Darling Magazine North Surrey - Winter 18/19

darling WINTER 18/19 PRICELESS

INSPIRING TO THE CORE Sian Marshall Claygate

SIX OF THE BEST

IN

Women in business

FOCUS

FEEL-GOOD FASHION

FESTIVE FEASTING

Shopping with a conscience

Editor’s choice

GREY MATTERS

ST JOHN’S

Beware the ripoffs

Heading in the right direction

BEAU-LED OVER

PENS & NEEDLES

By Vessy

Writing not knitting, for these glam grannies

ICELAND TREKKERS

living in NORTH SURREY

|

darlingmagazine.co.uk

SUMMERFIELD Dental Practice

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

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We’re a friendly and welcoming practice situated in a bungalow on a residential street adjacent to the Claygate Parade and a five minute walk from Claygate Station. We have ground floor wheelchair access and onsite parking.

Services available: hygienist, general and cosmetic dentistry, whitening, Invisalign and facial aesthetics and emergency care. We are a private practice with an NHS contract to treat children up to the age of 18 years.

Summerfield Dental Practice | 11 Albany Crescent Claygate KT10 0PF 01372 462266 | summerfield.dentalpractice@gmail.com | summerfielddental.co.uk *Offer ends 28 Feb 2019

editor’s letter Dear Darling Reader,

Cover Girl Sian Marshall Hair Natalie Evans, Academy Cobham Photography Juliet Lemon julietlemon.com

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

I love everything about the festive season: the lights, the sparkle, the dressing up, but most of all I love sharing it with family and friends, and this joyous edition of Darling has plenty to remind us of how important they are to us. Our cover girl, Sian Marshall, talks about the success of her business and brand, but is the first to admit that she values her team and friends above all else; revelling in their creative writing are the fun-loving Cobham Octogenarians who put their long healthy lives down to having good pals; and Valerie McBride Munro describes how their friendship only grew stronger when she went trekking with friends in the golden circle in Iceland.

Creating a welcoming home for family and friends is topmost in our minds during the festive season and Dawn Smith tells us how to create that warm welcoming vibe. Claygate (our featured area for winter), is well worth a visit for her florist shop and for all the other fabulous retailers, and if you’re searching for somewhere to entertain family and friends, look no further than our pick of the best festive restaurants in the whole area.

With conspicuous consumption and commercialism surrounding the season, hand-made toys from the South African charity Thembalitsha, make thoughtful gifts for Christmas, and maybe this is the time to start wearing clothes with a conscience; our fashion guru, Charlotte Broadbent, picks out the best eco-friendly fashion.

northsurrey@darlingmagazine.co.uk

Wishing all my friends the very best,

Contributors Holly Candlish Kate Greenhalgh Ali Clifford

Jolly Holly

Darling Wimbledon Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Darling Richmond & Kingston Marja-Leena Toseland 07802 949836 Design Director Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.com Website Design wimbledonvisuals.com Printer Direct Colour mark@directcolour.com Distribution Right Distribution 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.

Features Editor, Holly Candlish | hollycandlish@gmail.com Editor-in-chiefs Karine Torr and Marja-Leena Toseland northsurrey@darlingmagazine.co .uk

CONTENTS 5 9 10 12 13 14 16 18 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 31 32 34 35 37 39 41 44 46

Amazing Pilates royalty, Sian Marshall Our berrylicious winter fashion Darling focus on iconic Claygate Village Festive shopping with a conscience. By Ali Clifford Festive Feasting – Editor’s picks Dawn Smith - Claygate’s celebrity florist Local business women share their top tips Shop with a conscience. Ali Clifford opens our eyes Bonding in the Golden Circle. Valerie McBride Munro’s diary The new Torvill & Dean? - Adam Bouaziz and Ava-Mae Martell Mind the gender wealth gap The latest in musculoskeletal rehab now at Cobham Clinic David Lloyd’s great home workouts Alternatives to botox and fillers at Lisa Harris Skin Science Beau’s journey back to health Thembalitsha – new hope for many Rip-off property fees? Hart Brown advises Bereavement. Help is at hand Golden Grannies working it!

The women at the helm of St John’s - Rowena Cole Darling’s Out & About with Holly Candlish What’s Hot picks – the latest ‘must haves’ What’s On? Darling Diary for winter Can less ever be more? Ask Kate

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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Sweet Light II by Nick Vivian

ADD SOME COLOUR at the Art Agency

Summer Garden Collection by Sylvia Paul

Sun’s Come out by Jonathan Pitts

Springtime by Parastoo Ganjei

Take advantage of our interest free Own Art scheme

www.

The Art Agency.co.uk

118-120 High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9QJ

Tel: 01372 466740

inspiring woman

HARD CORE Her enthusiastic and almost evangelical approach to Pilates, has garnered Sian Marshall a loyal following and a host of celebrity clients at her Cobham-based studio, Core. Holly Candlish talks with the Pilates guru about her life before Pilates, building the brand and how she amassed a staggering 150K followers on Instagram

“I have a real love of Pilates, what it does for you and how it can change your life.

Pilates just works: you don’t get injured; you can do it as many times a week as you want; your body becomes stronger, more flexible and less prone to injury. You see people look, feel and move younger,” enthuses Sian, sitting in her bright, white, modern studio positioned conveniently above her favourite hairdresser and nail bar, just next to The Ivy. What’s not to like?

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“The way I feel about my clients is 100% genuine and I get a real kick out of seeing them do something they didn’t think they could do, People think my classes are fast, but they’re not, it’s just that I never stop talking and telling my clients that they can do more, more, MORE.” Which neatly brings me to when I first met the striking brunette – lying next to me on a mat in the local rugby club: and I thought she was doing Pilates all wrong. Next

lesson, Sian was teaching the class. More fool me. From that day forward, nearly ten years ago, Pilates moved into another gear of high octane instructions at a tempo I hadn’t experienced since 90’s step classes.

As a Pilates instructor, Sian is in a league of her own, a fact backed up by her buzzing studio; calendar of international workshops and not least by the +150K Instagram followers. But, she’s incredibly self-deprecating

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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inspiring woman But my success at school was down to being enthusiastic rather than talented.”

Louise Redknapp and Jodie Wood with Sian (centre)

and puts the huge number of followers down to the fact that she was an early adopter of social media. I suspect it was more good judgement than blind luck that made her join Instagram.

Earlier in her career, as an Account Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, she learnt about targeted marketing and with Instagram as her platform, she has found the perfect market. “I wanted to make my brand on Instagram pure and consistent. The images show textbook perfect moves that teachers can use like a manual; they’re always in black and white, and are aspirational.”

Sian herself is the embodiment of the brand. She is well-groomed, always in shades of black, and confesses, “I’ve never worn pink - ever.” Her hair is a glossy, dark mane; she invariably wears dark leggings; and even her nails are consistently ‘dark dahlia’. She is genuinely uninterested in clothes and had to be cajoled into wearing a dress, earrings, and even lipstick, for the cover shoot.

As we relax in her Surrey studio, Sian speaks fondly about her upbringing. She and her three brothers were brought up by her University lecturer parents, just outside Newcastle She attended an excellent state school in Ponteland, and enjoyed everything about it down to her hour-long bus ride to school. “I loved school. I was quite academic, social, sporty, good at gymnastics and drama.

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Nonetheless, it was surely more than just “putting my hand up” that led to her appointment as head girl - and it was academic excellence that gained her a place at Oxford University to read Biology. As an undergraduate, Sian’s enthusiasm secured her various positions of responsibility: President of Somerville College, Margaret Thatcher’s alma mater, and appointed Vice-President of Oxford Student Union.

Her impressive Student Union postitions led to an approach from the mighty Procter & Gamble where she enrolled on their sought after graduate trainee scheme. “It was a great experience. It was like an extension of university and also where I met my husband Robin.

I really learnt about brands, like

“It was surely more than just “putting her hand up” that led to her appointment as head girl - and it was academic excellence that gained her a place at Oxford University to read Biology” Ariel and Fairy, but also realised my passion was for the sexier side of the business, TV advertising.”

This led to Sian being headhunted

by Saatchi & Saatchi, working in their famous Charlotte Street offices. Four years later and married to Robin, the pair moved to Edinburgh, working and raising a young family and from there relocated to America with their four young boys to embark on a new adventure.

Whilst in the States, Sian became hooked on Pilates. “With four young children and moving to a

new country, I wasn’t continuing my advertising career, so I trained to be a Pilates instructor and loved it.” Nine years ago, she brought her hard-core version of Pilates back here and with her track record for brand building, has steadily grown her business.

“Core is like my fifth baby, and named because we focus on your core - the pelvic floor. We teach one way: 100% equipment based and taking your body safely to its extreme range to improve strength and flexibility. I always say the side effect is looking better; the main benefit is feeling better.”

So, what’s next for Sian? Making people look and feel better has taken her to some exciting places: from the front row of Strictly Come Dancing, watching her friend and client, Louise Redknapp, dancing into the final; to workshops in Istanbul, and more recently to Boston where she headlined at ‘It’s a Pilates Party’, a 250-strong teacher workshop.

But this is just the start, she says, “if everyone in the world could do Pilates, the world would be a better place.”

Favourite film: Dirty Dancing TV: The Crown Holiday: Portugal - for the kids Guilty pleasure: Gin & Tonic.

Extravagance: regular facial reflexology with Lynne Nurding Advice to the young: take every opportunity Obsession: the pelvic floor Food: avocados are my fast food What makes you laugh: my husband Couldn’t live without: my girlfriends

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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McALLISTER THOMAS FINE ART Original Paintings and Sculpture for Your Home McAllister Thomas Fine Art

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Telephone 01483 860591

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fashion Red Faux Fur Triple Compartment Bag, £46, River Island

Mine Lipstick Necklace, £89, Swarovski

Signature Leather Jacket, £299, Karen Millen at Elys Wimbledon

Leopard Print Tailored Coat, £325, from Karen Millen

Dark Red Leather Studded Zip Gloves, £25, River Island

Era Journey Watch in leather and rose gold tone, £299, Swarovski

Berry Delightful

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Love Pouch, £14, Oliver Bonas

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Cara Blair Pony Boot in Plum, £185, Boho Beach Fest

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Debut Pink Twist Sequin dress, £150. Click and Collect from Debenhams.com

Tuxen Flower Trousers, £169, Boho Beach Fest

charlotteloves.co.uk E: charlotte@charlotteloves.co.uk T: 07946 615357 Follow her on insta ._charlotteloves_ twitter charlotteloves_ *1 hour personal shopping January 2019 session; £120 (was £150) includes mini colour consultation, body shape analysis and shopping. T&C’s apply. Offer valid against shopping in Wimbledon and North Surrey areas.

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Claygate

The Parade

At the heart of Claygate Village lies The Parade, a wonderful high street with a diverse selection of shops and cafés. Most are family run, independently owned,

Rtfact Flowers

Award winning Rt Fact Flowers are celebrating the launch of their new showroom and fifteen years of design, supplying stunning faux flowers and greenery to private homes, interior designers, property developers and businesses. Always with a vision to create something unique; beautiful bespoke flower arrangements, that add those all-important finishing touches to perfectly enhance your interior and exterior space.

To purchase ready made arrangements visit the showroom or the online store.

22 The Parade | 01372 470580 | rtfactflowers.co.uk

Cat & Mouse Boutique

Cat & Mouse Boutique has traded in Claygate for nine years. Run by Gary & Mary, it currently sells good quality seasonal women’s clothes, jewellery, accessories, gifts and cards at excellent value prices. Cat & Mouse sell online at catandmouse.boutique too! Gary manages Claygate Shopping’s social media channels and is the PR Officer for the Claygate Flower & Village Show.

6 The Parade | catandmouse.boutique | 01372 463833

Caffe Capital

Now in its 9th year, Caffe Capital has established itself as a firm favourite with its many loyal and much appreciated, customers. With the coffee coming directly from its parent company, Capital Coffee Roasters, (a family business based in Wimbledon with over 35 years’ experience), there’s legitimacy to the claim that they are ‘The Coffee Specialists’. For early birds (before 9am on weekdays) the £1 coffee makes a great start to anyone’s day!

16 The Parade | info@caffecapital.co.uk | capitalcoffee.co.uk

Platform 3

Brightwater Brewery’s Platform 3, right next to Claygate station, opened in June 2015. It’s the smallest pub in the UK and serves their own cask ales as well as bottled ales, Claygate cider, wine and soft drinks. Their Daisy Gold and Lipsmaker ale has won the coveted Gold Star in Great Taste Awards in 2016 and 2017. If you pop down to Platform 3 on a Friday or Saturday the chances are you will be served a pint straight from the cask by Alex our Founder and Head Brewer. Dog friendly and open on Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun 3pm, Feb to Dec.

brightwaterbrewery.co.uk | @smallestpubinuk

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small businesses who have been serving the community for 15, 20 and even 50 years.

The Parade is a great success story of a local high street thriving despite the competition from online retailers. But they rely on the

continued support of their customers, both from the local community and from the wider area. If you haven’t visited Claygate for a while it’s worth dropping by. Here is a taste of what The Parade has to offer.

Claygate Interiors

An independent interiors and gift shop offering free personalised advice on all areas of soft furnishings; including curtains, blinds and upholstery.

With 19 years’ experience we pride ourselves on our high-quality service including aftercare assistance. They also offer a unique range of gifts for every occasion including candles, cards, and toys, and even a complimentary gift-wrapping service at Christmas!

32 The Parade | 01372 470662

Greenstar Travel

Attention to detail and personal service are at the heart Greenstar Travel.

Established in 1985 and proud to offer the best for all their clients. From city breaks and round the world trips, to ocean and river cruises and everything in between, their passion for travel shines through. Why not visit their small friendly team to find out how they can make your travel dreams come true.

23 The Parade | 01372 462226 | greenstartravel.co.uk

The Game Larder

The Game Larder has been established on Claygate Parade for over 50 years, aiming to deliver exceptional quality and service to the local community. From its genesis as a game bird specialist through to today, where it specialises in dry-aged beef, The Game Larder has taken pride in supplying the best produce and cooking advice to their ever-growing customer base.

24 The Parade | The Game Larder @claygatebutchers | 01372 462879

Williams and Bunkell Fishmongers

From boat to table in 24 Hours…it’s almost 30 years since Williams and Bunkell first opened its doors on the Parade and its ethos has remained the same. Providing customers with a top service is at the core of what they do.

Products are fresh and sourced with the greatest care. Come and try their award-winning smoked salmon and haddock, smoked on the premises.

17A The Parade | 01372 469018 | surreyfishmonger.co.uk

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restaurant promo

Festive season & winter dining Averna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Claygate Experience ‘the Italian table’, where people relax, share, socialise and enjoy fresh, delicious, home-made dishes. All their bread and pasta is made fresh, every morning, every day of the week. First opened in November 2016, and already picking up plaudits, superb reviews and loyal customers, from locals and beyond.

Christmas Day menu £65 and live music with Sinatra on New Year’s Eve, special menu £75.

Mention Darling and receive a free glass of Champagne per person.

The Green, St Leonards Road, Claygate KT10 0JQ | avernaclaygate.co.uk | 01372 466 888

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La Casa Restaurant & Grill, Weybridge The essence of La Casa is its traditional Italian cuisine that’s received a modern twist from Head Chef Pietro Pontone and their friendly front of house team, who make every visit a joyous experience. Whether you want to gather for a family meal, have an intimate night out, a special occasion or party to host, La Casa is a perfect place for it. Only the highest quality fresh ingredients sourced daily make it to your plate, in order to ensure exquisitely flavoured, beautifully cooked and presented dishes. la-casa-weybridge.com | 2 Temple Hall, Monument Hill, Weybridge KT13 8RH | 01932 843470

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The Gaylord, Indian Cuisine, Weybridge The Gaylord is passionate about real Indian food and have been serving traditional dishes, incorporated with contemporary values, for over 37 years in Weybridge. Their recipes blend traditional ingredients with modern techniques and presentation. All dishes are prepared using only highest quality, fresh ingredients, sourced daily make it to your plate, ensuring each dish is exquisitely flavoured, beautifully cooked and presented.

73 Queens Road, Weybridge KT13 9UQ | thegaylordrestaurant.co.uk | 01932 855325 / 842895

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Seven Bluebirds, Esher A great place to celebrate the festive season, within a cozy and intimate setting.

Their experienced team have put together a fantastic menu, with a unique culinary vision, that will suit all tastes, occasions and budgets and their lunch and dinner menus offer a delicious choice of items featuring some of the more traditional dishes with a seasonal flair. Why not also try their Festive Afternoon Tea, available throughout December.

10 High St, Esher KT10 9RT |

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www.sevenbluebirds.co.uk | 01372 202197

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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Welcome ToWonderland Holly Candlish catches up with Dawn Smith, supermum and successful entrepreneur

T

he festive season is a time to create a magical wonderland scene with a beautifully dressed tree, stair garland and table decorations.

Who better to conjure up some festive magic than Claygate’s celebrity florist, Dawn Smith from RTFact with her sparkling suggestions for decorating and entertaining at this time of the year. For over 15 years Dawn and her team have been creating stunning arrangements of artificial flowers: working direct with clients, interior decorators and from her shop in Claygate village. A statement piece is a gorgeous addition to any home any time of the year - Christmas sparkle is just a bit more fun!

How did you get into the business?

I’ve worked as an interior decorator and a clothes designer, but when I divorced 15 years ago, I decided to back myself as a florist. I opened the shop and haven’t looked back.

Where do you begin to dress someone’s home?

It doesn’t matter whether it’s winter or summer, I always start with a mood board of inspirational photos, colours and textures. I choose a palette of colours, the theme and stick to it throughout the house. Try it, it works.

What are the trends for decorating this season?

The big trends this year are for vintage and industrial looks with lots of burnished copper, pale champagne gold, dusky blush pink and rose gold. Interior design is so closely linked to fashion now, that you can see the inspiration for these trends on the catwalk and on the magazine pages. This year I will be mixing the warm tones of dusky burnt peachy hydrangeas, delicate blush pink roses with warm copper and rose gold sprayed leaves and glass. They say that when the economy’s bad, people cling onto tradition: last year we saw a return to traditional red and gold, but this year is more forward thinking.

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header

How do you decorate your own home for the festive season?

Honestly, I don’t really follow fashion. My house is very calm and neutral and I am a winter wonderland girl at heart. I decorate over a week and I normally have more than one tree. It’s nice to invite people into your magical home with a wreath on the door and garlands around the stairs and fireplace. I like to do something special outside the house to delight my neighbours and friends, and even storm lanterns on your front porch create a warm welcome. I spend hours getting my table just right. I love sparkle and twinkle rather than glitter. My big tip is to put lots of candles and those battery operated mini string lights in my flower arrangements and along your table for a twinkly magical effect.

or whatever materials we are using, all tied with beautiful ribbon. Cover the tree with ‘picks’ and immediately it comes alive. I fill in the gaps with all the other baubles and hide my children’s homemade decorations around the back! Finally, I wrap empty boxes in beautiful paper in the colour theme and place them around the tree to create warmth and depth.

What do you love most about the festive season?

Now, the big question? Real or fake tree? And, what are your tips on tree decorating?

Ever since the year I experienced the droopy, half-dead Christmas tree, I switched to fake and haven’t looked back. Here’s what I do. Start with the lights: zig-zag the lights in and out from the stem, rather than dangling them around the outside - it looks so much fuller. I create 30 ‘pick’s’ - clusters of baubles, flowers, barks, twigs

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Having my family around me, especially when your family has flown the nest. As a single parent, I’ve had to be Mother and Father Christmas, so am always quite organised. This is the busiest season for me but however tired I am, I never tire of creating the magic for my family. The table is decorated, there’s food in the fridge, the presents are wrapped and even a chicken pie in the freezer for unexpected guests. And, there are always plenty of those because my house is opposite the best pub in the area, and my children and their friends roll into my house after the pub shuts. I love having everyone here dancing, playing games and watching corny movies. It’s simply my favourite time of the year, at work and home.

For more info contact rtfactflowers.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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women in business promo

Your business

your rules

Top tips from six local women at the top of their game. A Darling exclusive We have seen a big increase in the number of women setting up their own businesses, 45 percent up between 2013-2016, compared to a 27 percent rise for men.

The Women in Business Council was set up by Teresa May in 2012 in order to advise Government on how women’s contribution to the economy can be optimised. They see an urgent need to broaden girls’ career choices and aspirations by bringing together schools, businesses, career development professionals and parents.

To empower future generations of young women to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option requires us to embed this female entrepreneurism in the education system.

Working for yourself doesn’t need to be lonely as there are many support networks around.

Women only networking groups are mushrooming everywhere. The members of these groups, us included, find them warm, supportive, fun and they help us grow our businesses.

Tania Cantoni – Head of Fundraising & Communications – Meath Epilepsy Charity

Sarah Austin – Founder of Really Helpful Club I spent 10 years in the City as a Senior Fund Manager before leaving to become a full-time mother. Four years ago, I founded Really Helpful Club, an online and offline community for positive, like-minded people to share their connections, advice and knowledge. Our Membership is unique, there’s nothing quite like the Really Helpful Club. It’s free to join and, with over 15,000 members, our community is buzzing.

Our website features a directory of outstanding member-recommended businesses, who can advertise their services to our unique and influential network. We also run informative, inspiring and interesting events covering all aspects of life, from health and wellbeing, to career advice.

My top tip: Build a support network, you can’t do it all on your own. reallyhelpfulclub.com

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winter 18/19 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

My career has spanned both the corporate world as a Ladies wear Buyer for Marks and Spencer, founder and owner of an event management company, and fundraiser in both education and the Third Sector.

At The Meath Epilepsy Charity we aim to enhance the lives of 80 residential adults. It is a little-known fact that 1:100 people have epilepsy.

We believe that having severe Epilepsy and associated disabilities should not mean being treated differently.

The Meath in 2017 celebrated 125 years as a charity and received an “outstanding” CQC rating on an unannounced inspection putting us in the top 1% of care homes in the country.

My top tip: Be transparent about what you want money for and why and clear on how much of the funds you raise are directly used for the beneficiaries.” meath.org.uk

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Rhiannon Ford Divorce consultant and coach I run a consultancy service, providing support and guidance to people going through divorce and separation.

No one gets married thinking they will ever face divorce and it is a challenging time in anyone’s life. I work with clients before, during and after their divorce, taking time to understand their situation and particular challenges. I then help them put the right resources, professionals and processes in place, supporting them along the way.

My top tip: When facing divorce it is important to get a strong support system in place to help with all the different challenges you might face. rhiannonford.co.uk

Lisa Lloyd - Wealth Planner, Sanlam I started working in the financial services sector over 20 years ago after I graduated. On a daily basis I work with private clients regarding their personal financial matters. I assist them develop and implement a financial strategy to achieve their end goals and objectives for the future. At the end of the day clients want to know “How much will I have when I retire” and “Is it enough for me to comfortably live on?” Seeing a client achieve their financial objectives still gives me enormous satisfaction.

It’s also pleasing to see how women’s attitudes to financial planning have evolved over the last 20 years and now have a major role in a households financial planning.

My top tip: It’s never too early to start planning for your financial future! sanlam.co.uk

Clare Jeffries Registered Nutritional Therapist I have been a Registered Nutritional Therapist for 12 years and still love my profession as much now as the day I started! Specialising in children’s health is very rewarding; young bodies often need only a small nudge in the right direction to get well. By tailoring diets, improving digestion and correcting nutritional deficiencies, balance is often quickly restored.

There is no greater feedback than ‘my child is doing so much better; symptoms have just gone away!’ Struggling with a fussy eater myself also inspired me to start Foodie Tots classes for young children to make food fun.

My top tip: Don’t let an overly busy family life lead to health problems for you or your kids, slow down and nourish yourselves with good food and lots of fun! healthyinfluence.co.uk /foodietots.co.uk

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Alison Ramsay and Emma Riley - The Art Agency We met doing NCT ante natal classes in 2001. Having both previously worked up in London for FT.com and Dennis Publishing respectively we were looking for a more local business idea. After doing three pop up exhibitions The Art Agency took a permanent space on Esher High Street in October 2011 and moved to its larger current premises in August 2015. The Art Agency shows a collection from featured artists exhibiting original artwork, sculpture and ceramics to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. We provide a friendly service including free home consultation visits, framing, picture hanging and offer a popular ‘Try Before you Buy’ option. We now also exhibit at some of the largest art fairs around the country including The Affordable Art Fair at Battersea.

My top tip: When choosing a new career choose something you are passionate about and really want to be involved in as you’ll be happier doing it. theartagency.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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A Conscious Christmas

ALL YEAR ROUND

Ali Clifford, Wimbledon-based social media marketing consultant to ethical and sustainable fashion and cosmetics brands, has some advice on how we can shop guilt-free for a more Conscious Christmas

A

s we head into December, the countdown to Christmas gifting, holidays, and parties really ramps up. Reminders have been thrust upon us for last minute Christmas Day outfits, stocking-fillers, and party shoes, and a mild panic starts to set in.

“Buy less, choose well is my mantra as we approach Christmas.”

Over the last few years, in the lead up to the festive season, I’ve certainly considered “who” made my clothes and the gifts I’ve bought for friends and family. Yet now there seems a new urgency for that ‘conscious Christmas’ - In the UK many more of us have David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II and BBC’s Stacey Dooley and Fashion’s Guilty Secrets to thank for opening our eyes to the impact that plastics, and fast fashion is having on our planet as well as the people who make it.

Navigating the holiday season can be tricky when you are trying to stay true to your ethics, newfound or otherwise.

SO - to keep it brief, and to the point, let’s start with two basic fashion principals to consider: • Sustainability - What is it made from?

• Fairness for garment workers - who made it?

And - it’s not JUST cheaper high street ‘fast fashion’ we should be contemplating; Even if we are going ‘high-end’ and luxury, let’s shop ‘ethical’ instead.

Sustainable Fashion Stacey Dooley says in her BBC documentary FASHION’S DIRTY SECRETS: “I’ve never associated clothes’ production with pollution before.”

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Cotton has been called the world’s dirtiest crop, owing to its heavy use of insecticides and water, high greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Did you know, it can take over 15,000 litres of water to grow the cotton to make a pair of jeans.

Alternatively, organic cotton or linen require less water and fare better in terms of environmental impact and toxicity.

Party shoes, and Boxing Day boots On the hunt for that perfect leather clutch bag and shiny party shoes?

The fashion documentary on Netflix, “The True Cost Movie” shows leather tanneries responsible for chronic pollution with a toxic waste of chemicals such as arsenic and chromium flowing into India’s revered Ganges river, and the systematic poisoning of tens of thousands of people. Opt for vegetable tanned European chrome-free leather which will have been produced to higher welfare and environmental standards. There are plenty of sustainable vegan footwear options available too: Shoe brands such as Po-Zu.com use materials like cork, linen, eco microfibre, organic cotton, Fairtrade rubber, and innovative vegan materials like Pinatex, a plant-based leather which is made from pineapple leaf fibres.

IN SUPPLY CHAINS WORLDWIDE

41 MILLION people are victims of forced labour

168 MILLION children

still in child labour

$150 BILLION illicit profits generated annually @slavetofash

@safia_minney

Ali Clifford @incredibusy

Are you a Slave to Fashion?

Well, that’s the greenhouse gases, the ocean plastics, leather tanneries and textile pollution covered - now let’s talk about the movement for greater transparency regarding the workers conditions and rights in the fashion industry.

Campaigners such as Safia Minney MBE, founder of People Tree, and author Slave of Fashion, are highlighting modern slavery in the garment trade.

Also, Fashion Revolution’s hashtag #WhoMadeMyClothes? This simple question gets people thinking differently about what they wear. As consumers, our questions, our voices, our Christmas shopping behaviour can have the power to help change things for the better.

Be a sustainability advocate Meghan Markle pulls on a pair of Outland Denim skinny jeans… and up to 30 women rescued from human trafficking will be hired as seamstresses as a direct consequence.

We can create our own ‘Megan effect’ – People will ask you where you bought your party shoes!

Hey, you could even RENT your party outfit from wearthewalk.com Use your wallet, wardrobe and your voice to transform fashion into a force for good. Shop ethically this season. Here’s a list of brands and independent stores who are finding alternative ways of producing and promoting fashion that

is mindful of the people who make it, the planet and its resources: po-zu.com, howies.co.uk, peopletree.co.uk, fabricforfreedom.com Find the Slave to Fashion Book at ethicalshop.org Check out Ali Clifford’s website incredibusy.com and follow her on social media @incredibusy Boots by Po-Zu.com

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HELLO GUILDFORD! Neom Organics opens it’s flagship store

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atural wellbeing brand, Neom Organics has opened it’s flagship store on Guildford High Street. The two-floor hub of wellbeing has been lovingly designed to give you the ultimate Neom Experience and will offer a truly unique shopping experience. Expertly trained Neomologists will invite you to go on your very own scent discovery to uncover your true wellbeing need, they are also on hand to offer complementary consultations, recommendations on the beautiful 100% natural fragrances and luxury gifting to boost your wellbeing. You are welcome to visit the store to simply enjoy a cup of tea (or a mindful moment) and relax in

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‘At Neom we believe wellbeing starts with the little moments’ Neom’s haven of calm, simply stepping inside will help you feel good.

After spending seven hectic years working 60-hour weeks as an editor for glossy magazines, Neom Organics founder Nicola Elliott noticed her own wellbeing was being affected by the stress and demands of a modern-day busy life. This kick started her own wellbeing journey, as she trained as an aromatherapist and nutritionist and from there, together with business partner Oliver Mennell, Neom Organics was launched in 2005. The brand now boasts five beautiful stores in Wimbledon, Chelsea, Leeds, Bicester, (Oxford) and

autumn 2018 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Guildford. It’s also stocked in major retailers, independent spa’s and salons and distributed overseas.

Offer: Spend £60 or more in store and receive a curated collection of Neom On the Go products in your chosen Wellbeing need; sleep, stress, energy, happiness. Worth £32

Neom Guildford 103 High Street Guildford Surrey GU1 3DP Neom Instagram: @neomorganics shop local

My ICELAND CHALLENGE

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By Valerie McBride Munro

y adventure in Iceland started as a marriage of two elements. Firstly, my good friend Julia Jones of Iceland Traveller was introducing the Iceland Charity Challenge hike; secondly, Richmond Talking Newspaper desperately needed cash for new recording equipment.

Our group of eleven were to walk for four days within the Golden Circle, covering 50 kilometres in total. We’d spend one night camping under the stars, and another in a scout bunkhouse. We knew that the weather could be extremely fickle and were prepared to be very wet and cold.

We were led by professional guides who took us completely off the beaten track, so as far as we were concerned Iceland was completely empty.

DAY ONE – walked all day on American tectonic plate. Underfoot mixture of volcanic shale and deep moss, quite hard going. Perhaps word ‘hike’ didn’t quite fit. Think all out of comfort zone but laughing. No rain though. Campsite nestled at bottom of secluded valley in middle of thermal field. Geothermal dinner, delicious lamb cooked to perfection in hot mud. Spent two hours lounging around in hot river.

DAY TWO – left campsite to walk most of day on

Relaxing in a geothermal pool

lumpy lava – again heavy going but spirits high.

Could see for miles over magnificent scenery. Someone suggested mixture of wild Wales and Mars.

Walked back to hotel Hveragerdi.

DAY THREE – more magnificent scenery but where I faced my own personal challenge.

Climbed up ‘hill’ called Ravenscliff – 700 metres up steep slope; wonderful views from top but very hairy descent for someone with acrophobia.

Luckily still no rain, but skies dark, mean and moody. Spent night in scout bunkhouse beside lake – all very pretty, tiniest Northern Lights.

DAY FOUR – walked along European tectonic plate with more magnificent views, mainly looking at Ravenscliff, thinking of easier ways to raise money! Iceland has the most extraordinary landscape and skyscapes. Great humour in group.

Long day finally walking to Hveragerdi... and finally Northern Lights show!

At the end of the challenge, packed up and returned to the airport, all with a little piece of something Iceland under our skins. It’s a magnificent and magical country. We walked hard, but raised £4,500 for RTN – I’d say, job done!

Our Iceland Charity Challenge group

Valerie Munro is production editor for Richmond Talking Newspaper, a unique source of local and community news for blind and partially sighted local residents: richmondtalkingnewspaper.org.uk

www.icelandtraveller.co.uk

Is your heart: Broken? Lost? Stuck?

Dealing with the pain of loss

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here is never any easy time of year when it comes to dealing with raw emotions but as the evenings draw in and the Christmas festivities begin, this time of year can be especially painful for those of us who are grieving. Any loss, whether due to death, divorce, the ending of a relationship, loss of trust or even redundancy, can cause feelings of grief and despair as we think about our unfulfilled hopes, dreams and expectations. Those memories and feelings can often seem overwhelming and the future frightening and bleak.

Contrary to popular wisdom, time does not heal emotional wounds. Regardless of when your loss occurred, it is important to know that recovery is possible and that there are actions which can be taken to heal your heart and make you feel whole again.

As a society we are notoriously bad at dealing with grief. We are told that ‘time heals’, ‘to be strong’, ‘keep busy’, ‘don’t feel sad’. But it is normal to feel

sad, fearful, disoriented, confused or even angry when we have suffered a significant loss or an unexpected change in our lives. Although sadness is normal and natural, pain does not need to be.

It is possible to live more fully in the present when what was painful about the past is completed.

The Grief Recovery Method is a powerful, dynamic, sensible and accessible programme that is genuinely for anyone willing to take the necessary actions to help themselves. "As a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, I will guide you through the proven 7-week course. At the end you will feel better and more able to re-engage with life. It will help you to let go of the pain, heal your heart and feel truly alive once more."

Recovery means that we can look back and once again recall our happy memories without feeling a knife twist in our hearts.

If you would like to know more about The Grief Recovery Method, please contact me, Maureen Mc Loughlin on 07808 401797

22

Evening up

scales

finance promo

the

Women in Surrey have a long way to climb to reach the wealth peak of their male counterparts

Rachel Lane, Independent Financial Adviser

Starting with the basics I’m always surprised how often new clients don’t hold basic protection policies for their family despite being the sole breadwinner. Having children has a well documented effect on a woman’s earn-ing potential so it’s time to have a long hard look at your situation.

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he home counties is an interesting area, sometimes viewed by those outside as a bubble without the same issues as the rest of the country.

However some of the most topical issues are highlighted in the extreme not far from our office in central Weybridge. The gender pay gap and the differences in male and female wealth have been a hot topic in the last year especially and Surrey shows this in the extreme. Locally we have some of the largest pay gaps and Weybridge has one of the highest percentages of stay at home wives nationally!

Aside from simply being interesting trivia this is important to us because it’s important to our clients. Unusually for many firms in our industry we are female dominated with 100% of our consultants being women. However, clients still have the choice of working with one of our male directors if they choose to as it’s important to pick someone that you feel comfortable with.

We always encourage joint planning for our clients who seek our advice as a couple. For a start, this allows you to equalise matters between you, if one party has stayed home to raise the children. It also makes fantastic financial sense to make sure both are provided for.

shop local

Doubling down Tax legislation gives everyone access individually to the same tax free allowances subject to the rule. Capital gains tax is payable on certain investments, second properties etc. and being able to use both parties annual allowances can immediately improve the tax situation. ISA and certain pension allowances are also available to all so it’s worth exploring.

Get involved 9 out of 10 women will be solely responsible for their finances at one point in their lives.

The days of leaving all the tricky money stuff to our husbands are behind us and that’s where they should stay!

Marie House 5 Baker Street Weybridge KT13 8AE T: 01932 832 210 / 0845 371 5020 Email Rachel: RL@rapportteam.com Direct Dial: 07970 023 130 grouprapport.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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beauty promo

SHOCKWAVES AT COBHAM CLINIC! Bringing patients the forefront treatments for musculoskeletal rehab

The Cobham Clinic is one of the only clinics in Surrey that offers Shockwave, Heallite 2 - LED Infrared light in combination with normal manual therapy to achieve treatment combinations that tackle a vast number of common musculoskeletal injuries.

What is shockwave?

Shockwave is a clinically proven treatment for soft tissue injuries, especially tendons. Shockwave is a sound wave that is passed throughout the tissue to create a pro inflammatory response. The body responds to this by increasing blood circulation and metabolism which accelerates the body’s own healing capabilities.

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winter 18/19 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

shop local

How effective is the treatment?

What is the most common injury you see?

Highly effective! Its success rate has been shown to be up to 80% in chronic conditions that have not been cured with other kinds of treatment, shockwave is totally safe and has no nasty side effects, it is a quick and normally only takes 4-6 sessions. Shockwave is particularly good at treating conditions such as:

Lower back pain is very common. We are trying to educate our patients that we are very good at relieving pain but that this is only the first stage of rehab, and that its very important to strengthen an area and not just stretch it.

This strengthening phase is the second phase of full rehabilitation. This goes for almost any injury, loading and increasing strength are highly important to stop repeat pain and also for long term health of the body.

Tennis Elbow Shoulder Tendonitis or calcification Patella tendonitis IT Band Syndrome Shin Splints Achille Tendinopathy Plantar fasciitis However, we have had great success in treating chronic lower back pain with this treatment and subacute injuries such as muscle tears and ligament damage.

What other treatments do you do?

We can combine shockwave with osteopathy, infrared light, vibration therapy and exercise rehab to give the patient a complete package of treatment that ensures full rehabilitation therefore minimising the risk of a repeat injury.

We always do an initial assessment to discuss the problem and form a treatment plan, we can then advise the patient on the best course of action for rehabilitation.

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Shoulder pain is probably a close second, this is why we have invested in a high-grade shockwave machine, as we can now treat lots of patients with this technology that doesn’t just reduce symptoms, it heals the tendon!

We offer free 20 min consultations to discuss with us how we can help, we will give the best advice we can on how to manage your injury and whether treatment is required. thecobhamclinic.co.uk T: 01932 860 190 2nd Floor 57 High Street, Cobham, KT11 3DP darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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 Bespoke Catering  Special Occasions and celebrations  Dinner Parties  Buffet Style or Sit Down  Delivery Service Supplier to Nest Home and Café in Ripley Contact Janice Caluori to discuss your requirements M: 07740 086 055 E: janicecaluori@mipiace.co.uk

www.mipiace.co.uk

Hermina Williams

Advertisements Branding Brochures

Graphic Designer

Stationery Campaigns

07896 948 336 design@herminawilliams.com herminawilliams.com

DAVID LLOYD CLUB NEWS HIIT High Intensity Interval Training at any David Lloyd Club or in the comfort of your living room High Intensity Interval Training is great all year round but especially in the winter - short and sweet workouts getting the best results in a short space of time, getting ready for those festive season parties.

Short intervals of extremely high-intensity exercise involving a lot of muscle mass require a tremendous amount of oxygen, during both the work interval and the recovery periods. As a result, HIIT workouts train your body to tolerate and quickly recover from periods of high-

intensity exercise. A typical HIIT session should last anywhere between 4 minutes (like Tabata) and 15 minutes. Overuse injuries can arise if workouts are too long; cap HIIT workouts at 30 minutes. If you want optimal results, you’ll lift weights 5 times per week, and do HIIT cardio 3 – 4 times per week, for about 25 minutes per session. I then go lift for 45-60 minutes and my post-workout meal of about 40 grams of protein and 100 grams of carbohydrate is the first of the day.

It would be better to do it after weight training if your goal is muscle building and/or fat burning. If you are doing HIIT first and then doing weight training it will seriously affect your performance during your lifts. You can also be pretty tired from your HIIT cardio and might even mess up your lifting form.

01932 827900 davidlloyd.co.uk/clubs/ weybridge-brooklands

beauty promo

On a hunt for an alternative to Botox and fillers With over 25 years in the Beauty and Aesthetic industry, Lisa Harris, knows exactly what it takes to create healthy and youthful skin without the use of Botox or fillers, which can age and damage the skin

I

visited Lisa Harris skin and body specialist clinic in Weybridge, to find out why Amanda Holden, Kylie Minogue, Kim Kardashian and Lizzie Cundy can’t get enough of Lisa’s Signature treatment. These combine multiple technologies referred here as ‘energies’ and work on all layers of the skin tightening and lifting by stimulating new collagen growth. We began with Lisa’s new detoxing facial mask to brighten and deep cleanse before going ahead with the ‘energies’. First we targeted the SMARS area (the lowest part of the skin structure) emitting positive energy that activates and stimulates new skin proteins, renews cells and strengthen muscles resulting in a more lifted, youthful contour.

Following this was Lisa’s exclusive Collagen Wave, which heats deep within the skin to encourage new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid to firm and plump of skin. I was also treated to a Jowl Lift to lift and firm this area further. We finished with award-winning Virtual Mesotherapy which pushes hyaluronic acid, growth factors and plant stem cells into the skin helping the previous energies to work at their optimum level.

shop local

before

“You can absolutely achieve and maintain healthier younger skin by using the right technologies methodically with advanced skin care. We offer free consultations to advise on how to achieve your skin goals.” Lisa Harris.

My face looked more lifted and toned with a nice glow, even the deep lines in the middle of my brows hdd nearly faded! The results were even more noticeable days, even couple of weeks later as my skin continued to improve. This treatment is safe on all skin types and excellent for those who wish to rejuvenate aged,

after

damaged skin as this restores and revitalises all skin cells unlike derma roll, skin peels and microdermabrasion which can cause scarring and damage to our skin.

“As seen in Daily Mail, Ok! Magazine, ITV, working alongside ITV’s Dr Hilary Jones, The Harley Street Journal and Johnson & Johnson.”

For further information, check out our social media and web-site. www.lisaharrisskinscience.co.uk 97 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 9UQ 01932841717 @lisaharris_skinscience @LisaHarrisSkin Lisa Harris Skin Science

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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Founded 1813 | Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

S c h o o l

HMC | 690 pupils | Day & Boarding | Boys 11 to 18 | Girls 16 to 18

“Excellent in all categories” Independent Schools Inspectorate - Jan 2015

OPEN MORNINGS SATURDAY

SATURDAY

th March 2019 Mayon2019 Details2ofndforthcoming Open Mornings are11 available our website www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk

For further information: “A good education is a fortune a child can never spend” Andrew Reed, who established Reed’s School’s Charitable Foundation 1813

t: 01932 869001 | w: www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk | e: admissions@reeds.surrey.sch.uk Sandy Lane | Cobham | Surrey | KT11 2ES

health promo

BEAU’S STORY How Vessy Zlatareva changed a 15 year old boy’s life Vessy Zlatareva

referred to thoracic surgeon who I was told could break my ribs to make them appear more regular in shape. I was told to carry on as normal and just wait and see what happens.

“Hello, my name is Beau. I am a 15-year-old boy. I have always been very sporty and active, competing in trampolining and rugby in the past. I still consider myself very active and spend much of my time cycling.

About a year ago I went to the doctor as I noticed my ribs had begun to protrude on one side creating a noticeable hunch. I was soon referred for x-rays which confirmed I had scoliosis. This is a disorder of the spine. In my case my spine has both curved and twisted. Being diagnosed at an age when I am growing extremely fast meant the hump on my ribs and curvature/twist of my spine was progressing very quickly. I found this really distressing.

After seeing a specialist in hospital, I was informed that I would need to return in nine months’ time to see how much worse the curve had become.

I was made aware that if it became severe I could then have an operation to put metal bars and hooks in my back to support my spine. I was also

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Thankfully my mum was not happy with this option and a friend put us in touch with Vessy - that is when magic began. I began seeing Vessy once a week and learning spiral stabilisation exercises using the ropes and mat. We also worked on my overall posture and my flat footedness. Both my flat feet and posture have improved dramatically already.

I immediately felt a sense of relief as I was doing something to help my condition as opposed to just waiting for it to get worse. Vessy is always very positive and full of energy.

She has made me feel so much more confident about my scoliosis and has helped me trust in my own ability to look after myself with exercises, selfmassage and breathing, as well as actually slowing down the curve of my spine during this period of fast growth.”

Spiral Stabilization effectively and permanently treats spinal disorders and disorders in the main joints. More specifically, it treats back, neck, shoulder and hip pain, chronic pain, sciatica, disc herniation, scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, headaches, migraines, flat feet, hallux

valgus, back pain in pregnancy and other conditions. It is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment that achieves lasting results, especially for clients with disc herniation and scoliosis. bonelifeclinic.com info@bonelifeclinic.com 07970 133992 316 High Street, Dorking RH4 1QX

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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FANCY A NIGHT OUT? Work from home?

Need a nanny for a night to get some sleep?

Our team at Super Sitters provide short term childcare. We offer last minute, flexible, professional care for the individual requirements of any child and their family.

super-sitters.co.uk | 0777 148 0489

Pole Structural Engineers Designing structures for alterations, extensions and new houses Local, friendly and professional

Admel House 24 High Street Wimbledon Village SW19 5DX T: 020 8944 9955 E: mail@pole.co.uk

pole.co.uk

The

gift of giving back

“Thembalitsha” is a Xhosa word meaning “new hope”. Our aim is exactly that – to restore hope and transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in South Africa.

“we empower local communities through social entrepreneurship by teaching practical, business and life skills”

Thembalitsha Foundation was established as a Non-Profit Organisation in 1997 by Kate and Frank Christie and now, 21 years later we run as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) in South Africa with over a hundred employees who serve thousands of disadvantaged people every year.

2018. He joined us with no previous training or sewing knowledge, but a great sense of enthusiasm to learn a new skill and empower himself in the process. Olwethu lives with his mother who is not able to work, leaving him with the responsibility of providing for his family. At Themba Training he learnt how to hand stitch and quickly progressed to using a domestic sewing machine.

His passion and work ethic are evident in the detail and quality of his products. As a result of this training and profits made through our Etsy store, he was able to leak-proof his home in the informal settlement of Zola. The future is looking far brighter, now that he is empowered through social entrepreneurship.

Our mission is to develop people to a point of self-reliance through education, healthcare and training. By offering a hand up rather than a handout, we equip individuals with skills for life with a focus on sustainability.

Themba Training, one of our nine initiatives, is a development program which aims to empower local communities through social entrepreneurship by teaching practical, business and life skills. Our online presence on Etsy offers a platform for locally trained individuals to sell their handmade products, empowering them to support their families and live with dignity. What started off as an empowerment program for women has extended to an

shop local

Olwethu Dase, student of Themba Training

all-inclusive programme, with one truly inspirational story of a young man.

Olwethu Dase, completed his first sewing course with Themba Training in April

TOYS: This festive season you can support individuals like Olwethu by purchasing your gifts from our ETSY store etsy.com/shop/ThembaShop Read more about our projects at thembalitsha.org.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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legal promo

David Knapp

GREY AREA Hidden fees on retirement properties

The elderly are facing hidden fees on retirement properties.

David Knapp, Partner at law firm Hart Brown, calls for a change in the law to prevent landlords including a fee payable on the future sale of your property.

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As the age demographic of our society has changed over the last 2 or 3 decades there has been a similar change in approach to living in one’s retirement. In this period there has been a marked growth in the development

winter 18/19 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

of purpose-built retirement developments. A number of companies have sprung up whose business model is geared to this sector of housing.

A great deal of the publicity shop local

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

material for the many new developments directed at the elderly shows healthy, happy and active elderly people playing with their grandchildren with hazy sunshine and blue skies in the background.

The comfort of our elderly parents or relatives is paramount and these types of advertisements go a long way to entice us to consider the option of buying a retirement home, and in so doing removing the concerns of loneliness and lack of companionship.

Sadly, there is a rising practice in some developments where, having sold the idea to potential buyers who then set their hearts on the final property that they will purchase, the legal papers introduce an unexpected angle to buying such a property in the form of a fee payable to the landlord on its future sale. The normal reasons for a sale are on the passing away of the property owner or their being moved into accommodation where they will have more hands-on support such as in a nursing home. shop local

In the case of one development, the lease refers to “a relevant percentage” being payable to the landlord on completion of the sale by the seller. The relevant % is an eye watering 12.5% on properties that command prices in excess of £400,000.00. In one recent sale, the “relevant percentage” worked out at over £54,000.00.

Other developments add on similar fees such as a 1% “contingency fee” and an additional 1% “transfer fee”.

Similar provisions can also be introduced into the covenants for freehold properties.

Such fees are in addition to any estate agent’s fee that sellers may be bound to pay over and above the monthly service charge and annual ground rents payable. These too are also not insubstantial.

There is of course the option for the elderly buyer not to proceed with the purchase on sight of the lease terms, but if the property is the perfect fit for that person there is a huge reluctance to go back to the drawing board.

The law needs to be changed to prohibit landlords from charging these additional fees with an obligation to be placed on landlords to provide a deed of variation to change existing leases in order to remove this type of clause.

The government is looking into legislation to cover the practice of high and escalating rentals in new build leasehold properties, so why not tackle this issue at the same time?

Perhaps there is also merit in consumer organisations and consumer programmes highlighting these issues so that the public can be made aware and educated about this practice.

This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.

If you have a residential property query or would like advice on any property-related matter, please contact: David Knapp on 01483 887766 or by email info@hartbrown.co.uk hartbrown.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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Unlock your child’s potential

with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

COBHAM

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HINCHLEY WOOD

WEYBRIDGE

0203 723 9702 cobham@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/cobham 01372 238238 hinchleywood@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/hinchleywood

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

020 8394 2244 leatherhead@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/leatherhead 0808 208 5134 weybridge@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/weybridge

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Creative Courage For Life

community

The Write Stuff Holly Candlish met with the self-styled ‘golden girls’ of Cobham Grange retirement development and discovered the secret of good health and long life is having great friends once a month to read our compositions aloud and it’s always surprising how everybody has a different slant on a subject. Last month we wrote about ‘The Long Hot Summer’ and this month we are penning ‘A Letter to a Grandchild.’ A recent autobiographical topic, ‘Six Pieces of Me’, elicited an amazing response with moving descriptions of WW2: Kaye described her father’s medals and Joy the ribbon she wore in her hair the day peace was declared.”

Top: Judy Roe, Jo Discombe, Joy Gardner, Phyllis Wilcox Seated: Molly Clements, Christiane Eatough, Kaye Howe

A

ccording to the Office for National Statistics, the population in the UK is getting older with 18% aged 65 and over. But for one group of Octogenarians, ‘getting old’ just isn’t an option.

Defying stereotypes, the glamorous grannies are reading the latest novels, keeping up with new film releases, and even shopping on-line - at both Zara and Anne Summers. They’ve

discovered that brain power, memory and confidence all improve by joining a book club, a dining club or watching event television, like The Crown, together.

Taking an interest: Kaye Howe, Judy Roe & Christiane Eatough

A youthful Phyllis Wilcox

Their latest activity is a creative writing group set up by the indefatigable Phyllis Wilcox, a youthful 79-year-old. “It’s an opportunity to stretch your brain in a different way. For the past two years, we’ve met

Kaye Howe and Joy Gardner are just two of a growing number of women who recognise that interacting is the key to staying ‘on the ball’. Another writer, Molly Clements, says, “We reminisce, tell a little story and try to be creative about it. It’s all to fight off the dreaded dementia.” But just as important as stretching their brains is the opportunity to socialise. “It’s the camaraderie I like. Age really doesn’t matter, friends do,” says Jo Discombe.

Scientists are always trying to solve the question of eternal youth, but this glowing group of friends appear to have cracked it. Kaye sums it up, “creative writing keeps us engaged, it’s about being enthusiastic for life and interested in other people this is what keeps us young.”

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

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ST JOHN’S SCHOOL LEATHERHEAD

A co-educational independent school for ages 11 to 18 offering day, weekly and flexi boarding.

If you would like to find out more about life at St John’s, please get in touch. www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk St John’s School, Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8SP 01372 373 000 | admissions@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk

header

A new kind of visionary heads St John’s Darling exclusive with Rowena Cole, The Head of St John’s School, Leatherhead

R

owena Cole became The Head of St John’s School in September 2017 – the School’s first female head in its long history. Despite a workforce dominated by women, just 36% of all secondary school headteachers in the UK are female and even fewer in well-established independent schools, particularly those which are coeducational.

What was your first year at St John’s like and has it met your expectations?

It has exceeded my expectations! I was attracted to the warmth of the St John’s community even before I accepted the post and the deep-rooted sense of community which extends across pupils, staff, parents and alumni is exceptional. It is an exciting, inclusive and progressive place to learn, work and live.

Would you say that being a woman shapes your leadership style?

I think every leader has their own skills, strengths and ideas but I don’t view gender as a major factor in that – personality is much more relevant.

I encourage our pupils to be bold, brave, creative and ambitious and I value emotional and intellectual intelligence equally. It is important for young people to see men and women in leadership positions.

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You have taught in both single sex and co-ed schools. There are widely debated pros and cons for both types. Do you favour one type of school over the other?

I always tell parents to look for schools which have outstanding teachers because, in the classroom, it is the job of a great teacher to bring out the potential in every individual sitting in front of them. It isn’t about whether the class is a group of boys or girls; it is about responding to the needs of those children whatever their personalities, learning style, attitude or academic level. But I do think young people benefit hugely from being in an environment where boys and girls can work effectively together, building relationships and knowing that working in a coeducational space is the norm.

What is the single most important skill you want your pupils to leave school with?

It is very hard to pick just one skill but my overarching aim could be summed up by saying that I want our pupils to leave school better equipped to tackle life with courage and to achieve more in all spheres of their lives than they might have believed was possible.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

37

young talent

There is no secret to success!

All it takes is talent and incredibly hard work. Darling gets a glimpse into the life of a young local figure skating couple

R

eminiscent of icon Torvill and Dean, 15 year-old Adam Bouaziz from Sandhurst and 11 year-old AvaMae Martell from Ascot won their first international competition - The Egna Dance Trophy in Egna, Italy in February 2018. Their journey to this level has taken incredible commitment to training, not to mention sacrifice and support from both their parents.

They’ve also had injuries to deal with; Ava-Mae suffered a skullfracture after a fall in 2017 and Adam was hospitalised with a broken jaw, concussion, a lost tooth and a lip needing surgery when a trick at a local trampoline park went horribly wrong.

Adam started skating when he was 10 at the John Nike Bracknell ice rink. Ava-Mae was even younger at eight when her talent was spotted by a coach, also at Bracknell, after only her second lesson on skates.

They have been skating together since the British Championships in 2017, where Adam won gold in his category. When he asked Ava to trial out with him she felt flattered as had always admired and respected Adam’s skating.

38

winter 18/19 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Being a high level skater is incredibly hard work. It is a real juggling act with school, home-work, training, competitions and normal family life, both Adam and AvaMae’s parents agree.

There is training three to four times a week, from 5 or 6am until it’s time for school, and even more sessions on weekends. Adam also fits in an after-school dance class one or two times per week to support his skating. This is also his GCSE year and he is committed to achieving his high predicted grades. It requires focus, enough sleep and rest and sacrificing a lot of his social life.

Both are striving for future internationals, World championships and beyond to the Olympics. Currently they are aiming to skate to their highest standard at the British Figure Skating Championship in December.

If things go well, they would love to end the season with a second international competition. But this needs to be balanced with the timing of GCSE mock exams and success finding funding and sponsorship for Adam.

For sponsorship enquiries contact Helen Maguire: helen@clearthoughtsconsulting.co.uk

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onthescene

Darling Socials

COBHAM SEES ‘PIP & GRAY’ RELAUNCH IN STYLE - DARLING FEATURES EDITOR HOLLY CANDLISH WAS THERE

Adrian Fairbank & Janet Nelson

Jo

Jo Hills and Jay Bretherton Joan Hay, Jo Weston, Holly Candlish, Alicia Gray (owner) and Laura Subba Row

Caroline Kelly, Louise Wood and Millie Gray

Joan Hay and Sally Katz and Caroline Kelly Jo Weston Megan Taylor and Glenda Taylor Emily Catriona Greene, Alistair Candlish and Sam Hall

Art George and Louise Wood

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Uta Roggendorf, Jessica Cheng, Terrie Moseman, Debbie Bauer, Nick Webb, Jay Bretherton and Katie McDonald

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

39

CELEBRATING THE GRAND OPENING OF NUMBER SIX IN COBHAM

WHAT'S HOT

Whistles, Faux Fur Lined Agnes, £369

Louise Blackburn, Sally Case (owner), Nikki Jones and Barbara King-Risi

We Make Rings, Textured Rings, £540

L-R: Louise Blackburn, Sally Case (owner), Nikki Jones and Barbara King-Risi

Ros Ali and Sue Buckland

MUNDAYS SOLICITORS NETWORKING AT PAINSHILL

Bernard Boutique 'Love' Jumper, £350

The Juice Smith Cobham

Jayne Smith and Sally Case

Beth Whaley, Immy Suthar and Emily Goodin

Mint Velvet Maryland Skinny Jean, £79

Jigsaw Croc Crossbody Bag, £130

Above: Becci Hunt, Emma Shave, Sophie Banks and Rosalind Brookman 40

@ladywimbledon

Nicky Keeble, Fiona McAllister (Mundays), Michelle Ford and Kate Keeling

#LadyWimbledon

ladywimbledon.com shop local

COBHAM HERITAGE DAY - LOCALS WERE OUT IN FULL FORCE

Penny Wakefield, Lorraine Reyniers, Vivien Carne and Gill Macpherson

Phillip Watkins (Town Cryer) & Maggie Smith Andy Bad on guitar LEFT: Susan Roberts and members of her Academy of Performing Arts

‘Allo ‘Allo! Elaine Kingston, John Kingston and Alyson Pellowe SHOOTING STAR CHASE FIRE WALK EVENT

Helen Chisholm, Lawrence Lillie and Chantelle Lillie

Walkers Aoife Carroll and Rachel Barnes

SSC Execs Alex Dizon and Anne

Fire walking expert Cliff Mann

Sheev-

Karen O’Neil Training Manager

Nikki Alexander,

Christian Schmidt Claire Pelenc and walks in memory of Michelle Robinson his son Teddy

Area Retail Manager Ruth Shaw

SSC CEO Nigel Harding 41

SKY HIGH BALL FOR THE HARRISON’S FUND CHARITY - CELEBS OUT IN FULL FORCE TO SUPPORT

Alfie Best, Vicki Michelle, John Warrington and Alex Best

Dr Ranj Singh

Harriet Thorpe

Alex Smith (Founder Harrison’s Fund) and Ant Anstead

Luca Di Nello, James Mason and Jamie Davis Alex Smith, Pete Harrison, Jono Paisley, Claire Paisley, Donna Smith, Jen Virgo, Sophie Patel and Shamere Patel

Owner of Bronte’s Café Amanda Jewiss (middle) and friends

Nicki Shields

Zoe Leach and Jo Mitchell Long BRUCE’S DOGGY DAY CARE WINS BEST SME BUSINESS AT THE SURREY BUSINESS AWARDS

Ant Antstead and Christina El Moussa SHETLAND PONY CLUB WINS FACE OF AMAZON PETS

Judge, Simon Lewis, Bruce Casalis (MD) and Stephen Lewis (FD)

Winner Crème Brulee

EVIE LOVES TOAST - AND A CHRISTMAS DRINKS PARTY!

Jo Darwell-Taylor, Danielle Boncey, owners Prue Barker, Joss Dickson, Rosie Slater and guest, Nathalie Evans

Amelia Stevenson, Lindsay Williamson and Lucy Williamson

Gemma Cahill, Jodie Wood, Rachel Rogers and Joss Dickson

Lizzie Liebenhals and Samantha Wright Linda Lewis and Sarah Wilson

SPOTTED AT THE UK ‘GUSTO ITALIA’ AWARDS AND CO-HOSTED BY NC SUPPER CLUB

Danielle Boncey and Nathalie Evans

Nesan Thirunesan, Taylor Torr, Darling Editor Karine Torr, International Chef Carmelo Carnevale, Alina Neukirch and Darling Editor Marja-Leena Toseland Nancy Dell ‘Olio with Marja-Leena and Karine Torr shop local

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

43

What’s On this winter PAINSHILL

Festive Illuminations (new for Christmas 2018) Until 23 Dec

Creative Christmas Workshop Wed 12 Dec - 23 Dec painshill.co.uk

THE MEATH EPILEPSY CHARITY

Carols at St Clement Danes Church Mon 10 Dec, 7:00pm meath.org.uk THE CHILDREN’S TRUST

Annual Christmas Concert

Cadogan Hall Mon 10 Dec, 7:30pm Tickets from £25 Hosted by journalist and BBC news presenter Nicholas Owen.

Surrey Schools’ Concert

Sun 10 Feb, 2-4:30pm St John’s School Leatherhead thechildrenstrust.org.uk HARRISON’S FUND

Christmas Carols

THE BARN THEATRE

Aladdin

Tue 8 - Sat 12 Jan, 7:45pm Sat 12 Jan, 2:30 thebarntheatremolesey.co.uk WATTS GALLERY – ARTISTS’ VILLAGE

Christina Rossetti: Vision & Verse Until 17 Mar Free with admission (£11.50) Kids go free | Friends free

In Print: Making Impressions Until 6 Jan Free admission

Inspired by Nature: Celia Lewis

12 Jan – 24 Feb | Watts Contemporary Gallery Free admission wattsgallery.org.uk DENBIES WINE ESTATE

Denbies 5K Santa Fun Run Sunday 9 December 10am

‘A Taste of Christmas’ Sway with Buble Party Night Friday 14 December

‘Denbies Enchanted Masked Ball’

Saturday 15 December, 7.30pm until midnight

‘New Year’s Eve Celebration’

Fri 7 Dec, 6.30 - 9pm St Andrew’s Church, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham Adults: £10.00, children free

Monday 31 December, 7.30pm until 1am denbies.co.uk

The Surrey Half Marathon 2019 for Harrison’s Fund

Glow 2018 returns to Wisley

Sun 10 Mar harrisonsfund.com 44

winter 18/19 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

WISLEY

Until Wed 2 Jan, 4-8pm daily

Tours of Wisley’s Laboratory Until 12 Dec rhs.org.uk

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EPSOM PLAYHOUSE

Santa’s Christmas Party Sat 8 Dec - Mon 24 Dec

Jack The Beanstalk

Fri 14 Dec - Sun 6 Jan

Jive Talkin’ Perform The Bee Gees Sat 26 Jan epsomplayhouse.co.uk

VERA FLETCHER HALL

Theatrerotto presents The Walrus and The Carpenter Sat 19 Jan, 2.30pm Age 4+

Nick Barstow presents RE:arrangement A celebration of musical theatre like no other.

Fri 25 Jan, 7:30pm

Andante Live presents Times Are A-Changin’ Ice rink: Skate back in time

Songs of peace, protest & love from the 60s and 70s Sat 2 Feb, 7:30pm

Food and cooking from Christmases past

Hand To Mouth Theatre presents The Mystery of Memory Lane

HAMPTON PALACE COURT

Until Sun 6 Jan Until Sun 6 Jan

Courtyard carol singing

17-21 and 23 Dec, 6pm and 8pm hrp.org.uk G LIVE GUILDFORD

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Sat 9 Feb, 2:30pm Age 3+

VFH film night, Passport To Pimlico (a 1949 Ealing Comedy)

Fri 15 Feb, 7:30pm Ticket £7.00, includes a complimentary drink*tea/coffee or a 125 ml glass of red or white wine

Fawlty Towers the Official Dining Experience

Kick in the Head presents Three Men in the Boat

Boney M 40th Anniversary Tour

Title and Deed

Sat 8 Dec, 3pm

Mon 10 Dec, 7:30pm Wed 12 Dec, 8pm

The Snowman

Fri 21 Dec, 3pm and 7:30pm

The Nutcracker - St Petersburg Classic Ballet

Fri 1 Mar, 7:30 pm

Performed by Farnham Maltings Fri 8 Mar. Fish and Chip supper at 7.30 pm, show at 8.30pm. verafletcherhall.co.uk

Wed 26 - Fri 28 Dec

Santa Claus & The Night Before Christmas Wed 12 - Mon 24 Dec give.co.uk shop local

darlingmagazine.co.uk | winter 18/19

45

point of view

LESS

is more

By Kate Greenhalgh

I

need to join a selfhelp group for people who live in minimalist houses. I don’t know how I ended up as a Minimalist. I suppose it started with the odd episode of Grand Designs, then going for cocktails in jam-jars under railway arches, and before I knew it, I’d moved from a Victorian ‘Orgy of Chintz’ Villa to a house with no towel rails or lavatory-roll holders, (they compromise the aesthetic.) All the floors are polished concrete, of course.

And the cupboard doors have no handles - you have to pat experimentally for them to spring open - except they don’t, because, as in all modern houses, they are so ruddy clever-clever they have gone up their own jacksies.

Minimalist houses need a lot of cupboards, because it is important that nobody can see you have things like cups, or coats. And yes, naturally, there is a sliding glass roof onto a brutalist ‘found space’ to lounge upon stiffly, whilst wearing a black polo-neck jumper. Except the sliding glass roof sticks open, so

46

when it rains, it rains into the house. Like AELTC always probably dreads will happen with theirs. And there’s an amazing walk-in shower - but with a lightly-frosted glass wall onto the landing. So while I’m standing in it I’m also screaming ‘Nobody come upstairs! Naked mother in view!’ Which I would have thought certainly compromises the aesthetic.

earth was I thinking? (Yes that’s right - I mean I CHOSE it.) I was the high-priestess of all things Zoffany, having gone through a really bad bout of Laura Ashley in the ‘80’s. (Do you think yellowand-blue will ever come back as a combo?) Everywhere was cushions, cushions, swags and cushions. My collection of miniature china cats took up an entire mantlepiece. The house was a popular filming location for low-budget penny-dreadfuls which aired on obscure American TV channels, featuring murders and suicides. We don’t notice the staleness that creeps up on our homes, but presumably the directors liked the morbid aura my house gave off. The sort of place where a washed-up, middle-aged socialite would end it all with a couple of bottles of champagne and barbiturates. Probably quite good I moved on, come to think of it.

Admittedly, in our last house we had wallpaper featuring Roman maidens and garlandbedecked oxen. What on

Anyway - must go. Something is beeping at me. Is it time for meditation? Or is the fridge telling me we’re out of sushi?

autumn 2018 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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Barbara Currie School of Yoga Ltd OXSHOTT Village Centre Holtwood Rd

ESHER

WALTON

King George’s Hall High Street

Elmgrove Hall Hersham Rd

Mon

9.30-10.30am Tues 9.30-10.30am 11.00– 12.00 11.00-12.00pm Thurs 9.30–10.30am 11.00-12.00

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5.45-6.45pm 7.00-8.00pm 8.15-9.15pm 9.30-10.30am 11.00-12.00pm 9.30-10.30am 11.00-12.00

Amazing energy Fabulous shape Fantastic Flexibility Deep relaxation

Barbara Currie is a state registered nurse and a qualified yoga teacher with many years experience. She has sold over a million DVDs worldwide and written 4 popular yoga books.

www.barbaracurrieyoga.com www.youtube.com/barbaracurrieyoga barbaracurrie@globalnet.co.uk

Call : 01372 467177

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