Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2016 i Chat It's Fate

When I was a kid, we had a Durrell collection of pets - dogs, cats, ducks, hamsters, guinea pigs, even a hedgehog. Our black Labrador Maggie was the best. Not only did she kill the world's biggest rat (I swear it was 2ft long!), we had a game where we'd hide… she'd seek - she always won. John's dog Roxy ( p51 ) had an uncanny nose on her, too. After she died, what a find was in store! Sadly, I never heard from Maggie from beyond the grave. Star sign My dear grandad, who recently passed away, used to be in the Royal Navy and had a tattoo of a star on his left hand. The other day I was having a drink in my local, a pub Grandad…

Lifestyle coach Liz Keaney interviewed many inspirational women for her book Warrior Women: How To Be Magnificent Through The Courage Of Self-Kindness. She says: ‘This inspirational story gave me goose bumps! Is it possible that in the face of adversity, there’s an angel looking out for us? One that intuitively points us in the right direction; maybe to connect us with a stranger or help us see a sign when one literally drops at our feet? I believe the Universe will always conspire to help us when we make the courageous choice to own our future. Once we make that choice, our energy changes; we harness a belief – an inner knowing, an intuitive feeling – that we can be the wonderful manifestors of whatever it is we desire. I…

‘As I stood in the corridor, I began to feel silly’ The first time I heard it was a warm June day in 1976. I’d just split up with my boyfriend and was packing up our cottage in the Scottish Borders ready to move out. My parents, Donald and Ethel, had come to help, but had gone for a stroll. So I was home alone, but for my dog Tigger. Fear I was sitting in the living room when the sound came through… The almost deafening noise of heavy breathing. The hairs on my arm stood on end and my eyes shot to the corner it was coming from. But I couldn’t see anything. Was I imagining it? Then Tigger walked over to the corner and cocked his head. So…

‘Our first date was at his house while he had man flu!’ Men. Cheating, lying scumbags, the lot of them! That was my view, and it had been since I’d dumped my ex after learning he’d been having an affair. ‘Four years we were together, and he did that!’ I ranted to friends. ‘I’m staying single from now on.’ I meant it, too. Intrigued... If I was out and a bloke tried to chat me up, I’d turn my back on them. For 18 months, I maintained my ice-maiden image. I was stuck in a man-hating rut. Then, on a night out, a man approached me as I sat at a nightclub bar. ‘I bet you tell me you love me before I say it to you,’ he said. Cheeky…

Star letter Miracle cure When I got home from work one day, my cat Fudge wasn’t herself. I took her to the vet’s, who said she had a limp, and I even tried magic to help. Soon after, I visited Birmingham’s Christmas markets, and bought a decorative good luck angel. When I got home, I put it next to Fudge – imagine my surprise the next day, when she jumped on my knee for a cuddle! Her limp had completely gone. I’m truly grateful to the angels for giving me my Fudge back. Kara Walmsley, Blackburn Money Magic A few years ago, my friend gave me a cutting from a money plant. I’ve owned several money plants over the years and although I knew they could flower, mine never did…

Joanna’s monthly blog Full Moon in Capricorn The constructive and ambitious Full Moon on the 19th is strongly supported by Saturn – Capricorn’s planet. Plans coming to fruition at this time add up to a hugely positive step in the right direction. Say yes to job offers. Venus and Mercury enter Leo Venus enters Leo on the 12th, followed by Mercury on the 14th, creating a joyous fanfare – listen for surprising news. Love needs boldness – this isn’t the time for settling for less than you want, or deserve. Baby-bump news If you are expecting in July, here are a couple of auspicious names for your new arrival: Ava for a girl, Alfie for a boy. Bridal accessories If you are a July bride, you will travel far and…

Your relationship A heart-to-heart on Saturday 16th helps to put your relationship back where it belongs – the emotional place that’s based on encouragement and mutual respect. Say nice things to each other every day, and focus on all that’s good between you. Love requires work and attention if it’s to flourish. New love Summer flirting is in abundance when Venus graces your Social Sector from the 12th. Getting to know people is easy if you tap into your wider social circle and accept invitations. Saturn continues to demand a more committed response to love. On the 19th/20th you’re happy when a chance encounter turns serious. Career and money Your Work Sector pulsates with energy, and if anyone is going to save the day, it’s you. Line up overtime, look…

Your relationship Dealing with a personal issue on your own is a win-lose scenario. Of course, some form of privacy keeps your own identity strong. Yet, if you begin to feel isolated, cracks can develop in the walls of your relationship. Once communication planet Mercury enters Leo on the 14th, your open-hearted nature is the invitation to a closer rapport. New love Love planet Venus enters Leo on the 12th, and you’re the star of the show. This boosts your popularity and makes you attractive to suitors. The more confident you are, the more other people take notice. Saturn in your Romance Sector indicates an older partner. Events on the 19th/20th sort out who’s faking it. Career and money Not all of your intentions will go according to plan. You…

Your relationship Venus is in your Relationship Sector until the 12th, so make the most of this gorgeous planet. Spend time with your other half, talk about things that matter to you and be affectionate and loving. Really know the level of commitment between you, and the bond that’s created will be hard to break. New love Mark the 6th as a night when two become one To enhance your chances of romance, step into your power. This applies to you if you tend to consider certain people out of your league. Once you begin to think differently, you’ll line up a lover who’s not only good-looking, but wealthy and loyal to boot! Career and money Money matters require negotiation once communication planet Mercury enters your Finance Sector on the…

Your relationship If the two of you are bickering about little things, take a relationship audit! Replace boredom with excitement, distraction with affection, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Once Venus enters Leo and your Relationship Sector on the 12th, you’re ready to put your love life centre stage. New love Be patient early in July, and dismiss anyone who doesn’t excite you. When passion strikes, you’ll know about it! You click with a new lover instantly, and the rapport between you is mutual. Saturday 16th is a peak date for romance, but so is the 19th, 20th and 27th. Enjoy your personal summer of lurve! Career and money The bolder your ambitions, the more successful you are while action planet Mars strides forth in your Career Sector. Do yourself…

‘Roxy wasn’t posh – her accent was Hackney!’ I was bereft when Roxy died After 19 years, my beautiful terrier whippet Roxy had passed away, and I was utterly bereft. I was lost without my loyal companion and friend. I loved antique-hunting, and Roxy would go with me from shop to shop. Lost It wouldn’t be the same without her. The day after she died, I was at home feeling sorry for myself. Suddenly, a voice popped into my head. I’m still here. Go to Marylebone and I’ll show you. Could it be Roxy? Surely not. But whoever it was obviously knew about my regular jaunts around the secondhand bookshops of Marylebone. Old book Being a spiritual person, I thought I’d do as the voice instructed. So off I went.…

Do you feel you know each other inside out? Is there something familiar about your loved one? Just answer the following questions to find out if romance loomed large in your past lives... 1 Your loved one buys you a birthday gift. Is it... a) Something I neither want nor need? b) Not something I’d buy for myself, but nice, nonetheless? c) Just what I’ve always wanted? 2 In your dreams, does your darling… a) Rarely appear? b) Play a bit part? c) Take on a starring role? 3 Do you look like each other? a) No – we’re as alike as chalk and cheese. b) Yes, people often mistake us for brother and sister. c) We have a similar ‘look’ about us, but our features are quite different. 4…

An earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale affects part of Rio de Janeiro. A rise in deaths due to long hospital waiting lists causes an outcry. Is Piers Morgan about to leave Good Morning Britain? For Lotto luck, try 2, 12, 19, 38, 44 and 49. For Euro Millions, go for 11, 18, 21, 33 and 40, Lucky Stars 1 and 3. Is it too soon for Cheryl’s third marriage? Police thwart a would-be bomber on London’s Oxford Street. Luton takes over as the number-one spot for London-leavers. Chris Evans makes very odd headlines! Disappointment for Davina McCall? A pilot for her own chat show could be canned. The Isle Of Wight is devastated by a flood. Maybe reality star Kylie Jenner and rapper Tyga should stop feeding social…

‘I’d been found at the bottom of the cliffs naked’ ‘Gradually, I learnt to breathe again on my own’ ‘Zooming downhill, I couldn’t stop smiling!’ Don’t! Don’t! Don’t!’ I screamed from deep within my gut. I was being pinned down on the ground as my clothes were torn from my body. As I fought and pleaded some more, my face was pummelled from either side by tightly clenched fists. Fingers were curling around my neck, squeezing harder and harder, until everything turned black… I hadn’t given it a second thought when Bruce had offered to take me for a ride. I was 19, a new naval recruit and invincible, or so I thought. Broken Bruce was a fellow military man. We got some booze and I suggested we drive up…

Light touch The beautiful, pure person in front of me had come out of the darkness. He touched my right arm and I drifted to sleep. The next day, I had it X-rayed. I was only 3, had got it trapped in the machine my mum used to rinse our clothes. Doctors had warned it might have to be amputated. But now the swelling had gone down and my bones were in the right place. In a cast, I was sent home. Years later – in 2005 – the man made himself fully known to me. He was Raymond, my spirit guide. Raymond encouraged me to pray and meditate. I was flooded with healing energy, which I’ve used to help others, including my wife Michelle who had a lump on…

Q & A I’m so embarrassed by their pong Dear Jayda My feet are sweaty and stink. It’s so embarrassing. Jill, 42, Peterborough Dear Jill With 250,000 sweat glands, no wonder our feet sweat more than other areas. The smell is caused by bacteria breaking down the sweat. Dry your feet after washing – especially between your toes. Never wear the same shoes two days running, and take foot baths – add 2tbsp Epsom salts for every 2 pints water. Soak for 15 mins. Keep off the grass? Dear Jayda My little girl gets a bad skin rash after playing on grass. What can I do? Sam, 29, Brighton Dear Sam Your daughter may be allergic to grass pollen. Dress her in light clothing to cover her skin, such as…

Crystal fact Cyan Cyan apatite This beautiful blue gemstone gets its name from the Greek word apat, meaning ‘deceit', because it's easily confused with fluorite, aquamarine and other minerals. Cyan apatite’s a really good stone to give you some protection, as well as a stimulator of the mind. Use it if your workload’s too heavy or you need to get rid of negative people. As the stone of the throat chakra, it’ll help you to communicate fluidly. It’s found in Madagascar, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Germany and Portugal. Ghostly Inspirations Keith Moon The former Marquee Club, in London's Wardour Street, is imbued with memories of rock 'n' roll greats. The Rolling Stones played here, as did the late, great legend David Bowie. A blue plaque pays tribute to The Who's drummer…

‘Critics said it was weak and lacking in inspiration’ In March 1933, a Hungarian violinist by the name of Jelly d’Aranyi held a seance in London with her secretary and sister. They used a Ouija board to communicate. The women were shocked when the glass spelled out that Jelly should find and play an unpublished violin concerto. ‘What is your name?’ Jelly asked. The reply? Robert Schumann. Concerto It was only one of the greatest composers! Schumann had died in 1856, but had some unfinished business. Through a further series of messages, Jelly and her sister Adila discovered that Schumann had written the concerto for their late, great uncle, a legendary Hungarian violinist called Joseph Joachim. However, by that time, Schumann – plagued by mental illness – was suffering from…

Signs across the divide Friends forever ‘Come out for a pint,' my mate, Connor begged. Somehow he always talked me round. His mischievous sense of fun and love for life were infectious. Connor had epilipesy and was my brother’s closest friend. Back in March 2003, my phone rang. ‘It’s Connor,’ said our mutal friend, Kevin. ‘He’s dead’. ‘No,’ I screamed. He’d had an epileptic fit and heart attack. He’d just turned 29. I couldn’t believe I’d lost my best mate. And I was worried Connor would be lonely in the spirit world. ‘Send me a sign you’re OK,’ I begged, crying myself to sleep. Drifting off, I felt hands lift me up. When I was set down, I was in an endless white space with a huge wooden door. ‘He’s…

Your relationship Passion planet Mars storms forward in your Relationship Sector throughout July. Make sure you both have goals in common, especially if you’ve been leading separate lives. Actively nurture your partnership and not individual projects. Highlight the 6th for an intimate conversation. New love Don’t let common sense and intuition fly out of the window when you meet someone new. If you’re questioning a potential lover’s beliefs at the outset, any issues will only escalate the more you get to know one another. Mars in Scorpio is perfect for a sexy encounter. But if you’re angling for a long-term relationship, be patient. Career and money This isn’t the time to take risks – you might need to rein in your outspoken nature if you’re in a job you find…

Your relationship Venus remains in Cancer until the 12th, so you can drive the direction of your relationship! There will be moments when you and your other half feel completely in sync. Go all out to make Wednesday 6th a special night of physical intimacy. Even if bigger issues challenge your relationship, your love for one another will carry you through. New love Romance that fizzled out in the first two months of the year is rekindled. Mars is on electric form in your Romance Sector. It’s your time for pleasure, so say yes to an affair and rediscover some physical delights. A new love’s ex creates fireworks, but any drama adds to the excitement. Career and money When Venus enters your Cash Sector on the 12th, a bonus boosts…

Your relationship A positive shift in your partner’s attitude makes a huge difference. Yours is the sign of relating, and when your partner’s unhappy or finds life tough, your sensitive nature means you feel their pain. Events in the first week of the month point the way forward, as they show a revived interest in achieving what you both want. New love It’s easier for love to find you when you focus on work or vocational goals, and pursue social activities. Make your own happiness priority rather than seeking it through a third party. Once Venus enters your Social Sector on the 12th, it’s the person you can talk to for hours who’s worth following up. Career and money The more you believe in yourself, the more you’re able to…

Your relationship Try not to let the past get in the way of your happiness today Ð release any difficult emotions you feel towards your other half. The New Moon on the 4th is most auspicious for making a decision on how you want your relationship to be on an emotional level. After the 12th, a holiday reignites passion. New love Think twice before you get involved with someone who’s married or has money problems. Make ‘easy come, easy go’ your motto if you don’t want to find yourself attached to the wrong person. Mr/Ms Right will turn up when you least expect it – but Wednesday 27th is worth a punt! Career and money Finance requires close attention, whether unexpected expenses crop up or a final demand catches you…

I boot energies back where they belong The child cowered in the corner of the kitchen. Slowly, he turned to face me. His eyes were rolled up into his head, with only the whites showing. It sounds like a scene from 1970s horror flick The Exorcist . But this was real life… Sinister It was 2013, and my team of paranormal investigators, Surrey Paranormal Investigations, had been called to the flat in London by 6-year-old Jamie’s worried mum, Shelly. Jamie had become withdrawn, wasn’t eating or sleeping. Then, Shelly and Jamie’s dad Robert heard Jamie talking to someone in his room. They put a baby monitor by his bed and heard a sinister child’s voice goading him to keep him awake. Demons in the shadows Toys Was this a demon…

One of the first European witch trials featured Alice Kyteler, an Irish noblewoman who’d married four times. When her last husband took sick, she was accused of being a witch. It was said she’d poisoned him with potions made from human hair and worms – plus slept with a demon in the form of a shaggy dog. Convicted in 1325, she vanished the night before she was due to be burned at the stake. Riddle’s remedies Dear Kirsten Could a spell help my court case? Hilary, 40, Doncaster Kirsten says:  Carry High John the Conqueror root as a charm (buy from magical suppliers online). Sweeten the case by writing down names of those involved, along with the best outcome. Drizzle honey over the paper, then carefully light a white candle…

I need more luck in my life! Dear Yasmin Will anything good happen in love and money? Marienne, 46, Belfast Dear Marienne Yes! You’re in a lucky cycle as Jupiter moves over six of your planets and points. In other words, Lady Luck is in your horoscope. The word ‘positive’ is very apt, since that’s one of the keywords for Jupiter. To harness this cycle (which only comes around once every 12 years and, in this case, will last until the end of this year), you need to believe in your own luck. In a notebook, write down when good things happen and watch the list grow. This’ll bring you even more blessings and positive developments in many parts of your life. So many horrible issues are raised Dear Yasmin…

Sky blue Give your usual eye make-up a summer overhaul with Bourjois Smoky Stories Quad Eyeshadow Palette in E-Blue-Issant, £7.99, Superdrug. High-pigment shades that blend easily. Fancy feet Banish cracked, dry heels and get your tootsies sandal-ready with the Micro Pedi Nano, £29.99, Argos. It uses a mineral roller to painlessly buff away hard skin. Bronze medal BareMinerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer in Bare Glow, £25, bareminerals.co.uk , can be worn alone to leave skin smooth and bronzed or blended with foundation to add a sun-kissed glow. Universal cure Dating back to the 18th Century, Pommade Divine Nature’s Remedy Balm, £19.80, pommadedivine.com , is a multipurpose product to treat almost anything from blisters to stretchmarks! Red alert! Off on holiday and want…

‘The bar’s security guard promptly shot him’ This month, we’re heading over to the Philippines. I hope your singing voice is in good order! Most of us have had the odd go at karaoke. But, in this part of the world, karaoke bars are big business. However, be warned – take care over what song you choose to belt out, badly or otherwise. Cursed song Since 2002, it’s been estimated that, in the Philippines, there have been at least a dozen fatalities – usually murders – related to singing karaoke. But it’s not just any old ditty that leads to death. The song in question that’s been attributed to the fatalities is that good old staple of many a singer, My Way by Frank Sinatra. Many have thought that this…

Determined I started looking into different treatments for spinal-cord injuries and travelling around the world to try them out. It was often painful, but I’d never been more determined. I began to regain feeling in my legs and, on my 30th birthday, my brother Gary cried as he watched me walk without any braces on my legs. I’d done it! Healed I went on to do a 3.5k charity walk with the aid of a walker. Not bad for someone whose prognosis was to be a vegetable! In 2012, shortly after going skydiving, I met Wayne Dyer and thanked him for what he’d done – his audio book had helped me through so many difficult times. He told me about some remote healing he’d had from a man called John…

Life of harmony Want to experience true human unity? Auroville wants you! Founded in 1968 in India by mystic Mirra Alfassa, Auroville’s aim is to be a universal town where citizens live in peace. There are 2,400 people living there and volunteers are welcome. Healthcare, building, farming education and animal care are some areas needing attention in Auroville. Non-Indian volunteers must stay for a minimum of six months and pay £10, plus living expenses. A true Aurovilian should lose the sense of personal possession, be free from moral and social conventions and realise that at the centre of life is a supreme consciousness – free, vast and knowing, and awaiting our discovery. Your Zodiac angel! Lecabel, Vehuiah, Chavakiah and Daniel are angels of the Zodiac - there are 72 altogether,…

1 ‘Wake up at 4am,’ Erin recommends. This is an optimal time for lucid dreaming. The periods just after waking, or before sleep, are good, too. Experienced meditators may be able to reach the deep state of relaxation necessary at any time. 2 As you lie there, imagine a rope over your bed. Y ou can tug on it to pull your astral being from your physical body . Or visualise your astral body floating above the bed. Imagine looking down on your physical self as you float. 3 Repeat ‘I’m going to astral travel’, as you drift into a light sleep, visualising the astral body parting from the physical body. You should start lucid dreaming, bringing you to the verge of consciousness. 4 Frequency alignment must happen before astral…

She’s made no sign Dear Lorelei My darling Tilly, who was 22½, suffered scattered strokes, and the vet explained it was time to let her go. I’ve not yet picked up on any sign from her on the other side. Sam, 43, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire Dear Sam Judging by Tilly’s green and blue aura, she thinks she was a lot of trouble sometimes, for which she feels guilty. You both need healing from each other. Do this for Tilly, and she’ll move on to be with her sisters. Your fave colours interpreted Dear Lorelei Three colours have always drawn me: blue, cobalt and violet. Spirit faces are starting to appear in some of my art. Would a particular colour enhance this? Maggie, 55, South Shields, Tyneside Dear Maggie Blue is trustworthy,…

Give your angels a chance! I live near Butser Hill, one of the highest points on the South Downs. It's a great place all year round, but on a summer's day, it's hard to beat. It’s comforting to sit with my lunch, and contemplate the views across the Meon Valley. It helps me work through the issues of the day, connect to my guardian angel and slow down. We all need an essential space to think. So find a special place outside, or make a regular time to sit down with a cuppa, and you’ll notice benefits. Don’t play with your phone! Take a break from everything and give your guardian angel a chance to get through. Michelle I thought hubby was dying Dear Michelle One morning, my husband Ben,…

Q & A I was shocked to the core Dear Roi de Lune As I was walking behind my ex and my dad’s partner, suddenly they started holding hands. I was in shock, big time! I started running, but they came after me, looking very concerned. A weirdly familiar street then appeared. Kylie, 19, Malta Dear Kylie You don’t like what’s going on in your personal life. The road you’re following isn’t making you happy, but that’s not down to your ex or dad’s partner. You need to stop your present behaviour before you land yourself in hot water. Nobody came to my rescue Dear Roi de Lune My dream began with me sitting on a lilo in the ocean. I was listening to two women chatting. Suddenly, I was…

The medium To link in with a person's energy, living or dead, I use a photograph and look at their eyes. Amy’s energy is that of a loving person, but I feel deep sadness. She used alcohol to numb her tears. I sense that she had lost contact with her true self. Amy is here now. She says, having died, she now realises how much pain she’s caused her family and close friends. She’s very sorry for that. She was particularly close to her father, but couldn’t explain what she was going through. The fans and producers wanted more and more, and she was increasingly losing herself. Amy says her parents are not to feel guilty. She didn’t realise what she was doing to herself until it was too late.…

Your relationship Once you start to work as a team, your relationship improves rapidly and you’ll enjoy a new-found closeness. Key planets light up your Romance Sector from the 12th, so relish each other’s company. This is a peak period to show commitment, whether you welcome an addition to your family or encourage your other half to pursue a personal goal. New love Deal with work or family commitments, then devote yourself to finding romance. The turning point comes on the 12th when pleasure planet Venus enters Leo. This is one of the red-hot periods of the year for you to fall in love. Circle the 16th, 22nd and 27th in your diary – these are your best date nights. Career and money Mars powers forward through your Finance Sector,…

Your relationship Right now, you must put on a show of unity, whether you want to impress family or you’re dealing with a tricky personal issue that affects you both. If you’re a parent, play good cop, bad cop, or rely on each other for support if your money situation is unpredictable. Enjoy some love and affection on Saturday 16th. New love Your stars promise thrills and spills on the love front – with plenty of delights thrown in. A new relationship looks complicated, whether you’re keen on a friend’s ex or you both like the same person. All’s fair in love and war – make your own happiness priority. Venus is in seductive mood after the 12th when you fall prey to a love affair. Career and money You…

Your relationship If you’re on holiday or going somewhere different with your other half this month, you’ve got your stars’ blessing! A change of surroundings will do your relationship the world of good. A truly, madly, deeply emotional connection is yours as long as you’re willing to be open with each other. You’ll feel like the Queen Of Hearts! New love There’s no doubting your passion for love and life with your ruling planet Mars coursing through your sign. If you’re interested in someone you meet this month, use your magnetic attraction and be direct. You don’t have to use words to make an impact. The 3rd to 6th is your best chance for romance. Career and money Ambitious Mars picks up where it left off in February, and there’s…

Your relationship This is a fertile period for love, and it’s what you give birth to within your relationship that means the most. This may be a pregnancy, a creative project or a party for family and friends. Doing things together brings you closer and creates happy memories. The weekend of 8th to 10th July looks promising for you both. New love Romance is in the ascendancy as July begins, and you’re wise to ignore the doubters who don’t believe in happy ever after. It’s your romantic nature that will win you admirers and, potentially, the heart of someone new. A youthful suitor introduces you to a new way of loving. The New Moon in your Romance Sector on the 4th throws the gates wide open to passion. Career and…

He said he’d kill... Dear Miss Crimebuster I was with my violent boyfriend for 10 years, and I lived in fear of his fists – and worse. I eventually escaped when I found out he was having an affair, but he swore he’d kill anyone who came near me. I believed him, as he knew some very bad men. A couple of years passed, and then I got engaged to a wonderful guy, but he was knocked off his motorbike and killed. An open verdict was recorded. Did my ex have anything to do with it? Jane, 42, Sutton Dear Jane I can see a heavily tattooed man speeding along on a motorbike on a winding country road… A sudden turn in the road did for him. You got the…

Feel people can read you like a book? That your insecurities and weaknesses are on display for all the world to see? You need a little help in the cover-up department. Masks have been used from ancient times to amuse, entertain and bewitch. They’re also a key element in disguise, and perfect for your purpose. How to use the Mask Dreamcatcher Cut it out and stick it onto a piece of card. Put it by the mirror you look in every morning. Make the connection You’re at a masked ball in a beautiful costume and glamorous mask. You can dance with anyone, and be as mysterious as you like. When you feel insecure, summon that vision – and remember only you can see inside you!…

‘Since I’d been a little girl, Mum and I had a pact...’ Mum’s death didn’t feel real The strains of The Sound of Music rang out around the living room Ð and not for the first time. ‘I love this film so much!’ Mum sighed happily. Every Christmas without fail, my mum and dad, Frieda and Joe North, and I settled down on the sofa to watch the popular musical set in Austria. Mum had grown up there, moving to Halifax in West Yorkshire to work in the textile mills when she was 19. Special flower Determined Mum, who taught herself English using just a dictionary and newspapers, ended up with a lovely half-Yorkshire, half-Austrian accent! But, although she loved Britain, she’d never forgotten her homeland.…