Darling Wimbledon Sept-Oct 2015

darling sept|oct '15 priceless

COVER GIRL KATE WE’RE LOVING IT! SCHOOL RULES STEPPING OUT REALLY HELPFUL? THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER OPEN SEASON MARY’S GIVING SHOP THE FEEL GOOD BAKERY

inspiring local women in wimbledon | www.darlingmagazine.co.uk

editor’s letter Dear Darling Reader, If that was summer then we’ve had it! But there is plenty to look forward to as autumn draws in. Time to turn from beaches to books, from sunny holidays to artistic adventures, from self indulgence to thinking of others. So this issue is all about new experiences, new schools and new beginnings.

Cover Girl: Kate Smith Photography by Taylor Torr

I’ll see you at Wimbledon Bookfest on the Common, on the Merton Arts Trail and at Wimbledon Open Studios. Or I’ll bump into you at Joseph Azagury’s new shoe shop, having your hair done at OMG, finding that designer gem at Mary Portas’s new charity, or getting tips from Zara and Marcelle on eyebrows and blood sugar to keep us gorgeous, slim and glowing.

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr

And there’s lots of advice, as always. Breaking up or making up with Hart Brown and Pam Custers – yoga at Samsara, Method Putkisto with Shirley, or cheering on kick-boxing queen, GB’s Katarzyna Kuczynska. Help on the home front with Haven on how to keep us warm; beautifying our interiors at Absolute Abode, and buy-to-let tips from Andrew Scott Robertson.

Editor Karine Torr 020 8739 0059

So let’s embrace these darker days and keep up the joy.

Until next time when the Festive Season begins in earnest.

Advertising 07930 396356

Karine Torr Editor | info@darlingmagazine.co.uk

Email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributors Kate Greenhalgh Paul Mendelson Photography Taylor Torr 07414 865272 Darling Cobham & Esher Philippa Hennessy 07772 633339 Darling Kingston Marja-Leena Toseland 07802 949836 Design Director Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.com Printer roger@aquatintbsc.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.

CONTENTS 5 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 25 27 30 36 39 40 41 42 45 47 49 50 50 51 51 52 53 54

Love Wimbledon, Love Helen New designer, Joseph Azagury on our High Street New Year, New School Charity begins with Mary Portas Join The Club!

Turn back the clock with nutritionist Marcelle Dubruel Relationship Therapist, Pam says handle with care John Masters Organics at OMG Zara, Queen of Brows Discover your yoga at Samsara Method Putkisto has arrived Season of Art for Autumn On the Scene with Darling’s Social pages Cover Girl, Kate Smith’s parting words Buy-To-Let tips with Adam Jones Bespoke flooring on your doorstep Winter’s hotting up with Paul Bryan Feel Good sandwich venture Absolute Abode celebrating London Design Festival Local businesses support GB Kick-Boxer 9th Annual Wimbledon Bookfest feast Athena’s helpful websites and service Bridge with Paul Mendelson Creative Christmas catering – Carole’s thinking ahead!

Darling’s Hot Spots to collect your copy Diary – What’s On in autumn Local Wag N Go joins with UK Guide Dog Charity Kate’s Critters

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For an individual and professional service

PEACOCK & CO Solicitors YOUR LOCAL LEGAL EXPERTS 94 High Street Wimbledon Village SW19 5EG 020 8944 5290 www.peacock-law.co.uk office@peacock-law.co.uk

Divorce, Financial Settlement and Children Issues Family Mediation Pre and Post Marriage Agreements Wills and Estate Administration Inheritance Tax Planning Lasting Powers of Attorney Commercial and Residential Property Employment

inspiring woman

Spreading the l ve With Wimbledon’s inspiring Helen Clark Bell

W

imbledon is a terrific place and the vast majority of people I meet confirm this when I say I manage Love Wimbledon, they add in ...”we all love Wimbledon”!

I moved to Wimbledon over 20 years ago, when Centre Court Shopping Centre had just opened. It was a very conscious decision to work locally, after having my 2 children. Like many I have built a very strong affinity with the town, watching it grow, develop and change.

Merton Chamber was the impetus behind getting businesses to support, vote for and be part of the Business Improvement District (BID). Over 8 years, working together with Merton Council the Chamber brought it from concept to reality. In 2012 Love Wimbledon was born, a business driven and business paid for improvement district for the Town Centre.

Many people ask me what a BID is and who pays for Love Wimbledon. In a nutshell it is democratically voted for by the business community. In so doing they agree to pay a levy towards funding the organisation. We were the 125th BID in 2012 and there are now over 200 nationwide with nearly 50 in London alone. In times of severe austerity, with much dialogue around the “Death of the High Street” blamed by the growing trend of internet shopping, it is an ideal vehicle for the business community to get directly involved in their town centre and drive change.

When the position of Manager of Love Wimbledon was advertised, I could not resist applying as this exciting initiative would give me the opportunity to further influence and be a part of the changing dynamic of the town.

Helen manning the Love Wimbledon Information desk at Centre Court Shopping Centre

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inspiring woman Three and a half years on, with a team of just 4.5 of us (not everyone is full time!), Love Wimbledon has certainly made its mark. Bringing the tennis to town & celebrating the international Championships, cleaning up the town including the station frontage, working to attract businesses in and create a positive vibrant town centre for residents, visitors and employees to enjoy. As an organisation, we like to push the boundaries and explore exciting and fun options to provide a significant point of difference. I am never shy of taking on a challenge, and as a team our ethos is to respond to information and enquiries promptly and efficiently and persist until we get the job done.

Driving change is important for Wimbledon to become an ongoing talking point, not just for 2 weeks a year. Did you enjoy our popup in St Mark’s Place with live music and food stalls this year?

Were you one of the many that took a selfie with the pink tree on the station forecourt? I am sure you will have had a laugh watching me dance with the Deputy Borough Commander of Wimbledon Police in our “Wimbledon is Happy” video still available on You Tube!

Next year we will be asking the businesses of the town centre to vote for a renewal of our five year term. There is a lot more work to continue to do to keep Wimbledon a strong, vital town centre and we look forward to being able to build on and add to what we have achieved so far.

Wimbledon town has a fascinating dynamic and a very emotional pull and sense of loyalty for many of us. With 50% of Merton’s employment here, independents, brands, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and places to get fit (or stay fit) it’s an attractive proposition both locally and regionally as well as nationally. Wimbledon is unique in so many ways, but what is really exciting though is it’s future, with Crossrail2 developments there are such terrific opportunities to continue to improve. lovewimbledon.org

SPECIAL HOLMES

This elegant former Coach House in the heart of the Village with far reaching views, a south facing garden, benefitting from ample parking and a secure gated entrance, has been extensively refurbished to offer stylish and contemporary living. Let by Robert Holmes.

Lettings and Management 11-13 Church Road, Wimbledon Village SW19 5DW +44(0)20 8879 9669 www.rentalenquiries@robertholmes.co.uk robertholmes.co.uk

Robert Holmes & Company Ltd Estate Agents & Valuers

business-promo

JOSEPH AZAGURY HANDMADE IN MERTON

Darling Editor Karine Torr chats to the newest designer in town

J

oseph Azagury has just opened a new boutique in Wimbledon Village, and as I am passionate

about shoes (show me a woman who isn’t!), I was eager to meet him.

I asked Joseph why he chose our corner of London. “Wimbledon Village is the perfect place for our brand with a mix of established and independent labels and with the Atelier currently based in Merton, Joseph Azagury is a truly local British brand.”

Eva, Joseph’s wife and business partner adds, “We settled in Wimbledon when we decided to move our two boys, Nathan and Sebastian from the French Lycee in South Kensington to an English school in this area.

I really feel part of the local community and I have been involved with the Wimbledon Food Bank and the Merton Winter Night Shelter for the past three years.”

Having studied at the prestigious Cordwainers College, now part of London College of Fashion (Jimmy Choo was his classmate), Joseph consolidated his design expertise with stints in Italy and the USA. Joseph is not the only talented designer in the Azagury clan. His brother, Jacques, is regarded as one of the top British designers whose designs have been worn by the most elegant women in the world, including the late Princess Diana.

In 1990 Joseph set up his own label with the aim of making elegant, feminine and comfortable shoes, and soon created one of the leading British footwear brands. Each individual design is carefully drawn,

sculpted and created by Azagury himself. While sourcing the best materials and components from Italy, he has fulfilled his ambition to bring his production to London where the shoes are hand-made.

“Our customers are buying into a unique brand where the emphasis is on design and craftsmanship,” enthuses Eva, “Wimbledon is the perfect place for our brand.”

2 Church Road Wimbledon Village SW19 5DL 020 8944 9772 josephazagury.co.uk Facebook.com/ josephazagurylondon

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education

The Holy Cross Prep School Community pay tribute and say farewell to the very well loved Sister Ursula and Mrs Rita Neish who spent many decades teaching at the school. l-r: Maureen Shilston, Sister Ursula and Rita Neish.

New kid on the block

Sandra Nardi Founder of Parent Education Consultancy helps you calm your fears when the new school year hits

S

chool is back and yet some parents cannot shake off the angst of how their children will cope with a new school or a new academic year. Preparing your children for a new school or their first day back in a new year and a new class group can be a nostalgic time for parents. Your anxiety has been busily suppressed by acquiring new shiny shoes, fresh uniforms and sharp pencils; however, children experience a mixture of trepidation and excitement, wondering what adventures lie ahead.

Perhaps you didn’t get your dream school and felt the pain of buying a different uniform from the one

you imagined.

However, the moment you wave your children off into their new environment is a moment to be savoured.

They will meet friends they are destined to meet and teachers that are destined to inspire them.

Study Prep Athletes achieved 8 Gold medals, 4 Silvers and 2 Bronze in the ISA National Athletics Championships in the summer.

Once your children return home each day, there are many ways we can support them. Many have after school activities and weekends are bursting at the seams with sport, music and parties leaving little time to involve ourselves or maximise potential of your child’s learning experiences at school.

As busy parents it is very easy to slip into difficult cycles of ‘nagging’ and children reacting against a ‘chore’ of homework rather than the life lessons and experience of shared ‘home learning’ about an exciting topic that would benefit from parents’ own interest and understanding.

Year 3 Pupils at The Hall School Wimbledon who entered Young Writers’ National Competition have been chosen to have their work published in Once Upon a Time - Tales from South London.

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education This new academic year why not try a new approach. Rather than cajoling your children to do their homework, up their grade or reach their potential, there are other ways to communicate our expectations during this new academic year into support: • 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 world, 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 okay 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 welcomed surprise for all your children.

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Woodcote House School was one of eight schools chosen to take part in a parade down The Mall to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo. As a ‘Hungry for History Lead Ambassador School’, Woodcote has been heavily involved in historical commemorations this year.

Technology liberates us from our desks and no longer confines us to a nine to five working day. Likewise, learning is not restricted to the classroom and can easily be nurtured within the home environment.

Embrace a new, innovative chapter in your child’s life, while, as the days pass, the not so shiny shoes reflect the emotions of new beginnings for the whole family.

Sandra Nardi is the Founder and Director of Parent Education Consultancy. For more information, visit parenteducationconsultancy.com

MARY HAD A LITTLE SHOP

By Morgan Bell, ‘Mary’s Living & Giving’ Head of Brand Marketing

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ary’s Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children is a premium charity retail concept launched by Mary Portas and Save the Children. It’s where designer brands and the local community can donate their products, their time and their skills to raise funds and awareness of a good cause.

We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our newest edition in Wimbledon Village this summer.

SW19 is such a fabulously chic location and the sense of community here is second-to-none. Save the Children already has a really strong team of fundraisers in the area so it felt only right that this was the next pin in the map for our growing success story.

Our shops are only as good as their volunteer teams, so it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know our wonderful new neighbours and we hope they might be able to volunteer in the shop just 4 hours a week. We’ve really been welcomed into the Wimbledon Village family (and especially by Lady Wimbledon), with no end of local businesses volunteering their products and services to make sure our launch event went with a bang on Saturday 22nd August.

Shop manager Alice Whitehead opened the doors and welcomed shoppers and new volunteers with a glass of bubbles, courtesy of Robert Holmes & Co, entertainment from local singer-songwriter Malory Torr and complimentary hand massages from the Neal’s Yard beauty team. Little ones enjoyed face painting, balloon modelling provided by the brilliant Dantastic Productions. It was a fantastic day.

Living & Giving offer the local community a unique retail experience with a charitable twist. Our shops house a carefully edited treasure trove of new and pre-loved designer items but what we’re about is about so much more than just shopping. We want this space to become a hub for the local community and through engaging instore events we create a place where you gain a skill, or just come and hang out if you want to.

To donate stock or to enquire about volunteering, stop into the shop or visit our website at savethechildren.org.uk or call 020 8944 6336.

All profits raised from the Mary’s Living & Giving Shops goes to Save the Children’s lifesaving work to help children and their families.

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business-promo

TH E N ET W OR K TH AT ’ S G O I N G P L A C ES Sarah Austin’s Really Helpful Club

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ord of mouth is the most trusted way of finding anything you’re looking for. The Really Helpful Club (RHC) is full of reliable recommendations and handy contacts to help with all those things we’re looking for in our daily lives.

“The RHC is all about helping one another and making our lives easier”, explains Sarah Austin, local Wimbledon resident and founder of this exciting and vibrant, free, online network.

With increasing demand from members to meet face to face, Sarah has hosted a number of hugely popular events this year. This latest development offers a unique way for RHC members to come together, connect with one another and learn something new. This is what makes RHC different.

Sarah explains “There’s a great buzz and energy at these events and an enthusiasm for what we’re doing. Places fill up almost immediately for every event and are always significantly oversubscribed.

We’ve held an evening about women’s cycling, a private dinner at Hotel Du Vin and a day at Henley Regatta. Recently, we also held a charity lunch for more than 100 members at London Rowing Club with an inspiring talk from Sarah Winckless, the triple Olympian and double world champion rower.”

“A fabulous event. Great food, great venue, great company and a fantastic speaker. Very inspirational.”

Kiran, Wimbledon RHC Henley Regatta Day

There’s more in the Gina Conway, Tina Stonely coming months and Sarah is delighted that Caroline Edwards has joined the RHC as Events Director. “We’re hosting an exclusive evening at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, to see Richard III, with a private reception and opportunity to meet the creative team. In September, we’re bringing together all those involved with local school PTAs to meet and share ideas and tips and draw upon one another’s experiences. We also have an exclusive, private tour of Syon House and an exciting fashion and beauty evening planned. The RHC Cycle Club will be meeting again for regular guided cycle rides and a cycling event dedicated to first aid, maintenance courses and cycling holidays.”

Join RHC today to be part of this ever growing community, enjoy exclusive members’ offers and to book your places to these events.

Emma Henderson, Suzannah Jackson

reallyhelpfulclub.com sarah@reallyhelpfulclub.com Inspiring lunch at London Rowing Club Beverley Brown, Alex Bogoni, Sacha Hale, Jen Craven, Nina Jani, Tina Stonely

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CELEBRATE IN STYLE

AT WA R R E N H O U S E

Josh Tucker Photography

For bookings please call 020 8547 1777 or email: info@warrenhouse.com Warren House, Warren Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7HY warrenhouse.com

nutrition-promo

Look Younger, Feel Vibrant, Get Slimmer Health coach Marcelle Dubruel shows us how to turn back the clock

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want to be slimmer and have more energy.

I want beautiful, glowing skin. I want to be more how I used to be. I don’t recognise the person in the mirror. I want to feel vibrant”.

These are the common themes on my client’s wish list.

The good news is turning back the clock is easier than you think, and small changes to your daily habits will get you ticking towards your dream.

One of the biggest culprits causing unwanted weight gain and accelerating aging is sugar and white refined carbohydrates. Glycation or sugar damage causes inflammation and has been linked to a range of poor health conditions. One of the proteins most prone to damage from sugar molecules is collagen, which gives your skin strength. Not only are those chocolate digestives causing havoc with our blood sugar, energy, mood and weight, there is also the wrinkle effect to consider!

‘One of the proteins most prone to damage from sugar molecules is collagen, which gives your skin strength’ The way forward is to learn which carbohydrates score high on the glycaemic index. Reduce your intake of these foods as they cause your blood sugar levels to spike setting off a cascade of damage. Read labels and avoid foods masquerading as healthy choices while laden with hidden sugar.

TIPS: Choose healthier sugars: stevia, xylitol and coconut sugar are good alternatives. Eat more good fats: avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds keep you feeling satisfied. Less cravings and good fats nourish your skin and hair. Eat more wholegrains as the fibre slows down digestion into sugars. Eat more berries and cherries as these fruits have a low glycaemic score giving you that something sweet without spiking your blood sugar.

Remember as you eat more fibre rich foods you need to drink more water. Your thirsty skin cells love being plumped with water.

Want to know more? Join us at our FREE local seminar on September 9th.

Go to http://rootstovitality.com/free-seminar/ to claim your free space.

Marcelle Dubruel is a registered nutritional therapist and zest4life associate.

07710 234 282 marcelle@rootstovitality.com rootstovitality.com zest4life.com darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

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Hands on care 98% of patients rated the quality of our care as excellent or very good* That’s because all of our staff believe every aspect of a patient’s treatment should be handled with care, compassion and to the highest standards.

To find out more call 020 8949 9000 | Visit www.newvictoria.co.uk

*NVH independent patient satisfaction survey 2015

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Find us just off the A3... 184 Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG

mental health

FOR COUPLES IN TROUBLE A couple of points from Pam Custers

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o you are experiencing some problems in your marriage and you have decided that it would be useful to have some couples counselling. This is may be a turning point in your relationship.

Deciding on who you are happy to work with and can trust is imperative. Finding a well trained and accredited therapist who has experience is key to the process being useful.

Therapists are trained to ask questions but here are some questions you need to ask. Is your therapist experienced and trained in couples counselling? Counsellors, sadly, are not all made equal and the term is not protected. Couples counselling is a complex process and requires specialist training in order not to derail a relationship. Not all counsellors are trained specifically in relationship counselling. Ask how long the training was (months or years) and was it general counselling or couples counselling. Relationship counselling takes a number of years and many hours of supervised training.

Is your counsellor accredited? This is not the same as a membership of an organisation.

‘Membership’ is often just a yearly subscription and registration to do a counselling course. Key is the word ‘accredited’ (accred) which indicates that a rigorous process of examination has been successfully completed and compliance with a range of ethical procedures is well and truly in place.

So before you launch yourself into a process that can either be the making or breaking of your most cherished relationship, ask these two vital questions: is your potential therapist accredited and how long was the training, specifically in couples/ relationship counselling?

I welcome your contacting me to have this important conversation, so that you can make the right decision, which will impact so significantly on your future.

Couples counselling is a complex process and requires specialist training in order not to derail a relationship

Pam Custers is an experienced therapist working with individuals, couples and families.

Accred MBACP. MA. BA (Psych) Hons and is a RELATE trained and registered counsellor.

Contact 07572 841 388 pam@pamcusters.co.uk pamcusters.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

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INFORMAL ADULT BALLET CLASSES

Your fabulous ballet body is in there somewhere. Bring back childhood memories. Enjoy the classical music - it’s so different from other workouts and really helps your flexibility and core strength.

Weekly at 10:30 - 11:30am on Tuesdays on a term basis. Free trial available.

Run from 19th Group Wimbledon Scout hut, 106 Cottenham Park Road, SW20 0SZ. £10 PAYG.

Call Sarah for details 07552 774111

hair-promo

ORGANIC HAIRCARE AT OMG So natural you could eat it

A

t Organic Masters Group our staff are passionate about using Organic and Natural products and strive to educate our clients in the benefits. “70% of products we apply to our hair and body are absorbed, so why would we choose to use harsh chemicals?” asks Maeve McCrossan, salon Manager. “In our salon we use John Masters Organics - these are award winning, professional, organic products. John Masters is the pioneer organic hairdresser who created his first product over 25 years ago.”

Why natural shampoos are better and which chemicals to avoid: Natural shampoos like John Masters Organics are formulated without the use of harsh cleansing detergents such as Sodium Lauryl Suphate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, instead favouring to use much gentler alternatives such as Decyl Glucoside or Babassuamidopropyl Betaine.

These don’t overly strip the hair of natural oils and whilst don’t lather in the same way as conventional detergents will still leave your hair perfectly clean and your scalp balanced. Natural shampoos contain much higher levels of active botanical extracts and omega rich plant oils which help to nourish, balance, address scalp problems and leave the hair healthy and shiny without needing to use artificial silicones like dimethicone which can build up on the hair scalp.

Natural and organic brands such as John Masters Organics don’t use potentially irritating synthetic fragrances like phthalates to provide a delicious scent, but instead utilise natural essential oils which not only smell fantastic, but contain added beneficial properties such as antioxidants, antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Conventional shampoos generally

contain strong preservatives such as Parabens or Methylisothiazolinone designed to increase the shelf life of a product. These are now starting to cause concern as to the long term effects these chemical have on our bodies. John Masters Organics never use these preservatives preferring to use food grade preservatives such Potassium Sorbate, reducing the chance of cosmetic allergies.

“We have our signature treatment in the salon to revitalise and nourish ‘tired hair’”, says Maeve.

“We also use Herbal Ciderhair Clarifier & Colour Sealer on every client to cleanse, eliminate build up on the hair shaft and restore the proper pH level to the scalp, leaving hair and scalp feeling fresh and healthy. We welcome any customers to come in and have a chat about their hair. Call us on 020 8946 5646 for an appointment.”

OMG Wimbledon 25 Church Rd Wimbledon Village SW19 5DQ organicmasters.co.uk

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HAIRDRESSING WITH YOU IN MIND (20% off your first apt when quoting ref (Autumn Offer 2015) 155 Arthur Road Wimbledon SW19 8AD 020 8947 5222 www. thomkirbyhair.com *Terms and conditions apply.

Highbrow

beauty-promo

Zara Elliott’s permanent makeup that inspires confidence

Zara’s key industry tips on eyebrows: Have you ever noticed how much difference your eyebrow style makes to your look? And have you ever struggled to get your shaping just right? Well, you’re not alone. Over the course of my twenty year long career as a Skin and Beauty Specialist and Permanent Makeup Artist, I’ve found this same issue mentioned, whether I’m working wonders upon my regulars, or on a model prior to a shoot. So here are the three insider tips that are behind every perfect brow...

1. Colour The most effective colour for your eyebrows is translucent. Messing with the natural colour of your brows is a beauty industry cardinal sin, so get a pro to help you with your tinting and pencil shade choice.

Want a professional helping hand?

I know that beauty tutorials may sound easy to replicate, but can prove difficult to follow, so book in with me for your bespoke eyebrow styling session (and don’t forget to bring along this article for an amazing £15 off my usual price of £30!).

Quote DARLING9 BABTAC Member - Fully Licensed and Health Authority Regulated Qualified Advanced Aesthetics Specialist Environ Skin Care Specialist 20 Years Experience – New Malden, Surrey 07786 936 979 info@zaraelliottbeauty.com zaraelliotbeauty.com

2. Shape Don’t get flustered with conflicting guidance on the perfect brow shape; instead focus quite simply upon following your brow bone… easy, right?

3. Trimming and pencilling to perfection Over-plucked eyebrows are a real faux pas. Don’t be afraid to try out on-trend fuller brows; sometimes just trimming your brows can make a huge difference! Use a natural colour to fill in any gaps.

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Welcome to AURA Centre of Dental Excellence & Facial Aesthetics We are pleased to announce that Dr Nadine Skipp, award winning Canadian dentist, has taken over the Beverley Clinic practice on Coombe Lane, previously owned by Dr Andre du Toit – a friend and colleague of over 15 years.

Dr Nadine Skipp – Dentist

Dentistry: General & Preventive Dentistry Teeth Whitening Smile Makeovers Dental Implants Orthodontics Dental Hygienist

Ryan Howorko – Practice Manager

Facial Aesthetics: Wrinkle Reduction Facial Fillers Lip Enhancements Chemical Peels Dermaroller Vampire Facelift

Come and visit us in our newly refurbished clinic.

We welcome all new and existing patients.

AURA Centre of Dental Excellence & Facial Aesthetics 362 Coombe Lane, West Wimbledon, SW20 0RJ 020 8241 2515 auradental.co.uk

health-promo

Discover your Yoga At Samsara Mind and Body

W

hether you’re looking to soothe body and mind on the mat with something more restorative or up the anti with a dynamic flow, our schedule of yoga styles cover all bases. With classes ranging from relaxing Yin, Hridaya Hatha, Gong Meditation and Candlelight Yoga to more energising styles such as Vinyasa Flow, Dharma Mittra and Jivamukti, you can explore and discover both ends of the yoga spectrum all under one room. Looking to take your first step into the world of Yoga?

If treatments are your therapy of choice we now offer cranio sacral therapy and energy healing as well as our massage and Ayurveda treatments.

We also offer beginner specific classes to ease you in.

Our introductory offer of 14 days of unlimited yoga for £25, available to new members, is a perfect opportunity to discover and explore the studio and the wide range of classes, also including Pilates. This offer can be purchased online at www.samsaramindandbody.com.

Visit our website for more information or email admin@ samsaramindandbody to book treatments or just to get in touch.

Samsara Mind and Body 205 Merton Road Wandsworth SW18 5EE 020 8874 4500 admin@samsaramindandbody.com

samsaramindandbody.com

Deep Dynamic Stretching for a Lean Lifted Body

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ethod Putkisto is all about realigning and redefining your body using innovative, precise exercises that involve deep stretching, strengthening and breathing enabling you to achieve in-depth improvements in your body shape.

Suitable for everyone irrespective of age or fitness level, many Wimbledon residents have already benefited from our unique approach to well-being

and specific issues like back pain, joint pain and rehabilitation.

We believe strength should be built “from inside out”, and try really hard to help you get to know your own body and respond to its needs and challenges. On the way you’ll benefit from improved posture, greater freedom of movement, not to mention a strong responsive core.

Read more about the benefits of practicing Method Putkisto

at shirleyruetimann.co.uk or call me on 07767686010 to discuss how we can nurture your vision for a leaner and lifted you.

“MP is one of the most sensible, effective and body changing (if not potentially life and health changing) methods of exercises I have tried” Newby Hands, Harpers Bazaar

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art scene

FROM WAR ZONES TO RED CARPETS Photographer Brian Aris with Debbie Knight from Senti

Take your pic at the Brian Aris exhibition, now at Senti

B

rian Aris began as a photojournalist covering riots in Northern Ireland, Palestinian refugees in Jordan, famine in Africa and the war in Vietnam. In 1979 he opened a London studio where he photographed bands such as Blondie, The Jam, Clash, Boomtown Rats, Roxy Music and Police. During the next two decades he photographed punks, glam¹ rock, boy bands and The Spice Girls. Fashion photography also featured prominently, particularly his collaboration with Twiggy, his pictures of her are among photographs on show at The National Portrait Gallery.

Bob Geldof asked Brian to shoot the Band Aid superstar line-up as they recorded the fund-raising hit single ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’, to help victims of the famine in Ethiopia. Live Aid and Live8 concerts followed and Brian eventually went to Ethiopia with Bob to photograph the results of their work. In 2014 Bob reformed Band Aid to raise funds to fight Ebola and again Brian photographed the recording session.

Weddings of Sting, David Bowie, Liza Minnelli and the Beckhams showcased his diverse talents. He has also been a prominent photographer of the Royal Family which began when Princess Margaret’s son David Linley asked Brian to photograph his wedding. He then went on to photograph Her Majesty the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. A commission followed to produce the official portraits for The Queen’s 70th birthday and later her Golden Wedding Anniversary. Other Royal assignments include the Duke and Duchess of York and the wedding of Princess Anne’s son, Peter Philips, at St. Georges Chapel, Windsor. It was on this occasion that he photographed Kate Middleton for the first time.

In 2012 encouraged by one of his closest friends, Debbie Knight, who owns Senti in Wimbledon Village, he decided to sell limited edition prints from his extensive library and those photographs have been on sale there ever since.

This year for the first time Senti will be participating in the Merton Arts Trail and Brian will be putting in a guest appearance on Saturday 26th September. brianaris.com senti.co.uk mertonartstrail.org darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

27

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N THE SCENE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF HOTEL DU VIN WIMBLEDON AT CANNIZARO HOUSE Left: l-r: Elizabeth Bottriell, Clive Moon, Teen Frazer, Carol Andrews, Caroline Stevenson, James Morrison, Bill Bottriell. Back: Rosie Harkin Nathalie Stevens and Kirsty Asher Left: Claudia and Jimmy Worrall (Photo Mel Wilde)

THE ANNUAL WIMBLEDON GUILD VILLAGE FAIR 2015

At the Fun Dog Show Rev Andrew Wakefield (MC), Richard Holden (Sponsor), Jane Uglow, Debbie Knight and Angela Tennison

Above l-r: Gina Conway, Rachel Wookey, Victoria Vaughan, Taylor Torr, Emma Hunt (designer of all these ‘Little Black Dresses’ and Sandra Nardi Left: Wimbledon Brewery’s Mark Gordon & Richard Coltart (Both photographs by Mel Wilde) Far left: Phil Lewis (General Manager Hotel Du Vin), Rachel Wookey (Sales & Events Manager), Fabrizio Valenzani (Food & Beverage Manager)

WWIB girls l-r: Louise Edwards, Martine Mansourian, Jacquie Cheetham, Diana Colquhoun, Josu Shephard and Sarah Austin

l-r: Jules Mann, Adrian Mills, John Scales, Willow Scales, Paul Edwards and Dominic Pasqua

Techniquest Team l-r: Jack Follett, Vince Murphy and Gaynor Dillin

Guild Gang Front l-r: Hillary Collis & Noreen Sheridan, Back l-r: Shirley Williamson, Alice Mashesheshe, Melanie Surty-Garcia, Nick Linney, Irene Bent, Gill Gillespie Williams

Anthony Andrews presenting the trophy to Jen Hesketh - winner of Championship of the Day at the fair’s horse show

MERTON ARTS TRAIL CATALOGUE LAUNCH FOR SEPTEMBER’S OPEN STUDIOS EVENT Far Left: l-r: Chrissie Craig, Susie Goulder (Warmi), Linda O'Hara, Samaira Ali and Taylor Torr Left: Ian and Isabel Southwood mertonartstrail.org 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 September

SARAH MANOLESCUE SHOWS IN THE VILLAGE

l-r: Debbie Baverstock, Sarah Manolescue (Artist), Robyn Smith & Michelle Herbst at The Norman Plastow Gallery

ABORIGINAL ART EXHIBITION AT WIMBLEDON FINE ART

l-r: John & Ann Leighton, Andrew Stoppani and Sarah Jane Holden (Curator)

YOUNG WIMBLEDON ARTISTS SUMMER SHOW AT THE NORMAN PLASTOW GALLERY

l-r: Dr Imogen Cleaver and Paul Cleaver and Sue Summers Below: Peter and Debbie Knight with Marcus Beale

LEFT l-r: Iain Simpson, overall winner and ‘Best in Show’ Kodai Dow, Norman Plastow and Mike Robbins This is the first Young Wimbledon Artists Summer Show and part of the gallery’s remit is to showcase work by students from the surrounding schools each year.

PILATES CLINIC HOLD TEACHER TRAINING EVENT WITH RAEL ISACOWITZ

l-r: Theo Botha, Lisa lamberti (owner Pilates Clinic), Amit Younger, Julia Pietersma and Emily Odoire

Theo Botha, Rael Isacowitz - LA Pilates Guru & organiser Lisa Lamberti. 80 teachers attended the workshop.

LADIES THAT LINK EVENT

Networkers: l-r Amanda Frolich (Amanda's Action Club), Julie Watts (Ladies that Link), Carol Parker-Smith (Arbonne) and Caroline Rocheron (Wimbledon Babysitting Agency) and Vanessa Birley (Vanessa Birley Florals)

GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS PARTY! MIKE MITCHELL HOLDS RECORD FOR 36 STRAIGHT TENNIS MATCHES OVER 3 DAYS

Kelly McAteer, owner of Hemingways Bar & Mike Mitchell (Manager)

l-r: Andrea Hill, Tim & Kashmir Cooper and Jane Uglow - over £14 000 was raised for charity

Trina Cooper (Head Co-ordinator of the challenge) and Mike Mitchell

LINDEN LODGE SCHOOL’S OPEN GARDENS

MARY PORTAS’S LIVING & GIVING SHOP OPENS WITH A BANG

l-r: Nick & Olwen MacNay (garden hosts) with visitors, Alexandra Howlett and Marisa Hessian

l-r: Lindsey Douglas, Faiza Hassan (cake Supporters, Lucinda Peytonmaker) & Alice Whitehead shop manager Jones and Mary Gardiner

WIMBLEDON SCOOTER ALLIANCE SUPPORT STEM4 CHARITY

l-r: Hayley Barker Barclays Bank, Tooting Branch, PC Lisa Billimore Hughes (Wimbledon Scooter Alliance) & Heather Bechman, STEM4

WORTH COLLECTION AT SOUTHSIDE HSE

Runners up: Service Excellence Award FSB London, Heather Bechman, Dr Nihara Krause CEO & founder of STEM4 with Russell Gould

ATHENA NETWORK’S SUMMER PARTY

l-r: In the 150th Anniversary Veitch Garden at Warren House with Carolyn Henderson (GM), Julie Eltham and Charmaine Mace (Athena)

PET PAVILION WINNER OF ‘TENNIS WINDOWS’ COMP l-r: Event organiser, Kimberley Kiely, Andrew and Jenny Savill-Edells, owners of Pet Pavilion & Susan Carrington, head groomer

Caroline McCowen (rt) hands over info on a computer memory stick to Izabela Banasik, after 9 years of work. In 2006 a trunk was found containing gowns from 1890-1910, including 22 Worth gowns.

ST JOHN’S HALL REBURB FUND RAISER AT ST MARY’S CHURCH - £30 000 WAS RAISED BY PARENTS & LOCAL BUSINESSES

l-r: Sylvia Graham, Nathalie Mathoulin, Rachel Shepheard Walwyn, Jack Russell, Rev Bruce Rickards and Sharon Edozien

WANT TO BE SEEN IN WIMBLEDON?

l-r: Emma Booth, Rachel Russell, Rachel Shepheard Walwyn, Catherine Woods and Janie Brooks - organiser

ABSOLUTE ABODE OPENS NEW GALLERY SPACE WITH GORDON TORR EXHIBITION

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DAVID LLOYD VETERAN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS l-r: Patrick Jackson, Gordon Torr, Caroline Geraerts, Elizabeth Bessant and Maria Mar

Ladies’ Singles - winner Rachel Angel (L) runner up Fiona Mann (R)

Men’s Singles l-r runner up Robert Gale, Nick Walden, Head of Tennis, winner, Harry Rushworth LEFT Ladies Doubles Event l-r: Alison battista Tournament Director, Rachael Nichlos & Penny Henkes runners up, Sandy Reid & Rachel Angel winners

RIGHT Mixed Doubles Event l-r: Runners up Caroline Barker & Roger Bond with Winners Ivanka Riley & Marc Hunter

l-r: Marja-Leena Toseland, Alison Young, Gordon Torr, Kirsty McMorran (Director of absolute abode) and Sandy Reid

l-r: Chrissie Craig, Stephanie Upton-Prowse & Annie Eaton

l-r: Lynda Leith, Kate Greenhalgh and Tim Beacon

DARLING NETWORKING WITH THE SOUTH AFRICAN LADIES IN BUSINESS - KĂ–NIG KITCHENS, WIMBLEDON VILLAGE

Lisa Lamberti, Marcelle DuBruel, Robyn Harley & Maxine Myburg

Main Speaker, Marcelle Dubruel & Bronwenn Croall

ORGANIC MASTERS SALON FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY

Josephine Williamson

l-r: Jodi Redbouse, Sarah Austin, Bronwenn Croall, Nina Moeller and co-host Mary Hogan

KING COLLEGE FASHION SHOW AT CANNIZARO HOUSE

l-r: Maeve McCrossan, Terry Mortlock (Director OMG), Cadence Pearson Lane and Dan Lane

l-r: Jackie Harvey, Sponsors, andrew scott Robertson, Stephen Parsons and Marc Gregory and Elspeth Sigee

l-r: Josefin von Reis, Lady Wimbledon, Claire Lopez and Carol Parker Smith

REALLY HELPFUL CLUB LADIES AT HENLEY REGATTA

l-r: Emma Salisbury, Catherine Miholich, Dean Kincaid (Question Air), Nicky Ellis and Leo Lubomirski - models and stylists

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE STABLES SUMMER BBQ

l-r: Anshu Bahree, Dupe Odunsi, Eveline Brenninkmeijer and Nina Jani Tattoos designed in Wimbledon azzylondon.com

l-r: Davina & Ben Grundemann (left), Robert and Nenupher Clarke, (middle) Phoebe Clarke with Ludo

FIONA JEFFERY’S ‘JUST A DROP’ FUND RAISER CHARITY EVENT AT GORGEOUS WARREN HOUSE

l-r: Simon and Judith Pole, Fiona and Nigel Jeffery, Stephanie Upton-Prowse, event organiser

l-r: Jim and Jules Mann,Christina Macpherson, Darling‘s Kate Greenhalgh and Tim Beacon

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL SUMMER PARTY AT THE ROSE & CROWN

l-r: Tom Molnar, (Gail’s Founder and main speaker) Jon Ballardie, David Ruthven, Mahesh Wara

Harley Jaffar and Jason Branch

WIMBLEDON CYCLISTS SUPPORT RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL, RAISING OVER £28K IN MEMORY OF JAMES SANFORD, CYCLING 320KM FROM DEVON TO WESTMINSTER IN 13 HOURS

Alison & Simon Lee (CEO, Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators), Sue Cooke (Chairman of Wimbledon Guild also Parkside Residents Association BELOW: Shanna Melville and Rohan Clinnick

l-r: Dan Holmes, Mark Wright, (Bettina, Simon, Andy from Devon), Mark Cusack, Charles Sanford, Martin Gill, MP Stephen Hammond Front: Jo Cotton and Julie Gill and Susan Cusack

STYLISH NEW DESIGNER SHOP CASTRADS OPENS ITS DOORS

l-r: Cllr Linda Taylor OBE, Karin Grace, Nicolas Baylis (Owner) and Munira-Amal Al

l-r: Sarah Parkinson, Richard Kingsley-Smith & Jane Sturgess

MAUI JIM DAY AT WIMBLEDON CLUB

Martina Hingis Clinic Session with James Ingham (in black) and Phil Robinson (in pink) together with Wimbledon Club friends

legal-promo

CONSTRUCTIVE UN-COUPLING Your options when separation is on the cards

It seems that the headlines are full of celebrities and their positive attitudes towards separation and divorce. Indeed, a move away from the harsh, often very stressful world of court litigation, when trying to resolve any issues about the children, or the financial matters arising out of divorce is something the family courts and the legal profession have been striving towards.

When a marriage, or relationship, comes to an end there are various options available to resolve the parties’ issues and to achieve settlement. At Hart Brown we offer a wide variety of alternative dispute resolution options and have specially trained lawyers in our family department who can assist you as follows: 36

sep-oct 2015 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (490290) Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Kate Smith

Mediation This is the process where both parties attend a series of meetings with a non-judgemental mediator who will assist with facilitating the negotiation process. It is helpful for the mediator to be a trained lawyer who has an in depth knowledge of the way the court would approach each individual case and is better able to guide the parties towards a resolution.

Collaborative Law The collaborative process involves a number of round table discussions between the parties and their legal representatives. The parties sign an agreement that sets out their intention to remain away from the court process and cements their desire to remain amicable throughout the negotiation process.

Family Arbitration Arbitration is growing in popularity and involves the parties engaging in the process of litigation, but in private away from the court arena often with a senior barrister taking on the role of the Judge. This is a particularly attractive option where confidentiality is important and the parties do not wish for the press to have access to their proceedings.

Negotiations through solicitors This is perhaps the most traditional way of settling matters and if appropriate, we would be more than happy to assist clients in reaching settlement without the need for court proceedings.

At Hart Brown, we pride ourselves on really listening to our clients and tailor our advice to their individual circumstances. We are also able to refer our clients, where necessary, to other professionals, such as family therapists and counsellors to support them through this difficult period. We recognise that the easier the separation journey can be, the better the outcome for the family.

We offer a free no-obligation options meeting and also fixed fee initial consultations.

If you would like more information please contact Kate Smith on 020 8971 0477 or kxs@hartbrown.co.uk. darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

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property-promo

Tips On Buy-To-Let Investments With lettings expert, Adam Jones

L

ow interest rates, rising rents and recovering house prices have made buy-tolet an increasingly popular area of investment. Here, Andrew Scott Robertson’s Lettings Manager, Adam Jones, shares his advice for successful property investing.

‘The notion that there is one big ‘UK property market’ that follows a certain path is a fallacy’

Adam Jones, Lettings Manager Andrew Scott Robertson

In residential property, yields are typically between 2% and 5%. Just as a high returning share may come with increased volatility, be aware of the dynamics behind high yield; the ‘higher the yield the better’ is not always true.

New versus old

Location, location, location

You could buy a renovator’s dream, demolish it and build a brand new house, and make money.

Location is important not just because your But buying a new property, holding it with minimal prospective tenants and most of your future capital expenditure and forgetting about it for ten potential buyers will care about this, but also at a years can be a much better way for someone with a strategic level you need to ensure the market you Adam Jones day job to invest intelligently.

Lettings Manager invest in is a healthy, vibrant one. The notion that Enjoy complete of mindmarket’ this summer with aa 50% discount there is one bigpeace ‘UK property that follows Timing on certain our property services for market’ a year* path is management a fallacy. The ‘UK property Excessive worrying about getting the timing right Residential Lettings is hundreds of sub-markets which all behave Wimbledon Town Office can Whether you are an experienced landlord or renting your property out for thelead first to the bargain hunting mentality, which 50 Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7PA differently. If house prices overall rise in your town, time, andrew scott robertson provides a complete professional and fully flexible often unnecessarily 020 delays purchasing. Arm yourself 8971 3800 evenmanagement if you haveservice. got some other decisions wrong, property with as much knowledge as possible to make a the value of your investment will increase. good decision. If you don’t have the time to do the Our offer package will include: research, find someone such as a letting agent who Nicola Dixon MARLA the maths • ADo dedicated Wimbledon-based property manager Property Manager can advise you.

• Out-of-hours emergency call-out service What yield can you expect? To calculate this, total

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• • • • •

Periodic property inspections up thesafety income will receive fromand themaintenance property work Should you be considering the sale or Annual testsyou and carrying out repairs in a given and divide thisforby the sale price.

Providing theyear sole point of contact tenants Property rental of Management your property, contact Wimbledon Village Office Handling of the contract, renewals and end of tenancy processes This analysis is basicdeposit, and does not take all factors Andrew Robertson 24 High Street,Scott Wimbledon Village, SW19on 5DX Ensuring you receive leading service by expert knowledge of into account suchaas the cost of backed your mortgage and 020 8971 3800 (Town) / 020 8971 6780 (Village) 020 8971 4952 current legislation

property taxes, but it is a useful tool for estimating how much your investment will return.

*Offer Terms and Conditions apply. Contact our Residential Lettings and Property Management team for details.

andrew scott robertson. Everything you need in an estate agent.

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or email:residential@as-r.co.uk / residential@as-r.co.uk / www.as-r.co.uk commercial@as-r.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

39

07/08/2015 11:0

home-promo

Local flooring specialists

T

he Flooring Co was established in 2004, and this year we have refurbished the shop on Coombe Lane to highlight our specialist floors, ie Amtico, Crucial Trading, Brockway and Jacaranda Carpets, to name a few. We are a family run business and Ronnie the proprietor has been a carpet fitter for over twenty five years; all our fitters are family members.

After doing twenty five years of complaint work Ronnie is adept at forecasting any problems and ensuring whatever floor you choose it will be the right one for all your needs. We pride ourselves on offering an excellent personal service, and only use the most experienced fitters.

We make bespoke rugs and carpets with edging so if you have an unusual idea for flooring, we are more than happy to get the effect you want. No job too small or large. We also do school flooring and commercial flooring.

For a friendly reliable service please feel free to come in and browse. All estimates are free of charge.

Our opening hours are 9.30am-5pm Mon to Thurs, 9.30am-4.30am Fri and Sat 10am-4.30pm 020 8971 9101 ronnieattheflooringco@gmail.com The Flooring Company 257 Coombe Lane SW20 0RH

building-promo

Keep the heat in and the cold out this winter ‘With the cost of energy increasing continuously, what better time to start thinking about warming up this autumn’

T

he thought of a cold house this winter may be on your mind already.

With the cost of energy increasing continuously, what better time to start thinking about warming up this autumn and reduce those winter bills. Look to extend or renovate and reap the rewards.

PAUL’S TOP TIPS By adding a loft conversion you can certainly increase the insulation to your home. Building Regulation has become really stringent over the past few years with regard to insulating lofts.. The U-value (measure of heat loss) that needs to be achieved is very low in order to get your building control sign off. Your home would benefit from a loft as heat rises, and with the current regulations, should not escape. You may find that you are the only house in the road where the snow does not melt on the roof once you are properly insulated.

Double glazing is most certainly very beneficial to any home. Keep the heat in and the cold out.

Haven construction works in partnership with Grabex Windows, who produce top quality, double glazed wooden, UPVC and aluminium windows, as well as doors at very affordable prices. You will wish that you had done this a long time ago.

Rear extensions can warm up your home as well.

New floors are insulated, the walls are of insulated cavity wall construction, and the roof is required to be fully insulated as well. Rear doors and windows are all double glazed as are roof windows.

So if you are thinking of extending or renovating your existing house, ask us for a quote. You’ll enjoy a warmer winter, your bills will come down, and to top it off, you have more space to enjoy the warmth in over those long cold months. havenconstruction.org.uk 07880 546 063 darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

41

community initiative

THE FEEL GOOD BAKERY Residents and businesses in Wimbledon are supporting an exciting new initiative

T

he Feel Good Bakery serves two important purposes. It assists local young people to exit gangs and criminal activity, training, mentoring, employing them, and, at the same time, feeding some of the poorest children in the world.

The initiative got its start when Andy Smith, co-founder of the local charity ‘Regenerate,’ took a group of local young people from very difficult backgrounds on a trip to help set up a project for street children in Kenya. Whilst on the trip, one of the young

Andy Smith, Jamie Oliver and Louis Cole (FunForLouis, the famous YouTube vlogger), who was a youth worker at Regenerate for many years. Louis introduced Andy to Jamie, who then invited Louis and Andy to help with his Food Revolution day recently. Andy and @funforLouis helped teach kids how to make healthy sandwiches as part of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution day.

42

people opened up and started to talk. With tears in his eyes, he said to Andy that he wanted to stop selling drugs and was desperate to change. The youth wanted to do something positive with his life, but he couldn’t get a job. On that trip to Kenya, the young people also decided they wanted to find ways of raising money to help make a difference in the lives of the children that they met.

This led Andy, working with some of the young people and the wider Regenerate team, to begin to dream and scheme about setting up something back here that would provide mentoring, support, and a first job to young people who were serious about changing their lives. Happily, this would also provide a solution to funding the feeding programs that had so impacted the team in Kenya.

They came up with a plan which has recently been launched.

The Feel Good Bakery is now employing young people to make amazing platters of sandwiches and deliver these sandwiches to offices in and around Wimbledon.

For every sandwich that is sold, The Feel Good Bakery funds a meal for a child in need.

sep-oct 2015 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

This year The Feel Good Bakery has provided over 26,000 meals to children in Kenya and Romania and back here, The Bakery has employed seven local young people, five of which have previously been in prison. If anyone else from the Wimbledon community would like to get involved either as an ambassador or know of businesses locally that could purchase lunches, please contact Andy via thefeelgoodbakery.com

No Mowing.

No Mud.

No Watering.

Founded in 2003 – Wimbledon’s first networking forum for local business women.

We are a non profit making group run by the members for members.

You are invited to our next open networking evening at Konig Kitchens in Wimbledon Village on Wednesday 23rd September. Come and meet the members who represent a wide variety of quality, local, reliable professional business, products & services. To register for the event: meetings@wwib.org.uk

You will save time, save money and enjoy your garden all year round with an always green, beautiful new artificial lawn from

Call your local Wimbledon supplier now for a Free grass sample and quote

020 8944 5652 Visit our website for full details: wwib.org.uk

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interiors-promo

absolute abode CELEBRATING LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL is proudly showing work by Janine Kilroe

S

eptember marks the beginning of the London design festivals.

From Decorex, to Top Drawer, 100% Design, Design Junction and Tent & Super Brands, this month London is the most desirable city in the world for designers from around the globe.

Absolute Abode is delighted to be a Partner of the London Design Festival and to present an exhibition of fine art photography by Janine Kilroe.

Janine’s signature artwork is to print black and white fine art photographs onto watercolour paper and then selectively reintroduce colour back into the image by hand painting, using watercolour pencils and washes.

Janine exhibited at both the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and The Saatchi Gallery in London during 2013, as well as at a solo exhibition as artist in residency at the Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick and as part of a three-group exhibition “Alternative Views” at West Oxford Art Society.

Janine met Kirsty McMorron, founder and creative director of Absolute Abode, at the 2015 British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate.

Absolute Abode is three businesses in one - an architectural interior design practice, a café and a lifestyle emporium. Inspired by American, Scandinavian and Parisian retail stores, Australian cafés and interior design and retail fairs all over the world, it has received rave reviews in publications including Architectural Digest, as well as being named one of the ‘Top 10 Design Cafés in London’ by the London Evening Standard.

This year Absolute Abode is proud to have been short listed for the Café Life Design Award, as well as two categories, Best Newcomer and Best Tea and Coffee House in the Time & Leisure Food & Drink Awards.

Absolute Abode is also a finalist in the Best New Business category of the Merton Best Business Awards 2015.

Please drop by to view Janine Kilroe’s work first-hand throughout the coming month and meet her in person to learn about her technique when she visits at 2pm on Sunday 20th September.

Absolute Abode | Design | Café | Emporium 76-78 Coombe Lane SW20 0AX 020 8090 3212 absoluteabode.com

www.thepilatesclinic.com

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sep-oct 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Darling-Wim sep-oct 2013.1.indd 20

25/08/2013 embrace change for your body with our strategic approach to better health...

...and experience undeniable results Private sessions just for you, or semi-private for two, to small group In our state of the art Pilates Studio in Wimbledon, we will give you the time, the space and the tools to learn to move intelligently and thoughtfully, and

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7 Elm Grove, Wimbledon, SW19 4HE - 020 8947 8601

19:53

community

Wimbledon Businesses Support Fighting Spirit Charley Jones (sponsor Schmidt Kitchens), Katarzyna Kuczynska and Steve Dixon.

W

imbledon resident and competitive Kick-boxer, Katarzyna Kuczynska is to be part of Team GB thanks to the support of two local businesses.

After an already successful year winning numerous Kick-boxing competitions all over the UK, Kat has now qualified as part of Team GB to compete in the WAKO World Kickboxing championships to be held in Ireland later this year. Training regularly with Steve Dixon, owner of The Holistic Fitness

Studios, Wimbledon; Kat has gone from a complete novice to potential world champion in five years!

However competing in such competitions doesn’t come cheap as fighters must fund themselves.

That’s where Schmidt Kitchens stepped into the ring.

Charley Jones, Schmidt’s Commercial Manager, previously a competitive martial artist himself, immediately recognised the commitment that Kat has put in to get this far and the

prestige of representing the UK. He said: “As a local family business Schmidt Wimbledon are delighted to be supporting a talented competitor in achieving their dreams of competing in Ireland. We will all be rooting for Kat to do well and bring back a title!”

Holistic Fitness Studios Broadway Court Wimbledon SW19 1RG holistic-fitness.net 020 8946 5255 07956 944 341

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

47

festivals

At the 9th annual Wimbledon BookFest

T

he Wimbledon BookFest is back this autumn bringing the worlds of literature, the arts, popular culture, film and sport to the Big Tent on Wimbledon Common from the 2nd to 11th October 2015. Headliners include: global bestselling novelists Louis de Bernieres and Sebastian Faulks; Brit Award ‘Critics Choice’ longlisted George the Poet; TV adventurer Ben Fogle; and the biggest selling female historian of all time, Alison Weir. Other highlights include Boris Becker, Sir Max Hastings and Stella Duffy.

Headlining the Children’s programme are poet Michael Rosen; actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna and, back by popular demand, the Wombles singalong! We will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with a Mad Hatter Storytelling event; and fans of Shaun the Sheep will be able to learn how to make their own models with Aardman Animations.

Events for schools include Steve Cole, Josh Lacey, Steve Backshall and performances by the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company and George the Poet.

The Festival also includes an eclectic programme of film screenings, live music, workshops and the popular Comedy on Wimbledon Common event headlined by Seann Walsh. Sports fans won’t want to miss Brian Moore and friends talking about the upcoming Rugby World Cup and David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd discussing his cricketing memoir with John Inverdale.

Set on glorious Wimbledon Common, a specially commissioned Big Tent seating up to 500, and an intimate William Morris themed marquee, provide the focal point for the festival. With Wimbledon Village on the doorstep, Wimbledon BookFest is one of the most appealing festivals in London today.

Festival Director, Fiona Razvi: “Wimbledon BookFest is continuing to build on its reputation as a leading London book festival. This year we’re broadening the scope of our programme to include more music, film and performance based events but at the heart of the festival there will be a full range of writers and novelists talking about topics as diverse as Magna Carta to Brit Pop Culture.” wimbledonbookfest.org

2nd to 11th October

Top left photograph: Author Sebastian Faulks with Fiona Razvi

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

49

KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR DUMMY ENTRY

by Paul Mendelson, Darling’s Bridge Guru

Creating Connections Inspiring Success

Hampton Court, Kingston, Surbiton,Thames Ditton, Balham, Putney, Streatham and Wimbledon Wimbledon, Putney, Balham, Kingston, Surbiton, Streatham and Hampton Court

EMAIL julie.eltham@theathenanetwork.com www.theathenanetwork.com EMAIL julie@theathenanetwork.com HELPFUL WIMBLEDON WEBSITES Love Wimbledon HELPFUL WIMBLEDON WEBSITES www.lovewimbledon.org Love Wimbledon London Borough of Merton www.lovewimbledon.org www.merton.gov.uk London Borough of Merton Citizen’s Advice Bureau www.merton.gov.uk www.nacab.org.uk Citizen’s Advice Bureau Merton Chamber of Commerce www.nacab.org.uk www.mertonchamber.co.uk Merton Chamber of Commerce Wimbledon Civic Forum www.mertonchamber.co.uk Wimbledon Town Centre www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk www.wimbledontowncentre.co.uk Wimbledon Society Wimbledon Civic Forum www.wimbledonsociety.org.uk www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk The Wimbledon Museum Wimbledon Society www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk Wimbledon Community Centre Wimbledon Community Centre www.wimbledoncommunity.org.uk www.wimbledoncommunity.org.uk Volunteer Volunteer Centre Centre Merton Merton www.volunteercentremerton.org.uk Learning & Skills Council Charity Commission www.lsc.gov.uk www.charitycommission.gov.uk Charity Commission Wimbledon Choral Society www.charitycommission.gov.uk www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk Wimbledon Music Diary Local Police/Neighbourhood Watch www.wimbledonmusicdiary.com www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods Wimbledon Choral Society The Wimbledon Guild www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk www.wimbledonguild.co.uk Local Police/Neighbourhood Watch Care Connect www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods www.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect The Wimbledon Guild www.wimbledonguild.co.uk Centre Court Care Connect www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk www.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect IMPORTANT NUMBERS www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk Wimbledon Police St George’s Hospital 020 8947 1212 or (999) 020 8672 1255 IMPORTANT NUMBERS Merton Council Kingston Hospital Wimbledon Police St George’s Hospital 020 8947 8274 1212 4901 or (999) 020 020 020 8546 8672 7711 1255 NHS Emergency National Merton Council KingstonRail Hospital 111 08457 484950 020 8274 4901 020 8546 7711 NHS DIRECT National Rail 0845 4647 08457 484950 Sponsored by The Athena Network 44 feb-march 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

bridge

Getting from one hand to the other can sometimes prove hard work, so here is a hand to show you how “hidden entries” can save your proverbial bacon.

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North S A643 * Nicholas & Steele 78 Durham Rd H 1032 Tel: 07947 011879 D 652 C 1043 * Maison St. Cassien, Wimbledon Village East West Tel: 020 8944 1200 S 98 S J75 H K9765 H 84 * Southfields Gallery 223 Wimbledon Park Rd D A83 D KQ109 Tel: 07947 675 059 C 765 C QJ92 * Truckles Deli on Coombe Lane SW20 South Tel: 020 8605 2175

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S KQ102 H AQJ * Aromatica Italian Deli on Leopold Rd D J74 Tel: 020 8944 0309 C AK8 Please call first to check stocks

Dealer North

N/S Game

N E S NB NB 2NT 3NT

W NB

With such a flat hand, North did well not to use Stayman but, having correctly added half a point for each of his tens, raise directly to 3NT. West led K♦ and East-West took the first four tricks, before West got off lead with Q♣. If he is to succeed, South must find K♥ with East, and take the heart finesse twice.

Clearly he can reach dummy with A♠, but how will he get there a second time?

The key lies in the fact that N/S have eight spades between them. If the suit divides 3-2, as it will about two thirds of the time, if South is careful he can reveal a secret entry in the North hand. He wins A♣ in hand, and plays K♠ and Q♠, playing low from dummy each time. Noticing that the suit is dividing, he now carefully selects 10♠ to play to dummy’s A♠, and leads 2♥. When East follows low, he puts in J♥ from hand, and this holds the trick. Now, he can play 2♠ from his hand over to dummy’s 6♠, before leading 3♥ and taking the finesse again. When this also holds, he cashes A♥ and K♣ for nine tricks and his contract. aceoftrumps.com

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December 3 months away

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(yes, Christmas will be Call Steve onFather 07761 121385 coming down the chimney sooner than you think!) the team at Parties to Go can’t help you with your Christmas shopping I’m afraid, but are ready and waiting to help you with your Christmas plans and parties.

Here are some tasty ideas to get your festive juices flowing:

Nine day Literary Festival in Christmas Calendar Canapés Menu including - Mini itsTurkey seventh year.

A gem on and Cranberry Pies * Prawn, Chorizo & Tomato Skewers the Wimbledon calendar. * Courgette Christmas Candles * Mini Chocolate Cups filled with Chestnut Mousse Bookings essential. * Christmas pudding Ice Cream in cones Wimbledonbookfest.org

Our ‘Surprise Christmas Stocking’ Menu – it’s a surprise of course!!

Christmas Buffet Menu including - Traditional Turkey * Honey Glazed Gammon * Roast Potatoes * Traditional Plum Pudding Our ‘Anything but Turkey!’ Menu including - Roast Rib of Beef * Baked Whole Salmon * Roast Potatoes, Spicy Rice * Chocolate and Raspberry Yule Log

Other services we can offer are a personalised mobile bar service, personalised Christmas crackers, Christmas hampers for Christmas parties, discos, karaoke, bands, marquees, theming, Champagne and chocolate fountains and much, much more.

Call Carole on 020 8947 5337 carole@partiestogo.co.uk www.partiestogo.co.uk

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Help with Macs, PCs and Devices Internet Security & Parental Controls Making the most of your home/office IT

Contact Sylvie at Computer Fitness on Sylvie@computerfitness.net www.computerfitness.net or 07768 379747

AUNTIE PLANTY expert garden advice

Treat your plants to a garden MoT For an eye-opening journey around your garden and in-depth advice, please call me.

Barnfield Riding School Est. 1985

‘Learning From Our Horses’ • Tailor made Packages to Suit Individual Needs of the Client.

• Beginner Riding Lessons to Advanced Competition and Exam Preparation.

• Intensive Riding Courses Available.

• Hacking Available in Richmond Park.

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• School Holiday Activities.

Sunday September 13th is ‘Take Back the Reins Day’.

So call us to book and enjoy a free riding experience.

Tel: 020 8546 3616 www.barnfieldriding.org Parkfields Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5LL

THREE WOOFS FOR TRINA!

T

rina Cooper the director of Wag N Go, a dog travel bag manufacturing company located in Wimbledon Village has just secured a co-branding contract with the UK Guide Dog Charity. Wag N Go has designed a dog travel bag, called the Mini Wag to help support the charity’s national Guide Dog awareness campaign launching this October.

The Mini Wag is a compact bag that contains a large fresh sealable container for food, an ultraabsorbent towel and pockets for accessories. With each bag sold, a percentage of the net proceeds will go directly to the charity to help train guide dogs for the blind. The bag will be sold via the Wag N Go website and in pet shops throughout the country.

Trina is very excited that she is able to help a charity that does so much for the community. Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind and over 180,000 blind and partially sighted people in the UK rarely leave home alone.

Trina Cooper and Maggie (famous dog about town)

For more information or to order a Mini Wag contact Trina at info@wagngo.com or go to wagngo.com darlingmagazine.co.uk | sep-oct 2015

53

point of view

All Critters

By Kate Greenhalgh

A head teacher complained recently that children don’t have hamsters anymore: “It’s a way for them to learn about responsibility and grief.” Tell me about it. Our garden is a Grove of Remembrance to countless hamsters, not to mention George Gerrard the Gerbil, Ben & Jerry the guinea pigs and Fat German Kid the goldfish. Even Cornelius and Esmerelda the stick insects have a tomb.

(They got ever so big. When they cantered up your arm, the size of a small horse, and stood on your face, it was a bit like being in a horror movie. I thought stick insects just hung around pretending to be sticks.) We’ve also tearfully buried our chinchilla recently, after her unsuccessful craniomaxillofacial surgery recommended by our vet at vast uninsured expense.

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sep-oct 2015 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

and I know how this is sounding! Short of sending them to UCL and getting them internships at Ernst and Young, I swear I couldn’t have done more. Admittedly, the precise last resting place of Ben is hazy, as my husband dealt with that fatality on his own, and he was always quite evasive about it. But I’m sure he did bury Ben respectfully, and not consign him to a wheelie bin or anything awful. True, George Gerrard escaped into the Yamaha piano and gnawed its priceless electronic circuitry to such an extent that it possibly lead to his untimely death from indigestion, but like most parents, I’ve never wavered in my belief that my children should grow up with the responsibility of little pets whose cages I would end up cleaning out. We successfully bred Peppermint the hamster with a neighbour’s male, (an educational night!) resulting in squillions of babies who were eagerly adopted by my daughters’ classmates, much to their parents’ gratitude.

This was more positive than my neighbour Bill’s experience, whose guinea pig mated accidentally with her own brother, disguised as a ‘sister’, and then again with her own son before he was even out of short trousers, or, as a horrified Bill put it, “He got his own Mum up the duff,” leading to a dynasty of Jacobean proportions, in terms of incestuous dysfunction and tragic inevitability.

So I agree with the head teacher - never mind cats and dogs - small pets are a very important part of children’s experience. And pretty unforgettable for a parent, too.