Innholdsfortegnelse for December 15, 2015 i Woman's Weekly

Feathery Tales One of the greatest pleasures about my job as Editor is hearing how Woman’s Weekly has threaded through the family histories of so many of you. I regularly get letters from you about the fact that you read the magazine because your grandmother did, your mother did, she passed it on to you, and now you read it and share it with your daughter(s). It’s something I’ve never experienced on any other magazine I’ve worked on, and is part of what makes Woman’s Weekly (and my role on it) so special. It’s to be expected that there have been rich seams of content through the magazine’s history that have held special places in your affections (Mrs Marryat, The Man Who Sees, Roger Royle), and this issue we celebrate…

How do you like your tea? At the moment I’m trying to cut down on sugar, so just tea with milk for me, please. Who would you most like to have a cup of tea with? Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. I’d love to know what plans he has for the team. I’m a huge fan. Tell us about your Christmas concert which you are taking on tour… It’s packed full of readings, orchestral performances and well-loved carols we’ve all sung since we were kids – Jonathan Antoine from Britain’s Got Talent will be doing some solos, too. And yes, Walking In The Air will be making an appearance. It’s a real Christmas celebration. Do you have a favourite Christmas carol? In The Bleak Midwinter is a fabulous carol. In fact,…

We love letters Woman’s Weekly, 110 Southwark St, London SE1 0SU. PS. It really helps when you put your details in capitals We do not return photos (apart from ‘You Look Great!’), so please don’t send originals Email us Womansweeklypostbag @timeinc.com  Tell us your full name, address and daytime phone number, please Fancy a chat? Log on to facebook.com/  womansweekly We can’t wait to hear from you! Important! All contributions to Woman’s Weekly must be original and NOT duplicated to other publications. £25 will be paid to the writer of ‘Letter Of The Week’, and the ‘Good To Meet You’ contributor will receive a gift or similar as stated at time of publication of contribution, for all rights in each letter printed. The Editor reserves the right…

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens (£1.99, Wordsworth Classics; or free on Kindle) This classic is as much of a delight to discover as it is to reread. Amy Dorrit, born in Marshalsea Prison for debtors, falls for kind Arthur Clennam after he takes an interest in the affairs of her father. Arthur is unaware of ‘Little’ Dorrit’s love as he battles to free her family from jail and restore their fortune, but after both their worlds are turned upside down, he realises her devotion is the greatest treasure in his life.…

He’s found Britain’s champion angler in The Big Fish, tracked down people who’ve left the rat race for New Lives In The Wild UK and filed any number of reports from around Britain for Countrywise. Now Ben’s putting together the finishing touches to two major TV documentaries. For ITV’s two-parter, Operation Whale, he was given the carcass of a female humpback weighing more than seven tons, which was then dragged through the Celtic Deep, between Ireland and Wales, to see if it would attract sharks to British waters. ‘The results will astonish you,’ he says. In addition, four one-hour episodes of Migration (Channel 5) follow the journey of wildebeest making their annual journey through the Serengeti of Tanzania and into Kenya. ‘My father came with me to film one segment,’…

Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’ In full flower now, this shrub will brighten up the gloomiest of days. The slender spikes of fragrant yellow flowers last until March, set off beautifully by the evergreen foliage. Buy one for £15 (ROWW15-51PTM01) or buy three for only £18 (ROWW15-51PTM03) and save £27. Call 01386 426 245, or visit hayloft-plants.co.uk/ ROWW15. All plants will be despatched in 14 days, unless otherwise stated. Online orders will be acknowledged via email with approximate delivery date. Your contract of good is with Hayloft Plants, a company wholly independent of Woman’s Weekly, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Offer closes 31 December 2015.…

Each pattern will be printed on A4 card and delivered to your door Order By Phone Call 0800 024 1212* MasterCard, Visa or Maestro cardholders can order direct on this number quoting WW51T. Lines open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, but closed bank holidays. Use The Coupon Complete the coupon Payment may be made by cheque (with your name, address and WW51T on the back of the cheque, please), crossed and made payable to Woman’s Weekly Shop. Terms and conditions Subject to availability to readers in the UK. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions. Prices are correct at time of printing. All correspondence concerning this offer should be sent to: WW51T Toy Knits Offer, Woman’s WeeklyCustomer Care, Blue Fin Building, Room 06-C06, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU.…

Galanthus nivalis There is always great delight when snowdrops appear in the depths of winter. They’re perfect planted under shrubs or in borders, where they will quickly form dense clumps. Alternatively, they are happy left to naturalise in a lawn. Height 12.5cm. Fully hardy perennial. Supplied in the green, ready to plant. Halesia carolina A rare addition to the garden, this early-spring-flowering specimen has gorgeous white dangling blooms that resemble snowdrops – hence its common name, Snowdrop Tree. Height and spread 4m+, but can be easily shaped to required size. Fully hardy perennial. Supplied in 9cm pots To order, call 01386 426 245 and quote ROWW15-51, or complete the coupon HOW TO ORDER Order By Phone Call 01386 426 245 and quote ROWW15-51 Fill In The Coupon Payment must be…

You don’t need to put up with this Q I’m 56 and while I always used to enjoy sex, I just don’t any more. I’ve got a new boyfriend who I want to be close with. But intercourse is painful and even oral sex leaves me sore. I don’t want to tell him as he might leave. Is this what sex is like when you’re older? Name withheld A The short answer is no. Sex can be good whatever your age. But the ageing process affects the whole body, so it’s bound to have an impact on sexual organs and what we feel able to do. When we reach the menopause, the amount of oestrogen we produce reduces and this has a direct effect on our sexual desire and performance.…

Where I went Chichester and Bosham in West Sussex. What I did Saw Michael Ball singing his socks off in Mack & Mabel at the Chichester Festival Theatre (that particular show’s not on any more, but this popular theatre has a great selection of concerts, plays and ballets. Visit cft.org.uk, or call 01243 781 312). Walked around the old city walls which date back 1,800 years. Visited Pallant House Gallery (01243 774 557; pallant.org.uk) – lovely, and just the right size, ie, not too big – and with one of the best collections of British modern art in the country. The next day, we drove to the tiny, charming village of Bosham on the coast. Where I stayed At Trents, in Chichester (01243 773 714; trents-chichester.co.uk), a pub with five…

The story so far VIVIENNE and PIP’s romance begins in 1941 with a badly addressed letter. He sends it to his mother in London, but it accidentally goes to Vivienne’s family home in Yorkshire instead. A lively correspondence ensues but, when Pip, a bomber pilot, asks if they can meet, Vivienne’s natural reserve makes her decline. Pip writes back, apologising profusely for his forwardness, and encloses photographs of life at the RAF station in Lincolnshire where he is based. Vivienne is intrigued by the images of Pip with his mother and sister, GEORGIE, and his pet Alsatian, Boris. But it is the last photograph that arrests her attention. In the background is a face she’s known all her life. It’s her brother, JAMES, who’s been missing in action for 10…

Speech and language therapist Hanna O’Brien, 31, lives in Dunfermline with her husband, Edward, and their two children, Lexie, three, and Fearne, one. She says, ‘I heard about Quidco through Money Saving Expert around eight years ago. It was relatively small then, but signing up was an easy choice. Clicking through sites to get a percentage of your money back – well, it’s a no-brainer! I use it with all of the shops I’d normally buy things from. ‘Even better, sometimes if you type in the product you’re looking for, Quidco will suggest shops they’re associated with that sell it. As I’ve got two children and work part-time, I don’t have a lot of time or energy to trawl shops, so online shopping is much easier for me. My biggest…

Aries 21 March - 20 April Burning the candle at both ends is taking a toll on your health. Give your body the rest it needs. Accepting too many festive invitations is not a good idea. Knowing your limitations will help you enjoy Christmas and New Year without too many regrettable mornings after. For more, call 0901 609 2591* Taurus 21 April - 21 May You won’t make much headway with loved ones over the festive season. Everyone seems to have their own ideas on how to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Although you seem to be dealing with one hassle after another, you’ll work your way through them and come out smiling. For more, call 0901 609 2592* Gemini 22 May - 21 June You’re optimistic about an upcoming…

Christmas Chocolate Funny how many of the team (below) volunteered to try these outrageously delicious chocolate wreaths from Hotel Chocolat! White chocolate with pistachios and cranberries, £20, dark chocolate with almonds, hazelnuts and raisins, £22, and milk chocolate with cookies, caramelised Florentine squares and cocoa nibs, £20 (0344 493 1313; hotelchocolat.com ). Sweaters At The Ready! The WW team suitably dressed for Christmas Jumper Day, which is on 18 December. This year it will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Make A Wish UK and Save The Children. For more info, go to itv.com/textSanta . Sing A Song Of Christmas When a group of classically trained singers look and sound as good as the members of Blake, what’s not to…

Help! I’ve agreed to make Christmas canapés for my daughter – but I’ll need to assemble them quickly when I get to her house! What can you recommend? Ruth Croswell, Barnet Don’t Worry Take a couple of packets of crostini (we like Crosta & Mollica) and then simply top with: 1 Soft goat’s cheese, roasted red-pepper strips (from a jar) and some basil. 2 Cranberry sauce, Stilton and parsley. 3 Cream cheese, smoked salmon and chopped chives. Then serve with drinks and relax! Got a burning cookery question? A problem shared is a problem solved when you ask our perfectly seasoned kitchen team…

Board Dazzle Ferry All aboard the Dazzle Ferry! Newly decorated for the First World War commemorations, this colourful vessel is a fab way to see Liverpool’s waterfront at its best. During your 50-minute trip, you’ll also have the chance to hear a fascinating commentary about the city and its surroundings. For full details, call 0151 330 1444 or visit merseyferries.co.uk/dazzle Join RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch The RSPB’s calling all twitchers to join its annual UK-wide birdwatch. From 14 December, you’ll be able to sign up for your Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack. This year, over half a million people took part, spotting 8.5 million birds, but the RSPB is hoping to top that this time around. For details, call 01767 680 551 or visit rspb.org.uk/ discoverand enjoynature/discoverandlearn/ birdwatch Visit Chester…

Trish Ellyatt, 63, Jersey Tell us about your look… I’m very much a high-street shopper and I love a bargain. I like my clothes to be a bit edgy – I prefer loose styles and I always wear trousers. I bought this M&S coat from a charity shop and then dyed it grey by accident! The hat is from New Look. And the best bit of your body? My hair. Marisa Jeffery, 46, Cambridge Tell us about your look… I like clothes that are funky, bright and fun. I have quite a lot of tailored clothes in my wardrobe and I buy things that I know will last me for years. I’m wearing a Missoni jacket and my favourite Russell & Bromley boots today. Generally, I…

Gingerbread Yule Log 60g (2oz) butter 60g (2oz) black treacle 45g (1½oz) golden syrup 2 stem ginger, drained from syrup 4 large eggs 100g (3½oz) dark muscovado sugar 100g (3½oz) plain flour ¼tsp baking powder 2tsp ground ginger ½tsp ground mixed spice ¼tsp ground cinnamon FOR THE FROSTING: 250g (8oz) butter, at room temperature 250g (8oz) icing sugar 280g tub cream cheese 8tbsp Lotus Biscoff Spread Smooth Sparkly sprinkling snow Mini robin 25 x 30cm (10 x 12in) Swiss-roll tin, greased and lined 1 Heat the oven to 190°C or Gas Mark 5. Put the butter, black treacle, golden syrup and ginger in a pan and heat gently, stirring until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat. 2 Whisk the eggs and muscovado sugar with an electric mixer for…

Knitting Design Editor Kandy This cable-ring wreath is decorated with garter-stitch leaves and bobble berries. Cheery robins make the perfect festive addition to the wreath or your home. MEASUREMENTS Wreath 25cm/9¾in in diameter. Robin 9cm/3½in high. MATERIALS Wreath: 2 x 50g (125m) balls of DMC Woolly (100% wool) in Cream (003) and small amount in each of Grey (122) and Red (051). Pair of 2¾mm (No.12) and 4mm (No.8) knitting needles; cable needle; 25cm polystyrene ring. A pair of robins: 1 x 50g (125m) ball of DMC Woolly (100% wool) in each of Grey (122) and Red (051) and small amount in Cream (003). Pair of 2¾mm (No.12) knitting needles; 2 pairs of 6mm safety eyes; toy filling. ABBREVIATIONS K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; tog, together; p2togb, p2tog through…

Eye redness means inflammation, and unless it’s very mild or brief, it should always be checked out. You’ll need same-day medical advice if you have injured your eye, wear contact lenses, notice pain, change in vision, sensitivity to light or other symptoms such as a headache, fever or feeling unwell. It may be something simple, but your sight could be at risk so you’ll need a thorough examination. Red and irritated A sub-conjunctival haemorrhage (burst blood vessel) appears suddenly, often after coughing or straining, or if you’re taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin. It looks dramatic, like a red ink blob, may feel uncomfortable and take days to disappear, but it won’t affect your sight. However, you may need a blood-pressure check or a blood test. Conjunctivitis causes pink/ red…

Five-star European River Cruises There are lots of vessels cruising Europe’s rivers but few ships can match the luxury and elegance of our selection of five-star vessels on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Rhône or Seine. Selected departures April to November 2016. Price includes: Return rail* and Eurostar, or flights, taxes and transfers Five-star cabins with hotel-standard beds, private bathrooms and river views Exceptional cuisine with full-board throughout Extensive and fully inclusive touring programmes Classical Spain: Seville, Cordoba & Granada Andalusia is one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, where the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root. It is the Spain of Carmen, Figaro and flamenco. Selected departures March to November 2016. Price includes: Return Malaga flights from Gatwick, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, Edinburgh,…

Maxi Vac Window Vac Keeping your windows sparkling and streak-free has never been so easy. By combining a spray bottle, wiper and window vac all in one set, you’re able to remove stubborn dirt, condensation, water marks and general spills from windows, shower screens, tiles, mirrors and more and achieve the finish you want. Saving time and effort, it is also more hygienic as it eliminates direct contact with dirty water. The window vac features a 280ml dirty-water reservoir that can be removed and emptied after use. A full charge will give you 20 minutes of use. Dimensions: L35 x W28 x H16cm. Weighs: 1kg. Power: 12W. D8876 – Window Vac D8877 – Pack of two spare pads (£6.99) Maxi Vac Handy Vac Perfect for floor-to-ceiling cleaning and everything in…

You know you’re in a really posh house when they have a sofa in the hall. It’s about 11.30pm and we are perched on just such a sofa. A man dressed as Darth Vader is stretched out on a matching sofa on the opposite side of the hall, and he is snoring gently. You might remember that, a few weeks ago, I mentioned we’d be going to a fancy-dress party thrown by our friend Alan to celebrate the 50th birthday of Mrs Alan. Well, here we are. Our first idea was to dress up as Mr Carson and Mrs Patmore, the butler and the cook from Downton Abbey. But we decided there was a danger we might be mistaken for a real butler and cook, and constantly asked for drinks…

What makes me happy. Reading – it’s such a beautiful escape. I can’t live without... Being busy. I need to be occupied or else I will go crazy! My best piece of advice. Everything flows more smoothly in life if it has a logical system. My favourite bit of Woman’s Weekly. As an English teacher, it has to be the fiction. I love immersing myself in the stories. Tell us about yourself by answering the questions above and letting us know your age and occupation. Send them to us, with a daytime phone number and a good-quality photo/ jpeg of yourself (for the address, see the next page). You’ll win this beautiful rose and Germini bouquet, worth £26.99, which will be delivered to your door. For more beautiful bouquets from…

The comedian Lily Tomlin once said, ‘I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realise I should have been more specific.’ It could apply to so many of us. Except, perhaps, the Queen, whose role couldn’t be more specific – and who this year broke the record of being not just somebody, but the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She – and we – have seen huge changes over her 63 years: smartphones, selfie sticks and ‘slebs’ (‘celebrities’, to you and me) among them. But there’s another bit of our lives that some believe she also governs: our language. We call it the ‘Queen’s English’, although, of course, English is subject to everyone because its changes are entirely democratic. But alongside the BBC and the Oxford Dictionary, the Queen…

Bill carries in a bag of vegetables from the garden. They’re all a bit mucky, a bit misshapen. There’s a turnip the colour of a day-old bruise, three mangy-looking carrots, two grey-looking parsnips, a leek the width of a staircase spindle, and a couple of onions no bigger than plums. Globules of soil still cling to roots, like the black eggs of some underground creature. He sighs. They’ll need a good shake and a good wash to make them look halfway decent. They were meant to look as good as the gardening book showed him. There are some apples which are perfect in comparison. They’re from next-door’s tree. Of course. He scooped them up as an afterthought but wishes he’d just left them for the birds, the way he always…

NOTE: Use 1cm seam allowances throughout. Making patterns and cutting out Enlarge the stocking template on a photocopier, so that the cuff width measures approximately 20cm, and cut out. Red Snowflake Stocking YOU WILL NEED 70 x 50cm piece of red felt Craft glue Needle and matching sewing thread 38cm length of twine or narrow ribbon Pinking shears White snowflake decorations 1 Place the stocking template on to a folded piece of red felt and draw round. Cut out using pinking shears to create zigzag edges. 2 Pin the two stocking pieces together and machine-stitch around the edges, leaving the top open. 3 Loop the twine or ribbon and sew in position inside the back of the stocking. 4 Put some newspaper inside the stocking for protection, then apply craft…

Your Eyes * Champagne corks are the most likely cause of seasonal eye injuries, so make sure bubbly is properly chilled, as warm bottle corks are more likely to pop unexpectedly. And point the bottle away from you – and others – at a 45-degree angle. * Drink lots of water. ‘Alcohol dehydrates and slows our blink rate, causing dry eyes,’ warns Julian Stevens, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital. ‘Drinking too much can also mean we sleep with our eyes slightly open, causing dry, red and sore eyes.’ * Running late for a party? Don’t apply make-up in the car. Scratching the eye with a mascara wand is the most common make-up injury and can lead to eye infections. * Try an eye workout to help reduce…

So, shall I bring your Christmas gift round now?” asked Rena. Her small, curly head had appeared round the back door, as it so often does. Rena’s our next-door neighbour. We’re fond of her but she is… how can I put this? She is a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic. This was last Christmas. We’d never exchanged presents before, not in 15 years, but that’s Rena all over – unpredictable. “Gift?” I said. “Shall I bring it now?” “Er, that would be lovely, Rena,” I said. “I didn’t want to cart it round without checking, in case you were out.” “Right.” She smiled happily. “It’s big. You’re going to love it.” I had a slight feeling of unease. Once, after I told her over the fence that I…

Q Can I legally watch TV without paying the licence fee? The law is that you must pay the licence fee if you watch programmes as they are broadcast, whether on your telly through an aerial, by cable or online through your wireless network. Catch-up TV using apps, such as the BBC iPlayer, is not covered, however, so you don’t need to pay if you are prepared to wait a little while. Q Can I record programmes and view them later? No. Recording a live programme counts as watching it live, even though you are watching it later. To avoid paying, you have to watch a catch-up service. Q Do I have to pay a licence fee to watch TV on my phone when I’m out? If you are watching…