Darling Magazine Wimbledon - Autumn 2017 by Darling Magazine UK

darling AUTUMN 17 PRICELESS

The Inspiring

CHARLOTTE BROADBENT

AUTUMN RED

FASHION SPREAD

Our new stylist in residence

BEWARE! Women at work THE POWER OF LINGERIE Caroline’s secret weapon

AUTUMN ARTS What to see Who to hear What to read

BAYLEY & SAGE We’re 20! FIGHTING FIT The new Ray Stevens Academy

OLD SCHOOL, NEW SCHOOL Helping kids adjust SW20’s oldest school Happy kids - happy homes by Pam Custers living & lifestyle in wimbledon

BATHING BEAUTIES By Absolute Abode |

darlingmagazine.co.uk

Bespoke Kitchens + Living Spaces MADE IN 167 Aurthur Road, SW19

SW19

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editor’s letter

Cover Girl: Charlotte Broadbent, Personal Stylist Front Cover: Charlotte wears a gown from Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta Ring and Zara earrings Inset Image (above): Charlotte wears a dress from Alice & Olivia Hair by: Andy & Elena at Andy’s Salon Styled by: Charlotte Broadbent Photography: Kiera Fyles - Palmer Photography

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Advertising 07930 396356 Email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributors Kate Greenhalgh Paul Mendelson Photography Kiera Fyles 07971 804196 palmerphotography.co.uk Darling North Surrey Philippa Hennessy 07772 633339 Darling Kingston & Richmond Marja-Leena Toseland 07802 949836 Design Director Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.com Website Design charlieapple.co.uk Printer Aquatint scott@aquatint.co.uk Distribution info@3colours.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Darling Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form – electronic, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from the publisher.

Dear Darling Reader, The sure signs of autumn are when you can’t find a parking outside The Ivy, the politicians are back to politicking, the tent goes up on the Common and you can’t help getting the feeling that tomorrow’s excitements are more likely to be indoors than outdoors. And there are so many on the autumn calendar that this issue of Darling is bursting at the seams! Up and down The Broadway and in The Village, summer blues are making way for autumn reds. Our new fashion page (pg9) has red-hot style tips from super-star stylist, Charlotte Broadbent, our Inspiring Woman and new resident fashion guru (pg5), also celebrating Centre Court Shopping’s 25th Birthday! At schools, in businesses and in the arts, women are on the move - connecting with The Really Helpful Club (pg15), Selena Quick in a man’s world (pg 17) and spilling the banking beans with Elaine Miller (pg12). See What’s On (pg56) and our Arts Section for a full list of autumn’s cultural treats, but a shout-out must go to Parry Ray performing at The Pheasantry (pg41), The Jigsaw Players live at The Light House (pg43) and Melissa’s Book Club Boys (pg31), where sons and dads can share the fun of reading. So enjoy the Bookfest, Merton Arts Fest and Wimbledon Music Festival - I’ll see you there!

Karine Torr Editor | info@darlingmagazine.co.uk For franchise enquiries in other areas please email us. CONTENTS 5 9 11 12 15 17 18 19 20 21 23 25 27 28 29 31 33 34 36 37 39 39 40 40 41 43 45 46 47 48 49 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

Style & substance, cover girl Charlotte Broadbent Red all over - Autumn’s hottest fashions Caroline Randell’s secret weapon Elaine’s bank account Get connected with The Really Helpful Club Mover and shaker Selena Quick Colon cleanse with Rian Torres Zara gets under your skin The perfect Finnish - Method Putkisto This won’t hurt… Infinitidental Clinic Ray Stevens’ new dojo Cook’s Corner with Carole Party-time at Bayley & Sage Autumn bridge with Paul Mendelson Once upon a time - Boy Book Club Schools in the news St Matthew’s turns 150 Hart Brown: getting the paperwork right A good read with Wimbledon BookFest ‘17 Steph Nimmo, local author Jigsaw gala night at The Light House Parry Ray sings live at The Pheasantry Merton Arts Fest 2017 Party at the Polka Music to our ears - International Music Festival A Chance Encounter - Panama the Musical Absolute Abode’s new trends in bathrooms Modern Flooring - parquet all the way David Lloyd bowling us over On the Social Scene with Editor Karine Torr Lady Wimbledon’s ‘What’s Hot’ Tea & talks at The All England Cystitis with urologist Mrs. Nadine Coull Happy families with Pam Custers Darling’s Diary Stella’s new batch of bakers Kate Greenhalgh: ‘Stuff is just stuff…’ Darling Loves Local - women in business

A SOLO SHOW BY CAROLINE YATES PALIMPSEST ‘something re-used or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form’

29th September to 27th October 2017 Private view 29th September 7 – 9pm 2 Leopold Road Wimbledon SW19 7BD

020 8944 7171 info@hicksgallery.co.uk www.hicksgallery.co.uk

Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday 10.30 to 5 or by appointment

inspiring woman

A TASTE OF THE HIGH LIFE

With glamourous Charlotte Broadbent, local personal stylist and style blogger extraordinaire How did you start out? I’ve always found fashion, style and beauty totally intoxicating. Not just because of how it can make people look, but in terms of how it can make you feel. How colours channel emotional and physical therapeutic benefits, how you can express yourself and create confidence through style and makeup, how the right colours can make you appear healthier and more youthful, how style can create memorable moments without having to speak. I started my career by qualifying as a Chartered Marketer then worked on a range of incredible luxury brands…for Estée Lauder Companies, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Calvin Klein to name a few. I worked on launching celebrity fragrance brands for Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwen Stefani and J-Lo and latterly was HELLO! Magazine’s Fashion & Beauty Director. I’ve always felt it important to take career risks. I take inspiration from this quote by Erin Hanson: “What if I fail? Oh but my darling, what if you fly”. Venturing out on my own, under my own brand CHARLOTTE LOVES was the new chapter of my journey. Landing your job with HELLO! Tell us about your time there… HELLO! was absolutely a career highlight. I was drawn to HELLO! because of its glamorous, uplifting, happy persona. When I joined as Fashion and Beauty Director we re-styled the fashion pages, introduced new luxe fashion shoots as well as editing the latest watches and jewellery trends. On my pages, I wrote a weekly edit of the latest style trends, must-have beauty products and must-attend social events. We partnered with celebrities and brands to create exclusive, engaging content. I worked with the likes of Pandora and Tess Daly, Citizen Watches and Katherine Jenkins, L’Oreal and Davina McCall…and along the way interviewed personalities from radio (Lisa Snowdon) to popular music (Geri Halliwell) to sport (Judy Murray). The role required me to attended a variety of events on behalf of HELLO!, such as London Fashion Week, Royal Ascot, Cartier Polo, Wimbledon, the BAFTA’s and The British Grand Prix to name a few! Did you experience any lows? When my husband fell sick, the pressure to retain a balance between work and family was a strain and I turned to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help combat anxiety. Mindfulness techniques, being grateful and creating more family time became my ‘mots du jour’.

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I was inspired by the care and generosity of medical staff over the years who’d cared for close family members. I knew it was time to give something back using my skill set. My mission was to carry out more charity work for LGFB (helping female cancer sufferers) and The Good Grief Trust (raising funds for the bereaved). I wanted to help others, make an impact and inspire confidence in them to look their best to be their best, through colour and style choices; I work with corporate women, my VIP network, local women and mums in SW London. My aim was to build an influential styling business and style blog and I now work with a myriad of women, all with different needs, shapes and anxieties; from losing youthful looks, to changing body shapes, to needing that all important promotion at work or a new look for a TV appearance. Through wardrobe edits, personal shopping and outfit pairing as well as colour and shape advice, together we work on creating a life-changing experience.

Tess Daly

As a working mum, what are your tips in managing the relationship with your children? With two young girls, life in the fast lane was hugely exhilarating but such a juggle, even with the unwavering support of my husband and a live-in nanny. However, I reached a point where I needed more flexibility, and this in many ways drove me to launching my own brand at the time when I did. There’s so much that we can learn from each other, and we’re learning all the time. But my tips would be to share as much as you can with your children; involve them in what you are doing (I’d read HELLO! Magazine together with the girls, take them to my office, even an interview with Tess Daly). Encourage enthusiasm and passion. I love to exercise together with the children, I run alongside them while they scoot to the library. We have clear boundaries and share daily rituals. We love family drinks in bed at 7am, reading before bedtime, dancing after breakfast. I always listen carefully to what they say and never let go of a hug first. Accept you’ll never get it 100% right (Grandma has to teach the girls to garden and knit), but if you make it to 80% then you’re good enough! Charlotte is a Wimbledon based Personal Stylist. charlotteloves.co.uk | charlotte@charlotteloves.co.uk

Specialists in Audio, Cinema & Smarthome

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CENTRE COURT

25 IS TURNING

HELP US CELEBRATE! 16TH SEPTEMBER 11-4PM l l l l

Live Local Acts Wimbledon Brewery pop up bar Fashion displays FREE Birthday goodie bags

fashion

Zig zag threaded hoops, £10, Accessorize

Red lace lace shift shift dress, dress Red £55, £55 Oasis

Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Stick, Stick £28 Debenhams £28,

Red cross body bag, £65, River Island

Top to toe in red

Personal Stylist & Blogger Charlotte Broadbent selects her best buys for Autumn from Centre Court Wimbledon

Red Jumper Jumper, Red £55 £55 River Island Click Click and and Collect Collect Evalina jacket, jacket Evalina £129, £129 Monsoon

Nordic Culottes, Culottes £140 Jigsaw £140,

Red velvet boot with feathers, £65, River Island Click and Collect

If you’re stuck in a style rut, only wearing 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time and don’t know which colours suit you then a Personal Stylist could be the answer.

Email: charlotte@charlotteloves.co.uk 07946 615357 charlotteloves.co.uk Follow on instagram @_charlotteloves_ Twitter @charlotteloves_

OMG

Organic Masters HAIR SALON

Wimbledon Village

OMG

Organic Masters HAIR SALON

Wimbledon Village

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.uk o c . ters

Organic Masters is a

hair salon working exclusively with organic products and ammonia free hair colours. Our stylists have a strong commitment to provide excellent, creative hairdressing and client care, within a professional and welcoming environment. We use a unique hair colour system which is gentler on hair and locks in colour, moisture and goodness to leave your hair looking healthy with a dynamic and long-lasting colour. John Masters Organics professional award winning range is used exclusively in the salon. Our products are natural and sulphate/paraben/ GMO free with 100% natural preservatives and no added fillers.

“We only get one body, and we only get one planet. Why not treat them both with the utmost care?” John Masters

25 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DQ

“We only get one body, and946 we only planet. • tel: 0208 5646get• one info@organicmasters.co.uk • Why not treat themwww.organicmasters.co.uk both with the utmost care?” John Masters

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LINGERIE, a secret

weapon

THAT EMPOWERS WOMEN Darling chats to Caroline Randell as she celebrates her 8th anniversary in the Village

aroline Randell Lingerie Boutique has become a shopping destination for A-listers, players from The Championships and residents of SW19 alike. She has been continuously nominated for awards over the years, winning UK’s Best Lingerie Shop in 2015. Caroline’s start in the lingerie industry began at a young age working in her mother’s lingerie boutique in Warwickshire and attending buying shows and fitting events in Paris. After university, she worked at Rigby & Peller in Knightsbridge, corsetieres to the queen, before opening up her own boutique in the heart of Wimbledon Village. Caroline remembers the turning point when she decided to take the leap of faith to open her own boutique: “Not enough women were making the most of the amazing benefits of good fitting, attractive lingerie. Without a doubt, wearing lovely lingerie has a knock on effect on how we feel, what kind of energy we radiate, and therefore how we present ourselves to the world. Not to mention how comfortable it will feel and how it will improve your shape under your clothes. Lingerie is the first thing you put on every day; it’s the first layer of dressing and

therefore should be seen as very important. Too often women say, ‘It’s not worth me buying nice lingerie as no one sees it’. However, lingerie more importantly should be for you. Some people save their nice lingerie for special occasions – but that is like saying you only deserve to feel fantastic once in a while”.

“A matching set is a secret weapon only you know, it’s empowering – I think there is something very special about that.” Caroline encourages her clients to build up a lingerie collection of different styles and vibrant colours, as well as basics of nude and whites. She will ensure that each client has an effective collection that goes with the rest of their wardrobe, perfectly suiting their style. We recommend visiting the boutique to experience their award winning service and stunning selection of brands. You will leave with a new secret weapon - empowered and glowing. 6 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DL 020 8946 6171 carolinerandell.co.uk carolinerandell_lingerie

women at work

SexCity in the

What’s it like being a woman in the world capital of finance? Wimbledon’s Elaine Miller shares her story

he first time I stepped on to a trading floor back in the mid 80’s, I noticed immediately a complete lack of women! Aside from myself, no females were to be seen - except on a Friday, when 10 tall stunning women in red mini-skirts and high heels used to come in and clean the screens and keyboards. Being a woman in finance is certainly challenging. From

being asked to dress up as a schoolgirl and let a trader chase me around the trading floor - to being asked to call a spurned colleague ‘Sir’ - life in the city as a woman, took - and still takes - a certain type of strength. Dealing with male egos being at the forefront. In mitigation, a woman who I once worked with barked an order at me to phone a certain billionaire’s hedge fund who we were offering

summer 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

finance to. I had spoken to him the day before, and as he was in the process of destabilising sterling, he said under no circumstances to call. I explained to her that it would be a mistake whereupon she slapped me around the face. This woman would eventually depart the company after attacking three other women - put out to pasture somewhere where the threat of lawsuits faded appropriately.

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What I have learned over these years in banking, is what Lord Acton was talking about when he said in the 1800s “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. I am afraid I have seen that way too often with men in positions of power. Fred Goodwin’s megalomaniacal drive to make RBS the biggest bank in the world, resulted in spending £200 million on celebrity endorsements, £350 million on a new headquarters, £10 billion buying part of ABN Amro (where I happened to be working at the time). Yet he ended up being at the helm of a £24.1 billion loss. Fred had no technical banking experience or any banking qualifications. How did that happen? I met the guys from Long Term Capital Management. I have never been in a room with so

many tailored and bejewelled individuals. So mighty was their ability to impress, their hedge fund had a debt to value ratio of 25 to 1 - in simple terms it had equity of $4.2 billion but was allowed to borrow $125 billion. When it failed, it was bailed out by the Fed to the tune of $3.65 billion in order to stop the predicted collapse of the American financial markets. On the plus side, I have flown across the Atlantic first class many times, staying in beautiful hotels in New York - wining and dining some of the richest men in the hedge fund world. One boss - new to the firm decided to accompany us on a trip. I raised concerns that he would be a liability but alas - warnings went unheeded. At a client meeting, when he inadvertently and very

embarrassingly started discussing the wrong hedge fund, I tried to interrupt him. He asked to speak to me outside and was incredibly rude. I asked him who we were here to see - he said the name of a hedge fund - I pointed to the 6ft high company name above the atrium. It dawned on him eventually. I have watched with complete and utter dismay, how we lurch from one financial crisis to another, and I truly believe had there been more women at the helm of these vast old schoolboy networks, we would be in a much better place. I wonder what form the next financial crash will take? Living in Wimbledon Village offers me the solace and peace I need to forget that from 5:30am when I get up - to whatever time I get home - there is sanity around me here…

SPECIALIST SOLICITORS •

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For more information, please contact your local Wimbledon office on 020 3551 8500 (main number) or visit us at 8-10 Hartfield Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 3TA (located just behind The Broadway).

WINE

DIN N E R

AUSTRALIAN Fr iday 29 t h S ept embe r from 7 pm Join us for this engaging, fun and interactive Australian wine dinner, with Master Sommelier Nigel Wilkinson, who will guide us through some of the greatest Australian wines. Arrival drink and canapés, a three course dinner with five fantastic wines followed by coffee and petit fours. £65 per person

Visit our website for more details: HOTELDUVIN.COM HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO WIMBLEDON 03300 240 706

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Your Mary Poppins bag of

everything you need A spoonful of helpfulness from Sarah & Caroline

You can find or give recommendations on anything: from help with childcare or an elderly parent, to sourcing a reliable plumber, caterer, interior designer and much more. You can share ideas on where to go on holiday or what to do next in your career. We all value advice from our friends and this is what RHC is all about. The RHC Directory contains only recommended living life promotion businesses, the gems of this trusted community. In addition, the RHC runs events on valuable topics for its members, from cooking demonstrations and workshops on internet safety to seminars that help people return to work or start a business. “The RHC can help individuals explore new ideas and possibly introduce them to a new path in their lives.” Jen C, RHC member

Syon House Lunch

he Really Helpful Club is a free online community that brings together positive, like-minded people to help and connect Responding demand, RHC is excited of historical houses] but for with severalto thousand members.the tours you looking for one another in our personalAre and businesswomen who are keen to And Sarah and director health to announce itsevents women’s programme, a reliable builder or and women who wish to Caroline Edwards are still business lives. With thousands of members the with The Hot Flush!network - a workshop to help rediscover the workplace who are counting. “It’s a website where handyman, a trustedstarting network is buzzing. women prepare for and manage the menopause. looking for job opportunities.” you can share your experiences nanny or babysitter, and latestdiary finds in exchange are a series of half-term courses a super caterer, a Also infromthe new gems and ideas; after HIGHLIGHTS “The RHC site is my go to place whenever I want to prepare children for theirAUTUMN 11+ exams. all, word of mouth is the most fitness trainer, a new Well-being and women’s a reliable recommendation. I found a great cycle trusted and reassuring way of health workshops: hairdresser or just finding Back-to-Work anything you’re lookingprogramme store through the site. I love the events and have 14th September (nutrition) recognises somewhere to get yourThe RHC for,” Sarah explains. Full of 22nd September (mindfulness) met some really interesting people.” there is a growing pool of talented, well educated nails done? The Really reliable recommendations, Back to Business and reputable whobusinesses leave and thehandy workplace to raise a family Dominique H, RHC member Helpful Club does women taking the first steps: contacts, and unique access to lack the opportunity29th that utilises their September (in affiliation what it says on the and then a variety of events which are with Surrey Property skills and ls theirRHC ambitions. always fulfi oversubscribed, tin... and now it’s come

Join us for a Family Gala Dinn to celebrate 30 years of Childli

Potential and Caroline Dore is now available for Surrey Household Staff) women, kicking off with a series “Taking those first steps can beMasterclass daunting and our of inspiring and informative demonstrations: eventshelp this autumn. f you are searching for an events our members to find the new role that 6th October (featuring Membership is free and easier life, want information suits them atand tocosts access of knowledge, Paul Bogle, the 2015 attendance events a smalla wealth on tap and would like Masterchef finalist) fee but are worth penny, to meet like-minded, savvy experience andevery support”, explains RHC Founder as Wimbledon resident Jo |Hall and smart women, the Really Sarah Austin “It is hugely rewarding to see Join the Really Helpful Club the by registering has discovered: “The events are Helpful Club (RHC) is the | For more online at reallyhelpfulclub.com. we are making” fabulous forthat connecting people place for you. Founded in 2014 difference information, contact Sarah Austin at and building new friendships, not by enterprising mother Sarah sarah@reallyhelpfulclub.com just as a social get-together with Austin, intent on bringing

to Surrey

photograph: soora.co.uk

I Sarah Austin RHC Founder & Caroline Edwards RHC Events Director

30th September 2017

at 6.45pm until midnight Millennium Hotel, Mayfair, Londo Dinner, dancing and entertainment Black tie For tickets contact caroline@reallyhelpfulclub.com Join RHC for free to be part of this exciting

interesting talks [themes have together dynamic and busy ranged from women’s cycling, women (and men) who can community. fashion and cooking to a day share information and ideas on out at Henley Royal Regatta, an online forum, today the club reallyhelpfulclub.com private dinners and exclusive is a thriving, vibrant community

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2016

darlingmagazine.co.uk

sep-oct 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

A WOMAN IN A MAN’S WORLD Combing the international life of broadcasting with the business of property acquisition and development. Darling caught up with local dynamo, Selena Quick to talk about challenging the status-quo PAD was formulated to make a difference. Drawing from my personal experiences in property acquisition and development, our company concept was inspired by the needs of clients rather than the approach of competitors. Today, we are fast developing a reputation for our ethical approach and exceptional standards, with PAD emerging as an exciting young company that stands out from the crowd. We are a boutique consultancy dedicated to helping time-poor professionals and public figureheads, ensuring a stress-free experience while preserving our clients’ privacy. Prioritising integrity and value, we work with a trusted network of experts to acquire and create highspecification homes

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to impeccable standards. The property search and acquisition service excels at seeking out desirable properties in prime London locations, while the development arm manages extension and refurbishment projects, overseeing design, planning and construction. Eschewing the ‘one size fits all’ approach, each team is bespoke; cherry-picked from a diverse network of experts. We also believe a well-designed, quality kitchen should be fairly priced. So we’ve cut the middlemen and created Kitchens by PAD as an alternative. Manufacturing bespoke British kitchens to your requirements, we deliver premium quality without a premium price tag. Our focus is on space, budget and client, offering realistic advice to make the most of your assets. We are actual humans who love to talk about all things PAD, so please feel free to contact us. hello@pad.london 020 89471577 pad.london

darlingmagazine.co.uk | summer 2017

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A colonic irrigation with Rian Torres Editor Karine Torr takes the plunge “More and more science now believes that your health begins in your colon, which then supports the health of your whole body.” says Rian Torres. That’s just the kind of thing I like to hear as I sit on the bed, ready for my ‘close-up’. I had my last colonic irrigation about 30 years ago in South Africa and felt all the better for it. Rian’s setup is positively space-age now in 2017 compared to what I remember back then. She is also highly pro and gentle at the same time, explaining everything as she goes along. It’s a pretty pain free experience and weirdly fascinating if you like to know what’s floating past! In the days since my treatment I seem to sleep better, have lots of energy and feel motivated to try and keep ‘clean eating’. I hope that lasts… I’ll definitely be back for more in 6 months!

Rian says that colon hydrotherapy aids to eliminate bloating, regulate sugar, reduce cravings, improve your energy and boost your immune system. It helps fight depression and anxiety while helping with IBS and PMT symptoms. As part of a wider programme, it will also help with weight loss. T: 07963 692441 healthetcetera.com

Colonic Irrigation Only £60!!!

Hair Natulique now available at Thom Kirby Certified organic colour 360 BIOCERT. For post holiday Sun Stressed hair enjoy a free consultation with one of our senior Colour Technicians, where you can discuss colour and treatments available, including OLAPLEX.

155 Arthur Road Wimbledon SW19 8AD 18

summer 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

020 8947 5222

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beauty

DAMAGE LIMITATION! How to give your skin a boost

f you could discover the best and most effective way to keep your skin looking young and fresh, would you hold back? As time goes by, the natural process of ageing is inevitable. So, is there really a solution to holding back time?

“The answer is Vitamin A,” says our skin therapist Zara Elliott. Vitamin A is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps kill off nasty free radicals, which cause ageing on the skin (fine lines, wrinkles and saggy skin). Vitamin A will help to: • repair cell DNA, so healthy skin cells are produced in the first place (rather than damaged, poorer quality skin cells), • plump and thicken the epidermis (top layers of skin) which will smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and also boosts your skin’s natural protection against UVA and UVB rays. • stimulate cell turnover (that’s exfoliation to you and me)

Zara’s skin health events are a popular choice in overcoming niggling complexion concerns. Book your complimentary consultation today. Your 45-minute consultation will consist of a fully comprehensive skin assessment, as well as dietary and lifestyle advice, which are aimed at giving you clearer, more radiant, even toned, smoother and less lined skin. 18 September and 5 December 2017 “There are too many empty promises in the beauty world,” says skin specialist, Zara Elliott. “By using this sophisticated system we can now prove to our clients that using active skincare products and following our advice makes a measurable and visible difference.” Spaces are very limited, so you’ll need to be quick and book to avoid disappointment. For more information or to book your place online, go to the ‘events’ tab at zaraelliottbeauty.com | 07786 93679 Skin Health Event: 18 September and 5 December 2017

It stimulates ‘glycosaminoglycans’, which help to keep the skin hydrated (fed with water). Water in our skin helps to give that luminous healthy glow. The most worrying skin concern is sun damage. In the UK over 15,400 people develop malignant melanoma each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s. So to find out more about the health of your skin and how to improve its appearance, once and for all, get in touch with Zara.

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darlingmagazine.co.uk | summer 2017

embrace change for your body with our strategic approach to better health...

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A unique approach to looking younger – from within!

f you are looking for a way to improve your health and look younger naturally then it is time to discover Method Putkisto 3D Natural Face and Neck Clinic.

It is the ultimate muscle balancing and energizing technique for the face and upper body; head, neck, jaw and shoulders. When learned correctly, this unique regime of exercises can • release, define, strengthen and lift your face • release stress and unwanted expressions from your face and refresh the way you look • relieve stress, headaches and migraines • resolve night-grinding problems Recommended by dentists, doctors and physiotherapists in Finland, it is simple, effective and totally natural.

Many of the exercises can be done discreetly as you go about your everyday routine. Join a regular group class in Putney or fast track yourself with an individually designed program. For more information, please visit shirleyruetimann.co.uk or call me on 07767686010

“Used by everyone from Opera singers to golfers. The Method works miracles on tight, uneven and stiff bodies.” Newby Hands, Harpers Bazaar

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NO TOOTHLESS WONDERS HERE! Make your teeth an important part of life from a young age

aving healthy teeth and gums, a nice smile and non-invasive breath, all contribute to increasing confidence. In a food and drink orientated society, our teeth and gums are the first affected by our healthy and unhealthy habits. Everyone should be visiting the dentist on a regular basis, but we know this doesn’t happen. Whilst some have brilliant attendance, the majority of us wait until there is a problem. We are not telling you off. It’s just one of those things… At Infinitidental Clinic we are passionate about educating our patients on ensuring their oral health care becomes a part of everyday life. We believe this has to start at a young age. We encourage you to bring your children to the dentist with you when you come for your check up and allow them to start becoming accustomed to the setting and the noise (which can be off putting). We are always open for you to pop in through non-clinical hours with your children to show them the practice, if it helps reduce their nerves. Throughout 2017 Dr Nisha Patel (dentist), Suzanne Hogan (hygienist) and Stefania Branca (nurse), have held oral healthcare sessions at four primary schools in the Merton area, demonstrating to children correct brushing techniques and educating the children on good oral healthcare. If you are interested in your school having a similar session with us, please get in touch. Ms Lynch from Poplar School left us a great review after our session with her pupils: shop local

“Just before Easter, Year 4 were very excited to have a school visit from the dentists! They had great props and were thorough with their explanations, ensuring it was pitched where all the children could access the information. The children were also given goodie bags to take away! We look forward to a visit from you next year!” Invest time into children’s teeth from a young age and it will be of benefit to all as they grow up. Remember if children have any serious damage to their milk teeth which results in the tooth being removed or falling out - their replacement adult teeth will not start growing until they are 6 or 7. So let’s limit the number of toothless wonders we have!

146 Merton Hall Rd Wimbledon SW19 3PZ 020 8542 2171 infinitidentalclinic.com darlingmagazine.co.uk | summer 2017

community

“はじめ!”*

After a year of sweat (and not a few tears) Ray Stevens can at last say *“Hajime!” Editor Karine Torr gets a sneak preview of the stunning new Ray Stevens Martial Arts Academy in Raynes Park.

“Hajime!”, the Japanese word for “Let the game begin!”, is said at the start of a judo match. And visitors to this new dojo are hearing a lot more of it as it opens its doors from September on, just a ten minute walk from Raynes Park station. It took a year of hard work for Ray and Natalie to transform an old disused warehouse into a state of the art dojo at 253 Burlington Rd KT3 4NE. After ten years of operating at various venues in Wimbledon, the Academy is already well known to local residents. “But it’s a dream come true to have a permanent home at last,” says Natalie. “A purpose-built HQ gives us the advantage of been able to offer many new ways to keep you fighting fit, including Brazilian Ju-jitsu, Self-defence, Mixed Martial Arts, and Yoga. We’ve expanded our very popular Brazilian Ju-jitsu and judo classes by adding many more classes and we cater for kids from four years old upwards. She showed me around the fabulous new premises, which include a lovely café area complete with TV screens on the

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wall so you can watch your children honing their skills while sipping a latté. And it’s all under a spectacular glass roofed ceiling. Ray Stevens, our very own Olympic medalist says, “It’s never too late to take up a new martial art. No matter what your age or level of fitness, our dedicated team of qualified professionals will be on hand to guide you and encourage you. The new dojo is impressive in every way, but it certainly hasn’t lost the charm and friendliness Ray and Natalie are famous for. I’m sure Darling readers will join me in saying, “お祝いの言葉”- congratulations! Do feel free to pop in for a taster class or simply email enquiries@raystevensacademy.co.uk raystevensacademy.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | summer 2017

On the twelfth Day of Christmas Parties to Go made for me Twelve Confit Duck Wraps for Starting Eleven Roasted Marris Pipers Piping Ten Langoustine Barbequing Nine Lamb Shanks Roasting Eight Molten Chocolate Cakes Melting Seven Sizzling Sausages Six Gooey Brownies Five Calamari Rings Four Dressed Capons Three Glazed Hens Two White Chocolate Doves And a Partridge in a pear tree! Why wait until the holiday has begun. When you hear Slade in the supermarket, contact Parties to Go, and let them create a feast for you!

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COOK’S CORNER Come inside from the autumnal hurricanes and settle down to a warming bowl of Carole’s pumpkin and chilli soup, with a Thai kick

Carole Cory Owner, Parties To Go

This soup has the versatility to be served as a wonderful starter or to be served in your favourite soup mug ready to curl up in front of the TV after an exhausting day enduring the hustle and bustle of autumn life. Ingredients for Thai Pumpkin & Chilli Soup 1½ kg pumpkin roughly chopped 4 tsp sunflower oil 1 onion sliced 1 tbsp grated ginger 1 lemongrass, bashed a little 3-4 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can coconut milk 850ml vegetable stock Lime juice and sugar, for seasoning 1 red chili, sliced, to serve (optional) Method Turn your oven up to 200C. Season the pumpkin with salt and pepper and marinate with half the oil. Place these is a roasting tray and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Use the remaining oil to fry the onion, lemongrass and ginger. Cook these until softened. Stir in the curry paste, followed by the roasted pumpkin.

Cedar

Lebanese Restaurant Wimbledon

The very best of traditional Lebanese cuisine

Then add the coconut milk, leaving 2 tbsp for decoration later. Also add the stock. Bring all these ingredients to a simmer, cook for 6 minutes. Remove the lemongrass. Remove from the heat and blend the mixture until it has the consistency you desire. Return to the heat and season with lime, sugar and the fresh chili T: 020 8947 5337 E: carole@partiestogo.co.uk partiestogo.co.uk

Friendly, family run restaurant Fresh, healthy, delicious food We welcome parties for up to 45 people. Take-away option and online orders available at:

cedarlebanesewimbledon.co.uk 144 Merton High Street SW19 1BA

020 8543 4520

Bayley & Sage

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20th Anniversary Year in Wimbledon Village

an you remember what you were doing in the autumn of 1997? It was a momentous time for many reasons and it seems unbelievable that 20 years have passed since Bayley & Sage arrived in Wimbledon Village. How did we manage before they opened? Where did we get sourdough breads, unpasteurised cheeses and coeur de boeuf tomatoes before they arrived? To celebrate this anniversary you have the chance to enter a draw every month for three months with the opportunity to win an amazing hamper each month. The first hamper to be won in October is “20 products from 20 years” a feast of products that have been favourites for the last 20 years. The following month is “20 of my favourite things” chosen by founder, Jennie Allen and I know that she struggled to get down to 20 from the 2000 lines that are carried in the store. The final month is 20 bottles of wine just in time for the festive season.

Just pick up an entry form in store, fill out your details and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck!

For more info please visit: bayley-sage.co.uk or follow @bayleyandsage

Based in South West London, David Hur Design offers a complete interior design service from contemporary through to classic. Handmade furniture, upholstery, kitchens, curtains, carpeting and decorating. We understand our clients’ needs to create tranquil yet practical solutions for everyday living.

To celebrate their 20 years in the village, Bayley & Sage are throwing a day party and you are invited! They are welcoming all customers on Friday October 13th to join them for some food and wine between 12pm - 5pm to toast their birthday. The winner of the first hamper will be announced at this event. And just in case Jennie was not busy enough in October, she tells me that she is opening her largest store to date at Parkgate Road in Battersea in the same week…

DAVID HUR DESIGN 020 8870 2041 www.davidhur.com 129 Granville Road London SW18 5SF

AUTUMN BRIDGE With Darling’s Paul Mendelson Creating Connections Inspiring Success

THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING, TRAINING ANDKingston, Wimbledon, Putney, Balham, DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS CLUB FORCourt FEMALE Surbiton, Streatham and Hampton EXECUTIVES AND ENTREPRENEURS. VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME.

EMAIL ‘My vision is to encourage more women to julie@theathenanetwork.com network and in turn realise their full potential by helping and inspiring them and providing valuable connections’, says Julie HELPFUL WIMBLEDON WEBSITES Love Wimbledon WIMBLEDON, PUTNEY, BALHAM AND STREATHAM www.lovewimbledon.org London Borough of Merton Julie Eltham www.merton.gov.uk Regional Director, The Athena Network Citizen’s Advice Bureau t: @athenaSWlondon www.nacab.org.uk f: TheAthenaNetworkSurrey&SWLondon Merton Chamber of Commerce 07890 523030 www.mertonchamber.co.uk e: julie.eltham@theathenanetwork.com Wimbledon Town Centre www.wimbledontowncentre.co.uk w: theathenanetwork.co.uk/julieeltham Wimbledon Civic Forum www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk Wimbledon Society www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk Wimbledon Community Centre www.wimbledoncommunity.org.uk Volunteer Centre Merton www.volunteercentremerton.org.uk Learning & Skills Council www.lsc.gov.uk Charity Commission www.charitycommission.gov.uk Wimbledon Music Diary www.wimbledonmusicdiary.com Bridge exercises the mind and is a great Wimbledon Choral Society way to meet new friends. www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk Come and see what the game involves Local Police/Neighbourhood Watch at a free taster session. www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods The Wimbledon Guild Beginner courses: small class sizes of up www.wimbledonguild.co.uk Care Connect to 8 students. www.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk Improver classes also available.

BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS

IMPORTANT NUMBERS For details please contact Hilary on Wimbledon Police St George’s Hospital 020 8947 1212 or (999) 020 8672 1255 Merton Council Kingston Hospital candh12@aol.com 020 8274 4901 020 8546 7711 facebook: @hilarystewartbridgelessons NHS DIRECT National Rail 22 Lindisfarne Road, SW20 0NW 0845 4647 08457 484950

07816 982 030

feb-march 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

To attempt the impossible may be considered by some to be heroic but, at the bridge table, it is nothing but stupidity. Yet, we all seem to do it… COLLECT COPIES AT OUR “HOTSPOTS”

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* Nicholas & SteeleNorth 78 Durham Rd Tel: 07947 011879S K4

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J87652 S 1093 K* Southfields Gallery 223 Wimbledon Park H Rd A542 AQ2 D 865 Tel: 07947 675 059 865 C 972 South * Truckles Deli on Coombe Lane SW20 S AQ Tel: 020 8605 2175 H Q103 D J74 * Aromatica Italian Deli on Leopold Rd C AKJ43

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West led 6♠. Declarer counted two spades and five club tricks, so he decided to attack his longest suit, hearts, for the extra tricks. But, the lead has knocked out one spade stopper and, when he lost the fi rst heart, a second spade dislodged his fi nal spade stopper. When he lost a second heart, his opponents took four spade tricks and A♦, to defeat him by three tricks. Declarer played for the impossible and, unsurprisingly, found it didn’t work! With seven easy tricks, South requires only two more. If he attacks the diamond suit, he needs only for West to hold Q♦ to lose only one trick and set up two more for certain. At trick 2, South leads J♦ and West probably wins with A♦ and leads another spade. Declarer wins and leads a low diamond. When West plays low, declarer puts on 9♦ from dummy and holds his breath. When this holds, his contract is secure. A risky line, yes, but it is both the best one available and, crucially, one which is not impossible. aceoftrumps.com

IT’S A BOY THING This September Book Club Boys opens its Wimbledon club

e talk to the founder and director, Melissa Haggist, about why the club is such a hit with parents and boys.

‘Book Club Boys is essentially a book club for boys. I was inspired to set it up when I saw the pressure young boys were under with assessments and exams and their lack of enthusiasm for essays, comprehensions and reading. I felt they needed a safe haven of creative down time where they could let off steam and simultaneously acquire the essential English skills they needed to do well. A boy’s brain develops differently to a girl’s and Book Club Boys is designed specifically around a young boy’s brain and learning style. Our male actors read aloud and the boys discuss what the story is about, why they think and feel the way they do about it and to what effect the writer uses literary tools. The outcome is improved comprehension, analytical and creative thinking, independent reading, improved vocabulary and confidence in their own ideas. Mothers tell me their sons love the club and refuse to miss it even for a party and truly it’s joyful to see the boys so stimulated by books!’ To find out more or to book your place on the club visit bookclubboys.com or call Melissa directly with questions on 07456 489 469. Book Club Boys also runs clubs in Chelsea and Belgravia.

“One school, two buildings, great teaching, and tip top facilities.” The Good Schools Guide

The Study is a leading prep school situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village. We identify and nurture each girl’s unique academic, creative and sporting skills in a caring and supportive community. For further details and to book a school visit, contact Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Registered Charity No. 271012

We welcome enquires about our scheme of assistance with fees for girls aged 7+.

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

Winner

tennisonproperty.com

new schoolNEW CHALLENGES 26/01/2017 11:47

NEW YEAR

andra Nardi of the Parent Education Consultancy says few things are more bewildering in a child’s life than adjusting to a new school. Here are her simple tips to help parents through “that mixture of dread and excitement of saying goodbye to familiar faces and being welcomed into the micro-community of a new school, of meeting friends they’re destined to flourish with and teachers destined to inspire them.” Preparing your child for a new school, or their first day back in a new year, can be a challenging time. Your anxiety has been busily suppressed by acquiring fresh uniforms and sharp pencils; whilst children entwine trepidation with excitement, wondering what adventures lie ahead. There are many ways we can support our children when they return home each day. Many have after school activities, which the younger children may find exhausting in the first term, and may be worth delaying until January. Weekends are often bursting at the seams with sport, music and parties – leaving very little time to involve ourselves or maximise the potential learning opportunities stimulated by their rich curriculum. A recent report claimed that busy parents spend an average of 40 minutes a day talking to their children. Consider placing homework routines either at breakfast when your child isn’t tired from the demands during the day, or arrange an earlier bedtime - allowing them to choose to read instead of sleep.

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• Print off the school curriculum, taking note of the topics that will be covered. • Bring to life what they are learning by scouring the Discovery channel and ploughing through old movies - sharing knowledge through different mediums can empower you and your child and integrate you into their work whilst watching their confidence grow. • For the younger ones, leave an assortment of pens and paper out on the kitchen table or devise a fun yet educative game to motivate and engage them in the morning. If they still gravitate towards the iPad or the TV, that’s ok - embrace what your ‘digital natives’ can teach you about the technological universe which they have been born into. • An understanding of educational apps will be a welcome surprise for all your children. parenteducationconsultancy.com

Come to our place and make it yours!

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SW19 is one of the best known postcodes in the world. So why not take advantage of our Virtual Mailbox offer? With easy in and out terms and monthly payments by direct debit, there is no better way to associate your business with the Wimbledon brand.

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We provide that extra touch of professionalism that is not a coffee shop, making all the difference to how you run your business.

Enquire today by calling 020 8944 5501

Your SW19 for business

The Oldest Primary School In SW20 Turns 150! S t Matthew’s C of E Primary School, (formerly Cottenham Park Primary School) is celebrating its 150th anniversary during 2017.

1867 - 1975

On the morning of 11 February 1867, a bell rang out over the fields of West Wimbledon and some thirty small children arrived at school. It was the opening day of the Cottenham Park Branch Infants National School, Pepys Road, SW20. The school came into being through the foresight of Canon William Haygarth, the Vicar of St Mary’s Wimbledon from 1859 until 1902. He had been troubled by the difficulty little children in West Wimbledon had with travelling to the Central National School on Camp Road and founded the school to provide them an education. The first teacher was Miss Crump who was paid £12 per annum until the first permanent Head Teacher Miss Emma Welsford was appointed in January 1869. In 1870 H. M. Inspectors recorded “this is a small Infant School, in a retired situation. The mistress, Miss Emma Welsford, manages the children with animation and judgement, and the children are intelligent and orderly” Parish Church and Sunday School services were held at the school in the 1880’s and in 1901 the Vicar of Wimbledon bought land at the corner of Durham and Spencer Road. St Matthews’s Church was opened on this site in 1909 and has since had a very close association with the school. This long affiliation was recognised in 1997 when the school name was changed to St. Matthew’s C of E School, Cottenham Park. The original school was located at the bottom of Pepys Road, to the south of Worple Road, where it stood until 1975 when it relocated to its current site on Cottenham Park Road. The school remains a small single entry primary school and now has 213 pupils. st-matthews.merton.sch.uk T: 020 8947 7228

1975 to present

Mr Quinn the Head teacher says, ‘’We are proud to be the oldest Primary school in SW20 and we’re celebrating with visits from the Bishop of Southwark and the Bishop of Kingston and other local dignitaries.”

Missing Your darling Magazine? COLLECT COPIES AT OUR 'HOTSPOTS'

• Love Wimbledon Info Desk, Centre Court • Maison St. Cassien, Wimbledon Village • Absolute Abode, Raynes Park • Spoons, Coombe Lane • Aromatica Deli, Leopold Rd To advertise in Darling: info@darlingmagazine.co.uk

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Liability

LIMITATIONS OF

Getting the paperwork right when winning new work is vital to commercial success

ll too often suppliers and customers are so caught up in the enthusiasm for a new project that one of the last things either party want to do is talk about contracts, especially if the parties have been working together for a long time. However, a case at the end of last year, shows the importance of taking the time to get the contract right, especially regarding your liability if something goes wrong. What happened? An architectural company had done design work on two large projects for a customer. The design work had been undertaken on an understanding that a wider agreement would be agreed and entered into. Unfortunately the wider agreement was never prepared and despite not agreeing detailed terms of a contract, the customer still placed the order for the design work and the architects completed that design work. However, issues arose in the design and the cost of rectifying these defects was valued around £40 million. The architects claimed their liability had been limited to £610,515, which was a figure proposed by the customer. The amount paid to the architects for the design work was £285,000, so that limit does seem reasonable. To be faced with a £40 million claim is very different. 34

summer 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (50788)

There were two issues the court had to decide: 1. Was there a contract and, if so, what were its terms? The judge decided that the parties had discussed three sets of terms, but had not in fact agreed on any of them as: • The first set was superseded by the second set of terms. • The second set of terms was not identified (both parties had lost the correspondence) and a third set had been proposed. • The third set of terms had never been agreed. However, the court found there had been a contract for the simple reason that the court said that if one party is carrying out work and the other is paying for it, it will usually find there is a “simple contract”. However, it was decided that the other terms of business which had been put forward by both parties did not form part of the agreement. 2. If there was a contract, was the limit on liability included in it? The parties had discussed at least three different limits on liability, and ultimately, none had been agreed. The court said that there was no limit on liability despite it being the customer (not the architects) that had put forward the limit. As the limitation on liability when things go wrong is so important, there had to be a clear and express agreement to the change these limits. This had not happened and therefore the judge confirmed that there was no limit to the architect’s liability resulting in a liability of tens of millions of pounds. Lessons learnt 1. Contract negotiations should be started and concluded quickly. The judge said the architects could be “properly criticised” for not responding promptly to the customer’s numerous proposals causing a muddled view of the contract from the architects. 2. Limiting a party’s liability should be by agreement, be clear and written down. The judge concluded that it was a classic case of it being better to have an agreement in order to obtain a limit on liability, even if some of the other terms were not so commercially friendly. 3. Delay work if necessary. This is always tricky, especially if a contracting party has fought tooth and nail to get the work. However if the architects had waited until the liability limitations had been agreed (perhaps to a professional indemnity insurance level), then the architects would be in a far less vicarious position than it now finds itself. 4. Clarity is king – in order to say an agreement exists, there needs to be a clear offer and very clear acceptance of that offer. This was not apparent here as the judge was not able to determine that the terms of business had been accepted when the architects accepted the instruction to do the design work. Therefore there was no limit on liability. Danielle Collett-Bruce | Senior Solicitor, Commercial & Corporate dcb@hartbrown.co.uk | 01483 887653 shop local

darlingmagazine.co.uk | summer 2017

arts & culture

Alex Shulman

Judy Murray (right)

Ali Smith to open

BOOKFEST 2017 5th - 15th October 2017

ugely anticipated by the local community, BookFest, now in its eleventh year, features a carefully curated mix of literary names, local talent, politics, current affairs, sport, film, music, theatre and children’s events in the Big Tent on Wimbledon Common. Speakers include bestselling novelists Ali Smith (opening the event in conversation with Samira Ahmed), Salman Rushdie, AL Kennedy, Anthony Horowitz, Tracy Chevalier, Tessa Hadley, Elif Sahfak and Kamila Shamsie; entrepreneur Liz Earle; Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman; philosopher A.C. Grayling and Radio 4’s ‘Saturday Live’ host Rev Richard Cole. As ever BookFest showcases a lively politics and current affairs strand with speakers including Alan Johnson, Chris Patten, Jon Sopel and Fergal Keane; whilst Chris Boardman, Judy Murray and Brian Moore and friends will provide a unique insight in to the world of sport. Children’s events include Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell and writer and illustrator Clare Vuillamy, with further speakers to be announced soon. Joe Lycett headlines BookFest’s legendary comedy night and the Wimbledon International Short Film Festival returns with a stunning new collection of films. Wimbledon BookFest is also launching the Robert Graves Poetry Prize in partnership with the University of Roehampton. Full details on how to enter will be announced shortly. wimbledonbookfest.org

WIMBLEDON Liz Earle

Min Kym

local author

Was this in the plan? How I faced the unimaginable and learned to live By Steph Nimmo I have written a book about my experiences and how we responded to them as a family, it will be published on 12th September on what would have been our 25th wedding anniversary. Pre-order a copy of Was this in the Plan? From stephnimmo.com and 5% of the rrp will be given to ShootingStar-Chase Hospice.

Stephanie Nimmo will be speaking at Wimbledon Bookfest on Saturday 7th October at 1.45pm. She is also holding a Death Café as part of the BookFest Fringe on 11th October. (wimbledonbookfest.org)

Steph and her family

y husband Andy and I moved to Wimbledon when I graduated from university in 1990.Our four children all went to school in and around the borough and it’s been wonderful for them to grow up in such a close knit community. This became especially important to me after the birth of my fourth child, Daisy. She had a rare, life-limiting condition requiring a lot of medical support. When Daisy was 6 months old we were referred to ShootingStar-Chase children’s hospice, they became a lifeline for us, supporting our children with siblings days and giving us respite from the stresses of caring for a life limited child. In late 2014 we were given the devastating news that Andy had terminal cancer. When he died I was left to care for our four children alone. Sadly Daisy’s health deteriorated rapidly and just afer her 12th birthday she also died. In the space of just over a year we went from a family of six to a family four I am a writer and this has been my way of helping with the grief of losing both my husband and child in such a short space of time.

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HOME GROWN Emmanuella Reiter, founder of The Jigsaw Players chats to Darling

reshly off the plane from Boston, USA, and just out of music school, Founding Artistic Director Emmanuella Reiter was stuck at home in Raynes Park during the hot summer of 2006, so poor she couldn’t even afford the train into town! So Emmanuella and her pianist friend Hannah Shileds, decided to take action and organise a recital. They started calling local churches, and Christ Church West

Wimbledon’s pastor Richard Lane said “Yes, please!” They only gave themselves one week to organise the concert. They made flyers, offered it as a free concert and about forty people came! After a bit of research Emmanuella realised that the only classical music concert series in Wimbledon at that time was the Florestan Trio’s at King’s. So she decided to start her own series. They did two “preview”

concerts and officially started Jigsaw in September‘08. “It’s called Jigsaw because the idea is that we put a host of diverse musical talents together... I know, cheesy as hell!” says Emmanuella. As they prepare to launch their ninth season with a Gala Dinner at the Light House Restaurant on the 12th September. For info: jigsawplayers.co.uk

RAY OF SUNSHINE Local singer, Parry Ray celebrates favourite hits of her childhood

ondoner, Parry Ray is a mother, singer and blogger. Last year, she released her fourth album, Know the Way Back, a collection of musical childhood influences from 1978-88, produced by the renowned Andy Wright (Eurythmics, Simple Minds). Rearranging songs by Blondie, Bowie, and Prince to name a few, Parry has created a unique collection infused with her own unwavering style. Parry explains, “Although this is a covers album, it feels like a collection of originals – as I have poured a lot of me into each track.” “The album is a blend of my jazz roots with songs that cemented my passion for pop, offering I hope both familiarity & surprise. So, I am excited to be performing this album at The Pheasantry, Chelsea in September.” Parry is also a lifestyle blogger with a growing online audience (www.parryray.com). She explains, “I have lots of passions in my life that feed into who I am, I hope that comes through in my music too.” The Mum-of-two is donating part of the ticket sales to The Compassionate Friends, a charity providing support to families living with child bereavement. parryray.com

PIZZA EXPRESS MUSIC PRESENTS

27 SEPTEMBER

DOORS AT 7PM - SHOWTIME 8.30PM - TICKET£8 THE PHEASANTRY, CHELSEA. SW3 4UT - WWW.PARRYRAY.COM TWITTER @ParryRay INSTAGRAM @parryrayinharmony

DiscoverART

discover MERTON

s there a space above your sofa that’s crying out for the right print or painting? Or a corner in your garden that needs a beautiful pot or glass sculpture? Come on a journey of discovery this September, as a family, with friends, or take some “me” time to explore the Merton Arts Festival. Seventy artists are opening their houses or studios across the Borough of Merton to show original work.

Transformation’. Pick up a Festival Arts map from libraries, galleries and cafés; it has all the details you need, with clearly-marked locations, to curate your own art journey.

Get a different perspective: look out for group exhibitions, where you can see how artists have interpreted this year’s theme of ‘Reflection and

Open weekends 16-17, 23-24 September. Visit mertonartsfestival.com Follow @mertonartsfestival

As you go round, you’ll chat to artists and get an insight into how they make their work. Why not sign up for workshops in jewellery and etching, or go along to an artist’s talk?

The Snow Queen Party T

reat your family to a VIP performance of Polka’s new production of The Snow Queen*, followed by one of our legendary, themed after show parties with the cast and Director on Saturday 9 December, 3.00pm - 6.30pm. There will be an amazing winter feast and surprises to delight all ages! All proceeds from this event will go towards Polka’s Relaxed, Integrated Sign Language and Audio-Described performances, so children with a wide range of learning and access needs can enjoy live theatre. Book tickets at polkatheatre.com or by phoning our Box Office on 020 8543 4888. *Please note, The Snow Queen is recommended for ages 5-11.

Proudly sponsored by: The Siegeris School of Dance.

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BE INSPIRED BY MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD NOVEMBER 11-26 A festival of virtuosi from Russia, Sweden, Venezuela, Italy and beyond

amaican super-star Sir Willard White - The Katona Twins guitar duo from Hungary Diotima, France’s most distinguished string quartet - the brilliant Venezuelan pianist Sergio Tiempo, protégé of the great Martha Argerich - the phenomenal Swedish trumpeter, Haken Hardenburg, “whose quicksilver runs, at a fraction above where the instrument stops making a sound at all, is an awesome experience.”

The Festival theme ‘Musical Capitals’ has celebrated ‘Tenebrae’ choir contrasting the music of London and Rome; jazz super-star Claire Martin brings ‘Hollywood Romance’; the virtuosic Red Priest share their own brand of musical Venice; the Schubert Ensemble give a double helping of plums from Vienna; while the Philharmonia Orchestra provide ‘London’ and ‘Paris’ symphonies as a finale.

Why are they coming? Because the Wimbledon International Music Festival is “One of the capital’s major autumn events “ [Evening Standard] and “One of the most distinguished festivals in the UK, possibly the world” [Musical Opinion]

But the opening night is reserved for Wimbledon itself, with a brilliant oratorio based on the poems of Wimbledon-born Robert Graves.

Russia is richly represented, with Yevgeni Sudbin “One of the greatest pianists of the 21st century “[Daily Telegraph]; Viktoria Mullova, the legendary violinist who defected from cold war Russia; “colour and vitality” from the Russian Virtuosi of Europe, with wonderful melodies by Tchaikovsky, and Borodin [who inspired the musical Kismet]…

Tickets: wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk

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CHANCE Encounters

personal journey

An occasional column about the wonderful people I get to meet and the lovely things I get to see when I’m out and about. By Editor Karine Torr the family heavily indebted to the local caberet brothel - La Dama Pintada, and to keep herself out of debtor’s prison, her mama sells her daughter to the owner - Jefe Rico Pistola.

love a good musical. I love that Wimbledon theatre was the stage on which Fred Astaire and his sister once tripped the light fantastic. We are so lucky to have it on our doorstep and to be able to enjoy great musicals after the curtain falls in the West End. So I was thrilled to get a glimpse behind the scenes of how musicals are born and to meet their creators at the 2017 Page to Stage Festival. Rob Brown and Yolanda van der Kolk-Brown together with niece Tara Van der Kolk, are Canadians who migrated to Panama in search of sunshine and found inspiration to write the musical ‘PANAMÁ’ that’s soon going to be warming the hearts of audiences around the world. We spent a fascinating evening chatting about all things musical after seeing their song ‘Wanted’ from PANAMÁ: THE MUSICAL

(which was riveting and moving), performed by the Page to Stage stars. The musical has been five years in the making - from Panama via the Edinburgh Festival to its world premiere at the Ateneo Theater in Panama City on 1st February 2018 to March 4th. The North American premiere will be in Toronto November 3rd, 2018. “ We have been together for 25 years and this is our first musical together.” says Yolanda. The story (performed in English) is set in 1927 in The Panama Canal Zone and neighboring Casco Viejo. It is a love story: a beautiful American songwriter Caramia falls in love with a Panamanian musician. She dreams of hearing her songs on this new thing called “radio”. When her father dies, the family is forced to survive in the decadent streets of Casco Viejo. Papa left

Caramia wins a songwriting contest by a new company called RCA. The first prize is a trip to NYC to record her songs. However, Jefe Pistola threatens that if she leaves, he will force her thirteen year old sister to pay off the family debt working behind the red doors. It’s dark and gripping but with a happy ending. “To find out what happens you will have to buy a ticket!” says Rob with a gleam in his eye and future plans for a London run. Watch this space, Wimbledon! panamathemusical.com facebook.com/ panamathemusical/

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Wellbeing and bathroom trends

With Absolute Abode designer Kirsty McMorron

ome as sanctuary is a very popular topic at the moment - I’m sure you’ll agree that we are living in challenging times, and sometimes when we close the door to the world, we just want to escape into our sanctuary of home.

A core part of this sanctuary for many of us is our bathroom, where we create our personal bathing rituals. A beautiful, luxurious feeling bathroom is a place to unwind, relax and de-stress from the day, as well as the first place that many of us go as soon as we wake up. Ideally, our bathrooms are adaptable spaces where we can tailor the atmosphere to our mood. Lighting is extremely important in a bathroom - at Absolute Abode we like to layer lighting, especially in bathrooms, so you can change the mood and atmosphere. Not too bright but bright enough to be practical in the morning; low lighting in the middle of the night; gentle, calm and warm as we wind down in preparation for bed. This can be achieved with various types and levels of lighting, such as ceiling down lights, wall lights, floor lights and hidden LEDs. Creating a relaxing, welcoming, atmospheric space is something that we find ourselves doing a lot for our clients. Thinking about how you and your family like to use your space is the stepping off point - what bathing rituals do you have and when, how often do you like to relax in the bathroom, who uses the space? These factors all affect how a bathroom is designed. ‘Nothing exists if not through the hands’, as famous Italian architect Gio Ponti once noted - our sense of touch is how we experience our environment, and our experience of home should be one of sanctuary and warmth. Ensuring our bathing spaces, where we are often at our most vulnerable, enhance these feelings and can greatly improve our sense of wellbeing and relaxation. With consideration and attention to detail, coupled with a thorough understanding of how and by whom your bathroom is used, Absolute Abode can help to transform your functional bathroom into a welcoming, peaceful daily sanctuary.

Please feel free to get in touch with us for a complimentary consultation, to discuss your ideas further. absoluteabodedesign.com | 020 8090 3210 Absolute Abode Design 76-78 Coombe Lane SW20 0AX shop local

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The Flooring Co 257 Coombe Lane, London SW20 0RH 0208 971 9101 info@theflooringco.co.uk

DAVID LLOYD CLUB NEWS hunger games!

ome rain or shine, there’s no better place for a fun family day or a night out with friends than Raynes Lanes Bowling at David Lloyd.

We cater for all tastes and ages. Our twelve lane bowling alley is open to everyone who can pick up a bowling ball, from beginners to aspirant pros, and our Softplay frame and activity centre can keep the little ones busy for hours while you relax with a pint, play pool or simply chill out and watch the game. When hunger strikes you don’t have to stop bowling. Our new menu includes everything from casual snacks to main courses, chosen by our chefs to satisfy everyone’s appetite,

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whether it’s the picky toddler, the ravenous teenager or a more sophisticated palate! Our lanes and restaurant are available for private hire at any time of day, for business or pleasure. And we’re happy to work with local schools and other groups to arrange fun-packed outings tailor-made to suit their needs. We are open every Wednesday to Sunday from 10am, and throughout the week during school holidays. Bookings are always recommended. T: 020 8544 9965 or emailing opsbowling.raynespark@davidlloyd.co.uk

Do you hate cleaning your oven ? Then use our elbow grease to remove yours

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N THE SCENE

With Editor Karine Torr

MERTON CHAMBER AGM NETWORKING HELD AT HOTEL DU VIN - CANNIZARO

Merton Chamber’s Raymond Kinsella with Natalie Hostombe and Piyush Patel

L-R: Nadia Kfaiti from Hotel du Vin, Caroline Cook, Karine Torr, Nick Samuel and Cheyne Ritchie

Julien Upson, Kate Cooper and Sara Thain

Will Hackett, Katie Owen and John Merriman

NEW LOOK FOR LADYWIMBLEDON.COM AN ‘ALL IN WHITES’ LAUNCH CELEBRATING THE TENNIS AT HOTEL DU VIN - CANNIZARO

Becca Gray, Sandra Nardi & Charlotte Broadbent

L-R: Becca Carslaw, ‘Lady Wimbledon’, Mayor of Merton Cllr Marsie

@SW19 CYCLE 300KMS FOR THE CHANGE FOUNDATION EARLIER THIS SEASON

L-R: Annabel Lintott, Elaine Miller, Kelly McAteer and the New Wimbledon Theatre GM, Neil Chandler

Ollie Weguelin (Wimbledon) Charles Sandford (Kingston) Rob Clarke (Wimbledon) David Rowe (Wimbledon) Andrew Cotton (Budleigh Salterton) Mark Cusack (Wimbledon) Johan Depraetere (Chelsea) Bill Blurton (Budleigh Salterton) Andy Skinner (Budleigh Salterton) Paul McCarthy (Budleigh Salterton) James Bowtell (Velusso cycling) James is the holder of the Guinness World Record for cycling across Europe in just 37 days, beating the previous record by 7 days. He started in Ufa, Russia on 27 July 2014 and arrived at the Lighthouse in Cabo Da Rosa, Portugal on 1st September 2014 Front: Mauro Mattiuzzo (Wimbledon) Susan Cusack (Wimbledon) and Martin Gill (Wimbledon)

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM AT PEACOCK & CO

‘GOOD GRIEF’ TRUST CHARITY EVENT

L-R: The hosting team -Katherine Carroll, Karen Webbe, Kai Jones, John Peacock, Caroline Mills, Marijana Molnar and Kim Peacock

Seen at LK Bennett in Wimbledon Village - Founder Linda Magistris, Karine Torr, Shirlie Kemp and Charlotte Broadbent, Darling stylist

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT SUMMER BBQ FUNDRAISER LEFT: L-R: Susan Cornelius, Nigel Jennings, Pam Jennings, Val Morrison, Chris Morrison, Jacquie Cheetham, Sol Davidson BOTTOM LEFT: MacMillan Chair, Zoe Penny, Marion Godwin and host, S. J. Holden

LINDEN LODGE’S WIMBLEDON OPEN GARDENS

SPOTTED AT SARAH MANOLESCUE ‘S RECENT AMAZING EXHIBITION TOP RIGHT: Tony Cohen, (Chair of the Wimbledon Open Gardens Events) Beanie Espey, Celia Espey & James Espey

Artist Sarah with art lover, Lana Whipp

RIGHT: Pamila Handford and James Espey

WIMBLEDON’S WINTER WONDERLAND 3rd DECEMBER lovewimbledon.org.uk

STRANK CHARTIBLE TRUST SUMMER PARTY - WITH CELEBS GALORE!

L-R: Carol Wright, Christopher Biggins, Irene Strank and Debbie Bright

EXCITING ‘JAMAICA’ NETWORKING AT KÖNIG KITCHENS

Irene Strank and Gok Wan

DRAGON BOAT RACING DAY IN AID OF MOMENTUM CHARITY

L-R: Sally Strang (travel consultant and host), Andrew Hillier, Karine Torr, Sandra Nardi, Max Tchanturia and Donovan Donaldson from the Jamaica Tourist Board

WIM GUILD VILLAGE FAIR

L-R: Above Mayor Cllr Marsie Skeete & Sue Cooke (Chair) Below: Winners at the Dog Show ATHENA TEAM L-R: Back Kirsty McMorran, Ivari Kare, Kate L-R: Kate Brookes (Momentum), Sarah Austin Race- L-R: Back Erin Bayer, Noelle Brookes. Mid Tim & Rachel Barclay, Sue Carruthers, Mariko & (organiser, Really Helpful Club), Leigh Spall Leith, Ross Stewart, front Rebecca Hannah Lavender-Jones, Nikki Williams and captain, Claire (Barclays), sponsor Dominic Pasque,(Knight Jenkinson, Kathleen Leitch, Julie Cotton. Front Karine Torr & Matt Baker Frank), and Eloise Martin (Momentum) Johnson & Daisy Leutert

THE MOULTONS CELEBRATING TOM’S 60TH & A 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Left: Tom and Oonagh Moulton with sons Oliver, Toby and Henry Below: Cllr Henry Nelles, Cllr Janice Howard, Lord and Lady Ahmad of Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON GUILD BRIDGE DRIVE FUND RAISER AT THE WIMBLEDON PARK GOLF CLUB

Below left: Philip Wright and Alice Barlow

CHILLING POST THE TENNIS AT THE DOG & FOX

Caroline Geraerts, Elizabeth

WANNA BE SEEN IN DARLING Bessant & Paul Harper Want to be seen in Wimbledon? Advertise your business in Darling today! darlingmagazine.co.uk

07930 396356

L-R: Craig and Natalie Walker, Shelly Palmer and Becca Gray

PATARA THAI RESTAURANT OPENS ITS DOORS WITH A HOT LAUNCH

Nicolas Sigrist and Sisley White

L-R: Marina Sanchez, Interior Designer David Hur and Cheryl Swinton

L-R: Denise van Okker, Nikki Rees, Rian Torres & Martin Cornish

Annabel Lintott, Jennie Allen and Lynda Leith

WVBA SUMMER DRINKS PARTY AT ROSE & CROWN

Victoria Kirby, David Thom and Jenny Booth

Suzy Wood and Ronan Kerouedan Anthony Ashton, Clive Hilton & Caroline Hilton

JOHN MCENROE’S SPOTTED AT THE MAYOR’S BOOK LAUNCH OPENS 2017 BOOKFEST NETWORKING EVENING AT THE IVY SPOTTED CELEBRATING

Left: Sponsors WSM’s Simon Marsh, Roger Ford and WSM’s Paul Windsor Bottom: L-R: Eamon Razvi, Nikki Stanton, Angela Barton and Gilly Razvi

Christanne Mouttet & Tilly Richardson

Fiona Razvi (speaker) & Clare Jefferies

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE’S NEW SEASON’S MUSICALS

Pauline Morfield & Robert Holmes

Sue Fauknall & Gaelle Hughes

L-R: Leila Lobo, Lillie Toon, Sam McKibben and Sydney James

Back: Fed Zanni (Tenderly) Holly Conlay (Marketing New Wimbledon Theatre), Joseph Hodges (Tenderly). Front: Katie Ray (Tenderly) and Kara Lily Hayworth (Cilla The Musical)

ST MATTHEWS PRIMARY SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS 150TH BIRTHDAY IN SW20! Left: Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secretaries, Louise Morgan & Gloria Saunders

Right: Steven Read & Keith Malone

L-R: Michelle Herbst, Werner Herbst, Mike Fekete, Charlie MorimotoEllis, James Smith and Robyn Smith Below: L-R: Gala evening committee - Sadie Cook, Carrie Thompson, Emma Boatman, Lania McCall, Liz Errington

L-R: Grant Lester, Dr. Rachel Gow & Jo Fordyce, Pam poet David Nieta and Paul Custers Top: Rev Dr. Helen Orchard, the Bishop of Southwark and Head Teacher Gary Quinn. Below: Sigi Leigh, Janet Mc Donagh, ex Head Teacher, Mary-Jane Taylor and Jennie Sheehan

SUMMER PARTY AT PHO RESTAURANT ON THE BROADWAY

L-R: Sisley White, Siobhan Nolan, Bronwen Gray and Melissa Haggist Right: May Simpkin & Helene Arentz LAUNCHING THE MERTON ARTS FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER

Wendy McTernan, Claire Morgan june-aug 2016 and Ben 52 Nicolas

POLKA THEATRE LEGEND

Visit from Polka Patron, Omid Djalili with Nesrin Comert and Amanda darlingmagazine.co.uk Cropper

L-R: Andy Dean, Delphine Cahn, Maria & Gordon Jessiman

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Anyone for Coffee? At the All England Lawn Tennis Club!

ome Instead Senior Care Wimbledon, has gone from strength to strength. In 2016 they were the first homecare provider in London to be rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information please contact Joanna Carter at Home Instead on 020 8942 4137 or email joanna.carter@homeinstead.co.uk homeinstead.co.uk/wimbledonandkngston

The company pride themselves on the quality of companionship led care and are always looking for ways to improve the lives of their clients, having already invested time and resources establishing a host of community events, including Singing for the Brain and their Memory Cafés. On the fourth Tuesday of every month, from 10.30am - 12.30pm, Home Instead host a ‘Coffee and Culture Club’ in the Wingfield Café at the All England Lawn Tennis Association on Church Lane, Wimbledon, SW19 5AQ. In the shadow of Centre Court, this stunning environment offers a date in the diary for older people who appreciate the finer things in life. As well as talks from interesting members of the AELTC, including the Head Gardener and the Wimbledon Foundation Director, this interesting group enjoy news and current affairs, reminiscence, and stimulating activities as well as time to relax and enjoy the delicious morning coffee and tasty pastries. Cost £5 per person.

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The Home Care Specialists

Award winning Home Care from 30 minutes per week to full-time Live-in Care If you are looking for extra support at home or an alternative to residential care homes, then we’re here to help in Wimbledon. Helping Hands has been providing award winning quality help at home since 1989. A family run company we apply our local knowledge and over 28 years of experience to offer you one to one home care that enables you or your loved one to remain at home with compassion and dignity. If you or a loved one could do with extra help around the home, shopping, support with personal care, a hospital discharge or even providing a break for an existing Carer, then our local Carers are right on your doorstep.

To find out how we can help you, call:

02037 335 769

or visit: www.helpinghands.co.uk

Cystitis Don’t think nothing can be done - it can! Says Nadine Coull Consultant Urologist at New Victoria Hospital

’ve had cystitis once in my life and it was miserable. The pain, the desperate need to pee even though I knew I was going to pass five drops of what felt like acid, not to mention the throbbing pain in my nether Time and again our patients rate us as one regions - it was hideous. So Iofam enormously the best private hospitals with 99% rating our overall of care as Excellent or sympathetic. Unfortunately it’s onequality of those Very Good* conditions that is often dismissed as bad luck • Exceptional nursing • Highlyhad skilledit), Consultants (I suspect by those who’ve never • New state of the art operating theatres although it really ought to be investigated, • New cardiac diagnostic facility • Recognised essentially to make sure there isn’t anby all major insurers • Fixed price surgery and finance underlying cause. packages available

Outstanding Care

A private, charity owned hospital providing compassionate healthcare for almost 60 years *Patient Satisfaction Survey Jan-Dec 2016

summer 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk Darling Half Page 160x112.5mm Jan17.indd 1

If you get attacks more than 3 times in a year it’s worth consulting a specialist. They will talk to you, and examine you, and should also run tests to see whether the infections are caused by, for example, a kidney stone, or an anatomical variant within the urinary tract. In my practice, I will usually ask women to have an ultrasound scan of their kidneys and bladder, and a cystoscopy. I think it’s really important to make sure we have the right diagnosis, particularly as there are other conditions that can mimic urinary tract infections. Call: +44 (0) 20 8949 9000 Email:

enquiries@newvictoria.co.uk

www.newvictoria.co.uk T: Visit: 020 8949 9020 Find us: Just off the A3 for an appointment. 184 Coombe Lane West KT2 7EG

shop19/01/2017 local16:21

mental health

“I am only as happy as my least happy child”

Pam Custers

ur home and family life has long been our place of refuge. A place where we can find love, support, nurturance and acceptance for being ourselves. In reality we often return home to find ourselves in the midst of chores, stress and pressure. To flourish we all need a safe place, both physically and psychologically, to come home to. When a home is secure and solid it gives children the ability to handle the demands of growing up. Giving our kids a sanctuary is a gift, it allows them to go out into the world and deal with life knocks in the knowledge that they can come home to recharge. No home is perfect and we all have had some “robust” moments in our family life but what research shows is that what we give to our children in their early years lasts a life time. How your relationships work at home is the template by which your children will see the world. Our relationships resonate with each other. As one parent said, “I am only as happy as my least happy child”. Making our home a refuge works for both the adults and the children. What simple things can we do to make our home a refuge? Firstly slow down. Be honest with yourself and reduce the stress by simply slowing down. Secondly be clear that home is a sanctuary where disrespect will simply not be tolerated. Thirdly try and make home a low pressure place where there is enough down time for everyone to “noodle about”. Fourthly accept your children’s baby self when they just can’t keep up the “big girl” self anymore. All children need a chance to be their baby self. Finally consciously decide what your family’s ethos is and have everyone buy into it. If you want to get the most out of your family life so all the relationships run smoothly then contact Pam.

Pam Custers is an experienced therapist working with individuals, couples and families. Her clients are successful individuals who value her unique approach. She is accredited MBACP. MA. BA (Psych) Hons and is a RELATE trained and registered counsellor. T: 07572 841388 | pamcusters.co.uk

TEXTILE ARTS WORKSHOPS & COURSES At Studio 112, Wimbledon Arts Studios • WETFELTING FOR BAGS/SCARVES/HATS • HAT MAKING - FASCINATORS & REFURBISHMENTS • PATCHWORK QUILTING - MEMORY QUILTS • EXTREME KNITTING AND CROCHET Individuals and groups welcome. Dates by arrangements. Call Lesley on 07845 281609

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

   

                                                                                      

  

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        

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la To te w to st el lik th sty co e e lis me to te t A o off am n ur er w ton yo e’d io u…

                                                  

 

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loose, so people can bring bread, pastries, cakes or biscuits. There’s plenty of chat about triumphs and disasters by these truly passionate bakers with a broad spectrum of skills that they’re more than willing to share with each other. Novice bakers are very welcome and even experienced bakers sometimes come empty handed, following a disaster! It’s very relaxed and there’s always plenty of bakes to go around. All ages welcome. WBG meets on Saturdays 3-5pm, usually towards the end of the month. See meetup.com for dates.

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darlingmagazine.co.uk | summer 2017

point of view

Eye

SHE’S GOT JULIETTE GRÉCO’S

By Kate Greenhalgh

ere we are, at ‘peak stuff’ time of year again. Presents, possessions, spending, accumulating, consume, consume. “Enough!” I scream. “You are all getting clean water for a village in Africa for Christmas this year.” But not all presents are frivolous. In 1988 my best friend’s mum gave me a present. It was a plate with Juliette Gréco’s eye on it. An engagement present. What a fabulous engagement present! All women should get engaged with a beautiful woman’s sardonic eye mounted on their kitchen wall ever after, like my wonderful plate. Last week, it got broken. I said to the culprit, no, no, don’t worry, not your fault, it’s fine! Then I went and discreetly cried, because I’d had Juliette Gréco’s eye on me for nearly 30 years, and now she was in a bin. Stuff is just stuff of course. Love it and let it go, I tell the kids. The term ‘sentimental value’ makes me feel sick. The real Juliette Gréco is gloriously immortal, still going strong at 90, after a life of risqué affairs, smouldering film roles, political activism and general Frenchness. I doubt she would give a damn. Just shrug existentially and smoke another Gauloise. The man who made the plate used a picture of a tatty, weatherbeaten

summer 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

movie poster of her - who knows what those arty postmodernists thought they were up to back in the Seventies. But it is a loving plate. Was. My best friend’s mum Valerie - ran a gallery in Oxford, championing contemporary ceramicists. She has died now - long ago. Thank you Valerie, not just for the plate, but for all the childhood meals at your house, for the camping holidays in Wales, and for mending my hobby horse when its head fell off. It is not just Juliette Gréco’s eye I miss. It is yours. In Japan, there is an art form called Kintsugi. It is the honourable repair of a precious piece of ceramic ware, which must have been broken only accidentally, and the repair must not hide the cracks. Golden Joinery, it translates. After the accident I glumly came down to the kitchen. My partner (who was not the culprit) was sifting through coffee grounds, dirty cat litter and drain sludge with his bare hands. “Found it!” he said. “The last piece!” And he headed for the superglue. And I said I wouldn’t be sentimental about stuff. Juliette is back on the kitchen wall, chips and cracks showing, but still giving me the eye. Golden joinery.

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Focus on your business, I’ll do the rest - Social Media and Newsletter - Book-Keeping - Diary and Email Management virginie@ginie-va.co.uk 07972 562 010