Darling Magazine Summer 2010

darlingmagazine.co.uk

Caroline Pearson-Wright & the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask

Championship Style with Nicola Murray

INSPIRING SUCCESS Kelly McAteer Wimbledon’s hottest property

Plus: Dog Psychology, Tennis Stars Come to Town, Bathroom Magic, New Local Garden Emporium, Festival Fun this Summer, Ten Top Property Tips, Down Town Facelift, Exhibitionists at Wimbledon Art College, Local Actress in “Wife After Death”, Asthma, Smiles & The Diet Game and more!

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editor’s letter

Summer’s Back!

Dear Darling Reader, Sex, art, theatre, tennis, gardening, business and remote-control dogs – the perfect summer cocktail for locals with and without volcanochallenged travel plans. So strip down to your skimpy best and plunge into a Darling packed with tips and treats from Wimbledon’s best and brightest!

Cover: Alex Douglas-Home Photographer: Taylor Torr Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Advertising info@darlingmagazine.co.uk 07930 396356 Email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributing Writers Philippa Hennessy Victoria Carew Hunt Designer Mark McGough Photography Taylor Torr 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 including within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form electronic, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from the publisher.

Local girl made good Kelly McAteer leads the way, this edition’s Inspiring Woman of Wimbledon, a feisty powerhouse who’s changing the face of the Village one business at a time. This time it’s Hemingway’s, our very first independently-owned watering hole.

Tom Conti spars with local actress and glamour-girl Diana Marchment in “Wife After Death”. Our own Philippa Hennessy runs the London Marathon, Nicky Murray does what-to-wear with strawberries and cream, and Caroline Pearson-Wright advises on the ins-and-outs of teenage sex.

If it’s art and culture you’re after there’s the Wimbledon Common Cannizaro Music Festival, The Wimbledon Village Fair, an Edwardian Fair in Wimbledon Park and Arts & Cocktails at Cannizaro house with lots of concerts for more serious music lovers too.

So plenty to enjoy as The Tennis comes around again and you can relax with our “new look” Darling. Until next time.

Karine Torr Editor info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contents: 55 88 11 14 15 17 18 23 27 29 30 31 34 37 39 40 43 44 45 46

Interview with Kelly McAteer “Inspiring Women of Wimbledon” Nicola Murray gives us All England style Tennis stars flock to SW19 Wimbledon Town Centre gets a facelift Southfield Dental Centre - Smiles all round New Garden Emporium on Durham Rd Garden Sage “On the Scene” Wimbledon social pages Philippa Hennessy - the inside track on the London Marathon Contraception clinic - Caroline Pearson-Wright on teen sex Debbie Brooks on Weight Management the LighterLife way Local actress Diana Marchment plays with Tom Conti Zumba latest Colombian dance/exercise craze Top property tips with Hart Brown Jason Coetzee’s series on “Move or Renovate” bathroom tips New Canine Psychologist, Corrine Jakobowski Summer reading with Victoria Carew Hunt Important local websites and Cannizaro Music Festival dates ‘What’s On’ for the diary Classified page, ’at a glance’ directory of useful services Points of View with Kate Greenhalgh darling/summer 2010

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inspiring women

Kelly McAteer, power-house entrepreneur and wheelerdealer par excellence chats to Darling about her humble beginnings and Hemingways, her latest project in the Village by Philippa Hennessy.

What was it like growing up in Wimbledon as a child and what schools did you attend?

Wimbledon was a great place to grow up - I led a very sporty life and was outdoors most of the time. I wasn’t particularly academic, my Mum’s goal for me was to be happy. I did karate and competed at National level, swam regularly, attended dance classes and horse rode at the Village Stables. I went to primary school at Our Lady Queen of Heaven at Tibbets corner - my Mum, brother and our three dogs would walk three miles a day to get there!

After that, I went to the Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon (as it was known in those days).

Did you have a driving ambition as a child and who were your role models?

I always wanted to win – winning was where the fun was and was very important to me.

As I got older I realised that it was the participating that mattered, not the winning.

I had a fear of failing which kept me driven but now I have the courage to take on any project and now enjoy the challenge. I had amazing role models around me, but my mother Sheila was the best.

She is glamorous, tough, driven and committed and I must admit I used to ignore most of her advice. I hated that pressure to be the best you could be but later in life I appreciated that she did it out of love and wanting me to succeed. She did a great job! My parents showed me the way really - they came from Ireland with nothing at a very young age and to make a good living they did up houses and sold them on.

How did you become a qualified surveyor at such a young age?

I left school at 16 with no proper qualifications.

My education only kicked when I joined the YTS (Youth Training Scheme) for Chartered Surveyors – I had told the careers advisor I was interested in property because that was all I knew. For eight years I went to college one day a week and worked for four days.

You are probably one of Wimbledon’s best known business tycoons – how did you start your own businesses?

I set up shop early in life, selling cups of tea and sandwiches to the builders

doing up our houses! I also bought my first property at 16. For 10 years, I trained with DCL, the UK’s largest Leisure Surveyors and have had dealings with some of London’s top establishments, such as China White, The Ivy chain, Heaven night club, Carluccios and Strada to name but a few.

Eight years ago I set up my own company, Edge Commercial and act for clients such as Mean Fiddler who own Glastonbury Festival. Until last year, I owned the Italian Taverna on Ridgway and now I’m the owner of Hemingways. By being the only independently owned and run bar in the Village, my darling/summer 2010

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inspiring women intention is to put the ‘Village’ back into the Village - I am able to create what the locals want - somewhere classy, fun and friendly. We also have a unique VIP membership which is proving to be very successful.

Hemingways is a labour of love for me. I’ve been a director of ten or so businesses but this is completely out of my comfort zone - my team and I are so passionate about what we have created!

Does your husband get involved in your work and do you ever get any quality time to spend together?

Dan is my rock that’s his involvement, without his love and support I would not have taken on and completed the Hemingways project. My husband is Engineer by trade he totally loves building big boys toy like oil rigs & war ships.

Right now he is involved in running two companies that are taking on the risk and disaster

management involved in the financial sector and the oil and gas industry an ambitious and exciting challenge for him and his team. One of our agreement when getting married was that we would holiday a lot so we ski, sail, mountain bike and we both love the sun and to travel.

Do you have any top tips for aspiring business women? *Believe in your ideas and aspirations. Be bold, trust that you can do anything you put your mind to, then take actions consistent with that …but be realistic. *Do what inspires you! Have fun, don’t do it just for the money and don’t listen too much to any negative voices in your head telling you it’s not possible or that you can’t do it. *Be someone who keeps their word and do what you set out to do. When the going gets tough, don’t quit. Most failures in life

had no idea that they were only one step away from success. *Surround yourself with inspiring people, a team that believes in you and vice versa.

Don’t be scared to be vulnerable and ask for help. *Do your research and always remember that life is too short so whatever you do, enjoy it!

Wimbledon favourites....

The Buddhapadipa Thai temple on a sunny afternoon.

Questionnaire for something funky and glam.

Bayley & Sage for something lovely and tasty.

The Butchers Grill for the best steak in town.

The Village Florist for something creatively beautiful.

Hemingways to relax in cool surroundings, sip cocktails and Champagne.

Photography: Guy Reece

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style

Nicola Murray author and international branding coach explains how to serve an ACE in true Wimbledon style.

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he British Social Season’s eighteenth century traditions and Peter Townsend’s little black book of ‘Suitable Girls,’ continue to live on in the social occasions that take place between April and August each year. And still give us relevant suggestions on conduct and clothing.

Like a wrong note in an aria or cerise on centre court, few are

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so brave as to break appropriate custom and select to stand out.

So here are some guidelines to aid your dress and behaviour, although rest assured, I’m no Professor Henry Higgins nor would I dare to assume that you’re an Eliza Doolittle out there! Let’s look at Wimbledon fortnight for the purposes of illustration and because, after all, this is Darling!

Unless you’re in the Debenture Lounge or the Member’s Enclosure there are no formal dress codes as such to respect, unlike Ascot and Glyndebourne and some of the rest. Needless to say you’re quite ill informed if you think your clothing and conduct will go unobserved. So best to take heed of a few bits of advice as you never know when it might be rather quite nice not to have to think twice.

Weather: Renowned for its eccentric flair, British weather can change its mind without prior warning; I advise you dress to be versatile.

In clothing terms this simply means wearing multiple layers of thin, well coordinated garments.

Remember to carry a light-weight raincoat, an umbrella of sorts and a signature pair of glasses for the sun. You will find some gorgeous varieties at Unique, Etro or Antonio Maras. Burberry Prorsum and Aquascutum for a light summer trench or Erdem, Pringle or Nicole Farhi too.

Comfort: Watching tennis involves plenty of sitting and if you’re not sitting you’re probably walking too; so comfort is king. What fabrics

are best? Any natural fibre is tops; silk, cotton is excellent, especially the light-weight kind, and linen but only for some, for you may end up a right wrinkled mess. Alas, should you settle for anything less, your armpits will slowly begin to drip-drop and your clothing look in need of an emergency press. Just as your sunscreen is rated UV, so look out for the clothing protection factor (CPF). Just another acronym for you to digest.

Leave your stilettos at home; rather opt for a great pair of flats, classic peep-toe courts, your loyal trainers at that or for the fashion savvy a pair of great summer boots!

Style & Colour: Now Wimbledon wouldn’t be the same if white weren’t a clue, so for this year’s event go in a watered down hue; pastels, vanilla, cream, dove grey or nude or opt for the maritime look and mingle blue, red and white perhaps in a stripe. The lighter you go the more light your outfit reflects and hence the cooler you feel. Back to point one, if it’s a dull, rotten day, then light won’t quite do, so err on transitional; bring in the camels, tans, greens, greys or blues.

Styles and fabrics that allow the body to move with great ease, like perhaps a trousers suit in a light silk/cotton mix or your favourite shift dress or a wrap. Consider an A-line skirt with pleats and a vest if you please or team a polo shirt or a blouse with a pair of white cotton slacks. And for those with legs that can speak, the belted on

trend shorts-suit might be quite chic. And remember under your raingear to wear a blazer, jacket or cardigan in keeping with your outfit as its finishing piece.

Labels: A few in-store pointers here: Ralph Lauren is a favourite of course; try J Crew for a more laid back, active feel, Austin Reed for shifts or DVF for your classic wrap dress. Try Topshop for sundresses and Miss Selfridges or Mango for the maritime look.

Jaeger for a great selection of cardigans and A-line skirts and Missoni for espadrilles.

that’s for sure, over the centuries has earned our respect, so in keeping if you would kindly dress to impress! m: 07787 526740 e: nicola@tonicltd.com www.tonicltd.com

“Needless to say you’re quite ill informed if you think your clothing and conduct will go unobserved.”

Conduct: And last but not least a few words on conduct. Silence during rallies; never applaud a double fault, and there’s no swearing, booing or shouting out loud. Remain in your seat during play. Keep your clobber beside your feet to yourself, never point at a celebrity for that is quite rude.

If you’re lucky enough you may keep a stray ball and it is quite proper to consume at least a bowl of strawberries and cream.

Wimbledon fortnight an occasion darling/summer 2010

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Hall School Wimbledon

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tennis

Spotting the Stars in SW19 with Richard Jones from The Tennis Gallery.

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© Michael Cole 2010

F YOU LIVE OR WORK IN SW19, Wimbledon Fortnight is a celebrity spotter’s paradise. Over the years eagleeyed residents have reported sightings of Martina Navratilova pedalling her bicycle up Marryat Road, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario jogging on Wimbledon Common, and Steffi and Andre playing with their kids in Wimbledon Park.

Add sightings of Roger Federer’s dad buying his early morning coffee in the Village, and John Newcombe tucking into an Italian meal in a Broadway restaurant, and you have every reason to be optimistic of spotting a star or two during this year’s tournament. It’s a fact, though, that the leading contenders for the Men’s and Ladies’ singles titles are hardly likely to be spotted anywhere other than the Centre Court. darling/summer 2010

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tennis

This year there are fascinating rivalries amongst both the men and the women. Swiss superstar Roger Federer will be defending the title he won for the sixth time last year, defeating the popular American Andy Roddick in a marathon five set final. Federer now has sixteen Grand Slam titles, making him the most successful player in the history of men’s tennis. His main challenge this year may come from a fit-again Rafael Nadal, who will be itching to regain the crown he wrestled from Federer in 2008 but was unable to defend last year due to a knee injury. Britain’s Andy Murray has had an indifferent year so far by his own high standards, but he is still ranked in the world’s

top five and will be looking to progress further than his semifinal loss to Roddick last year.

Other men to watch out for are the rapidly improving Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils, two dashing Frenchman with talent and charisma who are both capable of beating anyone on their day. Finally, it would be foolish to rule out the chances of last year’s runner-up Andy Roddick.

The popular American has already been in great form this year, winning the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami and finishing runner-up in Indian Wells. With his almost unreturnable serve, Andy is always tough to beat on Wimbledon’s grass.

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© Michael Cole 2010

Women’s tennis has been thrown wide open by the return from retirement of the popular Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, both of whom are capable of winning the Wimbledon title this year. Kim announced her return in spectacular fashion by winning last September’s US Open, and Justine nearly repeated the feat on her return in January by finishing runner-up in the Australian Open. Now they are both ready to challenge the Wimbledon supremacy of Venus and Serena Williams, who have between them won the singles title in eight out of the last ten years.

Venus now has five Wimbledon singles titles to Serena’s three, and they have also teamed up to win the Ladies Doubles title on four occasions.

Watch out for what the sisters are wearing when they step out onto Centre Court, for in recent weeks Venus has been parading the clay courts of Europe in a skimpy red tennis dress with black lace trim, which in other circumstances might be mistaken for a negligee.

Other challengers will include Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki, rejuvenated Serb Jelena Jankovic and British wildcard Laura Robson, who at sixteen has the talent and confidence to cause a shock or two.

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town projects

Ashley Heller, Project Manager of the Wimbledon Town Centre Improvement Project talks to Darling.

‘Destination Wimbledon’ is the name given to £2.5m worth of improvements to Wimbledon town centre, along Wimbledon Hill Road from Woodside Road as far as Queens Road.

Including a new pedestrian space on Wimbledon station forecourt, wider pavements, high quality paving, lighting and easier pedestrian crossing the scheme is intended to ensure Wimbledon is a great location for the 2012 Olympics and beyond. There are also ideas for public art and even a new digital informationscreen. The scheme is being carefully designed so as not to increase traffic delays in this important through route.

Merton Council has put together a funding package from Transport for London, Network Rail, local developers and Council transport monies which depend on the whole scheme being in place by early 2012.

A lot of research has gone into the area, including a major ‘pedestrian audit’ carried out by leading accessibility charity ‘Living Streets.’ This concluded that there were major barriers to people walking easily around the town centre including guard railings and narrow pavements.

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The overall feel of the area has also been criticised, particularly given its annual role as a gateway to Wimbledon for many national and international visitors during the All England Championship.

Recent studies carried out by business competiveness consultants also identified the public realm in Wimbledon as a shortcoming for attracting shoppers into the area.

Since last summer the Council has been project managing the improvements including carrying out surveys and assessments.

Having come up with some workable ideas the Council is asking local people and businesses what they think.

A number of meetings have taken place with local groups.

Some local businesses met at Tapanco Restaurant in April and were treated to an in-depth presentation by Ashley and his colleagues.

L-R: Chief Superintendent Chris Bourlet, Borough Commander, David Ordman Chair of the Wimbledon Town Centre Management and Ashley Heller, Project Manager of the Wimbledon Town Centre Improvement Project.

A ‘roadshow’ also took place on the station forecourt in early May and thousands of‘Destination Wimbledon’ free sheets have been left around the town centre so people could respond.

Above L-R: Jane Dancaster from Wimbledon School of English, Iain Simpson, Chair of the Wimbledon Society & Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association, Diana Sterck from the Merton Chamber of Commerce and John Strover, Chartered Accountant and campaigner for Wandle Heritage.

For further details call Destination Wimbledon at the Council 020 8545 4675 e: transport.planning@ merton.gov.uk

dental

Dr Nikki Gulati from Southfields Dental Centre gets her teeth into how they run The Blue House.

S

ituated in the desirable Southfields Village, just up the road from the All England Club you’ll find a house with a famous blue door, right next to Southfields underground station. ‘The Blue House’ as it is popularly called by the local people, houses the well established Southfields Dental Centre, a friendly family practice which was modernised by Dr Nikki Gulati some six years ago.

Nikki and her highly qualified team of dentists, hygienists and nurses believe that a healthy smile speaks volumes about an individual and a healthy mouth reflects our general well being.

The surgery now boasts stateof-the-art treatment rooms which caters to all your dental and aesthetic needs under one roof. Despite being a mother of two young children she runs this lovely practice and is very passionate about all that it has on offer.

All the surgeries are fully airconditioned and fitted with digital

intra-oral cameras so you can actually see inside your mouth on a screen, and you can even watch DVDs while undergoing any procedures!

They offer high end dental treatment at affordable prices.

These include high quality tooth coloured fillings, inlays, crowns, bridges, veneers, root canal treatments, dental hygiene services to tooth whitening, removal of wisdom teeth and implant treatments.

Smile makeovers consultations can be arranged. Sometimes this may be achieved by just a simple procedure of tooth whitening.

Specially trained staff provide Britesmile - the one step, one hour tooth whitening. Currently at ONLY £399 saving over £100.

The foods we consume and of course aging affect our teeth which tend to go darker or yellow and sometimes just getting them whitened will add that little extra touch for a bright beautiful smile.

The new invisible clear braces called Invisalign are also on offer with a free consultation and free whitening. This is a revolutionary way to straighten teeth without any braces!!!

“A healthy mouth reflects our general well being”

Facial aesthetics and wrinkle removal is also provided by their in-house specialist oral surgeon. Currently cosmetic wrinkle removal (botox) is on an introductory offer for £125 per area and you can have a free consultation, see photos or just drop in for a chat.

Putting nervous patients at ease is also a speciality here at the Blue House - they love treating young children and no one knows this better than Nikki Gulati herself how important teaching good hygiene habits is from a very early age, being a mother herself.

Southfields Dental Centre 1 Augustus Road Southfields SW19 6LL t: 020 8788 8050 e: info@southfieldsdental.co.uk www.southfieldsdental.co.uk darling/summer 2010

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gardens gardens

The Garde n Sage Directors, Robert Stacewicz and Liam Latham Robert writes: As we walked around Kew Gardens in the September sun last year the idea of starting our own garden company was born.

Liam had run a garden company for several years in Zimbabwe but with the downturn in the political and economic situation he was forced to start a new life in the UK. Being a local of SW19, I have always loved the gardens and green spaces around here. What started as a hobby, became an all-engrossing interest. This prompted me to study for a degree in horticulture at Hadlow College, Greenwich University and I have worked in horticulture ever since.

Your local horticultural heroes are here to help you with their new garden design, construction and maintenance business. out at a time when local shops are struggling to maintain a foothold.

• Top quality plants and garden products

Our mission is to provide a garden service second to none. From small gardens to large estates, we want the area to be greener and more beautiful than ever before.

We want the shop to be a reference point for local people, a point of contact for good gardening advice.

• Plant sourcing service

We supply top quality plants and products. If we don't have what you're after, please ask, and we will do our best to get it for you.

Please pop in, even just to have a look around!

• Turf laying

• All gardening enquiries welcome • Consulta ons and advice • Design and construc on • Garden revival programmes • Gardens died • Plan ng and pruning • Vegetable and herb gardens • Interior/exterior containers • Residen al/commercial contracts

Liam and I combined our knowledge and experience, to become the owners of a rapidly expanding garden design and maintenance business, The Garden Sage. We located a premises on Durham Road that would be our shop and base.

And in April 2010 we opened our doors for the first time.

The opening was met with the most wonderful comments from both customers and passers-by.

Many have remarked at how we have helped improve the up-and-coming feel of the area.

We have taken a real leap of faith in the people of SW20, starting

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 48 Durham Road, West Wimbledon, London SW20 0TW T: 020 8944 9756 E: info@thegardensage.co.uk

www.thegardensage.co.uk darling/summer 2010

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social pages

“SAVE THE CHILDREN WALK” ALONG BEVERLEY BROOK IN MAY Organised by L-R Rosie Hickson, Sally Aiken-Davies and Luisa Elliot (front row in Save the Children T-shirts). Local fund raisers were on track to walk a 10 km course starting at the Wimbledon Rugby Club in Barham Road.

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social pages

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social pages

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social pages

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fitness

Keen runner and Darling columnist Philippa Hennessy takes us through her marathon paces.

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sk me 12 months ago if I’d ever run a marathon and the answer would have been “absolutely no way.”

During a career crisis in my early twenties, I trained for the Army Officer Selection Tests and used to run for miles with a pack on my back. The Army didn’t want me and I landed a City job complete with a swanky gym membership. Fast forward to 2009 and under pressure to leave the ‘far too expensive and nowhere to ever park’ health club, I donned my running shoes again. After running the Wimbledon 10k race, I found myself hankering after a new challenge. Several months later I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon, leaving The London Marathon, the epitome of the running race calendar, as my ultimate challenge. I was lucky to get a place running for SportsAid, a charity that helps fund young athletes to fulfil their sporting dreams. Fitting my training in around my hectic schedule as domestic goddess, freelance writer and oh nearly forgot, 3 young boys, at times took its toll. Pacing the streets of Wimbledon in such a sleep deprived state often made me question my ability to complete the course. At the peak of my training, I was long distance running three times a week in addition to hill training and gym sessions. I mapped out routes that took in the towpaths from Kew to Kingston, ran in 85 degrees

heat and even once ran home from Kings Cross – not quite as scenic but cheaper than an oyster card.

Training through the winter posed its challenges – remember the heavy snowfall? Yes, I was that insane woman making fresh tracks on the Common that you gawped at from the comfort of your fleecelined hunter wellies. The snow melted, the training stepped up a gear, the distances increased along with the portions of pasta and after completing a 21 mile race, the four week countdown started.

“After running the Wimbledon 10k race, I found myself hankering after a new challenge.”

my two older boys and niece frantically waving over the barriers – not sure whether their euphoria was down to relief that I wasn’t crawling or because I had nearly made it. 3 hours and 54 minutes after crossing the start line, I hobbled over the finish where a surreal sight of exhausted people in shock greeted me. With medal on display, I went in search of my husband Mark who had also run.... and to shed a few tears.

I may not have very attractive feet as a result, but having raised over £2,000 for charity and being able to say that I ran the marathon is quite something – the day I ran 26.2 miles is right up there with my most special memories. I have to admit that I’m racking my brains for the next challenge, but it’s great to have some of my old life back, it’s nice not to train while Wimbledon is only just waking and it’s even nicer to start wearing toe nail varnish again.

Sunday April 25th, 9.51am – with mixed emotions of elation and anticipation I crossed the start line with some 60,000 others, including a fireman, a bride and a fairy. Loyal Londoners took to the streets singing and dancing, pirates heckled, locals hung out of high-rise flats and landlords opened their doors – it was an overwhelming show of patriotism.

The crowds kept me going, even friends made the effort to come and support. In the last mile I spotted darling/summer 2010

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health Patrick Doody Clinic 79 Pelham Road, SW19 1NX 020 8407 3636 www.gettingiton.org.uk

Darling talks to Contraceptive Sexual Health Nurse, Caroline Pearson-Wright on where to get local help.

M

y name is Caroline and I am a Contraception and Sexual Health Nurse working for the NHS in Merton and Sutton, which includes Wimbledon. I have been a family planning nurse for 8 years and really enjoy my job as I get to meet all sorts of interesting people and hopefully help them in some small way with their sexual health. I have two girls in their twenties and one teenage son which gives me some understanding of the issues facing young people today. Before becoming a family planning nurse I was a school nurse working in many local primary and secondary schools. I work at various family planning clinics and also teach contraception in some schools in the borough. We generally teach contraception to year 9 and STI’s (sexually transmitted infections) to Year 10 and again in Year 11.

The Family Planning service run a Check it Out service for under 20’s and for clinic times and advice call our helpline number 020 8407 3636. For Sexual health services in SW London the website is gettingiton.org.uk, this is for young peopleand has a lot of interesting information on it. The main clinic in Wimbledon is the Patrick Doody Clinic situated just behind Wimbledon theatre and is very busy. Our clinic times are

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Mon 6.15pm - 8pm, Tues 1.30 - 4pm, Wed 6.15 - 8pm Thurs 6.15-8pm Fri 6pm-7.30. All contraception is free. We offer: • Pregnancy tests, EHC (emergency hormal contraception) • All forms of contraception • Terminations • Cervical screening • Chlamydia testing to under 25s • Advice The service is confidential and information will only be shared if we feel we need to protect the client or someone else from serious harm - but we always discuss it with the client first.

Most young girls feel they are the only ones that are not having sex.

There is so much in the media and magazines etc, when in fact the average age for sex in the UK is 16. It is against the law to have sex under the age of 16.

In my experience most very young people seem to regret their first time. As a family planning nurse we learn to put our personal feelings to one side and be non judgemental but I do however feel a lot of the girls I see are too young to be having sex. And should be thinking about it more and discussing with their partners, making sure they are not being

pressurized. The clinic has queues outside most evenings and there are usually two doctor and three nurses in attendance. There is no need to worry about examinations or parents being contacted as these are the most common fears. My advice to parents is to keep talking to their children, keeping the lines of communication open. England has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe and the government is aiming to reduce this by 50% by 2010.

One of the ways they are doing this is by encouraging the use of LARCS (long acting reversible contraceptives). These include the injection (called Depo) which lasts for 12 weeks and the implant which is a small flexible rod which is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It lasts for 3 years and releases the progesterone hormone. These methods means the girls don’t have to remember to take their pills every day and are over 99% effective. We have many different types of pills and encourage girls to return if they are not happy with their particular one.

Chlamydia affects 1 in 12 young girls between the ages of 15 and 25. Repeat onset can lead to infertility in women. Over 70% of women do not realize they

have it and 50% of men have no symptoms. We run a simple test which includes a urine test and filling in a form. The client is then contacted within 2 weeks for the result. It is a very common STI (sexually transited infection) and the stigma of having an STI is gradually decreasing.

Chlamydia is very simply treated with antibiotics. The morning after pill can be given 72 hours after unprotected sex and is free in family planning clinics It cost £25 in chemists but is free to under 20’s in some chemists in Sutton and Merton. It is not 100 percent reliable.

Finally a few tips on how to talk to your children about sex! Make talking about sex a part of life not just a one off and use every day media to start conversations ie. soaps and adverts. Talk about other people which is sometimes easier. Use books, leaflets and websites for ideas. Find out what education they are getting in schools, offer to go to the doctor or clinic with them. Make sure they know about STI’s and how to stay safe. Support your teenager as they deal with the emotions of a first intimate relationship and the importance of considering others feelings!

Good luck!

By clearing blocks in your body and mind Theta Healing can help to unlock depression, addiction, infertility, eating disorders and acute or chronic illness.

For a fresh approach on physical and emotional healing phone Erica today at 07868 783470 www.thetahealingworld.com darling/summer 2010

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weight management

Debbie Brooks coaches us on how to lose pounds rather than points.

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ith Wimbledon fortnight upon us, who can fail to be impressed with the gamesmanship of some of the top seeded tennis players in the world. Hopefully we’ll see some play as exciting as last years, when Roger Federer collected his sixth Wimbledon title and Serena Williams yet again defeated sister Venus in the ladies final.

“Sometimes you lose points and still go on to make a spectacular comeback.”

Whilst reflecting on what ‘makes’ a great tennis player, I couldn’t help but draw parallels with how I encourage my clients to become skilled at weight management.

Playing tennis at even a competent amateur level requires knowledge and skills and the right attitude for success. For example, who would just grab a tennis racket and ball and expect to score points without some knowledge of the ‘rules of the game’, and some practice? Yet this is how we often approach weight management. We ‘do’

the diet, lose some weight and expect it be ‘game, set and match’ thereafter. No wonder those hardlost pounds find their way back on when we’re not keeping our ‘eyes on the ball’. So how do I, as a LighterLife Weight Management Counsellor, support my clients to become ‘match-fit’?

First I ask my clients to set some weight management goals and visualise what their life will be like when they achieve them. If you don’t have goals to aim for then how do you know where you are going? Do you want a knock about with friends or family on a Sunday afternoon, or are you heading for the trophy?

Once the goals are set, we work together in small groups to develop essential knowledge and skills. Gaining knowledge can involve personal insights about one’s relationship with food, as well as learning the rules of how to balance lifestyle and diet in order to optimise health. And then clients practise what they are learning through LighterLife group coaching and support, in order to develop the skills necessary for sound weight management.

However, knowledge and skills are one thing, what about the attitude required to sustain progress? For example, if the ball falls outside of

the boundary line are you going to emulate John McEnroe and wail “it’s not fair…the ball was IN!” when clearly it wasn’t, as evidenced on the scales? Or, are you going to accept that you can sometimes lose points and still go on to make a spectacular comeback?

Good weight management takes patience, perseverance and sometimes involves some long rallies on the way to success, but like many things worthwhile, does get easier over time provided you don’t ‘throw in the towel’ and concede the game at the first setback.

If you would like to receive a copy of Debbie’s regular e-Newsletter, containing articles on successful weight-management, send me an email on debbie.brooks@ lighterlifecounsellor.com

Debbie Brooks LighterLife Counsellor t: 020 8540 3023 www.lighterlife.com

interview

Diana Marchment talks to Philippa Hennessy about her latest role with Tom Conti.

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retreat for talented artists, authors and musicians seeking anonymity, Wimbledon has attracted many glamorous people. I caught up with actress Diana Marchment, who describes the Village as ‘a haven of tranquility and beauty.’ For 20 years I’ve enjoyed the many benefits of Village life, be it a cup of al fresco coffee or a frenetic search for an outfit in one of the many boutiques.

Tell me about your latest role in the play ‘Wife After Death?’

It’s a comedy and I’m performing alongside Tom Conti, who also happens to be the Director – we’ve already toured several provincial theatres and have more venues to visit before coming to the West End where critics are predicting a successful run.

What’s it like working with Tom Conti?

It’s my first time and I’m really enjoying the experience – he’s a great actor, very innovative and works constantly to improve and develop the play.

Friends and fans from David Lloyd came to see the show in Guildford. L-R Lynette Wiener, Tom Bragg, Dao Tran-Boyd, Veronica Drye, Peter James, Marja Moffet and Alf Longley.

You have quite a CV- what other production have you appeared in?

After training at the Guildford School of Acting, I’ve been cast in numerous plays, TV dramas and films including The Graduate and Calendar Girls.

What has been your favourite role?

Probably when I played Mrs Robinson in ‘The Graduate’ – my David Lloyd membership enabled me to be in good shape for the infamous nude scene!

As well as a hugely successful actress, you are also a model aren’t you?

Yes, I regularly appear on GMTV and in various fashion magazines.

As I love fashion, Wimbledon is the perfect place come and indulge in.

Do have any favourite shopping haunts in the Village?

Oh yes, I often shop at Matches, Question Air and Diane Von Furstenberg.

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How would you describe your fashion style?

Classic with a twist – I mostly wear designer jeans (Joseph or Jo Brand) which I’ll often team up with a casual tee and a well cut jacket with a quirky hat and accessories.

You mentioned David Lloyd, what sports do you enjoy?

I’m a long time member at Raynes Park, although some would claim that I’m more likely to be seen with a cappuccino in my hand than a tennis racket!

Do you have any other hobbies?

When I’m not working I travel extensively and prefer to visit areas off the beaten track.

Recent destinations have included trekking trips to Nepal, Ethiopia, Northern India and camping in the Arctic.

Wimbledon favourites: For Drinks – the Firestables Casual lunch – Le Pain Quotidien Dinner – The Lighthouse

dancing

Darling gets the low-down from Natalie Stevens on new dance/exercise craze.

Zumba, the latest fitness craze that is taking the world by storm, is happening near you and you can’t afford to miss it.

Zumba combines irresistible fast and slow Latin rhythms with easy –to-follow dance moves to create a fun but effective workout that tones and sculpts the body while burning fat. But the best bit is that you don’t even know you’re exercising!

Originating in Colombia, Zumba was, according to legend, born out

of a mishap when dance teacher Beto Perez forgot to bring his music to the class. Improvising from random tapes in his bag, he created a fusion of dance fitness moves that became Zumba, now taught in 75 countries.

Join our very own Zumba queen Angela De Oliveira for a onehour class and step easily into the world of salsa, merengue, samba, flamenco and even belly dancing.

Everyone can Zumba, even those with ‘two left feet’, says Angela,

because the simple steps flow

naturally. And Angela should know.

A fitness instructor for 15 years, she quickly realised how beneficial dance is for your health. Not only is it a good aerobic activity, but it is fun to do and helps with coordination, posture and balance.

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homeopathy

Homeopath Maria Jevtic helps face the hard truth about Asthma in our children.

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sthma is very common amongst adults and children and getting more so every year. Many adults have been on inhalers for many years and more and more children are diagnosed with asthma and put on inhalers for life. The truth is that many children who are put on asthma medication do not have true asthma. Instead they actually have a history of suppressed chest infections leaving a chronic low-level cough that never goes away. This will eventually be called asthma and treated as such.

The road to many asthma diagnoses is long and goes as follows: • A child has repeated acute chest infections in their early years of life.

• These are treated with antibiotics and anti fevermedication each time.

• Repeated doses of anti-fever medication pre-dispose to the development of hay fever and asthma in later life. Eventually, the child’s immune system is too weak to restore balance and settles for a chronic low-level cough that never goes away.

• At this point, the child will hardly ever have a fever or any other acute problem such as ear infections or tonsillitis which would be evidence of a normally active immune system.

The parents of an affected child

eventually get worried about the chronic cough and ask to see a specialist. The consultant explains that there must be some kind of chronic inflammation of the airways causing the cough. He/she will therefore put the child on a course of steroid inhalers to get rid of this inflammation. When the parents bring their child back after the arranged period of 6 weeks to 3 months, the consultant will assume that the child has asthma if the cough has disappeared.

This is because asthma is the most common condition causing inflammation of the lungs. If the steroid has helped to remove the inflammation, it follows that the child must have asthma.

This is supported by the finding that most of those children who manage to come off their inhaler after the initial period, will relapse very soon. But this time their breathing will often take on a wheezing quality as the course of steroids has dried out the lungs to some extent. This in turn will support the diagnosis of asthma. Once on steroids for a while, stopping them without alternative treatment will in most cases cause rebound wheezing and restriction of the airways.

What started as a chronic low level cough that was non-life threatening, has now developed into a life-threatening condition called asthma. If your child has a chronic cough and you wish

to stop this development in its tracks, please consider homeopathy as a safe, natural and gentle alternative. Homeopathy may be able to resolve your child’s chronic cough and restore a naturally strong and resilient immune system. Homeopathy may also help to reduce and eventually come off steroid medication, naturally resolving any coughing or breathing problems your child suffers from.

Maria Jevtic BSc(hons) LCHE RSHom DNTh mBANT Maria is a fully qualified Homeopath and Nutritionist practicing in Wimbledon Village t: 020 8946 8526 m: 07704 232 117 e: maria@jevtics.net www.familyhomeopathy.co.uk

legal

Here are Hart Brown’s top 10 tips to provide a buyer with an immediate positive impact on viewing your property.

colour of the front door can have a deciding impact. Dark Green can apparently put people off whilst bright red has a positive impact!!

2. Make sure your house is clutter and dirt free – it will make the house look bigger and more spacious and puts the buyer into a more positive frame of mind.

Buying a house particularly for personal use is driven largely by emotion. A clean cheerful and bright looking house will appeal to the emotion far more.

“First Impressions are lasting impressions” applies to selling your property as much now as it ever has. Although currently demand exceeds supply, in a tough financial market with many similar properties available, it is vital to provide buyers with the “wow” factor on viewing. This will help sell the house quickly and for the best price.

1. Keep your doorstep/entrance clean and your front garden cultivated. It is the first impression the potential buyer has and can decide the entire buyer’s mood.

A recent study found that even the 34

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3. If possible show your property in spring or summer when it is at its best. The property market is traditionally more buoyant in spring and summer than winter.

4. Think about having cut flowers at appropriate spots around the house but don’t go overboard.

Consider cosy lighting around the house. Bedside lights make the bedrooms look warm and friendly.

5. The smell of a fire in the grate or fresh coffee will make your home feel welcoming, especially in winter. Avoid scented candles or the like as these smells are very personal and can have a negative effect on the buyer.

6. Avoid children’s toys and clothes on the floor and ensure all beds are made. It will give the buyer the impression they can simply move

in without any work having to be done – including house work!

7. Ensure that your garden is neat and tidy – an untidy garden can make buyers realise that gardens do take time and effort to maintain, whilst a tidy garden will deflect the buyers attention away from the issue altogether.

8. Think about tidying up small blemishes in paint work. A common problem picked up by buyers and their surveyors is stained ceilings where there has been a leak, poor decoration and chipped paint. Although full redecoration may be counterproductive, a cleanly presented and decorated house can swing the buyers mind when comparing one house with another.

9. Clean your windows. A sparkling view out of the windows brightens and lifts a house.

10. Give the impression that your house is easy and simple to maintain without huge amounts of work to be done immediately after moving. Many buyers move to a new house in the hope that there is little for them to do especially if they have a busy life.

t: 0208 9478171 e: gary.score@hartbrown.co.uk www.hartbrown.co.uk 58 High Street, Wimbledon Village, London SW19 5EE 35 darling/summer 2010

home improvement

Local Wimbledon builder, Jason Coetzee, comes clean on bathrooms.

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athroom remodelling is one of the most generally performed home improvements worldwide. It stands to reason that gone are the days when it was a merely functional room in which to wash.

Modern bathroom design aims to create a spa like sanctuary in the home. This has resulted in beautiful luxurious bathrooms and wet rooms inspired by exclusive restaurants, hotels and spas. It is a room in the house worth investing in, not only does it set the tone for your day, it is also the place you retreat to at the end of your busy day.

Call Jason Coetzee m: 07932 753 328 www.rhinoconstruction.co.uk

The expense of refurbishing your bathroom depends on how much or how little you opt to change. With a smaller budget you should consider keeping the current layout as relocating pipes for the plumbing would obviously cost more. Draw up a wish list, collect ideas and then consider the practicality of your plans, for example, a hand shower in the bath is great for washing children’s hair and for cleaning the bath.

Seating and recessed shelving in the shower is another practical yet stylish addition to consider.

Having two basins in the main bathroom is another great, yet very practical trend. When planning your bathroom, think about storage for all those toiletries and towels so that you can achieve that

uncluttered look. The modern toilet is discreet and stylish and preferably in a separate room. Slick and unobtrusive in –wall cisterns are currently favoured. Other trends include the freestanding bath which is available in all sizes and price brackets. Basin shapes are generally more rounded, while you still can’t go wrong with white fixtures. The trend for tiles seems to be either very small as in the mosaic or really large.

Neutral colours and stone are still popular but can be updated by incorporating a solid colour on a feature wall or a mosaic frieze.

When laying the tiles, go for the really large tile on the floor, the smaller size on the wall and the mosaic as either a border or frieze.

Whatever fantastic design you dream up, whether it’s lying in the bath with a glass of wine staring into the crackling fireplace or enjoying the steaming wet room, Rhino Construction can turn the dream into reality. With years of experience in the trade, you can be assured of quality workmanship and a professional approach to every aspect of the project.

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Grant Fuller and Peter Gilbert Estate Agents, Valuers, Development Consultants 316a Worple Road West Wimbledon London SW20 8QU 020 8947 4764 www.fullergilbert.co.uk

Straight teeth for children and adults.

Dr Simon Manara uses traditional braces as well as state of the art lingual (behind the teeth) and Invisalign速 (clear aligners) methods.

Dr Simon Manara BDS (Lond) FDS.RCS, M.Orth.RCS (Eng), M.Phil. (Orth) 121 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AX TEL 020 7486 0088 smile@londonorthodontics.com www.londonorthodontics.com

pets

An insight into dog behaviour by Canine Psychologist Corinne Jakubowski.

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y name is Corinne Jakubowski, and I am a Canine Psychologist and Trainer. I live in Wimbledon with my husband and two black Labradors, (Baxter who is 10, and Lola who is 6 years’ old).

I first started work in the fashion manufacturing business, and then Baxter came into our lives.

He is a “Barking Mad” Labrador.

He is highly intelligent and can be over excited within seconds.

Baxter got me hooked into the Psychology of dogs.

I have now been practicing for 8 years and have been trained in the USA, and the UK, under the some of the leading trainers of our time, such as Karen Pryor and Kay Laurence. I use modern methods of positive reinforcement with reward based training. My approach is based on the Science of Psychology and Behaviourism. Old fashioned training methods typically included force, intimidation and pain. Traditional trainers may use a mixture of the above.

The outcome is a dog which is submissive, unpredictable, and has mixed emotions towards his owner. This is not a method I endorse or encourage.

CHASING BICYLES, HORSES AND JOGGERS On Wimbledon Common I see a lot of dogs chasing bicycles, horses and joggers, which can be very dangerous. A dog that

is fearful of a fast moving object will often chase it away. It is a survival mechanism from the wild. From the dog’s point of view it is very self-reinforcing as he is successful every time!

“Scary thing has been pushed away”. The fact that the bicycle or jogger was going in that direction anyway is irrelevant in the dog’s brain. He is successful.

The more your dog repeats this type of (bad) behaviour the more that behaviour will become ingrained and difficult to undo. So many owners “bury their heads in the sand” with this sort of behaviour, but the best solution is to face the fact that your dog is not perfect, and you have a problem! If you deal with the problem very quickly, you have a chance of rectifying the behaviour. This problem can be avoided if the dog is properly socialised to fast moving objects in a positive way at an early age.

TRAINING HYPER ACTIVE OR NERVOUS DOGS

active or nervous dog. By simply clicking and treating at the appropriate time, it calms the dog. As the dog performs the behaviour you asked for, he is not thinking about his fear or anything else that may make him uncomfortable. A busy dog has no time to be fearful. It is extremely powerful.

The root cause of most of the problem cases I see is a failure to understand the dog’s normal behaviour. Owners want their dogs to be socially acceptable in any situation. Once you understand what is “normal” for the dog, their problems can be solved and adapted to living successfully with humans.

Corinne Jakubowski Canine Psychologist/Trainer Cert MCP,CAP1-2, AMACC m: 07778 546515 e: info@barkingmad.me www.barkingmad.me

Amongst other methods, I practice a particular technique called “click to calm”. The clicker is simply a unique “click” noise from a small box, another example would be dolphin trainers using a whistle, both are scientifically called “a marker signal”. It is simply information to the dog (or dolphin) that he has got it right! This method actually means you can alter an emotional state of a hyper darling/summer 2010

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books...  With summer holidays approaching it’s good to be able to recommend one new book you could take on holiday for all the family to enjoy. John Grisham’s “Theodore Boon” will appeal to fans and also to a younger readership.

This is the start of a brand new series and the first time that John Grisham has created a series character.

Paperbacks are easier to pack, so anyone who missed “One Day” – a funny-sad love story about growing up might like pack David Nicholl’s paperback. Filming is underway, so it is in the news.

“The Wavewatcher’s Companion“ sounds ideal beach reading. Gavin Pretor-Pinney, who also wrote “The Cloudwatcher’s Companion” takes his theme beyond the ocean to the waves of sound and light, shock waves, Mexican waves, the waves that transport signals across our brain. Inspiration did struck him while watching the sea so could be for people who prefer a non-fiction read while sitting on the sand.

Popular holiday destinations were the inspiration for a beautiful, big recipe book and TV series, “Jamie Does…”. He presents food from Marrakesh, Athens, Venice, Andalucia, Stockholm and the Midi Pyrenees region of France. Here are classic recipes associated with these towns along with new dishes that Jamie learns as he travels.

Also originating from a TV series is “The Wit and Wisdom of DCI Gene Hunt“- the fictional character in BBC One's Life on Mars and its sequel, Ashes to Ashes. This might fill the gap now that the final series has ended. Hunt, portrayed as politically incorrect, brutal and corrupt by Philip Glenister, became an unexpected national hero. During the election campaign Labour put out a poster depicting Cameron as Hunt, with the caption ‘don’t let him take us back to the 1980’s.’

On the subject of politics, Robert Harris’s thriller “The Ghost“ appeared during the election campaign. A ghost writer is hired to write the autobiography of a recently retired Prime Minister. It becomes clear that the subject never cared which party he belonged to as long as he could be Prime Minister!

Victoria Carew Hunt www.carew-hunt.com Victoria is a local photographer, and accepts commissions. m:07850 530696

art

Jewels, sequins, feathers, puppets, paint, films, sculptures and more available at Wimbledon College of Art Summer Shows.

Could you spot the next Damien Hirst – or savour the opportunity to build your own art collection?

Students will be on hand to talk about their work – and their plans for the future. Several have already been selected for Bloomberg’s New Contemporaries Exhibition 2010, and others will be exhibiting at the RCA’s Summer Exhibition.

Some of the costumes displayed will have already been seen in the Enchanted Palace exhibition at Kensington Palace – next stop for these students is likely to be forthcoming BBC historical blockbusters.

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imbledon College of Art Summer Shows 2010 provides an exciting opportunity to view work from our graduating artists, designers and performers.

A treasure trove of work from the highly talented graduating students from Theatre and Fine Art is exhibited to friends, family and the local community for 1 week in June – an extravaganza of paintings, drawings, sculpture, films and cartoons, costumes, TV and Film designs and wonderful 3D moving models.

Entrance is free of charge, and some of the work on display will be available to purchase.

And how about the very talented Technical Arts & Special Effects students – some of whom will be going to join MadamTussard’s or hoping to work on the upcoming Hobbitt film from NZ’s Weta Workshops.

Undergraduate show at Merton Hall Road opens on Friday 18th June, and runs until Wednesday 23rd June, from 10-8pm on weekdays, Saturday 20th from 10-5pm, (closed Sunday 21st) Further information available from wimbledon.arts.ac.uk/ summershows2010 How about having a go yourself on one of our summer short courses wimbledon.arts.ac.uk/courses/ shortcourses.htm Wimbledon College of Art Merton Hall Road London SW19 3QA T: +44 (0)20 7514 9641 E: info@wimbledon.arts.ac.uk www.wimbledon.arts.ac.uk

“Entrance is free of charge, and some of the work on display will be available to purchase.” darling/summer 2010

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We are in the middle of a ‘Networking Explosion’ here in South West London as more and more women are realising that this is an effective, supportive and exciting way to grow their

business, develop their own skills and form great business relationships.

Athena has 130 groups nationwide we are the fastest growing Business Womens network in the uk.

Kingston | Balham | Epsom | Streatham | Sutton | Wimbledon | Surbiton | Putney

FOR YOUR NEAREST AREA Contact Julie Eltham t: 0845 259 0288 m: 07980 523030 e: julie@theathenanetwork.com

HELPFUL WIMBLEDON WEBSITES London Borough of Merton merton.gov.uk Care Connect merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect.htm Citizen’s Advice Bureau nacab.org.uk Merton Chamber of Commerce mertonchamber.co.uk Wimbledon Town Centre wimbledontowncentre.co.uk

RECOMMENDED WIMBLEDON WEBSITES stagecoach.co.uk wvstables.com wimbledontowncentre.co.uk centrecourtshopping.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk IMPORTANT NUMBERS Wimbledon Police 020 8947 1212 or (999) Merton Council 020 8274 4901 NHS DIRECT 0845 4647 St George’s Hospital 020 8672 1255 Kingston Hospital 020 8546 7711 National Rail 08457 484950

Want to be seen in Wimbledon?

Call us

020 8739 0059

We print over 7,000 copies and distribute them door to door.

Advertise in darling today!

Wimbledon Civic Forum wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk Wimbledon Society wimbledonmuseum.org.uk Wimbledon Community Centre wimbledoncommunity.org.uk Volunteer Centre Merton volunteercentremerton.org.uk Learning & Skills Council lsc.gov.up

Charity Commission charitycommission.gov.uk Wimbledon Music Diary wimbledonmusicdiary.com Wimbledon Choral Society wimbledon-choral.org.uk Local Police/Neighbourhood Watch met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods The Wimbledon Guild wimbledonguild.co.uk

events

Get into true WimbledonThe summer fairs have arrived and what a line up they are.

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE FAIR 19th June 10:30am - 5:30pm A fantastic day out on the Wimbledon Common Southside All proceeds to The Wimbledon Guild ENTRY FREE WIMBLEDON PARK EDWARDIAN FAIR at the athletics stadium Sat 12 June 12 - 5pm Adults £2 Children £1 wimbledonpark.com wprafair@googlemail.com CHILDREN IN NEED FAIR 3rd July 11 - 4pm, South Park Gardens Loads of activities for young and old. Organised by Paul Strank paulstrankroofing.co.uk CENTENARY FUN DAY at the Arthur Road High Street Sat 17th July 12 - 3pm Community party 6pm at Christ the King Church Hall, The Crescent. T 020 8946 8141 SOUTH PARK GARDENS MUSIC FESTIVAL With XFM’S John Kennedy presiding.

Sat 10th July 12 - 8pm southparkgardensmusicfestival.com CANNIZARO WIMBLEDON COMMON FESTIVAL IS BACK! 2nd - 17th July The place to be this summer.

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Non-stop entertainment with food tents and well stocked bar. www.cannizaroparkfestival.com 0844 871 7671 CANNIZARO HOUSE ARTS & COCKTAILS EVENT Mon 14th June come and meet the artists who exhibit at this lovely country house hotel.

Cocktails on the patio 6 - 8pm FREE JIGSAW PLAYERS Wed 9 June, 7.30pm Southside House, 3-4 Woodhayes Road, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4RJ Programme: Mozart Duo for Violin & Viola - Fauré Piano Quartet Tickets £35, includes drinks and canapés.

Reservations only m: 07738 707516 jigsawplayers.com Fri 18 June, 7:30pm Christ Church, Copse Hill FREE CONCERT Programme: Beethoven and Dvorák WIMBLEDON CHORAL SOCIETY Presents Notes from a Big Country 12th June at 6pm, at St. John’s Church, Waterloo SE1. Programme includes Tippett’s Spirituals from A Child Of Our Time and music

from American composers Whitacre (Sleep), Lauridsen (Sure on this shining night), Shearing (Songs & Sonnets) and Gershwin (Porgy & Bess selection). Tickets: £15, £12, £10 (Students) Box Office: 020 8605 2266 wimbledon-choral.org.uk E-tickets: wimbledonchoral.org. uk/tickets PAMELA ROSE Student concert in support of St Mary’s Church in Merton Park.

Abba to Bach, Faura to Fats.

Sun 27th June 2 - 4 pm, SW19 3HG For details & tickets call 020 8543 0060 WIMBLEDON GUILD EXERCISE CLASSES AND COURSES New “I Move Freely” Pilates & Bio-mechanics exercise classes for the Over 50’s. Jane Platts on 020 8946 0735 or jplatts@wimbledonguild.co.uk For other exciting classes on offer wimbledonguild.co.uk MERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING 7 Key Steps to Successful Marketing.

Wed 9 June 4 - 7pm FREE to eligible business if 1 - 5 employees. mertonchamber.co.uk/events

DARLING CLASSIFIED PAGE CARPENTER & GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES C. N. RYAN LTD - 25 years in the business Member of Guild of Master Craftsmen Free quotes & excellent references call Con.

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.

CALL CLAIRE ON 020 3393 9557 (24hrs) Kevan Jones Local Handyman Home Maintenance - Repairs - Decorating Garden Maintenance From £16.50 per hour M: 07971 212424 E-Mail: kjones8001@aol.com

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 

 

  

WINDOW CLEANER - FAMILY BUSINESS 40 YEARS IN THE WIMBLEDON AREA

From £12 - £18 for an average 4 bedroom house. Contracts welcome.

Call Victor on 07703 803955 Vintage furniture/homewares showing at Wimbledon, Mortlake, Barnes, Ham and Parsons Green Village Fairs.

Julie@newvintage.co.uk 256 Battersea Park Rd, SW11 3BP T: 07710 450909 www.newvintage.co.uk

CHALET TO LET - NEW FOREST Lovely, comfortable, small 3 bed chalet with garden to rent, 5 mins from sea, incl. dishwasher. Weekends from £150.

Details - Sue Young 01590 683805.

Aaron Services Registered Waste Company We deal with all unwanted Household & Builders Waste from Full Loads to Single Items.

Call and talk Rubbish today T: 07813 889671

DENISE IS BACK AT HARIA PHARMACY! Coombe Lane Tues & Wed - Book now

S A R A HSARAH - J -AJANE N EHOLDEN HOLDEN Presents Presents CONTEMPORARY ABORIGINAL ARTISTS ABORIGINAL ART IN THE UK

11 -

SPRING SHOW SPRING SHOW 11 - 13 JUNE FROM 11.00 - 16.30 9 Parkside Avenue 13 June Wimbledon Village Wimbledon Village SW19 5ES

FACIALS, HAND & NAIL TREATMENTS (also for bespoke treatments at home)

11am - 4:30pm For details call 020 8944 1396

Call Denise 07789 568713

www.aboriginal-artists.co.uk

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FOR DETAILS CALL 020 8944 1396 aboriginal-artists.co.uk

points of view

I

t’s that time of year again.

Indeed, what were the long summer evenings invented for, but to sit outside a nice little pub by the Thames of a weekend, glorying in a Pimms, as the sun sets over the sinuous rills of Barnes or Richmond. That’s surely even what the Thames was invented for! Or perhaps to enjoy a spontaneous barbeque, outdoors for once, well-earned solace after a long week of being a stressedout Generation X mid-life drone in life’s inexorable hive. But sadly, some of us must, like a latter-day Adam and Eve, be cast out from this Eden into the wilderness.

And what is the serpent which lurks in Paradise, (to really flog my metaphor)? The Year 7 Disco. I speak as a battered veteran, having been collecting children from Year 7 discos since before you were born, so I am in a good position to see that a worrying trend is emerging. It is now not bad enough that one is forced to abandon tranquil twilit beer garden and turn up at some draughty leisure centre carpark in Putney at 10 pm on a Friday or Saturday night to collect gyrating pre-pubescent tweeny, which is pretty bad, you would agree, but now, thanks to some liberal conspiracy

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of sun-dried-tomato-eating, surrender-monkey parents, it has just got a whole lot worse. Now, by feeble tacit parental consent, one is expected NOT to barge onto the dance floor and seize aforementioned child hastily from neo-libidinous farewells to the accompaniment

“The only sparks flying are when dental braces clash!” of “Sex On Fire” amidst swirling clouds of Lynx deodorant, in order to return to one’s Frascati and patio heater, but actually WAIT politely in the car-park

for up to half an hour, until child condescends to emerge. You wouldn’t believe it! Hundreds of demoralised parents patiently loitering, their good humour fading like the embers of a dying barbeque, while their 11 year olds consummate clumsy embraces and swap phone numbers! They are Year 7! The only sparks flying are when dental braces clash! What are we doing? Anyway, I am not playing along with this nonsense.

I still barge onto the dance floor and grab my child by the collar, or gelled quiff, or Top Man neon hoodie, or whichever bit of him comes to hand. This causes lifelong psychological damage and embarrassment apparently, but not as life-long as my annoyance at being kept from my own summer time amusements.

Paradise lost? Paradise reclaimed!

David Lloyd Raynes Park For more details, call us on 020 8545 7811 or visit our website davidlloyd.co.uk

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