Tabla de contenidos para Issue 478 en Yours Magazine

Many moons ago I ran the London Marathon and, without doubt, it was one of the best days of my life, but it really is as tough physically and mentally as it looks! On page 18, proud mum Ceri Hooper tells us about her amazing son, Lloyd, who – despite his Down’s Syndrome diagnosis – holds the Guinness World Record for the youngest person to complete a marathon in the intellectual impairment category. He has raised thousands of pounds for charity too. Lloyd, you’re a hero! Also in this issue we have an exclusive interview with gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh, who talks about his new YouTube show and reveals how his love of nature helps him stay positive. We hear from Sixties icon Twiggy, who gives us an insight into…

It was 40 years ago that Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean wowed the world with their routine to Ravel’s Bolero at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics. Their choice of music, choreography and outfits were nothing short of radical at the time, but the gamble paid off – they scored perfect sixes from the judges for artistic impression, something that has never been achieved before or since in ice skating. Watched by a British television audience of more than 24 million, they wrote their names in sporting history, and captured people’s imaginations. Now, five decades since the Nottinghamshire-born pair (now aged 67 and 66 respectively) began their ice-skating careers, they’ve decided to hang up their skates for good – but not before one last hurrah. ‘We have a lot of respect for…

Roana, a mixed-breed mare believed to be the oldest horse in the UK, celebrated her 46th birthday with a healthy cake made of linseed, grass pellets and grated carrot. A horse’s life expectancy is between 25 and 30 years, but Roana has shown no signs slowing down to a trot. It’s an incredible achievement for her owner, Cerys Brown, who saddled up with the majestic nag when she was just six years old, at riding school. Cats are becoming adventurous travellers these days, no doubt taking inspiration from Mittens’ jet-setting trip down under last month (issue 475). This time, it’s Tilly, the two-year-old cat from Weybridge, who cheekily bumped the barriers to take the train into London. She travelled more than 17 miles before station staff at Waterloo alerted her…

DO-IT-ALL DENIM Hardwearing and versatile, this classic style is an essential for any wardrobe. To nip in your waist, try a flattering belted style. KHAKI TONES Shades of green continue to dominate outerwear trends for spring - consider it a neutral that’ll pair with anything and everything. SMART BOUCLE For a timeless look that is feminine and elegant, pick boucle textures, collarless necklines, and gold buttons. COSY & QUILTED The cosy lightweight layer has been designed to effortlessly transition your wardrobe into spring. Choose patchwork, florals, and waterproof fabrics to shield from April showers. RETRO SUEDETTE Suede textures are key if you want to tap into the boho or Seventies trend this season. Pair with wide-leg jeans and brown accessories for a luxe look for less.…

COOK’S TIP If you like a touch more heat, leave the chilli seeds in, or if you fancy an extra fiery satay dish, try a deseeded Scotch Bonnet chilli. Spicy satay chicken Cost per serving £2.35 Serves: 4 Takes: 55min-1hr 5min ■ 2tbsp vegetable oil ■ 8 chicken thigh fillets ■ 2 onions, roughly chopped ■ 1 chilli deseeded and thinly sliced (see Tip) ■ 3cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated ■ 450g fresh vine or plum tomatoes, roughly chopped ■ 300g peanut butter ■ 100g spinach 1 Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pan over a high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, for 5-8min until golden all over. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. 2 Reduce the heat to low-medium, add…

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 Supermarkets use all kinds of sneaky tricks to extract more pounds from our pockets. From the store layout, packaging and labelling to the music and smells, they are designed to encourage us to spend. With one-in-three British households forced to cut back on food due to soaring prices, according to food research company Tastewise, it pays to wise up. Here are some of the spending traps to dodge. Use a basket Trolleys have become larger, as supermarkets know people…

Pat, 76, from East Yorkshire, has a wicked sense of humour and likes reading, painting and watching TV. She is hoping to find a gentleman who likes a laugh, meals out and lots of cuddles. APR2-101 Mrs B, 80s, is a widower from Prestatyn. She would like to meet a smart, caring gentleman for friendship, outings, morning coffee and meals out. Driver preferred. APR2-102 Lonely Trisha, from Crewe, is new to the area and is looking for local male/female friends. She is in her 80s but is fit and active. She enjoys gardening, reading, countryside and history. Non-driver. APR2-103 August, 70, from Nottingham, would like to meet a non-smoking lady who likes to share her time with someone new as well as being independent. He enjoys short walks, reading and…

✪ I’m a fit, active 80-year-old and recently visited a high-street chain store to buy a pair of jeans. There the assistant told me, ‘People of your age don’t wear jeans; they’re for younger people, so I can’t help you.’ I quickly reminded her that Mary Berry, who’s 10 years older than me, wears jeans and looks wonderful in them. I left and went to a less prestigious chain store where the assistant smiled and said, ’I know exactly what you’re looking for.’ She handed me a pair that fitted like a glove and took them to the counter herself. I know where I’ll be shopping in future! Adrienne Cullen, Co Wicklow, Ireland Yours says: Dress to please yourself, nobody else. ◆ Our star letter will receive a stunning Lush…

£1,299 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! WIN A LUXURY ECO FAMILY TENT BUNDLE FROM OUTDOOR WORLD DIRECT! WORTH £799 We’ve partnered with Outdoor World Direct to give away a luxury family tent bundle, with eco credentials, to one lucky winner. The Vango Rome II Air 550XL five-berth tent package is ideal for family camping trips. It has a bedroom, living space and porch and is full standing height, so is perfect for spending quality time together. There’s also a handy built-in side annexe that can be used as a storage area so you can make the most of the living space. The design of the tent makes it incredibly easy and quick to pitch in as little as 10 minutes, so you and your family can spend more time exploring…

SAVE THE DATE This year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from 18 July to 10 August. Nature lovers are asked to spend 15 minutes counting butterflies during the 16th annual citizen science programme organised by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation. The results help track trends and inform conservation action to halt declining numbers. For more information visit bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app. Hope from the HEART TV presenter Sarah Beeny, 53, who had breast cancer in 2022 and lost both her mum and step-mum to the disease, is now urging others to get checked. ‘I didn’t die because of the research that’s happened since my mother died. If you think you’ve got something wrong, go to the doctor because many cancers now are curable,’ she says.…

Having shot to fame at the age of just 16, Twiggy, who was made a Dame in 2019, could be forgiven for being something of a diva after 60 years in the entertainment industry. In reality, though, the 75-year-old was friendly and warm as she chatted at the premiere of Twiggy, a new documentary about her life. ‘Personal things are hard to talk about’ And that down-to-earth attitude she says, is a credit to her family and her upbringing. ‘My life is my family at home. I love to cook, to sew, I love being with my family, my husband, my kids, my grandchildren, and just living my life,’ she explains. ‘My job is my job and I love what I do, but at the end of the day I…

Wild animals enjoy playtime just as much as our pets. Dutch scientists discovered this when they left a hamster wheel in a garden and installed a camera to film how animals responded. The charming result was that all sorts of animals, including mice, shrews, slugs and frogs, enthusiastically jumped, ran and explored the wheel’s surface for prolonged periods of time. It’s all for fun and fun for all.…

Glancing outside the window, I spotted a figure bouncing up and down on the trampoline. It was a grey, drizzly day but my 19-year-old son, Lloyd, never let the weather stop him. In fact, he didn’t let anything get in his way. Lloyd was born n 2004 and diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. Doctors warned he’d be floppy, lethargic and have no muscle tone, but he was the opposite. Quickly learning to walk and crawl, Lloyd was always on the go. And as he grew, so did his active spirit. I approached various sports clubs, but they wouldn’t let parents stay. Lloyd needed extra supervision so, frustratingly, he wasn’t allowed to participate like the other kids. I became used to doors being closed to us, until I discovered a list of…

REDUCE FRIZZ We are big fans of this in-shower treatment, which visibly smooths hair after just one use. It’s powered by glycolic acid that seals the hair cuticle, creating a barrier to block out frizz. It protects against humidity, too. DEEP CLEAN You might know salicylic acid as a blemish-busting ingredient, but it’s also amazing at exfoliating your scalp. This treatment is great for removing dead skin cells and balancing oil production. BOOST GROWTH If you’re looking to reduce hair loss and encourage new growth, this high-performance scalp serum uses a potent blend of niacinamide, aminexil and ginger extract to strengthen strands at the root. RESTORE FRESHNESS A dry shampoo is an essential product in our routine for revitalising greasy hair in between washes. This one also features ceramides, which…

Made from recycled fabric, this classic Roman blind will suite any room in the home Cook care free with PFSA-free non-stick pans that are better for the environment and our health…

■ My niece’s little girl loves the Stick Man book and went to see the movie with a friend. To mark the occasion for them, I created a stick man and his family from a pattern I made myself. Jennie Cameron, via email ■ I’m 91 and like to keep my fingers active by crocheting. Here are some blankets I donated to my local church and grandson’s scout group as raffle prizes. Barbara Ball, via email ■ During lockdown, my friend moaned that she couldn’t meet any nice men. So I made her a toy boy! Rosemarie Webster, Windsor GET IN TOUCH We love to see your makes. Please share your creations with us using the contact details on page 3.…

NEWS YOU CAN USE BETTER LUCK WITH PREMIUM BONDS With the Premium Bond prize fund shrinking from 4% to 3.8% of the total amount invested this month, here’s how to maximise your chances of winning by buying bigger holdings. Instead of paying interest, Premium Bonds from National Savings & Investments (NS&I) dole out tax-free cash prizes every month, ranging from £25 up to two £1 million jackpots. The odds of any £1 bond winning a prize are 22,000 to one. Tiny balances rarely win – if you have £100 in Premium Bonds, the probability of winning at least one prize per month is just 0.45% according to calculations by financial data analysts Play Casino. If you can afford it, larger holdings significantly improve your odds of winning. For example, with…

WARREN BEATTY AND SHIRLEY MACLAINE Born three years apart, the pair developed a love of acting from their drama teacher mother. Although they are supportive of one another’s Oscar-winning careers, they’ve never worked on a project together. For a time they weren’t on speaking terms because MacLaine found her brother to be dismissive of her belief in past lives, while he felt she was critical of his romantic decisions, but they are closer and more tolerant of one another now. DID YOU KNOW? Jane Fonda had a difficult relationship with her father. However, through starring together in On Golden Pond (1981), in which Henry played a man rebuilding relations with his estranged daughter, Jane was able to resolve many of her issues with him. JANE AND PETER FONDA Growing up…

There are only two actors who appear in each and every one of the first magnificent seven Carry On films. One is series legend Kenneth Connor. The other is Cyril Chamberlain. From the opening comedy classic, Carry On Sergeant (1958), Chamberlain proved his mettle as a dependable character actor. He is the belligerent Army officer who instructs the hapless squaddies on the workings and ensemble of a Bren gun. The joke is that love-sick Bob Monkhouse, mooning out of the window at his new bride Shirley Eaton, is challenged by Chamberlain… only to effortlessly put the weapon back together again, having worked in the factory that makes them! The bitter-sweet conceit, disbelief, and relief that washes across Chamberlain’s face is beautiful. A master of the slow burn. His emotions ebb…

What you’re reading…. The Famous by Rachel Lynch (Canelo, £9.99) ‘Smart, fast paced and powerful,’ says Tina Janson. In the world of morning TV, no one is as famous as Gloria White. But when the station owner dies, his son Oliver, Gloria’s ex-husband, takes over. She starts receiving letters from someone who knows their secrets – and they’re after revenge. Junction of Earth and Sky By Susan Buttenwieser (Bonnier, £9.99) ‘Captivating and heart-breaking,’ says Silvia Graham. Spanning six decades, from wartime England to Nineties America, this is the story of the enduring bond of grandmother and granddaughter, plagued by the past but determined to find their place in the world against all odds. The New Neighbours by Claire Douglas (Penguin, £16.99) ‘A tense page turner with a twist you won’t…

£10 cheque for every letter published Price of progress ◆ Clearing out our cellar I found a file of letters from companies in the Fifties and Sixties. What struck me was the beautiful embossed and colourful letter headings. They really took a pride in their correspondence. The grammar was perfect, unlike today’s emails using predictive text. That’s the price we pay for progress. Doris Grimsley, Abbey Wood, London Whoops! ◆ My first job was as a junior typist in a large confectionery firm. On arrival, I was greeted by a stony-faced manager who took me to meet the directors and senior secretary. He introduced me to a tall, slim, beautiful lady, saying, ‘This is our top lady and she has two dogs. She’s very fond of dogs.’ Very nervous, I…

£1,499 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! Wordsearch We hope you sail through this search featuring rivers of Great Britain. ANSWERS ON PAGE 95 ARUN AVON CLYDE COLNE CONWY DERWENT EDEN GREAT OUSE IRWELL ITCHEN MEDWAY MERSEY MISBOURNE NENE PARRETT RIBBLE SEVERN SPEY STOUR SWALE TAFF TAMAR TEES TEST THAMES TOWY TRENT TWEED TYNE WENSUM 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 95. Closing date for entries is 5 May 2025. More prizes to win at yours.co.uk WIN £50! TWO £50 PRIZES Prize crossword For this puzzle we’ve provided two sets of clues, each giving the same answers. One set of clues is cryptic, one is quick. It’s…

Dance Ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean melt hearts for the final time before retirement, just over 40 years after their Bolero scored perfect 6.0s for artistic impression from every judge at the 1984 Winter Olympics and secured the gold medal. The arena spectacular showcases routines from their career on four blades and tours the UK in April and May, culminating in two newly announced July dates in Nottingham. Torvill & Dean, Our Last Dance: 50th Anniversary Tour, torvillanddean.com. See our chat with the pair on page 14. Cinema The Full Monty’s Oscar-nominated director, Peter Cattaneo, trades mid1990s Sheffield for 1970s Argentina in The Penguin Lessons. The film tugs heartstrings with the true story of a British teacher on foreign soil, who rescues an orphaned, oil-coated penguin on a…

If it’s your birthday this fortnight… From 20 April, you are born under Taurus the placid Bull, who rarely wastes energy by running when an amble will do, but when roused can stun everyone with stamina. Don’t mess with a Taurus! You love comfort and harmony, and can cling tight to old habits, but once you decide to make a move, you’re committed. ■ Famous Taureans celebrating this fortnight include Barbra Streisand, Darcey Bussell and Gaby Logan (pictured). SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV-20 DEC Women seem more prominent than usual as Venus just stationed, highlighting home and family. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705708 CAPRICORN 21 DEC-20 JAN This feels like a decisive time, when commitments could be made to plans that involve branching out. ■ For a weekly update…

Tinker is a very cute and tenacious Jack Russell cross. He is so full of character and loves playing with tennis balls around our home. His favourite foods are anything we’re having! Rachel Toy, Leighton Buzzard Celebrating his first birthday, our much-loved Cavapoo Jasper cannot wait to get stuck in to his cake! Sylvia Thompson, Dinas Powys Our five-year-old poodle and newly rescued Bearded Dragon are inseparable! They love being together and hate to be apart, from sleeping next to each other to sharing kibble from the dog bowl. Hayley Tyas, by email 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…

Scrolling through the job adverts, I stopped in my tracks. I’d set up a consultancy to help people find their dream job, but now I realised I was staring at mine. ‘We are looking for a Conservation Manager for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust,’ the advert read. It had my name written all over it and, in an instant, I knew it was the job for me. A life-long insect and plant lover, I never imagined I’d get to work with these amazing bugs at the age of 52. I’d trained as an ecologist decades earlier but had spent many years as a political lobbyist for small businesses. I’d then spent several years as a careers coach, which had led me to the advert. I was over the moon when I…

COOK’S TIP When lining the baking tin or dish, extend the paper at the long sides – this will help ease the quiche out of the dish and act like handles! Baby spinach & ricotta quiche Serves: 8 Takes: 1hr, plus standing Cost per serving 75p ■ Butter, for greasing ■ 500g pkt ready-made shortcrust pastry ■ Flour, for dusting ■ 2tbsp vegetable oil ■ 250g baby spinach ■ 1 onion, finely chopped ■ 2 garlic cloves, crushed ■ 50g feta, crumbled ■ 400g ricotta ■ Salt and freshly ground black pepper ■ 6 eggs ■ 2tbsp freshly chopped mint 1 Grease and line a 26cm × 16cm roasting tin or baking dish with baking paper (see Tip). Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to a rectangle slightly larger…

Dear readers, Anyone of my vintage will agree our most vivid memory of children’s TV is waiting. For vast swathes of our lives there was nothing to watch apart from that infuriating test card featuring a young girl with a piece of chalk in her hand, a blackboard featuring half a game of noughts and crosses and an evil-looking clown doll. The rain poured down outside. You’d played with your Tiny Tears doll. You’d leafed through the pictures in your parents’ wedding photo album, picked a fight with your sister, had a bash at Snap and Snakes and Ladders, you’d switch on the TV set in despair, and that infuriating girl was still sitting stock, waiting to beat the horrible clown doll hollow at imaginary noughts and crosses. Television in…