Our round-up of the funny, fascinating and unusual stories this fortnight

Our lives, your lives... that’s life!

After celebrating her 80th birthday, Dolly Parton shares her positive outlook on ageing, retirement and widowhood

Rachel Ward, with actor husband Bryan Brown, in 1983 (below) and on her cattle farm recently (inset) Why do we think it’s acceptable to comment on someone’s looks? Seriously, if I had a quid for every

I WAS browsing the bookshelf in a charity shop when I glanced up to see my neighbour outside, trying to come in. With his arms fully encumbered with a large bag, the door was proving difficult to open

I AM someone who loves space. This is perhaps because of early childhood days on the beautiful Solway Coast. My father’s family farm was right on the beach. It enjoyed uninterrupted views across to th