Darling Magazine - Kingston Feb 2014

darling Feb – March 2014 free

EXCLUSIVE CHAT Sky's

Jacquie Beltrao

..................

NEW YOU

Eat yourself young

TRUMP THIS!

With bridge guru Paul Mendelson

ROZ ANA

Valentine's dinner romance

OLD STYLE GLAMOUR

Ballroom dancing Kingston style

FRATELLI'S FUN NIGHT OUT

Wine tasting delights

LYNDSAY RUSSELL'S Point of view

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

For more information please call our Wedding Team on 020 8547 1777 or email weddings@warrenhouse.com

Warren House, Warren Road Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7HY warrenhouse.com

editor’s letter

...............

Dear Darling Reader, Welcome to the very first Darling Kingston! It has been a really interesting and fun couple of months as I have been able to get under the skin of real Kingston and to see what makes this vibrant and creative community tick.

Cover: JACQUIE BELTRAO Photography: Annie Armitage

............................

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Marja-Leena Toseland All Enquiries 07802 949836 Email kingston@ darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributors Lyndsay Russell, Paul Mendelson Photography Annie Armitage annie@anniearmitage.com Design Anu West info@apila.co.uk Printer Aquatint/bsc jane@aquatintbsc.co.uk Distribution Three Colours Ltd info@3colours.co.uk Darling Wimbledon Karine Torr: 07930 396356 Darling Cobham & Esher Philippa Hennessy: 07772 633339

............................

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.

It all started at a party hosted locally where I met the Darling founder and publisher, Karine Torr, who told me about her plans to expand into Kingston. I agreed with her that Kingston needed a great local women’s glossy it could call its own. Karine has been the editor of Darling Wimbledon for five years now and launched Darling Cobham & Esher over a year ago with Philippa Hennessy at the helm. Both Darling Magazines are now much loved publications in their communities.

Enjoy reading this issue as it gives you food for thought with interesting topics on local personalities, such as this issue’s Inspiring Woman – Jacquie Beltrao, local events like When We Dance and the Festival of Voice. There is also great advice on anti-ageing foods in Hilary Davies’s column, ideas on interiors by Ann Jackman and Seriously Sofas and Valerie McBride-Munro’s tips on looking after your plants.

I will certainly be kept busy as there is so much to celebrate and write about in Kingston with its big community of creative residents and great local businesses.

Marja-Leena Toseland Editor | kingston@darlingmagazine.co.uk CONTENTS 4 6 7 8 9 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 22 24 25 26 31 33 36 37 38

Fun and games with Jacquie Beltrao Homegrown talent – Kingston Junior Drama Company Anti-Ageing – Does your gut hold the answer?

When We Dance – Old style glamour in the 21st Century Simply fantastico! – Fratelli's monthly wine tasting dinners Roz ana – Valentine's dinner romance Deciding to separate? – 7 signposts to start your journey Home Instead – Senior care Lead your life – Coaching The Orchid – How to keep it alive and flowering for years to come Rose Theatre Kingston Happy Families – On and off the piste Schools in the news Festival of the Voice Woodcote House School – The country prep school close to London On the scene – Social pages Ann Jackman Interiors – Why appoint an interior designer?

Independent thinking makes all the difference What's on? Diary of upcoming events Some tips for Spring Bridge Point of view – Guess who's coming for Dinner? darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 3

inspiring woman

...................

Fun and games with

Jacquie Beltrao Darling chats to the woman behind Kingston's most famous face

F

rom competing as a rhythmic gymnast at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics to presenting on Sky News Sunrise alongside Eamonn Holmes and Charlotte Hawkins, Jacquie Beltrao has had a stellar career in anybody’s book.

But the transition from Olympic gymnast to Sky journalist has been a challenging one. Rewind 20 years and you would have found a young cub reporter trying to forge a career in sports journalism by covering less than glamorous sports such as rollerskating or fishing competitions for Sky TV. To add to the workload, in her spare time she was doing everything she could to stay in touch with her first love of gymnastics by commentating on events in her spare time.

But Jacquie thrived on the pressure and high adrenaline environment. ‘TV presenting and covering live events is always unpredictable as anything can go wrong, so it’s one of the few things I could have chosen to do that gives me the same

kind of buzz I was used to in gymnastics. It gives me a chance to stay involved in sports and I feel comfortable doing something I know and love - plus I get to meet some amazing people too.’

Did you find it tough as a woman to get ahead in what was then still quite a male dominated field?

‘When I started Helen Chamberlain (now at Soccer AM) and I were the only two female sports reporters at Sky. It was very much a male environment, with male producers and management - most of whom had grown up playing football and being passionate about the game. But it turned out to be less daunting than I expected. You don’t have to have played the game at the highest level yourself to be able to present the highlights and tell the story in an engaging way. Being a woman has its advantages too as we stand out from the male crowd, and Sky were always encouraging and fair in giving us the same opportunities as the male reporters.’

4 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Jacquie in her rythmic gymnast days

Have you got any advice for young women today who want to have a career in sports coverage and particularly TV? ‘You’ve got to be passionate about your subject and really know your stuff. It’s not for those who just want to become famous. It takes perseverance to succeed and you will get knocked back, but don’t take a ‘no’ for an answer. Try different avenues such as student or

inspiring woman

...................

local newspapers, or local radio; anything is good experience.’

What about the sports you report on. Do you see a shift towards better coverage of women's events in the future?

‘It is increasing, but there are still so many more men playing sports at high levels than females, so it will take time. Female sports coverage on Sky has increased significantly over the past five years. Many of the British female athletes, like Laura Trott, did really well in the Olympics and got a lot of coverage, which is great as they are fantastic role-models.

Female football is now shown on Sky and the Netball League is very popular. Sky Sports News now have dedicated slots for women about women, so it’s definitely evolving’.

Jacquie has always enjoyed keeping fit by running,

walking her dogs and going to the gym, but on Christmas Eve last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer. ‘Being told I had cancer was completely overwhelming, but it’s a fight I’m determined to win. My friends and family have been rallying round and I’m so grateful for all of their support.’

Jacquie enjoys spending time at home with her family, and finds New Malden the perfect place to relax and unwind. However, her move to the area seven years ago was completely unplanned. She saw her current house advertised in a local paper and liked it so much that she made an offer for it on the same day. Now she loves the greenery and space here, and has found some local gems she likes to visit often. Among her favorite haunts are Italian family favourite Al Forno, the dog-friendly Glasshouse pub, inspired Indian eatery Lal Akash, as well as Bentall’s for shopping.

Sky News Sunrise team (Eamonn Holmes (top), Isobel Lang, Charlotte Hawkins, Jacquie Beltrao and Nazaneen Ghaffar (left to right)

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 5

drama

........

Homegrown TALENT

K

ingston Junior Drama Company is an independent theatre group for young actors, aged 10 – 16, offering high quality drama training and regular performances.

The group was established in 2007 by David Lawson Lean, an actor, teacher and children’s playwright.

David currently runs two full companies – one rehearsing in Kingston on Tuesdays and one in Tolworth on Wednesdays.

Many of the children work professionally. Oliver Clement is currently starring as ‘The Professor’ in Emil and the Detectives at The National Theatre and Louis Mertens is appearing alongside Hollywood film star Adrien Brody in the Sky Television production of Houdini. Others have presented children’s television shows and appeared on stage alongside the likes of Judi Dench.

Kingston University Film School graduate, Johanna Andreas, recently made a documentary about the group called Drama in my Life.

KJDC present a range of original drama alongside new adaptations of literary classics. The focus of KJDC’s work is on the creative development of young artists, and the fostering of a life-long enthusiasm for drama.

Contact: kingstonjdc@aol.com or call 01932 230273

Annie Armitage ad

nutrition

..........

Anti-ageing – does your gut hold the answer?

W

hen it comes to your appearance and your vitality, your gut might actually play a bigger role than your genes.

The glow of good nutrition is hard to fake with a cream!

Radiant skin, glossy hair and bright eyes come from good nutrition. But if your digestion isn’t in top working order you will be struggling to absorb all the health giving nutrients in your food.

Bacterial imbalance in the gut, known as dysbiosis, is extremely common and one of the most pervasive causes of the signs of ageing. A host of factors can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and reduce essential good bacteria and this imbalance can lead to digestive problems and profoundly affect your appearance.

How to help you find your glow from the inside out?

1. Eat dark green vegetables.

Arguably the single best food group for promoting healthy skin via healthy blood flow. No other food group can match the pound

for-pound nutrient density of dark green vegetables. Organic kale and broccoli are my favourites.

2. Eat foods rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin A and flavonoids.

These nutrients are strongly associated with healthy blood vessels, which are essential for maintaining optimal blood flow to and from your skin cells. Try walnuts, avocado, sardines, flax seeds, organic eggs, citrus, sweet potato, asparagus and raw cacao.

3. Avoid gluten.

We are becoming increasingly aware of the long list of deleterious health effects that consuming gluten can have. You don’t need to have an identified gluten intolerance to benefit from removing it from your diet.

Clients report improved sleep, weight loss, abundant energy and an end to bloating, cravings, anxiety and even pain. There is even anecdotal evidence of a reduction of grey hair! Have a gluten free trial period of 4 weeks and let me know how you feel.

4. Hydrate.

The benefits of drinking pure water are abundant. Water helps to reduce toxins in your gut and give you plumped up skin cells for that unmistakable glow. Aim to drink 1.5 litres of water a day.

Contact Hilary if you would like to discuss your health or to learn about specialist anti ageing supplements: hilary@thenutritionkitchen.tv www.thenutritionkitchen.tv 07983 565 242

Mention this article in Darling Kingston to receive 10% off your first consultation

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 7

entertainment

.................

When We Dance Old style glamour in the 21st Century

M

artina and Michael Burton, Professional Ballroom Champions, have come together to perform with Tenors Un Limited – Scott Ciscon, Jem Sharples and Paul Martin – to raise money for ’ The Victoria Foundation’, a charity providing life enhancing medical assistance.

Their brand new show, ‘When We Dance’, was in the pipeline for a year and a half, after Ballroom dancer Martina Burton happened to bump into the charismatic operatic trio. In her own words it was ‘love at first sight’. A genuine appreciation of each other’s art forms and a strong, clear vision sparked the creation of ‘When We

Dance’. And what a dynamic and happy marriage it has been. . .

Kingston Dance Studio, with its 1930s style, provided the perfect atmosphere and backdrop for a show full of old style glamour and romance, but with a strong contemporary twist. A carefully selected range of musical delights, including classics like Largo, Nessun Dorma, crossover tunes like Falling Slowly, Thank You For The Years and, of course, When We Dance combined with a couple of songs written by Tenors Un Limited themselves like Fall In Love and Viva La Vita.

More highlights of the show include White Fantasy, a beautiful dance solo performed by Michael

and Martina, Time To Say Goodbye and Fall In Love, a romantic dialogue told through fluid dancing . During Volare the charismatic Tenors UnLimited serenaded one lucky lady in the audience, pulling her out onto the dance floor and finally onto Ciscon’s lap where they finished with the song, Recipe.

Tenors Un Limited and Michael and Martina have big plans for ‘When We Dance’. The harmony created between their voices and Michael and Martina’s mesmerising dancing, allows the audience to dive into a time and place where life was slower and people were uplifted by glamorous, romantic entertainment.

Everyone in the Kingston audience was in agreement: The show must go on!!!

Please look out for further show dates at: www.michaelandmartina.co.uk or follow us on: www.twitter.com/mandmburton www.facebook.com/ MichaelandMartina

8 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

food and drink promo

..........................

Simply fantastico!

Fratelli's monthly wine tasting dinners

W

hat could be more mouthwatering than traditional Italian food? Taking tried and tested recipes and creating innovative new dishes out of these that really appeal to our more sophisticated modern day palates I think. Fratelli Delicatessen is a real family affair - founded and still owned by Antonietta and Antonio Mensano who are masters in cooking up the most delicious Italian dishes based on age old regional recipes.

Although not usually open for dinner, Fratelli hosts monthly

wine tasting dinners with a different regional theme every month.

November 30th was all about Tuscan cuisine and wines that complemented the food perfectly. The evening was sold out and the relaxed and the cosy atmosphere ensured that everyone had a good time. Local residents and regulars started off by tasting different Tuscan wines, which were expertly chosen

by Antonio together with their sommelier Pino Ancarola. What a perfect way to build an appetite for the delicious three course set dinner that followed.

The next Italian feast will be hosted on Saturday February 22nd, please book ahead to reserve a table. This time with flavors from FriuliVenezia Giulia, a region rich in gastronomical specialities.

Fratelli, which means brotherhood in Italian, is a real neighborhood gem that’s been welcoming customers at the same premises on Park Road, Kingston for nearly 40 years, 18 of these with Antonio and Antionetta as owners. It all started

when Antonio decided to leave the stressful life as a chef at Cecconi restaurant in Mayfair behind in order to spend more time with his family. He set up Fratelli Delicatessen with his wife Antonietta to do just that and hasn’t looked back since.

In fact, Fratelli Delicatessen was one of the very first Italian cafés in London to introduce a delicatessen and a café all under one roof, a concept that is now successfully repeated by many well known Italian eateries.

Fratelli doesn’t just offer delicious food, it also stocks fine Italian wine and Antonio is only too keen to help you choose the best wine to accompany your dinner at home or as a special gift.

Fratelli Delicatessen 55-57 Park Road, Kingston, KT2 6DB 020 8549 8021 www.fratellidelicatessen.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 9

th 4 1 y a Frid ruary Feb

Registered charity number: 1091263

Love Kingston Day GET INVOLVED and help raise money for local causes in the heart of our community /lovekingstonday @lvkingston

www.love-kingston.org.uk LOVE KINGSTONV2.indd 1

04/12/2013 12:17

restaurant promo

....................

Roz ana – perfect forValentine's Neil Hennessy-Vass, food writer and photographer, samples fine Indian regional dishes

T

he first thing that greeted us as we entered Roz ana was an aroma of enticing food and the second was Mohan Senchuri, the assistant manager. Mohan

could not have been a better host and as for those fragrant aromas...

This is regional food so no generic curry dishes here.

There is a strong choice of starters so we decided to have the chef ’s sampler. Three dishes each of Amritsari fish, chicken Malai and lamb chops.

Beautifully presented, these were all entrancing to look at.

Sometimes you come across food that just has the beauty of a painting. The chops had a tenderness that made them effortless to eat and the fish

was crispy and light inside, at £9 each a bargain.

The mains proved as enticing.

I noticed a Chicken Tikka Laphroaig Masala. I couldn’t resist! My companion chose Kashmiri lamb, which had deep flavour in a punchy and rich sauce. My whiskey-laced chicken was a dream. If you have a chance to experience this, do. It has a smoky, peaty element that works very well with the spices it’s subtle but unmistakable. The sides, especially Methi, a trio of exotic mushrooms had the right balance of taste and worked very well with southern Indian lime rice.

Indian desserts are tricky to get right; at Roz ana they have worked hard to make a difference. Deepinder Sondhi, the chef and general manager, was keen to emphasise that everything is made fresh to order including desserts. We had a sharing platter that had that telling aura of

quality. The chocolate samosas were bursting with Valrohna chocolate, mango Kulfi was soothing and the Gulab Jamun comforting. These all came with sauce and garnishes. We loved it. My wife ordered a customary mint tea afterwards. I finished my glass of wine. The wine list is well thought through and full of quality; Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Rioja and Pinot Grigio are all well represented. They also mix a mean vodka martini.

Roz ana is worth a visit; like an Old Master the work on show deserves more than one viewing.

Roz ana 4-8 Kingston Hill Kingston upon Thames Surrey, KT2 7NH Tel: 020 8546 6388 www.roz-ana.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 11

Roz-Ana ad

Parties To Go

You can’t rewind your party. It needs to run smoothly from beginning to end.

Stressed over your important event?

Don’t be. Contact Carole at Parties To Go to discuss your requirements.

 From small dinner parties at home to

large corporate functions. From children’s birthday parties to weddings.

 Outstanding quality food as well as

invitations, decorations, hire of equipment...catering to most budgets.

 Run by Carole Cory, who founded the business 1994.

“Immaculate attention to detail... ...leaving you to enjoy the party!”

carole@partiestogo.co.uk • www.partiestogo.co.uk • 020 8947 5337 • 07971 141 733

legal promo

..............

Deciding to

SEPARATE...?

S

o you are deciding to separate or you have already made up your mind. What next? These 7 signposts will help you start your journey.

1. Look after yourself This is important for you and your children if you are a parent.

Find a way to release stress that suits you. Keep active – walking or running costs nothing. Take relaxation classes if time and budget suits.

2. Find good professional support Your emotions – whether you like it or not – will be the driver of this process. It's not enough to offload what you feel onto friends.

A trained family consultant or counsellor will help you understand and better manage the roller coaster you are likely to experience. Good support whilst separating can give you a

smoother ride. Relate.org.uk can provide Relationship Counsellors who offer advice on divorcing/separating.

3. Communicate with your ex if at all possible Talking as well as email. Avoid aggressive or insulting texts or telephone calls. Repercussions are not worth the cost. Talking parents make better parents.

4. Help your children through the separation When both of you as parents have agreed on what, how, where and when to tell the children, tell them together. This will speak volumes of reassurance to them.

5. Spend time finding the right family lawyer Cheapest is not necessarily best.

Experience costs less in the long run and you will need a specialist.

Spend time interviewing two or three. Rapport is important. Trust and regular communication are

Therese Nichols is a Partner in the Family Law Group at Russell-Cooke.

essential for you and your lawyer as is advice on cost and funding.

6. Choose the best process for you Reaching an agreement out of court – if at all possible – is easier on you, your children, your time and your purse. Your family lawyer should explain all the options at your first meeting to see what suits you. This includes mediation and a collaborative process.

7. Make interim financial arrangements If what you have in place works for you, your ex and the children, then go with it. You can sort out the final arrangements throughout the process.  If you are deciding to separate or just need further information, please call Therese in Kingston on: +44 (0)20 8546 6111 www.russell-cooke.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 13

career promo

................

How BIG is your

F

or too long the care sector has been associated with minimum wage and poorly-trained staff, delivering care in 15-minute chunks.

Here at Home Instead, part of our ethos nationally, is to change the face of care-giving by treating our staff with dignity and respect in exactly the same way we do our clients, recognising the vulnerabilities associated with caring. Looking after frail Doris, dependant on support to get up in the morning or being the only one that lonely Fred might see all week, is a huge responsibility for anyone. So it’s vitally important to recruit people who really want to make a difference to the lives of their client.

We can teach people how to provide care, but we can’t teach people to care... that comes from within. And that’s where we start – by looking at how big someone’s heart is. We have a wonderful team of people of all ages, experiences and diverseness,

ranging from 21–70 years old and every one of them really wants to make a difference to our clients lives. We have nurses; a piano teacher, hospice helpers, charity shop volunteers, a make-up artist, a dinner lady, wives, mothers, grandmothers and even have a few lovely male caregivers too.

Each and every one of them is unique and special, with their own lives outside of Home Instead – which we are ever mindful of. At Home Instead we really care about them, matching them with clients, through their individualism, life experiences and characters. We train them, talk to them, check on how they are getting on, sympathise, empathise and share our hearts with them.

We give them time with their clients to build a relation and trust.

We encourage diverseness in our caregivers because each and everyone one of our clients has their very own support needs.

Our clients have had amazing lives. We regularly hear the stories they have shared with our

14 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

caregivers. We have an oil tycoon, teachers, dancers, a professional football player as well as a former spy who dealt with counter espionage during the Cold War. We never forget that even though they are now less able or rather forgetful, they still are that special wonderful person who has had a full and varied life.

Care-giving is not for everyone and nor should it be. It definitely should not be in the unskilled section at the job centre, or only for people who can’t get work anywhere else. It takes a very special type of person, with a very special skill to share their heart, offer trust, support and dedication to those who need us.

Home Instead Wimbledon & Kingston, providing home care services in your area. Our ethos is to ‘change the face of ageing’.

T: 020 8942 4137 www.homeinstead.co.uk/ wimbledonandkingston Join us on twitter @ cjhomeinstead

coaching promo

....................

Are YOU the LEADER in your life ...or is life leading you?

Which one of these characters best describes where you are NOW?

Blob tree diagram by Pip Wilson@blobtree.com Blob tree diagram by Pip Wilson @ blobtree.com

How does coaching work?

A coach will help you to explore the present and design the future you want. It will enable you to achieve your goals and live your values. A coach gives you time and space to think..

which time I’ve had some major Money back Which guarantee one best describes where you WANT to be in personal challenges to overcome.

We’ll refund your back if 3 – 6 money months time?

Kish was always there for me, after 6 sessions you have noticed steering me calmly through NO change. What steps do you need to get there? some very turbulent waters and bringing perspective. She How can I be your thought partner on the journey? helped me deal with my personal 1. Which one of the characters situation while keeping me on the left best describes where Contact me to explore the possibilities! focused on my very demanding you are NOW? Kish Modasia business. I highly recommend her 020 8944 7674 to anyone looking for a personal 2. Which oneTel: best describes Mob: 07720 271 610 Email: kish@leadyourlife.co.uk or business coach.” where you WANT to be in 3-6 Website: www.leadyourlife.co.uk Julie Eltham, Regional Director at The months time?

Athena Network 3. What steps do you need to get Tel: 020 8944 7674 there?

Mob: 07720 271 610 kish@leadyourlife.co.uk www.leadyourlife.co.uk Let me be your thought twitter: @kishlyl partner on the journey.

Become the LEADER in your life through coaching.

Is it like therapy?

No, I'm not a therapist, new age guru or miracle worker. I may look to your past to see what might be holding you back but coaching is dynamic as it works in the here and now and gives you a practical route to where you want to be.

Discovery session If you’re unsure, or just curious about coaching, why not try my 30 minute taster session?

You’ll get a good feel for what it’s like to be coached and it’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other. You can then decide if you want to go ahead − it’s completely up to you. There’s no selling: I only work with people who want to work with me.

Return on Investment (ROI) 90% of my clients say they have 80100% ROI the rest say it’s over 100%.

Testimonial “Kish has been my coach for the past two and a half years during

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 15

Garden in a mess?

Plants looking sad?

Run out of inspiration?

 Call me!

Your own Action Plan will help you solve these problems effortlessly to make your garden flourish!

Auntie Planty

expert garden advice Gift vouchers available

www.auntieplanty.co.uk • 020 8892 9243 • 07887 716 777

INTRODUCING

LONDON A FAMILY-RUN BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 7–13

BUS SERVICE s 4IBBET S #ORNER TOP OF THE !

SCHOLARSHIP MORNING s AM PICK UP Saturday 8 March 2014 th

s !LL SPORT AND HOBBIES DONE AT SCHOOL IN OUR ACRES s !LL HOMEWORK lNISHED AT SCHOOL s ,EAVES 7OODCOTE AT PM

Up to 40% off fees Academic, Music or Sporting Scholarships and Bursaries available to boys aged 7 – 11 Snows Ride, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PF Tel: 01276 472115 www.woodcotehouseschool.co.uk

where boys can still be boys!

LAUNCHES

APRIL

2014

gardening column

........................

The Orchid

How to keep it alive and flowering for years to come

I

f you have been given an orchid for Christmas, you may now be wondering how to keep it alive. The good news is that the orchid is one of the best value houseplants around, and yet it is often the one most misunderstood. Give it the minimal treatment that it deserves, and it will flower its head off for you for years to come.

Go into any supermarket or garden centre today and you’ll see huge numbers of the very colourful Phalaenopsis hybrids, also known as the moth orchid.

Although it’s a tropical plant, it will do very nicely in your house provided that you observe a few simple rules.

Watering The worst thing that you can do to this magnificent plant is to over water it.

Your orchid will normally be planted in a transparent plastic pot, placed into an outer decorative one. The best way to keep it well watered is simply this – remove the plastic pot and take to the kitchen sink. Flush it

through with water – rainwater is best, tap water will do.

It’s very important to allow time for the bulk of the water to drain out completely so that when you pop the orchid back into its original decorative pot, it will not be sitting in any residual water.

This will eliminate root rotting.

Feeding The orchid is not a hungry plant, and so feeding really isn’t necessary. If you think that a shot in the arm is required, then do try and buy some orchid fertilizer. This is not just fancy label for a ‘normal’ product, it’s an extremely weak version of what you might give other plants.

on the stem looking for a growth point. Make a sloping cut above the bud. In time, your orchid will produce another stem of these amazing flowers.

Valerie McBride-Munro is a horticulturist, offering garden problem solving sessions in your own garden.

Flowering Your orchid should have been given to you with a flower spike or two on it. When these fade, you simply find a point lower down

Tel: 020 8892 9243

© 2014 Valerie McBride-Munro

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 17

theatre

.........

The Rose Have you been to Rose Theatre Kingston?

T

he idea of a new theatre in Kingston was first conceived in 1986 and finally completed eighteen years later in 2004. Sir Peter Hall became the first Artistic Director in 2003.

After five years in the role he stepped down and became the Rose’s Director Emeritus, Steven

The Rose is an exciting and vibrant cultural venue and a key feature in the borough and town of Kingston. Not just a theatre - the café is a great space to relax after a busy afternoon shopping and you may even be lucky enough to stumble across one of the many free events they host there including jazz, music and spoken word. Plus the new menu from Swallow Bakery presents an excellent range of sweet and savoury treats.

The core of the theatre’s values is service to the community so the programme aims to cater for everyone. Shows include family productions, music, drama, dance, circus, talks and comedy (including a regular residency from the famous The Comedy Store).

Unwin, the founder of English Touring Theatre stepped into replace him.

The Rose’s own productions are at the heart of the theatre and since opening they have included hits such as Judi Dench in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Timothy West in The Winslow Boy, Joely Richardson in The Lady from the Sea and Jane Asher in The Importance of Being Earnest.

18 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

The Rose’s youth theatre company provide an opportunity for younger members of the community to get involved - either by working towards an end of term production or participating in drama workshops across the year.

In October 2013, Stephen Unwin stepped down as Artistic Director of the Rose to focus on his writing and freelance work.

The Rose will now be headed by Chief Executive Robert O’Dowd, Executive Producer Jerry Gunn and Assistant Producer Naomi Webb.

Their upcoming season has a lot to offer including the world premiere stage adaptation of the booker prize winning novel Moon Tiger starring Jane Asher, Michael Frayn’s hilarious farce Donkeys’ Years, the brand new stage adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather and two of Shakespeare’s finest comedies performed by Propeller Theatre Company as well as an array of one night events.

For more information on Rose Theatre Kingston visit the website www. rosetheatrekingston.org

travel

.......

Happy Families on and off the piste

By Marja-Leena Toseland

I

f you are lucky enough to be heading to the mountains this winter, do read on! Skiing with a family, especially young children, can so easily turn into a stressfilled week. Precision planning is therefore essential! I’ve found that as the children grow, their needs and likes change giving every trip its new challenges. One year they are happy to be at ski-school all day, the next only wanting to ski with their parents or just in the morning leaving the afternoons to be filled with other fun activities.

It’s worth planning and booking as much as you can before you leave home. Ski equipment, lift passes, ski schools and transfers can all be booked easily in advance – this can save you money, too. If you are renting equipment, head to the rental shop as soon as you arrive as these are packed on a switchover evening (usually Saturdays) when the new skiers arrive. There won’t be time to do that the first morning as it's challenging enough to have everyone fed with a good breakfast, into their ski suits (not to mention the ski-boots) and out of the chalet on time for ski lessons. This goes for adults

and children alike!

Half-term usually falls on the same week in Britain as most of the continent, making this an extremely packed week at the airports and the resorts, and it is the most expensive ski week of the year.

There are great advantages to skiing at Easter. The days are longer and the sun warmer – just right for taking long, lazy balcony lunches looking over snowy peaks. If you haven’t yet booked, you can usually get good deals in April.

Travelling to the resort takes most of a day whatever method you choose and even longer if you are driving with an overnight stop. When booking your holiday, it’s really worth considering the transfer times from the airport to the resort as many resorts are hours away by coach and that often really finishes the kids off.

My advice is: ski during the lunch rush hour of 12-2pm. Put a few snacks (snaffled from the breakfast buffet) in your rucksack, have a

hot chocolate at elevenses and keep skiing until well into the afternoon to make the most of the quieter slopes. You could opt to have lunch before midday or if you decide to eat late, check what time your restaurant stops taking orders.

Some essential items to add to your packing list include DVDs to

cater to everyone’s tastes, board games, extra pairs of gloves, neck warmers and balaclavas (the weather can be unpredictable even in April) and if you need to take a buggy, make sure it has big enough wheels for snow. This is all on top of the usual sun screen, sunglasses as well as ski goggles and proper ski socks (to avoid blisters).

HAPPY SKIING!

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 19

Meridian Sound with Style.

TechniQuest Expertise.

Meridian has a unique reputation for Britishdesigned home entertainment systems stretching back over 35 years, combining superb sound with breathtaking design and elegance.

TechniQuest of Wimbledon Village can specify, design and install the perfect Meridian entertainment system for your needs, from a powerful touchscreendriven Meridian Digital Media System to a movie industry quality Home Cinema installation.

Arrange a personal demonstration at our showroom at 26 High Street, Wimbledon Village, take a seat in the Digital Theatre and experience how Meridian and TechniQuest can bring sound, vision, style and expertise to your home.

meridian-audio.com meridian-audio.com

To arrange an appointment for a personal demonstration: T 020 8944 9040 E meridian@techniquest.co.uk W www.techniquest.co.uk/meridian

HOME AUTOMATION | GATE AUTOMATION & ENTRY SYSTEMS | INTRUDER, FIRE & CCTV SECURITY MULTIROOM AUDIO | DIGITAL TV & VIDEO DISTRIBUTION | HOME THEATRE | LIGHTING DESIGN SCENE BASED LIGHTING CONTROL | IT COMMUNICATIONS | DIGITAL TELEPHONE SYSTEMS MECHANICAL SERVICES DESIGN & CONTROL | ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING

Consultations are available by prior appointment

TECHNIQUEST UK LIMITED

26, High Street, Wimbledon Village, London SW19 5BY T 020 8944 9040 E info @techniquest.co.uk W www.techniquest.co.uk

schools in the news .........................

Love Kingston the benefitting charity for the Shrewsbury House School annual sponsored charity run

S

hrewsbury House School has chosen Love Kingston as the main charity to benefit from their 2014 sponsored charity run – the School’s

major annual fundraising initiative, which has been scheduled to take place on February 14th – Love Kingston Day! The pupil-led School Council originally chose Love Kingston as the benefitting charity for the retiring collection from the 2013 Harvest Festival, held at St. Andrew’s Church Surbiton. Following a presentation from Elaine Miller, Love Kingston’s Fundraising Manager, at a subsequent Headmaster’s Assembly, the charity was unanimously chosen for further support from the School. Commenting on this, Headmaster Kevin Doble said, ‘The annual sponsored charity run has taken place for a number of decades and is a wonderful event, involving all our pupils, supported by their parents and the wider school community.

I am so delighted our boys have chosen such a worthwhile community charity to benefit from this year’s run and we are very much looking forward to further developing our partnership with Love Kingston.’

Woodcote House – where boys can still be boys!

G

etting our boys to abandon their electrical devices and screens in favour of the outdoors is a challenge. However, it has certainly become easier since the introduction of Bushcraft skills taught throughout the school year.

One of the popular activities is Saturday Night Camping. This starts with a forage for timber in our forest. Being boys, this inevitably becomes a competitive pursuit and piles of fallen branches are soon dragged to the camping area.

This wood is used to fire up the school pizza oven. Trestle tables laden with pizza bases, tomato sauce and all kinds of

22 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

wonderful toppings, enable the imaginative to come up with combinations that make Pizza Express look a bit tame! Happy, tomato sauce smudged faces then gather around their camp fires for singing or impromptu Woodcote’s Got Talent sessions whilst marshmallows are roasted. Eventually it is time for bed in the ‘tented village’ erected earlier in the evening and the chatter slowly dwindles as the fresh air takes its toll!

schools in the news

.........................

Coombe raises the roof!

T

he Coombe Federation comprises the highly successful and innovative Coombe Girls’ and Boys’ schools. Inspirational leadership is provided at both institutions by Headteacher, Mrs Deborah Walls who led the Girls’ School to a record fourth successive OfSTED ‘Outstanding’ judgement in May of 2013 and achieved a richly deserved and transformational ‘Outstanding’ for Leadership and Management and ‘Good’ in all other categories judgement at Coombe Boys’ School just before Christmas last year.

uplifting choral tribute from Coombe Boys’ Choir in celebration of the life of Nelson Mandela.

Coombe Boys’ Head of Drama, Sam O’Reilly, commented, “We feel privileged and absolutely delighted to present the Malden and Coombe Cluster Concert for a fifth year and proud of the commitment demonstrated by all pupils who make this such a great event. We have witnessed stunning performance talent here today and we are extremely grateful to the Rose Theatre which provides pupils with such a positive and invaluable learning experience.”

Reflecting Coombe’s ethos for shared excellence and collaborative learning, we were extremely proud to host and perform in the 2014 Malden and Coombe Cluster Concert on 17th January. Held at the Rose Theatre, the concert featured local primary schools and showcased a breath-taking line up of music, dance and drama executed. What an outstanding production delivered before a full auditorium! The magnificent Finale included an

King’s College Junior School’s cookery club

I

t’s lunchtime and ten boys burst through the door of the kitchen to grab their aprons at the King’s College Junior School’s Cookery Club.

It was set up following requests from the boys - some had taken part in fundraising baking sessions for the Obera Primary School in Kenya, others were inspired by recent exciting television programmes on baking and cookery.

about how their generosity is received. It gives their whole families a chance to enjoy their achievements and fills the boys with confidence. A cookery club is beneficial on so many levels. Occasionally messy, but never dull, there is laughter, despair and many acts of kindness. More than anything else its fun and the boys’ enthusiasm always reflects this.

Each group has four lessons during which they make biscuits, Victoria sandwich cakes, pizzas and rocky road. As well as learning basic cookery skills and food hygiene, the boys work together methodically, apply science and common sense, experiment and celebrate their many tasty successes.

The aim is always to share what they make and talk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 23

arts and culture

..................

Festival of the Voice 2014 15th February – 23rd March and will present a full choral evensong with music by Brahms, George Dyson, Christopher Tye and Benjamin Costello, former Director of Music at St Andrew's Church, Surbiton.

S

ing, Speak, Listen and Celebrate as part of ‘Festival of the Voice 2014’, the 5th in a series of exciting festivals produced by Kingston Arts Council, offering you the finest of vocal and musical talents.

The extensive use of the voice is explored through choral events, bands nights, singing workshops, jazz sessions, stage acting, play readings, poetry recitals, voice for radio, comedy, contemporary electronic music and so much more.

From open rehearsals of Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ with Kingston Orpheus Choir to an evening of original singer/ songwriters headlined by Malory Torr, an emerging talent with a folk/pop/indie style, this festival

has something for everyone.

Join Joshua Alamu, one of London’s most sought after vocal coaches (BBC’s The Voice UK, Channel 5’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’), to gain top tips on singing professionally and have an individual assessment of your voice type. And celebrate the 450th birthday of the great Bard, as local actors and musicians share songs, sonnets and scenes from Shakespeare’s plays.

You can enjoy the beautiful sounds of Tiffin Boys’ Choir in Evensong services, the first of which is a celebration of the poetry of George Herbert and the second a Lenten evensong, featuring Allegri’s Miserere.

Thames Philharmonic Choir sings regularly in the great cathedrals

24 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Be the first to hear ‘Bás’, a poignant new play by Henry Collie and Tom Russell-Jones, in a rehearsed reading. This play is set in the trenches of WW1. Closing the Festival will be Kingston Choral Society (KCS) with Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610.

This is a work full of contrast and colour by a composer at the height of his powers. KCS is joined by six soloists and the outstanding musicians of the English Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble and Purcell Orchestra.

For full details of all the events and workshops, visit www. kingstonarts.co.uk . Follow us on twitter @kingstonarts and facebook for up-to-the-minute news and competitions.

Kingston Arts Council is a registered Charity and is the largest and longest established multi-arts organisation in Kingston upon Thames. It promotes and supports all arts for all ages. Áine Lark Chair of Kingston Arts & Festival Director

school promo

.................

Woodcote House School The country prep school close to London

W

oodcote House is a family owned prep school for 105 boys set in thirty acres of gardens, playing fields and woods. Our boys are prepared for Common Entrance and Scholarship exams at thirteen to all the major public schools.

Increasingly, we have found that London-based families are choosing Woodcote because it is the antithesis of the pressured London preps. To help these families, we will be launching a bus service from Tibbet’s Corner at the top of the A3 from April 2014. This launch was announced at the Independent Schools Show in Battersea and created a surge of interest from families in SW London.

Being a school of 105 means the average class size is about 10-12 boys. There is no hiding place!

Your son will be pushed in all subjects to be the best he can be and we do not believe in extra

up doing some boarding, be it two, three, five or seven nights a week. Exeats from Friday lunchtime to Monday evening happen every third weekend and most other weekends

We are strong believers in letting boys be boys and our grounds allow this to happen. We play sport every day, camp in the woods, fire up the pizza oven and regularly use our low ropes course and shooting range. In other words, all activities happen at school – even homework! This means that when the school bus returns to London in the evening all school work is over for the day.

tutoring! If he needs support, we provide it as part of the school day.

are ‘Open,’ which means the boarders have the option to go home on Saturday after matches.

Woodcote’s graduated approach to boarding has certainly proved popular. Boys can start as day pupils at any time from Year 3 – 7 with no pressure to become a boarder. However, depending on the choice of senior school, boys usually end

Please contact Wendy Edgerley, our Registrar, or info@woodcotehouseschool. co.uk for more information or to arrange a tour of the school with our Headmaster, Henry Knight.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 25

On the scene peter smith exhibits at castle fine art in kingston

L-R: Jessica Tallman with Jayne and Peter Smith

L-R: Sarah Mancz, Jessica Tallman, Lydia Vilardo, Sharon Davidson and Jayne Smith

JUICE’N VITAL HEALTHY BREAKFAST

DARLING COBHAM & ESHER first anniversary

L-R: Sam James, Tracey Mason, Clare Odgers, Kashmira Jhaveri, Jane Stephenson and Patricia Campbell-Parker

L-R: Darling editors; Karine Torr (Wimbledon), Philippa Hennessy (Cobham & Esher) and Marja-Leena Toseland (Kingston)

FUN AND GAMES WITH COOMBE BRIDGE LADIES

Want to be seen in Kingston?

Advertise your business in darling today! darlingmagazine.co.uk 07802 949 836

L-R: Sue Strong, Sharon Wright, Karine Vandermeulen, Stella Kirby, Margie Brown, Karine Torr, Sarah Buxton and Sarah Moore

tuscan wine tasting dinner at fratelli delicatessen

L-R: Valeria Peralta, Antionetta, Steve Torma with chefs Leo Jezzi and Antonio (owner)

L-R: Pino Ancarola (sommalier), Vicky Christensen, Alan Pendrill, Jackie Griffiths and Per Christensen

L-R: Jessica Matthews with Lucio, Guido and Violette Gianicoli

L-R: Paul and Patricia Clifford with Joy and Ennio Morgante

ATHENA LADIES WHO LUNCH AT WARREN HOUSE

L-R: Judy Snow, David Whitehouse, Sandra and Martin Blenklensop and Alan Hunt

L-R: Josephine Wilamson, Julie Eltham, Jodie Vigor and Patricia Campbell-Parker

ATHENA NETWORK'S LADIES – 'DAY AT THE RACES' EVENT AT WARREN HOUSE

L-R: Tam Jackson, Jackie Mitchell and Alice Wood

L-R: Charlene Braniff with Desi Fontaine

FEELING FESTIVE IN HAM

L-R: Anu West (Darling’s graphic designer), Helena Whitaker, Jeff Davila (the salsa maestro), Rebecca Bolton and Yolanda Cerullo Rachwal

LATCHMERE SCHOOL YEAR 1 PARENTS' EVENING OUT

CORNER HOUSE ARTS CENTRE; GALA EVENING

L-R: Lou Thomas, Mark and Clare Emerie, Ilka Orsina and Paul Newcombe

L-R: Artists Roger Fowler and Meta Rocard

SHREWSBURY HOUSE SCHOOL YEAR 4 PARENTS’ SOCIAL

ANNUAL WIMBLEDON VILLAGE FAIR FUN L-R: Ann-Lynn Adams and Tessa Wilson tucking into fish and chips

L-R: Liz Chedumbrum, Patrick and Kim ten Have, Andrea and Paul Brady and Tracy North

Marja-Leena Toseland with Antonio Carluccio at his restaurant in the Bentall Centre L-R: Alison Baker, Phil Davies, Pamela Potter, Nicola Blackwell and Ros Davies

NORTH KINGSTON’S LITERATI – BOOK CLUB PARTY AT THE CARDINAL

L-R: Sarah Holt, Julianne Shaw and Vicky Gwelleam

L-R: Emma Wahl, Christine Overby, Caroline Macleod-Smith, Hilary Oliver and Lucy Spray

KINGSTON'S CREATIVES NETWORKING 'NoNo' STYLE (NoNo stands for North of Norbiton!)

L-R: Marja-Leena Toseland, Lyndsay (Darling columnist) and Mike Russell with Simon Richards

L-R: Michelle Kirk, Sharon Govia and Andy Fairgrieve

THE GLASSHOUSE WINE APPRECIATION SOCIETY REVISITS WINES FROM Côtes du Rhône

L-R: Sandra Berry, Barbara Price and Jenny Roberts

L-R: Jean-Marc Rathe, Susan Walkley with Christina and Kathryn Connelly

Choosing gorgeous jewellery from Stella & Dot

L-R: Gill Raynor, Barbara Morley and Brenda Houghton

L-R: Jina Haq, Karlee Cairns, Kelly O'Donnell with baby Brody and Tessa Wilson (Stella & Dot Stylist) with Jina's baby Anya

interiors promo

..................

Ann Jackman

Interiors

Why should you employ an interior designer?

M

any people that I meet think that interior designers are only for the rich and to employ one will cost thousands of pounds.

Some projects are expensive, for example if you are refurbishing a whole house including installing a new kitchen and bathrooms, however many of the projects that we undertake can cost much less, as we often give just one room a facelift; and our expert advice can include recommending a mixture of High Street purchases and bespoke pieces, to suit most budgets. With the contacts and knowledge of where to source materials, fittings and new furniture we can end up saving clients money instead! Not to mention the hours you save not looking around showrooms and websites.

Ann Jackman Interiors provides contemporary decoration and styling solutions for the home and garden

possession or favourite object. After exploring your style preferences we will begin to get a sense of what design options would work in the existing space and period of your home. That’s followed by a written proposal for the work. Its always team work; the designer capturing the client’s dream and turning that into a practical end result.

On accepting our proposal, we will visit you again to undertake an in-depth study of your requirements and to develop the design concept with you. This leads finally to a presentation of drawings and a “room board” or alternative visual images of your design , with floor, wall and fabric samples and details of furniture and accessories.

Some clients want to downsize using a mix of existing furniture and new pieces. One project I am currently working on involves using a blend of furniture and accessories from OKA; a bespoke sofa; designer fabrics - the client is having roman blinds made up for most of her windows and a little fabric goes a long way! It all fits perfectly with a selection of her existing antique furniture and paintings.

How we work On our first visit to your home we will make an initial assessment of the scope of the project.

Often, a decorating scheme begins with a treasured

Spring is just around the corner so if your home needs a facelift, contact us at: ann@annjackmaninteriors.com or visit our website www.annjackmaninteriors.com darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 31

London stockist for Clearview Woodburning stoves Defra approved for smoke control areas 020 8947 5115 www.forestbailiff.co.uk

Pole Structural Engineers

Designing structures for alterations, extensions and new houses Local, friendly and professional

Admel House, 24 High Street, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DX T: 020 8944 9955 E: mail@pole.co.uk

pole.co.uk

interiors promo ..................

Independent thinking makes all the difference…

M

any independent retailers have had a tough time in recent years.

Seriously Sofas of Kingston isn’t one of them. Set up by husband and wife team Andrew and Ruth Jones, Seriously Sofas has established itself as a flourishing business within just two years of its launch – and it has just taken the award for Best Independent Retailer at the inaugural Kingston Business Excellence Awards.

Serving trade and retail customers, Seriously Sofas offers bespoke and customised British and European sofas, sofa beds, corner and chaise units, modules, chairs and accessories. Re-upholstery, recovery and soft furnishing services are also available. “We pay huge attention to the individual needs and tastes of our customers,” says Ruth Jones. “All our upholstery is made with each customer’s space, comfort, design and budget requirements in mind.” Sometimes that involves creating bespoke items. At other times it involves altering dimensions or adapting a particular model. And if the customer wants something completely different? “Then we’re happy to take a one-off commission and create a unique piece from concept,” says Andrew. “That’s the advantage of being a true independent, and our customers have come to value the creativity and flexibility of our approach.” In addition, Seriously Sofas regularly sells items off the showroom floor at a discount for

immediate delivery, anywhere in the UK as well as overseas.

Ruth and Andrew don’t think of themselves as exemplars of effective independent retailing, but that’s what they’ve become. In explaining why Seriously Sofas was given the Best Independent Retailer award, Kingston First’s Chief Executive Ros Morgan says: “Seriously Sofas stood out because they had independent business running through their veins – not just in terms of the company’s set up but actually their entire supply chain and they are a genuine ambassador of the independent sector.”

If you are looking for affordable quality and individual styling Seriously Sofas will be delighted to offer you interested, expert advice and assistance.

Visit the website: www.seriouslysofas.com or galleries on: pinterest.com/seriouslysofas

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 33

Bathroom Eleven

Love is....

A Bathroom Designed, Supplied and Installed by the experts. www.bathroomeleven.co.uk 49 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, KT6 5JR. 0208 3356821.

Address: 311 Richmond Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT2 5QU Email:

info@dance-active.co.uk

Web:

www.dance-active.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09:30 to 17:30 Saturday 10:00 to 16:30 Come and visit us halfway between Kingston and Richmond on the Ham Parade (easy parking!)

Just imagine…enjoying all life has to offer with complete piece of mind and an extraordinary income built without compromising your existing commitments.

Whether you are currently working and looking for a change or a second income, or looking for something to fit around the family, this could be for you.

There is a catch! You need to be hard-working, focussed and have an interest in helping others.

No experience necessary.

But the rewards? The opportunity to build your own successful business in the health and wellness industry, working full or part time, with a secure income for LIFE. To find out more please contact: Alison Tuohey on: 07971 191971, email: alisontuohey@myflpbiz.com (Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products)

Award-winning training and support available.

Top business builders can also enjoy added benefits such as company car programme, international travel and a profit share scheme.

Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor, CV34 6RB

Rich man, Poor man a great music and food event Part of Love Kingston Day on Valentine’s Day, Friday 14th February, 7-11:30 pm at: The Arthur Cotterell Theatre, Kingston College, Kingston Hall Road, KT1 2AQ. Rich Man, Poor Man is a series of events that raise awareness and funds for local people in crisis.

On arrival guests are asked to draw ‘lots’ to determine whether they will receive a Rich Man gourmet meal, or a Poor Man meal created from Kingston Foodbank's essential shopping list ingredients.

Local bands and musicians will show their support by performing during the evening. Speakers will have an opportunity to talk about their cause.

We have some amazing bands lined up: Fear and Loathing; Franklin; Mandolin Jack; The Apple Core Beatles; and more...

It's going to be awesome, so book your tickets now!”

Tickets are £20 and include a two-course supper. There will also be a raffle and a cash bar, so don’t forget your purse! Box office: richmanpoormanevents @gmail.com

diary ......

What's on?

DONKEYS' YEARS BY MICHAEL FRAYN AT THE ROSE THEATRE Thu 6th - Sat 22nd Feb A hilarious farce. www.rosetheatrekingston.org SURBITON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Thu 6th Feb (every Thursday), St Mark's Church Hall, Church Hill Road, Surbiton 7-10:30pm - tuition from 7:30pm MUSIC IN NEW MALDEN Sun 9th Feb, New Malden Methodist Church, High St., New Malden Anneke Scott – Natural Horn, Frances Kelly – Early Harp Music by Naderman (1781 –1835), Duvernoy (1765 – 1836) and Gallay (1795 – 1864) 3-4pm. Entrance is free, proceeds to charity. oneACTS 2014 AUDITIONS Tues 11th Feb at the cornerHOUSE Arts Centre in Douglas Road, Surbiton, 7:30pm www.thecornerhouse.org

15th Feb to 23rd March www.kingstonarts.co.uk FILMS AT THE ROSE: BRIEF ENCOUNTER Voted the most romantic film of all time, a perfect film for the Valentine's weekend: Sun 16th Feb at the Rose Theatre, 7pm THE ITALIAN-BRITISH ASSOCIATION AND KINGSTON ARTS HOST A MONTH OF EXHIBITIONS IN FEBRUARY Italian-Argentinian Painter Maria Virginia Cheli and Kingston photographer Milena Cull exhibit their work at this first event.

The Gala Night at the cornerHOUSE, Douglas Road, Surbiton Wed 12th Feb, 7-9:00pm Free entry. Maria Iacuzio, President, mar_iacuzio@hotmail.com, or Stefania Del Monte, Head of Communications, stefaniadelmonte@yahoo. co.uk.

LOVE KINGSTON DAY Join in on fund raising activities and show your love on Valentine's Day 14th February www.love-kingston.org.uk

HALF-TERM FUN: PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Mon 17 – Fri 21 Feb, Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington www.landmarkartscentre.org

RICH MAN, POOR MAN - PART OF LOVE KINGSTON DAY Dinner with local musicians and bands performing at: The Arthur Cotterell Theatre, Kingston College, Kingston Hall Road Fri 14th Feb at 7-11:30pm Box office: richmnpoormanevents@gmail.com

KINGSTON JAZZ SOCIETY - ‘COUP DE GRAAS’ (MICK BUTLER) Tue 18th Feb, The Druids Head (upstairs), Market Place, Kingston 7:45–10:45pm For further information please contact Brian Goddard briangoddard@ waitrose.com

FESTIVAL OF THE VOICE The 5th festival, produced by Kingston Arts Council Great vocal and musical talent explored through a host of events.

SEVEN STRONG FEMALE POETS CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, Thu 27th Feb The World Café at the Landmark Arts Centre

36 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

FARMERS MARKET, BURLINGTON ROAD, NEW MALDEN 1st of March (1st Sat each month) 9:00am-2:00 pm.

SURBITON ART GROUP AGM AND GUIDE TO PAINTING FROM PHOTOGRAPHS Mon 3rd of March, Surbiton Library, Annexe , 8-10pm SURBITON AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY AGM Tues 4th March, Surbiton Library Hall, 7:45pm TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN, THE ROSE THEATRE Tues 4 March-Sat 8 March A magnificent adventure for the whole family, www.rosetheatrekingston.org JAZZ AT THE ROSE THEATRE: TRIO TIME Tues 4 March, 1:15-2:0pm (a regular Tuesday lunch time event) CONTEMPRARY TEXTILES FAIR, HANGABLE AND WEARABLE ART Fri 7th March, 6-8:30pm at the Bar and Sat 8th to Sun 9th March, 10am-5pm at the Café Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington MUSIC IN NEW MALDEN Sun 9th March, New Malden Methodist Church, High St, New Malden Malcolm Edmonstone – jazz piano 3–4pm. Free entry, proceeds to charity.

JAZZLIVEDANCE AT THE ROSE THEATRE Fri 22 Mach at 8:30pm The Heads and Feet House Band lead

by Tim Whitehead play jazz grooves to move to www.rosetheatrekingston.org

bridge ........

SOME TIPS FOR SPRING BRIDGE

oneACTS 2014 – auditions

With Darling’s Bridge Guru, Paul Mendelson As the icy winds blow and the heavens open, sensible bridge players are warm indoors. However, the life of a bridge player is not without problems of the fifty-two card variety…

♠ Open auditions at the cornerHOUSE in Douglas Road, Surbiton on Tuesday, February 11 at 7.30pm or Sunday, February 16 at 2pm.

The 10th annual oneACTS Festival runs from Monday 12th to Saturday 17th of May 2014.

Fancy acting in a short play? Then the cornerHOUSE oneACTS 2014 could be just the thing for you. Kingston’s most respected platform for original playwriting is looking for actors to perform in this showcase of local writing talent.

You can find out more about the festival and how you can be part of it by reading oneACTS 2014 - guidance which is on our website: www.thecornerhouse.org or by emailing: oneacts@thecornerhouse.org

Missing Your darling Magazine?

COLLECT COPIES AT OUR 'HOTSPOTS' Please call first to check stocks The Swallow Bakery, The Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, Tel: 020 8546 6983 Fratelli Delicatessen, 55-57 Park Road, Kingston, Tel: 020 8549 8021 U.R.Beautiful, 1st Floor, Boots, 42 Union Street, Kingston, Tel: 020 8247 0386 The Store, 54 Coombe Road, Kingston, Tel: 020 8549 5319 Roz ana, 4-8 Kingston Hill, Kingston Tel: 020 8546 6388 The French Tarte, 83 Maple Road, Surbiton Tel: 020 8399 1123 Chicco Caffé, CI Tower, St George’s Square, New Malden, Tel: 020 8949 0919 The Glasshouse, 14 Coombe Road, New Malden, Tel: 020 8942 4650

West S Q8 H 832 D AQ92 C QJ109

♦ Dealer North N E NB NB 2NT NB

♥

North S J632 H A74 D J3 C 8642

South S A4 H KQJ1095 D K74 C AK N/S Game S 2H 4H

East S K10975 H 6 D 10865 C 753

♣

W NB

South opened a Strong 2♥, and North responded 2NT, indicating a poor hand, but not a bust. South jumped straight to game. West led her top-of-asequence Q♣ and South pondered her fate. Declarer has a spade and three diamonds to lose. To secure her game, South must trump a diamond in dummy before drawing trumps. However, this declarer crossed to dummy’s A♥ and led a diamond, her K♦ losing to West’s A♦. West led a second heart and, when she regained the lead with Q♦. she led a third round, removing all the trumps from the dummy hand, and defeating the contract.

South must remain focused. All that matters in trumping one diamond in dummy. At trick 2, she should lead out a low diamond. This will lose to Q♦ but, even if a trump is led now, she can win, lose a second diamond and there will always be one trump left in dummy to trump the third round. www.aceoftrumps.com darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb–march 2014 37

point of view ...............

GUESS WHO'S coming for dinner?

I

By Lyndsay Russell

’m curious to see how many Valentine cards my pretty, 16 year old daughter gets, though I know she will only be stalking the postman for one: from her new boyfriend, a floppy fringed, blue eyed Hugh Grant lookalike, whose clean cut influence is thankfully getting her out of her ghastly Goth-Tim-Burton-corpse stage.

He did however blot his copybook a couple of hours later with a big spurt of indelible ink. All adjourning to the living room to watch TV, our little lovebirds suggested a Pay On Demand movie.

We gave the boy a chance to choose the film and he picked Trance; “Saw it on Singapore Airlines – really brilliant.”

Bringing the new bf home for dinner, I saw my husband bristle as his baby girl looked adoringly into the eyes of the Young Pretender. I just smiled that even though she was dressed in a vile black shroud, she had nonetheless fallen for the kind of blond, preppy boy I used to have crushes on. I guess it’s in the jeans – tight and faded blue.

Impressed at the youngster’s worldly, well-travelled background, we ordered it, and formally sat back, four of us in a stiff row, on the sofa. Half an hour in, the noisy, graphic sex had us reeling. My husband pretended to be asleep, whilst I repeatedly squawked ‘Anyone for tea?’ like a demented parrot.

He seemed very much at home. Helped himself to milk in the fridge, cleared the plates and picked up my husband’s guitar to serenade us with a song. As my man works for BBC Radio 2 and plays in a band, it was a masterful move of the boy to ensure he didn’t get kneecapped for daring to date the baby of the house.

38 feb–march 2014 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Scarlet-faced, the poor kid blurted out that all the sex scenes must have been edited out on the plane version. He left early, deeply embarrassed and proffering apologies.

‘That’ll teach him for wanting Virgin On Demand’ in my house”, muttered my husband darkly, as he headed to bed.

Put the dress away... but not the memories ƌƟƐƚ ĂŶĚ ŝůůƵƐƚƌĂƚŽƌ >LJŶĚƐĂLJ ZƵƐƐĞůů ǁŝůů ĐƌĞĂƚĞ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ĨĂƐŚŝŽŶ ƐŬĞƚĐŚ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ǁĞĚĚŝŶŐ ŐŽǁŶ͕ ŚĞĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ͕ ƐŚŽĞƐ ĂŶĚ ďŽƵƋƵĞƚ͘ ĞƐŝŐŶĞƌ ƐŬĞƚĐŚĞƐ ĂƌĞ ŚŝŐŚůLJ ǀĂůƵĞĚ ďLJ ƚŽƉ ĨĂƐŚŝŽŶ ŚŽƵƐĞƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ůŽǀĞůLJ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ǀĞƌƐŝŽŶ ŵĂŬĞƐ Ă ĚĞůŝŐŚƞƵů ŵĞŵĞŶƚŽ Žƌ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ŐŝŌ ĨŽƌ ŶĞǁůLJǁĞĚƐ͘ &ƌŽŵ ĂƐ ůŝƩůĞ ĂƐ άϭϮϱ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ Ϭϳϴϳϵ ϰϵϬϰϴϳ ůLJŶĚƐĂLJƌƵƐƐĞůůΛďůƵĞLJŽŶĚĞƌ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ ǁǁǁ͘ƌƵƐƐĞůůĂƌƟƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

tbc