Tabla de contenidos para Issue 468 en Yours Magazine

The countdown down to the big day is well and truly on, but don’t worry if you haven’t Tso much as bought a packet of mince pies as we’ve got all the inspiration you will need with our bumper festive food taste test. To take the guess work out of your Christmas grocery shopping we’ve sampled everything from turkey alternatives to perfect party nibbles, showstopping puds, and budget bubbles - and given our honest verdicts. And if you’re wondering what to do with the grandchildren over the holidays we’ve discovered some brilliant ways to entertain them and, even better, they’re all free! Meanwhile we’ve got an exclusive chat with legendary actress Jenny Agutter who gives us a peek inside her festive traditions and tells us what we can expect from…

When Jenny Agutter sits down on Christmas night to watch herself playing Sister Julienne, she’ll have earned the chance to put her feet up. By then, the Call the Midwife star is likely to have been run ragged by her two excited grandchildren, Oliver, four, and Lyra, one. Not that she’s complaining… ‘They live too far away for me to be hands on all the time, but when I am there I am. I’m there to tell stories and to play and crawl round on the floor and do whatever one needs to do. It’s all great fun,’ she says. ‘Children’s laughter is the most wonderful sound in the world and I am looking forward to hearing lots of it this Christmas. It will be really lovely, really special.’ Jenny…

A lot of people start their day watching Good Morning Britain and therefore with Charlotte Hawkins, who’s been on the show since 2014. Along with her co-hosts - the list of which includes Richard Madeley, Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway - Charlotte, 49, takes great pride in her role and relishes breaking news to viewers. She doesn’t, however, relish the required early wake-ups that often see her going to bed at the same time as her daughter Ella-Rose, nine, who the presenter shares with her husband of 16 years, Mark Herbert. We caught up with Charlotte to chat about juggling a successful career alongside being a doting mum. What’s your favourite thing about being on Good Morning Britain? What’s so lovely about it is the team. It can be a…

NEWS YOU CAN USE SCAM SUPPORT New rules mean if you are tricked into transferring money from your bank account to a criminal, your bank must refund you in most cases - but you could be charged £100. In 2023 nearly £460 million was lost in Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, but only 62% was refunded to the victims, according to UK Finance. APP fraud happens when people are scammed into paying money for goods that don’t exist, fooled by someone pretending to be from their bank or tricked into bogus investments. Before, some banks and payment companies voluntarily compensated customers who were scammed, but refunds of up to £85,000 became mandatory from 7 October. Now banks can only reject your claim if you acted with a ‘significant degree of…

Arather emaciated, sour-faced chap, in a scruffy overcoat and flat cap, sits in a working men’s club bar. He never puts his hand in his pocket, but he bides his time during the relentless, heated debate between a white socialist and a black Tory. When the offer of a drink is made, he’s ready with his reply: ‘I’ll have ’arf!’. It was never a pint. Always a half. And it may not be the most obvious of comedy catchphrases, but delivered with deadpan eagerness by Keith Marsh, the line became just that. The situation comedy was Love Thy Neighbour (1972-76), and the character of Jacko was a quiet, calming influence. A rather detached and dithering personality, the audience adored him, and writers Vince Powell and Harry Driver loved writing for…

✪ In 1958, at Christmas time, three baby girls were born in Horsham maternity unit in West Sussex. They were all named Julie, so the nurses named us Julie 1, 2 & 3. Sixty-six years later, we still refer to each other with those labels. I am Julie 2 born on 25 December, Julie 1 was born on 17 December and Julie 3 was born on 26 December. Myself and number 3 remain very close friends with me living in Sussex and she living in Norfolk. We are godmothers to each other’s children. Myself and number 3 telepathically know when the other one’s life has a hiccup. Our husbands say we don’t need a telephone! One year we even gave each other the same Christmas present. Julie Alexander, Sussex Yours…

NAME SHAME What’s in a name? Quite a lot it seems, especially if you’re called Gary, Carol or Tracy. More than one in ten British people are said to hate their moniker, according to a new survey. And more than a fifth of those polled by Czech beer firm Budweiser Budwar wished they were called after celebrities - though presumably not TV presenter Carol Vorderman! Complaints included people feeling their names were outdated, with the biggest moans coming from Garys, Carols and Tracys. Farewell to a ‘wonderful actor and human being’ A year ago, Timothy West told Yours that, although very much still available for acting work, he was ‘living for today’ with his beloved wife Prunella Scales. Tim, who’d just written a book chronicling their ‘splendid love’ and life…

She’s been on our screens since the Seventies, released more than 30 books and, with her show-stealing appearance on the catwalk of London Fashion Week in September, Prue Leith made it clear she has no intention of slowing down. She’s currently best known for being a judge on The Great British Bake Off alongside Paul Hollywood, having replaced Mary Berry in 2017, and now, eight series in, she’s a firm favourite with viewers. ‘Paul is an absolute softie’ The 84-year old star, who is married to retired English fashion designer John Playfair, admits that she’s embraced a more carefree attitude with age. She often asks herself, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ Here, she chats to Yours about filming the hit Channel 4 show and the lessons that she’s learnt…

ALL DRESSED UP A sparkly dress is a festive season must-have and looks great paired with a chic blazer or a chunky knit. BRAVE THE BOLD When it comes to wearing scarlet shades, keep things simple by opting for classic cuts without any detailing. STYLISH SLIP Need to give your wardrobe a luxelooking update? Opt for a silky skirt that will work for any occasion. VERY BERRY If you’re not a fan of bright colours, then opt for darker, more wearable hues instead. TAILORED TREAT A red suit offers versatility - wear the trousers with trainers and a t-shirt, or layer up a smart dress with the blazer.…

Turkey alternatives WINNER Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Bone in Crackling Gammon with a Festive Spiced Glaze £30/2.28kg This dry cured gammon joint was simply heavenly. Moist, moreish and not too salty, it carved beautifully, and the crackling was spot on (more of that please!). A delicious alternative to turkey, but equally as good served cold in a Boxing Day sandwich. Runner-up Tesco Finest Herb Beef Rib £30/kg (£25/kg Clubcard price) Serves 6 from Food to Order range Beef short ribs with a butter, red wine, bone marrow (a definite trend this year) and roasted garlic gravy - this will be a winner for those who prefer roast beef for Christmas dinner. This tender beef falls off the bone, having been cooked for eight hours. Serve with crunchy Yorkies Christmas veg…

Difficulty rating: Pattern from Chunky Knits, by Lauren Aston, published by CICO Books, £14.99, Pictures Penny Wincer @ CICO Books YOU WILL NEED □ Super Chunky yarn from Lauren Aston Designs (100% merino wool), 65m, 100g □ 1 ball, Natural White (A) □ 1 ball, Mid Grey (B) □ 10mm circular knitting needle, 50cm long □ Large darning needle □ 3 stitch markers (preferably all different so you can easily tell which is 1, 2, and 3) TENSION 45cm from cuff to heel and 20cm from heel to toe. ABBREVIATIONS St(s) = stitch(es) k = knit p = purl sl1 = slip one stitch p2tog = purl 2 sts together k2tog = knit 2 sts together ssk = slip slip knit SM = stitch marker ■ Can’t get…

What you’re reading… Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd (HQ, £16.99) ‘A perfect autumn crime read,’ says Georgie Franks. Alice Beeton’s agency supplies discreet staff to wealthy clients. After her new hire Enya is found dead, a lacklustre police investigation and the wealthy family’s secrecy forces Alice takes matters into her own hands. What Does it Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella (Transworld, £12.99) ‘An extraordinary read,’ says Jane Devon. Eve, a successful novelist, wakes up in a hospital after surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour. With her husband by her side, she must relearn everything while grappling with her diagnosis and how to tell her children. This is Sophie’s most personal novel. Here One Minute by Alex Lake (Harper Collins, £9.99) ‘Difficult to put down,’ says Sylvia Mann.…

John, 77, a non-smoker likes travelling, coffee shops and seaside walks. He would like to meet a nice lady with similar interests in the Merseyside/north-west area. NOV2-101 Divorced Liz, 71, a non-smoker, wishes to meet a tall, non-smoking man from the Derby area for friendship/relationship. She enjoys the theatre, Sixties music, gentle walks and conversation. NOV2-102 Jean, 68, from Chingford, would like to hear from other ladies, especially any who live near the sea. She collects dolls and enjoys knitting. Her mobility is not so good, but she can get around with a walking frame. NOV2-103 June, 73, a widow from Cheshire, is looking for friends in the north-west area to meet up for lunch and days out or coffee. She enjoys the theatre, meals out, gardening and crafting. NOV2-104…

Theatre Panto season is upon us, and the London Palladium is getting into the spirit with a star-studded production of Robin Hood, from 7 December. The legendary outlaw is played by Julian Clary, Nigel Havers is Friar Tuck and the role of Maid Marian goes to Wakefield’s finest, Jane McDonald. ■ palladiumpantomime.com Podcast Most of us could probably do with a little help relaxing, which is where the new BBC Sounds service, Radio 3 Unwind, comes in. The stream, which is available 24 hours a day, with presenters including Edith Bowman (pictured), has been designed to fit around listeners’ daily schedules and features a mix of calming classic music and contributions from experts on mental health and wellbeing. ■ Available on BBC Sounds Event It’s already one of Britain’s most…

If it’s your birthday this fortnight… You are born under Sagittarius, the centaur who loves freedom, bucks against restrictions and needs a lot of scope to let loose that adventurous inner spirit! Sagittarians are often a fount of wisdom in later life, mainly because they tend to have lived life to the full and learned from experience. ■ Famous Sagittarians celebrating this fortnight include Catherine Tate, Andrew Flintoff, Lorraine Kelly, Bette Midler, Pamela Stephenson, Martin Clunes and Judi Dench (pictured). SAGITTARIUS NOV 23-DEC 20 It’s your time to shine, and to enjoy shared adventures. You could make a significant decision about the future. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705708 CAPRICORN DEC 21-JAN 20 There’s a big shift happening now, taking you into a chapter where you may well…

MY LIFE lessons This is a time for family It’s the time of the year when you cherish those special moments with your loved ones - for me, that’s my four children and eight grandchildren. My family has always been my greatest gift, and during the holidays, I feel blessed to share that joy with them. The spirit of Christmas is giving, not just material gifts. It’s about love, kindness, and spreading joy to others. It’s also a wonderful time to reflect on the year and to be grateful. It wouldn’t be Christmas without music It brings people together and has this magical ability to evoke memories and emotions. I’ve made several festive albums over the years and have always felt honoured to contribute to the soundtrack of people’s Christmases.…

Holding Kirsty’s hand, I looked into her eyes. ‘Are you really OK?’ I asked. As tears began to fall, I pulled her in for a hug. ‘It’s OK, I’ve got you,’ I said. It was June 2020, and my daughter Kirsty had suffered a miscarriage at seven weeks. We’d always been close and, although she tried to put on a brave face, I knew my daughter was hurting. In time, Kirsty, 32, fell pregnant again with a little girl. At 40 weeks, I received a call. ‘I’m in labour, we’re on our way to the hospital,’ said Kirsty. Only, at midnight, her husband, Nick called me. ‘Michelle, Kirsty needs an emergency C-section,’ he said. The baby was in the posterior position and, as they were positioned spine to spine, it…

Pretty pastels are on trend this year and make for a magical tablescape Keep it simple with a chic monochrome look. Add fresh foliage and lighting to soften your dining experience Try glam dining with rich opulent colours for a mystical Christmas setting…

Genial Irishman Val Doonican was at the heart of family TV viewing for over 20 years. Every week from 1965 onwards his Saturday night show would bring us songs, often Val’s own hits such as Walk Tall and The Special Years, plus guests and gentle banter. His trademark rocking chair, sweaters and gentle humour made it as cosy as snuggling under an eiderdown. No wonder Val’s Christmas Specials, all 25 of them, usually shown on Christmas Eve, became a national institution. Val and his backing singers (sometimes The Ladybirds, sometimes The Mike Sammes Singers) and dancers, The Gojos, would be festooned in scarves and woolly hats, there would be carols, and festive scenes straight from a Christmas card, not to mention lots of very special guests having fun. We lapped…

Barbara had looked forward to spending more time with husband James in retirement after they’d recently moved to a new area. But James died at the age of 65 from an aneurysm and Barbara was left alone, living some distance away from their two daughters and one son. ‘I was lonely and grieving,’ she says. ‘I was in a new place and didn’t know many people.’ She had some bereavement support sessions with Cruse, and the counsellor suggested she could try volunteering to fill up her time. Barbara contacted the Monifieth Befrienders, an organisation committed to matching volunteer befrienders with older, isolated people in Monifieth, Angus. She underwent some training and then began to visit people. ‘I’ve always been interested in people and love a good conversation,’ says Barbara, 76.…

£10 cheque for every letter published Good sport ◆ You hear so much emphasis these days, in any sport, that it is important to win. I know that is wonderful, but what about the people who are nervous or scared and come last in whatever sport they do? They deserve praise and encouragement as the effort they put in is so important. The old cliché ‘It’s not all about winning but taking part’ is worth remembering. Elizabeth Richards, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire My silver surprise ◆ What memories the article on Silver Cross prams (issue 464) brought back. I married in 1958, aged 19. When I was 21, I was waiting for my first child to be born. My darling Beverley arrived on 7 July, a day before her daddy’s birthday. Peter,…

As a self-confessed Strictly Come Dancing ‘super-fan’, Sarah Hadland is having the time of her life dancing with reigning champion Vito Coppola. And, as she continues to wow the judges week by week, it looks like the Miranda star, 53, could take that talent all the way to the final. She tells Yours about the sweet gifts her Italian partner brings to rehearsals, and why Strictly is another ball game when it comes to fitness. Does being a mega-fan of the show come with added pressure? One hundred per cent! That’s why I think I’ve held out for so long from doing it. But so far, it’s been everything I could have possibly dreamed of. In what ways? It’s like a parallel universe, the way you go into makeup looking…

Dear readers, Gifting is a God-given talent, just like perfect pitch or the ability to jump hurdles. Some people have the uncanny skill to pick the ideal present for others. Some don’t. We - the uninspired - know who we are. We are the purchasers of scented candles and bath salts. You can spot us by the tortured expressions on our miserable faces as we sift wretchedly through socks printed with ‘amusing’ cartoons, and cat calendars. We are grimly determined. We know we must buy you a celebratory token and we do not shirk our duty. We just lack the special flair needed to alight upon the object that will suffuse your features with genuine joy. My younger daughter, Saskia, is one of the blessed. She has the gifting knack.…