Innholdsfortegnelse for November 17, 2015 i Woman's Weekly

At Your Service Inspiring you to try, discover, make, do or share something is the impetus behind pretty much everything we put into Woman’s Weekly, and this week I’m feeling confident we’ve excelled ourselves in the inspiration stakes. I challenge you not to be stirred by the stories of the remarkable people we interview on page 10, whose passionate, relentless campaigning overturned decisions by the authorities that would have, and did, dramatically undermine the quality of life for them and their local communities. Inspiration of a more practical kind can be found on pages 26 to 31, where our brilliant cookery editor Felicity has produced three sensational Christmas cakes for you to make for your family this festive season, with step-by-step instructions that make them manageable for everyone. For the…

Angellica Bell How do you like your tea? Earl Grey – strong, not too milky and one sugar. I only started drinking tea in my twenties as I was raised a Mormon, and they don’t drink tea or coffee. If you could have a cup of tea with anyone, who would it be? The Queen. If you’re going to have a cup of tea, you need to have it with someone who knows how to serve it properly. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a teacher, then a policewoman, then a barrister. I’ve got a degree in politics and I was going to do my law conversion course in London, but I fell into TV instead. Tell us about your involvement with…

We love letters Woman’s Weekly, 110 Southwark St, London SE1 0SU. PS. It really helps when you put your details in capitals We do not return photos (apart from ‘You Look Great!’) so please don’t send originals Email us Womansweeklypostbag @timeinc.com  Tell us your full name, address and daytime phone number, please Fancy a chat? Log on to facebook.com/  womansweekly We can’t wait to hear from you! Important! All contributions to Woman’s Weekly must be original and NOT duplicated to other publications. £25 will be paid to the writer of the ‘Letter Of The Week’, and the ‘Good To Meet You’ contributor will receive a gift or similar as stated at time of publication of contribution, for all rights in each letter printed. The Editor reserves the…

The Yorkshire Dales includes some of the most stunning scenery in the British Isles and recently, I joined my artist son Matthew on a painting trip there. On that day, the colouring of the scene was unforgettable: long belts of dark green firs glistening in an ocean of crimson heather, great walls of rusty-coloured rock and grey smoke rising to the pale purple of the sky. It was cold, bright and silent. Beyond the small, square schoolhouse that Matthew had decided to paint lay green fields, cropped close by lazy-looking sheep. And as I sat with him, a memory flooded back. When I was a school inspector, I had visited this very school and had my first experience of the Dales’ straight-speaking children. I was there to test the reading…

1 Penhaligon’s Iris Prima Classic Candle, £32 The scent of iris takes centre stage, supported by jasmine and vanilla. It’s an elegant fragrance. Wear it: Iris Prima Eau de Parfum, £88 2 Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel Scented Candle, £40 We love this floral scent. The addition of smoky leather adds an interesting twist to iris, narcissus and rose. Wear it: Fleur de Sel Eau de Parfum, £65 3 Neom Real Luxury Scented Candle, £45 The Duchess of Cambridge is rumoured to be a Neom fan, and we can see why. This jasmine and rosewood fragrance is royally fab. Wear it: Neom Real Luxury Body Scrub, £34 4 Rituals Oriental Light Candle, £18.50 Warming, creamy and aromatic – this sensual scent is a total comfort on a cold winter’s night.…

Easy-peasy A Bit More Tricky Hard-ish Quite A Challenge Finished size: Partridge, 13 x 11cm, pear 10.5 x 7cm. YOU WILL NEED For one partridge and one pear: • Tracing paper and sharp HB pencil • 30 x 15cm rectangle of bonding web • 30cm square of turquoise, pink, yellow and lime-green felt • Turquoise, pink, yellow and lime-green stranded cotton embroidery thread • Air-erasable fabric pen • Toy filling • Matching sewing thread Making paper patterns Enlarge the partridge, comb, beak, pear, stalk and leaf patterns by 125% on a photocopier and trace off, adding the details. Cut out the patterns. CUTTING OUT Cut one pair of partridge bodies, combs, beaks, outer pears, stalks and leaves from felt, referring to the photo for the colours. Turn the partridge and…

Winter can be a challenging time for your health, but there are things you can do to help prepare against the cold weather and stay well this winter. And if you’re age 65 and over, have a long-term health condition, care for an elderly person or for someone at risk, it’s even more important to ensure things are efficiently set up for the chillier season, as it may be trickier to get to the shops or to the doctor’s for essential supplies. Follow our tips here and you’ll be prepared to fend off cold weather woes. Get a flu jab If you’ve ever had flu, you’ll know how awful it can make you feel. And while most of us recover in a week or so, people age 65 and over…

Eat For Health This Winter The right sort of food really matters in cold weather, as it gives us warmth as well as energy. Keep in a stock of batch-cooked or ready-made soups and casseroles that can easily be reheated for nourishing, comforting and veggie-packed meals on days when it’s too cold to go out. Choose hot drinks rather than cold (tea, coffee, or malted drink). And make sure you eat or drink something warm at regular intervals. True or false? Traditional ring-cutters aren't able to cope with titanium. True, according to Sheffield doctors trying to help a patient whose titanium ring was stuck tightly around her swollen finger. They eventually managed to remove it using a set of surgical bolt-cutters from the operating theatre instead. Smoke Gets In Your…

Your Diet TOO MANY PROCESSED CARBOHYDRATES (such as bread, pizza, biscuits, cake, pasta, pies…) can contribute to tiredness by altering your gut flora and interfering with your colon’s production of B vitamins, which are essential for energy in every cell in the body. ‘Tea, coffee and sugar also overwork the adrenal glands,’ explains nutritional consultant Judy Watson (judy watsonnutritionist.co.uk). OTHER SYMPTOMS Feeling run-down and bloated. HOW TO FIX IT ‘Try to eat as cleanly as possible – with little or no processed foods, and plenty of green veg, protein and healthy oils (from nuts and seeds) to preserve your adrenals,’ says Judy. Take B complex and vitamin-C supplements, and consider a good-quality probiotic (eg, Bio-Kult) to restore your gut flora. Adrenal Fatigue YOUR ADRENAL GLANDS pump out stress hormone cortisol,…

I always like to read your celebrity ‘cup of tea with’ interviews, and of ten note that the interviewees state they like ‘builders’ tea . Traditionally , this means strong, with milk. However, I’ve had builders, gardeners, plumbers, electricians and more working on my property. None of them have drunk builders’ tea. They drink Earl Grey, green, camomile or weak tea with a little milk and sugar . Offers of cakes, biscuits and sandwiches are also re fused as they all seem to be careful of their diet. Times have definitely changed ! Jackie Powell, Alverstoke, Hants They certainly have, Jackie. We love to hear from you, so do get in touch if you have something to say…

Knitted Snood MATERIALS  1 x 50g (420m) ball of Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe Colours by Kaffe Fassett (70% mohair, 30% silk) in California Sunrise (356). Pair of 6mm (No.4) and one 9mm (No.00) knitting needles.TO MAKE 1 Make a slip knot on to a 9mm needle and hold in right hand with ball end of yarn in left hand, take left thumb from back to front under the yarn and to the left, insert needle under the yarn at front of thumb and lift loop off, then pull end to tighten – one stitch made. Continue in this way until there are 170 stitches on needle. 2 Change to 6mm needles. Knit 1 row, purl 1 row. Repeat last 2 rows, until most of the yarn is used up, leaving…

Forget the old stereotype that us Brits are an apathetic lot, more interested in soaps than what’s going on in the country! Activism is alive and across the UK, citizens are organising themselves to influence Government policy and pressure councils or firms into U-turns on unpopular decisions. ‘Grass-roots activism is the way forward in politics,’ says Rebecca Falcon of 38 Degrees, an organisation that offers support to grass-roots activists. ‘Our members support a range of parties but come together over issues like their local cancer service or neighbourhood woodland.’ Ironically, it’s the Government’s Localism Act 2011, devolving decision-making to local communities, that encouraged all this. Jane Wills, a human geography expert, says, ‘Groups passionate about their community have emerged. They represent immense reserves of energy and goodwill. When that’s mobilised,…

Throughout history, intrepid botanists, bold explorers and obsessive collectors have travelled to the far reaches of the remotest rainforests, climbed perilous mountains and braved every kind of inhospitable environment to catalogue and bring back examples of plants that have astounded, amazed and fed us – and also decorated our homes and gardens with their beauty. In his new book, The Cabaret Of Plants, Richard Mabey, author of Flora Britannica, charts the history of our relationship with a plethora of wondrous plants and reveals some fascinating facts about their habits, their significance to us – and how some have changed the course of history. The Vegetable Lamb In the Middle Ages, people had no problem believing that plants could change into animals. In fact, in the 14th-century, stories appeared about a…

It’s NHS Self Care Week from 16 November. It aims to help people understand what they can do to better look after both their own health and that of their family members. We’re already keen to be involved in our medical care, and as 80% of all care is self-care, the NHS couldn’t cope if we didn’t take some responsibility for ourselves. But, although we do need to know how to look after ourselves, and when and where to get help, we’re not completely on our own. What’s your problem? Every new symptom means we have to decide whether to ignore it or take action – and as we get an average of four symptoms every fortnight (feeling tired/ run-down, headaches and joint pain top the list), that’s a lot…

My Healthy Life Dr Erik Hauzman, leading fertility specialist at IVI Fertility Clinic, reveals how he boosts his health and wellbeing My ‘go-to' remedy If my throat hurts, I gargle with warm water and salt. I also put a little salt on small cuts to stop them bleeding. This was passed down to me by my mother. My favourite meal Coming from Hungary, it has to be a local meal called lecsó – a thick vegetable ragout, including red peppers, tomato, onion, sausages, eggs and some hot paprika. The way my mum makes it, of course. And, for dessert, a trio of tiramisu, espresso and limoncello. How I keep fit and healthy Whenever I can, I travel to work by bike. Cycling downhill is the perfect way to wake me…

Q What’s the best new (affordable) smartphone that I can get my husband? The Motorola Moto X Play is a powerful phone with a big 5.5in screen and it features a ‘pure’ Android system without all those useless apps you can’t delete. It can be customised with a range of colourful backs, is water-repellent and the 21-megapixel camera is outstanding. The price is just £279 SIM-free at motorola.co.uk. Q Can you recommend a childproof tablet? The Ittle is an Android tablet designed in the UK for kids. It has a 7in screen and enough power for playing or browsing. Parental controls are strong. It even comes with a rubber bumper to protect it against knocks. It’s £59 at ittablet.co.uk and every purchase helps support the Bliss charity for premature babies.…

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of A Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson (£8.99, Abacus) This isn’t a new book, but if you haven’t read the adventures of reluctant centenarian Allan Karlsson, which include escaping from his nursing home on the eve of his 100th birthday, ending up on the run with a suitcase full of money, a motley gang of collaborators and an elephant, you’re in for a treat. Quirky, charming and definitely quite unlike any other story, Allan’s unbelievable and entertaining life has encompasses most of the major events and leaders of the 20th century. A delight from start to finish.…

MARY WILLIAMS  The last time I dressed up was in am-dram, as a lady of the harem in a bikini with see-through nylon over trousers – not a pretty sight! VALERIE MCMANUS  My husband and I dressed up as the scarecrow and wicked witch from the Wizard Of Oz for our granddaughter’s birthday party. It was a boiling hot day and we both nearly melted! CAROL MCDONALD Bananas in pyjamas for a themed party last year. DAWN WYLLIE HARMER About 38 years ago, I dressed up as a clown. SARAH COOPER  For Halloween last year, I wore a homemade witch costume. I dress up each year to answer the door, while everyone else goes trick or treating.…

Jenny Phillips, 69, Bexley Tell us about your look… My style is eclectic. I go to India often so I have a lot of Indian-style clothes, and I like colour. Today I am wearing a Monsoon jumper, BHS jacket and a skirt from a boutique. I like shopping in Zara and Reiss and I do love a sale rail! And the best bit of your body? My eyes. Jill Gifford, 72, Benfleet Tell us about your look… I dress in quite a classic way. I wear sweaters a lot and smart trousers for day, and I would wear a skirt and smart top for going out. I find it hard to get a dress that fits well. I like both neutrals and strong colours, too, especially…

STAGE ONE Start a petition: Set a goal that’s achievable and specific. Find out who has the most power to deliver the changes and address your petition to them – it could be your local council or maybe a particular Government minister. Petitions addressed to ‘the Prime Minister’ or ‘the Government’ tend to be less successful. Remember to describe the problem, set out why it matters and include a personal story if you can. STAGE TWO Grow your campaign: Facebook and Twitter are great for spreading the word – email friends and family, too (and get them to do the same). But also collect signatures on the street, door to door, etc. Get publicity: If your campaign is about a local issue, call local newspapers for coverage. Organise events –…

Basic Christmas Cake Recipe 200g (7oz) mixed dried fruit 75g (2½oz) dried cranberries 200g (7oz) dried apricots, prunes or dates, chopped Finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange ¼ltr (8fl oz) ginger wine 250g (8oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature 250g (8oz) golden caster, light or dark muscovado sugar 1tbsp vanilla extract 4 large eggs, beaten 250g (8oz) self-raising flour, sieved 2tbsp ground almonds (or cocoa) 1tbsp ground mixed spice Round cake tin (16cm/6½in or 20cm/8in), or 25cm (10in) ring, greased and lined 1 Heat the oven to 160°C or Gas Mark 3. Put the mixed dried fruit, cranberries, chopped apricots, prunes or dates, orange zest and juice and ginger wine in a large pan. Heat gently for 10 mins, until the fruit is plumped up and most of…

Easy-peasy A Bit More Tricky Hard–ish Quite A Challenge Instructions overleaf MEASUREMENTS To fit chest sizes 56 (61) (66) cm/22 (24) (26) in. Actual measurements 65 (70) (76) cm/25½ (27½) (30) in. Side seam 23.5 (25) (26.5) cm/ 9¼ (9¾) (10½) in. Length to shoulder 38.5 (40.5) (42.5) cm/15 (16) (16¾) in. Sleeve seam 25.5 (27.5) (29.5) cm/10 (10¾) (11½) in. MATERIALS 3 (4) (5) 50g (104m) balls of King Cole Merino Blend DK (100% wool) in Pale Blue (1531); 2 (2) (3) balls in White (01); 1 ball in each of Pale Pink (1532), Dusky Pink (94), Scarlet (09), Cranberry (703), Raspberry (907) and Fuchsia (787); small amount in each of Black (48), Gold (55) and Mustard (855)*; pair of 3¼mm (No.10) and 4mm (No.8) knitting needles. TENSION 22…

Q What’s the best way to choose the right orthopaedic surgeon for a hip replacement? A For NHS operations, your GP will probably recommend someone, although local pathways may direct you first to a ‘specialist practitioner’, such as a physiotherapist. They can arrange X-rays and MR scans if necessary, and refer you to a consultant/ specialist doctor if an operation is needed. But this may simply be the one with the shortest waiting list, so if you want to see a particular consultant you may need to insist, or wait longer. If you go privately, I’d still recommend asking your GP’s advice, although medical insurers may require you to choose from their approved list. You can find out more about some (but not all) surgeons’ performance in 10 different specialties…

You have to trust your son-in-law’s parenting Q I’m really worried about my grandsons. My daughter very sadly died at 42 when they were five, seven and nine. I moved in to help my son-in-law and, after a time, things became easier and the boys flourished. Two years ago, he married a woman who appears not to like the boys. Since I’ve left, they’ve become somewhat withdrawn and spend time in their rooms or at friends’ houses. I did say something to my son-in-law, but he claims everything’s fine. Rosemary, Sussex A To lose a child is very hard, something we never fully get over. For a time, you became your grandsons’ surrogate mother and then your son-in-law met someone else and his life moved on. The boys now have…

Where I went… Beautiful Bowness in the Lake District. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been to before! What I did… We bought a Freedom of the Lake ticket (windermere-lakecruises.co.uk), which gave us 24 hours of unlimited travel on Lake Windermere’s traditional steamers. First, we cruised north up to Ambleside, where I spent the afternoon dragging my husband around the shops – he was more impressed with the homemade pistachio ice cream we tucked into. In the south, at Lakeside, we took the steam train to the tiny village of Haverthwaite. Gorgeous! Where I stayed… The Laura Ashley Belsfield hotel, (lauraashleyhotels.com/en/thebelsfield/thehotel) which overlooks Lake Windermere. One of the area’s grandest Victorian houses, the interior has been elegantly refurbished by Laura Ashley designers, and its staff couldn’t have been more friendly.…

Aries 21 March - 20 April Insisting on having your way will put serious stress on a close relationship. If you’re going to save the situation and forge a far happier future together, you’ll have to make some compromises. Trying to do too much is causing tension, so try to lighten your load. For more, call 0901 609 2591* Taurus 21 April - 21 May Your decision to turn down a job offer will not be popular. You want a well-paid position with lots of time off, but you aren’t willing to pay your dues. Adopt a more realistic view of your skill set. If you’re going to land your dream job, you’re going to have to work at it. For more, call 0901 609 2592* Gemini 22 May -…

Our friend Alan, whose house is so large that you can only find your way to the toilet with the aid of an Ordnance Survey map and a stout rope attached to Sir Ranulph Fiennes, has invited us to a fancy-dress party to celebrate Mrs Alan’s 50th birthday. I regret to say that Mr Dear did not seem pleased when I woke him from an afternoon nap to deliver the news. Mr D likes an afternoon nap these days. He fought it for many years, but then he discovered that Winston Churchill was a great believer in getting his head down for a short spell after lunch. So now you can tell when it’s about 1.30pm in our house because the windows begin to rattle under the ferocious assault of…