Table of contents for 13 October 2022 in Chat

I’ve taught my dog Daphne a few tricks – she can offer the paw, lie down and spin on command. Well, in exchange for treats! But she’s not a patch on Chewie, whose showstopping trick was to save his owner’s life (p26). Would Daphne do the same for me? Depends if I had any cheese on me! We’d love to hear about your clever pets. Send them to the address on p4. Have a great week! PS If you’re entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Millie, 36, Birmingham Gazing into the camera, I struck a pose. It was October 2020 and I was working as a fashion model. I lived with my parents and daughter Nola, then 8. My parents babysat while I was at work. And after finishing my photo shoot, I popped to see a friend, Rebecca, then 45. She had a few other friends over. ‘I’m Raj,’ one said. Raj, then 46, was 12 years older than me, but as we chatted, I realised I’d been at school with his cousins. ‘Small world,’ he smiled. Later, I made my excuses and headed home. But the following week, Raj was at Rebecca’s again. He insisted on giving me a lift home, started showering me with compliments. ‘You’re beautiful,’ he said. We started seeing…

Phillipa Anders, 52, Rendlesham, Suffolk As another huge bunch of red roses landed on my desk my workmates gathered round. ‘Ooh, flowers!’ they teased. I blushed and read the little card. Thinking of you. It was September 2002, and I’d met Rob, then 31, on a blind date. Now, he was wooing me big time. But he didn’t have to try hard. Rob was an officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary [RFA]. And so handsome in his Navy uniform. I knew he was the one. So when he proposed on a romantic trip to Paris just three months later, I didn’t hesitate. ‘Yes,’ I beamed. We married in August 2003. Our daughter Nell arrived a year later, followed by Will in February 2006. A perfect little family. Rob was a…

Why won’t my ankle heal? Q I’ve had a few bad ankle sprains and now it’s weaker and I keep falling. Will it get better? Geraldine, Coleraine A An unstable ankle that keeps giving way is usually the result of repeated twists and sprains. These usually happen when you stumble or slip and your foot turns inwards, stretching the ligaments that run from the outer side of your foot to the lower part of your leg bone. After repeated twists these ligaments become completely or partially torn, or simply stretched, leaving your ankle unstable and liable to let you down by twisting again, particularly when you’re walking over uneven ground. It might not get better without treatment, which is usually muscle-strengthening and balance exercises from a physiotherapist. Occasionally an operation…

OVER TO YOU Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p4. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Lisa Best, Crewe, Cheshire ACROSS 1 Mope 2 Eastern continent 3 Not right 4 With leaves and branches DOWN 1 Condiment 2 Consumer 3 We’re living it 4 Princess of Wales WIN 5 x £20 Puzzle 6 Your answer: CHAIN WORDS Frederick Wright, who died in the sinking of the Titanic, was an instructor in which sport, played on the Lower Deck? Get from Start to Finish, making words by joining two boxes together as you go, eg: SM + ALL, ALL +… you decide! When you reach Finish, two unused boxes join together to…

ARROW WORD The UCI Road World Championships will take place in Africa for the first time in 2025, with which city hosting? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Now read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer. WIN 2 x £500 Puzzle 10 Your answer: SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Solve the puzzle and the numbers in the highlighted squares will give you the prize puzzle answer. WIN 2 x £30 Puzzle 11 Your answer: WORDSEARCH In the 1920s, the first airport to introduce airtraffic control and to have a purpose-built terminal building was found in which part of London? The answer…

I don’t want to be old and alone Q I’m nervous about committing to women, but the lady I’ve been seeing doesn’t seem to get that I want to take things slowly. She’s putting pressure on me, and it’s pushing me away. I like her, but how do I know she’s the one? I’m 46 and don’t want to end up a lonely old man!Dan, 46 A Oh dear! You do have commitment-phobia, don’t you? The thing is, hun, relationships are a risk. You don’t get a letter from the Prime Minister, confirming that you’ve found the perfect partner – you just have to trust your gut. Don’t drag this poor lady along for the ride while you sort out your issues. End things kindly, and work on yourself. And…

Q I’ve heard that using radiator reflector panels can cut heating bills. Is this true? D Burke, Leicester A If you’re trying to reduce your heating bills, reflector panels are an attractive low-cost option, says Energy Saving Trust. When they’re fixed behind your radiators on external walls, they reflect heat from the radiator back into the room, instead of letting the heat out through the wall. They can produce the most benefit when installed on uninsulated solid walls, it says. For info visit energysavingtrust.org.uk.…

The answers to all but one of these quiz questions can be found hidden in this wordsearch grid, reading forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. To help you, we’ll tell you that the answers are in alphabetical order in each section. However, one answer can’t be found in the grid. This is your prize answer. See page 56 for entry details. RED LION 1 What was the regnal name of the king who was simultaneously the sixth of that name in Scotland and the first in England, and whose royal banner features a red lion? (5) 2 What is the name of the band that played its early gigs in a Sutton pub then called the Red Lion, and whose first UK No 1, in 1964, was It’s All Over…

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intensive Oil Rescue Mask, £6.99, Boots Treat thirsty tresses with this nourishing hair mask. It locks in moisture whilst a healthy blend of argan, coconut and macadamia oils nourish strands. See softer and shiner hair after just one wash. SBC Citrus Caviar & Mandarin Body Wash & Shampoo, £12.50, sbcskincare. co.uk Start your day off with a zing. This hair and body wash’s enlivening blend of lime and mandarin oil delivers not only vitamin C to revitalise, but also vitamin E to moisturise. Dr Organic Aloe Vera Gel with Cucumber, £6.99, Holland & Barrett Blending hydrating aloe vera with cucumber and witch hazel is a match made in body care heaven. This gel absorbs quickly, whilst soothing any dry patches to give you silky, deeply hydrated…

CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES IS 25 OCTOBER 2022 (Three days later for postal entries) HOW TO ENTER TEXT Simply text CHATB followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 63333 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Future plc and Chat. If you want to receive these, please end your text with OPTIN. Texting tips • Don’t put any spaces in an answer that has several words: eg: CHATISTHEBEST not CHAT IS THE BEST. • If the answer is a name, you need only give the surname: eg: CLOONEY not GEORGE CLOONEY. • You can use capitals or small letters,…

I love doing the weekly puzzles in Chat, but sometimes my 8-month-old miniature dachshund Mabel likes to join in too! Michelle Thorpe, Wrexham My grandson Jack, 13, met this friendly caterpillar on a recent trip to Wales. Christine Leonard, Bedfordshire On a family trip to Butlins, Minehead, my grandson Cassius, 5, made some new friends! Florence Barratt, Swansea My cat Katie is so polite – she’ll always raise a paw to greet visitors! Sue Cawte, Essex When I visited the Zakopane mountains in Poland, I was lucky enough to befriend these two lovely creatures. Lorraine Panfil, Somerset We pay £25 for any photos that we use on Chat To Us! We had a great staycation in a cabin on a lake, but having to reach it via raft wasn’t for…

CURVED STYLE TIP Set to be a big trend, these designs are for the minimalists. Clean lines add a chic finishing touch to any outfit. ANIMAL PRINT STYLE TIP Team a fierce bag with simple clothing to allow it to stand out. Wild prints are timeless and perfect for all seasons. COLOUR POP STYLE TIP Experimenting with accessories is the easiest way to try new shades and update your style at the same time. QUILTED FROM £13 STYLE TIP Instantly elevate your look with a quilted bag. These textured styles look expensive and work well for day or night.…

It took the jury only six hours to convict Hust of child abuse resulting in death, which had a mandatory 30-year prison sentence, and criminal sexual penetration of a child under 13, which had an 18-year sentence. Following the verdict, Hust was seen to put his head on the table and cry. The judge told Hust, ‘I can’t find enough adjectives to describe the house of horrors where this took place or the brutality and viciousness of the time that you raped and murdered a little girl.’ District Attorney Barbara Romo and other members of her team embraced the victim’s grieving mum, Stephanie Romeo, in the court after the verdicts were read. ‘I’m happy that Stephanie can have some closure and little Jade can rest in peace now,’ Romo said…

Loretta Whiteley, 57, Lancashire Spotting the photograph on Facebook, I squealed. ‘Oh Ray, just look at those puppies!’ I cooed. Me and my hubby Ray were both daft about dogs, I knew he’d love the snap of three little pooches that our mate Steve had posted. They were gorgeous, all big eyes and tousled chocolate and tan fur. But their back story was so heartbreaking. Steve, who worked for an animal charity, had written that at 12 weeks old, they were found in a bin bag. Duct tape covered their little mouths and paws. It was monstrous. Now the pups were in need of a new home. We already had two pooches we’d rescued from Romania, Sheba and Messi. But how could we say no to one more? Giving abused…

Jodie Walker, 29, Widnes, Cheshire Arriving at my mum’s house, I watched her pile her dinner plate with veggies. ‘I’m trying to lose some weight,’ she sighed. It was 2018, and my mum Sharon, then 46, had just got home from her dream trip to Disneyland Paris. Only her holiday snaps, especially one posing with a tiny Tinkerbell, had made her feel huge at 20st. ‘Now I just need some of that fairy-dust magic to shed some of it,’ she told me. Pushing 14st myself, I knew the feeling. But as Mum munched her veg, I stuck to my usual diet of frozen pizzas and chips, uninspired to change. I knew I was overweight, but my husband Ben loved me just as I was. Cuddly. And I always had Mum…

From the outside, Chelsea, Chris and their three children are just like any other family. And in most ways, they are. But when Chelsea and Chris first met in 2008, things were very different. ‘We were both lesbians,’ Chelsea explains. ‘At first, we weren’t sure we were each other’s types. But when Chris saw me in trousers, he changed his mind and won me over!’ When the pair got to know each other, they fell in love. Chris became a stepmum to Chelsea’s two kids from a previous relationship, and through IVF, the couple had their own child, Carter, now 6. But all that time, Chris had a secret. ‘I definitely knew I was different,’ Chris recalls. ‘So I went to an LGBT conference and learned about trans, and trans…

Let’s see if we can get you up a little further,’ said Mum one day, adjusting my bed to lift my head. After that, every day I practised slowly raising the bed. I had a special hoist installed and in November 2010, on my 28th birthday, it carefully lifted me into a chair, where I sat for four wonderful minutes. Mum and I both cried. After more than a decade lying down, it was a victory. I continued practising until I could sit for an hour. It meant my parents could push my wheelchair to the open doorway. The fresh breeze on my face felt incredible. Slowly I got used to sounds, enjoyed hearing barking dogs and chatting with passers-by. After another two years, I was strong enough to leave…

Aries 21 March-20 April Decluttering will create the feeling of more room within a space, and this will help you to create a quiet and comfortable area to relax and read. Put yourself first! • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May You may be trying to tone down a special occasion, but friends and family have other ideas. They’re looking forward to a party and are happy to help you plan. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June It’s a lively period, and you’re feeling happy and making a positive impact. New responsibilities are on offer, so enjoy the freedom you currently have now. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July You may be raising money for charity,…

Q I’m menopausal and my skin feels so dry and irritated. Is there anything that can help? Eileen Fuller, Leamington Spa A During the menopause, your body produces less of the hormone oestrogen, bringing about noticeable changes to your skin, like dryness and increased sensitivity. Luckily, there are some great products that can help you get your skin back on track. Using an oil-based cleanser like the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser for Normal to Very Dry Skin, £12.50, Superdrug will restore your natural moisture by using skin-loving ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Moisturiser, £17.50, Boots contains prebiotic thermal water, which offers a helping hand to your skin’s barrier, leaving skin soothed and protected. Keep a bottle of No.7 Menopause Skincare Instant Cooling Mist, £14.95, Boots…

JOSIE STONEMAN, 26, FROM BRISTOL, SAYS: When Corinne Turnbull was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2009, aged only 37, she didn’t let it hold her back. Corinne, now 50, is gearing up to trek to Everest Base Camp to raise awareness of osteoporosis, just in time for World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October. She’ll be walking for seven to nine hours per day for 18 days in all weathers – and even the smallest trip could lead to Corinne breaking a bone. She is hoping to raise £5,000 for the Royal Osteoporosis Society with her incredible challenge, and also educate more people about the condition. Corinne wants to break the misconception that only older people get osteoporosis, and highlight the way it impacts lives, from loss of independence to lowered confidence.…

Got your number I had a souvenir pottery plate that I liked, but had no use for. With some number stickers, it’s now a creative way to display my house number. Aniko Ring, Exeter, Devon £25 For every photo tip that we print Peg-cellent thinking When my new pair of shoes came in a nice cloth bag, I decided to reuse it to store my washing-line pegs. Su Davey, Colchester, Essex Ice advice Save plastic cartons from your boxes of chocolates – they make perfect novelty ice cubes and can be used again and again! Lisa Crowther, Whitefield, Manchester Beautifully clean It’s easy to keep your beauty sponge clean, just pop it in a cup of water with a drop of oil and liquid soap, then microwave for a minute. Lisa…

THE BIGGIE Which work of German-language literature has Lady Gaga said she reads every day? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the five-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 A continent (6) 12 Flawlessly (9) 13 Doing nothing (4) 14 United (8) 15 Elk (5) 16 Desire for water (6) 17 Schematic drawing (7) 18 Temperature gauge (11) 20 Dark beer (5) 22 Applying to everyone (9) 24 Offal (5) 28 Myths (7) 29 Most simple (7) 32 TV presenter, _ Holden (6) 34 Character (8) 36 Sharply hurting (8) 37 Blood vessel (6) 39 Hopelessness (7) 40 More distant (7) 45 Night insects (5) 47 Ruling over (9) 48 Elevate (5) 51 Duo (11) 53 Eternal (7) 55 James Bond film, From _…

Lucie Hayter, 28, south London The advice you need Sitting on the Tube on my way home from work, I clutched my stomach. Sucking in a deep breath, I knew something wasn’t right. Feeling the train lurch into the next station, I shakily got to my feet. ‘Do you need some help?’ a kind passenger asked, taking in my pale face. Putting an arm around me, they helped me off and onto the platform. Somehow managing to make my way to the nearest hospital in north London, I waited to be admitted. It was June 2014 and I’d been feeling severely stressed at my job as a field sales agent. I’d started suffering from stomach pain a few days before, but had tried to ignore it. Kept working and pushed…

Edna Sheppard, 100 Picking up a 5kg dumbbell, I heaved it into a bicep curl. ‘One, two, three,’ my instructor Jan counted, spurring me on all the way up to 100. One for each year of my life. Yep, you read that right. I’m a century-old gym bunny! I’d been fit and active for as long as I could remember. Started dancing at just 3 years old. As a little girl, I did gymnastics and entered competitions, even winning a physical culture award. And as I grew older, I moved on to ballroom dancing. Always making sure to take care of my body. I never drank alcohol or took up smoking, and joined gym classes to keep fit. After I met and married Max, 21, in 1942, we went on…

Frozen fun Senior features writer Fran says: ‘Here’s one that the kids will enjoy!’ Q: Why should you never give Elsa a balloon? A: Because she’ll let it go… Luau-ghing out loud Features writer Veronique says: ‘I’ve got a full repertoire of jokes that are guaranteed to have you rolling your eyes.’ In Hawaii, people aren’t allowed to laugh loudly, they’re only allowed ‘a low ha’. The final straw And here’s another one from Veronique: Q: Why did the scarecrow win an award? A: Because he was outstanding in his field. What’s up, Doc? Features writer Ashleigh says: ‘My grandpa Arthur is always telling silly jokes. Here’s my favourite.’ ‘Doctor doctor, I’ve got a sore throat.’ ‘Go and stick your tongue out the window.’ ‘Why? Will the cool breeze help?’…

FILL ME IN Which band were originally named Angel and the Snake? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 14 Your answer: CIRCLE TIME Alpha particle X-ray spectrometers, used for chemical analysis by spacecraft, use which radioactive element to produce alpha particles? Fit the words in the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles. 3 letters HUE PEA PET PIE SUE TIE USE VIE WAS 4 letters ASKS KIWI KNOW OPEN RAKE TREE 5 letters CEASE ENSUE EXAMS NEARS 6 letters SCOTCH STATUE STRAWS STRUCK 7 letters ELASTIC VIADUCT WIN £100 Puzzle 15 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit…

3 ways to… make money from recycling Jump on board these beauty and fashion recycling schemes, and you’ll save £££s. 1 Discounted beauty buys Sign up for a free My John Lewis membership card, and you can use the retailer’s BeautyCycle scheme, which gives you £5 off your next beauty buy when you take five or more empty make-up or skincare products into a participating store; johnlewis.com. With the Recycle at Boots scheme, take five empty beauty, health, wellness and dental products (that can’t be recycled at home) to a recycling bin at a participating store, and you’ll get 250 Boots Advantage Card points, worth £2.50 when you spend £10 or more. Register first at boots.scan2recycle. com then scan each product and you’ll be told which items can be recycled via…

One-pan Sunday roast Save time on washing up with this easy roast dinner SERVES 5 PREP 25 MINS COOK 1 HR 30 MINS ● 750g potatoes, peeled and halved ● 500g carrots, peeled and halved lengthways ● 500g parsnips, peeled and halved lengthways ● 2 red onions, peeled and cut into wedges ● Few sprigs of rosemary ● 4tbsp olive oil ● 1 medium free-range chicken ● 150-250g sprouts, halved 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/ Gas 6. Put the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions and rosemary in a large roasting tin. Pour over half the oil and mix well to coat. Push the veg to the sides of the pan and put the chicken in the centre. Rub the remaining oil over the skin, then season. 2 Roast for…

Rachel Rigby, 51, east London Plunged into darkness, I tried not to panic. It was January 2013, and I was away on a caving expedition in Brazil. But in the depths of the cave, my torch died. Scared, I gasped out loud. ‘Here, take mine,’ said a kind voice behind me. After emerging from the cave, I turned to properly thank the stranger who had given me his torch. ‘I’m Giovanni,’ he smiled, holding out his hand. Giovanni, then 29, was from São Paolo. We got chatting, and straight away we clicked. I told Giovanni how I’d fled to South America from my home in London five months earlier, in despair. ‘My marriage ended after just two years,’ I told my new pal. When we’d tied the knot in 2010,…

Batiste On The Go Dry Shampoo in Tropical, £1.60, Boots No time for a hair wash? This hero dry shampoo spray will keep an oily scalp at bay. Keep it on standby in your car, desk drawer or handbag – because you can rely on its lifesaving formula to instantly refresh your locks. We particularly love this tropical option, which surrounds you with an exotic fruity scent. Lacura Vitamin C Brightening Eye Cream, £3.99, Aldi Banishing dark circles is made easier and affordable with this eye cream. A brightening blend of collagen and vitamin C will transform the delicate eye area by smoothing out fine lines, whilst its shot of caffeine will help you cheat beauty sleep.…

Shortly before 5pm on Tuesday 16 March 2021, police got a call. It was from Young’s Asian Massage, in Atlanta, USA. Five people there had been shot. Arriving at the scene, police found the bodies of three women and one man, all dead. Another man lay injured. Less than an hour later, at 5.47pm, police were alerted to a robbery at another massage parlour. Shots had been fired at Gold Spa, 30 miles away. A woman hiding in the back called authorities. A ‘white guy’ had a gun, she said. But she didn’t know if he was still there. ‘Please just come,’ she begged cops. Three more women had been killed. As police investigated, a third call came in about another shooting. This time, it was just across the road.…