Table of contents for 19 October 2023 in Chat

Dee (p10) was head over heels for her fella Dennis when her best mate Amy caught her eye. And she didn't want to choose between them… so she didn't! Janet (p23) is also sharing her man, but not quite in the same way. After a big lottery win, she's indulging lucky Mick with his biggest passion. Pigeons! It really does take all sorts. Have a great week, PS If you're entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Geicy, 37, London I watched the steam rise from the coffee machine, pouring the next drink. Handing it over to the customer, I went to the other side of the kiosk and sat down. Finally, time for a break. It was October 2020 and I was working as a barista in a London cafe. Work was busy but I was happy, loved people watching on my breaks. Clocking a girl walking in with a lip piercing, I smiled. I'd had one years ago, but let it close up. Maybe it's time to get it re-done, I thought. By now, I'd had ten tattoos, mostly skulls. I had a real fascination with them. Harmless fun, really. Later, my friend suggested a good place to go for my re-piercing. DW Piercings and…

Don't bug out I hate finding spiders in my house. When I found out they don't like citronella, I cut up some citronella wax melts to place in cupboards, doorways and corners to deter them. Stacey Greenwood Bullock, Wakefield, West Yorkshire What a scoop By cutting off the top of my shaving gel, I can easily scoop out the remaining contents. Luke Ithurralde, Darlington, County Durham Keeping cool When I'm suffering with perimenopause symptoms like hot flushes and dull skin, I keep vitamin C wipes and facial spray in the fridge for a quick refresh and cool down. Sharon Carey, Runcorn, Cheshire Scraped together When my husband's scraping tool broke, he quickly made a new one using the old handle and a piece of leftover fascia board. Money saved, and…

Win! €1,01 cash! WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What do actors Demi Moore and Dwayne Johnson have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the threeword prize answer. ACROSS 1 Country in the Himalayas (5) 4 Conceal (4) 6 Cutting tool (8) 13 Playwright, _ Shakespeare (7) 14 Portable computers (7) 15 Strong winds (5) 16 On a single occasion (4) 17 Intelligent (6) 18 Sewing utensil (6) 20 Leap in the air (4) 21 Coil or spin (5) 22 Whole and undamaged (6) 25 Good-looking (8) 28 Holy building (6) 30 Frequently (5) 32 Suddenly (8) 34 Ditch (6) 35 Period before Easter (4) 38 Concurred (6) 39 Correct (5) 40 Rabbit home (6) 43 Eating plan (4) 44 Larger (6) 45 One-wheeled bike (8) 48 Spanish red wine (5) 49 Small yellow songbird (6) 51 Breakfast food (8) 54 Prickly plant (6) 55 Soft toffee (5) 56 Part of…

What can she eat? Q My friend has just developed diabetes and has to be careful what she eats. Which foods are best? Amanda, York A The old days of ‘one size fits all' diets for diabetes have gone. Everyone is different and the best diet for an individual depends on their food likes and dislikes, besides their type of diabetes and whether in their case it's also important to lose weight, reduce cholesterol or lower blood pressure. That's why it's best to see a dietician who can work out a personalised eating plan. Most diabetics aim for a low fat, low sugar, high fibre diet with sugary or fatty food just as an occasional treat. With type 2 diabetes, the most common form, it's important to lose weight if you're…

Janet Frost, 76, Sheffield I was standing in the kitchen making a cup of tea in February 2023 when our landline rang. My husband Mick, then 79, picked it up. ‘It's the Postcode Lottery for you love,' he said. ‘Wonder what they want?' he added with a puzzled frown as he passed over the phone. I'd been secretly entering the prize draw for the past two years – hoping I could surprise Mick if I ever won. Still, I'd never got a call from them before. ‘Hello?' I said, taking the receiver. ‘Janet, we're delighted to let you know that you're this week's winner,' the woman on the other end said. I gripped on to the dining table to steady myself. ‘You're joking?' I said. But I'd really won. They…

WIN £100 Puzzle 14 The Eurovision Song Contest was inspired by a music festival held in which city since 1951? 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 What was the name of the first Blue Peter cat, a Siamese, who first appeared in 1964? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles. 3 letters DUD DUE ERA JOT OUT RUE RUN RUT SUE SUN 4 letters AJAR TIDE TORC UNDO URGE USED YURT 5 letters JETTY SONAR STONE 6 letters JEERED JESTER JOSTLE TENDON TOUCAN TUNDRA 8 letters DIRECTED WIN £100 Puzzle 15 Your answer:…

NO-FUSS FOOD Pork burger with sweet potato fries Homemade burgers are easy – and taste better than shop-bought! SERVES 4 PREP 20 MINS COOK 35 MINS ● 600g sweet potato, cut into chips ● 2tbsp olive oil ● 500g minced pork ● 1 onion, grated ● 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce ● 4 white baps, cut in half ● 4tbsp mayonnaise ● 45g watercress, or other salad leaves ● 4 baby beetroots, cut into wedges 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. Arrange the chips on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and cook for 15 mins. 2 Put the mince in a medium-sized bowl, season and add the onion and Worcestershire sauce. Mix together to thoroughly combine. 3 Line another baking tray with a sheet of oiled foil. Divide the pork mixture into…

Q I'm looking for a new mascara. Are there any good options under £10? Sheila Bourne, Glasgow A Having tried a lot of designer buys, we still find that the most effective mascaras are from the high street. Case in point, Maybelline – they have options for every lash look, whether you're looking for curling, lengthening or mega-volume. Their best buy under £10 is Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, £9.99, Superdrug – the curved brush helps fan out the lashes, and curls without the faff of lash curlers. It's available in a waterproof formula, and in different tones of brown and black. If you have short lashes, we'd recommend Lottie Superfake Mascara, £7.95, lottie.london. It has a slim wand, which means you can get really close to the lash line to…

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Patricia Bailey, 79, Ashford Holding hands with my sister, Margaret as we took a bow, I was thrilled with the applause. All for us, I thought. The Taylor Twins. It was 1960 and me and Margaret, then 16, had just appeared on Top Town, a talent competition that travelled around the UK. It'd been televised on the BBC as we performed together, playing the guitar and singing Tutti Frutti by Little Richard. And we'd only gone and won! Music ran in our blood, though. Our mum, Annie, then 52, was a self-taught pianist. And our dad, Fred, then 53, played the ukulele, adored classical music. Our elder brothers, Peter, then 25, and Brian, 21, were just as gifted. Peter had a gorgeous singing voice, and was a brilliant yodeler. While…

The Bleriot Memorial, consisting of a stone outline of a plane, can be found in which British town? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the prize puzzle answer. ACROSS 1 Gave out cards (5) 4 The night before (3) 6 Shop selling speciality foods (4) 7 Hearing organ (3) DOWN 1 Actions (5) 2 Someone Like You singer (5) 3 End of a sock (3) 5 By way of (3) WIN 4 x £20 Puzzle 13 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Risk it all for a fling? Q I've been with my boyfriend for three years and things have always been great, but I've been questioning my sexuality lately. On a recent night out, things got rather intense and passionate with a woman. She says she's happy with her boyfriend, but I feel connected to her. Kirsty, 38 A How do you feel about cheating on youe partner? Because that's what you've done, flower, regardless of the gender of the other person. It's normal to question your sexuality and it might change over time. It's not deceitful to have those thoughts – but sleeping with someone else is. If this is something you do want to explore, make sure you're single when you do it. Do the decent thing and be…

Go green, save cash ‘If you have leftover wine in a bottle that you're not going to drink, freeze it in a jam jar, then pull it out whenever you're making a stew or gravy to avoid waste' says Tessa Clarke from sharing app Olio (olioex.com). 3 ways to… protect against identity theft Here's what to do to stay safe from fraudsters. 1 Look for red flags There are signs to look out for that may mean you are, or may become, a victim of identity theft, such as if mail from your bank doesn't arrive or you're refused a credit card, despite having a good credit rating. Find more info at the Information Commissioner's Office's identity theft guide via ico.org.uk. 2 Don't be duped To cut the risk of falling victim, watch out…

Rebecca Sheriff, abuse claims lawyer at Bolt Burdon Kemp, offers tips for keeping children safe online: • Talk to your child about the risks of speaking to people online, particularly in chat rooms. • Talk to them about the risks that people may not be who they say they are. • Encourage your child to speak to you about anything that happens (online and in real life) that might make them feel uncomfortable. • If you find out that your child has experienced abuse, it can be a very difficult thing to come to terms with. Try to remain calm when talking to your child to understand what has happened. • Reach out and get support from the police, charities such as the NSPCC, Childline and Childnet, as well as…

Makeup Revolution Reloaded Dimension Eyeshadow Palette, £4.99, revolutionbeauty.com Buying a new eyeshadow palette is a great way of refreshing your make-up repertoire. You can create endless colour combinations, and you'll know that the shades already work together, so it takes out the guess work. This affordable pick is brilliant, including 10 wearable shades – that's just 50p a colour. Lacura Wonder Oil, £2.99, Aldi We love a multitasking buy, and this clever oil has endless uses. It can be used as a nourishing face oil and will also smooth frazzled hair – we'd advise just applying to your ends and midlengths. Our favourite use is as a soothing body oil, bringing instant radiance to tired, dry limbs. It's a great quick fix if you have to unexpectedly get your legs…

Jemma Bachelor, 36, from Southsea How do you treat yourself? My fave way to treat myself is by buying secondhand books. There's nothing better than coming home, putting Smooth Radio on and spending hours curled up on the sofa reading. Growing up, who was your celeb crush? I know he's animated, but I did love Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid. I adored his black floppy hair, and wanted him to sweep me off my feet like a Disney princess! Where's the last place you visited? Recently, I took a trip to Chichester Cinema at New Park to watch the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. And yes, I discovered Prince Eric is STILL my crush! Takeaways or home cooking? I much prefer to cook myself rather than get something…

The Guinness World Record for the longest example of what apparatus is held by Jim Bolin, who built a 25m long one in 2019? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer's in. We've put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 On the floor above 3 Deer type • Piece of schoolwork 5 Knot, swelling • Vend 7 Grinding tooth • Donkey 9 Insincere, hypocritical (3-5) Your answer:…

SKIRTS STYLE TIP Busy prints work best when worn with a block colour, so keep things simple up top. Try a fitted cardi or lightweight knit. BLOUSES STYLE TIP Are you always looking for jeans and a nice top combo? We've got your perfect pairing covered with these gorgeous blouses. BAGS STYLE TIP Accessories are a great way to dip your toe into a trend and can also be a very cost-effective way of updating your wardrobe. MIDI DRESSES STYLE TIP Team this versatile style with a pair of chunky biker boots or a classic pair of court shoes for a smarter, evening look. FROM £15…

I didn't know I was in danger Poppy Gibson, 35, Benfleet S tanding at the kitchen window, a pain shot across my left side. ‘You all right?' my husband Richard, then 27, asked. True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK It was September 2014, I was 34 weeks pregnant with our second child. Worried, Richard took me to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, where an X-ray showed a shadow. ‘It's a slight compression on your lung,' the doctor said, explaining it'd likely clear up on its own. I went home feeling reassured, but I started struggling to breathe. By now I was 36 weeks pregnant and doctors thought I had pneumonia. ‘We'll induce the baby so we can begin treatment,' one doctor explained. Hours later I gave birth to Griffin. A perfect brother for Otto, then…

1 Honey for wounds Heard the rumour that honey can help soothe cuts and grazes? Well, it's true! ‘But don't just use the honey in your cupboard,' says GP Dr Sarah Brewer. ‘You need a sterile, medicinal honey designed for wound healing, which you can buy in tubes from pharmacies.' 2 Warm milk for sleep There's truth behind this classic insomnia cure – plus, it's not just something to help kids sleep. ‘The calcium in milk helps the brain produce a sleeptriggering hormone called melatonin,' says nutritional therapist Nat Hawes. ‘Try warm milk mixed with 1tsp organic raw cacao (of at least 85%), ¼tsp of nutmeg, and 1tsp of honey, to aid restful sleep.' 3 Chicken soup for a cold Got the sniffles? ‘Homemade chicken soup not only helps the…

You snooze, you win! When the clocks go back at the end of October, we all get an extra hour in bed. And according to a recent study, the number of fatal heart attacks drops by 20% after the autumn time change, and that's partly down to that extra shut-eye. So turn off that alarm clock on 29 October, and enjoy a lie-in. Unless you have little kids, of course… Fatten up On average, we gain around 2-4lb for winter, starting in autumn, probably with those pumpkin spiced lattes! But as the temperature plummets, it's only natural that our appetite increases. Scientists say it's an age-old survival mechanism to stock up on fatty foods while we can, to ensure we have enough fat stores when hunting is harder in the…

TRUE-LIFE Watching my baby son sleeping, through the incubator glass, my heart ached with love. ‘Morning, little one,' I whispered to him. It was June 2017, two weeks after I'd given birth to Jacob. He'd been premature, born at just 23 weeks, weighing only 1lb. To start with, he was given 0% chance of survival. ‘Jacob may not make it through winter,' his doctor had told me and his dad Jack, then 20. ‘And if he does, he may never walk or talk.' I had hope though, just thankful Jacob had survived this far. Slowly, he got stronger, and at 5 months old Jacob was discharged from hospital. He needed an oxygen tank, so me and Jack learnt how to clean his nasal tube. Back home, I loved watching Jacob…

When Helena discovered, aged 14, that she had a rare condition that would eventually stop her from walking, she was devastated. wa CharcotMarie-Tooth disease causes damage to the nerves and is progressive, meaning the condition gets worse with time. ‘My feet don't listen to what my brain is telling me to do,' she explains. It meant she struggled to stand without falling over and eventually had to use a wheelchair to get around. ‘When you first lose your ability to walk, or do things as you were, there is a grieving period. You've lost who you were before, or part of your body,' she explains. Helena says she didn't know anyone else with the condition when she was first diagnosed, and felt alone for a long time. She struggled to…

TRUE-LIFE Strolling along the silky-soft white sand and hearing the sea break gently on the shore, I squeezed my partner Daniel's hand. Suddenly, he dropped to one knee and took out a ring. ‘Will you marry me?' he asked, looking into my eyes. ‘Of course,' I stammered, gazing down as he slid a solitaire onto my finger. We were on holiday in Mexico in March 2020 and, despite being together nearly five years, we'd never talked about marriage. I'd never been married before, but did have a daughter Ella, then 19, from a previous relationship. We were perfectly happy as we were – or so I'd thought! But now Daniel had proposed, I was really chuffed. Even when lockdown was announced days later and we jumped on the last flight…

13-19 October 2023 Aries 21 March-20 April You are fully in your power right now! With the North Node in your sign, you can assert your will in a way that benefits others as well as yourself. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May This is an excellent time to discover new spiritual gifts. Join a meditation class or a development group to help you become more aware of your natural talents. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Finding ways to slow your mind is important. Spend time alone in nature, considering your options. This will help you to gain a new perspective. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July It may be time for a big…

Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Expert Targeted Wrinkle Filler Serum, £15, Sainsbury's This peptideinfused formula will instantly plump up skin for a smoother, bouncier complexion. It can be used on your whole face, but it works especially well around eyes, lips and frown lines. John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Deep Conditioner Hair Mask, £7.99, Boots Bring damaged, frazzled hair back from the brink with this deep-conditioning treatment. Use once a week in place of your conditioner. Mitchum Powder Fresh Roll-On Deodorant, £2.99, Superdrug Fuss-free and effective, this affordable buy is one of the beauty team's favourite deodorants. It's brilliantly effective, and keeps you sweat-free, no matter how busy your day is. Max Factor Miracle Pure Vitamin C Skin-Illuminating Serum, £15.99, lookfantastic.com This serum blends vitamin C and niacinamide to soothe and…

BEHIND THE BIG CRIME TRUE-LIFE It was just getting dark on 14 May 2010 when David Neal Cox, armed with a handgun, approached a family home with plans of violent revenge. He'd just got out of prison, after serving nine months for offences including rape and child abuse. The victim was stepdaughter Lindsey, who he'd raised since she was 2. There was a restraining order – but David was angry. His estranged wife Kim, 40, had been the one who'd reported him to police when Lindsey, her daughter, had finally confided in her. Now, David had enough ammunition to wipe out not just Kim, but her dad Benny, stepmum Melody, and sister Kristie. He forced his way inside Kristie's home, in Sherman, Mississippi, where Kim and her kids were staying. Benny…

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. INTERNET Join our Chat…

Anyone from your town in the list this week..? Chat winners issue 29 (20 July 2023) £1,001 CASH H Eade, Lowestoft £500 CASH J Cleverley, Glossop T Hawker, Somerset £250 CASH S Freeman, Kettering A Haynes, Birkenhead £200 CASH P Johnson, Barnsley £100 CASH J Simpson, Bridlington E Templey, Ipswich D Wareing, Milton Keynes £75 CASH C Bigger, Wigston £50 CASH M Jamieson, Kilwinning K Dawson-Brown, Southampton T Smith, Fowey D Trott, Romford P Beatson, Ashbourne N Barnett, Esher £40 CASH A Delaney, Thornton Heath £30 CASH S Pimbley, St Neots J Dixon, Carlisle £25 CASH I Davidson, Billericay S Dell, Southampton £20 CASH A Wakeham, Sutton P Lee, Chesham B Simpson, Welwyn Garden City S Smith, Sunderland J Hussain, Great Yarmouth K Stump, London W Leam, Ripley B Gola,…

Dear June, As I watched you take your spot at the corner of my dance class in 2013, you flashed me an eager grin. I'd been a dance teacher for five years, running three classes a week at the local library hall and community centre. This particular session was for ladies aged 50+. You were certainly that. At 80 you were the oldest in the class. Not that you'd have guessed when that salsa music started up. You more than kept up with everyone else. ‘You're a natural,' I told you after. Full of more life and energy than the rest of us put together. We were soon chatting before and after class like old pals. I loved learning all about your life. You were a mum, a grandmother, a…