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The

View Yours this fortnight

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Pick up a pepper

✤ If you’ve ever sighed at having to cut all those little seeds out of peppers before eating or cooking with them, the new Angello pepper could be for you. Scientists at food company Syngenta have been working for 15 years to produce the world’s first seedless pepper, and it has finally paid off. The Angello, which is grown in southern Spain, is also 25 per cent sweeter than any other variety of pepper and is, remarkably, GMfree. Sounds like a winner to us – except for the price.

Available now from M&S, rrp £1.79 per 100g.

Otter-ly adorable! ✤ Many of us will be hitting the High Street to bag a few bargains in the January sales, but Splash the otter is happy to stay away. The pup was found walking along the high street in Coggeshall, Essex, by a surprised shopper back in November. Luckily for Splash, she was taken in by the Wildlives Animal Rescue Centre in Colchester and nursed back to health. Centre owner Rosie Catford says Splash could have wandered amongst the shoppers looking for comfort, probably after her mother had been killed. The pup weighed just 2lb 8oz, but she is now the picture of health, and has been released to a specialist centre in the New Forest.

for further rest. Something we could all do with at this time of year!

Happy birthday… Amanda Burton ✤ If there was ever an example of life beginning at 50, actress Amanda Burton is it.

She approached her landmark birthday after five years of heartache, in which she suffered a miscarriage, a marriage breakdown and the loss of both parents. That year, she entered the Great North Run and met the new love of

her life, photographer Stephen Colover. Five years on, the mum of two daughters is engaged, has added the headmistress in Waterloo Road to her CV and says she wouldn’t turn back the clock for anything. After a well-earned break, she’d like a retro drama – but no frilly bodices, just something from the Seventies or Eighties.

Also celebrating this fortnight… ✤ Veteran actress and director Sylvia Syms will be 78 on January 6.

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January 8, 1957

✤ American sitcom queen Mary Tyler Moore is 76 on December 29.

✤ David Bowie will be a Jean Genieous OAP at 65 on January 8.

A few topics that got us talking this fortnight…

Hewer’s the man

E WIS RDS

WO

Trying new tastes

Thumbs up

Nick (left) follows in Richard’s fabled footsteps

treasure, celebrates its 30th birthday this year. ✤ Catch Nick on Countdown weekdays from Monday 9 January, 3.10pm, Channel 4.

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey

✤ We might be known for our roast dinners and casseroles, but it seems the stereotype of Grandma’s plain home cooking no longer rings true. A new poll by Orangina has found that 74 per cent of over-55s cook foreign cuisine on a regular basis, compared with less than a quarter of 18 to 24

year-olds. Surprisingly, French food is the top choice for the over-55s, followed by Indian, Chinese and Italian.

In contrast, younger people are opting to stick with the tried and tested traditional dishes like shepherd’s pie.

Orangina spokesman Steven Simpson says: “It’s interesting to see that willingness to experiment increases with age.”

THE VIEW Will you be making any New Year Resolutions for 2012? from

YOU

YES 83% NO 17%

✤ To the evergreen Sir Cliff, for outselling teen pop idol Justin Bieber in the 2012 calendar stakes. And that’s not all – he is actually the best-selling single star calendar overall. Yes, if you’ve got the Peter Pan of pop stuck up on your kitchen wall, you’re not alone. It just goes to show that, at 71, Cliff’s still got it and we still want it! ✤ To fewer adverts in the next Downton Abbey. We loved the series, but like many viewers, not the endless ad breaks and sponsorship that got in the way of the story. And for once, the head of ITV, Adam Crozier, has listened to complaints. He has promised that when Downton returns next year it will only be 60 minutes – not 75. We are sure the Dowager Duchess would approve.

Thumbs down ✤ To the continuing decline of our loveliest native insect – butterflies.

Small tortoiseshells, highbrown fritillaries and many other species are at risk of extinction due to hostile farming, forestry and building practices that destroy their habitats. While there have been some successful small-scale conservation efforts, we need the government to get behind a national approach before these beautiful creatures are lost to us for good. ✤ To unacceptable waiting times for operations – forcing us to go private.

Four private healthcare firms have seen a dramatic rise in business recently. The Patients Association fear this is due to restrictions on GP referrals because of NHS cutbacks. This will hit the over-60s harder than any other age group, at a time when our cost of living is already hit by high inflation and low savings rates. Not a great start to 2012…

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PICS: REX FEATURES; THINKSTOCK; ALAMY; ARCHANT AND DANILO PROMOTIONS LTD

✤ Countdown has had its fair share of presenters since the fabled Richard Whiteley passed away, and this fortnight Nick Hewer takes his place behind the desk as Jeff Stelling steps down after three years at the helm.

Nick, 67, is known for being Sir Alan Sugar’s trusted sidekick on The Apprentice.

Fans love his witty one-liners and telling facial expressions. If he can transfer this personality to the Countdown set, we’re sure he’ll be a big hit with viewers. The show, which has become a national teatime

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❙ royal watch ❙

By alison James o when’s the baby due? It’s the enquiry practically all young marrieds are subjected to, but for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it’s growing louder by the month.

There have already been rumours that Catherine is pregnant. She was seen refusing champagne at a charity event and she didn’t sample peanut butter on a visit to Denmark so, she must be pregnant, mustn’t she?

However while William and Kate have expressed their desire for children, the Queen is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in June and neither wish to steal her thunder.

In addition, William will be serving in the Falklands as an RAF search and rescue pilot in February and March – surely Kate would want him close by during her first pregnancy? Finally, the renovations to their first family home – Princess Margaret’s former apartments in Kensington Palace – will not be complete until the autumn.

When the Cambridge baby arrives, he or she will be brought up as ‘normally’ as possible.

Before the birth of Prince William in June 1982, the way Royal babies were raised had not changed for decades. Nannies and nursery maids were the main carers. ‘Mummy’ and ‘Papa’ might get to see their offspring at teatime, bathtime or bedtime, but

S Will 2012 be the year of the

ROYAL BABY? William and Kate have been married for nine months, so will the next nine see the arrival of a new hrh and heir to the throne?

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Snaps from the family album: From left, Prince Charles after his christening in1948, centre, as a dad to William with the late Princess Diana and, above, a young Catherine middleton

that was about it. Within three months of Prince Charles’ birth in November 1948, the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, began a strict routine of seeing him for just 90 minutes a day – an hour after breakfast and 30 minutes around 6pm. That’s when she was in London. She didn’t see him at all when she left for Malta with Prince Philip in order to be a naval wife for several weeks in 1949.

After Princess Anne’s birth in August 1950, she and Prince Philip left both children – for several months at a time – to return to Malta. There was no public outcry. This was how it was; how it had been for centuries – until the late Diana gave birth. She insisted on taking her ‘Wombat’, as she called William, to Australia when she and Prince Charles visited in 1983. Although he and younger brother Harry had nannies, their mother ensured they had as normal a childhood as possible, taking them to school before they became boarders, watching television with them in the evenings, reading to them and famously taking them to Thorpe Park.

Raised in an ordinary, if well off, happy home, Catherine will surely want the same kind of childhood for her baby. She didn’t have a nanny so, who knows? Maybe she’ll insist that she doesn’t require one for her baby. Family is important to her and, as such, she will see to it that her parents are involved

with their new grandchild. Even grandpapa Charles may prove to be hands-on. He was a doting father when William was born.

Unlike his own father, Philip, who played squash when he was born, Charles was present when William arrived.

“I’m so honoured I was beside Diana’s bedside because I really felt I shared deeply in the process of birth,” he said at the time.

He was also a dab hand at feeding and bathing them – and would keep guests waiting while he played with his boys. He has already had some practice at being a granddad. Remember seeing him holding Camilla’s three-year–old granddaughter, Eliza Lopes, on the balcony at the Royal Wedding?

Whenever the Duchess of Cambridge announces her first pregnancy, one thing is certain.

Before the birth of Prince William in June1982, the way royal babies were raised had not changed for decades Just as her fashion sense and make-up styles are copied, it will be the same with her maternity wardrobe, the names they choose and the model of pram they use. Britain will go Royal Baby bonkers!

There will be endless speculation about which names will be bestowed on this very special baby. Tradition will rule – there will be no room for trendy names such as Willow or celebrity ones like Harper, especially as the Queen’s approval must be given. Here are our predictions…

Girl : ‘diana’ is bound to figure, which means the name of Catherine’s mother will have to be incorporated, too.

But is ‘Carole’ posh enough?

‘Caroline’, however, already has a Royal pedigree – it was the name of George II’s Queen.

‘Catherine’ is also likely to be on the birth certificate, and, in addition to its obvious Royal connections, ‘Elizabeth’ is the middle name of Catherine and her mother. But we’d like the first name to be different, yet still traditional. Bring ‘Victoria’ out of storage, we say. What better way to honour Britain’s first female heir absolute by naming her after one of Britain’s greatest Queens?

Boy: The names of the little prince’s grandfathers will be included, as will his father. ‘Philip’ is also likely to be bestowed on the child after his paternal great grandfather but as a first name? There has never been a king Philip unless you count the unpopular Philip of Spain who was unhappily married to mary Tudor, aka ‘Bloody mary’ in the 1550s! The name of one of his maternal great granddads is also highly unlikely to figure. Prince Ron? We doubt the Queen would be amused! Why not bring another Royal name out of storage and call him George – after his much-loved ancestor and great grandfather, George VI?

✤ the Ultimate royal Baby Book by alison James will be available on amazon and other online retailers from late spring 2012.

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PIC: alPHa; alamY; GETTY ImaGES; CamERaPRESS/THE mIddlETON FamIlY; THINkSTOCk

Name that royal!

Fed up of the hunt for good-fitting jeans? Here’s our denim guide – whatever your shape or size By Michelle Nightingale Jacqui wears: Jeans, £16, 6-18, F&F at Tesco; top, £26, 8-18, M&Co; shoes, £25, 3-8, Marks & Spencer; earrings, £6, Bhs

Find the

PERFECT J

✓ Fuller Figure

✓ petite

STYLE TIP Jeans should sit at least to the middle of your heel – no shorter StockiStS: Fashion Union 0844 573 0900 www.fashionunion. com; F&F at Tesco 0800 505 555; George at Asda 0800 952 0101; M&Co 0800 031 7200; Marisota 0871 231 2000; Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234; Bhs 0845 196 0000.

Details correct at time of going to press.

Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee availability during sale season.

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D Wow slimming jeans, from £42, 12-24, Marisota Opt for figure-fixing jeans that do all the hard work for you. This clever pair is specially designed with curves and comfort in mind and features a special panel to flatter your tummy and an adjustable waistband, so you don’t get that annoying gape at the back.

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D High-waisted skinnies, £25, 8-18, Fashion union Slim petites look great in mid- or high-rise slim-fitting styles; a higher waistband can also do wonders for a wobbly tummy and a muffin top. If you’re curvy, go for a classic straight leg cut and, if wearing with heels, don’t scrimp on the length.

Style notes

T JEANSfor your shape ✓ TALL FRAME

✓ PEAR SHAPE

✓ HOURGLASS

✓ SHAPELY BUM

STYLE TIP For a flattering fit, opt for denim with a little stretch

NEXT ISSUE

STYLE TIP A boot cut is versatile and flattering for most shapes

✤ Kick-flare jeans, £14, 8-24, George at Asda Wide-leg shapes balance out wider hips and a dark shade helps to slim thighs. A mid-rise fit will prevent a bulging tummy or muffin top. Make sure rear pockets are a good size and well placed – too small or spaced too far apart and your bottom will look bigger.

✤ Boot-cut jeans, £39.50, 8-20, Marks & Spencer Choose darker denim shades and a classic fitted boot cut or straight leg, which will flatter your curves without adding extra bulk. Avoid wide-flared and super-skinny styles, which will make you look bigger than you actually are.

✤ Bum-flattering jeans, £18, 8-22, George at Asda Straight-leg styles are great, because they won’t exaggerate your bottom or make you look out of proportion. Detail helps, too, so always go for jeans with back pockets. This pair is specially designed to lift and shape your behind.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: RUTH JENKINSON, STYLIST: JO WINCH, MAKE UP: HANAN TOUHAMI

✤ Stone-wash boot-cut jeans, £30, 8-18, M&Co Play it safe with a simple boot cut or straight-leg style and flat shoes. If you’re feeling brave, try a wide-leg style with a small heel – a winning look for fabulous long legs.

Pick up a bargain with our favourite budget buys

Recharge your

health

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Stay active

Yes, we know you’ve heard it all before, but the key to staying well and feeling great is exercise. That doesn’t mean you have to enter marathons or consider swimming The Channel – just 30 minutes a day is all it takes. Walking and swimming are great choices and, if you’re less mobile, break it up so it’s more achievable. Regular exercise will help keep your weight in check and reduce your risk of lots of major illnesses including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

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Pick pomegranate

This super food is being heralded again after researchers discovered it could help you live longer. The study found those who were given extracts of the fruit had a reduction in cell damage, which can lead to diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Pomegranates are packed full of cell-protecting antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E – all of which are also thought to help promote younger looking skin.

7ways to...

slow down your body clo Stay looking and feeling younger and healthier for longer with these simple youth-boosting tips

By Michelle Nightingale

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Look after your teeth

Scientists have come up with yet more research showing that keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top health could protect your overall health, too.

According to experts, a build up of plaque as a result of poor dental hygiene could cause gum disease and bacteria entering the blood stream through the gums. This bacteria can cause fatty deposits in the bloodstream that may lead to heart disease as well as causing inflammation of the artery walls – potentially triggering a heart attack or stroke.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and visiting your dentist at least once a year.

In association with Works With Water 40

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Adopt a caring attitude

A new study has found that being compassionate towards others is just as beneficial for your happiness and health as being cared for.

A US university team found that those who helped others benefitted from the same emotional boost that chocolate gives. So lift your mood and lower your stress levels the easy way by lending a helping hand.

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Eat plenty of fish

We all know how important it is to include fish in our diets, and a new study has found that those who eat it as their main source of animal protein have lower blood glucose levels, so are at less risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Research has also shown that those who eat lots of fish, rather than red meat, live longer. Try to eat fish at least twice a week and make one of these oily fish, such as fresh tuna or salmon.

See your GP before taking supplements or herbal remedies, particularly if you take prescribed medicines. Always speak to your GP before stopping any medication or before starting any diet or exercise regime. Never stop taking medication unless advised by your GP.

❙ health boost ❙

Ask Dr Trisha The Yours doctor is here to answer your questions every fortnight

lock

I am 63 and every now and then my heart starts to race, I feel anxious and I get all hot.

I thought it might be a symptom of the menopause, but my periods stopped years ago. Can you help?

Q

Dr Trisha says: You may be experiencing what are known as panic attacks. These are episodes of intense and uncomfortable symptoms, which can begin unexpectedly, develop swiftly and pass without lasting harm after about 20 minutes (sometimes longer). Symptoms vary but attacks can feel so severe that a person fears they are having a heart attack or dying, though no physical damage to the body occurs.

The cause isn’t known, and many patients look surprised and tell me they’re not the ‘nervy’ type. But panic attacks can happen to anyone and may be, in part at

‘Many people can control their attacks with simple self-help strategies’

Along with protecting your heart, researchers have now discovered that fibre, specifically from wholegrains, could also reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer.

Cereal, porridge, brown and wholegrain bread are all top choices and easy to include in your daily routine. Fruit and veg are also great sources of fibre and are vital for your general well-being, too – just make sure you get plenty of both forms of fibre to keep your health in check.

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Love your heart

As you age, you’re more prone to heart disease, and two of the main factors that contribute to this are high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol levels.

To keep your heart in great condition, consider taking supplements such as help: cholesterol and help: blood pressure from Works With Water Nutraceuticals, which boost your heart health the natural way.

Priced at £9.99, they’re available from Boots, Waitrose and www.workswithwater.co.uk. For stockists, call 0844 415 4423.

least, due to inappropriate activation of the Autonomic Nervous System, which is triggered by some unconscious factor into preparing the body for ‘flight or fight’.

Many people can control their attacks with simple self-help strategies, but treatment involving cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressant medication may be needed.

Other possible explanations for your symptoms include an abnormal heart rhythm or overactive thyroid gland. If simple self-help techniques for panic attacks don’t help, talk to your doctor who may want to rule out these other causes.

Dr Trisha Macnair is a hospital physician who specialises in medicine for older people. She works part-time at Milford Hospital near Guildford and writes health information for the BBC Health website.

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PICS: ISTOCK PHOTO

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Stock up on fibre

How to... have a

hassle-free holiday Planning ahead takes the headache out of holiday planning – and can help save you £££s, too By Sheena Correa

✤ Don’t leave it late to renew your passport Check at least a few months before leaving that your passport is fully up to date or you could end up forking out an added £50 to get it done quickly. The usual three-week standard service costs £77.50; this goes up to £112.50 for the fast-track one-week service, and to £129.50 for the premium one-day service. You have to apply in person for the high-speed services through the Identity and Passport Service and booking an appointment at short notice can be tricky. Remember too that some countries have a strict six-month validity rule in place. If your passport expires within six months of your date of arrival you will be turned away at immigration. Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore and surprisingly, Belgium, are among countries that operate this rule.

For more advice on passport applications call 0300 222 0000. ✤ Travel Insurance Buying travel insurance through your tour operator is likely to be the most expensive option, so take the time to get an independent deal. You can save £££s by using comparison websites, such as Moneysupermarket.com (0845 345 5708) that have Europe-only

Don’t forget to pack…

A copy of your prescription with any medication in case you lose any of your drugs en route. Make sure you have enough for your whole stay plus some extra in case of delays or emergencies.

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Pack some medication in your hand luggage. There may be restrictions on taking medication into some countries: check with the embassy or High Commission. Go to the Foreign

Protect your health If you are travelling to Europe, make sure you’ve got a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge. There is no charge to make an application by phone, other than the cost of the call. Call 0845 606 2030 or visit the official website, www.ehic.org.uk ✤ Get a good ferry deal If you’re driving to Europe, keep an eye out for special deals that run throughout the year as this can save you £££s. We found a Seafrance deal on Dover-Calais crossings for £46 return, based on one car and two people, through the discount crossings website www. ferrycheap.com (01304 501 100). If you’re planning a journey keep a regular watch for good deals at sites such as the above. ✤ While on the road…

If you are driving your own car abroad, make sure you have all your documents with you. Most EU countries require the driver to carry their driving licence (including the paper counterpart), the original vehicle registration (V5) document, and an insurance certificate. Drivers in France must have a warning triangle and a reflective jacket in their vehicle.

This regulation can be enforced with on-the-spot fines of between ¤90-¤135.

and Commonwealth website for contact details (www.fco.gov.uk/en/traveland-living-abroad/stayingsafe/health/) or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

5 things to be aware of about waiting!

To ease pressure on the kitchen, some dishes are prepared by waiting staff.

For example, breadsticks and dips or olives, smaller tapasstyle items and some desserts. So think twice before you send your compliments to the chef!

‘Holding the anchovies’ on your pizza is fine but don’t expect the chef to take this to the extreme.

Removing ingredients from pre-made dishes such as stews and soup can be tricky, if not impossible!

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Specials are often dishes the chef wants to shift so sometimes the waiter will say something is good to try to sell it.

If you have been warned before ordering that there’s a long wait for food, try not to get too cross with your waiter as they can’t do anything about this.

Customers who click their fingers to attract a waiter’s attention can be very annoying. If you want NEXT ISSUE the bill, simple eye contact, How to… a nod of the head or raising make a bad day your hand, is much more better effective.

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✤ For more money-saving travel tips head to the Guardian Work section at www.guardian Turn the page for more advice .co.uk/money YOURS

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5 WAYS COURTESY OF WWW.YAHOO.CO.UK PICS: ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES

annual policies from just £17. But it’s important to check the small print as the higher the excess, the lower the premium so, generally, you do get what you pay for. ✤ Spending abroad Good planning on the spending front can save you £100s. The right credit card is the cheapest way to spend money abroad, says moneysavingexpert.com. The current market leader is the Clarity card from Halifax that has no foreign exchange fee anywhere in the world, so you can get the best rate possible. And it doesn’t charge a fee for cash withdrawals.

As a general rule, avoid using debit cards while abroad as these can add up to £1.50 every time you spend. For ordering foreign currency you could save up to £9 in every £100 by shopping around. Travelmoneymax.com compares all the latest rates. ✤ Car hire insurance If you’re hiring a car abroad, beware of being overcharged on extra insurance. Some policies come with a £600 excess which you’ll have to pay if you have an accident. Buy insurance before you leave. For £39, www.icarhireinsurance. com (0844 826 6565) has an annual European policy to cover hire car excesses (up to £2,143), or a daily policy for £2.99 a day. You’ll also be covered if your hire car is damaged or stolen.

5... lighter lunches Your diet doesn’t have to deprive you of hearty fare this winter, as these warming recipes prove

Melting pea and tomato open sandwiches These beat a normal sandwich any day and are only 320 calories each!

Serves:

4

Per serving: 320 cals Fat: 8.5g Sat fat: 2.3g

Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time: 15 mins ✢ 1 small French stick ✢ 200g (7oz) passata with herbs ✢ 100g (3½oz) buffalo mozzarella, thinly torn ✢ 6 cherry tomatoes, halved ✢ 100g (3½oz) frozen peas, cooked ✢ 50g (2oz) Parmesan cheese, for grating ✢ Spray oil, preferably extra-virgin olive oil ✢ Green salad, to serve

Let your imagination go wild YOURS when it comes to the toppings.

TOP TIP Tinned artichokes or thinly sliced aubergine also taste yummy.

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1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/ Gas Mark 6. Cut the French stick in half and then cut each half into two. Place on a baking tray.

2. Spread the passata evenly over the cut sides of the French stick and top with the mozzarella, tomatoes and peas.

3. Grate over the Parmesan, spray with some olive oil and season well with salt and pepper.

4. Place at the top of the oven for 8-10 mins, or until golden brown. Remove and serve immediately with a green salad.

© Tastes of Summer, www.tastesofsummer.co.uk