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Yours Magazine|Issue 393Welcome...As we begin another New Year under a cloud of uncertainty and anxiety, it’s important to remember and rekindle the amazing community spirit that has helped get us through this crisis from the beginning. Looking out for one another, checking in on friends, family or neighbours with a call or a note. We can all be supporting one another, whether it’s with practical help or with a smile and a chat if you know someone is feeling down. And it’s important to remember to allow others to do the same for you. I’m pretty dreadful at asking for, or even admitting when I need help, but I’ve discovered that letting someone support you can sometimes be a gift to them rather than a burden. At a time when we can…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Meeting place£10 High Street voucher for every letter published Fruit surprise ◆ Thanks for the lovely article advising on seven of the best evergreen climbers to enjoy in our gardens. Top of the page was the Akebia quinata which we have grown for about 25 years. It was bought primarily for its chocolate fragrance and ruby, jewel-like flowers in spring, but imagine our surprise when just in the last few years it has produced the most amazing fruit, seen here in my photo. Any chance it’s edible do you think? June Parkin, Suffolk STAR LETTER Memory tree lifts my spirits I created a memory tree in my garden. Over the past lockdowns family and friends came very much to my mind; missing past loved ones, pets and others, I came up…6 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393My lessons from lifeHappiness is… … food, family and travel. We converted a campervan and I’ve become fascinated with off-grid living. I park up anywhere I can. I love to be outside with my family and dogs and have something cooking in a pan. I’m going to try to use it when I’m touring with The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. My love of cooking comes from my mum; in the Eighties, she was doing her own Chinese food or African cooking. I inherited that passion for food. Hard work makes a way Work was always something propelling me forward at a million miles an hour. Before the pandemic, I never really stopped. It was how I functioned. My grandmother was instrumental in my life in terms of her work ethic. She…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393NATURE NEWSTasmanian devils have been born on the Australian mainland for the first time in thousands of years.Conservationists introduced the species back into a sanctuary north of Sydney in late 2020. Now, around 3,000 years after the marsupials vanished from the mainland, the first joeys have been born in the wild. Scientists studying New Zealand’s southern right whales, almost hunted to extinction a century ago, say the population is starting to recover. More than 2,000 were counted in the latest surveys. Using satellite tags they also discovered the whales have more extensive feeding grounds than once thought giving them a greater chance or survival.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Serving up new year cheerTop chef Mary-Ellen McTague has never forgotten the first culinary compliment she received for a bowl of mushroom soup she made in a school cookery class. “My dad had it when he came home from work and he thought it was amazing. I remember that I really liked that feeling,” says the 43-year-old restaurant owner from Manchester. Imagine then how good Mary-Ellen must feel today knowing that, 30 years on, she’s just fed professionally cooked meals to more than 55,000 homeless and vulnerable people in her home city within 18 months. And that over the coming year she’s hoping to double that figure to 100,000 through her city-based food inequality project, Eat Well MCR. Modestly, Mary-Ellen, who believes it’s a basic human right to eat well, shrugs off her incredible…5 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Ahead of the curveChoose good foundations Every woman no matter her size needs great underwear. A bra that fits correctly will help you stand taller, give a better shape and make your clothes hang better. Control briefs are also a wardrobe essential for a smoother silhouette. Find a middle ground If you prefer to hide your middle section opt for empire line shirts, blouses and dress styles that skim over your waist and tummy. However, if you’re big busted, wrap-style tops and dresses will help give you shape, nipping you in at the waist and showing off your curves. Turn to tailoring Tailored and structured styles can be a huge asset to your wardrobe and don’t have to look like office wear. Choose fun pieces in colour and print that will work for…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Change your TUNEThe benefits of music on our mood is no secret, but research shows that certain pieces of music are more effective than others. One song in particular was shown to reduce overall anxiety by as much as 65 per cent. The song ‘Weightless’ by UK band Marconi Union is a mix of soothing melodies and rhythms designed to quieten the mind. It’s so good that experts say you shouldn’t listen to it behind the wheel!…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Try ‘habit stacking’!How do you stack your habits? The concept is simple: if you want to make something a habit, you integrate it with an existing routine. If you want to floss your teeth daily, for example, you might link it with washing your face in the morning by leaving the floss on top of your flannel. Connecting the new behaviour to a habit you already follow on autopilot helps you prioritise it in the same way. “For anyone prone to procrastination, it’s often an ideal way to get started or to boost motivation if you get stuck,” says coach Juliet Landau-Pope. “It simplifies the process and reduces the need to make decisions. The existing habit also serves as a reminder, a trigger.” Get started The key, according to Juliet, is to…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Kitchen chicStockists: Amazon.co.uk, 0800 279 7234; Ao.com, 0161 470 1200; Brabantia.com, 01275 819 119; CDT Tiles ctdtiles.co.uk; Cultfurniture cultfurniture.com; Dulux.co.uk 0333 222 7171; Industville.co.uk, 0207 971 7871; Laredoute.co.uk, 0300 303 0199; Magnet Magnet.co.uk; Oliverbonas.com; OYOlivingdesign.co.uk; Paintedfurnitureco.co.uk, 01285 656041; Swan shop.swan-brand.co.uk; Typhoonhousewares.com, 0151 486 1888. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee availability and prices of items on these pages…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MAKING♦ My clever friend Jane made this cake, with help from her husband Chris! It was for the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and the lemon drizzle was enjoyed by everyone. Hilary Biggs, Enfield It’s fab Hilary! ♦ This is Albert the snowman, with his sack full of goodies. I knitted him for charity. Christine Embling, by email We love his sweet earmuffs! GET IN TOUCH We love to see what you’ve been making – please share your creations with us using the contact details on page 3…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393SCAM BUSTERS How to beat the fraudstersWe’ve all experienced it. That urgent out-of-the blue phone call claiming there’s something wrong with your computer, an email suggesting you can claim a tax refund or a text asking you to pay to have a parcel delivered. Fraudsters are relentless in their efforts to trick us into giving away our money and personal information. On several occasions I have so nearly been a victim myself, reacting quickly to a text or email which has been deliberately designed to make us act with urgency. Sadly, the effect of scams is far more wide-reaching than just the loss of money, with victims often feeling embarrassed and anxious. As part of this feature, which is designed to help you take steps to protect yourself, we also want to encourage more victims to…13 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Sound adviceListening to the radio became more popular than ever over the past couple of years, with many of us needing to stay at home but wanting an escape from the TV! This love has remained and it’s little wonder with the huge choice of stations available. DAB (digital audio broadcasting) was meant to be the sole broadcasting system after 2015 but the lasting power of many old radio sets and the popularity of existing stations has meant many of us still happily use FM and AM. Due to this the phasing out of analogue stations has now been pushed back to 2032. Do I need a DAB radio? Not if you’re happy with your old set! However, DAB radios have many advantages including better sound quality and enhanced voice quality…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393The useful stuff...Subscriptions Visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/yours-magazine or call 01858 438884 Back issues Call 01858 438828 or email bauer@subscription.co.uk Yours customer care Advertising or offer query? Call Angela Whenman, 01733 468444. Yours on tape and CD A recorded version is available for blind and partially sighted readers from RNIB Newsagent. For a free sample and information call RNIB Newsagent Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk/newsagent No computer? Sometimes our offers and information are only available online. You can access the internet, with help, at libraries – often for free. H Bauer Publishing is a company registered in England and Wales with company number LP003328, registered address Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, London NW1 7DT. VAT no. 918 561701. H Bauer Publishing is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Ref no. 845898). Circulation…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393The magic of The CAVERN CLUBIt was January 16, 1957 and down an unassuming back street in Liverpool, more than 2,000 people were queuing in the cold. By day, Mathew Street had been a hive of lorries unloading fruit and veg for the warehouses around. But that night, revellers descended the 18 steps to the basem*nt of No 10 to pay a shilling, oblivious to the fact they were stepping into music history on the opening night of one of the most famous clubs in the world. The Cavern Club launched the careers of everyone from Cilla Black to the Fab Four. The club’s creator, Alan Sytner, had the idea for an underground music venue on a trip to Le Caveau jazz club in Paris. He loved the idea of a subterranean den, where music…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393And relax...If you feel like you’re in need of some well-deserved ‘me time’ after Christmas, there’s no better way to reward yourself than a spa break. We’re spoilt for choice here in the UK – and in Europe (restrictions permitting) – with luxury spa destinations dotted all over, from quaint countryside escapes to city centre hideaways. So if you fancy lounging by a warm pool with a good book then her is our pick of the best spa breaks that don’t cost the earth! Bring your dog! Burley Manor, Hampshire If you and your pooch are inseparable, you’ll no doubt want to bring them along on your spa trip, and Burley Manor allows you to do just that. The entire hotel is dog-friendly, and your four-legged friend will even be treated…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393MARIE CURIE CAN HELPCaring for someone you love and coming to terms with life without them after they die, can be very hard. It can take a while to adjust, and carers often feel a range of emotions over months or years that follow. You might feel lonely, sad, exhausted, empty or numb. You may feel guilty, like you’re lacking in purpose, or resentful about what you missed while you were a carer. You may feel relieved that you no longer have to provide care. Everyone’s different – there’s no right or wrong. ■ If you need to talk, call 0800 090 2309 or find support at mariecurie.org.uk/bereavement…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Book Editor’s PickThe Twyford Code Hot on the heels of her bestselling modern-day Agatha Christie-style book, The Appeal, Janice Hallett sets us another whodunnit. 40 years ago, Steven Smith finds a copy of a famous children’s book by disgraced author Edith Twyford, its margins full of strange notes. Wanting to know more, he takes it to English teacher, Miss Isles, who is convinced the book is part of a secret code, but soon after, she disappears on a class field trip. Years later, Steven investigates her disappearance and tries to unlock the secret code – but he isn’t the only one trying to solve it. ‘If you love a puzzle, you’ll enjoy this novel packed full of mystery and intrigue. Perfect for Richard Osman and SJ Bennett fans’Katharine Wootton…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393BOOST YOUR BRAIN!£1,339 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! Devilish definitions Can you decide which is the correct definition for the following words: METAVERSE (COINED 2020) A A poem written for someone’s birthday B A poem that seems profound but is nonsense verse C A shared online space for many activities using virtual reality and augmented reality technology WEEPERS (COINED MID 19TH A The black crepe veils of a widow B Swords made with blunt edges for performers C White clouds blown by the wind Written by Adam Jacot de Boinod, a researcher for the television series QI and the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books. Where is Sammy Squirrel? Find where he’s hiding in this issue of Yours and you…5 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Look In this fortnightBake Off’s back! There were a couple of Christmas specials to tide us over, but if you’re still missing The Great British Bake Off, the good news is the junior version is back to brighten up our teatimes. Hosted by Harry Hill, it sees the talented young bakers competing to impress judges Ravneet Gill and Liam Charles. There will also be a guest judge in the form of a certain Paul Hollywood. Will he be more generous with his handshakes than he is on the grown-up version? ■ Channel 4, weekdays, 5pm. Begins January 10, catch up on All 4 Martin’s new adventure As a child, Martin Clunes was fascinated by a book his father gave him about the Kon-Tiki expedition across the Pacific. Now, in Martin Clunes: Islands of…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393DON’T MISSBOOK AHEAD... Rob Brydon, Lee Mack and David Mitchell join forces to tour the country with an evening of comedy and general messing about. The Would I Lie To You? pals are hitting theatres from Torquay to Glasgow, for a show that’s bound to be full of belly laughs. ■ From May 9. Contact your local venue or visit brydonmackandmitchell.com ON TOUR... Missing Strictly? Get your fill of sequins and glitterballs as an all-star line-up hits the road on the Strictly Live Tour. From Sara Davies to AJ Odudu, Tilly Ramsay to Rose Ayling-Ellis, get set for an evening that will see the return of judge Bruno Tonioli, alongside Shirley, Craig and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara. ■ Tours January 20-February 13. Visit strictlycomedancinglive.com DVD TREAT From the director…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Relax with Sherrie timeHello readers, I have a love story for you this week. It happened few years ago now but will always be in my heart. The subject in mind was then about 15 and quite giddy and silly. He was always very proud of his appearance; clean hair, beautiful teeth, nails immaculate. A very sporty boy always running, jumping, swimming – never time for girlfriends. Then one day a few doors down from us a new family moved in with two girls about 15 and 16. We both went round to see them and the lady of the house, Janet, invited us in. Janet and I sat and had a cup of tea while my boy and the two girls went into the garden. It was an immediate friendship except when…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393The View from YoursSAVE OUR POLICE BOX An iconic blue police telephone box in Leicestershire, whose design was made famous by Doctor Who, is one of 284 historic places added to the National Heritage list for England, granting these buildings extra protection. Other new additions include the wreck of a Second World War submarine off Dartmouth and the remains of a Romano-British villa lying under a village green near Stockton-on-Tees. Iconic portraits Early portraits of the Queen that inspired the first postage stamps bearing her image will go on display for the first time this year as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The portraits were taken by Dorothy Wilding, the first official female royal photographer, just 20 days after the Queen ascended the throne in 1952. The photographs will be on show…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393‛Helping viewers is a privilege’I find my energy increases when I go to work, it really does,” says consummate professional Gloria Hunniford. “My work ethic is still strong. When life has felt like shifting sands, work has been a solid platform for me. My New Year’s resolution every year is to try to get a better balance between work and time off, but I never seem to crack it. I made that resolution again this year!” One of her passions is her popular BBC television series, Rip-Off Britain, in which she and the presenting team investigate and expose consumer scams. This month Gloria (81) is fronting Rip-Off Britain: Holidays, with co-presenters Julia Somerville and Angela Rippon, followed by a week of live shows towards the end of January and early February. She reflects: “The…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Welcome to the hedgehog villageKirtlington might look like any other traditional rural village in the heart of England. But look closer to ground level and you’ll see something rather unusual. From back gardens to the church, the pub and even the local village school, there’s a a network of tiny tunnels connecting the whole village together. By day, these holes go totally unnoticed but at night, they become a miniature M25, allowing the neighbourhood’s thriving hedgehog population a highway through which they can search for food and shelter. This huge volunteer-led project is a brilliant example of a Hedgehog Street, a nationwide campaign launched by People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) to get communities better connected to help hedgehogs. It started in response to dwindling hedgehog numbers…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Landline revolutionIn one of the biggest shake-ups since analogue TV was switched off ten years ago, the UK’s telephone system is changing. In the next few years, the technology that currently powers landline phones will be switched off and we’ll instead have to use an internetbased connection if we want to chat from our house phone. It’s a move that is promised to bring smoother, faster communication to us all, as well as allowing telephone providers to develop better tools to deter scammers, but it might leave the most vulnerable of society cut off. So why the change? For more than a century, an old network of copper wires has powered our telephone system. But telecoms companies say this dated system is costly to maintain and struggles to keep up with…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393WHAT REALLY WORKS?It’s fair to say we’ve probably never been more aware of our immunity than in the past couple of years. We’ve certainly never used more hand sanitiser! But, with colds, flu and other nasty bugs such as norovirus doing the rounds, what healthy habits should we be adopting to protect ourselves this winter? Prevention is better than cure It’s an obvious statement, but the best-case scenario is to avoid infection in the first place. Your chances of doing that are, for the most part, a result of sticking to healthy habits year-round (although of course it’s never too late to start!) “If you look at the diet and lifestyle factors that decrease the number of sick days, eating a balanced diet, avoiding nutritional deficiencies and being physically active are perhaps…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Sharing the CARINGRosie is an experienced counsellor and carers’ advocate ‘I think they need to move on’ My son and daughterin-law sadly had a stillborn baby daughter six months ago. but they just don’t seem to be able to move on. My daughter-in-law visits the baby’s grave several times a week and my son doesn’t seem to know what to do to help. I think they should try to put the baby’s death behind them and move forward. How can I help them without interfering? Joyce, West Mids Rosie says: You can best help your family by just listening and being there for them. This is a very sad time for your son and daughter-in-law and they will want to talk about their grief and loss. Visiting the cemetery no doubt gives…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Rock of agesA rock garden that’s built to last won’t erode at the first chance of rain or wind – and you can enjoy it for many years to come! Follow our easy step-by-step project to build and plant one now. Choose your site You’re aiming to replicate a sunny, rocky spot in the mountains so find an open, light and bright spot. If space is limited, make a mini rockery or a rock garden in an old sink! Level the area and remove all weeds, adding rubble or bricks first to create a supporting base layer with good drainage. Lay upturned turf over this, or landscape fabric to keep it all in place. Rock plants to span the seasons Overlap the blooming with plants such as these... Spring Ajuga reptans –…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Bloomin’ lovelyDifficulty rating: YOU WILL NEED □ Pair 4mm (no 8) (US 6) needles □ Pair 3.25mm (no 10) (US 3) needles □ 3.50mm (no 9) (USA E4) crochet hook □ 1 x small button Tension 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm (4in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Abbreviations ch-chain; cont-continue; dc-double crochet; foll-following; inc-increase; k-knit; k2tog-knit 2 together; p-purl, p2tog-purl 2 together; RS-right side; tbl-through back loop; tr-treble; st st-stocking stitch; st(s)-stitch(es) ss-slip stitch; sp(s)-space(s); WS-wrong side Back Using 4mm (US 6) needles cast on 45[51:57:63] sts. Beg with a K row, cont in st st, shaping side seams by inc 1 st at each end of 5th [9th:9th:13th] and foll 6th [8th:8th:12th] row. 49 [55:61:67] sts. Cont straight until back measures 6[8:9:13]cm, ending with…5 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Find your fit!FREE Yoga With Adriene Adriene Mishler has become a household name since creating her YouTube channel, Yoga with Adriene in 2012. With the goal of creating free, high-quality yoga content for all, she now has more than ten million subscribers and a channel brimming with yoga videos. From yoga for grief, to yoga for couch potatoes – there’s free video for every ability and mindset. You can also sign up to a 30-ay yoga programme – where you’ll et a new video every day. It’s unlikely you’ll ever get bored of the literally hundreds of free videos on offer! But, if you do want to progress your yoga you can pay and subscribe to Adriene’s premier streaming service, Find What Feels Good. Adriene’s gentle Texan tones and guest appearances from…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Your questions ANSWEREDQ I’ve found some old photos in my late mum’s loft, most of which are of her home town ‘back in the day’. They mean little to me as I never lived there, but would anyone else want them? Melissa, Shropshire Yours says Contact local history groups and museums on Facebook, who are often interested in taking old photos for their own collections. Q I’ve moved to a very rural area which shares a postcode with other buildings. How do I stop a satnav taking guests to the wrong address? P Smith, by email Yours says Emergency services and courier companies have adopted the free What3Words app, a clever idea which divides the UK into squares and assigns three words to each spot. Find your three words and put them…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Thanks for joining us at...Yours Live! FESTIVE PARTY 26-29 NOVEMBER 2021 GUNTON HALL ...Yours Live this festive season. In November, we took to Gunton Hall to host our takeover event... the Yours Live Festive Party! Here’s what we had on offer – and how you can join us next time! Our Fabulous Christmas Eve... Yours magazine came to life across the whole Coastal Village resort with loads on offer to treat our lovely guests. We kicked off the weekend with a warm Yours welcome, complete with mince pies, mulled wine plus each guest received a complimentary goody bag on arrival. What a way to begin the perfect weekend! Weekend of festive fun! ✵ Our solo travellers were greeted and made to feel welcome by our singles co-ordinator, Janice. It was lovely to see some…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393TIMELESS STYLE1960s This is a photo of me (on the left) with a friend at a wedding. I couldn’t afford to buy a dress at the time as my husband and I were saving to buy our first house, so I made my dress out of cream and brown silk. Jean Jones, Barry 1967 This is me posing in my mum’s garden aged 19, showing off my new Vidal Sassoon haircut! I’m wearing a navy silk trouser suit in the fashionable oriental style. Now I’m 73 and still wear the latest fashions... why not? Linda Christo, Hertfordshire 1961 Underneath this white taffeta wedding dress I was wearing my flannelette pyjama trousers as the Yorkshire venue was rather cold! My pillbox headdress was covered in faux fur to match my neckline. I…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 39348 HOURS IN ExeterSituated in the heart of Devon, Exeter is an ideal place to spend a weekend as it offers the best of both worlds. Here you’ll find all the convenience of a modern city plus the charm and quaintness of a historic small town. Friday Begin your stay in this bustling city by checking into the White Hart Hotel. This historic and picturesque local bar and inn is within easy reach of most of the main attractions, including the Cathedral itself, which is just five minutes’ walk away and is famous for its spectacular Gothic architecture. This fascinating medieval structure is well worth a visit and is open to the public between 9am and 5pm (11.30am to 4pm on Sundays). Special guided tours are also available. Round off your day with…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Snowdrop spectacularsHEVER CASTLE, Kent (above) Tiptoe through more than 100,000 snowdrops on a dedicated snowdrop walk. ■ Call 01732 865224 or visit www.hevercastle.co.uk DUNHAM MASSEY, Cheshire This seven-acre winter garden is home to a shimmering carpet of white at this time of year. ■ Call 01619 411025 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey EASTON WALLED GARDENS, Lincolnshire Drifts of white line the banks of the river with a mapped-out snowdrop walk. ■ Call 01476 530063 or visit visiteaston.co.uk CAMBO ESTATE, Fife Home to more than 350 different kinds of snowdrop in the 70 acres of woodland. ■ Call 01333 451040 or visit cambogardens.org.uk ERDDIG, Wrexham Look out for the rare and beautiful double-headed snowdrop on this 1,200-acre estate. ■ Call 01978 355314 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig As it is the start of the snowdrop season,…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393‘I love a good natter’Actress Vicky McClure is one ‘lovely ducky’ as they say in her native Nottingham. Just the kind of lady you’d want to strike up a conversation or have a natter with. So, who better to front a campaign about getting people to start talking to each other and perhaps make new friends into the bargain? As part of Good Morning Britain’s One Million Minutes project – encouraging all of to take more time out to talk – Vicky has designed a ‘listening bench’ for her home town. Vicky’s bench is adorned with painted flowers and lovely life affirmations such as ‘Ay up! Take a seat and let’s have a chinwag’ and ‘Smile at a stranger’. “I feel very lucky to have been asked to design a bench – with my…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393For the love of animalsSeal of approval A grey seal pup enjoys a reassuring flipper hug from Mum. January sees many new pup arrivals around UK shores, where the grey seal population is now estimated at more than 120,000. Pets of the fortnight ◆ This moggie looks very chilled! “This is Squeak,” says owner Jane Whitaker. “She stays in any position that you put her in – this is her Netflix position!” ◆ Meet Harrie and Daisy Mae. “These are my two Cavaliers. Both are aged three and full of energy, but love sleep time too!” Yvonne Chadwick, Carmarthenshire ◆ “Here is my little puppy Tina. She was rescued in Romania and now lives a lovely life in Wales. She repays us every day with her loving nature and is the delight of our…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393OUR BEST BEARThe power of friends Pooh’s buddies Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo, all of whom were inspired by Christopher Milne’s soft toy collection, are also well-loved. You can see all the original toys except Roo, who was lost in the Thirties in an apple orchard, in the New York Public Library. The collection attracts about 750,000 visitors every year. A big star Pooh has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making him one of just 15 fictional characters to have that honour, along with Mickey Mouse and Kermit the Frog. He’s such a hit in Poland that an entire street in Warsaw is dedicated to him. A special club Cambridge University’s Pembroke College has a Winnie the Pooh Society that was established in 1993. They regularly meet at…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Dame Judi’s family delightWhen it comes to work, Dame Judi Dench never turns a job down. “I can’t turn things down. If I’m offered a job, I always do it because I think it’s the last job I’m going to be asked to do. The insecurity never goes away – it’s all part and parcel of being an actor.” Although she’s said she wishes she hadn’t done the 2019 film flop Cats, she’s delighted to be starring in Belfast, Kenneth Branagh’s heartwarming, autobiographical film based on the years before the Branagh family fled Northern Ireland amid ‘the Troubles’. Belfast was among the first films back to production in the UK following the early lockdowns. “I was jolly pleased to even be considered,” Judi has said. “Ken asked, ‘Will you play my grandmother?’ I…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Nail it!Manicured nails make us feel glam, but while DIY manicures are convenient, the results can’t measure up to a salon-applied gel treatment. With these at-home gel nail kits you have a higher outlay initially, but you will save long term as a salon gel manicure can set you back around £30 per visit. Here’s everything you need to know… Preparation is key For a better finish and longer-lasting results, it’s important to prep your nails. You’ll need to follow your kit’s instructions on this, but it will include removing old polish, shaping your nails and lightly buffing the nail surface. Follow the steps After prepping, simply apply your coats in the instructed order, letting them cure for the specified time. The best thing about these kits is that you simply…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393IS THE Fast 800 diet FOR YOU?It’s been a decade since Dr Michael Mosley first brought the 5:2 diet to our attention. He has now developed The Fast 800 programme, which provides a more tailored approach to intermittent fasting. Here we learn a little more about it, and try some of the surprisingly tempting recipes! What is The Fast 800? It’s a flexible diet programme that blends healthy eating – following a Mediterranean-style diet – with periods of fasting. It’s all supported by a website that has recipes and advice. There are roughly three phases, although different people have different requirements; some, for example, start with the new 5:2 fasting diet. 1 The Very Fast 800: For rapid weight loss, 800 calories per day for a minimum of two weeks, and a maximum of 12, depending…6 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Give tie-dye a go!Meet Adam Roe – he’s the founder of Craft Box Club, the eco-friendly craft kit subscription. He loves exploring natural materials and crafting with nature. Each issue Adam shares a totally plastic-free make you can do at home! You will need.... □ Medium-sized saucepan □ 3-4 avocado stones □ Small muslin/cotton bag □ Small bin bag, preferably biodegradable □ White t-shirt □ 10-20 elastic bands □ Wooden spoon □ Potato masher □ 1 tbsp soya milk (optional) Make the dye 1 Place the avocado stones into a muslin/cotton bag and tie t. Half-fill the saucepan with cold water and pop the bag in. Heat to just below a simmer on the hob for 1 hour. 2 Mash the avocado stones inside the bag to squeeze out the pink dye.…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Good to knowNice Knits It’s knitwear season and while we love a cosy jumper, there’s nothing worse than bobbles appearing on your new knit! Luckily this clever trick will keep your woollens looking fresh and fluffy. Simply pop your jumper in a bag and place in the freezer for a few hours before washing, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Freezing beforehand keeps the wool fibres stiff and strong to help prevent bobbles forming.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Pennv saved, penny earnedPump up your points If you’re over 60 you can earn extra Boots Advantage Card points. Instead of the usual four points, you’ll earn eight points for every £1 spent! Download the Boots app and you’ll collect 200 points then earn another 200 points when you take a free Boots Hearing Check. Visit boots.com Travel for less Anyone aged 60 or over can take advantage of a National Express Senior Coachcard (nationalexpress.com) with big savings on journeys across the UK. Or opt for a Senior Railcard (senior-railcard.co.uk) and you’ll get a third off train travel. You can use Tesco Clubcard points to buy both of these – saving you even more money! Earn cash from your hobby Whether you’re a keen gardener, a dab hand with a needle and thread…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393It happened this fortnight60 years ago JANUARY 22, 1962 Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor filmed their first ever scene together for the epic, Cleopatra. Their genuine chemistry when recreating the romance between Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra quickly turned into a scandalous affair, leading both to divorce their respective spouses. 50 years ago JANUARY 20, 1972 The premiere of Pink Floyd’s live performance of their iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon was scheduled at The Dome in Brighton. Unfortunately, the performance itself – in front of a capacity crowd – was interrupted by an electrical failure. 70 years ago JANUARY 16, 1952: IZZY WIZZY, LET’S GET BUSY! The UK’s most famous glove puppet bear, Sooty, first appeared on television as part of the BBC’s Talent Night. Sooty had been discovered by…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Remember the timeGoing to bed watching the first flakes of snow drift past the bedroom window and hoping we’d wake up to a winter wonderland... While Mum and Dad worried about how they’d get to work, we were racing outside to be the first to leave a trail of footprints in that undisturbed crisp, white snow. On the doorstep, a plug of frozen milk had pushed the top off the bottle but we’d no time for breakfast! Never before had we been so eager to don coats and gloves (threaded through the sleeves on a piece of elastic to stop us losing them) and set off to school. The streets were eerily quiet apart from squeals as we chased each other and a thud as a snowball hit its target. The battle…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Tea and empathyA tear rolled down my cheek as I thought about my Edward. Making it clear to the lovely ladies in charge of refreshments that I wanted to be alone, I sat quietly in a pew nursing my cup of tea. It had been a normal Sunday church service but, by chance, one of the hymns – Love divine, all loves excelling – was one that we’d chosen for our wedding. Coming so soon after learning that I’d lost my dear husband, the tears flowed. We met in the summer of 1957. I lived in a small village with my parents and worked in the nearby town. Edward had just been demobbed after National Service. The first time we met I was on my knees, weeding a flowerbed and getting quite…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393Yours BOOK CLUBWhat you’re reading Anything Could Happen By Lucy Diamond (Quercus, £14.99) “An uplifting and wise story,” says Sheena Alleyne.Lara and her daughter Eliza have always got along fine, just the two of them. But when Eliza turns 18 and wants to meet her father, Lara is forced to admit to a secret she’s been keeping that will take them to New York where it all began.“This was hard to put down,” says Sheena. The Killer in the Snow By Alex Pine (Avon, £7.99) “Had me guessing right until the end,” says Andrea Drewett. A local farmer returns home to find footsteps in the fresh snow that leads down to his unused basem*nt. Days later, his body is found, alongside that of his wife and daughter. There are no witnesses and…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393CATCH UP WITHFRIENDSWelcome to the Yours community hub! KEEP IT LOCAL Do you have clothes that you don’t wear because of a broken zip or a torn seam? Did you know that every year an estimated 336,000 tonnes of used clothing goes to landfill in the UK? Loveyourclothes.org.uk is a great website that helps inspire consumers to repair, re-fashion or upcycle their clothes and reduce their impact on the environment. PLANET SAVER Treedom is an organisation that gives back to people, communities, and the planet through the gift of tree planting. You can plant a Cacao in Ecuador, a Lemon in Tanzania or a Baobab in Kenya. Not only will your tree gift absorb CO2, but you’ll also be enabling farmers in countries across the world to generate their own income and…9 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393PRIZES TO BE WON!New smartphone? Don’t mind if I do! Two lucky readers have the chance to win a brand new smartphone! The IMO Q4 Pro 2021 features a 5.5in HD screen, supports the Android 9 operating system comes with a 16GB memory. It includes Face Unlock, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM radio, dual rear camera and a talk time of 12 hours. ■ Available from Tesco Mobile, rrp £69.99 £1,339 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! WORTH £500 Win a relaxing spa break for two Ready to relax, recharge and recuperate? We’ve teamed up with The QHotels Collection to give one lucky reader a UK staycation for two at one of its spa hotels. Your stay will include one night for two people in a standard double or twin room, with breakfast, a two-course dinner…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393The TV shows you love...The latest series of Shetland has been essential viewing for me. It kept me guessing on the identity of the killer right until the very end and finished with a sting in the tail for one of the main characters. I thought the cast were excellent as usual and I’m so pleased to hear the show will return for another series next year. Sylvia Smith ■ Catch up on Shetland on BBC iPlayer We’ve been really enjoying re-watching episodes of The Forsyte Saga, with Damian Lewis and Gina McKee. I think Damian does such a wonderful job making the character of the wealthy and arrogant Soames so chilling. As we have the whole series on DVD, we have many hours of entertainment to look forward to. Suzi Sheward ■ The…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 393HOROSCOPES JANUARY 11-24If it’s your birthday this fortnight... … you are born under Capricorn, often depicted as Amalthea the sea goat, who was foster mother of Zeus, king of the gods, and kept him safe from his jealous father, Chronos. You are security conscious, someone who appreciates the value of money and deplores waste, but you also know how to enjoy life, too! ■ Famous Capricorns celebrating this fortnight include Jane Horrocks, Michael Crawford and Dolly Parton (both pictured) CAPRICORN DEC 21-JAN 20 A personal wish could come to fruition. Watch for delays around agreements, but the 23rd/24th heralds official progress. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705709 AQUARIUS JAN 21-FEB 18 Be prepared for something you thought had passed you by coming back, and to feeling more like yourself from…2 min
