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Granny's -great encore!

The Australian Women's Weekly

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XMAS 2022

With the encouragement of her granddaughter, Helena Blanch relives her heyday and steps into the spotlight once more in a story written exclusively for The Weekly by best-selling novelist

- DL MORRISSEY

Granny's -great encore!

The room was darkening as the woman moved across the carpet of woven faded roses to switch on the lamp. It was quiet save for distant cars which didn’t bother her as her hearing wasn’t as good as it had been. She considered her fading eyesight and compromised small hearing difficulties were to be expected at her age. At least, she reminded herself, she had all her marbles. Faculties, as Dr Lord corrected her each time he saw her.

But she kept the light in her bedroom softly dim and rarely turned on the bright mirror light in the bathroom. The reflection that greeted her was someone she didn’t recognise; a shell of the vibrant woman who spoke her mind, laughed loudly, tackled the impossible and loved fiercely. The woman in the mirror had to struggle to assert herself. It wasn’t that she was incapable of speaking her mind as she always had, but now no one paid attention, or simply nodded, half listening.

It didn’t matter what she said. It was greeted with an indulgent smile, a vague nod. Once, conversationally, she commented to the girl cleaning her kitchen, “I shot my grandfather, you know.”

The girl was scrubbing furiously. “That’s nice.” Her family visited and called regularly. But the day-to-day passing of the hours lagged. She cooked simple meals for herself, read books, listened to the radio and pottered among her terrace pot plants and herbs. She walked the dog, sometimes catching sight of herself in a shop window, and hastily squared her shoulders, straightening her back.

She was uncomfortable journeying forth with women’s groups, retiree associations and neighbours who tended to bore her. No one had anything much to say that she hadn’t heard before or found plain silly or ill-informed.

MEER VERHALEN VAN The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Making merry magic

Our resident crafter Susie Rugg (handywithscissors.com) has created these fun DIY projects the whole family can enjoy, using materials you’ll already have at home!

time to read

4 mins

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Mary's miracle

Ephesus may have been the place where Mary spent her final days, but by many accounts it wasn’t the last that the world saw of her.

time to read

1 min

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The gift of reading

When it comes to books for loved ones, little ones and yourself, it's a wrap up!

time to read

8 mins

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Cooking class- Madeleine Christmas tree

Spark joy on your Christmas table with our edible tree centrepiece that's easier to make than you think! Our simple melt-and-mix recipe for Madeleines create tender buttery little cakes, delicately perfumed with sweet Christmas spices.

time to read

1 min

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Here's your kindred spirit

Find your right cruise line, find your right ship and it's happy times guaranteed.

time to read

2 mins

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

The main event

Celebrate with our festive food selection featuring a glorious glazed ham, succulent roasts, vegetarian options and generous sides. There's something for everyone at your holiday table.

time to read

16 mins

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Supercharge your scent

Create a sensory signature, or combine perfumes for a bespoke fragrance.

time to read

1 mins

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Steph's cheats Xmas

Social media sensation and home cook Steph de Sousa is bringing all the festive magic with her genius air fryer recipes. From crispy roasts to golden desserts, she'll transform your holiday cooking effortlessly.

time to read

3 mins

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Turkey with all the trimmings

The unsung star of Christmas spent her final years in a far-flung place.

time to read

2 mins

Christmas 2025

The Australian Women's Weekly

The Australian Women's Weekly

Divine desserts

This Christmas we share five spectacular summer desserts that'll steal the spotlight at your festive table. From frozen cherry cheesecake to mango trifle, each sweet treat is guaranteed to wow your guests.

time to read

6 mins

Christmas 2025

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