Innholdsfortegnelse for 8-Jul-2025 i Woman's Weekly

Slowly and lovely “When I left school for the last time, some friends and I hired a narrowboat and went exploring Britain’s canals, while waiting for our exam results. The sun shone as we passed ducks and ducklings, mysterious mammals peering out from reedy banks and lots of curious cows. Occasionally, we’d leap out to work the locks, or take a turn at the tiller, but otherwise we just sunbathed on the roof and watched the world slip by, unless passing through a spookily dank, dripping canal tunnel. At the end of the day, we’d moor up and look for a shop and waterside pub. It was blissful, and I can’t think why I’ve not done it again. See page 10.”…

Claire Sweeney had not anticipated the turnaround her career would take in her 50s. After bursting on to our screens as Brookside’s Lindsey Corkhill more than 30 years ago, Claire built a solid career in stage musicals and light comedy series such as Candy Cabs and The Good Ship Murder. But Claire has reminded us of her grit as a serious actor in Coronation Street, grabbing the role of drug addict Cassie Plummer, the long-lost mother of Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and estranged daughter of stern Evelyn (Dame Maureen Lipman). She has been busy stirring up trouble since arriving in Weatherfield two years ago. ‘It’s nice to be known as an actor again,’ says Claire, 54, when we meet. ‘I landed the role in Brookside for six years, and then…

It was probably five years ago when I was asked to work with a young comedian called Chris Forbes. He came up with this fun idea of another Murray brother called Duncan – one who, unlike Andy and Jamie – was a complete disappointment to me and that’s why I kept him out of the way. It sounded funny and I like to help young people, so I agreed to do an online three-minute comedy sketch. When I met ‘Duncan’ for the first time, he was wearing a Heart of Midlothian football shirt. My dad played for Hibs, their rivals. He then started eating a packet of crisps right next to me, which is one of my pet peeves. I knew immediately that we were going to have some fun.…

‘My dogs have made a huge difference to my life’ Wendy Martin, 59, lives in Birmingham with Penny, her five-year-old fox-red Labrador. Penny wakes me at 8am every day, jumping on my bed, throwing toys and begging me to get up to feed her. Her working day starts after breakfast: helping me dress, loading and unloading the washing machine, and picking up anything that I drop on the floor. Since the age of 18, I’ve had an increasingly painful spinal condition that makes doing these things difficult. Penny even takes things off supermarket shelves for me if I’m in my wheelchair. If I fall at home, she can pull an emergency cord to get me assistance, and she can also fetch help when we’re out. She’s the fourth dog I’ve…

Free morning-after pill It’s been announced that later this year, the morning-after pill will be free from all English pharmacies, ensuring women access to it, regardless of location or finances. It’s already free from most GPs and sexual health clinics, but pharmacies offer better access hours. It usually has to be taken within three to five days of unprotected sex but, taken sooner, it’s more effective. This will free up GP appointments and reduce inequalities faced by women in disadvantaged communities. FEWER COINS TO SWALLOW Moving to a cashless society is linked to a dramatic drop in operations for children accidentally swallowing small items, such as coins. Reviewing operations from 2000-22 to remove foreign bodies from the gut, respiratory tract and nasal cavity in 0-14-year-olds, researchers found the number of procedures fell by 28%. Before, coins accounted for over 75% of objects swallowed by under-sixes.…

Brain-boost granola Filled with healthy fats and soluble fibre to help lower cholesterol and keep the brain healthy. MAKES 480g (6 servings) PREP 5 mins COOK 30 mins ✱ 200g oats✱ 100g walnuts, roughly chopped✱ 50g 4-seed mix✱ 50g chia seeds✱ 50g flaxseeds✱ 50g dried berries, such as sultanas or cranberries✱ ¼tsp cinnamon✱ ¼tsp ground ginger✱ 50ml olive oil✱ 60g honey✱ 1tsp vanilla essence✱ 1 medium egg white, beaten 1 Heat the oven to 150C Fan/ Gas 3½. Put all the ingredients in a mixing bowl with a pinch of salt and stir well so the oats are evenly coated. 2 Spread evenly over a large lined baking tray. Bake for 30 mins, turning halfway. Cool on the tray. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. PER 80G…

Supergreen soup Brimming with antioxidant-rich vegetables, this soup is the secret ingredient for radiant skin. SERVES 6 READY IN 15 mins COOK 20 mins ✱ 2tbsp olive oil✱ 2 large onions, sliced✱ 3 sticks celery, sliced✱ 1 leek, sliced✱ 1.5ltr vegetable stock✱ 250g Tenderstem broccoli, chopped✱ 1 courgette, chopped✱ 125g kale, shredded✱ 250g frozen petits pois, defrosted✱ 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed✱ Pesto, soured cream, toasted mixed seeds and wholemeal bread to serve (optional) 1 Heat the oil in a large pan. Cook the onions, celery and leek until softened. Add the stock, then bring to the boil. Add all the green veg and simmer for 20 mins until soft. Whizz the soup with a stick blender, then mix in the beans. 2 Heat through and…

Peach and raspberry tray bake Almonds have anti-inflammatory benefits due to their high content of nutrients, such as magnesium and vitamin E. SERVES 12 PREP 20 mins COOK 40 mins ✱ 100g raspberries, plus extra to serve✱ 2 peaches, cut into segments, plus extra to serve✱ 200g self-raising flour✱ 225g unsalted butter, softened✱ 250g caster sugar✱ 4 medium free-range eggs✱ 60g ground almonds✱ 1tsp baking powder FOR THE TOPPING ✱ 200ml whipping cream✱ 2tbsp icing sugar✱ 200ml Greek yogurt✱ 30g flaked almonds YOU WILL NEED ✱ 23x30cm tin, greased and lined 1 Heat the oven to 150C Fan/Gas 3.5. Toss the raspberries and peach segments in 3tbsp of the flour, then set aside while you make the cake. 2 In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.…

MATALAN MORRISONS HABITAT…

Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS To fit bust 82-86 (92-97) (102-107) (112-117)cm/32-34 (36-38) (40-42) (44-46)in. Actual measurements 99 (112) (125.5) (134.5)cm/39 (44) (49½) (53)in. Length to shoulder 55 (56) (57) (58)cm/21¾ (22) (22½) (23)in. Sleeve length 12 (13) (14) (15)cm/4¾ (5) (5½) (6)in. MATERIALS 5 (6) (6) (7) 50g (140m) balls of Sirdar Stories DK (60% cotton, 40% acrylic) in Beige (Sandy Toes 833) and one each in Pink (Cosmo 802), Green (Gin Fizz 826), Pale Orange (Mimosas 829), Lilac (Dreamers 806) and Yellow (Summer 813)*. Size 4mm and 5mm crochet hooks. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 18 stitches and 12 rows to 10x10cm, over main pattern, using 5mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS Ch, chain; ch-sp, chain space; dc, double crochet; htr, half treble crochet; patt, pattern; st(s), stitch(es). NOTES Yarn amounts are…

Runner 13 by Amy McCulloch (£16.99, HB, Penguin) The thought of a 250-mile run through the Sahara would be madness for most, but for Adrienne, it’s a challenge she can’t wait for. It’s not just the prize – if Adrienne takes part, race promoter Boone will reveal everything he knows about an incident that almost destroyed her life. But with elite runners and her ex-husband lining up, and someone willing to kill to destroy the competition, what are Adrienne’s chances of winning? The twists will have you racing through every page. The Tomorrow Project by H Critchlow (£14.99, HB, Canelo) It is 2050 and the world is reeling from the tail end of a fatal pandemic. Government press secretary Marianne discovers far too late that an official plan to protect…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR Simplicity is your keyword. It’s time to sort, sift and declutter. Don’t allow the old to hold you back. You’re ready for the new. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY Beautify is your word this week. Whether it’s enhancing your environment, or using uplifting words to make someone’s day. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN Some important decisions may be needed. But don’t be tempted to act impulsively. Weigh up the consequences. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Humour is healing and uplifting. Practise smiling at everyone. You’ll find doors opening and a whole new choice of exciting social connections. Give it a try! LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Patience may be required. If things aren’t moving as fast as you’d like, let…

IN MEMORY OF DAVE Who would have guessed that the late Dave Myers, better known as one of the Hairy Bikers, was once a successful make-up artist? It’s just one of the fascinating details revealed in a free exhibition at the Dock Museum, which has been temporarily renamed the Dave Museum. It’s in his home town of Barrow-in-Furness, and honours Dave’s life and work. Open now, until 5 October. ✱ dockmuseum.org.uk/home Casanova of the hills Meet Casanova, a hardy Luing bull with no fear of harsh Northumbrian weather. The two-year-old is being introduced to the Simonside Hills area of the Rothbury Estate to increase the local herd. Luing cattle’s grazing habits include wallowing and stamping, creating a variety of upland habitats where insects and plants can flourish. The Wildlife Trusts…

Narrowboat enthusiasts and campaigners Timothy West and Prunella Scales did much to highlight the joys of slow canal cruising in their Great Canal Journeys TV series. These artificial waterways were mainly created during the 18th century during the Industrial Revolution to move everything from coal and textiles to slate and gravel. By the early 19th century, Britain had over 4,000 miles of canals. But their golden era was short-lived, with the better and faster railways rapidly taking over, and soon many of the waterways had become sadly neglected quiet backwaters. However, since the 1950s, canals have seen a total rejuvenation, with much of the network repaired and reopened for leisure cruising. Here are some of our favourite routes. Grand Union Canal At 137 miles long, the Grand Union Canal from…

1 STATEMENT STRIPES In a muted rainbow colourway, this is perfect for throwing over your swimwear to take your look from beach to brunch. Dress, £37.50, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing at Tesco 2 IN THE SWIM The textured fabric is super flattering. Team with other neutrals – creams and khaki – for a timeless look. Swimsuit, £16, sizes 6-26, Tu Clothing Sainsbury’s 3 EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL Retro-inspired suede is back with a bang and this slouchy shoulder bag looks way more expensive than it is. Bag, £25, F&F Clothing at Tesco 4 LIGHT LAYERS Tap into the relaxed tailoring trend with this knitted number. When it comes to prints, a stripe is one you can always rely on. Top, £16, sizes 8-22, Nutmeg at Morrisons 5 PALM PRINT In…

Chimichurri chorizo hot dogs Use mild or spicy sausages in these rolls, inspired by South American street food choripán. SERVES 4 PREP 15 mins COOK 10 mins ✱ 4 cooking chorizos (about 280g total)✱ 2 peppers, halved✱ 1-2 strands cherry tomatoes on the vine✱ 1 long baguette, cut into 4✱ Mayonnaise, to serve (optional)✱ 65g rocket leaves FOR THE CHIMICHURRI SAUCE ✱ 1 long red chilli✱ Bunch spring onions✱ Small bunch each coriander and parsley, finely chopped✱ 2 garlic cloves, crushed✱ 125ml extra virgin olive oil✱ 2tbsp red wine vinegar✱ 1tsp caster sugar 1 Heat the barbecue to high. Drizzle the chorizo, peppers, tomatoes, plus the chilli and spring onions for the chimichurri, with oil. Grill, turning until the veg is charred and tender, and the sausages are cooked through (about…

How can I show my ambition without being pushy? Q I work in a company where it seems that the people who are forthright about their ambitions are offered promotions. I find their way of behaving arrogant and self-serving. I don’t want to be like them and blow my own trumpet but I do want to get on. Name and address withheld A It sounds like you believe that promoting yourself by being arrogant and self-serving is the only way to do this. I understand you don’t want to model yourself on that type of person. That said, we do sometimes need to help others to see our potential. How could you do this differently? I’d ask your boss for a personal development review meeting where you can highlight what has gone well in your work, tell them your ambitions and ask for feedback on what…

Gut-loving pesto with chicken and greens You will love this pesto, and so will your gut! SERVES 4 READY IN 20 mins ✱ 1tbsp vegetable oil✱ 4 chicken breast steaks, about 125-150g each and 1-1.5cm thick✱ 200g frozen peas✱ 100g green beans, trimmed✱ Crusty bread or cooked grains from a pouch, to serve FOR THE PESTO ✱ 75g spinach leaves✱ 30g basil, leaves picked✱ 1tbsp garlic paste✱ 50g toasted hazelnuts✱ 75g Parmesan✱ 100ml extra virgin olive oil 1 Make the pesto: put the spinach, basil, garlic, hazelnuts and Parmesan into a food processor and whizz until well combined. Pour in the olive oil and blitz for a few more seconds. 2 Heat the vegetable oil in a wide non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 mins, until…

Tex-Mex chilli Swap regular mince for vegetables in this colourful, warming dinner. SERVES 6 PREP 10 mins COOK 35 mins ✱ 2tbsp olive oil✱ 1 onion, diced✱ 900g sliced mixed vegetables (we used peppers, courgettes and aubergines)✱ 2 dried ancho chillies, soaked in hot water for 10 mins, then roughly chopped✱ 2 garlic cloves, sliced✱ 4tsp Cajun spice mix✱ 2 x 400g tins cherry tomatoes✱ 400g tin kidney beans, rinsed and drained✱ 1tbsp red wine vinegar✱ 250ml vegetable stock✱ Lime wedges, soured cream and keto wraps, to serve (optional) FOR THE SALSA ✱ ½ red onion, sliced✱ 1 avocado, chopped✱ Small bunch coriander, roughly chopped 1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook for 5 mins before adding the mixed vegetables for 10 mins. Mix…

Chicken parmigiana Ground almonds replace the usual breadcrumbs for a crisp coating that doesn’t compromise on flavour. SERVES 4 PREP 15 mins COOK 14 mins ✱ 400g skinless chicken breasts✱ 2tsp dried oregano, plus extra to sprinkle✱ 35g chickpea flour✱ 2 medium free-range eggs, beaten✱ 75g ground almonds✱ 40g Parmesan, finely grated✱ Spray oil✱ 75g mozzarella, cut into 1cm slices and drained in a sieve✱ 75g passata✱ Handful of basil leaves 1 Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthways. Place between baking paper and pound with a meat tenderiser to a 5mm thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper and oregano. 2 Prepare 3 wide bowls, one with the flour, one with egg, and one with ground almonds and half the Parmesan. Dip the chicken in the flour, shaking off…

Difficulty level SIZE 45 x 45cm YOU WILL NEED ✱ Access to a photocopier✱ Tracing paper, sharp HB pencil and ruler✱ 70cm of 112cm-wide light blue cotton fabric✱ 20 x 10cm rectangle of plain yellow fabric✱ 50 x 15cm rectangles of four different white patterned fabrics✱ 30cm of 90cm-wide heavyweight iron-on interfacing✱ Thick paper✱ Black, orange, pink and yellow stranded cotton embroidery thread✱ Air-erasable fabric pen✱ Matching sewing threads✱ 50 x 50cm square embroidery frame✱ Silk pins✱ 45 x 45cm cushion pad STOCKIST Patterned fabrics, £4.25 per fat quarter, The Fabric Fox Making the pattern On a photocopier, enlarge the template by 130%. Trace it on to tracing paper. Mark the broken lines. Cut out the pattern. Cutting out From light blue fabric, cut one 55cm square for the front…

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: Fascinates. Average = 10 More than 20 = 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…

“I was sitting at the table darning a favourite jumper, and thinking to myself that there was probably now more darn than original jumper, when Mr Dear arrived, looking like a dog that’s just stolen the Sunday joint and hopes you haven’t noticed. He was carrying something behind his back, which is always suspicious. ‘Would you do me a favour?’ he said. That question is also suspicious. ‘What sort of favour?’ I said, without looking up. ‘It’ll be more fun than darning.’ ‘Nothing is more fun than darning,’ I lied, still without looking up. ‘I want you to cut my hair.’ Well, that certainly wasn’t the favour I was expecting. ‘Really? Why?’ ‘What sort of daft question is that? Because it needs cutting, that’s why. And I’ve bought some clippers…

Letter of the week Living life to the full I was astonished by Siobhan Daniels’ piece in It’s a Funny Old World [15 April issue]. I am so impressed by the fact that she sold all her belongings and her house to start life in a motorhome at 60 years of age. How I wish I’d had the courage to do that. I am 90, so it’s too late for me. I really hope she goes on enjoying her life for many years to come. Patricia Turner, Southampton PAWS FOR THOUGHT We have just come back from a week’s holiday on our sailing boat, with our Tibetan terrier, Chester. This is a picture of him on board, having a very chilled-out time. Mel Fahy, West Sussex ✱ Got a pet…

3 WAYS TO... Fire up your core 1 SKIP ‘Jump rope is a full-body movement that improves endurance, timing and footwork,’ says fitness expert Dean Zweck*. It’s ideal for working the core while keeping the heart rate high. 2 DANCE Zumba, barre or belly dancing help hip mobility, flexibility and posture while promoting a strong core. ‘Try 10-15 minutes focused on hip-driven movement and core control,’ says Dean. 3 PILATES Or stability ball exercises are good for building core strength and balance. ‘Exercises like ball crunches, side bends and plank rollouts are great for targeting deeper stabilising muscles,’ says Dean. NEWSFLASH Try sunscreen to protect against cancer and wrinkles Never bothered with sunscreen? Think the damage is done? It’s never too late to start protecting your skin, especially as it…

“Britain, and the rest of the developed world, has a substantial section of its population suffering with many and varied health problems directly caused by poor diet. But this isn’t a phenomenon caused by poverty and malnutrition, as one might well have expected in the 19th century, but rather something caused by people just choosing to eat the wrong foods – too many takeaways, highly processed meals and not enough vegetables. But as well as being a cause of health problems, what we eat can also be an amazing force for good health. So have a look at the following recipes – we think they will genuinely boost your wellbeing.”…

EAT WELL, LIVE WELL Rather than being restrictive, a Mediterranean diet is rich in colourful fruits and vegetables, swaps fatty meat for lean protein such as chicken, fish, beans and lentils, and harnesses the healthy properties of extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds. It’s not only delicious, it also has a range of health benefits and is thought to lower the risk of certain cancers, prevent type 2 diabetes, and is a great tool for weight loss, being high in fibre and low in fat. Eating a diet rich in these ingredients, you’ll feel fuller for longer and more energetic. Baked feta, tomatoes and beans Serve as a simple meal bursting with flavour or enjoy as a side to roast chicken or fish. SERVES 2 (or 4 as a…

Summer berry pudding A seasonal treat to celebrate the best of berries. SERVES 6 PREP 25 mins, plus at least 24 hrs chilling COOK 10 mins FOR THE SPONGE ✱ 4 medium free-range eggs✱ 100g caster sugar✱ ½tsp vanilla extract✱ 100g self-raising flour FOR THE FILLING ✱ 125g demerara sugar✱ 150g blackberries✱ 900g mix of strawberries, hulled and chopped, blueberries and raspberries (reserve a few for decoration)✱ A few mint leaves, for decoration YOU WILL NEED ✱ 30x40cm tray, lined with baking paper✱ 1ltr pudding basin, lined with cling film 1 For the sponge, heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. Using an electric mixer, whisk the eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale and very thick. Sift over then fold in the flour. Pour into the tray; spread evenly. Bake…