Table of contents for 22-Feb-2022 in Woman's Weekly

A jewel in the hills On one very cold October weekend when the children were younger, we unaccountably decided to go camping in the Lake District. My two principal memories from that trip were opening the tent flap in the morning to see the whole Buttermere Valley coated in a stunning white frost, and of visiting Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s lovely Cumbrian home, now preserved by the National Trust. Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of the house is the many signs in Japanese – delightfully, her work is still hugely popular in Japan, and many travel halfway round the world to visit her old home. Find out about Beatrix Potter’s amazing life on page 10.…

Glance up when you’re out walking in British cities, and you’ll often see a blue or other commemorative plaque honouring a person or place of interest. The idea of installing plaques was the brainchild of William Ewart MP, who first suggested it to the House of Commons in 1863. Four years later, the first plaque appeared in London. It was dedicated to the poet Lord Byron, under the aegis of the Royal Society of Arts, which went on to install many more. This idea was later embraced by councils, civic trusts and other organisations, which run similar schemes around the country. Fine vintage Some of the oldest surviving plaques are in London. One from 1867 commemorates Napoleon III at 1C King Street in Westminster, and one from 1870 marks poet…

As a little girl, Amanda Davidson, from Lincoln, fell in love with the idea of being a police officer. Aged three, she would even wander down to her local village station and play there happily, colouring in and eating Smarties until her mum came to pick her up. Determined to follow her dream, she was accepted into the Metropolitan Police Force, aged 19, in 1988. A few years later, Amanda was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for tackling an armed robber single-handed. Only, in 1996, a call to a domestic incident changed her life forever. ‘I went to make an arrest and ended up with my legs pinned against kitchen cabinet doors while a powerful, 6ft 6in man held my head and was stretching my neck upwards. My spine was being…

KNOW THE SIGNS Breathing and heart rate increase, as adrenaline rises in your body. You may feel tense, with a clenched jaw or fists, or tapping feet. TRY DISTRACTION Changing your thought pattern or situation can stop anger escalating – whether it’s physical (a walk or run), mental (watching some funny cat videos), or both. BREATHE SMART Focus on your breathing, making sure you exhale for longer than you inhale. Consciously try to relax muscles. For more advice, visit mind.org.uk…

In lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE), symptoms range from mild to severe. These commonly include joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness. Sometimes it results in kidney problems and other organ disease, including liver, heart and lung inflammation. Headaches, mouth ulcers, fevers, hair loss and light sensitivity also may occur. Stress and tiredness may make your symptoms worse. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s natural immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. The causes aren’t fully understood. It’s not contagious, but possible triggers include viral infections or certain medicines, including some types of blood pressure drugs, anti-seizure medications and antibiotics. People with drug-induced lupus usually get better when they stop taking the medication. Sunlight, hormonal changes – including at puberty, childbirth and the menopause – may also be triggers.…

My husband Chris and I moved to Manchester from London eight years ago,’ says Michelle. ‘I’m originally from here, and when we had our son, George, we came here because of the cheaper property prices and also to be near my family. The perfect pad ‘We initially looked at loads of places and it took us more than a year to find the right property, as we wanted to take our time and choose an area that would suit us perfectly as a family because we all have different requirements. Price was also a huge factor, of course. Eventually, though, we saw this flat and it really jumped out at Chris because it’s so light and has fantastic views over the city. I liked the room sizes, which are generous,…

The Costa Brava, in north-east Spain, has been a popular tourist destination since the 50s, when its guaranteed dry, sunny summers began to draw visitors. Buoyed by the interest, holiday resorts were created, with some exceptional  beach hotspots from Cadaqués and Roses in the north to Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar in the south. Quiet coves Those thinking the Costa Brava is all-day breakfasts and mass tourism should think again. Yes, there are the wide, sandy beaches with the modern holiday apartments, but there are also hidden gems to be found. Commercial beaches are convenient, being a short stroll from accommodation, with bars and cafes and various watersports. But equally there are the quieter coves, the smaller beaches, whitewashed fishing villages and medieval hilltop hangouts to discover.…

High life Annual climbers are an inexpensive and fun way to spice up an outdoor space. With exotic flowers in saturated colours, they romp away in late spring, through trellises, over arches or among perennial climbers or shrubs, producing flowers in abundance before collapsing in the frosts. Easy to grow from seed, they need a long growing season, so start them off indoors in early spring. Towers of flowers Grow less-vigorous climbers (2-2.5m high) in containers – just add a support for them to twirl up, like a cane wigwam or metal spiral. Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata) gives masses of open, custard-yellow flowers with black centres. If you prefer a subtler palette, choose ‘Lemon Star’ (pale yellow) or ‘African Sunset’ (red-apricot-cream). Another option is perennial nasturtium (Tropaeolum tuberosum) ‘Ken Aslet’…

Bertie and I were bickering all the time and I didn’ like it. I tried to figure out precisely when it had started. Was it when the kids left home? All three had moved out within a couple of years of each other. I didn’t recall us quarrelling so much when they’d been around. ‘Do you and Danny argue much?’ I asked my younger colleague, Grace. She raised her eyebrows at me. ‘With four children under 10, a mini menagerie and a kitchen extension that looks like it’s never going to be finished, falling out isn’t a luxury we can afford!’ she exclaimed. ‘That’s what I thought,’ I replied. ‘When you’re both negotiating cooking, homework, shopping and stories, there’s not much opportunity for marital strife – you’re too busy doing…

KINGFISHER Anyone who has ever seen this bright blue and orange bird, flying fast over rivers and streams, never forgets the sight. RED-BACKED SHRIKE No longer breeds here but still visits. Nicknamed the butcher bird for its grim habit of hanging up its dead prey as a larder! CAPERCAILLIE This huge woodland grouse is only found in the Highlands of Scotland. It can turn nearly all-white in winter.…

I was delighted to read the article on bell-ringing in a recent issue of Woman’s Weekly [21 December]. I am a third generation bell-ringer, alongside my brother. My maternal grandfather was a bell-ringer, as was my uncle. I attempted to learn in my late teens and was unsuccessful, but it was always an ambition and I finally learnt to ring in the early noughties. It’s an activity where age is not a barrier. I love bell-ringing as it helps to keep a traditional art going, I get to meet people I would not normally meet, and just climbing the stairs to the belfry helps to keep me fit, not to mention the mental workout at following a method or call changes and the coordination required to ring. The first rounds…

At the age of 81, Gloria Hunniford’s TV career is still going strong, as a presenter of Rip Off Britain and regular on the chat show Loose Women. But her family is still the most important thing in her life, including keeping alive the memory of her daughter Caron. ‘For Christmas, I bought Caron a beautiful red heart wreath for her gravestone. She loved hearts and I always put a Christmas tree there. It’s very tough. We turn right, go home to a warm home full of family, and left is where Caron is resting. But the family’s getting bigger. Stephen [Way, Gloria’s second husband] has two sons in Cornwall, and one has five children. By the time you add partners, there are about 18 of them. ‘When [Girls Aloud…

MYTH 1 For really clean teeth, use a toothbrush with hard bristles You may think that giving your teeth a good hard scrub will have the most effect, but that’s not the case, warns Karen Coates, dental health adviser at the Oral Health Foundation. ‘Hard bristles can damage your gums and teeth. The best toothbrush is one with soft to medium bristles. This will effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth, and protect your teeth and gums. In tests, electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual brushing.’ MYTH 2 Always rinse your mouth after brushing No! ‘Don’t rinse with water,’ says Karen. ‘The fluoride in your toothpaste carries on working for around 40 minutes after you brush. If you rinse after brushing, you will wash the fluoride off your…

Where to put it For most of us, applying perfume is an unconscious habit – a spritz here, a dab there. But if you want your perfume to last, where you spray it really matters. Apply perfume to your pulse points, like the inner wrist, base of the throat, inner elbows and behind the ears. And whatever you do, don’t rub your wrists together after spraying. The friction causes heat, which can affect the integrity of the fragrance. Spritz each spot, then let it sink in. Choose the right one If you want your perfume to last, look for spicy and oriental perfumes with enduring notes, such as sandalwood, patchouli and white musk. They linger on the skin longer than citrus, green and floral notes. Choose your type of fragrance…

Do you have a folder of notes, a family tree or a tall stor y from Gran that’s part of a much bigger untold story? If you’ve been wondering how to put that random assor tment of material to good use, here are some tips to help you create a legacy for generations to come. 1 Know your purpose Ask yourself whose story you are telling and why. Is your family history a gift for a significant anniversary? In which case, weave the narrative around those central people. Or is it your own perspective on family dynamics told from your point of view? 2 Who’s your audience? This dictates the approach and tone you take. It will be more personal and anecdotal for family members, and more authoritative and factual…

We trust our doctors with our health and expect them to give us drugs that will benefit us. And most of the time, they do. But mistakes can happen. And that includes mistakes that we might make in taking our prescribed pills correctly. There are 237 million medication errors made every year in the UK. ‘These errors cost the NHS nearly £100 million every year and they’re also responsible for around 1,700 deaths,’ says Dr Deborah Lee, a GP for the Dr Fox Online Pharmacy. ‘Tragically, around a third of these errors occur in general practice.’ There are certain safety nets in place – doctors are expected to follow what is known as ‘the five rights of medicines management’. Dr Lee explains, ‘These five rights – giving the right medicine…

My teen daughter is self-conscious Q My 15-year-old daughter is really worried about her appearance. She’s a good-looking girl, possibly a little overweight but nothing to worry about. I tell her she looks lovely and she says I just say it as I’m her mother. She’s starting to stay in rather than go out and socialise, and I’m worried about her. Name and address withheld A I understand that you’re concerned and it sounds like she’s struggling with her self-esteem and self-image. Also, from her point of view, being told she’s beautiful doesn’t mean anything, as she knows you’re her number-one fan! She needs strategies to build her self-confidence. She may well benefit from seeing a counsellor who specialises in young people. She’s like many teenage girls, but do try…

The long soak in the bath had helped calm the butterflies in Moira’s tummy, but now she was back on the sofa, snuggled up in her favourite dressing gown, the nerves had returned. ‘You’ll be fine,’ her husband Martin reassured her. ‘You’ve done all the hard work, tomorrow will be a breeze.’ Moira sipped her chamomile tea and frowned. ‘But what if I take a wrong turn or forget what to do?’ Martin smiled and shook his head. ‘Have some faith in yourself.’ Having faith in herself was something Moira had struggled with over the past year. Since being made redundant from the bakery, she’d had a string of short-term jobs that offered little or no prospects or job satisfaction. Tomorrow could change all that. If she could just hold…

CUTE OWLS These irresistible owls will add character to your home, whether as coordinating cushions or colourful toys! Mix and match patterned and plain fabrics to sew these versatile owls using the same pattern enlarged by different percentages for smaller and larger sizes. Make the small or large owl as a toy for a child to cuddle, or match the fabrics to your colour scheme and use the duo around the home as cushions, or the small owl as a doorstop. Finished sizes Small owl: approximately 19 x 17cm Large owl: approximately 32 x 28cm YOU WILL NEED For the small owl: For the large owl: For both owls:…

1 CHILEAN GLORY VINE (Eccremocarpus scaber) Clusters of tubular flowers, 2.5cm long, in hot red, orange or yellow, from Jul to Sep/Oct (2-3m high). It might survive a mild winter and flower the next year. 2 SPANISH FLAG (Ipomoea lobata, AGM) Produces a profusion of spikes laden with tubular flowers that are fiery red at the tip and fade to yellow/ cream. Flowers Jul to Oct (3-4m high). 3 PURPLE BELL VINE (Rhodochiton atrosanguineus, AGM) Delicate, dangling, maroon-purple bells, 4cm long, and heart-shaped leaves. Flowers Jun/Jul to Oct (1.5-2.5m high).…

Bitterns bounce back Enjoy noisy birds, starry skies and feel-good music There is good news for bird lovers – bitterns have bred in the West Midlands for the first time in over a century. Two new nests were found tucked among the reed beds of RSPB Middleton Lakes, where five young chicks were successfully raised. The elusive birds are masters of camouflage, and you’re more likely to hear than see them. Males have a booming mating call that can carry up to 5km, making them Britain’s loudest birds. To learn more about birds and how to support them, visit rspb.org.uk NOURISHING NETTLES In February, stinging nettles begin growing anew. Though many of us throw these pesky plants on the compost, they are actually a superfood packed with iron and vitamins…

Janet didn’t usually go out in the evenings. She normally felt exhausted after work, so she cooked herself a simple meal and slumped in front of the TV. But she decided to make an effort when her new young neighbours asked if she’d like to go to a pub quiz with them. She came home, bolted down a sandwich, then went next door. Millie and her husband Ed were going to give her a lift. It was crowded in the pub, and it looked for a moment as if they weren’t going to be able to find a seat. But they spotted a table for four right at the back and sat down with their drinks just before another group of people got there. ‘Phew!’ Millie said as she took…

Essential oils have been extracted from various plant materials for their antibacterial and fragrant properties for thousands of years. Here are a few of the ways that we can use them in our 21st century lives: Aromatherapy In the context of facials, massage, reflexology and so much more, purported benefits of essential oils include increasing focus, relaxing muscles and easing headaches. Massage Essential oils diluted with a carrier oil can be applied to the skin as massage oils, cleansers, exfoliators and rubs. However, be cautious: pure essential oils can be incredibly strong and may cause harm if put directly onto the skin. To enjoy the fragrance without putting anything on your skin, a single drop of oil on a porous lava stone inside Perfino natural scent jewellery gives you aromatic…

Poppy smiled wearily up at the woman who was offering the book she’d just bought. ‘Could you write “To Cecilia” as well? That’s me.’ ‘With pleasure.’ She scribbled the salutation and her professional name, PD Tremayne, stretched her arm and wriggled her shoulders to get rid of the tension. The queue in the bookshop seemed never-ending. Marion, the publisher’s assistant, who’d accompanied her on this publicity tour, was smiling with satisfaction. Poppy was aware of a headache and felt hemmed in, stifled by the crush of women pushing copies of her book forward to her table. Marion seemed to sense how she felt. ‘Another 10 copies, ladies, and that will be all Miss Tremayne has time for, I’m afraid.’ There was a general groan of dismay. ‘She has to be…

Camping might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but these glamorous pads might just change your mind. A far cry from a muddy field, they’ll have you longing for a night out in nature. Trewalter Treehouse, Brecon Beacons As treehouses go, Trewalter is a palace in the pines. Nestled alongside ancient woodland in the Brecon Beacons, the romantic treetop hideaway is a couple’s delight. Crafted from cedar wood, it boasts a terrace offering spectacular views of Pen y Fan, South Wales’ highest peak. Cross over the swing bridge and step down to a wood-fired hot tub for two. There’s plenty to do in the local area, too, with hiking and horse-riding trails, as well as Talgarth Mill, where you can grind flour! At night, stargaze on the terrace, before snuggling…

THE STORY SO FAR: London 1802. Nancy works as a dogsbody for Mrs Celia Suggs, who owns an exhibition of waxworks she runs with her nephew, Ned, who’s attracted to Nancy. But Nancy’s passion is for drawing. Mrs Suggs is agitated by news a rival has landed in London from France, by the name of Marie Tussaud. Nancy makes a bold suggestion – that she sketch Colonel Drayton, a revolutionary about to be tried for treason. If she can draw a likeness to turn into a waxwork, the public will flock to see it. Mrs Suggs agrees and Nancy goes to the courthouse. She gets her sketch, but is jostled by a man and her sketchbook falls in the gutter, ruined. The culprit flees, but Nancy catches him and pins…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Try not to bite off more than you can chew. Remember to enjoy the journey and not only the end result. TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May You’ve made huge progress and you’re the only one who doesn’t see it. List your achievements and you’ll feel great when you read them. GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun Don’t allow your fears to dominate your thoughts. Focus instead on whatever is positive around you. This will transform your reality. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul Someone may be quite demanding right now. You may need to say no and be clear with your boundaries. LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug Take time out to rest and relax. Sometimes you go from one thing to another…