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❙ star chat ❙

Granddad Alan’s r The nation’s favourite gardener chats about his new book celebrating the Diamond Jubilee, not taking himself too seriously and a special family member

By Christine Smith sk the popular and very affable TV presenter, who is regarded as one of our national treasures, if he is angling for a knighthood and Alan Titchmarsh roars with laughter at the mere notion of such an honour.

“Gosh, don’t hold your breath on that one,” he chuckles. “I very much doubt it!”

Charming and selfdeprecating as ever, Alan says that he has loved every minute of putting together his new book which documents the Queen’s remarkable 60 years on the throne.

The fact that he knows her well makes the book all the more special because Alan is able to use his personal insight to advantage as well as reminding us how much our own lives have changed over the last six decades.

There is no question that Alan is one of Her Majesty’s biggest fans. He says that the greatest accolade anyone could give his book would be for readers to see her in a positive light.

“I wanted the book to be a celebration,” explains the 62-year-old TV presenter and author. “It’s a family album kind of book and it’s informal.

“Sixty years is an awfully long time to do a job well and to cope with the slings and

PICS: REX FEATURES; GETTY IMAGES ; THE GUARDIAN

A

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arrows aimed at her, as well as putting up with people saying what she should and shouldn’t do, but her dedication to the job has been incredible.

“She lives by her own rules in the way she believes she needs to. She works so hard and is amazingly devoted to her people.”

Alan can still remember the first time he met the Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1985. “I was apprehensive, but she was lovely and she has such a great sense of humour,” he recalls. “I have never repeated what we talk about.

“I would far rather be regarded by the Royal family as a loyal subject than as someone who has their ear in terms of public relations. I wouldn’t talk about my own family or close friends so why talk about them?”

What the discreet TV presenter will reveal is that the Queen is very frank and knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects and he has nothing but praise for the way she has adapted to the many changes society has undergone over the years.

He gives equal praise to the Prince of Wales who, again, he thinks has received an undeserved bad press.

“He is such a hard-working man,” enthuses Alan. “I’ve known him for 26 years now and I want to stick up for him. Prince Charles and I talk about gardening. I am always asking him how things

Alan has a great rapport with the Royal family

are faring.”

The book, published earlier this month, coincides with a number of TV programmes Alan has been asked to make, including a onehour special on the Queen as well as interviewing Prince Charles for a special documentary series on Dumfries House later this year.

“I do have loads on,” he says, chuckling. “I know I should ease off but I really do enjoy my job.”

Laughing, he says his wife of 36 years, Alison, is always trying to suggest he slows down.

“I know I have not got the balance quite right but I always say I am working on it,” he adds.

“I will be better next year!

“I do, however, clear my diary in August and have all of that month off to recharge the batteries. But by the end of the four weeks, I am raring to go again.”

A private man who has never

The nicest words anybody can say, in my opinion, are ‘say goodnight to Granddad’

s right royal joy! been one to divulge too much about family life or their home in Hampshire, Alan won’t give much away about becoming a grandfather for the first time.

Suffice to say he is over the moon to have a grandson and admits he does need to get his work and life balance more in order now there is an addition to the Titchmarsh household.

“He is a poppet. The nicest words anybody can say, in my opinion, are ‘Say goodnight to Granddad’. I need to make time for family, especially as we now have an extra one to enjoy.”

One of Alan’s most endearing qualities is the fact he never takes himself too seriously. He chuckles when asked how he feels about his waxwork figure at Madame Tussaud’s being washed twice a week because there are so many lipstick marks over it.

With a glint in his eye, he declares he is ‘hugely flattered and rather disbelieving’, before adding modestly: “Perhaps they are confusing me with someone else. Brad Pitt is nearby.”

PIC:

✤ Elizabeth, her life, our times: a Diamond Jubilee celebration by Alan Titchmarsh is published

by BBC Books. It is available in the shops now, priced £18.99.

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7 DAYS in

✤

Your holiday

7 WAYS

Mix and match these ten key pieces and you’ve a lightweight holiday wardrobe that will last you all summer By Jo Winch ✤ Kimono, £30, 10-20, Next

PHOTOS; RUTH JENKINSON STYLIST; JO WINCH HAIR AND MAKE-UP; ANNA THOMPSON

✤ Dress, £35, 8-20, Marks & Spencer

✤ Scarf, £16, Next

✤ Jacket, £75, 8-20, Autograph at Marks & Spencer

✤ Kaftan, £42, 6-22, Geri at Next

Day 1

Peach t-shirt, £25, s-xl, Wallis ✤ White jeans, £29.50, 8-16, Wallis ✤ Butterfly sandals, £20, 3-8, Brantano 34

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✤ Plaited belt, £8, Tesco ✤ Peach shoes, £26, 3-8, Next

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Jacket + dress + shoes Beads, £8, Tesco; clutch bag, £20, M&Co

Day 2 Dress + scarf + shoes Great for a special occasion

c

capsule wardrobe sorted

Style notes

Day 3 Kimono + dress + shoes + belt Burnt orange is a perfect summer shade that’s also very now and it really does suit everyone’s colouring

Day 4 Kaftan + scarf + belt + jeans + sandals Bangle, £8, M&Co A statement scarf can really finish off a plain outfit

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Natural health E

Stay in the best of health whatever your age with our pick of the natural remedies that really work By Rebecca Speechley

ating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise are both excellent ways to stay in shape. Being proactive about your health could help you to reduce your risk of many common age-related health problems such as high cholesterol, joint pain, and memory loss and even improve your immunity.

Increasingly, research shows that natural remedies such as vitamins, herbs and essential oils could help to protect your wellbeing. Taking a natural approach to health is becoming more popular and 46 per cent of women say that they prefer to try natural solutions to health problems ďŹ rst.

Wading through the hundreds of natural products on offer can be overwhelming so we’ve tracked down the ones that could really make a difference to your health whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond.

Taking a natural approach to health is becoming more popular 58

h

must haves

at 50, 60 & 70+

IN YOUR

50s

Rosemary Astaxanthin

IN YOUR

60s

Honeysuckle

– to focus on the present People who constantly look back at the past are more sensitive to pain, according to researchers at the University of Granada. They found that the happiest, healthiest people enjoy the here and now. If you spend a lot of time wishing you could turn back the clock, try taking Bach Original Flower Remedy Honeysuckle (£6.65/20ml).

Just add two drops to a glass of water and sip throughout the day. It’s thought to help you focus on the present and enjoy the experiences and opportunities available to you. ✤ Call 020 7079 – to prevent bladder problems 1288 or www.

Once you hit the menopause you 250ml glasses every day – one in the nelsonsnaturalworld. might find that you’re more prone to morning and again in the evening,” com for stockists or urinary tract infections (UTI). This is says Professor Stuart Stanton, mail order. because a reduction in the urogynaecologist at St George’s hormone oestrogen in your Hospital, London. “The effects last body causes the lining for around ten hours so by taking two – for memory protection of your urethra and your doses you prolong the protection.” bladder to thin, making it more ✤ Until now most cranberry If your memory is on the wane try vulnerable to bacteria. Cranberries juices haven’t had a high enough taking a daily dose of B vitamins. contain proanthocyanidins, which concentration of cranberry A small study from the University prevent harmful bacteria to provide benefits but Ocean of Oxford found that people from sticking to your Spray 100 per cent Juice with mild cognitive impairment urinary tract. “Drink a high Cranberry Blend (£1.75/1l) who take relatively high doses concentration cranberry contains 25 per cent cranberry of B vitamins could notice an juice (minimum 25 per and is sweetened with fruit improvement in their memory. cent cranberry) in two juice instead of sugar.

Turn the page to find out more essential oil – to boost brainpower Put a few drops of rosemary essential oil on a handkerchief or in an oil burner to help improve your brainpower.

Scientists from Northumbria University have discovered that compounds in rosemary essential oil could help to prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. People with rosemary oil compounds in their blood (the compounds enter your bloodstream through your nose) were faster and more accurate at cognitive tests. ✤ Try Tisserand Rosemary Essential Oil (£6.05/9ml); call 01273 325 666 or visit www.tisserand.com for stockists or mail order.

– an all-round antioxidant One of the most powerful antioxidants available, astaxanthin is thought to be 14 times stronger as an antioxidant than Vitamin E, 53 times stronger than beta-carotene and 64 times stronger than Vitamin C. Dubbed the ‘extended life pill’, astaxanthin is thought to support your immune system, improve vision and help to keep your heart healthy. Users in one study reported less joint pain and improved mobility after taking it for just 30 days. ✤ Try Royal Green Astaxanthin (£24.99/60 softgels); call 0800 011 6135 or visit www. naturalorigin.com for stockists or mail order.

Cranberries

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PICS: ALAMY

B vitamins

5 ways with asparagus We’re in the middle of the British asparagus season so now’s the time to make the most of this treat

Goat’s Cheese and Asparagus Tartlets Serves:

6

Per serving: 364 cals Fat: 8.5g Sat fat: 3.8g

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes ✢ 1 tbsp plain flour ✢ 375g (13oz) low-fat ready rolled puff pastry ✢ 125g (4½oz) British asparagus, cut into 5cm (2in) pieces ✢ 75g (2½oz) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped plus 1 tbsp of the oil ✢ 125g (4½oz) goat’s cheese, crumbled ✢ 50g (2oz) rocket ✢ Balsamic vinegar and oil, to drizzle 80

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1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/420°F/Gas Mark 7. Divide the pastry into six rectangles and place on a floured baking tray. Score around the edge of each rectangle with a sharp knife.

2 Mix the asparagus with the sun-dried tomatoes and oil. Divide between the six pastry rectangles. Top with goat’s cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

3 Just before serving, toss the rocket in a little balsamic vinegar and place on top of the tartlets. Drizzle with oil if desired and serve immediately.

YOURS Marinate the tomatoes and asparagus TOP TIP overnight for a stronger flavour.

FOOD Roast Chicken and Quinoa Super Salad with Dukkah Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a great alternative to rice or couscous and is packed with protein and iron to help strengthen muscles.

Serves:

2

Per serving: 450 cals Fat:

8g

Sat fat: 2.5g

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes ✢ 180g (6oz) quinoa ✢ 250g (9oz) British asparagus, cut into 3cm (1in) chunks ✢ 250g (9oz) leftover roast chicken, shredded ✢ 150g (5oz) cherry tomatoes, halved ✢ 30g (1oz) sun-dried tomatoes, finely diced To make dukkah: ✢ 4 tbsp sesame seeds ✢ 2tbsp cumin seeds ✢ 1 tbsp ground coriander ✢ 50g (2oz) hazelnuts, finely chopped ✢ Pinch dried chilli flakes, optional ✢ ½ tspn salt 1 Wash the quinoa thoroughly and place in a saucepan with 360ml (½pt) cold water. Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 10 minutes.

2 Add the asparagus and cook for a further 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and all the water has been absorbed. Place in a large serving bowl and mix in the chicken and tomatoes. Set aside to cool.

3 Meanwhile, make the dukkah by dry-frying the sesame seeds, cumin and coriander for 3 minutes over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Tip onto a plate. Then dry-fry the hazelnuts for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly golden. Stir the nuts, chilli and salt into the seed mixture. Leave to cool.

(Dukkah can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.)

4 To serve, season to taste and garnish with a sprinkle of dukkah or a handful of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts.

King Prawn Stir Fry Serves:

2

Per serving: 422 cals Fat: 9.1g Sat fat: 1.4g

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 12 minutes ✢ Spray oil ✢ 10 raw king prawns, shelled ✢ 1 bunch of spring onions, thickly sliced ✢ 1 tsp dried chillies (optional) ✢ 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped ✢ 250g (9oz) British asparagus, sliced lengthways and into 3cm (1in) chunks ✢ 4 tbsp oyster sauce ✢ steamed Thai or basmati rice, to serve 1 Heat a wok to high and stir-fry the prawns for 2 minutes.

2 Remove and stir-fry the onions for 2 minutes, add the chilli and garlic for a further 4 minutes. 3 Add the prawns and asparagus for a further minute. 4 Add the oyster sauce for 3 minutes. Serve immediately with the steamed rice.

Asparagus and Lentil Salad Serves:

2

Per serving: 385 cals Fat: 7.5g Sat fat: 3.5g

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes ✢ 250g (9oz) British asparagus ✢ spray oil ✢ 1 red onion, diced ✢ 2 sticks celery, finely chopped ✢ 1 clove garlic, crushed ✢ 1 small red chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped ✢ 400g (12oz) can brown lentils, drained ✢ 150g (5oz) cherry tomatoes, halved ✢ 3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped ✢ 2 eggs 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Spray the asparagus with oil, season, and roast for 8 minutes.

2 Fry the onion, celery, garlic and chilli for 10 minutes.

3 Add the lentils and tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes. Stir in coriander. 4 Poach the eggs and serve on top of the salad.

Crowd-pleasing Pizza Serves:

ALL RECIPES COURTSEY OF © BRITISH ASPARAGUS, WWW.BRITISH-ASPARAGUS.CO.UK

notes

4

Per serving: 322 cals Fat: 7.8g Sat fat: 4.5g

Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes ✢ spray oil ✢ 1 garlic clove, finely sliced ✢ 400g (14oz) tinned chopped tomatoes ✢ ½ tsp salt and sugar ✢ 2x142g (5oz) pizza dough mix ✢ 500g (1lb) British asparagus, quartered lengthways ✢ 100g (3½oz) ricotta cheese ✢ 25g (1oz) pecorino cheese, sliced ✢ 25g (1oz)dried oregano ✢ 12 slices of pancetta 1 Gently fry the garlic for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes. Cool. 2 Meanwhile, make the dough to packet instructions and combine two packets. Roll out. 3 Spread the sauce and blob ricotta over the base. 4 Scatter the remaining ingredients over and bake for 12-15 minutes. Serve immediately.

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Visit www.yours.co.uk for recipes to celebrate national vegetarian week

››

Next issue: 5 top party foods for the Jubilee YOURS

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Garden clippings It’s a born survivor, so why not include the bearded iris in your garden? asks Geoff Stebbings eonies, poppies and bearded iris comprise the great trinity of the early summer garden, but while the first two have a certain similarity and are reliable, easy border plants. bearded iris are not quite so foolproof and people often have trouble with them. Yet few plants are easier to grow, especially if you are not a gardener.

Although most bearded iris you buy in the garden centre are attractive, the best and latest are only available from specialists.

Conveniently, they can be sent out in August, while dormant, so you can see them in bloom and have them delivered a few months later, to bloom the next year.

Born survivors, bearded iris, named after the furry band on the lower petals (falls), can cope with drought, poor soil and neglect. Many species are native to the Mediterranean and were frequently planted on graves for their elegant flowers, perfume and ability to thrive on the mounds of soil where they were baked and dry in summer. You will

P

Bearded iris can cope with drought, poor soil and neglect

have seen great swathes of iris, maybe in your own garden, with old rhizomes (creeping stems) snaking over each other and tufts of grey green foliage and, if the site is sunny, the odd flower or two.

I remember seeing them along railway lines, making a brief patch of colour before the autumn display of michaelmas daisies.

I can only assume gardeners divided and replanted the iris and threw the spares over the fence.

While lesser plants would die, the iris rooted and spread.

But that old patch of iris can have its renaissance if you treat it nicely and it can be a mass of flower – although it may be worth buying some different types, in new colours.

Dig them all up in July or September and snap off the ends of the rhizomes, so you have a piece with a fan of leaves at the end. Thicker rhizomes are more likely to bloom next year than thinner ones. Most of the clumps

PICS: GETTY IMAGES AND ALAMY

Take your pick of bearded iris

✤ MTB Miniature Dwarf Bearded iris blooms in April, growing up to 20cm (8in) tall ✤ SDB Standard Dwarf Bearded

The Standard Dwarf Bearded iris

iris flowers later, with branched stems up to 40cm (16in) tall ✤ IB Intermediate Bearded iris blooms after the SDBs, up to 70cm (27in) high

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Geoff has been gardening since the age of seven and has three allotments and a small garden, crammed with plants.

This week I’ll be... ✤ Planting out bedding plants in the border, protecting them from slugs r ✤ Sowing wallflowers for next yea ts plan ding ✤ Taking cuttings of bed for useful late plants to fill gaps ns ✤ Sowing French and runner bea w direct where they are to gro w ✤ Earthing up potatoes as they gro through the soil ✤ Hoeing off weeds between annuals and veg can be discarded. Then fork over the cleared area, add compost and a general fertiliser and plant the fans about 30cm (1ft) apart. Next year you will have flowers.

But there are a few extra facts to consider: they must have sun for as much of the day as possible and they should not have their rhizomes covered by soil or surrounding plants – they like to sunbathe. ✤ Geoff Stebbings is editor of Garden Answers. For advice and inspiration each month, don’t miss your copy.

Next issue: Spotlight on plants with royal connections

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