Innholdsfortegnelse for 20-Apr-2021 i Woman's Weekly

Animal magic We were sitting outside the Tresco Abbey cafe, drinking coffee, when a red squirrel jumped up onto our table and examined us closely. Then, deciding there was nothing to see of interest, Squirrel Nutkin bounced off. Not only did this impromptu appearance demonstrate what a loss these enchanting animals have been to much of the country, after their decimation by the greys, but also how hard so many people are working to increase their numbers. Those squirrels on the Isles of Scilly are successful recent introductions, and there are other good news stories from around the country. Find more successes on page 10.…

1 Feed fruits If you want a good crop of fruit over the summer, feed your plants now. Add a slow-release fertiliser to the base of fruit trees and raspberry canes. 2 Check compost Now that there’s less chance of disturbing hibernating creatures, it’s time to check your compost and see if it’s ready to use around the garden. 3 Pollinate peaches A soft paintbrush is your best tool for doing this. Very gently, spread pollen from each flower’s stamen onto its central pistil.…

“My partner, David, was the love of my life. Life with him was never easy and certainly not dull – a lot of it was really tough, actually. But I loved him and he brought such surprise to me. He put up with me, changed me, delighted me and frustrated me. He drove me bananas and made me find resources I didn’t know I had. And I’m really grateful for that. He was just wonderful. ‘I would look forward and see a blank’ I have so many memories with David, but my favourite was on my 50th birthday. We were going for supper with some friends in the parish and one of them phoned up and said, ‘Oh, I’ve left my keys in the church, can you pick them up…

There are few things that are as satisfying as growing your own fruit and veg. It’s not just the flavour – although hello, succulent strawberries and sun-warmed tomatoes – but the joy of watching tiny seeds transform into bountiful plants. Home-grown food is better for the environment and benefits your health. You don’t even need a vegetable patch, so let’s get sowing! Three cheers for tomatoes CHOICE There are more than 10,000 varieties and the seed aisle is your oyster. ‘Black Cherry’, stripy ‘Tigerella’, ‘Sungold’ – it’s hard not to get carried away. EASE A greenhouse isn’t a must – just make sure your seeds are suitable for outdoor growing. Start them off indoors, before transplanting out in June. SUCCESS! Bush varieties don’t need pruning, and they are perfect for…

✢Blood tests. Full blood count, liver and kidney function tests. High numbers of white blood cells are diagnostic. Further studies confirm the diagnosis. ✢Chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound scan check the cavities for enlarged glands. CT scan of chest or abdomen will give greater detail and monitor progress. ✢Bone marrow biopsy allows marrow to be examined under a microscope, checking for cancerous cells. It’s removed from your hip bone under local anaesthetic ✢Lymph node biopsy can confirm CLL diagnosis. Genetic tests on blood and bone marrow samples identify unusual genes to help decide the best treatment.…

My therapist left me disappointed Q My therapist called me to tell me she was unwell and couldn’t see me that day. I was disappointed as I needed the session. Later that day, I saw her shopping. I know she saw me but I didn’t say anything. I feel really hurt and I’m thinking of seeing someone else instead. Name and address withheld A That must have been difficult for both of you and very unfortunate. I understand that it was particularly hard, as you felt you’d needed the session and seeing her out would have left you feeling rejected. There may be many reasons why she was out. She could have felt a lot better during the day or had issues that were troubling her so knew she couldn’t…

Our large holed (4.5 per inch) pre-printed canvas makes this an easy-to-complete project for any age or ability. Each kit contains everything you need to complete your 40 x 40cm cushion front, a pre-printed canvas, 100% acrylic yarn, easy-to-follow instructions and, of course, your needle! There is also a 100% cotton cushion back with a zip (LYN419) for £14.99 and an insert pad (LYN756) for £12.99 to finish your project. Simply call 01858 345108 (Mon to Fri, 9-5pm), quoting code WW84 with credit card details, or send a cheque payable to Lyncroft Marketing Services, with your name and address to: WW84, PO Box 998, Aylesbury, HP22 9LE.…

ADAM SMALLBONE The early ministry of ex-pop star Rev Richard Coles (see page 15) inspired the BBC sitcom Rev., with Tom Hollander. GERALDINE GRANGER TV’s most delightful vicar? Dawn French’s creation in The Vicar of Dibley still tops surveys of Britain’s favourite comedies. WILLIAM COLLINS As the daughter of a rector, Jane Austen can be forgiven for satirising a cleric in her wonderful Pride and Prejudice.…

ALICE MARSH, 48 Tell us about your look My coat, jumper and leather trousers are all by Baukjen, who promote sustainable and ethical fashion. My trainers are by Vionic – they’re very comfy as well as being stylish – and the bag is by Nooki. I love to add a dash of leopard print. And the best bit of your body? My arms. I’ve been working out! MAXINE SUMNER, 53 Tell us about your look My style is made up of timeless staples mixed with fashion-forward pieces to update my look. It’s fun to find new ways to wear favourite things – I post ideas on my Instapage*. I also love the effect colour has on your mood. I like a swishy dress. This is an old one from Topshop,…

WHERE I’VE BEEN Only down to Sainsbury’s to do the food shop. WHO I’VE MET A photographer and his assistant came to take photographs of me. They were very nice, and it was good to do something – all of a sudden being back in the normal world a little bit. WHAT I’VE BOUGHT Pasta. I’ve never cooked as much as I have in lockdown. I’ve cooked like a chef, and eaten like a pig! WHAT I’VE SEEN This Is Us on Amazon Prime. I thought I would hate it as it looks like it’s not my kind of thing, but I’m hooked.…

SWISS CHARD With dazzling stems and bright green leaves, it’s as good as it tastes! Just scatter the seed thinly into shallow drills, cover with soil and water during dry spells. ‘Rainbow’, ‘Celebration’, and ‘Bright Lights’ are great choices. KALE Nutritious, extremely resilient… and so on trend! In April, sow seeds outdoors (or in pots if slugs are an issue). Use netting to keep thieving pigeons at bay. Cavolo nero has elegant, slightly sweet, dark leaves or, for frills, there’s ‘Russian Red’ or ‘Dwarf Green Curled’. WATERCRESS You don’t need a stream to grow watercress. Fill a pot with compost, scatter over some seed, then sit your pot inside a larger container. Keep the soil moist and you’ll be picking within weeks. SALAD Grab a packet of loose leaf lettuce…

In CLL, the bone marrow produces too many lymphocyte-type white blood cells, which aren’t functioning properly, causing an increased infection risk and persistent tiredness. CLL is different from other types of leukaemia. The cause isn’t clear, there’s no proven link with radiation or chemical exposure, diet or infections. You can’t catch it or pass it on, but it is linked to certain genes. It mostly affects the over 60s, and rarely the under 40s. It doesn’t usually cause symptoms early on, only being picked up during a routine blood test. However, eventually symptoms develop, such as frequent infections, tiredness, anaemia, breathlessness, bruising and bleeding, fevers and night sweats, swollen glands, abdominal swelling and unexplained weight loss. Your GP will examine you and arrange blood tests, including a blood count to…

A The tear duct (nasolacrimal duct) is a tiny passage running from the inner corner of the eyelids to the inside of the nose. It drains away tears and mucus that the eye constantly produces. One in five babies is born with a tear duct that isn’t yet open in one or both eyes, causing watery or sticky eyes – it doesn’t damage the eyes or vision and is harmless. In most babies, the condition clears by itself before they are one to two years old. The eyelid skin may become sore because of the constant wetness, the eye may sometimes be slightly pink, but no treatment is needed for this. Occasionally, there’s conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eye), which may require antibiotic drops. Very rarely, the tear sac can become swollen…

Q My mother left her house to my brother to live in while he’s alive. My sister and I moved out years ago and have our own homes that we paid for, and have always looked after ourselves. My single brother, who’s in his late 40s, has always lived at home. I know the eventual sale price will be divided between our children but who knows when that will be? We’re wondering about contesting this as it seems very unfair that he gets the house and to live mortgage-free. Tessa, London A It’s up to each individual to decide who they want to leave their possessions to, and your mother made the decision to let your brother continue to live in the house, which is his home. If you thought…

HEADS UP Alliums are one of the easiest ways to give your garden an architectural flourish. These hardy bulbs come into flower as tulips fade, bringing colour through May and June. Plus, they’ll return each year. Drought-tolerant, they like sun and well-drained soil. Try ‘Purple Sensation’ for dazzling globes carried a metre high, or A. sphaerocephalon, with dainty, wine-red flowers on wiry stems. AND RELAX… A four-year study from the RHS shows that even a few plants can have an amazing effect on reducing stress. It followed residents in Great Manchester, who brightened up their bare front gardens with shrubs and bedding plants. The result? People felt happier and calmer – to the equivalent of eight mindfulness sessions.…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr You may be experiencing some challenges. Keep going and don’t give up! You’re stronger than you think. TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May This is a wonderful time to create a new social circle and to connect with people who uplift and inspire you. GEMINI  22 May – 21 Jun You may be drawn to anything metaphysical and esoteric. Diving into the unseen world will bring answers to your life questions. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul Make sure you pay attention to your body this week. If you’re feeling tired, rest. Your diet is important. Make changes that are needed. LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug You may be altering the direction of your work. You might be pleasantly surprised by an unexpected…

by Lizzy Dent (£12.99, HB, Penguin ) Who doesn’t love a story that whisks you away somewhere else – especially when it’s a luxury Scottish hotel? Birdy Finch is quite literally flitting through life, doing her best not to commit to anyone or anything. So, when an opportunity comes up to be someone else for the summer – to be exact, her best friend Heather – she jumps on it. But, pretending to be a world-class sommelier is a little more taxing than she thought. This escapist read has a flawed but fun protagonist and a real sense of place. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, this is the book you’ll want to kick back with this summer.…

Annie Lambert, 1942/43, sent in by her granddaughter, Catherine McAneney My late grandmother is on the left in her ATS uniform with her sister, Mary Lowthion, on the right in her WAFS uniform. They were both so proud to have served their country. ✢ We’d love to see how great you looked in any era up to and including the 1980s. Please send a good-quality photo with your name, address and daytime phone number clearly written on the back, to: Fashion Dept, Woman’s Weekly, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Photos will be returned.…

1 FOLK FEVER With its flattering cut and pattern, this dress skims your bottom and thighs, and is perfect for summer. Dress, £18, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing at Tesco 2 MONO MAGIC Puff sleeves are ideal if you’re self-conscious of upper arms, while the peplum detail hides lumps and bumps. Top, £22, sizes 8-24, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s 3 GOLD RUSH Looking for a way to glam up your outfit? Simply add a pair of statement gold earrings and go from drab to fab instantly. Earrings, £4, George at Asda 4 CHECK MATE This easy-to-wear frock is great for daytime, with its stylish, floaty style. Dress, £20, sizes 8-24, Nutmeg at Morrisons 5 GET SHIRTY Staple white shirts have had an upgrade, thanks to intricate statement collars that pack a…

FRUIT TARTLETS These might be super simple, but they have the flair of a Parisian patisserie. MAKES 12 ✣325g (11oz) shortcrust pastry ✣200g (7oz) frozen or fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries ✣ 5tbsp marmalade ✣Mint leaves (optional) For the creme patissiere: ✣300ml (½ pint) semi-skimmed milk ✣1 vanilla pod ✣1 egg yolk, plus 1 whole egg ✣25g (¾oz) caster sugar ✣25g (¾oz) flour You will need: ✣12 x 6cm (2½in) tart tins, baking parchment, baking beans, greaseproof paper and a piping bag with a 2cm (¾in) nozzle 1 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Roll out the pastry and use to line the tart tins, then place on a baking tray and chill for 10 mins. Line the cases with baking parchment and baking beans, and cook for 10 mins.…

My tinnitus started in 1984 when I suddenly began to hear a siren-type sound – like the television in the days when it shut off at 11pm. The advice was that I’d have to ‘learn to live with it’ but the noise was loud and relentless. It destroyed my concentration and confidence. I had trouble sleeping, lost weight and I felt like my life was on hold. I was just going through the motions. It impacted on my family, too, and I realised that I would need to change my attitude towards it, in order to cope. I developed strategies that I called my ‘emotional props’. I now play music throughout the house to mask the sound in my head and use a clock-radio to wake me each morning with…

1 GET SOME REST Twitches can affect any muscle, commonly eyes or legs, with tingling or cramps. The commonest cause is tiredness, so try to rest. 2 MANAGE STRESS Anxiety and stress are factors. Use relaxation techniques, such as yoga or mindfulness exercises, and deal with work or relationship stress. 3 CUT BACK ON COFFEE Reduce your intake of caffeine or alcohol, both possible causes. Some medicines can be responsible – check the side effects on the packet or leaflet. 4 STRETCH Massage muscles affected by cramps or twitches. Make sure you do warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after any activity.…

Difficulty level TABLE GARLAND This garland can be used to dress tables time and again. We used rosebuds, mimosa, flax, matricaria, daisies, broom, helichrysum, delphiniums, poppy heads, phalaris, bunny tail grass, eucalyptus, gypsophila, oat stems and statice. Cut all the flowers to 10cm in length and fix together groups of the same flower with florist wire. Take a length of garland and wire in eucalyptus stems. Starting at one end, push a group of flowers into the garland and secure in place with florist wire. Gradually build up with flowers, mixing up for fullness. Finish with three groups of flowers pushed in the opposite way to hide the wiring. Grapevine garland, £7.20 for 9ft, The Essentials Company. Flowers and grasses for all projects from a selection at Atlas Flowers and…

MEASUREMENTS To fit bust 76-81 (86-91) (97-102) cm/ 30-32 (34-36) (38-40) in. Actual measurements 86 (96.5) (106.5) cm/ 34 (38) (42) in. Side seam All sizes 37.5cm/14¾in. Length to shoulder 58 (59.5) (61) cm/23 (23½) (24) in. Sleeve seam All sizes 43cm/17in. MATERIALS 4 (4) (5) 100g (439m) balls of James C Brett Baby 4ply (100% acrylic) in Soft Blue (12)*. Pair each of 2.75mm (No. 12) and 3.25mm (No. 10) knitting needles; 4 stitch holders. TENSION 28 stitches and 36 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, using 3.25mm needles; 28 stitches and 40 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over pattern, using 3.25mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS St(s), stitch(es); k, knit; p, purl; ss, stocking st (k on right side and p on wrong side); tog, together (decrease, by working…

Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner (£12.99, HB, Bloomsbury) With a baby on the way, a large family home and loving husband, Helen seems to have it all. But the one thing she’s lacking while on maternity leave is friends. So when she meets Rachel at a local parenting class, she’s grateful for the company. And while Rachel is different to those in her usual circle, Helen soon finds herself opening up to her. Yet when Rachel suddenly moves in, Helen’s family begin to realise Rachel is not who she seems. Creepy and thrilling. A Postcard from Paris by Alex Brown (£7.99, PB, HarperCollins) When Annie Lovell’s elderly neighbour inherits an abandoned Parisian apartment, Annie decides to head to Paris to discover more. Cue secret diaries hidden in walls – those…

“ Here is a question for any big sisters who happen to be reading: Is there anybody in the known universe more plainspoken and tactless than a little sister? My own little sister, Deb, phoned recently, mainly to complain about her two cats. ‘They keep staring at me,’ she said. ‘If I sit down, they sit down in front of me and just sort of watch me. ‘And if I move about the house, they follow me. It’s weird – do you think they’re threatening me? Or perhaps they are trying to tell me something. Cats are very intelligent, you know.’ ‘Have you fed them recently?’ I wondered. ‘Rosie, you’re not taking this seriously, are you?’ I assured her that I considered staring cats to be a matter of the…