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Jane Danson
My sons never watch Corrie
– for them it’s always just
been Mum’s work!

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Contents

COVER PHOTOS: A.HARRIS@LYMPHOMA-ACTION.ORG.UK, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK. *T&CS APPLY. UK ONLY

Heaven scent
Although they
obviously grow
all around the world,
isn’t there something
intrinsically British about
roses? When the English
fought each other for
control of the throne in the
15th century, they named
them the Wars of the
Roses. Shakespeare’s Juliet
chooses the plant to make
the point that Romeo’s
surname is unimportant:
‘a rose by any other name
would smell as sweet’,
and today it remains the
quintessential romantic
bloom. Luckily, our current
garden has many of them,
planted by some kind
soul long ago, but there’s
always room for more...
perhaps a climber around
the door? If you feel the
same, don’t miss our
feature on page 68.

Geoff

EDITOR
geoffrey.palmer@futurenet.com

12
62
Inside
this issue

ON THE COVER
8 Jane Danson ‘My
bottom line is my kids’
16 Competition Win a
holiday to a Greek island*
22 Beauty Treat your toes
24 Real life A daughter
and dad’s cancer journey
26 Cookery Super salads
40-51 Extra pages of
fiction and puzzles
56 Cookery Meals ready
in 30 minutes or less
72 Craft Toy kangaroo
mum and joey to stitch
77 Knitting Beautiful
baby shawl to make
79 Knitting Adorable
bonnet and bootees
GREAT READS
4 Good to share

10 Celebrating Britain
Our treasured hedgerows
12 Celebrating Britain
Pride events this summer
17 It’s a funny old world
Designer Patrick Grant
18 Real life Retired...
but not for long!
20 Fashion Summer tops
31 Good to know Cutting
your carbon footprint
62 Travel Discover the
Canadian city of Toronto
64 Travel The glorious
Italian Dolomites
HEALTH
14 Health Eight questions
to ask your dentist
32 Health Easy exercise
ideas from the experts
35 Your wellbeing
36 Dr Gill Coping
with kyphosis
39 Here to help

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WOMAN’S WEEKLY
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YOUR HOME
52 Homes Stylish,
budget-friendly buys for
your house and garden
67 Garden notes
Heavenly hydrangeas
and fun family planting,
plus a rose garden to visit
68 Gardening The
romance of roses
FICTION
61 Short story
Happy Father’s Day
with Love
70 Short story
Beetle Drive
84 Serial A Run of Luck
by Joanna Toye
87 Books Great reads
LAST BUT NOT LEAST…
90 Puzzle time
93 Your weekly stars
94 Rosemary

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WOMAN’S WEEKLY

3

From us to you

Meadows are in bloom, bitterns are
booming – and a bridge is wobbling!
Booming bitterns
When a male bittern calls for a mate, he
sounds as masculine as possible by puffing
up his chest and producing an extraordinarily
deep, resonant booming call. They were
once in serious decline, but new reed-bed
habitats at RSPB Leighton Moss and the Isle
of Sheppey are providing homes for these
secretive but very appealing birds. And
a new survey shows that 234 males have
been recorded ‘booming’ in the UK, up
almost a quarter on five years ago. It’s a
significant conservation success for a bird
that was close to extinction.

A dilapidated
building in West
Sussex that was
earmarked for
development has been bought
and preserved in its current
state. Why? Because it’s home
to a breeding colony of greater horseshoe bats, which
haven’t been recorded in the area for 100 years. See ptes.org

KISS ME, KATE
Based on the plot of Shakespeare’s
The Taming of the Shrew, this revival
of Cole Porter’s fabulous musical
comedy stars Adrian Dunbar (a world
away from his Line of Duty role)
and Stephanie J. Block. With classic
numbers including So in Love and Too
Darn Hot, Kiss Me, Kate plays at the
Barbican from 4 June to 14 September.
✱ kissmekatemusical.com

4

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

On this day in history
10 June 2000. The future of the newly opened Millennium
Bridge, billed as a ‘blade of light’ across the Thames
between Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral, was thrown
into jeopardy when it began swaying alarmingly in high
winds. Architects blamed the huge number of pedestrians,
but its structure needed £5m of further work. The bridge
finally reopened fully in February 2002.

WORDS: JANE KEMP. PHOTOS: DANIEL HARGREAVES, FURGOBLINS, GETTY, JOGON,
KISS ME KATE, LILY SENNER, LOUISE MIDGLEY, PETE SHORT/ RSPB IMAGES

Did
you
know?

This week
NATURE NOTES
by Louise Midgley

ART FOR ALL

Newcastle’s Baltic Centre is exhibiting over 100
works by artists from the region, selected from
1,400 submissions. The show includes paintings
by invited artists such as Jim Moir, better known
as TV’s Vic Reeves. Tyneside Dreaming by
Lily Senner, pictured, was commissioned by the
gallery and vividly captures local scenes.
✱ Until 1 September, baltic.art

Charity
trainers
Instead of binning old trainers, send them
to charity JogOn – most have plenty of life
left. Founder Tony Piedade has saved
20 tonnes of trainers from landfill to date.
✱ jogonagain.com

KEEP TABS ON
YOUR KITTY

If your cat is a wanderer, get
an ID that is easy to read.
Tags from Cheshire & Wain
are elegantly engraved with
your cat’s name on one side
and your contact on the other,
in gold, silver or rose gold. A
special edition heart tag is £15.
✱ cheshireandwain.com

There is no better time of the year
to visit wild-flower meadows than
over the next few weeks, while they
are alive with blooms. I love to
explore the steep slopes of the
North Downs, which are rich in
native wild flowers and orchids.
When the sun shines, a raft of
excitable winged insects that look
like they have been sprayed far
and wide from a giant party popper
fill the air in frenzied activity. The
chalky soil dictates which plants
call this landscape home and, in
turn, which insects are lured in
to feed and breed. It’s a magical
spectacle not to miss.

My garden week

I spent this week emptying the
greenhouse of the last tender
plants now that all risk of frost
has passed – then I gave it a
good old clean.

If you have an outside
Money- space, use it for drying
saving clothes, rather than
tip
switching on the tumble
dryer. The Energy Saving Trust
estimates we spend £375 million
drying clothes – and that’s only
between June and September. Direct
sunlight can bleach away stains,
and acts as a natural disinfectant.

From you to us

We love to hear what you’ve been
up to, so do get in touch!
Family heirloom
made with love

I just wanted to send you this photo
of my mum, Maureen Neil, with her
beautiful bedspread. She is 84 and
lives in Australia. Back in the 1970s,
Maureen knitted this bedspread from
a pattern in Woman’s Weekly. Her
mum would send the cotton over
from the UK. It took Mum 20 years to
complete, and it has been passed
around the family for many years, as
we all took turns in having it proudly
displayed on our beds. We’ll treasure
it forever. Thank you for having this
wonderful pattern in your magazine.
Jane Scally, Sydney, Australia

WE LOVE LETTERS
Woman’s Weekly, Future
plc, 121-141 Westbourne
Terrace, London W2 6JR.
P.S. It really helps when
you put your details
in capitals.
✱ We do not return photos
(apart from You Wore
It Well) so please do
not send originals.

EMAIL US
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Tell us your full name,
address and daytime
phone number, please.

6

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

PAWS FOR
THOUGHT
This is our dog Scamp, enjoying a rest on his
favourite bench after a run on the beach.
Claire Pinnock, Plymouth
✱ Got a pet pic that makes you
smile? We can give it
a good home

NO GIFTS, PLEASE
I heartily agree with Valerie
Crossley on gifting ideas [Good
to Share, 9 April issue]. In March,
I celebrated my 80th birthday with
a girlfriends’ party. I stipulated no
gifts, as I have all that I want and
wrote on the invitations: ‘I request
your presence but not presents’.
However, I suggested optional
donations in lieu of gifts, and have
been able to send some money
to CAFOD [Catholic Agency
for Overseas Development]
and Cats Protection, two charities
close to my heart.
Mary Vaughan, London

LOOK WHAT I MADE
I knitted this hat for a friend’s grandson from a pattern in
your 16 January issue – it looks so good on him!
Sandra Reade, Wolverhampton

Important! All contributions to Woman’s Weekly must be original and NOT duplicated to other publications. £25 will be
paid to the writer of the ‘Letter of the week’ for all rights in each letter printed. The Editor reserves the right to modify any letter.
Future plc reserves the right to reuse any submission to Woman’s Weekly in any format or medium, including social networking
sites. We regret that we cannot enter into personal correspondence. Photos of children under 18 must be accompanied by written
permission of a parent/legal guardian. All details correct at time of going to press.

WHAT YOU’RE WEARING COMPILED BY: ANNE HARTNETT

GET IN
TOUCH

Letter
of the
week

This week
Anna MurphySullivan, 58
Tell us about your look
I love a dash of bold colour.
As I’ve got older, I’ve decided
to fight wearing beige. ‘Rage
against the beige!’ is my
motto! So today I’m in shades
of blue – a navy jacket from
Primark, cobalt linen shirt
by M&S and a bright blue
satin skirt from Whistles. My
matching bag is Osprey and
my trainers are by Converse.
What’s your favourite thing
about yourself?
Enjoying the confidence that
comes with age. It’s really
very liberating.

What you’re

WEARING

Felicity Walker, 41
Tell us about your look
My dress is from Boden. My
friends call it my ‘Santorini’
dress, but I’ll be lucky if
it makes it to the Norfolk
coast! It’s quite versatile, as
it’s smart enough to wear
to work but also great worn
casually with trainers. I used
to be London based (where
the dress code was more
corporate), but now I live
and work in the countryside,
so I am enjoying a more
relaxed look – especially
at the weekends when
I’m usually in jodhpurs!
What’s your favourite
thing about yourself?
I have learnt to be kind
to myself.

You Wore
It Well

Inger Green, 61
Tell us about your look
I bought my dress from
Rixo about two years
ago. It’s a flattering fit
and I love the mix of
prints. I found my leather
jacket in Florence, while
in Italy. It’s quite old now
but I think it gets better
with age. My bag is
Louis Vuitton and my
boots are Zara. I always
wear jewellery – this
necklace came from a
fabulous independent
shop called Story in Bray.
What’s your favourite
thing about yourself?
My smile.

Samantha Shepherd, 36
Tell us about your look
I’d say it’s modern classic. I love
a smart jacket or blazer. It gives
you lots of outfit options, from
paring with jeans or wide pants
to throwing over a dress or skirt.
Today I’ve gone for black, as I love
a monochrome look. I’ve teamed
my chiffon skirt, top (which you can’t
see) and jacket, all from H&M, with
Nike trainers. My bag was a gift.
What’s your favourite thing
about yourself?
My kindness and loyalty.

Anne Holmes,
1960
Here I am with
my husband
John on our
wedding day.
My dress
was fashioned
on Princess
Margaret’s,
who married
the same year.
The fabric
was rosebudembossed brocade. We celebrated our
60th wedding anniversary in 2020 and
had a lovely card from the late Queen.
✱ We’d love to see how great you looked
in any era up to and including the 1980s.
Please send a good-quality photo with
your name, address and daytime phone
number clearly written on the back, to:
Fashion Dept, Woman’s Weekly, Future plc,
121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London
W2 6JR. Photos will be returned.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

7

‘My bottom line
is my kids’
After more than 20 years playing Corrie’s feisty
Leanne Battersby, actor Jane Danson tell us why
the job still suits her down to the ground

W

hen Jane
Danson joined
Coronation
Street, she was
only 18. Fast forward 27 years
and her life has changed
beyond comparison.
Back then, she had just left
school and was still living at
home with her mum and dad.
Today, she is married with a
home of her own and children.
It’s perhaps not surprising
then that Jane ends up doing
a double take when she
catches old episodes of
herself in her younger days.
‘I turned on the TV the other
day and saw an episode of
Classic Coronation Street,’ she
recalls. ‘At the moment I’m in
my 20s on that. It’s quite scary

Performing on
Dancing on Ice

Jane took on the role of
Leanne when she was 18

As Leanne Battersby
with the charming Rowan
in Coronation Street

looking at your life through
a lens – it feels like yesterday.
Also, my eldest son is coming up
to the age I was when I started
at Corrie, which is terrifying!’
‘When I was 18, I wouldn’t
have thought I would still
be here now, so every year
has been an absolute bonus.
‘My bottom line is my kids –
going home every night has
always been really important.
A lot of actors are away on tour
or away filming and don’t have
that luxury.
‘Now my children are getting
older things will change in the
next few years, so maybe later
on there will be opportunities
for me to be away from home
with work, but as things stand,
I’m really happy and I wouldn’t
want to give it up.’
Jane, now 45, lives in
Cheshire, just a few miles from
the soap’s set in Manchester,

with her actor husband Robert
Beck and their two sons, Harry,
17, and Sam, 15.
And while the boys are
clearly her world, she admits
that they aren’t too aware of her
other world – on the cobbles.
‘My sons never watch
Coronation
Street,’ she
explains. ‘The
show was a
massive part of
my life before
I joined – we
always watched it at home –
but this generation of children
don’t watch TV in the same way
that we did.
‘Also, for them, it’s always just
been Mum’s work. I don’t think
they equate that to how much
the show is loved and how
long it’s been going. But that’s
probably a good thing – it keeps
work and home life separate.’

Away from the cobbles, Jane
has taken part in both Stars in
their Eyes (she was Posh Spice)
and Dancing on Ice, but she
insists they have not given her a
taste for any further challenges.
‘Absolutely not!’ she says
firmly. ‘Stars in their Eyes was
great fun – I always dreamt of
being on it as a kid. Dancing
on Ice was amazing, but it
was tough. I came out of it
in one piece, but I think that’s
me done with reality shows.’
On days off,
Jane is happiest
being with her
family, going
to the theatre
with friends and
practising yoga.
It’s a world away from her
frenetic on-screen life.
‘Leanne’s life is exhausting,’
she laughs. ‘I wouldn’t cope in
her shoes and I’m totally glad
that my life is a lot calmer than
hers. She’s either bawling her
eyes out or having a big old
row with someone!’
Currently Jane is in the
middle of another gripping

‘Leanne’s
life is
exhausting’

THE

Celebrity

INTERV
IEW

storyline, with Leanne becoming
more and more involved in
a cult, entranced by the
charismatic Rowan Cunliffe
(Emrhys Cooper), whose main
role is recruitment.
Jane says that she initially
had reservations about it. ‘I’ve
got to be honest, I thought, “Oh,
that’s a little bit of a stretch,”’
she admits. ‘Leanne is a strong
character, opinionated and
forthright. But the story is that
even somebody who is quite
street-smart has got sucked in.’
With Leanne becoming
increasingly distracted by the
group, she has failed to notice
that her fiancé Nick (Ben Price)
has been growing closer to her
sister Toyah (Georgia Taylor).
‘To think that they might
be about to betray her in any
way – ooh, she will not be
happy!’ Jane laughs. ‘I imagine
if she finds out there’ll be
a few fisticuffs. We’ve not seen
her fighting for a while, but
I like the scrapper in her!’
Over the years, Jane’s
character has certainly had
more than her fair share
of dust-ups.
‘There was a cake fight at
a wedding and I’ve had pints
tipped over me many times,’
she recalls. ‘It’s so messy and
you’ve then got to go to hair
and make-up for an hour. They
stopped writing those scenes,
because all the women in the
cast were taking ages to re-set!’
✱ Coronation Street airs on
Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and
streams on ITVX.
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

9

WORDS: SUE CRAWFORD. PHOTOS: GETTY, INSTAGRAM @REALJANEDANSON, ITV, SHUTTERSTOCK

Jane with her actor
husband Robert Beck

CELEBRATING BRITAIN

Hedgerow
heaven

Providing homes for thousands of animals and
birds, our treasured hedgerows form a vital
part of the UK’s ecological riches

B

rimming with life,
hedgerows are
a familiar sight
throughout the British
Isles. The deeply intertwined
root systems mean that a
variety of trees and shrubs

grow together to create a
thick, living wall of vegetation,
mixing the likes of blackthorn,
dog rose, field maple, hazel,
bird cherry and hawthorn.
Along a hedgerow border,
wild flowers can flourish

undisturbed, while its hips,
haws, berries, nuts and flowers
nourish birds, mammals and
insects. Hedgerows also
provide safe nesting sites,
as well as a secure home for
countless creatures.

WORDS: JANE KEMP. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY

Why do they matter?
✱ Support for pollinators
From spring blackthorn
blossom to the dog roses of
summer and late-flowering
autumn ivy, hedgerows
are a rich source of nectar
for pollinators like bees,
moths and butterflies. The
undisturbed seed banks
that build up around a
mature hedgerow also
supply months of wild-flower
blooms, including speedwells,
vetches and red campion, as
well as the glorious haze of
spring bluebells and swathes

of nodding ox-eye daisies
in summer.
✱ Diverse habitats
Ancient hedgerows are often
supported by turf or stone
slopes. The habitats – from
cosy niches to rocky screes
and moist, earthy areas –
encourage biodiversity, and
supply homes for ladybirds,
centipedes and woodlice, as
well as 1,500 insect species
and around 20 mammals,
including dormice, voles,
hedgehogs and shrews. And
around 600 or so plant species

grow around UK hedgerows too.
✱ A meal for bats
At twilight, bats leave their
roosts to skim silently above
the hedgerow, feasting on the
clouds of insects attracted by
its flowers, nectar and shelter.
✱ Wildlife corridors
With so much land now
intensively managed,
hedgerows also provide
essential ‘migration corridors’
for small mammals such as
hazel dormice to move from
one wooded area to another in
search of food. These wildlife

corridors also support frogs
and toads, and reptiles such
as lizards and grass snakes.
✱ Home sweet home
At least 30 bird species nest in
hedgerows, collecting nesting
material from surrounding
fields and feeding their chicks
with insect larvae. As well as
providing nuts, seeds, berries
and rosehips for crows, finches,

HEDGEROW
HISTORY

Some hedgerows date back
more than 1,000 years. And
Devon has identifiable Bronze
Age field boundaries even
today. A commonly used
formula to indicate age is to
count the number of tree and
shrub species in a 30m length
of hedge, with one species
for each 100 years. A singlespecies hedge is probably
less than 100 years old, while
a 1,000-year-old hedge may
contain 10-12 species.
But for much of the medieval
period, in England particularly,
fields were large and divided
into shared strips. Later, with
the Inclosure Acts of the
18th century and more efficient
farming practices, smaller fields
became the norm. And by the
20th century there were a
million kilometres of hedgerows
dividing them. Then, after 1945,
a government drive for food
self-sufficiency and greater
mechanisation saw at least
half of these destroyed.
Today, farmers understand
their environmental value,
and there are many schemes
for planting and maintaining
healthy hedgerows.

FIND
OUT
MORE

The Soil Association,
soilassociation.org
and People’s Trust for
Endangered Species,
ptes.org

wrens, robins, blackbirds
and sparrows, hedgerows
attract buzzards, which hover
noiselessly above, hunting
unwary mice or rabbits.
Hedgerows are even home
to little owls, which nest in tree
cavities within a hedgerow,
feeding on worms and beetles.
✱ Healthy soil
The deep roots of hedgerows
help to prevent soil erosion
and, hence, reduce flood
risk. The vegetation
and the fertile soil
that hedgerows
generate are
Hedgerows support many
species, providing food
and shelter as well as
biosecurity – and there’s
plenty for foragers too

great for carbon capture,
making them an invaluable
tool in helping to fight
climate change.
✱ A safe haven
They provide shelter from
sun, wind and rain for farm
animals grazing in adjoining
fields, keeping them happier
and healthier. And evidence
suggests that plentiful, wide
hedgerows also improve
biosecurity around bovine
TB, by reducing contact
between cattle and badgers.
✱ Careful foraging
Blackberries, sloes and crab
apples are just some of the
fruits available to foragers.
However, if the hedgerows
border farmland, remember
you may need permission to
pick fruit or berries.

HOME-GROWN

A mature hedge forms a barrier
that’s just as effective, and
much more attractive, than
garden fencing. If you can’t
wait two to five years for plants
to get established, suppliers
such as best4hedging.co.uk
offer ready-grown native
hedging with a mix of hawthorn,
blackthorn, guelder rose,
wayfaring tree, spindle, crab
apple, holly, hazel, field maple
and buckthorn.
Blackthorn and hawthorn
are common hedge plants

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

11

CELEBRATING BRITAIN

What started in the 70s as a small protest march by
the UK’s gay community is now a series of huge,
open-to-everyone events around the country

T

he first ‘Gay Pride’ parade in Britain
took place in London on 1 July 1972.
The date was chosen as the closest
to the anniversary of New York’s 1969

Stonewall Riots, a turning point for LGBT
rights in that city. Now Pride is celebrated
across the world. Here are just a few of the
festivals being held across the country.

London

In the 1970s and 80s, people travelled from
across the country to take part in London’s
parade. Today, Pride in London is the UK’s
largest Pride event – over a million people
filled the streets for the event’s 50th
anniversary in 2022. The stunning floats,
enormous rainbow flag and carnival feel
were a world away from that first march.
✱ Pride in London is on 29 June;
prideinlondon.org

WORDS: ANDREW SHAW. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY

MANCHESTER
With a vibrant ‘Gay Village’
based around Canal Street,
Manchester is party central all
year long. However, over the
August bank holiday weekend,
Manchester’s Pride Festival has
a glittering line-up of acts and
the parade. There are events
for younger members of the

community and families, and
an arts and culture programme.
The festival ends with a
poignant vigil – a sea of candles
are lit to remember those who
have been lost to HIV.
✱ Manchester Pride Festival
is on 23-26 August;
manchesterpride.com

BELFAST
Northern Ireland is used to
parades, but not the kind that
marched through Belfast’s
main streets in 1991. Before
then, the LGBTQ+ community
had sent representatives to
the London march, but then
decided to start their own

event. Now the Belfast Pride
Festival is a major fixture
and the city’s biggest crosscommunity parade. This year,
over 150 events are taking
place over 10 days.
✱ Belfast Pride Festival is on
19-28 July; belfastpride.com

Glasgow
Scotland is famous for a good
party, so it’s no surprise that
the country’s largest city hosts
a blockbuster Pride festival.
Last year, a record-breaking
50,000 people attended
Glasgow’s Mardi Gla, with front
runners in the parade arriving
at their destination while
those at the end yet to set off.
Attendees this year can expect
the same warm welcome from
a city that aims to embrace
diversity and champion equality.
✱ Glasgow’s Pride Mardi Gla
is on 20 July; mardigla.org

Cardiff
Thousands of people will flood the Welsh capital with rainbow
colours over Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend. It’s a striking
difference from the first parade back in 1985, when around
30 people took part. The first Cardiff Mardi Gras was in 1999,
following a rise in hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community.
Renamed Pride Cymru in 2014, this year’s festival celebrates
25 years of Pride in Wales. A mile-long parade will head
towards Cardiff Castle, which becomes home to live music,
fairground rides and street food.
✱ Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend is on 22-23 June;
pridecymru.com

BRIGHTON
Brighton hosts one of the most
popular Pride festivals in the
UK, with a dazzling programme.
This year, attendees can
celebrate their ‘true colours’
at Fabuloso in the Park, where
Girls Aloud, Mika, Sophie
Ellis-Bextor and more will take
to the stage. The Pride at the
Ironworks season sees cabaret,

comedy and live music
celebrating LGBTQ+ culture
and diversity. There’s also a film
festival and a Pride dog show!
Yet for many, the parade is the
highlight, and this year’s theme
is ‘Joy – celebrating life, spirit
and resilience’.
✱ Brighton + Hove Pride is on
3-4 August; brighton-pride.org
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

13

questions to ask
YOUR DENTIST
Want healthy strong teeth and gums?
Here’s what the experts need you to know

Can I do anything at home
to help keep my teeth white?
‘Preventative action is paramount for helping to keep teeth
white,’ says dentist Dr Stephen Dodd*. Avoid highly coloured
foods and drinks where possible, as they can increase
teeth staining. Whitening toothpastes are available, but they
don’t technically ‘whiten’ your teeth. ‘They work by being
slightly more abrasive than your regular toothpaste, so they
can help to remove stains better,’ says Dr Dodd. ‘I’d also
avoid teeth-whitening kits bought over the counter, as the
concentration of the whitening gel that can be sold is very
low, so they won’t really have an effect. Instead, I’d always
recommend going to your dentist for whitening kits, as we
can offer the highest strength and quality.’

WORDS: TANYA PEAREY. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. *FROM RINGWAY DENTAL. **FROM SIMPLY
SUPPLEMENTS. ***FROM PASTE DENTAL. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP

WHAT TOOTHPASTE SHOULD I USE?
‘There’s an array of toothpaste
available,’ says Dr Dodd,
‘but they generally fall into
three categories: whitening,
sensitive and regular. Ensure
it’s from a reputable brand

and is fluoride-based. A note
on sensitive toothpastes –
they do work and are great
for those who suffer from
sensitivity. I often recommend
Colgate Sensitive.’

HOW OFTEN DO I REALLY NEED
TO SEE THE DENTIST?
‘For general dentistry
examinations, we recommend
you visit us every six months,’
says Dr Dodd. ‘For hygiene, this
is dependent on what you need
and what your maintenance

plan is. For example, do you
have dental implants? Generally
speaking, it’s between two to
four times a year in order to
maintain good gum health.’

Should I use
mouthwash?

‘It’s not essential,’ says
Dr Dodd. Especially if you’re
brushing and using interdental
brushes/flossing twice a day.
But it can be a nice tool to use
to help your mouth feel fresher.

WHY DO MY GUMS BLEED?
‘Bleeding gums is a sign that
something’s wrong with your
gum health,’ warns Dr Dodd.
‘It means that there is active
gum inflammation caused by
bacteria. There are varying

14

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

scales of gum disease. It could
be gingivitis or, if it’s more
extreme, it could be something
called periodontitis.’ If gums
bleed at home when you brush,
get them checked by a dentist.

Health
TOOTHBRUSH
BASICS

DO I REALLY
NEED TO FLOSS
EVERY DAY?

Yes! ‘I personally recommend
the use of interdental brushes,’
says Dr Dodd. ‘Floss won’t
often be big enough in gaps or
spaces between some teeth.
Interdental brushes of the right
size get in between the gaps
to remove
plaque
properly.’

TRY…

TePe Interdental
Brushes
from £3.35 for
six, Superdrug

Are electric toothbrushes
better than manual ones?

‘A manual toothbrush, if used correctly, is perfectly adequate
at removing plaque from the teeth,’ says Dr Dodd. ‘What we
find is that people tend not to use a manual toothbrush very
well and this is why we recommend electric toothbrushes –
they do all the hard work for you.’

WHAT SHOULD I EAT TO MAKE
SURE I GET BETTER TEETH?

Avoid sugary foods and drinks
‘Snacking on these throughout
the day will cause tooth decay,’
says Dr Dodd. ‘The sugar in the
food starts to rot the teeth and
can then cause cavities. If you
get a cavity, you’ll need a filling.
If the decay hits
the nerve of the
tooth, you’ll
need root canal
treatment or tooth
removal. I’d also
recommend
avoiding acidic
drinks such as diet
drinks. If you’re
sipping on these

throughout the day, it’s likely
to cause enamel erosion,
resulting in your dentine
becoming exposed, which
can cause pain and sensitivity.’
Make sure your diet is healthy
and well-balanced, with plenty
of vitamin C ‘Vitamin C plays
an important role in our oral
hygiene, especially when it
comes to helping prevent
gum disease,’ says wellness
expert Samantha Greener**.
‘A lack of vitamin C, from
sources such as citrus fruits,
peppers and broccoli, could
lead to an increased risk of gum
infections and weaker teeth.’

‘We all know the
importance of good
dental hygiene and how
essential it is to brush our
teeth twice a day,’ says
dentist Dr Alan Clarke***.
‘However, one thing we
often overlook is how we
store our toothbrushes.’
Here are his top tips.
✱ Keep it dry to prevent
moisture build-up, which
can lead to the growth
of bacteria and germs.
After you’ve brushed your
teeth, shake off excess
water, and let it air-dry in
an upright position.
✱ Don’t store it in a
closed container This
can create a humid
environment, encouraging
bacterial growth. Leave it
in an open-air environment
to allow it to dry effectively.
✱ Keep it away from the
toilet When you flush
the loo, the germs and
bacteria from the bowl
can travel up to six feet
away. Try to store your
toothbrush at least 6ft
away from the toilet to
avoid contamination.
✱ Avoid sharing
toothbrushes This can
transfer bacteria and
germs from one person
to another, leading to
infections and diseases.
✱ Use a toothbrush cover
If you’re travelling or need
to store your toothbrush
in a shared space, use
a cover to protect bristles
from coming into contact
with other surfaces. Just
remember to allow it to
dry correctly.
✱ Replace your
toothbrush regularly
Even with proper storage,
toothbrushes need to
be replaced every three
to four months or when
bristles start to fray.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

15

Competition

WIN a

holiday to a
Greek island

The winner and their guest will
be able to relax by the pool

Fun in the sun, thanks to Neutradol

F

resh air specialists
Neutradol, with a
product for every
smelly situation, are
giving you the chance to win
a holiday abroad.
Imagine waking up to clear
skies, sunshine and a friendly
atmosphere in your home for
a week, the Pasiphae Hotel in
Lesvos. Lush green gardens,
traditional Greek landscapes
and deliciously tempting food
will make sure you and your
chosen guest relax. Head to
nearby salt marshes to spot
exotic birds or visit historic Skala
Kallonis town. Back at the hotel,
catch some rays on a lounger or
cool down in the outdoor pool.
Feeling refreshed on your
return, you will want your home
to have that holiday freshness,
and stay clean and free from
bacteria. Lingering bacteria
causes unpleasant smells
and covering it up is not the
answer, which is why you need
Neutradol. It kills the molecules
that cause bad odours, making
it different to other brands that

16

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

just cover up the smells with
a synthetic perfume. With
Neutradol you can be sure your
home remains fresh and clean.
It’s safe, hygienic and it keeps
killing bacteria long after other
air fresheners have stopped
hiding odours with unpleasant
chemicals, which is why
Neutradol is the world’s most
effective air deodorizer.
Fresh air for your home,
work or car is available from
Neutradol, in Original, Super
Fresh and Fresh Pink, all in
Spray and Gel. There are also
products for dustbins and
Deofab for fabrics. And don’t
forget Neutradol Carpet
Deodorizer is now the UK’s
biggest deodorizing carpet
brand – you simply shake it on
your carpet and then vacuum
up any lingering dirt and smells.
For the full Neutradol range,
with a product for every smelly
situation, and a chance to win
a holiday, visit neutradol.com.
And don’t forget to buy
After Bite to relieve any bites
and stings on any holiday.

HOW TO ENTER
Just answer this question:
Q In which county
is Skegness?
A Lancashire
B Lincolnshire
C Leicestershire
If you know the answer,
visit competitions.womans
weekly.com and enter
for your chance to win
a holiday. This competition
is open from 9am on
5 June and closes at
11.59pm on 5 July 2024.

Terms and conditions: Standard Woman’s
Weekly terms and conditions apply, for
details go to futureplc.com/competitionrules. Entry implies acceptance to these
rules. For website rules of play, go to
competitions.womansweekly.com/rules.
The promoter is Future PLC and Neutradol
is the supplier of the prize. UK only. In the
event of a conflict between the terms and
conditions in this promotional material and
the standard Woman’s Weekly terms and
conditions, the former shall prevail. The
winner and their guest will receive a
seven-night stay at the Pasiphae Hotel,
Skala Kallonis, Lesvos, Greece. Round-trip
flights are included, are subject to airline
terms and conditions, and do not include
optional extras. The holiday must be taken
by 30 June 2025, and excludes bank
holidays, Easter, July, August and the
Christmas period, and is subject to
availability. Travel to airports or incidental
expenses are not included. There is no
cash or other alternative to the prize stated
the prize is not transferable, and no part
or parts of the prize may be substituted
for other benefits, items or additions. Prior
to departure, the winner must purchase
comprehensive travel insurance either from
the agent supplying the holiday or through
their own source. The judge’s decision
is final and binding on the entrants. No
correspondence will be entered into.

it’s a funny old world

Column

‘We’re addicted to buying
poor-quality clothes’
THIS WEEK’S COLUMNIST Designer and entrepreneur Patrick Grant
When I was a kid, most
of the clothes we bought
were made in this country,
they were of a really high
standard, and they lasted
for ages. We may not have had that many,
but we never thought of ourselves as
short of clothes.
Statistically, we have five times as many
clothes now as we had 50 years ago,
but they’re all made out of plastic in the
cheapest possible way, and in countries
where they treat the people who make
them terribly. The dreadful chemicals
used in the process are then
spewed out into the sea.
Where we used to buy a really
small quantity of high-quality
clothes, we’re now addicted
to buying an extraordinary
amount of poor-quality ones
made 6,000 miles away.
Years ago, it would cost a day’s wages to
buy a dress. Now, you can buy one for half
an hour’s pay. When clothes were more
expensive, we had to think about whether
we needed them. Often, we saved up for
them. When I was growing up, there was no
fast fashion. I’d buy a Paul Smith shirt and

wear it every Saturday night until it wore out.
We’ve been conned into thinking we need
more stuff; that it will make us feel better.
So I believe we should feel proud each
time we wear something again. Unless I’m
going somewhere formal or I’m on TV, I wear
my trusted field trousers. They’re made out
of heavy-duty cotton twill and age in a really
nice way. The more I wear them, the more
I like them. I also have a 1980s dusty plum
jumper my granny gave me, which she
bought at a charity shop she worked at.
She thought I’d like it – and she was right.
It’s very special to me. Every time I wear
it, I think of her. I have some
of my grandad’s clothes too.
I used to buy one really
nice item of clothing every
season, and now have a
wardrobe of key pieces
I really like. I think I bought
one or two items of clothing last year.
Today, even our furniture is low-quality.
I have a couple of chairs in the kitchen
that are 300 years old. There’s no way
most chairs bought today would last that
long. Almost every bit of furniture in my
house is second-hand, bought from online
selling sites or auction houses. It’s just

‘Upcycling
can be
wonderful’

✱ Less by Patrick Grant (£22, HB, HarperCollins) is out now.

WORDS: ZOE WEST. PHOTOS: ALAMY, BBC

‘My funny old week’
WHERE I’VE BEEN In North Yorkshire at my house. I live on
the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. I also made
a quick trip to Edinburgh for my mum’s 80th birthday.
WHO I’VE MET The chairman of the Westmorland Damson
Association. I live very close to somewhere known for
producing wonderful damsons, which are an endangered
species. He bought me a young damson tree for the
orchard I’m replanting at my house.
WHAT I’VE SEEN A stoat – I’ve seen it three times in
my garden. It’s been a good week for seeing wildlife,
with woodpeckers, field mice and lots of curlews.
WHAT I’VE BOUGHT Seed potatoes, and a fig tree
to be planted against the wall of my walled garden.

a question of confidence; to search around
and look for items you like.
Upcycling used to be frowned upon,
but as we have seen on The Great British
Sewing Bee, taking a pre-loved dress and
making it into a children’s dress or using
old bits of fabric to make a jacket can
be a wonderful thing. According to the
British Fashion Council, we have enough
clothes on the planet
to clothe the next six
generations of the
human race. We don’t
need any more.

Retired but...
NOT FOR
LONG!
Meet three women
tempted to return
to the workplace

‘Part-time work pays
for my wanderlust’
Fiona Lockyer, 61, lives
in Manchester.
Some people take time to travel
before they start work, but I did
things the other way around. In
December 2019, having worked
in the hospitality industry for 40
years, I decided to retire from
my role as hotel manager and
take time out to travel. Having
paid into a pension since 18 and
with my twin daughters, Hebe
and Imogen, now 25, at uni,
it seemed the
perfect moment.
In the end,
starting my year
of travel in
January 2020
wasn’t ideal.
But I had
two wonderful
months in Kenya before
COVID-19 restrictions started.
Back home during lockdown
I joined an online community
for over-50s called Rest Less,
which gave me a sense of
connection, and I took part in
some workshops through the
platform, too. However, after
a few weeks of lockdown,
I felt I needed to get out of the
house. I took a temping job

in a factory, and even worked
for a while as a vaccinator.
Then in March 2022, I saw an
advert online that changed my
life. A local council in Greater
Manchester was looking for
people to train as registrars. I’ve
lots of experience in running
events, so I applied. After a
two-day training programme
and lots of observations, I was
ready for the off – performing
my first civil ceremony that May.
It’s a flexible
role and I specify
my availability,
meaning if I want
to travel, I can. It’s
also completely
joyous being part
of someone’s
special day.
That July, I also took a job as
a barista in my local cafe as a
way to get out and about. I use
the money to pay for my luxuries,
such as holidays, and as it’s
flexible work, I can take time
off when I wish.
Both jobs are such fun that
they don’t feel like work. And
I’ve got a little extra in my
pocket to indulge my wanderlust.
✱ restless.co.uk

‘I saw an
advert online
that changed
my life’

18

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Fiona has found
such joy being
a registrar

‘It’s far less stressful
than my previous job’
Tracey Deeming, 61, lives
in Cambridgeshire with
her partner, Kevin, 64.
Three years ago I was
working as a lecturer in a
college, training teachers. The
job was highly pressurised
and I’d often find myself
putting in 50-hour weeks. My
partner Kevin is retired and
when he saw how stressed
I was getting he suggested I
take a break, perhaps see
whether retirement suited me.
I was able to draw a small
pension from an earlier role
in the electricity industry
I’d had before I left to have

children in the mid-90s, so
I have an income even
though I’ve yet to claim my
teacher’s pension.
Since leaving my job in 2021,
I’ve found that retirement
suits me well! I’m very active,
and feel fitter than ever. I do
a couple of Pilates classes a
week, an aerobics class, have
joined an arts and crafts group
and a book club. Kevin and I
also spend more time together
– we’re always going for days
out or for country walks.
As a vegan and as someone
who’s very environmentally
conscious, I often shop at

Real life

Nicky’s business
idea has given
her freedom

‘I’m giving back to the local community’

a local eco store near me.
The Green Weigh Shop,
in Sawston, is plastic-free,
eco- and vegan-friendly. One
day when I was chatting to the
manager, she asked whether
I’d be interested in doing a few
hours’ work
there. I was
intrigued. I’m
always up for
trying new
things and
loved the
shop, so said
I’d give it a try.
Now I work around a day
a week – often two half-days –
and thoroughly enjoy it. I chat
to customers and share my
knowledge about veganism
and the different choices

a good pension and was able to
step away. But at just 49 I wasn’t
ready for a traditional retirement.
As a qualified personal trainer,
I loved the idea
of running a
gym – and felt
the coffee shop
would be a
great community
asset. Feeling
excited, I made
enquiries and
discovered that I could lease
the building with the eventual
goal of buying. It was one of

‘It was one of
those “now
or never”
moments’

people can make to be kinder
to the environment. I’m not
a professional; it’s an interest
for me – but I love helping
people on that journey.
While I do the work for
the variety it brings to my
week rather
than the
money, I’m
squirrelling
what I can
away from
my earnings
– perhaps
one day I’ll
be able to pay towards the
weddings of my daughters,
Nancy, 29, and Milly, 26,
if and when they happen.
It’s a nice little nest egg
for future fun.

‘I chat to
customers
and share my
knowledge’

Tracey loves
working at
an eco shop.
Inset: With her
partner Kevin

those ‘now or never’ moments
and I thought, ‘Why not?’
The premises were enormous,
so I kept the garage and divided
the remaining
space into a
small gym and
cafe. I took
over the lease
in April 2018
and by July
we were open.
The gym has
since evolved into a community
space. I still run fitness classes,
but other clubs and societies
use the space too, including
a youth club and craft groups.
The Giddy Goat Coffee Shop
– named after a story about the
origins of coffee – has really
taken off. We’ve expanded to
offer meals and can now have
seating for 30 inside, with more
in our outside space. Running
the business was full on, but
by 2022 I was able to take on
enough staff to take a step back.
Now I cover shifts when
needed but have more time;
some of which I use to run
my consultancy business,
The Communication Coach,
set up a few years ago.
Taking retirement gave
me the breathing space to
find something new. Now
I’m working the hours I
choose, and providing a
community space for my
village. I’m incredibly fulfilled.
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

19

WORDS: GILLIAN HARVEY. PHOTOS OF NICKY: JAI SHAH

Nicky Perfect, 55, lives in
Bedfordshire with her partner
Jules, 45.
‘It sounds amazing!’ my partner
Jules said encouragingly. It
was January 2018 and I’d just
discovered a local business
premises was for sale. It was
run as a garage, but I’d casually
mentioned how great it would
be to open a gym and coffee
shop for the local community.
I’d recently retired from my
policing role as a hostage and
crisis negotiator; having started
in the force aged 18, I’d built up

SUMMER tops
Team them with your favourite jeans or linen trousers

£15, sizes
8-24,
George
at Asda

20
£20

UNDER

£11.99,
sizes
xs-xl,
H&M

£18, sizes
10-28, David
Emanuel at
Bonmarché

£18,
sizes
xs-4xl,
H&M

£12, sizes
8-26,
George
at Asda

£16, sizes 8-26, George at Asda

PERFECT
FOR
PETITES

£14.50, sizes
8-18, Petite
collection at
mandco.com

£10, sizes
8-26,
George
at Asda

£16, sizes 8-24, Peacocks

20

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

WILLIAM
MORRIS
PRINT

Fashion

£19.99,
sizes
xs-xl,
Mango

£18, sizes 8-26,
Bonprix at
freemans.com

STYLING: BECKY JOINER-O’RIORDAN. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: CAROLYN WREN, USING BY TERRY AND HAIR BY SAM MCKNIGHT. MODEL: PETRA AT MRS ROBINSON.
WITH THANKS TO LE JARDIN DES DOUARS, ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO, WITH B&B ROOMS FROM £140 PER NIGHT; JARDINDESDOUARS.COM

£19, sizes 8-24,
longtallsally.com

£19.50, sizes 6-24, M&S

£12, sizes
xs-xxl,
Primark

Top, £19.50, sizes 6-22,
F&F at Tesco; jeans,
£32, sizes 8-20, V by
very.co.uk; earrings,
£16, bettyandbiddy.com;
bracelet, £12.50, FatFace

£16, sizes 8-24, Peacocks

£18,
sizes
6-26,
Next

£18,
sizes
6-26,
Next

£18, sizes 8-24,
Peacocks

£19.50,
sizes
6-24,
M&S

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

21

Treat your
Get ready for sandal season with
our step-by-step pedicure guide
Salt & soak

Just like with a pro-pedi, take
some time to relax by filling
a bowl with warm water and
sprinkling in a handful of
Westlab Dead Sea Bath Salt,
£3, Boots, and a generous
drizzling of Boots Soothing
Foot Bath, £3.79, Boots.
Pop your feet in and soak
for 15 minutes to let the water
and salts work their magic,
softening the hard skin on
your soles and refreshing
tired feet before
drying thoroughly.

Buff & file

Next take either a foot file
like M&S Bamboo Foot
File, £3.50, Ocado, or an
electric device such as
Magnitone Well Heeled
Express Pedicure
System, £29.99,
Superdrug, and start
to smooth any dead
dry skin from your feet.
A build-up of dry skin
can lead to cracked
heels and look unsightly
in sandals too, so keep
filing until you’ve got rid
of all of the dead skin.

22

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Exfoliate
& smooth

Nothing says silky smooth skin quite like a
foot scrub, and PS… Glycolic Acid Foot Scrub,
£3.50, Primark, is such a treat to use on tired feet.
Recreate a spa treatment by massaging this eucalyptus
and sweet mint-scented scrub from your knees down to
your toes. The ritual of buffing away dead skin and adding
moisture will reveal the smoothest legs and feet.

Beauty
Nourish
& soften

Nothing keeps your feet in
better condition than a hardworking foot cream. The brand new
Scholl Expert Care Intense Nourish
Foot Cream for Hard Skin, £6.99,
Boots, offers intense nourishment
thanks to 5% urea and glycerine. Apply
daily for best results. But if you want a
quick fix, spray some Margaret Dabbs
Intensive Treatment Foot Oil, £23,
Boots, which instantly illuminates,
hydrates and smooths feet, and
adds a lovely fresh scent of
lemon. A must-have for the
summer months!

Neutralise & purify

WORDS: ANNIE MILROY. PHOTOS: GETTY

Help restore and regenerate your toenails with the aid
of an antiseptic nail treatment. Dr Organic Tea Tree Nail
Solution, £6.49, Superdrug, works to purify, strengthen
and provide antiseptic benefits to nails, while protecting
against future infections. Ideal
for using as a primer before
applying a colour, this
nail treatment is a
great all-rounder and
is so easy to apply
thanks to the
handy brush
applicator.

Trim & tidy

Using nail scissors, cut your nails straight across, leaving
just a few millimetres of white nail. Follow by shaping
with a file and taking care in the corners to ensure they
are smooth – spending time to properly shape your
toenails will make them look so much better. Invest in
a manicure set like Mylee Manicure Tools Kit, £18,
Amazon, which will serve
your hands and feet
for years.

Polish &
colour

No pedicure is complete
without a gorgeous pop of
colour, and Next Plant-Based
Gel Effect Nail Polish in
Life’s a Peach, £6.50,
Next, is the perfect
shade for the upcoming
summer months.
Made with 65% natural
origin ingredients,
this long-lasting
and high-coverage
gel-effect polish
will give you a
professional highshine finish with ease.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

23

When a daughter and father were
dealt two devastating blows, they
both got through it together

T

hinking back to her
childhood, most of
Jessica’s memories
involve her dad John,
and more specifically, her
incessant efforts to follow
him everywhere he went.
‘Dad was my hero and I was
his little shadow,’ remembers
29-year-old Jessica Perks, from
Marske-by-the-Sea. ‘He often
took me out on his fishing
boat, which was one of my
favourite things to do together,
and when I turned 18, he even
let me tag along when he went
to the pub with his friends.’
As a selfemployed
electrician, John
worked long
hours, so when
he started feeling
run-down in early
2022, Jessica
and the family
– her mum Tracy, now 56, sister
Laura, 35, and brother David,
33 – assumed he’d overdone it.
‘He had a lingering cough
he couldn’t get rid of, even with
antibiotics, and around that
time, I also started feeling off,’

Jessica explains.
‘My skin was
itchy and
I kept feeling
breathless.
Both of us
went for
numerous
tests and
X-rays
at Redcar
Hospital.’
But while John’s
X-rays were clear,
Jessica’s revealed
a lump between her lungs
and she was referred for further
examinations.
‘I tried not
to dwell on my
own symptoms
and was more
worried about
Dad, who
would vomit
after eating,
and was losing weight fast,’
Jessica says.
Then, in late July, with tests
indicating a dangerously low
blood count, John was rushed
into the intensive care unit at
James Cook Hospital. Over the

‘I tried not
to dwell on
my own
symptoms’

24

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

In the early 90s,
John and his little
shadow, Jessica

coming days,
Jessica kept
At 18, Jessica
a vigil at his
used to go to the
bedside with
pub with her dad
her mum and
siblings. They
were all afraid and unsure what
if he would make it and the
was happening as he drifted
prognosis didn’t look good.
in and out of consciousness.
Meanwhile, Jessica’s
A bone marrow biopsy
symptoms worsened as she
brought answers and in August, felt drained of energy and
John was diagnosed with
permanently breathless. Finally,
non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type
in early September, following
of blood cancer affecting the
numerous tests and a biopsy
white blood cells and lymph
on the lump in her chest, she
nodes. Doctors weren’t certain
got a diagnosis too.

Real life

With nurses from the
haematology unit

‘Sitting in a doctor’s office at
James Cook Hospital, down the
corridor from where Dad was
being treated, I braced myself
for bad news. And sure enough,
it came,’ Jessica recalls. ‘I had
Hodgkin lymphoma, a different
form of blood cancer. Dad’s
illness had been the biggest
shock, but I’d never expected
it to happen to us both.’
Jessica and John’s diagnoses
weren’t linked or hereditary.
It was just a cruel coincidence.
The family, including Jessica’s
fiancé, Eric, 41, was reassured
that her condition was treatable,
although she had months of
chemo ahead. But there was
still one person who didn’t know.
By now, John had improved

enough to start chemo in the
intensive care unit, but he was
weak from medication. Jessica
knew she had to tell him.
‘Dad’s face crumpled as
I broke the news about my
diagnosis,’ Jessica sighs. ‘I told
him I would be right beside him
every step of the way.’
Thankfully, with John’s
treatment taking effect, he grew
stronger by the day, and after
he was moved out of intensive
care, he was discharged from
hospital and able to continue
chemo as an outpatient. And
by an incredible fluke, his third
session was scheduled to take
place on the same day as
Jessica’s first, in mid October.
‘Before our appointment, I did

to lose!’ Jessica laughs. As her
hair thinned out, she decided to
shave it off, glad for the baseball
cap to cover her head in winter.
By March 2023, their
treatments had finished and
weeks later, they were both
told that they were cancer free.
To celebrate, they partied with
family, friends and the nurses
who had taken care of them in
May, this time wearing glittery
‘Cancer Free’ headbands.
But while they’ve had the
all-clear, John, now 59, has
been left with irreparable heart
damage, which
means he
often feels tired,
and Jessica
gained a lot of
weight during
treatment. But
she isn’t letting
that hold her
back as she trains for the Great
North Run in September, which
she will be running in aid of
Lymphoma Action, and plans
her wedding to Eric.
‘Life threw us an unexpected
hurdle but I’m so grateful Dad
and I made it out the other
side, together,’ Jessica reflects.
‘We’ve always been close and
stood side by side – whether
it’s on the boat, in the pub or on
the cancer ward. He’s always
been there to support me.’

‘Dad’s third
chemo was on
the same day
as my first’

✱ For more information, visit
lymphoma-action.org.uk
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

25

WORDS: LOUISE BATY. PHOTOS: A.HARRIS@LYMPHOMA-ACTION.ORG.UK

The pair wearing
their matching
caps before their
chemo sessions

some secret online shopping
and just before we were due to
head off to hospital, I presented
Dad with a gift,’ Jessica grins,
describing the matching blue
baseball caps she bought for
herself and John. ‘The only
difference was that mine had
the words ‘Hodgy’ on it while
Dad’s hat was emblazoned
with ‘Non-Hodgy.’
Despite being embarrassed,
John was a good sport, donning
the cap alongside his daughter
as the pair strolled into the
haematology ward at James
Cook Hospital.
The other
patients and
nurses were
amused as
they posed for
a quick snap in
their hats before
being connected
to the chemotherapy drips.
‘Making light of this nightmare
was my way of coping and, as
hard as it was to know Dad was
poorly too, having him beside
me helped me get through it,’
Jessica says. ‘When my first
round of chemo left me feeling
horrendous, it gave me strength
knowing Dad was there for me
and knew how I was feeling.’
Back home, between chemo
sessions, they kept each other’s
spirits up with lively banter. ‘Dad
noticed he was losing his hair
by November, but I reminded
him there hadn’t been much

Fresh & FABULOUS
Jazz up weeknight dinners with these super summer salads
PER
SERVING

552 cals, 25g
fat, 11g sat fat,
60g carbs

Sticky halloumi,
watermelon
and freekeh
Refreshingly light with the addition
of salty halloumi, this one would be
great to scale up for a crowd.
SERVES 4 READY IN 20 mins
✱ 200g freekeh (or wholewheat
couscous, made to pack instructions)
✱ 1½tbsp runny honey
✱ 1tsp sumac, plus extra to serve
✱ 225g block of halloumi, halved
lengthways
✱ 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil
✱ Large handful basil leaves, roughly
chopped, plus extra leaves to serve
✱ ½ small baby watermelon, cut into
bite-sized pieces
✱ ½ cucumber, halved, seeds scooped
out and cut into bite-sized chunks
✱ Pomegranate molasses, to
drizzle (optional)

1

Put the freekeh in a medium pan with
1tsp sea salt and cover with 3cm of
water above the grain line. Bring to the
boil, cover and reduce the heat, and
simmer for 15 mins. Drain if necessary,
then set aside to cool in a bowl.
Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. In
a bowl, mix the honey and 1tsp sumac,
add the halloumi, turning to coat. Set aside.
In a small non-stick frying pan, heat
the oil and add the basil leaves,
cooking until wilted. Pour most of the
hot basil-infused oil and leaves into the
freekeh, with seasoning, tossing to coat.
Add the halloumi to the same pan
and brown for 1 min on all sides until
golden. Transfer to an oven tray lined
with baking paper and bake for 7 mins.
Spoon the freekeh on to a serving
platter, then top with the watermelon
and cucumber. Tear the warm halloumi
and scatter on top of the salad, then
drizzle with pomegranate molasses,
if using, and extra basil and sumac.

2
3

4

COOK’S TIP
Pomegranate molasses adds
a lovely sour sweet note,
but it’s not essential.

26

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

5

Cookery
Thai beef and noodles
Try this super-speedy and satisfying option that’s on
the table in just 15 minutes.
SERVES 4 READY IN 15 mins
✱ 2 x 200g sirloin steaks
✱ Sesame oil, for rubbing
✱ 275g pack cooked rice noodles
✱ ¼ cucumber, deseeded and cut into
half-moons
✱ 250g cherry plum tomatoes, halved
✱ 6 spring onions, finely sliced
✱ Handful Thai (or regular) basil leaves,
torn, plus extra to serve
✱ Handful coriander leaves, chopped,
plus extra to serve
✱ Handful fresh mint leaves, chopped,
plus extra to serve
✱ 1 baby gem lettuce, leaves separated
✱ 30g peanuts, chopped, to serve
(optional)
FOR THE DRESSING
✱ 4tbsp sesame oil
✱ ½-1 red chilli, finely chopped (the rest
sliced, to serve, optional)
✱ 2tsp palm sugar or demerara sugar
✱ 2tsp fish sauce

PER
SERVING

548 cals, 27g
fat, 7g sat fat,
48g carbs

COOK’S TIP
Leftover dressing
can be chilled and
used up on other
salads or as a
sauce for chicken.

PER
SERVING

546 cals, 36g
fat, 12g sat fat,
✱ Juice 2 limes, plus
25g carbs
extra wedges

1

Take the steaks out of the
fridge 10 mins ahead of
cooking. Heat a frying pan or
griddle pan until hot. Rub both
sides of the steaks with sesame
oil, then sear for 3-4 mins on
each side or until cooked to your
liking. Set aside to rest.
Meanwhile, toss the noodles
and remaining salad ingredients
in a large bowl or on a platter.
Shake the dressing ingredients
in a jar or whisk in a bowl.
Toss most of the dressing with the
salad. Slice the steak thinly, then
arrange on top and drizzle over
the remaining dressing.
Serve on the platter or on
individual plates with the extra
herbs and nuts, if using.

2
3

4

COOK’S TIP
It’s worth using a tender cut such
as sirloin here, but rump would
also work well.

Prawn and mango with coriander dressing
We’ve used mango chutney and lime pickle to ramp up the flavour in this no-cooking-required meal.
SERVES 2 READY IN 10 mins
✱ 200g cooked wild rice or grain pouch
✱ 1 ripe mango, cut into chunks
✱ 1 ripe avocado, cut into chunks
✱ ¼ cucumber, peeled into ribbons
✱ 150g cooked king prawns
✱ Couple of handfuls pea shoots or rocket
FOR THE DRESSING
✱ 4tbsp thick Greek yogurt
✱ 2tbsp mango chutney (we like Geeta’s)
✱ 1tbsp lime pickle
✱ ½ red chilli, chopped
✱ Handful coriander, plus extra leaves
to serve
✱ Juice 1 lime, plus extra wedges for
squeezing
✱ 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1
2
3

Toss the rice, mango, avocado and
cucumber in a bowl.
Whizz all the dressing ingredients in
a small processor, then toss a few
spoonfuls through the rice.
Divide the rice between 2 bowls, then
top with the prawns and pea shoots,
with extra dressing on the side to serve. >>
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

27

Mozzarella and tomato
‘bruschetta’ salad
A deconstructed bruschetta, with mozzarella,
warm deli favourites and crunchy ciabatta sticks
– as easy as it is tasty.
SERVES 2 READY IN 10 mins
✱ 1 small 150g ciabatta loaf, halved and
cut into 4 lengthways
✱ 2tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
✱ 1 sprig thyme or rosemary, leaves
picked and chopped
✱ 150g tomatoes on the vine
✱ 1 roasted red pepper from a jar/can,
cut into thick strips
✱ 50g pitted green olives
✱ Handful rocket leaves
✱ 100g ball mozzarella
✱ 4 anchovies in oil (optional)
✱ Basil leaves, to serve
✱ 1tsp balsamic vinegar

1

Heat the grill to medium-high. Put the
ciabatta on a tray with a drizzle of oil
and the herbs, salt and black pepper.
Grill for 2-3 mins to toast. Set aside
and add the tomatoes, pepper and

PER
SERVING

513 cals, 28g
fat, 10g sat fat,
43g carbs

olives to the
tray and grill
for 3-4 mins,
until warmed
through and
the tomatoes
begin to burst.
Arrange the
rocket and
mozzarella on
a large plate
with the warm
tomatoes,
pepper, olives
and anchovies,
if using.
In a small
food processor, blitz the 2tbsp olive
oil and basil leaves. Drizzle this and the
balsamic vinegar over the salad. Serve
with the toasted ciabatta.

2

3

COOK’S TIP
Substitute 1-2tsp olive oil for
anchovy oil from the can, if using.

SERVES 4 READY IN 30 mins
✱ 3 medium free-range eggs
✱ 2tsp maple syrup
✱ 1tbsp Cajun spice rub (we used Waitrose
Deep South Cajun Rub)
✱ 500g piece sustainably sourced skinless
salmon (or 3 large fillets)
✱ 2 sweetcorn on the cob
PER
✱ 20g unsalted butter

SERVING

730 cals, 58g
fat, 18g sat fat,
9g carbs

✱ ½tbsp olive oil
✱ 6 spring onions, trimmed and cut
into thirds
✱ ½ red chilli, sliced into thin rounds
✱ 120g baby leaf spinach
✱ 300g heritage baby tomatoes, chopped
✱ 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
FOR THE DRESSING
✱ 75g soft blue cheese, we used Saint Agur
✱ 75g soured cream
✱ 50g mayonnaise
✱ Juice 1 lemon
✱ 3tbsp snipped fresh chives

1

Put the eggs in a pan of cold
water, bring to a boil, then
reduce and simmer for 6 mins.
Run under cold water to cool,
then peel and chop.
Meanwhile, mix the maple
syrup, spice rub and
¼tsp sea salt in a large bowl,
add the salmon and toss
to coat, then set aside.
Heat the grill to high. Heat
an ovenproof frying pan
until hot. Toss the sweetcorn

2

3

in a splash of oil, then cook in the pan
for 10-15 mins, until golden and charred.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Using a sharp knife, slice off the kernels.
Using the same pan, melt the butter
with the olive oil. Sear the salmon for
1-2 mins on each side to seal.
Add the spring onions and chilli to
the pan and drizzle over any leftover
marinade. Cook under the grill for 5 mins
until the fish is cooked.
Meanwhile, make the dressing.
In a large bowl, whisk the cheese,
soured cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice
and chives with a balloon whisk until
smooth. Toss through the spinach to
coat, then pile on to a serving platter.
Arrange the salmon, eggs, spring onions,
tomatoes, sweetcorn and avocado in
neat rows on top, and drizzle over any
remaining sauce from the pan.

4
5

6

COOK’S TIP
The richness of the dressing cuts
through the heat from the spice rub.

COMPILED BY: ROSE FOOKS. RECIPES AND PHOTOS: FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

Cajun salmon cobb Swapping chicken for salmon in this classic is a tasty way to get your oily fish quota.

Cookery
COOK’S TIP
Vary the flavour of the pesto; try
other leafy herbs, such as parsley
or coriander, or cashew nuts.

PER
SERVING

(for 6)
532 cals, 20g fat,
6g sat fat,
31g carbs

Grilled chicken and fresh pesto Making pesto from scratch is speedy in a food processor.
SERVES 4-6 READY IN 30 mins,
plus marinating
✱ 8 free-range skinless, boneless
chicken thighs
✱ Zest and juice 2 lemons
✱ 1tsp Dijon mustard
✱ 1 garlic clove, crushed
✱ 30ml extra virgin olive oil, plus
extra for frying
✱ 1kg new potatoes, large ones
halved
✱ 200g green beans, trimmed
✱ 100g frozen broad beans, podded
✱ Bunch spring onions, sliced
✱ 100g natural yogurt

FOR THE PESTO
✱ 70g almonds, plus extra to serve
✱ 1 large garlic clove
✱ 40g Parmesan, plus extra to serve
✱ 100g basil leaves, plus extra to serve
✱ 100ml olive oil

1

In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs,
juice of 2 lemons and zest of 1 lemon,
mustard, garlic and oil. Season well,
then cover and chill for 1 hr, or longer
if making ahead.
Boil the potatoes in a pan of salted
water for 15-20 mins or until tender.
Add both beans for the last 2-3 mins.

2

3

Add a splash of oil to a large frying
pan and cook the chicken for 8-10
mins until charred and cooked through.
Set aside to rest, then slice.
Meanwhile, whizz the pesto
ingredients in a food processor
until smooth but still with a bit of
texture. Chill until required.
Drain the potatoes and beans then
toss them in a large bowl with the
spring onions and yogurt. Tip on to a
platter and top with the sliced chicken.
Add a splash of water to the pesto then
drizzle over. Top with extra basil leaves,
almonds and Parmesan shavings.

4
5

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

29

Good to know

Cutting our

CARBON
FOOTPRINT
Reducing our impact
on the environment is
good for the planet
and our pocket

WORDS: RAE RITCHIE. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

O

ur feet have
an impact on the
ground every
time we take
a step. The same is true for
us all – but the bigger your
feet, the bigger the impact.
We can use the metaphor
of a footprint to understand
the effect that we have
on the environment. We
all have a carbon footprint.
The bigger it is, the more
we are contributing to global
warming, as by burning
carbon that was taken out
of the atmosphere perhaps
many billions
of years
ago (which
became
deposits of
oil or coal),
we are
potentially
returning
the world
to the hotter
temperatures
that were normal
back then.

Money-saving
actions
Some things you do can
dramatically reduce your
carbon footprint, but these

are a lot to ask, such as
replacing a gas boiler with
a heat pump, or swapping a
petrol or diesel car for an
electric one. But if you can,
that’s great.
Fortunately, there are
smaller steps that will make
a positive difference, too, and
equally important, they can
save you cash:
✱ Make your home warmer
by adding draught excluders
to doors and windows.
✱ Look for ways to save
energy. When cooking, put
lids on pans when using
the hob, it will mean you
use less electricity.
✱ Try eating less
meat – for example,
choose a vegetarian

pizza or cook your own
vegetable lasagne.
✱ Get on your bike or make
the most of buses for local
trips. Use trains and coaches
when journeying further afield.
Check out travel card options
to see if you’re eligible for
discounted or free travel.

Change the world

Businesses and governments
have carbon footprints, too.
In the UK, we have reduced
our greenhouse gas emissions
by 50% between 1990 and
2022, and are committed to
be net zero by 2050. Some
say that’s more important
than the actions we take in
our own lives.
However, businesses in
particular, generally, try
to give the customer
what they want, so
climate expert Professor
Mike Berners-Lee
argues that there is
a connection between
cutting our own carbon
footprint and pushing
for bigger goals.
‘Individuals changing
their diets undoubtedly
encouraged Greggs to
introduce their now-famous
vegan sausage roll,’ he says.

WHAT’S
YOUR ECO
SHOE SIZE?
When asked for your
shoe size, you might say
four or 37. The unit of
measurement for carbon
footprints is carbon
dioxide equivalent (also
written as CO2e).
Scientists add the
word equivalent because
the figure includes
the impact of carbon
dioxide and other
greenhouse gases, such
as methane, in one
single sum rather than
lots of separate ones.
If you want to learn
more, you can calculate
your personal carbon
footprint to see what
changes would make
the most difference in
your life and track your
progress. Try the WWF
questionnaire (footprint.
wwf.org.uk) or the
carbon calculator from
sustainability platform
Giki Zero (zero.giki.earth).

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

31

Need to move more?
Here’s what the
experts recommend
TRY…
Badminton

It offers similar benefits
to tennis, without the
need to join a club.
Check out the courts
at your local leisure
centre.

NORDIC WALKING
To boost coordination

YOGA For toning up
Stretching can’t whip you into shape
– can it? Yes, it can! Even regular
sun salutations can tighten
and tone your body in just four
weeks. And you’ll probably feel
more peaceful too. Plus, gentler
forms (such as hatha) aid flexibility.
Search ‘Yoga with Adriene’ for free
classes on YouTube or seek out local
sessions in your area.
GREAT GEAR
✱ Azure mat, £17.99, debenhams.com, is
non-slip and padded to protect the knees.
✱ Eva yoga brick, £4.79, temu.com
✱ Chilly’s water bottle 500ml, £24,
John Lewis & Partners.

Walking with poles is a whole-body exercise that
harnesses the action of a cross-country skier, says
Gill Stewart from Nordic Walking UK. ‘You’ll tone
up with every step.’ Look online for demos or visit
nordicwalking.co.uk and britishnordicwalking.org.uk
to find instructors, introductory courses, and clubs or
societies in your area.
GREAT GEAR
✱ Hikehobby poles, £15, amazon.
co.uk, an ideal price for beginners.
✱ IsoCool socks, £11.99,
Mountain
Warehouse,
keep feet cosy.
✱ Regatta
Samaris III, £110,
regatta.com,
for great grip on
uneven terrain.

TENNIS For flexibility

Whatever your level, tennis provides a total
body workout, helping to improve agility,
strength and bone density (ideal postmenopause). It also helps to lower blood
pressure and burns up to 500 calories an
hour. Many new clubs have indoor facilities,
so you can play year-round. Visit the Lawn
Tennis Association website (lta.org.uk) for info
on clubs in your area.
GREAT GEAR
✱ Head racket, £26.50, Argos, is
lightweight and suitable for beginners.
✱ Slazenger balls, £5 for pack of three,
Sports Direct, are low compression
for a slower pace of game.
✱ Nike visor, £11.49, Decathlon,
will stop glare spoiling your play.

32

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

SWIMMING
To ease stiffness
Gliding through the water
builds stamina, flexibility and
strengthens the heart and lungs.
A swim buddy can help with
motivation. Non-swimmer? Ask
your local sports centre about
lessons for adult beginners.
If you don’t have a good
stroke, try improver lessons.
The Just Swim app (free,

App Store and Google Play)
includes workouts for all levels.
GREAT GEAR
✱ Silicone cap, £9.50,
zoggs.com, will protect your
hair from chlorine.
✱ Speedo Biofuse 2.0 goggles,
£24.50, John Lewis & Partners,
keep your eyes safe.
✱ Pullbuoy, £22, speedo.com,
use to work your arms or
legs independently.

Health
JOGGING For
heart health

As well as boosting cardio fitness and
toning your legs and tum, going for a jog
can zap 400 calories in just 30 minutes.
What’s more, it’s free to do, any time,
anywhere. Try the NHS Couch to 5K app
(free, App Store and Google Play), which
helps to train complete beginners.
GREAT GEAR
✱ Wrist bands, £9, JD Sports;
wick away moisture.
✱ Goodmove sports bra, £26,
sizes 32A-42E, M&S, will keep
everything in place!
✱ Fitbit Inspire 2, £49.99, Argos, for
no-fuss steps and
stats tracking.

TRY…
Golf

MAIN PHOTO (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. *OWNER OF BARRE SCULPT;
BARRESCULPTLTD.CO.UK. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP

CYCLING
For better
balance

Visit a driving range
or pitch and putt to see
whether you like it. Have
a course of lessons to learn
how to play before
splashing out on
joining a club.

A fun form of exercise
that has a low impact on
your joints. Visit the British
Cycling website (letsride.co.uk/
breeze) for info about women-only
Breeze Rides – a programme organising
rides for women in their local areas.
Don’t worry if your last bike had
stabilisers and ribbon tassels, Breeze
Rides are open to all abilities, offering
routes from three to 30 miles.
GREAT GEAR
✱ Halfords Essential Helmet, £10,
Halfords, to stay safe and seen.
✱ Gloves, £30, dare2b.com;
grip well and keep
your hands warm.
✱ Belt bag, £9.99,
Decathlon, will
store valuables
in one place.

DANCING For
brain health

Research suggests it can
cut your risk of dementia,
as following dance moves
requires mental focus and
anticipation. The burst of
feel-good hormones triggered

by activity, such as endorphins,
and the uplifting sound of
music also helps to elevate
your mood and confidence,
while different dance styles
offer different physical benefits.
‘Salsa strengthens leg and hip
muscles,’ says dancer Emma
Sykes*. Ballet works your core,
and ‘line dancing works the
lower back and abdominals’,
she adds.
GREAT GEAR
✱ Move Dance Ballet Shoe,
£8.95, movedancewear.
com, is made from soft
leather in a range of sizes.
✱ Next Active Leggings,
£22, next.co.uk, in a super
body-sculpting style.
✱ Studio T-shirt, £30,
adidas.co.uk; has a soft
feel and moisture wicking.
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

33

Health

Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

1

EYE STRAIN
‘This stressrelated
symptom presents
in many ways,
including headaches,
blurry vision and
dry, tired eyes,’ says
optician Nimmi
Mistry*. Fix it by taking a screen break
every 20 minutes to look at a fixed
point 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
MYOKYMIA
Eye twitching is a common
reaction, to stress and can be
eased by rest and reducing stress
levels. Exercise regularly, get plenty
of sleep and eat a healthy wellbalanced diet for good visual health.
BLEPHARITIS
Inflammation of the eyelid can
be caused by irritation and
itching. Drink enough to keep eyes
lubricated. ‘Have an eye test at least
every two years,’ says Nimmi.

2

3

NEWSFLASH
New jab to help
cure skin cancer
A vaccine based on
the COVID jab, which
trains the body to fight
melanoma skin cancer
cells, is being given to
patients in the UK as part
of a new trial. The jab,
mRNA-4157 (V940), is
a personalised drug that
uses the same mRNA technology that
helped to create the COVID vaccines,
and there are plans to develop it
for use against lung, bladder
and kidney cancer.

MY HEALTHY LIFE
Dr Sabina Brennan
is a psychologist
and neuroscientist.
My go-to remedy
Gardening or
other projects that
involve physical
rather than
mental effort. I can get totally lost
in manual labour for hours – it’s a
wonderful way to escape stress
and worries, giving my brain a
well-deserved break when it feels
full or foggy. If I have an infection
or really bad migraine, then
I go to bed and
give my body and
brain the sleep
it needs
to recover.
My favourite
meal
I’m partial to
spicy food, but
in winter you
can’t beat a tasty
homemade soup with
crusty bread and butter. In
summer, I love huge salads with
lots of fruit, nuts and seeds. If we have
people over, I love to prepare a variety
of dishes, salads, cold platters and
cheeseboards, and spend hours chatting
while we all share the food.
How I keep fit and healthy
For physical fitness, I walk, garden, kayak
and lift weights. I think it’s important to
have a project of some kind on the go

too because that
really benefits
my mental health
– giving my life
meaning and
purpose. In terms
of brain health, I like
to prioritise sleep and
eat a Mediterranean diet.
My perfect day
Blue skies. Balmy weather. A stroll around
the garden with the dogs. A leisurely
early-morning kayak on the placid lake.
Breakfast on the terrace, then a spot of
gardening with my husband. Friends drop
by for a casual lunch filled with laughter.
Work on a current project. A tasty supper.
Then a soak in the hot tub under a starry
sky overlooking the lake, followed by
a sauna.

New read
The Neuroscience of Manifesting
(£16.99, PB, Orion Spring)
Dr Sabina Brennan uses cutting-edge research to
demonstrate that the power to manifest the life
of our dreams is possible and resides within us all.
It’s not about blind trust or faith in higher powers,
she argues, it’s about changing how you think and
learning to harness the power of your brain.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

WORDS: TANYA PEAREY. PHOTOS: IVAN RAKHMANIN, GETTY. *OPTICIAN AT
VISIONDIRECT.CO.UK. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP

3 ways...
Stress affects
your eyes

35

Doctor Gill
ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR

Coping with
KYPHOSIS

Sleep & diabetes

This curvature of the spine causes the top
of the back to appear more rounded

E

veryone has some degree of spinal
curvature, but a curve of more than
45 degrees is considered excessive.
Sometimes this kyphosis, affecting the
spine in the chest (thoracic vertebrae),
doesn’t cause any symptoms other than
the back appearing abnormally curved
or hunched, but kyphosis can cause
back pain, tenderness, stiffness and
tiredness. If you have severe kyphosis,
your symptoms may worsen over time,
leading to difficulty breathing and eating.
Reasons for kyphosis include poor
posture (postural kyphosis), where
slouching, leaning back in chairs and
carrying heavy bags can stretch supporting
muscles and ligaments. Abnormal
development of the spine in the womb
(congenital kyphosis) can cause two or
more vertebrae to fuse together, or during
puberty, the vertebrae may not develop
correctly (Scheuermann’s kyphosis).
Also, as people age, spinal curvature
can increase. Kyphosis can also develop
as a result of spinal injury, osteoporosis,
cervical spondylosis, spina bifida,
Paget’s bone disease, neurofibromatosis,
tuberculosis, muscular dystrophy or
cancer. If you notice curving, or you’re
losing height or have chronic back pain
or breathlessness, see your GP, who’ll
examine you and
Dostarlimab, a monoclonal antibody, has
organise tests and
been recommended for the NHS Cancer Drugs
an X-ray/CT or
Fund, meaning it will be available while further
MRI scan. They’ll
evidence is collected. Trials so far showed that
then refer you to
dostarlimab, when used with platinum-based
a back specialist.
chemotherapy, improved life expectancy and
If your spine
extended time to progression in the 23% of UK
straightens when you lie down,
uterine cancers with ‘mismatch repair deficiency’
it’s likely to be postural kyphosis.
or ‘high microsatellite instability’, where cancer
Mild kyphosis may not need
is advanced or has recurred despite treatment.

ENDOMETRIAL
CANCER NEWS

36

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Possible
treatments
✱ POSTURE AND LIFESTYLE
Maintain a healthy weight. Try
activities such as yoga and Pilates,
which strengthen core muscles.
Postural kyphosis can usually be
corrected by improving posture.
✱ ANALGESIA Over-the-counter
painkillers, such as ibuprofen
or paracetamol, can help relieve
back pain. Regular exercise
and a course of physiotherapy
may be recommended to help
strengthen back muscles.
✱ CHILDHOOD KYPHOSIS
Treatment depends on many factors
but wearing a back brace may
be enough to prevent progression
until the child has stopped growing.
Bracing won’t help adults.
✱ SURGERY Often required for
children with congenital kyphosis.
It may also correct appearance and
relieve pain in adults, but the high
complication risk means it’s only
recommended for severe cases.

treatment, depending
how curved your spine is,
whether you have symptoms
and the underlying cause.
Postural kyphosis can
be managed by postural
awareness, taking care
of your back and physiotherapy exercises.
Avoid slouching, and instead sit upright with
your back supported, and avoid carrying

‘Exercise will
strengthen
the back’

PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): ALAMY, GETTY. DR GILL IS UNABLE TO OFFER INDIVIDUAL
ADVICE OR SEE INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS. ADVICE GIVEN HERE IS FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION ONLY. SEEK HELP FROM YOUR GP IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM

Compared with people who slept
seven to eight hours each night,
participants in the UK Biobank study
who slept for five hours or less were
slightly more likely to develop type
2 diabetes. The risk was higher for
those sleeping three to four hours
each night. Whatever the reason,
it doesn’t seem to be diet-related.
The association between short
sleep duration and increased risk
of type 2 diabetes was present
even when analysis was restricted
to people eating healthily.

Health
Flat feet don’t usually matter
True. Babies and infants
usually have flat feet and
sometimes the arch doesn’t
develop later, leaving adults with flat feet.
This doesn’t matter. However, if your
existing arch drops and your foot becomes
flat and painful, there may be a problem,
especially if it’s only in one foot, following
injury, or if you have arthritis elsewhere.
Discuss with your doctor or podiatrist.

True
or
false?

1

4 fixes for...
Indigestion

HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
Spicy or very fatty food,
alcohol and smoking
are all gastric irritants
that inflame the stomach.
Keep to plain food and
have alcohol-free weeks.
DIET AND WEIGHT
Large meals late in
the evening affect acid
production, as does your
weight. Being overweight
increases gut pressure,
risking acid reflux and
triggering indigestion.

2

heavy bags. Regular exercise will help
strengthen the back and keep it flexible.
Activities such as swimming, running,
walking and yoga are ideal for helping
to prevent back problems. Children with
kyphosis may only need non-surgical
treatments, such as bracing, to limit
the progression of kyphosis as they
grow. Kyphosis rarely requires surgical
treatment, unless severe.
Kyphosis complications, which
usually only occur in more severe cases,
can include: persistent pain; breathing
difficulties from compression of the lungs
and airways; spinal nerve compression
that disrupts nerve signals, causing
numbness or weakness in arms and
legs; balance problems, and loss of
normal bladder or bowel control. Serious
complications require urgent medical
attention and surgery may be necessary.

Q
A

3

AVOID ANTIINFLAMMATORY
PAINKILLERS
Drugs such as ibuprofen
and naproxen can cause
indigestion and bleeding.
Don’t take them too often.
PHARMACY GASTRIC
PROTECTORS
Short courses of
esomeprazole reduce
acid levels and may settle
chronic indigestion. If that
doesn’t help, see your GP
to confirm the diagnosis.

4

What do kombucha, kefir (fermented
yogurt), prebiotics and probiotics do?

Probiotics (‘good’ bacteria) are
live bacteria and yeasts added
to yogurts or supplements
to help restore the natural balance
of bacteria in the gut –
the microbiome thought
to confer various health
benefits, especially
around metabolism and
immunity. Prebiotics are
a non-digestible food
ingredient, usually fibre,
which stimulates activity
of a limited number of
colonic ‘good’ bacteria.
The basic ingredients
in kombucha are yeast,

sugar and black tea. The mix is set aside
for a week or more, during which time
bacteria and acids develop in the drink,
as well as a small amount of alcohol.
Kefir is a probiotic drink
made from fermented
animal milk with added
kefir grains, which contain
yeast and probiotics, and
allow it to ferment to form
a yogurt-like drink, thought
to improve gut health. This
fermentation process is
similar to how cabbage
is preserved as sauerkraut
or kimchi, or how milk
is turned into yogurt.
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

37

Health

Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Grieving and lonely

Q

I’ve had enough
of learning
new things

I am so lonely. I have never been
one for seeing many people but
always had a few close friends
and family. My mother and sister died
recently, both from breast cancer, my
two closest friends have moved nearer
My children are fed up with
their children, and I don’t have a partner
me as I’ve said I refuse to
or children. I really don’t want to join
learn any more new things
a group or go to a class.
on my computer, television and
Name and address withheld
I am sorry for your loss – that
so on. It takes me a while and it
sounds very hard. Meeting new
makes me stressed. I am 72 and
people is difficult for many of us,
enough’s enough. They say that
especially when we are grieving, but you
if I choose to behave like this
and I both know that unless you go out
then I’m going to have to find
to places where there are other people,
someone to do things for me or
you won’t meet new friends. Is there
I’ll be left behind.
anywhere you would like to meet people?
Trish, Birmingham
The world has changed beyond
If so, start with trying one of those places.
recognition since you were
I also think you may benefit from seeing
a child, and you have had to
a counsellor who can support you while
learn many new things. Just think how
you venture out into environments that
difficult your life would be now
you find challenging. The website
if you’d decided that you’d
counselling-directory.org.uk is
Our relationship
stick with a typewriter
a good place to help you to
expert Keren Smedley
find someone.
has over 20 years’
experience. Keren welcomes
stress. I suggest you
your letters, emails and
ask your boss for
texts, but she cannot reply
a few sessions so you
to individual cases and will
My husband and
can modify how you
select correspondence
I split up a few
behave. Explain that
at random for
months ago. I have
you are finding it difficult
publication.
found it very difficult
to do on your own but that

Q

A

A

My job is
at risk

PHOTO (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

Q

managing the children and
a busy full-time role. When I’m
stressed, I tend to fly off the handle.
My colleagues and boss know I’m having
a hard time, but I have been given one
verbal and one written warning about
this. I can’t afford to lose my job.
Malika, Leeds
Having a difficult time is not an
excuse for behaving badly. You
need to learn to control your
reactions, even if you are triggered by
others. If you can’t do this by yourself,
I suggest you see a coach who can help
you to understand your behaviour pattern
and offer you techniques to manage your

A

you know it’s essential.

How can I help
my daughter?

Q

My daughter and her boyfriend
of six years bought a house and
moved in together about a year
ago. She has recently started a new job
and one of the managers is wooing her.
He is older with children and recently
divorced. She is flattered and is thinking
of leaving her partner for him. He has a
reputation for being unfaithful. Whatever
I say about this seems to be wrong.
Tessa, Preston

instead of a computer. My hunch is
that things will continue to change
at a pace, so I think it might be more
useful to understand why you’re
resisting learning something new.
Why not find a kind teacher who can
support your learning so you feel less
stressed? But don’t bother learning
new skills that you won’t use.

A

I wonder what you’re saying to her.
Are you telling her what to do or
asking her questions about how
she’s feeling and what she’s looking for
in her life? Rebuking adult children will
only lead to them asking you to stop
– we all want to live our own lives once
we’re grown-ups. But showing interest
and offering other ways of looking
at things is much more likely to be
successful. It could be that this new
interest has alerted her to the things that
may not be right with her partner. She can
use this as a way to talk to her boyfriend
about what she needs in the relationship.
Sometimes, someone like this older man
is a catalyst that allows a person to move
on and find someone new that fully
satisfies them. A word of advice – if she
does decide to go with her colleague, it’s
important that you put your misgivings
away and welcome him into the family.
Otherwise, you risk losing her.
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

39

Park
PATROL

The boys adored their lively mutt –
but would they be able to keep him?

A

city park on
a summer’s day,
in the 1960s.
‘I think you’ve
killed him, Brian.’
‘How was it me? I wasn’t
the one who let the dog off
the lead.’
‘Mum’s going to go spare,’
Henry whispered. ‘And at
you, mainly.’
‘You’re the older one,’ Brian
huffed. ‘You’re meant to set
me an example.’
The brothers stopped
bickering for long enough to
stare down at the park keeper
lying flat on his back in the
long grass.
Eventually, there was a
spluttering sound, followed
by a gasp as the man sat
slowly up on his elbows and
looked about. His navy-blue
park keeper’s hat had rolled
away to the left, leaving his
dark hair exposed and making
him, Brian thought, look like
a startled scarecrow.
The keeper turned to his
right and came nose-to-glossynose with a wiry-haired salt-andpepper grey lurcher, who licked
him enthusiastically.
‘You all right, mister?’
Brian enquired, pushing his
blond fringe away from his
freckled face.
The park keeper pulled a
fabric handkerchief from his
sleeve, rubbed his forehead
and looked over at the boys
standing at his feet.
‘I think so,’ he answered

40

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

slowly, gently patting down his
uniform to make sure nothing
was broken. He then adjusted
his wonky name badge, which
stated he was Eric Berry.
‘Give us a hand up, will
you, lads?’
The youngsters offered their
hands to pull the still slightly
shaky gentleman to his feet.
‘Sorry about my brother’s
dog,’ Henry muttered, passing
Mr Berry his cap. ‘He got away
from me.’
‘His name is Hercules,’ Brian
added, proudly, puffing out
his chest.
Eric turned to eye up the dog
again. ‘He lives up to his name,
true enough. There’s not much
of him, but what
there is must be
pure muscle.’
‘We rescued
him from a
man who didn’t
want him, said
he wasn’t cute
enough to sell on,’
Brian explained sadly.
The dog whined.
‘I know,’ Brian soothed,
patting Hercules’ head. ‘You’re
very cute and he was a nasty
man. So we said we’d have him.
Hercules sleeps on my bed
now,’ he added, a note of pride
in his voice. ‘And he gives me
his paw. Look.’
Brian bent down and the
dog was just about to extend
his paw when a butterfly flitted
past and he wandered off,
waving his tail happily. ‘He’s just

a bit… forgetful,’ Brian
sighed, trudging off to
retrieve Hercules.
‘We got him to keep
Mum company when
we’re at school,’ Henry
explained, feeling the
sudden urge to justify
why they were in the
park. ‘Well, that’s what
we told her, but what
we really want to do
is train him to be a
guard dog. Keep her
safe when we’re not
around, especially
since Dad moved out.’
Mr Berry noticed how the
boy almost spat out the word
‘Dad’, as if it left a bad taste
in his mouth.
‘But it sort
of backfired,’
Brian mumbled,
as he returned
with Hercules.
‘Because we
don’t know
how to train him
proper, and Mum says if we
can’t train him he will have
to go to Battersea because
it’s not fair on him, her or
us.’ His voice wobbled at
the idea of having to get the
hound rehomed.
‘I see.’ Mr Berry rocked on
his heels while he arranged
his thoughts and his crumpled
clothes. He thought it more
likely that Hercules would lick
an intruder into submission
as opposed to posing any
physical threat, but he liked the

‘Does your
mum expect
you home
for tea?’

boys’ sentiment of protecting
their mum.
✱✱✱✱
‘So what does a park keeper
do, then?’ Brian enquired,
peering at Mr Berry’s name
badge. ‘Apart from getting
knocked over by dogs, of
course,’ he chuckled.
‘Oh, you know, lots of things.
Opening all the gates in the
morning, locking up at night,
maintaining the grass, making
sure the facilities are spick
and span, greeting visitors…’
Mr Berry bent down so
he was at eye level with
Brian, ‘…and fining cheeky
monkeys who let their dogs
off in undesignated areas.’ He
pointed to a huge sign behind
him that stated Dogs to be
kept on leads in this section
of the park.
‘I’d best get on with my
patrol,’ Mr Berry continued. ‘But
I can show you the area where

PHOTOS: GETTY

Short story

dogs can run about, if you like.
Or does your mum expect you
home for your tea?’
‘No, it’s OK,’ Henry said,
pulling a half-crown coin
from his pocket. ‘She gave us
money for fish ’n’ chips, as
she’s working late tonight.’
‘Very nice and all,’ Mr Berry
smiled. ‘Right then, follow me.’
They walked in silence for
a few minutes, enjoying the
squidge of the grass beneath
their feet, taking in the sweet
smell of honeysuckle and the
scent of suncream worn by
people spread out on rugs
and lounging in deckchairs.
The trio trotted on for a while
down a ribbon path that led to a
second, larger field as Hercules
snuffled behind them. ‘Now
then,’ Mr Berry said, extending
his arms. ‘This is where you
can let Hercules off the lead.’
‘Wow!’ Brian mouthed,
looking at the field, which was

so big he could only just about
see the boundary wall. A lightbrown ‘sausage dog’ lolloped
by its owner’s side, tongue
lolling happily, while a sandy
Labrador leaped across the
grass, barking at pigeons.
Across the other side of
the field a snow-white poodle
trotted daintily alongside her
equally well-turned-out female
owner, while a Dalmatian
dashed past to scoop up a
ball and drop it into his smiling
owner’s outstretched hand.
‘I wish you’d do that,
Hercules,’ Brian whispered,
stroking the dog’s floppy ears.
‘Catch the ball, or come back
when called?’ Mr Berry asked.
‘Either. If we let him off now,
chances are he won’t stop until
he reaches Scotland.’
‘I’ll tell you what,’ Mr Berry
said, scratching his neck, ‘why
don’t I have a go at training
him? I’ve had a few dogs in

my time, and they were all
well behaved. Eventually. I’m
not saying Hercules would be
ready to enter Crufts any time
soon, but I reckon I could teach
him the basics. Sit and stay, and
what have you.’
Brian’s eyes lit up. ‘Really
Mr Berry, sir?
That’s great, isn’t
it, Henry?’ he
smiled, patting
his brother’s arm.
‘You’d do that
for us?’ Henry
asked, his eyes narrow with
suspicion. ‘Why?’
Mr Berry’s heart sank at
the boys’ distrust, although
from what he’d gathered, he
shouldn’t have been surprised.
‘Because I like Hercules, and
I reckon he’s landed on his
paws, finding you pair. It would
be a shame if you had to part.’
‘But we can’t pay you,’

Henry said sadly.
‘That’s not true,’
Brian interjected,
‘You can have
our chip money.’
‘Don’t be
daft,’ Mr Berry
muttered,
‘I don’t want
paying. But if
you’re willing
to come here,
say, three times a
week after school,
I could squeeze
a bit of training in
around my tea break.
And I’d appreciate a bit
of help with putting out the
play equipment, doing some
weeding, that sort of thing.’
‘Can we, Henry?’ Brian’s eyes
were wide with pleading as he
faced his sibling. ‘Would you
come with me? Please. You
know Mum won’t let me come
on my own.’ Henry puffed out
his cheeks for a few seconds
before letting out a huge sigh.
‘If I must.’
Brian’s grin was so big Henry
thought his face might crack in
two. He smiled inside at seeing
his younger brother so happy,
but he didn’t dare let on.
Mr Berry hadn’t finished.
‘However, there is something
else you must commit to,
young man.’ He looked down
to address Brian, who pulled
his sleeves over his hands.
‘Yes, Mr Berry, sir?’
‘I’m not to see you around
here during
school time any
more, do you
understand?’
Henry’s eyes
swivelled to his
little brother.
‘Brian, you haven’t been skiving
off school, have you? Mum will
go spare.’
Brian stuck his chin out.
‘School’s boring. I hate it.’
‘How can you hate school?’
Henry spluttered, ‘School’s
the best.’
‘School’s the worst,’ Brian
retorted, ‘and you’re weird.’
‘You’ll change your mind >>

‘I reckon he’s
landed on
his paws’

WOMAN’S WEEKLY 41

Short story
when you get to senior school,’
Henry reassured him, patting his
bottle-green blazer with pride.
‘I doubt it.’ Brian turned to
Mr Berry and jabbed a finger
at his brother. ‘He wants to be
a teacher when he grows up.
Told you he was weird.’
‘Now, now, each to their
own,’ Mr Berry said gently.
‘Mind, I must admit, I didn’t
like school much either.’
‘Aha!’ Brian exclaimed
triumphantly. ‘You didn’t like
school and you still got to have
the best-est job in the world.
Being outside all day, feeding
ducks, watching dogs play.’
‘Well, it’s a bit more involved
than that,’ Mr Berry sniffed,
adjusting his tie. ‘But you’re
right, it is the best job in the
world.’ He paused to wave a
finger at Brian. ‘However, I still
had to finish school. Learn to
read, write and do numbers.’
‘Boring.’
‘Try not think of it as boring,
but as… a means to an end.’
Brian looked at him blankly.
‘In other words, attend school
to please your mum and maybe
learn a bit. Then you’ll be better
prepared to apply for the jobs
you want when you leave.’
The boy looked unimpressed
and remained silent as he
folded his arms defiantly.
‘Well, you know the
deal,’ Mr Berry said as he
turned to walk away. ‘No

42 WOMAN’S WEEKLY

school, no dog training.’
He’d not even taken half
a step before Brian was by his
side. ‘All right, all right, Mr Berry,
sir. I agree.’
‘Good.’ Mr Berry smiled and
held out his hand. ‘Well, shake
on it then.’
Brian’s hand was in the park
keeper’s like a shot.
✱✱✱✱
‘Thank you, Mr Berry, sir.
Thank you!’
On hearing his name, Eric
turned to see Brian and Henry
barrelling towards him with
Hercules at their heels.
‘Hey, where’s the
fire?’ he chuckled,
putting his hands
out so the dog
didn’t flatten him
for a second time.
‘It worked!’ Brian
gasped, trying to
catch his breath.
‘Your training worked! Look.’
Brian let Hercules off the lead
and the happy hound looked
up at his master, waiting for
the signal. ‘OK, off you go, boy.’
With that, the dog bounded
off, clearly enjoying stretching
his legs and sniffing about.
Henry pulled a ball from his
pocket and threw it with all
his might. ‘Fetch, Hercules!’
he called.
Hercules did as he was
told. He tore across the field,
yapping happily as he grabbed
the ball, turned around and
dropped it dutifully back at
Henry’s feet.
‘Such a good boy,’ Brian
cooed, stroking his fur
while feeding him
a biscuit. ‘Mum’s so
pleased,’ he smiled.
‘She says we can
keep him now.’
‘That’s excellent
news.’ Mr Berry
smiled as he
knelt to fuss over
Hercules. He had
formed quite a
bond with the dog
and, despite a few
false starts – like the time
Hercules had tried to dig up

the prize-winning roses, or the
day he decided to mark every
single lamp post in the park –
they’d got on famously.
The dog-biscuit bribes
helped, of course, but that
was a secret between him and
Hercules. Mr Berry remained
unconvinced that Hercules
would make a ferocious guard
dog, but at least now he could
be trusted to sit and stay on
an intruder until the authorities
were called.
‘Mum made you a cake,’
Henry pushed a battered box
into the park keeper’s hands, ‘to
say thank you.’
Mr Berry
blushed. ‘How
kind. Lemon
drizzle. My
favourite.’
Hercules
scooted to
his side, as
if to say ‘mine too’. Mr Berry
chuckled and fluffed his ears.
‘Nice try, boy.’
‘Here, Hercules!’ Henry called.
And to everyone’s delight,
Hercules obeyed. Henry and
Mr Berry gave him a round of
applause on the strength of it,
but Brian didn’t raise his head,
let alone clap.
‘Well, I suppose that’s it then,’
Brian muttered, keeping his
head down and digging his
shoe in the mud.
‘How do you mean?’
‘Well, now Mr Berry’s trained
Hercules, we don’t need to
come here any more after
school.’ Brian kicked a stone.
That meant no more putting
out the play equipment, or
chatting to the college lads who
played football on a Friday, or
getting fussed over by the WI
ladies who pruned the roses.
‘It’s pretty rubbish, really.’
Brian would especially miss
the WI ladies, who always
welcomed him with a hug and a
slice of homemade cake
and asked him how he was.
Mr Berry caught Henry’s
eye as he addressed Brian.
‘It’s not put you off the idea
of becoming a park keeper

‘It’s the
best-est
job in the
world!’

then, all this helping me out?’
Brian looked up, eyes as wide
as saucers. ‘Of course not!’
He stepped back, shocked
at the volume of his own voice.
‘I mean no, sir,’ he whispered.
‘It’s been brilliant.’
‘Well, the experience will
certainly stand you in good
stead when it comes to
applying for park keeper jobs.’
‘Can I have your job then?’
Brian beamed.
‘Er, no, I’m not retiring just yet,’
Mr Berry chortled. ‘I mean when
it comes to applying for jobs in
other parks.’
‘Oh, right.’ Brian nodded
sadly. ‘But I’ve still got ages
left at school.’
‘That’s as maybe. But I could
still do with a hand here.’
‘Really? You mean I can keep
coming after school?’
‘If it’s OK with your mum, and
if you want to.’
Brian puffed out his cheeks
while considering this. ‘Will I get
a badge with my name on it?’
‘Brian, Mr Berry is giving
you a chance here,’ Henry
hissed. ‘Don’t mess it up by
being cheeky.’
‘Only asking,’ Brian shrugged.
‘I’m sure I can sort something
out,’ Mr Berry smiled. ‘And we’ll
have to see about getting you
a hat. But in the meantime…’ He
removed his park warden cap
and placed it on Brian’s head,
where it fell over his eyes.
‘How do I look?’ Brian asked,
turning to his brother.
‘Really stup… I mean, really
super,’ Henry stuttered, aware
of Mr Berry’s glare.
‘Just to be clear,’ Henry
continued, ‘I’ll pick you up and
bring you here after school, but
I’ll be over there, playing footy
with the other prefects.’
‘Whatever you say, Henry.’
Brian beamed, shaking
Mr Berry’s hand as Hercules
barked happily.
And that is how Brian,
aged eight and three-quarters,
became the youngest
park-keeper’s assistant ever.
THE END
Holly Anne Crawford

Short story

A busman’s
HOLIDAY
Jo had been looking
forward to a day off work
– a little peace at last

PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY

P

ulling back the
curtains, Jo smiled.
The orange glow of
the rising sun tinged
the sky a coppery pink, its rays
standing tall like a colourful
fan. It was the perfect day for
the beach.
Although the locals respected
the beach rules, some of the
tourists didn’t. So Jo headed
to her favourite bay a few miles
down the coast, where she
knew there wouldn’t be so
many holidaymakers.
Once settled in the perfect
spot, Jo tilted her head towards
the sky and relished the warmth
of the sun on her skin. She
could almost feel a splattering
of freckles forming across the
bridge of her nose.
The wispy clouds floated
above the heart-shaped cove,
and Jo was sure she could
detect the letters of her name
scrawled in white vapour
trails across the sky. She lay
back and relaxed into the soft
sand, lifting her hands and
letting the amber grains slip
slowly between her fingers.
Time off from work was
precious, and she had been
looking forward to today.
Some people avoided this
beach as there were no
cafes or bars, no gift shops or

paddleboard lessons. But for
Jo, it was pure serenity. Nature
at its best. A handful of dog
walkers skirted around the rock
pools heading for the coastal
path, and a few early-morning
swimmers were now going
home. A blissful day of total
relaxation lay ahead.
Suddenly, just as she was
drifting off, a thundering clang
of metal had her
sitting bolt upright,
her eyes wide.
A man with his
mobile on speaker
mode pounded
past, flinging
shards of sand across her
bare skin. As he pulled a trailer
carrying a large jet ski towards
the water’s edge, the tyres
gouged deep tracks in its wake.
‘I’ll soon be tossing the waves
and waking up this beach!’ he
bellowed into his phone. His
cackle alone was irritating.
‘Believe me, mate, you
ain’t seen nothing yet!’ he
continued loudly.
Jo watched as he tugged
the trailer into shallow waters,
before offloading the jet ski.
She knew these monstrosities
were not permitted in this
remote bay. It was one of the
reasons she chose to spend her
free time here.

She reached her hand up
to her forehead and pinched
her eyebrows together as
anger surged.
‘Excuse me!’ she shouted.
‘Jet skis aren’t allowed in
this bay.’
The man glared at her. ‘You
talking to me, love?’
She pushed herself up. ‘Yes.’
‘And what are you going to
do about it?’ he
guffawed. Then
he turned back
to his jet ski and
dismissed her
with a wave of
his hand.
He turned the key and
the roar of the engine
drowned out any further
attempts at communication.
Jo stood and stared as he
disappeared at high speed. She
watched until he was a dot on
the horizon, then she sank back
on to the warm sand and let her
mind drift off again.
She didn’t know how long she
had been asleep, but all at once
another commotion disturbed
her. She squinted towards the
noise, curious to see what all
the fuss was about. Several
teenagers were pointing their
phones out to sea.
Instinct had her alert in
seconds and she scrambled

‘You ain’t
seen nothing
yet!’

to her feet and jogged across
the wet sand.
‘Anything wrong?’ she asked.
‘Someone has fallen from
their jet ski,’ a tall lad with saltencrusted blond tresses replied.
‘We’ve called the coastguard.’
Jo scrunched her eyes and
saw a head bobbing in the
water and arms flailing in the
air. Without hesitation, she
ploughed through the choppy
waves. She swam towards the
cries of help and came face to
face with the jet-ski guy.
‘Keep calm, sir. Put your feet
down, you’re in shallow water.’
The man’s cries stopped and
his arms relaxed as he stood up.
Coughing and spluttering, he
brushed his fingers through his
shoulder-length hair.
Jo knew he recognised
her as his eyes darted towards
the teenagers filming the
whole scene.
‘I didn’t need rescuing,’ he
mumbled. ‘I was perfectly fine.’
‘Of course you were,’ Jo said,
raising an eyebrow. ‘But you’re
still lucky a trained lifeguard
just happened to be on the
beach. And at least you
will have a record of your
adventure. It should be all over
social media by now.’
THE END
Christina Collins
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

43

Listening
THERAPY

Now on her own, Jenny wanted to hide away
– after all, what did she have to offer anyone?

T

hey say it’s women
who do the talking,
but that wasn’t true
in Jenny’s case.
In the past, her husband
Clive would have been in his
shed, pottering about mending
things while she weeded the
garden or sat in the shade
with a book. Inevitably, one
or more of his friends would
wander in and Jenny would
hear the comforting rumble of
their conversation.
After a while, Clive’s head
would appear around the
shed door. ‘Any chance of a
cuppa, love? And a piece of
your fruit cake?’
The men would emerge
to sprawl on a selection of old
chairs until Jenny came back
bearing a tray, which Clive
would always take carefully
from her.
‘Jenny makes wonderful
fruit cake,’ he’d say to his
friends. And the affectionate
pride in his voice would buoy
her up for the rest of the day.
It had been love at first sight
for her, but she’d never thought
Clive would look at her twice.
She felt all hands and feet when
he was with her, especially on
the dance floor. Being cradled
within the crook of his arm was
such heaven it made her even
more tongue-tied than normal.
Surely he’d go off with another
girl who would sparkle and flirt?
Someone as determined to go
places as he was?
But he hadn’t, and they had

44

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

been happy for years. Their
daughter Deborah was like
her dad, rattling away 19 to the
dozen, while their son Nigel
was more like her. It took a lot to
penetrate his shyness, but get
him on to his favourite subject
of cricket and you were there
for hours.
But Debs and Nigel had
their own lives now. They’d
been there for Jenny when
the devastating diagnosis had
knocked the bottom out of
her world. They’d been there
through the dark days and
the final farewell. She didn’t
expect them to put their lives
on hold because she was on
her own now.
She and Clive had brought
them up to be independent,
and Clive wouldn’t have been
pleased if she’d gone back on
that principle.
There was
no denying she
found the silence
difficult to deal
with, though.
There’d been
times during their marriage
when she’d wished Clive would
give it a rest. Now, she’d have
given anything to hear his
non-stop commentary on life,
the universe and everything.
✱✱✱✱
At first, there had been a
constant stream of people
coming to see her. Sometimes
it seemed as if she never
stopped baking and making
tea. She’d have liked a little

peace, to be honest. But
people were so eager to
help, she couldn’t turn
them away. Her friends
were determined she
shouldn’t sit indoors, in
case she was moping.
‘Do you fancy the
new film that’s on at
the Everyman? How
about we pop over to
the garden centre?
They do a very nice
light lunch there.’
The last thing she wanted
was a nice light lunch.
She’d been given more
casseroles and curries than
she could manage. And it
wasn’t possible to refuse
them, especially when they
were offered with a smile and
a pleading look.
‘It’ll be wasted if you don’t
help. I made far
more than Derek
and I could eat.’
It hadn’t been
only her friends,
either. Several
of Clive’s mates
came round too.
‘Just to see you’re OK,’ they’d
mumble. ‘You need anything
doing, Jen, just shout, OK?’
It was all done in kindness,
but couldn’t they understand
that, without the buffer of
Clive’s comforting presence,
life felt overwhelming?
✱✱✱✱
The chime of the doorbell
made her jump. She wasn’t
expecting anyone, and the

It had been
love at
first sight

time for casseroles was
long past.
Holly Barnaby smiled at
her when she opened the door.
She’d been one of the first to
bring a dish containing a curry.
‘I’m sorry, I haven’t got any
cake at the moment,’ Jenny
said, guiltily, busy with the
kettle. ‘I didn’t have time to
bake this week.’
It was only a white lie, Jenny
thought, feeling her cheeks
flush. Who was there to bake
for now? The cake tin had been
empty for weeks.
‘That’s OK!’ Holly laughed
and patted her ample stomach.
‘I’m trying to lose a bit of
weight anyway.’
Jenny wondered what Holly
really wanted – because
Holly had the unmistakable air
of someone who’d come to
ask a favour.
Holly took an appreciative
sip of tea. ‘Ah, that’s good. I’ve
been fit to murder a cuppa
for hours. Just never seemed
to get time to sit down long

PHOTO: GETTY

Short story

enough to drink one.’
She drained her cup, sighed
with satisfaction, and Jenny
knew she was ready to say
what she’d come for…
‘Would you give us a hand at
the Thursday Club?’
Jenny hadn’t been expecting
that! And she didn’t like the
idea at all. Thursday Club?
She’d seen the notices pinned
up on the noticeboard at the
library and the village hall,
but it wasn’t the sort of thing
that Clive would have been
interested in going to.
‘What do I want to go
down there for?’ he’d have
said. ‘I haven’t got anything
in common with folk sitting
around. I’d rather be doing
something useful in the shed.
But you go, if you want, love.
Something else to talk about
other than reframing pictures
or making a loo-roll holder out
of copper tube.’
‘Who’d provide the tea and
cake for you if I did?’ she’d
tease back. ‘And that loo-roll

holder was
a work of art.’
Jenny wouldn’t
have dreamt of
going on her
own back then,
and that hadn’t
changed. This
was just another
well-meaning ploy
to ‘get her out of
herself’.
‘It’s very kind
of you, Holly, but…’
she began.
Holly interrupted.
‘It’s not a case
of being kind.
We need your
expertise.’
Jenny felt a flush
of anger creep
up her face. Did
Holly really think
she would be
taken in by such
blatant flattery?
What expertise did
she have? They
probably wanted
her to make tea
and provide cake, as usual.
She’d done it willingly for Clive,
and she’d enjoyed seeing his
friends tucking in with gusto,
but those days were done. She
wouldn’t get out her baking
pans for a group of strangers.
✱✱✱✱
Only, Jenny hadn’t reckoned
on Holly’s persistence.
Eventually, she gave in and
agreed to go on the following
Thursday, more to shut Holly
up than anything. There would
be no need to actually join in.
She could hide behind a tea
towel in the kitchen with the
urn and the washing-up.
But it appeared that help
in that area wasn’t needed.
The hall seemed full, and the
conversation was loud and
cheerful. Everyone seemed
to know each other and to
have split into small groups,
all chatting away. The noise
was beginning to make
Jenny’s head spin.
‘Jen! Good to see you.’ Bill
had been one of the inhabitants

of the shed. He came towards
her with his hand out, clearly
intent on collecting her into his
knot of friends. He nudged her
gently in the ribs and hissed in
her ear, ‘Don’t suppose you’ve
brought any cake? Last week’s
wasn’t a patch on yours.’
Jenny smiled, shook her head
and grasped at the opportunity.
‘No, sorry, Bill. But I’ll go
and see what’s on offer
in there, shall I?’ She tried
sliding unobtrusively into the
tiny kitchenette but Holly
spotted her.
‘Jenny! Oh, I’m so glad you
could come. Especially today.’
Jenny wondered what could
possibly be significant about
today. Holly led her over to
the other side of the hall, to
where a woman about Jenny’s
own age was sitting quietly
with a cup of tea balanced
precariously on her knee.
‘Ruth,’ Holly said, as they
approached. ‘This is Jenny, and
it’s her first time here. Can you
look after her?’ She gave Jenny
a tiny push towards the chair
next to Ruth’s. ‘That tea looks
as if it’s gone cold.
I’ll fetch a refill and
one for you, Jenny.’
Holly bustled
away and Jenny felt
she had no choice
but to sit down.
‘I only started coming
a couple of weeks ago,’ Ruth
explained. She looked around
as a burst of laughter came
from across the room. ‘To be
honest, I’m not sure…’
Jenny knew exactly what
she meant. This was going to
be her first and last visit.
‘I thought it would be nice
to have someone to talk to,’
Ruth sighed. ‘It’s very difficult
getting used to a different
way of life. I was always such
a busy person…’
‘What did you do?’
Jenny asked.
✱✱✱✱
It came as quite a surprise
when people started leaving
and Jenny realised what the
time was. Ruth had talked

and talked.
‘Right,’ Ruth said, decisively,
taking Jenny’s cup and piling
it on top of hers. ‘I think I will
do that.’
‘Volunteer at that charity,
you mean?’
‘Yes. You’ve made me see
I can’t just do nothing. Thanks,
Jenny, you’ve been such a help.’
Jenny blinked, astonished.
‘But I haven’t done anything.’
Ruth smiled at her. ‘Yes, you
have. You’re a great listener,
you know. You let me talk it
through and work it out for
myself. I couldn’t seem to
chat to any of the others, but
going over it with you has
helped me sort things out in
my mind. You’re like a human
kaleidoscope! You turned my
own thoughts round on me
until I was seeing them from
a different angle. A much
clearer one. I’ll let you know
how I get on next week.’
As Ruth walked off with the
cups, Jenny felt an arm link
through hers.
‘Job done,’ Holly whispered.
‘Clive was right.’
Jenny frowned.
‘Clive?’
‘Yes. He told me
once he’d always
got so many ideas
swirling around he
couldn’t see the
wood for the trees. But he said if
he talked them through with you
he somehow knew what to do.
So when Ruth clearly needed
someone to lend an ear, I
thought of you. You have a great
gift you know – being a listener.’
‘I never told Clive what to do.’
Jenny was astonished. ‘I didn’t
tell Ruth, either.’
‘No, but you listened to her.
I knew you could do the trick.
See you next week?’
It had been the last thing
Jenny had ever thought of
doing, but Ruth had promised to
report her progress, hadn’t she?
And Bill’s luck could be in. She
might see if she could still work
her magic on a fruit cake.
THE END
Valerie Bowes

‘You have
a great gift,
you know’

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

45

Short story

Hedgehog
HIGHWAY

R

ick Bennett is
moving!’ Shelagh
exclaimed, bouncing
on Judith’s doorstep.
‘Where’s he going?’ her
friend asked.
‘I don’t know. It doesn’t
matter. It’s the final missing link.’
Shelagh swept into Judith’s
kitchen and spread a large roll
of paper on the table. Judith
pinned down each corner with
mugs, so it didn’t roll up again.
The map of Hamblewood
was annotated with coloured
markers to show the successes
of the village hedgehog
committee. Every tunnel,
mini-staircase and hole cut
through a fence was marked.
The map was proof of their
imperfect success. Hedgehogs
could roam freely through the
back gardens of Hamblewood,
with just one exception. Rick
Bennett’s garden. His stubborn
refusal to compromise his fence
forced any hedgehog reaching
his garden to turn around. If the
committee could convince the
new owner of Jasmine Cottage
to cut holes in the fence,
hedgehogs would roam freely
throughout the whole village.
‘I wonder who’ll buy Rick’s
house?’ pondered Judith.
‘It’s already sold,’ said
Shelagh. ‘I met the new owner
just now, while delivering the
village newsletter. He was
taking measurements because
he’s moving in next week.’
‘That’s quick. Did he seem to
care about hedgehogs?’

46

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Shelagh looked away
and busied herself rolling the
map back up.
‘I’m not sure. Could you
speak to him when he moves
in? You’re more persuasive
than me.’
Judith agreed, but she was
surprised. Shelagh was usually
happy to chat to anyone.
A couple of weeks later,
Judith nervously walked up
the path to Jasmine Cottage.
She was still wondering why
Shelagh had
asked her to go.
Perhaps the new
owner was as
uncooperative
as Rick Bennett.
Judith
paused, hating
confrontation.
Then she took a couple of
deep breaths and rapped firmly
on the door.
It was answered by a tall
man of a similar age to herself,
with dark hair and striking
green eyes. Taken aback,
Judith momentarily forgot her
rehearsed introduction.
‘Can I help?’ the man asked
with a warm smile.
‘I’m Judith, co-founder of the
hedgehog committee…’
‘Nice to meet you, Judith,’ he
beamed. ‘I’m Tim. Tell me more
about the hedgehogs.’
Judith nodded. ‘Well, many
people in Hamblewood were
feeding the hedgehogs, but
they didn’t have any way to get
between our gardens, except

via the road.
And they don’t
have good
road sense.’
Looking interested, Tim
folded his arms and leant
against the door frame.
‘About five years ago, we
started connecting the
gardens with holes, steps and
ramps,’ Judith went on. ‘It’s
taken time, but we’ve now
linked every garden in the
village – except yours.’
‘What can I do to
help?’ Tim asked.
‘Your fence is
a timber one,
isn’t it? So a small
hole cut in the
bottom is all it
would take. I have
the tools and
could do it for you.’
‘Of course,’ said Tim. ‘I
don’t want to prevent
hedgehogs from scampering
around in safety.’
It was clear that no
persuasion was needed and
Judith began to relax.
‘I’ve rarely seen hedgehogs,’
said Tim. ‘It’s magical to think
they’ll be creeping through
my garden. Maybe I will
photograph them.’
‘It would be helpful to have
some good-quality photos.
I’m sure that they’ll come to
your garden as soon as there’s
a way in.’
‘How about cutting a hole
tomorrow, then? Perhaps
I could take you for a coffee

She had
niggling
doubts
about him

afterwards to thank you for
lending me the tools?’
The conversation had gone
much better than Judith
could have imagined, yet
she still had niggling doubts
about Tim. There must have
been a good reason why
Shelagh hadn’t wanted to talk
to him herself.
Just 10 minutes after Judith
got home, Shelagh appeared
on her doorstep, desperate
to know what had happened.
‘Tim’s happy to have holes
cut in his fence,’ explained
Judith. ‘We’re going to do it
tomorrow. He offered to treat
me to a coffee afterwards.’
Shelagh did a little dance.
‘Should I go with him?’ asked
Judith, bemused.
‘Yes! Why wouldn’t you?’
Shelagh grinned.
‘But you must have had a bad
first impression of Tim. Why
did you think he’d be difficult
to convince?’
Shelagh smiled mischievously.
‘He seemed lovely when
I chatted to him. But a handsome
stranger is wasted on an old
married woman like me, Judith.
And you would have gone
mad if you’d suspected I was
matchmaking. I knew you two
would get on – and it sounds
like I was right!’
THE END
Mary Hudson

PHOTO: GETTY

Judith’s new neighbour was the missing
link in her plan – but would he cooperate?

Code cracker

Judy Garland was paid $500 a week to play Dorothy during the
filming of The Wizard of Oz, while Terry was paid $125 a week.
Which role did he play? To find out, solve the puzzle… Fill in the grid.
Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number from 1 to
26. When you’ve completed the grid, the shaded squares will spell out
the three-word answer. We’ve given you five letters to start you off.

Wordsearch

In 1834, Dr John Cook Bennett created a recipe to cure jaundice,
indigestion and rheumatism. What is that called now? The
answer is the one missing from the grid.
BUBBLE GUM
COCOA
COKE
EGGNOG
JAM

KETCHUP
MARMITE
MARZIPAN
MINT SAUCE
PROSECCO

Sudoku
To solve the
puzzle, each 3 x 3
box, each row
and each column
must contain the
numbers 1 to 9.
Solve the puzzle
and the numbers
in the highlighted
squares for
the answer.

48

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

SHERBET
SODA
SPAM
TONIC
YOGURT

Puzzles

Big quiz
The answers to all these
general-knowledge questions,
except one, are in the grid
in various directions. Work
out which answer is missing.
This is your answer. The
answers are in alphabetical
order in each section.

The silver screen:
Animals
1 Which creatures were the
main animals in the 2006
animated movie Happy
Feet? (8)
2 Which 1967 Disney
animation includes the
characters Bagheera the
Panther, Shere Khan the
Tiger, King Louie of the
Apes and Baloo the
Bear? (3,6,4)
3 Which 1994 animated
movie features the character
Simba, his dad Mufasa, his
uncle Scar, his girlfriend
Nala, and his friends Timon
and Pumbaa? (3,4,4)

Where in the world? An
4 Which ‘An’ is the 4,300mile-long range of mountains
that runs down the western
part of South America? (5)
5 Which island, the seventh
largest in the British Isles, is

separated from the mainland
by the Menai Strait and includes
the port of Holyhead? (8)
6 The microstate of Andorra is
situated in the mountains that
divide France from which other
country? (5)

Ann
7 What’s the surname of the
Scottish singer-songwriter
Annie __, who sang with
The Tourists and Eurythmics,
as well having a solo career? (6)

Circle time

8 Since 1987, Princess Anne
has been officially known
by the title the Princess __,
what? (5)
9 What’s the surname of the
great Russian novelist Leo __,
who wrote the novel Anna
Karenina, as well as his epic
tome War and Peace? (7)

Anatomy of work
10 Which parts of the anatomy
complete the phrase ‘to work
your __ to the bone’, meaning

Which fruit is known in some parts
of Europe as the wolf peach because
folklore has it that witches used them
to create werewolves? Fit the words into
the grid, then read down the letters in
the shaded circles.
3 letters
DIM
HAS
NET
MUM
TAR
TIN
4 letters
AMEN
DATE
GLEN
LAVA

NOON
NORM
RUGS
SCOT
TIER
URGE
5 letters
ACORN
APPLE
EAGER
RECAP
RELIC

6 letters
DAMSON
DENTAL
ENOUGH
GRAPES
MEXICO
MOMENT
ORANGE
8 letters
MANDARIN

to toil extremely hard, often
without any recognition? (7)
11 Which part of the body
completes the phrase ‘to keep
your __ to the grindstone’,
meaning to work very hard,
perhaps without rest? (4)
12 Which part of the body
completes the phrase ‘to
put your __ to the wheel’,
meaning to make a
determined effort? (8)

Anagrams of work
The anagrams of the ‘worker’
words are in capital letters…
13 Which scientific worker
might be called a MOON
STARER? (10)
14 Which education worker
could be found in THE
CLASSROOM? (12)
15 Which service worker may
say, A STEW, SIR? (8)

EXTRA!
You’l

l find
the answers on
page 51

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

49

Puzzle TIME
Spiral xword

In Portuguese, if you want to tell someone in no uncertain
terms to leave you alone, you can say, ‘Go away and…’ do what?
The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the
last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will
spell out the two-word answer.
1 Red sauce (7)
2 Man-made material (7)
3 Magnetic direction pointer (7)
4 What you are said to have if
you like sugar a bit too
much (5,5)
5 Trim of the locks at a salon (7)
6 Fungus (9)
7 Receptacle for dirty
clothes (7,6)

Fill me in

Solve the puzzle by following the
arrows and writing in your answers.
Then read down the letters in the
shaded squares to find the answer.
Clue: A substance that’s diffused
or suspended in the air.
Your answer:

YOU CAN
WORK IT OUT...

✱ There are more puzzles
to tackle on pages 90-92.

50

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

8 Rest period at work for
a cuppa (3,5)
9 Weight equal to just over
35oz (8)
10 To Kill a ..., classic Harper
Lee novel (11)
11 ‘Full-stop’ in 10.5, meaning
10½ (7,5)
12 Weather feature with flashes
of light, bangs and rumbles (12)

Puzzles

Half and half
In the town of Wilbur in Washington, you can be fined
$300 (around £235) for riding what kind of horse?
Cross out a letter in each square to get a grid filled
with words. The uncrossed-out letters in the shaded
squares give the answer.

YOU CAN
WORK IT OUT...

Answers

Circle time
Answer: TOMATO

Sudoku Answer: 825
Wordsearch
Answer: KETCHUP

UGLY

Fill me in Answer: VAPOUR

Half
and half
Answer:
Code cracker
Answer: TOTO THE DOG
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

51

Spiral xword
Answer: COMB MONKEYS

Big quiz Answer: SPAIN

Update your home and garden with these budget-friendly buys

matalan
Woven
place mats,
£6 for four

Green metal stackable
canisters, £11

Embossed
mug, £3.50

Green folk
floral oven
gloves, £5
Embossed spoon
rest, £4.50

Pink global
plant, £15

52

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Cushion, £9, cake tin, £9, bee
mugs, £3.50 each, scallop side
plate and bowls, £3.50 each,
scallop nibble bowl, £3, cork
lid canisters, from £5 each,
all Matalan; other items,
stylist’s own

Homes
Large paper rope lamp,
£20, serenity cushion,
£10, eucalyptus in ribbed
vase, £12, all B&M; other
items, stylist’s own

Wiggle side table, £55, wiggle vase, £18,
cushions, from £18 each, Iris upholstered
ottoman storage bed frame, from £699,
Bettie brights bedding set, from £18,
herringbone throw, £26, all Next

B&M
Check
cushion, £8

next
Mini glass
vase, £3

Green
artificial
floral
in mini
jug, £12

Small
paper
rope
lamp,
£12

Bush in
seagrass
pot, £4

Soft velour fringe
cushion, £10

Velvet stripe
sunshine slogan
oblong cushion, £20

Yellow springtime
fragranced diffuser, £16

Yellow
confetti
glass
vase, £20

Furn. Hazie
linear woven
fringed throw,
£22

Amber linen scented
candle with lid, £4

Axel coffee table, £50

Lisse
floral glass
coasters, £16
for four >>
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

53

Macramé swing chair, £30,
toucan recycled round indoor/
outdoor rug, from £25, zebra
wall planter, £20, tropical 10 LED
indoor outdoor string lights, £18,
jungle cushion, £14, all Dunelm

Summer resort table runner, £15, picnic
dinner plate, £15 for four, picnic cereal
bowl, £12 for four, picnic nibble bowl,
£8 for three, picnic tray, £14, everyday
stoneware side plate, £8 for four,
dinner plate, £10 for four, all M&S

M&s

dunelm

Ikat brights
picnic side
plates, £15
for four
Woven picnic
hamper, £35

Water-resistant seat
pads, £12 for two
Ikat brights picnic hi ball
glasses, £15 for four

Rattan beaded place
mats, £25 for four
Woven
beaded
napkin rings,
£8 for four

54

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Green cactus indoor
outdoor metal
wall art, £30

Listera round
indoor outdoor
wall mirror, £65

Bird print
outdoor
cushion,
£25 for two

Aurora garden chair
and footstool set,
£299

Santa Monica indoor
outdoor rug, from £59

Portuguese tiled
square hanging
pot, £11

Homes
Anyday wood lounge,
set, £549, cushions,
from £12 each, braided
place mats, £8 for four,
braided indoor/outdoor
rug, £200, glassy glaze
mugs, £5 each, coffee
press, £30, all John
Lewis & Partners; other
items, stylist’s own

john lewis & partners
Lisbon melamine
side plates,
£12 for four

COMPILED BY: ESME CLEMO

Lisbon townhouse indoor
outdoor cushion, £18
Lisbon tile
rectangular
platter, £23

Orangery plastic wine
glasses, £14 for four
Salsa stripe
outdoor pouffe,
£95

Anyday two-seater
metal garden
sofa, £129

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

55

Quick &
SPICY

Bursting with flavour and on
the table in 30 mins or less

COOK’S TIP

PER
SERVING

Toasting nuts intensifies the
flavour. Toast extra and keep
them for topping salads.

446 cals, 18g
fat, 2g sat fat,
55g carbs

Lamb stir-fry The wok is key to a tasty and fresh dinner in a hurry, and lamb is a really flavourful option.
SERVES 2 READY IN 25 mins
✱ 2 lamb leg steaks, cut into 1cm slices
✱ 1 garlic clove, grated
✱ 1tsp grated ginger
✱ 1 pinch dried chilli flakes
✱ 2tbsp cooking oil
✱ 15g cashew nuts
✱ 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
✱ ½ red pepper, deseeded and cut
into strips
✱ 125g Tenderstem broccoli, cut into
1cm lengths

56

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

✱ 1tsp soy sauce
✱ 50g green peas, defrosted if frozen
✱ 250g basmati and wild rice pouch
✱ Coriander, to serve

1
2
3

Mix the lamb with garlic, ginger, chilli
and 1tbsp oil. Set aside for 10 mins.
Meanwhile, heat a wok and toast
the cashews, stirring regularly, until
golden. Tip out and roughly chop.
Put the wok over high heat and add
the lamb. Brown on all sides. Remove

from the pan and set aside to rest.
Taking care not to burn yourself, wipe
the wok out with a paper towel. Add
the remaining oil and return the wok to
a high heat. Stir-fry the carrot, pepper
and broccoli until they soften and colour.
Return the lamb to the wok with any
juices. Add the soy sauce and 20ml
water, the peas and rice. Cook until the
liquid has almost evaporated, tossing as
it cooks. Serve with the chopped nuts
and garnish with coriander.

4
5

Cookery
Falafel flatbreads
Great for a speedy lunch, this meal
is ready in no time.
SERVES 4 READY IN 15 mins
✱ ½tbsp olive oil
✱ 300g falafel balls
✱ 4 Greek-style flatbreads
✱ 100g feta, crumbled
✱ 2tsbp dukkah
✱ Small bunch parsley, finely
chopped
FOR THE DIP
✱ 200g houmous
✱ 100g natural yogurt
FOR THE SALAD
✱ ½ red cabbage, finely sliced
✱ 1 raw beetroot, peeled and grated
✱ 1 small Bramley apple, grated
✱ 2 gherkins, grated
✱ 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra
to serve
✱ 1tbsp white wine vinegar
✱ 1tbsp finely chopped parsley, plus
extra to garnish

PER
SERVING

712 cals, 35g
fat, 3g sat fat,
71g carbs

1

Heat the oil in a pan and gently fry
the falafels to warm through. When
they are cooked, set aside and cover
to keep warm. Warm the flatbreads
in the pan.
Meanwhile, mix the salad ingredients
and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the houmous
and yogurt.

2
3

COOK’S TIP
Dukkah is made from sesame
seeds, nuts and spices, and is
great for sprinkling over salads
or mixed with oil for a dip.

4

Top the flatbreads with the houmous
mix, salad, falafel, feta, dukkah and
parsley. Drizzle over a little extra oil and
roll up to eat straight away.

Prawn fajita bowls

Speedy and nutritious, these make a great light meal.

COOK’S TIP
Toss spare tortillas with oil and
toast under the grill for a great
dip accompaniment.

SERVES 2 READY IN 20 mins
✱ 1tbsp cooking oil
✱ 1tbsp mild fajita or taco seasoning
✱ 4 spring onions, roughly chopped
✱ 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
✱ 100g raw king prawns
✱ 1 large tortilla wrap, torn into chunks
✱ Mexican-style microwave rice pouch
✱ 6 leaves from a little gem lettuce
✱ Coriander, to serve
FOR THE SMASHED AVOCADO
✱ 1 ripe avocado, peeled and de-stoned
✱ Grated zest and juice of ½ lime, plus
wedges to serve
✱ 4tbsp soured cream

1

Heat the grill. In a large bowl, mix half
the oil and spice mix. Toss through the

PER
SERVING

426 cals, 27g
fat, 8g sat fat,
24g carbs

spring onions and red
pepper in the same
bowl. Transfer to a baking
tray and grill for 5 mins.
Toss the prawns in the remaining oil
and spice. After 5 mins add these to the
baking tray and put back under the grill for
5 mins. Toss the tortilla chunks in the dregs
of the oil in the bowl and add these to the
baking tray for the final 2 mins, turning until
toasted and golden.
Meanwhile, roughly mash the avocado
with a fork, then mix in the lime zest
and juice, and soured cream.
Heat the rice in the microwave then
divide between 2 bowls, topping with
the other elements. Garnish with coriander
and serve. >>

2

3
4

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

57

Spicy pork
udon noodles
The balance of spice, sweetness
and acidity will make you want
oodles of these fiery noodles!

PER
SERVING

333 cals, 14g
fat, 4g sat fat,
30g carbs

SERVES 4-6 READY IN 20 mins
✱ 2tbsp cooking oil
✱ 500g 8% fat pork mince
✱ 3 garlic cloves, grated
✱ 1cm piece fresh ginger, peeled
and grated
✱ 1½tsp Chinese five spice
✱ 4tbsp hoisin sauce
✱ 2tbsp soy sauce
✱ 1tbsp rice vinegar
✱ ½ chicken stock cube, crumbled
✱ Bunch spring onions, roughly chopped
into 5cm lengths
✱ 250g pak choi, cut into bite-sized
pieces
✱ 600g straight-to-wok udon noodles
✱ 1tbsp Chinese chilli oil

1

Heat a wok over medium-high heat,
add 1tbsp oil and half the pork, and
stir-fry for 2-3 mins, until turning golden

COOK’S TIP
Cooking the mince in batches
helps to create a crispy result.
Beef would work well in
place of pork.

brown. Spoon onto a plate and cook
the remaining pork in the remaining oil.
Return the cooked mince to the wok
with the garlic and ginger, five spice,
hoisin and soy sauces, rice vinegar, stock
and 300ml water, mix well, then bring to

2

a boil. Reduce to a rapid simmer for
10 mins, then add the spring onions
and pak choi.
Continue to cook for 2 mins, then add
the noodles and chilli oil. Fry to break
up the noodles for a couple of minutes.

3

Quick pork katsu curry Making katsu curry at home is easier than you think.
PER
SERVING

612 cals, 33g
fat, 7g sat fat,
27g carbs

SERVES 4 READY IN 30 mins
✱ 1 onion, cut into chunks
✱ 1 carrot, cut into chunks
✱ 2 garlic cloves, peeled
✱ 1tbsp cooking oil
✱ 1tbsp mild curry powder
✱ 1tsp garam masala
✱ 300ml vegetable stock
✱ 2tbsp smooth peanut butter
✱ Rice and sliced spring onions, to serve
✱ 40g roasted salted peanuts,
finely chopped
FOR THE PORK
✱ 4tbsp sesame seeds
✱ 100g panko breadcrumbs
✱ 4 boneless pork chops, fat removed
✱ 75g plain flour
✱ 1 medium egg, beaten
✱ Cooking oil, for shallow frying
FOR THE SLAW
✱ ½ Chinese cabbage, finely sliced
✱ 100g carrots, peeled and julienned
✱ 1tbsp vinegar or rice vinegar
✱ ½tbsp soy sauce

1

Whizz the onion, carrot and garlic in a
food processor into small pieces. Add

to a deep pan with the oil and sweat over
a medium heat for 5 mins, until softened
but not coloured.
Add the spices and heat through until
fragrant. Mix in the stock and peanut
butter and bring to a boil, then reduce to
a simmer for 10 mins. Return to the food
processor and whizz to a smooth sauce.
Meanwhile, for the pork, mix the sesame
seeds and breadcrumbs. Generously
season the pork and coat each piece in
flour, followed by egg, then breadcrumbs.
Add oil to a shallow pan until it reaches
¼ way up the sides. Turn up the heat.
Once hot enough to sizzle a breadcrumb,
add the chops. Fry for 5 mins, turning
halfway through, until crispy and cooked
through. Remove to a paper towel to drain.
Mix the slaw ingredients and serve with
the chops and rice. Top with the sauce,
peanuts and sliced spring onion.

2

3

4
5

COOK’S TIP
Take the pork out of the fridge
20 mins before cooking.

Cookery
Thai-style beef curry
A veg-packed, fragrant curry that you can
throw together in a flash.
SERVES 4 READY IN 30 mins
✱ 2 x 200g rump or thick sirloin steaks
✱ Cooking oil, for brushing
✱ 25g butter
✱ 2tbsp Thai red curry paste
✱ 1 onion, sliced
✱ 2cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled
and grated
✱ 1tbsp fish sauce
✱ 400ml tin coconut milk
✱ 400ml chicken stock
✱ 220g premium stir-fry mix (we
used rainbow)
✱ 225g tin bamboo shoots, drained
✱ Thai basil, to garnish (optional)
✱ Sticky rice, to serve

PER
SERVING

392 cals, 28g
fat, 20g sat fat,
7g carbs

RECIPES: ROSE FOOKS. FOOD STYLING: JESS MEYER, ROSE FOOKS. PHOTOS: SEAN CALITZ. PROPS: VICTORIA ELDRIDGE

1

Take the steaks out of the fridge
20 mins ahead to bring them up to
room temperature. Heat a large, deep
frying pan over a high heat. Brush the
steaks with the oil and season, then add
them to the pan and reduce the heat to
medium-high. Fry for about 3-4 mins on
each side until they’re cooked to your
liking. If you have a meat thermometer,
the internal temperature will be 55-60C
for medium. Remove from the pan and
set aside to rest for 15 mins.

COOK’S TIP

2

As the meat rests, add the butter to
the pan, stirring to loosen any stuck-on
bits of steak. Add the curry paste and
sizzle for 1 min.
Stir in the onion and ginger. Pour in the
fish sauce, coconut milk and stock and
simmer for 10 mins.
Add the stir-fry vegetable mix and
drained bamboo shoots, cooking for

3
4

Cooking the meat first and resting
it as you prepare the curry will yield
impressively tender results.
a further 2 mins until tender.
Slice the meat against the grain and
mix it through the curry, then top
with Thai basil if using. Serve with rice.

5

Sweet and sour chicken burger

PER
SERVING

A burger with an Asian-inspired twist. Add a little coriander if you have some growing.
MAKES 1 READY IN 15 mins
✱ 1tbsp cooking oil
✱ 2 mini chicken fillets
✱ 1tbsp sweet and sour sauce
✱ Seeded burger bun, halved
✱ 2 baby gem lettuce leaves
✱ 1tbsp mayonnaise

FOR THE QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBER
✱ ¼ cucumber shaved with a peeler, seedy
centre discarded
✱ 2tsp soy sauce
✱ ½tsp rice vinegar
✱ 1tsp sesame seeds
✱ Pinch chilli flakes, optional

1

Mix the
quick pickled
cucumber
ingredients and
set aside.
Heat a griddle
pan on high.
Season and brush
the chicken with
oil and add it to
the hot griddle.

2

617 cals, 30g
Reduce the heat to
fat, 3g sat fat,
medium and cook
35g carbs
the chicken for 3-5
mins on each side,
until cooked through.
Toss the hot chicken with the sweet
and sour sauce and set aside.
Toast the bun in the griddle pan, put
the base on a plate and stack the
lettuce, chicken and cucumber. Mix the
mayo with any remaining sauce in the
bowl and spread over the lid, then
sandwich on top.

3
4

COOK’S TIP
This meal for one can easily be
upscaled if cooking for more.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

59

Short story

Happy
Father’s Day

WITH
LOVE

Sorting through her dad’s things,
memories came flooding back

PHOTO (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

H

elping Mum decide
what needed to go
to charity, I found
a box at the back of
Dad’s wardrobe.
‘What’s inside this?’ I asked as
I put it on the bed.
Mum looked puzzled. ‘I have
no idea, Joanne,’ she said.
‘Knowing Dad, it could be
almost anything. Look what I’ve
just found!’
She showed me a small tin
of fishing lures. ‘He must have
hidden these among his socks
so I wouldn’t throw them out.’
Raising the lid of the box,
I gasped in recognition.
I carefully lifted out the maroon
hand-knitted waistcoat. I’d been
20 when I knitted it for him for
Father’s Day. Even now, I felt the
heat rise in my cheeks as I held
it up. Still unworn. It simply
hadn’t occurred to me to ask
Mum for his chest and waist
measurements. I can’t
remember how I’d gauged what
size to knit.
Apart from being too small for
him, it suited him in every way.
Maroon was his favourite colour,
and he’d always loved intricate
design. I’d used five-ply wool
and started knitting it during the
winter, knowing it would take
me ages to complete.

Now, I laid it on the bed
and continued exploring the
contents of the box.
I couldn’t help smiling as
I took out a white and blue
striped shirt. I’d been 25 when
I’d bought this for him for
Father’s Day. Five years on from
the waistcoat, I’d checked his
neck measurement with Mum.
But by then, he had what he
affectionately referred to as
‘middle-age spread’. I could
remember him wearing it
once, the buttons
almost bursting
off. Since then, it
had been hiding
in his wardrobe
with my other
well meant but
ill-fitting presents.
‘That’s a lovely shirt,’
Mum said.
‘Just a pity it didn’t fit him,’
I finished for her. And I
explained how I’d chosen it.
‘I was dating an army captain.
He turned up one evening in
a shirt like this and my first
thought was it would suit Dad.’
‘Perfect colour for him,’ Mum
agreed as I laid it with the
waistcoat on the bed. ‘But if that
was your first thought on seeing
your date, Joanne, then I’m not
surprised he didn’t last long.’

By now, I could guess what
else I’d find in Dad’s box. Sure
enough, my fingers met the soft
grey wool cardigan. Another
much-loved but unwearable
garment. I put it on the bed and
looked at Mum. She was still
sorting his socks into pairs and
had a growing pile of ‘orphans’.
‘I’m glad he kept these
garments,’ I said. ‘I assumed
he would have quietly given
them away.’
‘Not when you’d made them
for him.’ Mum’s
eyes lit up as she
spoke. ‘The only
Father’s Day
present he ever
gave away was
that casserole
dish you bought him when you
were 12.’ She smiled as she
remembered. ‘He gave it to me.’
‘I can still remember seeing
that dish in the shop,’ I told
her. ‘Such a bargain and we
needed one.’
‘It puzzled him,’ she said.
‘I know. I overheard him
saying to you that he wondered
why I’d given it to him.’ And I felt
again the embarrassment of
that moment. ‘I thought of you
both as a unit. I was just as
likely to buy you a hammer
back then.’

‘Look what
I’ve just
found!’

Mum smiled as she checked
the time. ‘We’d better leave now
if we’re going to drop these
things at the charity shop.’
Mum had collected two bags
of clothes Dad had never really
liked and a pair of good leather
shoes that always pinched his
toes. And she had got together
a few bags of her own things.
I helped her carry them out to
my car and we set off, visiting
the charity shop en route.
It was 11.30am when we
arrived at the rehabilitation wing
of the hospital. Dad was waiting
for us in a wheelchair.
‘Happy Father’s Day!’ I said,
hugging him as the three of us
shared an awkward embrace.
His blue eyes shone. He was
finally going home.
‘And wait until you see all
those Father’s Day presents
you’ve been saving,’ Mum told
him. ‘You’ve lost so much
weight since your operation that
they’ll finally fit you.’ She gave
him the shirt and waistcoat to
wear home.
Mum had left the fishing lures
in their tin. We both knew that
once we were home, Dad
would check the sock drawer as
soon as our backs were turned.
THE END
Raymond Jamieson
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

61

The historic Flatiron Building
offers a contrast to its
more modern neighbours

The dramatic skyline
from Lake Ontario

Terrific TORONTO
Thriving arts, eclectic restaurants and easy access to the great
outdoors make this city a thrilling break

C

anada’s first city is
more than a gateway
to the country – it’s
worthy of a break
all on its own. While there’s
plenty to explore, the compact
streets of downtown never
overwhelm. Eclectic
neighbourhoods with global
influences, a buoyant arts
scene and nature on its
doorstep give you plenty of
reasons to linger.

The Gardiner Museum and
(below) majestic Casa Loma

Towering views

If there’s one sight that makes
the Toronto skyline famous,
it’s the CN Tower – a 553m
monolith set on the shores of
Lake Ontario. For more than 30
years after it was built in 1976,
it held the title of the world’s
tallest free-standing structure.
A visit to the 447m-high
observation deck, SkyPod, still
impresses (cntower.ca).
On a clear day you’ll see up

Pick up some local produce
at the St Lawrence Market

to 160km away, to Niagara Falls,
across Lake Ontario towards
New York State and down into
the Rogers Centre next door,
home to the city’s beloved Blue
Jays baseball team.
Want a serious thrill? Sign
up for EdgeWalk, an open-air
experience where you can
walk 116 storeys above the
city centre along a narrow
pathway with just a harness
to secure you.

Travel

Enjoy some downtime on
the city’s Sugar Beach

Toronto’s eclectic downtown
is sprinkled with historic sights
that give insights into its roots
as the 18th-century town of
York. The pedestrianised
Distillery District is one such
example on the site of the 1832
Gooderham & Worts Distillery. Its
brick buildings and cobblestone
streets, once part of the largest
distillery in the British empire,
now house a series of boutiques
and restaurants, and it hosts
regular festivals.
Nearby, the St Lawrence
Market area is another historic
district with Victorian frontages
like the skinny Flatiron Building,
Toronto’s first police station and
the St James Cathedral.
It’s also a great pick when
stomachs are rumbling. The
The Distillery District
dates back to the 1830s

St Lawrence Market hall is
bursting with vendors selling
cheeses, sweets, meats and
more – including the famous
Carousel Bakery bacon
sandwich (order with mustard
and eat while it’s hot).
For a quirky side to Toronto
history, visit Casa Loma
(casaloma.ca), a castle built
in 1914 by financier Sir Henry
Pellatt, with opulent interiors.

World flavours

Toronto has restaurants
featuring flavours from all over
the world, including some
fascinating fusions (ChineseJamaican dishes, anyone?).
Trendy Ossington Avenue
in the west of the city centre
serves up an eclectic mix from
modern Greek at Mamakas
(mamakas.ca) to Neapolitanstyle pizza at Pizzeria Libretto
(pizzerialibretto.com) and ice
cream sandwiches at Bang
Bang Ice Cream (bang-bangice-cream-bakery.square.site).
Book into Paris Paris
(parisparis.ca) for contemporary
European and Canadian
flavours, with jumbo shrimp
cocktails, corn croquettes with
ranch dip and cured ham, and
roasted piri-piri chicken.

Arts scene

Toronto is filled with worthwhile
museum stops, from the natural
history-focused Royal Ontario
Museum (rom.on.ca) to the
pottery-specialist Gardiner
(gardinermuseum.on.ca) and
masterpiece-packed Art Gallery
of Ontario (ago.ca). There’s
even a museum dedicated
to footwear – the Bata Shoe
Museum (batashoemuseum.ca),
which contains shoes from the
likes of Canadian pop singer
Justin Bieber.
The rambling Entertainment
District is Toronto’s answer to
the West End, with theatres,
music venues and comedy

clubs. Meanwhile, the annual
Toronto International Film
Festival (tiff.net) draws cinema
fans each September.

Island life

As the city is set right on
the banks of Lake Ontario,
you’re never far from nature
– particularly from May to
September, when the Toronto
Islands come alive. Accessible
by ferry from the city centre, the
three islands contain beaches,
picnic areas, fishing spots and
boardwalks for wandering.
Centre Island also has a popular
summer amusement park,
Centreville (centreisland.ca).

BOOK IT

✱ British Airways (ba.com), Air Canada (aircanada.com) and
Air Transat (airtransat.com) fly direct from the UK to Toronto.
✱ Stay at Sutton Place Hotel in the Entertainment District.
Double rooms from around £190; suttonplace.com/toronto
✱ For more information on Toronto, see destinationtoronto.
com and destinationontario.com

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

63

WORDS: ALICIA MILLER. PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK.
DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING

Downtown roots

Travel

Take in the scenery, then relax
at the QC Terme Dolomiti spa

Triumph in
THE DOLOMITES
The Italian Dolomites will enchant you with spectacular mountain
views, towns full of culture and delicious fusion food

B

ursting with natural
beauty, the Dolomites
in northern Italy are
a stunning holiday
destination. In winter they’re a
popular ski area, but come the
summer, walking, hiking and
cycling dominate, as nature
lovers take advantage of
the UNESCO World Heritage
landscape and smaller crowds.
From the Brenta Dolomites
and the Adamello glacier (the
largest in the Italian Alps) to
the Val di Fassa, surrounded
by giant peaks including the
Marmolada – Queen of the
Dolomites – it’s spectacular.
And the bonus is it’s only a
two-hour flight from the UK
(fly into Venice or Verona).

64

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Majestic walks

Immerse yourself in the
landscape on a walking trail –
there are some 440km of paths
to choose from. Among the
mountains, you’ll find tranquil
lakes, such as Lake Molveno,
where the clear water reflects
the slopes of Paganella, and
forests filled with deer, royal
eagles and even brown bears.
Take advantage of the cable
car network and hop on to enjoy
the soaring scenes without the
sweat. While you’re up high,
stop for lunch in a rifugio, one
of the traditional alpine huts.
The Roda di Vaèl refuge on
the Sella del Ciampaz, which
sits at an altitude of 2,283m, is
recommended for traditional

hearty dishes such as
dumplings and goulash.

Sound of music

The Trentino region is a treasure
trove of arts and culture. The
warmer months are ideal
for visiting its museums and
castles, including the MuSe
Science Museum (muse.it/en),

designed by Renzo Piano.
Then there’s Castello del
Buonconsiglio (buonconsiglio.
it/en) a medieval fortress, once
home to the prince-bishops of
Trento and now a prestigious
museum. A highlight in late
summer is the Sounds of the
Dolomites festival (visittrentino.
info/en/isuonidelledolomiti),
MuSe offers an insight into the
natural history of the Dolomites

Stroll the magical streets
of Moena in Val di Fassa

when you can immerse yourself
in nature and music. Listen to
mesmerising melodies while
soaking up stunning alpine
landscapes. It’s all accessible
by foot and not to be missed.

WORDS: CHARLIE BELL. PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK.
DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING

A fusion of food

Thanks to the different
countries and cultures
surrounding the Dolomites,
you’re spoilt for choice when it
comes to tucking in to the local
dishes. The blend of Austrian,
Ladin (a group of people native
to the Dolomites, with their
own language and culture)
and Italian cuisines makes for
a unique experience. Those
with a sweet tooth will enjoy the
apple strudels on offer, as well
as cinnamon-dusted pancakes
called Kaiserschmarrn. For
authentic Ladin cuisine, head
to El Tobià in Vigo di Fassa and
try the wide range of polenta
dishes. Or keep it Italian and
carb-load with a pizza at Pizzeria
Le Giare (legiare.net) in Pozza di
Fassa. Italy, of course, knows its

wine and the vineyards are a
key part of the alpine landscape.
A full-bodied red teroldego from
Piana Rotaliana is the region’s
most iconic tipple. Prefer white?
Try Trentodoc, known as
‘mountain bubbly’.

Rest and
rejuvenate
Beyond the mountains, there
are plenty of villages worth
exploring for bijou coffee stops
and retail therapy, such as
picturesque Moena. The largest
town in the Fassa Valley, it’s
known as the ‘fairy of the
Dolomites’ due to the pink light
that hits the mountains during
sunrise and sunset. For a dose
of indulgence, head to the QC
Terme Dolomiti spa (qcterme.
com/en/val-di-fassa/qc-termedolomiti) in Pozza di Fassa.
Plunge into its outdoor tubs
for a spot of ‘forest bathing’
in breathtaking scenery, for
a wellness experience that
leaves you feeling refreshed
and energised.

BOOK IT

✱ Spa hotel Ciampedie in Vigo di Fassa has contemporary
rooms and a gourmet restaurant. Double rooms from £297;
hotelciampedie.com
✱ For an unforgettable mountain experience, sleep in
a mountain refuge and have a front-row seat to witness
the phenomenon known as Enrosadira (Alpenglow)
– a pink-tinged sunset. Rifugio Rosetta has dorm-style
rooms from £36; rifugiorosetta.it/en
Stay at Rifugio Rosetta for a
traditional alpine experience

Gardening

Tips,
tricks
& buys

GARDEN

notes

Heavenly hydrangeas and
fun family planting
PURPLE PATCH
Jazz up the veg patch by growing purplehued crops. These mauve marvels are on
trend and packed with anthocyanins, said
to reduce inflammation. Plant wigwams
of beans, like ‘Amethyst’ (dwarf French) or
‘Black Knight’ (runner), or sow carrots like
‘Purple Sun’ for a late-summer harvest.

GARDEN TO
VISIT NOW
MIDNIGHT MAGIC
Love a moody hue? Then this new
hydrangea will set your heart aflutter.
‘After Midnight’ (H1.2m) has purpleblack leaves with pink mophead
flowers that dial down to rich carmine
as they age. The bold mix of colours
and textures makes it stand out from
the crowd. Grow in fertile soil that
won’t dry out, in sun or partial shade.

Rose breeder David Austin is
opening his private gardens for
charity, 15-16 June. With more than
700 roses, six themed gardens,
music and teatime treats, it promises
to be a marvellous weekend.
✱ davidaustinroses.co.uk/products/
ngs-open-gardens

WORDS: CHRIS MORLEY. PHOTO: ALAMY

3 of the best...
Plants with kid appeal

SUNFLOWER
‘MONGOLIAN GIANT’
Plant and watch them
shoot up to 4m. Who
can grow the tallest?

NASTURTIUM
‘INDIAN CHIEF’
Easy-to-handle round,
knobbly seeds grow into
cheery scarlet flowers.

PUMPKIN
‘JILL BE LITTLE’
A mini orange pumpkin
that’s great in pots,
ready for Halloween.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

67

Gardening

The romance
OF ROSES

With swoon-worthy colour
and perfume, these blooms
are the last word in glamour

Resilient beauty

Imagine a glorious summer
garden and it’s likely to be filled
with the soft, blushing beauty
of roses. Yet as fancy as they
look, these are resilient plants
that offer great value in the
garden, flowering as early as
June and continuing as late
as December.
For optimum blooms,
roses like to grow in a warm,
sheltered position and in
‘Jude the Obscure’

fertile soil that won’t dry
out – clay is ideal.

English Roses

This group of roses simply
encapsulates summer romance,
marrying the perfumed charm
of old roses with the disease
resistance and repeat flowering
of modern breeds.
They’re bushy, free-flowering
shrubs with cup-shaped or
rosette blooms in luscious hues,

‘Eglantyne’

like lemon-gold ‘Jude the
Obscure’ or shell-pink
‘Eglantyne’. They exude
captivating scents, from fruity or
herbal to spicy myrrh and sweet
musk. Ranging in size from
90cm-1.5m, they form loosely
rounded shapes and have the
most impact when grown in
groups of three or as a hedge.
Taller varieties, like pink
‘Constance Spry’ (H4.5m),
can be trained as climbers.

‘Constance Fry’

‘Bathsheba’

Warm welcome

Make an impressive entrance by
framing a doorway or arch with
a repeat-flowering climbing rose.
When choosing your variety,
check its eventual height, so it
won’t outgrow the support (use
a trellis or fix horizontal wires
30-45cm apart). Climbers that
reach 3-3.5m are perfect, like
cream-apricot ‘Bathsheba’.
For a site in partial shade,
try soft yellow ‘The Pilgrim’.
‘The Pilgrim’

‘Kew Gardens’

‘Frilly Cuff’

‘Bright Smile’

‘Queen Mother’

CONTAINER QUEENS

WORDS: CHRIS MORLEY. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK

Potted roses add formal elegance either side of a front door
or an exciting wash of colour on a terrace or patio. Longflowering shrub roses, like thorn-free, ivory ‘Kew Gardens’
(H1.5m) or scarlet ‘Frilly Cuff’ (H1.2m) are high impact but
need roomy pots to thrive – 60x60cm, filled with loam-based,
peat-free compost enriched with granular rose fertiliser.
Patio and dwarf roses under 50cm tall are content in pots no
smaller than 30x30cm. Prolific bloomers include ‘Bright Smile’
or ‘Queen Mother’. Encourage more flowers by snipping
them off as they fade and water regularly in hot weather.

‘Rubra’

Tough cookies

Rosa rugosa is a tough rose
species that’s native to sandy
coastlines. It’s a boon if you
want an insect-friendly shrub,
with silky-petalled flowers, fresh
green leaves and scarlet hips,
but have light, poor soil. Options
include fragrant, cerise-pink
‘Rubra’, white-flowered ‘Alba’
or double-flowered ‘Hansa’
(all H1.5m). Grow rugosa types
as a natural-looking hedge,
or weave them into relaxed,
cottage-style planting.

‘Alba’

‘Hansa’

BEETLE
drive
When ancient treasures were
stolen, Helen was on the case

B

eep-beep-beeeep!
‘Mu-um! That’s
your taxi,’ Craig
called upstairs.
Seconds later, Helen flew
down. ‘Thanks, love,’ she said,
squeezing her son’s arm.
‘And thanks for looking after
everything while I’m away.’
‘Just concentrate on having
a great time with Lorna,’ Craig
said, helping her on with her
jacket. ‘We’ll have it all under
control, won’t we?’ He scooped
up the spotted cat winding itself
around Helen’s ankles.
‘Be good, Mau.’ She reached
down to stroke the cat and it
purred adoringly. ‘You boys look
after each other.’
Craig opened the front door.
‘Professor Cooper?’ the
cabby asked. ‘For the airport?’
‘Coming!’ Helen shouldered
her rucksack.
‘Remember your sunglasses!’
Craig passed them over to
her with a grin. ‘How you
managed to run successful
archaeological digs…’
But his mother was already
halfway up the garden path.
‘International terminal?’
The cabby closed her
passenger door.
‘Yes please.’ Helen beamed.
‘I’m going back to Egypt.’
‘Back?’ he laughed. ‘What?
Lived there, did you, Prof?’
‘Until recently, I taught
Egyptology at the university,’
Helen explained. ‘This is my
first trip since I retired. Talking
of which, excuse me…’

70

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

She pulled out her phone
to check for new messages.
Yes, here was one from her
travelling companion, Lorna…
‘Just leaving for airport. See
you there. Excited! Lxx’
A warm smile lighting her
face, Helen sat back, thinking
about what lay ahead.
True, it would be odd to visit
the great sights of Egypt as
a tourist rather than a working
archaeologist, but she was
looking forward to showing
highlights to her artist friend.
Three nights in Luxor. Then
the overnight train to Cairo,
where she and Lorna would
visit the Giza pyramids, wander
the Cairene sights and
luxuriate in the vast halls of the
Egyptian Museum.
Plus, Helen had booked
a hotel which was only used
by ‘in the know’ visitors, next
door to a small museum that
she knew well.
‘You look
happy,’ the
cabby observed,
catching her eye
in his mirror.
Helen
chuckled.
‘Not a long trip but one to
remember, I hope.’
✱✱✱✱
On the train journey to Cairo,
Lorna clipped a cat-shaped
brooch to Helen’s jacket. ‘This
trip is such a treat. Here’s a
thank you for organising it.’
‘What a talented craftswoman
you are!’ Helen admired.

Lorna smiled. ‘I wanted to
give you a reminder of our trip,
and cats fit the bill.’
‘I’ll make an Egyptologist of
you yet,’ Helen laughed, then
she opened her newspaper.
‘Wow!’ she exclaimed, an
article jumping out at her.
‘Remember I told you about
a small museum on the same
street as our Cairo hotel?’
Lorna nodded. ‘The one you
sometimes donated pieces to
from your excavations?’
Helen nodded. ‘Apparently
it was burgled.
Two days ago.’
‘What was
stolen?’ Lorna
enquired.
‘They’re doing
an inventory,’
Helen pushed back her
greying hair. ‘Maybe I’ll pop
by. I’m not sure that the same
people are still around, but you
never know.’
✱✱✱✱
It was a shame Lorna didn’t feel
as relaxed in Cairo as she had
in Luxor. But, Helen supposed,
it was probably because the

‘Some things
are stolen
to order’

Egyptian capital was a more
assault-on-your-senses city.
Back at their hotel after
a trip to the pyramids, Lorna
reminded Helen of her desire
to revisit the nearby museum.
‘You go ahead. I need an hour
to recharge!’ Lorna laughed. ‘It’s
not that I’m not interested but,
frankly, I’m bushed.’
Leaving her companion to
take a restorative nap, Helen
meandered towards the
museum. The familiar building
was dark and, despite jangling
the bell, apparently deserted.
A scrappy notice informed
her that it was closed until
further notice.
‘Rats!’ Still, an hour to kill
wasn’t the end of the world.
The traffic was busier than
she remembered, but the sound
of a tinkling fountain lured
Helen into a secluded square,
dappled by leaf-shade and
scented with jasmine.
The small garden was
overgrown and scruffy, but
the hedges screened the
tumult from outside, and the
atmosphere was more restful.

PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY

Short story
Strange, Helen thought, to
know this area so well but not
remember this square.
She took a sip from her water
canister and sank thankfully on
to the deliciously cold marble of
a bench. Untying her plimsolls,
she plunged her feet into the
fountain, and shuddered with
the exquisite chill.
Digging out a date, she shook
her head in amusement at
herself as she nibbled. Not to be
able to manage a day in Cairo
without collapsing in the shade
and needing to cool her toes!
‘Perhaps time’s catching up
after all, Helen, my girl,’ she was
telling herself when a mewing
sound rose from the grass.
She looked down to see
a pair of silver-furred kittens,
their tiny white teeth nipping
at her laces as they tumbled
over each other.
The troublesome heat of
the day was instantly forgotten.
‘Little darlings!’ she said,
reaching down to pet them.
Half an hour later, rising from
the bench, something caught
her eye. A lightning-fast glimpse
of a scrawny girl, ducking
underneath a hedge.
‘Salam, little one!’ Helen called,
but the leaves merely shivered
as the form disappeared.
Helen paused for a moment,
then left a couple of dates on
the bench before heading back
to the hotel to rouse Lorna.
✱✱✱✱
The breakfast waiters were not
averse to discussing the recent
theft from the nearby museum.
Shining-eyed Abdul was
particularly chatty, showing the
women updated newspaper
photos of the stolen jewellery
and seals.
‘I remember that scarab
beetle,’ Helen declared crossly.
‘A beautiful thing,’ Lorna
admired. ‘Even with that
small crack.’
She pushed back her plate.
‘But surely you can’t shift
artefacts that have been
reported stolen?’
‘Black market trade has
flourished for centuries,’ Helen

said regretfully. ‘Some things
are even stolen to order.’
‘The police think…’ Abdul
tapped his nose meaningfully,
‘…maybe, local job.’
✱✱✱✱
‘Oof, that mezze plate was
just amazing!’
Lorna’s fastidious dabbing
at her lips belied the healthy
helpings of houmous that Helen
had just witnessed her enjoying.
‘I can’t believe you used to be
able to come here every night,
Helen.’ She rolled her eyes at
the heavenly prospect.
Rising from the table, she
added, ‘We have to walk some
of that feast off now the day’s
heat has cooled.’
They had nearly reached the
hotel when they passed the little
square and, without knowing
quite why, Helen turned smartly.
‘Just a sec,’ she called back,
and was rewarded by the sight
of the girl. She was
well dressed but
thin, and a bit
dirty-kneed.
Helen heard
Lorna’s gentle
pace behind her.
Thankfully, the child didn’t flee
this time. She permitted them to
approach and sit quietly on the
same bench.
At length, she squatted, an
arm’s-length away, and
inspected them carefully with
bright dark eyes under her mop
of black hair.
Her skinny arm extended to
point a finger at Helen’s lapel,
where her brooch glinted.
‘Mau,’ the girl said.
Helen nodded, and the girl
said something else which
made her laugh, and reply in
the same tongue.
Helen turned to Lorna. ‘My
spoken Arabic’s a bit rusty, but
Zahra here would like to have
my brooch. Mau is the Egyptian
word for cat. But I explained it
was a special present – hiba
– from a friend.’
Suddenly, the child sprang
up and vanished as an angrylooking man appeared from a
shed. He fastened an enormous

padlock, pointing and shouting
at a sign and shooing Helen
and Lorna from the square.
Crossing the road, Lorna
tucked her arm through Helen’s.
‘That was an exciting
end to the evening. What was
he shouting?’
‘I’m certainly not going to
translate exactly what he said!’
Helen chuckled. ‘Private
property, apparently, and he
was concerned about his shed.’
‘His shed?’ Lorna queried.
‘Curious he should be quite
so agitated,’ Helen agreed.
✱✱✱✱
Helen tossed and turned, waking
early to a rose-tinged dawn.
‘Right!’ she said, getting up
and dropping some breakfast
dates into her pocket. Then,
leaving Lorna to sleep, she
headed to the little square again.
There, she found Zahra
playing with the kittens and
whispering to an
array of objects
set out in the
manner of a child’s
tea party.
At Helen’s
approach, the girl
shrank back in fear and started
to gather together her toys.
‘Salam, it’s only me,’ Helen
said softly, proffering a date.
‘Would you like to play together?’
This was clearly a novel
suggestion from an adult, but
nonetheless a welcome one,
and they played happily for a
few minutes.
The girl had hastily secreted
items in her pockets, but now
something fell out. When she
snatched it up, Helen gently
asked, ‘May I see?’
‘Siriyin,’ Zahra responded.
‘Secret. It’s mine. I found it here,
in my aunt’s garden. That man…
He rents a shed. He dropped it.’
Helen smiled. ‘It’s OK. You
can show me if you want.’
Zahra unfurled her grubby
fist – and Helen gasped. Lying
in the girl’s palm was the
turquoise-glazed scarab beetle
from the museum.
‘Broken?’ Helen pointed to a
crack running down one edge.

The girl
shrank
back in fear

The girl nodded, her eyes
fixed on Helen’s cat brooch.
Helen sighed and unclipped
it. A small price!
Zahra’s eyes lit up, and she
released the scarab.
Helen decided she would
push her luck before making
the exchange.
‘Can you show me where you
found the beetle?’
✱✱✱✱
Helen held the stunning scarab
beetle under her friend’s nose.
Lorna cautiously took it,
admiring the multicoloured
cartouche on its flat underside.
‘Impressive workmanship,’
she said. ‘Just a shame it’s
damaged. Anyway,’ she
laughed, ‘didn’t you say to
beware of tourist tat?’
‘I did,’ Helen replied. ‘But this
is genuine, Lorna. Middle
Kingdom, 2000 BC.’
‘Gosh!’ Lorna said, examining
it with wide-eyed respect. ‘How
do you know, Professor?’
‘As I’ve just told the police,
I recognised it immediately,’
Helen explained. ‘I first read this
cartouche 30 years ago, when
I dug up the scarab and donated
it to the museum.’
Lorna’s eyebrows shot up.
‘This was stolen from the
museum? So how come your
little friend had it?’
‘The police wondered that
too,’ Helen nodded. ‘Zahra
found it outside that man’s shed.’
Lorna’s eyes grew wide. ‘That
huge padlock…’
‘…broke easily.’ Helen grinned
at the memory. ‘A lot of artefacts
have been recovered.’
‘What a busy morning!’
Lorna said, looking at her friend
in admiration.
Helen told the rest of the
story, but then her smile
faltered. ‘Just one thing
though… I had to barter your
lovely cat brooch to get the
scarab. I’m so sorry.’
Lorna grinned. ‘No worries.
I hope little Zahra treasures it.
It’s gone to a good home. And
thankfully, so has the beetle!’
THE END
Sara Partington
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

71

TESTED
BY US

so they work
for you

KARA
AND KOA
the
kangaroos
Stitch this cute kangaroo mum
and joey for a little one

Diff iculty
level

72

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Craft
FINISHED SIZE 35cm high
NOTE Take a 6mm seam
allowance. Join pieces with
right sides facing, matching
alphabetical points,
notches, dots and crosses.
YOU WILL NEED
✱ Access to a photocopier
✱ Tracing paper and pencil
✱ 30cm of 150cm wide
tawny needlecord
✱ 30 x 20cm rectangle of
patterned cotton fabric
✱ Pair of 1.4cm black toy
safety eyes

Making
paper
patterns
On a photocopier, enlarge
the patterns by 230%.
Trace the patterns on to
tracing paper, placing
the gusset, pouch, base
and joey front and back
on folded tracing paper,
matching the broken
lines to the fold. Mark
the arrows, notches, dots
and crosses. Cut out the
patterns and open out flat.

✱ One 1.5cm black cat toy
safety nose
✱ Black stranded cotton
embroidery thread
✱ Matching sewing threads
✱ Toy filling
STOCKISTS Tawny soft
touch needlecord, £8.50m,
dalstonmillfabrics.co.uk;
bright floral Good Vibes
cotton fabric, £3.25 per
fat quarter, littlelegsfabrics.
co.uk; 1.4cm safety eyes,
£1.15 per pair, 1.5cm
cat safety nose, 95p,
amazingcraft.co.uk

Making the
kangaroo

1

Pin and stitch the heads
together A-B, starting 2mm
below dot A. Snip curves and
press the seam open. Pin the
gusset to the head. Carefully
snip into the seam allowance
of the head 3cm either side
of point A to allow the fabric to
lay flat. Tack and stitch C-A-C,
leaving a gap 2mm either side
of point A for the nose. Snip the
curves, press the seam open.
Pin each needlecord
kangaroo ear to a patterned
ear. Stitch the notched edge. Snip

2

the curves, turn right side out and
press. Fold the ears along the
broken lines with the patterned
sides facing and matching the
seam to the cross. Tack the raw
edges together. Pin and tack
each ear to the right side of the
gusset with the patterned side
facing the gusset, matching
the crosses and point C.
Stitch the centre back seam
D-E. Snip curves and press
the seam open. Bring the edges
of the darts together. Stitch the
darts, starting and finishing at
the outer dots, matching points
C-D-C. Press the seam open.
Make a tiny hole at the eye
crosses on the head. Insert
the shank of the eye through
the hole, fix in place on the
wrong side, pushing its locking
washer down as far as it will go.
Insert shank of the nose through
the gap at A, fix in place on the
wrong side, pushing its locking
washer down as far as it will go.
Turn the head right side out.
Pin and stitch the tummies
together along the centre
front seam B-F. Snip curves and
press the seam open. Press
under 7.5mm twice on the long
straight edge of the pouch.
Stitch close to the inner pressed
edge to hem the pouch. Gather
the lower edge G-F-G. With right
sides facing up, pin the pouch to

3

4

5

the tummy. Pull up the gathers
to fit. Tack along the raw edges
H-G-F-G-H. Stitch the base to the
tummy and pouch G-F-G. Press
the seam toward the base.
Stitch the inner arms to the
tummy between the dots at I
and J, snip the curves and press
the seams open. Stitch the inner
legs to the tummy between the
dots at K and L, stitching K-H-G-L.
Snip the curves, press the
seams toward the legs.
Pin and stitch the back
bodies together along the
centre back seam E-M. Trim the
seam allowance around the tail
tip. Snip curves and press the
seam open. Stitch the outer
legs to the back body between
the dots at K and L. Snip the
curves, press the seams open.
Pin the tummy, inner arms,
inner legs and base to the
back body and outer legs. On
one side of the kangaroo, tack
and stitch N-I-J-K-L-M. Repeat on
the other half of the kangaroo,
leaving a gap between the
notches. Snip the curves.
Carefully snip the back body
to points I and J. Slip the head
into the back body and tummy.
Pin and stitch B-N-E-N-B.
Turn the kangaroo right side
out. Stuff the toy evenly and
firmly. Slip-stitch the gap in the
base closed.

6
7

8

9

cutting
out
Cut the needlecord with
the nap laying in the
direction of the arrows.
From needlecord, cut one
pair of heads, kangaroo
ears, inner arms, inner
legs, back bodies, outer
legs, joey faces and joey
ears and one gusset,
pouch, base, joey front,
joey tail and joey back
and two pairs of joey feet.
From patterned fabric, cut
one pair of kangaroo ears,
tummies and joey ears.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

73

Kara and Koa templates
Enlarge by 230%

KANGAROO
EAR

74

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Craft

Making
the joey

WORDS AND MAKES: CHERYL OWEN. PHOTOS: RICHARD BUTCHER.
COLOURFUL BUILDING BLOCKS, £49.95, LETOYVAN.CO.UK

1

Pin and stitch the joey faces
together O-P. Snip the
curves, press the seam open.
Stitch the face to the joey front
between the dots at Q, stitching
Q-P-Q. Snip the curves, press
the seam open.
Pin each needlecord joey
ear to a patterned ear. Stitch
the notched edge R-R. Trim the
seam allowance of the seam to
4mm. Snip the curves, turn right
side out. Fold the ears in half
with the patterned sides inside.
Pin and tack each ear to the
right side of the face, matching
crosses and point R.
Pin and stitch the feet
together in pairs, leaving the
notched edge open. Trim the
seam allowance to 4mm. Snip
the curves, turn right side out.
Put a tiny amount of toy filling

2

3

in each foot. Pin the raw edges
closed. Tack the feet to the
lower edge of the front.
Fold the tail in half. Stitch the
notched edge. Trim the seam
allowance of the seam to 4mm.
Clip the corner and snip the
curves. Turn right side out. Tack
the tail to the centre of the lower
edge on the right side of the
front on top of the feet. Stitch
the feet and tail to the front.
Pin and stitch the face and
front to the back, starting
and finishing at the outer edges
of the feet, matching points
Q-R-O-R-Q. Carefully snip the
joey back to points Q. Snip
the curves.
Turn the joey right side
out. Stuff the joey evenly
with toy filling. Slip-stitch the
gap closed. Using three
strands of embroidery thread,
embroider the eyes, mouth
and nose with satin stitches.

4

5

6

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

75

Precious
moments

Knitting
Create a beautiful
christening shawl
for a special baby

TESTED
BY US

so they work
for you

Diff iculty
level
Instructions overleaf

MEASUREMENTS
Length 120cm/48in.
Width 120cm/48in.
MATERIALS
5 x 100g (400m) hanks of
West Yorkshire Spinners
Exquisite 4ply (80% wool,
20% silk) in Chantilly (010)
OR 5 x 100g (400m) balls
of West Yorkshire Spinners
Signature 4ply (75% wool,
25% nylon) in Marshmallow
(011)*. 3.25mm (No. 10) long
circular knitting needle.
Yarn is available from
theknittingnetwork.co.uk
TENSION
28 stitches and 36 rows to
10x10cm, over stocking stitch,
using 3.25mm needles.

ABBREVIATIONS
Dec(’d), decrease(d); k, knit;
p, purl; skpo, slip 1, k1, pass
slipped st over (to dec 1 st);
sk2po, slip 1, k2tog, pass
slipped st over (to dec 2 sts);
st(s), stitch(es); tog, together
(dec by working as many sts
together as stated); yf, yarn
forward (to make 1 st).
NOTES
Yarn amounts are based on
average requirements and are
approximate. An alternative
yarn has been suggested
to the recommended one,
so choose the one that best
suits your budget. Figures in
square brackets are worked
as stated after 2nd bracket.

CENTRE
With 3.25mm circular needle,
cast on 217 sts. Work backwards
and forwards in rows.
1st row: K to end.
2nd row: P to end.
3rd row: K2, [k4, k2tog, yf] to
last 5 sts, k5.
4th row: P to end.
5th to 8th rows: Repeat 1st and
2nd rows, twice.
9th row: K3, [k2tog, yf, k4] to
last 4 sts, k2tog, yf, k2.
10th row: P to end.
11th and 12th rows: Repeat 1st
and 2nd rows.
These 12 rows form the pattern.
Work in pattern for a further 274

rows, ending with a 10th row.
Cast off.

78

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

EDGINGS (MAKE 4)
With 3.25mm circular needle,
cast on 315 sts. Work backwards
and forwards in rows.
1st row (wrong side): K to end.
2nd row: K1, skpo, k to last
3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 313 sts.
3rd row: K to end.
Begin working in main
pattern thus:
1st row: K1, skpo, k7, [k2tog,
yf, k1, yf, skpo, k7] to last 3 sts,
k2tog, k1 – 2 sts dec’d.
2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th rows: P
to end.

3rd row: K1, skpo, k5, [k2tog,
yf, k3, yf, skpo, k5] to last 3 sts,
k2tog, k1 – 2 sts dec’d.
5th row: K1, skpo, k3, [k2tog,
yf, k5, yf, skpo, k3] to last 3 sts,
k2tog, k1 – 2 sts dec’d.
7th row: K1, skpo, k1, [k2tog,
yf, k1, yf, skpo, k1] to last 3 sts,
k2tog, k1 – 2 sts dec’d.
9th row: K1, sk2po, k3, [yf,
sk2po, yf, k3] to last 4 sts,
k3tog, k1 – 4 sts dec’d.
10th row: P to end.
Repeat 1st to 10th rows, 6 times

more, and 1st to 9th rows,
once more – 12 sts dec’d
on each repeat.
Next row: K to end.
Next row: K1, skpo, k to last
3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 215 sts.
Next row: K to end.
Cast off.
TO MAKE UP
Join cast-off edges of Edging
to each side of Centre. Join
mitred corners. Block shawl
to measurements.

✱ If you have any questions about this pattern, please contact
knitting and crochet editor Sarah at sarah.neal@futurenet.com

DESIGN: PENNY HILL. PHOTOS: RICHARD BUTCHER.
*YARN SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

Knitting

Knitting
TESTED
BY US

so they work
for you

Tiny
TREATS
Complete your christening
set with an adorable bonnet
and pair of bootees

Diff iculty
level
Instructions overleaf

Knitting

BONNET
Using 3mm needles, cast on
65 sts.
K 3 rows.
Change to 3.25mm needles.
1st row: K3, [yf, skpo, k7,

ribbon. Yarn is available from
theknittingnetwork.co.uk
TENSION
28 stitches and 36 rows to
10x10cm, over stocking stitch,
using 3.25mm needles.
ABBREVIATIONS
Inc, increase by working twice
into the same st; k, knit; p, purl;

skpo, sl 1, k1, pass slipped
stitch over (to decrease 1 st);
sk2po, sl 1, k2tog, pass slipped
st over (to decrease 2 sts); sl,
slip; st(s), stitch(es); tbl, through
the back loops; tog, together
(decrease by working as many
sts together as stated); yf,
yarn forward (to make 1 st).

k2tog, yf, k1] to last 2 sts, k2.
2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th,
14th, 16th and 18th rows: K3,
p to last 3 sts, k3.
3rd row: K4, yf, skpo, k5, [k2tog,
yf, k3, yf, skpo, k5] to last 6 sts,
k2tog, yf, k4.
5th row: K5, yf, skpo, k3, [k2tog,
yf, k5, yf, skpo, k3] to last 7 sts,
k2tog, yf, k5.
7th row: K3, [k2tog, yf, k1, yf,
skpo, k1] to last 2 sts, k2.
9th row: K2, k2tog, yf, k3, [yf,
sk2po, yf, k3] to last 4 sts, yf,
skpo, k2.
11th row: K6, k2tog, yf, k1, yf,
skpo, [k7, k2tog, yf, k1, yf, skpo]
to last 6 sts, k6.
13th row: K5, k2tog, yf, k3,
yf, skpo, [k5, k2tog, yf, k3, yf,

skpo] to last 5 sts, k5.
15th row: K4, k2tog, yf, k5, yf,
skpo, [k3, k2tog, yf, k5, yf, skpo]
to last 4 sts, k4.
17th row: As 7th row.
19th row: As 9th row.
20th row: K3, p to last 3 sts, k3.
Repeat 1st to 19th rows, once
more.
Change to 3mm needles.
Next row: K to end, inc one st at
centre of row – 66 sts.
Next 2 rows: Cast off 2 sts, k to
end – 62 sts.
Change to 3.25mm needles.
Shape crown: 1st row: K1, [skpo,
k11, k2tog] 4 times, k1 – 54 sts.
2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th and
12th rows: P to end.
3rd row: K1, [skpo, k9, k2tog]

4 times, k1 – 46 sts.
5th row: K1, [skpo, k7, k2tog] 4
times, k1 – 38 sts.
7th row: K1, [skpo, k5, k2tog] 4
times, k1 – 30 sts.
9th row: K1, [skpo, k3, k2tog] 4
times, k1 – 22 sts.
11th row: K1, [skpo, k1, k2tog] 4
times, k1 – 14 sts.
13th row: K1, [k1, k2tog] 4 times,
k1 – 10 sts.
14th row: P1, [p2tog] 4 times,
p1 – 6 sts.
Cut yarn, thread end through
remaining sts and fasten off.
Stitch seam as far as beginning
of crown. Cut ribbon in half,
fold each piece in half and
attach one folded end to each
corner of Bonnet.

BOOTEES (MAKE 2)
With 3mm needles, cast on
26 sts.
K 1 row.
1st row (right side): K1, yf, k11, yf,
[k1, yf] twice, k11, yf, k1 – 31 sts.
2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th rows: K
to end, working k1 tbl into yf of
previous row.
3rd row: K2, yf, k11, yf, k2, yf, k3,
yf, k11, yf, k2 – 36 sts.

5th row: K3, yf, k11, yf, [k4,
yf] twice, k11, yf, k3 – 41 sts.
7th row: K4, yf, k11, yf, k5,
yf, k6, yf, k11, yf, k4 – 46 sts.
9th row: K5, yf, k11, yf,
[k7, yf] twice, k11, yf, k5 –
51 sts.
10th row: K to end, working
k1 tbl into yf of previous row.
Change to 3.25mm needles.
1st row: K to end.
2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th rows: P
to end.
3rd row: [K4, yf, skpo] to last
3 sts, k3.
5th row: K2, k2tog, yf, k1, yf,
skpo, [k1, k2tog, yf, k1, yf, skpo]
to last 2 sts, k2.
7th row: K1, k2tog, [yf, k3, yf,
sk2po] to last 6 sts, yf, k3,
yf, skpo, k1.
9th row: K to end.
Change to 3mm needles.
K 3 rows.
Change to 3.25mm needles.

Shape instep: 1st row: K29,
skpo, turn work.
2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th
rows: Sl 1, p7, p2tog, turn work.
3rd row: Sl 1, k7, skpo, turn work.
5th row: Sl 1, k3, yf, skpo, k2,
skpo, turn work.
7th row: Sl 1, k1, k2tog, yf, k1,
yf, skpo, k1, skpo, turn work.
9th row: Sl 1, k2tog, yf, k3,
yf, [skpo] twice, turn work.
11th row: Sl 1, k7, skpo,
turn work.
12th row: Sl 1, p7, p2tog,
turn work.
Repeat last two rows, once more.
15th row: Sl 1, k7, skpo, k to end.
Change to 3mm needles
16th and 17th rows: K21, skpo,
k to end – 34 sts.
18th and 19th rows: K20, skpo,
k to end – 32 sts. Cast off.

NEXT
WEEK
Summer
cardigan

Buy your yarn
at theknittingnetwork.co.uk,
the UK’s favourite online
yarn store. Delivery is FREE
on orders over £30 and
orders are dispatched
the same working day.
Visit the website today
or call 01795 570303.
Lines are open Monday to
Friday, 9am-5pm.

NOTES There should be
enough yarn left over after
completing the shawl on the
previous pages to knit these
items. Yarn amounts are based
on average requirements and
are approximate. Figures in
square brackets are worked
as stated after 2nd bracket.

TO MAKE UP
Join sole and back seam.

✱ If you have any questions about this pattern, please contact
knitting and crochet editor Sarah at sarah.neal@futurenet.com

DESIGN: PENNY HILL. PHOTOS: RICHARD BUTCHER. * YARN SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

MEASUREMENTS
To fit 0-3 months.
MATERIALS
30g of 4ply yarn, such as West
Yorkshire Spinners Exquisite
4ply (80% wool, 20% silk) in
Chantilly (010)*. Pair each of
3mm (No. 11) and 3.25mm
(No. 10) knitting needles;

serial part 3

A Run
OF LUCK
Martha’s plan had ended in
disaster. Now she would never
escape her uncle’s farm

THE STORY SO FAR
Gloucestershire,
mid-1630s. Sixteen-yearold Martha Langley lives
with her miserable uncle
Abel and his boorish
twin sons Seth and
Joshua on their farm.
To get away from her
cousins’ bullying, Martha
becomes a speedy runner
and decides to enter
the races at Chipping
Campden’s annual
Olimpick Games. Winning
the prize pot would
enable her to escape
her life of drudgery. But
girls are not permitted
to enter the contests so,
with the help of Bess,
her only friend, Martha
disguises herself as
a boy, calling herself
Martin. On the day,
however, a surprise race
entrant is none other
than Prince Rupert,
the King’s dashingly
handsome nephew.
He and ‘Martin’ are vying
for first place when
someone in the crowd
sticks out a foot and trips
‘Martin’ up. Martha falls
to the ground, knocking
herself out and her
long hair tumbles from
under her cap.

84

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

A

s Prince Rupert
crossed the finishing
line, there were
cheers, but others in
the crowd hardly took notice.
They were staring at the body
spreadeagled on the grass. ‘It’s
a girl!’ someone gasped.
The grin was wiped from Abel
Langley’s face and Joshua
turned on him.
‘Wonderful, Father! You tell
us to trip up this lad so’s the
prince can win, thinking we’ll be
rewarded somehow, and now
look! Turns out there was some
maid in the race and everyone’s
more interested in that!’
The race marshals had by
now turned over Martha’s body.
‘Not just any maid!’ Seth
exclaimed. ‘Under the dirt,
that’s Martha!’
Prince Rupert,
meanwhile, was
receiving the
congratulations of
his retinue, who’d
seen what had
happened and hurried him
away to his tent.
‘Well done!’ smiled his sister,
Princess Sophia.
‘There was a fleet-footed lad
beside me,’ smiled Rupert.
‘I thought he’d take the prize
– and I was quite prepared to
let him. Where is he?’
The courtiers looked
awkward. Finally one spoke up.
‘Er, it seems that she…’ He

corrected himself quickly. ‘That
he, that is… he, er, missed his
footing at the last.’
Prince Rupert frowned. ‘What
d’you mean it seems? What are
you not telling me?’
The courtiers looked at one
another. The prince had been a
boy soldier since the age of 14.
He prided himself on his fitness
and agility. He was equally well
known for his volatile temper.
‘Well?’ rapped
the prince.
‘It was like this,
Your Highness. It
appears the, er, the
lad was tripped.
And… but…’
‘Come on, man!’
‘The lad, Sir, is a maid.’
Moments passed and the
prince said nothing. Would he
demand she be brought to him
and punished for the
deception? Then he said slowly,
‘A girl… and where is he – er –
she – now?’
‘We don’t know, Sir,’ answered
another courtier. ‘Slunk away in
shame, I daresay. That’s if the

‘My life will
be worse
than ever!’

crowd didn’t punish her in their
own way for her brazen cheek.’
Prince Rupert held up his
hand. ‘Hold hard there. If there’s
any punishment to be meted
out, I think I should be the one
to do it.’
‘Oh, quite so, Sir,’ the courtiers
acquiesced immediately.
‘Well, find her then, and bring
her here!’
A senior courtier bowed low.
‘Of course, right away, Sir.’
The other attendants
exchanged glances. What
punishment did Prince Rupert
have in mind?
✱✱✱✱
‘Now sit up slowly, lovey, and
take a sip.’
Bess cradled Martha against
her as she struggled up. She
had taken a nasty knock on the
head and the world was still
spinning. She spluttered as
Bess held a flagon of cider to
her lips.
‘What a mess,’ groaned
Martha as the liquid trickled
down her throat. ‘Why did I think
this would ever be a good idea?’

Serial

‘Hush,’ Bess soothed. ‘You
couldn’t know Prince Rupert
would enter, or that your
nasty-minded cousin would trip
you up!’
‘But why? He had no idea
who Martin was!’
‘I suppose your uncle put him
up to it. I’ll warrant they hoped
for some kind of reward from
the prince for letting him win.’
‘And perhaps they got it,’
Martha mourned. ‘Meanwhile,
I’m as far from gaining some
few coins of my own as I ever
was! I’ve insulted Prince Rupert,
and my uncle and cousins will
make sure I suffer for it, if the
prince doesn’t! My life will be
worse than ever!’
‘Well, we can’t let that
happen…’ Bess began, then
looked up as a finely dressed
man approached.
‘Now, Mistress,’ he said
brusquely. ‘If you have finished
your ministrations to this…’ He
looked down at Martha, still in
her boy’s clothes. ‘This young
person, I have instructions from
Prince Rupert.’

‘I don’t want her hurt,’ Bess
began. ‘She can explain…’
But shaking off Bess’s
protective arm, Martha
scrambled to her feet.
‘I will take my punishment
like the man
I pretended to
be,’ she said,
staggering slightly
as she found her
balance. ‘I know
that what I did
was wrong, entering the race
by trickery.’
‘What happens is for the
prince to decide,’ said the
courtier. ‘Come with me.’
He took Martha roughly by
the arm. As they moved through
the crowd, some pointed and
jeered, some even spitting,
calling Martha a traitor, a cheat.
Her heart was thudding as
they approached the royal tent.
She had never been as terrified.
As for what happened next, she
had never been more surprised.
✱✱✱✱
Prince Rupert was seated on
the velvet-covered chair which

had been hurriedly brought
from someone’s parlour
when the royal party had
unexpectedly arrived. He had
washed since the race and was
dressed in a fresh cambric shirt.
Martha felt even more ashamed
of her rough collarless shirt
and baggy breeches. Still, what
did it matter? She was of no
consequence to him.
‘I am truly sorry, Your
Highness,’ she said, hoping it
was the correct form of address.
‘Sorry for what?’ enquired
Prince Rupert coolly. ‘For
entering the race? For
disguising yourself as a boy?
Or for almost beating me?’
‘All of them,’ replied Martha
meekly. But her head was
beginning to clear and
something of her former
determination had surfaced.
If the prince had her life…
She raised her head and
looked him in the eye… ‘But
then again – no, Sir, I take it all
back. I’m not ashamed of any
of it. I had no choice. I had to!’
‘Oh, you had to, did you?’
asked Prince Rupert as the
courtiers tittered. ‘Sit!’
Martha looked behind her. A
flunky appeared with a folding
camp stool. She sat. Rupert
poured himself a cup of wine,
then poured one for her.
‘So,’ he began.
‘Tell me about
it. But first, your
real name.’
‘My name is
Martha, sir,’ she replied. And
– well, he had asked! – she told
him her tale…
✱✱✱✱
By the time Martha had finished
the sad account, the smirking
courtiers had fallen silent, trying
to read their master’s face.
Prince Rupert was looking
serious. ‘So,’ he said slowly. ‘You
are an orphan. Well, so am I.’
Of all the responses Martha
had expected, this was not one
of them.
‘Are you, Sir?’
Martha was emboldened
enough to take a sip of wine. It
was rich and red and warm, but

‘I’m not
ashamed’

not as sweet as cider. She didn’t
want to seem rude, but she
thought she might not have
any more.
Prince Rupert took a long
draught from his own goblet.
He was barely a couple of years
older than Martha, but must
have been accustomed to
drinking from a young age.
‘That is, I might as well be,’
he said. ‘My mother is still alive.
But she’s more interested in her
animals than in me, her son.’
As Martha looked amazed, he
went on…
‘It’s true! She’d rather
converse with her lapdogs. And
her pet monkeys.’
Monkeys! The hens
sometimes got into the
farmhouse and left their dung
and feathers everywhere.
Martha dreaded to think
what chaos monkeys could
create. But Prince Rupert was
speaking again.
‘It’s hard, isn’t it, being alone
in the world? I’ve been in the
army for three years already.’
‘That does sound hard, Sir,’
Martha agreed, not quite
believing the situation she
found herself in, sipping wine,
and conversing with a prince!
‘It was, at first,’ mused the
prince, ‘but I enjoy it now. And
of course, I have this.’ He waved
a graceful hand around the
assembly of fawning attendants,
the court ladies in their rich
clothes, the groaning table of
food and drink laid out for him.
‘Quite a difference, and thanks
only to an accident of birth. And
I do have my dear sister.’ He
called her name. ‘Sophia!’
A young woman, even more
finely dressed than the rest
came forward to stand at his
side, her silken gown rustling.
‘In fact,’ reflected Prince
Rupert, ‘that gives me an idea!’
He beckoned Sophia to come
closer and whispered into her
ear. She stood up with a peal of
laughter. ‘Why not! We should!’
Martha looked on, puzzled, as
Sophia held out a hand studded
with rings.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

85

‘Come with me,’ she said.
‘What? Why?’ asked Martha,
quite forgetting her manners
‘Yours is not to reason why,’
said the prince, not entirely
unkindly. ‘Suffice to say, you are
not the only one with a plan!’
Martha allowed herself to be
led away. What now?
✱✱✱✱
The games were almost over.
In the rays of the sinking sun,
the dancing had begun. On the
sidelines – even the coarsest
village maidens wouldn’t dance
with them – Martha’s cousins
Seth and Joshua were getting a
dressing-down from their father.
‘You wurzel-brained clot!’ Abel
raged at Joshua. ‘That trip-up
was supposed to make Prince
Rupert grateful for letting him
win and mebbe get us a tip!
Instead, everyone’s laughing at
us for letting that slip of girl who
lives under our roof get one
over on us!’
‘It was your idea!’ fumed
Joshua. ‘Don’t blame me!’
‘Have a drop more cider, Dad,’
Seth suggested. ‘You might see
things in a better light.’
‘Bah!’ Abel pushed the
proffered flagon away. ‘That’s
not going to help matters.’ And
he stomped off.
Among the dancers, Bess
and her husband twirled in a
country reel.
‘I’d love to know what’s
happened to Martha,’ Bess
fretted. ‘We’ve not seen hide
nor hair of her since that fancy
feller dragged her away.’
‘So you’ve said. Several
times,’ her long-suffering
husband replied. ‘She has not
been publicly punished, at least.
Perhaps she’s sneaked off
home to nurse her pride.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Bess. ‘Here,
watch where you’re putting
your feet, Husband! That was
my toe – oh bless me!’
‘What now?’
‘Look! If that ain’t Prince
Rupert trying our country dance
with one of the court ladies!’
‘This should be funny,’ smiled
her husband. ‘But I’ll say this for
him, he’s a good sport!’

86

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

‘He seems to be enjoying
himself,’ said Bess, peering.
‘I do wonder what’s happened
to Martha though.’
✱✱✱✱
Martha’s day, in fact, had taken
an even more surreal turn. In
the royal tent, Princess Sophia
had whisked her away behind
a screen. There, her ladies-inwaiting readied a bowl of water,
delicately scented with rose
water. Martha was told to
remove her clothing and wash,
after which she stepped into
fine undergarments and, for
the first time in her life, a corset.
Sophia, meanwhile, was rifling
through a huge trunk. She
produced an exquisite silk gown
in a vivid blue.
‘This should fit,’ she said.
The colour was like the wings
of the kingfisher that swooped
over the stream, Martha thought
as it was slipped over her head
and she was laced into it. Then
the ladies-in-waiting fussed
around with comb and mirror,
arranging Martha’s long dark
hair into an elaborate style, and
studding the arrangement with
jewelled pins. Sophia studied
the effect.
‘Quite a transformation!’ she
declared. ‘Ladies,
simply a tiny bit
of powder, I think,
and a touch of
carmine on the
lips. The girl has
an enviable
complexion
already.’
When this was done, one of
the ladies offered Martha a
hand mirror. She gasped when
she saw the change in herself.
She hadn’t said a word whilst
submitting to their ministrations,
and she couldn’t find words
now. Except…
‘Thank you,’ she whispered.
Prince Rupert seemed
similarly impressed.
‘Your second disguise of the
day,’ he smiled. ‘And a rather
more flattering one!’
Then he had taken her hand
– her hand! – and led her out
among the dancers.

✱✱✱✱
‘This is wonderful!’ he
grinned now as he and
Martha ducked down
to pass under the
linked arms of
the other couples.
‘I haven’t the first
idea what I’m
doing, but
it’s excellent
entertainment!’
‘Just follow me,’
smiled Martha, knowing
they were approaching Bess
and her husband. As they
passed beneath their arms,
she couldn’t resist saying,
‘Hello, Bess!’
Bess’s mouth fell open.
‘Martha!’ she cried.
At the end of the dance,
Prince Rupert bowed as Martha
curtseyed low, and the other
dancers, not realising for
a moment who she was,
applauded and cheered.
The prince gave Martha his
hand to help her up.
‘Who was that woman you
spoke to?’ he asked.
Martha explained Bess’s
kindness to her, and how
cheerful she remained, despite
a hard life herself as the wife
of a poor tenant
farmer who
scratched an
existence, while
they had six
children to raise.
‘I should meet
her,’ he said. And
when Martha
looked surprised, he added.
‘Take me to her.’
✱✱✱✱
It was getting late. Bess
was trying to round up her
children. She bobbed a terrified
curtsy when Martha led the
prince over.
‘I hear you’ve taken an
interest in this young lady,’ he
said, after Bess had stuttered
a greeting. ‘It seems to me
that you’d make a far better
guardian for her than her uncle.’
Martha was horrified. Bess
had often lamented that she
couldn’t take her in – she had

The sun
glinted on
his dark
curls

enough trouble feeding and
clothing her own brood.
But Prince Rupert had
thought of that. He produced
a small leather bag which, as
he pressed it into Bess’s hands,
gave off the chink of coinage.
‘This should help with
her keep.’
‘Oh, Sir, Your Highness, Sir,
that’s too kind!’ Bess cried. She
turned to Martha and wrapped
her in a hug. ‘I’ve long wanted
to get her away from that
wicked uncle. We’ll look after
her, Sir, I promise you!’
‘I’m sure you will,’ replied the
prince. ‘But if she’s as
resourceful as she’s shown
herself today, I hardly think she
will be a burden to you for long!’
The last rays of the sun
glinted on his dark curls. He
smiled down at Martha.
‘I should go,’ he said. ’
‘I must return your sister’s
things,’ said Martha.
Prince Rupert dismissed the
idea. ‘Pah! Sophia has too many
dresses, she won’t miss one.’
‘Really? Thank you, Sir. Thank
you for everything,’ said Martha.
‘Thank you,’ smiled Prince
Rupert. ‘It has been one of the
most entertaining – and
interesting – afternoons of
my life.’
And the best of mine, thought
Martha, as she watched him go.
THE END
Joanna Toye
✱ Joanna Toye’s new novel,
The Little Penguin Bookshop
(£7.99, PB, Century), is out now.

ILLUSTRATION: ANDREW SHAW/CREATED IN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

Serial

Books

Zoe West shares her favourite picks for the week
The Revenge
Club
by Kathy Lette (£16.99,
HB, Bloomsbury)
Here’s a poolside
read that will have
you chuckling into your
cocktails – Kathy Lette
is back with a fabulously irreverent
romp. As four university friends reunite,
they discover that they’ve all been
shafted by various men, and set about
plotting revenge. Packed full of wit,
with plenty of joyous slapstick moments,
there’s a twist in the tale that’s moving
and reinforces the serious subtext –
sometimes women just have to come
together and give the patriarchy a kick
in the proverbial. Bravo!

The Coast Road

by Alan Murrin
(£16.99, HB, Bloomsbury)
Set in Donegal, this lyrical
debut novel features three
women trapped by the
conventions of marriage, just
before Ireland’s 1995 referendum
on divorce. Colette, who’d left her family for
a lover in Dublin, is back and desperate
for a relationship with her sons, but her ex
has refused her access. She befriends Izzy,
whose husband cares more for politics than
family, and crosses paths with Dolores, who
is married to a philanderer. With nuanced
observations, humour and heartbreak, the
novel mirrors the backdrop of the sea,
whose constant ebb and flow belies the
dangerous currents below the surface.

LOVES

The Next Girl
by Emiko Jean (£14.99, HB, Penguin)
When Elizabeth Black is discovered in the
forest, two years after her disappearance
during a party, her parents are thrilled. But
the malnourished and traumatised ‘Ellie’
is not the same happy-go-lucky teenager
they remember. Chelsey Calhoun, a local
detective, is tasked with helping find out
what really happened to Ellie and whether
other missing girls succumbed to the same
fate. Having lost her own sister, Chelsey
knows what this kind of trauma can do to a family – but is this case
closer to home than she realises? Fans of BBC’s The Missing or
Netflix’s Dear Child will love this fast-paced and chilling story.
PAY N
HA
LESS TH
IN T ES
SHOP

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GET IN TOUCH

I Hope This
Finds You Well

Someone
in the Attic

by Natalie Sue
(£16.99, HB,
Borough Press)
In this sharp,
witty and
well-observed
debut, prickly
office worker
Jolene finds
out she can read all her
colleagues’ emails. As she
begins to glimpse their human
sides, she also starts to fall
for Cliff from HR. Warm and
irreverent, he’s the first person
she’s cared about since her
best friend’s devastating death.
Then a colleague begs Jolene
to pretend they’re engaged, for
the sake of his dying mum. As
the white lie spirals out of control,
will Jolene’s chance of happiness
slip through her fingers?

by Andrea
Mara
(£14.99, HB,
Transworld)
How would
you feel if
you found
a video on
social media
of someone climbing out of
your attic while your family
was tucked up in bed asleep?
Julia is shocked. And, armed
with footage of her friend
Anya’s house, too, starts to
panic, because Anya died
mysteriously a few weeks
earlier. Could the videos be
a coincidence or is someone
from their past out to get their
revenge? Fast-paced and
chilling, you won’t want to
sleep alone after reading this.

and let us know what you’re reading – we love to hear your recommendations.
Email zoe.west@futurenet.com or drop us a tweet @zoeannewest
WOMAN’S WEEKLY

87

Wordwise

You have 15 minutes to find as many words
as possible using the letters in the grid.
Each word must contain four or more letters,
one of which must be the central square.
No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words
are allowed. There is one nine-letter
word in the grid, for which the clue is:
Type of quilt.

CA P
T WO
HK R

Average = 10 More than 20 = well done

sudoku
To solve this puzzle, fill in the grid
so that each 3 x 3 box, each row
and each column contains the
numbers 1-9.

YOU CAN
OR
W K IT OUT...

90 WOMAN’S WEEKLY

Fit 10 words into
the grid so that
each links with
the end of the word
on its left and the
beginning of the
one on the right.
Then unscramble
the letters in the
shaded squares
to make a word.
CLUE: Surname
of actor Tara and
writer F. Scott.

LINKWORDS

Codeword
Every letter
of the alphabet
has been
replaced by
a number,
the same number
representing
the same
letter throughout
the puzzle.
Just decide
which letter is
represented by
which number.
To start you off,
we’ve revealed
the codes for
three letters.
Once you’ve filled
in these letters
throughout the
puzzle, you’ll
have enough info
to guess words
and discover
other letters. Use
the letter checklist
and letter grid
to keep track
of the letters
you have found.

A codeword is like a crossword
puzzle but there are no clues!

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Puzzles

Jumbo
puzzle

Read down the letters in the
shaded squares to spell out
a fashion designer (6,9).

Across

1 Example (8)
5 Ketchup (5)
8 Go forward in position (7)
15 Happening (5)
16 Particles (9)
17 Inferior goods (7)
18 Leaving gaps between (7)
19 Copper alloy (6)
20 Ruler (7)
23 Cruel (6)
25 Country (9)
26 Defeated (6)
29 Non-stop (12)
30 Flutters (5)
31 Marine mollusc (4)
34 Refined (9)
36 Request to God (6)
37 Go in (5)
40 Pixies (5)
41 Teeter (6)
43 Most attractive (9)
47 Simple (4)
48 Different (5)
49 Goods maker (12)
53 Garments (6)
54 Ekes out (9)
55 Tracked down (6)
58 Become conscious of (7)
59 Models (6)
60 Any inorganic matter (7)
64 Relaxation time (7)
65 Having a strong desire for
success (9)
66 Heavenly messenger (5)
67 Uses a syringe (7)
68 Soft toy (5)
69 Most sugary (8)

Down
1 Article (4)
2 Fleece (9)
3 Top room in a house (5)
4 Building material (6)
6 With precision (10)
7 Chart of the 12 months (8)

9 Rushed (6)
10 Commonly approved (8)
11 Honours (13)
12 Everything (3)
13 In particular (10)
14 Star-gazers (11)
21 Meal (5)
22 Time yet to come (6)
24 Loudest (8)
27 Inquisitiveness (9)
28 Of the soul (9)
32 Married woman’s title (3)
33 Log (8)
35 Inquiry (13)
38 Unavoidably (11)
39 Automobile (3)
42 Powered by current (10)

44 Ways (6)
45 Deliberately planned (10)
46 Vulgar (5)
50 Four-sided shape (9)
51 Manner (8)
52 Be like (8)
56 Most fresh (6)
57 Picture puzzle (6)
61 Delete (5)
62 Domestic animal (3)
63 Level (4)

YOU CAN
WORK IT OUT...

✱ Find the puzzle answers on the horoscopes page.
WOMAN’S WEEKLY is published by Future plc, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR; call 01225 442244; email womansweeklypostbag@futurenet.com. ISSN 0043-7417. Unless otherwise stated, all competitions, free samplings, discounts
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Network Services, 54 Park St, Sydney, NSW 2000, and in New Zealand by Netlink Distribution Co, c/o Moore Gallagher, 6 Donner Place, Mt Wellington, Auckland. ISSN 1039-5814.

WOMAN’S WEEKLY 91

Puzzles

Arrow
word

What type of bird
is Wisdom, a female
aged at least 70 who
is the oldest known
wild bird in the world?
Solve the puzzle by
following the arrows
and writing in your
answers. Then read
down the letters in
the shaded squares to
find the answer.

YOUR
ANSWER:

Mini crossword

wordsearch
George Thomson,
MP for Dundee
East from 1952
to 1973 and
one of the UK’s
first European
Commissioners,
was editor of
which comic in
his late teens?
The answer is
the one missing
from the grid.

The shaded boxes spell out a word.
YOUR
ANSWER:

92 WOMAN’S WEEKLY

BEANO
BEEZER
BUNTY
BUSTER
DANDY

EAGLE
HOTSPUR
JINTY
JUDY
KNOCKOUT

MANDY
TIGER
TOPPER
VALIANT
VIZ

ACROSS
1 Has to (4)
5 __ Fitzgerald,
jazz singer (4)
6 Cosy (4)
7 Droops (4)

DOWN
1 Untidiness (4)
2 Forearm bone (4)
3 Slimy garden
creature (4)
4 Labels (4)

Horoscopes

Your stars

Puzzle Answers

Answer: DANDY
Answer: TANS

JUMBO PUZZLE
ACROSS: 1 Instance 5 Sauce 8 Advance 15 Event 16 Molecules
17 Seconds 18 Spacing 19 Bronze 20 Emperor 23 Unkind 25 Australia
26 Beaten 29 Continuously 30 Flaps 31 Clam 34 Civilised 36 Prayer
37 Enter 40 Elves 41 Seesaw 43 Prettiest 47 Easy 48 Other
49 Manufacturer 53 Skirts 54 Stretches 55 Traced 58 Realise 59 Ideals
60 Mineral 64 Leisure 65 Ambitious 66 Angel 67 Injects 68 Teddy
69 Sweetest DOWN: 1 Item 2 Sheepskin 3 Attic 4 Cement 6 Accurately
7 Calendar 9 Dashed 10 Accepted 11 Congratulates 12 All 13 Especially
14 Astronomers 21 Lunch 22 Future 24 Noisiest 27 Curiosity 28 Spiritual
32 Mrs 33 Register 35 Investigation 38 Necessarily 39 Car 42 Electrical
44 Routes 45 Calculated 46 Crude 50 Rectangle 51 Attitude
52 Resemble 56 Newest 57 Jigsaw 61 Erase 62 Dog 63 Flat
ANSWER: STELLA McCARTNEY
LINKWORDS
PURPLE, VELVET, YELLOW, HAZARD, BULLET, RIGGED, FELLOW,
GUITAR, LIGHTS, PAINTS
ANSWER: FITZGERALD
WORDWISE
Chaw, chow, cowpat, craw, crow, hawk, prow, thaw, throw, thwack, trow,
wack, wacko, warp, wart, watch, whack, whap, what, whoa, whop, work,
wort, worth, wrack, wrap, wrath, wroth
ANSWER: PATCHWORK
SUDOKU
MINI XWORD
WORDSEARCH

LIBRA 24 SEP – 23 OCT
Your ruler, Venus, is very active.
She encourages you to find
peace and harmony in your
interactions. See both sides
and you’ll set yourself free.
SCORPIO 24 OCT – 22 NOV
This is a time to allow for greater
intimacy in your life. There’s no
need for all your defences now,
let others see the true you.
SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV – 21 DEC
You may be going to a new
place or exploring somewhere
much closer to home. Look at
everything with the eyes of a
child and watch the magic unfold.
CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 20 JAN
Financially, you may need
to make some adjustments.
Keep things simple and all your
burdens will be lightened.
AQUARIUS 21 JAN – 19 FEB
It’s time to stand up and speak
out wherever needed. You
have something important to
contribute that needs hearing.
PISCES 20 FEB – 20 MAR
Creatively, this can be a time
of immense flowering for you.
Explore things you enjoy and
take them to a deeper level.

ARROW WORD Answer: ALBATROSS

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR
Remember to play and to have
fun. Don’t take everything
too seriously. Look for the
brightness and you’ll find it.
TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY
You’re on a journey of
self-discovery this week.
Pursue new avenues and
possibilities – it’s exciting!
GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN
Release the past. It no longer
has a hold over you. This is
a fresh chapter in your life that’s
more fulfilling than ever before.
CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL
No matter what’s happening
in your external world, your
internal one needs attention.
Find peace within and you
can overcome anything.
LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG
Your signature is love. Allow this
frequency to emanate from your
heart with everyone you meet.
Joy will overflow from your soul.
VIRGO 24 AUG – 23 SEP
You are an infinite being with
countless opportunities in
your life. Open your mind, your
heart and soul and all your
dreams will manifest now.

CODEWORD

PHOTOS: FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK.
ILLUSTRATION: CHRIS SAGGERS/GENERATED USING ADOBE FIREFLY

For 5-11 June with Bracha Goldsmith
yourastrologysigns.com

IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE

FABULOUS FROZEN DESSERTS

FIX YOUR
TUMMY TROUBLES
FOR GOOD!

DON’T MISS OUR
NEW SEASIDE
MYSTERY SERIAL

BRITAIN’S BEAUTIFUL
MUST-VISIT ISLANDS

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Code of Practice (https://www.ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us
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Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We
will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

ON
SALE
12 June

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

93

Rosemary

Love in the

DESSERT
AISLE

It’s agreed then,’ I said.
‘We’ll bump into each other
in the supermarket, and
you’ll chat me up and take
me to lunch somewhere.’
‘You’ve agreed it,’ said Mr Dear. ‘I think
I’ll just feel like a proper chump.’
You join us at a historic moment in the
Dear household. We are going to put some
zip and vim back into our long marriage
with some role playing. If it goes well, we
might even manage some pizzazz, but let’s
not get ahead of ourselves.
We got the idea – well,
I got the idea – from my
friend Wendy, who has been
doing something similar with
her husband Iain.
This was a bit of a surprise
because Iain is very much a
tweeds and corduroy sort of
a chap. He likes test cricket,
the Six Nations, roast beef,
and a snooze after Sunday
lunch. But where Wendy is concerned, he
is also a bit of a softie.
‘I thought it was a silly idea at first,’ she
told me. ‘But actually, it was a lot of fun.
I think we’d all be better for a bit of silliness
once in a while.’
That’s what sold the idea for me. And,
of course, it gives me something new to
write about.
Mr D, though, has a more practical
approach to life. ‘How are we going to
get to the supermarket?’ he said. ‘If we’re
supposed to be strangers, we can’t go in
the same car, can we?’
‘You could drop me off in the car park?’
‘I think I need a little more time to get
into my role.’

‘You’re playing you – how much time do
you need? I’ll tell you what, I’ll take the bus.’
Here is some advice for any couple who
might be tempted to follow our example.
Looking back, we should probably have
chosen a location where we didn’t keep
bumping into friends.
‘Hello, Rosie,’ said our postman. ‘I’ve just
seen Tom. He was chatting to somebody
by the wines and spirits.’
For this to work properly, I obviously had
to catch Mr D on his own. So I crept up to
the wines and spirits, hid myself at one
end, and peered down the aisle,
feeling very conspicuous and
suspicious. The aisle was
completely free of husbands.
Dodging in and out of the
displays, I finally tracked him
down to yogurts and desserts,
where he was talking to
somebody from the rugby club.
I concealed myself at the end
of the aisle, where people were
beginning to give me odd looks. And,
frankly, who could blame them. ‘Are you all
right, madam?’ said an assistant.
‘Yes,’ I said, smiling. ‘I’m just hiding from
my husband.’
‘I think we all feel like that sometimes,
don’t we?’ she replied.
Eventually, Rugby Club Man left Mr D
on his own.
It was at this point that I noticed he was
carrying a wire basket that was already
about half full. ‘This is supposed to be
a romantic encounter with a complete
stranger,’ I hissed. ‘I didn’t realise you’d
actually be shopping.’
‘I thought it would add a bit of realism,’
he said. ‘Anyway, we needed a few things.’

‘People
were
beginning
to give me
odd looks’

He then straightened himself up and
announced in a formal voice, ‘Excuse me,
but I’m thinking of getting one of those
chocolate desserts and wondered what
they were like. Have you ever tried one?’
‘What on earth are you doing?’
‘Well, I’m chatting you up,’ he replied,
a little shamefacedly.
‘Do you normally approach women
by asking their opinion on chocolate
desserts?’ I asked him.
Mr D narrowed his eyes and gave me
an old-fashioned look. ‘I’m a bit out of
practice,’ he said. ‘I don’t normally chat up
women at all – my wife doesn’t like it. Look,
I’m trying my best.’
This wasn’t going well, was it? And it
seemed such a jolly idea before we started.
‘All right, all right,’ I said. ‘Er, let me see…
the chocolate desserts are very tasty.
There is a toffee flavour too, but I find that
much too sweet.’
There followed a long pause.
‘What do we do now?’ said Mr D.
‘If you’ve got nothing more to say about
chilled desserts, you could always invite
me to lunch.’
‘What a good idea. Did you know there’s
a new French place behind the town hall?
We could give that a try.’
We did give that a try, and very nice it
was too. So if you want to
put zip, vim and pizzazz
into your relationship, forget
role playing. Instead, try
lunch somewhere new.

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publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. © Future Publishing Limited, 2024

94

WOMAN’S WEEKLY

ILLUSTRATION: JOY GOSNEY

My role playing doesn’t go entirely to plan

Stylishly simple ideas

Ravinder Bhogal and José Pizarro show
how you can elevate summer meals
using Tesco Finest ingredients

9D
EL
I

S RECIPES
U
O
CI AL FRESCO
FEASTS

Spanish whole roast chicken

LIGHTER SUMMER
EVENINGS

Simple and spicy rigatoni pasta

WEEKEND
BRUNCHES
Torrijas with juicy,
in-season berries

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

16

Smoked
salmon
sharing
board

editor’s word

14

12

Quick
steak pho

Torrijas
with
berries

13

Creamy burrata
chicken

WELCOME
Stuck for summer meal
inspiration? Looking for
new brunch ideas or to
impress your guests
when dining al fresco?
Then check out our
exclusive recipe
collection by Ravinder
Bhogal and José Pizarro,
in partnership with Tesco
Finest. With delicious
ideas and meal plans created with the awardwinning woman&home food team – using the
Tesco Finest range – prepare to wow friends and
family. Low-fuss, tasty dishes for every occasion that
are simple yet sophisticated. ‘These simple, but
moreish recipes will make the most of your summer
food moments,’ says our food director Jen Bedloe,
who adds, ‘Introducing just a few quality
ingredients from the Tesco Finest range is an
effortless way to step up your cooking.’
HANNAH FERNANDO
Group Editor, woman&home
hannah.fernando@futurenet.com

Group editor Hannah Fernando Group food director
Jen Bedloe Art director Tom Chase Art editor Donna
McCann Editorial production manager Stuart Dade
Senior sub editor Karen Staddon Commercial writer
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Jess Meyer and Silvana Franco Assisted by Rose Fooks,
Amanda James and Georgia Sparks Prop stylist
Victoria Eldridge Set dresser Fiona de Lys Hair and
make-up Amy Brandon Producer Hannah Allden
and Dan Gould Project manager Lucy King Locations
Future Test Kitchen and Divall, Streatham, London
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Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE woman&home in partnership with Tesco Finest 3

Ravinder Bhogal and José Pizarro take dining in the
sunshine up a notch with Tesco Finest

N

othing conjures up that
holiday feeling more than
eating outside. With
warm, longer evenings
kicking in, it’s time to switch into
Mediterranean mode and cook
lighter, flavourful dishes that don’t
require too much time or effort.
Our star chefs capture that summer
feeling with their wonderful collection
of easy-to-make, mouth-watering
dishes for you to enjoy al fresco –
whether that’s in the garden, on your
patio or on your balcony.
One thing’s for sure, Ravinder
Bhogal and José Pizarro know that
producing effortlessly good meals
comes down to one factor – using
top-quality ingredients.

Simple recipes call for only the finest
ingredients if they’re going to taste
great. When creating this collection,
Ravinder and José found all they
needed in the Tesco Finest range, with
its broad offering across fresh produce,
bakery, fresh meat and poultry, dairy
and much more. That’s because
Tesco uses only the finest expertise,
techniques and ingredients to ensure
that its produce is of the utmost quality.
Ravinder and José were impressed
by the Tesco Finest British Corn-fed
Free Range Whole Chicken – the star
of their Spanish-style orzo recipe (p6)
– which comes from free-to-roam
chickens from trusted British farms,
fed on a corn-rich diet to give the
meat a succulent, full flavour.

4 woman&home in partnership with Tesco Finest ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

José found the Tesco Finest
Blueberries, Strawberries and
Raspberries were the perfect topping
for his Torrijas (p14) brunch recipe.
Fresh and irresistibly sweet, they are
the ideal accompaniment to the
spiced, milky flavours of the dish.
The pair also chose the rich and
succulent British Tesco Finest Signature
Pork Sausages to take the midweek
spiced sausage and feta rigatoni (p10)
to a new taste level.
For this collection, our star chefs
combine their expertise with only the
finest, great-tasting quality products.
It’s a win-win! Turn the page to find
your new summer favourites and see
how Tesco Finest products can
elevate your everyday. >>

only the Finest

GL
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T
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Level up your outdoor hosting with Tesco Finest

al fresco feasts

Spanish-style roast
chicken and orzo
This delicious roast will bring holiday
vibes to al fresco lunches with friends.
Serves 6 • Prep 10 mins • Cook 1hr
20-30 mins, plus resting

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Tesco

Star
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Finest British
Corn-fed Free Range
Whole Chicken 1kg-2.3kg
Only the finest
free-to-roam chickens
from trusted British
farms are raised on
a corn-rich diet for a
succulent texture
and full flavour.

nviting friends and neighbours
over for supper in the garden is
one of the pleasures of summer.
While guests relax outside, you
can be equally chilled in the kitchen
if you have the right recipe.
Our star chefs Ravinder Bhogal and
José Pizarro recommend choosing
one oven-to-table dish for an
impressive centrepiece that tastes
delicious and is stress-free to make.
You only need a few quality
ingredients from the Tesco Finest
range to make this stunning Spanishstyle roast chicken with orzo, olives
and flavourful chorizo. Then it takes
just 10 minutes to prep before going in
the oven, where it looks after itself.
Ravinder and José chose a Tesco
Finest British Corn-fed Free Range
Whole Chicken for its great taste,
succulent results and because it’s so
easy to slice at the table. And instead of
measuring out lots of seasonings, José
used chunks of Tesco Finest Spanish
Chorizo Ring to add piquant flavour
and Tesco Finest Pitted Halkidiki Olives
for a lovely saltiness. These go into a
large ovenproof dish with the Tesco
Finest Orzo Pasta and chicken stock
before you sit the chicken on top.
José says, ‘If you have it, a dash of
sherry takes this recipe to the next level.
And the chorizo spices add warming
flavours that bring the taste of Spain!’
Simply take your glorious
centrepiece straight to the table to
carve and serve. José pairs this dish with
Tesco Finest Rioja Reserva – the perfect
Spanish tipple for that holiday feeling
at home with its strong raspberry
flavour, layered with oak and spice.

1.6-1.8kg Tesco Finest British
Corn-fed Free Range Whole Chicken
Tesco Finest Sicilian Extra Virgin
Olive Oil
Zest and juice 1 lemon, plus extra
wedges to serve
1 whole garlic bulb, cut in half
Good splash cream sherry
½ Tesco Finest Spanish Chorizo Ring,
cut into chunks
1 onion, chopped
180g pack Tesco Finest Sweet
Pointed Peppers, roughly chopped
200g Tesco Finest Orzo Pasta
750ml Tesco Finest Chicken Stock
210g jar Tesco Finest Pitted Halkidiki
Olives, drained and sliced
30g flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Tesco Finest Rioja Reserva, to serve
1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6.
Roast the chicken, drizzled with oil and
seasoned with salt and lemon zest.
Squeeze over ½ lemon, put the shell
inside the chicken cavity and add the
garlic halves to the tray. Add a splash of
sherry to the tin with a splash of water.
2 Roast for 1 hr 15-30 mins, or until a
digital probe reads 70C-72C inserted in
the thickest part of the chicken and the
skin is crisp and golden. Set aside to
rest, loosely covered with foil.
3 Meanwhile, put the chorizo in a large
shallow casserole/frying pan. Cook on a
low-medium heat until the oil starts to
release, turn up the heat a little, add the
onion and pepper and fry, for 10 mins.
Stir in the orzo, chicken, stock, salt and
pepper, then bring to a simmer and cook
on a medium heat for 20 mins, stirring.
4 Once cooked, stir in half the roasted
garlic, olives, lemon juice and parsley.
5 Pour the chicken cooking juices into a
jug, spoon off oil, add sherry and lemon.
Serve the orzo and chicken on a platter,
with more lemon zest and parsley,
drizzled with the dressing. >>

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al fresco feasts

Sta

Tesco Finest
Reserve Swiss Gruyère
Cheese 195g
Only the finest Swiss cow’s
milk from mountain dairies
goes into making Tesco
Finest Gruyère, which is
expertly matured for a
full-bodied flavour.

AR

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redient
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Herby tomato and Gruyère tart
An easy-to-whip-up tart that makes the
most of the nutty Tesco Finest Gruyère
cheese and sweet baby tomatoes.
Serves 6 • Prep 5 mins
• Cook 30 mins
475g Tesco Ready Rolled Puff Pastry
1-2tbsp whole milk, for brushing
200g pack Tesco Full Fat Soft Cheese
2 Tesco Finest Free Range Bluebell
Araucana Eggs
125g Tesco Finest Reserve Swiss
Gruyère Cheese, grated
½ x 20g pack tarragon, plus a few

leaves reserved to garnish
½ x 20g pack chives, chopped
1 garlic clove, grated
½ small red onion, finely sliced
250g Tesco Finest Sweet Mixed
Baby Tomatoes, halved
Tesco Finest Marlborough Pinot
Noir, to serve
1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7.
Take the pastry out of the fridge 15
mins ahead. Unroll the pastry still on
its paper on a baking sheet. Trim
away overhanging edges.
2 Score a border 2cm from the edge,

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brush with milk and score the centre
section a few times with a sharp knife.
3 Bake for 12 mins, until risen and
golden. Use the back of a spatula/fish
slice to push the centre section of
pastry down, leaving the border intact.
4 Turn the oven down to 170C/Gas 5.
Mix the soft cheese with the eggs,
Gruyère, herbs and garlic, then
season with plenty of black pepper
and flaky sea salt.
5 Pour into the tart case, then scatter
the onion on top, followed by the
halved tomatoes. Put back in the
oven and bake for 15 mins, or until
the filling is set. Leave to rest for
5 mins before serving.

al fresco feasts

Prawns with garlic and flat-leaf parsley
A convenient and delicious dish
that can be knocked up in no time
at all to serve in the garden.
Serves 4 as a starter (or tapa)
• Prep 5 mins • Cook 10 mins

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1 Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying
pan or shallow casserole. Add the
prawns, and cook for 3-4 mins until
pink and opaque, turning once.
2 Add the garlic, paprika and cook
for a few seconds more. Tip into a
warmed serving bowl. Scatter over
the parsley, tossing to coat.
3 Serve with crusty bread and Tesco
Finest Vinas Del Rey Albarino.

D
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Star in
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SP
EE

100ml Tesco Finest Sicilian Extra
Virgin Olive Oil
2 x 165g packs Tesco Finest

Raw Jumbo King Prawns,
butterflied
2 garlic cloves, chopped
¼tsp smoked paprika
Handful flat-leaf parsley, leaves
chopped
Tesco Finest Stonebaked Ciabatta,
warmed to serve
Tesco Finest Vinas Del Rey
Albarino, to serve

Finest Raw Jumbo
King Prawns 165g
Only the finest warm-water
prawns are selected for their
sweet and succulent flavour.

Upgrade your midweek meals with the finest flavours

E

vening suppers in the
summer call for light work in
the kitchen and a lightness
of touch in the recipe.
As the weather warms up, it’s good
to have satisfying but simple recipes at
your fingertips that you can also batchcook. Weeknights call for cook-once,
eat-twice recipes. This way you get a
night off cooking to relax outdoors.
This is when a one-pot meal comes
into its own. Ravinder and José have
stepped up to the warm-weather
supper challenge by devising this
simple pasta dish. It’s full of flavour
thanks to a few quality ingredients.
Tesco Finest Rigatoni Pasta is ideal for
this dish. It’s made in Campania, Italy, by

the third-generation Di Martino family,
who’ve been making pasta for over 100
years. They use 100% durum wheat
and pure local spring water. Because

the pasta is pushed through bronze
plates, it has a coarser texture that
helps sauces cling beautifully to it.
Mouth-wateringly good Tesco
Finest Signature Pork Sausages are
used for their rich, succulent flavour.
They are made with 100% British pork,
which is hand-trimmed by expertly
trained butchers, and seasoned with
authentic herbs and spices. Ravinder
says, ‘I love to balance the gorgeous
sausage flavour with a salty kick from
the Tesco Finest Barrel Aged Feta.’
The beauty of this dish is that it can
be easily doubled to give you leftovers.
Once cooled, store in a container or
cover with foil and keep in the fridge.
No cooking, only reheating, required!

Spiced sausage and feta rigatoni
The finest quality ingredients come
together wonderfully in this weeknight
family favourite that goes from stove
to table in no time.
Serves 6 • Prep 5 mins
• Cook 35 mins
2tbsp Tesco Finest Sicilian Extra
Virgin Olive Oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Handful basil, leaves reserved,
stems finely chopped
Zest 1 lemon, plus extra to garnish
½tsp chilli flakes
1tsp fennel seeds, crushed
440g pack Tesco Finest Signature
Pork Sausages, casings removed

2tbsp tomato purée
400g tin chopped tomatoes
½tbsp red wine vinegar
400g Tesco Finest Rigatoni Pasta
310g pack Tesco Finest Barrel Aged
Feta, drained
Tesco Finest Tingleup Riesling,
to serve
1 Warm the oil in a heavy-based
shallow casserole/high-sided frying
pan with the chopped garlic, basil
stems, lemon zest, chilli flakes and
fennel seeds on a low-medium heat
for 10 mins.
2 Once the garlic is golden, add the
sausage meat. Turn up the heat and
fry for 5-6 mins, breaking up with a

10 woman&home in partnership with Tesco Finest ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

wooden spoon, until starting to turn
golden and crisp.
3 Stir in the tomato purée, chopped
tomatoes, red wine vinegar and a
pinch of sugar and salt and pepper.
Simmer for 15 mins.
4 Meanwhile, cook the pasta
according to pack instructions. Drain,
reserving 100ml of the cooking water.
5 Gradually add the pasta cooking
water to the sauce while it simmers
until you get a rich and glossy sauce.
6 Stir the pasta into the sauce, then
simmer for another minute or so until
the sauce is coating the pasta.
7 Serve from the pan with feta,
reserved basil leaves and extra lemon
zest, if you like. >>

lighter summer evenings

Scan to watch
our chefs cook
this recipe

ONE-PAN PASTA

Star in
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4 Signature Pork
Sausages 440g
Only the finest authentic blend
of herbs and spices gives these
signature sausages a rich and
succulent flavour.

lighter summer evenings

Star in
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ient
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35 Day Salt Dry
Aged Aberdeen Angus
Ribeye Steak
Only the finest cuts are salt dry
aged and 35-day matured to
give a rich buttery flavour and
extra tenderness.

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Quick steak pho
This speedy, spicy Vietnameseinspired dinner is taken up a notch
with a few top-quality ingredients
from Tesco Finest.
Serves 2 • Prep 5 mins
• Cook 10 mins
1 x Tesco Finest 35 Day Salt Dry
Aged Aberdeen Angus Ribeye
Steak
Sesame oil for brushing
2 x 450ml packs Tesco Finest
Beef Stock
2 star anise

3cm piece root ginger, sliced
Pinch sugar
Fish sauce, to taste
Handful bean sprouts
300g pack Tesco Rice Noodles
Handful fresh herbs (coriander,
mint leaves and basil leaves all
taste good)
1 red/green chilli, sliced to serve
2 spring onions, finely sliced
Crispy fried onions, to serve
(optional)
Lime wedges, for squeezing
Tesco Finest Chianti Classico DOCG,
to serve
1 Rub the steak with the sesame oil.

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Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle
pan until hot, then add the steak and
fry for 2-3 mins each side (or to your
liking). Set aside to rest.
2 Meanwhile, heat the stock in a deep
saucepan with the star anise and
ginger. Warm gently, allowing the
aromatics to infuse. Season with a
pinch of sugar and a splash of fish
sauce. Add the bean sprouts for a
few mins to cook in the broth.
3 Divide the noodles between 2 deep
bowls, then pour over the hot stock.
Arrange the sliced steak on top, then
add herbs, sliced chilli, spring onions,
crispy fried onions and lime wedges
for squeezing.

lighter summer evenings

Creamy burrata chicken with cherry tomatoes and basil
Elevate this simple chicken dish with
creamy Italian burrata and fresh basil to
bring some flavour to a sunny evening.
Serves 2 • Prep 5 mins
• Cook 25 mins
1 pack Tesco Finest 2 Corn-fed
Free-Range Chicken Fillets
3tbsp Tesco Finest Sicilian Extra
Virgin Olive Oil
Zest and juice 1 lemon
2 fat garlic cloves, sliced
½ 30g pack Tesco Finest Basil, stalks
finely chopped, leaves reserved

2 sprigs fresh rosemary
220g pack Tesco Finest Piccobella
Tomatoes
Splash white wine or stock
250g pack Tesco Finest Burrata,
drained
2tbsp toasted pine nuts, lightly
crushed
200g pack Tesco Finest Garlic &
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Flatbread,
warmed to serve

1 Put the chicken in a glass/ceramic
bowl with the oil, lemon zest and juice,
garlic and finely chopped basil stalks.

SIMP
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2 Heat a non-stick frying pan over
a medium heat and fry the chicken
with the marinade and rosemary
for 10 mins, turning halfway, until
golden brown.
3 Add the tomatoes and a splash of
white wine/stock, then simmer for
5-8 mins until the tomatoes burst
and the chicken is cooked through.
4 Take the pan off the heat. Tear the
burrata over the chicken, then top
with the reserved basil leaves,
crushed pine nuts and a few grinds
of black pepper. Serve with the
warmed flatbread.

E&

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Star in
g

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Piccobella Tomatoes
220g
Only the finest
varieties are expertly
grown and selected
for their intensely
sweet flavour and
distinctive
aroma.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE woman&home in partnership with Tesco Finest 13

Finish your week on a high note with Tesco Finest

BUR
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this recipe

ING W ITH FLAVOUR

weekend brunches

Torrijas with
finest berries

Torrijas is the perfect summer brunch
dish, taken to the next level with
Tesco Finest berries. It really is
Spanish happiness on a plate.
Serves 4 • Prep 10 mins
• Cook 10 mins

I

Star in
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Blueberries,
Strawberries & Raspberries
Only the finest varieties
are expertly selected to
make Tesco Finest Berries
irresistibly sweet.

t’s the weekend! Time for a
lie-in and something a little
special for brunch. Set the cereal
to one side and get things off
to a sweet start with a dish that will
tantalise your taste buds.
José has added his touch to this
classic Spanish recipe. He reminisces,
‘Torrijas were a favourite breakfast from
my childhood, and the flavours in this
delicious version transport me home.’
This divine dish is made from bread
slices soaked in egg and milk that’s
infused with cinnamon and orange zest,
before being fried. It’s similar to French
toast, but with more layers of flavour.
The ingredients list is short, but
choosing quality makes all the
difference. José went straight for
Tesco Finest Sourdough and Tesco
Finest Blueberries, Strawberries and
Raspberries. Tesco Finest berries are
expertly selected from only the finest
varieties so they’re irresistibly sweet
– the perfect topping for this treat.
Torrijas are also a great way to use
up bread that’s going stale. So if you
didn’t finish off your pack of Tesco
Finest Sourdough in time, there’s no
need for it to go to waste. The firm
texture of stale bread means it will
hold its shape even better when fried.
If you fancy a tipple to go with this
leisurely brunch, a glass of Tesco
Finest Provence Rosé is José’s
recommendation. Its delicious stone
fruit flavours are balanced with notes
of fresh strawberries and redcurrants
to create a crisp, delicate and dry wine.
So now all you need to do is kick back,
relax and browse the Sunday papers.
Weekend job well done!

200ml whole milk
½tsp, plus 1tbsp, cinnamon
Zest 1 Tesco Finest Emperor
Orange, flesh cut into segments
2 Tesco Finest Free Range Bluebell
Araucana Eggs, beaten
50g, plus 2tbsp, golden granulated
sugar
4 large slices Tesco Finest White
Sourdough Loaf, halved
Olive oil for frying
25g unsalted butter
Tesco Finest Blueberries,
Strawberries and Raspberries,
to serve
Tesco Finest Spanish Forest Honey,
to drizzle
Tesco Finest Provence Rosé,
to serve
1 In a pan gently warm the milk with
½tsp cinnamon and the orange zest,
allowing to infuse for 5 mins.
2 In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs
and 50g granulated sugar. Strain over
the infused milk and whisk to combine.
3 Put the bread on a lipped tray. Soak
each piece of bread in the milk/egg
mixture then put back on the tray.
Pour over the remaining mixture and
let it soak in – you may have some
leftover mixture for an extra slice.
4 Put the remaining 2tbsp sugar in
a bowl and mix with the remaining
1tbsp cinnamon.
5 Heat the oil and a knob of butter in
a heavy-based frying pan. Fry the
bread halves for 2-3 mins on each
side or until golden. Repeat with
more oil/bread.
6 Toss the berries with the orange
segments. Serve in a bowl alongside
the toast topped with cinnamon sugar,
and a good drizzle of honey. Pair with
Tesco Finest Provence Rosé. >>

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weekend brunches

Y

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FRIEND
H
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I
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Star in
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Scottish

Smoked Salmon 100g
Only the finest Scottish
smoked salmon is gently smoked
for a minimum of four hours over
hickory oak, then left to mature
for a light and delicate flavour.

Smoked salmon sharing board
A gorgeous platter for the eyes
and the taste buds. Simply serve on
one platter and let everyone dig in.
Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins
• Cook 6 mins
4 Tesco Finest Free Range Blue
Araucana Eggs
½tsp each coriander, cumin and
fennel seeds, toasted and crushed
Zest 1 lemon, then cut into wedges
½ small red onion, finely sliced
2tsp red wine vinegar
½tsp sugar
½ cucumber, peeled into ribbons
with y-shaped peeler, drained on
kitchen paper
1tbsp capers
1tbsp Tesco Finest Sicilian Extra
Virgin Olive Oil

2tbsp freshly chopped dill, plus
handful leaves picked to garnish
4 Tesco Finest Sweet & Fiery
Beetroot, chopped
100g pack Tesco Finest Mild &
Delicate Scottish Smoked Salmon
1 ripe avocado, finely sliced and
tossed with a squeeze of lemon
160g pack Tesco Finest Whipped
Feta with Mint
Tesco Finest Sundried Tomato &
Oregano Sourdough
1 Put the eggs in a pan of cold water,
once coming to the boil, set a timer
for 6 mins for a fudgy boiled yolk, or
for 7 if you prefer a more done set.
Plunge into a bowl of iced water.
2 Mix the spices with a large pinch of
flaky sea salt and zest ½ lemon.
3 Meanwhile, quick-pickle the red

16 woman&home in partnership with Tesco Finest ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

onion by mixing in a glass/ceramic
bowl with the vinegar, large pinch
salt and sugar.
4 In a separate bowl, toss the
cucumber, remaining lemon zest,
capers and a drizzle of olive oil and
squeeze of lemon juice. Stir through
the chopped dill and black pepper.
5 Drain the red onions, lightly rinse,
then toss with the beetroot, spices,
drizzle of olive oil and season with a
squeeze lemon juice, salt and pepper.
6 Peel the eggs, then cut in half and
arrange on a board with the smoked
salmon, avocado, plus a bowl for the
whipped feta, bowl for red onion/
beetroot salad and the cucumbers.
7 Add lemon wedges, extra dill
fronds and serve with bread.

weekend brunches

Truffle brie croque madame

Serves 2-4 • Prep 15 min
• Cook 10 min
20g unsalted butter, plus an extra
knob
1 heaped tbsp plain flour
150ml whole milk, warmed
Olive oil for frying
4 slices Tesco Finest White
Sourdough Loaf
135g pack Tesco Finest French Brie
with Truffle, sliced
6 slices from 120g pack

Tesco Finest Finely Sliced Honey
Roast Ham
25g Tesco Finest Reserve Swiss
Gruyère Cheese, grated
2-4 Tesco Finest Free Range
Bluebell Araucana Eggs
1 Melt 20g butter over a low heat.
Stir in the flour to form a paste that
looks like wet sand, then cook for
3-4 mins. Whisk in the warm milk,
slowly, to make a smooth sauce.
Continue to cook, stirring, for 5-6
mins, until you have a smooth, shiny
thick sauce. Season with salt and
pepper and set aside.
2 Heat the grill to high. Heat a knob
of butter and a glug of oil in a large

frying pan. Fry the sourdough slices,
two at a time, for 2-3 minutes on
each side until golden.
3 Divide the sliced brie between 2 of
the slices of toasted bread and add
3 slices of ham. Top with another slice
of toast, then spread the béchamel
sauce thickly on top of each sandwich
and sprinkle over the grated cheese.
4 Put on a baking tray or grill pan and
grill for 5 mins until melted and golden.
5 Meanwhile, heat a large splash of
oil in the pan. Crack in 2 eggs and fry
for 2-3 mins until the white is set and
crisp at the edge and the yolk is to
your liking. Serve the fried eggs on
top or on the side of the sandwiches.
Eat straight away.

OOZING W ITH FL A
VOU
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ent
i
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re Tesco

Star in
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Add some luxury to your brunch
toasties with this special recipe using
a sumptuously rich combination of
Tesco Finest cheeses.

Finest French
Brie with Truffle 135g
Only the finest French cow’s
milk is used to create this flavourpacked soft cheese with a luxurious
layer of white Italian truffle.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE woman&home in partnership with Tesco Finest 17

Elevate your everyday with Tesco Finest

F

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FRESH & FULL
OF FLAVOUR

Elevate your summer snacking with
Tesco Finest Whipped Feta with
Mint, made with Greek-style yogurt,
feta full-fat soft cheese and topped
with a beautiful mint-infused oil.

PAS
TA

lavour and simplicity are
top of the list when it comes
to making your summer
meals shine. Our star chefs
Ravinder Bhogal and José Pizarro
know that it takes top ingredients
and a good recipe, of course, to
make a great meal.
Look no further than the Tesco Finest
range to take your meals to the next
level. With its broad, mouth-watering
offering across fresh produce, fresh
meat and poultry, baked goods,
prepared meals, like Finest Dine in for
two, and more, Tesco Finest has your
summer dining needs covered.
Each Tesco Finest product tastes
delicious and that’s because they’ve all
been carefully sourced from trusted
producers who really care about quality.
And it’s not just food that Tesco goes
to great lengths for to ensure the quality
of its Tesco Finest range. Tesco has
been named International Wine
Challenge Supermarket of the Year
2023, as well as winning IWC Own Label
Range of the Year for the second year
running. This is the first time any retailer
has won both awards in the same year.
Both the food and wine of the Tesco
Finest range take your at-home dining
experience up a notch. You’ll find all
the products you need for a relaxed,
flavourful summer, from leisurely
brunches and easy evening meals to
show-stopping centrepieces for hosting.
Let’s raise a glass to that!

PE

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Crafted by expert
pasta makers with
more than 100
years’ experience,
Tesco Finest Gigli
is bronze-cut to
give a rough
texture that’s
perfect for clinging
to creamy sauces.

TIME FOR WINE

Kick back and relax in the sun with a glass of Tesco Finest
Montagne St Emilion. Its smooth, full-bodied flavour has
been carefully crafted to achieve blackcurrant, cedar
wood and savoury spice flavours.

RIC
H

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explore the range

MY

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

Take your cheeseboard to the next level with
Tesco Finest St. Félicien Cheese. Smooth
and mould-ripened, it has a mellow and nutty
flavour, and won gold at the International
Cheese and Dairy Awards 2023.

Simply glorious both inside and out, the Tesco Finest
Free Range 6 Bluebell Araucana Eggs come from hens
free to roam outdoors. The striking pastel-blue shells and
rich, golden yolks are sourced only from trusted British
farms, so you know they’re delicious.

FOR TWO

SWEET & NUTTY

Take the night off with Tesco
Finest Dine In Summer
Menu for two, including
a main, side, dessert and
drink. Enjoy a Chicken &
Chorizo Paella with the
Green Vegetable Selection,
followed by Raspberry &
Passion Fruit Cheesecake
Slices and paired with
Cinsault Rosé.

SLI
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Indulge in summer bliss with silky Tesco Finest
Roasted Pistachio Ice Cream. It’s made in
Devon using West Country milk, pistachio paste
and roasted pistachios to give a mellow, woody
taste, plus a pinch of salt to heighten the flavour.

BRING THE
BUBBLES

Hand-harvested from vineyards
in Kent, Tesco Finest English
Sparkling Wine is full of apple and
citrus flavours balanced by delicate
brioche notes for a dry, crisp finish.

E

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S
OF

Bring some colour to the table when you
serve up a slice of Tesco Finest Red Velvet
Cake – an indulgent red velvet sponge
with a rich cream cheese frosting,
hand-decorated with vibrant
red crumbs.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE woman&home in partnership with Tesco Finest 19

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