13 minute read
Ria Elaina – Stately Homes & Charitable Causes
by Surrey Rocks
Ria Elaina Atkins
A Mum’s Life
Let me introduce myself – I’m Ria, Mum of two, married to my handsome hubby. I’m born and bred in my beloved Surrey and spend most of my time between here and London. I’m a handbag and shoe addict and lover of all things luxe.
To find out more about Ria’s luxe lifestyle follow her on Instagram @ria.elaina STATELY HOMES
Spring has sprung and I got to enjoy this glorious weather at one of the country’s finest estates. I was honoured to be invited to a charity lunch and auction at Waddeston Manor which was hosted by Lord Rothschild. Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation, a family charitable trust. Its home to the Rothschild Collections of paintings sculpture and decorative art. The day included a private tour of some of these collections but in true Mum life style I missed the whole thing as I had to dash off to be on time for the school pick up! Luckily, I still managed to mingle with some fabulous people, eat some delicious food and take part in a charity auction with the most incredible ‘money can’t buy’ experiences.
It was all for a fantastic cause - The Lady Garden Foundation, founded by a group of women including Tamara Beckwith and Jenny Halpern Prince. Caroline Clarry is involved in the charity and also the owner of Peach Ribbons. They do the best children’s bows in a huge range of colours. I have bought many bows and I think these are by far the best for quality and range of colours. The organza and velvet ones are especially gorgeous.
STATELY HOMES AND CHARITABLE CAUSES
The Lady Garden foundation helps to raise funds for gynaecological health, to help drastically reduce the diagnosis and devastating outcomes. If you are not aware, there are 5 types of gynaecological cancers; Ovarian, Cervical, Uterine, Vulval and Vaginal. They are often referred to as the silent killers, not only because of their complicated symptoms which can be missed by healthcare professionals, but also due to a lack of awareness surrounding the disease. Ladies, if you are due a check-up then please get this booked asap. Equally, if you feel as though something is not right then get it checked out, it could save your life.
It has been a busy month in the Atkins household. The charity event had to be my highlight, as well as my interview with The Honourable Isobel Kershaw, who is Co-Founder and Director of The London Finishing Academy. I thought I would write up my interview in a Q and A style so you can read more about their upcoming courses, which are truly a once in a lifetime experience.
If I was stuck in an elevator with you and was to ask you, ‘What is the London Finishing Academy?’ what would you say?
It is an immersive experience for the mind body and soul, and for people who want to elevate their lives through the art of self-development.
Who can attend?
Anyone from all walks of life! Someone who feels that they want to have the confidence to rethink their lives moving forward. For example, a bride who is looking for a special experience. Somebody who is changing jobs looking to feel more confident going into a new network environment or feel confident when they are fine dining when client facing. Or perhaps someone who has gone through a personal challenge such as divorce.
The words ‘Finishing’ and ‘Academy’ could be confused with someone who is at school age, but it’s not that is it?
No, we wanted to veer away from calling it a school because we don’t want people to feel like they are coming to a classroom. It’s an immersive environment where you will feel like a guest from the moment you arrive. It’s a different way of learning and practising certain skills in a more sophisticated, practical, yet modern way. You will then have those skills for life.
What are the benefits of attending this course?
It’s completely unique in every way. From the moment you arrive all five senses will be opened up. From the beautiful visuals of the room, the smell of the scented candles, to the taste of the exquisite food! You will be learning those social skills which will therefore give you more confidence.
We will make sure that we understand each individuals personal goals so it’s very much a tailored experience, rather than learning it in a formulaic fashion. Each expert speaker will provide you with a wealth of knowledge in
an interactive way. We will help you to understand different cultures and areas of life that you might not have focused on before. It’s also a chance for people to take time out in life, and what a way to do it!
Where are the courses being held?
We have two locations. One at The Goring Hotel which is a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Belgravia. It has a Royal Warrant and is where Kate Middleton stayed the day before her wedding. We then have Somerley House which stages Bridgerton and The Crown. It isn’t open to the public so you will be able to walk around the house and grounds. It really is a once in a lifetime experience. We schedule each day so you will have between 4-5 modules which compliment each other.
Tell me more about the guest speakers?
We have world renowned speakers who are experts in their field. For example, Robin Kermode is a voice coach and he will teach you how best to use your voice for example in public speaking and interviews. We have Errol Douglass MBE who is one of the most influential hairdressers in the world. We have my Father, Lord Kershaw, who will bring his red box with him which talk about how he became a Lord and what is involved in a hereditary title. Viv Haxby is an Art Historian and she specialises in the art of beautiful homes such as Palaces and Stately Homes. She really brings it all to life. We have Sergio Giacomelli who is Royal Ballet trained and will teach you the art of movement, pose and posture and how to dance.
I adore style and fashion. Tell me what I can learn from you?
I have been in the fashion industry for 30 years and I talk very much about the psychology of dressing and understanding what you are putting on every day and how you want to feel. That level of communication is so powerful. I will get people to think more about how they are projecting their personalities through their clothes. We all work hard and spend money on clothes but do we make the right decisions? People might be a bit fearful that I am going to be talking about designer clothing but its actually nothing to do with that, it’s about how you work your clothes to suite your body shape and lifestyle. You could put on something from Zara and make it look a million dollars by the way in which you put it together.
We will also be discussing the importance of body language. A lot of us are stooping at the moment due to online working and constantly being on our phones. We are giving you more of these skills to build up your confidence. I always say to people your CV gets you in the room but your personality, presence and demeanour can get you the job.
Fine dining etiquette is one of the topics that you will be covering. Tell me more about that.
We want to take it from a different angle rather than the very basics of where your knives and forks should go. We want to pull in the psychology behind it to allow people to feel confident and to be able to relax. Whether you are going on a personal evening out, a date night or networking with clients or even to understand the menu. We want to give people confidence but to also feel relaxed as you will be practising theses skills in life.
What can I learn about tablescaping?
Rula who is co-founder of The London Finishing Academy, is a world-renowned luxury party planner and she is behind the production side of our company. I have worked with Rula for many years and every time I have seen one of her productions I am blown away by the visual aspect and how unique and creative it is. People don’t think about it but if your tablescape is beautiful it makes for a wonderful evening. If you set the standard, then you know your guests will make the effort too.
If you would like to find more information then please visit www.thelondonfinishingacademy.com or check out their Instagram @thelondonfinishingacademy One thing is for sure, you are guaranteed to be blown away by this completely unique experience.
Tuesdays to Saturdays: Happy Hour cocktails 2 for £12 (6pm to 9pm) Thursday Nights: Live Singers Weekends: Dim-Sum Bottomless Brunch DJ’s playing the finest in Latin, Funky, Soulful House and Disco.
Pounding Heart Cocktail Bar & Pan Asian Kitchen celebrates the flavours of Asian cuisine in a welcoming, vibrant and fun environment. Pounding Heart Cocktail Bar & Pan Asian Kitchen celebrates the flavours of Tuesdays to Saturdays: Happy Hour cocktails 2 for £12 (6pm to 9pm) Asian cuisine in a welcoming, vibrant and fun environment. Thursday Nights: Live Singers
Weekends: Dim-Sum Bottomless Brunch DJ’s playing the finest in Latin, Funky, Soulful House and Disco. Tuesdays to Saturdays: Happy Hour cocktails 2 for £12 (6pm to 9pm) 01372 700901 hello@poundingheart.co.uk poundingheartesher Thursday Nights: Live Singers 110 High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9QL 01372 700901 hello@poundingheart.co.uk poundingheartesher 110 High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9QL Weekends: Dim-Sum Bottomless Brunch
TTHE IVY ASIA GUILDFORD LAUNCH PARTY he Ivy Asia, Guildford celebrated its launch on March 10th with 200 plus guests and VIP’s including Sigma, Rachel Stevens, Max Chiltern, Roger Black and the Mayor of Guildford enjoying the new the restaurant’s beautiful interiors with Asianinspired artwork, onyx flooring and luxurious furnishings. Attendees enjoyed an array of delicious canapés from Lobster Wonton with Black Truffle and Yuzo Kosho, to Seared Wagyu Beef and White Chocolate and Yuzu Cheesecake cone. Drinks included exclusive cocktails, Champagne and Saki. Taiko drummers, percussionists and DJ’s provided the soundtrack to an amazing evening.
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THE ORIGINAL WOMAN HOSTS INAUGURAL EVENT
Blogger Angela Poole from The Original Woman hosted her first event at the Guildford Institute last month where participants got to hear from three inspirational local Surrey women, Fatima Truscott, Sarah Parker and Elspeth Van Der Hole discussing being authentic in a world full of comparisons. The event also consisted of a raffle where local businesses including Shynefest, Charlie and Chesca and Mayflower Spa among others, kindly donated prizes to raise funds for the teenage mental health charity, Stem 4.
OINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY PARTY n 8th March, 150 women gathered at Hotel Du Vin in Wimbledon to celebrate IWD 2022. A 360 degree fashion show was put on, guest appearances from Lady Wimbledon & celeb friends of Angela Sara West including Amy Day, Nadia Essex, Alex Best, Cassa Jackson and Matt Lapinskas were there to toast women in business. Alongside the fashion show featuring La Dama Lingerie, S.E.L.I.N.A. and Donna’s - there was support from Skinny Witch, Wimbledon Brewery, Mickey JC, DJ Emajen, photographer Steve Carver and many more.
