Darling Magazine Kingston, Surbiton & Teddington Sept-Oct 2016

darling Sept – Oct 2016 | FREE

PATRICIA

CAMPBELL-PARKER

Kingston's natural health guru

Could you benefit from appointing a

WEALTH MANAGER?

Discover, share and connect with The Really Helpful Club

TIME FOR YOU again! recharge at The Bingham and bhuti in Richmond

KEEPING THE PAST ALIVE at The Langdon Down Centre in Teddington

Inspired Dining at great local restaurants

SCHOOLS in FOCUS

inspiring women in kingston, surbiton & teddington | www.darlingmagazine.co.uk

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editor’s letter ................

Dear Darling reader,

COVER: PATRICIA CAMPBELL-PARKER Photography by Cythare Cooper www.cythare.com Cover photo: model sitting on a Tapas sofa from www.seriouslysofas.co.uk

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Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Marja-Leena Toseland All Enquiries 07802 949836 Email kingston@ darlingmagazine.co.uk

The lovely, warm August and super successful Olympics for Team GB made me get on my bike and into my running shoes - literally - but if you are not feeling quite on top of your game, don’t despair. As the kids go back to school and we return to the grind again, it's a perfect time to take stock and re-align our lives. Look after yourself and take ’me-time’ to enjoy your days, whether it’s getting fit, being pampered or meeting up with friends. This issue is all about fantastic places and good advice to help you on your way to new beginnings.

Our Inspiring Woman, Patricia Campbell-Parker, is an expert in helping the whole person feel better. Dr De-Stress gives her tips on managing stress. Having your finances in order gives you peace of mind and seeing a professional Wealth Manager isn’t just for the super wealthy. Hart Brown Solicitors give advice on the importance of having a will if you own a property abroad. We have fantastic restaurants worth a try in our area - both new, like Jack’s Kitchen and Saffron Summer, and the more established, such as the delightful Bingham.

Contributors Lyndsay Russell, Paul Mendelson, Valerie McBride-Munro

Our Schools in Focus guide features some of the top local independent schools - not to be missed if you are looking for the right school for your child. And before you visit any, read Sandra Nardi’s article on how to get the most out of Open Days. Also more advice from Grania, who gives great tips for life and relationship dilemmas. Hope you’ll enjoy the read!

Photography Cythare Cooper www.cythare.com

CONTENTS

Design Anu West info@apila.co.uk Printer Aquatint scott@aquatint.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.

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Editor's letter Patricia Campbell-Parker, our local health guru Schools in focus Inspirational speaker, Maggie Alphonsi, visits The Study Prep school How to make the most out of school open days Back to school - back to YOU Word of mouth from The Really Helpful Club Clinical natural medicine and nutrition now available in Kingston The key stages of wealth management Creating a sound future for deaf children Go Gold for childhood cancer awareness month this September Saffron Summer restaurant feature Jack's Kitchen restaurant review The importance of having a will if you own a property abroad Surbiton Farmers' Market feature Keeping the past alive at the Langdon Down Centre Ask Grania - agony aunt column Out and about in and around Kingston How to manage stress Absolute Abode - where you'll find design in everything you touch Keeping the heat in and the cold out this winter Reinventing The Selfie - an exhibition by KAOS Cook's corner Gardening column What's on Bridge column Point of view

inspiring woman

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Patricia harnesses nature’s gifts & shares them with the community Darling editor chats to Kingston’s ‘natural health guru’, who has converted many a Kingston resident into a juicing enthusiast draining, so she went on to specialise in Cardio-Thoracics at the Brompton Hospital in Fulham.

P

However, her yearning to travel the world led her to join British Caledonian, which was taken over by the newly privatised British Airways soon after she joined. Whilst enjoying flying around the world for 14 years, it took its toll on Patricia’s health. This led her to seek out natural therapies that she encountered in the different cultures she visited on her travels which, in turn, sparked her interest in training as a natural health therapist.

Somehow, Patricia found time to study whilst working as cabin crew, bringing up two sons, now 21 year old Harrison and 16 year old Stefan, with her supportive husband Mike and gained many diplomas in Reflexology, Holistic massage, Manual Lymphatic Draining, Kinesiology, Reiki, Bach Flower Remedies, Nutrition, ThermoAuricular Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Spiritual Healing. On top of that she is knowledgeable in the Ayurvedic traditions, the use of essential oils, and the energy of colour not to forget her regular raw juicing workshops, where all your juicy questions can be answered!

atricia Campbell-Parker has had a long and varied career as a health and wellbeing professional. She first came to Kingston to train as a

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registered nurse at Kingston Hospital and, once qualified, worked on the paediatric ward. Caring for sick children eventually became emotionally

sept – oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

And there is even more to this amazing woman who is always sharing her expertise and experience in order to make those in need get

inspiring woman

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the best out of life: Patricia is also a founding trustee of VisionZambia.

You run your own natural health practice, Vital Well Being. Do you specialise in certain therapies or are you able to blend different therapies and offer something truly unique to your clients?

“Each client is unique and my starting point is always to understand his or her overall health first so that I can tailor-make a programme that best supports them. Most of my programmes include EFT and Bach Flower Remedies as these go hand-in-hand perfectly. Many of my clients have physical health issues, so management of past trauma and life's stressful challenges need to be part of their programme. Of course, I always recommend introducing Raw Juicing into their diets too. I offer the juicing workshop to show how easy it can be to regularly juice at home.”

I am very excited about the future.

Together with a friend we’ve created a new company - LARIMAR

COURSES, which brings together our experience and knowledge in a two day inspirational workshop.

Anyone who’s at a crossroad in their lives will rediscover ancient and new practices that effectively clear blocks to their abundant futures on all levels. We have secured a fabulous venue - The Royal Overseas League in St James’s from November this year.”

What do you think natural health therapies' future in our society and with our health care providers looks like?

“Our NHS already embraces natural therapies, especially in cancer care. There are whole departments that offer complementary therapies. Around four times a year I volunteer at the cancer centre at West Middlesex Hospital running Bach Flower and EFT programmes. There is a similar centre in Kingston Hospital too. Many GPs now embrace complementary therapies, many of my EFT and Bach Flower colleagues work alongside traditional medical carers. There have been many doctors on the Bach Flower course I have facilitated.

Initially, I started teaching Bach Flower Remedies to health professionals and, thanks to my nursing background, I was invited to become a trainer and have regularly taught all around the country and the world. I feel that I’m part of bridging the gap between traditional and complementary therapies.”

Patricia in Zambia with Mainess, who runs the savings and loans groups

Can you tell us more about your work with VisionZambia?

“Our strapline is Friends Helping Friends. We are a group of volunteers based in the UK connected with a Zambian community of about 20,000 people who live in a compound just outside Lusaka. Our link in Zambia is a British lady called Cossie, also one of the trustees. She was working with a Zambian hospice which we’ve helped to raise funds for in the UK. After receiving many generous donations we needed to register as a charity in order to show accountability, of course. The charity just grew organically really.

We now have match-funding in place and the money we raise is used to help run a hospice, a health centre, a girls football team, a school, clean water projects and women’s groups that educate and empower women to look after health as well as loans and savings schemes in their communities.”

Visit: visionzambia.co.uk for details & how to support the charity.

For more information about Patricia's work, visit: www.vitalwellbeing.net

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

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Schools in FOCUS Kingston Grammar School – co-educational 11-18 years Kingston Grammar School is one of the most successful co-educational schools in the country. At Kingston Grammar School academic excellence, together with support and encouragement within the classroom, are at the centre stage but they are by no means the whole of the story. The extensive co-curricular programme, with particularly strong sports and pastoral care, supports achievement and helps students make the most of their talents. Cultivating leadership skills, a sense of responsibility and respect for others as well as for oneself are core values and the school environment encourages the highest aspirations and promotes independent thought.

Open Day on Saturday 1st October More information at: www.kgs.org.uk

Rokeby School – Boys’ Preparatory Education, 4 to 13 years Rokeby School aims to nurture the talents and energy of each pupil in a creative and vibrant way. Choosing the right school for your child can be a lengthy and demanding process. However, the right decision will bring them enormous happiness and success.

‘Your son comes first’ at Rokeby. The school puts the boys, as individuals, before anything else. Sound preparation for senior school is a given, as is a strive to give each boy the very best start in their young lives. Above all else, Rokeby aims to develop a love of learning in each boy and to encourage him to be kind in all that he does.

Parents are encouraged to visit the school, either on your own, at one of the regular coffee mornings, or on the Open Day in order to gain a ‘feel’ for exactly what it has to offer; not only academically but also artistically, socially and culturally.

Next Open Morning: Sat 1st October 2016, visit www.rokebyschool.co.uk

St John’s School, Leatherhead, for boys and girls aged 11-18 St John’s School is a leading independent school, renowned for its academic strength, pastoral care and for offering a first class, all-round education. Excellent academic results, strong university entry and curriculum reform tell only one part of the story at St John’s. The rich cultural life of the school is matched by outstanding success on the sports pitches and extraordinary endeavour in drama, music, community service and much more besides.

'Discover St John’s' mornings (D) are smaller events, for parents, held throughout the year. ‘Taster’ (T) events are opportunities for prospective 11+ and 13+ pupils to visit and try out a selection of activities. Open events are indicated with (O) - see below.

For more information please contact 01372 373 000 admissions@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk or visit www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk OPEN DAYS:

Kingston Grammar School: Open Morning: Saturday 1st October.

More information at: www.kgs.org.uk

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Rokeby School Next Open Morning is on Saturday 1st October 2016.

Please email admissions@rokebyschool.org.uk or visit www.rokebyschool.co.uk

St John's School: Open events autumn 2016: 16+:Tue 27 Sept, 5.00–6.30pm (book online) (D) 11+ 13+ 16+: Fri 30 Sept, 5.00–7.00pm (no booking) (O) 11+ 13+ 16+: Sat 1 Oct, 9.00–11.00am (no booking) (O) 11+ 13+: Wed 12 Oct, 9.15–10.45am (book online) (D) 11+ 13+: Tue 18 Oct, 9.15–10.45am (book online) (D) 11+ 13+: Thu 10 Nov, 9.15–10.45am (book online) (D) 11+ 13+ Sat 12 Nov 9.30–11.30am (book online) (T)

Schools in FOCUS Shrewsbury House School – an IAPS Preparatory School for boys aged 7-13 Shrewsbury House is one of England’s oldest preparatory schools. They have an enviable track record of success with scholarships and awards to senior schools.

The boys also enjoy great success at regional and national levels in sports and the performing arts. The caring and committed staff organise a huge variety of after-school clubs and educational trips to offer the boys tremendous learning experiences beyond the classroom. They have also recently launched a £15 million development programme to ensure that Shrewsbury House boys continue to benefit from the best possible educational environment.

For more information please contact the Registrar on 020 8399 3066 or at registrar@shspost.co.uk

Surbiton High School – boys 4 to 11, girls 4 to18 Surbiton High School aims to inspire, encourage and empower young people to be the very best they can be.

Surbiton High School is a friendly and vibrant community where individuals thrive and are happy, secure, confident and valued.

The school's approach combines an intellectually rigorous and challenging academic environment with outstanding pastoral care and support. The approach to education means that Surbiton High School pupils achieve the very best exam results and are also compassionate, authentic young people with strong values, keen to make a positive difference in the world.

Open days from 13 September until 14 October, for details please see the school website: www.surbitonhigh.com

The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon – girls 4-11 The Study Preparatory School, founded in 1893, is a proudly non-selective school at 4+, yet the girls achieve impressive results at 11+, with offers of places at top senior schools, many with scholarships. This year a record 25 scholarships were offered. Girls are encouraged within a warm and supportive atmosphere, and their classroom learning is enriched with creative workshops, trips and clubs. The creative arts and music are a particular strength and sport is another area in which the school excels. The Study offers the best of both worlds; it is a traditional village school with the academic results and facilities of a leading London prep school. You are warmly invited to attend one of the school’s regular tours to see for yourself what makes The Study so special.

For further information and to book a tour, call 020 8947 6969 | www.thestudyprep.co.uk Shrewsbury House School:

Surbiton High School:

The Study Preparatory School

Please contact registrar@shspost.co.uk to arrange a visit.

Open days from 13 September until 14 October, for details please see the school website: www.surbitonhigh.com

The school holds regular tours for prospective parents on Tuesday mornings between 9.20 and 10.30 am. See website for dates www.thestudyprep.co.uk

dar-

schools in the news .........................

Inspirational Speaker at The Study Prep – Maggie Alphonsi MBE inspires local girls Maggie was born in Lewisham, south London, and was born with a club foot, which she had to overcome in order to play rugby. She retired shortly after England won the 2014 World Cup in France and now continues to coach and promote female participation and coaching in sport. She was a Rugby World Cup 2015 ambassador and is an ambassador of several not-for-profit organisations and charities.

Further information on The Study Prep: Samantha.Loggie@thestudyprep.co.uk www.thestudyprep.co.uk

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irls from The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon were in for a treat when former England rugby player and television broadcaster, Maggie Alphonsi, visited the school to be the guest speaker at the school’s end of year Prize Giving.

The Study is renowned for its academic achievement and highly creative ethos, but sporting excellence is also at the heart of the school. 2016 is a record breaking 11+ results year for the prep school, with 25 scholarships offered by leading senior schools, including 6 sports scholarships, so it was apt that such a respected sportswoman came to talk to the girls. Maggie Alphonsi's address covered her rise from rebellious teen to dedicated athlete, and her story of grit, determination and positive spirit was a huge inspiration to the girls.

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sept – oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

education .............

How to make the most out of

School Open Days

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utumn is upon us and schools all over the country open their doors for prospective parents to get a chance to look behind the brick walls and rumours they have had to date.

Open Days are a great way of gaining an understanding of what a particular school offers. Many schools have excellent reputations but, when choosing a school for your child, is that really enough?

A good reputation is one thing but it’s important to consider if the school’s ethos matches that of your child.

Take the time to consider what is important to you and your child, from sports to academia, the list can be endless and so it should be. Placing your child’s happiness first is of paramount importance, as this is the foundation from which they will flourish. Whether you are looking for state or independent, this is a golden opportunity to gain an insight for not just your child, but also practicalities like the commute.

Once you have been to an Open Day you will know whether you would like to explore that school further.

Book an appointment to see the school during a working day when you will have the opportunity to see students in their classes, teachers in action and chat to the Head. Don’t be afraid of booking a follow up appointment to discuss your child’s education further.

When choosing a school for your child, no question is too trivial. If all works out, your child, and possibly their siblings, will be a member of the school for years to come, so take your time writing down a list of questions when meeting the Head Teacher.

However, we often recommend researching the admissions process before visiting the school whilst keeping in mind the difference between one school’s

rigorous academic approach to a more holistic and perhaps sporty school.

I wish you a very exciting time to put gossip to one side and make your own opinion about which school best fits your child.

Most schools advertise Open Days via their own websites and social media.There are also some helpful websites such as Good Schools Guide & School Search.

Sandra Nardi is the Founder and Director of Parent Education Consultancy For more information, visit: parenteducationconsultancy.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

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Do you suffer from back pain?

Free public information event Tuesday 20 September, 7pm-8.45pm Mrs Anne Mitchener BSc PhD MB BCHIR FRCS FRCS(SN) Consultant Neurosurgeon “Overview of the spine and common back problems”

Charlotte Summers Head of Physiotherapy at Spire St Anthony’s Hospital “General advice on back care and practical tips” St Bede’s Conference Centre, London Road, North Cheam, Surrey, SM3 9DX Free parking onsite. Refreshments will be served.

To register your place, please call or email

0208 335 4556

stanthonysevents@spirehealthcare.com

wellbeing & dining promotion

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Back to school – back to YOU

T

he British summer seems to have flown by with only the occasional downpour.

You may have jetted off for the holidays and fully indulged in the local cuisine, while trying to convince yourself that a couple of lengths of the pool was enough to strengthen your core.

Now as September arrives, it’s back to school time and we’re recommending some simple and effective ‘New School Year Resolutions’ to get you looking and feeling your best before the Christmas party season arrives.

Over to Richmond Hill to the eco wellbeing escape, bhuti. bhuti offers guests and private members a range of cutting edge holistic spa treatments and therapies, yoga/ fitness classes, a vegan tea room, ethical lifestyle shop, members' space, relaxation lounge and year-round events and workshops centred upon wellness. bhuti means “wellbeing” in Sanskrit and was founded by

Samantha Trinder. Mum of two and experienced yoga teacher, Samantha has run the Bingham in Richmond for many years and is driven by a desire to share her passion for yoga and health. bhuti is a space that offers sanctuary and an antidote to the modern, western lifestyle often associated with the increase in stress-related diseases.”

“Come and try a class, book a treatment and a cup of chai. In the space of a couple of hours, you’ll come out feeling infused with calm and positivity, with a renewed energy to face the day”, invites Samantha. Classes for non -members £16; treatments from £45; spa packages from £110.

Share this new state of bliss with your girlfriends over a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea at bhuti’s big sister, Bingham. It’s Richmond’s favourite riverside dining and drinking destination. Here you find a lovely two or three course market lunch (£17/£20, Mon-Sat) or afternoon tea (£25, daily). Head Chef, Andrew Cole, brings a wellbalanced, seasonal and holistic focus to modern British cuisine. His dishes concentrate on natural, sustainable and locally sourced

produce, serving light and healthy dishes alongside those more indulgent delights.

In a few weeks, the family will be revving up for Christmas and you’ll be clocking up the hours at concerts and nativity plays. This is a golden ticket to get back your glow and have some downtime with your friends. Who knew going back to school could be so much fun? bhuti 50 Hill Rise, Richmond, TW10 6UB bhuti.co be@bhuti.co 0330 400 3108

Bingham 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 6UT thebingham.co.uk 020 8940 0902

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

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Word Of Mouth

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From the Really Helpful Club

D

arling catches up

Are you with looking for local resident Really Helpful a reliableand builder or Club (RHC) handyman, a trusted founder, Sarah Austin, and Events Director, Caroline nanny or babysitter, aEdwards. super caterer, a “Word oftrainer, mouth is the most fitness a new trusted and reassuring way of hairdresser or just finding anything we’re looking somewhere getandyour for in our dailyto lives the RHC website nails done?is full Theof reliable Really recommendations and handy Helpful Club does contacts to help you. With what it says on thein just thousands of members a couple of years, this free tin... and now it’s come online network is buzzing. to We Surrey have many exciting things

planned for the Really Helpful Club and we want you to f you are searching for an get involved. The events we want information host easier bringlife, everything to life on tap and would likethe and allow our members to meet like-minded, opportunity to meetsavvy one and smart women, the Really another, connect and learn Helpful Club (RHC) thetwo something new,” sayisthe place for you.

Founded 2014 directors.

“Part of whatinwe also by mother Sarah do enterprising is support local businesses, Austin, intent onand bringing entrepreneurs charities. together dynamic and busy women (and men) who can share information and ideas on

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Household Staff for the first in a Our directory showcases tours of historical houses] but for with several thousand members. series of inspiring and informative outstanding, highly rated local businesswomen are keen to And Sarahand andisevents director events in Surrey -who presentations businesses by invitation only. network and women who Caroline Edwards are still offering advice, support andwish to rediscover the workplace are counting.

“It’s are a website where encouragement to help you who return “RHC events brilliant at looking for job opportunities.” you can share yourtogether experiences to the workplace or to start and bringing people not build your own business.” just latest as a social together, and finds get in exchange with interesting talks, but from new gems and ideas; after AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS 6th October: an evening of as aword business woman, it’smost all, of mouth is the Well-being and women’s fun, delicious food and master always incredibly handy for trusted and reassuring way of health workshops: class demonstrations with 2015 networking and finding other finding anything you’re looking 14th September Masterchef finalist,(nutrition) Paul Bogle. excellent businesses that are in for,” Sarah Jo explains.

Full of 22nd September (mindfulness) the area.”

Hall, Wimbledon 10th November: Rose Theatre reliable recommendations, Back to- Arthur Business and All Kingston Miller’s reputable businesses and handy Highlights this Autumn: taking the first steps: My Sons. contacts, and unique access to 29th September (in affiliation our of programme of are aJoin variety events which wellbeing and women’s health “RHC alreadyProperty the best known withisSurrey always oversubscribed, RHC workshops. source to go toand in Caroline our local Dore Potential is now available for Surrey area.

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13 ranged from women’s cycling, fashion and cooking to a day

depression, digestive disorders, female hormone disorders, auto-immune disease and weight gain. nutrition promotion .........................

She also advises on general health and wellbeing improvement and nutritional advice, and uses:

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Clinical natural medicine and nutrition now available in Kingston • Clinical Nutrition • Herbal Medicine • Homeopathy • Kinesiology

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• Kneipp Hydrotherapy ustralian and UK trained Naturopath and • Iridology Nutritionist, Kayte Ashton, is now practicing in •Kingston.

Bio-impedance for of weight loss Kayte has analysis over 7 years qualifications in natural medicine and nutrition. She specialises in the support of women, treating many chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, stress/anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, female hormone disorders, auto-immune disease and weight gain. She also advises on general health and wellbeing improvement and nutritional advice, and uses: • Clinical Nutrition • Herbal Medicine • Homeopathy • Kinesiology • Kneipp Hydrotherapy • Iridology • Bio-impedance analysis for weight loss • Functional blood tests such as hormone tests, food

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financial promotion .........................

The key stages of

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Sanna Nousiainen

Wealth management is a relatively new profession, so it’s not surprising that most people are vague about what wealth managers actually do.

W

ealth management addresses a wide range of issues. A wealth manager can help you with such issues as: investing a lump sum, deciding how much you need to save in order to retire comfortably, estate planning and saving inheritance tax, dividing up pension entitlements on a divorce or separation, getting the right types and amounts of life and health insurance, planning to pay school or university fees, deciding how much to borrow and providing a general financial health check.

These are crucial issues for most people and their families, and it’s very important for a wealth manager, or adviser, to have a thorough understanding of their

clients’ aims and challenges.

It’s generally best to look at all aspects of an individual’s financial affairs, not just the issue that is of most immediate concern.

But this is only the start. A wealth manager’s job is to find out what a client wishes to achieve with their money, both in the short and long term.

That means gaining a thorough understanding of their views about such issues as borrowing, investing, spending now and in the future, retirement and estate planning.

The next step in the planning process is to make sense of all this information and come up with a range of preliminary conclusions and initial ideas for ways forward.

Once these needs and wants have been identified, it’s time to do some specific product research into funds, tax wrappers – like ISAs - and insurance products.

There’s the planning part of the process, where the end result is a plan of action; and then there’s the implementation, where the outcome is a set of actions that carry out the plan.

Most clients want their adviser to keep an eye on their investments and other financial arrangements; you could, for example, receive periodic valuations, attend meetings or have phone calls on a regular basis, or as and when needed.

It is possible to carry out your own wealth management if you have the knowledge, time, patience and self-discipline. But there are good reasons why you probably won’t want to – even if you have all these characteristics.

Making such big decisions alone is not easy.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact: Sanna Nousiainen of Alexi Wealth Management Ltd on 07946 325254 or email sanna. nousiainen@sjpp.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

15

Wedding fayre Sunday 6th November 11am - 3pm

Get married at The Richmond Gate Hotel Your wedding day is simply one of the most important days of your lives so far, and our experienced wedding coordinators know this. Attention to detail is just as important to us as it is to you so you can rest assured that your wedding day will not disappoint.

Our beautiful eighteenth century building is the perfect setting for your wedding, from our individually decorated civil ceremony suites to a marquee in the beautful gardens, your memories can be captured...

From the moment you book your wedding you will see your perfect day take shape.

Why not make an appointment to look round our beautiful venue or visit our website for our next Wedding Open Day. Get married at The Richmond Gate Hotel. In the heart of stunning Richmond Upon Thames...

Tel: 0208 939 0366 | Web: www.richmondgate.com | Email: events.richmond@shlhotels.com

charity

.........

Creating a SOUND FUTURE for DEAF CHILDREN the award for being an excellent example to the rest of her peers.

Her language is better than age appropriate and she laughs, chats, and has fun with her friends without any difficulties. Auditory VerbalUK has been instrumental in helping Alice achieve all that she has achieved, and we’re so grateful for their support and expertise.”

A

s children up and down the country prepare to return to school this month, many deaf children will also be attending mainstream schools thanks to the award-winning charity Auditory VerbalUK. Founded in 2002, Auditory VerbalUK (AVUK) supports over 100 families per year from centres in London and Oxfordshire, delivering a life-changing programme of auditory verbal therapy for deaf children and their families from across the UK. The programme supports families who want their deaf child to learn to listen and speak.

80% of children who spend two years attending fortnightly sessions with a highly specialised clinician develop age appropriate spoken language skills and most go to mainstream schools.

Claire Campbell, Chair of Auditory VerbalUK's Board of Trustees, is the mother of three local children, two of whom are profoundly deaf and have been supported by AVUK. This means that Claire has first-hand experience of how the charity transforms the lives of deaf children.

“Alice has just finished Year 4 at a local mainstream school and won

On the 17th June the charity hosted its inaugural annual fundraiser “Loud Shirt Day”, where celebrities, schools, and businesses were encouraged to wear their loudest clothes to support deaf children. The day was a huge success with a host of celebrities such as Usain Bolt, Masie Williams and Daniel Radcliffe lending their support to the cause alongside schools and businesses from across the UK. If you are interested in registering your school or business for Loud Shirt Day 2017, you can contact the charity at fundraising@avuk.org.

To find out more about the organisation’s life-changing work, and to read about more children like Alice, you can visit the charity’s website: www.avuk.org

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

17

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charity

.........

GO GOLD

for childhood cancer awareness month this September

K

ingston-based Momentum children’s charity is encouraging everyone to ‘Go Gold’ in support of national Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September.

Since 1978, the gold ribbon and gold light have been the symbols representing the world’s youngest cancer patients and honouring their courageous struggle against childhood cancer.

Momentum, which supports children with cancer across SW London and Surrey, has a host of ideas of how to get involved in this awareness and fundraising campaign, from decorating your office with gold balloons to holding a gold-themed fancy dress party.

Almost 4,000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK. Treatment is a long and gruelling journey and

can often involve months and even years of chemotherapy, tests and long stays in hospital.

Charity director, Bianca Effemey, said: “When the unthinkable happens we are there to support

families through the toughest time of their lives. Whether that’s providing emotional support or respite breaks on our boat or at one of our holiday homes, Momentum is there to support families for as long as they need us.”

In addition to its Family Support Programme, Momentum provides therapy services and counselling.

Momentum also works with local hospitals to improve the healing environment.

To request a fundraising pack please go to: www.moment-um.org/gogold

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

19

MOVING HOUSE?

Making a house your home ...and for whatever life brings The Riverside Centre, 40 High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL Tel: 020 8974 7490 www.roselegal.co.uk

restaurant promotion ...........................

Get ready to be surprised at

Saffron Summer

Darling editor joined restaurant owner Ralph Sousa for lunch

W

hat you’ll find at Saffron Summer in Chessington could be expected at top central London Indian restaurants, not in Surrey, and at double the prices too.

This is no ordinary curry house!

Saffron Summer can truly be described as a ‘Haute Indian Cuisine’ fine dining venue.

The Executive Chef is Oberoi trained Awanish Roy, who joined Saffron Summer from The Cinnamon Club in Westminster.

I was blown away by the dishes Ralph selected for our lunch. We started with a Gol Guppa (a spicy cold shot) and Sev Batata Puri (Ajwaini spiced chickpeas and potatoes, wheat crisps, yoghurt and tamarind). As the appetisers were fairly light, we managed another starter from the street food tapas menu, Bhel Puri (puffed rice, carrots, cucumber and onions in a tongue tickling dressing) and still finished our mouthwatering

Chingri Malai Prawn Curry, made with pressed coconut and spiced mooli.

Saffron Summer specialises in game, with dishes like wild boar vindaloo, guinea fowl and venison along with traditional foods from different parts of India.

You may find the Indo-Chinese fusion from Chinatown of Calcutta particularly interesting.

More unusual Indian street food and Indian tapas dishes can be discovered at lunch and our special four course Indian Sunday roast lunch at £14.95 is worth trying.

Saffron Summer’s loyalty card scheme is launching soon - enquire at the restaurant. You’ll be in with a chance of winning a serviced villa holiday at Dreamwoods in Goa. For more details please go to www.dreamwoods.in

Saffron Summer Indian Restaurant, 4 Ace Parade, Hook Road, Chessington KT9 1DR

For reservations please book online www.saffronsummer. co.uk or call 0208 391 4477

Presently sitting as No. 1 restaurant in Chessington on TripAdvisor and with a 5* rating!

The Premier Networking Organisation for Women In Business • • •

Focuses exclusively on women in business.

Offers inspiring opportunities to engage with business owners and decision makers from diverse industry sectors.

Founded on values of respect and integrity, Athena groups are committed to welcoming members and visitors in a relaxed, mutually supportive and ethical environment.

Why Join The Athena Network?

• • •

Athena was founded to provide women in business with opportunities to make strategic connections with professionals in a wide range of industry sectors and provide support to small start-ups to medium size businesses. All are welcome.

Athena meet each month between 12pm and 2pm to make new contacts, develop valuable business expertise and make strategic connections.

Vibrant and fast-growing, Athena is the UK’s premier business networking organisation for women in business and is establishing a significant international presence.

To find out more about a group meeting near you, please attend a meeting or telephone us on 0208 432 2309 or email charmaine.mace@theathenanetwork.com, www.theathenanetwork.co.uk

Gorgeous Original Gift Put the dress away but not the memories...

Artist and illustrator Lyndsay Russell will create a beautiful Paris-style fashion sketch of your wedding dress, shoes, bouquet and headdress – adding personal touches such as fabric swatches, the wedding date and the bride’s name.

If you're looking for a unique and thoughtful wedding gift these artworks are ideal.

They're also perfect for Christmas, Birthdays and of course Special Anniversaries.

From as little as £125.

Contact 0787 949 0487 | lyndsayrussell@blueyonder.co.uk www.weddingfashionsketches.com

restaurant review

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

Sitting in Jack's Kitchen Lyndsay Russell enjoyed a special girls' night out

G

enerally speaking, a meal in The Holiday Inn sounds as appetising as taking an hour’s Corporate Software Conference break.

However, if you head down to the newly opened hotel in Portsmouth Road you’ll find a tasteful surprise.

steak with Bearnaise sauce - very succulent. My friends took the descriptive bait for the Swordfish - red quinoa, pickled fennel and chilli salsa. A great choice, but they suggested if you choose the latter, you ask for it medium, as the dry was a little too…well, dry.

A large, elegantly lit restaurant that’s cosmopolitan in ambience, it felt like I’d entered a smart restaurant in central London rather than an eatery in Surbiton.

Dining with three friends, we decided to test Jack’s Kitchen cocktail list extensively, and the charming waitresses lined up the glasses. The Rossini (sparkling wine, muddled strawberry) was highly praised by Food and Beverage Manager, Rajiv Vallikappen, and went down particularly well but got beaten in a gang vote by the Spiced Mojito. (I had to have a second, just to be sure).

And finally, puddings. Ah, how we indulged. The subtle Panacotta Pina Colada and caramelised coconut chips floated into mouths like fluffy little clouds, whilst house dessert Eton Mess Cheesecake was the most popular amongst us. A tangy crumbled base, with fresh fruit and little bits of popping candy that fizzed in your mouth.

Appetisers ensued - all of us devouring each other’s choices like locusts. WHY does everyone else’s plate always look better? I clung on to my Crab and Avocado with pink grapefruit, coriander and lime, fighting away rival forks like a seasoned musketeer. But the overall winner on the starting line turned out to be the Seared Orkney Scallops which were bourbon soaked and garnished with mint pea and shards of Iberico ham. The morsels of mollusc were mouthmeltingly tender.

The chef, Akshay Sabharwal, popped ou to say hello, and we discovered he’d trained under Mark Askew, the Executive Chef for Gordon Ramsey. Next week, he confided he was creating a Chocolate Bomb made with salted caramel and 24 carat edible foil. I’m booking my table now, just in case word of mouth creates a new Gold Rush.

Appetisers from £5.50 - £17.25 Entrees £9.95 - £29.95 Free parking

For the main course, I plumped for the classic fillet

Seared Orkney Scallops

Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna

Swordfish Fillet

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

23

legal promo

legal promotion

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

Why should you make a will if you own property abroad?

Seila Sanchez Lucas explains

English law, it does not automatically guarantee that your overseas property will go to whoever you chose to inherit your property in your English will.

If the foreign property is located in an EU member state, such as France, the EU Succession Regulation, which came into force on 17 August 2015, will apply to the succession of your estate in France.

I

f you own any assets abroad, or are considering investing in a holiday property in a foreign country, it is important that you think about making a will or reviewing your existing will to ensure that your wishes are carried out and your overseas assets pass to your intended beneficiaries. This is because, even if you have made a will under

24 34

sept2016 – oct|2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk sept-oct darlingmagazine.co.uk

The EU Succession Regulation is binding in all the EU member states excepting the UK, Ireland and Denmark. Although the Regulation does not apply in the UK, it affects the way that the ‘conflict of laws’ rules in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland interact with the rules of the EU member states where it does apply. The ‘conflict of laws’ rules are the rules that each country has to decide which country’s law will govern who inherits your estate when you die.

The Regulation says that the law applicable to your succession will be the law of the member state in which you were habitually resident at the time of your death but gives you the option of expressly choosing the law of your nationality when you make a will.

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

Seila Sanchez Lucas

For example, if you are a UK national and have made an English will, but you own a holiday cottage in France and your main place of residence at the time of your death is the UK, it is likely that English law will be applied to your succession in France. This will ensure that the freedom to leave your property to whoever you wish under English law is respected.

However, if you do nothing and die without a will, the English ‘conflict of laws’ rules will be applied to your succession in France. These rules say that the succession of immovable assets, such as land or residential property, is governed by the law where the assets are located. If your holiday property is located in France, French succession laws and, particularly, the French “forced heirship rules”, will dictate the way in which your holiday property is inherited when you die.

Similarly, if you are a UK national and you make an English will but your habitual place of residence when you die is France, where you own a holiday cottage, the French succession rules will govern who inherits your entire estate. This situation can be avoided by including a choice of English law in your will, in which case France will apply English law to your whole estate.

Brexit will surely have an impact on how the UK is regarded by the other EU member states when they apply the EU Succession Regulation and the current choices available to UK nationals may end once the formal exit from the European Union by the UK has taken place.

An alternative when planning for the succession of your foreign property is to make a will in the country where the property is located and, therefore, exclude the foreign property from your English will. This has the advantage after your death of saving the time and expense of validating your English will in a foreign country and expediting the succession of your foreign property.

Before taking any steps mentioned in this article, you should take professional legal advice. This article is based on current regulations which may be subject to change.

If you would like further information please feel free to contact Seila Sanchez Lucas in our Trusts and Estates Department on 020 3282 8773 or by email ssl@hartbrown.co.uk who would be more than happy to assist you. hartbrown.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept|–sept-oct oct 20162016

35 25

charity .........

Surbiton’s Farmers’ Market shoppers support new sports kit for visually impaired people KAB offers a range of services and support for visually impaired people in the borough, where there are over 1,000 people with varying degrees of sight loss.

The donation was one of several larger amounts the market has handed out recently. Shoppers Market volunteers including charity coordinator, Robyn McAllister, have helped went along to the team's latest match in Epsom on 9th August to see the players in action. raise more than £50,000 for local ingston upon Thames charities and causes since Association for the Blind’s the market began nearly lawn bowls team is sporting seven years ago. a smart new kit, thanks to the generosity of market shoppers in Surbiton Farmers’ Market takes Surbiton. place in leafy Maple Road every third Saturday of the month from Award-winning Surbiton Farm9am to 1pm. Each market has 26 ers’ Market donated £1,500 stalls of wonderful fresh produce from stall fees and fundraising to and speciality foods, plus a Charsupport new kit and transport for ity of the Month stall. Adjacent the KAB team. bars, cafés and restaurants are open for breakfast, coffee and lunch.

K

The next market is on 17 September. For full details visit the market website www.surbitonfarmersmarket.co.uk, join Facebook at Surbiton Farmers’ Market or follow Twitter @SurbitonFM.

26

sept – oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Go Bananas on Sunday 20 September!

The market is organising a Sponsored Fun Walk in aid of RAK, Refugee Action Kingston, which provides advice and support for refugees and asylum seekers in the Kingston area.

Anyone is welcome to join market volunteers and supporters for the seven-mile sponsored walk.

And there will be a free, giant, inflatable banana for children taking part!

The walk will begin at Kingston Gate car park at 11am. If you would like to join in, entry is £2 and you can pick up sponsorship forms from the Organisers' Stall at the next market or any day during business hours from Shoes at Last at 81 Maple Road, Surbiton. Alternatively, just turn up on the day and take part. Please contact info@surbitonfarmersmarket.co.uk with any queries.

A special fundraising page https://localgiving.org/gobananas has been set up to receive sponsorship funds and donations.

RAK will also be receiving donations at the market on Saturday 15th October as its Charity of the Month.

charity .........

Teddington's beautiful

Langdon Down Centre remains true to its beginnings

N

ormansfield (now the Langdon Down Centre), was established by Dr John Langdon Down in 1868 as a residential home where people with learning disabilities could be cared for and educated at a time when most would have been condemned to life within an asylum. Dr Langdon Down was a remarkable English physician with an enlightened approach and Down’s syndrome is named after him. In the early 1950s, Normansfield became an NHS hospital until it closed in 1997.

Dr Langdon Down’s revolutionary approach included offering education and physical activity to all residents. As part of this work, in 1879, he built the exquisite Normansfield Theatre within the residential home. The entire theatre wing was restored and renamed The Langdon Down Centre in 2004. Today, the working Grade II* listed theatre, complete with original fixtures and fittings, houses the

largest collection of Victorian hand-painted scenery in the country. A digital catalogue of the scenery is on display thanks to a Heritage Lottery Grant received in 2015. School and educational visits take place regularly, as well as private tours.

Over 130 years after its completion, the theatre now offers a diverse programme ranging from musical concerts, dramatic performances and operas. Regular children’s drama classes are held at the centre enabling youngsters to perform, build confidence and express themselves in glorious surroundings. There is also a regular programme of day and evening classes including yoga, art and opera appreciation.

The centre houses The Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability too. Exhibitions and original artefacts help to tell the story of the Langdon Down family and Normansfield, including the extraordinary James Henry Pullen exhibition ‘Ships of Reality and Imagination’. The museum is open to the public on Saturday mornings, free of charge.

drome Association (DSA) is also at the Langdon Down Centre. The DSA is the only UK organisation focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. Since 1970, the DSA has grown from a local parent support group into a national charity with over 20,000 members and works closely with over 130 local support groups across the country.

The centre still shares Dr John Langdon Down’s original vision: to challenge discrimination and provide support, information and advocacy to families and professionals working with people with Down’s syndrome.

For information on all events, call 0333 1212 300 or see www.langdondowncentre.org.uk

The national office of the Down’s Syndarlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

27

agony aunt

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

Ask Grania Grania Young

I

n my column, I am addressing questions and worries sent in by you, Darling readers. An independent person can sometimes offer different suggestions and solutions to problems, as they can look at things objectively, from a fresh point of view.

Please send me your questions and I will do my best to help. Your identity will be held strictly confidential.

"I hate my job and lifestyle.

Can you help?"

holidays you'd like to take and check out travel agents.

You have one life and if it's becoming unbearable, then look at changing it. However, choosing to throw everything in the air without any thought seldom works. Plan ahead to have an effective, good change.

Start working to your new plan, the job or lifestyle will feel less intolerable because you’ll begin to see an end to it.

"I think my partner is unfaithful but I'm not sure."

If you really hate your job, list your options and questions. Are you qualified to do anything else? Can you obtain qualifications? Can you afford to take a lesser salary? You’re never stuck in a job if you’re prepared to work and sacrifice for change. Your local library will have details of courses available in your area.

Make a ‘doubt’ list of reasons. Is your partner missing for hours without explanation? Suddenly working late? Suddenly unloving or over-affectionate, as if guilty?

Strange phone calls? Suddenly obsessed with their physical appearance? Are they secretive where once they were open? These are possible signs of infidelity but can also have innocent explanations.

Avoid seeking advice from friends and family. Call an anonymous helpline and talk about your fears openly until you find the strength to talk to your partner. Don't begin by accusing. Say you're puzzled and you'd like an explanation. You can tell a lot from the answers you get. A reasonable partner will give you explanations. If met with a refusal to explain be firm and say you deserve a reasonable explanation. If you get a reasonable expla-

If it's your lifestyle you hate or you're simply in a rut, resolve to change one thing each week.

Buy different food, change mealtimes, walk instead of ride etc. Make a list of 28

sept – oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Notwithstanding that, have you thought you might be wrong? The last thing you wish to be is a partner wrongly suspecting the other of infidelity. Relationships can be damaged beyond repair by unjustified suspicion. So what could you do if you have doubts?

agony aunt

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

Tips for a better lifestyle:

nation, apologise for your doubts and put ‘doubt’ out of your mind.

Unless you have a genuine reason, don’t hang on to it.

"Other mothers are so unfriendly! What could I do?

There are some mothers at the school my child goes to, who are not very friendly. They smile and say hello but they never ask me to join them. How can I make friends?"

Don’t wait to be asked, smile and try walking over to them. Your ‘body language’ says as much as what you are saying when you meet people. Are you saying ‘I’m fine, thank you very much’?

go over. Smile and say ‘hello’.

Look someone in the eyes and just make some remark about your child or theirs – give a compliment and ask a question.

It may lead to a chat and it may just break the ice. The next time, smile and say hello and use their name - and take it from there.

Ask to see if they’re free to join you for a coffee.

I know it’s scary and takes time and effort to make friends, however, it’s worth risking being turned away because the chances are you’ll be welcomed in.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. Smile while you walk. It’s the ultimate antidepressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following, 'My purpose for today is: ---' 4. Eat more foods that grow on plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, "energy vampires", issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

Ask Grania – email: kingston@ darlingmagazine.co.uk

The other mums may assume you’re on your own by choice.

If you sit hunched up, turned or just looking away, people will tend to leave you alone. They don’t ask you to join in because they perhaps think you’re the one being unfriendly or that you don’t need them. People don’t know you’re shy or scared and that you’re looking to make friends.

Try this, take a deep breath and darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

29

On the scene

With editor Marja-Leena Toseland

The Athena Network and The Victoria Foundation threw a right royal tea party for the Queen's 90th at Richmond Gate Hotel

Lesley Vaughan, Charmaine Mace nad Nikki Williams

Cythare Cooper, Marja-Leena Toseland and Valerie McBride-Munro

What beutiful hats ... and ladies! (Photo by Cythare Cooper)

Koo Anand, Lesley Alexander and Nina Mueller

Her Majesty the Queen, Vicky Peirson with Charmaine Mace, Regional Director of Athena, Borough of Richmond

Shan Karwatowski, Heather Galbreach and Annette Cruiziat, The Victoria Foundation

Tasleem Mulhall and Jo Perria from Titfertat Hats

Sarah Austin, Dara Stringham and Sue Harper

Tracey Mason and Mary Sini

Olivia Flattery, Elisabeth Piner, Jo Kinchlea, Nikki Williams, Valerie McBride-Munro and Patricia CampbellParker

IYAF - International Youth Arts Festival - Gala Night at Rose Theatre Photos by Tangle Photography

HRH the Earl of Wessex, President of Creative Youth greeting John Miles Angellica Bell

Emma-Jane and Jonathan Greensted

Wonder, from Germany, one of the festival performers

Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, Cllr Geoff Austin, Mayor and Mayoress Sheila Austin, Phil Hetherington, Holly Freeman, Robert O'Dowd , Vice President of Rose Theatre and Any Currums, Festival Director

Open Studios at ASC

Kingston Artists Open Studios preview

Cressida Borrett, Buffy Kimm, Peg Morris, Chris Birch, Hannan Tendoornkat, Richard Tomlin, Rachel Pearcey, Caroline Calascione and Liz Harrington

Sophie Kean, Raghvi Arya (winner), Asha Dodhia, Anna Sogomonian and Janaki Mistry - Kingston's Young Artists competition finalists

Skye Holland, The Boudoir Portraits

Valerie Merlo-McCann and Lucy George

Teddington Village Fair & Pram Race

Teddington's Learn to Knit group; Paula Fitzgerald, Lesley Alexander, Emm Ashford, Joyce Shantonas, Tia Dania and Allison Mann

Neil Hall and Bradley Kain from The Lensbury

Charlie Llewelleyn-Leary, The Secret Cabin

Bernadette Collett, Leanne O'Connor and Justine Hales from Curves women's gym

Perdi Williams and Andrew Hanson, NPL in Bushy Park, held the audience's attention with their fantastic demonstrations

Celebrating Midsummer Nordic style

Want to be seen?

Sue Baker, Ian Rajiv and Sarah Castledine

Shrewsbury House School's family football tournament

Anu West, Jeff Davila, Helena Whitaker and Sarah Freeman Koo Anand, Cythare Cooper and Asma Salman Saleem

Bharti Dodhia, Joyce Stanislas, Bojana Woods, Kelly Adair and Ching-Ching Lam-Denham

Molesey B.C. ‘A’ Row to Victory at Henley Royal Regatta

Pearson Hards Solicitors garden party

Henry Fieldman, Samuel Tuck, Lewis Thorpe, Luke Moon, Sam Whittaker, George Stewart, Chris Heywood, Alistair Gregory and Rufus Biggs

R: Partner David Hards with guests

Summer Shopping on the Terrace at Douetil Holistic in Teddington

Jennifer McGarrigle, Bernadette Douetil, Clementine Pullman and Natalie Curtis

L-R: Katie Gordon from Cheeky Leopard Bags, Ann Gibbons and Jacqueline Pickard-DeHaqerty

Bruce Burrowes, Tax Assist Accountants launch party in Kingston

Alex and Sara Whitman, Suzy Wood and Jerry Irving

Tax Assist staff; Anoja,Devarajan, Christian Walker and Gisela Lewis

L: Hatice Mustafa and Jonathan Thorp, both Partners at Pearson Hards with guests

Vivien Newbould, Maria and Monica Booth

Kingston Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge winning team Dragons Without Borders received the Winner's cup from the President of Kingston Rotary Ramesh Kapadia and Mayor Cllr Geoff Austin

Kingston Chamber of Commerce - Women In Business lunch at Glenmore House

Lorna Giffin, DoubleTree by Hilton, Anna Hanak and Zara Sukharisingh, Peacock & Co Solicitors

Sophie West, Antje Moor, Sue Towner, Jo Lilley and Gloria McDermott

Kingston Business EXPO at Kingston University Business School

Annette Cruiziat with Prabha Shetty and John Azah both from Kingston Race and Equalities Council, organisers of Kingston Carnival

Darling editor with Key Speaker Mark Wright

Ann O'Neill, Carrie Cantor, Yvette Hoskings-James and Sara Whitman

Deputy Mayor Cllr Rowena Bass and Nevil Kapadia

Photographer Jeremy Gee's preview at Rose Theatre

Karen Wheatley and Rebecca Dalton from Kingston College

Nobby Clark, Jeremy Gee, Hugh Riddell and Lockhart Murdoch

Caroline Ewans, Fabulous Women and Jacquiline McDermott, Keystone Law

At Frame - The London Dance Film Festival 4th of July

Joe Bateman, Festival Director and Katharina Jeschke, Dancescreen

Hannibal Brown wine and food pairing evening at CoCo Hair & Beauty Andy Scowcroft, Koo Anand, owner of CoCo Hair& Beauty, Judy King, Hannibal Brown, Ian Rajan, Pamela Gregory founder of Hannibal Brown and Andrew and Sharon Morgan Sebastien Olu

Ian Lowe, Festival Coordinator

RELAX‌ In a bathroom designed, supplied and installed by the experts.

The bathroom specialists.

The bathroom specialists.

0208 335 6821 | 49 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, KT6 5JR | www.bathroomeleven.co.uk

wellbeing promotion

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

Let's talk about

I

s stress creeping back into your life despite your best efforts to leave it on a beach somewhere this summer?

Don’t panic! The truth is that we can’t live without stress, so I suggest that you say Yes to stress.

Stress is unavoidable. We are exposed to zillions of impressions per day and we try to process, try to respond to, try to gauge… An energy-consuming business! While we all experience different types of stress at different levels, it is important to be able to regulate our stress in order to keep healthy and happy.

STRESS

Stress is about tension and when we keep topping up the tension, we will eventually ‘explode’. Explode in our body with a physical reaction, for example cardio vascular conditions, or explode in our emotional health with a burnout or depression.

Did you know that there is good stress as well as bad stress?

When stressed, you produce stress hormones that help you to focus, to fight or to flight. It is a really good thing when you are facing a challenge, as it gives you the required frame of mind to

Dr Mariette Jansen

get to the results you are aiming for, for example writing an essay, decorating a cake or going for an exercise challenge. This positive stress is called Eustress.

The result is often a euphoric experience, a satisfaction, when you can say to yourself: ‘I DID IT!’ It feels great doesn’t it?

Here are three easy tips to manage stress: 1. The moment you notice tension, step out of it by doing some mindfulness exercise, like deep and calm breathing

2. Create a routine for a stressful situation, so it becomes a habitual motion that works without effort

3. Bring yourself back to the beach where you felt relaxed imagine yourself lying on that lounger, soaking up the sun with no worry in sight

For more information about managing stress and meditation please visit: www.drdestress.co.uk or contact Dr Mariette Jansen (psychological coach and meditation teacher) for a FREE chat and personalised advice 07967 717131 36

sept – oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

interiors promotion

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

Absolute Abode - where you

find design in everything you touch

A

t Absolute Abode, we believe design impacts all areas of our lives. Whenever we are designing a space, we anchor our thinking in our core values – integrity, nourishment and beauty. We believe that creating the right environment and atmosphere is essential to our well-being and that in everything we touch, we experience design. We endeavour to distill the essence of each project, telling the story of each client through in the interiors we create.

If you are considering a change, let our expert team be your guide. We are a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. Take advantage of a free consultation and discuss your new project with us.

Please call 020 8090 3210 or email design@absoluteabode.com

Absolutely mouth-watering!

Absolute Abode is also the home of fine dining with a menu, curated by star chef Marc Kerrigan.

Dinner gets off to a great start with a complimentary glass of Prosecco and amuse bouche. Then pick from Marc’s delicious menu, including a char grilled chump of lamb with English asparagus, pea puree, balsamic baby onions, roasted cherry tomatoes, and red wine reduction; or a grilled corn-fed chicken supreme with mushroom puree, grilled shitake mushrooms, and ‘Rolling’ Sauvignon cream sauce. Every Thursday and Friday night, ever-popular jazz pianist Ross Lorraine presents a wonderful musical line-up of live jazz featuring special guests to accompany the culinary delights on offer.

Something sweet to finish...

Our in-house baker, Maria, works her magic every day to make sure you are treated to the best dessert in town. Be tempted by her blueberry cheesecake with crushed meringue and coulis, or enjoy our signature dessert, the Absolute Abode brownie with white chocolate and raspberries. What better way is there to end an evening of fine dining and live jazz than with something sweet. And while you’re at it, why not enjoy a fine dessert wine?

Phone 020 8090 3211 to reserve your table and wine and dine in style.

Absolute Abode | Design | Café | Emporium 76-78 Coombe Lane SW20 0AX absoluteabode.com

cadira contemporary furniture

157-159 Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 6AW www.cadira.co.uk - tel 0203 6019876

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Our showroom: 1 Station Road, Teddington, TW11 9AA, 020 8973 3995

building promotion .........................

Keep the heat in and the cold out this winter

T

he thought of a cold house this winter may be on your mind already.

With the cost of energy increasing continuously, what better time to start thinking about warming up this autumn and reduce those winter bills?

Look to extend or renovate and reap the rewards.

PAUL’S TOP TIPS By adding a loft conversion you can certainly increase the insulation to your home.

Building Regulation has become really stringent over the past few years with regard to insulating lofts. The U-value (measure of heat loss) that needs to be achieved is very low in order to get your building control sign off.

Your home would benefit from a loft as heat rises and, with the current regulations, should not escape. You may find that you are the only house in the road where the snow does not melt on the roof once you are properly insulated.

Double glazing is most certainly very beneficial to any home.

Keep the heat in and the cold out. Haven Construction works in partnership with Grabex Windows, who produce top quality, double glazed wooden, UPVC and aluminium windows, as well as doors, at very affordable prices. You will wish that you had done this a long time ago.

are of insulated cavity wall construction, and the roof is required to be fully insulated as well. Rear doors and windows are all double glazed as are roof windows.

So if you are thinking of extending or renovating your existing house, ask us for a quote. You’ll enjoy a warmer winter, your bills will come down and, to top it off, you have more space to enjoy the warmth in over those long, cold months. havenconstruction.org.uk 07880 546 063

Rear extensions can warm up your home as well. New floors are insulated, the walls darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept-oct 2016

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

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London stockist for Clearview Woodburning stoves Defra approved for smoke control areas 020 8947 5115 www.forestbailiff.co.uk

Pole Structural Engineers

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art ....

Re-inventing "THE SELFIE" An exhibition of contemporary self portraits by KAOS artists

I

n the pantheon of art history, the story of the self-portrait is a long and illustrious one. Rembrandt, Lucian Freud, David Hockney and Andy Warhol instantly come to mind, and now KAOS – Kingston Artists’ Open Studios.

In Autumn 2015, KAOS artists took the idea of the ‘selfie’ and made it their own: instead of a mobile phone at the end of a stick they took to their brushes and pencils and canvas and silks and satins, buttons and bows and anything else they needed, to ‘capture’ the essence of their ‘selfs’.

They all found it a fascinating exercise and the exhibition at Cass Art in Kingston was a great success. This year they are taking the initial 2015 selfies and reworking them. Last year’s show had a slight ‘tongue in cheek’ aspect to it, that year selfies were everywhere, people were quite

literally falling over themselves to take them. Kingston artists were also fascinated to find that, even in a spirit of fun, in creating their selfie they gained a deeper understanding of themselves and how they worked, how the method of creating their selfie reflected who they were.

But it is not wholly an exercise in navel gazing, this exhibition once again gives free rein to the KAOS artists to explore and experiment, have fun (maybe even create a fantasy selfie, the ‘self ’ one would like to be). The works are very personal, the artists have created ‘portraits’ of themselves, the selfie, which sometimes only they understand: surprising, thoughtful, and oc-

casionally provocative, funny and sad, all, well nearly all, human life is here, on show at the Stables Gallery, from 8th October - 4th December 2016.

Re-inventing The Selfie Stables Gallery, Orleans House, Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

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cookery ..........

Cook's corner Get foraging and preserving!

A

utumn is the perfect time to start preserving, whether you grow your own or forage amongst the hedgerows. With just a little time and effort you can make fantastic preserves at home.

Preparation is key After putting in all that time and effort, the last thing you want is your preserves spoiling.

Sterilising jars Sterilisation kills off any micro organisms that could spoil your preserves. Wash your jars and lids in hot, soapy water and then rinse thoroughly, or put them through the hot cycle in the dishwasher.

Invert the jars onto a baking tray and put in the oven to dry for 15 minutes at 140C/275F.

Filling jars Remove the hot jars with tongs from the oven. Be careful not to get your fingers in the jars, you don’t want any bacteria getting into them. Immediately ladle your hot preserve into the jars (as the temperature starts to drop the likelihood of bacteria forming increases).

Cover the jars once you have filled them. Once the jars have cooled down, recheck the seals and tighten the lids to prevent any air entering and causing mould formation. Alternatively, you can cover the jars with a waxed disc of paper and cellophane.

Storage Keep your finished unopened pre-

Ingredients

Prep:15min › Cook:20min Ready in:35min

1kg blackberries 1kg caster sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 pinch salt 100ml elderflower cordial (optional)

Adding some elderflower cordial gives your jam a lovely zing as blackberries on their own can be a little flat when made into jam.

42

Chutneys and pickles have at least a year’s shelf life, fruit liqueurs and fruits in alcohol up to two years. Once opened store in the fridge and use within a few weeks.

Covering and sealing jars

Blackberry jam

Blackberries are still good to pick and foraging is good fun for all the family. This chunky blackberry jam requires no pectin. A foolproof jam recipe that can also be frozen in the freezer if you aren't processing it in sterilised jars.

serves in a cool, dark, dry place.

Sunlight can have an effect on the colour and humid places may cause fermentation.

Method 1. In a stockpot, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, and cook stirring frequently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the temperature of the mixture has reached 105 degrees C.

sept – oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

2. Transfer the mixture to hot sterile jars, leaving 1cm headspace, and seal.

gardening column .....................

The sorry state of our

HORSE CHESTNUT trees insect indeed. It lays eggs from May to August, which hatch in two to three weeks. Larvae pass through five stages (instars) and complete their development in about 4 weeks.

I

nstead of sporting an autumn hue of butter yellow foliage, leaves are brown, crispy and distorted. The culprit is a moth that allegedly hitched a ride on a lorry from Macedonia, around 14 years ago.

semblance of green tissue. This turns the leaves brown and dry, which eventually curl upwards and fall prematurely. Early leaffall can affect 70—100% of the leaves on a single tree. By August, entire trees look totally miserable.

The pest, known officially as Cameraria ohridella or chestnut leaf miner moth, started its British onslaught in 2002 and was first spotted in Wimbledon.

Since then, the population explosion has taken millions of them as far west as Devon with a few reported cases in Cornwall, and has romped north almost as far as Scarborough.

If there was only one generation of the moth per year, the damage might not be quite so catastrophic. But with our hot and dry weather, there can be as many as three generations a year.

As its common name suggests, the larvae of this moth produce mines within the leaves, feeding between the upper and lower surfaces, completely removing any

The adult moth appears around late April, initially from pupae that have survived the winter amongst fallen leaves. Its body measures around 5mm in length and its forewings are metallic chestnut-brown with silvery white transverse stripes edged in black.

The hindwings are dark grey with long fringes. Quite a striking

The rapid spread of infestation, ironically, has been down to human movement – the pest mainly hitching a ride on vehicles.

Experts tell us that although damage can be extremely disfiguring for a tree, it’s unlikely to kill it.

However, if you consider that a plant uses its leaves to convert light into food, having most of its food factory turned off cannot be good for its long-term health.

The UK doesn’t have an effective natural predator for this pest and, where a cold winter will knock out some insects, the overwintering pupae of this one can survive temperatures to around - 20C. Until the boffins come up with some magic remedy, there can be no doubt that the simple removal and burning of fallen autumn leaves will go some way to minimising its population explosion.

Valerie McBride Munro is a chartered horticulturist offering garden know-how sessions to help you develop your own Action Plan.

Tel: 07887 716 777 © 2016 Valerie McBride-Munro

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

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diary

.......

What's on?

Neuroscience Workshop - Adult Sat 10 Sept, 10am-1pm Hotel Bosco, 9 St Mark's Hill, Surbiton For those who are inspired to create new realities.

No need to have attended parts 1&2.

Come along, and create the life of your dreams. It's never too late! Cost: £45 mindrheo.com/events Annual Autumn Flower and Craft Show Sat 10 Sept, 2:30-4pm 22nd Wimbledon Scout Centre, Arthur Road, New Malden Free Entry - tombola and plants at various prices Simon Gagen on 07887758009 Trycyclingathon and Brighton to Brighton Road (B2B) Sun 11 Sept, 8:40am-3pm Organised by Ancient Guild of Cyclists, Surbiton Start in Brighton, finish at Claremont Gardens, Surbiton Free event, to register go to Facebook Event, or email register@trycyclingathon. org (limited places, booking essential) All proceeds to Creative Youth and the International Youth Arts Festival Teddington Dog Olympics 11 Sept, 10-4pm Under Hall Gardens, Teddington Registration at www.vet4life.co.uk/dogolympics-registration/ £3 entry fee per event with the money raised going towards our local animal charities. www.eventgoat.co.uk/teddington/teddington-dog-olympics-2016/ Hampton Hill Playhouse Betrayal by Harold Pinter Sun 11 Sep 2016 to Sat 17 Sep 2016 Pinter’s searing 70s perspective on infidelity The End of the Affair by Graham Greene (adapted for the stage by Rupert Goold and Caroline Butler) Sun 25 Sept - Sat 1 Oct Greene’s post-war perspective on infidelity, faith and guilt The Producers Tue 18 Oct to Sat 22 Oct Presented by: BROS Theatre Company

For a full programme go to www.hamptonhilltheatre.org.uk Talk : Putting on a Show - Therapeutic Gardens for Hampton Court Wed 14 Sept, 7:30pm Malden & Coombe Horticultural Soc., United Reformed Church, New Malden Andrew Fisher-Tomlin, a Fellow of the Society of Garden Designers, Fellow Designate of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Chairman of Selection for the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show Cost: Free Brodie on 07973 629869 abrodie@mchs.org.uk mchs.org.uk Momentum Children's Cancer Charity Sun 18 Sept, Richmond 10k run Sun 24 Sept, one-mile Swim Serpentine Sun 25 Sept, Kingston Half Marathon with #TeamMo jane@moment-um.org, 020 8974 5931 www.moment-um.org/events singersandsongs.com Autumn Courses Monday 8-9pm - St Mary’s Long Ditton Wed, 1.05-1.55pm - Kingston United Reformed Church Hampton Hill, 7:30-9pm – Greenwood Centre School Road Surbiton 7:30-9pm - St Andrews and St Marks More courses and details on: singerandsongs.com Go Bananas Sponsored Walk Sun 18 Sept, 11am Richmond Park, meet at Kingston Gate In aid of RAK, Refugee Action Kingston Entry £2, Organised by Surbiton Farmers’ Market info@surbitonfarmersmarket.co.uk Normansfield Theatre, Teddington An Actor's Life for Me Fri 9 Sept, 7:30-10:30pm The Langdon Down Centre - Open House - London 2016 Sun 18 Sept 12-4pm I GOT GERSHWIN! - S'Wonderful!

Sat 1 Oct 7:30-9:30pm For the programme and tickets go to www. langdondowncentre.org.uk/normansfieldtheatre/

Rose Theatre Kingston Good Canary Fri 16 Sep - Sat 8 Oct Directed by John Malkovich Janak Dulari Sita - Diwali Celebration Sun 16 Oct, 6pm A celebration of Diwali told through music and dance A Jacqueline Wilson Super Fan Special 22 October 2016, 2pm Celebrate the launch of J Wilson’s brand new book For a full programme and tickets go to: www.rosetheatrekingston.org Re-inventing the Selfie Exhibition

by KAOS 6 Oct - 4 Dec The Stables Gallery Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ Admission free artsinfo@richmond.gov.uk www.richmond.gov.uk/arts Surbiton Ski Sunday & The Seething Luge Sun 16 Oct, 11am-1pm In its 7th year. Strap blocks of ice to your feet to ski down St Mark’s Hill or take to the Seething Luge or just come to cheer the skiers on.

St Marks Hill, by Surbiton Station The Kings’ Soup Sun 16 Oct, 1:30-4pm Claremont Gardens, The Crescent, Surbiton Come along and help cook and share the King’s Soup. Bring a leek or a potato if you can or just come along and enjoy the entertainment, stalls and charity bar BalletBoyz Tue 1 - Wed 2 Nov, 7.30pm The second leg of their UK tour of Life, co-produced by Sadler’s Wells Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com/shows/balletboyzlife/richmond-theatre/ Ham Art Group Autumn Exhibition Sat 5 Nov-Sun 6 Nov, 11am-4pm St Thomas Aquinas Church Hall Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7HT Free admission 020 8940 5725

make your garden flourish!

bridge

........

Autumn Bridge Challenge with Paul Mendelson

Auntie Planty expert garden GARDENadvice ADVICE Gift vouchers available www.auntieplanty.co.uk Treat9243 your• 07887 plants 716 to a777 020 8892

garden MOT

When you hold a very weak hand and your dummy is very strong, it’s time for your brain to stand on its head.

♠

Each and every plant gets an in-depth look to make sure everything is in place for it to flourish.

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It’s an eye-opening journey around your garden, and you will be truly inspired.

♦

It’s also fun and your plants will thank you!

07887 716 777 www.auntieplanty.co.uk

Missing Your darling Magazine?

COLLECT COPIES AT OUR 'HOTSPOTS' Please call first to check stocks The Swallow Bakery, Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, Tel: 020 8546 6983 Fratelli Delicatessen, 55-57 Park Road, Kingston, Tel: 020 8549 8021 U.R.Beautiful, 1st Floor, Boots, 42 Union Street, Kingston, Tel: 020 8247 0386 Roz ana, 4-8 Kingston Hill, Kingston, Tel: 020 8546 6388 The French Tarte, 45 High St, Teddington, Tel: 020 8977 6063 The French Tarte, 83 Maple Road, Surbiton, Tel: 020 8399 1123 Pickled Pantry, St.Marks Hill, Surbiton, Tel: 020 8399 4694

Dealer South N E 1S NB 3NT

North S AKJ63 H K54 D AJ3 C KJ

South S 42 H A32 D 854 C Q10852

♥ East S Q1095 H 96 D K10962 C 93

♣

N/S Game S W 1NT NB

South’s response of 1NT showed 6-9pts, and denied more than 2-card spade support. North sensibly raised to game, and West correctly led top-of-a-sequence Q♥. Often when a very strong dummy hits the table, the defenders’ shoulders slump, but good players will realise that you, as declarer, hold a weak hand, and will try to cut communications between the two hands. Here, the fate of the contract lies squarely with the declarer.

To secure her contract, declarer can count two spades, two hearts and a diamond trick. She therefore requires four club tricks. This can be virtually assured if South retains an outside entry to her hand. To this end, at trick one, declarer should rise with dummy’s K ♥ and lead K ♣, which West should duck. When J ♣ is then led, East produces 9 ♣, reassuring declarer that she can overtake this card with her Q ♣, and continue playing clubs until West parts with his ace. Once that happens, nothing can stop South returning to hand with her carefully preserved A♥, and making her excellent game contract. aceoftrumps.com

THE HISTORY OF BLOOD Paul’s new book is out now.

The History of Blood is thoughtful and thrilling in equal parts (The Mail on Sunday) No question The History of Blood is literary crime fiction of the highest order, Mendelson a major voice (Guardian)

The Glasshouse, 14 Coombe Road, New Malden, Tel: 020 8942 4650 The Place, 58 High Street, New Malden, Tel: 0208 241 6591

darlingmagazine.co.uk | sept – oct 2016

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point of view

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

Unexpected

CURVE BALL

T

he last time I joined a gym was a different century. Decked out in Fame (I’m going to live forever) 80s sweat-bands and pink lycra, I’d look at a treadmill, pose in the bar over a freshly squeezed orange juice (considered so edgy in those days) then bike back home. Worse, I only went four times in as many weeks before giving up ‘exhausted’. But now, I have reached the age where I cannot deny the ravages of time.

A couple of months ago, I stared at my body in the mirror and saw the opposite of Dorian Grey.

Surely, somewhere in a loft was a perfect painting of my sag-and-wrinkle-free, toned figure? I just have to find and destroy it. Until then, Curves, a fitness club designed for women, is giving me some magic help. With 5000 clubs around the world I think their premise is brilliant. Each club has around 12 exercise machines, (all specifically designed for the female form), arranged in a large inward-facing circle. Going round, you spend just 30 seconds on each machine, then 30 seconds movement on the recovery boards in between. Thus, the time flies.

It adds up to a very do-able 30- minute effective workout and by moving on so fast means you avoid both boredom and pain. In the centre stands a smiling circuit coach like a ringmaster, sweetly cracking the whip at your efforts. Furthermore,

46

your own computer microchip records exactly how your workouts are progressing. You literally see your strength grow. Finally, the coaches that run the club and those of us who go exchange encouragement, gossip and socials.

The coaches also vary the circuits with Zumba, Killer Core and Body Balance when on the recovery boards, so the natural gym-yawn attitude is further lowered – or, at least laughingly shared with fellow ‘inmates’. I joined expecting to last a couple of weeks, but have turned into a gym bunny with more bounce than Thumper. Can’t believe how much better I now feel – skin has brightened, energy up, arms toned. In two months I’ve dragged my newly firmed ass there over 25 times, even winning a prize against 200 odd women for reaching my top target. It’s almost fun!

I am reborn! What the hell is going on? Well, the final magic formula is that Curves will actually ring and chase you if they haven’t seen you around. Clever, that.

5 personal coach introduction sessions Special Darling offer of £39 Curves Hampton/Teddington 77-81 Station Rd 020 3068 0077

sept – oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

10% O

for Da FF rlin Reade g rs

Make your space really work for you.

Jacqui and Nick of Hot Spot Marketing recently commissioned a bespoke chaise sofa for their contemporary riverside apartment. They provided us with the exact room dimensions, a picture of their existing space – and described what they were ideally looking for.

No problem.

They then added that they also required an integrated double bed. Still no problem.

The resulting Sherwood chaise sofa measures 183 cm x 268 cm and incorporates a regular use mattress 142 cm x 185 cm. Seriously stylish, practical and, we think, the best that is British!

If you would like to discuss how we may help make the most of your space please phone, email or visit us online www.seriouslysofas.co.uk Crown Arcade, Union St, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1RP Tel: 020 8549 1233 Email: info@seriouslysofas.co.uk

Photos of customer commissions are on Pinterest

pinterest.com/Seriouslysofas