Innholdsfortegnelse for 13-Mar-2018 i Woman's Weekly

During the Second World War, my mum Iris was evacuated to Ilfracombe in Devon. Once there, officials walked her round the streets knocking on doors to find a place for her. Eventually, at a big house on Torrs Park towards the edge of town, a forbidding-looking lady named Mrs Isaacs was forced to take her. Happily though, Mrs Isaacs proved full of love and became one of the most influential figures in Mum’s early life – and when they finally parted, there were many tears. But perhaps one of the quirkiest legacies of Mum’s time in Devon was a lifelong love of hardy geraniums – after she helped plant them in the garden there. I think they inspired many happy memories. Discover why these useful plants deserve such loyalty on…

 Comedian, novelist and actress Jenny Eclair, 57, has been in TV for 30 years, and is about to go on tour, alongside Dillie Keane and Lizzie Roper, with her show Grumpy Old Women to the Rescue. The entertainer, who recently married Geoff Powell after 35 years together, loves strong peppermint tea and her hot-water bottle… ‘I’d like a lovely afternoon chat show. So easy…’ How do you take your tea? Weak and black. I like a weak Earl Grey, but I like a strong peppermint, and I like a Lady Grey. I don’t like builder’s tea – can’t be doing with it. The bane of my life is a theatre dressing room without a decent teabag. I have to travel with a box of peppermint tea. The best tour managers…

‘Walking restored my sense of joy’ I’ve always been an outgoing person, and was enjoying my job as a probation officer – I liked helping people and making a difference. But everything changed when I was attacked by an inmate. Although I felt fine initially, I developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2005, and became housebound with anxiety, unable to return to work. Although I received therapy, which eventually helped me to manage my symptoms, I knew I also had to do something to help myself. So, in 2012, when I saw an advert for Nordic Walking UK, I booked myself a place. Nordic walking is a coordinated exercise where you walk with the aid of special poles. Because it uses a specific technique, it engages your mind as well…

After the age of 70, drivers are required to renew their licence every three years, but no medical checks are required as they can self-certify. If you’re worried about an older relative’s driving, and concerned that they’re no longer safe on the road, try starting a conversation about what a hassle driving can be and how other options, such as taxis, can be less stressful for getting around. Or, if you’re discussing a health issue the person has, talk about the effect on their driving. If they won’t give up voluntarily, you can notify the DVLA anonymously by writing to Drivers Medical Group, DVLA Swansea SA99 1TU. Safety charity RoSPA runs olderdrivers.org.uk, which is a useful source of information and advice.…

Knitting Editor Teresa This men’s 100%-wool sweater is worked in stocking stitch, with the stylish collar knitted in rib. The set-in sleeves make it a lovely fit for wearing over a shirt or a T-shirt. MEASUREMENTS To fit chest 91 (97) (102) (107) (112) (117) (122) (127) cm/ 36 (38) (40) (42) (44) (46) (48) (50) in. Actual measurements 97 (102) (108) (113) (119) (124) (130) (135) cm/38 (40) (42½) (44½) (47) (49) (51¼) (53¼) in. Side seam All sizes 42cm/16½in. Length to shoulder 62 (63) (64) (65) (66) (67) (68) (69) cm/24½ (24¾) (25¼) (25½) (26) (26¼) (26¾) (27¼) in. Sleeve seam 46 (47) (47) (47) (48) (48) (48) (48) cm/18 (18½) (18½) (18½) (19) (19) (19) (19) in. MATERIALS 11 (11) (12) (12) (13) (13) (14) (14) 50g…

We’ve become used to commercial computer algorithms – programs that gather information and make decisions based on a set of rules; for example, whether we can have a mortgage. But expensive medical advances, pressures on resources and increasing demand mean the NHS also has to find high-tech ways to provide better, quicker, safer and/or cheaper care. Diagnosis Doctors have ‘internal’ algorithms based on medical learning, experience, and knowing their patients. But the NHS is trialling a new app called Ada that gathers and sifts patients’ past and present information and could save GP time and appointments by suggesting possible explanations and what to do next. Rapid diagnosis and treatment by artificial intelligence (AI) could become routine as it becomes more accurate and reliable, and even replace seeing a doctor. A…

Think back to your own first relationship Q My 17-year-old son has his first girlfriend, who he’s very keen on. He’s spending as much time as he can at her house, but won’t bring her over to ours. I’ve asked why, and he doesn’t really answer. Could he be ashamed of us? Lynn, Dunstable A I think the answer’s in your opening sentence: she’s his first girlfriend. Take yourself back for a minute to your first date. Like him, I expect you were uncertain, slightly embarrassed, unsure how you should be, and worried your parents might not approve. I’m sure his concerns, if he has any, are about himself, not you. Let him know gently that you’d be happy for them to hang out at your place, so he knows they…

Flowers? Fairy lights? What the hell is this, Perry?’ This was a massive upgrade on her previous room. Besides the floral arrangement and the string lights garlanding the mirror, a tray had been set out on the dressing table next to the bed. Laid out on it Vonny recognised the kind of crystal decanter and glasses usually reserved for the top table at formal dinners. ‘When you said half a bottle of whisky I assumed you meant supermarket own-brand and a couple of tooth mugs,’ she said. ‘How did you manage to smuggle these ones out?’ ‘I thought you needed de-stressing,’ he said. ‘I know it’s not been easy for you, being back here.’ Perry unstopped the decanter and began to pour the whisky. With nothing to do but wait…

I really enjoyed reading about the three brave women in Can You Guess Our Body Secrets? (6 February). By sharing their stories, they give others hope. One lady had a double mastectomy, another wears a colostomy bag, and a third wears a wig. These women have overcome not only illness, but also the challenge of getting used to a different body. They are inspirational, and I thank them for sharing their experiences so openly. Vanessa Cosby, Co Waterford, Ireland We loved their courage and positivity, too, Vanessa. We enjoy hearing from you, so do get in touch if you have something to say…

› Miok Park, 48 Tell us about your look… My look is modern and contemporary. I love clean, simple lines and don’t like anything fussy. My sleeveless coat is by Sandro. I have a Korean tunic dress underneath, and layered under that is a polo neck from Uniqlo. I love layers! My boots are from Dune. If I’m honest, I don’t really like clothes shopping, so my mother and my cousin do most of it for me! I’m very lucky – they know what I like. However, shoes are trickier, so today I’m shoe shopping! And the best bit of your body? My small waist. › Maureen Folkes, 65 Tell us about your look… I bought my coat in the January sales at M&S. I loved the bright-orange colour. If…

Aries21 Mar – 20 Apr Start a new project that takes you out of your comfort zone – you’ll be glad you did. Taurus21 Apr – 21 May It’s time to start exploring new sources of income, as financial aspects are favourable for you. Gemini 22 May – 21 Jun Networking and reactivating old friendships are all under positive aspects for you this week. Cancer 22 Jun – 23 Jul Improving how your home looks and feels will be good for you. Time to declutter and clear your space. Leo24 Jul – 23 Aug This week looks busy socially. Why not join a group whose interests you share? You may make new friends. Virgo 24 Aug – 23 Sep Don’t get bogged down with too many things at once. Make…

Be warned: if you get travel sick, before reading on you may need to don a motion-sickness band. All set? In the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I was known as the ‘queen of pop’. No, seriously. I was the rock writer on a big newspaper and travelled the world interviewing pop stars: Elton John in Los Angeles, Abba in Stockholm, Rod Stewart in Paris, Blondie in Brussels and Barry Manilow and Sting in New York (not together). Before you reach for the airline sick bag, I can reassure you that while travel is involved, what I really want to tell you about is coincidence. It started in Japan, where I’d gone for a week with punk band The Stranglers. The trip was fabulous and more than made up…

Pork Belly Banh Mi Crunchy pickled veg in a baguette with loads of filling and lashings of flavour, this is such a highlight of Vietnamese street food. We’ve chosen pork belly, but the recipe works just as well with chicken, beef or fish. SERVES 4 FOR THE PICKLED VEG: FOR THE SANDWICH: TO SERVE: 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C or Gas Mark 4. Lay the pork belly slices on a baking tray and bake for 35-40 mins until cooked through. 2 Meanwhile, make the pickle. Combine the rice wine vinegar, caster sugar, salt, ginger, carrot and cucumber in a bowl. Leave to stand for 30 mins to marinate. 3 In a bowl, mix…

Keep Your Mind Fit Exercise can improve memory and thinking in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to the American Academy of Neurology, which has recommended regular exercise in its new MCI guidelines. One in 10 of us has MCI in our 70s, and it’s sometimes the forerunner of dementia. Other helpful lifestyle habits include not smoking, drinking only in moderation and maintaining a healthy diet/weight. True Or False? ‘Upselling' can make us gain weight. True, according to a UK survey which says we may be eating an extra 330 calories a week by agreeing to invitations to ‘go large’, adding extra ‘sides’, or saying yes to confectionery deals offered by sales-boosting staff in shops and food outlets. Fantasy Scenario? Peppa Pig may be raising unrealistic expectations about NHS care, according…

Our Experts • Appliances • Internet • Digital • Animals • Finance/ consumer • Legal This Week: FRANCES QUINN is a journalist who specialises in finance and consumer issues. She’ll answer your questions on everything from savings to shopping Home Insurance Q How can I save money on my home insurance? There are two types of home insurance: buildings, which covers the structure of your home and insures you against things like fires or flood damage, and contents, which covers what’s in your home, insuring you in case of theft, fire and damage. You can buy them as a combined policy, or two separate ones. For both, the main way to save is the same: don’t be loyal. If you renew with the same company every year, the reward you’ll…

The story so far... VONNY, believing herself in danger from RUSS PIERSON, whom she believes murdered her friend PHOEBE, flees from his room, where she was discovered. Later, she reads Phoebe’s letter to Pierson and begins to wonder if she has misinterpreted their relationship all along. When she receives two phone calls in quick succession she is short-tempered with both callers because neither is her partner EDDIE, whom she has texted to say how much she misses. With her attitude, it’s no wonder he’s left, she thinks. Next day Vonny resolves to relax her manner and, after apologising to College porter PERRY for being so abrupt, agrees to work the weekend again. But her resolve to be nicer to Pierson dissolves when he confronts her, demanding back the letter. Perry…

• Growing bite-size or mini vegetables in pots on a windowsill is possible, provided it’s not too exposed to wind. Excellent compact varieties are chilli Apache, sweet peppers Red Skin and Jingle Bells, and tomatoes Totem or Minibel. Trailing tomatoes such as Tumbler or ‘Shirley’s’ Pixie are good for hanging baskets. • Give shrubs a boost by sprinkling a handful of general-purpose fertiliser such as Growmore along the base of hedges and around trees and shrubs, followed by a generous mulch of rotted compost. • Grub out perennial weeds such as nettles as soon as the new shoots emerge. If you keep pulling up the weeds before they have the opportunity to grow leaves and refuel with energy from the sun, you’ll weaken the plants and they’ll eventually die out.…

We love letters Woman’s Weekly, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. PS: It really helps when you put your details in capitals We do not return photos (apart from ‘You Wore It Well’) so please do not 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! If you’d like updates on wonderful project ideas, video tutorials and all the info about our upcoming craft workshops, it’s simple to subscribe to the Woman’s Weekly newsletter. The sign-up box is easy to find on the home page of our website. Just pop in your email address. womansweekly.com…

YOU WILL NEED Tracing paper and pencil Iron-on transfer pen 15 x 15cm white cotton or linen fabric for the front Two quilters fat quarters in a colourful print Stranded embroidery cotton to complement print fabric Embroidery hoop Crewel needle 1m flanged piping cord in white or cream Matching sewing thread Zipper or piping foot Polyester toy stuffing A Bit More Tricky TAKES: 4 hours CUTTING OUT For one pillow, cut two strips of 7 x 15cm and two of 7 x 25cm fabric in a complementary print. Cut one 25 x 25cm cushion back. INSTRUCTIONS 1 Using a computer, print your chosen initials on to a sheet of tracing paper, or draw out the letters freehand. On the reverse of the paper, go over the outlines of the letters…

I often talked to Greg while I pushed Sophie on the swing. Forwards and back, forwards and back, her fair hair streaming in the breeze, red bobble hat on her head. She didn’t take any notice of her nana talking, I don’t think she even heard. All she was interested in was shouting, ‘Higher, Nana, higher,’ and giggling, just like Becca used to when she was a little girl. ‘Do you remember that book we used to have when Becca was small?’ I asked Greg one day. ‘The one about the little girl on a swing with a red bobble hat? Hattie’s Hat , I think it was called.’ I sighed, remembering. It used to be a favourite of Becca’s and even now I could see her sitting on Greg’s…

Oh, if only Dame Barbara Cartland were still with us. She should really be writing this week’s exciting episode. Or if she were busy, Mr Mills could probably have run something up with the able assistance of his chum Mr Boon. As you have probably guessed, you should prepare yourself for fluttering hearts that beat as one. You should be braced for swooning, for stolen kisses, for walks in the moonlight, and all that stuff. Mrs Beasley, you see, is properly smitten. If you are new to Woman’s Weekly, you should know that Mrs B is the manager of our charity shop. Reaching for a Thomas Hardy novel in a bookshop recently, she glanced against the hand of a man called Michael, who invited her for coffee on the grounds…