send your name FOR YOU BBoo and address to: Doodle Giveaway issue 66, Yours Magazine, Media Peterborough Business Park, House, P PE2 6EA, stating if you’d prefer Peterborough PE Doodle Bugs or the holiday book. The first ten entries drawn after July 17 will be the winners. If you do not wish to be contacted in the future by Yours Magazine please write ‘No Further Contact’ on the postcard.
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Cooking for the grandkids
Bursting with goodness
These easy-to-make energy bars are so tasty, the kids won't realise they're full of really healthy seeds and fruit!
Banana energy bars
Gammon with Pineapple
Makes nine • • • • •
100g (4oz) unsalted butter 3 level tbsp golden syrup 250g (10oz) bananas (around two) 150g (6oz) porridge oats 100g (4oz) ready-to-eat dried apricots, roughly chopped • 25g (1oz) pumpkin seeds • 25g (1oz) sunower seeds • 25g (1oz) sesame seeds
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Lightly grease a 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) baking tin and line the bottom with non-stick baking parchment. 2 Using a heavy-based saucepan, gently warm the butter and syrup for 5 minutes, or until melted. Peel the bananas and cut into 1cm (1⠄2in) cubes. 3 Remove the butter mixture from the heat
and add the bananas and all the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. 4 Spoon into the prepared tin and gently pat the surface to level. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The mixture should still be quite soft in the centre. Leave to cool completely. 5 Once cold, use a sharp knife to cut 9 equal squares. Eat immediately or keep in an airtight container for up to a week. TOP TIP Resist the urge to remove the bars from the tin while they are still warm because they will break.
// Recipe: Š Danny Boome for Learndirect, 0800 101 901, www.learndirect.co.uk/brainfood
Buy it A simple snack just got simpler In the hot weather, few things beat a healthy and tasty tuna salad for lunch. However, draining tinned tuna can be a messy endeavour and more often than not, you end up with ďŹ sh-smelling hands – not very appealing! Problem solved with John West, which has brought out its No Drain, Less Mess Tuna, which goes straight from can to plate, without the excess liquid, or pongy ďŹ ngers! // John West No Drain, Less Mess Tuna costs ÂŁ1.49 a can or ÂŁ3.99 for a three-pack and is available from all good supermarkets or visit www.john-west.co.uk
Tried & tasted SAINSBURY’S TASTE THE DIFFERENCE WEST COUNTRY MEDIUM SWEET CIDER, 660ml/5.5% vol/£2.13 Liked the old-style packaging; I was surprised it was Sainsbury’s own brand. It had a pleasing light, fruity taste. I thought it was pricey and would only buy as a present. 3/5
SWEET APPLE CIDER
LIDL’S CHURCHWARDS ORIGINAL CIDER, 568ml/4.5% vol/99p Considering the price, this matched up to the leading brands. I was surprised at the quality. Not overly sweet; perfect sipped icecold on a hot summer’s day. 4/5
FROME VALLEY HENNEY’S APPLESWEET CIDER, 500ml/5.7% vol/£1.66 Eye-catching minimalist packaging and not too pricey. Had the strange smell of over-ripe apples. A cider that would prove too sweet for most. 2/5
Gammon comes from the hind leg of a pig and is traditionally Wiltshire cured, which involves a brine rather than dry salt. Gammon makes an appearance on many a quintessential pub menu and is a ďŹ rm British favourite dinner choice. It normally comes served with either a fried egg or pineapple on top – or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not try both? And of course, this ďŹ lling and substantial meal wouldn’t be complete without a side order of chips!
WHY NOT TRY...? Gammon in Cumberland Sauce – Gammon in a rich port, redcurrant and orange Cumberland sauce with diced potatoes, baby carrots and green beans. Mixed Grill – A mix of sausage, gammon, black pudding, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, chips and peas. You’ll certainly need to be hungry for this one!
// This and many other delicious dishes could be delivered to your door by Wiltshire Farm Foods. To request a FREE 70-page menu simply call 0800 773 773 or visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com to see the full range of meals available.
// What to eat now! Essential foods for 50+ women – is the new guide produced in association with Wiltshire Farm Foods. For your free copy call 0800 773 773 or write to: Wiltshire Farm Foods, ;LEX XS I FREEPOST Admail 3619, )WWIRXMEP JSSHW JSV EX RS[ [SQIR Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8ZY. 3RI SJ XLI =SYVW KYMH IW ³ HIWMKRIH XS LIPT ]SY QEOI XLI QSWX SJ ]SYV PMJI
MR EWWSGMEXMSR [MXL
Tested by: June Forrester (48) from Haywards Heath
YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
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11/6/09 15:18:34
Holidays closer
travel ✽
to h o m e
If a fear of flying is limiting your horizons, there are plenty of alternatives. Yours takes a look at trips by train, boat and coach By Gillian Thornton
A blue sky, blue sea – a tranquil harbour, why fly for hours when there are such scenes much nearer home?
Sail and amble around Britain
C
ombine a vacation at sea with exploring on foot with a Ramblers Cruise & Walk Holiday. These also prove ideal for couples with different interests. Run in association with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, the programme of international destinations includes a selection of five, nine and ten-night breaks, all departing from British ports. For example, sail from Dover in September on the nine-night Roaming Around Britain cruise, taking in the maritime beauty of our own islands. Stop off at Invergordon, the Orkneys and Isle of Mull, before heading for Dublin, Falmouth and St Peter Port in Guernsey. Guided walks give G Gui ided w active cruisers a ac ctive cr privileged insight privile p into eeach area,
Yours
TRAVEL TIP
including the highlands of Invergordon and a section of the South West Coast Path near Falmouth, followed by a visit to the glorious Glendurgan Gardens.
All th these locations offer their own unique charm and beauty, so don’t forget to pack your camera
The picturesque charm of Guernsey’s St Peter Port
// ‘Roaming Around Britain’ costs £1,129 for nine nights departing Sept 5 (inc all meals, entertainment, staff tips and guided walks). // For the full Cruise & Walk programme, call 01707 386767 or visit www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
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10/6/09 14:53:10
Win
Celebrate in style with Fairy 2 luxury party packages
wort h
£1000
T
o mark the arrival of new Fairy Non Bio Gel, Fairy is encouraging all generations to celebrate with their little ones, too. With the Celebration Party Package you’ll get everything you need to plan a very special party for your little ones – delivered right to your doorstep! The prize includes food, drink and a personalised cake, decorations, party prizes, presents and so much more. So whatever the occasion our winners will have a great party for up to 20 people ready made. The saying goes that ‘all good things come in small packages’! Fairy Non Bio Gel has the huggable softness of Fairy squeezed into a compact and convenient gel. One capful is enough for a whole load and ensures minimum waste and mess. Dermatologically tested, it’s delicate next to sensitive skin. Eight out of ten UK mums say they would recommend it to other mums*. Fairy Non Bio Gel has been awarded The British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval by Allergy UK.
each
// To be in with a chance to win, just answer this simple question: How many capfuls of new Fairy Non Bio Gel is enough for a whole load? a) One b) Three c) Seven
Q
Entry details, see right
// Not a winner? Fairy Non Bio Gel is available from all good supermarkets or visit softeningyourworld.com *Test conducted among 200 consumers in January 2009.
88
Throw the party of their dreams for your little angels Terms and conditions: Prize open to all UK and ROI residents over 18, excluding employees of Procter & Gamble UK. Prize is non-refundable, non-transferred, sold or exchanged. There is no cash alternative. Name and county of winners will be available by sending SAE to: Jo Walsh, Hill and Knowlton, 20 Soho Square, London W1A 1PR. Please allow 28 days for delivery. The promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize of equal or greater value in the event of unavailability due to circumstances beyond the promoter’s control.
YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
YOUR066-88-89 Comps.indd 88
12/6/09 09:07:23
Goodies to win
We’ve got six fabulous prizes up for grabs – so take your pick!
2 phones and 1 walkie-talkie set We have two new SIM-free PhoneEasy 410gsm from Doro to give away, plus a set of Doro walkie-talkies, which WT87 walkieradius of 10 km have a ra and no licence or li subscriber subscrib fees to pay. // Not a winner? Call 01244 012 687687 or visit www.parkwaytelecom.co.uk www.pa o.uk
WORTH UP TO
£150 EA CH
2 Lustrous Keishi pearl necklaces Pearls are timeless but here’s a new twist. Lustrous Jewellery’s Keishi Pearl Long Necklaces with Multiple Gems combine a dazzling array of shimmering ivory Keishi pearls with colourful gems including citrine, pink jade and smoky quartz chips. Who needs an excuse for dressing up? // Not a winner? Call 0845 257 7158 or visit www.lustrous jewellery.com
Ds VD 18 Kingdom: Series two DV starring Stephen Fry For fans fa of Stephen Fry - and Norfolk, where wher it is filmed - Acorn Media has just released Kingdom: Series 2 on DVD. This relea entertaining drama has a huge following ente and if you missed any of the Sunday night TV episodes, now’s WORTH your chance to catch up. // Not a winner? Kingdom: Series 2 is available from all EACH good DVD retailers.
£2O
45 SinuRinse starter kits
WORTH
£8
EACH
Get rid of that stuffed up feeling with SinuRinse – a patented saline mixture that’s easy to apply from a squeezable bottle. It provides natural relief from allergies by cleaning the nasal passages and sinuses of pollen, allergens and pathogens. Regular use could minimise sinus, cold and flu symptoms. // Not a winner? SinuRinse is available from selected pharmacies, most Boots stores, or visit www.neilmed.com *See your GP before taking any supplements or herbal remedies particularly if you take prescribed medicines. Speak to your GP before stopping any medication.
WORTH
£292 EACH
11 Dummies tecchnology book sets
WORTH
£32 EACH
Bra Bravely dip your toe into the world of technology with these two new books, tec specifi spe cally written for older people. Get Ge snap-happy with Digital Photography For Seniors For Dummies® Pho otog and with Macs For Seniors d computer-savvy co For Dummies® They’ll explain the basics without the jargon. wit // Not N a winner? The ‘For Dummies...’ series is available from all good book retailers.
20 Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast DVDs
WORTH Serial walker and fan of the ‘father of walking’ Alfred Wainwright, Julia Bradbury dons her boots and EACH rucksack to tackle the famous 192-mile Coast to Coast walk he devised from St Bee’s in Cumbria to Yorkshire’s Robin Hood’s Bay. Even if you can’t take the trip yourself, this Acorn Media DVD will let you share some of the country’s most glorious spots. // Not a winner? Coast to Coast is available from all good DVD retailers.
£17
Either enter by post: Website: to enter for free, go to www.yours.co.uk Closing date: (fill in the coupon on page 92) Yours magazine section to give your details July 17, 2009 Giveaways are governed by the same rules as Yours competitions (see page 92) YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT HOW TO ENTER:
YOUR066-91 goodies to win.indd 91
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12/6/09 09:08:18
Yours subscription offer
Yours for just £1
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Guarantee Yours LIMITED for a year for just £1per copy TIME OOFFFERFCELORSES! Save on shop prices when you subscribe today
That’s right – by taking out a subscription to Yours you can enjoy every issue for £1 instead of just this one. Yours is an escape to a better world. A world where people share your values – and enjoy sharing precious memories. Where the advice is useful for your life today, where you can see people just like you making a difference, and where you can share laughter and make friends. So why not continue your slice of Yours sunshine every fortnight,
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Valery McConnell, Editor
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18/6/09 10:54:56
Got a question? We’ll find you the answer!
Q
What does the custom of ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in her shoe’ mean?
Yours says: This custom is said to bring the bride good luck on her wedding day and links her past, present and future. Something old is often an item of jewellery or another token passed down from relatives on her side of the family. Something new, usually the bride’s wedding dress, symbolises optimism for the new life ahead of the couple. Something borrowed is usually given by a happily married friend or relative to pass their good luck to the couple. The colour blue is traditionally associated with purity and modesty and is often worn as a blue garter. A sixpence for her shoe represents prosperity for the wedded pair.
Can you still buy men’s Tabac Q grooming products (my husband always loved the smell)? Yours says: Tabac Original is a classic fragrance that has been a favourite with many men for 50 years. The refined scent of aldehyde notes mixed with peppery and spicy accents and exotic wood makes it unique. Some of the range, including aftershave lotion (£8.45/50ml or £12.75/100ml), a deodorant stick (£4.95/75g), a deodorant body spray (£4.45/150ml) and an anti-perspirant spray (£7.45/200ml) is available from Boots. Go on – treat him. // To find your nearest stockist call 0845 0708 090 or order online at www.boots.com
108
YOURS // EVERY FORTNIGHT
YOUR066-108 Ask us anything.indd 108
Yours says: A good place to look for advice is www.disabledinfo. co.uk. However, we found this Adjustable Car Seatbelt Extension (£13.99) online. Supplied by Best Auto Bits, it has a total length of 70cm. Its adjustable length should make things easier for you. It is fully compliant with European regulations and CE certified. This extension is designed to fit most cars, but do check that it’s suitable for your car before purchasing. // For more details visit www.bestautobits.com
I saw someone with a lovely Q colourful shopping trolley the other day; where can I find a similar one?
Yours says: Lakeland has some lovely new trolley designs that are practical and look great. The Typhoon shopping trolleys are lightweight and fold up so they can be stored away easily. Nice and roomy, each design has lots of pockets and compartments. They have an insulated lining to keep your shopping cool in summer. The bag measurements are 36 x 30 x 52cm in height and they have a 40-litre capacity or 18kg weight. Priced at £34.98 plus p&p. // To find your nearest stockist call 01539 488100 or visit www.lakeland.co.uk
I’ve had a teddy bear for almost 70 Q years and he needs repairing. Is there still such a thing as a dolls’ hospital?
Yours says: There certainly is – the Bristol Dolls’ Hospital has been bringing dolls and teddies back to life for 25 years. It specialises in restoration and repair work so you can be assured ured that Ted is in good hands. The staff have lots of experience of restoring Sixties, Seventies and Victorian toys and offer a reproduction service. e. They will even give him a good wash and brush h up, too. The hospital also carries out all sorts of doll oll repairs including replacing limbs and removingg pen marks from plastic and porcelain dolls. // To find out more call 0117 907 3641 or visit www.thedollshospital.co.uk
// This fortnight’s questions came from: Sandy Wright, Cornwall; Mary Thompson, Inverness; Marlene Dorgan, Amersham; Eddy Ward, by email; Mrs M Mosley, Birmingham
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Ask us a n y t hi n g
Q
I’m disabled and I find car seatbelts difficult to put on; where can I find an extension similar to those found on aeroplanes?
stions. Write to // We’d love to help to answer your que ine, Media House, us at: Ask Us Anything, Yours magaz orough PE2 6EA . Peterborough Business Park, Peterb bauermedia.co.uk Or email your query to us at yours@ line. with ‘Ask us anything’ in the subject
11/6/09 09:56:26