Table of contents for 19 May 2022 in Chat

Fess up – what’s the hobby you’ve always fancied but never had the guts to do? That’s what Sharon’s story got me wondering (p22). She was too shy to follow her dream, but you’ll see that she’s not shy any more! Elsewhere, we’ve the usual mix of real-life, puzzles and prizes – plus a free true-crime mag (p26). And don’t forget – you can get Chat delivered so you never miss a copy. It’s cheaper, too! See the details below right. Have a great week,…

Jackie Williams, 40, Liverpool Tidying up around my 11-year-old’s room, I shook out the duvet and pulled back the curtains. Then I noticed something strange. Piles of hair, stuck in clumps to the carpet. Mel was non-binary, used the pronouns they/ them rather than he/him or she/her, with thick, dark hair that fell past their shoulders. Now, though, I worried. Was their hair falling out? After school that day in September 2018, I asked Mel if they’d noticed. ‘I’ve been pulling it out, ’ they admitted, confessing they were being bullied at school. ‘The kids make fun of me, Mum, ’ Mel said. ‘They laugh at me and say that I’m immature.’ Diagnosed with autism at the age of 5, there were some things Mel naturally responded to differently. The…

Is his semen ‘normal’? Q My partner’s worried that his semen is too thick and lumpy. Is something wrong? Fran, Torquay A A man’s semen can vary greatly in thickness and usually that doesn’t mean much. If he’s ejaculated several times over recent days, his semen’s likely to become thinner and more watery, whereas if he hasn’t ejaculated recently, or isn’t drinking enough and is dehydrated, it might become thicker. And semen that’s left to stand will soon clot and become lumpy, which is entirely normal. But constantly thin semen can occasionally point to a low sperm count, which could cause problems if you’re trying for a baby. And semen that’s constantly so thick that it comes out in strands or lumps could be a sign of infection or other…

OVER TO YOU Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p3. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Debra Stapley, Dover, Kent WIN 5x £25 Puzzle 6 ACROSS 1 More steadily 2 Thick cord 3 Not odd 4 Look after DOWN 1 Anxious 2 Adore 3 Allow access 4 One’s way Your answer: HALF & HALF The world’s highest example of what natural feature is thought to be found on the peak of Ojos del Salado in Chile? Cross out a letter in each square to get a grid filled with words. The uncrossed out letters in the shaded squares give the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 7 Your answer: BRICK TRICK Which…

He doesn’t love me Q My husband of seven years has just told me h doesn’t love me he any more. I can’t believe it and I’m in shock. He said there is no one else. We have an 18-month-old boy and 7-year-old girl. I can’t eat or sleep and have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach all the time now. I absolutely don’t know what to do or where to turn and I haven’t told anyone. Please help me! Susie, 40 A Oh, sweetheart, of course you feel in shock. This is a devastating thing to hear! The first thing you need to do is tell someone – a trusted family member or friend. You don’t need to go through it alone. Sometimes, in a relationship,…

Charlene Swift, 33, Nottingham Giving my husband’s hand a tight squeeze, I pushed with everything I had. Excitement, fear, happiness, nerves. I felt it all. After three years of trying, me and my hubby Ashley, 28, were finally having our baby. But it was coming five weeks early, and a team of doctors and nurses were on standby just in case. It was August 2017, and as my final push delivered my baby Oliver, I craned my neck to see him. ‘Is he OK?’ I gasped. For a second there was silence, then came his tiny, crackly cry. Thank God! Next thing, Oliver was placed in my arms. ‘Hello, little man, ’ I smiled. He was tiny, just 3lb 8oz, but he already had a shock of brown hair. And…

Q I’m thinking about renting out my spare room. Is there anything I should be aware of before I go ahead? K Lambert, Berwick-upon-Tweed A The government’s Rent a Room Scheme allows you to earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free from taking in a lodger. This is halved if you share the income with a partner or someone else. For details visit gov.uk. Just remember before letting out a room that if you have a mortgage you’ll need permission from your lender; if you rent, you’ll need your landlord’s permission. In both cases you’ll need permission from your home insurer.…

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration ITV • To salute the Queen’s remarkable 70 years on the throne, this star-studded spectacular takes us on a theatrical journey through royal history – from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (played by Helen Mirren) to Her Majesty’s Coronation in 1953 – with Tom Cruise, Damian Lewis, Adjoa Andoh and Alan Titchmarsh each hosting one of the four acts. Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham host the epic event, broadcast live from Windsor Castle. Other famous faces lined up to appear include Ant and Dec, David Jason, Joan Collins and Maureen Lipman. Plus, there are performances from Gregory Porter and Katherine Jenkins. Conversations With Friends BBC3 • If you loved the hit BBC3 drama Normal People, which was based on the book by Sally Rooney,…

Sabrina Cowley, 42, Mere, Cheshire Slinging my sports bag over my shoulder, I made my way out of the fitness studio. It was April 2016 and I’d just finished a pole-fitness class. Back home, I had a quick shower and then started getting tea ready for my two kids – Megan, then 15, and Cai,11. Then my phone buzzed. A message from a male friend, a pal since childhood. Can you ring me, it read. Puzzled, I phoned him. ‘I’ve had a message on Facebook…’ he began. I listened to him and my mouth fell open in shock. The message was from a Facebook user neither of us recognised, claiming my old pal and I were having an affair. His girlfriend was sitting beside him. ‘I know we’re not and…

PS… Pro Nail Polish in Rose Taupe, £1.50, Primark Give your spring ensemble an instant chic-over with this muted pink lacquer that goes with any outfit and complements every skin tone. Topped with a gold-effect lid, it’ll sit as pretty on your dressing table as it does your pointers. Expect a glossy plump finish and impressive staying power. Wellness by Ferne McCann Body Polish, £2, Poundland TV star Ferne McCann has just launched her second line for the high street hero retailer and it’s a good ’un. Featuring beautifully scented blends for face, hair and body, everything comes priced at £2 or under. We rate the body scrub, fragranced with lavender and rosemary. It’s perfect for prepping pins pre-fake tanning or to ensure they’re looking their best for bare leg…

Standing alone at the bus stop after school, the two young boys, then 10 and 8, peered down the road and wondered why their parents hadn’t come to pick them up as usual. Usually, once they’d been dropped by the bus, their mum Quee, also known as QC, then 46, and dad Peter, then 48, would be right there. But on this day in October 2012, there was no sign of them. Luckily, a school friend’s mum spotted the boys and offered to drop them home. At the family’s house, the boys knocked on the front door, but there was no answer. Concerned, their friend’s mum phoned the police. Only, when they arrived and entered the house, they found a crime scene. Signs of a struggle in Peter and Quee…

Chat winners issue 7 (17 February 2022) £1,001 CASH J Stylianou, London £1,000 CASH J Vince, Barnsley £500 CASH M Reid, Glasgow S Linderman, Skelmersdale £250 CASH E Parker Williams, Lowestoft £150 CASH D Whitty, Bournemouth £100 CASH K Fuller, Cornwall D Hornby, Caernarfon J Mouncey, Torquay M Birchall, Warrington L Sharp, Liverpool £60 CASH R Ross, Inverness £50 CASH K Brown, St Helens J Jeffrey, London P Mansfield, Portsmouth £30 CASH B Frearson, Eastleigh B McGuiness, Sheffield C Fonseka, Leeds J Webb, Highbridge I Scales, Scarborough £25 CASH E King, London J Callow, Launceston J Lewis, Burnham-on-Sea F Cruickshanks, Montrose H Garnett, Scarborough J Foster, Rhyl S Hartley, Derby K Hitchen, Northwich T West Peterborough Anyone from your town in the list this week..? Chat PUZZLE 1 858 Chat…

Here I am all dressed up 80s-style for my friend Janet’s birthday. We listened to music from the 80s too, and had a great night. Barbara Powell, Swansea My son’s two dogs Prince (left) and Buster came along with us on a recent family holiday. What a duo! Melanie Edwards, Sheffield My 2-year-old daughter Elsah has the biggest hair. Here she is showing it off before bed! Penelope Fazzani, Devon My bunny loves nothing more than to gossip at the garden gate! Mike Joseph, Lawford Our girls Gabrielle, 8, and Lucy, 6, had a rockin’ time dressing up as rock stars for school. I think they look fab! Paul Rutter, Barnsley Get in touch! EMAIL chat_magazine@futurenet.com POST Chat, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London, W2 6JR Find us online at facebook.com/ChatMagazine…

TOPS STYLE TIP Wrap styles are flattering for a fuller bust as the V-neck is roomy while the tie pulls in the fabric at your waist. DRESSES STYLE TIP A classic shirt dress works well for all body shapes. Add a denim jacket and trainers for a cool, casual take. SKIRTS STYLE TIP Inject colour into your wardrobe by teaming this pretty pastel skirt with strappy heels in a clashing colour. JUMPSUITS FROM JUST £17.50 STYLE TIP This look is spot on for all occasions. Culotte styles should finish just above the ankle. Add wedges to elongate your legs.…

Michael Davis was found not guilty of manslaughter in March 2022. Instead, he was found guilty of the lesser crime of negligent homicide. Davis was sentenced to the maximum amount for that offence, which was just one year in jail, and given a $1,000 (around £800) fine. There was nothing to stop him working as a police officer again. After the verdict was announced, Hunter’s loved ones gathered, calling for ‘Justice for Hunter’. ‘Now what’s going to happen? Are people going to have to fear for their lives again?’ asked his grandmother Rebecca Payne. Despite calls for justice and police reform, and support from prominent activists, the verdict left Hunter Brittain’s family outraged. And their family lawyers – Ben Crump and Devon Jacob – talked about how the verdict sent…

1 Balance the booze A holiday can be an excuse to go OTT on the G&Ts, but alcohol can worsen the effects of the sun. Drink water and take breaks in the shade. ‘Top up electrolyte levels with coconut water – it replaces potassium and salt lost through booze, ’ says nutritionist Sally Wisbey. 2 Select a window seat I llness particles released when talking, sneezing, coughing or breathing are unlikely to travel beyond a metre, so choosing this seat on the plane might help protect you. Headrests and seat pockets are the dirtiest places, so be sure to pack some hand gel. 3 Banish bloating High levels of carbohydrates and limited fruit and veg in airline food can make you feel sluggish. ‘Buy a salad before you jet off…

Securing a snack, this mouse races home victoriously, so excited that its feet can’t touch the ground! Taken by Julian Rad in Vienna, Austria Living its best life, this polar bear shows us one of the ways they have fun – sliding down icebergs head first into the sea! Taken by Tatyana Gorodetsky in the Beaufort Sea, Canada The most breathtaking of backdrops sets the scene for this stunning snap, as two majestic cheetahs take in the sunset. Taken by Arlette Magiera from Germany This bulldog pup knows how to appreciate the little things in life, having the time of its life playing with bubbles on a walk. Taken by Jennifer Freytag in Neunkirchen, Austria This octopus looks more like something from a mythical tale than a creature of the…

The next day, as doctors turned off Oliver’s ventilator, I held my breath. But I watched as his chest began to rise and fall steadily. ‘He’s breathing, ’ I cried. Oliver was fighting. ‘He’s going to beat this, ’ I sobbed to Ashley. I was still so scared but Oliver had to know we were all as strong as he was. So as he gradually came out of his coma, there were no tears allowed. ‘No crying or you’ll have to leave, ’ I told every visitor. Instead, I’d sit at his bedside, chatting to him, reading him books and singing songs. And when he finally opened his eyes and met my gaze after three weeks, I made sure I was smiling. ‘Hello baby!’ I beamed. Oliver was weak, still…

Balmy deal You can pick up 100% natural skincare balms from Dr Lipp for less, as there’s 20% off for Chat readers. Products include this BFF Balm (75ml), an ultra-hydrating, long-lasting balm, which was £19.99 and is now £16. Just use the offer code MAG20 at the checkout at drlipp.com until 26 May 2022. Free shipping for UK orders over £25. Subject to availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other codes. Offer correct at time of going to press.…

Rhyme & Reason Volume & Boost Conditioner, £8.99, Boots Housed in an eco-friendly recycled bottle, this salon-inspired conditioner uses botanical ingredients and peptides (the same antiager found in skincare) to give thin, flat and lifeless locks a shot of thickness and bounce. Revolution Skincare Overnight Squalane Eye Cream, £7.99, Superdrug When regular eye creams won’t cut it, opt for this extra-nourishing wonder. Dab it on before bed and wake up to smooth and comfortable peepers without a flaky patch in sight. W7 Very Vegan Garden Party Lip Gloss in Flushed, £4.50, w7makeup.co.uk Ideal for popping into your handbag, this floral number delivers a glossy cloud of colour that will work alone or layered over your favourite lippie. Collection Cosmetics Gorgeous Glow Palette, £4.99, Superdrug Give a lacklustre face a speedy…

GARY HAINES, 45, FROM ESSEX SAYS: Tracy Fletcher, 58, is the epitome of a local hero. As Sports PR Manager for Prostate Cancer UK, I first heard about Tracy in 2015. She started raising money after noticing Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling’s Man of Men badge, in support of our charity. Tracy then founded #TeamDarts, started selling the badges herself, and got as many people as she could involved in our 26-mile marathon walks. A selfless, passionate and proactive supporter, for so many years Tracy has raised awareness. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and there’s no doubt Tracy’s efforts have saved several lives. Since 2015, she’s raised more than £400,000, a fantastic sum. The money has helped fund lifesaving research – which will help make prostate…

Cute cacti I was having a sort-out when I came across these cups and saucers. Instead of getting rid of them, I decided to recycle them into plant pots for my cactus cuttings. They look great on my kitchen window sill! Karen Dirs, Kegworth, Derbyshire Funky fruit I make healthy snacks fun, here’s Spike the hedgehog! Use half a pear and cocktail sticks with grapes on, with blueberries for the eyes. Always supervise children. Barbara Champion, Meadowfield, County Durham Slippery tip My soap bar kept sliding off the side of the bath. By coincidence, my hubby had just emptied a shower gel bottle, so I used the lid to stand the soap in. It was a perfect fit! Dawn Lord, Hartlepool, County Durham You’ve been framed I found this bed…

THE BIGGIE WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What connects US actors Adam Driver and Harvey Keitel? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 1 Raises up (5) 4 Departed (4) 6 Winter missile (8) 13 US state (7) 14 Army member (7) 15 Time of darkness (5) 16 Long hike (4) 17 Resistant to disease (6) 18 Poetry (6) 20 Norse god (4) 21 Irritate (5) 22 Singer, _ Eilish (6) 25 Pieces of an orange (8) 28 Capital of the UK (6) 30 Daughter of a sibling (5) 32 Small motorcycles (8) 34 Ship’s stopping device (6) 35 Eye infection (4) 38 Cope (6) 39 Loosen a knot (5) 40 Stuns (6) 43 Train track (4) 44 Older…

Phoebe Roberts, 26, Pontefract True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Getting ready to leave the house, I grumbled as I tried to find my keys. I’d searched everywhere, but they were nowhere to be found. Grabbing my shoes, I heard a familiar jingle. ‘Mum, did you put my keys in my shoes?’ I asked. I’d noticed this happening more and more. It was summer 2019 and my mum Anita, then 62, was getting forgetful. Usually the life and soul of the party, with a big grin on her face, she wasn’t acting like herself. She had become disoriented. Walking into rooms and forgetting why. Putting my keys in my shoes, her phone in the fridge. By November 2019, I’d moved Mum in with me so I could keep an eye on her. And…

FILL ME IN WIN £100 Puzzle 14 German avant-garde composer Karlheinz Stockhausen named a 1970s electronic musical drama for which star, in whose planetary system he also sometimes claimed to have been born? 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. Your answer: CIRCLE TIME For 30 years, the Finnish national broadcaster Yle aired a weekly news bulletin in what language? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles to find the prize answer. 3 letters ARC ARE DOE ERA LIE NUN RAP ROE RUN SIN 4 letters DRAG HALF HARD HOLD ICED IRON OOZE 5 letters CLASH NAVAL NEWTS 6 letters ADVICE APRONS ASCEND…

CODE CRACKER WIN £500 Puzzle 16 What did singer-songwriter WJames Blunt want to be when he was growing up? To find out, solve the puzzle… Fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number from 1 to 26. When you’ve completed the grid, the shaded squares will spell out the one-word prize answer. We’ve given you five letters to start off. Your answer: WORD JUMBLE James Thornhill is usually considered the first Briton of what profession to have been knighted? Unscramble each group of letters to discover six occupations. Now fit them across the grid and you’ll spell out the answer to the question. 1 WRY ALE 2 ARC REPENT 3 ANTS MOP 4 AIRS STEW 5 RESIGNED 6 COD ROT WIN £100 Puzzle…

3 ways to… improve your credit score If your credit score needs work these tips should help. 1 Get hold of your reports Look at your credit reports held by the three credit reference agencies Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can do this for free. Just sign up at moneysavingexpert.com/creditclub for your Experian credit report. Sign up at clearscore.com for your Equifax credit report, and get your TransUnion credit report at creditkarma.co.uk*. The reports indicate your creditworthiness, based on information in your reports. 2 Amend any mistakes Ensure all the information in the reports is accurate. Even small mistakes like a wrongly spelt address can affect the score. Ensure you’re on the electoral roll and pay your bills on time, so there are no missed payments on your report. 3…

Roast tomato and mozzarella sandwich with basil and pesto The cherry tomatoes in this satisfying open sandwich are packed with vitamins A and C. SERVES 2 PREP TIME 5 MINS COOK TIME 20 MINS • 250g red and yellow cherry tomatoes, some halved • 1tbsp olive oil • 1tsp balsamic vinegar • 2 thick slices granary or oat-topped bread • 100g mozzarella cheese, torn • 2tbsp pesto, to serve • Small handful basil leaves, to serve 1 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Spread the tomatoes over a baking sheet, season well and drizzle with the oil and vinegar. Roast for around 15 mins, until the tomatoes are soft and just beginning to break down. 2 Under a medium-high grill, toast the bread until golden on both sides. Spoon over…

Aries 21 March-20 April As the first sign of the zodiac, you’re often in a position of leadership. People look up to you as the driving force who can accomplish anything. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May You’re a great provider, and not just in the material sense. Others come to you for help and advice when they feel they need your rational strength. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Amusing and witty, with the Sun in your sign you’re the life and soul of any party, and you may be planning some exciting events for your family and friends. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Try to be patient when you find you’re waiting…

Q I’d love a natural-looking foundation for spring. Which are the best light bases that still offer coverage? Amanda, 52, Eastbourne A Warmer days call for breathable textures and the latest formulas offer just that – with skincare benefits and flaw-blurring coverage to boot. Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation, £13.99, Superdrug, is the ultimate skin-boosting base, with potent ingredients such as brightening vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid. It’s subtle but still disguises blemishes, bags and redness. 17 Second Skin Enhancing Foundation, £5, Boots, is similar (both boast 20 shades) but with a little extra coverage. Rimmel London Kind & Free Moisturising Skin Tint, £9.49, Boots, is another featherweight winner. Fragrance-free and with a dewy finish, this one’s more suited to dry or sensitive faces. Prone to shine? E.l.f.…

HOW TO ENTER TEXT Simply text CHATA 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, but don’t use any commas, etc. • Leave out answers you don’t wish to enter.…