Tabla de contenidos para Issue 473 en Yours Magazine

I'm happy to admit that I'm a hopeless romantic. But for me that doesn't equate to overblown gestures on Valentine's Day, because I believe true love is about simple acts of kindness every day, all year round. So, without doubt, my favourite read in this issue is the real-life story of Margaret and Brian Main who've known each other their entire lives as their parents were next-door neighbours. They were such good friends, they'd often share the same pram! The couple, who are now great-grandparents, recently celebrated 62 years of happy marriage, and they say the key to their marital bliss is ‘always being there for each other through the good times and the bad’. What an amazing example they are to us all! I hope you enjoy reading it…

One of the most moving moments in the BBC's Gavin & Stacey Christmas special has to be when Mick reveals his and Pam's secret fertility heartache. Actor Larry Lamb reduced us all to tears when telling Smithy's stag party revellers how they'd tried and failed to have a second baby. ‘It was tough for a while. Heartbreaking some days because it didn't happen and for a few years we felt there was something missing,’ he said. And in that instant, 19.3 million viewers understood in the drama's last ever episode why Pam was such an overprotective mum to her precious only boy. In real life, actress Alison Steadman is luckier than her alter-ego as she's the proud mum of two grown-up sons, Toby, 45, and Leo, 43, with her former…

When describing a blackbird, the colour white is unlikely to come to mind. But a superrare white blackbird was recently spotted in a Dorset garden. Dorset Wildlife Trust says they are leucistic blackbirds and the condition is caused by a genetic mutation that makes the bird's feathers lack pigment. This is seen on just one in 30,000 birds, but it is even more rare for a blackbird to be completely white. Two otter cubs have formed a special bond after being rescued by the UK Wild Otter Trust in December 2023. Mera and Pip were raised at the rescue sanctuary after being discovered in Suffolk and Exeter, only a few weeks old. The Devon charity said it was ‘crucial’ to pair the cubs to allow them to learn from each…

Spiced lentil & sweet potato soup Cost per serving 76p Serve: 6 Takes: 40-45min ■ 800g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes ■ 2tbsp olive oil ■ 100g red lentils ■ 2tsp medium curry powder ■ 1 onion, finely chopped ■ 2 garlic cloves, crushed ■ 4cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated ■ Salt and freshly ground black pepper ■ 1.2L hot vegetable stock, made with 1 stock cube ■ 10g fresh coriander, leaves and stalks separated, stalks roughly chopped ■ 300ml milk ■ Juice of 1 lime 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C. Put the potatoes in a shallow roasting tin, drizzle with half the oil and toss to coat. Roast for 25-30min, turning halfway, until just tender and starting to brown. 2 Meanwhile,…

Can you feel the gentle warmth of the sun on a bright February day? It'll be a few weeks yet before the ground is warm enough for daffodils to show their faces, but chirpy crocuses are much keener to brighten up your garden with their petals, even if it snows. At this time of the year, you can buy them ready-potted from your local garden centre. Crocuses prefer a sunny position, including under deciduous trees that are yet to burst into leaf. Once the flowers fade, leave foliage until it turns yellow as this will feed the corms for next year's flowers. If you love these pretty flowers, it's much cheaper to plant dormant corms between September and November – just remember that squirrels love to dig up a freshly…

50 YEARS OF BLISS… Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward first met in 1953, on a New York production of the play Picnic. They hit it off straight away – but Newman was married. Three years later, a now divorced Newman rekindled their relationship on the set of The Long, Hot Summer (1958). They married that year and remained together until Newman's death in 2008. The couple rejected the Hollywood lifestyle, moving their family to Connecticut, far away from the glitz and the glam. Newman claimed he was never tempted by other women, famously quipping, ‘Why go out for hamburger when you can have steak at home?’. OVER 65 YEARS TOGETHER… Kirk Douglas was in Paris shooting the Vincent Van Gogh biopic Lust for Life (1956), where he met his match…

Invariably sporting a raffish moustache and a petulant scowl, Colin Gordon was frantically busy in that rich and varied terrain of post-war British film and television. His eyes would forever dart with either disdain or distrust from behind those hard, horn-rimmed spectacles, be it playing men of medicine or of letters; cuckolded husband or desperate bachelor. Colin was born, in Ceylon, in the April of 1911. He made his West End debut, at the Savoy Theatre, at the age of 23. He was the hind legs of a horse in AA Milne's Toad of Toad Hall, and spent much of his subsequent career as an anxious ass opposite Britain's favourite comedians. Writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson loved him. Colin was the deadpan doctor in the classic Hancock; The Lift…

Lynda, 68, a widow from Essex is looking for penpals. She enjoys gardening, reading, music, travel and letter writing. Interested to hear how others have coped with grief. JAN3-101 Married Julie from Lincoln would like to meet new female friends, she likes going for a coffee, shopping, cinema and days out. Always enjoys a good chat and a laugh. All letters answered. JAN3-102 Patricia, 80s, from Nottingham is fit and likes Sixties to Eighties music, going to concerts, out for meals and coffee. She would like to meet a gentleman who is kind, thoughtful and jolly. JAN3-103 Active Angela, 71, married, from Scotland is looking for penpals. She enjoys writing letters, classical music, charity work, reading and sport. JAN3-104 Recently widowed, Christine, 77, from Kent would like penpals male/female. She…

£1,015 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! Wordsearch Enjoy this mix of folk, pop, rock and dance music as you search for all the Scottish bands and musicians in the grid. ANSWERS ON PAGE 96 AMY MACDONALD ANNIE LENNOX BAY CITY ROLLERS BELLE AND SEBASTIAN BIFFY CLYRO CALVIN HARRIS COCTEAU TWINS DEACON BLUE DEL AMITRI EMELI SANDE FRANZ FERDINAND GERRY RAFFERTY KT TUNSTALL LEWIS CAPALDI LULU MARMALADE MIDGE URE NATHAN EVANS NAZARETH PAOLO NUTINI PRIMAL SCREAM SANDI THOM SHEENA EASTON SIMPLE MINDS TEXAS THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN THE PROCLAIMERS THE WATERBOYS TRAVIS WET WET WET WIN £100 WHERE IS SAMMY SQUIRREL? Find where he's hiding in this issue of Yours and you could win £100. To enter, fill in the Competitions answers coupon on page 96. Closing date for entries…

SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV-20 DEC With the combination of glorious Venus and Jupiter making sweet noises, you may have some special plans afoot now. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705708 CAPRICORN 21 DEC-20 JAN Family life and property connections feel promising, as could work matters for you or those close around 7-9 February. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705709 AQUARIUS 21 JAN-18 FEB Between now and June, there may be travel or communication processes, or you'll see more of certain people. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705710 PISCES 19 FEB-20 MARCH There's magic in the air, with happy times and smiles around loved ones, and perhaps hectic moments in mid-February. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705711 ARIES 21 MARCH-19 APRIL A special Venus…

Pineapple upside down tray bake Cost per serving 38p Serves: 12 Takes: 55min, plus cooling ■ 250g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing ■ 8 canned pineapple rings, halved, plus 3tbsp juice from the can ■ 8 kumquats, halved (optional) ■ 125g caster sugar ■ 4 eggs ■ 250g self-raising flour ■ ½tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C. Grease a 30cm x 21cm baking tin. Arrange the pineapple ring halves in the bottom of the tin, using the picture as a guide, then put half a kumquat into each half-moon, if using. 2 Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat in until well combined. 3 Sift…

Difficulty rating: YOU WILL NEED □ Sublime extra-fine merino wool DK in shade Sunday 349 □Sirdar Country Style DK in shade Maple 612 □ Snuggly Snowflake DK in shade Lemon 647 □ Hayfield Bonus DK in shade Bright Lemon 819 □ 4mm knitting needles (UK size 8) □ Tapestry needle ABBREVIATIONS DK = double knitting k = knit mm = millimetres p = purl psso = pass slipped stitch over rem = remain(ing) RS = right side s1 = slip 1 stitch knitways st(s) = stitch(es) tbl = through back of loop tog = together ■ Can't get this yarn? Find a suitable alternative at yarnsub.com Hearts (Make 4 pieces for 2 hearts) Using 4mm needles, use thumb method and cast on 2 sts. 1st Row: Knit into front and back…

One Banana, Two Banana, Three Banana, Four… The Banana Splits were an animal-costumed answer to The Monkees, aimed at a younger audience. Their leader Fleegle was a beagle, whose lolling tongue could be mistaken for a red tie at first glance. Bingo was a grinning, toothy gorilla in cool shades. Drooper was a laid-back lion. While Snorky was a confused-looking elephant who made honking noises. For reasons best known to themselves, all four wore fire helmets! The Banana Splits Adventure Hour in America was part of NBC's Saturday morning line-up, from September 1968. Its opening titles saw the Splits tackling amusement park rides and driving their yellow Banana Buggies. Few viewers will forget the catchy ‘tra-la-la’ theme song or the gang's antics, in their clubhouse, which served as zany links…

Percy Spencer, a self-taught American engineer, is generally credited with patenting the first commercial microwave in 1946, using British wartime radar technology. The discovery was made by accident when Spencer noticed that the radar magnetron he was testing had begun to melt the snack bar in his pocket. CHECK OUT! For more nostalgia pick up a copy of Yours Retro magazine. See yoursretro.co.uk for more info. The first food Spencer tried to cook was an egg, which exploded. His second, more successful attempt, was with popcorn. The Radarange, released in 1947, was the first commercially available microwave. It was almost 6ft tall, weighed 750lbs and cost $5000 (equivalent to $70,000 today). The first affordable domestic model didn't arrive until 20 years later. The microwave was a boon for busy working…

What you're reading…. The Note by Alafair Burke (Faber&Faber, £7.49) ‘I was gripped and couldn't put it down,’ says Gemma Bright. May was always the good girl, but when she reunites with two friends for a holiday in The Hamptons, a drunken joke lands the trio in the middle of a missing persons investigation. And as the case takes a deadly turn no-one is sure who they can trust. Rosie's Dilemma by Jennie Felton (Headline £7.99) ‘This story will touch your heart,’ says Della Walters. The outbreak of war pushes Rosie Felton to return to her hometown in Somerset and back to the pain and shame of a heartbreak she thought she'd left behind. Can she learn to trust and love again? No Son of Mine by CL Swatman (Boldwood…

£10 cheque for every letter published Timeless ◆ In the interval at a charity fashion show, the lady seated next to me asked, ‘Are you Jocelyn?’ I certainly am,’ I replied. ‘80 years ago we started kindergarten together. You haven't changed a bit!’ she continued. As we tucked into our family Christmas dinner I regaled the story to the diners and my son's fork stopped between plate and mouth. ‘Good heavens Mummy,’ he said. ‘You must have been a weird looking five‑year‑old!’ Jocelyn Thomson, by email Wrongly wrapped ◆ I asked my son and his partner for a new electric toothbrush as my Christmas gift from them. But when the presents were handed out, there was no sign of it. The next day my teenage grandson, Andre, came in carrying…

£815 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! WIN TWO BOTTLES OF BROCKMANS INTENSELY SMOOTH GIN WORTH £300 IN TOTAL Four readers will each win two bottles of Brockmans Intensely Smooth Gin, renowned for its rich, bold and smooth flavour profile. Crafted with an adventurous blend of traditional juniper and citrus botanicals, Brockmans is uniquely enhanced by exquisite notes of blueberries and blackberries, creating a refreshing gin unlike any other. Perfect for creating an elegant G&T or indulgent cocktail, it's the ultimate treat for gin lovers. Brockmans Gin combines exceptional quality with versatility, making it an ideal addition to any celebration or gifting occasion. Indulge in the ‘Properly Improper Gin’ this year. ■ Available at Sainsbury's for £35 Win six bottles of Gordon Ramsay Wine! We've partnered with Gordon Ramsay Wines to…

Dear readers, I first heard about Valentine's Day at the age of five when I pitched up in Mrs Bevan's classroom at Goodwyn School to find a large square envelope on my desk. (Five-year-olds sat at desks in 1967.) Inside was a card from David Marks, by far the most handsome boy in the class. It featured a tiger and read, ‘Valentine, I'm wild about you!’ To say I was thrilled would be woefully inaccurate. I was in a state of over-excitement that can only be described as ‘extreme rapture’. Thus was my love affair with 14 February kick-started, and, apart from a few fallow years between the ages of eight and 11, I always had a besotted swain or two in tow to present me with a slushy card…

This is my beautiful West Highland terrier, Louis. We got him from a rescue centre and he has filled our lives with so much joy. Here's Louis having a well-earned rest after a long walk. Jane Webster, Cheshire Here is my gorgeous dog Stella, who loves to cover me in kisses – once she's stopped her excited barking! Hilary Biggs, Enfield With a pet hate for rain, disgruntled Theseus knows the best place to be when it's pouring. He loves sunning himself… and dreaming of a tasty mouse or two! Sue Thomas-Rowe, Devon GET IN TOUCH Send us a picture of your pet with personality, tell us their likes, dislikes and age and if we print it you'll receive a £10 cheque…

Sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, I stared at the stunning women on screen. Their long elegant ballgowns swept across the stage as a man with perfect hair held a microphone out to them. ‘I want to be like them,’ I said to my mum. It was the Eighties and I was watching a beauty pageant. I quickly became obsessed with these women, taking in the judges’ comments on their smiles, their gowns and their tiny waists. As I grew older, I only admired them more. So, when the opportunity came up to enter Miss Pontins on a school trip, I jumped at the chance. At aged 15, I stood on the holiday park stage holding my friends’ hands. ‘Louise, tell us about yourself,’ the host said. I was…

Give dull skin a brightening boost with this vitamin C and peonyinfused cream mask. It'll bring back a glow to tired cheeks in just a few minutes. This petal-powered sheet mask uses glycolic acid to pep up dull and lacklustre skin in need of some TLC – and it smells like a bouquet of pretty flowers. As soon as this fruit and vitamin-infused mask comes in contact with your skin it has a gorgeous warming effect – the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. If your face is prone to becoming shiny, this is the one for you. The clay will soak up any excess oils and reduce the appearance of visible pores. A reusable silicone mask can be placed over your favourite serums or creams to make…

Confetti cake Serves: 4 Takes: 1hr 5min-1hr 15min, plus cooling ■ 170g unsalted butter, melted and cooled ■ 400g granulated sugar ■ 210g egg whites (from 6 or 7 large eggs), at room temperature ■ 240ml milk, at room temperature ■ 120g crème fraîche or soured cream, at room temperature ■ 55g vegetable or canola oil ■ 1tbsp pure vanilla extract ■ 4tsp baking powder ■ 1tsp salt ■ 390g plain flour ■ 115g sprinkles, plus extra to decorate (optional) RASPBERRY AMERICAN BUTTERCREAM ■ 230g unsalted butter, at room temperature ■ ¼tsp salt ■ 24g freeze-dried raspberry powder, sifted ■ 1tbsp corn syrup ■ 180g icing sugar ■ 1tbsp pure vanilla extract ■ 2tbsp raspberry vodka 1 Grease and line a 23cm x 33cm baking tin with baking paper. In…

■ Using this pattern from a past copy of Yours, I had intended to make a cuddly bunny for my granddaughter, but when my best friend became a grandma for the first time, I knew it had to go to her grandson. Karen Heathcote, Burton-on-Trent ■ Here's Albert the snowman, warm as toast in his woolly hat, scarf, earmuffs, gloves and boots. Just the things to beat the chills! Doris Blackwell, Fyfield, Essex ■ After knitting several blankets, I had a great deal of wool left over. Here's my ‘Gwdihŵ’ tea cosy made from the surplus yarn. The word ‘Gwdihŵ’ is Welsh for owl, and is pronounced ‘goo dee hoo’, similar to the sound an owl makes. What a hoot! Jayne Murphy, Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taff GET IN TOUCH We…

NEWS YOU CAN USE BEWARE OF LOVE LIES If you're looking for love, be aware of potential romance scams. Romance fraud happens when the victims are tricked into sending money to callous criminals, who gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine relationship. Romance fraud can therefore be devastating emotionally as well as financially. Last year, losses from romance fraud totted up to more than £94.7 million, according to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. The average loss per person was £10,774. Watch out for anyone who doesn't want to video call or meet up in person, and reveals little about themselves. Photos may not be genuine. You can ‘reverse image search’ using a search engine to check they haven't been taken from another person's social media…

The great changeover was declared Britain's ‘D-Day’. Monday February 15, 1971 would herald a new era – one that brought Britain into line with Europe and America by using the 1:100 currency system. It had been a long time coming – debates over the decimal system had raged as far back as the 17th Century; after all, our currency system of 12 pennies to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound had its origins in Anglo Saxon times. Finally, the announcement that Britain would indeed adopt the system was made in March 1966. ‘Every man who looks at his 10 fingers saw an argument of its use, and an evidence of its practicability.’ Sir John Bowring MP A three-year education campaign, including television drama Granny Gets the Point (1971), videos,…

Bending down, Jo Gilbert began to drill a hole in the wooden fence. It was small, yet it was large enough for a hedgehog to crawl through. ‘Hedgehogs travel more than a mile each night to look for food or a mate and we need to make sure they have pathways,’ explains Jo (59), who is committed to making urban environments more friendly for hedgehogs. She first became interested in the creatures when she lived in Devon and volunteered at a wildlife rescue centre, taking in orphaned baby hedgehogs and feeding them through a syringe at home. ‘Often, their mothers had died in road accidents, been attacked by dogs or killed by people using garden equipment such as strimmers,’ says Jo. After she moved to Chiswick, she became involved in…

I recently had yet another spat with my grown-up daughter over nothing as usual. She is autistic and doesn't always compute what I say, so life can be stressful. Visiting my local shop, I treated myself to the Yours Christmas magazine and a small box of chocolates – a reward for being a patient, caring mum. Reading your stress-busting article I realised I was doing all you suggested, but there is one other thing that does help – music. I sit by myself in my conservatory and listen to my favourite music. My shoulders relax and I feel calm. My daughter was all smiles when I returned from the shop, having forgotten how rude she was, and peace was restored. Elaine Price, by email Yours says: Thank you for sharing…