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Yours Magazine|Issue 459Welcome…When I took up the reins as Yours editor in the spring of 2022, I wrote about my delight at being part of such a strong community. At that stage, we were tentatively looking ahead to a post-pandemic future, with renewed appreciation of family, friends and that sense of ‘togetherness’. Now, as I prepare to move on, I'm reminded once more of the need to foster communities where people can connect and share their stories, struggles and triumphs. Thank you for sharing your memories and your lives with me these last two years – I've enjoyed it all, from pictures of your furry (and a few feathered) friends to tales of reunions and later-life adventures. I'm proud to have been a member of this warm and inclusive club. I am…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Meeting place£10 cheque for every letter published Birds of a feather… ◆ I read with interest the letter from Barbara Mitchell in issue 456 where she enquired if anyone else had seen the exoskeleton of a marine sand dollar. I have one in my display cabinet at home from my time living in the Middle East. It sits alongside a beautiful sand rose – formed in the deserts – reminding me of the wonderful beaches and the marine life we encountered. I worked at the International School and had the pleasure of accompanying school children down to the local beach in January each year to see a hundred or more flamingos that had stopped en route. A truly magical moment and one that I will never forget. Pauline Watts, via email…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘The past 50 yearshave flown by!’She's played Gail Platt on Coronation Street since 1974 but now, after an incredible 50 years, Helen Worth is preparing to wave goodbye to the famous cobbles. The actress, who is set to celebrate the milestone anniversary this month, said that it felt like “the perfect time” to leave the ITV soap after half a century “in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world”. She explained, “I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding. I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew. The past 50 years have flown by. I don't…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘Petsallow me to travel the world for free’WE LOVE OUR PETSreal life When my husband came home from work and told me he wanted a divorce, my world turned upside down. After 36 years of marriage and three children, I had no idea how to function on my own. We had been due to retire, and I had been so excited about plans we'd made to go travelling and spend the winters in Florida. After growing up in Botswana, I'd always dreamt of exploring the world but, at 68, I put my ambitions on hold as I couldn't imagine travelling solo. Then in 2015, my sister Cathy told me about a job she'd taken, pet sitting for a family who were on holiday. “Maybe you could try something like that?” she suggested. I'd always loved animals, so…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Woody WoodpeckerFor the love of animals August will be a good month to spot the ‘laughing’ green woodpecker, the UK's largest woodpecker, known for their short tails, red caps and strong, long bills. This coming month, parents will be venturing out with their fledglings on the hunt for bugs to eat, especially ants. Look out for them in short grassland habitats, parks and gardens – a giveaway can be their unique flight call that sounds like laughter.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Poolside perfectShapewear stars Choose a swimsuit with tummy control to give yourself a body confidence boost Magic monochrome Keep things chic with this classic colour combo, to leave you looking and feeling great High-waisted heroes Bikini bottoms that sit slightly above your waistline help to create the illusion of a narrow waist, while providing plenty of coverage. Fuller-bust friendly Feel supported by opting for a specialised fit which provides both comfort and style.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459The POWERof PETSIf you're devoted to your dog, crazy about a cat, your special relationship could be keeping you healthy as well as happy. “Welcoming a pet into your life can bring a whole range of health and wellbeing benefits,” explains Bill Lambert, The Kennel Club's Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive. “Through thick and thin, four‑legged friends provide love, loyalty, and companionship without any judgment; they can get us active and moving; and they can help their owners socially too.” Of course, it's not just cats and dogs that bring us happiness. Looking after any animal, from rabbits to chickens and even a hamster can have huge benefits for our wellbeing. Unconditional companionship Pets can give you a sense of security and someone to share the day with. They can help…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Fridge raidersFried rice omelette Serves: 4 Takes: 15min Cost per serving: £1.17 □ 500g leftover fried rice, or use 2 x 250g pack microwave rice □ 10 medium eggs □ Salt and freshly ground black pepper □ 1tbsp vegetable oil □ 1 red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced □ 15g coriander 1 Heat the leftover rice in the microwave until piping hot (see Tip). If using packet rice, cook according to pack instructions. 2 Lightly beat the eggs with 2tbsp water in a large bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper. 3 Add a quarter of the oil to lightly grease a smallmedium frying pan set over a low-medium heat. Add onequarter of the egg mixture to the pan, tilting the pan slightly so the mixture covers the base.…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459A ball of BLOOMSyour space These summery spheres make an impressive garden feature, and they couldn't be easier to make. All you need is some compost, a hanging basket and a few plug plants. Petunias are a great choice, because they will flourish right through until the first frost – you could opt for a bold purple, like us, or even choose a mix of different hues. To make your flower ball, simply cut holes into the basket liner at varying heights. You can use a purpose-made hanging basket, which already has holes, or simply use a traditional basket and pierce your own holes through the liner with a knife or scissors. Add compost, then wrap newspaper around the root ball of each plant. Tuck them through the holes into the basket, using…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Baby stepsDifficulty rating: ■ All materials and pattern available at Hobbycraft.co.uk Bootees You will need: □ 4½mm knitting needles □ 5½mm knitting needles □ One 25g ball F084 Snuggly Snowflake Chunky ■ Can't get this yarn? Find a suitable alternative at yarnsub.com Abbreviations: Cm = centimetres; cont = continue; foll = following; k = knit; p = purl; psso = pass slipped stitch over; rem = remain(ing); rep = repeat; s1 = slip 1 stitch knitways; st(s) = stitch(es); tog = together; ws = wrong side. Bootees (both alike) Using 4½mm needles and thumb method cast on 17 [19:23] sts loosely. 1st Row: Knit. This row forms g-st (garter stitch). 2nd Row: K2, pick up loop between last and next st and work into back of this loop (this will now…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Paw-fect travel accessoriesBEST FOR LARGE DOGS Fluff Dog Car Seat This dog car seat features a fluffy cotton filling and stain-resistant cover to provide extra comfort for your pet. It can be easily placed in the car back seat or boot and there are also handy storage pockets for keeping treats and litter bags. The built-in safety D-ring buckle allows you to attach your dog's collar, and the strap fastens the bed to your car seat. Even on bumpy country roads, the seat was secure and stayed in place, providing a supportive and safe mode of travel for your dog. ■ julibees.com Travel Dog Pod The pod arrived well packaged, although it does need to be assembled. It didn't come with assembly instructions but a quick Google search solved the problem. It…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Forgotten heroesOF COMEDYBlessed with a long, lugubrious face and a voice that droned out monosyllabic observations on life and livelihood, David Battley was the perfect sounding board for star comedians. He played the disgruntled television studio director for Eric Sykes in The Likes of Sykes (1980). He enjoyed accident-prone slapstick with Benny Hill in The Waiters (1969). He was the jobs-worth Christmas delivery man battling Penelope Keith in The Good Life episode, Silly, But it's Fun. And he was an invaluable part of Eric Idle's irreverent repertory company in the post-Python sketch show, Rutland Weekend Television. Within the confines of that programme, Battley could play everything from a war-weary soldier to the solemn bassist for those Pre-Fab pop stars, The Rutles. Battley had pursued his creative interests at the Camberwell School of…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Fire and BonesEXCLUSIVEbook extract My cell phone rang as I was packing. The caller's number began with the digits 202. The area code for Washington, DC. Normally, I ignore unknown numbers. Something told me to make an exception. I looked at Birdie. If a cat could shrug, he did. Tossing a swimsuit into the rollaboard, I tapped the green icon. “Temperance Brennan.” “Dr. Brennan. I'm so glad I caught you. It's Jada Thacker.” The voice was female, and clearly nervous. “Yes?” “I don't know if you remember me. We met years ago at an AAFS meeting in Seattle. I'd just graduated med school and was about to begin a residency in pathology.” “Of course.” Total blank. “I asked your opinion on a field course in forensic archaeology that I planned to take.”…5 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘If you can help, you do’For the past 33 years, hairdresser Michelle Bailie has enjoyed seeing clients leave her salon with a spring in their step. Although her styling skills are the primary reason for their visits, it's clear they also enjoy the social side too. “Chatting to people is part of the job of being a hairdresser and a big part of my day,” says bubbly Michelle (50) whose salon, Fringeline, is in Kimpton, Herts. Growing up in the area, she's also well aware of the village's strong community spirit and is a firm part of it. She volunteers for the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal and styled the hair of local May queens for many years. “I think that amazing community spirit just rubs off on you,” she adds. So last year…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘Rosemary kept shouting at me!’Actor, entertainer and panto legend Christopher Biggins is back on our screens for a new series of Cooking with the Stars next week and, as ever, he promises to bring the fun! Joining forces with his good friend, chef Rosemary Shrager, the pair will be taking on other celebrity and famous chef duos in a bid to be crowned the winner. Competing against Biggins, 75, are celebs including Countdown favourite Carol Vorderman and comedian Katherine Ryan. So how does he think he'll fare against them? He caught up with Yours to tell us more… What did you want to get out of this show? Really, one of the pleasures was working with Rosemary, we've become really close. I mean, we're very similar. We're large. We've got a lot of laughter…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Cheers to the great dames!Tea with the Queen When young charity heroes Tony Hudgell and Lyla O'Donovan couldn't make it to a Buckingham Palace garden party, they were devastated. Tony (nine), who lost his legs as a baby because of his parents’ abuse, missed the May event due to traffic problems. Lyla (11), who's raised funds for seriously ill children despite living with a rare brain tumour, was too ill to attend. On hearing of their disappointment, Queen Camilla invited them and their families to a more intimate tea party. After being serenaded by a military band, they were treated to tea, sandwiches and iced biscuits with her. It's not unusual for legendary actors Dames Judi Dench and Siân Phillips to take on new roles. They've each spent a lifetime doing it. But by…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Baby love✪ My partner and I have been together for 15 years. We love Jelly Babies. Me the white ones, him the red ones. Every anniversary he puts couples of jelly babies like this one dotted around the house for me to find. I think it's rather romantic! Anna Hammett, Cheshire Yours says:Romance isn't all flowers and elaborate date nights – sometimes it really is those little thoughtful gestures that go a long way. Anything that says, ‘I was thinking of you’. We'd love to hear other readers’ favourite tiny acts of love. FLYING FLOWERS ◆ Our star letter will receive a stunning Lush Lilacs bouquet with chocolates from our friends at Flying Flowers. To place your order with free delivery visit www.flyingflowers.co.uk…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘You're meant to enjoy the things you do’MY LIFE lessons It's important to never take for granted something as special as representing Great Britain Every time I used to put my Great Britain vest on, it always felt so special. People talk about the pressure for athletes but there are pressures in life all the time and, for me, it's a privileged pressure to represent your country. I feel very lucky to have had two careers, first as an athlete, then as a commentator for the BBC I am so looking forward to this year's Olympic Games and to be working with the BBC commentating team once more. It's like working with friends and, for me, this job is always about learning. I don't think you ever stop. This year's Olympics is going to be brilliant. Being…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘We're still in love 64 years after runningaway!’real life I stopped chatting with a friend to gawp at the handsome lad passing by. He had olive skin, huge brown eyes, and thick curly lashes. Moments later, he bumped into me. “I'm sorry,” he said. “Let me buy you a co*ke.” I accepted, and we got chatting. “Can I take you to the pictures tonight?” Bobby, 17, eventually asked. “Not tonight,” I told him. “But I can go on Friday.” It was 1957 and, at almost 15, Friday was the only night my parents let me go out. Pretty soon we fell madly in love. Bobby was such a gentle, considerate person and everyone who met him loved him. Except for my father, Bill. When someone told on us, Dad warned me never to see him again. Then…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Pets of the fortnight◆ Here is my great grandson, Tyler, five years old, and his best friend Harley. Harley follows Tyler everywhere and only gets a rest when he goes to school. Tyler says they are ‘besties’. Margaret Begg, Inverness ◆ This is Gary, our three-year-old cat. He loves to find new places to sleep. What does Gary dislike? Nothing, he loves everyone and everything! Katie Gooding, Tidworth ◆ As you can see, Lucy, my 10-year-old Staffie, loves tennis balls. Her dislikes? Sharing them with her sister! Julie Halliday, by email GET IN TOUCH Send us a picture of your pet with personality, tell us their likes, dislikes and age and if we print it you'll receive a £10 cheque…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Happy FeetStep 1 REFRESH After a long winter spent in trainers or boots, your feet will need a little extra love. Start the process with a relaxing foot soak, before going in with a refreshing scrub. For a quick fix with minimum effort, pop on a pair of pre-soaked socks, which will gently peel away dull, dry skin, revealing summer-ready toes. Step 2 TREAT Start the season afresh by buffing away dead cells and hard skin build-up with a pumice or foot file. If you're really struggling to smooth your skin then grab an electric buffer, which will do the hard work for you. Next, drench your feet in an intensely hydrating cream or mask – try popping on a pair of socks to ensure your moisturiser really soaks in, leaving…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Simple steps to STRONGER BONESWe know that our bone health naturally declines as we age, and the menopause and genetics also play a part in the strength of our bones. But there are plenty of small changes you can add into your routine to improve the status quo. Whether you have osteoporosis, osteopenia – where your bones don't have as much mineral content as they should, and are a risk factor for osteoporosis – or you just want to future-proof your bones, here are our expert tips for a stronger skeleton – and your joints will thank you too! Meet the experts ■ Sarah Leyland (left) is Clinical Advisor at Royal Osteoporosis Society. Visit theros.org.uk ■ Claire Davis (right) is a personal trainer and co-founded The Midlife Mentors (themidlifementors.com) offering coaching and evidence-based science…6 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Sweet taste of SUMMERCOOK'S TIP Try using a mousse ring instead of a cake tin for this. You can find them on Amazon. Strawberry mousse cake Cost per serving: 97p Serves: 8 Takes: 30min (plus cooling and chilling) □ 2 x 200g sponge flan case □ 10 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved, plus 400g extra fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped □ 8 gelatine sheets □ 100g caster sugar □ 1tsp lemon juice □ 400ml double cream □ 40g icing sugar □ ½tsp vanilla extract □ Icing sugar, for dusting 1 Remove the base of a deep springform nonstick 20cm round cake tin. Using the base as a guide, cut out a round from each flan case. Discard the cuttings. Replace the base of the tin. Line the tin with clingfilm, letting it overhang…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Sitting prettyDifficulty rating: YOU WILL NEED □ Sewing machine □ Fabric scissors □ Dressmaking pins □ Tape measure □ Thread □ Fat quarters □ Square cushion pad □ Iron □ Pom pom trim (available at Hobbycraft) 1 Select, measure and cut out your fabrics: one 40 x 40cm square and two 28 x 40cm rectangles 2 Press your fabrics. Take your two rectangles and turn over by 1cm, then press into position for your seam allowance. 3 Using a simple straight running stitch, sew along the pressed edges of both rectangles. 4 Cut four strips of pom pom trim, one for each edge of the cushion. You will need to make these slightly longer than 40cm fabric (approximately 45-46cm) to ensure there are enough pom poms on each side. 5 Sandwich…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Purse-friendly animal careWE LOVE OUR PETSgood to know There are an estimated 38 million pets in the UK, but rising household costs sadly mean 13 per cent of pet owners gave up their animal in 2022 – with dogs at the top of the list. Nobody wants to have to give up their furry housemates, so here are some ways to make their care more affordable. Save on insurance Dog insurance costs have risen at twice the rate of inflation in recent years, with French bulldogs, boxers and rottweilers among the priciest breeds. Many people put money aside each month instead of buying insurance, but that might not cover you if your animal is run over or develops a condition such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes. “There are four main types of cover…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Label it!Label makers are a great way to keep things organised. Whether it's attaching labels to clothes so you don't lose them, or labelling boxes to easily identify the contents, label makers are an inexpensive way to stay on top of things. These days, the majority of use-at-home label makers are powered by Bluetooth and connected to a smartphone app. Traditional label makers are less popular but are still available. These have a built-in keyboard that you can use to type your label manually, and resemble a calculator, with the screen showing the words before the label is printed. These might be preferable if you're looking to create simple text labels in the quickest time possible. In terms of price, options start at £15 and higher end label makers can cost…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Stately homesfor HOUNDSBalmoral, Aberdeenshire Did you know, Scotland's Balmoral Castle isn't just for royalty? Guests can also holiday in the cottages on the famous estate, and, for a £15 fee, their waggy-tailed travel companions can join in the fun. While the eight cottages can't be booked when the royals are on their summer break, they are open to the public the rest of the year. You'll find them located either in the castle grounds or dotted around the estate, and they sleep from two to eight people. WHILE YOU'RE THERE, EXPLORE THE castle's grounds and garden (dogs on leads, please), or head off on one of the impressive hiking trails, such as Albert's Pyramid Walk or Cairns Walk. ■ A seven-night stay at Colt Cottage starts at £555. Visit balmoralcastle.com The Castle…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459OBJECT OF DESIRE… MOBILE PHONEMotorola engineer Martin Cooper is credited with developing the first truly portable hand-held phone. It was the culmination of 15 years’ work by Cooper, who had been inspired by the flip up communicators first seen on Star Trek. “We knew that people didn't want to talk to cars, or to houses, or to offices,” Cooper said. “They want to talk to people… What we believed was that the telephone number should be a person not a location” CHECK OUT! For more nostalgia pick up a copy of Yours Retro magazine. See yoursretro.co.uk for more info.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Just the ticketIt was Tuesday night when I told Cliff that I was going to kill him. I wasn't having the best of days. Our central heating had stopped working and, after a frustrating hour on the phone, was told it would cost £100 just to have an engineer come and look at it and they couldn't get anybody out to us for another week. ‘I'm not hurt… but you will be when I've finished with you.’ Then I sat down for a cuppa and the garage rang to say that my car needed four new tyres and some welding and I should expect a bill of around £700. I was feeling thoroughly fed up and wondering where on earth I was going to find that kind of money when Mum rang…5 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Friends of YoursMarried Julie, from Lincoln, would like to meet new female friends. She enjoys going for a coffee, the cinema, shopping and days out. All letters answered. JUL2-101 Nicholas, 62, from Warwickshire, is looking for a lady for friendship/romance. He enjoys gardening, riding horses, playing musical instruments and going to the seaside. JUL2-102 Iris, 83, a widow from Grimsby, would like to meet a happy-go-lucky chap 75+, who is a non-smoker/drinker and likes animals. She enjoys doing crosswords, reading, car boot sales and walking her dog. JUL2-103 Divorced Gwendoline, 70, from Nottingham, would like to meet new male/female friends. She enjoys holidays, day trips, the theatre, seaside, museums, eating in/out and reading. JUL2-104 Non-smoker Dave, 67, from Durham, is looking for a genuine lady in her 60s/70s for friendship, maybe more.…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Bumper PRIZE giveawayWORTH £254 Win a hamper from ALTERNA Luxury hair-care brand, ALTERNA, is giving one lucky person the chance to win a selection of products from their best-selling ALTERNA Caviar Restructuring Bond Repair line. This collection is best for weak or damaged hair and works to re-bond, rebuild and seal the hair cuticle for up to 10 washes. The products are clinically proven to reduce breakage and split ends by up to 99 per cent, thanks to ALTERNA's exclusive Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology. WORTH £210 Be in with the chance of winning the following products from the line: Caviar Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo, Caviar Restructuring Bond Repair Conditioner, Caviar Restructuring Bond Repair Masque, Caviar Restructuring Bond Repair Overnight Serum and Caviar Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Heat Protection Spray. The perfect products…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459HOROSCOPES JULY 23-AUGUST 5SAGITTARIUS NOV 23-DEC 20 The Leo Sun encourages the adventurous explorer in your nature to spread those wings and make a wish come true. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705708 CAPRICORN DEC 21-JAN 20 Focus is on finances, possessions and something being released or concluded. Look out for news of a ‘return’. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705709 AQUARIUS JAN 21-FEB 18 The Sun's lighting up partnerships, both business and personal, with a go ahead, but patience will be needed with details. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705710 PISCES FEB 19-MARCH 20 Getting things stripped back to be fixed is the theme over the coming weeks, with expert attention being given. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705711 ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 19 There…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Flockstars!The word flamingo is thought to originate from the Spanish word Flamenco meaning fire – and in this gorgeous photograph, it's easy to see why! These tall wading birds, found mostly in Africa and South America, can measure up to 50in tall and have an incredible wingspan of 60in. Romantics at heart, flamingo pair bonds are mostly monogamous. They build muddy clay nests along waterways and, after the female lays its one and only egg, the male and female take turns sitting on it to keep it warm. Flamingos are among a select few birds that feed their young from a secretion produced in their throat, and, like their feathers, skin, and blood, this ‘milk’ is also pink. Chicks are born with soft, white downy feathers and a straight bill…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘I'm still capable of joyful moments’Most people who experience grief, like Jill Halfpenny, struggle to speak about it, let alone write a book. The Long Shadow star tragically lost her partner Matt Janes in 2017, when he suffered a sudden heart attack at a spinning class. His untimely death mirrored the loss of Jill's father Colin, who had a heart attack playing five-a-side football when he was just 36. At the time, Jill was four years old. When the actress lost Matt seven years ago, she was confronted with an acute dual grief, and decided to channel all her energy into recovery. From meditation to retreats, Jill (48) continues to do everything she can to process the hand she's been dealt and, in doing so, has chosen to share what she's learnt with other people.…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘I'm NOT a news reading robot!’We're used to seeing Clive Myrie sitting smartly behind his desk on the BBC News, but his new project is a freeing, family affair. The 59-yearold, who lives in north London with his wife Catherine, explored his roots in a BBC documentary that saw him travelling to the Caribbean to find out more about his background. Clive's mum Lynne and dad Norris lived in Jamaica before they migrated to England in the Sixties, and the show gave him a welcome chance to discover more about his past. “It gave me an opportunity to find out a little bit more about my background and my history,” the Mastermind host tells Yours. “While at the same time getting across to some of the public out there just how wonderful this part of…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459‘Doing stand-up is such a buzz’Standing in my bra and knickers, covered in scraps of wallpaper, I couldn't stop the tears. A few hours earlier – before I was even dressed – I'd suddenly got all worked up about the shiny grey ‘feature wall’ in our living room before going at it with a scraper, on a whim. Now, surrounded by mess, I knew I'd only made everything worse. At that very moment my GP rang. My concerned sister, Helen, had ordered me to make an appointment when she'd visited the weekend before. “I don't know what's going on,” I sobbed to the doctor. “I've just ripped all the wallpaper off the living room wall! My husband's going to come home from work to all this…” “Put the scraper down and have a seat,” the…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459NATURE NEWSThere has been something of a giraffe baby boom in the West Midlands Safari Park. The park's Rothschild's giraffe, Arusha, recently gave birth to a 6ft-tall baby boy after carrying him for 15 months. This new addition brings the park's herd to 11. House Martins, easily spotted by their distinctive white rump with a forked tail, will be out and about in the coming weeks as they are entering their breeding season. This may be your best chance at seeing the birds as, sadly, House Martins are becoming a much scarcer sight in the UK, with numbers declining by 57 per cent between 1969 and 2018.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459MiniMUST-HAVESThis award-winning dry shampoo is perfect for giving hair a refresh between washes. Batiste On The Go Dry Shampoo in Blush, £3.35 A bite-sized buy, this works wonders in an instant, leaving you with luscious lashes. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £14 These handy fragrance capsules will fit into your bag with ease. Filled with Marc Jacobs’ iconic floral-scented Daisy perfume, and with 30 capsules included in a set, it'll last you more than a week's holiday. Marc Jacobs Daisy Drops Love For Her, £28 With shower gel, body scrub and hydrating lotion, this bodycare set will give your skin a glow. Q+A Travel Trio Gift Set, £12 A firm on-flight favourite that we always reach for, this rosewater face mist is reliable when it comes to hydrating…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Unusual MENOPAUSE symptomsMost of us are aware of the hot flushes and brain fog that comes with the menopause, but there are other, more unusual symptoms that might take you by surprise. “The menopause is diagnosed when a woman hasn't menstruated in 12 consecutive months and usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of the menopause in the UK being 51,” says Miss Tania Adib, consultant gynaecologist and menopause expert (adib.org.uk). “However, some women carry on menstruating until their 60s. The word menopause literally translates as ‘the last day of menstruation’, but as marvellous as it would be if it was just a one-day event, there's a bit more to it than that. It usually lasts about seven years, but can be as long as 14…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Flowers tofeast onNasturtiums With their fiery orange, yellow, pink and red flowers, nasturtiums look pretty in a patio or pot. The petals also pack a peppery punch when eaten, and can transform a green leafy salad into something special. Roses All rose petals are edible, but the more fragrant varieties tend to have the strongest flavour. Pop the pretty petals into drinks, onto cakes or you could even crystallise them. Pour a lightly beaten egg white into a saucer, and fill a second saucer with caster sugar. Use a pair of tweezers to gently dip each petal into the egg white, and then into the sugar. Shake off any excess and lay on a sheet of baking paper to dry. They'll make a stunning decoration on cakes, biscuits or desserts. Sunflowers Nothing…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459HERE'S WHAT YOU'VE BEEN MAKING…■ It has taken a while to finish knitting this jumper, some 35 years, but I have finally completed it by knitting a few rows at a time while waiting in my car to pick up my grandson Harry from school over the last year. Better late than never. Carol Grimshaw, Surrey ■ Here are 50 poppies I knitted to be part of a larger display at a local village for the 80th D-Day celebrations. Edith Crook, MBE, via email ■ After getting over a hip operation, here are two gifts I made my two grandchildren from buttons. Anne Jackson, via email GET IN TOUCH We love to see your makes. Please share your creations with us using the contact details on page 3.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459How to GET ON TVResearch by the Centre for Better Ageing shows that more than a third (39 per cent) of over 50s do not feel represented enough in the media. Why not remedy this, and get yourself on TV? Whether you've always yearned to get on the small screen, or just fancy doing something a bit different, there are several routes to achieve this. We've canvassed some expert opinion to give you some ideas. Lights. Camera. Action! Use social media Getting to grips with social media platforms such as Instagram can be a great way to get noticed by TV producers, or modelling scouts (modelling can in turn sometimes get you on the TV). If you feel you've got something you want to say, social media is a great place to do so.…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Spruce up your garden FOR LESSStart with seeds If you want to get growing, sowing seeds is cheaper than buying plants. With vegetable seeds in particular, check the pack size. Better to sow little and often every few weeks, than use the whole packet and get stuck with a glut. Even if you don't have a garden, you could still grow crops such as herbs in pots on a windowsill. Feed plants for free Plant food can be costly, so try making your own. For example, soak plants such as borage or nettles in a covered bucket or water for a few weeks, then dilute to make your own liquid fertiliser. Our money advice expert Faith Archer is an award-winning money journalist and blogger at Much More With Less. Faith was deputy personal finance editor…4 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Making a SPLASH!your memories Despite the powerful smell of chlorine, ice-cold water and hot, gritty concrete underfoot, we couldn't resist a trip to the local lido as soon as the sun came out. They were like a little patch of brilliance in a drab suburban world. Meanwhile, the bathing beauties strategically positioned themselves to take full advantage of the sun and show off their assets to best effect, while young lads dashed to display their skill on the diving board – it was the place to be seen as a teen.…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Moment IN TIMEThe world reeled in shock when it was revealed that screen icon Marilyn Monroe had been found dead at her Los Angeles home. Housekeeper Eunice Murray was staying with Marilyn and became increasingly concerned for her welfare. She asked psychiatrist Dr Ralph Greenson to make a house call, but he arrived too late to save the 36-year-old actress’ life. The official cause of death was ‘probable suicide’, following an overdose of prescription medication. Nevertheless, conspiracy theories have flourished for the past 60 years. Marilyn's mental and physical health had been deteriorating for years and, despite periods of happiness, she was a troubled soul. It is the opinion of many Marilyn fans and medical experts that she passed away by her own hand, though whether it was intentional or a cry…1 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459Yours BOOK CLUBWhat you're reading… The Summer Party by Kate Gray (Mountain Leopard Press, £18.99) “A brilliantly tense locked-room mystery,” says Sarah Breen. At her work summer party, Mel can't wait to let her hair down. But as the champagne flows, cracks start to appear. There are secrets, lies and revenge and no one is as innocent as they first seemed… Somebody I Used to Love by Eve Ainsworth (Canelo, £9.99) “A great will-they-won't-they story,” says Barbara Cheshire. After a car accident, Will's lost years of memory. All he wants is his girlfriend Gem. But Gem has a new life and the last thing she expects is a call from the man who nearly destroyed her. Will is determined to prove he is not the man he was. But can he win…2 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459BOOST YOUR BRAIN!£869 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! Wordsearch We hope you have a royally good time searching for these empresses and queens in the grid. ANSWERS ON PAGE 103 ALEXANDRINE ANNE-MARIE ASTRID BEATRIX BOUDICA CAMILLA CATHERINE CHRISTINA CLEOPATRA ELENA ELIZABETH FABIOLAFARIDA FREDERICA INGRID ISABELLA JADWIGA JOANNA JULIANA LOUISE MARGRETHE MARIE ANTOINETTE MATILDAPAOLA RANIA SILVIA SONJA SOPHIE VICTORIA WILHELMINA WIN £100 WHERE IS SAMMY SQUIRREL? Find where he's hiding in this issue of Yours and you could win £100. To enter, fill in the Competitions answers coupon on page 103. Closing date for entries is August 12, 2024. More prizes to win at yours.co.uk WIN £50! TWO £50 PRIZES Prize crossword For this puzzle we've provided two sets of clues, each giving the same answers. One set of clues is cryptic, one…3 min
Yours Magazine|Issue 459And finally… VanessaDear readers, Child-rearing has changed beyond recognition. If you're expecting me to criticise the new child-centred approach, don't hold your breath. When I hear my younger daughter Saskia ask 20-month-old Cecily which pair of shoes she wants to wear, or whether she prefers cereal or a boiled egg, my heart doesn't sink – it soars. As a little girl, I felt more like a parcel than a human being. I was carted from pillar to post without any information about where, why or how long, because no adult thought it necessary to explain anything to a small child. I'd be deposited at nursery school without explanation. My parents would nip off for a week in the sun leaving me with grandma and no one would think to tell me how…2 min
