Table of contents for 4 September 2025 in Chat

One of the things that makes me feel old is music – I just can’t keep up with who’s popular! Looking at the Top 40, I can’t recognise a name, let alone hum a tune. So I loved reading about adorable McCartney, the 4-year-old Beatles fan who met his musical hero, Paul (p58). It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who prefers tunes from yesteryear! Talking of getting on a bit, Chat is celebrating a big birthday soon and we need your help. Find the details on p4. Have a great week,…

Suzi Saunders, 43, Kesgrave, Suffolk Helping to blow out a single candle on a supermarket sponge cake, I made a wish. It was my daughter Myonie’s first birthday, in March 2010, but I was the one with a dream. ‘Next year, I’ll make you a cake myself,’ I promised. As a fan of The Great British Bake Off, I loved seeing the intricate designs. Not like the sad-looking sponge I’d just pulled out of a box for Myonie. Inspired, I imagined making her a toadstool-shaped cake, like a fairy house. So the following year, I gave it a whirl – and unlocked a hidden talent! After a couple of hours up to my elbows in flour, eggs and icing sugar, I was impressed. ‘It looks great,’ my husband Matt, then…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What do actors Clive Owen and Amanda Seyfried have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 1 Unit of volume (5) 4 Female spouse (4) 6 Suggested (8) 13 Riding a bike (7) 14 Gets to (7) 15 Piece of cloth worn around the shoulders (5) 16 Lots (4) 17 Having a meal (6) 18 Greek goddess of wisdom (6) 20 Mark as correct (4) 21 Does not have (5) 22 Capital of Cuba (6) 25 Speed (8) 28 Song by David Bowie (6) 30 Chuckle (5) 32 Very bad (8) 34 Favour (6) 35 Facial feature (4) 38 Say again (6) 39 Gin mixer (5) 40 Cooking instructions (6) 43 Vanished (4) 44 Riches (6) 45 Nail care routine (8) 48 Lift up, elevate (5) 49 Paper handkerchief (6) 51 Gravely (8) 54 Superior (6) 55 Matt _, Doctor Who…

To jab or not to jab? Q I’ve been offered a Covid-19 vaccination because I’m over 75. Is it really necessary? I thought we were over it. Beth, Whitstable A Covid-19 isn’t just a winter illness and we shouldn’t be fooled by the nice weather into thinking it’s no longer a threat. The virus can still be dangerous for those at risk, especially older people and those with weak immune systems. Immunity from previous infections or vaccines can fade over time, so it’s important to boost your protection. You don’t have to wait for an invitation – you can book your appointment on the NHS website, via the NHS App or by calling 119. The Covid-19 vaccine is essential for protecting vulnerable people, and you can get your jab for free…

When Sarah and James met, they only had eyes for each other. ‘James and I have been together since high school,’ Sarah explains. Typical childhood sweethearts, they thought they’d be together forever. And eight years later, they’re still going strong. So much so, James has no intention of looking at another woman. In fact, the very idea is enough to get Sarah mad. ‘I’m a jealous person,’ she admits. When the young couple were looking to move in together, they needed a lodger to help pay the bills. They settled on a local man, Hunter. He moved in and, quickly, Sarah and Hunter, who is gay, became best friends. James became friendly with him too, and the three of them enjoyed dancing and cooking. ‘We got pretty close,’ Sarah says.…

Laura Coleman-Day, 34, Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire As I sifted through the racks of white and ivory gowns, my sister Emma called me over. ‘Look at this one,’ she smiled. Seeing the ivory satin A-line wedding dress, with its bead and lace bodice, I took a sudden intake of breath. ‘This is it!’ I beamed. Trying it on, I couldn’t hold back the tears. ‘You look beautiful,’ my mum Nicky said, when I stepped out to show her. I felt it. In fact, I didn’t want to take it off until the day I finally walked down the aisle to my fiancé Xander, then 31. It was August 2018, and we’d not long been engaged. We’d met on a dating app in 2015, and hit it off. Xander was in…

Aries 21 March-20 April With Saturn currently moving backwards through your sign, it’s the perfect time for you to re-evaluate what’s most important to you. Ponder new plans with care. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Remember your power and worth when facing difficult situations this week. You have what it takes to handle these challenges with grace and ease. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June You’re always insightful about other people’s problems. You may well be called on as a listening ear and the advice you give will be invaluable to them. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July If you’ve been feeling out of sorts, make time to enjoy a bath or walk by…

Q My hair is so frizzy – what can I do to get it looking sleek again? Hannah Smith, Newport A Frizz is a common complaint at the end of the summer. Months of sunshine, chlorine and salt water can dehydrate our hair, leaving it dry, frazzled and fluffy. Frizz is actually caused by hair reaching into the atmosphere in search of moisture, so it needs to have plenty of its own moisture to stop that from happening. To rehydrate your strands and get your shine back, try to hydrate at every part of your routine. Choose a gentle, repairing shampoo like Noughty Let’s Bond Bond Repair Shampoo, £11.99, Boots, that isn’t harsh or stripping and swap your normal conditioner for an intense mask as an extra nourishing treat. We…

When Melissa Wilband found out she was pregnant in early 2019, she and her boyfriend Jack were on a break. But she saw it as an opportunity to repair their relationship, so she told Jack he was going to be a dad. Presenting him with the results of a paternity test, she said he was 100% likely to be the baby’s father. After that, the couple got back together. On 30 November 2019, Melissa gave birth to a baby girl called Lexi. But following Lexi’s arrival, a DNA test revealed that Jack wasn’t biologically related to the baby after all. Jack was heartbroken. He’d really wanted to be Lexi’s dad. So brushing the hurt and betrayal aside, he stayed with Melissa. He promised to bring Lexi up as his own.…

Chat winners issue 23 (5 June 2025) £1,001 CASH A Smith, Fleetwood £500 CASH J Cody, Vale of Glamorgan M Goodhew, Chard £250 CASH SF Alderson, Manchester K Mills, Leicester £200 CASH S Haskett, Thornton-Cleveleys £100 CASH D Brown, Malmesbury I Cooper, Bolton C Robinson, Alderley Edge £75 CASH C Lobban, Aberdeen £50 CASH G Robson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne M Jones, Weston-super-Mare E Jarret, Rochdale S Lawton, Teddington M Parkin, Doncaster T Attridge, Norwich £40 CASH L Eccleston, Nuneaton £30 CASH A Leach, Deeside M Henshaw, Mossley £25 CASH S Scott, Gateshead J Taylor, Plymouth Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £20 CASH C Tiernan, Scarborough J Cooper, Thetford I Finney, Sandbach D Southworth, Gwynedd N Baker, Loughborough M Hartley, Halifax NJ Hardy, Leeds M Crawford, Kirkwall C Weston,…

In art, what term ultimately derives from the Italian for puddle? 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 2 Make oneself subject to • Lettuce 4 Snooker item • Follower of a major Indian religion 6 Billy _, R&B singer-songwriter • Not amateur 8 Exclamation of derision • Containing nothing Your answer:…

VESTS STYLE TIP An excellent transitional piece. Wear sleeveless designs alone or over other tops. POLO TOPS STYLE TIP Collared knits have a cool, retro feel and look great dressed down with denim. JUMPERS STYLE TIP Invest in light fabrics to ease into the new season; they’re perfect for layering. FROM £12.99 CARDIGANS STYLE TIP Leave a few buttons undone at the chest to create a flattering V-neckline. Chunkier knits work well worn open.…

1 Keep a diary Start noting when, what and how you drink – and how it makes you feel, says Dr Naheed Ali from Vera Clinic (veraclinic.net). ‘Notice how you sleep, wake and eat, too. Review your notebook after two weeks and look for any small wins, such as saying “no” to that second glass of prosecco. Don’t judge your slip-ups, they’ll help you work out your triggers.’ 2 Switch social plans Try meeting friends for a coffee and walk or a yoga class instead of a glass of wine, says registered nutritionist Jenna Hope*. ‘When you do go out, lean in to mocktails and alcohol-free spirits. A non-alcoholic G&T can be just as enjoyable as the real thing.’ 3 Plan alcohol-free days Set a realistic target and mark days on…

False witness Music blared at a house party in January 1975 as Sherese Watson, 14, chatted to Keith Bush, then 17. It should have been a fun night. But after leaving the party in Bellport, New York, around 1.30am, Sherese vanished. Two days later, her body was found in a field. She’d been strangled to death and her killer had attempted to rape her. Soon, detectives hauled in Keith Bush. One witness, Maxine Bell, 15, described him leaving the party ‘hugged up’ to Sherese. Under interrogation, the teenager signed a written confession. And detectives obtained a metal comb, which he was accused of using to stab Sherese. At his trial, he pleaded not guilty, saying that he’d been beaten by police and forced to confess. Pleading not guilty, he said…

Mae Carter, 26 Arching my foot, I stared down at my freshly pedicured feet. They’d been washed, scrubbed and my toenails painted a gorgeous glossy pink. ‘Hey, look at my pretty feet,’ I said, as I filmed myself on my phone, wiggling my toes. Then I posted the short clip online. Within seconds, I got the reaction I was hoping for. You’re an absolute goddess, I want them in my mouth, a male follower wrote. I replied privately, sending him my price list. See, it was April 2020, and after years of jumping from job to job, I’d finally found a way of making money that I enjoyed. Showing off my feet online to strangers was definitely a little bit different to waitressing and working in office admin. But it…

Top tip The undecorated cake will keep, wrapped, for up to 3 days. Leave out the thyme if you prefer. Lemon, thyme and poppy seed cake A touch of thyme makes this loaf extra special, perfect for a picnic. SERVES 8-10 PREP 20 MINS, PLUS COOLING AND INFUSING COOK 55-65 MINS 3tbsp whole milk 3 medium eggs 2tsp vanilla extract 150g self-raising flour 150g caster sugar 1tsp baking powder Zest 2 lemons 3tbsp poppy seeds 185g unsalted butter, softened  Lemon zest, cut into thin strips, to decorate Edible flowers, fresh thyme leaves, to decorate (optional) FOR THE LEMON SYRUP: 75g caster sugar 65ml lemon juice Handful thyme or lemon thyme sprigs FOR THE LEMON ICING: 250g icing sugar, sifted Juice 1 lemon YOU WILL NEED: ● 900g loaf tin, lined…

Emma Lawton, 39, Chester My key in the front door, I stopped and listened to the sound of clattering claws bounding down the hallway. ‘Mummy’s home!’ I beamed, opening up and bending down to let my face get a good licking. My English bulldog Bella was always so happy to see me. My trusty sidekick, I couldn’t be without her. My new boyfriend Kalib seemed taken with her too. ‘Oi, where’s my cuddle?’ he smiled at Bella, coming through the door behind me to pet her. It was October 2023, and Kalib and I had only just started dating after meeting online. At 25, he was 12 years younger, gorgeous with striking blue eyes. Things had moved quickly between us. And now he was at my flat more often than…

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Dear Macca, When I first heard you sing, I was 5 and my big brother was 13. He’d recently really got into music. Even though it was the 1990s, way past your 60s heyday with The Beatles, we were hooked as we listened to Hey Jude. Soon after, we spotted the animated film Yellow Submarine at our local video rental shop. Back home, we played it on repeat. I loved it when you, George, Ringo and John saved Pepperland from the Blue Meanies. As I got older, my love of your music never faded. When I met my partner Chris, then 20, in 2001, he liked The Beatles too. We’d play your albums on a loop during road trips, and spent hours debating which were the best albums. We welcomed…

Lisette Davidson, 61, from Nairn What’s your favourite sort of cuppa? I love flavoured teas. Everything from salted caramel green tea to strawberry and vanilla rooibos. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Definitely an early bird. I love getting up with the sun for a long session of qigong, an ancient Chinese practice involving meditation, slow-flowing movement and deep breathing. What was your favourite childhood toy? My beloved Pippa Dee doll, a forerunner of Barbie. She was shorter and more petite, but had wonderfully silky hair. I found her in my Christmas stocking when I was 10. Do you play an instrument? I started learning to play the piano as a child, but never got round to completing those lessons. If only I had! I picture myself…

These pebbles rock With rain forecast on our recent caravan holiday, we took some paints and pebbles with us. On the rainy day, we got the children to paint things we could find at the seaside. I was very impressed with the results, although I haven’t seen any Minions or hedgehogs on the beach! Wayne Rolfe, Upminster, Essex Raising the roof Hot nights are unbearable when you can’t sleep. To get a good night’s rest, I open the loft hatch to give the heat somewhere to escape. It works surprisingly well to reduce the temperature. Leon Glenn, Loughborough, Leicestershire Inking out loud When you’ve got a new arm tattoo, on hot days it’s hard to apply sun cream on the tattooed skin, and you’d roast in a long-sleeve top. Cut…

When will I feel normal? Q I had a baby not too long ago and everyone keeps talking about bouncing back and getting back to normal. But nothing feels normal. My body’s different, I’m different. Just the thought of having sex again makes me anxious. My partner is really patient, but I also feel this invisible pressure building. Will I ever feel like myself again? Tina, 30 A All this talk of not feeling normal? That’s completely normal, love! You’ll never be the ‘you’ you were before pregnancy. Your world and life revolve around this baby, and while you navigate life as a new mum you’re not going to feel very sexy, pet. Eventually things will start to feel comfortable, and with that you’ll start to feel sexy again. Give…

3 ways to… protect your identity Keep your personal data safe from criminals trying to obtain bank accounts, loans or a passport in your name 1 Be on the ball There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself. Firstly, don’t throw out anything containing your name, address or financial details without shredding or destroying it so that none of your personal information can be taken. If you’re expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive, report it to your bank. And if you move house, make a list of all the organisations you’ll need to tell, like your bank and mobile phone provider, so that documents with your personal information don’t get sent to your old address. Which? advises getting your post redirected by Royal…