Darling Magazine Sept-October 2012

darling Sept – Oct 2012 FREE

GOLDS & SILVERS At Sinclair Jewellers ON THE COUCH With Gianna De Salvo CRY BABIES Viv Rogan to the Rescue WATCH THIS SPACE! When Jason met Robyn FALL FOR IT L.K. Bennett’s Autumn Style WOMEN ON THE EDGE Tips for Coping & Hoping THE ULTIMATE DOG HOTEL WOMEN ARE ALWAYS RIGHT Ghigo Berni 2012 GREAT BRITISH SUMMER Bumper Social Pages INSPIRING NICKY SANTICHATSAK Wimbledon’s Empress of Thai PLUS: Paul Mendelson on Bridge, ‘Two Large Ladies’ Come Back Home, Jane Plan Making Diet Sense, Ovens Come Clean, Inheritance Tax Planning, Aubaine Comes to Town, 10 Year Old Maths Prodigy, Flawless Floors from C&K, Dates for the Diary, Kate Greenhalgh and the Stars & Stripes

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

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editor’s letter Dear Darling Reader

Cover girl: Dr Nihara Krause Clinical Psychologist as seen on ITV’s This Morning in August. www.niharakrause.co.uk Photography by Taylor Torr

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Advertising 07930 396356

Put it down to what you like: post-Olympic Blues, intimations of winter, shaking the beach sand out of the kids’ clothes and cases, the prospect of school, work and darkening evenings – whatever it is, it’s taking its toll. Which is why we’re devoting this issue to ‘Women on the Edge’, with Mari Lawrence’s personal journey from despair to hope, tips for coping with depression or crying babies and Emotional Brain Training to get you back on track.

But it’s not all gloom and doom. New gold post boxes are glistening in the sun, grand shops and restaurants are opening on our high streets again, L.K. Bennett brings a touch of glamour to cheer us up, and the packed Social Pages remind us of the exciting, historic times we have all just lived through, with memories to cherish forever.

So until November when you can indulge in our bumper winter issue of festive cheer.

Karine Torr Editor | info@darlingmagazine.co.uk

Email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributor Kate Greenhalgh Photography Taylor Torr Design Director 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 8 11 13 14 15 17 19 21 23 26 33 34 36 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

Inspiring Woman of Wimbledon, ace restaurateur Nicky Santi Iconic L.K. Bennett dazzles with autumn fashions Personal journey – ‘Women on the Edge’ High-end jewellery emporium in our midst with Peter Vara Paul Mendelson’s witty Bridge column Top dogs get the royal treatment à la chez Bruce The fairer sex gets all the credit with Ghigo Berni Want alternatives to dieting? Talk to Jane Michell Gianna De Salvo introduces a new stress therapy A touch of Mayfair on the Village High Street It’s been a long summer – bumper social pages Schools in the News – A Levels and boy genius Hart Brown on Inheritance Tax Planning Building and design working in harmony Getting your oven spick and span Cry Baby – not for long with Viv Rogan!

Darling Magazine Hotspots – get a copy here Local landmark and well loved statue returns ‘What’s On’ – Diary page must-dos in September & October Darling Classifieds Kate Greenhalgh goes California Dreaming darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012

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Located within moments of the shops and restaurants and just 1 mile from Wimbledon Station, this development is perfectly placed for the Wimbledon Village lifestyle.

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inspiring woman

Thai Break

Nicky Santichatsak, owner of Thai Tho, tells Darling her extraordinary story

I

rst came to this country from Thailand 24 years ago to study for my Masters Degree. Life, however, can be cruel and shortly after arriving I was robbed and all my money, £3,000 was taken. I was determined not to return to Thailand a failure and so I took four part-time jobs to be able to afford to live. Then on Sundays I started to cook on a stall at Merton Abbey Mills market.

Rain, wind, snow, and freezing cold, I was there every week.

People didn’t really know about Thai food but after a period of time I won them over. Eventually I rented a café in Chiswick in the evening. I called it Fat Boy’s.

It became so successful that I was working 7 days a week, 18 hours a day as we opened selling breakfast at 6am closing at 11.30pm.

It was exhausting work but I knew that I could improve myself. Then an opportunity arose when I saw a property for sale in Wimbledon Village.

I sold everything I had; I borrowed from the bank and to my amazement, family and friends all lent me money including a wonderful English family who were regular

customers. They lent me £10,000 to help acquire the property and I was lucky to be able to buy the freehold. I couldn’t believe that so many people trusted me and had faith in what I was trying to do. I was able to pay everyone back and the English family became like second parents to me.

That was 18 years ago. Since then I have worked tirelessly to expand my business. I now own and run 12 Thai restaurants across London. The latest Thai Tho recently opened at 42 Rupert Street, Soho. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would open a restaurant in the centre of one of the most exciting cities in the world.

People in Wimbledon know Thai Tho very well and we are lucky that during the tennis championships the world’s top players visit us. Agassi, Navratilova, Roddick, Murray, to name but a few. Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters described Thai Tho as their favourite restaurant in the village and that is deeply flattering.

Recently I was granted a great honour as the Thai Royal family chose Thai Tho to celebrate

My husband thinks I am a workaholic as I cannot sit still.

There is always an opportunity if you look hard enough. He recently calculated that over the years I must have served several million Thai meals!

However these are difficult times and my advice to anyone starting out would be to research, plan and prepare carefully, cash ow is vital as the banks are far more difficult to deal with than in the past as we know from recent news events. darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012

5

inspiring woman HRH’s 7th birthday. This made headlines in Thailand and increased interest overseas about my work.

Despite being thousands of miles away, I have also been able to open a Thai resort. This has been a huge challenge, as I can only visit for short periods in the year and speak with my family in the early hours of the morning from the UK but I am very happy with how this beautiful Island resort has developed.

The Thai Royal family chose Thai Tho to celebrate HRH’s 7th birthday

A few years ago Radio 4 and the Independent newspaper interviewed me for a series about successful foreigners. I was so proud to be recognized

by British society. As a result I have appeared in numerous magazines and television programmes in Thailand. I’m flattered to be viewed as a successful business woman. My policy has always been to treat everyone the way I would wish to be treated. I think my success is down to my deep-rooted Buddhist philosophy and the inner calm that it gives me, along with a passion and a desire to succeed.

Next on the list is a cookery book and a Thai cookery school – when I find the time!

Boutique. Elegant.

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www.thaitho.co.uk www.kohngaithanyaresort.com

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Located in Wimbeldon Village, our brochure offers an array of resorts and itinerary suggestions. Call us for more details.

Also the home of the Nicholas & Steele School of Art offering art and pottery classes to both children and adults

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fashion

Accessible Luxury at L.K.Bennett Wimbledon’s very own fashion success story

F

ounded in 1990 here in Wimbledon Village, L.K.Bennett has since gone on to become an international fashion brand with stores across the UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East. A true local success story which continues to offer the best in accessible luxury footwear, clothing and accessories.

a cosmopolitan lifestyle – the collection radiates with deep, bold colours and rich designs in the most luxurious fabrics. Their campaign this season proudly features Emily Mortimer, one of Britain’s finest actresses and the star of The Newsroom, the new drama series created and written

by Academy Award® and Emmy® winning writer, Aaron Sorkin.

The gorgeous new Autumn/ Winter collection perfectly reflects the L.K.Bennett persona – glamorous, bold and luxurious.

Inspired by a British woman with

L.K.Bennett 52–54 High Street Wimbledon SW19 5AX 020 8947 4507

Frieda jacket £325

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To celebrate the arrival of the new collection in store L.K.Bennett are offering readers of Darling a gift with every purchase made over £150 this month in the Wimbledon Village boutique. Show this page in store to benefit from this exclusive offer.

Terms & Conditions

Gift with every purchase over £150 in the Wimbledon store only.

One gift per person while stocks last.

Gift cannot be exchanged or refunded. Valid until 30.09.12.

8

sept–oct 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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mental health

Women on the Edge Back from the Brink, Mari Lawrence of Seasons Florists shares her harrowing personal journey Mari Lawrence

I

n the middle of July last year I walked out of my shop and suffered a total nervous breakdown.

Looking back over the last 2/3 years, I can see that things piled up in my life and something had to give. As an analogy, what happened to me was like an overloaded computer crashing. I can only say that having been to the darkest place you can imagine and out the other side, I feel better now than I have ever felt in my whole life. I now have all my leads plugged in, my thinking is clearer than ever and I am more focused on everything in my personal and business life. I am very happy to talk about my journey in the hope that it helps others.

We arrived in London from Gibraltar in Oct 1954 to start a new life. I was 8 ½ the youngest of the ‘second litter’. My two half-sisters were evacuated to Madeira during WW2 and returned to Gib in Oct 1945.

Eight months later my mother died aged 34. I was 3 months old and my brothers 3 and 5. Having been left motherless, my halfsisters decided to dedicate their lives to looking after us all – they never married. My father died

on 17th June 1966 – 20 years and a day after my mother. I was devastated – he was my all!

of my eldest son’s marriage, my husband with a lump in his stomach and ME.

I knew when I got married 3 months later and was walking back down the aisle, after taking my vows, that I had made a terrible mistake. But I was convinced that I had to keep my promise to him and everyone present for 25 years, until the children that would be born to the marriage were old enough for me to leave. Strange thoughts for a bride – even more strange, when we separated 23 years later after I suffered a cancer scare and knew that I could not tolerate his infidelities and unreasonable behaviour anymore. I filed for divorce and the Decree Absolute was granted 2 years later making it 25 years of marriage to the month!

Trying to keep all the balls up in the air, I felt like a hamster on a wheel going round and round and just wanted to get off.

This is precisely what I did – 6 months off work, lost 4½ stones in weight and a lot of hair, refusing to eat and drink. Only focusing on the best foolproof way of ending my life, even walking off at 5.10 one morning to the station to jump in front of the first train out! But common sense prevailed and I felt very sorry for my darling husband Roger – who would have to identify me and also the thought of the poor traindriver who had to live with this horror for the rest of his life. So back I went,

These experiences, coupled with the recession, difficult trading times and landlord, corporates cancelling contracts, normal family ups and downs – including my son David, on track to qualify for the Paralympics Wheelchair Tennis Team, only to give up all his training 3 years ago to look after his daughter, who was diagnosed with leukaemia (now fully recovered), the breakdown darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012 11

mental health just as Roger was calling me; I told him I was getting the milk in – it wasn’t even milk day! I replied that, yes, I was coming back to bed, dived into our dining room where I had left my clothes, got my nightie back on and got into bed. He was none the wiser until I told him 3 months ago.

I was terribly lucky to have had the best possible care, help and support from Kingston Mental Health Authority. They got extra funding in January 2011 enabling them to keep patients like myself

Helping Hands Hormones Local Homeopath and Nutritionist Maria Jevtic says: ‘Women are most vulnerable to depression at times of hormonal changes such as puberty, during the menopause and after giving birth. In a woman’s life, these phases herald in a new chapter, and ideally our mind and emotions mature and embrace the changes our body and mind go through. This is not always easy and any extra demand can tip the balance against us.

Homeopathy and Nutritional therapy can rebalance our hormones and help us to regain our happiness and wellbeing.’ www.familyhomeopathy.co.uk Laughter Lynne Parker - Founder of ‘Funny Women’: ‘Laughter can be very healing.

It is a reflex action – we laugh at funny stuff, sad stuff and

at home with nurses coming in every day and a rota of friends 24/7.

Now, after having taken my time to take stock of the whole business, I am restructuring ‘Seasons’ our lovely business and its branding. We are looking forward to Nov 2012 when our Flower School opens at Warren House, our Christmas showcase open evening at Cannizaro House on 13th Nov, ‘Seasons’ 4 day coach trip to Brussels at the end of April 2013 to see when we’re in shock. It comes from deep inside and we don’t always unleash its power as much as we should. The British psyche is inherently dour, more glass half empty than half full, and it’s no wonder so many of us suffer from depression!

As the role of women has become more equal, in western society at least, we’ve had to learn how to compete in many environments that are male dominated, none more so than the world of comedy! Why not try and find your funny side?’ www.funnywomen.com Rescuing Your Business Claire Habel, Personal Business Coach provides her top three tips for when you feel like you’re teetering ‘on the edge’ either in your business or in your wider personal life: ‘Identify exactly what is causing you to feel this way.

Ask yourself what one change to your current situation would make the biggest difference

12 sept–oct 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

the greenhouses at the Royal Palace at Laeken and other fun, informative filled days for garden/flower lovers and finally, the exciting new exterior of ‘Seasons’ scheduled for May 2013.

All this would not have been possible without the help of Roger, my lovely husband; Jane, my ‘silent partner’ and loyal Office Administrator and friend of 25 years, wonderful staff, customers and friends. Without you all there, I wouldn’t have a business to take forward. and focus on taking action with that, one step at a time.

Feeling ‘on the edge’ can often be caused by overwhelm.

Prioritise what is really urgent and important; if a task is neither of those then let it go.

Whatever your situation, it’s important to have someone positive and supportive that you can talk to.

For impartial, non-judgemental support, consider looking outside of your circle for a coach or mentor.’ www. inspiringfutures.biz

local jeweller

A GEM OF A JEWELLER Wimbledon Town sparkles with ex-Cartier designer, now at Sinclair Jewellers

I

f you are looking for jewellery that is a little more upmarket at better prices, you may have to go a little down the hill to find it. Sinclair Jewellers (opposite Elys store), established since 1983 with Peter Vara at the helm, promises the best service and creativity for handmade and bespoke pieces.

Peter’s passion is to see old fashioned jewellery transformed into elegant, contemporary styles.

A qualified gemmologist, he was one of the first jewellers to introduce goldsmiths and watch makers on the premises.

Sinclair’s ‘secret weapons’ are the highly talented goldsmiths Scott Stevenson and Fernando Santos who work on the premises creating jewellery worthy of London’s finest. Fernando was trained

by Cartier as a maker and setter and eventually headed up a workshop in Paris for this prestigious brand. He works with all precious metals, semi and precious stones to produce haute couture designs at affordable prices.

Sinclair Jewellers offers a free personal, no obligation consultation with Fernando – by appointment only.

Darling Special Offer *Free clean & polish (one piece of jewellery) *Free verbal evaluation We 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 darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012 13

bridge Paul Mendelson Straight off the golf course and several pints of finest ale later, two Wimbledon husbands thought that they would get the better of their wives in the evening Bridge challenge. However, rested and ready, their wives had other ideas...

♠ West S AJ543 H J1086 D 1065 C 7

♦

North S 76 H AQ972 D J87 C 953

South S K8 H 54 D K4 C AKQJ1086

♥ East S Q1092 H K3 D AQ932 C 42

♣

Dealer North Game All N E S W NB 1D 3NT With a long minor suit, your eye should always be on no-trumps, and South took this idea to the extreme, bidding 3NT over East’s light 1D opener. South was right not to worry about hearts, since West would be likely to lead his partner’s suit. Could she bring home her contract?

West decided to lead Jh rather than his partner’s suit, which worked okay. South contemplated for a long while and then rose with Ah, led 7d and, when East played low, she won with Kd, and cashed her seven club tricks. A brilliant coup.

However, East could do better. South must have a long club suit and kd so, when a diamond is led from the dummy, East should rise with Ad and switch to spade. Whatever South does, she must then lose five spades, Ad and Kh, resulting in two down.

This proves what I have been saying for ages about Bridge: it’s a thinking woman’s game. aceoftrumps.com 14

sept–oct 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Merton Arts Trail

FREE ENTRY

2012

The Thinking Woman's Game

VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL

Sculpture / Paintings / Drawing Printmaking / Ceramics / Photography Jewellery / Millinery / Installations Over 100 artists Across two weekends Open studios thoughout the borough Families welcome Interactive trail map available online Artists demonstrations

From 12-6pm on

22, 23 & 29, 30 September 2012 For an interactive map and full list of participating artists and venues visit: www.mertonartstrail.org.uk

info@mertonartstrail.org.uk

pets

The Country Life for a Wimbledon Dog! Bruce’s Doggy Day Care has recently opened its paws to pampered pooches in Wimbledon for the rst time

N

ominated for London and Surrey business awards for the last three years running, Bruce’s Doggy Day Care is already well established throughout South West London, and is fast making four-legged friends in Wimbledon.

What’s at a Day Care Centre?

The Doggy Day Care Centre boasts three fully fenced fields, each with a swimming pool, agility course, heated indoor area complete with dog beds and a gazebo for the dogs to laze in the shade! All enjoyed under the constant supervision of Bruce and his team of dog walkers. It’s like paradise for dogs!

How does it work?

They will collect your dog in the morning, take them for an action packed day at the Day Care Centre, then drop them home in the afternoon, happy and tired.

What’s different about Bruce’s Doggy Day Care?

They are proud to be one of South London’s longest established Day Care Centres. Feedback from clients is that they love the dog-e-diaries, seeing our updates on Facebook and Twitter and the open day in the summer is also a big hit!

Are all the dogs friendly?

They are very strict about only accepting friendly, social dogs that have a regular weekly booking. This means that all the dogs get to know one another, and that we know each dog individually.

For more info call Bruce’s Doggy Day Care on 0207 205 2230 or visit www.brucesdoggydaycare.co.uk. darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012

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restaurant

THE ANNOYING THING ABOUT WOMEN IS THAT THEY ARE SO OFTEN RIGHT… Ghigo Berni of Wimbledon’s favourite Italian eatery, San Lorenzo, mulls over how

A

t work, women frequently face male resistance to their innate abilities and intuitions. Why is this so?

Like any regular caveman, I used to think most women were nutters. As a slightly more evolved man, I nd myself increasingly deferring to the female instinct, given the number of occasions I’ve had to secretly admit that my wife was right about something which at the time I had quite successfully argued could not be. That’s the most annoying thing about women, that they’re so often right even when they don’t initially appear to deserve that distinction. They just ‘guess’ or ‘feel’ something based on ostensibly vague and often tenuous assumptions which they can’t really be bothered to describe in a quantiable way to their obtusely didactical male counterparts.

and that, in accordance with My Moody Bastard Theory of Gender Tension, INTUITION and LOGIC are mutually exclusive concepts which often reach similar conclusions, only at different times. Half the time intuition trumps logic when, sometime later, you realise that a woman’s intuition was right all along. The other half of the time, logic gets things absolutely spot-on and a man can smugly enjoy his momentary delusion that logic always prevails.

Consequently, men and women exist together in various degrees of isolation because they cannot always both be right. But behind every great man there’s a great woman, and the reverse is equally true, of course. Not because one is better than the other but because they are different.

Creative relationships are usually better at embracing this premise, warts and all, and everyone gains strength in the romantic bargain.

Painting by Paulo Berni

men and women is never ideal because, in an anthropological sense, we’re wired differently and, more specifically, for an evolutionary purpose which requires cooperation and intellectual challenge, rather than one-upmanship.

To be continued forever …

But we men can do that successfully too sometimes.

When we’re being intuitive or speculative, we say ‘I reckon’.

Yes Ma’am, and I reckon women are right about 50% of the time

However, professional relationships between genders are often stymied by unnecessary competitive friction and the need to assert gender validation. But antagonistic competition between

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

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012 17

Independent co-education for children from 4 to 16 years

Somewhere your child would really like to be enquiries@hsw.co.uk 020 8394 6144 www.hsw.co.uk

happy

thoughtful individual kind adventurous honest ambitious

fun independent

loyal hard working courteous

Slimming Secrets – A fresh start in September Jane Michell from Jane Plan spills the beans

W

ith distractions from coffee mornings, PTA meetings and evenings spent driving children to activities, a new term might not seem the ideal time to start a diet. However, September is all about new beginnings, and even the smallest changes to your lifestyle and eating habits can make a big difference.

Consider walking to school or parking further away than usual.

Make a promise to give your morning cappuccino a miss, and no matter how hectic your schedule, avoid grabbing lunch on the go. Sitting down will

encourage you to eat more slowly, and recognise when you are full. Need more help? Jane Plan creates a bespoke, flexible, stressfree eating plan designed around your lifestyle. All our meals come individually portioned and ready to eat in under three minutes – perfect if you haven’t got time to diet. Average weight loss is around 12 lbs a month.

‘Jane Plan worked wonders for me!

I continued to lose weight even after I had finished the plan and have since been able to keep my weight stable. Thanks so much. It’s boosted my self-confidence and meant I can now wear all the clothes in my wardobe’ Shazia, GP, SW15

Jane Plan is delighted to offer the readers of Darling Magazine FREE DELIVERY

Tel: 020 7731 8453 Email: mydiet@janeplan.com www.janeplan.com

therapy

SUFFERING FROM STRESS OVERLOAD? JOY IS WHAT YOU NEED Local hypnotherapist, Gianna De Salvo talks about EBT

H

aving been practising in Wimbledon for the past three and a half years, I have seen so many people, both clients and friends, struggling to cope with stressors in their lives: family commitments, high workloads, the economy, anxieties, negative thinking, insomnia, depression. The list goes on and on. And while hypnotherapy goes a long way to helping people recognising the power that they have inside themselves to make important changes in their lives, I was very excited to come across Emotional BrainTraining (EBT), which I feel goes even one step further.

I trained to be a hypnotherapist because I am interested in the human brain and why we sometimes download false ideas about ourselves or the world around us. At what point do we lose the awe and wonder of the beauty and mystery of life and get bogged down in negativity? It seems to happen to all of us at some point, unfortunately. I also chose hypnotherapy because I am a pragmatic person. I enjoy being able to give people tools to use in their everyday lives to overcome issues, rather than using traditional talk therapy to go over and over a problem.

our brain that holds onto negative generalisations about ourselves or about life. The tools of EBT teach us how to switch our brain state from lower to higher over and over again until our brain begins to favour those moments of peace and positivity and our set point changes. In other words, we are training the emotional brain to be happier – something that was thought to be impossible only a couple of decades ago! I am very excited to be able to share this learning with others and support them in creating joy in their lives.

Groups: once a week for six weeks beginning in September. One-to-one sessions in person or via Skype also available. Contact Gianna De Salvo: Tel: 07917197625 Email: gianna@ebt-uk.com www.ebt-uk.com

‘With EBT we are training the emotional brain to be happier’ EBT is also a pragmatic method; it provides five feelings-based tools that correspond to the five brain states that neuroscientists discovered we move through each day. What they found, however, is that when we are stressed or in negativity often, brain states can get stuck. And when we are stuck in a lower brain state, we are accessing the lower part of darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012

21

Wimbledon We have arrived!

T

he latest venture for the chic Provençal restaurant group saw it open the most delightful restaurant on Wimbledon Village High Street.

The zinc and wood table tops flow throughout the restaurant highlighted with pots of fresh plants which naturally lead the eye to the secret garden at the rear, a beautiful space perfect for champagne receptions or just for soaking up the afternoon sun.

From the leather banquettes to the elegant bar chairs, the trademark macaroons to the cheerful service team, the healthy fresh salads to the indulgent dessert slate, it all lends itself to the perfect outing for friends and family alike. Full menu and all day dining also available.

Aubaine Wimbledon 18 High Street Wimbledon Wimbledon Village London, SW19 5DX Tel: 0203 434 1960 www.aubaine.co.uk Opening times: Mon – Sat: 8am to 10.30pm Sun & Bank Holidays: 8am to 10pm

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012

23

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24

darling/summer 2011

TECHNIQUEST QUEST TECHNI EC LO SU TT EC HH NN OO LO GG Y YC C OO NN SU L TL T I NI N GG

25

darling/summer 2011

ON THE SCENE PARKSIDE GARDENS EVENT FOR LINDEN LODGE SCHOOL FUNDRAISER

Tony Cohen, Christina Fowler and Leonore Mendoza (sitting)

L-R: Laurie Porter, Celia Espey, James Espey, Viv Rogan & Jane Weldon

TIM DUNN & SENTI LIGHT UP WIMBLEDON VILLAGE

L-R: Justyna Frejlich, Debbie Knight, Tim Dunn, Suzi Wingrove, Dean Wingrove and Lizzie Spratt

HOLLY LODGE CENTRE CHARITY SOIREE IN RICHMOND PARK

L-R: Anthony Senny, Gordon Vincent, Vilma Mara, Robert Holmes and Annie Friend

WIMBLEDON FILM CLUB AWARDS FOR BEST SHORT FILMS

ANNUAL JUDO CHAMPS AT RAY STEVENS CLUB

L-R: Johnjoe Mcfadden, Frances Beale, Sue Baker, Dominic de Vere

L-R: Pranav Khera, Ray Stevens, Aidian Elimad, Freddie Ferguson, Sam Smedley, Harry Maddox. L-R (front row) Olivia Grandi, Max Kenway, Oliver Salmon

ELYS SUMMER FASHION SHOW

L-R: Claire Emerton, Nihara Krause, Janette Flynn

Abby Dayton, Caroline Geraerts, Ian Turner and the talented Miss Ballooniverse

40 THE HILL RESTAURANT RELAUNCH

RADIANCE TURNS 5 AT KONIG KITCHENS

L-R: Jools Watson (Manager), Alex Gerry (Eurostar Mag), Casey Child Christian Rose-Day (Fluid London)

Ann Tomlinson, Ursula Willoughby, Mary König & Gail McCluskie

PAUL MELLIA AT CANVAS FOR PRIVATE VIEW

L-R: Hannah O’Dell, Paul Mellia and Nick Holmes

RAPHAEL’S HOSPICE JUBILEE SPONSORED WALK AT WIMBLEDON RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

L-R: Helen Clark Bell, Mathavan Saseenthrakumar, Diana Sterck, Keith Witham (St Raphael’s Hospice) , Caroline Cook and Angela Browne

GINA CONWAY HOSTS ANIA NOWICKI NUTRITION TALK

TOUCH OF MAYFAIR – AUBAINE OPENS IN WIMBLEDON VILLAGE

Back row L-R : Ania Nowicki, Emily Smith, Agata Cymbrylowicz, Hermione Greenhalgh, Barbara Daffner & Gina Conway.

Front row: Katie Slater, Pamela Herries and Meg Southwood

L-R: Sebastien Charrier (and his baby), Rachel Clark, Camilla Casey, and Manager of Aubaine, Eric Sensaoui

BELISSIMA CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY

ANNUAL WOMBLEDON ROUNDERS TOURNAMENT

L-R: Proprietor, Chanelle Muslu, Bridget Salmassian, Nicky Santi and Charly Senior

Sara Thain, Sponsors - Julien Upson and Jonathan Askew from Hartley Fowler and Wendy Grant

LOCAL COUTURE DESIGNER ELIZABETH BESSANT’S ‘ART OF COUTURE’ IN SOUTH KENSINGTON

STUDY PREP OLYMPIC FUN DAY AT THE WIMBLEDON RUGBY CLUB

L-R: Marie-Helene Rodriguez, Michele Marriott, Elizabeth Bessant and Eileen Barry

Back row Laura Bishti & Judi Stuart (organisers), Louisa Carrington, Susan Pepper (Headmistress), Nathalie Oestmann and Catherine Miholich, surrounded by girls from The Study Prep, Wimbledon

JUDY STAFFORD BRINGS SCOTTISH ARTISTS TO WIMBLEDON

Judy Stafford (Curator), Jo Taylor (Artist), Joan Armstrong, Lou Ackner & Gillian Hill

L-R: Ed Foley, Annabel Foley and Ali Turner

RUN! POLKA PUTS ON MUSICAL HIT

LOCAL JAZZ STAR, MELISSA JAMES LAUNCHES CD

L-R: Musical Director & Composer, Julian Butler, Director Adam Penford & writer Lisa Evans

L-R: Ross Lorraine, Katriona Taylor, Melissa James & Peter Hammond

ANNUAL WIMBLEDON VILLAGE FAIR FUN

Wimbledon Women in Business at the Fair L-R: Catherine Green, Caroline Geraerts, Angela Alright, Josu Shephard, Shawn Stone (front) Diana Mason and Rosie Packer

Local couple Yamini and Nick Franzini enjoying the day

Post-Fair-Fun at Wimbledon Stables BBQ L-R: Nenupher Clarke, Jan Jacquelin and Dawn Asaddar

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION’S SUMMER PARTY

L-R: Sue Cooke, Mae Baekke and Lucy Tubbs

TENNIS CHAMPIONS AT DAVID LLOYD, RAYNES PARK

Darling Editor, Karine Torr meets Serena Williams at the David Lloyd Club pre Wimbledon.

L-R: Carolyn Henderson, Heather James, Vince Murphy and Stephanie Upton Prowse

L-R: National Club League Winners James Marsalak, Colin Beacher, Johnny Barr – Team Captain, Marcus Willis, Tom Burn, Jamie Feaver and Neil Bamford

LAUNCH OF WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST 2012

WIMBLEDON WINDMILERS RUN GRUELLING SOUTH AFRICAN COMRADES MARATHON

L-R: Anthony Wilkinson, Marcus Beale, Gemma Alley, Tony Kane and Toby Mundy celebrating at the Wimbledon College of Art

SPOTTED AT RAYNES PARK BUSINESS FORUM AT BAR 191

L-R: (Back row) Sebastian Jones, Emlyn Christie and Keith Macintosh L-R: (Front row) Bronwyn Mayo, Ralph Gilbert and Ann Shellard Photo by Paul Lee

‘MUMS TO GO’ NETWORKING AT HEMINGWAYS

L-R: Clare Jefferies, Louise Eason, Caroline Ewans, Clare Gummett and Katherine Carroll

WIMBLEDON’S NEW STAG SCULPTURE UNVEILED

L-R: Caroline Rocheron, Jane Michell and Eve King

TEEN CHARITY, STEM4 CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY

Trustees and committee members L-R: Anne Martin, Julia Mackinder, Amanda Berry, Nihara Krause (Founder), Patsy Preece, Liz Scalzo, Chris Gibson & Serena Cottrell Left Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Williams, Artist, Isabelle Southwood and Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis

JUBILEE STREET PARTY FEVER IN WIMBLEDON VILLAGE

WIMBLEDON GUILD CELEBRATING IN STYLE

L-R: Lorna Cohen, Joseph Bellamy and Louise Bellamy, Wendy Pridmore, Elizabeth Morris and Alice Mashesheshe, The Dennington Family: Charlotte, Alexander, Tony, Oliver and baby Jemima

L-R: Jocelyn Gordon-Nesbitt, Chris Davies, Teen Frazer (winner best cake) & Ben Heaney

L-R: Gaby Lambert, Peter & Margaret Bishop, Phil Lambert and Clive Moon

Olympic Torch fans on Leopold Road

LOCALS ENJOYING SOME GAMES MAGIC

Olympians speeding through Richmond Park

Preparatory School for Girls aged four to eleven

Record numbers of academic and performance scholarships in 2012

• A leading South West London prep school • Academic success in a happy, supportive community • Wide ranging opportunities in music, sport, and the performing and creative arts • Situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village • We welcome enquiries about our scheme for assistance with fees for girls aged 7+

For further details please contact Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

The Coombe Federation invites parents of Year 6 pupils to its open evenings in October

Registered Charity No.271012

Coombe Girls’ School Wednesday 3 October 6.30pm – 9pm Clarence Avenue New Malden Surrey KT3 3TU 020 8942 1242 www.coombegirlsschool.org Qualified as one of the top 10% of non-selective schools in England in achieving 5A*-A grades including English and Maths in 2011

Coombe Boys’ School Wednesday 10 October 6.30pm – 9pm College Gardens Blake’s Lane New Malden Surrey KT3 6NU 020 8949 1537 www.coombeboysschool.org One of the top 10% of schools nationally for achieving the fastest improving GCSE results 2008-2011

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TOUGH AT THE TOP

university (four years). Education is compulsory only for the nine years of elementary and middle school; however 98% of students attend senior school. Students must take highly prestigious and meritocratic based exams in order to enter senior oday’s school leavers therefore less time consuming. school and then university. face more pressure Humanities, however, tends and competition than to hoover time, requiring ever From the very early stages of a Japanese student’s ever before. A good longer essays, withlife noinlimit elementary school right the way through to degree from a top university is to the amount of secondary employment, one very important idea that closely no longer a guarantee of finding literature that teachers insistwith the development of the soul and interlinks mind is unity and conformity. This is designed a career afterwards, without also will be advantageous, (incest toLear? help students, and later on employees, to work being able to present employers as a subtext in King Ho together and succeed as a group rather than with a strong track record hum.) A word of warning: only as an individual like we are taught in the west. of excellence in other areas, certain subject combinations Although, over the last decade a greater emphasis such as internships, advanced are humanly possible but the has been put on the development of a student’s qualifications and relevant pleasure of learning about Kanttraditionally it has always been about individuality, forms of enrichment. Here, two as well as parametric equationsand conforming to the group. selflessness students explain the pros and compensates for the (many) cons of going the extra mile for missed “yoof-events”.’

This is clearly demonstrated even from the stages of the child’s Japanese Hiroakieducation.

Endo outstanding achievement.

(Natasha is in Y13 early of Latymer y name is Alexander Loizos elementary classes, for example, are divided into Upper School, Hammersmith.)

Papoutes small teams for various activities. the STAR TURN Every AS 10day YEAR Natasha Rachman opted toand do I5am a British/ Cypriot who was born and bred in children in their designated groups areGOLD! taught OLD GOES FOR A Levels, and Robert Collins took Robert writes: Wimbledon village. I fell in love to clean the classrooms, halls and yards of their on the challenge of studying at an ‘Within 48 hours of arriving There are many fine young with learning Judo at school which led to my schools. The students are then made to have lunch mathematicians at Hall School American university.

What’s clear in Boston I was checked in, dream of going to Japan in order to travel, learn together with their teachers in the classrooms, Wimbledon Junior School, but from both accounts is that thecontinue will denied my studentenjoying pass, sentmeals prepared the Japanese language, and my training. by either the school or perhaps none quite as talented to work6for successonmust forand a chicken pox vaccination, I spent months my come gap year there the local lunch centre. Small teams of students as Hiroaki Endo in Year 5 who from the year students At and two exams. another as anthemselves. exchange student at a given Japanese thenThis take turns to serve lunch to their classmates is taking his Mathematics university in Tokyo.

I was exposed Japanese in orderthings to help promote this sense of selflessness this age, parents and teachers can tosums up three important IGCSE at the tender age of 10! education throughout degree andare time and unity. encourage, but we can’tmy do it for course which worth considering ‘I knew we had someone visiting various all over Japan.

Hereapplying are my to an American them.

Hard work,schools self-reliance when special,’ recalls Mr Brook, thoughts.

One thing that alwaysMathematics struck me as extraordinary Teacher, ‘when and self-motivation are crucial university. Firstly, copious was the level of independence that theseequations young Hiro used quadratic qualities for success in young amounts of bureaucracy await One thing that all parents know is the importance students had with regards to going to and from solve a problem which he adulthood, and neededucation to have been – beThe prepared!school.

Secondly, huge who to of their children’s and wellyou being.

Children go to public schools ingoa to himself had invented Year learned thea Sixth (I wish fees encourage work Japanesebyare nationForm. that understands and takes a voracious the school in their local district.HisSince mostshowed school 4 lesson. workings Ithis hadnotion realised thisseriously. at the time!) ethic amongst American students very As a linguist, student districts are small, school usually aren’t greatbuses maturity and an excellent you ignore at your peril. for field trips) and traveller of Japan I continuouslywhich encountered used (except and of parents command Englishdon’t too.’ the word writes: isshinndoutai, which literallyFinally, means the in social life drive their children, instead to and from Natasha is very It is notthey just walk his mathematical Japanese, “One in Mind, Body and Soul”.

Although In Tokyo, this knowledge takes aboutthat 5 to 15impressed minutes. has ‘Obviously 5 A Levels require different from thatschool. of British this notion was the essence of the way of the Many either walk or ride bicycles if the distance his teachers; he also insisted more effort: I’ve had more work universities, taking a back seat to samurai, it is still very much apparent in Japan’s is not too great. In other thatcases, he be students entered atmust the outside class, with the additional work and restricted by the much society and education today. take public buses and trains, lines highest often degreechanging of difficulty, constraint of having no free more stringent laws regarding ‘Extended to set several times in order the to reach theirIGCSE’, destination. periods.

I took 2 Asystem Levels,inMaths alcohol.’ himself the greatest The basic school Japan is comprised It is not uncommon for students to spendpossible two or and German, which require (Robert has a degreemore scholarship challenge. of elementary school (lasting six years), middle hoursateach day on public transportation. The cumulative learning Berklee College school (three years),and highare school (three years), and of Music, schoolBoston.) day begins at 8:30, so students may leave

By Kate Greenhalgh

T

By Alex Papoutes

M

42

feb-march 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012 33

legal

Generation Skipping Is your inheritance tax (IHT) planning going to cause your children problems?

34 sept–oct 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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

Chris Thurlow

I

HT planning is generally aimed at reducing the IHT payable by your children on your death. But will an inheritance from you to your children mean that they then have an IHT problem themselves? Any assets that they have inherited from you and then leave to their children may be subject to IHT again on their death.

This extra IHT can be avoided by ‘skipping a generation’. A simple gift to your grandchildren rather than to your own children can achieve this. But what if your child then needs some of the funds? What if they got into financial difficulty or became disabled? And would you be happy for your grandchildren to inherit straight after your death or would they be too young?

Rather than making a gift directly to your grandchildren, you might consider placing cash, investments and/or property into a discretionary trust. Under the terms of a discretionary trust, your trustees choose who is to benefit from the trust fund from your selected list of beneficiaries.

That list could include your children, grandchildren and remoter descendants. The trustees can be family, friends

We are delighted to announce that after 9 years with Hart Brown, Chris Thurlow is now a partner in our Trust and Investment department in Wimbledon Village.

Chris specialises in wills, trusts and inheritance tax planning as well as estates and powers of attorney. and/or professionals and can also be beneficiaries.

You could then leave a letter of wishes letting your trustees know how you would like them to manage and distribute the trust fund. The letter would not be binding on your trustees but, you would hope, and expect, that they would follow your guidance.

Careful choice of trustees is, therefore, essential.

The use of a trust of this kind allows exibility regarding who benets (so your children can benet if they are in need) and when (so your estate can be protected for your grandchildren until they reach an appropriate age). It can also be used to protect against your children or grandchildren getting divorced or becoming bankrupt and help to ensure that the funds pass down your blood-line.

You can set up a discretionary trust in your will. Alternatively, you could set up such an arrangement now, with the added benefit that, subject to some exceptions, if you survive seven years, the assets put into the trust should be free of IHT. If, on the other hand, you have already inherited, you may still be able to make use of discretionary trusts. If you inherited in the last two years, you may be able to enter into a deed of variation.

Under the terms of the deed you would effectively be redirecting your inheritance to individuals or into a trust without any IHT effect on you.

To find out more about discretionary trusts and inheritance tax planning, contact Chris Thurlow on 0208 947 8171 or email trusts@hartbrown.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012 35

design and construction

home sweet home Is it possible to fall in love with your home all over again?

W

Jason Coetzee

ell Jason Coetzee of Rhino Construction and Robyn Falck of Robyn Falck Interiors certainly think so.

reinvesting the allocated stamp duty funds into the project.

This professional local duo are a match made in heaven for anyone looking for design inspiration, advice and the very best workmanship on any building project. They’ll maximize the potential of every nook and cranny in your home, and recommend innovative and practical solutions that fit with your vision of the home of your dreams.

What would you say to any potential client who’s about to embark on renovations or a first-time building project?

JC: Great question. I’d say most clients are very discerning from a business point of view, but when it comes to renovating their homes then this can go out the window. I think if a client can try to separate their emotions from the project and develop an open and honest relationship with a reputable builder such as ourselves, then they’re at least half of the way there!

Do you love Wimbledon? Love your home? But feel as though you’re running out of rooms and the rooms you once loved have lost the appeal they once had?

Well maybe it’s time to call on the experts for professional advice on that elusive home restoration project you’ve been dreaming of. Improving not moving is bang on trend, and if executed correctly you’ll add significant value to your home while you sit it out in an economic climate that – let’s face it – is more than a little uncertain, while saving or

We managed to catch up with our local experts to ask a couple of quick questions:

So many people complain about projects going way over budget. What can people do to begin to avoid this?

JC: I think one of the most important things is for the brief to be pinned down at the beginning. The client must bring their ballpark budget to the table at the first meeting, and be open to a discussion around contingency should the brief change once the ball is rolling and work has begun.

36 sept–oct 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Robyn Falck

“It’s open-mindedness, transparency and flexibility on both sides that reaps the best rewards in our experience.”

If there’s a problem, and by the very nature of our business there invariably will be at least one problem on any building project: we say: 1) keep calm, we’ll sort it out, and 2) listen to the solutions we come up with, even if they deviate slightly from your initial thinking.

Some people might feel intimidated by the prospect of working with an Interior Designer. How do you suggest that a novice could prepare for that first meeting?

RF: The first thing any Interior Designer should do is to put their client at ease. It’s the client’s home and their ideas are king I always say. Any good Interior Designer will respect this and if you get the feeling that this is not the case you should run for the door!

It’s always a good idea for a client to spend a little bit of time ‘visualizing’ their dream home, and write down what they like and don’t like about it. It’s helpful if they’re clear and articulate

design and construction about how the space is working for them in their family life, and how they’d like to improve on this. Lack of design experience should never be a problem, as we like to embrace a client’s individuality – it’s what makes their home unique to them.

And nally Robyn, can you share any insider tips on what’s trending at the moment in the world of interiors?

RF: As always it comes down to the client’s preferences, rather than what’s in fashion. But in a nutshell I’d say that investing in your storage solutions is one of the best things you can do when planning your space. Understair pullout storage is definitely the way to go, as it’s a lovely deep space that’s especially useful if you can reach full depth. Items can be stored in pullout shelves that use both volume and floor space, which is ideal for tidying and organising.

“ It’s your home, not a show-home, and should be a testimony to your own taste and style. A designer works with this and makes it all come together in harmony ” I also suggest that clients consider the benefits of transforming their old furniture by upholstering favourite pieces with beautiful fabrics, or to explore the shabby chic trend by painting tired furniture or using it for a different purpose, which can liven the space up and give old furniture a new dynamic.

If you have a burning question or would like to get in touch with either Jason or Robyn, see contact details below: Jason Coetzee: Rhino Construction M: 07932 75 3328 www.rhinoconstruction.co.uk Robyn Falck: Robyn Falck Interiors M: 07505 398 060 www.robynfalckinteriors.com darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept–oct 2012 37

Pole struc same

C & K Carpet and Flooring Specialists in the heart of Wimbledon

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

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30 years’ experience in the business supply and fit or supply only home service - we bring samples to you domestic or contract work undertaken estate agent, schools and special events flooring package trade sales available after care service approved Amtico and Kardean stockists Axminster, Wilton, Brinton and flat weave antiallergic carpeting sisal carpets and entrance matting solid and engineered wood parquet flooring and parquet squares decking and astro turf and much more

We are your local Flooring Specialists for all your needs, inside and out. Conveniently located in Wimbledon we offer a full and comprehensive versatile flooring service at an affordable price.

C& K Carpet and Flooring Unit 25 Bizspace at Lombard Business Park 8 Lombard Road, SW19 3TZ t. 020 8540 3331 m.07967 828129 candkcarpetandflooring.com

Stitch-up Needlecraft Quilting Stitching Patchwork Knitting Workshops Gifts and more...

Join us for

10.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Monday - Saturday

Knit & Knatter

130 Arthur Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8AA 020 8944 6488 www.stitchup.co.uk

BABY CALMING – Revolutionary Technique for Getting More Sleep!

Vivienne Rogan explains: Vivienne Rogan, mother of three, birth doula and former registered nurse teaches an extraordinary approach that helps babies sleep longer and soothes them in minutes.

There is a lot of breastfeeding support available but very little is offered to new parents who have sensitive babies that do not settle easily or have frequent bouts of unexplained crying. 15% of babies cry for more than three hours a day.

This can be very demoralising to new parents. The concern, anxiety and lack of sleep can undermine confidence and sadly diminish their enjoyment of this

very special time with their newborn.

Having met and discussed the programmme with Dr.Harvey Karp, renowned pediatrician and child development specialist in the USA, Vivienne completed ‘The Happiest Baby’ training and has been supporting parents with the techniques since 2007.

The ideas behind these ‘calming techniques’ are not new; many cultures around the world practice similar techniques based on time tested parenting skills. It is finessing these skills that Vivienne is able to offer to new parents.

www.thebabycalmer.co.uk

Perfect. Every aspect of your Party catered for Contact Carole Parties To Go 020 8947 5337 07971 141733 carole@partiestogo.co.uk www.partiestogo.co.uk

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Wimbledon, Putney, Balham, Kingston, Surbiton, Streatham and Hampton Court EMAIL julie@theathenanetwork.com HELPFUL HELPFUL WIMBLEDON WIMBLEDON WEBSITES WEBSITES Love Wimbledon Love Wimbledon www.lovewimbledon.org www.lovewimbledon.org London London Borough Borough of of Merton Merton www.merton.gov.uk www.merton.gov.uk Citizen’s Citizen’s Advice Advice Bureau Bureau www.nacab.org.uk www.nacab.org.uk Merton Merton Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce www.mertonchamber.co.uk www.mertonchamber.co.uk Wimbledon Civic Forum Wimbledon Town Centre www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk www.wimbledontowncentre.co.uk Wimbledon Wimbledon Society Civic Forum www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk Wimbledon Centre Wimbledon Community Society www.wimbledoncommunity.org.uk www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk Volunteer Centre MertonCentre Wimbledon Community www.volunteercentremerton.org.uk www.wimbledoncommunity.org.uk Learning Skills Council Volunteer&Centre Merton www.lsc.gov.uk www.volunteercentremerton.org.uk Charity Commission Learning & Skills Council www.charitycommission.gov.uk www.lsc.gov.uk Wimbledon Music Diary Charity Commission www.wimbledonmusicdiary.com www.charitycommission.gov.uk Wimbledon Society Wimbledon Choral Music Diary www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk www.wimbledonmusicdiary.com Local Police/Neighbourhood Wimbledon Choral Society Watch www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk The Wimbledon Guild Local Police/Neighbourhood Watch www.wimbledonguild.co.uk www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods Care Connect Guild The Wimbledon www.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect www.wimbledonguild.co.uk Centre Court Care Connect www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk www.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect

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 NHS DIRECT National 020 8274 4901 020 8546 Rail 7711 0845 DIRECT 4647 08457 484950 NHS National Rail 0845 4647 44

08457 484950

feb-march 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

* Nicholas & Steele 78 Durham Rd Tel: 07947 011879 COLLECT COPIES AT OUR “HOTSPOTS” * Maison St. Cassien, Wimbledon Village Tel: 020 8944 1200 78 Durham Rd * Nicholas & Steele Tel: 07947 011879 * Southfields Gallery 223 Wimbledon Park Rd Tel: 07947St. 675Cassien, 059 Wimbledon Village * Maison

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Much-loved Wimbledon statue returns from walkabout CARPENTER & GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES C. N. RYAN LTD - 25 years in the business Member of GuildCourt of Master Craftsmen Free has quotes & the entre Shopping Centre seen excellent references T: 0845 259of 0221 c.ryan@zen.co.uk imminent return theE:much-loved statue M: 07811 285367

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Walking Women (or ‘Two Large Ladies’, as it is also affectionately called) following concern YOUR OWN HOURS from residentsWORK that the artwork had disappeared for around your family or career. good. The statue was moved from its normal location Our organic health & beauty business is outside the Rotunda near the station when work exploding and weentrance need your help.

Potentially began earlier thisPart year.

Samantha Brown, Marketing £1000 p.m. time. £4000 p.m.

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CLAIRE ON: 020 3393 9557 (24hrs) ManagerCALL for the centre, says: ‘This year marks our 20th anniversary, and the Ladies have been with us from ELEGANCE DRY CLEANERS - RAYNES PARK the beginning, so we would never have entertained the Special Offer! thought of letting go2 somewhere Tues:them £14 for piece suits else.’

Thurs: 30% off for senior citizens

8542 2055 The 8ft high bronze020 sculpture, created by Andre (opp. back of station) Wallace, was unveiled at the opening of Centre Court Shopping Centre in September 1992. The artwork is of WINDOW CLEANER - FAMILY BUSINESS two larger-than-life women, who appear to be striding 40 YEARS IN THE WIMBLEDON AREA purposefully towards you when you encounter the statue, From £12 - £18 for an average four striking abedroom pose which is left up to the viewer’s own house.

Contracts welcome. interpretation.Call Victor: 07703 803955

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Unveiling The Ladies in their new spot! L-R: Mayor’s Consort, Mrs. Williams, Reverend Andrew Wakefield, Mayor of Merton – Cllr David Williams, Sam Brown, Marketing Manager – Centre Court, Suzy Wood, Centre Court Manager, Love Wimbledon BID Manager, Helen Clark Bell

The statue was specially designed for the site following Andre’s selection from a competition held by Speyhawk Retail Plc in Autumn 1991. It took the artist six months to complete the two figures before they were cast in bronze by Meridian Fine Art Co.Ltd. For more information, call Sam on 0208 944 8323

The Old

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diary

WHAT’S ON MERTON ARTS TRAIL 22nd–23rd and 29th–30th September, FREE ENTRY Over 100 local artists to see. mertonartstrail.org.uk

ABUNDANCE FRUIT DAY 15th Sept 11am – 2pm St Mark’s Hall, SW19 7ND behind Wimbledon Library.

FREE ENTRY

WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST 6th–14th Oct, several venues.

Booking open now: Mon–Wed 10am – 5pm 020 8545 8342 wimbledonbookfest.org

12 KM FAMILY WALK FOR BOWEL DISEASE UK Sun 23rd Sept from Sheen Gate of Richmond Park 9am – 1pm Contact Gary Douch boweldisease.org.uk

MERTON CHAMBER BUSINESS COURSE Tax, National Insurance and VAT 11th Sept 10am – 1pm Call Charlene 020 8408 1501 Effective Networking Course 13th Sept 9:30am – 12:30pm Call Caroline 020 8944 5501 mertonchamber.co.uk

LUMINI GLASS GROUP WIM LIBRARY GALLERY 6th–13th Oct. Green Spaces is the first exhibition of the Lumini Glass Group. T: 07930 261362

ST RAPHAEL’S LADIES MIDNIGHT WALK 5 MILES Sat 22nd Sept, Cheam. Call Suzi Forland on 020 8644 3857 straphaels.org.uk

WIM STABLES OPEN DAY Sun 9th Sept, 10am – 5pm Behind the Windmill on the Common. Fun for all the family.

CHARITY PIANO RECITAL KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL Mark Nixon Sun 23rd Sept, 3pm Great Hall. It’s the UK launch of Mark’s solo CD and comes after an 11 concert tour of South Africa and is in aid of Obera School in Kenya.

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WIMBLEDON THEATRE 11th–15th Sept: 42nd Street 25th–6th Oct: Legally Blonde 15th–20th Oct: Grease

SHOOTING STAR-CHASE Annual Lunch on Tues 18th September, 12pm – 3pm. This year includes a Fashion Show in conjunction with L.K. Bennett London. Venue: The Roehampton Club, Roehampton Lane, SW15 5LR. Alison Connick T: 07789 904 595 Jane Delay at the Shooting Star CHASE fundraising office on 01932 823100.

BATTERSEA DOGS & CATS HOME COLLARS & COATS GALA BALL ‘12 Thurs 8th Nov 6:30pm Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge Ent, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ call 020 7627 9309 Amanda Holden, Paul O’Grady MBE (hosts) battersea.org.uk WIMBLEDON TOWN CENTRE Brazilian Cultural Weekend 29th & 30th Sept 10am – 6pm. Food, music and dance! lovewimbledon.org WIMBLEDON FILM STUDIOS Official ‘BILL’ tours Sat & Sun only 22th Sept–28th Oct 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm. See inside the studio where all the action took place over 27 years.

1 Deer Park Road SW19 3TL wimbledonstudios.com

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classifieds Forest bailiff CARPENTER & GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES C. N. RYAN LTD – 25 years in the business Member of Guild of Master Craftsmen Free quotes & excellent references T: 0845 259 0221 E: c.ryan@zen.co.uk M: 07811 285367 WORK YOUR OWN HOURS around your family or career.

Our organic health & beauty business is exploding and we need your help. Potentially £1000 p.m. Part time. £4000 p.m. Full time.

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STAY WARM THIS WINTER!

Visit our beautiful showrooms to see the full range of working Clearview Stoves (approved for Smoke Control areas) and so much more!

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Tues: £14 for 2 two-piece suits Thurs: 30% off for senior citizens 020 8542 2055 (opp. back of station) WINDOW CLEANER – FAMILY BUSINESS 40 YEARS IN THE WIMBLEDON AREA From £15–£25 for an average four bedroom house and regular cleans. (One-off cleans extra).

Call Victor: 07703 803955

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INTRODUCING ROSIE PACKER, LOCAL WRITER AND PAINTER Visit Rosie’s studio during Merton Arts Trail in September, where her vibrant & exciting abstract paintings will be on show.

Rosie Packer 07879 658846 www.rosiepacker.co.uk

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Tues: £14 for two 2 piece suits Thurs: 30% off for senior citizens T: 020 8542 2055 (opp back of Raynes Park station)

point of view

Am erican Dream

By Kate Greenhalgh

T

his summer I fulfilled the ambition of a lifetime, and piled the family into an RV convoy across the American deserts.

Yee-hah! No loafing on a beach for us – time for back-packs, campsites, appalling toilet facilities and hairy legs. I’ve never felt so alive!

The thing about the American landscape is the visceral thump it can deliver, the sheer lump-inthe-throat scale of it all. At last I’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge, the waterfalls of Yosemite and where Mila Kunis lives with my own eyes. I can’t tell you how exciting it felt! But as well

as unforgettable memories, we brought home love for the American people, with their huge charm and kindness. It’s always really about people, not places, and when you come from London, warmth and helpfulness are qualities you don’t necessarily expect in strangers! I want to mention James in particular. We had diverted around Death Valley after being told that our tyres would explode if we attempted to cross it, and that there weren’t no folks would be able to rescue us before we self-immolated in the heat. Given that it was also Friday 13th, and there is a kind of clue in the name of the place, we decided not to pooh-pooh the advice in English stiff-upper-lip

fashion, and made a long detour through the less diabolical Mojave Desert instead.

The town of Mojave itself is an eerie place, surrounded by vast wasteland, hundreds of sinister, churning wind turbines and a bleak airstrip. In a particularly dispiriting gas station, on an ugly intersection next to railroad tracks, we were served by an elderly gentleman whose plastic name badge announced that he was ‘James’. My patronising, touristic pity for James and his ‘Valley of Ashes’ circumstances was instantly blown away. James’ cheery good nature and adorable courtesy blazed forth. James was just great. These are good people, these Americans!

Which is why, landing back in England on the eve of the Olympics, expecting rain, grumpy airport staff and rude motorists, in a country which has the Cheddar Gorge to hold up to the Grand Canyon, but in fact encountering lovely, smiling Olympic volunteers, gentle, watery sunshine and hedgerows full of poppies, the ambition of a lifetime was crowned. The best of journeys really do bring you back to the best of home.

46 sept–oct 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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