Yours216

By Alison James hen Helen Mirren first read the script for her latest film, Woman in Gold she very quickly knew it was a movie she wanted to make.

The film tells the true story of Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish survivor of the Second World War who sued the Austrian government for the return of artwork the Nazis stole from her family. The painting in question was Gustav Klimt’s world-famous portrait of Adele Bloch Bauer, who happened to be Maria’s aunt.

“It was, quite simply, the story that made me want to play Maria,” Helen explained at the film’s world premiere in Berlin.

“I hadn’t been aware of her or what happened before I read the script. Somehow it had escaped me and, having read about it, I was very struck by Maria and what happened. It’s a story about justice, about family, about memories and the fact we must never forget what’s gone before. This, I feel, is the real significance of history.

“We take so much for granted and must always be reminded of what past generations went through.

Sadly we’re now losing the generation that lived through the Second World War – ‘the greatest generation’ it has been called – and it’s up to those of us who’ve come after to keep those memories and that truth alive.”

Helen never met Maria as she passed away in 2011, aged 94 but says she got to know her through playing her in the film.

“She was a remarkable, wonderful, funny, sexy, witty, humane and great, great woman. I hope I’ve done her justice. There are so many people from that particular conflict who did not receive any

W

‘We must keep precious memories alive’

With a poignant new film set for release, Dame Helen Mirren explains why she feels it’s vital to pay homage to the past

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❙ star chat ❙

justice whatsoever – so one little tiny moment of justice is a great thing.”

Helen used to have a selfimposed rule not to play a reallife individual while they were still alive. However this rule was broken when she opted to play Elizabeth II in the 2006 film, The Queen, the role for which she won her Oscar.

She went on to play Her Majesty again in the play The Audience in London’s West End in 2013 and won a coveted Olivier Award. Two years on, she’s taken the play to New York and is currently winning rave reviews on Broadway, with tickets selling like hot cakes. She’s also tipped to be nominated for a coveted Tony award for her performance.

What makes these theatrical achievements even more outstanding is that initially Helen was opposed to resurrecting the film role on stage. “I was determined not to do it,” she said recently. “I went to a read-through convinced that at the end I’d say no because it just wasn’t right for me. Not now or at any time. But then I walked into the rehearsal room and there was the great designer Bob Crowley, Stephen Daldry – one of the great theatre directors, the producer Robert Fox, and writer Peter Morgan. I looked at that team, and said

to myself, ‘Don’t be an idiot. You can’t walk away from this.’”

Having played the Queen three times in nine years, Helen’s view on those born into royalty is interesting. Speaking recently she said: “They are, in a way, aliens,” she says.

“You’ve never queued, ever, for anything. Every time you go in the street, the traffic is stopped for you. It’s a world you can’t imagine. But inside, they are the same flawed, insecure, vulnerable, complicated human beings we are. It’s my job to get into the person who’s inside that world.

“I think people misunderstand the Queen because she doesn’t smile all the time. But she’s not a movie star – she’s a queen. Smiling is not a requirement. What’s required is to be dignified, to be almost iconic and self-controlled. Not to be charming. In the end, I prefer that to someone who smiles a lot. I don’t think my portrayal of her has changed because she hasn’t changed. The point

‘She doesn’t smile all the time because she’s not a movie star. She’s a queen’

of the Queen, in a way, is this incredible consistency.”

You can’t imagine someone as calm and in control as Helen Mirren turning to jelly from nerves but that’s just what happened when she first met the Queen in person. “I was paralysed with fear and embarrassment and mortification. I got what we call ‘Queenitis’ which is when you see the Queen, you just become this babbling idiot! You just say these ridiculous things! To this day I don’t know if she’s ever seen the film, The Queen, or what she thought of it, or anything. I wish she had come to see the play, but it would have been impossible.”

Helen (69) is, of course, a member of acting royalty, having been made a Dame in 2003. Initially she has admitted she was ambivalent about the honour because it was a bit “too establishment.” But knowing her father and Russian ancestors would have been so proud she accepted the title – and found herself feeling proud too. “I’ve been a Dame now for quite a long time, but I still kind of forget until someone says it,” she says. “Then I go, ‘Oh yes, that’s right. I forgot that!’ ” ✢ Woman in Gold is in UK cinemas from Friday, April 10

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PICS: ALAMY, REX FEATURES,

Left, with Ryan Reynolds in Woman in Gold and a scene from the film

‘We’re tired of being a target’ H

By Valery McConnell

arassment”, “upsetting”, “guilt”, “uncaring”.

Not words you would associate with the work of charities, but they cropped up regularly in a response to our recent feature on big charities’ methods for fundraising.

Many told of being constantly asked to increase donation amounts – often resulting in generous readers cancelling their giving.

We contacted the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB), an organisation that oversees charities, to air some of the issues raised.

A spokesman for them said: “It is of great concern to us that Yours readers have been distressed by any fundraising approach.

Charities are working hard to meet the needs of their beneficiaries, but this should not come at donors’ expense. There can be a fine line between YOURS

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We had a huge response to our story asking whether big charities are too aggressive in their bid for donations. Here we feature some of your stories and talk to a fundraising watchdog

raising sufficient funds and asking too much from supporters. Charities need to tread carefully or risk losing donors.

“Complaints have risen in recent years, in line with an increase in fundraising activity, but they are prompted by a relatively small number of organisations. The large majority of charity fundraising in the UK is carried out to a high standard and charities are listening and learning from supporters’ feedback.

Charities do not want to cause distress or to waste valuable marketing resources. If you do not wish to be contacted in a certain way, then get in touch and tell the relevant charities.

“Your feedback matters and the FRSB is committed to ensuring that any concern about charity fundraising is addressed. To make a complaint about charity fundraising, contact the charity direct, or the FRSB on 0333 321 8803 or at www.frsb.org.uk” As a magazine, we are hugely supportive of charities and the amazing work they do but the letters and emails we received make it clear that more aggressive fundraising tactics often have the opposite effect on givers.

Yours editor Sharon Reid says: “We recognise raising money is a difficult challenge but there must be better ways than pestering people who are already giving – often over and above their means.”

❙ in the news ❙ Until last year I worked for one of the ‘top ten’ charities. Our volunteers worked with many elderly people who had been conned by telephone and doorstep collectors and had financial problems as a result. So when our head office decided to start doorstep signing-up, I raised objections and said this was against all the advice we gave to our clients – not to disclose their bank details, etc. I was told that, as we were a reputable brand, people would not be concerned about us employing such methods. They seemed unable to understand that most scammers claim to represent equally reputable causes. Those who did sign up often complained to us that once they had done so, the requests for more contributions was incessant. Once a charity registers you as a ‘warm donor’ it is very hard to get off their mailing lists.

J Jennings, Gloucestshire

‘An awful experience’

A very dear friend of mine, now sadly deceased, had a call from the Red Cross asking for £20 a month. At the time, my friend was 97. The call centre asking for the donation kept persisting until my friend became very upset.

She said, “Why can’t they be grateful for what I can afford?” I never donate to the Red Cross now because of her awful experience.

Jean Lawrence, North Yorkshire

‘Pressure led me to cancel direct debit’

I used to give to Macmillan by direct debit. One day I received a call, asking me to increase my donation, starting at an extra £25. When I said no, the amount was reduced. I explained I already gave as much as I could afford.

Then my young sons came in to ask for something, so I told them to give me a minute while I finished on the phone. The caller then asked me if I had children, before reassuring me they support patients with paediatric cancer too but need the extra money, etc. I finished the call, but not before she told me how many thousands this campaign was costing. I felt so upset that she’d tried to exploit me to increase my donation, so I decided to cancel my direct debit.

Angela, by email

‘I was asked to increase my donation’

In October 2012, I was approached at home by two canvassers from the British Heart Foundation and agreed to donate £150 per annum by way of a monthly direct debit. I made it very clear that if I was asked to increase this amount, I would cancel. In April 2013 I was telephoned to ask if I would increase my monthly amount; I declined and asked that my name be removed from their database, then cancelled my direct debit. Since then I am regularly in receipt of begging letters. I don’t open them but mark them ‘Unsolicited Mail, return to Sender’ and put them in the post box.

Maureen Parry, Northern Ireland

‘It was as if what we had raised wasn’t enough’

I helped hold a fundraising event for a cancer charity and raised a few hundred pounds. We were then invited to an event at a rather swish hotel. Once there, after various ordinary people had spoken about their illnesses and what they had done to raise money, we had to form small groups to discuss our events. I was surprised and annoyed when the leader of our group asked each person, ‘What more could you have done

to have made more money at your event?” It was as if what we had raised wasn’t enough. While I still support certain charities, I most definitely will not fundraise again.

Diane Griffiths, by email

‘They made me feel guilty’

I have 12 standing orders/direct debits to various charities. They all write to me during the year demanding a further donation ‘for a special cause’, which makes me feel very guilty.

Most charities have farmed out their appeals to a third party now because the address is the same one for all.

Mrs C Terry, Hertfordshire

‘Constant hassle upset me’ My brother-in-law, Kenneth Dale, worked for the Red Cross for around 40 years. On his last tour of duty in Pakistan, he was kidnapped by the Taliban in 2012 and, tragically, beheaded four months later. It made news headlines and our family was devastated. I set up a monthly donation with the Red Cross in his memory, but at least three or four times a year they rang me and hassled me for more money, which, being a pensioner, I couldn’t afford.

This year, when ebola hit, it got more intense until I finally said no more and cancelled my direct debit.

I was really upset.

Mrs M Dale, Yorkshire

‘Stop charity phone calls’

An 87 year-old member of my family, with dementia, has been subjected to these charity phone calls.

Unfortunately, the only thing she can remember clearly is her bank account number, so six charities have got money and her bank account has been drained. These people have no idea of the circumstances of the person they are calling – and probably don’t care.

Name and address supplied

✢ We will be getting in contact with everyone who sent us letters and emails on this subject to ask permission for your stories to be sent on to the FRSB so they can get a clear picture of the issues raised. And we hope that the new, tougher legislation on cold-calling, which comes into force in April, will deter some charities.

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PICS: RUTH JENKINSON, SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY

Givers were registered as ‘warm donors’

Style notes

Your

anti-ageing face workout

Beat wrinkles and firm your skin with a quick and easy exercise routine

By Charlotte Haigh MacNeil

Meet our expert Anna Reich is a leading personal trainer who takes a top-to-toe approach to fitness, practising and teaching face yoga.

The six exercises here 1. SMILE SMOOTHER This exercise works on your cheeks and the lines around your mouth, but it also helps to lift your jaw, creating a smoother, firmer line.

Hide your teeth with your lips and make an ‘O’ with your mouth.

Smile as widely as you can while still hiding your teeth.

Repeat six times.

Hold the smile shape and place one index finger on your chin. Begin to move your jaw up and down as you tilt your head back.

2. PUFFER FISH This exercise works on your cheeks, helping to lift them.

Puff out your cheeks as much as you can. Gently begin tapping them with your hands. Keep doing this for 30 seconds.

Relax your face and then repeat.

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effective and free. But just as with the gym, you need to be committed.

You should do it six days a week for best results.”

How it works Face yoga involves different elements that will have huge benefits for your face. “The exercise element strengthens your facial muscles, which lifts and tightens the skin attached to them, reducing lines and wrinkles,” says Anna. The good news is that, because the muscles in your face are a lot smaller than the ones in your body, you’ll be able to strengthen

and tone them much faster.

Face yoga also involves massage to increase circulation and remove toxins, boosting skin tone and reducing puffiness and dark circles, so your skin looks fresher and healthier. “The massage techniques help increase collagen and elastin, your skin’s natural plumping agents,” says Anna. “We also incorporate acupressure, pressing on specific points to boost the flow of energy throughout your face, reducing tension and boosting circulation.”

Try the facial exercises below and you’ll soon see a difference...

are all ideal for tackling some of the key ageing issues for women over 50 3. THE Owl

5. THE GIRaFFE

“This is great for firming your forehead and reducing lines and wrinkles there,” says Anna.

Make big C shapes with your thumbs and index fingers and then place your index finger just above and parallel to your eyebrows and your thumbs along the top of your cheek bones, so you’re making semi-circles around your eyes.

Open your eyes wide and look up. Start to pull down with your index fingers while simultaneously trying to raise your eyebrows.

Maintain this resistance for 2 seconds and repeat three times.

Repeat once more, this time holding for ten seconds.

Repeat the whole set three times.

This is aimed directly at firming a sagging neck. look straight ahead. Place the tips of your fingers at the top of neck and pull the skin down as you tilt your head back.

Bring your head back down and repeat twice. jut your lower lip out as far as possible, place your fingers on your collarbone and point your chin upwards, trying to keep the corners of your mouth pulled down. Hold for four deep breaths.

4. kISS THE SkY When the lower part of your face drops, it can be one of the most obvious signs of ageing, creating lines between your nose and mouth (naso-labial lines) that can make you look tired. This exercise helps to reverse that effect.

Tilt your head back gently and blow ten kisses into the air.

The kissing motion should be loud and exaggerated. after your tenth kiss, exhale slowly via one long, prolonged kiss.

Relax your face then repeat twice more.

6. FlIRTY EYES This exercise is a great one for tightening the eye area, getting rid of crows feet and droopy lids.

Place your fingers horizontally under your eyes – your fingers should be pointing towards your nose. look upwards and begin fluttering your upper eyelids only. You should be able to feel the tiny muscles in your lower lids pulsing due to the resistance created. keep this motion going for 30 seconds, then close your eyes for a moment and repeat once more.

PIC: RUTH jENkINSON. IllUSTRaTIONS: ClaIRE FlETCHER

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xercise can help keep your tummy firm, tone your arms and shape your thighs. But most of us wouldn’t think about exercising our faces. “Muscles in your face react to exercise like any other muscle in your body,” points out personal trainer Anna Reich, who practises and teaches face yoga.

“Exercise can help tighten and plump up your facial muscles, too. With regular practice, your face could look lifted and smoother. It’s a great circulation booster too, and will leave you with a gorgeous glow. It’s safe,

B NExT issuE How to look younger day and night YOURS

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Style notes

20of the best

SPRING JACKE Layer up in style with our choice of flattering and affordable jackets By Jo Winch Kathy wears: Pink belted waterfall jacket, £49, 8-24, Very; top, £26, 10-20, M&S; trousers, £28, 10-20, M&Co; pumps, £49, 3-8, Jones Bootmaker; bag, £40, Simply Be

Short blue floral, £32, 10-24, David Emanuel at Bonmarché

FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE

Stripe jersey jacket, £22, 1024, Bonmarché Textured blazer, £65, 8-22, Twiggy for M&S Collection

Blue spot and stripe, £49.95, s-xl, White Stuff

Denim belted, £49.50, 10-20, M&S

Grey PU jacket, £45, 10-20, Bhs

Floral kimono style, £32, 10-20, M&Co YOURS

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BOLD PRINT

Mint collarless jacket, £70, 8-18, Principles

by Ben de Lisi at Debenhams

KETS

Yellow longline, £20, 10-20, George at Asda

Pink collarless style, £40, 10-20, Bhs Stripe, £35, 10-20, Bhs

Gill wears: Yellow long-line jacket, £60, lace top, £26, 10-20, both Next; jeggings, £22, 10-20, M&Co; sandals, £62, 3-8, Next

Stripe long-line, £30, 10-20, George at Asda

Print jacket, £29.99, 10-18, New Look Yellow jacket, £55, 10-22, JD Williams

A GREAT CLASSIC

Pale blue collarless, £40, s-xl, Matalan

Blush pink duster, £35, s-xl, Wallis

PHOTOS ANGELA SPAIN; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP OLIVIA FERRIER

White belted, £55, s-xl, Wallis

Pink gingham, £30, 10-20, F&F

STOCKISTS: Bhs 0344 411 6000 www.bhs.co.uk; Bonmarché 0845 202 4490 www.bonmarche.co.uk; Debenhams 0344 800 8877 www.debenhams.com; F&F at Tesco 0800 505 555 www.tesco.com/clothing; George at Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com; JDWilliams 0871 231 2000 www.jdwilliams.co.uk; Jones Bootmaker 0800 163 519 www.jonesbootmaker.com; Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200 www.marksandspencer.com; Matalan 0333 0044 444 www.matalan.co.uk; M&Co 0800 031 7200 www.mandco.com; Next 0844 844 8939 www.next.co.uk; New Look 0844 507 5105 ww.newlook.com; Simply Be 0345 0719018 www. simplybe.co.uk ;Very 0844 822 2321 www.very.co.uk; Wallis 0344 984 0266 www. wallis.co.uk; White Stuf 0203 752 5360 www.whitestuf.com Details are correct at time going to press YOURS

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Good to KNOW...

How to...

tell your family what you want An expert guide to making your last wishes known

By Lizzy Dening

Meet our experts David Collingwood is a Director at Co-operative Funeralcare, for more information visit www. co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk

Nicola Dela-Croix is a Funeral Celebrant, for more information visit www.nicoladelacroix.com

P

lanning your own funeral might feel like you’re tempting fate, but having a few ideas in place might make a difficult time much easier for your family. If you have specific thoughts on the sort of send off you’d like, telling your loved ones your plans will ensure that your wishes are met.

Write a note If you can’t face talking about the subject, or you can see that it’s upsetting people unnecessarily, you might consider writing down your preferences. That way, you only need to ensure your family know where to look when the time comes.

Funeral celebrant Nicola Dela-Croix recommends storing your wishes alongside your birth certificate, Will and pension documents, so they can be easily located.

“You might also choose to leave a few notes about your life, and how you’d want to be remembered,” says Nicola. “Sometimes people are only familiar with your most recent achievements and experiences, but might not know much about your school days or early work.

“Considering your own funeral tends to put life in perspective, you can write your thoughts down and then get on with the business of living.”

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Your options The main questions to answer are whether you want to be buried or cremated, where you want this to happen, and what type of ceremony you’d like.

“There are three main types of ceremony: a fully religious ceremony with a minister; a humanist nonreligious service (where hymns and prayers aren’t an option) or a bespoke ceremony led by a celebrant, which focuses on the life of the deceased, rather than their religious beliefs,” says Nicola.

“Don’t forget, it’s also important to give your loved ones the opportunity to include their own touches. They might want to choose readings or music that reflects their feelings for you. After all, it’s the last thing they can do for you.”

Funeral plans If you want to contribute financially there are three ways to do so – either placing money in a specific savings account, planning with a specific funeral director, or taking out a funeral plan with another company.

The main advantage of a funeral

How to bring up the subject If it’s a loved one’s wishes you’re worried about, here’s how to talk to them about it.

“Rather than forcing a conversation, it sometimes helps to just talk about the topic when it comes up,” says David Collingwood, a Director at Co-operative Funeralcare.

“For example, if it’s mentioned on television, or if a celebrity has passed away, you might want to bring up your own wishes in relation to types of funerals that are shown.”

“It’s easier to broach the subject with a relative when they still have their health and life ahead, if possible,” says Nicola Dela-Croix.

“One approach is to simply ask how they’d like to be remembered.

Reassure them it’s because you’re thinking of them, and would like

to follow their wishes when the time comes.

“If they get upset, it may be because they don’t want to talk about it at all – in which case, don’t push the subject – or they may just need a little time to open up. So, if possible, delicately continue.”

What if they have no preferences?

“Sometimes people say to me: ‘Dad didn’t have any wishes for his funeral – he told me to just put him in a cardboard box’,” says Nicola. “So the family then buy a cardboard coffin, which goes some way to giving him the send off he expected. But, if the person really doesn’t care, there’s nothing more you can do. At least if you’ve raised the issue with your family member, then you know you’ve tried to carry out their wishes.”

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ✢ Do you have a preference on type of coffin or casket? ✢ If you’d prefer cremation, would you want your ashes scattering somewhere special, buried, or made into jewellery? ✢ How would you like to arrive at the service? By hearse,

horse and cart, or something quirky such as a tractor?

And is there a particular route you’d want to take, past an old home for example? ✢ Would you like floral tributes, newspaper notices or charity donations?

✢ To print a PDF to fill in with your own wishes, visit www.dyingmatters.org or call 0800 021 4466

✢ Are there particular songs you’d want played, perhaps your first wedding dance? ✢ Would you want a visual tribute?

Are there particular photos you’d want including? ✢ Would you want the wake at a specific venue?

✢ NEXT ISSUE Help your grandchildren save YOURS

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PICS: GETTY IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK

Y o u m ig h t c o n s id e r w r it in g down your es preferenc g them a n d p u t t in e safe somewher

.co.uk

plan is that you’ll be paying today’s prices for an area that is getting more and more expensive with inflation.

Make sure you read the small print and be aware that there are certain areas such as ministers’ fees and flowers, which won’t necessarily be covered.

It’s an area where it pays to do your homework, and check exactly what your money will buy. You’ll also need to decide whether to pay in installments or in full.

Something for everyone…

in Marrakech From cookery classes to camel rides, a great time is guaranteed! By Lizzy Dening

With a partner Spend a morning exploring Maison Tiskiwin, off Riad Zitoun El-Jedid, a private home owned by anthropologist Bert Flint and packed to the rafters with crafts and art from the Sahara and southern Morocco. Look out for a tent made entirely of camel hair!

Take an authentic Arabic cookery class at La Maison Arabe – a hotel on Bab Doukkala. The half-day workshops are conducted by a ‘dada’ (a traditional Moroccan cook) with the help of a translator. At the end of the class, you’ll get to sit and enjoy your meal with the rest of the small group, so it’s a good way to make new friends.

Get a feel for the area in the security of a group, with a full or half-day Discovery Tour.

Encompassing the famous souks (markets), Bahia Palace, Saadian tombs and other local landmarks, you’ll get a whirlwind view of the highlights.

✢ Workshops cost 600dh per person.

For more information call 00 212 524 387 010 (www.lamaisonarabe.com/ en/ateliers-cuisine.html)

✢ Prices start from 380dh. For more information call the UK office on 0203 478 5933 or visit www.viator.com and search for Marrakech

Travelling solo?

Exchange rate at time of printing, £1=15dirhams (dh)* 100

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✢ Tickets 20dh.

Call 00 212 524 389192 (tiskiwin.businesscatalyst.com)

For an evening of fun, take a Fantasia Tour out to a secluded palm grove where you can have dinner and watch a show. After some local food (Moroccan salad, couscous and roast lamb) you’ll be treated to Arabian music, belly dancing, horseback tricks and even a flying carpet!

The company can arrange to collect you from various hotels in the centre at 8.30pm and return you four-and-a-half hours later, so it’s a late night, but well worth it. ✢ Tickets cost from 439dh. For information call the UK office on 0203 478 5933 or visit www.viator.com and search for Marrakech

Fancy a ladies’ night with a twist? Book a table at Al Fassia, on boulevard Zerktouni – a restaurant staffed entirely by women. It’s been open for 30 years and in that time has developed a reputation for incredible, authentic cuisine.

Reservations are essential as it’s so popular. ✢ Call 00 212 524 434 060 (www.alfassia.com)

Shopping in Marrakech is an experience not to be missed, and it’s generally advisable to go in a group or with a partner.

Trawl the souks around the Medina where you’ll find all sorts, from carpets and clothing,

to spices and baskets. Don’t forget to barter over prices – it’s all part of the culture – and be prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right. If haggling isn’t your thing, visit the Souk Cherifia on Sidid Abdelaziz, which is a barter-free zone selling items from local designers and artists.

Relax at a hammam – a warm, public bath – where spa treatments are often available. La Maison Arabe, Bab

With the grandchildren

✢ Use the hammam for 300dh.

For more information call 00 212 524 387 010 (www.lamaisonarabe.com)

the shadiest spots in Marrakech. Children will love the resident cats, and the turtles which live in the ponds. It’s not cheap, but on a hot day it will provide a cool, calm alternative to the souks.

Creative children will love the Henna Café on Arset Aouzal, where they can have an intricate (non-permanent) henna tattoo drawn on their hands or feet, while eating a sandwich on the rooftop terrace. For a bonus feel-good factor, all profits from the café go to local residents in need.

✢ Garden entrance 50dh.

Call 00 212 524 313 047 (www.jardinmajorelle.com)

✢ Henna tattoos start from 50dh for a small design, while food ranges from 30-80dh. For more information visit www. hennacafemarrakech.com

Escape the hot sunshine with a visit to a stunning garden. The Jardin Majorelle, on Aves Yacoub el-Mansour, was gifted to the

Doukkala, offers water enriched with local herbs and minerals and there’s a clay treatment you can apply for smoother skin, too.

city by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and is now filled with 300 plant species from across five continents, providing one of

We’ve included the dialling code from the UK to Marrakech if you want to book ahead of your trip. Remember international call charges apply and calls from mobiles may be considerably higher.

Adventurous types will go crazy over the region’s camels – which can be ridden through the beautiful palm groves in Palmeraie. Take a halfday trip with Marrakech Tours, which will include transfer out of the city and back, an hour-and-ahalf camel ride, plus pancakes and mint tea. ✢ Prices start from 512dh. For more information call their English office on 01428 605833 (www.marrakechtours.co.uk)

✢ NEXT ISSUE The best canine-friendly holidays at home and abroad YOURS

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*CURRENCY RATES VARY PICS: GETTY IMAGES, ISTOCK PHOTO, SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY

With friends

❙ time for you ❙

Easter treats!

These homemade makes and bakes will fill your kitchen with the joys of spring Compiled by Claire Williams SIMNEL CAKE This traditional Easter cake is decorated with 11 balls of marzipan to represent the apostles of Christ (not including Judas) Serves: 10 Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 1hour 10 mins

• • • • •

230g (8oz) plain flour 1½ tsp baking powder A good pinch of salt 175g (6oz) unsalted butter, softened 175g (6oz) soft light brown muscovado sugar • 4 large free-range eggs • 50g (2oz) ground almonds • 350g (12oz) mixed dried fruit • 100g (4oz) glacé cherries, rinsed, dried and halved • 100g (4oz) bar Divine 70 per cent Dark Chocolate, roughly chopped • 2 tbsp milk • 450g (1lb) white marzipan • A little apricot jam or sherry for brushing To decorate: • Speckled chocolate eggs

1. Grease and line a 20.5cm (8in) round, deep cake tin and heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl, mix and set aside until needed.

3. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; you can use a wooden spoon or an electric whisk or mixer.

4. Gradually beat in the eggs, beating well after each addition and adding the ground almonds with the last egg.

5. Using a large metal spoon, fold in the flour followed by the dried fruit, cherries, chocolate and milk. When thoroughly combined, spoon half of the mixture into the prepared tin and spread evenly.

6. Roll out one third of the marzipan to a

circle slightly smaller than the tin. Set it on top of the cake then cover with the rest of the cake mixture. Spread it evenly then make a slight hollow in the centre so the cake rises nicely.

7. Bake in the centre of the oven for 30 mins then reduce the oven temperature to 170°C/325°F/ Gas Mark 3. Bake for a further 60-70 mins or until a skewer inserted in to the centre of the cake, just down to the marzipan layer, comes out clean.

8. Leave to cool on a wire rack then carefully remove from the tin and discard the lining paper.

9. Roll out two-thirds of the remaining marzipan to a circle to fit the top of the cake. Brush the top of the cake with a little warm apricot jam or sherry and set the marzipan disc on top. Shape the rest of the marzipan into 11 balls and arrange around the edge.

10. Scatter miniature chocolate Easter eggs around the cake to decorate.

Per serving: 690 cals 29g Fat (sat fat 12g)

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Bettys’ Simnel cake

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If you don’t have time to bake, then this beautifully packaged light fruit cake is ideal. Made from the finest ingredients and decorated with marzipan and spring flowers. It even comes in a pretty tin!

£15