Yours Magazine issue 244

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Everything you need for a great fortnight

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fromYOURS

BROADWAY COMES TO THE WEST END Here’s an early heads-up for one of the most glamorous shows in town. For the first time ever, the hit film Dreamgirls is coming to the stage. And it’s for more than just one night only! There’ll be lots of fun, glitter and a whole stage full of sass as the Dreamgirls (right) tells the story of The Dreams, the Sixties group modelled on the likes of The Shirelles and The Supremes, who want to make it big! It’s set to be one of the biggest musicals of the year so grab your tickets in advance now.

■ Opens at The Savoy Theatre, November 19. To book, call 0844 871 7687 or visit www.dreamgirlswestend.com

On song: The Dreamgirls, will take us back to the magic of Motown

ON THE BOX…

The Hollow Crown, which returns to our TV screens this spring, brings together Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch and Hugh Bonneville to help tell the stories of Shakespeare’s history plays. Expect more conflict between Yorkists and Lancastrians and edge-of-your-seat drama.

PICS: GETTY IMAGES, BBC, SCOPE FEATURES, ALAMY

■ The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses starts on BBC2 on May 7.

Broadchurch star Olivia Colman (inset left) takes a break from gritty crime dramas to return to comedy as she stars in a new six-part sitcom, Flowers. She plays music teacher Deborah Grubb, struggling to keep her eccentric, dysfunctional family together in their crumbling house in this comedy role.

History in the making: The Hollow Crown stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Bonneville and Judi Dench

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■ Channel 4, Monday evenings.

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WHAT’S ALL T H E F U SS ABOU T ?

If we are not supposed to have midnight snacks why did they put a light in the fridge?

What has caught our attention in the news this fortnight…

Decline of garden gnomes We love our wildlife

Meryl Streep with co-stars Hugh Grant, right, and Simon Helberg. Inset, the real Florence Foster Jenkins

FILMGOERS

She wowed us with her showstopping singing talents in Mamma Mia and Into the Woods. So we imagine it’ll be a real challenge for Meryl Streep to step into the shoes of Florence Foster Jenkins in her latest role, playing the ambitious yet tone deaf singer. While the voice Florence hears in her head is divine, to the rest of the world it’s an ongoing joke. Alongside Hugh Grant, Meryl tells this true story of the eponymous New York heiress who obsessively pursued her dream of becoming a singing star.

A hot candidate to be one of the funniest films of the year.

New research reveals that an overwhelming number of us are making conscious efforts to encourage wildlife into our gardens and outdoor spaces.

Sixty per cent of British homeowners admit to doing what they can to encourage wildlife into their patch using everything from bird feeders to insect houses. And those aged 55-64 are making the most effort to conserve and promote wildlife.

The findings come from a survey by garden and conservatory furniture retailer, Alfresia.co.uk ■ All creatures great and small: turn to page 9 for our new Animal Magic page

■ Florence Foster Jenkins is in cinemas from May 6.

3 of the best…spring flower pots

■ Scottie dog garden planter, £17.95, www. notonthehighstreet.com ■ Butterfly print ceramic planting, £9.99, Dobbies garden centres ■ Heart-shaped wall planter, £14.95, 0208 746 2473, www.dotcomgiftshop.com

Is it the end for garden gnomes? A recent survey showed sales declining by a whopping 50 per cent in the last ten years, even though there are still around five million living in our gardens. The reason – garden snobbery. They have long been banned from the Chelsea Flower Show and there was uproar from well-heeled gardeners in 2013 when they were allowed in for one year only as part of a charity initiative. We wonder if gnomes are also a victim of the loss of front gardens – turned into paved spaces for cars. If you want to save these cheery little chaps from extinction, get yours now!

The end of ironing A team of boffins from Columbia University have invented the ironing robot.

Ironing is a complex task to programme due to the many precision movements, but a robot scans the surface of a garment for a “height deviation of the cloth surface” (a wrinkle to you and me). If it can also remember to unplug the iron when the phone rings so it doesn't come back 30 minutes later to scorch marks, we'll be even more impressed!

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PICS: JOEL PAMMENTER/EBURY PRESS, SCOPE FEATURES

Sue’s set for a crime caper!

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star chat Much-loved actress Sue Johnston stars alongside a stellar cast in the brand new film comedy, Golden Years

By Alison James

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ate, the pensions crisis and a steadfast refusal to accept the injustice of old age contrive to force law-abiding retired couple Arthur and Martha Goode into a life of crime. Refusing to take the loss of their pensions lying down and fade away into their declining years they decide to fight back and, under the cloak of old age, start robbing banks – and all to help save their community and local bowls club!

That’s the story of the new eagerly-anticipated British heist film Golden Years, written, incidentally,

by TV DIY-er Nick Knowles.

And what a cast has been assembled. Virginia McKenna (Born Free), Alun Armstrong (New Tricks), Bernard Hill (Wolf Hall), Una Stubbs (Sherlock), Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and Yours favourite Sue Johnston.

Sue plays Nancy, longsuffering wife of the policeman trying to solve the crimes, but it’s clear

she has some sympathy with Arthur and Martha, the movie’s mature ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ figures, played

by Bernard Hill and Virginia McKenna. Odds are that Sue herself may feel much the same way. It’s been rumoured that she took on the role of Nancy because, in addition to relishing the prospect of having a laugh working with the likes of Virginia and Bernard, she was sympathetic to the Goode’s cause. Certainly she has never been backwards at coming forwards at what she sees as life’s injustices.

Speaking recently Sue said: “A lot people feel there

‘Even little kids call me Sheila, my Brookside character, when I’m out and about. That always amazes me as I stopped playing her years before they were born’

isn’t any connection made between their lives and the people who are making the laws. I still get up and shout when I feel something needs to be done.”

It’s that passion and commitment that has helped power Sue through a distinguished career. Born in Warrington, Lancashire she left school aged 17 Star cast: From left, Una after one year of Stubbs, Simon Callow, Virginia her A-level course, McKenna and Bernard Hill having decided

to become an actress. Her big break came in 1982 when she landed the role of Sheila Grant in Channel 4’s Brookside. Unbelievably, it’s now 25 years since Sue (73) left the Liverpool-based soap in which she made her name. And though she’s played a host of memorable characters since, she still gets called Sheila when she’s out and about. “Even by little kids – that always amazes me considering I stopped playing Sheila years before they were born!” she says.

“I also get called Barbara because of the Royale Family but, more and more people are starting to call me Sue. I don’t mind at all.

Everyone’s always so nice.

I just feel very fortunate to still be employed. And I feel so blessed that I have managed to earn a good living out of doing what I love to do.”

When she’s not working Sue, who moved out of London three years ago back to her native North West, loves spending time with her three grandchildren – and going to watch Liverpool football team play at Anfield.

“I never grow tired of that first rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’

It sends shivers down my spine. To be part of the crowd is such a wonderful feeling. It is very empowering,” says Sue. So what’s next? Speaking recently she said she’d love to do a Hollywood film and also spend three months in Italy. “I spent an awful lot of time in the Eighties and

A WOMAN OF MANY PARTS Sue made her TV debut at 38 with a minor recurring role on Coronation Street in the summer of 1982, playing Mrs Chadwick, wife of a bookmaker, before landing the role of Brookside’s Sheila Grant (below, with on-screen hubby Ricky Tomlinson).

Since then she’s been in many drama series and films, including Inspector Morse, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, Brassed Off and My Uncle Silas.

She is also well known for her role as Barbara Royle in the BBC comedy series The Royle Family, appearing with her former on-screen husband in Brookside, Ricky Tomlinson.

From 2000 to 2011 she starred in the television series Waking the Dead, in which she played the role of psychological profiler Grace Foley, alongside Trevor Eve. Most recently, she appeared in Downton Abbey. early Nineties in Italy, and I’d like to live there for a while and soak it all in again,” she said. Sounds fantastico but for now, we’re just glad she agreed to be part of Golden Years. By all accounts the cast had a ball filming together. “We all got on like a house on fire,” says co-star Virginia McKenna. And hopefully we’ll have a ball watching the film.

■ Golden Years is released in cinemas on April 29.

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Style for the season

Scarf, £12, M&Co

This neve r tes da

Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale, advises you on how to make this year your most stylish yet, with four wearable trends…

NAUTICAL AND OH SO NICE!

DRESS, £45, 6-18 M&S Collection | Red heels, £26, 3-8, Bhs | Red necklace, £16, Laura Ashley | Long necklace, £20, Laura Ashley | Stripe bag, £10, F&F at Tesco

£35, 8-22, M&Co

EDITOR’S

❤

Red stripe top, £25, 8-24, M&S | Jeans, £35, 8-20, Wallis | Pumps, £15, 3-8, M&S Collection | Necklace, £18, Laura Ashley | Blue clutch, £36, Next

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Pumps, £10, F&F at Tesco

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PHOTOGRAPHY : RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST DANIELLE ELMES-HUGHES; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN

AVO RIT U

£45, Daisy Dixon at WatchShop.com £20, 3-8, M&Co

fashion favourites £8, M&S

£29.50, M&S Collection

FLOWER POWER

e Perf

ct

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BLOUSE, £60, 10-20, Laura Ashley | Trousers, £29.50, 8-22, M&S | Flats, £40, 3-8, Clarks | Bag, £23, Bhs

with trouse

£39, 8-20, M&Co

Dress, £75, 8-24,Per Una at M&S | Heels, £35, 3-8, Next | Bag, £30, Clarks

£85, 3-8, Laura Ashley

For grown-up florals, wear with crisp white and classic navy YOURS ■ EVERY FORTNIGHT

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Who better than the UK’s top health experts to help you improve your wellbeing?

Health Editor Rebecca Speechley asks our new expert panel to reveal the secrets of how they stay healthy

HOW THE EXPERTS STAY

healthy W

hen it comes to health, experts with different specialisms take varied approaches to improving our wellbeing. Looking at your health niggles from different angles could help you to find the solution you need, so we’ve recruited a new Yours panel of the very best experts who will be here to answer your health questions in future issues. Firstly, we’d like to introduce them and find out the top health tips that help them to stay fit and healthy.

THE NATUROPATH Sara Jubb is a Naturopath and Nutritional Therapist with a special interest in the role of hormones in women’s health

PICS: MASTERFILE, ALAMY, GETTY IMAGES

“Look after your body clock” “When we sleep at night, our bodies repair, restore and detoxify themselves. I always try to get to bed by 10pm and have seven to eight hours’ sleep every night, even at the weekend.

“By doing this your body clock can remind your brain about when to release sleep and wake hormones and when not to.

Regular mealtimes, a weekly exercise routine and getting some morning sun will all help to keep your body clock happy too.”

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expert advice THE PSYCHOLOGIST

THE FITNESS EXPERT

Dr Megan Aroll is a health psychologist with a special interest in misunderstood illnesses.

Her latest book The Menopause Maze (£12.99/ Singing Dragon) will be available in May

Julie Robinson is the Yours Fitness expert who specialises in motivating people to keep active to help them enjoy rather than endure later life. Find out more at www.moveitorloseit.co.uk

“Think of exercise as a medicine”

“Keep talking” “Having supportive friends and family helps protect us from ill health and aids recovery, too. From depression to coping with the menopause and even cancer, having loved ones to share our lives is key to coping.

“Don’t forget to talk kindly to yourself. We are our own worst critics. Try and show yourself some compassion each day by noting one good thing either about yourself or something you’ve done.

Doing this exercise can really help.”

THE OPTOMETRIST Dr Susan Blakeney is a practising optometrist and clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists

“Check your sight regularly” “A regular sight test is crucial to pick up any changes in your vision. Find something you can just see with each eye (cover the other eye with your hand), wearing your spectacles if you need them. A good subject would be the words on the spine of a book at the other side of the room. You can periodically check that this hasn’t changed.

“It’s still important to have a regular sight test with your optometrist. Some conditions, such as glaucoma, may be present without symptoms and a simple exam can detect these early.”

THE PODIATRIST Pat Turnbull is a podiatrist with experience in all types of foot problems who uses acupuncture and laser therapy and other techniques to treat foot pain, nail and skin problems

“Get your feet measured” “When your feet hurt you hurt all over. Correctly fitting shoes are the most important aspect of keeping healthy. Badly fitting shoes cause more than 80 per cent of foot problems and many women wear shoes that are too small.

“I always buy shoes in the afternoon because our feet can swell up to a size larger over the day. Have your feet measured and compare the shape of your feet to the shape of your shoes. New shoes should not need to be ‘broken in’ because this will damage your feet.”

“I know how easy it is to avoid exercise – we’re always busy and finding the motivation can be hard. Think of exercise as a medicine and make sure you get your daily dose. Even if you can’t get out to a class or go for a walk, turn every movement into an opportunity to exercise. Cleaning the house or gardening can be a great workout if it’s done with vigour.

“Every little helps, so just ten minutes of activity every morning and afternoon will make a difference, especially if you include some strengthening and balance activities.”

THE DOCTOR

Dr Trisha McNair is the Yours Doctor and a hospital physician specialising in medicine for older people.

“Give yourself a daily MOT” “I run through a checklist every morning when I get up. I think about how my sleep was, and whether I’m stressed about the day ahead. When I go to the loo I check for any signs of blood (if you spot any see your GP). When I brush my teeth I have a good look at my gums and in the shower I check my skin for lumps, infection or any changes to moles or my breasts.

“I take my pulse, looking out for an irregular heart rhythm which needs to be checked straight away if it appears. After a good breakfast, I check my posture and I’m ready for the day.”

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HOW TO...

complain Stacey Carter discovers why you should never be afraid to make a stand MEET OUR EXPERT Helen Dewdney is a consumer rights blogger and author of How to Complain: The Essential Consumer Guide to Getting Refunds, Redress and Results (£10.50/Amazon). For more information on complaining, visit her website, www.thecomplainingcow.co.uk

PICS: RUTH JENKINSON, GETTY IMAGES, ALAMY, ISTOCKPHOTO

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any of us choose not to complain when things go wrong, whether it’s noisy neighbours, faulty goods or bad service, but you shouldn’t be afraid of standing your ground as a customer and a consumer. Complaining effectively is incredibly important. “Put simply, if you don’t get what you’re entitled to, then you’re out of pocket, so you should complain,” says consumer expert Helen Dewdney.

Different complaints need to be tackled in different ways, but there is always a good standard procedure to follow.

“Act quickly, ensure your grievance is valid and always be polite,” says Helen.

“Don’t accuse and insult anybody with phrases such as ‘she was stupid,’ use words and phrases like ‘it appeared to me that…’. Use the relevant laws and legal jargon wherever possible to show that you know your legal rights, and keep copies of everything,” says Helen.

Whatever your complaint, we’ve got the relevant information you need to solve it.

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Complaint: My neighbours play loud music that comes through the walls of my house and keeps me up at night.

Know your rights: If your neighbour continues to make a lot of noise after you’ve asked them to stop, you can go to your local authority who will serve a notice to whoever is causing the noise or to the occupier of the property. Your local authority has the power under the Noise Act 1996 (amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005) to serve this and the person can then be prosecuted if they don’t comply.

How to complain: Try to resolve the issue by talking to your neighbour politely. Keep a note of dates and times of the noise. Write to your neighbour (and their landlord if the property is rented) saying that if they don’t stop disturbing you, you will have to inform the Environmental Health Officer who will measure the noise levels, possibly seize their equipment and prosecute them. Keep a copy of your letter.

What to do next: Notify your local authority, give them copies of the records of noise and times and when they should attend to record the noise. You can also go to court yourself and get an injunction.

Complaint: I paid for a named day delivery and it hasn’t been delivered.

Know your rights: This is a breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Goods must be delivered within the timeframe agreed or you are entitled to full refund of delivery costs.

How to complain: “Complain to customer services outlining the product you ordered and on what date,” says Helen. “State that under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you are entitled to a full refund.”

What to do next: If you don’t get a refund, then write to the CEO of the company. Say that if you are not satisfied with the response you will not hesitate in taking the matter to the ombudsman, Trading Standards or Small Claims Court. You can find contact details for the CEOs of most UK companies at www.ceoemail.com.

GOOD to KNOW Complaint: I’ve ordered a bouquet, but it doesn’t look like it did in the photograph and some of the flowers are dead!

✓

Know your rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you are entitled to products that are of satisfactory quality, match the description and are delivered with reasonable skill and care.

How to complain: Take a photo.

Contact customer services with details of the reference number, date and delivery of the flowers and ask for a full refund or replacement outlining your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

What to do next: If they blame the courier, write back that your contract is with them under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Unless you bought flowers for over £100 on your credit card, (your credit card is jointly liable for the amount under Section 75 of the

Complaint: We had a meal in a restaurant that was served late and was not very tasty.

Know your rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you are entitled to food that is of satisfactory quality that has been cooked and served with skill and care.

How to complain: Stop eating straight away when you find a problem, complain there and then and assert your rights. You should be offered a replacement, or if you don’t wish to wait for it to be cooked, then you should not have to pay. If a group of you are affected then a goodwill gesture, such as free desserts or teas and coffees, is common – however they are not legally obliged to do this.

What to do next: If they insist that you have to pay, take photos of the food and write ‘paid under protest’ on the bill and keep a copy. Write to the CEO if it’s a restaurant chain, or the actual owner if it’s an independent company

Consumer Credit Act 1974) your only option is the Small Claims Court. With photographic evidence it is unlikely that they will want to chance their luck in court.

Complaint: My new vacuum has stopped working and I’ve not had it for very long.

and explain that you will be sharing your experience with others. You can threaten legal action if the amount you paid is worth disputing.

Know your rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you are entitled to products that last a reasonable length of time, are of satisfactory quality and are fit for purpose. If the item is fewer than 30 days old you are entitled to a full refund. If it is more than 30 days old, the retailer can insist on a repair or replacement.

How to complain: Contact the retailer, explain the problem and request full refund or a free repair or replacement.

Always state what you want the outcome to be when you complain rather than waiting for the company to offer you something.

What to do next: Should the company refuse, write to the CEO. Say that if you are not satisfied with the response you will not hesitate in taking the matter to the ombudsman, Trading Standards or Small Claims Court.

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best buys

■ Distressed metal jug £11.95, Melody Maison 01302 711116

■ Blue vintage clock £12.95, Rigby & Mac www.rigbyandmac.com 0208 761 4526

Home

notes

■ Grace ceramic vase £65, Next 0844 844 8000

Inspiring ideas for a vintage country home update

■ Heritage ornate photo frame £6.95, Dotcomgiftshop 0208 746 2473

■ Cream ceramic birdbath £30, Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999

■ Large mercury vase £40, House of Fraser 0345 602 1073

■ Home reflections (set of 3) glass bottles £18, QVC 0800 504030

■ Betsy print grove chair £699, M&S 0333 014 8000

■ Lilac wood rose heart £12, Next 0844 844 8000

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