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‘Downton has chang As the latest series nears the end, Elizabeth McGovern (Cora) chats to Yours about life in one of the nation’s best-loved dramas

By Alison James lthough in her youth, she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, starred with – and almost married – Sean Penn, and played opposite the legendary Robert de Niro, Elizabeth McGovern (52) wasn’t exactly a household name when she first appeared in Downton Abbey in September 2010. But now in her fourth series playing Cora, it’s a very different story for the Illinois-born actress.

“Has being in Downton changed my life?” she ponders.

“I’ll say it’s probably changed it forever! It’s given me an unbelievable level of success at an age when I’m able to enjoy it.

Jobs like this don’t come along very often and I – and the rest of the cast – all feel in different ways like we are experiencing something that only comes around once in a lifetime. It is truly amazing. Having said this, my day-to-day existence hasn’t changed that much. I manage to still go on the tube all the time – and my home life is pretty settled.

Home for Elizabeth is Chiswick, west London where she lives with film director husband Simon Curtis and their daughters, Grace (15) and university student Matilda (19).

“I love it,” she smiles. “I feel a sense of belonging there – it’s where I was meant to live. Like

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❙ star chat ❙

Cora, I’m an American who’s playing Lady Cora. “After four spent two decades raising English years I still love it,” she reveals. children and making cultural “Cora really is a pleasure to play adjustments. In that respect her – more so than she was at the life mirrors mine.” beginning. There’s more depth to In other ways, however, it her now and I’m still very engaged couldn’t be more different. You with the way Julian Fellowes can’t imagine, for instance, Lady writes for her. I’m such a fan of his Cora fronting her own rock ‘n’ – you can’t help but be entranced roll-type jazz band. by his dialogue and how well he “I formed the band in knows the characters.

2007 after taking guitar “In some dramas, DID YOU lessons and I started especially long KNOW? writing songs. We’re running ones Elizabeth’s first ever film role a seven piece, and I where the main was in 1980 when she played sing and play guitar. characters have the girlfriend of troubled teenager It’s incredibly been firmly Conrad Jarrett (Timothy Hutton, below) thrilling when you established, the in Ordinary People. It also marked come together as actors have input Robert Redford’s directorial debut! a band in front of a into how their live audience. We’re character speaks called Sadie and the and reacts. Not in Hotheads because Downton! That’s your ‘Sadie’ is the just not something thing inside you that that happens with makes you unique any character in the – everyone has it. show,” Elizabeth We’ve played at the explains. “In some Edinburgh Festival and ways it’s very we’ve a three-week residency wise because there are no at the Hippodrome Casino in deliberations or disagreements London in November.

– you do your best with what “I love both the acting and you have. We probably all have singing parts of my career, but I our own fantasies about what much prefer to act for a while and we’d do differently with our then do music separately. I find it characters, so it’s probably just stressful when I’m doing both at as well we’re not indulged.” the same time.”

What would Elizabeth secretly Although Downton like to see happen to Cora, then? A Abbey can’t go on for below-stairs affair with handsome ever, Elizabeth’s young footman James, or a fling happier than ever with son-in-law Tom, perhaps?

“I’m afraid I’m not saying,” she ‘Cora is much calmer than me!’

Elizabeth with her TV husband Hugh Bonneville

smiles. “But what I will say is that I’m genuinely still fascinated with Downton Abbey. I love bringing Cora to life. That’s lucky. Probably my favourite scenes are the ones between Cora and her husband, Robert. She’s still very much in love with him and they have a happy marriage, but Julian shows us some of his most authentic writing when he portrays them sniping at each other at times.

Or when Cora takes Robert to task over things that drive her mad – such as when he instructed Carson that world famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba should eat dinner in her room instead of with the family.

“This is what happens when a couple has been married a long time. I’ve been married for 20 years so I know this very well.

My marriage, like Cora’s, is very happy but there are times when you disagree and annoy each other. Cora is much calmer than me, actually. I’d love to be able to handle life with Cora’s grace and dignity.

“I get angry at times. The unfairness of life makes me angry. I’m not necessarily talking about my life, because I get compensated very well for my job, but that doesn’t stop me getting cross at some of the things I see.

I’m not proud of it, because anger is not useful. But hey, that’s just how it is. I try my best in life and I’ll keep trying.” ✢ Downton Abbey is on ITV1 on Sunday evenings.

Win a Downton Abbey DVD

EXTRA

We have five Downton Abbey series 4 DVDs to give FOR YOU away. To enter, send a postcard marked ‘Downton DVD’ to PO Box 57, Coates PE7 2FF, to arrive by Nov 15. ✢ Downton Abbey series 4 goes on sale on November 11 on Blu-ray and DVD from Universal Pictures (UK). ✢ If you don’t want to be contacted in the future by Yours magazine please write ‘No Further Contact’ clearly on the postcard.

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PICS: CAMERA PRESS, REX FEATURES, ICARNIVAL FILMS

nged my life forever’

Happy

birthday

Sooty!

As our mischievous furry friend collects his bus pass, we look at how he’s managed to cast a spell on audiences for so long…

By Laura Bradder zzy wizzy, let’s get busy!

Unbelievably Sooty, the little orange glove puppet bear who charmed his way onto our television screens, is celebrating 65 years of magic and mayhem.

It was 1948 when Harry Corbett, on a family holiday to Blackpool and searching for a way to entertain his sons, bought a toy bear from a stall on the North Pier for 7s 6d. Originally called Teddy, he became part of the family, and Harry would put on performances with the otherwise mute puppet ‘whispering’ in his ear to share jokes and tease the family.

Harry had wanted to be a musician, but suffered deafness in one ear, which limited his ability. However, the urge to perform was still in him, and he was persuaded to take part in the BBC show Talent Night as a puppeteer. Concerned that Teddy’s orange fur wouldn’t show up well on black and white TV screens, his wife Marjorie blackened his nose and ears

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Muffin the Mule, one of the many guests on Sooty’s show

Forever friends: Sooty, Soo and Sweep with Harry

❙ tv talk ❙

Some puppet show favourites…

With recent news that Seventies favourite The Clangers are set for a TV comeback, we could be heading for a puppet show revival. Here’s five we’d like to bring back...

BAGPUSS… He only appeared on our screens for 13 episodes, but the old saggy cloth cat won a special place in our hearts.

HECTOR’S HOUSE…Originally made for a French audience, we loved popping by to see what Hector the Dog, Zsazsa the Cat and Kiki the Frog were up to in the late 1960s.

ANDY PANDY… Part of the Watch with Mother programme, we all fell for the charming marionette who lived in a picnic basket with Teddy and Looby Loo.

PINKY AND PERKY… The puppet pigs gave us hours of entertainment with their high-pitched songs and on-screen pranks.

MUFFIN THE MULE… First screened in 1946, Muffin dancing along as Annette Mills played the piano is a childhood image imprinted on the minds of many.

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PIC: BBC PICTURES/CONNOR PR/ALAMY

with soot and Sooty was born. sketch show with a live being handpicked by the Corbetts Harry and Sooty’s double DID YOU audience in the Fifties, to take over the family business: KNOW? act enchanted the nation when variety was at “It’s my dream job; I was always a and they went on to win It was the arrival of Soo its peak. After Harry’s fan, but after being a guest on the the grand final. Sooty retirement in 1976, show as a young magician, I just in 1964 that led to Sooty went on to become a his son Matthew took fell in love with how it all worked moving from the BBC to regular on the children’s over as Sooty’s rightand how close it was to magic. We ITV – Auntie frowned on TV programme Saturday hand man, and the are like a family on set – people the idea of Sooty having Special, before being given show changed to a sitcom like Brenda Longman (voice of a girlfriend! his own show in 1955. format to suit an audience Soo) and Brian Sandford (Sweep) And 65 years on the little who were used to a slicker style have been here for 40 years. I bear is still entertaining children of television. In 1993 came Sooty think the fact that we all love the across the country. Now at the & Co, with the gang running a show comes across on screen.” helm is magician Richard Cadell, junk shop in Manchester. And It isn’t always easy on set who follows in the footsteps of we’ve even had Sooty Heights, though – the puppetry is so Harry and his son Matthew as with Sooty running his very own complex that the crew usually Sooty’s human sidekick. So what hotel! Sooty’s loyal puppet friends manages to film just seven does he think is the secret to have also added to the show’s minutes of usable footage each Sooty standing the test of time? appeal. We all love day. As Richard says: “Sooty “Sooty is still true to Harry’s naughty best friend is the lucky one as he original creation, so parents can Sweep, with DID YOU doesn’t need much KNOW? switch on and see Sooty and his his penchant make-up, so he just Harry Corbett was the friends doing the same stuff they for bones and rolls out of bed and saw as kids. It’s quite unique in sausages, turns up at the nephew of famous fish and that way, particularly at a time and Sooty’s last minute!” chip shop owner Harry when everything is based on CGI sensible panda Never one to Ramsden! He often played and special effects, and trying to girlfriend Soo, forget his roots, the piano in his uncle’s sell merchandise off the back of who revels in Sooty is celebrating Guiseley restaurant. the character. Sooty is just simple telling off the boys! his 65th birthday in the and genuine.”

But it’s when Sooty place where it all began Some of the success may also mixes with the human world that – with a tableau at this year’s be in the way Sooty has managed the most memorable moments Blackpool Illuminations. But to subtly move with happen. In 2008, he recorded a will he still be around in another the times. The 90th birthday message for Nelson 65 years? Richards says: “The Sooty Show Mandela – it turned out to be the modern world is so fast-moving DID YOU began as a most-watched tribute online. and full of technology that KNOW? His infamous water pistol has people take comfort in the slow The oldest surviving Sooty been squirted in the direction gentle things that remind them of numerous important people, of a more peaceful time.” in the world was bought by ✢ Let us know your TV puppet from the Duke of Edinburgh to Richard Cadell at auction favourite at the Yours address Tony Blair. And celebrities are still in 2008 – for £3,100. on page 3. queuing up to be on the show. ✢ Sooty is on Saturdays and Richard (44), clearly loves his Sundays on ITV1 at 7.25am. partnership with Sooty, having

Style Key autumn buys to notes

Treat yourself to these beautiful and classic buys that you can wear year after year By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale The smart jacket

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

✢ A short jacket is a great and versatile style choice that will last through the seasons. We love this boucle biker jacket with its mix of traditional fabric and modern shape.

Jacket, £45, 10-24, Isme; trousers, £17.50, 6-22, Marks & Spencer

FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE

The versatile dress

✢ Choose a comfy dress that you can wear for any occasion. This simple dress has flattering ¾ length sleeves and the tie-waist detail is very slimming. Wear a knit over the top and flat boots for casual daywear or heels and tights for a smarter look. Dress, £75, 8-18, Laura Ashley; tights, £3.50, s-xl, Marks & Spencer; shoes, £79, 3-9, Jones Bootmaker

GREAT VALUE

✢ This luxurious bag will never date!

Leather tote, £159, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

STOCKISTS: Debenhams 0844 561 6161; George at Asda 0800 952 0101; Isme 0844 811 8112; Jones Bootmaker 0800 163519; Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999; M&Co 0800 031 7200; Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200; Tesco 0800 505 555. Details correct at time of going to press

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LAST A LIFETIME The cashmere knit

MACHINE WASHABLE

✢ Classic cashmere doesn’t have to cost a fortune and if it’s well looked after will last for years. This gorgeous knit from M&S can even be popped in the washing machine so no need to take it to be dry-cleaned.

Cashmere knit, £65, 6-22, Marks & Spencer; skirt, £65, 12-20, jewellery, £15 for necklace and bracelet set, Debenhams

Michelle says: Mix a nd match inve stment pieces with bargain bu ys for savvy s tyle.

Splash out on classic p ieces rather than fashion-led items that w ill quickly look dated .

The classic skirt

✢ Check prints are a popular style trend every autumn, but choose a style in muted colours and you’ll be able to mix and match with existing items in your wardrobe.

Knit £60 and skirt £65, 8-20, both Laura Ashley; tights, £5, s-xl, Tesco

The navy trouser

✢ Navy is a great alternative to black because it’s softer and much more flattering, but still has the same slimming benefits. Dress yours up with a smart statement blouse and heels, or down with a Breton (boat-neck) style striped knit and flats.

Blouse, £29, 8-22, M&Co; trousers, £75, 8-20, Laura Ashley; shoes, £65, 3-8, Jones Bootmaker

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

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COMFORT STRETCH DETAIL

t, e high boo ✢ The kne ntaray at Ma £85, 3-9, ms Debenha

Next issue: Winter warmers to keep you looking stylish when the weather changes

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Time of my

life

was born in 1946, and when I was about six years old my mother went to work as a cleaner in a big white manor house with a sweeping drive and a lodge at the main gates. She rode there on her old secondhand bike, with me seated on a little chair at the back of her saddle.

Having been born in a prefab I had never experienced a house like it. To me it was an amazing place, and while my mother worked there it allowed me so much fun and adventure, which I have never forgotten.

The family that lived there were very wealthy, especially in contrast to our home as we were so poor, and the two daughters and their friendly dachshund dog, Roger, became my playmates.

The house was huge and at the top, running the full width of it, was the nursery. To me it was like some magical place full of toys and antiques which had been handed down through the family and my favourite by far was the dolls’ house. I was rarely allowed to touch it, but I often gazed with longing at the miniature antiquestyle table and chairs, along with the tiny reproduction paintings hanging on the walls. There was also a dolls’ pram, which was an ancient item made of metal, with large wheels and tiny dolls, complete with period outfits.

On one side of the nursery was a huge window box. When I first lifted the lid I could barely believe my eyes – there were so many toys for the children to play with! I had scarcely any toys, growing up as I did just after the Second World War. On odd occasions I was allowed to stay the night with the girls,

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Life at the Big House Norma Jean Clarke recalls a magical childhood playing at the grand manor house where her mother worked who were around my age. They had a nanny and one evening before bed, she allowed us to dress up. I carefully chose a fairy outfit, which when it was on, made me feel like a princess!

Those days when I stayed we ate dinner in the dining room, at a vast, mahogany table. I was served the usual meat and two vegetables, but one particular day this included spinach – I had never eaten spinach, or even known what it looked like. I didn’t like the look of this dark green thing but because the girls wouldn’t eat theirs, Nanny became cross, and began spreading jam all over their dinners, so I ate

mine as quickly as possible!

When the family were away, I would play around the house by myself. When my mother wasn’t looking, I would mount the mahogany handrail of the sweeping staircase and slowly glide down as if I was on a helter skelter. I knew my mother would be very angry if she ever caught me!

She once took me down into the basement where she showed me wedding presents piled high among the cobwebs, presents that had never been used, such as golden goblets and crystal glasses.

When it was one of the girls’ birthdays, the drawing room

‘It was like some magical place full of toys and antiques’

would be opened. I was invited to a birthday party there, and my mother warned me to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at all times! On the day, I think my mouth must have dropped open as I looked at the gold and white brocade curtains, and matching settees and armchairs. There was a huge marble fireplace and the windows, which were down to the floor, opened up onto a balustrade and then the garden.

There were many children invited to the party, and there was something most peculiar in the middle of the room... We all sat down on the floor, then something stirred in the oblong, striped box: a puppet! It was a Punch and Judy show! I was transfixed at seeing a puppet show for the very first time in my life. In a world without TV, we were all enchanted.

Other special occasions were similarly impressively marked.

Once, just before Christmas one year, I entered the hall and was met by the sight of the most enormous Christmas tree I had ever seen; it was as tall as the

Yours

wants to KNOW

‘I believe it shaped my life and aspirations’ would play with the girls in the grounds. I especially loved their rope swing, which was tied to a tree, and feeling the wind rush through my hair with a sense of freedom. A long way away, in the bottom of the garden, we would play hide and seek in the sugar cane jungle.

It was a magical time for me, in that big white manor house, but eventually my mother learnt to drive, got herself a better job, and moved up the employment ladder.

I felt very sad at not going to the house again, but so pleased I had experienced it, and the kindness the family showed me.

I believe it shaped my life and my aspirations forever.

Have you got an amazing story to tell? We’ll pay up to £100 for every story we print. Send your story (no more than 1,000 words) and pictures to: ‘Your Memories’, Yours magazine, Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough PE2 6EA. Or you can email your stories and pictures to lizzy.dening@bauermedia.co.uk

What’s My Line? ✢ Compulsive Sunday night viewing from 19511962, there have been reincarnations and one-off specials since, but none have quite lived up to this iconic series. ✢ It was hosted by Eamonn Andrews (above) with a changing panel of famous faces. Most regular were the cultured and elegant Lady Isobel Barnett and the irascible Gilbert Harding, followed by David Nixon and Barbara Kelly. Others included Kenneth Williams, Cyril Fletcher, Ted Moult, our own Roy Hudd and the evergreen June Whitfield. ✢ The format for Britain’s first successful panel game show was simple. Guests stood before the panel and could answer only ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as they tried to identify the guest’s job. Ten ‘no’ answers meant the guest had beaten the panel and they received a parchment scroll. ✢ Gilbert Harding was once so rude to a guest that she fled the studio in tears and complaints blocked the BBC switchboard. ✢ A popular slot was the celebrity guest. Panellists wore masks and had to use the same ‘yes/no’ format to discover their identity.

Guests – who included Elizabeth Taylor – often disguised their voices to make it more difficult.

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PIC: ALAMY, GETTY, IMAGES; REX FEATURES

Norma (below) loved the dolls’ house best of all!

full height of the house and elaborately decorated with tinsel and baubles, with coloured lights all over. It was like the one in Trafalgar Square.

At Easter there was another first for me – an egg hunt in the garden. I was handed a list of special instructions with where to look. Being so young I couldn’t quite understand what I was supposed to do, but I ran joyfully around the landscaped grounds, lifting things up and trying to find an egg.

Suddenly, the lady of the house appeared next to me, and said: “Norma, there’s an upside down pot. Maybe there could be an egg under it?” I promptly bent down, lifted the pot, and yes – there was an egg! I was so excited. Sadly it was the only one I found that day.

When the weather was nice I

0 1 BEST... of the

✢ Old Bowling Green LOWER CANAL WALK, SOUTHAMPTON Think Southampton’s all concrete? Think again! You’ll find the world’s oldest bowling green tucked away between parklands and the quayside. Reportedly first used in 1299, nowadays the clubhouse is home to all sorts of intriguing memorabilia.

Open to the public, except during matches and functions – enter if the side door is open!

To confirm a specific date, call 0238 063 3907 or email info@sobg.co.uk

MUST-SEE

city gems

From Medieval to modern, these precious places are just waiting to be discovered ✢ Cold War Bunker

REGULAR MONUMENT CLOSE, YORK GUIDED In this beautiful medieval city is a thoroughly TOURS 20th century secret – a Cold War bunker!

Enter the blast-proof doors to find out more about Britain’s best-laid plans, which were thankfully never needed. One-hour guided tours now run seven times a day (weekends only) for the winter season.

Adult £6.40, Conc £5.80, Child £3.80. Call 01904 646940 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/ york-cold-war-bunker

✢ New Walk FROM BELVOIR

✢ Marble Hall SURREY HOUSE, FREE NORWICH TO An Edwardian masterpiece by VISIT! George Skipper, designed for The Norwich Union Life Insurance Society – and still Aviva’s headquarters today. Take a free tour during office hours (9am-5pm, MonFri) and marvel at the grand staircase, chiming skeleton clock and 15 types of marble.

Call 01603 681062 to book (advised, though you can look round without a guide, too).

YOURS EVERY FORTNIGHT Visit www.norwich12.co.uk to find out more.

STREET, LEICESTER Visiting Leicester? Head south along the pedestrianised New Walk.

Developed in the late 18th century, many of the beautiful townhouses and wrought-iron railings were brought back to tip-top condition in the early Seventies. Go as far as Victoria Park for a delightful urban jolly and take in the fabulous New Walk Museum and Art Gallery en route.

The Clothier statue, and New Walk museum and art gallery

Call them on 01162 254900 or visit www. leicester.gov.uk/ museums

Adults £7.50, Concessions and children £5.50.

Open Mon-Fri,10am-5pm. Call 01159 881955 or visit www.cityofcaves.com

✢ Roath Park Conservatory CARDIFF Experience a little piece of rainforest in the heart of the capital. Enjoy the view from your bench, or ask the staff your gardening questions before feeding the fish, and learning about the tropical plants. Wheelchair access available to the lower section.

Adults £2, concessions £1, under 5s free. Open 10.30am-3.15pm for winter season. Call Cardiff Parks Service on 02920 445911 or visit www.cardiff.gov.uk and search for ‘conservatory’.

✢ St Olav Bookshop NORTH STREET, CHICHESTER Over 950 years ago The Church of St Olave was built in Chichester and it still remains today, thanks to some 18th century renovation! Just a short distance from the city cross, this fascinating building nestles happily between modern shops. Now a Christian bookshop, it’s well worth a visit.

Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Call 01243 782790 or visit www.stolavchristianbookshop.org

See South African Tree Ducks (Whistling Ducks) at Roath Park

✢ Apprentice Boys of Derry Museum & Exhibition

BOOKING ESSENTIAL MEMORIAL HALL, DERRY Derry is famous for the political murals on its city walls, but if you fancy keeping your toes warm then pop into Memorial Hall. During winter it’s open to pre-arranged groups. Peruse at your leisure or take a guided tour to learn about the Siege of Derry, and view the Orders’ meeting rooms.

Email the team at tours@apprenticeboys.co.uk in first instance, or call Billy on 07713 273011. Visit www.apprenticeboys.co.uk/museum

✢ Fergusson Gallery

✢ The Leeds Library COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS With books dating back to the 1800s and a vast range of cookery, gardening and nostalgia magazines, we can’t imagine a nicer place than this private library to curl up for a good read. Membership does cost (£120/year, £170 for couples), but if you make an appointment you can take a free tour instead!

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm. Call 01132 453071 or visit www.theleedslibrary.co.uk

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk to check out deals in our Travel Club

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MARSHALL PLACE, PERTH This lovely, domed building not only showcases the work of artist John Duncan Fergusson and dance pioneer Margaret Morris, but also tells the story of their loving relationship, and the years they spent together after their first meeting in 1913 Paris. Entry is free, with city centre parking nearby. Access to first floor via stairs only.

PICS: ALAMY; ISTOCKPHOTO; MASTERFILE; NORWICH 12 © RICKY-JOE BURRAGE

s

✢ City of Caves NOTTINGHAM Strangest of contrasts is this network of caves, accessed via the Broadmarsh shopping centre. Some 500 caves date back to the Middle Ages and have been used as recently as the 1940s. Indeed Nottingham has the biggest network of caves in Britain – so make your next shopping trip one to remember with a little extra adventure!

Open Mon-Sat10am-5pm. Call 01738 783425 or visit www.pkc.gov.uk/museums

Next issue: The UK’s top 10 cafés for coffee and cake!

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with the

family

Frights and festivals to keep children amused and entertained Face painting

Heroes and villains!

Get into the spirit of Hallowe’en by turning your little angels into cute witches using clever face paint.

You will need: • Make up brush and sponge • Bowl of water • Selection of face paints • Glitter gel How to make…

1 Using a damp sponge, apply a layer of turquoise or green paint all over the face as a base.

2 With a brush, paint lilac or purple over the entire eyelid and eyebrow

finishing in a point at the temple. Apply the same colour in a line under the eye sweeping down to a point at the top of the cheekbone.

3 Using black paint, create thick, bushy eyebrows by painting thick lines along the upper edge of the lilac shape around the eyes.

Add black strokes at the outside corner of the Fun and eyes. Get creative by effective adding a moon, stars, beauty spot and even a cat, to complete the effect. Finally, add sparkle to the black areas by using some glitter gel.

✢ For more ideas, visit www.snazaroo.com Snazaroo face paints are available from The Range and Hobbycraft

PICS: ISTOCKPHOTO, SNAZAROO, JENNIFER’S LITTLE WORLD

Make a Diwali lamp From November 3 the Hindu Festival of Lights, or Diwali, celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

You will need: How to make…

• Salt dough 1 Mix the ingredients • 2 parts plain flour together to make a dough.

• 1 part salt Roll into a ball and then • 1 part water press out on a flat surface • Paint, glue and to make a base. sparkles to 2 Push your thumbs in decorate the centre to mould into a

✢ Enjoy four fabulous stories featuring some of Roald Dahl’s most magnificent heroes and monstrous villains in this treasury: The Enormous Crocodile, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, The Twits & George’s Marvellous Medicine.

£19.99 bowl and pinch one side to make a spout. Leave to air dry or bake on a very low heat for about an hour.

3 When fully dry, paint and decorate with your own design and add a tealight candle.

✢ CRAFT AND IMAGE COURTESY OF WWW.JENNIFERSLITTLEWORLD.COM

RIB Q: What’s a vampire’s TICKLER

✢ A dark force has returned, led by an evil genius that even the gods cannot conquer. Thor must go into battle to protect the universe from the evil Malekith and the darkness he wants to plunge us all into.

Thor: The Dark World is certificate 12A, out now at your local cinema.

favourite fruit? A necktarine

✢ Set the scene for your ghoulish gathering with some creepy costumes and devilish decorations.

Available from Tesco, prices may vary.

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