darling magazine

darling R

IN SHE E W NO M & A H OB

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Nov – Jan 2013 free

DESIGNED TO INSPIRE

GET A GRIP! Organics for your hair

THE FOOD OF LOVE Wimbledon Music Festival

Elizabeth Bessant Couture

WHEN “I DO” BECOMES “I DON’T” Hart Brown Solicitors Advise

PARENTING OUR PARENTS

Clare Jefferies on coping with our elderly

DRAWING ON THE COMMON AND THE WINNERS ARE… Merton Business Awards

OUR PEARLY ROYALS The Bishop Gilpin Fund Raiser

A TASTE OF BRAZIL

From Ghigo Berni

TOP IN THEIR CLASS Merton Music Foundation

PLUS: GET YOUR CLUBS OUT Wimbledon Common Gold Club Celebrates New Ladies' Powder Room, WILD ABOUT WIMBLEDON New Book By Andrew Wilson, BUILDER JASON COETZEE In The Kitchen, FITNESS GURU Kieron Vorster Joins Fit8, SINCLAIR JEWELLERS Designs For Christmas, THE GREAT RESTORATION By Robyn Falck, NEW HI-TECH WORKOUTS At The Pilates Clinic

wimbledon’s magazine for local women | www.darlingmagazine.co.uk

editor’s letter Dear Darling Reader A few weeks ago, looking out of my window at gloomy October and listening to stories of gloom and doom on the radio in the background, I didn’t think there would be much to celebrate in this winter issue. But even after four years of Darling, Wimbledon continues to surprise me with its relentless optimism, its entrepreneurial vigour and its deep sense of community.

Cover Girl: Kirsty Chapman and Raffy Photography by Taylor Torr

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Advertising 07930 396356 Email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributor Kate Greenhalgh

I continue to meet inspiring women like fashion designer Elizabeth Bessant; and to see new shops with new ideas opening on our high streets, established businesses thriving against all odds, and a revival of art and cultural activities to rival anything north of the river. We’ve had Margaret Drabble and Sebastian Faulks from the Bookfest and art on the Common.

November brings us one of the world’s most prestigious musical festivals, the extraordinary achievements of the Merton Music Foundation and Andrew Wilson’s stunning new coffee-table book on Wimbledon’s visual splendour and it’s also Wimbledon Open Studios time again. “Women on the Edge” attracted so much positive comment that we’re continuing with Clare Jefferies’s heartfelt look at Alzheimer’s and Karen Marton’s incredible community fundraising story is an example of small business generosity.

So it turns out our Xmas glass is more than half-full, and to top it all I’m delighted to announce that the extraordinary Philippa Hennessy, a regular contributor to Darling Wimbledon, will be launching Darling Cobham & Esher, our very first franchise! Champagne all round, and let’s raise our glasses to her success, and to a happy and prosperous Xmas and New Year to all our advertisers and contributors – and to you, our readers, most of all.

Philipa Hennessy Editor, Darling Cobham & Esher

Karine Torr Editor | info@darlingmagazine.co.uk

Photography Taylor Torr Design Director Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.com Talitha Minchin talitha@talithadesigns.co.uk Printer Aquatint/bsc jane@aquatintbsc.co.uk Distribution Three Colours Ltd 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 publicaiton. 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 17 18 19 20 22 23 26 32 33 37 39 40 44 45 46

Fashion designer Elizabeth Bessant inspires us Grip Hair and Body – Organic all the way ‘Women on the Edge’ – Clare Jefferies on coping Glorious Wimbledon Music Festival is here Drawing on the Common with Susie Prus Top jewellery designs at Sinclairs Mike Mitchell raises Wimbledon Guild to new heights Merton Biz Awards – winners rule!

Ghigo Berni from San Lorenzo on Brazil Pearly King and Queen at Bishop Gilpin Problems with your pelvic floor? Livia Nemeth helps State of the art Pilates in Wimbledon Bumper Social Pages Schools in the News – Merton Music Foundation Andrew Wildon is wild about Wimbledon The heart of the home – kitchens with Jason Coetzee Clever refurb ideas from Robyn Falck Wimbledon Common Golf Club gets swish new powder room What’s on for the Festive Season Darling Classifieds Kate Greenhalgh tackles Christmas head on

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

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inspiring woman

The Art of Life Couture designer, Elizabeth Bessant has found her calling

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ged four, I was left at nursery school very distraught and found my escape by sitting in a corner drawing, making necklaces from drinking straws and anything else creative I could do to avoid group activities. I created a safe place where I could lose myself and hide from reality.

I always believed I would be an artist and after completing my degree at Newport School of Art in 1982 I gained a place to study post graduate at Wimbledon School of Art. I already had London galleries showing my work. My first silkscreen print was exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Show in 1982, my final year at art school. This led to instant success with press acclaim and exhibitions at the top London galleries. Following a triumphant exhibition in Paris, at

27 I was listed in ‘Who's Who in International Art’. For 15 years I was very happy and successful working as a fine art printmaker.

In 1989 my son was born, on my 31st birthday, and it became increasingly difficult to work in a studio away from home and also to travel abroad for shows.

It was time for a change so I looked to my other great passion, fashion design, through the eyes of an artist. This was something that could be done in a studio from home whilst caring for my son. There were times when my kitchen looked like a laboratory as I experimented with texturing and dyeing fabrics to create new effects.

Once again my art background was coming to the fore. The thousands of new and vintage beads I’d collected over many years, together with ribbon roses,

“There were times when my kitchen looked like a laboratory as I experimented with texturing and dyeing fabrics to create new effects.”

trims and buttons became my paint palette. These items are all arranged in colour order, stored in small perspex drawers and in glass jars on the shelves in my Raynes Park studio.

My love of everything handmade led me into the world of couture. I work to the oldest traditions and before I start any outfit for a client I always get to know them over coffee at my Knightsbridge Couture Salon.

Getting to know and understand my clients helps me create the perfect outfit for their event and personality, and many clients

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

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inspiring woman become friends. After measuring and assessing a client’s shape, I make a paper pattern which is then used to make a calico toile (a mock up of the outfit). This allows me to achieve a perfect fit and finalise the design with my client. It is then made in the selected fabric and we have a further three or four fittings.

When we are both happy the outfit is then completed. I always use the finest fabrics and hand finishing, along with unique hand beading if required.

£250,000 from my business, leading to the loss of my Chelsea boutique and an unpleasant divorce!

My creativity is clearly fuelled by the ups and downs of life.

When I face adversity I create my finest pieces. This became very apparent when in 2003 I discovered my husband of 20 years had defrauded over

elizabethbessant.co.uk T: 020 8715 4497 07812 081588 107 Walton St South Kensington SW3 2HP Studio: West Wimbledon

After many years of not knowing where I belonged, through my couture design I finally found ‘home’. I have lived in my beautiful Raynes Park house for 20 years now and truly feel part of the community. I love being at my Knightsbridge Couture Salon but Wimbledon will always be home.

Boutique, Elegant, Personalised – that’s chic

Chic Locations – boutique travel specialist with a wealth of experience, bringing you the best in holidays to the Med and Tropics, combined with highly personalised, totally flexible, informative and candid service.

Located in Wimbledon Village, our brochure offers an array of resorts and luxury bespoke holidays, tailored to your needs.

Call us for more details.

ch c i

Boutique • Spa • Family

LOCATIONS

020 8944 1973 sales@chiclocations.com ATOL 6389 ABTA 9340X

beauty

GET A GRIP Unique Wimbledon Village salon has ‘organic’ down to a tee

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ave you ever wondered what the chemicals in your current hair colour and skin treatment regime are doing to your health? Grip Hair & Body have made it their mission to educate their clients on the “chemical nasties” out there which could be detrimental to your well-being.

Grip is an organic hair & body salon located in Wimbledon Village. Established in 1997, Grip was the ‘first’ salon in London to adopt a strict “Ammonia Free” hair colour policy. Studies have shown links to ‘bladder cancer', 'Hodgkin’s lymphoma’ and ‘multiple myeloma’ through use of deep colour, ammonia based hair dyes.

So, if you want a safer way to pamper yourself, let me introduce you to our highly experienced team of stylists and therapists: Maeve –Salon Manager. Being the technical director of Colour Herbe for the UK also makes her the natural colour authority. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Maeve looks after her clients as well as she manages the salon, with a personal passion and

commitment to the environment.

Theo – Master Stylist and natural colour specialist with 25 plus yrs experience, known for telling it like it is, passionate about shiny, healthy hair.

Luciano – Natural Colour and Brazilian Treatment Blow-dry Specialist, Luciano will leave your hair soft, healthy and smooth, just the way nature intended.

Peter – Some say it’s because he’s one of Dermalogica’s most highly trained Therapists but we say he has a ‘God Given’ talent for making people look and feel fantastic.

Peter’s full range of beauty treatments will have you feeling on top of the world in no time.

Karley – The backbone of Grip, our salon assistant, responsible for making everything run smoothly at Grip ensuring all clients enjoy their visit and the team have everything they need.

Jessen – New to the ‘Grip Family’ since June this year with a passion for business and making people happy. Jessen hopes to support the team to reach a wider audience in the not so distant future and achieve Grip’s vision.

Salon Manager Maeve McCrossan

Grip are stockists of non-toxic products from John Masters Organic and Intelligent Nutrients Organic skin and hair care. They also stock Dermalogica and Davines, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to organic, natural or environmentally sound products and services.

Grip Hair & Body Wimbledon Village SW19 4QN T: 020 8296 0210 E: wecanhelp@ griporganichairbody.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

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women on the edge

Parenting Our Parents Clare Jefferies’s personal journey to understanding how to cope with dementia and other dreaded diseases in the family Clare Jefferies

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istening to a child looking into the future, there’ll be thoughts of weddings, children, pets and a beautiful house with roses round the door. And as we grow up, for many of us, realising that dream will have been a wonderful journey of discovery, romance and security.

The trouble is, it’s not easy to predict what’s ahead.

I can’t imagine hearing a pretty 5 year old saying, when I grow up I am going to be diagnosed with Parkinsons at 45, or my mother will come to live with us because she’ll get dementia and won’t be trusted to be by herself. You’re unlikely to hear how the roles will be reversed and you’ll end up helping your father to clean his teeth in the mornings. A stark reality for many of us!

“…being women we get on with it, stoically accepting that these are the cards we have been dealt” At no point did we factor in that life would be anything but normal, maybe with a few challenges along the way, but having to watch someone you love struggle with life is very difficult to accept and certainly not something that we have been dreaming about since we were children.

If you are one of those little girls who is now grown up and are faced with a loved one who is in need of help and support in their daily lives, you

are one of many reading this who are thinking.... that’s me! And it was me too. We didn’t sign up for it and it certainly wasn’t a topic covered at school.

But being women we get on with it, stoically accepting that these are the cards we have been dealt.

With an ageing population, conditions associated with growing old are naturally more prevalent.

Dementia, being one, is regularly in the news, often for all the wrong reasons. It does affect the elderly but there are increasing numbers of under 65 year olds who are diagnosed each year. Understanding, be it Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy Body or any of the other dementias, is critical to understanding the person living with Dementia. Through that understanding, using simple techniques, life could be so much more fulfilling and autonomous for all involved. darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

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women on the edge providing someone appropriate to bridge that gap, to take the pressure off you!

It is vital to gain an understanding of a condition and search out the advice, support and services available to you. There are a host of benefits that you may be entitled to, to make life as manageable as possible for all involved.

It may feel like you are on your own, but there are some amazing people out there wanting to help you – you just need to ask!

The trouble is, there is no template for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MND, MS or any other condition, as everyone given that devastating diagnosis will experience life in their very own unique way, having different symptoms and restrictions. Even just getting old comes with no set of instructions. Living into your nineties is all very well if you are healthy and still have your mental capacity! But if one of these lets you down, the reliance and dependence on a loved one or family member can be overwhelming.

My very own experiences, with a father with Motor Neurone Disease and a mother with terminal cancer at the same time, over nearly five years makes me a bit of an expert on the impact that can have on the crayon drawing dream I had as a child, and subsequent guilt associated with the resentment of the hand I was dealt! The expectation that, in my role as daughter, I would be there for them whenever they needed me, took its toll. Not having ventured down this road before, I felt frightened and alone.

Knowing what I do now, seven years on, my advice to you would be – do not attempt to go it alone!

As a result of my experiences, I now run a care company that helps to provides support to someone struggling with a condition, or companionship for someone whose daughter lives a busy life, or is not lucky enough to have family nearby to assist with day to day living. But a big part of what my company does is to relieve the guilt associated with being “the daughter” by 12

nov-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Clare Jefferies Home Instead Senior Care 020 8942 4137 www.homeinstead.co.uk/ wimbledonandkingston Counselling available: Maryann Barone-Chapman Jungian Analyst and Psychotherapist 020 8785 0043

music

MUSIC TO OUR EARS The International Wimbledon Music Festival ‘12 comes to town

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his year the International Wimbledon Music Festival celebrates a ‘Music World Fair’ boasting the finest music and musicians from around the globe from 10th – 25th November.

The International Wimbledon Music Festival is an annual feast of culture in Wimbledon, Barnes and Richmond. Blessed with an international sporting reputation, the festival puts Wimbledon on the musical map too. With performances from the biggest names in classical music, the festival is also spearheading education programmes with Merton Music Foundation for local children.

Amongst the international stars performing at this year’s festival are the New Zealand String Quartet, Chinese guitarist Xuefi Yang, performing works from her album 40 Degrees North, and the American cellist Zuill Bailey, who will perform sonatas by Beethoven and Barber with Australian pianist Piers Lane. Both musicians will perform in the Festival’s Gala Concert, which brings together six international stars for the European Première of the Festival’s first co-commission: ‘Chopin’s Waterloo’ by renowned British composer, Benjamin Wallfisch.

There will be an exciting range of celebrity recitals, including Brazilian pianist Cristina Ortiz playing Debussy and Villa-Lobos, British tenor Mark Padmore performing two great song cycles

by Beethoven and Schubert and the American soprano Christine Brewer will perform Wagner’s 'Wesendonck lieder' and Strauss’ timeless ‘Four Last Songs’.

Stravinsky's 'Petrushka' in association with the Little Angle Theatre

Messiaen features strongly at the festival with the life-affirming ‘Quatuor pour la fin du temps’ performed by the Nash Ensemble.

The famous quartet, written in a prisoner of war camp, will be explored in the play ‘A Walk Through The End of Time’ by novelist Jessica Duchen and Auschwitz survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch will tell the astonishing story of The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz of which she was a member.

A highlight of the festival will be Petrushka, a new production directed by Anthony Wilkinson, International Wimbledon Music Festival’s director and the Little Angel Theatre combining projections, puppetry and dancers, performed by Russian pianist, Mikhail Rudy. The intricate puppets, some requiring six hands to operate, will bring Stravinsky’s ballet to life in a stunning new way.

The Festival ends with ‘Admission – One Shilling’, with Patricia Routledge and pianist Piers Lane who tell the inspiring story of the WWII National Gallery Concerts, followed by an evening of Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert in the candle-lit Georgian Music Room, of Southside House. www.wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk or box office 0844 871 7685.

Anthony Wilkinson with pianist Mikhail Rudy

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013 13

Peter Kingsford Petley Clinical Hypnotherapist CHANGE IS POSSIBLE and it’s easier than you think.

Wherever you are in life, be it desperate for change, longing for a life less mediocre, or striving to make a good thing better...

I can help.

I offer a complimentary one-hour consultation.

info@petleyhypnosis.com www.petleyhypnosis.com

020 8947 1869

Treating: • self-confidence • insomnia • grief/loss • career issues • stress/anxiety/worry • unwanted habits • weight management • limiting beliefs • peak performance • interview/exam preparation • public speaking • motivation/goal-setting

community

DRAWING ON THE COMMON

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he sun shone for the 3rd year running while the Big Draw event, Drawing on the Common, took place in October around the Wimbledon Windmill. The event was conceived by Susie Prus and organised by her and Etta Southard.

It is linked to The Campaign for Drawing, Wimbledon Windmill Museum, The Tearooms and the Conservators. Tansy Spinks created sound from the Windmill, which informed 7 dancers to improvise movement amongst the public.

Allie Duthie gave classes in knitting and Rosa Nguyen drew onto trees with clay, helped by many. Horses and pigs posed while a 50m long collaborative drawing was completed.

Artists Ben Saber-Sheikh People were supplied with art materials or they brought & Peter Riches their own. Local artist David Cheshire, who had been last year, was not put off returning having suffered a stroke. He produced a superb drawing using a supplied Ipad and his left hand.

Susie Prus T: 07809 100487 drawingonthecommon.com or Richard, Katie, Sarah and Gordon facebook

Etta Southard, Susie Prus, Vanessa Andrews

Pig portraits in progress

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

St Raphael’s Hospice Sponsored Santa Dash 2012 WIMBLEDON COMMON

Saturday 1st December

FOR DETAILS 020 8644 3857

www.straphaels.org.uk

Register Online at www.straphaels.org.uk Registered Charity: 1068661 darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013 15

- Computer health point terminal - Skincare stockists

local jeweller

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND According to Marilyn and Peter Vara, owner of Sinclair Jewellers

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stablished since 1983, Sinclair Jewellers has quietly set a standard for bespoke fine jewellery that is unique and makes a statement. All work is handmade on-site from concept to finish, whether it’s as a special gift or a revamp of a piece that has been languishing in the drawer for too long.

We guarantee excellent workmanship from goldsmiths like Fernando Santos, trained by Cartier, who turns precious metals and diamonds into works of art.

Come in and see us for a free consultation - have a ‘clean and polish’ on us – mention Darling! We also give free verbal evaluations and are committed to bettering any written quote on repairs or design.

Sinclair Fine Jewellers 6/7 Worple Rd Wimbledon sw19 4da (opposite Elys Store) Tel: 020 8947 8681 www.sinclairjewellers.com

Wimbledon Jumps 2013 Mike Mitchell from Hemingway’s Lounge Bar is jumping into 2013, in more ways than one!

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e has persuaded 22 Wimbledon residents and staff to jump out of a plane in aid of the Wimbledon Guild on January 13th . The “Wimbledon Jumps” Team are aiming to raise a whopping £20,000 for the Wimbledon based charity which supports local residents of all ages who are experiencing hardship and difficulties.

Mike Mitchell says: “I’ve always wanted to organise a charity

event and I had heard about the Guild’s work in Wimbledon and thought ‘What better organisation to try to raise money for?’” Although Mike was not expecting the reaction he got to his idea, “I even had to start turning people down who wanted to jump!”

Party dates are:

The team, which includes staff from the Dog & Fox, Village Florist, Jackson Stops, Hemingway’s, Bayley & Sage, Village Stables and Question Air are putting on several fundraising nights at Hemingway’s to help reach their targets.

For donations: justgiving.com/ WimbledonJumps or text WIMB80 + the amount you would like to donate to 70070 or wimbledonguild.co.uk.

Hemingway’s Lounge Bar 57 High Street, Wimbledon Village T: 020 8944 7722

Tuesday 13th November at 8pm Sunday 2nd December at 6pm Thursday 10th January at 8pm - Pre-Jump Party Sunday 20th January at 6pm – Finale All welcome!

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awards

Victorious evening for Chamber members at the 2012 Merton Business Awards

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ach year we are delighted and proud to see so many Chamber members do so well and this year was no exception. Guests enjoyed a fantastic evening at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. We would particularly like to offer our congratulations to Admiral Scaffolding Group Limited, who not only won the awards for Best Green Business and Best Business for Training and Development, but took the award Best Business in Merton 2012.

Other winners on the night were: Best Small Business - TechQuarters Ltd Best Medium Business - Elliot Wood Partnership LLP Best Business for Customer Service Gina Conway Aveda Salon and Spa Commitment to the Community - STEM4 Best Business for Hospitality and Leisure Wimbledon Village Stables Entrepreneur of the Year Sylvia Anderson of Anderson Food Hygiene Ltd Merton's Favourite Business - Paul Strank Roofing Ltd Best New Business - Mum2Mum Market Best Independent Retailer - MaByLand Ltd

Treat yourself or your loved ones to £50 off* a gorgeous experience with all the perks!

Purchase £100 worth of Gina Conway Aveda Salons & Spas gift vouchers and receive a £50 voucher towards any salon or spa service in January.

Wimbledon 020 8090 5818 | Chelsea 020 7352 1013 | Notting Hill 020 7229 6644 | Fulham 020 7731 7633 | www.ginaconway.co.uk *£50 voucher must be redeemed in January 2013. Offer ends 31st December 2012.

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nov-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

restaurant

BRAZIL, THE LAST HAPPY PLACE ON EARTH Ghigo Berni

Italian film director, Federico Fellini, once proclaimed Brazil to be the last happy place on Earth. I went there with my family for a wedding and saw why

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he coastline from Rio to Sao Paulo, known as the Costa Verde, is a verdant rainforest which cloaks a dramatically undulating granite rock-bed. Underfoot, beautiful beaches of white sand squeak like fresh snow, as the vertiginous peaks which form Rio's breathtaking backdrops compress the inhabitants against the seafront. Unlike Beverley Hills, the poor live in the heights of the foothills, watched over by an omnipresent Christ Redeemer, and enjoying the most beautiful views imaginable. Many work downtown in the various hotels, shops and restaurants, but when they stroll the beaches, play "volei" or "Futbol", you feel there's a sense of common

ownership and enjoyment. No racial tension either, only the same social inequalities which might afflict, say, Naples.

As we drive south out of Rio towards Sao Paulo the crowded urban favelas rapidly fragment and give way to countryside until, four hours later, we arrive at a beautifully preserved old Portuguese Colonial town called Paraty. Here we discover that when the Portuguese Braganzas married into the Austrian Habsburgs, their respective coats of arms were merged to form the gold and green of the National Flag, and hence the football kit.

The surrounding Mata Atlantica (the last surviving Atlantic rainforest) is a deep and dense prelude to the immensity of the rainforests further north.

A powerfully reproductive, irrepressible climate of exotic birds, insects, primates, reptiles, palms, ferns, bromeliads and

sumptuous orchids nesting in the limbs of great trees. Frigate birds, of almost prehistoric proportions, scan for bait balls high above the sea, whilst white tipped vultures perch like liverpudlian characters in a Disney scene, waiting for an opportunity.

Further north we approach the unbelievable 3 kilometre arc of cascading waterfalls at Iguaçu.

Fast, wide waters bursting with catfish and terrapin, grassy islands and rocky shallows teeming with fish, heron, and swallows, and shores flittering with clouds of myriad butterfly species which incessantly alight upon our ecstatic faces.

Agri-exports and productivity are booming, huge offshore oil fields signal a bright future, and upstream an enormous dam provides 20% of the country's energy. No wonder this place is happy.

Contact Details: San Lorenzo 38 Wimbledon Hill Road 020 8946 8463 www.sanlorenzo.com twitter: @fuoriporta

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

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How supermom, Karen Marton got the Wimbledon business community behind her Bishop Gilpin social

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aving run my own event management company, once a visionary always a visionary, "second rate" and "lowering of sights" are not options. So when doing Bishop Gilpin School Parents’ 70’s Social on a budget, it was to the Wimbledon Community that I turned.

Once the challenge is ignited, the journey to achieve my aim becomes an adrenaline ride connecting with extraordinary people from the local community restoring my faith in human nature, the power of persuasion and the immense satisfaction that comes from ‘giving back’.

Wimbledon Rugby Club were receptive to lending us their outside bars, Young’s Brewery delivered as much furniture as we needed, Sambrook’s Brewery donated 72 pints of Wandle Ale, Majestic 12 bottles of wine, Hemingway's sponsored all the

L-R: Katie Preston, Karen Marton and photographer, Gary Wolff

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The London Pearly Kings and Queens 1875 to Present Day

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ne of the most iconic sites for all visitors to see in and around London are the Pearly Kings and Queens. The first Pearly King was a man called Henry Croft.

He was born in 1862 and spent his early life in an orphanage.

King and Queen to collect and raise money for charities and those in need.

Our present Pearly Kings and Queens work hard throughout the year attending many colourful and official functions, supporting and collecting for many charities and of course keeping the When he was 13 he Pearly tradition alive. got a job as road My own sweeper in the grandmother’s side London markets and of the family, all from soon became friends the Merton and South with the market Wimbledon area, were sellers known as fruit and veg people costermongers, who selling off barrows, he found to be very but often getting caring people, often moved on by the giving him goods police because they which he took back didn’t have a licence to to the orphanage. sell on the streets.

Going about his job Geraldine and John Brown, Pearly A very musical family, King and Queen of Merton he found a lot of my mother and her pearl buttons and started sewing brother used to play in the pubs them on an old suit he found. and clubs with my grandmother This he found gave him a lot of in their Pearly suits. But the attention and, not forgetting his war came, after which they went own background, started collecting legal and bought a greengrocer money for the London hospitals, shop in South Wimbledon before churches and charities and buying a farm smallholding in children’s homes.

Essex. This left the title dormant He became so much in demand that until I, being the eldest grandson, his friends, the costermongers, born and brought up in Merton also sewed pearl buttons on suits and Wimbledon, automatically and began to help him out. Many inherited the title and took on the costermongers became Pearly Kingship with my wife Geraldine families and, as London grew, each (also born and brought up in borough put together a Pearly Wimbledon) as Queen.

nov-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

a pop-up Her Majesty for the evening!

The fabulous ‘Souled Out’ Showband lowered their fees, the amazing Pearly King and Queen of Merton came to officiate, and two young Unicyclists totalyhaywire@gmail.com did death-defying stunts at the entrance.

L-R: Duncan Reed, Julie Haynes, Merton Pearly Queen Geraldine Brown, Melissa Reed, Merton Pearly King John Brown, Lucy Ivey, Karen Marton and Pippa Dawson

welcome drinks and The Dog and Fox plastic pint glasses; all of which helped to get the party started.

A cold call to Oxygen Events

meant we illuminated the hall to professional standards, Loop Images supplied British images that added visual value to the room, Cannizaro House lent us linen and Rushmere Printers

PATRICK JACKSON Black & white and colour portraiture family or individual portraits www.patrickjacksonimages.com mobile 07710 356 236 17d inner park road london sw19 6ed

To coin some clichés - if you don’t ask you don’t get, if you don’t give you don’t receive.

Despite encountering ‘job’s worth’ people along the way, it’s refreshing to know that in Wimbledon at least, and with the economy as it is, there are still some fabulous people out there.

By doing this article, it’s been my pleasure to be able to give back to them. Thanks Darling!

health

No more embarrassing moments!

By Livia Nemeth MSc, now practising in Wimbledon.

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ould your life benefit from a greater control of your bodily functions? In just 10 hours followed by 10 minutes a day you can go about your life with more confidence knowing you will never have an embarrassing moment again.

The Kriston Intimate Training® is a system that was developed 25 years ago and is now taught in many countries around the world. During the KIT course the instructor teaches women to identify different parts of their pelvic floor muscles via sensations. We “isolate” the pelvic muscles and we learn what one must feel if the exercise is done correctly. Tools and equipments are not required for learning and practicing, women can rely on their own body to achieve great results.

KIT exercises are beneficial for: Stress incontinence Rectal incontinence Haemorrhoids Vaginal/vulval varicose veins Preparation for pregnancy or childbirth Regeneration after giving birth Menopausal symptoms Pelvic organ prolapse (uterine, urethral, bladder, rectal) Preparation to/Rehabilitation from gynaecological, proctological or urological surgery Inflammation in the pelvic organs 22

nov-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

I offer private courses in the comfort of your own home in Wimbledon.

Livia Nemeth, MSc, KIT® Instructor W: www.intimatetraining.co.uk E: info@intimatetraining.co.uk M: 07708942001

health

NEW MOVES Lisa Lamberti opens her new state of the art Pilates clinic

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tony mcconnell photography

he Pilates Clinic has just moved to Elm Grove, Wimbledon, and we are loving being part of such a fun and dynamic community. 7 Elm Grove, off Worple Road, has become a gem of health and fitness, and we just love our new

We are passionate about seeing lives changed through improving the way people use their bodies and through facilitating intelligent movement and strong posture.

inflicted, the women, or the ones who don't like to sweat! NOT TRUE. Pilates is a method that is adaptable to all body types, all abilities, and all levels of fitness.

When each person understands how their bodies habitually move, and then re-learn how they should move, it becomes easier to dictate the level of challenge achieved in any session of Pilates.

Common misperceptions about Pilates are that its ONLY for: the elderly, the injured, the pain

thepilatesclinic.com E: info@thepilatesclinic.com T: 07984920232

studio which has a wall of glass letting in light and a stunning view of the rooftops and the trees, a truly uplifting space.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

23

TECHNIQUEST T E C H N O L O G Y C O N S U LT I N G

25

darling/summer 2011

ON THE SCENE SHOOTING STAR CHASE CHARITY EVENT WITH L.K. BENNETT

L-R: Committee - Georgie Goudime, Alison Connick, Caroline Hudson, Cathie Finney

L-R: Jane Michell, Stylist Karen Smythe, Sarah Carolides, Nick Flynn - L.K. Bennett Marketing Director, Sarah Evans and Suzanne McGillivray

Abundance Fruit Day Event St Mark’s Church

L-R: At Claire Lewis’s Apple Pie Stall - Karine Torr, Nancy Momoff, Tracy Heath, Flora Clemett

Below L-R: Ting Plaskett, Una Whicheloe, Joyce Pountain

OPENING OF THE PEDAL STUDIO WIMBLEDON

LUMINI GLASS GROUP SHOWS AT WIMBLEDON LIBRARY

Director Andrew Clayton with Ansie Jacobs and Keata Murray (rt)

L-R: Steve and Anne Judge with glass artist Emma Rawson

TRUE VOLUNTEER FOUNDATION LAUCH BOOK AT HEMINGWAYS

L-R: Claire Ashfield, TVF Sarah Jones, TVF John Mager, TVF Jacquie Beltrao, Sky News Presenter Angela Browne, Merton Chamber of Commerce

Sue Hewetson and Julie Rumble

WIMBLEDON COMMON OPEN STABLES DAY

L-R: Anthony Tokatly, Alex Best, Julie-Lyn Savage, Jenny Walsh and Elaine Miller

L-R: Rhys Torrington, Curator Wimbledon Museum, Sheila Dunman and Iain Simpson, Past Chair Wimbledon Society

MERTON ARTS TRAIL LAUNCH AT CANNIZARO HOUSE

L-R: Marcus Beale, Dave Saxby, Wendy Bliss, Merton Mayor Cllr David Williams and Paul Windsor

On the Arts Trail - Suzanne Drake, Wendy Mansell, Sheelah Bewley and Veronika Marsh

ATHENA/FUNNY WOMEN CHARITY EVENT FOR VICTORIA FOUNDATION

WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST

L-R: Sandra Short, Lorna Votier, Anita Feron Clark, Carrie Cantor, Julie Eltham

Elaine Halligan and Sebastian Faulks

OPENING OF THE STYLISH NEW WIMBLEDON COMMON GOLF CLUB CHANGING ROOMS

L-R: Janice Brackenridge, Merlyn Law, Chris Tongue (Club Chairman), Joanna Croker, Diane Youdale, Shirley Tilley, Karen Owen (Lady Captain), Madge Corbitt, Lindy Ratner

Karine Torr and Margaret Drabble

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE STABLE AWARDS EVENING

PETER BLAKE OPENING AT THE HICKS GALLERY

L-R: (On the mic)Yara Lasytsya, Sasha Andrews, Fernanda Zuniga, Genna Bombardieri, Kate O’Brien, Celia Ahrweiller and Stephen Hammond MP (back)

L-R: Jan Shone, Alice Hicks and Sue Thorne

GRIP ORGANIC HAIR salon RELAUNCH PARTY

MORRISON’S YPG GOLF DAY ‘12

L-R: Theodore Bambacas, Peter Jenkins, Maeve McCrossan, Luciano De Lima, Jodie Wilson, Jessen Chinnapan, Amanda Chinnapan and Karley Wilson

L-R: Oli Taylor, Matthew Hearsum, Clive Scrivener and Adam Coverdale

NEW ‘FABULOUS WOMEN’ NETWORKING GROUP

L-R: Yvette Smith, Paullette Schwartz (Founder), Veronica Gilmour, Jackie Mitchell, Miranda Foot, Peter Kingsford Petley and Uzma Zaidi

L-R: Sam Vitty, James Stovold, Darling Editor Karine Torr and Nirav Patel

QUESTION AIR FASHION SHOW IN AID OF ACTION DUCHENNE

BREAST CANCER NETWORKING EVENT

L-R: Maggie Roger, Julie Scallibrini, Dean Kincaid, Jo Simmons and Hannah Mercer

L-R: Robyn Falck, Dee Paterson, Morena Byrne, Lynda Mallinson, (front) Elize Gay and Shantele McCall

THE PILATES CLINIC ON ELM GROVE OPENS!

SW19LAWYERS & EQUITY INVEST PHOTO EXHIBITION

L-R: Owner, Lisa Lamberti with instructors - Jane Vatcher , Alia Alavi, Chris Tregilgas (Lisa’s husband), Kim Chapple, Ryre Cornish, and local clients Lana Taylor and Peter Taylor

L-R: David Norrie, Sutapa Biswas, Belinda Erickson and Richard Hunter

MACMILLAN AND JIGSAW4U LAUNCH NEW SERVICE IN MERTON

WVBA AUTUMN PARTY AT WESTSIDE TENNIS CLUB

L-R: David Seychell, Ann-Marie Walsh, Claire Powell, Chris O’Leary, Cllr Maxi Martin, Pam Byfield

L-R: Alison Taylor, Sarah Thain, David Frost, Angela Griffin and Wendy Grant

At presentation of Waitrose’s “Community Matters” cheque to Macmillan Merton during The Forest Bailiff’s coffee morning on 28th September.

OPENING OF FINE & COUNTRY ESTATE AGENTS

Robert Holmes, Stephen Hammond MP, Aiden Birt (Waitrose Rep.), Hamish Turner (Macmillan Merton) and Lucy Woodruff

Asit Haria, Simon Levene, Nigel Simpson, Martine Mansurian and Rajni Haria

header

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31

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savills.co.uk

Sponsored by

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES university (four years). Education is compulsory only for the nine years of elementary and middle school; however 98% of students attend senior Merton Music Foundation’s Programmes Director Soo Bishop talks to Darling school. Students must take highly prestigious and meritocratic based exams in order to enter senior school and then university. erton Music Foundation is a From the very early stages of a Japanese student’s charitable trust life in elementary school right the way through to founded in 1991, employment, one very important idea that closely which provides a comprehensive interlinks with the development of the soul and mind is unity and conformity. This is designed music service to the children to help students, and later on employees, to work and young people of Merton. together and succeed as a group rather than The charity works closely with as an individual like we are taught in the west.

Merton primary and secondary Although, over the last decade a greater emphasis schools to deliver a wide range has been put on the development of a student’s of musical activities and projects, individuality, traditionally it has always been about including instrumental tuition, selflessness and conforming to the group. creative performance projects and ‘hands on’ workshops aimed This is clearly demonstrated even from the stages of the performance child’s education.

Japanese of Pete Churchill’s organisations and early professional at encouraging young people to y name is Alexander Loizos elementary classes,wonderful for example, are‘The divided into piece Journey’. practitioners to widen access to engage with musical activities.

Papoutes and I am a British/ small teams for various activities.

Every day 135 singers from 6 Mertonthe musical activities, provide new Cypriot who was born and bred in children in their designated groups are taught Secondary schools, joined by opportunities and create clear One of Merton Music Wimbledon village. I fell in love to clean the classrooms, halls and yards of their members of MMF’s VoiceBox pathways of progression for Foundation’s most spectacular with learning Judo at school which led to my schools. The students are then made to have lunch choir the dynamic Merton’s young musicians.

Local successes has been its ‘Music dream of going to Japan in order to travel, learn together with theiryouth teachers in and the classrooms, London will or partners include Polka Theatre, is Life’ series of showcase theforJapanese language, and continue my training. enjoying meals prepared byVocal eitherProject the school perform inspiring ‘groove’ Wimbledon Civic Theatre concerts, groups I spent 6 where monthslarge on my gap year there and the localTrust, lunch centre.

Smallthis teams of students cantata.

Thetopiece the of Merton’s have student the another yearyoungsters as an exchange at aInnovate JapaneseTeaching then School take turns to serve lunch theiruses classmates university in Tokyo. I wasvenues exposed toAlliance Japanese in orderMusic to help promote of selflessness historythis of sense immigration to the and Wimbledon performed at world-class education The throughout degree course and time UK as a focus for exploring Festival (WMF). and unity. including Fairfieldmy Halls visiting schools all over Japan. Here are my themes common to all those and Thevarious Royal Albert Hall. thoughts.

One thing that always struck me as extraordinary who are displaced, whatever This year, MMF has devised and Thousands of Merton students was the level of independence that these young their circumstances. The delivered two schools projects have participated in these One thing that all parents know is the importance students had with regards to going to and from singers be joined in partnership with WMF. The innovative and inspiring events. of their children’s education and well being. The school. Children who go towill public schoolsbygothe to London VocalSince Project, soloists first, Monday 12 Preparations underway for a Japanese are aare nation that understands andon takes theNovember, school in their local district. most school Guillermo Rozenthuler and is a student presentation by a hundred triumphant return to The Royal this notion very seriously.

As a linguist, districts are small, school buses usually aren’t Gary Palmer, MMF’sdon’t senior and twenty KS2 pupils, inspiredfor field Albert Hall onofMonday April and traveller Japan I 22 continuously encountered used (except trips) and parents the word isshinndoutai, which literallybymeans in of Stravinsky’s drive their children,percussion instead they walk toand andguest from ensemble the story 2013.

Japanese, “One in Mind, Body and Soul”.

Although school.

Tokyo, this takes about to London 15 minutes. musicians from 5the music Petrushka.

Children from In Merton thisSeptember notion was the essence of the ManyPrimary either walk or ride bicycles ifThe theperformance distance conservatoires.

Abbey and Abbotsbury In 2012, MMF of the way samurai, it is still very much apparent in Japan’s is not too great. In other cases, students must will be directed by the composer, schools will present their work took up a new role as the lead society and education today. take public buses and trains, often changing lines Pete Churchill. St Paul’s Church, at St Mark’s Church, Compton organisation of the Merton several times in order to reach their destination.

7pm Thursday Road at 4pm.

Music Education Hub and is The basic school system in Japan is comprised It is not uncommonSouthfields for students to on spend two or 22on November – St Cecilia’s Day. working closelyschool in partnership of elementary (lasting six years), middle more hours each day public transportation.

The the WMF Office.

The second is a massed with key localyears), and national arts (three school (three high school years), and schoolchoir day begins atTickets 8:30, soviastudents mayBox leave

M

By Alex Papoutes

M

42 32

feb-march | darlingmagazine.co.uk nov-jan 20132012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Photograph taken by Andy Furst - Music is for Life at the Royal Albert Hall

books

WILD ABOUT WIMBLEDON Photographer Andrew Wilson’s new book

D

arling’s editor, Karine Torr, caught up with Andrew to tell us more about his beautiful new book.

Andrew: I love Wimbledon - I live locally and regularly walk my lively Springer Spaniel on the common and over the past 18 months have amassed a wonderful collection of images to best reflect all that Wimbledon has to offer. As my sponsors, Robert Holmes, like to say, Wimbledon is truly where the town meets the country.

My particular interest is nature in an urban environment, the topic that inspired my first book, Wild in the City, which covered the parks and open spaces of South West London. I followed this up with a book on the Thames - Wild about the Thames. With this publication came my first

Taylor Torr Photographer - Exhibition

Fine and Country are pleased to sponsor local Artists with a series of exhibitions. We are delighted to start the series with Miss Taylor Torr, and invite you to visit her exhibition at our office in Coombe Lane next to Haria Pharmacy.

Residential Property Sales & Lettings 360 Coombe Lane SW20 0RJ T +44 (0)203 397 1199 fineandcountry.com

commission, a book on Barnes. Wild about Barnes has been so successful I have just had to reprint it.

Having completed Barnes, it was only natural that I should move on to Wimbledon. It has so much to offer the photographer; you have the wonderful parks and green spaces, Wimbledon Park for instance is a gem and the lake provides some stunning reflections. Then you have the town with all its activity and the village offering a lovely contrast, with horses regularly moving down the high street. I like my books to have a sense of community about them, so besides the obvious, I have also captured many of the schools, churches and pubs that help to give a place an identity.

Although Wild about Wimbledon kept me busy, I have also found the time to publish a new book on Putney too. Both out in time for Christmas, they will be available to buy from 17th November at all good book stores, including Wimbledon Books and Music, Waterstones, some local gift shops and Amazon. unity-publishing.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

33

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

Divorce Court Is there another route?

34

nov-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Kate Smith

legal

A

ll too often clients seeking information and advice when their relationships flounder are unaware that there are alternative methods of resolving issues without the need to go to court.

This is not surprising bearing in mind that the media when focussing on celebrity breakups more often than not hype up issues that may or may not exist and use emotive language such as “custody battle” and “fight over assets” implying that the court is going to be involved.

In the reporting of the end of the marriage of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes such language was commonplace. No mention of the fact that behind the scenes their lawyers would be looking at all the alternative methods of resolving issues that are available in all cases whether you are a celebrity or not.

So what are those alternatives and what do they involve?

On the whole they involve sitting down and talking which, it is acknowledged, can be difficult.

However, with the assistance of family lawyers and other professionals it is possible and is far less stressful than going to court where the media, subject to certain criteria, can have access.

All alternatives involve negotiation either direct with each other or through family lawyers and within that latter option are two further processes being mediation and the collaborative process.

Mediation is managed by an independent third party, the mediator, who assists the parties in considering their options and reality testing them to see whether they are viable in resolving their issues. When an agreement is reached, the

“Both mediation and the collaborative process enable the parting couple to resolve their issues with dignity”

mediator draws up a summary of that agreement which the parties can take to their own lawyers for review and implementation.

Lawyers are not usually present at meetings but are available to their clients throughout the process to provide assistance.

The mediator is not a judge and does not make decisions for the parties; they do however provide information and guidance in helping them to resolve issues. Issues that mediators deal with include complex financial issues and practical daily issues as to how the parties are going to parent their children following separation. The courts are very much in favour of mediation and encourage parties prior to the court process to consider the mediation process and other alternative methods of resolving disputes.

The collaborative process again involves both parties sitting down together to resolve their issues and agree upon practical arrangements for their children, but this time with their lawyers present. Both parties and their lawyers sign an agreement recording that they will work together to find solutions together and that they will not seek the intervention of the court during the collaborative process. All negotiations take place around the table and third parties such as collaboratively trained financial advisers and family consultants can join in the process to assist the parties where appropriate. Like mediation it is a direct process in that all negotiations are carried out face to face.

Both mediation and the collaborative process enable the parting couple to resolve their issues with dignity and to have control over decisions which are going to affect their future lives and those of their children rather than leaving it to a court to impose an order upon them which neither may be satisfied with.

At Hart Brown we are able to offer both mediation and the collaborative process. For more information please contact Kate Smith on 0208 947 8171 or email family@hartbrown.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

35

design and construction

KITCHEN IS WHERE THE HEART IS Local builder, Jason Coetzee explains why

T

he Christmas decorations are out in the big garden centres and shops serving as a reminder that the festive season is once again almost upon us. Soon it will be time to fill our homes with friends, family, food and festivities in an attempt to ward off the chilly dark days.

The kitchen as always will be the focus of most of the activity as it really is the undisputed heart of the home.

It is the first room in the house we head towards after walking in the front door, whether it is to turn on the kettle or to see where the enticing smells are coming from. It has become so much more than just the place where food is prepared and cooked.

Most families today tend to congregate and socialise in the kitchen. In fact, I recently went to a dinner party where the hostess tried in vain to get her guests to leave the kitchen in favour of the formal sitting room. It is a much friendlier, relaxed space and it would seem that the Jamie Oliver style of entertaining and cooking in the kitchen is here

to stay. The open plan kitchen and dining space makes so much more sense than having a formal dining room that is seldom used. If one considers how much time is spent in the kitchen it would be fair to say that it should be the largest room in the house. Ideally one would also want a utility area tucked away behind the kitchen, where all the mundane stuff like washing machines and dirty dishes can remain out of sight.

A kitchen extension really does have the power to transform the way you live and entertain.

In terms of investing in your property, a great kitchen extension will add tremendous value and pleasure. So use

your time indoors this winter to plan your dream kitchen and living space and let Rhino Construction turn that dream into a reality in the year to come. With our years of experience and expertise we will help you create a space that you would proudly live and entertain in.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! rhinoconstruction.co.uk T: 07932 753328

darlingmagazine.co.uk | nov-jan 2013

37

interiors

Creating a look that’s eclectic, not hectic & Company

Kingston

Creating a look that gives the impression that it’s evolved over time can be difficult. One wrong move can tip the balance and render your space too chaotic or too contrived …

L

ocal interior designer, Robyn Falck, suggests that the best starting point is to use a piece of furniture or a feature that you’re deeply in love with, as it will act as a ‘muse’ from which you can begin to experiment with different finishes and fabrics. It can be anything: a chair, a lamp, an expensive artwork; or even a homemade montage of family photos.

Take for example the chair featured here. My Fuller client had a matching pair she Gilbert are pleased to announce the opening was committed to Kingston using as a branch. focal point of their from the outset, so we were perfectly have dealt our with property in this area for over positionedWe to co-ordinate finishes 30 years, working and with the living space, and were ableliving to in the area to give us unrivalled local knowledge. achieve a result that felt natural, and So whatever your property needs may be, we are dedicated to making moving had a sense of completeness. home easier.

For information about the design Kingston House * 15 Coombe Road Kingston upon Thames * Surrey * KT2 5AB packages offered by Robyn Falck Interiors, or advice on how to get 020 8546 4499 www.fullergilbert.co.uk started: Call Robyn on 07505 398 060.

ADAPTATIONS

Grant Fuller and Peter Gilbert Estate Agents, Valuers, Development Consultants 316a Worple Road West Wimbledon London SW20 8QU

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354 West Barnes Lane

020 8947 4764 www.fullergilbert.co.uk

Motspur Park KT3 6NB

T: 020 8942 9868 enquiries@adaptations.uk.com www.adaptations.uk.com

O

ur ladies section has now been in existence for 7 years and is going from strength to strength. We have an active and friendly section that caters for ladies interested in competition play which includes monthly medals, pairs and singles knockout events, friendly fixtures against other local clubs, mixed pairs events and also regional and national competitions and for those who prefer to play social golf.

40

We have a busy social diary which includes bridge afternoons and an annual summer tour which always proves popular with the lady members.

New members are always welcome into the ladies section, regardless of whether you are a novice golfer or an experienced golfer with a current handicap. The Course is challenging but not too long and we are lucky to be able to play all year round on amazing greens.

nov-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Karen Owen, Lady Captain, would be particularly pleased to welcome any prospective new members to Wimbledon Common Golf Club.

If you are considering joining the club and are interested in playing 18 holes as a guest of a lady member, please contact her via the Club Office.

Katerina Angliss Wimbledon Common Golf Club 020 8946 9670 www.wcgc.co.uk 19 Camp Road SW19 4UW

header

BLUE CHIP BRIDGE

A MID-WINTER’S TALE Bridge guru, Paul Mendelson sets the scene

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When it comes to attacking the diamond suit to make her extra tricks, South must appreciate that West is a player she would like to avoid gaining the lead - since she has two more spade winners whereas East proffers no threat, now being void in spades. To this end, having won As, declarer should lead 3d from hand and, when West plays low, should play dummy’s 10d. Even if East were to win, she has no spades left to play. As it is is, dummy’s 10d wins the trick, and now South can cash Ad, Kd and a fourth diamond to bring home her contract is style. aceoftrumps.com

Cost £55 (inclusive of p&p) Blue Chip Bridge Ltd. P O Box 130 Brighton, BN41 9BX Tel : 01273 597587 DOWNLOAD THE FREE DEMO FROM OUR WEBSITE

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www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk IMPORTANT NUMBERS Wimbledon Police IMPORTANT NUMBERS St George’s Hospital 020 8947 1212 or (999) 020 8672 1255 Wimbledon Police St George’s Hospital Merton Council Kingston Hospital 020 8947 1212 or (999) 020 8672 1255 020 8274Council 4901 020 8546 7711 Merton Kingston Hospital NHS8274 DIRECT National 020 4901 020 8546 Rail 7711 0845 DIRECT 4647 08457 484950 NHS National Rail 0845 4647 44

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fitness

If you are tired of starting over stop giving up!

Get fit and stay fit with fitclub at fit8

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his time next year you won’t have to think about a “get fit” resolution if you choose to achieve it with fit8. Our functional coaches are fitness experts, passionate about sport and know what it takes to commit you to a fit and healthy lifestyle.

No one more so than fit8’s CEO Kieron Vorster.

Kieron began his career in health and fitness as the strength and conditioning coach for the South African Davis Cup squad in 1997. Kieron was Wayne Ferreira and Tim Henman’s trainer and coach at the peak of their careers, director of strength and condition for the LTA from 2002 to 2005 and CEO of the David Lloyd Group. Kieron has since been in Qatar employed as head of strength and conditioning for the Olympic Federation. Returning home to England in 2012 where he has joined his lifelong friends Laurence and Louise Whelan and the fit8 team.

Putting the FUN back into fitness!

Through their passion and dedication the team at fit8 are setting new standards within the health and fitness industry and continue to develop the fit8 system.

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43

diary

WHAT’S ON CHRISTMAS FAIRS St Matthews Church 10th Nov 11:30am – 2pm The Study Prep School 24th Nov 10am – 1pm Holy Cross Prep School 24th Nov 11am – 3pm King’s College School 1st Dec 11am – 4pm Macmillan Christmas Fair 23rd Nov 10am - 4 pm Christ Church, Copse Hill sw20 WIMBLEDON FROST FAYRE 17th Nov 10am - 6pm Over 30 stalls of local handmade arts, crafts and food. Petting farm and live music! FREE ENTRY CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE 2nd Dec 12 – 4pm Children’s shopping trail 12 -2pm with a few added attractions of …..

The Wombles, Hook a duck and Shetland pony rides. FREE TO ALL

SEASONS FLORIST SHOWCASE 13th Nov 5:30pm - 9:30pm Cannizaro House T: 020 8947 6654 WIMBLEDON MUSIC FESTIVAL 10th - 25th Nov wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk Ambassador Tickets: 0844 871 7685 WIMBLEDON CHORAL SOCIETY Sat 17th Nov 7.30pm Conducted by Neil Ferris Southwark Cathedral, London SE1 Box Office: 020 8605 2266 wimbledon-choral.org.uk/tickets POLKA THEATRE The Wind in the Willows (5- 11 years) 23rd Nov - 16 Feb ‘13 includes inspiring art exhibition through the theatre by students from Wimbledon College of Art. Too Many Penguins? (3- 4 years & 1- 2 years) 17th Oct - 16th Feb ‘13 T: 020 8543 4888

WINTER WONDERLAND FIREWORKS and PARADE Thurs 29th Nov 5pm-8pm Wimbledon Town Centre CHRISTMAS MARKET PIAZZA WIMBLEDON CENTRE Dec 8th - 16th 11am - 6pm T: Tracy 07973 987779 SANTA’S GROTTO CENTRE COURT SHOPPING CENTRE 1st - 23rd Dec 11-1:30pm 2:15-5pm WIMBLEDON FINE ART 18th Nov Private View - GUIDO BARAGHI For info T: 020 8944 6593 wimbledonfineart.com NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE Panto - Snow White 7th Dec - 13th Jan Rocky Horror Show 21st Jan - 26th Jan atgtickets.com

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point of view

T

he Christmas Party season is nearly upon us. It’s time to stare morbidly into the wardrobe and reject various limp, sparkly dresses as either too dated, too tight or too tacky, before desperately investing in a new one from Debenhams. I speak as one still mentally scarred from the 1979 Wolvercote Church Hall Xmas disco, where I wallflowered for hours in a terrible flared denim catsuit my mother sewed for me, which was too small and gave me a painful, not to mention visible, wedgie. Even if I had been asked to dance, the discomfort would have prevented it. You can’t escape from a wedgie in a catsuit - you are kind of locked into it.

In fact, Christmas parties induce a gamut of neuroses in me going back even further. I remember sobbing with separation anxiety at The Maths Institute children’s Xmas party, forced to play bewildering games like ‘Flip The Kipper’, at which an older girl called Pandora, whose father was a world authority on

46

Finite Group Theory, surpassed. Beneath the brittle gaiety, Christmas parties plunge children into a murky universe of embarrassment and guilt, which haunts adulthood.

Or maybe I am unusually messed up.

Here then, based on experience, are my top tips for a successful party season, avoiding all the social anxiety, hypertension and damp armpits which too much festive hysteria induces:

out. You will hate yourself in the morning.

1. When Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas’ starts to play, do not attempt to pogo wildly wearing a strapless bra, or with a full bladder.

Fling on those catsuits, and get out there, girls!

2. Avoid nervous overshare with strangers about inappropriate personal topics. If they have just met you, they do not want to hear about your hot flushes.

3. Do not embark upon an impromptu carol singing expedition to the neighbours on your way home. Remember, you are still locked in dispute about them leaving their bins

nov-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

4. Stay out of the photos.

When was there ever a good one of you on these occasions?

Easier said than done, hey!

Rereading this litany of failure and remorse, maybe it would just be easier to stay at home, but as the great miserablist Philip Larkin himself pointed out, ‘the time is shorter now for company.’

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