Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 470 i Yours Magazine

MY LIFE lessons Never be ashamed of who you are There’s a book called The Trials of Oscar Wilde. In it I read about this extraordinary man who was so kind and brilliant, and then a dark note entered the story, and these trials began. I knew that my sexuality was similar to his, and so I saw a future of nothing but exile and shame and disgrace. It drove me to the library where I read about the people in his circle and, by accident, in simply chasing vindication for who I was, I got myself an education in language and literature. Through the amazing language of Oscar Wilde, I learned to be proud of who I was. Language is an art In reading, I realised that, although I…

‘I held on to Theo with all my strength’ When Louis Mullan, then aged 15, arrived in Thailand with his mum, Catherine, 53, Dad, Leonard, 50, and younger brother Theo, 11, for a tropical Christmas, they had no idea of the tragedy that would befall them. On Boxing Day, Louis sat on the veranda of their hotel in Khao Lak and looked out at the turquoise water when his dad approached him. Louis says, ‘Theo and I were playing cards when Dad said, “Come and have a look – the locals are all staring at the waterline.” ‘As we followed, I turned back to go and lock my room, and Theo followed me. By the time we returned everyone was running in the opposite direction. I didn’t understand what was…

We’ve all felt the dread that comes with the start of a sore throat or a winter headache. Are you just getting a cold or is this the beginning of full-blown flu? For many this can be very worrying. Dr Dave Nichols, NHS GP and registered doctor at MyHealthChecked, explains, ‘While both flu and COVID-19 normally lead to short, transient illnesses that resolve within a few days, for some, the effects can be severe and even life-threatening. ‘Unfortunately, historical data suggests that case numbers will start to rise as we head into winter, with flu cases normally peaking between December and February. This is why taking steps to prevent getting ill is so important. ‘Thankfully, for most, there are key measures you can take that will help to enhance and…

Psoriasis can strike at any age, but onset peaks in two age groups – for those in their 20s and then again between the ages of 50 and 60. Unlike eczema, which is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. ‘Psoriasis cannot be prevented. It comes in many forms and leaves skin itchy, irritated and inflamed,’ says Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy. ‘Signs of the condition can appear all over the body, including elbows, knees or the scalp.’ Here are some tips to understand the telltale signs, so you can quickly access medical advice or over-thecounter treatments to help. Red patches of skin ‘Plaque psoriasis, the most common…

Yours WHAT’S BEST test BEST HIGH END Dry:Soon 3-Tier Heated Airer and Cover Bundle This airer comfortably holds three loads of washing and the cover keeps everything looking tidy. It’s totally silent when on and doesn’t kick out much humidity. The tiers fold down and clip into place and when the dryer is plugged in a red light shows it’s on. We were slightly disappointed with the length of the cable, as it meant we had to position the dryer close to the socket rather than where we wanted. In terms of drying time, it’s not super-speedy. Items on the higher tiers dried faster and sometimes cuffs and ribbings were still damp when everything else was dry, but as it only costs 9p per hour to run, it’s an efficient…

Try our just-for-fun quizzes and brain teasers -plus there’s a chance to win cash and prizes over the next few pages! Wordsearch None of these people became president of the USA, but that’s not for want of trying. See if you can find all the unsuccessful presidential candidates in the grid. ANSWERS ON PAGE 96 AARON BURR ADLAI STEVENSON II AL GORE AL SMITH ALF LANDON ALTON B PARKER BARRY GOLDWATER BOB DOLE CHARLES EVANS HUGHES DEWITT CLINTON GEORGE B MCCLELLAN GEORGE MCGOVERN HENRY CLAY HILLARY CLINTON HORATIO SEYMOUR HUBERT HUMPHREY JAMES G BLAINE JAMES M COX JOHN KERRY JOHN MCCAIN KAMALA HARRIS LEWIS CASS MICHAEL DUKAKIS MITT ROMNEY RUFUS KING SAMUEL J TILDEN THOMAS E DEWEY WALTER MONDALE WENDELL WILKIE WINFIELD SCOTT WIN £100 WHERE IS SAMMY SQUIRREL? Find where he’s…

It’s been two years since the Defoe sisters were last on our screens in The Split, but now the three formidable females are back together to celebrate a family wedding in sunny Spain. When we last saw lawyer Hannah (Nicola Walker) at the end of series three, she was divorcing husband Nathan (Stephen Mangan). Her sister’s Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose (Fiona Button) continue to have complex love lives and, as they all decamp to Spain, drama is sure to follow. Nicola, 54, tell us more… How did you feel to be back together? We have a Defoe family WhatsApp group and were messaging each other while we were waiting to find out whether or not it was really going to happen. As soon as the idea got brought up,…

Stamps can save lives An urgent Christmas appeal for postage stamps has been made by Friends of Bone Cancer Research Trust. Used, new and obsolete postage stamps from the UK and overseas, postage and Royal Mail tracking labels printed at Post Office counters, first-day covers and collections are all welcome. The Bone Cancer Research Trust sells them to raise money to fund research into primary bone cancer, which can occur at any age, but mostly affects the young and elderly. Please send to Friends of BCRT, Used Stamp Appeal, 20 Bowers Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 5PZ DONNY'S SHOCK CONFESSION Back in the UK starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Donny Osmond, 66, has revealed a memory to make Joan Collins blush. In the 1999 film, Joan plays Potiphar’s…

As one of the UK’s busiest broadcasters, it perhaps comes as no surprise that Ken Bruce found a kindred spirit when he met hard-working royal, Princess Anne. The pair encountered each other last October at Buckingham Palace where the Princess, 73, presented Ken, also 73, with his MBE for services to radio, autism awareness and charity. ‘She was great,’ says Ken. ‘On a professional broadcasting level, I was hugely impressed because she had something to say to every person presented to her that day. And certainly, with me, she had an animated conversation about the things that I do and have done.’ Ken says it was a ‘delightful surprise’ to be honoured. ‘When you see an official letter coming through the letterbox, it’s usually, “Oh no, not the taxman again!”.…

You’d expect booming music, flashing lights and a busy dance floor in any night club, but you’d probably be surprised to see the floor packed with people aged between 60 and 90, all dancing the night away. But that’s exactly what you’d find in Bridgwater, Somerset at the Early Night Club – a night organised by Age UK Somerset, so people over 60 could enjoy an authentic clubbing experience. For Gill Harcombe, 88, boogying in a nightclub wasn’t something she ever thought she’d do. She had loved music since her teens though and, as a young nurse, she and her friends played each other’s LPs at parties. Gill says, ‘I loved Fifties rock ’n’ roll, and The Beatles.’ But Gill never went to nightclubs, they just weren’t on her radar.…

Rinse & prep Get your blow-dry off to the best start by deep cleansing your locks first. Before your usual rinse, apply a scalp scrub, such as The Body Shop Tea Tree Hair & Scalp Scrub, £18, which is packed full of salt crystals and tea tree oil, and acts like an exfoliant when rubbed through roots. It will buff away product residue as well as excess oils, leaving strands feeling squeaky clean. Follow with a lightweight shampoo and conditioner formulated to refresh strands without weighing them down. Garnier Ultimate Blends Rice Water Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner, £5.50 each, are silicone-free and will leave your barnet with plenty bounce and shine. Protect & dry When it comes to drying, make sure you shield your tresses from damage with a heat…

Say goodbye to traditional floss and hello to advanced dental hygiene with a water flosser. These innovative devices deliver a powerful stream of water to remove food particles and plaque, reaching areas string flossing might miss. Not only are they gentle on gums, but they’re also perfect for anyone with braces, implants or other dental work. Water flossers make flossing easier and quicker, helping you keep your smile bright and healthy. When choosing a water flosser, consider the features that matter most to you. Many models come with multiple pressure settings, different tips for varied cleaning needs, and even built-in timers to guide your flossing routine. Water tank sizes vary as well; larger tanks mean fewer refills, while compact models save on counter space. OUR PICK OF THE BEST! BEST…

Fun and free-spirited OBLU Xperience Ailafushi is a newer, more modern resort than some others on the islands, focusing on solo, group and family-friendly holidays. It has plenty of two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartment-style villas, meaning it’s a more affordable option. A 15-minute boat ride from the airport, it has a buzzy vibe and fun, friendly service, which feels different to some of the other resorts that traditionally focus on couples. One of our highlights was dining at Only Blu, the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives. Spotting sharks swim by while we were tucking into a delicious shrimp curry was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Paradise found If you thought the Maldives was the domain of the rich and famous, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. This coveted collection of islands is…

Maggie was sitting at Linda’s kitchen table, slugging down coffee as if it were gin. ‘Your Ryan’s gone on a health kick has he?’ she asked. Linda had just announced her son was due to call in after a jog round the park. She’d made sure to say it with excessive pride. There had been a lot of competition between them lately over who owned the best furniture, who had the greenest lawn, who went on the best holidays, and who drove the finest car. ‘Yes, he’s all apples, carrots and muesli these days. He did put on a few pounds when they were on their honeymoon. Then he hurt his ankle then and couldn’t play football at weekends for the county. Comfort eating’s such a curse.’ ‘I hope he…

Holding up a skirt, Lesley Wright cast her eyes over a pile of clothes and pulled out a top. Scrutinising it closely, she put it beside the skirt and noted that the two colours blended well. Soon the outfit was on display in the window of the Oxfam branch in Hove, East Sussex, where Lesley volunteers. ‘Sorting out clothes is like delving into a treasure trove,’ says Lesley. ‘People admire the window displays, and it encourages them to come into the shop.’ When she was 23, she volunteered to work in an Oxfam shop because she was fascinated by fashion and was attracted by the variety of clothes donations. ‘Fashion’s my bag,’ she says. ‘I was brought up by a single mum and I’ve always seen the value of second-hand…

It is still not known exactly where the word Hogmanay originates, but it is believed to come from the French word ‘hogmanane’, which means gala day. In Normandy, presents given on Hogmanay were known as ‘hoguignetes’. The widowed Mary, Queen of Scots, is believed to have added it to our UK vocabulary when she returned to Scotland from France in 1561, and it’s thought to have been widely used in Scotland since then. While France has been accepted as the most likely place of origin, it is not the only possibility. An expert from the University of the Highlands and Islands has pointed out that the word could also come from the Anglo-Saxon ‘haleg monath’ meaning ‘holy month.’ It could also come from the Scandinavian ‘hoggo-nott’ meaning ‘yule’. Wherever it…

Earlier this month, Greatest Hits Radio launched a heart-warming new initiative, Ken Bruce’s Underdogs. Partnering with Dogs Trust, every month will see Ken introduce Greatest Hits Radio listeners to a new ‘Underdog’ with the aim of connecting them with a loving family and finding them their forever home. Ken’s first Underdog is greyhound Rocky. Through the Dog of the Month feature on the show, Greatest Hits Radio and Dogs Trust are shining a spotlight on Underdogs available for adoption. Together, they are connecting these dogs with loving families and raising awareness about dog adoption across the UK. They also provide dog owners with practical guidance on responsible pet ownership, including training and behaviour tips, via Dogs Trust’s expert resources. Listeners can discover essential training tips and advice through their favourite…

For the love of animals National Trust for Scotland reported ‘promising’ population growth for one of Scotland’s rarest birds, the corncrake. A recent survey on the Isle of Canna found an increase in calling mates (the male birds) from one or two in previous years to 12 to 14. The Trust says this is a result of farming practices that support conservation and it aims to increase the numbers further to 50 males. Pets of the fortnight This is my adorable pug Missy relaxing in the garden. She is only 14 months old and has a pet hate for the rain. Linda Mandis, Dagenham Here’s 12-year-old Martha, with a big yawn after I tell her about my day. Thanks pal! Michelle Beacham, Halesowen My two-year-old Bedlington terrier, Monty, loves basking…

Create an eye-catching look with this limited-edition shadow. It uses a blend of shimmer, glitter and pearl pigments that have a light-reflecting effect. Swipe across your lids for a mesmerising sheen. Nars Gold Rush Eyeshadow, £20 If you’ve been dreaming of having lush lashes, look no further than L’Oréal’s volumising mascara. It coats each lash from the inner to the outer corner for a fannedout finish that makes your eyes look instantly bigger. L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara, £12.99 Add drama and definition to your eyes with NYX’s powerfully pigmented pencil. The metallic eyeliner delivers 36 hours of waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof colour, so you can stay looking flawless all night long. NYX Epic Wear Long Lasting Liner Stick in Gold Plated, £7 This sumptuous scent demands attention.…

When it comes to making resolutions that stick, our experts agree that making manageable tweaks to your lifestyle is the key. GP Dr Anisha Patel says, ‘Resolutions can put pressure on people and result in disappointment, but I do believe in making small changes that can make a huge difference to your wellbeing. And the new year can be a great start for many.’ We’ve spoken to experts who usually spend their lives helping others, to find out the changes they want to make this year – and why they could benefit you, too. Meet the experts ■ Dr Anisha Patel is a GP. She is also a bowel cancer survivor and author of Everything You Hoped You’d Never Need to Know About Bowel Cancer. ■ Shakira Akabusi is a…

Enjoy snow-white daffodils The pretty white flowers of Narcissus papyraceus will add freshness and fragrance to your home. For a simple yet striking display, put a handful of pebbles in a tall glass vase, sit the bulbs on top, cover with pebbles leaving the tips exposed and add water up to the base of the bulbs. You’ll have blooms in four to six weeks. Beat Xmas stress Does it feel like an age since you dusted off your baubles and untangled the fairylights? Then you need a little pot of Helleborus niger ‘Wintergold’ in your life. Pop the ice-white blooms on your patio table and, whenever you escape outside for a quiet moment, they’ll bring some much-needed serenity. Keep your Christmas roses alive Fill your pot with John Innes No.2…

Ever looked on in wonder as a bartender has rustled up a cocktail, effortlessly sploshing in ingredients to create something delicious, and thought, I wish I could do that? Now you can. ‘With a bit of ingenuity, most classic cocktails can be created with readily available ingredients, and the tools of the bartender’s trade can also be improvised,’ says Olive Martin, author of Corner Shop Cocktails One-stop Recipes for Quick & Easy Drinks (Hamlyn £12.75). Here are her tips… Use what you have ‘If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, any receptacle with a tight-fitting lid that doesn’t leak, such as a clean jar or good-quality plastic container, will work fine,’ assures Olive. ‘You can use a small sieve or tea strainer to strain your cocktail into the glass. If…

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 at The Daily Telegraph and is a regular on BBC radio. She aims to make money matters, such as family budgeting, pensions and tax, easier to understand. If your Christmas present list spiralled out of control this year, seize the chance to discuss different options for next year with your nearest and dearest. Perhaps you have more than enough stuff already, without receiving another tit-for-tat toiletry set. You might worry about the environmental impact of all the over-consumption. Maybe you don’t want to create a sense of obligation, where someone else feels they have to spend money they can ill afford buying you a present in…

The Hermès company began life as saddle makers in Paris in 1837. Between the wars they expanded into luxury leather goods, including handbags, when Émile Hermès acquired exclusive rights to use a new invention – the zip! Originally called Sac à Dépêches, the Kelly name was coined after a 1956 photograph showing Grace Kelly (then Princess Grace of Monaco) holding the bag over her stomach to conceal the signs of her pregnancy from the paparazzi. Émile Hermès’ son-in-law Robert Dumas took over the business in 1951. In the Thirties Dumas had introduced silk scarves to the company and designed the bag later destined to be called the Kelly. Made up of more than 26 pieces of leather, each hand stitched by specially trained craftspeople, the Kelly takes one artisan at least…

Angela stared at the back of her husband’s head. Why was Robert still there? Her friends were about to arrive for their writers’ group. ‘Aren’t you going out today?’ she asked. ‘Didn’t fancy it,’ he replied. ‘But you always go out on a Saturday afternoon.’ Robert flapped his paper. ‘I want to see what you and your friends get up to. I don’t know why you keep meeting – none of you ever get anything published.’ ‘Muriel does, she’s…’ He cut her off. ‘Don’t talk to me about Muriel. Ghastly woman. No wonder she’s never married.’ Angela counted to ten. She should have left him years ago, but just felt too daunted by the idea of going it alone. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘I’ll behave myself. You won’t even know…