Innholdsfortegnelse for 14th Oct 2025 i Woman's Weekly

She who would valiant be I suppose the Middle Ages were the golden time for Christian pilgrimages. Many beautiful churches were built on the profits from the trade, and donations from the devout, across Europe on routes to St James’ shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but also here in the UK, and sometimes in surprising places. The parish church at Chittlehampton near us in Devon has an unusually impressive tower, a small giveaway revealing the village was once a major pilgrimage destination, to venerate a now almost forgotten female martyr, St Urith. But even today there are people finding joy and spirituality through a Christian pilgrimage. Turn to page 20 for more.…

“I first went onstage when I was 15 years old – 75 years ago – so my final performance in Dun Laoghaire, near Dublin, in June, was highly emotional. It was the last in a farewell tour of the UK and Ireland, during which I turned 90. My eldest son Neill is David Gray’s guitarist. When he told someone he was off on tour, they seemed surprised he was touring at 66, on his 90-year-old mother’s very last concert tour. I’d never have managed these concerts without my sons Neill and Calum, and my manager, Kerry Harvey-Piper. I’ve played music with the boys since they were in their teens, and the three organised everything on this final jaunt. ‘There’s something so special about live music’ In the three decades when…

Spicy chicken pot pies SERVES 4 PREP 20 mins COOK 20 mins ✱ 320g pack ready-rolled puff pastry✱ 3tbsp sunflower oil✱ 1 onion, thinly sliced✱ 2-3tbsp Thai green curry paste✱ 650g skinless chicken thighs, diced✱ 2tbsp Thai fish sauce✱ 2tbsp caster sugar✱ 2tsp cornflour✱ 50g button mushrooms, halved✱ 250ml coconut cream✱ 150g frozen peas, thawed✱ 2tbsp chopped fresh coriander✱ 1 medium free-range egg, beaten Fragrant curry paste adds bags of flavour to these tasty pies. ✱ Lime wedges, to serve YOU WILL NEED ✱ 4 x 250ml pie dishes/ramekins (with rims) 1 Cut the pastry into 4 equal rectangles. Using a pie dish as a template, cut from each a circle/oval shape a little larger than the top of the dish. Put them on to a baking sheet, cover with…

Testosterone safety review Testosterone gel may be helpful for some women in the menopause who experience low sexual desire. Analysing half a million US health insurance records, researchers found no consistent differences in rates of myocardial infarction (heart attack), ischaemic stroke, cardiac arrest or ventricular arrhythmias between people treated with topical testosterone gel and those in a control group treated for glaucoma. There was, however, a slight increase in venous thromboembolism risk among those using testosterone. WINTER RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS Last year, a UK Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme for adults aged 75 plus and women at least 28 weeks pregnant was launched. It protected against RSV, which causes dangerous lung infection. Babies born before 32 weeks are more vulnerable and three times more likely to need hospital care, so…

Difficulty level This is a very straightforward bag to sew, with easy side seams and very basic box corners. The construction technique can feel a little like fabric origami at first, but take your time and keep referring to the diagrams. You’ll be sewing in a bag handle using a machine, and it’s a reasonably tight fit. But if you prefer, you can easily and very successfully sew the handle in by hand. Where there’s a will! FINISHED SIZE 12x11in approx. (excluding handles) YOU WILL NEED ✱ 34x17in outer fabric✱ 34x17in lining fabric✱34x17in medium-weight fusible interfacing (optional)✱ Thread to match your fabrics✱Pair of acrylic, plastic or wooden circular handles (4½in diameter minimum)✱ Fabric-safe pen or pencil✱ Pins 1 Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric (you…

LITERARY LINE-UP A host of top writers, from crime king Ian Rankin to Wild Swans author Jung Chang, will gather in beautiful Buckinghamshire for the Cliveden Literary Festival, from 11-12 October. As well as leading literary lights, historians, journalists and speakers from the world of film will host discussions, with The News Agents’ Emily Maitlis, actor Rachel Weisz and film director Neil Jordan among those also set to appear. ✱ Tickets at clivedenliteraryfestival.org A conservation leap Fathers play a key part in the development of Darwin’s frogs, carrying their tadpoles in their vocal cords. And now London Zoo is playing a vital role in conserving the future of this tiny green rainforest species. A deadly fungus was affecting the frogs in their native Chile, but 11 healthy males and 33…

F rom medieval forts to ancient ruins, the UK is home to more than 4,000 historic castles, each with a fascinating story to tell. Rugged, majestic and a bit spooky, castles are best visited when there’s a chill in the air, making now the best time for a trip. Here are some castles that would make a great day out this autumn and winter. Alnwick Castle Northumberland’s Alnwick Castle has a long and varied history since construction began in 1096. It has served as a military outpost, family home and teaching college, plus as a refuge for evacuees during World War Two. But screen buffs will recognise it as the set for many beloved movies and TV series, including two Harry Potter films, several Downton Abbey Christmas specials and Robin…

AKT The Deodorant Balm in Mint, Pomelo and Tomato Vine, £21, aktlondon.com They say Created by West End dancers who wanted an all-natural but powerful formula, AKT has created an award-winning formula that’s infused with a clever deo-barrier complex for professional-grade protection that lasts all day. The revolutionary, aluminium-free formula transforms from a luxurious, skin-nourishing balm into a dry, invisible powder, which protects, deodorises and absorbs perspiration to keep you feeling dry and confident. We say I’ve used natural deodorants on and off for years, but never stuck to one in particular. But after trying lots of different formulas, I think this one wins my top spot. I love the lightweight, balmy texture that turns into a powder (genius), and the scent offering is impressive. This one is a blend…

Struggling at home alone Q I’m 79 and my husband died a few months ago. I feel frightened about being in the house alone, and worry that if I fall or have a stroke, no one will find me for days. I can also see that things in my home are falling apart and I don’t know how to fix them. I don’t want to move, as this was our home, but I wonder if I should. Nora, Aldershot A I’m sorry your husband died and of course you’re having to adjust to living on your own. If you haven’t done this before, or for a very long time, it’s scary. Fortunately, our technological world offers numerous ways to allow someone to know if you’ve fallen and to make contact. Ask your GP to refer…

Sparkling surf, vast golden sands, thrills for all ages plus early autumn weather still in the 20s, Moliets-et-Maa in south-western France has plenty to keep every generation entertained. Situated on the stunning Atlantic coastline, just an hour’s transfer from Biarritz airport, the small town is home to a vibrant surfing community with plenty of surf schools to choose from, as well as other activities such as cycling, golf and kayaking. The comfortable, spacious villas have their own pools near a beautiful beach and there are fantastic food options. The area is ideal for a multigenerational getaway. Surf ’s up Want to try one of Moliets-et-Maa’s greatest assets, its surf? You can book lessons at the surf shops in the town centre or with the École de Surf du Golf (ecoledesurfdugolf.com),…

The Ones Who Never Left by Gabrielle Mullarkey (£9.99, PB, Spiral Books) This author has a gift for weaving the ordinary into the uncanny, and here blends psychological insight with an unsettling gothic atmosphere. When a newly‑wed couple moves to Rook House, everyday moments turn their dream escape into a nightmare of whispers, shadows and histories that refuse to stay buried. Elegant prose and masterful pacing make this a haunting tale where the past is never truly silent – and the house never truly empty. When Gavin Met Stacey by Ruth Jones and James Corden (£25, HB, Transworld) A heart‑warming companion to the beloved series, When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between offers fans an intimate glimpse into the show’s creation. Penned by writers and co‑stars Ruth and James,…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR Having expectations of others often leads to disappointment. If you can drop them, your relationships should improve. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY Stop comparing yourself to others. Think about what makes you different mentally, emotionally and physically and your self-confidence will soar. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN Now is the ideal time to learn something new or improve on an existing skill. You love challenging your mind. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Your home is your haven. This is a great week for paying more attention to your environment. You’ll be really glad you did. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Focus on your physical health and wellbeing. It’s important to find something you enjoy, then you’ll make more of an…

Letter of the week Inspiring journey I was flicking through Woman’s Weekly and read Tanya Wakeford’s piece in the Your Wellbeing section [3 June issue], about how she got in control of her weight and mindset after reaching a low point. I just wanted to say how inspirational I found that, and to send love to Tanya. Good luck on your continued empowerment journey! Georgina Morley, by email PAWS FOR THOUGHT This is a picture of our beautiful fur baby, Tia. She gave us a wonderful 14 and a half years, and created so many lovely memories we will cherish. Ian and Lorna Sneddon, Fort William ✱ Got a pet pic that makes you smile? We can give it a good home LOOK WHAT I MADE This is a photo…

‘I think of all the people who have walked these routes in the past’ Rita James, 79, a retired textile design consultant, lives in Woodbridge, Suffolk. The particularly famous pilgrimage routes are those to Walsingham and Canterbury, but I was looking to do something locally. My diocese recognises St Edmund as being important, both ecclesiastically and historically. So far I have been on two pilgrimages organised in East Anglia. In one journey I walked 30 miles in two days from Ely Cathedral to Bury St Edmunds – that was quite taxing! We were following the footsteps of the Benedictine monks who were responsible for founding the Abbey of St Edmund. The following year we walked from Dunwich to Bury St Edmunds, visiting churches dedicated to St Botolph. That took six…

3 WAYS TO Trigger heartburn 1 STRESS Some people find that anxiety sets off their heartburn. Smoking and being overweight can aggravate symptoms too. Fast fix Try relaxation techniques to control stress, quit smoking or lose weight if you need to, and exercise daily to help improve your digestion. 2 SPICY FOOD Certain food and drink, such as coffee, alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes or fatty and spicy foods, can start it. Fast fix Avoid trigger foods if possible and take an antacid, such as Rennie, to calm a flare-up. 3 EATING LATE OR TOO QUICKLY Fast fix Eat slowly and avoid having your main meal at the end of the day. Try raising the head of your bed by around 15cm, to put your chest and head above your waist, to…

3 OF THE BEST... STYLE TIPS 1 COLOUR IS KEY Go all out with a palette of burnt oranges and mellow mustard yellows, teamed with vibrant green, teal blue, zingy pink and plum. 2 SOFTEN THE LOOK Choose a muted backdrop to make vibrant colours pop. That doesn’t mean you need to stick to neutrals, just softer shades of your dominant colours, such as this earthy shade of pink (see left), an olive green or a mustard yellow. 3 ADD IMPACT This look is about shapes and textures too. Combine bold blocks of colour with curves and geometric prints, with velvet fabrics and tufted finishes. 4 SHOW A PLAYFUL SIDE Furniture can be fun as well as functional. Choose pieces in statement shades and unusual shapes to draw the eye…

SHADE COLLECTION Bring a little floral fun to a partially shaded patio with an autumn pot display. As plants will not put on much growth, go for large specimens to fill the pot. For rich, warm tones, combine the purple-blue spikes of lilyturf (Liriope muscari ‘Royal Purple’) with the evergreen fronds of common polypody fern (Polypodium vulgare). Add bright winter pansies in the gaps. SALVIA SURVIVAL A cold, wet winter can prove fatal to tender salvias, so take a few cuttings now in case the worst happens. Snip 3-4 non-flowering shoots about 10-12cm long and trim to just under a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and poke the cuttings into moist compost mixed with perlite. Cover with a clear plastic bag and keep on a cool, bright windowsill. The…

Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS To fit bust 82-86 (92-97) (102-107) (112-117) (122-127) (132-137) (142-147) (152-157)cm/32-34 (36-38) (40-42) (44-46) (48-50) (52-54) (56-58) (60-62)in. Actual measurements 94 (105) (116) (127) (138) (149) (160) (171)cm/37 (41¼) (45¾) (50) (54¼) (58¾) (63) (67¼)in. Length to shoulder 54 (55) (57) (58) (60) (60.5) (62) (63)cm/21¼ (21¾) (22½) (22¾) (23½) (23¾) (24½) (24¾)in. Sleeve length All sizes 45cm/17¾in. MATERIALS 9 (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) x 50g (120m) balls of King Cole Linendale DK (57% cotton, 30% viscose, 13% linen) in Storm (5249)*. Pair each of 3.25mm (No. 10), 3.75mm (No. 9) and 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles; long circular needles in the same sizes; stitch holders. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10x10cm, over stocking stitch, using 3.75mm…

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: Sudden attack. Average = 15 More than 25 = 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…

“Cast your mind back two or three weeks or so ago and you might remember that Mr Dear was grumbling about a dinner invitation we’d received from Wendy, my friend and charity shop colleague. You might also remember that Wendy lives in a rather grand house, her husband Iain’s family pile. It’s not exactly Blenheim Palace, more of a rectory that’s been eating lots of steak and using some chest expanders it found in the attic. Mr D is very fond of Wendy in his way, and believes that Iain is ‘sound’. Whatever that means. But the older he gets, the less he cares about which glass you’re supposed to use for white wine and how you should eat asparagus. He feared that dinner in Wendy and Iain’s rather grand…