Innholdsfortegnelse for 8-Aug-2023 i Woman's Weekly

Living history "There are some giant beech trees at the edge of the wood behind our cottage. Judging by their size and height, they must have been planted at least 200 years ago, marking an ancient boundary. In old lore, beech was the Mother, or Queen, of the Woods. But of course, a queen needs a courtly companion, so in that same lore, there was a king, which was indisputably the oak tree. It makes sense; deep in those woods edged by beech are some mature oaks, which are probably at least twice as old, and could have been saplings at the time of the Civil War. But for oaks, that’s still young. See our feature on page 10."…

I completed a one-day course in therapeutic hand massage a few years ago. I mention this because it’s the only time I’ve been good with my hands – strictly speaking, someone else’s. And yet, despite years of tacking my own thumbs to the nearest cork board, for some reason I signed up recently to yet another craft class, thinking, ‘This time I’ll crack it.’ Probably not a sentiment to air at a stained-glass workshop. I’ve wanted to do this one for ages, not least because I enjoy gawping at cathedral windows and wondering, ‘How hard can it be?’ My rush of optimism is always followed by a rude awakening, by which time it’s too late to ask for my money back. At this workshop, I’d come to my senses that…

Seeing toddler Bella Smythe racing round her garden, her proud mum Lizzy can’t help but feel like a dream has come true. Because until recently, her disabled daughter was immobile – unable to crawl, stand up unaided or walk. But now, after being given an electrically powered wheelchair, there’s no stopping her! ‘Bella was reliant on us to take her everywhere’ ‘Bella has cerebral palsy, affecting her from the waist down, and leaving her with very limited control over her body’s lower half. Before getting her electric wheelchair, she was reliant on us to take her everywhere she wanted to go, as on her own she couldn’t move much,’ says Lizzy, 40, from Ipswich. ‘She is a bright, happy girl, but it has always been difficult seeing our friends with…

3 WAYS TO... Boost your omega 3 1 EAT FATTY FISH Salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, anchovies and oysters are all rich in omega 3, which can help strengthen bones, lift mood and lubricate joints to minimise stiffness. 2 SNACK ON NUTS Walnuts and Brazil nuts are particularly high in omega 3s. Other good sources include green veg, such as broccoli and spinach, flax and chia seeds, avocado and tofu. 3 TAKE A SUPPLEMENT If you are worried you’re not getting enough of it through your diet, try a supplement, such as Together Health Omega 3, £11.89 for 30 softgels, Superdrug. They’re plant-based, so vegan-friendly. NEWSFLASH Take vitamin D supplements to reduce heart-attack risk Doing this later in life can cut the chance of having a heart attack by 19 %,…

HEROES 1 Mrs Elm is the wise librarian who helps unhappy Nora Seed discover what she wants from life in Matt Haig’s bestselling novel. What is its title? A The Library BookB The Midnight LibraryC The Body in the Library 2 In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, who is the honourable lawyer who represents the African-American man Tom Robinson in his trial for rape? A Perry MasonB Horace RumpoleC Atticus Finch 3 What was the name of Agatha Christie’s sharp-witted, elderly spinster detective, who consistently solves crimes with her shrewd intelligent deductions? A Jane MarpleB Jessica FletcherC Amelia Butterworth 4 Which Claire Keegan novella, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2022, features the modest yet hugely brave hero Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant? A The…

SUPPORTING TREES Newly planted street trees need our help to beat the heat, says the Woodland Trust. The charity recommends watering them regularly throughout the summer, using recycled rainwater or washing-up water, for at least their first three years. After that, the trees’ roots should be established enough to cope with drier weather. Trunk call It’s World Elephant Day on 12 August; the perfect time to remind ourselves just how extraordinary these beautiful creatures are. They’re the world’s biggest land herbivore, and their flexible trunks contain 40,000 muscles used to help them eat, drink, smell, move branches and show each other affection. But like many young animals, it takes time to master their unique skills, and babies need to practise for around nine months before they get to grips with…

With its broad, spreading crown and crooked branches, the oak tree has a truly majestic presence on our landscape. Growing up to 40m in height and able to live as long as 1,000 years, this deciduous delight holds a very special place in our history, our culture and our hearts. How to spot an oak Oak leaves are very distinctive, but we actually have two different native varieties. Quercus robur, popularly known as the common oak or English oak, has lobes at the base of each leaf (auricles) and long stalks that carry acorns – the tree’s seeds. Although it grows all over the British Isles, the common oak is more abundant in the south and east, and so has become particularly associated with England. The sessile oak (Quercus petraea),…

1 SHOP AT YOUR LEISURE Give yourself plenty of time to find the right swimwear. Don’t put it off and leave it until the last minute, as you might end up rushing into something that doesn’t quite feel right. Try on your swimwear at home rather than under the glare of a changing room light, for a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience. 2 SUIT YOUR SHAPE Don’t follow trends but focus on what works for you. We all have different goals – whether that’s to enhance the bust, lengthen legs or smooth a tummy – so experimenting with different styles and sizes will help you find your fit. Swimwear often expands when wet, so make sure it has a snug fit but also feels supportive – look for design…

Glazed barbecue rack of pork Perfect for a gas barbecue, the sweet, zingy cordial glaze adds both flavour and shine to the crunchy crackling. SERVES 8 PREP 10 mins, plus marinating and resting COOK 1 hr 50 mins ✱ 8-10 bone French-trimmed rack of pork, about 3kg, skin scored ✱ 1tbsp Chinese five-spice powder ✱ 2tsp flaky sea salt FOR THE GLAZE ✱ 4tbsp ginger cordial ✱ 2tbsp cider vinegar ✱ 1tsp toasted sesame oil YOU WILL NEED ✱ Meat thermometer 1 Pat the pork dry with kitchen paper then rub the flesh with the five-spice powder. Sprinkle the skin with the flaky sea salt and leave at room temperature for 30 mins, then pat the skin dry again. 2 Heat the barbecue to around 230C (see Cook’s tip, left).…

ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR The retina is a thin nerve cell layer lining the inside of the eye, which is sensitive to light, forming an image for the brain to interpret. Retinas detach after developing holes that allow the vitreous ( jelly-like fluid within the eye) to pass underneath, lifting it off supporting tissues. Small blood vessels might tear and bleed. Without treatment, it usually leads to blindness. It may occur as part of the ageing processes, but some people are at higher risk – if you’re short-sighted, have had previous cataract surgery or have had a direct blow to the eye. Rarely, it runs in families. Symptoms include dots or lines (floaters) suddenly appearing and increasing in number, flashes of light, a dark curtain or shadow moving…

Joan’s stomach was knotted with nerves. Usually, she would have regarded train travel as an occasional treat, but she couldn’t enjoy the short trip to the small Fenland village. She felt lonely and disorientated as she looked out of the carriage window, watching the plumes of steam as they chased each other across the bleak, watery landscape. Even though it was August and the sun was shining, Joan thought the view dull and uninteresting. She had believed that when she left home, it would be for the excitement of a city, where she would somehow be transformed into a glamorous, independent woman. She hadn’t bargained on heading to the back of beyond to work in the fields and live in a dismal farmhouse. It was 1942, and earlier that year,…

Crochet Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS Approximately 30x16cm (12x6¼in) when measured flat. MATERIALS We’ve used 1 x 100g (107m) ball of Emu Classic Super Chunky (100% acrylic) in Cream (102)*, but you can use any super chunky yarn in any colour; size 12mm crochet hook; stitch marker. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 8 stitches and 10 rows, to 10x10cm, over double crochet using 12mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS (UK TERMS) Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; ss, slip stitch; st(s), stitch(es). NOTE Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. COWL With 12mm hook, loosely make 47ch and ss into first of these ch to join into a ring. Foundation round: 1ch, 1dc in same ch at base of beginning…

Books Summer at the Ice Cream Café by Jo Thomas (£7.99, PB, Transworld) After 20 years of city life, Beca buys her dream house in her hometown, an idyllic village on the Pembrokeshire coast. She plans a quiet life by the sea, fostering children and milking cows – but returning home after all those years isn’t as easy as she thought. For a start, her family’s beloved ice cream cafe is gone, and there are past relationships that aren’t exactly straightforward, either. Can Beca find happiness? This is the ultimate holiday paperback. Over My Dead Body by Maz Evans (£16.99, HB, Headline) Sometimes a book comes along that reminds you why you fell in love with reading; that pure escapism offering a break from the real world. Maz Evans’ debut…

Horoscopes ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR Do your best not to take things too seriously. Remember to smile, laugh and to be cheerful, then everything will improve. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY Sudden changes and reversals may occur. You’re learning to become more flexible and enjoying going with the flow. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN Relationships are the focus for you this week. Listening to all conversations will be a great asset for you. Magnetically, you will heal any past hurts. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL You may need extra time to yourself to integrate the busyness of your life. Finding the middle road of moderation should certainly serve you well. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG If you are sensitive to your emotional needs, your…

We’ve been so looking forward to it – and boy, do we deserve it! Going on vacation is a highlight of the year for most of us, so we don’t want to ruin it with an upset stomach, pesky bug bites or poolside germs. But whether we’re staying in the UK or abroad, we might be more prone to getting ill when we’re away because of the change to our routines, including a different environment and food and drink. The good news, however, is that there are a few easy precautions we can take to lower our risk of health issues. Hot tub habits It may be a great place to chill out but they can cause problems, such as hot tub rash (folliculitis), particularly if they’re not regularly treated…

We all want to give our pets the best, but with the high cost of living, it can be a challenge. Here are some steps to keep them – and your bank balance – happy. Food for thought You can spend less on your pet’s food so long as it fulfils all their dietary needs. So, give them food marked as ‘complete’ rather than ‘complementary’; the former checks all their nutrition requirements. And be wary of the wording. Packaging that says beef flavoured or chicken flavoured, for example, will have a lower amount of the ingredient – sometimes as low as 4%. Buy products that clearly mention they contain beef, chicken and fish, as legally, food is required to contain at least 26% of it. Always read the fine print,…

I’m worried about our differences Q I’m a Christian and I have a very strong faith. All of my family, including my adult children, go to church regularly. I’ve met a new partner, who is wonderful – but he is an atheist. He says he’s fine with me having my beliefs but they aren’t his. We are planning to move in together and marry, and I’m wondering if the difference in our outlooks will turn out to be a problem? Name and address withheld A It’s never easy to have an intimate relationship with someone who has different beliefs, but many couples do it very successfully. The best thing to do is sit down together and make some agreements based on the expectations you both have. For…

Fill me in Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the answer. Clue: Precious crystals – a solid form of carbon – traditionally used for engagement rings, and a girl’s best friend! You’ll find the answers on page 62 Circle time Which common word comes from the ancient Norse name for their law-making and dispute-settling assembly? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles for the answer. 3 letters DADEELEGOSKITOMTWO 4 letters IRONLURENOVAREADREALRINGRITESPARTUTU 5 letters CHESSDREARHYENALEGALMAYOROVERSROOSTSLAVESTATE 6 letters VOTING 7 letters ENTENTE 10 letters PRESIDENCY SPIRAL XWORD Experts have decided that all of what can be divided into three categories: communicators, autobiographers and self-promoters? The answer to…

It’s like the whole world’s upside down,’ said Jo, taking a sip of lukewarm tea. ‘How does anyone get anything done when there’s a baby around? Even when I come here to see you, I have to bring half the nursery.’ She looked at the baby monitor on the coffee table, the changing mat and toys strewn across the floor. ‘You’ll get used to it, love,’ her mum Helen said. ‘It’s always chaos to start with, and Ted’s only two months. At least you can get out a bit more now.’ ‘Yes, but I feel like I’ve landed on an alien planet. All the other mothers seem to have everything sorted.’ ‘I bet they haven’t.’ ‘Well, it looks like it to me. They always have perfectly blow-dried hair, and their…

Difficulty level RHYTHM SECTION Make music with a handmade tambourine and bell shakers. YOU WILL NEED ✱ 17.5cm wooden embroidery hoop✱ Paintbrush✱ Neon paints✱ Elastic✱ Small and large jingle or cat bells✱ Cardboard tubes✱ Neon duct tape STOCKIST For neon duct tape, try The Range 1 For the tambourine, remove the inner section from the embroidery hoop and paint the outer section. Thread larger bells onto elastic, and zigzag this across the inner hoop, knotting the ends to secure. Replace the inner hoop and screw shut. 2 For the shakers, paint cardboard tubes and leave to dry. Thread bells onto elastic and wind around the tubes, securing each end to the inside with duct tape. CHALK IT UP Bottle your very own rainbow with this fun rainy-day craft. YOU WILL…

Wordwise You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which the clue is: Debar, shun. Average = 15 More than 35 = well done SUDOKU To solve this puzzle, fill in the grid so that each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column contains the numbers 1-9. YOU CAN WORK IT OUT... LINKWORDS Fit 10 words into the grid so that each links with the end of the word on its left and the beginning of the one on the right. Then unscramble the letters…

If you ask me, The Repair Shop has a lot to answer for. Here is just one example, taken from daily life at Dear Towers. In our garden we have a bench. Nobody in the family can remember where it came from. We suspect it might have come with the house, in which case it is very old indeed. It should probably come with a plaque: On this bench in 1672, King Charles II stopped for a rest, opened his packed lunch, and immediately ordered that his chef be thrown in the Tower. After all, had he not been warned on diverse occasions that pickled onions give His Majesty the wind something rotten? Let me describe the bench (I admit that isn’t the most exciting sentence ever to have appeared…