Darling Cobham

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DEC 2012 - JAN 2013 Free

A SHINING STAR On the couch with Karen Sugarman

STEP OUT THIS CHRISTMAS Design your own statement shoes

SHOP AND SIP IN STYLE Nest Home & Cafe

FASHION for GOOD This year's hottest local fashion event

DIAMONDS ARE a girl’s best friend Poker tips for beginners

HARMONY AT HOME

Advice from Mundays Solicitors

NATURALLY WILD

Louise Redknapp’s new product line

BEST BIKES TO BE SEEN ON Becky Frewing hits the road

PLUS: Cleanliness is next to Godliness – APW’s 5 step plan, Cutting Finer Designs with Jeremy Simpson, Riva’s Winter Wedding Attire, Christmas Taster’s from The Black Swan, Season’s Must Haves by Club, Interview with Cobham Free School, Christopher Cook’s guide to design, Layla's menu for lovers of Lebanese cuisine, Literary Classics for your loved one, Academy adds extra va-va-voom, Institut de Beauté plans for perfection, Katy Staple’s Fitness Facts, Mind & Body with Camilla Campbell, Exciting readers' offer

Cobham & Esher's magazine for local women | www.darlingmagazine.co.uk

editor’s letter Dear Darling Reader Welcome to the first issue of Darling in Cobham & Esher! There has been a flurry of activity in the lead up to the launch of the new edition and I am delighted to be at the helm of such an exciting women's magazine - the first of its kind in the area.

Whether you are a working woman, a busy mum at home or a lady of leisure, Darling has something for everyone.

Editor Philippa Hennessy

Publisher and Group Editor Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Philippa Hennessy 01932 860604 Advertising 07772 633339 Design Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.com Photography Gary Wolff Email cobham@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributor Rachael Johnson The Darling Team Alison Neate, Jane Berendji, Gabby Colvill 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 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.

Cover girl: Karen Sugarman Photography by Glenn Harvey Pictures www.glennharveypictures.co.uk

A hectic Autumn and run up to Christmas has seen our ladies busily fund-raising, Academy celebrated its 10th Anniversary, Fashion For Good staged its second ever fashion weekend, Calendar Girls by The Cobham Players was a sell out, local students dressed the windows of 5 boutiques for Esher's Fashion Week, ghosts, ghoulies and witches braced the blustery winds on a chilly Halloween night, dozens of local firework displays lit up the skies and Cobham officially opened Christmas.

Winter is my favourite season and to mark this special occasion, I have a very special inspiring woman who talks candidly about her life-long dedication to charity work. Katy Staples keeps us in shape, we have lots of Christmas stocking filler ideas, Darling's croupier introduces poker, The Black Swan shows us how Christmas catering is really done and Upper Street brings sparkle to Cobham. There's so much more! All you need to do is curl up in front of the fire with a glass of your favourite tipple and get stuck in.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Philippa Hennessy Editor | cobham@darlingmagazine.co.uk CONTENTS 6 Natalia's fashionable accessories 9 Upper Street comes to Cobham 10 Fashion For Good Weekender 2012 12 Wild about Beauty make-up range 13 Glamorous locks by Academy Hair & Beauty 15 Pampering tips from Izzy Jaffer 17 Enhance your home for Christmas - Jeremy Simpson 19 Angela Cook on the design process 21 Nest at Home with Deborah Holden 22 Rare Christmas gifts for your darling 22 Poker for beginners – Darling's croupier sets the scene 23 Sefa from Layla on his love of Lebanese food 25 Ian Slater mixes a good sloe gin 27 Cycling - Becky Frewing helps choose the right bike 29 Stay trim during the festivities – Katy Staples 29 Reduce the stress – Camilla Campbell 33 Key tips for tenants from APW Lettings 34 Mundays advise divorced mums at Christmas IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Editor's Letter 5 Inspiring Woman - Karen Sugarman inspires us 37 Schools In The News – Cobham's First Free School 24 Little Darlings 30 Bumper Social Pages 38 What's On 13 Dear Darling...Mail Of The Issue & Readers' Offer

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inspiring woman

Reaching for the stars Karen Sugarman talks to Darling about a special charity and loving life in Cobham

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aren was 23 years old when her mother, aged 49, passed away at the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. This changed her life forever. ‘Like every family going through such circumstances, it was a terrible time,’ Karen confides. ‘Shortly after my mum died my brother was involved in a terrible road accident and my dad later passed away. It was hard, but you have to decide whether you are going to sink or swim and I chose to swim,’ she adds. She says her parents left a positive legacy that has inspired her to help others in similar situations: ‘I wanted to continue that feeling of hope and pass it on to others who need all the help that we were given.

I decided that working in the charity sector was going to be my vocation. That was 26 years ago and I cannot imagine doing anything else.’

Karen began her career working for Cancer Research and then CLIC Sargent. In 2002, her desire to work for a hospice came to fruition when she joined The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice as Director of Fundraising Development.

In 2011, The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice merged with

CHASE and became Shooting Star CHASE hospice care for children and teenagers. With two hospices – Shooting Star House in Hampton and Christopher’s in Guildford – the charity needs to raise £8.5million every year for the 650 families who find themselves in such unimaginable circumstances.

Karen says animatedly: ‘I get out of bed in the morning with a spring. There's no average day.

One moment I'm dragging a 6ft meerkat called Colin down the road and the next I'm organising our annual Ball for 400 guests at The Dorchester. This year, the charity’s Vice President Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley performed with his band. Tony is a very special friend.’

How does Karen deal with the emotions that come with this kind of job? ‘It is a privilege to be part of a family’s journey.

We have sad days, but we have some sunny ones too. Plus, I have a fantastic team who are very supportive.' She tells me that the patrons also make a big difference: 'Some of them, including Joan Collins, Michael Ball and Philip Glenister, dedicate an enormous amount of their time to the charity.

Karen photographed at The Petersham Hotel

Max Clifford, another devoted patron, recently hosted a tea with Simon Cowell at The Dorchester.

A host of stars came to show their support for the children, teenagers and their families.

They all had such a great time and loved meeting some of their heroes. It was a day we will never forget.’

Raised and schooled in Twickenham, Karen moved to Cobham eight years ago to be closer to her work and best friends Jill and Taryn. ‘Cobham is a tranquil and safe place to live.

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It’s a haven and I love coming back to it when I’ve been away,’ she says appreciatively. ‘There is a strong community feel and the quality of life is great.

My beautiful tabby Bengal cat, Tinkerbell, would not want to live anywhere else!’

Jill and Taryn are in the midst of organising Karen's 50th birthday party. According to Karen: 'It's going to be a good old Greek knees-up. I prefer to call it my Golden Jubilee'.

Karen and Tony Hadley

www.shootingstarchase.org.uk

Karen's Local Favourites: For pub dining and ambience: The Old Plough Pub, The Cricketers and The Running Mare For a treat: La Capanna For retail therapy: Lily & Bow and Blink For hair: Blushers For writing her book: Cobham Library

The Vintage Robin Tea Party China Hire & Catering Company

We specialise in catering for Vintage inspired Tea Parties We have a beautiful selection of mismatched vintage crockery for you to hire, perfect for the quintessential English tea party. We also offer food catering and have a lovely selection of tea-time treats that we can prepare for you.

To chat to us about your upcoming event, call us on 07585 826 6281 or email vintagerobincatering@yahoo.co.uk Find us on

facebook or

twitter @vintagerobinco

Servicing primarily SW London, Surrey and Surrounding areas.

fashion

Glamorous Gifts Galore

Natalia McCarthy

CLUB’s Natalia shares her secrets for desirable gift ideas and AW12 season’s must haves. A simple and sophisticated approach is all you need to achieve a glamorous Christmas under the tree that caters for all tastes and budgets.

Leather Bound Not only are we being treated to a whole coffee table accessory of The Kate Moss Book, now comes the news that there are eight covers to choose from! Rizzoli New York

Every girl wants jewellery and what better way to decorate your wrists than with these symbolic mystical charm friendship bracelets – perfect for siblings, friends and loved ones.

The long awaited arrival of Harper Beckham was one thing, but the wait for the VICTORIA BECKHAM Harper bag could not have arrived sooner. This classical bag exudes elegance and simplicity - it’s undoubtedly the arm candy must have of the season.

Utterly leathered - Isabel Marant continues to design covetable clothes that remain at the top of our most wanted list. The black leather dress with laser cut-out detail is sultry, effortless and ultimately cool.

Victoria Beckham with the Harper Bag

It’s easy to wrap up warm with a Vassilisa piece like this in your closet this rectangular silk scarf with a grass green fur effect body is the perfect bold accessory to brighten up a winter knit and skinny jeans.

Kate Moss wearing the Vassilisa Scarf

CLUB 83 High Street, Esher Tel: 01372 469262 www.clubesher.com

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Create gift boxes

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Treat HIM or HER to a gift voucher

Choose gorgeously gift wrapped presents

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Roland Mouret Final Finish Body Serum

Scent Secure Gold 24k £26.99 or £19.99 with spray tan

BOABAB Candles from £45

Roland Mouret Final Finish £45 72 High Street, Esher Tel: 01372 463555 www.institutdebeaute.co.uk Institut.de.Beaute.UK

fashion

Let the Shoes Shine

Rachael Johnson discovers Upper Street's sensational shoes

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pper Street is coming to Cobham this Christmas and bringing a lot of sparkle with it. Julia Grinham, co-founder of the luxury shoe label, talks to Darling about making this holiday season a glamorous one.

It would be difficult to find a lady who doesn’t like shopping for shoes, let alone one who wouldn’t love to design her very own pair.

‘It’s great to add some individuality to your wardrobe.

You can create something that makes you stand out at a New Year’s party, or you might be looking for a unique pair of black pumps to jazz up your winter attire. The point is that no one else will be wearing those shoes,’ Julia explains.

Shopping at upperstreet.com is a unique experience because you design the shoes. Customers can choose from a huge array

of colours and luxury materials, which can be mixed up and used for many different styles. The website’s Shoe Galleries offer a beautifully curated selection of designs you can customise or use as a template to inspire your designs. No one’s feet can be too small, big or wide, because Upper Street’s sizes range from UK 1.5 to 10 with 4 width fittings. ‘You can create gorgeous shoes that are premium quality, hand-made and comfortable,’ notes Julia.

‘You might just have bought the most amazing outfit and want to complement it with a sassy pair of platforms - you know what you want, but you cannot find anything like it in the shops.

Many of our customers have this dilemma. They want the perfect shoe for that perfect new dress,’ she adds.

Upper Street Gift Packages £500 – Premium Shoe Lovers Gift – a beautiful box with styling book and voucher for up to two pair of shoes. £1,000 – Shoe Lovers Luxury Collection– a beautiful box with swatch book, style book and up to four pairs of shoes. £2,000 – Ultimate Shoe Lovers Collection – a beautiful box with swatch book, style book and up to eight pairs of shoes all made with a personal gold leaf stamp inside the shoe.

The perfect Christmas present for a friend or from a husband to his wife.

Pink Satin Platform Court Red Satin Counter Heel

For Christmas, Julia recommends Upper Street’s new metallic materials. ‘Metallics make a fantastic party shoe and give a classic look. You could also add a little diamanté to your strap,' Julia suggests.

Upper Street’s metallic materials are available in exotic snakeskins and leathers. ‘As well as golds and silvers, we offer brilliant metallic colours such as shocking pink, red and amethyst.

Red is a favourite at this time of year - it brightens up anything. We have all sorts of shades, whether you want sumptuous suede or a rockn-roll snake.' adds Julia.

Upper Street gives free personal advice on styling and sizing by phone, email or in person at its London studio. 0845 680 9365 www.upperstreet.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013

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A passion for fashion – and making it count

Mobile Nail Technician

tyle-savvy label lovers experienced Surrey’s first fashion weekender during November and helped raise an incredible £35,000 for local children’s charities, including the Cobham's Oasis centre. Organised

by Fashion For Good (FFG), a Cobham-based community fundraising initiative founded by Kat Vitou, the event at the Brooklands Hotel encompassed a celebrity-fuelled catwalk show, style and beauty make-overs, and a wardrobe fix from a host of pop-up shops, representing some of Surrey’s best boutiques. TV presenter and model Louise Redknapp, Fashion For Good's ambassador, and international Russian model Katia Elizarova stole the show on the red carpet that opened the event. With some fabulous fashion brands and boutiques on board, the Surrey Fashion Weekender was a chance to shop in style and support local community and voluntary groups all at the same time.

health & care systems, Mylene specialises in GEL systems, including Bio Sculpture gel, with over 50 colours that enhance & condition the natural nail without causing any damage.

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Mylene Wilson 07958 301 885 milliejwilson@hotmail.com

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18/11/2012

fashion

Sophie Styles Us For...

A Winter Wedding Effortlessly chic, this exquisite bronze dress and jacket is perfect for a city, town or country setting....team it up with simple jewellery, flesh coloured shimmer tights and nude patent platform court shoes.

Whether you are the mother of the bride, a close relative or family friend, this wardrobe winner will turn heads for sure.

Bronze silk bottom with lace top half dress and plain jacket, £899, both John Charles, both available at RIVA

Countryside Trend The stylish way to achieve countryside trend for a casual evening out with friends, this blouse and fur are the perfect match worn with skinny trousers and knee high boots or a fabulous pair of heels should you wish to up the tempo.

Blouse, £75 Long sleeve fur jacket with shawl collar, £459, both Passport, available at RIVA

Photographs: Sophie Leary Styling: Sophie Leary

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We are all Wild about Beauty Louise Redknapp and Kim Jacob’s new range of make-up - naturally beneficial and high-performing cosmetics, perfect for the female who cares

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he Wild about Beauty range is more than just make-up. Promoting healthy and naturally glowing skin with products full of skin nourishing essential oils, vitamins and organic plant extracts, these versatile products with their luxurious tones and textures make the range desirable for any woman.

INTERNATIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST KIM JACOB shows us how to achieve this season's, on-trend look • Apply Wild about Beauty’s nutrient-rich Botanical Skin Prep Serum [£21] to give skin a gorgeous veil, then hide any blemishes with the Smooth Cover Concealer Kit [£19.50].

• Using your fingers, apply Ultra Dewy Crème Blush in Fifi [£16] to your cheekbones. To intensify the colour for evening, dust Ultra Sheer Powder Blush in Kitty [£17.50] over the top.

• Create a glossy flick with the easy-to-apply Line and Define Liner Pen in Black [£13.50], then add two coats of Nutrilash Nourishing Mascara [£18] to the outside edge of the lashes.

• Stain lips with Nutrilips Colour SPF15 in Ella [£15] using your fingers, then dab on Nutrilips Balm in Rosaria [£13] for added definition and gloss.

Shop in-store at House of Fraser, Guildford or online at wildaboutbeauty.com Ultra sheer powder blush 03 kitty £17.50

Ultra dewy creme blush 01 fifi £16

Nutrilips colour 06 ella £15 Nutrilash nourishing mascara £18

Line & define liner pen 01 max £13.50 Nutrilips balm 03 rosaria £13

hair & beauty

Unwrapping Seasonal Secrets For Party Perfect Hair Salvatore Mulé shows us how to shape up our hairdo

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s the festive season closes in we invariably turn our attention to the celebrations we customarily attend during the Christmas period. A great cut, magnificent colour or fabulous highlights is a must. A good stylist can create many looks but frequent visits to your favourite salon are not always possible. These three looks are easy to create and will add that extra va-va-voom to your look.

For a mousse, use Alterna’s weightless whipped mousse For curling, try Babyliss ceramic Wand For a quality hair spray, use Redken's Fashion Work12 Hair Spray Invest in a good brush, such as a Paul Mitchell Paddle Brush For a firm hair spray, try Redken’s Quickdry18 For a mist, use Alterna’s Luminous Shine mist

Expert advice by Academy's Meryl Thompson

ROCK Ideal for short to bobGLAMOUR Comb through a golf ball sized amount of mousse into a deep side parting. Dry the hair thoroughly. Taking vertical deep sections, curl the hair in the same direction from side-to-side.

Fix and leave to set with a good quality hair spray. Following the direction of the curl, gently brush the hair over to the side.

Either fix with a firm hair spray or for a final glisten try spritzing with a gorgeous mist.

Dear Darling.....

If you have any news, views or issues you'd like to see covered, we would love to hear from you at cobham@darlingmagazine. co.uk. Academy Hair and Beauty in Cobham is offering a FREE manicure voucher to the best mail of the issue. All mails to be received by the 15th January 2013.

length hair and quaffs. From the front of the hairline to the crown take fine sections, back comb and spray with a quick dry hair spray. Flip and smooth back to the desired height. Next, smooth the sides in flat and tuck behind the ears or simply scoop into a ponytail and fix with a strong hair spray.

For a quick dry spray, use Redken's Quick Tease For a strong hair spray, use Redken's Super Strength Finishing Spray

SMOOTH & GLOSSY The best tip for dry and frizzy hair is to comb and smooth through a mask. Smooth the hair around your head, holding it in

place with a scarf and let the product do its magic overnight.

Rinse and dry with a good quality hairdryer. It is important to use a nozzle to drive the airflow down the hair and you will be surprised at how easily the hair falls straight as you dry.

Finish with a mist.

For a mask, use a Redken smooth down mask For a quality hair dryer, use a Parlux 3200 compact For a good mist, use Alterna's Luminous Shine mist Academy Hair & Beauty 01932 864929 cobham@academysalons.com www.academysalons.co.uk

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Cake Pops The New Fun Way to Eat Cake!

Hand dipped in a crisp chocolate shell and decorated with sprinkles, these delicious, handmade creations on a stick are the new cake in town.

Or create your own with our CakePop kit!

We cater for any occasion big or small. For more information call Becca on 07956 948160 at The Little CakePop Company or visit our website at www.littlecakepop.com

hair & beauty

Izzy's Tips and Tricks How to achieve a flawless festive look The party season is upon us – for most women that are juggling family life with work and social engagements, this means late nights, lack of exercise and low energy levels. The first thing to suffer is the skin. In this issue, Izzy looks at how to disguise the worn and washed out look that would be more suitable at a Halloween bash than at a Christmas Cocktail Party.

The Little Black Dress Treatment Designer Roland Mouret has made his first venture into the beauty industry, launching a Final Finish Body Serum in collaboration with Aromatherapy Associates. Roland’s Final Finish Body Serum contains natural light reflecting particles that creates a subtle glow to leave skin radiant and deeply hydrated – a perfect accessory to that little

For a stress-free Christmas follow these simple steps Don't leave online shopping too late.

Shop early to avoid a last minute panic.

Book your Hair Appointments.

Book your Salon Treatments.

Book the Taxis!

And then enjoy xx

Izzy Jaffer

Achieve a non-streak tantastic glow XEN TAN the sunless tanning solution favoured for its fresh fragrance and skin-nourishing formula has released Scent Secure Gold 24K just in time for the party season. This tinted bronzer with a difference can be used to add a subtle glow or used over a self-tan to deepen your colour. black dress. Combining essential oils and natural ingredients, the serum is intended to be smoothed over the arms, legs and décolletage after dressing for a super-soft and glowing finish.

No More Nail Nonsense Minx Nails are the latest trend for Celebs, Red Carpet and WOW factor nails. Create a statement with these mess free professionally applied polymer ‘stickers’ in a variety of designs.

Perfect for toes too - no more drying time and you can avoid leaving a salon in flip flops and getting frostbitten toes.

From Glam down to Glammed up If your skin has truly succumbed under the pressure of heavy partying and skin abuse, this product is for you. GlamGlow is claimed to be the world’s most scientifically advanced SuperMud Clearing Treatment; you really need to check out the video www.institutdebeaute.co.uk/ products/super-mud

Refine Your Man If after all the pampering, you have time to think about what to buy the man in your life then check out The Refinery in London, the Grooming Emporium for men. Ladies, look no further – stocking fillers for your fella galore. With men now taking almost as much time on their appearance as us ladies, Aromatherapy Associates has partnered with The Refinery to create a signature skin care collection, formulated specifically for men to help combat shave and skin care problems.

Institut de beauté

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Full Bespoke Interior Design Service www.simpsonsinteriors.co.uk sales@simpsonsinteriors.co.uk

3&4 Peacock Cottages, Tilt Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3HY T 01932 589 500

living life

Christmas Interiors

Now is the time to freshen up your home Jeremy Simpson talks us through a few simple steps without bursting the budget

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children’s toys and some of the misplaced inherited pieces of furniture. Ask yourself what will lift each room? Move some of the furniture around.

Doing this alone will change the core feel and all of a sudden the armchair you kept tripping over is now in the bay window and actually looks quite nice….dressed with the delicious throw you recently salvaged from the attic.

I always advise my clients to stand back and assess what really needs to be done. Firstly, clear all the magazines, the paperwork,

Turn your attention next to the curtains - the pelmets are letting the room down. Don’t waste money on dry cleaning - it will only leach out the natural oils and there is a good chance they will shrink. Henry Hoovers are wonderful things. Opt for simple poles. Go out and source a good quality pole from your local design showroom. Nowadays, many are pre-manufactured and a lot of high quality suppliers such as Fabricant and Byron & Byron are starting to import ranges that are cut down in price by up to 75%.

nother year has passed us by and we are in a state of panic wondering what on earth we are going to do with the house. Christmas is only a few weeks away. The house looks tired and the children have wrecked it over the year. The curtains need freshening up, the sofa is lumpy, the lamps do not match, the carpets are stained and the cushions are fraying how do we make the house look different and inviting? There is no time and no budget for a complete refurbishment.

Cutting Finer Designs

Next, change some of the dusty side table lampshades, replace the bulbs with warm white low energy ones and add some colour with a few new scatter cushions.

And finally, drag out the decorations - check out local suppliers such as Garsons Farm (www.garsons.co.uk) or Gardenarium (www.gardenarium. co.uk). You can never go too over the top with tasteful decorations - choose one or two accent colours that tie in with your home interiors. Beautiful baubles, decorative twig branches and winter berries are simple, yet effective, and can be used in a number of different ways.

The department stores speak for themselves - order online to save you time, but do it early to avoid disappointment.

Now that you have the house in order and the pathway is magically lit up, why not beat the Christmas rush and reward yourself with that special dress you have been hankering after?

No one will ever know....

Simpsons Interiors 3 & 4 Peacock Cottages Tilt Road Cobham 01932 589 500

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Surrey Hills Butchers is a traditional butchers in modern times. Although we are always on the lookout for new ideas, recipes and ways to do things we still like to do it the old fashioned way.

Now Taking Christmas Orders Address: Surrey Hills Butchers Aberdeen House High Street Oxshott Surrey, KT22 0JR Tel: 01372 844890

visit our website: butcherscook.com on facebook: Surrey Hills Butchers on twitter: @simonthebutch

Host a Pampered Chef Cooking Show Hosting a Pampered Chef Cooking Show is a great opportunity to get together with your friends, let me show you how to prepare a simple but delicious recipe, taste the result and enjoy shopping from the comfort of your own home!

With over 200 products to choose from, there’s something to suit every budget.

To Book a Show www.pamperedchef.biz/aniholmes or call 07740 096042

living life

Dare to go it alone?

Should budget permit, a professional eye is worth every penny, advocates Angela Cook

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he interior design process can be a daunting one for those embarking on their own home project. Too many choices, so many decisions to make and a world of jargon that you may never have heard of before. So, how can a professional designer turn your aspirations into reality without the normal pitfalls?

• Inspired Designers will not be limited by a specific house style – this means they have the freedom to create something specifically designed for you.

• They can bring a wealth of experience to the project and will act as a sounding board.

• With good ‘sympathetic’ empathy, the designer will work closely with you and offer ideas that fulfil your aspirations to create your own unique environment and the personal space you want to achieve.

• Sample boards, sketches and drawings will enable you to proceed with confidence and avoid expensive mistakes.

• Just because you are starting over again in a new house or a house that you have refurbished, does not necessarily mean that all the furniture has to be bespoke; it could be, but don't rule out combining the old with the new to produce a recipe that works for you. Designers may encourage you to keep your antiques and timeless pieces should they add the right flavour and grandeur to the overall scheme.

Classical Interior Design Scheme

• An experienced designer knows just where to find the right products and how to mix them together.

• Use a designer who takes the time to visit overseas trade fairs and can offer the best array of beautifully designed products from around the world, many with original one-off designs.

• Designers who have their ear to the ground are in tune with the latest trends in style and technology.

Angela Cook leads an award winning interior architectural and design practice, with showroom, established in 1988. Interior Architects, Interior Designers, Decorators, Property Refurbishment and Furnishers.

Christopher Cook Designs Limited 29-33 Creek Road, East Molesey Hampton Court KT8 9BE 020 89419135 contact@christophercook.co.uk www.christophercook.co.uk

Contemporary Eclectic Furnishing Scheme

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Layla Restaurant & Lounge Bar combines Eastern spice and European sophistication into a gem of contemporary dining.

Choose an intimate table or a private alcove to enjoy a multi-course fragrant feast and authentic Lebanese wines. From the pomegranate champagne cocktails to the sultry dĂŠcor, the mood is intoxicating, vibrant and unique!

Live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

To make a booking please contact: reservations@laylarestaurant.co.uk or 01372 462333

110 High Street Esher, KT10 9QL

living life

Time for Tea A quintessential English cafe

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ocated in the heart of picturesque Ripley, Nest has been described as a giant gem in a tiny village. Quaint, quirky and oozing character, it attracts a steady stream of visitors on a daily basis, from the local community and beyond.

Nest was the place to be seen at during the summer, for Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and other GB cyclists were spotted there on several occasions, not to mention regulars Marco Pierre White and Paul Weller.

Founded in December 2010, Nest started out as a home and giftware shop in a tiny retail unit in Ripley. The owner, Deborah Holden, had always dreamed of owning a shop: 'My father had 40

shops and my brother now has two. My vision was to create an uplifting retail experience.'

Using her illustrious family history in the tableware business as well her own work experience at Ralph Lauren, Deborah has created an inspiring entity. By June 2011, Nest was growing so quickly, that it moved to larger premises in the centre of Ripley High Street. Adding an exquisite cafe to its offering, customers can combine some light retail therapy with a bite to eat. Serving exceptional Italian coffee from one of the finest roasting companies in the world, proper French pastries, delicious sandwiches, soups and mouth-watering cakes, Nest has well earned its reputation for fine food.

The home shop is piled high with carefully sourced gifts, books, antiques, tableware and home accessories. Right now, the shop is brimming with wonderful Christmas items. Every product, whether old or new, is chosen for its style and character. 'I was keen to showcase my brother's line of beautiful tableware, 'Juliska' (www.juliska.com), so I decided to give customers a first-hand experience of using

before buying and present our food on the ceramics and serve drinks in the range of glassware,' explained Deborah.

Nest has recently added another string to its bow with the introduction of a Bridal Registry Service called 'Nesting,' which is aimed at providing wedding couples with a bespoke and boutique service as a welcome option to the many faceless websites that exist today.

Whether it's a grabbed cup of coffee in between chores, a long lingering lunch with girlfriends or tea for two, Nest is a heavensent alternative to the endless coffee shop chains and repetitive gift shops that dominate our high streets. And judging by the growing number of customers who flock there, Deborah seems to have hit the mark just right.

Christmas opening times: Open all Sundays in December up to Christmas,10.30am to 4.30pm.

Christmas Late Night Shopping until 9pm - Thursdays December 13th - 20th.

Nest Home & Cafe High Street Ripley 01483 2111111 www.nest-home.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 21

living life

A special gift for your darling who has everything

Know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em…

Croupier Tim Jones talks Texan style These days everyone seems to be talking about poker. With good reason. It’s an easy game to learn, but once the basics are mastered you can spend a lifetime Tim Jones developing your tactics.

It is a fast, fun and adrenalin fueled game.

Home poker is an ideal game for a fun evening in with girlfriends and it can liven up a dinner party or add a twist of Vegas to a special celebration.

There are many variants of poker but the most popular is Texas Hold’em. Here is how you play: Each player receives two cards face down.

Three cards (known as the 'Flop') are dealt face up to the middle of the table.

One card (the 'Turn') is added to the middle.

The last card (the 'River') is dealt to join the others on the table. A round of betting follows each deal and it is this feature that gives poker its unique psychological element.

The remaining players show their cards and the best five-card poker hand from the seven available cards (two in your hand and five on the table) wins and takes the chips (the 'Pot').

Top 5 Beautiful and Rare Books for HER

Top 5 Beautiful and Rare Books for HIM

First US Trade edition, inscribed.

MILNE, A.A. When we were very young. New York: E.P.Dutton & Co.,1924. £8,750

(COSWAYSTYLE BINDING) DICKENS, Charles. The Posthumous Papers of The Pickwick Club.

With Forty-Three Illustrations,

By R. Seymour and Phiz.

London: Chapman and Hall, 1837 £7,500

First US trade edition, inscribed

(COSWAY-STYLE BINDING) DICKENS, Charles. The Posthumous Papers of The Pickwick Club. With Forty-Three Illustrations, By R. Seymour and Phiz.

MILNE, A. A. When We Were Very Young.

New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1924

London: Chapman and Hall, 1837

Octavo. Original red cloth, titles to spine and upper board gilt, pictorial endpapers, blue top-stain. With the supplied jacket. A little rubbed, gilt dulled, occasional light spotting to contents. An excellent copy in the supplied first printing dust jacket.

First US trade edition, originally published in the UK in the same year. Inscribed by the author on the front blank, “For Mrs. Barnside from A. A. Milne. Christmas, 1924”. Inscribed copies of the first US edition are rare; we know of

Octavo (207 × 125 mm). Mid 20th-century brown morocco Cosway-style binding by Bayntun, spine elaborately gilt in compartments, square miniature of Dickens under glass to each board, ruling and floral pattern to boards, turn-ins, and all edges gilt, brown silk doublures. Engraved frontispiece, vignette title, and 41 plates. Contents lightly toned, some foxing to plates and early leaves.

First edition, early issue. The plates are in early states, with page locations and without titles or imprints. The two Buss plates are included but the Seymour plates have been replaced by those of Phiz. The sign on the engraved title is in the earlier state, showing “Veller” rather than “Weller”. This copy bound in a very handsome Cosway-style binding with two attractive portraits, young Dickens to the upper board and an older Dickens to the lower board.

only one other to have appeared on the market. Provenance: from the collection of Pat McInally.[69808 ]

£8750

[61708 ] £7500

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 2 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 2 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

CAPOTE, Truman.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

New York: Random House, 1958 £2,750

CAPOTE, Truman. Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

New York: Random House, 1958

Octavo. Finely bound by The Chelsea Bindery in pink morocco, black morocco title label, title to spine silver, black leather onlay silhouette of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly with real diamond jewellery, black plain endpapers, twin rule to turn-ins silver, all edges silver. Housed in a custom made black velvet, draw-string bag.

A fine copy.

First edition, first printing.[79322 ]

£2750

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 3 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

BRANDT, Bill. A Night in London.

Story of a London Night in SixtyFour Photographs.

Introduced by James Bone. London: Country Life, 1938 £3,750

BRANDT, Bill. A Night in London. Story of a London Night in Sixty-Four Photographs.

Introduced by James Bone.

London: Country Life, 1938

POTTER, Beatrix. The Tailor of Gloucester.

London and New York: Frederick Warne and Co., 1903 £8,750

Large octavo. Original pictorial wrappers. 64 illustrations from photographs by the author. Some minor rubbing to the edges of the wrappers, backstrip repaired and with very small loss to the head, otherwise an excellent copy.

First edition, first impression. A magnificent piece of work, and a classic of its type. There is some speculation that the scarcity of this publication is in part due to enemy action. Certainly its publisher was badly hit by the fire in Paternoster Row and copies of this delicate and influential work are uncommon.[78517 ] PARR & BADGER

£3750

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 3 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

SHACKLETON, Ernest Sir. South.

The Story of Shackleton’s Last Expedition 1914–1917.

London: William Heinemann, 1919 £2,500

POTTER, Beatrix. The Tailor of Gloucester.

London and New York: Frederick Warne and Co., 1903

Sextodecimo. Original burgundy boards, titles to front board and spine in white, pictorial label with illustration to front board, pictorial endpapers. Frontispiece and 26 colour illustrations by the author. Light toning to spine, owner's name to verso of frontispiece, otherwise a lovely bright copy.

First trade edition, first printing with a single-page endpaper occurring four times. This edition was preceded by one of 500 copies privately printed for the author. Eleven of the illustrations are repeated from the privately-printed edition and sixteen are entirely new for this edition.[79310 ] LINDER P. 430; QUINBY 4

£1250

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 4 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

SHACKLETON, Ernest Sir. South. The Story of Shackleton’s Last Expedition 1914–1917.

London: William Heinemann, 1919

LEE, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird.

London: Heinemann, 1960 Octavo. Original maroon boards, titles to spine in silver. With the dust jacket. Tiny bumps to head of spine and top corner, light spotting to edges of text block.

First UK edition, first impression. Originally published in the US in the same year.[79164 ]

£750

LEE, Harper.

To Kill a Mockingbird.

London: Heinemann, 1960 £750

Octavo. Finely bound by The Chelsea Bindery in dark blue morocco, titles and decoration to spine in silver, single rule to boards in silver, pictorial block of The Endurance copied from the original cover in silver, twin rule to turn-ins in silver, burgundy endpapers, all edges silver. Colour frontispiece, folding map and 87 plates. Some light browning to pages, an excellent copy in a fine binding.

First edition, first impression. Shackleton embarked in 1914 on the Endurance to make the first traverse of the Antarctic continent; a journey of some 1800 miles from sea to sea. But 1915 turned into an unusually icy year in Antarctica; after drifting trapped in the ice for nine months, the Endurance was crushed in the ice on October 27.

"Shackleton now showed his supreme qualities of leadership. With five companions he made a voyage of 800 miles in a 22-foot boat through some of the stormiest seas in the world, crossed the unknown lofty interior of South Georgia, and reached a Norwegian whaling station on the north coast. After three attempts. Shackleton succeeded (30 August 1916) in rescuing the rest of the Endurance party and bringing them to South America" (DNB).

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 4 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

Amazingly, all members of the Endurance party survived the ordeal.[70324 ]

£2500

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 5 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

(BROCK, C. E.) AUSTEN, Jane.

Pride and Prejudice.

London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1907 £425

JOYCE, James. Ulysses.

London: John Lane The Bodley Head, 1937

Octavo. Original green cloth, titles to spine and bow design to upper board gilt. With the dust jacket. Ownership inscription to front free endpaper. Small mark and associated loss of size to lower board, light partial tanning to free endpapers, contents faintly toned. An excellent copy in the lightly rubbed jacket that is chipped at the head of the spine panel and has a tanned spine panel and a couple of small nicks at the corners.

First UK trade edition, first impression, preceded in the UK by John Lane's limited edition of 1000 copies.[79163 ]

£750

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 5 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

(BROCK, C. E.) AUSTEN, Jane. Pride and Prejudice.

London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1907

Octavo (188 × 125 mm). Contemporary crimson half calf, brown morocco labels, elaborate tooling to spine in compartments separated by raised bands, matching cloth boards, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. With black and white illustrations. Ownership inscription to binder's front blank, some occasional light foxing, spine a little rubbed and small chip to title label, an excellent copy.

A handsomely bound copy which was first illustrated by Brock in 1895.[77811 ]

£425

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 6 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

Contact Tim on 07778 30 50 60 to deal your home poker game.

JOYCE, James.

Ulysses.

London: John Lane The Bodley Head, 1937 £750

FLEMING, Ian. You Only Live Twice.

London: Jonathan Cape, 1964 Octavo. Original black boards, titles to spine in silver and to upper board gilt, wood-patterned endpapers. With the dust jacket. An excellent copy in the price-clipped jacket.

First edition, first impression.[78767 ]

FLEMING, Ian. You Only Live Twice.

London: Jonathan Cape, 1964 £300

£300

100 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3 6HS TEL: +44 (0)20 6 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

PETER HARRINGTON Tel: 020 7591 0220 www.peterharrington.co.uk

living life

Spice up the festivities with Middle Eastern cuisine

Sefa Atay

Layla's new manager, Sefa Atay, encourages us to go off-piste...

C

such traditions have brushed off on me, I am a huge lover of Turkish and Lebanese food at all times of the year. People should try something different – why not consider a Lebanese theme for a New Year's Eve party ?

hristmas is a wonderful time to enjoy good food and wine in the company of close friends and family. This year is exciting for me since I am preparing for my first Christmas season at Layla. The restaurant will be thriving at full capacity for most of December. Many local businesses and residents are holding their end of year celebrations with us – some will kick off as early as the end of November. In the evenings there will be belly dancers and live music adding to the vibrant atmosphere!

A typical Lebanese Christmas menu is most likely to consist of:

You might not think of Lebanese cuisine as a typical choice for your Christmas feast. Traditionalists might even growl at the thought of Hummus Awarma (hummus topped with pan friend diced lamb) instead of prawn cocktail or smoked salmon. Times have changed and more people are searching for a break from the norm. As many of our dishes are designed to be shared and cater for different tastes, it is easy to see why Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine is becoming so popular.

I come from Turkey where there is a unique mix of East and West. Some Western traditions have been adopted in the Middle East such as the bûche de Noël (Yule-log cake), marrons glacés (glazed chestnuts) and chocolates. Ironically, there will be an absence of Turkish and Lebanese culinary delights from my Christmas diet for my family live in England and my mother is English. She is a stickler for tradition so we will be tucking in to roast turkey with all the trimmings – sadly without any trace of Middle Eastern spice! Although

Shared platters of tabbouleh, hummus, batata harra (spiced potatoes), falafel, vine leaves and moutabal (grilled aubergine pureed with sesame paste, lemon juice and garlic), followed by lamb; either roasted lamb leg, stuffed baby lamb or braised lamb shank, all served with oriental rice. A traditional dessert would be meghleh - a Middle Eastern rice pudding made with rice flour and flavoured with cinnamon, aniseed and caraway. Topped with blanched almonds, pistachios and pine nuts, meghleh is normally prepared to celebrate a newborn - Middle Eastern folklore claim that it is symbolic of fertile rich soil.

Whatever you are eating, be sure to wash down your Christmas meal with a fine wine – to accompany fish and white meat, I would recommend a bottle of Blanc De L'Observatoire and the ever popular Chateau Musar, a perfect accompaniment to red meat; both from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon.

Simply mouth-watering.

Layla Restaurant 110 High Street Esher 01372 462333 www. laylarestaurant.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 23

Little Darlings

In association with Royalton

Recent Rugby highlights from some of our local clubs...

ESHER RUGBY CLUB U12's: Current Champions of the West Coast Festival of Rugby U11's: Defeated to Rosslyn Park in the Plate Final at Wimbledon B Festival U10's: Semi-finalists at Wimbledon B Festival U9's: Finalists at Reeds A Festival U8's: Finalists at Wimbledon A Festival U8's: Semi-Finalists at Reeds A Festival www.esherrugby.com

COBHAM RUGBY CLUB U13 A’s: Surrey League Youth Result – beat Sutton & Epsom 53-10 U12's: Joint Cup winners with Reeds at Cobham Mini A Festival U11's: Cup winners Mini A Festival U10's: Cup winners at Cobham Mini A Festival U10's: Runners up at Cobham Mini B Festival U9's: Cup winners at Cobham Mini B Festival U8's: Won the bowl at Cobham Mini B Festival U7's: Plate winners at Cobham Mini B Festival www.cobhamrfc.com

REEDS WEYBRIDGE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB U10's: Cup winners at Chobham A U10's: Cup winners at Reeds B Festival U10's: Plate winners at Cobham A and Reeds A Festivals U9's: Plate winners at Cobham B Festival U8's: Plate winners at Reeds A Festival U8's: Plate winners at Guildford B Festival www.reedsweybridgerfc.co.uk

Alice's Ears A film crew recently visited Notre Dame School to follow the progress of one of its remarkable pupils, Alice Campbell. Alice was born with ANSD, a hearing Alice Campbell condition which is often misunderstood and for which diagnosis rates are soaring.

Alice's story is heart-warming and one that the school and her parents are delighted to share. The programme is available to watch on iPlayer (See Hear series 32 episode 19).

ds ps Ki sho k or THE SECRET INGREDIENTS W

OF SELF CONFIDENCE

Helps kids feel gorgeous from the inside out!

Is your child shy?

Does your child get nervous easily?

Does your child over-think and worry about school? www.lisaparkeslifecoaching.co.uk/kidsconfidence/ Tel: 07810 540242

www.facebook.com/SmileyCoach

food and drinks corner

Winter Warmers Mulled Wine Ingredients Ian Slater

Ian's Ramblings On All Things Food & Drink

A

utumn and Winter are my favourite seasons in the food calendar.

As the days grow colder and shorter, I pack up the BBQ and abandon the garden until next year. Thoughts turn to cosy log fires, warming food and wine.

As a contender for my favourite winter dish, a traditional Cassoulet takes some beating.

Which recipe to use evokes a passionate response amongst the legions of loyal fans of the dish and it seems as if there are as many ways to prepare this classic Southern French stew as there are cooks!

At the bar, the summer staples of Pimms and Peach Bellini cocktails are out and mulled wine, mulled cider and spicy winter reds are in. Mulled wine is one of my favourite tipples at this time of year. Another is Sloeberry & Blackberry Gin (particularly nice in a Sloe Black Fizz). It's been an excellent year for Sloeberries (not so for Blackberries) and all our hard work is paying off. I’ve just tasted the first bottle.

The Black Swan, Old Lane, Ockham 01932 862364 www.blackswanockham.com

1 bottle of red wine 75ml of brandy, ½ cup of caster sugar (easy on the sugar to start – taste it and you can always add more) 2 Star anise, 1 cinnamon stick 4 cloves, a generous grating of nutmeg 1 medium orange (halve, squeeze juice in and add the 2 halves to the wine) Warm gently in a large covered pan being careful not to boil. For more wine just scale up the ingredients. If you are using a ‘value’ wine you can always add a glug of ruby port at the end for a bit more depth.

Recipe by The Black Swan

Traditional Toulouse Cassoulet Ingredients - Serves 8-10 3 ham hocks 1kg boneless cubed pork belly

Easy Peasy Gravy Ingredients - Serves 2 This is a fantastic tasty gravy that can be adapted to any dish by simply changing the type of stock used. Beef or lamb stock will give it more depth and power.

Generous knob of butter or 3 tbs of meat juices 2 tsp of plain flour 100ml/small glass of red wine 1 crushed garlic clove 300ml chicken stock 1 large tsp of tomato puree Melt the butter and add the flour to make a thick paste.

Pour in the wine, mix well and bring to the boil.

Add the garlic.

Add the stock, half at a time, bringing the mixture to the boil in between.

Stir in the tomato puree.

Simmer the gravy and continue to stir.

The gravy will take at least half an hour to reach its thick, rich, flavoursome best.

Recipe by Simon, Surrey Hill's Butcher butcherscook.com

250g of duck fat (or goose fat ) 2kg cannelloni beans 4 sliced carrots

Hearty Winter Vegetable Broth with Couscous & Lemon

2 medium diced onions

Ingredients – Serves 6

500g cubed pancetta

50 ml olive oil 2 large leeks, finely chopped 4 stalks celery, finely sliced 2 carrots, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, crushed 100g sliced runner/green beans 2 medium courgettes, sliced 2 litres chicken/vegetable stock 2 tbsp Couscous Fresh lemon juice 1. Heat the oil in a very large pan over a medium heat. Add the leeks, and gently sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.

2. In turn, add the celery, carrots, and garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes.

3. Add the beans, followed by the courgettes and cook for further 2 minutes.

4. Add stock and bring to boil over a medium-high heat. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.

5. Add the couscous and lemon juice (to taste), season with plenty of salt and pepper and leave to stand until the couscous has softened.

6. Serve in warmed bowls.

3 whole garlics 1 litre chicken/ pork stock 1 bunch diced celery, fresh parsley, 3 thyme sprigs, 2 bay leaves, pepper 5 duck confit legs 1kg pork sausages 1/2 cup of bread crumbs Soak the ham hocks in water (12 hours ideally). Boil for 3-4 hours on a low heat, remove the skin, remove the meat from the bone, tear into medium sized pieces. Use the duck fat to brown the cubed pork belly and pancetta. Add the carrots, celery, garlic, onions and cook over medium heat until the onions are golden. Add the stock, herbs, pepper and boil for a few minutes. Cover the casserole and simmer for 1 hour. Cool the pan, remove excess fat skimmed from the top and cook the sausages. Warm the duck leg in the oven for 10 minutes. Return the pan to a moderate heat on the stove, add the duck meat, beans, sausages and stir well. Drain off any excess liquid, season, top with breadcrumbs, cover and bake (180C) for 1.5 hours (uncover for the last 15/20 mins).

Recipe by The Black Swan

Recipe by May Simpkins dn-a.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 25

health & fitness

On Yer Bike Becky Frewing on the best of British bikes

O

ver the past five years I have been involved in cycling on many levels, from organising charity rides to my current role of managing professional cycling team Team IG-Sigma Sport.

This year has seen its most memorable summer ever for British cycling, with Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France and Lizzie Armistead taking Olympic Silver. The sport is enjoying one of the greatest periods in its history and I am proud to be a part of it. Perhaps, it is our female success in the sport that has spurred so many women on and the reason why nowadays, there are just as many women on the roads as there are men. Riding a bike is a fantastic way to get fit and enjoy our stunning Surrey hills. It also comes with a great social aspect, which is something that has had a positive impact on my life.

When I first started the sport I had no idea what I was doing!

I recall only too vividly how daunting the prospect was of just getting on a bike, let alone riding on heavily congested roads.

There are so many types of bikes to choose from which makes it very hard to decide what bike to ride. Most importantly, you need to consider the type of riding you want to do and the surfaces you will be riding on. Will you be riding on road or off road, to and from the shops, or taking the kids to school? All these factors will help you choose a suitable style of bike for your riding.

Road Bikes Road bikes do exactly what they say on the tin - designed for riding on tarmac surfaces. These bikes are aimed at the enthusiast looking to improve their fitness or take on a cycling challenge, such as a Sportive cycling event, charity ride or triathlon. If you are considering whether to take up road cycling, seek the advice of our professional sales team who will be only to happy to guide you.

Mountain Bikes Whilst you won’t find any mountain ranges in Surrey, there are plenty of places a mountain bike will come into its own. The mountain bike is a popular way to get around the countryside trails, towpaths and parks. The

Becky Frewing

thick knobbly tyres give enough traction to cope with the muddy paths and the suspension removes the impact of lumps and bumps.

Hybrid/Urban Bikes Hybrid bikes combine the technologies used on road bikes and mountain bikes, hence the name, giving the comfort and secure riding position of a mountain bike with the speed and efficiency of a road bike.

These bikes are perfect for multisurface urban and leisure riding, including gravel, tarmac and tow paths.

Now is a great time of year to buy your bike, with many brands launching their new ranges there is a huge range to choose from at stores like Sigma Sport and the Specialized Concept Store in Kingston.

In the next issue, Becky looks at the different types of clothing available and demonstrates that it is not all about black padded lycra....

www.sigmasport.co.uk 020 8614 9777

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 27

health & fitness

EARN THOSE TREATS! Kate Staples keeps those extra calories at bay…

T

he days are drawing in and it’s cold, so dress accordingly and get outside every day, even if it's for a 30 minute brisk walk. The cold burns more calories and will keep your defenses up.

Stay hydrated. You might not realise it, but you still perspire during winter workouts and dehydration increases the risk of cramps, pulls and tears.

Tasty and economical nutritional suggestions:

Kate Staples

• C ook heart-healthy dishes such as stews and soups. Use fresh organic products, utilise left-overs and make quantities that will last you for several days.

• Stock up on winter fitness foods, such as:

If exercising outside, dress in layers. Layered clothing traps warm air - you can always shed the layers as you warm up.

• W ild mushrooms - these contain more immune boosting antioxidant ergothioneine than any other food.

Keep your skin and lips moisturised - cold air can have a severe drying effect.

• H erring - just 25g contains your recommended daily allowance of vitamin D which is proven to help fight the winter blues.

Warm up properly because cooler temperatures can cause muscles to tighten. A short fast walk or a low intensity cycle ride will set you up for a winter workout. It's important to stretch after you have warmed up.

The adverse weather is not an excuse for slothliness! A 10-minute circuit of body weight squats, lunges, press ups and planks require no equipment, very limited space and will keep you toned and energised.

• A pples, onions, garlic and beetroot all contain key elements for boosting the immune system and providing valuable defenses to germs.

Kate Staples is a former GB athlete and was 'Zodiac' in TV's Gladiators. She runs Adventure Fitness with Olympic legend Daley Thompson.

0333 6000 121 www.fitnesscamp.co.uk

Good Karma

Deep breaths will help you relax in no time

I

t is easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed in the lead up to the busiest time of the year, so here are a few simple exercises to help you along the way.

• Get out on the correct side of the bed!

• If you suffer from low blood pressure, wake up and roll over on to your left. Stay in this position and take a few deep breaths before you gently lift yourself up.

• If you suffer from high blood pressure, roll over on to the right easing the strain on your heart.

• Breathe – your lungs are a major organ that we can voluntarily control. When we feel stressed our breathing becomes quicker and our chest tightens which lifts our shoulders to our ears.

Use the full capacity of your lungs by exhaling fully before you take a long slow breath in.

Breathing through your nose will stimulate the Camilla Campbell central nervous system in your brain and slow your heart rate down. Slowly extend your exhalations and you will feel much more relaxed in minutes.

• Stand aside – as everyone is barging past you in the hunt for the perfect gift, step aside and observe. Be still for a moment, breathe, drop your shoulders and smile. Sometimes, even the smallest movements have an impact.

Camilla is the Yoga Representative for the cycling brand Specialized.

Camilla Campbell Yoga 22B High Street, Cobham 01932 988 577 www.camillacampbellyoga.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 29

ON THE SCENE Holly Stather, Feltonfleet pupil, going for gold at Europe's largest junior triathlon

The Academy Team

Celebrates 10 Years

Left to right: Models: Jazz Judkins, Rose Williams, Luisa Gajduskova, Hann ah Smyth.

Hayley Mitchell, Cara Mitchell (c-See Boutique, Cobham). Models: Olivia Barvan, Kelly Clark, Esmee Bradshaw

Left to right: Esher Fashion Week - Lily & Bow's Nancy Pollard, Debi Oliver and Sara Graham Moppett

FASHION4GOOD Surrey Weekender Fashion Show The Grand Launch of Cobham Free School

pp

del Louise Redkna

TV Presenter & mo

International Russian model Katia Elizarova Kat Vitou, Louise Redkna

pp & Charli Hooper

on the scene Official opening of Octagon's new Esher development Left to right David James Chairman Octagon, Mayor of Elmbridge and Colin Tutt CEO Octagon

Local children enjoy halloween

Esher Fashion Week

left to right: Tricia Woolfrey, Veronica Gilmour, Sue Bown at the launch of Business Breakthrough at Mundays Solicitors

ge ands Colle om Brookl display Students fr w do in w UB's outside CL

left to right Sasha Miles, Adora Mehitable, Amand a Uliana, Brenda Garcia from Bro oklands College outside the winning window at OKEEFE

The Great Wardrobe sale for The Haven Breast Cancer Charity L-R Jenny Grantley, Charli Hooper, Camilla Campbell, Natalia McCarthy, Karen Pickering

Remembrance Day Parade in Cobham THE COBHAM PLAYERS CALENDAR GIRLS left to right: Back row: Mary Taylor, Nancy Sadler, Hilary Jones, Jean Smith, Samantha Myers

r of the Charlene Peterson, founde n and Miriam Peterson's Fund for Childre tography Pho e styl olife Ingram of Hal

Front row: Jean Burgess, Melanie Cook, Nicky Barnes, Millie Hart

on the scene

Feltonfleet parents, pupils and teachers admire the fireworks display

Want to be seen in Esher & Cobham?

Advertise your business in darling today! cobham@darlingmagazine.co.uk

07772 633339

requested

High res Missing Your darling Magazine?

COLLECT COPIES AT OUR 'HOTSPOTS' ne Bailey and Sophie Leary with Jaqueli the middle) Jess Greaves (Sophie in Sophie Leary and Vivienn e Leary celebrate RIVA's website launch

Fego Caffe, 14 Anyards Road, Cobham, KT11 2JZ Tel: 01932 860113 www.fegocaffe.co.uk Camilla Campbell Yoga, 22B High Street, Cobham, KT11 3EB Tel: 01932 988577 The Cobham Curve, Fairmile Lane, Cobham, KT11 2BU Tel: 01932 864441 Lily & Bow, 98 High Street, Esher, KT10 9QJ Tel 01372 479797 Tel: 01372 460732

YOGA A variety of classes in Cobham for all ages and abilities

22B High Street, Cobham KT11 3EB www.camillacampbellyoga.com | 01932 988 577

Oxshott Village Sports Club, Steels Lane, Oxshott, KT22 ORF Tel: 01372 843 652 Esher Rugby Club, 369 Molesey Road, Waltonon-Thames, KT12 3PF Tel: 01932 220 295 The Larder Farm Shop, The Medicine Garden, Downside Road, Cobham, KT11 3LU Tel: 01932 589 536

property

Dynamic APW duo who took the market by storm Co-founders Susan Annesley and Val Ware talk about their journey so far

E

stablished for 26 years, APW Lettings and Property Management has some impressive credentials, which include winning the Best UK Letting Agent Award.

APW’s success derives from two women identifying changes that needed to be made in the industry in the 1980's and having the courage to do something about it.

'We began our venture in 1986 with one overriding passion,' explains Susan, 'and that was to grab hold of the lettings market by the scruff of the neck and bring it kicking and screaming into the modern world. We could see the potential and we went for it.'

Highlighting their main achievements since 1986, Val proudly includes their 10th, 20th and 25th Anniversaries as well as establishing themselves as the No. 1 local Independent Letting Agent. 'We have always focused exclusively on lettings and go the extra mile for both Landlords and Tenants,' adds Val.

In each issue of Darling, APW will be advising Landlords and Tenants on subjects such as how to present a property for increased viewings and advice to tenants on recovering maximum deposit monies.

They start with: 5 Important Things that Tenants Look For when renting a home: Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

If the house looks sloppy then the service will be too; look for well presented property where the Landlord and Agent have pulled out all the stops.

Neutral or Stylish Décor Some tenants prefer bright red walls but the majority of APW properties are neutrally decorated to allow for ease of furniture compatibility.

Well Managed Are you happy that the Landlord and Agent can give you a 24/7 Property Management Service.

If they can’t, then choose one that can!

Susan Annesley left, Val Ware right

Local Knowledge Check out if your agent offers a service to assist you in meeting local people in a social environment.

Safe, Secure and Transparent Not only do you need to feel safe and secure in your new home but your dealings with your agent need to make you feel the same way too. Ensure they are ARLA members and that your deposit is being held correctly.

For further information visit www.apwproperty.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 33

legal

Goodwill to all men Christmas as a divorced mum; practical tips on how best to ensure peace and harmony during the festive season

34 dec 2012-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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Miranda Green

C

hristmas is an ideal time for friends and families to get together and take time out from the daily grind. But for those who are going through a divorce or separation it might feel anything but fun and magical.

Good Cheer Try to put aside your own emotions and embrace the Christmas spirit. Encourage your children to choose a present for your ex-spouse. You might receive something unexpectedly nice in return.

Here are a few tips to try and make the most of such situations:

Gifts Try and plan with your exspouse what presents the children will receive to avoid duplication.

They will have the same Santa list for both of you. If possible (and to avoid any conflict) give the larger presents from both of you. Working together on things like this will be positive for the children. The biggest gift you can give your children at Christmas and any other time of the year is your survival – if you can survive, then no matter what the season, your children will get what they need most.

Plan ahead Try and negotiate arrangements for the children in advance. Of course, try and be flexible. Never ask your children to decide who they would rather spend Christmas with. They will want to spend time with both of you and if you live close to each other hopefully that is possible.

Traditions As the saying goes, "out with the old and in with the new.�

Remember that Christmas is a season, not just one day. Children might want to carry on with some of the old family traditions, but try and establish new ones too. It could be anything from decorating the tree together to making a Christmas cake or watching a favourite film.

Whatever you do, don't try and reinvent the wheel because this could only trigger sad memories for the children.

You Be kind to yourself. If the children are spending Christmas with you, then don't try too hard to make everything perfect. Relax and enjoy your time with them.

If you end up on your own on the day, then make the most of it.

You may want to book a holiday with a friend or go away on your own, or just simply indulge yourself doing whatever you like.

Veronica Gilmore

Christmas can be a stressful and exhausting time for anyone.

Statistics show that it is one of the most popular times to spark off arguments between loved ones and in some cases, these can lead to separations or even divorce. Remember you are not alone. Research shows that enquiries to solicitors about divorce and separation peak on the first working Monday of the new year.

If you have had an unusually busy time and the thought of hosting Christmas day for a household of relatives and friends is a daunting prospect, then why not try to get away and leave it to someone else to organise? This could not only save your sanity but your marriage too!

At Mundays, we are able to offer advice on all aspects of divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships including finances, children, inheritance act claims, mediation and living together disputes as well as pre and post marriage agreements.

For more information, please email Veronica Gilmour at Veronica.Gilmour@mundays.co.uk or Miranda Green at Miranda.Green@mundays.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 35

36 dec 2012-jan 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Schools in the News sponsored by

knightfrank.co.uk

SURREY'S FIRST FREE SCHOOL Cobham Free School brings independent ethos to the state sector

C

obham Free School (CFS) recently opened its doors to 64 pupils aged between 4 and 11. It is one of 55 successful applications applied for in 2011 as part of the Government's new Free School initiative and marks the beginning of the second wave of free schools in the country.

As a 'free' school, CFS receives government funding but it is not controlled by the local education authority and it follows its own curriculum. Michaela Khatib, the headmistress, is passionate about bringing change to the education system and giving control back to parents and staff. She says: 'Parents who can afford to pay for their children's education are able to choose the right school, while those who cannot have not had a choice until now.'

With 20 years teaching experience in the independent sector, Michaela knows first-hand that pupils usually have greater access to facilities and provisions than they do in the state sector. Instrumental tuition is one example. One of her first initiatives was to introduce free violin tuition for pupils once a week. It is based on Yehudi Menuhin's 'Chance to

Play' programme which gives all children the right to music.

The ethos that says outside curriculum activities helps a child's performance inside the classroom is also exemplified through the school's high quality sports provisions.

expertise from different avenues to help create an exceptional teaching environment that engages children and focuses on their individual needs. This is why we are becoming a popular school.' www.cobhamfreeschool.org.uk

Operating out of the Cobham Gospel Hall until its new site is completed, CFS has created a nurturing environment with no more than 23 pupils per class.

Every class is streamed and most pupils possess a chrome book.

'We have seen positive results from the children participating in online programmes. We share reports and assessments with the parents electronically, as it is a paperless environment. Our teachers work collaboratively and share documents too. We are proud of our communications with the parents. They are the real pioneers of the school,' says Michaela.

Despite the small premises, Michaela and her team of high calibre staff have not been deterred. Michaela is intent on bringing best practice to the school with the use of special techniques and she predicts that by 2016 there will be 161 pupils up to 11 years old. 'We bring in

Cobham pupil makes her tv debut 6 year old Chloe, a pupil at Feltonfleet School recently participated in a CBeebies programme with her grandmother. Part of a history programme called 'My Story,' Chloe's episode was transmitted on November 14th. The series will be repeated throughout December and into 2013. It is also available to view on BBC iplayer www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies.

The episode features the Muirfield Riding Therapy, part of the East Lothian branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), which was set up by Chloe's grandmother.

The group began life in a muddy field with 6 borrowed ponies and a handful of hardy volunteers. Now, 22 years on, the charity has a wonderful indoor arena and provides riding sessions for 96 people with all sorts of disabilities.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | dec 2012-jan 2013 37

diary

Out and About Hampton Court Ice Rink 1st December - 6th January www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.com Rocket The Reindeer -a 3D adventure 1st - 24th December Garsons farm www.garsons.co.uk Father Christmas in the Crystal Grotto Painshill Park 1st - 24th December www.painshill.co.uk Riverhouse Magical Christmas Exhibition The Robert Phillips Gallery, Walton 5th - 21st December www.riverhousebarn.co.uk Wisley Gardens Christmas shopping evening with Mary Berry 5th December www.rhs.org.uk Christmas Shopping at Cobham Squire Garden Centres 6th December Tingle Creek Christmas Festival at Sandown Park 7th - 8th December www.sandown.co.uk The twelve days of Christmas A craft experience Elmbridge Museum 8th December www.sandown.co.uk Christmas Afternoon and Evening Showcase Concert The Menuhin Hall 11th December www.tickets.menuhinhall.info Cobham Rugby Christmas Lunch 15th December email: events@cobhamsports.com Santa's Grotto at the Medicine Garden 15th - 23rd December www.themedicinegarden.com Shooting Stars Carol Concert 19th December www.shootingstarchase.org.uk Snow White and the Dwarfs Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton on Thames 20th - 22nd December The Enchanted Story Trail Wisley Gardens 22nd December - 6th January Cobham Players presents Swallows & Amazons 17 - 19th January 2013 cobhamplayers.org.uk Exhibitions by Annie Rouse and Andy Waite at the The Art Agency, Esher Thursday 17th January – 27th February Private Viewing on Wednesday January 23rd from 7.30 RSVP to emma@theartagency.co.uk Game Fortnight at The Black Swan 14th - 27th January 2013

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