Innholdsfortegnelse for 6-Feb-2024 i Woman's Weekly

Better than we think? "In the modern world, it’s easy to condemn other people. Politicians, for example, are routinely dismissed as corrupt or useless, yet the two MPs to have been tragically killed in recent years, Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, turned out to have been widely admired public servants, who fought like tigers for their constituents. Surely it’s unlikely they were the only ones? Social media doesn’t help, feeding us what we want to hear, so our prejudices are never challenged. I suspect, in truth, most people are genuinely nice, yet has it become surprising to read of someone who in the midst of grief can still take comfort in helping others? See page 20."…

Letter of the week All aboard! It was so interesting to read about the community bus in North Norfolk [3 October 2023 issue]. We have a similar system here in West Sussex, where the larger villages have their own minibuses. I act as one of the escorts on our Billingshurst bus. Each village creates its own schedule, and ours involves shopping, visits to the coast or large towns, the Monday seniors’ coffee club, and more. The door-to-door service is ideal for the less mobile and it’s lovely to hear the chatter – and to see people who have met on the minibus decide to meet up again on a future trip. Earlier in the year, we had a trip to a gin distillery, with tasters, but that is another story!…

You may remember that back in 2013, Woman’s Weeklybroke a Guinness World Record for the longest string of knitted bunting – a whopping 3.2km long. Perhaps some of you even contributed? While that particular record has since been overtaken at the Devon County Show in 2020 (with a line of bunting that stretched over 14km), people across the world continue to take on the most remarkable, often wacky, of feats, all in the name of earning a prestigious Guinness World Record. Guinness World Records began in the early 1950s, when the then managing director of the Guinness Brewery, Sir Hugh Beaver, attended a shooting party in County Wexford, Ireland. There, he got into a discussion about which was the fastest game bird in Europe – and failed to find an…

1 MONOCHROME MAGIC Team this dogtooth-patterned blazer with dark denim and a lightweight roll-neck for a stylish, put-together look. Jacket, £35, sizes 8-22, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s 2 COLOUR CLASH A scarf is an easy way to add a pop of colour to your outfit and give an old coat a new lease of life. Scarf, £12, George at Asda 3 RETURN OF THE MAC Everyone needs a classic piece of rainwear. This cover-all features an adjustable drawstring waist to give you shape around your middle. Coat, £45, sizes 6-22, F&F at Tesco 4 STANDOUT SHADE Create a vibrant ensemble and revitalise your wardrobe with this V-neck knit. Wear a crisp white shirt underneath for a polished look. Jumper, £14, sizes xs-xl, George at Asda 5 BACK-UP PLAN Swap your…

THE STARTER Prawn, crispy bacon and avocado salad A fresh and luxurious combination with an exquisite tarragon dressing. SERVES 2 PREP 5 mins COOK 15 mins ✱ 3 rashers streaky bacon✱ 150g raw king prawns, defrosted if frozen✱ Lamb’s lettuce and pea shoots✱ 1 small ripe avocado, sliced and tossed with a little lemon juice FOR THE DRESSING ✱ 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil✱ ½tbsp Dijon mustard✱ Juice ½ lemon✱ 1tbsp double cream✱ Few sprigs fresh tarragon, chopped, plus extra leaves to garnish 1 Put the bacon in a cold frying pan, then fry for a few mins on each side over a medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and blot with kitchen paper. Once cool, snap the bacon into bite-sized shards. 2 In the same…

ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR There are three types of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The commonest type is neurogenic TOS, where a group of nerves called the brachial plexus coming from the spinal cord, is compressed, affecting muscle movements and feeling in the shoulder, arm and hand, causing pain and numbness, arm fatigue and weak grip. There’s venous TOS, which occurs when veins under the collarbone are compressed, causing a change in hand colour, pain and swelling due to blood clots. And arterial TOS, which is rarer, happening when one of the arteries under the collarbone is compressed, resulting in a pulsating bulge (aneurysm) near the collarbone, causing a cold, painful arm or hands, weak pulse or blood clot formation. Some people are born with an extra rib in…

Nutella chocolate stack One for the chocolate lovers, our light-as-air fluffy chocolate chip pancakes are served with an addictively good Nutella drizzle. SERVES 4 PREP 20 mins COOK 20 mins ✱ 250g self-raising flour✱ 1tsp baking powder✱ 2tbsp cocoa powder✱ 3tbsp golden caster sugar✱ 200ml whole milk✱ 3 medium free-range eggs✱ 30g milk chocolate chips✱ A little butter, for frying FOR THE SAUCE ✱ 150g Nutella✱ 60ml whole milk✱ Toppings such as mini marshmallows or crumbled Flake bars 1 In a large bowl mix the flour, baking and cocoa powders, and sugar. In a jug, beat the milk and eggs. While whisking, pour the milk mixture gradually over the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, then stir in the chocolate chips. 2 Melt a little butter in a non-stick frying pan…

PURPLE POP-UP When much of the garden is starved of colour, along pops the cuckoo plant (Cardamine quinquefolia) to provide a dash of delicate lilac. This herbaceous perennial throws up 30cm-high stalks topped with slender bells from February to April. It’s most at home in a shady, woodland spot, where its bright-green leaves carpet the ground. Team with pulmonaria, hellebores or snowdrops. FRUITFUL CUTS Thoughtful pruning of apples and pears helps keep them healthy and maximises cropping. Try to develop a goblet shape, so air and sunlight reach all branches. Start by removing the three Ds – dead, diseased or damaged wood – then cut out crossing stems or ones growing into the centre. Go easy on the rest of the tree, snipping no more than 10-20% of last year’s…

Crochet Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS Small bowl Approximately 8cm/3¼in in diameter and 7cm/2¾in high with top turned back. Medium bowl Approximately 10cm/4in in diameter and 7cm/2¾in high with top turned back. Large bowl Approximately 12cm/4¾in in diameter and 7cm/2¾in high with top turned back. MATERIALS For the set 1 x 100g (137m) ball of Hayfield Bonus Chunky (100% acrylic) in each of Pink (Grape 568) and Lime (Zest 582)*. Size 5mm crochet hook; stitch marker. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk ABBREVIATIONS Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; st(s), stitch(es); slst, slip stitch; yrh, yarn round hook. NOTES Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are approximate. Figures in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. SMALL BOWL 1st round: Wind Pink around index finger of left hand to form…

Books Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate (£20, HB, Headline) Centring around a car crash 10 years earlier that killed beloved teenager Phoebe Dean, this slow-burning, clever debut thriller explores why Phoebe’s brother, Grant, took 27 minutes to call an ambulance – crucial time that could have saved his sister’s life. Full of secrets, suspense and with an unexpected twist at the end, this is a gripping story about what happens when grief becomes too much to bear and the truth finally comes out. Murder on Lake Garda by Tom Hindle (£16.99, HB, Cornerstone) The wedding of wealthy Laurence Heywood and his Italian influencer bride, Eva Bianchi, is set to be one of the most dazzling events of the year. Their families gather on the private island of Castle Fiore, in…

Horoscopes ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR You love life is under very favourable stars. Interactions with loved ones can be harmonious and fruitful. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY This is a wonderful week to launch a new product, service or business idea. Don’t procrastinate any longer. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN When making big decisions, don’t act on impulse; rather, think things through carefully. You’ll be very glad you did. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Remember to smile, to stay positive and to keep your attention on the good things in your world. If you do this, you’ll conquer all obstacles easily. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG You’re going through some changes on many levels. Taking time for yourself will be vital, so that you…

The phone went for the fourth time that morning, and I had a pretty good idea who was calling. ‘It’s me,’ said my sister Deb. ‘Look here, do you think I have to finish all these books?’ ‘Up to you. Why do you ask?’ The phone went silent for a moment, as if she was considering a proposition by one of those German philosophers who wrote long books that only three people have been able to understand. ‘Do you know a book called Wuthering Heights?’ ‘Of course I’ve heard of Wuthering Heights. It’s quite well known.’ ‘Really? I only really know the song. People have enjoyed it, have they?’ ‘Yes. You’re not getting on with it, then?’ If you dropped by last week, you’ll know that my sister has unexpectedly…

ONE MORE TIME With irresistible humour, infectious energy and an endless supply of hi-vis vests, Viggo Venn, the Norwegian comedian who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, continues his UK tour throughout February. His charming clowning won over the BGT audience as well as an initially unimpressed Mr Cowell. ✱ seetickets.com/tour/viggo-venn Love on a lake The Victorians loved displaying ornamental feathers on their clothes, which is why the great crested grebe suffered years of hunting in the 19th century. But today, they’re flourishing in our lakes and reservoirs. At this time of year, grebes develop courtship plumage, ready for their extraordinary dance ritual. Each one dives for a beakful of weed, and then the pair rush straight at each other, waving their heads from side to side, while paddling furiously…

Natasha Faterina, 52 Tell us about your look I’m Ukrainian and although I’ve spent the last three years in the UK, most of what I’m wearing is from Ukraine. I’m actually a tailor by trade, and designed and made my bright yellow coat, which has a bold floral-print lining. I love a colour clash so I’ve added a purple scarf. My check boots are from Iceland. What’s your favourite thing about yourself? My tailoring skills and sense of style. Claudine McCarthy, 46 Tell us about your look I love colour and like to go for a comfy daytime look that’s still classy. I bought this coat in Milan from a fashion college pop-up shop. The hot pink and orange are such a great colour combo. I’ve teamed it with a…

This winter, the energy crisis is making it harder than ever for many people to stay warm. But last year, kind-hearted Woman’s Weekly readers responded to our campaign with the national fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) by making more than 1,000 knits for babies and children. Readers handmade thousands of beautiful baby cardigans, blankets, toys and more, which NEA was able to share with families in desperate need, from Cornwall to Newcastle, where the charity is based. They were given out at NEA events and through partnerships with charities supporting families facing fuel poverty over the winter. One grateful mum said, ‘I can’t stop thinking of your help every time I dress my son. I want to say a massive thank you so much.’ A partner organisation that…

He’s so unmotivated Q My son is in his last year at school and he isn’t doing the work he needs to if he’s going to get into university. I’m trying to encourage him without nagging, but that is clearly not working. He’s fed up with me ‘having a go’ and says it’s putting him off work. But I can’t just stop asking him while still supporting him. I really don’t know what to do. Jane, Hemel Hempstead A It sounds like what you’re doing isn’t supporting him, given what he’s He has told you what he needs. Leaving him to do it himself may not work, but it probably won’t produce a worse result than now. If your son sees you’re leaving him to make his decisions…

My heart sank as I read Ellie’s homework diary… Pretend to set up a business, and present your idea to the class. Ellie’s strengths were speaking and listening, rather than reading and writing, but to stand up in front of others in a competitive environment would daunt all but the most confident child. Ellie wasn’t that child. ‘Do you want me to have a quiet word with Miss Harper?’ I asked her, but she was adamant her teacher would want her to have a go. I sometimes wondered if Miss Harper understood Ellie’s special needs. Over the weekend, I tried to think what sort of business would work for her. It had to be something practical. We made biscuits. I got Ellie to photograph each step, thinking this would help…

Difficulty level YOU WILL NEED ✱ 141 x 3½in squares of mixed patterned fabrics✱ 60x54in piece of charcoal cotton fabric✱ 18x54in piece of binding fabric✱ 54x54in piece of backing fabric✱ 55x55in piece of batting✱ Aurifil 50wt thread in Cream✱ Rotary cutter✱ Cutting mat✱ Quilting ruler FINISHED SIZE Approx 55in square NOTES AND ABBREVIATIONS Sew seams with right sides facing and ¼ inch seam allowance unless otherwise stated. Press all fabrics well before cutting. Press seams open unless otherwise instructed. 1 Cut the charcoal cotton fabric into: two 3½x47¼in and two 3½x53¼in strips, 40 3½x5in rectangles and the rest into 1¼in wide strips. Cut the strips into two of each of the following lengths: 5in, 13in, 21in, 29in, 37in, 45in, 53in, 61in, 69in – you will need to join some of…

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: short-lived. Average = 25 More than 45 = 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. 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 in the shaded squares to make…

The field behind the end of my garden is currently occupied by a large flock of greylag geese. They have been pecking their way from one end to the other in an ordered convoy, nibbling at the luscious green grass as they go and squabbling loudly. Two privately owned lakes behind the field lure in the wildfowl, some of which occasionally land in my garden to explore the flower beds. On one occasion, a little gathering of ducks had the audacity to waddle into the kitchen and plonk their bottoms on the stone-tiled floor until eventually I had to gently escort them out. My garden week Can a garden have too many roses? I think not. But since I have little space left in the borders, I have ordered a…

You know that thing when you’ve just gone back to school, the teacher asks, ‘And what did you do in the holidays?’ and you need to come up with something more impressive than ‘sitting on the sofa watching Top of the Pops’? So you lie and say, ‘Well, we bought a tortoise and set up a sanctuary for orphaned goats at the same time.’ Then you add, ‘And the Queen came to see them as well’ to sound extra achieving? ‘I wondered if I’d even stretched to 39 steps that day’ Well, I’ve found the adult equivalent of ‘needing to impress’ in an otherwise dull and uneventful life. It is the ‘reportage’ of the exact (and I mean exact) number of steps one has taken in a day. Yes, this…

3 WAYS TO... Healthier lungs 1 YOUR LIFESTYLE Stop smoking – it can damage your lungs. Keep active and eat a well-balanced diet. Go for a lung health check if you have been invited for one. Get coughs checked if they keep happening. 2 KEEP WARM Both when you’re indoors and out. ‘The cold air is often dry, which can irritate the airways,’ says Dr Sandy Connell*. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf outdoors and breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, to warm and moisten the air before it reaches the lungs. 3 HAVE YOUR FLU/COVID JABS ‘Those living with respiratory conditions, such as COPD, lung cancer, and asthma, are at an increased risk from seasonal diseases, such as the flu, due to their lowered immunity,’…