Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 306 i Yours Magazine

I’ve just returned from a lovely weekend in Edinburgh. We managed to catch three shows in the last few days of the Fringe Festival and got a sense of the huge scale of the Edinburgh Tattoo. Many of the massed bands were staying at the same hotel as us so we were surrounded by kilts, drums and bagpipes for our entire stay. I confess I’m generally not very adventurous or particularly well travelled. A few days city break is my ideal kind of holiday but I do have a few ‘bucket list’ locations I would love to visit at some point. It may be a bit clichéd but New England in the autumn and the Northern Lights in Norway have to be top of my wish list, but equally I’d…

Best-selling novelist Lesley Pearse celebrates her 25th year as a published author with a gripping new novel, The House Across the Street. Katy (23) is fascinated by the house across the street and its glamorous resident Gloria. However all is not as rosy in Gloria’s life as Katy first believed, with mysterious black cars making regular visits to Gloria’s home. ■ Out now, rrp £20 All feline fans know how special the bond is between us and our cats. Now a new book, Writers and Their Cats, shines a light on the precious relationship between famous authors and their whiskered friends. From Ernest Hemingway to Alice Walker, marvel at the adorable photos that capture what their pets meant to their talented owners. ■ Out now, rrp £12.99…

If it were possible to bottle the essence of joie de vivre that Joanna Lumley exudes and we could all have a spritz from time to time, the world would be a better place. It’s a given that Ms Lumley is easy on the eye, but her beauty is far more than skin deep. She radiates such an aura of positivity, enthusiasm and all-round good humour that sitting next to her feels a bit like being bathed in sunlight! Our tete-a-tete is in order to chat about her new ITV four-part travel show, Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road. It’s her most ambitious and challenging TV journey to date as she follows the path from Venice to Iran, a route taken by traders and merchants for hundreds of years as they brought…

Anything, anywhere, anytime” – that was the motto of The Goodies and for 12 wonderful years, Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie and Tim Brooke-Taylor delivered on their promise of trying every mischievous, rebellious or silly idea you could imagine – and many you couldn’t. From enormous kittens demolishing the Post Office tower, to a chase by giant Magic Roundabout characters, their antics really knew no bounds – and we loved them for it. That’s why we’re so excited that we can relive all the laughs as, for the first time, all the BBC episodes and specials the terrific trio created are going to be available in one collection, showcasing many episodes that have rarely been seen since their original airing. The seeds of The Goodies grew in the student halls of…

Forty years on from the Nolans’ hit I’m in the Mood, Coleen Nolan is stepping onto stages around the country to sing. But instead of having her sisters by her side, Coleen will be standing in the limelight on her own. “I’m so excited – but also terrified,” Coleen laughs. Having been encouraged by friends and fans to tour solo, Coleen says recent events have made her reassess what counts. Now she wants to grab every opportunity that comes her way. “I’ve decided life’s too short to be put off by being scared of things, so just do it anyway.” Over the last couple of years, the Nolans have faced a lot of heartbreak, not only losing Bernie to breast cancer in 2013 but also dealing with Linda’s diagnosis of…

We love the new Bonmarché autumn edit from Lorraine Kelly and celebrity stylist Mark Heyes. It’s perfect for moving from summer to autumn and full of figure-flattering pieces in classic black and this season’s must-have shade, mustard. Get it in Bonmarché stores right now! Turn to page 112 to get 15%* off at Bonmarché *When you spend £20 or more Inside Nail it! Get salon-standard nails at home Health worries? We’ve got all the expert advice you need Bag a bargain Top-to-toe looks for under £50…

Final markdown sales are often a jumble of left-over sizes, but don’t be put off. If you find a bargain that’s slightly bigger, remember most dry-cleaners offer an alteration service. Use the sales as an opportunity to buy investment pieces at reasonable prices. Go for classic, rather than trend-led styles, which won’t date. Avoid being tempted by anything too seasonal – unless you’re heading on holiday for a month you don’t need to buy five pairs of shorts!…

The long lasting one Maybelline SuperStay 7 Days Gel Nail Polish, £2 This pick promises up to seven days of gloss with a long-lasting resin formula. We love Hot Salsa, a gorgeous bright red. The chip resistant one Nails Inc Powered By Collagen Nail Polish, £14 Using a combination of shellac, volcanic glass and resin, this formula is designed to help improve flexibility and durability of nails – meaning fewer chips and touch-ups! The conditioning one Autograph All in One Nail Colour with Argan Oil, £6 You won’t need a base or top coat with this one. Infused with argan oil and Vitamin E, this formula gives dry nails some extra TLC. The shiny one Barry M Gelly Nail Paint, £3.99 Want that professional, high-gloss finish? This highly-pigmented formula comes…

Welcome to the heart of the magazine. If you’ve got a funny story to share, need to let off steam or have a picture you’re proud of – get in touch. You could end up on the UK’s biggest letters pages. Lily record? • Can any readers beat my giant lily plant that is approximately 6ft tall? Hazel Clarke, by email A right royal surprise • Prince Charles becoming 70 this year reminded me of a competition I entered when I was ten, organised by The Children’s Newspaper. We had to copy a letter for Prince Charles in our best handwriting! To my amusement I won a prize, a pen, for my efforts. I wish I could write like that now! Kath Lagler, Bristol Honour our cheques • I wonder…

The list on the wall says ‘things to do’ I can’t do them all, but I’ll do just a few. I feel enthusiastic and I’ll do my best I’ll tick off two or three, then have a rest. A cup of tea nearly always does the trick Then I’ll carry on with jobbing as the clock goes ‘tick’ I’m enjoying the challenge as the list starts to shrink But the day is flying by and I’m starting to think I must have a gremlin living in my clock Moving time fast forward as it goes tick tock. • Every Senior Moment and Small Talk contribution published gets a £10 High Street voucher.…

Growing up on a farm, Sheena Dearness used to help feed the chickens before she went to school – and that led to a misunderstanding when one day she felt strangely itchy all over: “My teacher sent me to see the school nurse. Using a mirror, she showed me the spots on my face, my upper body and my legs. Scratching had left wheals all over me. “Covered in calamine lotion, I ran home. Gasping for breath I flew in the door, shouting to my mother, ‘I’ve got a pox off the chickens’.” But what upset Sheena most was being off school, so she didn’t win her cherished attendance prize. Sue Conway felt the same: “I was mortified to be absent from school for the first time and my misery…

☛ Use steel and tempered glass pots, as they freeze just as well as plastic ones ☛ Wrap lettuce leaves in a damp tea towel and pop in the fridge ☛ Wrap fresh bread in cloth, or an old pillowcase and store in a wooden bread bin ☛ Use beeswax wraps to cover tins and bowls or wrap up sandwiches. These natural and reusable wraps act just like cling film and tin foil, but are far more environmentally friendly. Prices start from £10 ■ www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk01453 706129 ☛ Store onions and potatoes in a basket and place somewhere dark ☛ Stand celery sticks in a glass of water and float carrots in a large sealed glass jar filled with water ☛ Make and store salads in an clean glass jar for…

During the months and years after a death, it’s important to look out for certain signals that someone isn’t coping. Bereavement counsellor Madeleine Böcker says there are a number of warning signs. “Look for signs of them isolating themselves, if they drink more, gain or lose weight, if they seem more anxious or find it hard to go to work or social occasions. All these indicate their pain is turning into something more serious, such as depression or anxiety.” If you think your loved one needs some expert help, suggest they talk to someone from Cruse Bereavement Care. Its helpline provides over-the-phone bereavement care, which can really help those grieving. ■ For more help and advice on bereavement care, call 0808 808 1677 or visit the Cruse Bereavement Care website…

For prescriptions or help with personal health issues, both Lloyds and Boots pharmacies offer a service where you can order a prescription online after answering a few questions. ■ onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com or call 0207 989 9888 ■ www.boots.com/online-clinics or call 0345 121 9040 For a video chat with a GP, Push Doctor offers a video consultation. A consultation for non-members costs £30 plus £8 admin fee for prescriptions. ■ www.pushdoctor.co.uk or call 0330 808 4702…

■ 1x Health & Welfare LPA • 1x Property & Financial Affairs LPA • plus free Estate Planning review** *Price if purchased separately £832 inc VAT. Excludes Court of Protection registration fee. Products only available in England and Wales. ** No obligation recommendation on Wills & Trusts based on your circumstance and legacy objectives. Any services you may then choose to instruct will be quoted and only charged for if you wish to proceed. Offer ends 30/09/18 In association with…

Guide to looking after yourself as a carer If you’re caring for someone who’s living with a terminal illness, it can be hard to find time for yourself. This useful guide is full of tips and information to help you take care of your own needs and make the most of life as a carer. The Yours Guide to Looking After Yourself as a Carer Information and support in association with Marie Curie Request your free guide today Call free: 0800 716 146 By post: Freepost MARIE CURIE YOURS (no stamp/further address needed) Guide to Wills & LPAs This updated guide has all the latest essential information on Wills and LPAs and why they’re so important. Peace of mind for you and your family is vital – that’s why Yours…

We took to Alvaston Hall in the glorious Cheshire countryside to host our Yours Live! Summer Party. We kick-started the weekend offering guests a welcome glass of bubbly, before treating them to a complimentary goodie bag of gifts in their room, before heading off for dinner. What a way to begin the perfect weekend! Spoilt for choice With activities from both Warner and Yours, there was never a dull moment. PRAI Beauty gave us a fabulous talk and demonstration with their award-winning Ageless Throat & Decolletage range. We were treated to Neckcials which were not only informative but relaxing too! There were three fun-packed nights of entertainment and great facilities to enjoy including Warner’s day spa, swimming pool and 9-hole onsite golf course. The Sunday BBQ was a great success…

Isle of Wight Literary Festival| October 11-14 In the heart of Cowes, explore the literature inspired by this magnificent island. Speakers include Ann Cleeves (creator of TV’s Vera) and presenter John Suchet. ■ For more info call 01983 521555 or visit isleofwightliteraryfestival.com Ilkley Literature Festival| September 28-October 14 You’ll hear a tale or two told on the moors this autumn as this lovely Yorkshire town welcomes guests including Susan Calman (talking about living her dream of performing on Strictly Come Dancing) and BBC correspondent John Simpson. ■ For more info call 01943 816714 or visit www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk Loogabarooga Festival, Leicester| October 18-31 This colourful children’s book festival celebrates 80 years of the ever-popular comic, Beano, with an exhibition as well as having great storytellers and illustrators to fire young imaginations. Events…

When Pat Strachan’s father became frail and started to develop dementia, she became his carer. The problem was, her father lived more than 200 miles away, so she spent a lot of her time travelling. “I rang him every day but long-distance caring is hard,” says Pat. “He was very independent and it was hard for him to accept help,” she adds. Pat’s father died in January 2016 and she joined the Yours Forget Me Not group for support. “You develop coping strategies as a carer, but it’s very easy to neglect your own needs. I did, and now I encourage other carers and former carers to think about themselves.”…

Mary has failing eyesight and has been using the Fuss Free Phones service for four years. While she remains active and independent, Mary values Fuss Free Phones as an everyday service, not just for emergencies. “It’s so simple,” she says. It also helps her organise events for Vista, her local sight-care charity. With over 200 contacts on her list, getting in touch is just a matter of pressing the button and telling the telephonist who she wants to speak to. “They’re always very friendly,” she says. Mary’s son Paul is also very happy with the peace of mind it gives him.…

If it’s your birthday this fortnight...  often … you are born under Virgo, sign of the methodical Corn Goddess, overseeing the harvest. Virgoans are astute, clever at analysing and assessing, keeping records and quietly tending tasks that keep the cogs turning the wheels in life. You can sometimes suffer from the stress of trying to do everything to your own exacting standards, from overthinking, yet few are as quietly kind and thoughtful as you. Virgoans stay youthful well into later life, too. ■ Famous people celebrating this fortnight include Sophia Loren and Jeremy Irons (both pictured) and Jacqueline Bisset, Sam Neill and Tom Hardy. VIRGO AUG 24-SEPT 22 Second chances surround work and fitness plans, as whatever hit an obstacle a month ago, now moves ahead more successfully. ■ For…

■ Where it began One of my earliest memories is sitting in the bath – I must have been about five or six – desperately trying to decipher the words on shampoo bottles written in different languages. I was a strange child. ■ Opportunity knocks I got into television by chance. I was working at Oxford University Press which publishes the dictionary used on Countdown and who ‘lent’ the show a group of lexicographers who would take turns to sit in Dictionary Corner. My boss asked me if I’d be one of them and I gave him a flat no – twice! Eventually, he persuaded me and I’ll always be grateful to him for that. ■ I miss Richard Richard Whiteley was absolutely what you saw on TV, except more…

If you missed the brilliant last series of The Real Marigold Hotel, you can catch up again with the series three DVD which sees Stephanie Beacham, The Krankies, Susan George, Selina Scott, Syd Little, Peter Dean, Bob Champion and Stanley Johnson head off for adventure road-testing retirement in India. And if you missed the previous two series, too, you can now also buy the DVD box set of series one, two and three. ■ Both the series three DVD (rrp £12.99) and the series one to three box set (rrp £19.99) are out now…

As far back as she can remember, Tina Nunn loved big family Sunday dinners at her grandma Lily’s home. It’s not just the memory of roast beef and Yorkshire puddings that she savours though – as mouthwatering as they were. Nor is it the apple pie and homemade custard served for afters. “It was the whole weekly ritual that made it so special,” recalls Tina (38), from Middleton, Greater Manchester. “No invitation was necessary. The house would always be full of relatives and we’d have to pull two tables together to seat everyone. It was my job, from being about five years old, to put the cloths on and set the places.” But there was one unspoken rule. The ‘best’ china tea service with the golden yellow roses on it…

Helpful handcare Great nails start with great hands, so begin by giving yours a little extra TLC. Take the rough.... Gentle exfoliation will remove dead skin cells and achieve that smooth salon finish. To make your own moisturising hand scrub, mix a few teaspoons of sugar with a few drops of coconut oil and gently rub into the skin, focusing on dry areas. Do this twice a week for super-soft hands. ...with the smooth! Exposure to the elements and cleaning products all take their toll on our hands, so they age faster than the rest of our body. Keeping them hydrated is key, so apply Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Anti-Ageing Hand Cream (£4.79/50ml) after every wash. Its non-greasy formula includes SPF25 and active soy to help protect skin from UV rays…

Soaking your hands in water before applying polish is a no-no! Our nails swell as they absorb water and contract as they dry, which can lead to chips in your polish. Stockists: Autograph available from M&S 0333 014 8000; Barry M available from Superdrug 0345 671 0709; Deigo Dalla Palma available from M&S; Essie available from Superdrug; H&M 0344 736 9000; Leighton Denny available from M&S; Maybelline available from Boots 0345 070 8090; Nails Inc available from John Lewis 0345 604 9049; Neutrogena available from Boots 0345 070 8090; Revlon available from Boots; Vitabiotics available from Boots.…

• Having read a recent article on grans I wanted to write about being an older gran. I have two grandchildren, both teenagers. I am 92 and they are 14 and 16. I thought I would never be a grandparent, then this miracle happened, not once but twice. Although unable to join in long walks or exciting expeditions there are other ways to be part of their lives. Our family has one great bond – music. Between us we play the piano, guitar, saxophone and flute and we love to sing. When they visit the house is full of love, laughter and music. I’m sure there are lots of other older grans and nanas who find different ways of relating to their grandchildren, even if we can’t do a five-mile…

Times change • Nowadays, sadly, it does seem that many people do not send thank-you notes, or even acknowledge gifts received. Apart from the pleasant surprise of a letter through the post, it’s always good to know your gift reached its destination and was appreciated. However, I know that times do change and I would rather receive a thank-you email than no acknowledgement at all. Not to acknowledge a gift at all is very bad manners. Wendy Chappell, Havant RSVP! • With reference to Trish Bell’s letter about the joys of letter writing, my seven-year-old granddaughter Maisie was given some pretty notepaper and loves writing letters. They are always set out correctly and are full of all her news. The only problem is, I normally receive three every two weeks…

Here I am with my husband Cliff, who was a Royal Marine. We were celebrating our recent engagement on a visit to Blackpool. As we walked down The Golden Mile, I was astonished when people started to treat him like a celebrity – he was a bit of a novelty! Elise Kellett, Lancashire I just love this precious photo of my parents, Beryl and Frank Kendall, on their honeymoon in Jersey. Mum always dressed stylishly and my dad often wore a tie. They are now 87 and 90 and will be celebrating their 66th anniversary this month. Hilary Biggs, email This is me and my husband on our wedding day. My dress, with white bell-sleeves in a satin-look material, was made by my mother – she was a wonderful seamstress!…

Q My washing machine jiggles about a lot when it spins, is there any way I can stop the noise without having to buy a new one? G Jennings, Dover Yours says Steady Spin stabiliser pads slip easily between your machine and counter top (check for nails or screws first) to help cut out noise and vibration. ■ £14.95 from www.steadyspin.co.uk or send to a cheque payable to Steady Spin Ltd, 12 Marina View, Buckden, St Neots PE19 5QS Q The front garden of my new house seems to attract leaves from all the trees on the estate. Can you recommend a leaf blower that will make the job of clearing them a bit easier? F Mackenzie, Lancs Yours says The cordless G-Tech leaf blower is lightweight and relatively quiet with…

We can help you find… ■ Like-minded friends ■ A new romance ■ Long-lost friends & family ■ Just about everything Seeking friendship Find a like-minded penpal or companion for outings Single man, 58, would like to meet a caring and honest lady for friendship, someone who enjoys talking, reading, DIY, walking, TV, DVDs. Notts area SEP1-101 Lady, 54, seeks male and female friends as penpals, to text and telephone, also for sincere friendship, genuine replies please. Any area SEP1-102 Female, 50s, would like a male penfriend, to write to by snail mail, wide range of interests, including animals, books and letter writing. Any area SEP1-103 Lady, 55, seeks penpals, loves letters, reading, books, jigsaws, walking and movies, all letters answered. Any area SEP1-104 Coffee buddies sought by retired lady,…

DECEMBER 9  The streets of Horncastle change into a festive wonderland for the Victorian Christmas Market showcasing the finest food and craft goodies along with merry-making entertainment ■ For more info, visit www.horncastlefestivals.co.uk MAY 18-JUNE 2, 2019  Lace up your walking boots for the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, offering hundreds of routes suitable for all abilities, plus you can take a red deer safari! ■ Call 01522 555788 to find out more or visit www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk…

Brenda Fearon has spent her life caring for other people as a nurse, daughter and mother and now she wants to encourage people to look after themselves – whatever their situation. Brenda believes that it’s up to everyone to enjoy life as much as they can and for her, that means getting out on her allotment to keep fit, both mentally and physically. “Being on my allotment is a great stress reliever,” she says. “When I’m digging, I’m not thinking about anything else. It’s peaceful and quiet and keeps me fit. It has been a lifeline,” says Brenda (74). “My arthritis is also much better and I’d encourage others, especially former carers, to get out in the fresh air and keep fit.” Brenda’s caring role began at 26 when she…

Hi-tech litter bins The Royal Borough of Greenwich, in south-east London, is trialling 18 street bins that crush litter to create more space. The solar-powered bins, being deployed in pairs, one for recycling and one for general waste, can create a capacity of up to ten times that of a traditional street bin. They also include a sensor for measuring litter levels to alert the council when they are 80 per cent full. Planet Bake Off It’s not just the British who are gripped by the dramas of The Great British Bake Off. With the latest series under way, the show has celebrated its 30th international sale. Chile is the latest country to buy the format and will call its show Bake Off Chile, El Gran Pastelero.…

We’ve all heard about the importance of going organic, but how do you do it and without breaking the bank? Clement Teagle, at the Soil Association, the UK’s largest certifier of organic products, says: “Organic is often synonymous with being more expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some easy ways to make organic the same or even less than a normal shop. And when organic does cost more, there are some tips to make sure you spend that money on the right things that really make a difference to animal welfare, the environment and even your own health.” Love your local market While organic foods can be significantly more expensive in supermarkets, they tend to be the same price or even cheaper in farmer’s markets, greengrocers, wholefood…

Upright scanners are generally only available in private clinics in the UK. However, they do accept NHS patients who have been referred by their GP or hospital consultant because they cannot tolerate a traditional scan. In these cases, the GP or consultant can apply to the local Hospital Trust or Clinical Commissioning Group (which makes decisions for local healthcare services) for funding to pay for the scanner so that it is free for NHS patients. Ask your GP or hospital consultant for more details.…

Since 2000, Wetnose Animal Aid has been raising money to help small, independent animal charities. Funded entirely through donations, it has since helped hundreds of animal rescues across the country financially, often at their most desperate time. It has regularly made the diff erence between sanctuaries having to close their doors or continue their work. This September 28 is Wetnose Day, when you’re invited to wear a black nose for the day. All noses can be bough t directly from Wetnose Animal Aid, see contact details below, and every purchase gives a donation to help the organisation. ■ For more details call 01508 518650 or visit w ww.wetnoseanimalaid .com…

With this week being Remember a Charity in Your Will Week (September 10-16) it is a good time to think about the legacy you want to leave when you’re no longer around. Whether you’ve made a Will already, or haven’t got around to it yet, it’s easy to leave a gift in your Will to Marie Curie. More than a third of all the care Marie Curie provided to people who are terminally ill last year was thanks to gifts in Wills. ■ To find out more order your free Gifts in Wills guide. Call 0800 144 5740 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/willguide…

If your wardrobe needs an update, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, then it pays to shop around. Mix and match pieces from the high street with supermarket bargains. And don’t dismiss shops aimed at youngsters – they’re great for cheap accessories! Stick to classic shades, simple patterns and fuss-free styles for bargain buys that look anything but cheap. under £50! Slimming style Shift dress, £22, 8-22, Tu at Sainsbury’s | heels, £16, 3-8, Peacocks | bag £10, F&F at Tesco Best-value look! Top, £5, 8-20, Matalan | chino trousers, £16, 8-22, Tu at Sainsbury’s | shoes, £8, 3-8, Primark | bag, £8, Matalan Casual & cool Top, £16, 8-22, Tu at Sainsbury’s | jeans, £14, 6-22, F&F at Tesco | shoes, £12, 3-8, Matalan Fancy footwear T-shirt,…

Buff your base Lightly buff the tops and sides of the nails with a buffer, but don’t overdo it because if they’re too smooth, the polish won’t stick to the nail properly. Buffing them too thinly can weaken them, making them prone to bending. Cuticle care Healthy cuticles help your manicure last longer and look tidier. Don’t cut them because they act as a barrier to protect your body from infection. Instead, soften them with Superdrug’s Conditioning Cuticle Cream with Vitamin E (£2.99). Massage into the cuticle then gently ease it back with a wooden cuticle stick. File and shape Round or oval nail shapes are a strong and universally flattering choice. Always file your nails in one direction only and opt for a crystal glass nail file, which is…

Nail elixir It’s all very well slicking on colour, but if you’re nails are dry and brittle, your manicure isn’t going to look its best. Leighton Denny’s Time Repair Nail Elixir (£12/12ml) contains collagen and chrono-peptides to strengthen, hydrate and protect ageing nails and can be used as an in-between treatment or as a base coat. Supplement your nail health Vitabiotics Perfectil Triple Active tablets (£6.49/30) contains Vitamin B2 and biotin to help strengthen nails. It’s also fab for hair and skin! Food Nails are made out of the protein keratin, so adding more protein to your diet will help growth and strength. Go for lean meats, poultry, fish and pork, as well as spinach, peas and pulses.…

No more creases • If a garment you want to wear is a bit creased, zap it with a hairdryer, smoothing as you go. It works a treat. Mrs Chapman, York Cauli treat • When I make cauliflower cheese I always make the sauce with a can of cream of mushroom soup and grated cheese – very tasty. I use the cauli leaves as a second veg. June Pepper, King’s Lynn Needle trick • If you find cotton difficult to thread through a needle, spray a little hairspray on the end of the cotton thread and pinch it. It will stiffen up nicely and go through the eye of the needle more easily. Jennifer Grist, Hampshire…

I was young, divorced and living in a high-rise council block with my daughter Sam when the three-day week came in. I was working in an office to make ends meet and, at the end of the day, after collecting Sam from nursery, a climb up the cold, dark stairs to the ninth floor awaited whenever the power was cut. We did a lot of shivering and I’d dream of a holiday in the sun – but doubted I could ever afford one. There was no equal pay and no family allowance for us. The only ‘holiday’ I’d had as a grown-up was two weeks off work to give birth and, when Sam was eight years old, I still hankered after that elusive and exotic away-from-it-all holiday. Then a brochure…

How I always tremble with anticipation whenever I hear the sound of a bulky package squeezing its way through my letterbox and landing with a plop on the doormat. I like getting letters – especially those with a Peterborough postmark. They’re letters to me, c/o Yours and sent on by Sharon’s merry crew. Now I am a fairly jolly old stick but whenever I am a bit down, the letters always give me a lift – even the rude ones – well especially the rude ones! It’s great that my fortnightly musings bring such a wealth of enquiries, jokes ‘old ones, new ones and neglected ones!’ and memories, particularly of performers on film, radio, variety and music hall. Just last week, someone asked whose catchphrase was “Old ones, new ones,…

Cancelling the personal accounts of a deceased person can be difficult and lengthy. The Tell Us Once service allows the bereaved to report a death to most Government organisations in one go. When registering the death, ask the registrar for the telephone number of the Tell Us Once service in your area. Our Yours Carers in Touch and Forget Me Not Group, for those who have lost a loved one, are free to join. Write to Rosemary Sandall, Yours, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA or email: rosemary.sandall@bauermedia.co.uk…

HOT POTATO CURRY  SERVES: 4 PREP:15 MINS COOK: 15 MINS Low-calorie cooking spray 1 tbsp black mustard seeds 1 tbsp cumin seeds 1 large onion, finely chopped 5cm (2in) piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated ½ tsp dried chilli flakes 1kg (2lb 4oz) waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks 1 tbsp curry powder (heat level to your taste) Seeds from 8 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed 350ml (12fl oz) boiling vegetable stock 4 large tomatoes, chopped ½ small pack fresh coriander, roughly chopped Pinch of cayenne pepper, to serve 1. Spray a frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. When hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and cook for 30 secs, or until they start to pop. Add the…

RIBBON WRAP Update a tired lampshade with just a pretty ribbon! Time: 40 mins Skill: Beginner MATERIALS: A pretty patterned or detailed roll of ribbon Glue gun An old lampshade Pom-pom trim 1. Cut a long length of the ribbon. Dab a tiny bit of glue on the inside of the lampshade, on the rim. 2. Start by wrapping the ribbon around the lampshade, overlapping the lengths as you go. The shorter the ribbon the easier it will be, as you’re less likely to get tangled, so keep joining in new lengths. When you reach the end of each length, glue it down, just as you did at the start. Always try to hide the joins by gluing the next length of ribbon directly on top of the previous one.…

Just press a button on the back of our Fuss Free Phone to be connected to a friendly UK-based telephonist who has access to your phonebook. Tell them who you want to speak to by name, then they’ll put you through. They’ll type out text messages, read out replies and look up things for you on the internet, too. Choose the free No Nuisance Calls service and it will check incoming calls against the numbers in your phonebook; those listed will go straight through to you, all other calls are redirected to a telephonist to assess if they should be connected. Scam, fraud and nuisance calls just don’t get through! How does it work? We’ll send you a Doro 6520 handset with bright screen, loud ringer, clear sound, and easy-to-use…