Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2022 i Choice

Enjoy Britain WHERE WOULD the heritage of our country be without the dedication of volunteers? Nothing serves to answer that question better than the Chilterns Open Air Museum in Buckinghamshire. For without the foresight of the 200 volunteers who launched the museum in 1976 more than 30 historic buildings and countless ways of life of our forefathers would have been demolished and lost forever. The work goes on today with no funding from outside other than some Lottery Heritage Fund help. The museum also relies on volunteers to ensure the public can enjoy the exhibits, with 15 more buildings in store ready to be restored and placed on the site. The exhibits in waiting include the Maple Cross Recording Studio once used by many famous musicians, including Elton John, Motorhead…

Soothing, relaxing and stress reducing, these CDs from GAP MuSic and it's sister label Tantajo Records are a great addition to any music collection. Checkout the GAP website: (www.gapmusic.co.uk) for more wonderful music for relaxation and wellbeing. Star Letter Prize: £20 and a selection of five reflective music CDs from GAP MuSic worth £54.75 and a pen from GAP MuSic Qoes to the writer of our Star Letter The CDs are: Moments of the Heart music for the soul- Various Artists. From the soothing melodies of Peaceful Lament and Confidence of Hope to the haunting ambiance of Natural Elements and Awakenings, Moments of the Heart music for the soul is the perfect ‘friend’ to have by your side, to help ease away the hustle, bustle, and stresses of the day.…

Regularly exercising with weights is linked to a lower risk of premature death, according to a new study, the largest of its kind. Making sure your weekly exercise routine includes both weights and aerobic activities appears to have an even greater beneficial effect, researchers say. Their findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Adults are urged to take part in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity. In addition, they are encouraged to carry out ‘strengthening activities’ that work on the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms at least two days a week. While aerobic exercise is often associated with a lower risk of premature death, until now it was not clear if working out…

When buying online, you have protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which stipulates that anything you purchase has to fit its description. If, for example, you bought on the basis of a description or a photo, which turned out not to be accurate, you have the right to cancel your order up to 14 days after receiving it. You then have a further 14 days to return the item to the retailer. The law also says the goods must be fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. If you find that something is faulty, you are entitled to a full refund for the first 30 days. Even if you only discover a fault within six months, you are still entitled to a free repair or replacement. If this still…

Ask The Experts is a free service exclusively for readers of Choice. Write to: Ask The Experts, Choice, 4 Milnyard Square, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6GX OR you can e-mail: (editorial@choicemag.co.uk). If you do not want your name publishing with your letter, please state this in your correspondence. ■ All materials and advice contained in these replies are specific to facts surrounding the questions posed. Neither Choice nor the expert contributor accept liability for any direct or indirect loss which may arise from any reliance placed on the advice contained in these replies. If any reader would like to resolve any matter arising out of anything contained in these articles then specific advice should be sought from a suitable adviser or professional body. ■ All letters will be answered and…

Gifts under £50 The KitchenAid Aluminized Steel Non-Stick Bakeware Collection is made of 0.8mm thick aluminized steel, which is scratch and corrosion resistant. It's extremely durable, maintains its shape and won't warp or bend. Aluminized steel is known to heat up quickly and evenly for perfect results. Oven-safe to 230°C. ■ Non-Stick Tulband Cake Form Tin – 24cm, RRP £30; Non-Stick Mini Rectangular Cake Pan – 8pcs, RRP £30 and Non-Stick Springform Tin – 20cm, RRP £24. Available from John Lewis. Gifts under £120 The KitchenAid Classic Forged Aluminium Collection has an extra thick forged base that maintains its shape, heats up quickly and evenly for perfect frying results every time. A PFASfree ceramic non-stick coating provides easy food release and fast clean-up. Smart features include timeless design, staycool handle…

There are fresh challenges for James Herriot and friends in the third series of the charming All Creatures Great And Small reboot (Acorn Media International), police officer turned chef Pearl Nolan investigates the murder of a close friend in the first series of Whitstable Pearl (Acorn Media International), and the elite murder squad are back for the third series of London Kills (Acorn Media International). A special Blu-ray edition of family favourite ET has been released in time for its 40th anniversary (Universal), and Jodie Whittaker's incarnation of the Time Lord bows out in The Power of the Doctor, one of three adventures featured in the Doctor Who Series 13 Specials Collection (BBC, Blu-ray and DVD). There's festive TV fun with Sid James, Barbara Windsor, Frankie Howerd and the gang…

Midnight In Everwood by MA Kuzniar This reimagining of the beloved story of The Nutcracker moves the action to Nottingham at the turn of the 20th century, and tells how a young girl's soon to be buried dream to become a ballerina is realised thanks toamysterious toymaker. But just as magic and wonder enter Marietta's life, there is a darkness, too. Published by HQ Price £8.99 Pages 352 ISBN 9780008450700 By Your Side by Scott Mitchell As BarbaraWindsor, Scott's wife of 27 years, entered the final days of her life at the end of 2020, he sat at her bedside telling stories of a remarkable life she had long forgotten due to the dementia that overshadowed her last years. This powerful and moving memoir retells those stories and pays tribute…

The BBC Puzzle Book, by Ian Haydn Smith and Dr Gareth Moore (Frances Lincoln, £14.99), marks the corporation's centenary with brainteasers based on much-loved shows, The World According to Kaleb (Quercus, £16.99) features the wit and wisdom of Kaleb Cooper, the break-out star from Clarkson's Farm, and Doctor Who and the Daleks, by David Whitaker (BBC, £25), is a newly-illustrated edition of one of the first spin-off novels from the classic TV series. In On This Day In Politics (Allen & Unwin, £20), Iain Dale takes a day by day look at the key events in our political history going back nearly 800 years, Peter Crouch reveals what it's like when it's time to hang up your boots in How To Be An Ex-Footballer (Ebury, £20), and there's tongue in…

Anyone who grew up watching cowboy movies, first at Saturday morning film shows then at twice-nightly showings at the flicks, and later on TV, could be forgiven for thinking that the Western has totally vamoosed. I can't remember when I last saddled up for 90 minutes of clip-clopping horses, whistling bullets and high drama set in parched landscapes. So where have all the cowpokes gone? Is there a good Western to track down, or are they really as scarce as clean-shaven Mexican bandits? Surprise, surprise. I find that this year dozens of Westerns are being made and released, although you might struggle to see them and, if you do, recognise the ‘stars’. In a league table of popularity, I came across, listing recent top cowboy films, Terror on The Prairie…

Just a reminder… … that in December 1977, the Queen and her first grandchild, Peter Philips, were photographed together after his christening … in this month in 1974, it was announced that owing to inflation, the cost of living increased by 20 per cent during the year and industry was being damaged by high wage demands and the rising cost of raw materials … and also in this month in 1974, Morecambe and Wise had Glenda Jackson as the guest on their Christmas TV show. She had just won a second Oscar for A Touch of Class. Phone addiction can damage your health More disturbing statistics have confirmed my growing fear that our relationship with our phones is bad for our health. As a stubborn buffer who tries to avoid…

Regarding your editor's letter in the November issue, where you asked for feedback from recent cruises, I have just returned from a cruise with what has, for the past 15 years, been my favourite cruise line. I understand what you mean about changes, which I suppose are inevitable. The cruise lines, like all hospitality providers, have had a very tough time of it for the past two years and cutbacks had to happen in some shape or form. I think some crew had just fairly recently been taken on and were still ‘learning’ in some cases and feeling a bit anxious, although doing their professional best not to show it. I also think some passengers were wary, too, of being in the company of so many others, and some of…

ANYONE OVER the age of 55 who has ever smoked should be offered lung cancer screening, according to government advisory body the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC). The UKNSC has called for the mass rollout of checks in order to tackle the most common cause of cancer deaths. It said anyone who smokes, or who has ever smoked, aged between 55 and 74, should be invited to an assessment by a health professional. Anyone deemed to be at a high risk of lung cancer would be offered a low dose CT scan, under the plans. Lung cancer is Britain's most common cause of cancer death, with smoking the most common cause. Every year there are 48,000 diagnoses and about 35,000 deaths. Experts warned that lung cancer outcomes in the UK…

I am very sad to say that this is the last column I will ever write for Choice. I have been editing the YM&YR section for 23 years; back then it was 16 pages long, and we had regular freelance contributors, each with their own area of financial and/or consumer expertise. I'm freelance too, and work from home, but over the years I have enjoyed working with the brilliant Choice editorial team based at the office, and receiving feedback, both good and sometimes not so good, from our readers. I remember last summer how thrilled I was to be at a lunch at Kent County Cricket Club, invited by my neighbour who was then Club president, to find that three of my fellow guests were Choice subscribers, and actually recognised…

(Parlophone) By the end of 1971 David Bowie was shedding personas faster than a snake sheds its skin. Over the past five years he had been, variously, a with-it mod, dandyish Anthony Newley impersonator, wistful hippie folkie, introspective singer-songwriter and doomster proto-punk. With the release of the Hunky Dory album that year, however, just in time for Christmas, he was reaching his peak as a songwriter, helped by his trusty guitarist, arranger and right-hand man Mick Ronson. For some Bowie aficionados Hunky Dory is one of Bowie's greatest albums, containing two of his most memorable songs – Changes and Life on Mars – as well as a variety of tracks that drew on a wide range of influences, from music hall to alternative NewYork punk. Lyrically, Bowie explores identity and madness,…

DRAWING ON recollections from friends, colleagues and family, as well as his own autobiographical writings going back more than 30 years, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man (Century, £20) is a fascinating, and unflinching portrait of the movie legend Paul Newman, and Hugh Bonneville's autobiography Playing Under the Piano (Abacus, £22) is full of behind the scenes anecdotes from the Downton and Paddington actor. The Christmas Spirit, by Debbie Macomber (Sphere, £21.99), is a big-hearted seasonal pick-me-up, David Jason's The Twelve Dels of Christmas (Century, £22) is full of twinkly festive stories from the beloved actor's long career, and Agatha Raisin and the Devil's Delight (Constable, £16.99) is the latest cosy mystery featuring the late MC Beaton's Cotswold detective. A Brief History of the British Monarchy, by Jeremy Black…

HISTORICAL FICTION The Weather Woman by Sally Gardner Neva Friezland was born into a world of illusion and trickery, but her extraordinary ability to predict the weather is no trick. For a woman in Regency England, this gift could be desirable and potentially lucrative, but also dangerous. A child when her uncaring parents die in an accident, she is adopted by an eccentric clock and automata maker who helps her fulfil her potential in some surprising ways. Atmospheric and engrossing, the story is set between the two great Frost Fairs on the River Thames in the 18th century. Published by Head of Zeus Price £20 Pages 496 ISBN 9781786695253 CRIME FICTION A Heart Full of Headstones by Ian Rankin Though long retired, John Rebus won't give up sleuthing, but now…

Before reading on, cover the South and West hands on the deal below. NORTH-SOUTH GAME; DEALER SOUTH Playing pairs, South opens one heart, North responds one spades, and South rebids two notrumps. What call do you make with the North cards? Whilst it is conceivable that five ofaminor might be a better contract, at pairs you cannot afford to risk it, since three notrumps will all too often be making overtricks. Partner has opened one heart so you must hope that their stopper is robust enough, or that West has been put off the lead. Bid three notrumps, which ends the auction. West leads the six of clubs, and declarer plays low fromdummy. How do you defend? The rule of eleven will help here, assuming that partner has led fourth…

(Views expressed are those of the individual correspondent and not necessarily those of the magazine) Christmas presents from the past Whatever other gifts youngsters will be given this Christmas, I'm sure it won't be hankies! As a child in the Fifties, there was always a box of them among the other presents in my pillowcase on Christmas morning. Some would be embroidered with the days of the week or nursery rhymes, but one year I unwrapped a festive hanky printed with holly, Santas and snowmen. They always seemed too nice to use, hence my becoming a hanky hoarder and collector. One I have is of a snowy scene with horse-drawn carriages and ladies in crinolines; several are embroidered with candles, wreaths and candy canes, and I love the angel Christmas…

Gail Willis is an exponent and teacher of Hatha Yoga. She brings Choice readers a new exercise every month. Gail has recruited her mother, Janet Rogers, to help demonstrate the exercises. In each picture Janet, now in her 80s, illustrates the basic position for each exercise – the easiest one for the beginner. Gail illustrates the maximum position for each exercise. You should start following Janet's position and try to increase gradually towards Gail's advanced level. “Only build up to a level that you are comfortable with,” says Gail. “Some exercises you will be able to do the maximum level of stretch, others you will achieve only the basic move or just a little more. It doesn't matter, because even the easiest will be good for you and make you…

II RECEIVED a press release from American Express on September 26 claiming 16.5 million Britons had already started their Christmas shopping, buying everything from presents to decorations, wrapping paper and even food. Indeed, many shops had by then also started to display and promote Christmas goods. However, 23 per cent of respondents in the Amex survey said they needed to ‘feel festive’ before starting Christmas shopping, not something most of us feel in early autumn, while a laid-back 14 per cent said they would wait until the last minute. Whether you are one of the forward planners or a late panic buyer, you may inevitably need some last-minute shopping in the run up to Christmas. We look at what to buy, and where, how best to pay for things, the…

How can you charge a child's surname? Q My niece needs to change her daughter's surname to that of her partner, before she goes to school. She has contacted five or six solicitors in her area and they have told her she will need a solicitor as the child is under 16. Does she legally have to change her name to go to school or can she just use his name? Currently, the child's surname is that of her mother's. Name and email supplied Lisa Boileau, head of family law at solicitors Wilkin Chapman, replies: A For a child's surname to be changed formally/legally, all people who have parental responsibility (PR) for the child must be consulted, agree to it and sign any change of name deed. The people who usually…

SERVES 12 Cheat's Christmas pudding Christmas pudding is not my favourite thing to make. It's having to remember when to start it, remembering when to feed it, and all sorts… But this pudding recipe is easy and quick to do in comparison. Whack all the ingredients together in a bowl, beat until everything is distributed evenly and pour into your prepared pudding basin. You do need to make sure the basin will fit in the pan you are using to simmer it in (a mistake I made at first), but that's all you need to remember. Serve with a dollop of cream, set alight with a little brandy or even enjoy alongside a chunk of cheese. Preparation: 30 minutes Cook: 2½hours Lasts: Two to three-plus days, at room temperature 150g…

TWENTY YEARS after his last festive release, Cliff Richard has released Christmas With Cliff (East West) amixture of Yuletide classics and brand-new tracks. Cliff is the only artist in history to score top five albums in eight consecutive decades, and the newalbum is likely to continue that runwith such festive favourites as The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Sleigh Ride and Joy To The World, as well as brand new tracks First Christmas, Six Days After Christmas (Happy New Year), and Heart Of Christmas. Louis Wishes You a Cool Yule (Verve Records/Ume) gathers Louis Armstrong'smuch-loved holiday recordings in one place, marking his first-ever official Christmas album. It features nearly all Armstrong's holiday output including Cool Yule, Christmas Night in Harlem, and Zat You Santa Claus? The eleven-track album also includes…

Everything The Light Touches by Janice Pariat Published by The Borough Press Price £14.99 Pages 512 ISBN 9780008500276 Continents and centuries intertwine in this thoughtful saga in which the characters are connected in unexpected ways. Shia, lost and drifting in Delhi, travels to her family home in Assam's mountains and discovers a new way of living. For Cambridge student Evie, scientific inspiration leads her to insight in the lower Himalayas. A young Swede's expedition changes the world's understanding of botany, while travelling through Italy will guarantee German Johann his place in history. Poetic, gently philosophical and brilliantly descriptive, it's a book for the traveller, the nature lover and those open to exploring a new way of seeing. HARDBACK BOOK OF THE MONTH…

Dawnlands The third, and arguably most engrossing of the epic Fairmile series so far, Dawnlands is set in the years between 1685 and 1689. The fiercely independent Alinor and the Reekie family find themselves entangled in palace intrigue and political upheaval as the story sweeps from England, on the brink of a renewed civil war against the Stuart kings, to Boston, the New World and the sugar plantations of the slave island of Barbados. Strong characters, and plenty of action and page-turner scenes, keep the reader involved from start to finish. Published by Simon & Schuster Price £20 Pages 544 ISBN 9781471172892…

My month The way I see it, losing my specs spoils my day THAT OLD saying about men never making passes at girls who wear glasses really needs amending. What about old boys like me, who might stir themselves and make a few passes for old time's sake – if only they could find their glasses? The way I see it (when I finally find my specs) is that, looking after your glasses – keeping them intact and having the right ones around at the right time has become a major retirement activity. There's no alternative. Specs have been an absolute boon for work and play since the day, in my forties, my eyes began to feel the strain of intensive reading. But specs have also been a bane –…

Gentlemen – do you find that you sometimes put your foot in it when all you're trying to do is be a doting husband? I have to admit to getting the marital wires crossed occasionally, and so I was comforted to read recently that when it comes to unintended slights, I'm not alone – far from it. One wife had complained that as she prepared to change for an evening out, her husband asked: “Are we off then?” He had not observed that what she had on was her dressing gown, not her best dress. Another husband dropped himself in it when trying to pay a compliment. “Now that really suits you!” he gushed, only to be told that the stunning outfit had been worn countless times before in his…