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£1.40 JUNE 28-JULY 11, 2011 ISSUE 118 YOURS.CO.UK

Reader makeovers

9

BE FASHION CONFIDENT Smart outfits for every shape and budget

ways to make your bank account work harder

Amanda Redman

David Essex

‘Why I don’t enjoy being a sex symbol ’

Protect your bones at 50, 60 & 70+

‘At last I’ve found true joy’

Summer Body Special ✤ A trim tum in 5 days!

YOUR0118 LATEST cover Amanda.indd 1 YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN PANTONE 185 C BLACK

✤ A glowing tan & softer skin

yourcover 118 -4.pgs

20/06/2011 14:51 20.06.2011 13:35 Rival Colour LTD

By Alison James t’s only been a matter of weeks but already it feels like boxer-turned-antique dealer Eddie Moon has been in EastEnders for ages. He fits in perfectly. Well, he’s yer authentic East End of London geezer, in’e?

But then, so is the legendary David Essex who’s playing him.

Born in Plaistow and raised in Canning Town, they don’t come much more ‘apples-and-pears’ than our David.

“I’ve lived all over the world,” he says, “but the East End still feels like home to me. I live in central London now, but I go back to the East End quite a lot to watch West Ham football team – I used to play for the juniors when I was 14. I also visit the cemetery where Mum and Dad are buried.”

So is Walford anything like West Ham? “Not really,” he smiles – those famous blue-grey eyes of his as twinkly as ever. “West Ham’s nowhere near as dangerous!

You know, EastEnders is a great adventure for me, although it was a bit daunting at first. The

I

‘I feel like I’ve come home!’

He may be a Seventies heart-throb and superstar, but David Essex is still an East End boy at heart

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David in his younger days

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y star chat y ‘It’s important Eddie is a strong character in his own right’

Above: David as charismatic cockney Eddie Moon, with Alfie (Shane Richie). Right: starring in All the Fun of the Fair

David’s strong feeling for family obviously stems from his own, very happy childhood.

“I had the best mum and dad ever, really loving parents,” he explains. “They gave me a very happy childhood because I knew I was loved. They were really good people. Mum was outgoing, loved music and was always first on the dance floor, while Dad was more introverted. But there was

‘I’ve lived all over the world but the East End still feels like home’ a lot of love between them. There were 13 children on Dad’s side and five on Mum’s so I come from a big family, even though I was an only child. I grew up in a very different world to the one we live

in now, but Canning Town was a fantastic place for a boy to grow up. It was a different era. It was very cosmopolitan because of the docks – at the end of the street there’d often be an ocean-going liner four times bigger than the houses. We also had half bombedout and derelict houses to play in.

I was never indoors.”

David’s father wanted him to work on the docks like he did, but the future superstar had other ideas. At 15, he joined a blues and jazz band, and several years later was discovered by Derek Bowman, a showbiz writer who became his manager. In 1971, David was cast to play Jesus Christ in the musical Godspell.

Two smash hit movies followed (That’ll Be The Day and later, the

Meet the Essex girls: David’s relationships David was married to childhood sweetheart Maureen Neal, right (1970-79); American singer Carlotta Christy (1997-2008) and now Welsh actress Susan Hallam-Wright, far right (from 2010) YOURS

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PICS: BBC PICTURE PUBLICITY; REx FEaTURES; BRIaN aRIS; BIG PICTURES

schedules are fast and furious, and I felt like the new boy at school! But everyone’s lovely and I’m full of respect for the actors here – some of them have been in the show for 20 years.

“I love playing Eddie and it’s important to me that he’s a strong character in his own right. I don’t want people to see him as David Essex. I’m in the show until the autumn then I’m going on tour, but Eddie may well be back after that.

We’ll have to see.”

Life’s certainly good for David right now. Professionally he’s loving being able to combine acting on TV with performing on stage, while in his personal life he’s just married his third wife, actress Susan Hallam-Wright, last September. At 38, she’s the same age as Verity – his daughter from his first marriage – but he says that’s not been a problem.

“They’re great friends. And I still get on brilliantly with my first two wives – there’s no animosity. Family is important to me and has become more so as I’ve got older. You can sometimes focus on projects you’re doing and neglect your family, but in the last ten to 15 years I’ve made a conscious effort to put family first.

“As well as Verity, I have Danny, also in his 30s, and Billy and Kit, twins who are in their early 20s. I also have four grandchildren now and I look forward to spending time with them and being on the touchline when they play football.”

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Recharge your

health

Safe sun facts It’s never too late to start protecting your skin. You’re more at risk of skin cancer as you get older, so our guide to staying safe in the sun will help you make the most of summer

By Michelle nightingale

LittLe and often

We all know we need to protect ourselves when the weather heats up, but we also need Vitamin D from the sun – so how much is too much? “Some sun exposure is essential for helping keep us healthy because it’s our main source of Vitamin D, which is important for building FACT and maintaining strong bones,” You need sun explains Caroline Cerny, SunSmart exposure to campaign manager at Cancer get enough Research UK. However, too much Vitamin D is the main cause of skin cancer, so when it comes to sun exposure, little and often is best. “There are lots of factors that determine how long you can safely stay in the sun to make sufficient amounts of Vitamin D, but it’s typically very short – less than the amount of time it would take for your skin to redden or burn. In fact, a matter of a few minutes at midday without sunscreen should be enough to get the benefits.”

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y health matters y Be SunBurn-Savvy

Most of us are pretty good at slapping on sunscreen on holiday, but don’t give it a second thought at home.

“A lot of people don’t think they have to worry, but most cases occur at home rather than abroad and can just as easily happen when you’re out and about rather than deliberately sunbathing,” says Caroline.

Sunburn is a sign that your skin cells’ DNA has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the discomfort is caused by your body attempting to repair the damage.”

Skin is pretty good at doing its job but, over time, damage can build up and may lead to skin cancer. “Getting sunburnt once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer,” explains Caroline.

FACT

You should be applying sunscreen at home and abroad

Be MoLe-aware

Know your riSK

We should all be taking precautions to safeguard our health, but it’s true some of us are at higher risk than others. So, it’s a good idea to be aware of how your skin reacts to the sun. “As a general rule, the lighter your skin tone, the more at risk you are of being burned,” says Caroline. “If you’re fair-skinned, have lots of moles, a personal FACT history of sunburn or Anyone can a family history of skin develop skin cancer you’re more at cancer, but risk and need to take some are more extra care to protect at risk your skin.”

ChooSe the right SunSCreen

Although no sunscreen, no matter how high the factor, can provide 100 per cent protection against the sun’s harmful rays, applying it regularly is still really important.

“It’s vital to apply at least an SPF15 broad-spectrum sunscreen with a rating of four or five stars,” says Caroline. Use FACT at least two tablespoons to Look for a cover your whole body if sunscreen with wearing a swimming UVA and UVB costume and don’t be on the label. tempted to dust off those bottles you’ve been hoarding in your bathroom cabinet, as most last only two to three years.

Be Sun-SMart Staying safe in the sun is simple. Here are Caroline’s top tips for making the most of the sunnier weather without putting your health at risk: D Choose a minimum factor 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen D Apply generously and regularly D Cover up with long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat D Spend some time in the shade when out and about D Know your skin type so you can avoid sunburn D Using fake tan, rather than a sunbed, is the best cheat’s way to go brown. But you still need to apply sunscreen to go outside D For advice call 0203 469 8489 or visit www.sunsmart.org.uk YOURS

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We should all make it a priority to familiarise ourselves FACT with our moles, because Malignant spotting the early warning melanoma is the signs of melanoma most serious increases your chances type of skin of successful recovery. “It’s cancer important to bear in mind that changes to your skin don’t necessarily mean something is wrong and many people have moles or blemishes that will remain harmless throughout their lives,” says Caroline. “But if you notice a change in the size, shape or colour of a mole or patch of skin that has happened over weeks or months, visit your GP to have it checked – even if you don’t think it’s serious or anything to worry about.”

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Recharge your

health

7 back pain

ways to... beat Bid farewell to the agony with these easy-to-follow hints

By Antonia Kanczula

lthough back pain can strike at any age, you’re particularly vulnerable once you hit middle age,” says Patricia Watber, research and information officer at BackCare (0845 130 2704 www.backcare.org.uk).

“Studies show the 45-to-65 age group is particularly susceptible, which isn’t surprising when you consider that your spine has been working hard for decades.” Often back pain has no clear cause, but lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medication and time can help alleviate discomfort. Here are the top seven ways to ease the pain.

A

1

Stay active

“Your back was designed for movement – so being active allows your muscles to remain supple,” says Patricia. It doesn’t matter what exercise you do – as long as it’s regular. If you already have problems or limited mobility, a low-impact exercise, such as gentle walking and stretching, will help prevent stiffness. Avoid activities that make your pain worse.

“Anything that takes stress off the joints, such as swimming, is also recommended,” adds Patricia. Gentle yoga or Pilates can help develop strong core muscles, which form a supportive internal corset around your middle.

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2

A healthy life, a healthy back

“Carrying too much weight puts extra pressure on your spine and can contribute to increased symptoms of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) – all of which cause back pain,” explains Patricia.

As well as eating healthily and staying active, if you’re a smoker it’s time to stub out those cigarettes as they increase your chance of developing back pain. “Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that interfere with nutrient, blood and oxygen flow to the spine and can lead to weakening of spinal structure.”

For advice call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline free on 0800 022 4332.

3

Go alternative

In addition to handson treatments such as physiotherapy, the complementary therapies of Alexander Technique (AT) and acupuncture have medical backing when it comes to managing back pain. AT classes teach you how to realign your posture and it’s thought that acupuncture works by stimulating the body to release natural pain-killing chemicals called endorphins.

A complementary approach doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s worth being openminded. Your GP or medical professional should be able to recommend qualified practitioners in your area.

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Instant ease

Be posture aware

5

4

Regular medication can take the edge off back pain, says Patricia.

“Paracetamol is the most common, but you could consider non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.”

Other options include back supports, TENS machines (which emit small pulses of electricity to block pain messages to the brain) and temperature treatments. “Heat packs increase circulation and help relieve stiffness, while cold is beneficial after an injury as it reduces inflammation.” If these options don’t ease your discomfort, talk to your GP about stronger medication.

“When standing, keep your chest high and your shoulders back and relaxed while pulling in your abdomen and bottom.

Keep your feet parallel and balance your weight evenly on both feet,” says Patricia. “When seated, make sure your chair allows you to rest your feet on the floor and keeps your knees at hip level. Place your back against the chair and stretch the top of your head towards the ceiling, keeping your upper back and neck elongated and shoulders relaxed.”

Talk about it

6

“Back pain can be a difficult and lonely experience, so meeting people who understand could be beneficial,” says Patricia. “Group therapy could help overcome the negative feelings that surround your condition, so speak to your GP about available support.”

And don’t ignore back pain that persists. “See your GP if pain lasts longer than three weeks, is accompanied by fever or weight loss or your pain is constant and doesn’t go away with rest,” says Patricia. “Also, seek medical advice immediately if you’ve had a recent major injury, have pain in the upper chest, radiating down your legs, numbness or tingling, or problems urinating.”

Sleeping support

7

Since we spend around eight hours a night sleeping, your mattress deserves special attention. To help ease aches and pains, try a memory foam mattress topper from Slumberdown. Each topper is made from visco-elastic memory foam originally developed for NASA to provide comfort for astronauts during space flights! This revolutionary foam is weight sensitive, so it continuously moulds to your body shape and position, supporting your weight evenly. It also helps avoid pressure points and keeps your spine properly aligned. Price start from £49.99. To order call 0845 166 4040 and quote YOURSmEm, or shop online at www.shopping.yours.co.uk PIC: CORBIS; GETTY ImAGES

t

y stay supple y

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Ask us anything… we’d love to help!

Where can I your questions get a heavyanswered duty gadget for removing pet hair from my carpets?

June Jones, by email yours says: Try this CarPet pet hair remover, which lifts, gathers and removes pet hair from just about any surface. It’s perfect for use on furniture, soft furnishings, car upholstery and clothes and is really easy to use.

D Priced at £5.95, plus p&p.

To order call 01285 760656 or visit www.besteverpethairremover.co.uk

Q

How can I obtain a copy of my birth certificate?

Mrs K Gregg, March yours says: If you were born in England or Wales you can easily order a copy of your birth certificate. Certificates for births, marriages and deaths registered in England and Wales since 1837 are all available to buy for a standard service fee of £9.25, at present. To request an application by telephone call 0845 603 7788 or visit the General Register Office website at www.gro.gov.uk D For more helpful information visit www.direct.gov.uk

Q

We’d love to help

Yours to answer your

info

questions.

Write to us at: Ask Us Anything, Yours magazine, Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough PE2 6EA. Or email your query to us at yours@bauermedia.co.uk with ‘Ask us Anything’ in the subject line.

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How to...

make your bank account work harder Don’t know your APRs from your AERs? Here’s a foolproof way to understand banking jargon By sarah Jagger D How do I switch accounts?

It was once said it’s an easier process to get divorced than change your bank account. It seems many of us are put off switching – yet it’s remarkably easy to do, with most institutions quite happy to take care of the paperwork for you.

Simply go to the new bank with two forms of ID (passport, driving licence etc), and proof of address (utility bill or

Best Buy Sizzling Pubs is offering two meals Two for for £9, Monday to Friday noon5pm. Choose from selected dishes, including half a roast chicken, lasagne and vegetable korma. Simply turn up at your nearest Sizzling Pub to get the summer-long deal.

£9

bank statement). Your new bank will ask you to complete the forms and will handle the transfer process. Let your employer, or pension provider, know your new account details.

D How can I bank safely?

Beware of emails and phone calls purporting to be from your bank.

“There are many scams around and it’s important you don’t give personal details unless you’re certain who you are giving them to,” says

Houses with 13 in the address are typically worth £4,000 less than identical neighbouring properties, such is the mistrust of the supposedly unlucky number.

It’s a

FACt

Source: Zoopla.co.uk

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knoW?

one in ten women don’t want a joint bank account as they don’t want their partner to know what they are spending their money on! source: n&P Building society

Brian Capon, of the British Bankers’ Association. “Your bank may need to contact you at some point, for instance to check an unusual transaction, but if in doubt, ask the person’s name, department and phone number and call them back. Then use the number that appears on your bank statement. When you get through, ask to speak to the person, quoting their department, phone number or extension. If the caller is genuine, they won’t mind. A bank will never ask for your PIN or password.”

D What’s the best account for me?

“Draw up a list of what you need from an account,” says Brian. “Include non-financial considerations, such as convenience to branch if this is important. Double check with staff that the features you’re looking for are included in the account.”

Compare accounts using the www.moneyfacts.co.uk or www. moneysavingexpert.com websites.

D What’s a packaged account?

These are current accounts offering extra features, such as commissionfree currency or travel insurance in return for a monthly fee. If you need the extras they offer then they can be worthwhile but very often you can get these cheaper elsewhere.

D should I have an overdraft?

It makes sense to have this facility, just in case of emergencies. Setting up an overdraft before you go overdrawn will save you lots of money as banks

keep all your card receipts and use these to check your bank statements

charge around 12 per cent for going might not have been paid in, or for into the red. You will also pay high transactions you don’t recognise. If fees for unauthorised borrowing. this happens, contact your bank D How do I switch my IsA to immediately to investigate. a new provider? The process is D How long should I keep relatively easy but there’s one statements? golden rule to remember. If you’re For at least six years,” advises Brian. transferring an ISA to another ISA “As soon as you throw one away, account never withdraw the money you’ll find you need it!” File your yourself as you’ll lose all the tax statements together somewhere benefits. The new provider will safe; if you have computer access to oversee the transfer process on your online banking, print the behalf. Current year’s cash ISAs must statements out to save in be moved whole, but previous years’ a folder or ring binder. allowances may be split between different providers.

5… banking terms D How do I correct a mistake on a statement? Keep all your explained card receipts and use these to APR (annual percentage rate) check statements thoroughly.

– the interest you pay annually on a sum Don’t just check your balance, you have borrowed, eg using a loan or look out for any cheques credit card. you’ve submitted that AeR (annual equivalent rate) – the interest your money will earn in a savings account if left for a year.

Interest – the charge you pay to borrow money, or the income you receive if you Power dressing was the dominant style of the invest cash in a savings account.

Eighties. As more women entered executive Direct Debit (DD) is the simplest way to jobs, their shoulder pads got bigger! Think pay for regular or occasional bills.

Alexis Colby from Dynasty, or Margaret standing orders (so) are a way of Thatcher. As many designers look back paying regular fixed amount bills, eg mortgage repayments, or transferring cash. to Eighties fashions, it will be interesting to see how it affects the desirability of turn the page for original shoes. For instance, this Eighties Yves Saint Laurent suede more money advice and leather court shoe is valued at £150 to £200 (one shoe only!).

CAsH In tHe AttIC

1

2 3 4 5

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Did you

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Healthy bre a

another morning and that means muesli. Or does it? Why not put the zing back into your day with these alternatives?

Compiled by Sheena Correa

SPICY IndIan SCrambled eggS One way to wake yourself up is by adding a bit of spice to your morning. You've never tasted scrambled eggs like these!

Makes 2

OnlY takeS 5 mInS

Per serving 429 cals Fat 27.2g Sat fat 5.8g

Preparation time: 3 minutes Cooking time: 2 minutes

PICS: GETTY ImaGES, THINkSTOCk

• 2 tbsp (30ml) butter, ghee or vegetable oil • 1 tsp (5ml) cumin seeds • 1 green or red chilli, finely sliced • 2 spring onions, finely sliced • ½ red pepper, finely chopped • 4 large british lion eggs • 1 tbsp (15ml) of milk • 2 x chapattis 1 In a frying pan, heat the fat before adding the cumin seeds. Cook this for 20 seconds, before adding the chilli, spring onions and peppers. Cook for a further 30 seconds.

2 at the same time, heat the chapattis in a separate frying pan. There’s no need for any oil.

3 meanwhile, lightly whisk the eggs and milk until they are just combined. add a pinch of salt and pour this into the pan.

4 Leave the eggs to sit, without stirring, for 20 seconds. Then stir with a wooden spoon, lifting and folding them over from the bottom of the pan. Let them sit for another 10 seconds, stir and fold again.

5 Repeat until the mix is softly set and slightly runny in places, then remove from the heat and leave for a few seconds to finish cooking. Serve immediately with toasted chapattis.

Recipe: Gizzi Erskine for Brit Eggs, www.britegg.co.uk

Top tip: You can leave out the chillies if you want – the cumin seeds will still give this dish a lovely warm flavour.

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banana and Peanut butter muffInS these will go down a storm with the grandkids and will get some fruit into them without them even realising…

Makes 12

Per serving 184 cals Fat 7.6g

Sat fat 2.3g

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes • 200g (7oz) self-raising flour • 25g (1oz) oats • 75g (2½oz) light brown muscovado sugar • 3 medium ripe bananas • 100g (3½oz) crunchy peanut butter • 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten • 25g (1oz) melted butter • 125ml (4fl oz) semiskimmed milk

under 200 CalS

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y cooking for you y

e akfasts

fIbrebOOStIng feaSt

gOOd-fOr-YOu breakfaSt PanCakeS the added bran in these pancakes makes them almost virtuous!

Makes 8

2 per serving 254 cals Fat 2.8g Sat fat 0.5g

Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 6 minutes • 150g (5½oz) self-raising flour • 1 medium egg • 2 tbsp (30ml) clear honey • 150ml (5½fl oz) semi-skimmed milk • 25g (1oz) sultanas • 50g (2oz) bran flakes • 2 tsp (10ml) vegetable oil to serve: • 4 x handful of mixed fresh berries • honey or maple syrup, to drizzle 1 Place the flour in a large bowl and whisk in the egg. Gradually add the honey, then the milk and whisk to form a batter. Stir in the sultanas and bran flakes.

2 Heat half the oil in a medium frying pan and spoon four tablespoons of

the mixture into the pan, to form four pancakes.

3 Cook gently for 1-2 minutes before flipping over to cook for one more minute, or until golden. Repeat to make four more pancakes.

4 Serve immediately with the berries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Top tip try replacing the sultanas with chopped dried apricots for a change.

Recipe: Wholegrain Goodness, www.shakeupyourwakeup.com

D Have you cooked any of our recipes? We’d love to hear from you! Send in your comments and pictures to the usual Yours address titled, ‘I’ve cooked that!’

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/ Gas mark 6. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases.

2 In a medium mixing bowl, sift the flour and mix in the oats and sugar. In a separate bowl, mash the banana and mix in the peanut butter, eggs, butter and milk. Once blended, stir into the flour mixture.

3 Spoon this into the muffin cases and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.

4 Leave to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Recipe: Wholegrain Goodness, www.shakeupyourwakeup.com

Top tip: these can be made ahead and frozen and defrosted when required. there can’t be a more instant breakfast than that, surely?

Tried & tasted POSH InStant COffee Carte noire divinement expresso, 100g/£2.64 a rather weak and average instant coffee, I had to use two heaped teaspoons to get any real flavour! Not very good value for money and the name ‘expresso’ is misleading, as it lacked the flavour and strength of espresso coffee.

nescafé Café Parisien, 100g/£1.79 This tasted just like the coffee had been made in a genuine French café! With its thick and creamy texture, this was the closest to ‘real’ coffee. Very impressed by the quality and value of this familiar brand.

4 5

kenco millicano Wholebean Instant, 100g/£3.99 I liked the modern and stylish packaging – you can reuse 3 the tin time and again. This 5 was a strong cup of Italian coffee but pricier than the others, so perhaps see this as a treat? tested by david taylor (51), Stamford

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2 5

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Ask us anything… about your leisure time Bees need all the help they can get, so entice them into your garden (or balcony)

Be a

bee-friendly gardener

just 30 minutes’ planting could help transform your garden into a magnet for the declining bee population. the plants below can either be put straight into flowerbeds or pots, or into a windowbox...

Erysimum these perennial fragrant wallflowers bloom from spring to summer. Butterflies will also love the nectar-filled flowers.

Pansies and violas easy to grow and available in a riot of colours and shapes.

Choose smaller types for maximum insect appeal.

Why not try?

Spruce up your cakes with sugarcraft to make them extra special

What is sugarcraft?

This term relates to anything connected to the art of cake decorating.

‘Sugarcrafters’ take a basic cake and apply handmade edible icing flowers, fruit and decorative objects. It can be as simple as decorating your grandchild’s birthday cake, but is usually saved for special occasion cakes as it can be rather time-consuming. But the good news is that because the handmade decorations are produced from sugar, they will keep for up to a year, so you can reuse your masterpieces!

I like the sound of this, where do I start?

French lavender

All the basic equipment (like icing, cake boards, cutters etc) can be hired or bought from most cake decoration shops or if you’d like to try before you buy, find out about short courses that may be held in your area.

the flowers are a good nectar source, while the leafy, purple bracts add extra colour. Breathe in for their calming fragrance.

Argyranthemum

Senetti

these perennial daisies also attract hoverflies. their larvae are gardeners’ friends, hoovering up masses of greenfly.

the flowers are irresistible and butterflies will feel the same way when they see the rich purple, pink and blue shades.

D This project was created by the team at Garden Answers, the practical and inspirational magazine that promises to be hands-on help for gardeners.

Can this lead to more?

If you’re good at this, you could potentially think about charging for your creations. Remember to include your labour for this to make it worth your while.

turn over for more advice yOURS

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Basic sugarcraft

WORDS: SheenA cORReA; pIc: geTTy ImAgeS

30 mInute projeCt

eVeRy FORTnIghT

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