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❤❤H eart ❤ ❤ to Heart TV cookery legend Mary Berry talks to Yours about the new series, fame and family

By Laura Bradder ary Berry can’t quite believe her luck. Having published her first cookbook in 1966, she was one of the original ‘celebrity chefs’, bringing nononsense cooking to the public long before Delia and Nigella hit our screens. Now, more than 40 years later, she has won a place in the hearts of a whole new generation, with the BBC’s surprise success The Great British Bake Off. It’s clear Mary isn’t in this for the fame. Of today’s TV chefs, she says: “They’re very exciting, but I do things differently. I think some of them use too many ingredients – I prefer to keep things simple. I do family food.”

These days, she really is keeping food in the family with Mary Berry and Daughter, the company she runs with her daughter Annabel, herself a Cordon Bleu chef. The pair create salad dressings, sauces, and cake mixes for people with busy lifestyles who still want to cook up a storm.

So how did the family business idea come about? “My husband suggested I should try selling my sauces and salad dressings, but I just didn’t think I had the time to do it,” Mary explains. “So Annabel said she would step in and help.”

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‘This year’s BAKE OFF is the best one ever!’

❙ star chat ❙

Annabel says it was her mother who taught her that hard work can pay dividends.

“Mum instilled in me a work ethic which is there to this day.

When I was as young as five, I remember accompanying her to demonstrations and helping with little jobs like grating the cheese!”

Eighteen years after embarking on their project, the pair still enjoy sharing a kitchen. “We work well together because we both like to experiment,” says Annabel. “We meet halfway and are not afraid to criticise each other.”

And proud mother Mary is quick to praise her daughter’s cooking skills. “She’s welltravelled, far more than I am, so she brings lots of different foods and flavours from around the world.

“And she does love cooking.

Isn’t that lucky for a young wife and mother? You’re going to be doing it your whole life, so you might as well enjoy it!”

Annabel credits her mother with inspiring that love of cooking. “Mum has always been, and continues to be, a huge inspiration to me. She inspired me to try different flavours, to see what went together, to extend my palate. And I can’t believe she works more now than ever before!

But it’s her fuel, it’s what she was born to do.”

After winning a BAFTA earlier this year, The Great British Bake Off is back for its third series, and Mary says it’s the best yet.

“The standard of contestants is much higher this year because people have seen the show before and raised their game. We had so many more entries as well.”

Mary’s firm-but-fair judging style has gained her an army of fans, and her chemistry with fellow judge Paul Hollywood has made them one of the most endearing partnerships on TV. With over ten weeks of filming, you’d be forgiven for thinking tempers might fray at times, but Mary insists she’s having the time of her life.

“It’s a very happy set, we have a lot of fun and I enjoy every minute,” she beams. “Paul and I have different things that we want

Psst…

the contestants to achieve, but we both want a very high standard and have the same goal in the end. The BAFTA was so fantastic because it was a recognition of everybody’s work, from the presenters to the production team and beyond.”

Mary (77) received her own recognition when she was awarded a CBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

She talks about it in typically humble style.

“I was delighted and very surprised,” says Mary. “It’s a huge honour. I’m a big fan of the Royal Family, and the Queen especially – she is a marvellous example to us all in the way she gives herself to her country.”

For Mary, The Bake Off is the peak of a fantastic career in the course of which she has published more than 70 cookery books, shared her expertise on various

Mary shares a secret

We’ve seen Mary make some fantastic cakes over the years, but her most treasured creation was one very few people ever saw. “One of my proudest moments was making Annabel’s wedding cake,” she tells us. “I was thrilled that she asked me to do it – and very nervous, of course! But it was a fantastic day, and the cake was very well received.”

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PIC: BBC; ALAMY; RECIPE SUPPLIED THANKS TO MENINGITIS UK

Serving up a treat: Mary with The Great British Bake Off team; Sue Perkins (left) Paul Hollywood and Mel Giedroyc.

TRIED & T ESTED

Anti-ageing

HAND CREAMS

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Dr Organic Royal Dr Nick Lowe Jelly Anti-Ageing Double Duty Hand and Nail Cream Hand Cream SPF15 (£6.19/125ml) (£13.27/100ml)

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Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream (£9.95/50ml)

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La Roche-Posay Lipikar Hand Repair Cream (£7.15/75ml)

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Instant results

A little goes a long way and it takes a little while for it to soak into your skin. It did leave my skin a bit greasy.

The cream left my hands feeling moisturised and soft, with no sticky residue. You only need to use a little.

My hands were softer immediately.

It also had a nice fresh fragrance and it rubbed in easily.

This didn’t leave my hands greasy. It made my skin soft and lasted for several hours, even after washing my hands.

From the first use, my hands were soft and silky. It has ingredients to fade age spots but there were no noticeable results.

Long-term results

I found that my hands did feel softer after use, but I didn’t notice any other anti-ageing results.

My hands felt smoother and softer and the dark age spots seemed to fade. My nails seemed stronger, too.

My hands remained soft and there did seem to be a slight decrease in the wrinkles, too.

My hands get quite dry as I do a lot of gardening and they are often in water, too.

The cream soothed them quickly when they did get sore.

A bonus is that the hand cream contains SPF15, which does guard against the development of further pigmentation.

Would you buy it?

Our hands can be more of an age giveaway than our faces.

There are lots of hand creams that promise to turn back the clock, so we asked Yours readers to test ten to find out how well they work

No, it’s too greasy for me and I didn’t really like the smell.

I would definitely buy this. It’s economical and delivers instant results.

I would. As you only need a tiny amount it would last longer.

I’d buy it as a luxury, but not for everyday use as it’s too expensive.

I would consider buying it as a treat for myself or as a gift for friends.

7½ Tester: Glenys

Tester: Gill Dewy (61)

5 10

Tester: Jan McPherson (65)

9 10

Tester: Valerie Newman (70)

9 10

Tester: Anne Taylor (59)

7 10

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF15 (£22.50/75ml)

Wyatt (60)

10

Stockists: Dr Nick Lowe www.drnicklowe.com, tel: 0207 499 3223; Clinique www.clinique.co.uk, tel: 0870 034 2566;Mavala www.mavala.co.uk, 01732 459412;

Elemis www.elemis.com, 0117 316 1811; Sanctuary www.thesanctuary.co.uk, 01442 430 367; Dr Organic www.hollandandbarrett.com, 0870 606 6606; La Roche-Posay

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Style

6 4

2

notes

8 5

10

7

3

6

Elemis ProRadiance Hand and Nail Cream (£22/100ml)

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Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless Hand Cream (£14.99/70g)

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Avon Anew Mavala AntiClinical Luminosity Blemish Hand Cream SPF15 Cream For Hands (£10/75ml) (£15.50/30ml)

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10

The cream is very thick but absorbs quickly. Its effects don’t last for long and I had to keep reapplying it.

The cream is quickly absorbed, glides on easily and you don’t need to use much.

The fragrance is quite strong.

The cream gave a sheen to my skin and my hands did look brighter.

This has exfoliating properties and my hands felt instantly softer. I normally use a separate exfoliator so I’d save money.

My first impressions were excellent. It had a lovely orangey scent and wasn’t greasy. It’s fresh, light and lovely to use.

It didn’t have any noticeable longterm results for me.

Also, I didn’t like the chemical smell.

It made my hands much softer. When I used too much, the excess went straight on my face to control effectively the shine I normally have.

I used it daily for a month and my hands do look smoother.

You only need to use a small amount .

After using the hand cream for a month my age spots were less noticeable. You only need to use the product once a day.

I wouldn’t say my hands appeared up to five years younger within four weeks, as the packaging claims.

No, I wouldn’t buy this highly priced product.

It is quite pricey but if you wash you hands a lot, it would be worth buying it.

I would buy it, but I’m not sure it needs the word clinical in it.

7½ Tester: Susan

It’s more than I normally pay for hand cream, but I’d buy it occasionally as 7 a treat.

2 10

Tester: Caroline Lashley (49)

7 10

Wells (63)

10

Tester: Marion Holmes (61)

I might buy it, though it is quite expensive.

Tester: Sarah Marten (53)

6 10

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Burt’s Bees, www.burtsbees.co.uk 0845 423 8718; Avon www.avonshop.co.uk, 0845 601 4040; www.laroche-posay.co.uk; Weleda www.weleda.co.uk, 0115 944 8222

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Next issue: Make-up tips to enhance ageing skin YOURS

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PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.

The Sanctuary Anti-Ageing Hand Crème SPF15 (£10.20/75ml)

PICS: ISTOCK PHOTO

Tester: Daniela Babuscio (53)

2; say

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Recharge your

health

YOUR WAY to a better

MEMORY Fed up with senior moments?

Eating and drinking wisely can help to boost your brain power

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Compiled by Martine Gallie

Boost your B vitamins

There’s evidence that B vitamins can help to ward off memory loss and dementia. Researchers in Oxford gave a combination of vitamins B12, B6 and folic acid (B9) to a group of people over 70 who had raised homocysteine levels – linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The group who took B vitamins had 30 per cent less brain shrinkage over two years than those who took a placebo. Pork, chicken, turkey, salmon, cod, milk, broccoli, peas and fortified breakfast cereals are all good sources of B vitamins, but don’t be tempted to take high doses of vitamin B as this can be harmful: speak to your GP first.

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❙ health advice ❙

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Tuck in to a curry

Eating berry fruits seems to be particularly beneficial for your memory – so tuck in

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Watch those fats

There’s lots of research to suggest that eating oily fish could help to protect you from developing dementia. Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain function.

How you cook the fish you eat may be important. Researchers in Chicago found that people who ate baked or grilled fish every week showed less deterioration in parts of the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but eating fried fish didn’t seem to have the same protective effect. If you’re not a big fan of fish you could take an omega-3 supplement instead – ask your pharmacist or GP for advice.

Curry contains a memory-boosting ingredient called curcumin, which comes from the spice turmeric. It’s thought to work by damping down inflammation around the nerve cells in the brain, a feature of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also an antioxidant so it helps to prevent damage to your brain cells. And it has the benefit of making your curry taste delicious!

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Enjoy a cup of coffee

If you enjoy regular cups of coffee during the day, carry on – they could help to preserve your memory. A recent American study looked at people over 65 who already had mild problems with their memory. It revealed that those who drank three or more cups of coffee a day were less likely to go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease. It’s thought that the coffee could help to prevent harmful proteins linked with Alzheimer’s forming in the brain.

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Get some Vitamin D

Vitamin D does lots of important things in our bodies including helping to protect our memory. Researchers have found that people who lack Vitamin D are nearly five times more likely to experience problems with memory and thinking, compared with people who have healthy levels of the vitamin.

One simple, enjoyable (and free!) way to get Vitamin D is to expose your skin to the sun for a few minutes on summer days – so get out the sunlounger. Alternatively, ask your GP to prescribe a supplement for you.

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Eat lots of fruit and veg

Making sure you eat a good variety of fruit and vegetables is a great way to protect your brain function as well as your general health because they are packed with antioxidants that help to prevent damage to our bodies’ cells, including brain cells. Eating blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berry fruits seems to be particularly beneficial for your memory – so tuck in while they’re still in season.

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| IT’S A FACT |

HOME TRUTHS

Women are more likely than men to benefit from reward schemes. More than half of UK women use loyalty cards to save cash when they spend, compared with only two in five men.

Owning your home rather than renting will save you £194,000 over 50 years, according to research from Barclays. Mortgage repayments, maintenance and other costs associated with owning the average home would come to £429,000 over 50 years, whereas renting the average home for the same period would cost £623,000.

Watching the

pennies

Cash in the attic Antique sewing tools are extremely desirable. Most available items date from the 19th century when sewing was a popular pastime for ladies. Collectable sewing items include needle cases, pincushions and thimbles. Desirable thimble makers include Charles Horner, Charles Iles and James Fenton. Gold thimbles are rare and silver examples are also sought after. The steellined Dorcas range is popular, too. This 1953 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation commemorative silver thimble is valued at £180-£220.

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IT’S A FACT If they had an extra £10 a month, 50 per cent of people say they would give it to their family, 25 per cent would donate it to charity, and19 per cent would keep it.

Cash saver

80 0 1 £ 22 £

Anyone driving in France now has to carry a breathalyser by law – or face a fine. The law will be enforced from November 1, 2012. If you’re off to France, pick up the AlcoSense Single NF (packs of two, £5.99), which is available at ferry ports, Halfords and from www.alcosense.co.uk If you’d like more details on the law change call Green Flag on 0208 266 3795.

Ask Michael...

The Yours money expert Michael Wilson answers your questions I have heard that the tax authorities are chasing people who have not completed the annual tax return. How do I know if I’m affected?

Best buy Encourage the grandchildren to read with a Treasured Tales book worth £2.99, free with purchases of McCain Smiles (rrp £1.39) and no postage to pay. Simply collect two promotional codes from packs and enter them at www.mccain.co.uk/smilesfreebooks

GREENWATCH

Yours exclusive: ten per cent off homeware Nigel’s Eco Store is offering ten per cent off products like the Rotamate Washing Line Cover (£26.96, a saving of £2.99). Visit www.nigelsecostore.com or call 0800 288 8970, quoting ‘YOURS12’ until Sept 4, 2012.

Delivery £3.95. We also have two Rotamate covers to give away. To be in with a chance, send a postcard* marked Yours/Rotamate to the address on page 3 by Sept 4, 2012.

43%

Holidaymakers, beware of ‘hurry’ deals. A Which? survey found that 43 per cent of *If you do not wish to be contacted by Yours, please state on postcard holidays advertised were available at the same or lower EXTRA FOR YOU Pamper price after sales yourself!

Yours exclusive: 25 per cent off ended – at Ragdale Hall suggesting Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicestershire is offering 25 per cent off spa days and breaks until that no September 30, 2012. The Refresh and Revive hurry is Day (rrp £123, Monday-Friday) costs £92.25 with the discount, saving £30.75. A two-night needed Taster Break (rrp £332pp all inclusive, sharing at all! a standard twin/double room) is £249pp, saving £83. Visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk to Register with pick your day or break, then book on trusted travel 01664 433 000, quoting ‘Yours magazine’. companies to get exclusive deals.

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more clever money-saving tips

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Michael says: HMRC has declared its intention to pursue taxpayers who should have completed a Self Assessment form but didn’t.

There are two categories of taxpayer for this purpose.

Category one relates to people who received a letter in April 2011 informing them they had to file a tax return no later than January 31, 2012. Failure to comply incurs an automatic fine of £100 together with interest and penalties on any unpaid tax. If you received the letter from HMRC but did nothing about it, act now before they contact you.

Category two relates to people who did not receive the letter, but do have income that needs to be declared. HMRC will not expect you to complete a tax return every year if your income is predictable and is taxed at source, such as a pension or building society interest.

However, if you receive any further income that hasn’t been taxed (such as a casual job for which you are paid cash or selfemployed earnings) you must complete a tax return. Note that some National Savings products such as the Investment Account and Direct Saver pay taxable gross interest that needs to be declared.

For further advice, call the HMRC helpline 0845 900 0444.

Next issue: Caravan Show tickets up for grabs!

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PICS: GETTY IMAGES;THINKSTOCK. WORDS: SARAH JAGGER

Q

0 1 BEST... of the

✤ Weymouth DORSET A Georgian seafront, historic harbour and promenade make Weymouth a ‘proper’ seaside experience.

There’s plenty to do on the beach, from donkey rides and Punch and Judy to swing boats and pedalos. You can be as active or as lazy as you like at this West country resort!

Call 01305 785747 or visit www.visitweymouth.co.uk

From Barry Island to Whitby, our pick of Britain’s coastal entertainment will keep you busy this summer

traditional

Seaside resorts

✤ Broadstairs KENT Once a favourite place of inspiration for Charles Dickens, Broadstairs is a quintessential seaside town full of charm and atmosphere. There are seven beautiful sandy bays, an unspoilt town with independent shops and a mouthwatering selection of restaurants and bars.

Call 01843 577577 or visit www.enjoybroadstairs.co.uk

✤ Skegness LINCOLNSHIRE With miles of awardFAMILY winning sandy FUN beaches and a traditional pier, you can rekindle childhood memories in Skeggy. You’ll find donkeys, ice-creams and entertainment galore, but the nearby Gibraltar Point nature reserve, visited by millions of migrating birds each year, makes a welcome contrast from the bustling town centre.

Call 0845 674 0505 or visit www.skegness2012.com

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✤ Southwold SUFFOLK The pier at Southwold has been lovingly restored, with a dollop of good, old-fashioned fun. Enjoy the arcades, or the Under the Pier Show, before a meal in the Boardwalk Restaurant. Attention has been paid to every detail, from litter bins to a bandstand, and the Water Clock has a surprise in store for unwitting visitors! Southwold itself is an idyllic seaside town well known for its colourful beach huts.

Call 01502 722105 or visit www.southwoldpier.co.uk

✤ Barry Island

✤ Blackpool LANCASHIRE This beloved family seaside resort has seen multi-million pound regeneration over the last few years, and is now back to its traditional, former glory – hurrah! Blackpool is famous for its tower and promenade, seven miles of golden beaches, the magic of the illuminations and a warm and friendly welcome.

VALE OF GLAMORGAN South-facing Whitmore Bay is ideal for a day in the sun. Stock up on ice cream or candy floss before taking a stroll along the promenade. There’s a packed programme of free entertainment on offer during the summer months and other attractions – who can resist crazy golf?

To find out more, call 01446 747171 or visit www.visitthevale.com

Call 01253 478222 or visit www.visitblackpool.com

The cobbled streets, picturesque houses and cliff-top Whitby Abbey dating from the 13th century are the perfect backdrop for a coastal getaway. As well as inspiration for the world-famous Dracula, Whitby also lays claim to some of the best fish and chips in the country!

Call 0113 322 3500 or visit www.yorkshire.com

DRACULA’S FAVOURITE HAUNT!

✤ Cromer NORFOLK This Norfolk resort became a popular destination thanks to the Victorian railway boom. You can still arrive by train on The Bittern Line, running between Norwich and Sheringham, to sample the famous Cromer crab. The Pavilion Theatre at the end of the Edwardian pier is a must, with special shows on for the summer. Close by is the RNLI’s Henry Blogg Museum, which tells the story of the town’s proud lifeboat history – and the café above it has the best views in town.

✤ Brighton SUSSEX

With its Regency era heritage, there’s nostalgia aplenty along Call 01263 512497 or visit the Brighton waterfront. The pier plays host to its own funfair and www.visitnorthnorfolk.com you can take an electric train to the marina, admiring the seafront ✤ Clevedon SOMERSET squares as you go. Also not to The pier at Clevedon is Grade I listed, be missed is the Royal Pavilion dating from way back in 1869, and a – seaside palace of George delicious cream tea can still be enjoyed in IV and testament to the town’s its pavilion. If the weather behaves, you’ll long-standing popularity. find the bandstand in full swing, and WEST Call 01273 290337 or visit paddle steamers ready to take you COUNTRY www.visitbrighton.com on a cruise along the coast.

GEM Call 01934 426020 or visit www.visitsomerset.co.uk

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more great ideas for days out

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Next issue: The top ten British TV filming locations

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PICS: VISITBLACKPOOL.COM; THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL; WELCOME TO YORKSHIRE; NORFOLK TOURISM; WWW.VISITBRIGHTON.COM; ALAMY

✤ Whitby YORKSHIRE

HOME

& craft

A stylish silvery cover-up This pretty waistcoat is perfect for the last days of summer and will see you through autumn FOR KNITTERS WITH MORE EXPERIENCE

MATERIALS

6(7:8:9:10:11) 50g balls Sirdar Click ★★★★ Chunky F045 yarn in shade 185 Gull Grey.

Pair each of 5.5mm (UK5) and 6.5mm (UK3) knitting needles.

Stitch markers.

Yarn quantities are based on average requirements when specified tension and yarn is used.

Different yarn may be used but ensure tension of replacement yarn matches that stated in the pattern for best results.

MEASUREMENTS To fit bust 81/86 32/34

91/97 102/107 112/117 122/127 132/137 cm 36/38 40/42 44/46 48/50 52/54 in

Actual measurement 91 36

103 401/2

109 43

120 471/4

131 511/2

143 561/4

cm in

64 251/4

66 26

68 263/4

cm in

Full length (approximately) 55 213/4

57 221/2

61 24

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