Darling Magazine Kingston - April-May 2016

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interiors promotion .........................

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Dear Darling reader,

editor’s letter

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The lovely spring is finally here! With Easter and all that chocolate indulgence guilt behind us, let's look ahead to the warming weather, gorgeous new outfits, baring our smooth, lasered legs and svelte waistlines - after we’ve shrunk inches off with the Shrinking Violet wraps. And what’s best, you can find all this at your doorstep!

COVER: CHARMAINE MACE Photography by Cythare Cooper www.cythare.com Makeup by Rachel Barclay

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Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Marja-Leena Toseland All Enquiries 07802 949836 Email kingston@ darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributors Lyndsay Russell, Paul Mendelson, Valerie McBride-Munro Photography Cythare Cooper www.cythare.com Design Anu West info@apila.co.uk Printer Aquatint/bsc jane@aquatintbsc.co.uk Distribution Three Colours Ltd info@3colours.co.uk Darling Wimbledon Karine Torr: 07930 396356 Darling North Surrey Philippa Hennessy: 07772 633339 Darling Sevenoaks & Tunbridge Wells Tam Jackson: 01892 506894

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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.

This issue will reveal who our Inspiring Woman is: a superb networker, or matchmaker, as she calls herself, Charmaine Mace, and what a worldclass fashion course Kingston University offers, turning out graduates to work for many high street labels and top designers. The lovely Mayoress of Kingston, Manisha Arora, welcomed me at the Mayor’s Parlour for a coffee and chat. Mike Lloyd talks politics and looks at whether Women’s Equality Party’s Sophie Walker has what it takes to be Mayor of London. And find out about "Law of Attraction". Don’t miss our regular columns; Point of View by Lyndsay Russell on how much we need to know about our offspring’s partaking in student life, and Valerie McBride-Munro’s gardening page where she advises us to mind our language in front of our plants. Don’t forget to check what not to miss on the What’s On page either. And there is much, much more…Enjoy the read!

Your views, opinions and ideas, as always, would be warmly welcomed.

Marja-Leena Toseland Editor | kingston@darlingmagazine.co.uk CONTENTS 3 4 7 10 11 13 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 26 29 31 32 37 41 43 44 45 46

Editor's letter Charmaine Mace - a master at networking Kingston University is turning out top fashion designers Filiz Darby London's Charming Bridal Collection At the Mayor's parlour with Kingston's First Lady, Manisha Arora Carbs are nothing to fear First aid training - knowing what to do could be a life saver Book review: Breakdown by Eleanor O'Rourke London Mayoral Elections - is Sophie Walker the woman for the job?

Cook's corner Despite the Falling Snow - book and film review Get your beach-ready body NOW! Shrinking Violet Law of Attraction What happens when you're gone?

Life after A-levels Self-love miracles When the unthinkable happens Out and about in and around Kingston Drink and Draw pub nights Dig down deep Plant talk What's On? Paul Mendelson's bridge column Lyndsay Russell's point of view

darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

3

fashion ..........

Kingston University’s 2015 Graduate Fashion Week show conglomerate LVMH makes it even more exciting," the 21-yearold designer from Horsham, in West Sussex, said. "I've always admired Dior so it's fantastic to have the chance to work with the brand, particularly so early in my career."

Bianca Saunders

Grace White

Grace White

Johnson Deng

Johnson Deng

Josh Read

Josh Read

Pippa Harries

and 3-D design. Students develop an understanding of the body through drawing, before learning how to translate their ideas into patterns for 3-dimensional garments. The focus for students during their final year is on their graduate collections and the end of year catwalk show.

One of last year’s stand-out graduates landed a sought-after role at Dior after unveiling his final-year collection on the catwalk at Kingston University’s

Shaun Harris

2015 Graduate Fashion Week show.

Josh Read was snapped up by the French fashion label after being named one of the winners of the coveted LVMH Graduate Prize. He is currently completing a one-year internship at Dior's French headquarters in Paris.

"The role at Dior is such an amazing opportunity to develop my knowledge and work with prominent industry figures. Coming as a result of being recognised by high-end luxury

Kingston University fashion alumni also occupy preeminent positions at a number of global fashion power-houses and are the driving forces behind some of the most exciting brands. Notable successes include award-winning accessories designer Sophie Hulme, whose handbags and coats are currently retailed across the world in high-end stores such as Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nicholls; Felipe Oliviera Baptista, Head of Design at Lacoste; Carolyn Timson, Design Director Runway at Tommy Hilfiger; Jonathan Cheung, Head of design at Levi’s USA and Joshua Kane, whose eponymous menswear range has a cult following amongst celebrities such as Russell Brand, Jack Guiness and Oliver Proudlock.

“Our graduates have a complete understanding of the design process. We are producing industry-ready professionals who really understand the body,” Ms Renfrew explained.

“We encourage innovation and creativity, anchored in a real understanding of the technical skills of fashion design.”

Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Fashion at Kingston University: www.kingston.ac.uk/ undergraduate-course/ fashion/

darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

9

personal journey

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At the Mayor’s Parlour with Kingston’s First Lady (and a pair of 400 year old maces)

Darling chatted to our lovely Mayoress, Manisha Arora You are working as the Mayoress alongside your husband who was elected the Mayor of Kingston last May. What has the year been like for you?

“To be honest, I had my reservations when my husband asked my opinion about running for the Mayoralty. After some initial trepidation, I have loved it. It is hard work but thoroughly rewarding. I have seen Kingston and its people from a very different perspective. I feel very proud to have this opportunity, especially as I grew up in Kingston.”

How much freedom do you have in setting your own schedule and choosing the events and causes you like to support?

“This is a ceremonial and ambassador role. Civic and ceremonial events are mandatory (Mayoral Blessing, Remembrance Sunday) whilst others have some flexibility. Kingston benefits from the hard work and good will of many

people. In order to acknowledge, congratulate and value all this good work, we try to meet as many people and organisations as possible to thank them. It has been incredibly busy and we have already attended more than 450 mayoral engagements. The Mayor’s chosen charity this year is Kingston Hospital’s Dementia Appeal.

It’s especially close to my heart as I have been volunteering at Kingston Hospital for several years, although I have had to take a break from that and from most of my other duties this year.

I have really wanted to share the workload with my husband as much as possible and attend most mayoral engagements. Our daughter, Sonali, is also appointed as joint Mayoress.

Two people can engage with double the number of people and connecting with the people in the borough is our main priority”.

What have been the most memorable moments of the past year? “ I feel privileged to have had so many memorable moments, but our visit to Bedelsford School’s art auction has really stayed

with me. Their pupils, who all have profound disabilities, raised money for Guide Dogs for the Deaf through auctioning artwork they had created”.

What did you do before becoming a Mayoress?

“I love to constantly learn and have had a varied career path through different disciplines – retail, photography, fashion, banking, financial services, higher education, primary education and finally after my daughter was born, trained as a Massage Therapist which has been my work for the last decade. I’m passionate about complementary therapies and their positive benefits in cancer care and maintaining general good health. I love what I do and feel blessed to be able to bring relaxation, mobility, pain-relief and well-being to people through massage, in hospital and outside.”

darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

11

living life ............

FIRST AID training – Knowing what to do could be a life saver!

Every year one million children under the age of 18 need to attend Accident and Emergency following accidents in the home.

I

mmediate First Aid can mean the difference between life and death and can massively improve the chances of someone’s recovery, the amount of pain they are in and how long they stay in hospital. Prompt First Aid can often help someone recover completely without the need for medical intervention at all! Understanding what to do in an emergency; the best time to phone an ambulance, what to do whilst waiting for an ambulance and when and how to move someone, are all critical skills everyone should know.

Accidental injury is one of the biggest single causes of death in the UK for children over the age of one. More children die each year as a result of accidents than from illnesses such as Leukaemia or Meningitis. The following RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) statistics make alarming reading: • •

• •

125,000 children are killed or injured in garden accidents 20,000 children end up in casualty departments with burns 5,804 children are injured in road accidents 70 children are killed on the roads every WEEK!

Many of the accidents that happen in and around the home can be avoided. By identifying

and understanding potential accident risks in the home, you can take some basic safety steps that will keep your children safe and give you peace of mind.

Children need to be able to explore and enjoy their environment and they shouldn’t be wrapped in cottonwool. However, basic sensible precautions to keep them safe, along with knowledge as to what to do if an accident occurs, is absolutely vital. As children become older, they should learn these skills too in order to keep themselves safer and be able to help friends in an emergency.

I first truly appreciated the importance of First Aid Training when working in the Burns Unit and looking after a little boy undergoing desperately painful skin grafts. His Mum had panicked when she spilt hot coffee on him and ran outside to get help instead of treating his burns. If she had immediately run the scald under cool running water – he may not even have required hospital treatment!

Book a First Aid course now! The skills you learn could equip you with the knowledge to save your child’s life!

Emma Hammett – First Aid for Life www.firstaidforlife.org.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

15

beauty promotion

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Get your beach-ready body NOW! Premier Laser & Skin Clinic's latest laser treatments give you flawless, smooth bikini-ready skin

H

ere comes the summer, finally. But are you ready for shorter skirts and bikinis?

Premier Laser & Skin Clinic in Kingston offers the latest laser technology for permanent hair removal and skin pigmentation treatments to help you achieve smooth, even skin just in time for summer!

so it doesn’t grow back.

Get rid of uneven skin tone and pigmentation The most common pigmentation disorders for which patients seek treatment are Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). These come from excess production of skin pigment melanin and appear as localised dark patches.

Super smooth bikini body Get the perfect bikini line for your beach holiday but also a permanent depilation for the whole body to save you all the time and effort of the tedious weekly ritual of hair-removal.

A course of 6-10, (it varies from person to person) 20 minute sessions is all that is needed to get rid of all those unwanted hairs.

The treatment is virtually pain free – most patients say it feels like an elastic band is being lightly pinged against their skin – but the effects are visible immediately.

The laser kills the hair at the root

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Who can have the treatment?

Our latest generation laser works safely and effectively on all skin types – Asian, Caucasian,

Black African and Arabic - and provides a non-invasive treatment with no side effects. At Premier Laser we have over 16 years of practice and experience, ensuring your skin is in the best of hands.

Premier Laser & Skin Clinic is at 4 Eden St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1BB Tel: 020 8546 7777 londonpremierlaser.co.uk 50% OFF your first Laser Hair Removal or Laser Pigmentation treatment for Darling Mag readers. Just bring in this copy of the magazine to claim 50% OFF your first laser hair removal or laser pigmentation treatment.

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darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

21

living life promotion

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ATTRACT

more of what you want and less of what you don’t

by Andrea Basilio

A

t some point in our lives we might think we have had enough of our situation and make a decision to press the RESET button. My life took a dramatic turn in May 2005 when I was dealing with a major crisis. I found myself at the crossroads, having to decide which path to follow.

That’s when I made a decision to reset my life.

As I was embarking on a new journey, one of the new extraordinary techniques I mastered was Law of Attraction. So what is Law of Attraction? How does it work, what’s its purpose? How can it be used and what are the benefits?

I attract to myself, to my life and business whatever I give my attention, energy and focus to – whether it is negative or positive. Law of Attraction is working in our lives right now and it is based on our feelings. We can send positive or negative vibrations and Law of Attraction’s job is to match that. Many times when we get angry or frustrated we are sending those feelings out, and these are simply being matched by LOA. Even if we say no to something we are really saying yes to with our feelings.

Let’s imagine that we have a big box of words in front of us and we pick out a few words, string them together formulating our thoughts. As we are thinking about our thoughts and holding them in our mind for a minute or longer, we are creating our vibrations, (negative or positive) which in turn will create our results. Therefore, if we want to change the outcome we have to change our vibrations and thoughts.

How can we influence the relationships in our lives?

When we feel resistance towards someone that means we are not on the same vibrational harmony with them, and if we keep focusing on that resistance, which is a negative vibration, we will attract more of the same. Instead we can make a decision to mind our own vibration and teach others how to interact in a positive language with us by simply asking them what they really want?

The benefits of Law of Attraction are: understanding our current situation, identifying our goals and desires, creating affirmations that are matching our vibrations, gaining clarity in our mind, which will help us to identify what others want from us and also what we want in our lives. We will have a clearer perspective towards our actions; we will know how to eliminate our doubts and achieve better results.

Andrea Basilio LCH Dip. Certified Law of Attraction Facilitator & Coach www.andreabasilio.com info@andreabasilio.com 07868 165 898

darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

23

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

Rachael Brady

4 Divorce

8 Inheritance tax

Outright gifts to beneficiaries can be in danger if that beneficiary gets divorced. Any assets left outright to that beneficiary will be considered as part of their assets when reaching a divorce settlement and your hardearned funds could pass into the hands of the person divorcing your loved one.

In simple terms, inheritance tax is payable at 40% on your assets over your tax free allowance. Through careful planning in your will and your investments, you can avoid paying this onerous inheritance tax and protect your assets for your loved ones.

5 Financial irresponsibility If your beneficiary is not responsible with money, any outright gift to them could be wasted. Through your will you can still provide for your loved one but add a level of protection so that the funds are managed by more trustworthy people chosen by you.

6 Mental or physical incapacity If your beneficiary suffers from a mental or physical incapacity, they may be entitled to means-tested state benefits. Proper provision in your will can ensure that your assets are properly managed for their benefit but without affecting their benefits.

7 Care fees If your beneficiaries are more elderly, there may be more likelihood that they will require care, either at home or in a care or nursing home. If your funds are left to them directly, your assets may be used up in paying for their care. You can add protection in your will so that funds are available for your loved ones but are protected from being taken by the local authority to pay for care.

9 Who will inherit if your loved ones have died?

As well as thinking about who you would want to inherit, you should consider who should inherit if your first choice beneficiaries have died before you. Would you want your estate to go to other family members, friends or charity? Make a will so that your wishes are fulfilled.

10 Protect your own financial stability Whilst it is very important to consider and protect your loved ones when you are gone, it is essential to make sure that you yourself are financially stable to provide for them.

Consider taking independent financial advice about your investments. Also consider making a lasting power of attorney to cover the position if you lose capacity to deal with your own financial affairs.

Before taking any steps in relation to any of these tax planning options, you should take professional advice. The options mentioned are based on the current tax rules which may be subject to change.

Call Rachael directly on 0208 971 0478 at our Wimbledon Village office. hartbrown.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016 darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

33 25

DRINK AND DRAW pub nights

living life

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now there really isn’t any excuse for not letting your creative side out!

P

ubs across London have become venues for life drawing classes and the Lamb in Surbiton has been one such venue since the latter part of 2015 that has become a great success within the Surbiton and Kingston community.

Carl Hoare, an internationally exhibiting and award-winning artist and illustrator who specialises in portraiture together with Deborah Cottrell, an artist training as an Art Psychotherapist are behind these creative, fun nights where pub-goers get the chance to draw a portrait or model at the class.

Set within the pub, the night brings a feeling of concentration and expression. Firstly there's a ten minute quick sketch, followed by an hour's worth of pose. Alex Moss, a regular at the Lamb, finds the classes therapeutic and a great way to switch off after her corporate work. Mike Comm, used to be a graphic designer and has done a lot of art and drawing in the past and finds these classes less

formulaic. He also values Carl and Debbie’s help if he needs it.

Originally an idea coined to fundraise for Deborah’s master’s degree.

A definite highlight was Professor Will Brooker sitting as the portrait model in December. He lectures film at Kingston University and is currently writing a book on David Bowie which is to be published with Ladybird books next year.

Part of his research has been to live as David Bowie wearing his wardrobe from each decade. He has been doing this in the chronological order of Bowie’s life and has, as a result, appeared on This Morning, in the NME and other newspapers and magazines along with television shows.

On the night, professor Brooker was dressed as a 90s Bowie with the Union Jack coat and red hair and performed songs as people draw him. Some of the class were also dressed as Bowie from different eras.

Deborah Cottrell says; 'The idea has grown unimaginably and has been a great help to my ongoing studies.

think that's incredibly important to understand when we think about groups and community.’

In the future we're hoping to provide our drawers a diverse range of models, which could involve dance and performance. Materials are provided - charcoal and paper.

It costs £10 per session. 7:309:30pm on Tuesdays at the Lamb in Surbiton.

It's a great opportunity to see people develop their skills and also their own style.

We wholeheartedly encourage each 'Drink and Drawer' to discuss their work and see what others have created. I personally believe it's a great way to understand we are all different. We all perceive the same thing very differently, I darlingmagazine.co.uk | april – may 2016

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building-promo

building promotion building-promo .........................

DIG DOWN DEEP Local builder, builder, Paul Paul Bryan Bryan explains explains Local

W

There are many benefits to having a There are many benefits to having a basement and these include: basement and these include:

• Semi-basements can make good use of sloping • Semi-basements can make good usewill of sloping sites since constructing a basement negate sites since constructing a basement will the requirement for having to level the negate site the requirement for having to level the site • If an existing house is located in a sensitive area, • If existingan house in a sensitive area, foranexample Areaisoflocated Outstanding Natural for example an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Conservation area, where there are Beauty or Conservation area, the where there are restrictions on development, construction restrictions on development, the construction of a basement can allow the addition of extra of a basement canotherwise allow the not addition of extra space that would be allowed, space that would otherwise not be allowed, giving you the dream kitchen, kids’ playroom, giving the or dream kitchen,bar kids 'playroom, cinemayou room that perfect and cellar cinema room or that perfect bar and cellar • Houses with basements can have improved • Houses with basements can have since improved energy efficiency and insulation the energy efficiency since theexposed basement will have basement will have fewer external walls fewer exposed external walls, in all is well below ground Weinsulated offer a full service from planning, design,

• An enormous increase in floor area without • An enormous in the floor area without an increase in increase the size of footprint of a an increase size of the footprint a of buildings orina the significant impact on theofsize buildings or In a significant on the the garden. some casesimpact doubling the size size of the garden. In some cases doubling the size • An increase in space to support growing • An increase in space to support growing families without the need to move house. With families without the need to move stamp duty higher than before, thishouse. makesWith a lot stamp duty higher than before, this makes a lot of sense of sense

us grow home So pleaseyour contact us,together. and let us grow your home together. havenconstruction.org.uk havenconstruction.org.uk 07880 546 063 07880 546 063

ith London property being worth ith London property being worthis an enormous amount, the trend an enormous amount, the trend is to maximise that asset and expand to maximize that asset and expand one’s accommodation as much as accommodation much as possible. Mostone’s houses now have beenasextended possible.

Mostand houses now space have been extended out the back the roof has been pushed out back andon thethe roof space hasdevelopment been pushed out the to capitalize permitted out to capitalize on the permitted development volume. volume.

So where does one go to continue to add value to So does one go to continue to add value to thatwhere ever increasing asset? that ever increasing asset?

Well, the answer is down, below your house ie.

Well, the answer is down, below your house ie.

A BASEMENT. A BASEMENT.

structural theplanning, build of the structure We offer a engineers full serviceand from design, and the finishing of what willbuild be a magnificent structural engineers and the of the structure addition. and the finishing of what will be a magnificent addition.

So please contact us, and let

point of view

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

To See or Not to See (that is the question)

M

y daughter Tippi has now been a university student for three terms.

When the dreaded time came for her first day, we packed the car up to the hilt, filled it with family photos, soft toys and furry onesies, and off flew the little chick, leaving the nest in a flurry of feathers without glancing back.

killer line from another mother who had told me about a similar dumping).

The pros of her absence? Less cooking, less shopping, less mess. Cons? I miss her, miss her, miss her. She Skypes me from her poster-walled room all sleepy-eyed and student hoody. Precious moments that could be spent with her drama groups or in the Uni bar are spared to grant me updates on her dates, and lowdowns on the showdowns.

I held her hair back… and eventually carried her to bed. Forced to pay for a late check-out, I finally dragged my little zombie out by 1pm.

So when she insisted I travelled six hours up to Durham Uni to see her in Hamlet, I was naturally thrilled.

The show was fantastic and I had reserved a restaurant to celebrate. But then she said, “Thing is, mum - there’s an after-show party”.

And that’s why my hotel room door opened 4.30am and 20 minutes later, the bathroom light was still mysteriously on. A part of me wishes I hadn’t seen a thing.

“The mother daughter thing is just not happening” I bleated. “I only splashed out for a room at The Marriott so we could enjoy the spa and pooI together.” “Well, if it’s any consolation,” groaned Talor, “my head is swimming.”

You will note her name in this article has just changed to her official one. How can you call your baby by their sweet childhood name when you’ve seen them clutching the basin like a seasoned sailor who had just hit port (or, in her case wine, cider, blackcurrent and rum)?

“I’m assuming I’m not invited?” I said pathetically. “… You’re weird. Duh, no.”

“Well, I’ll see you back at the hotel then,” I huffed.

I had deliberately booked a double room so we could spend as much time as possible together.

“Nah, best I go back to my digs” she said.

“No!” I insisted. “Whatever time you make it back, let yourself in.

Otherwise you’ll oversleep, and I won’t see you before I catch my 2pm train.

“Aww, mum…”

“If I were a friend you’d invited up for the weekend, you’d never do this to her!” (I’d got this

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april – may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk