‘The Handmaid's Tale was instrumental in my feminist coming-of-age'
My favourite classic read is Middlemarch every time. I came to it late but reread it about once a year: Dorothea Brooks, who doesn't accomplish anything the world acclaims but makes a difference to those around her, is a remarkable heroine. I always find new things to admire in the book: at the moment it's the scene at the start in which Dorothea admires the jewels left by her mother and thinks of keeping them near her 'to feed her eye at these little fountains of pure colour'. It's such a beautiful image of emeralds in sunlight.
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Western Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
King's Medal won by Pembrokeshire-born lady comes 'home'
The tale of brave Beryl Schaerer Morse, who assisted shot-down airmen to escape over the frontier of neutral Switzerland came to light when her rare wartime medal was donated to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. Mrs Schaerer Morse, who was born in Pembroke Dock in 1887, was one of only 2,500 recipients of The King's Medal which was awarded in the early post-war years. King's Medal recipient Winifred Beryl Gwladys Schaerer Morse. (Image: Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre) She was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Harrison Morse who lived in Pembroke Dock and later in Tenby. When later living in London, she met a Swiss banker, and they were married in 1913. She lived the rest of her life in Switzerland. During the war years she was, according to newspaper reports, head of an organisation which assisted shot down British and Allied airmen to escape over the Swiss frontier. Mrs Schaerer Morse's granddaughter, Therese Burckhardt, recently visited Pembroke Dock and was directed to the Heritage Centre. She was delighted to find that the archive team was very keen to display the medal and tell her grandmother's story. Mrs Schaerer Morse's granddaughter, Therese Burckhardt, is pictured at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre with family friend Penny Tighe of Pembroke and Heritage Centre trustee Peter Mitchell. (Image: Martin Cavaney Photography)'It was a joy to have such a welcome and to know that the centre would take the medal into its collection. It is so important to me that the medal returns 'home',' Therese said Mrs Schaerer Morse's King's Medal - one of only 2,500 awarded. (Image: Martin Cavaney Photography) 'My grandmother was very proud of her Welsh roots. Her father built a bungalow in Broadwell Hayes, Tenby, where my grandmother lived until she left for Switzerland, and family members spent many summer holidays there. 'I have fond memories of visits to Tenby, playing on the sands with my brother Roland.' Therese added: 'Grandmother introduced us to Wales, and she expressly wished to be buried at Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke Dock, near her father. I well remember attending her funeral at Llanion in 1967.' The King's Medal, instigated in 1945 by King George VI, was awarded to civilian foreign nationals who had given meritorious service to further the interests of the British Commonwealth or the Allied cause. Uniquely, Mrs Schaerer Morse had dual British/Swiss nationality. Research is continuing both in Switzerland and the UK to discover more of this unique wartime story, which Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will feature in an exhibition in 2026.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits told to put dishwasher tablets in microwave for 'game-changing' reason
We Brits get plenty of use out of our trusty microwaves, but when it comes to keeping them clean, they can end up being the most neglected appliance in the kitchen UK households have been advised to try out a 'genius' cleaning hack to revive their trusty microwaves. Although one of the most frequently used appliances in British homes, microwaves all too often get overlooked when it comes to cleaning, largely due to the stubborn burnt-on grease and food splatters that can seem impossible to tackle. Thankfully, you don't need to spend your whole evening scrubbing and using harsh chemical sprays. Indeed, a savvy cleaning expert has shared a simple yet surprising solution that is said to transform your microwave in just 'five minutes'. In other words, quicker than it takes to cook a microwavable meal. The 'game-changing' hack involves an unlikely item you might already have in your kitchen cupboard - dishwasher tablets. It comes after UK households issued warning if they have Nescafé coffee in kitchen. 'My cousin gave her daughter worst name ever and I refuse to use it' This technique involves dissolving a single dishwasher tablet in hot water to create powerful steam that breaks down even the toughest microwave grime without any scrubbing required. "This method is absolutely game-changing for microwave cleaning. The dishwasher tablet is specifically formulated to break down grease and food residue, so when you create steam with it, you're essentially giving your microwave a deep clean from the inside out," a spokesperson for Lottomart explained. "The method works because dishwasher tablets contain powerful degreasing agents designed to tackle baked-on food residue. When dissolved and heated, these cleaning compounds create steam that softens and breaks down microwave splatters that would normally require aggressive scrubbing." How to use dishwasher tablets to spruce up your microwave Begin by dissolving one dishwasher tablet in a microwave-safe mug or cup filled with hot water. Stir until the tablet is completely dissolved - this concocts your cleaning solution. Whilst the tablet is dissolving, take out the turntable and wipe away any loose crumbs or debris from inside the microwave. Pop the mug in the microwave and set it to medium power for four to five minutes. You'll notice steam building up inside as the solution heats - this is exactly what you're aiming for. Once the timer finishes, don't fling open the door straight away. Let the steam sit and work its magic for another 2-3 minutes. This gives the cleaning solution time to tackle even the most stubborn spots. Finally, carefully remove the hot mug (don gloves to protect your hands) and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down all interior surfaces. The grime will come off without a hitch. What usually takes 20 to 30 minutes of hard scrubbing becomes a quick five-minute job with minimal effort. "Always wear gloves when handling the hot cleaning solution, and make sure to wipe down all surfaces thoroughly with clean water afterwards. You want to remove any cleaning residue before using your microwave for food," the cleaning expert advises. "While this hack is generally safe and effective, there are important precautions to follow. Always use plain, unscented dishwasher tablets - avoid anything with bleach or strong fragrances that aren't food-safe. Don't let the solution boil dry, and stick to medium power settings to avoid overheating."
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
New meters could be fitted to 'every UK home' to stop 'rip-off bills'
A new report has been presented to the Government about how to make the current water usage system fairer for households, and it could mean big changes for millions of Brits Millions of UK households could be required to install compulsory meters under new proposed regulations. These radical changes are being suggested to prevent families from being overcharged for their water bills. A fresh report has been submitted to the British government, outlining ways to make the system more equitable for households, with single occupants and childfree couples currently at the most risk of being overcharged. Experts have urged for change without delay, to ensure Brits aren't being ripped off and to make sure the country is prepared for a future population boom, which could see our water usage habits change. It comes after Martin Lewis issues an urgent £80 message to Brits with a smart meter. Elon Musk wants to start supplying energy to your home with new British Gas rival So what has this report determined? One proposal is to roll out smart water meters for all households, mirroring the current trend of smart energy meters, reports Birmingham Live. This would ensure customers are billed for the actual amount of water they use rather than a flat fee, which often proves too steep. Many households are likely paying more for water than they actually consume due to the lack of fitted water meters. Water companies calculate bills for these customers based on property size and the average family expected to reside there. This means that single occupants or couples without children are likely being overcharged. Smart meter displays, already in use for energy in many homes, could also be provided to help families monitor their usage - thereby helping to reduce waste. Experts argue that an urgent reassessment is needed regarding how the UK utilises and conserves water in the coming decades. The report, penned by former civil servant Sir John Cunliffe, states: "By 2055, it is anticipated there could be an additional 8 million people living in England, and public water supply could experience a shortfall of up to 5 billion litres per day."
