Darling Magazine North Surrey - Winter 2019-2020

winter 19/20 PRICELESS

ling Sparknline new o zine! maga

Let It Snow

Surrey’s Skiing Sensations

ON THIN ICE Angus Forbes on the climate crisis

FASHION WITH A CONSCIENCE Sustainable is the new black

MIND YOUR HEAD

How the 3rd runway will affect you

BREAST IMPLANTS The hidden dangers

YES, YOU CAN SELL IN WINTER With Prestige & Village

BRING ME WINE

Darling’s dining picks

FOR ART’S SAKE Sandown’s Spring Fair

SPLITTING UP

Keystone Solicitors

A Way into Feeling by Toni Cogdell

October Sun by Jo Quigley

Radius of a Heart by Toni Cogdell

London Morning Stroll by Jo Quigley

Winter Collection Take advantage of our interest free Own Art scheme

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The Art Agency.co.uk

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Tel: 01372 466740

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Dear Darling Reader As we step into the new decade, Darling is delighted to announce that we’re embracing the digital age and launching online, loud and proud, for the very first time. We will still produce our glossy seasonal issues but you can now catch up with the latest at www.darlingmagazine.co.uk.

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C

SENTI home of

How things have changed in the last 100 years! I wonder whatfragrance, the The Orchid; beautifully hand-crafted flappers of the ‘Roaring 20s’ would make of our inspiring women, fragrance for your home, teenagers Olivia and Sophie Foster? They’re definitely more £150 comfortable in skin-tight lycra than fringed dresses, as they hurtle MATCHES FASHIO downhill in pursuit of Olympic skiing success. Follow their path glory Completedwork Bend In The Rive on page 6. Another ‘Thoroughly Modern Ms’ is nutritionist Tina Lond-spiralled gold-verme ear cuff, £24 Caulk who tells her amazing story of scaling ‘three peaks in three countries in three days’ to raise money for Child Bereavement. Her IRIS Lily & Lionel challenge was heroic - if a little bonkers!

Rae Vintage Bloom M

Y

Cover Girls Olivia and Sophie Foster Photography Vanessa Fry

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MY

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CMY

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Dress, £220

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Ltd Karine Torr & Marja-Leena Toseland Editors Karine Torr & Marja-Leena Toseland 020 8739 0059 Advertising 07930 396356

At the start of the New Year it’s always time to re-assess our lifestyle.

Chef Mel Williams from Lavender Catering, has a lot to say about how and where we source our food from and stylist Emma Shoe’s fashion FRIARWOOD 2017 page features some great ‘pre-loved’ fashion bargains. Isn’t it time Domaine des Masques, to re-assess how much we buy and what effect that is having Rouge on Cuvee Essentielle, £18 the environment? Without flapping, let’s make that our New Year’s ‘Roaring 20s’ resolution Darling readers.

COSMETIC FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE, the botox-fre facelift and rejuvenator

Email northsurrey@darlingmagazine.co.uk

Contributors Holly Candlish Kate Greenhalgh Helen Adams Darling Wimbledon Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Darling Richmond & Kingston Marja-Leena Toseland 07802 949836 Design Director Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.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.comladywimbledon.com northsurrey@darlingmagazine.co .uk @ladywimbledon

CONTENTS 6 Girl racers! Olivia and Sophie Foster 9 Sustainable fashion is on the rise 11 Indie restaurants – Editor’s seasonal picks 12 Tina rises to her Alpine Challenge 15 Tricia Cusden and her fabulous brand 16 Why Malene ditched her implants 18 Surrey’s favourite caterer Mel Williams relaunches 20 Do we still need the Heathrow 3rd runway?

22 Bridge with Paul Mendelson 23 Angus Forbes on how we can save the planet 24 Prestige & Village – you can sell in winter 27 Dr De-Stress on saying no!

28 Keystone Solicitors – divorce and your pension 31 Susan Green gets women going at The Hub 32 Art lovers must – Contemporary Art Fairs 3rd year 33 Darling’s fabulous Social Pages with Holly Candlish 40 Out and about in the Darling’s social pages 42 “Little pig, little pig…” Kate’s soft heart darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

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inspiring women

THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE

Snow Business Chasing the snow, chasing the adrenaline rush, chasing the dream: young Surrey ski sensations, sisters Olivia and Sophie Foster, share their dream of Olympic glory with Darling’s Holly Candlish. But what makes two talented, attractive youngsters spend the best part of the year away from home, getting ready to hurl themselves down a hill at 90mph?

Olivia

O

ne factor that should inspire two teenagers from Leatherhead, Olivia and Sophie Foster, in their bid to represent GB at the Winter Olympics, is the UK plan to transform from a nation of plucky amateurs to one of the top five Olympic ski and snowboarding nations by 2030. With that UK commitment and the fact that skiers peak in their late twenties, there’s every reason for the sisters to believe that they can be part of this bold transformation. To date, they have a string of podium finishes, including nearly 30 gold medals in English and British championships, and they continue to develop their skills. The next few months will see whether 18-yr-old Olivia and 16-yr-old Sophie have been selected for the World Junior Championships and Junior Olympic Games respectively - important steps on the road to success.

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winter 19/20 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Sophie

However, for skiers born in Surrey, there’s one big problem: there’s no snow - so the girls have had to find it. They started skiing as toddlers, competed for their school, Danes Hill and then progressed to Sandown Ski Centre in Esher, before stepping up their training four years ago by joining Ambition Racing – an intensive ski academy based in Austria. So started a relentless schedule of overseas coaching, aided by sponsorship from Atomic skis and Sophie picking up a TASS (a talented athlete scholarship, funded by Sport England). They admit that the daily programme of ski training, afternoon lessons, gym sessions, video analysis and preparing the skis for the following day, requires enormous amounts of self-discipline – which they have in spades – however they also need to be mentally resilient to fight off bouts of

It’s a great discipline for women, building confidence and, unusually for the sports world, women’s earnings are higher than their male counterparts

homesickness. Last year Olivia spent only two weeks during term time at Woldingham, her school in Caterham, and raced in the Southern hemisphere for eight weeks during a long summer away from home. “Definitely you miss a lot, but it’s the sacrifice you’ve got to make if you want to perform to the best of your ability. If we do get time to relax, I play cards or watch films, and catch up on shows like ‘I’m A Celebrity’. The upside of my nomadic life is all the new friendships I’ve made with people from around the globe – and we do let our hair down at the end of a training camp! Being away can be tough but missing out on home-life is a small price to pay if you want to get where you want to be.”

Skiing is not an easy sport. Not only does it require peak physical fitness but it demands a fearlessness that rarely comes naturally. As younger sister Sophie puts it, “you’ve got to push out and go for it - you can’t be scared of hurting yourself, because if you’re cautious you’re far more likely to crash out. She also thinks it’s a great discipline for women, building confidence and, unusually for the sports world, women’s earnings are higher than their male counterparts.

For the sisters, all the sacrifices are paying off.

This summer, Sophie joined Olivia to become a member of the Senior British team representing GB together for the first time in the Continental Cup in New Zealand and the event proved successful for the duo: Olivia secured a silver medal podium position with Sophie finishing a close fourth in Super G.

But for the girls it’s not about potential earnings – it’s about the thrill. “The biggest buzz is when you’re in the start-gate; you’ve got pressure on yourself to perform, to win the race, the fear of injury mixed with the feeling that you can do it, that you’ve trained for this moment. And the happiness when you complete the course, performed to the best of your ability and done your best – that feeling is amazing.” Which goes someway to explain why they throw themselves down a mountainside at perilous speeds. n

Photography Vanessa Fry

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

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BRINGING THE HOUSE DOWN A CONCERT AT GLYNDEBOURNE IN AID OF THE MEATH EPILEPSY CHARITY Sunday 5 April 2020 at 3pm Book now at: meath.org.uk/glyndebourne A one-off charity concert featuring a stellar line-up of world-class British singers performing popular arias and ensembles from opera and musicals.

Compère: John Suchet Louise Alder Barry Banks Sophie Bevan MBE Allan Clayton Dame Sarah Connolly DBE Yvonne Howard Jacques Imbrailo Painting by Amy Sherratt, a member of the Meath community Photo by Restyler/Shutterstock.com

Sally Matthews Danielle de Niese Mark Padmore CBE Brindley Sherratt Sir John Tomlinson CBE All the performers are donating their services and the proceeds from the concert will go to The Meath Epilepsy Charity (registered in England and Wales no: 200359).

Give the gift of song this Christmas with tickets to this stunning concert

Phoenix Style pre-loved Gucci teal velvet bag £650

fashion Lipstick Look Fabulous Forever £20

Wonderlust Dunst sequinned dress £170

Phoenix Style pre-loved Lulu Guinness black suede lips boots size 6UK £150 Yaa Yaa London Purple Solar Quartz and Green Druzy Agate Gold Pendant CLIP-ON £47.50

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Feather and Stitch Essentiel Antwerp Temptation4 green sequined skirt £139

Personal Stylist Emma Shoe helps her clients explore how to create a sustainably focused wardrobe to experience the joy of buying less, buying better and wearing more

All Wonderlust pieces designed and made sustainably in house.

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Wonderlust Silver sequinned Muse Jacket £160

Yaa Yaa London rings Mega gemstone gold statement ring £35

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Cleverstein Sustainable chameleon shoes nude leather £245 + £29 for detachable accessories (made with up-clycled materials)

*Wardrobe Reset - 2 hour session. Define your style and create new outfits using existing wardrobe pieces. T’s & C’s apply.

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Phoenix Style pre-loved Balmain plum velvet jacket 9 £600

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On the Beach at West Wittering by David Atkins Part of the Current Treasured Exhibition

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restaurant promo

Festive season & winter our favourite restaurants

Averna Italian

Restaurant & Pizzeria

Experience ‘the Italian table’, where people relax, share, socialise and enjoy fresh, delicious, home-made dishes.

Averna’s menu is rooted in authenticity, with inspiration taken from classic Italian and adding a modern twist. They use only the best ingredients, sourced locally and always in season, wherever possible.

First opened in November 2016, and already picking up plaudits, superb reviews and loyal customers, from locals and beyond.

Christmas Day menu £70. New Year’s Eve with live music, special menu £80 with a complimentary glass of Champagne The Green, St Leonards Road, Claygate KT10 0JQ avernaclaygatetaverna.co.uk

Seven Bluebirds Restaurant

Buenasado

Argentine Steakhouse

‘Lovely boutique restaurant with a great menu, amazing food and superb service‘ is what customers are saying about Seven Bluebirds. Food lovers have welcomed the relative newcomer to the local food scene thanks to its innovative menus, freshly prepared dishes and high quality dining experience at an affordable price. Breakfast and a fabulous brunch are served daily and their lunch menu features, amongst other items, beef Barbacoa tacos, salads and house-made burgers. The seasonal dinner menu offers unique twists on European classics as well as interesting fusion dishes, cooked simply but with a good deal of invention and care.

10 High Street, Esher KT10 9RT | sevenbluebirds.co.uk At Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse you can experience a unique combination of top quality beef from grass-fed cattle, reared in the fertile lowlands of Las Pampas, and superb world-famous Argentinian wine.

We work alongside the best suppliers of the finest produce, sourced direct from farmers throughout Las Pampas. We fly the Argentinian flag in everything we do, and infuse every dish we serve with lashings of Latino pride.

6 The Heart, New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1GH 01932 242720 | buenasado.com

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promo

Ain’t no

mountain high enough

As she approached her 50th year, clinical nutritionist Tina Lond-Caulk, wanted to do something truly outstanding to mark the occasion. With the Alpine Challenge, to raise money for Child Bereavement UK, she achieved her ambitious goal. The task consisted of climbing ‘three peaks in three countries in three days’ and took every last ounce of her determination and will-power. Tina gave her account to Holly Candlish of three extraordinary days in October says. The reality was plainly more challenging

“I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat, not terribly outdoorsy and definitely not intrepid or up for stepping outside my comfort zone. I signed up on the spur of the moment without giving it too much thought - in my mind I thought we were going on a long walk rather than actually summitting three peaks,” she

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The 20-strong team of fabulous ladies ascended peaks in Italy, France and Switzerland, reaching altitudes twice as high as Ben Nevis and climbing 4,500m in total from trail head to summit, which is almost exactly the same as climbing Kilimanjaro: the difference is they aimed to do it in three days and not six. This is her diary of the experience.

Day 1

Last night, I met my team

members at the airport for the first time and on our first evening together we were asked to introduce ourselves and explain our reasons for taking the challenge. It was incredibly moving and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as each of us told our stories.

So many of the team have tragically lost babies, children or their partners and are hiking in their memory. I’m also walking with volunteers for the charity who do such incredible work supporting bereaved families with helplines, support groups and individual therapy.

promo Today, we hiked Testa Della Tronche, in Italy, to reach our first summit at an elevation of 1200m the equivalent of 311 floors - to give some perspective, nearly 4.5 times the 72 floors of the Shard.

It was harder than I ever imagined. I had trained for distance and not the uphill climbing element.

This hike was in memory of the beautiful 3-year-old Louisa Baccanello who sadly passed away from a twisted bowel, leaving us all devastated.

Day 2

Bel Oiseau Switzerland and what a challenge it was!

So completely different from yesterday. Today was a technical climb on rocks, ice, snow and through glacial water drizzling down under foot throughout our ascent to an extraordinary summit of 2700m.

I was truly scared and terrified at times, but the support team were super encouraging and gave me the confidence to continue on my ascent - I very nearly bailed. My descent was on slippery falling rocks.

I can’t believe I actually did what I did today.

Today I climbed in memory of Suzanne Ballantine - a mummy from Rokeby School -who sadly passed away in childbirth leaving her two precious boys age 4 and 5 and her beloved husband. The work this charity does helps families like the Ballantines to move forward and be able to rebuild their lives never forgetting their lost loved ones.

Day 3

Today consists of an ascent of 2200m in Aiguille des Posettes,

very close to Chamonix. We are totally broken after two days of hiking up to eight hours each day and climb with weary limbs, swollen and blistered feet - but warm hearts.

The 360 panoramic views were out of this world and we experienced a very emotional summit as many of our team laid stones inscribed with their loved one’s names. When we gathered together for our final summit photo a beautiful bird soared above us all for a few moments. We didn’t see another bird either before or after that point. It felt very spiritual and moving.

The last few days have been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I met the most inspirational, amazing group of ladies who supported each other through thick and thin, we laughed so hard and cried together as we conquered our fears. It’s been EPIC. I can’t wait for my next challenge and I now consider

myself just a tiny bit intrepid and just a wee bit proud of myself. n The challenge raised a whopping £170,000 for Child Bereavement UK and these are the reasons they are supporting childbereavementuk.org • Every 22 minutes a parent dies leaving dependent children. Around 111 children are bereaved of a parent every day • Around 28 babies, children and young people under the age of 25 die each day in the UK- over 10,000 each year • Child Bereavement UK provided face to face support for more than 3,000 children, young people and adults last year.

Tina Lond-Caulk is a distinguished clinical nutritionist who practices in Kingston or at the Lanserhof Arts Medical Clinic, Mayfair thenutritionguru.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

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Time for a change?

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One Hour makeover £35 (usually £50) Use code: DARLING15

And, as a Darling Magazine reader, we’ll also give you £15 off your makeover and £35 to spend on product

To book go to: www.lookfabulousforever.com/store-makeovers or call 0800 168 74477 lookfabulousforever.com *T&C’s £35 redeemable against any products bought at the makeover. Offer available at our Wimbledon and Guildford stores by appointment only.

Valid until 29th Feburary 2020.

entrepreneur

To Look Fabulous Forever look no further!

Darling’s Helen Adams talks to Tricia Cusden about sugar, feminism and why she wants older women to feel that they matter How do you feel about the term “age appropriate”?

There is no such thing! It’s all about what works for you.

There’s an implication that you need to change as you age - well, who says? All Look Fabulous Forever is doing is acknowledging that our skin changes.

In your book ‘Living the Life More Fabulous’, you mention that you want older women to say: “I matter too.” Was there a time when you felt that you didn’t? No.

A

fter Tricia Cusden reached the menopause, she found her make up no longer suited her skin.

Unimpressed with alternatives promising to starve off the natural ageing process, she created her own brand, Look Fabulous Forever, with a vision to make older women feel confident.

I used that expression, because I feel that some older women just care for others - their families and volunteering activities, charities and churches. Without older women, these things would collapse! Just because an older woman has no paid status doesn’t mean that she doesn’t matter.

Tell us about your lifestyle.

Post menopause, I suffered with acne rosacea. I realised the most terrible outbreaks happened after occasions which involved an excess of sugar. It can certainly be problematic, working in the beauty industry with bad skin. A couple of years ago I cut out sugar as much as I could, and my skin has cleared up! In my book Living the Life More Fabulous, I introduce things which support your body: lentils, beans, leafy greens

and oily fish. At home, I get on the exercise bike and do five sessions a week for thirty minutes each.

What are your thoughts on feminism? My mother always

encouraged me to earn my own living. She encouraged me to own a car, earn my own money and keep my own bank account.

I was lucky - I don’t have any barriers in my own head.

What about ageist or sexist attitudes? Things that would

have been said in the past would not be said now. But we have a way to go! n Check out Look Fabulous Forever online or visit a store for a makeover, in either Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon or 3 Market Street, Guildford.

lookfabulousforever.com To read more on Tricia and AGING GRACEFULLY go to: darlingmagazine.co.uk HAIR&BEAUTY/skin

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

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health

My Wasted Life with Breast Implants Darling Editor Karine Torr, chats to local mum Malene El Rafaey about her very personal journey

A

t 24 I was happy, confident and full of life but foolishly about to take for granted the biggest blessing of all, my health. After landing various modelling opportunities I decided to take the plunge into the world of page 3 and during a shoot, a few months in, a photographer asked if it was okay to tape my breasts up and I was left wondering why and became increasingly insecure about my new, apparently saggy chest.

After a while I decided to have breast augmentation which I was happy with at the time as it really did help with modelling work, furthering my career.

Five years later, unbeknownst to me, the symptoms of ‘Breast Implant Illness’

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began to surface, becoming apparent after having my first baby which meant using even the gentlest baby wipes resulted in severe eczema. My immune system also started to crumble, getting every cold and illness and being too weak to fight them off, I felt constantly drained and low. Little did I know this was just the beginning of a long journey of pain, suffering and depression. I was for years forced to endure this life of misery until one day a friend on Instagram told me about Breast Implant Illness, showing me a list of the symptoms which all fitted with my suffering. Within seconds my heart jumped at the thought of having finally found the cause of my mystery illnesses.

winter 19/20 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

I quickly joined a Facebook Group called ‘Breast Implant Illness & Healing by Nicole’ which was full of women (now with 98.000 members) with the same catalogue of illness as my own and which was a safe space where I found people I could confide in and validate my feelings.

In April 2017 walking up the stairs in my house left me completely breathless.

My fatigue and brain fog was astounding. My face had extreme oedema and burning with pain. I had a rash all over my body, my nipples were leaking discharge and my ribs felt bruised and sore. I kept waking in the night with sweats often feeling like I was choking. Knowing that my implants were slowly killing me

Malene’s years of eczema which she attributes to her implants

from the inside I had a sense of desperation and couldn’t wait to expel this toxic poison, so I went straight to the best surgeon, maxing out my credit card, to take them out. It was important to find a surgeon who was skilled enough to take out the capsule that had formed around my implant as well as the actual silicone as this is essential to fully healing; after the explant surgery my brain fog and fatigue had lifted and rashes disappeared within hours.

On the 23rd of October 2019 it was announced by the FDA that women considering surgery to receive breast implants should be warned in advance of the risk of serious

complications, including fatigue, joint pain and a rare type of cancer called BIAALCL. Had I been told at my consultation there was even a small chance of developing auto immune diseases or cancer I would have never gone ahead with this toxic augmentation. I am living proof that Breast Implant Illness exists and along with so many others in my position am now fighting to get this out in the open so that millions of people with any type of implant are aware that they are filled with carcinogens that cause auto immune diseases and cancer. I have also been interviewed for a BBC documentary on the subject due to be aired in February 2020.

Now, on the anniversary of my implant removal surgery, I have an anchor scar on my breasts and lollipop scar around my nipples, but I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin. With my health back to fighting fit I feel empowered and also responsible to share the reality of this horror with as many people as possible so that they don’t go through the torment I have. I have learned the hard way to love the imperfect beauty we all share as human beings and no matter what my aesthetic ‘flaws’ are, being able to play with my children in the park without gasping for breath means more to me than anything. n malenesworld@yahoo.com

For top tips on what to ask your surgeon before breast implant removal, ‘explant’, go to Editor’s OUR STORIES at darlingmagazine.co.uk/ northsurrey

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30/07/2019 12:39:36

entrepreneur

Mel(t) in your mouth Mel Williams talks to Darling’s Holly Candlish about the exciting relaunch of her company, Lavender Catering (formerly Rocket Catering) and what sets her food apart from all the competition. She even gives readers top tips for entertaining during the festive season

I

can remember some ten years ago, every event I went to was catered by the same company (it was called Rhubarb), and with their innovative food and styling, everybody, but everybody, was using them.

So, it’s no surprise that creative and exciting talent, Mel Williams, used to Prep chef for them and this year, there’s a similar buzz: every party, dinner and event I attended this Summer, was catered by Mel. Beyond the local party scene, Lavender Catering has won a host of blue-chip catering contracts, including the Royal Berkshire Polo Club, and Mel has even been invited to mentor young students at Surrey University.

Speaking to me in her contemporary prep kitchen, it quickly becomes clear why

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she’s generating so much interest: Mel is a force of energy, ideas, passion, and creativity.

What is the Lavender Catering ethos?

My ultimate goal is for my client to feel like a guest at their own party. From the moment I walk into the venue, I start living the event and running it through in my mind - from the coat-check to taxis home. I think about how I can elevate the space, step up the tableware and style the event. We pride ourselves on being a ‘can do’ company and if I’ve got a contact – be it DJ, florist, marquee - or an idea, I will pass that on to the client.

Is that what sets you apart?

You can’t be ‘can do’ unless you have a great team sharing

winter 19/20 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

that ethos. I’ve got continuity, with a team who stick together, and I hardly ever use agency staff. Usually they’ve helped in the food preparation, so they can talk about all the food we are serving at the event.

What are you most proud of?

Probably my green credentials.

The catering industry has been heavily scrutinised following the shift in public opinion toward sustainability - I hate plastic. None of my refuse goes to landfill, my food waste gets turned into energy and the rest of it is re-cycled.

Also, I aim to keep my carbon footprint as low as possible.

The hills in Surrey produce some really good food and I try to use locally sourced produce as much as I can. It’s really important to me, and to my clients.

Your dishes look like works of art; what’s the secret to beautiful food?

All of my family are in the Arts: my sister’s a singer; my brother a film director. Like them, I love being creative. So, if someone wants, say, a beetroot canape, I’ll try to present it in a different way. I’ll sit for hours playing – I’ve got hundreds of different cutting tools, piping bags, I’ll mix it with different ingredients, deconstruct it, perhaps introduce micro-herbs or edible flowers – to make it look beautiful.

Are there trends in food?

Yes, like clothes and interiors, food is influenced by fashion.

The colours for 2020 are plum, blush and gold and I’m already working those into my food and how I present a plate. But the biggest trend that we all have to get involved with is for Vegan food. It has taken me a while to introduce Vegan dishes, but I wanted to get them right and present food that meat-eaters would also choose to eat – because it is interesting, tasty and delicious. It’s exciting times.

Have you got any tips for Darling readers to help them through the festive season?

Yes, lots of good ideas to keep it fun. I’m not a cheat, I’m a timesaver, and here’s my top tips.

• Par-boil your vegetables the day before. Cook them ¾ of the way through, then plunge them in iced water. Keep them in a container and heat them up in the microwave.

• The best brussels sprouts are frozen sprouts. Boil them like frozen peas and then pan fry them with chopped pancetta and toasted almonds.

• Sacrilege: I recommend cooking turkey crowns. You can cook them the day before because it’s the boiling gravy that heats it up when you plate up.

• Hire your crockery, linen, cutlery and glassware from Lavender and leave it all in the dirty boxes for us to collect after Boxing Day. More time with the family less time at the sink!

• Always use parchment in any oven pan, it helps to conduct the heat and saves a lot of washing up later And, here’s my favourite party tipple and canape – both guaranteed to be huge crowd-pleasers. n

Espresso Martini great party starter!

Ingredients: 45ml Vodka 30ml Espresso coffee 20ml Kahlua coffee liqueur Garnish: 3 coffee beans floated on top (preferably chocolate ones) Method: Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into chilled Martini glass creating the froth on the top and bingo your party is just about to start!

Gran’s cocktail sausage marinade Ingredients: Surrey Hills Pork cocktail sausages 2 parts Maple Syrup 3 parts Honey – if possible buy from your local bee keeper Fresh Rosemary pulled apart (keep the twigs and remove later) Method: Mix all the ingredients and leave the sausages in the marinade for 2 days.

Roast for 20 mins before serving.

At this time of year, it’s great to have an expert’s help and tips, but if you really want a stress-free festive season, then why not have Mel round to do it all for you.

Lavender Catering: 01372 800626 or 07836 358333 lavendercatering.co.uk

19

MAKING noises

Local campaigner Mike Urwin’s views on Heathrow are worth a listen

I

f Heathrow has its way, be prepared for low flying aircraft!

Proposed changes to air traffic management (ATM) and a changed protocol to spread aircraft over more London boroughs could see Merton and neighbours suffering added inbound westerly air traffic for the very first time. Wimbledon could see aircraft as low as 2000 feet, and, ‘worst case’, inbound aircraft overhead at the rate of one every 20

minute and a half. Residents in Wimbledon, Richmond, Cobham, Esher, Weybridge, Kingston and other towns should access “Heathrow’s Airspace Design Envelopes for Expansion, January 2019” website for possible new traffic movements over their homes.

Heathrow’s proposed third runway will add 255,000 flights per annum, or 700 per day! Changes to ATM will add 25,000 more.

winter 19/20 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Together they would increase current traffic by 60% to around 765,000 flights per annum. No surprise, then, that these two separate but related proposals will generate more noise, more pollution and add more carbon to both the planet and our neighbourhoods. Although technology will produce quieter, cleaner aircraft in the future, it is thought that viable electric aircraft are at least fifty years away.

environment is completely at odds with the government’s committed policy of ‘zero carbon’ by 2050.

With Heathrow already badly sited in the heart of London suburbs, the prospect of adding another airport the size of Gatwick to its operations defies logic. Particulate & NO2 pollution, already exceeding EU limits can only worsen with increased ground and air traffic. Almost one million people are already afflicted by aircraft noise and an expansion could see this number doubled. On the climate front, departing aircraft currently generate c20 million tons of CO2 and this will increase before, perhaps, returning to roughly the same level by 2060. It

If this is not enough to stop the expansion, the demolition of 800 houses, the bulldozing of two villages, the commandeering of 1000+ acres of greenbelt and farmland, the rerouting of rivers, the tunnelling of the M25 and the general environmental damage surely should be. Add to this the fact that expansion construction will impact local communities for over thirty years and the transport network capability for increased passenger loading has not been fully assessed or costed. As important, the figures used to promote this scheme appear to be based on flawed assumptions and conclusions. At best they only generate an overall average Net Present Value of ZERO. It is also not clear whether Heathrow itself knows what this project will cost. Is it £14bn, £30bn, £50bn or £100bn? Whatever, it seems logical to conclude that the government and taxpayer will be contributing billions to a project promoted largely by foreign shareholders.

Heathrow secured government support largely due to its supposed economic contribution to the UK economy given its present questionable ‘hub’ advantage.

However, since over 70% of its traffic is for tourism, spurred on by ‘cheap flights’, it seems clear that it would be better for England and the planet to reduce air travel rather than increase it. In so doing, there would be no need for a third runway at Heathrow

and no need for another one at Gatwick or at any other airport. Brexit, the Trump tariff wars, general global economic uncertainties and communication technologies will anyway reduce the need for air travel, aircraft and runways …not only in the UK, but globally.

Readers can help stop the Heathrow Expansion by writing or emailing their views to their councils, MPs, to the CAA and to Heathrow.

They can support opposing bodies like No3rdRunway, Stop Heathrow Expansion, HACAN and many others.

Check their websites for details. Sitting back and doing nothing is not an option. The third runway must be consigned to history and the proposed airspace routing changes must be reconsidered.

Project status: following government approval in June 2018 (now the subject of a Judicial Review Appeal), Heathrow’s second and final Airport Expansion consultation was commissioned in June this year. Heathrow is now preparing its DCO application for submission to the Planning Inspectorate in 2020 for a decision in 2021.

Approval would see a third runway added by 2026.

The Heathrow Expansion project can be stopped. Readers can write to their councils, MPs, the Civil Aviation Authority and Heathrow and join opposing bodies such as No3rdRunwayCoalition et al.

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

21

WINTER BRIDGE with Bridge Guru Paul Mendelson The Stayman convention was invented by a British guy, but no one seemed that interested.

Then, an American called Sam Stayman saw it, promoted it and made it the world’s most popular bridge gadget.

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Dealer South Love All N E S W 1NT NB 2C NB 2S Opposite a 12-14pt 1NT opener you usually require 11pts to use Stayman. This is so that, if your partner does not have the 4-card major suit you were hoping for, you can return to, at least, 2NT (showing 11/12pts). However, when you are 5-4 in the major suits, you can use Stayman as a weak take-out manoeuvre, promising zero points. This is because, if partner does not match with your major suit, you can still bid your 5-card major at the 2-level and this I still a weak take out.

On this deal, South knew this and bid 2♣, passing her partner’s 2♠ response. East led 10♦ and North won this and trumped a diamond in dummy. She took the winning club finesse back to her hand and trumped another diamond.

Then, she came back to hand again with A♣ and trumped her last diamond in dummy. Nothing could then stop her from scoring two trump tricks of her own and so, despite holding only 16pts between them, N/S made 2♠. If South had not known this use of Stayman, she would have responded 2♥ - and that contract is close on hopeless.. aceoftrumps.com

♥♣♦♠

“We are destroying our only home” You’ve probably bumped into him walking his dogs on the Common or at your local. This is the unassuming Angus Forbes, usually playing second fiddle to his wife, Dame Darcey Bussell, now quietly but powerfully about to help save the biosphere The most visionary book since Silent Spring CHRIS DARWIN Nature in the driving seat of the biosphere, having part responsibility for the planet’s ability to sustain life as we know it. This is the essence of the new long-term era we have entered: the Anthropocene.

I

n lectures and in his compelling first book, Angus argues that we will form and appoint a global authority, with power over all human organisational forms, including the nation state, whose sole job will be to deliver global biophysical integrity for the ultra-long term.

In 2022, nearly 33 years after Sir Tim Berners-Lee wrote the computer program HTML and gave us the World Wide Web, 5 billion of us will be connected to each other via the internet.

Connectivity, unity and power of a global citizenship that means we can undertake our first act of global self-determination.

For the first time in human history, we have joined Mother

As it stands, we are destroying our only home. The blame for

the current predicament lies squarely with us all because we have not created the right governance tool for protecting our most valuable global asset, but this is a situation we can now correct with one click on our phones, one allocation of personal sovereignty en masse.

With a passion for the environment, Angus was the first director of the Prince’s Rainforest Project at Clarence House. He is also the founder of the not-for-profit Bankers without Boundaries and is a vociferous advocate for global governance of the biosphere. n

Australian-born, Angus lives in SW London with his wife, Dame Darcey Bussell, and their two daughters. globalplanetauthority.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

23

Moving Up Kerry Barnham launches Prestige & Village in Surrey and gives us her best tips for a winter sale

I

t may not seem like the perfect time, but moving house is often prioritised

in the New Year, so you might be surprised by the strength of demand come January and February. Property websites are often extremely well visited over the Christmas break, and the winter cold will sift out the more uncertain buyers on your behalf. Also, with fewer properties on the market there is less competition.

Here are a few tips to make sure your home is at its best, whatever the weather Make sure it’s warm If you are out at work all day, preset the heating to come on ahead of the scheduled visit. Potential buyers will want to know that your central heating works well, as well as feeling comfortable in your home. If you don’t normally have the radiators turned on upstairs, or in any spare rooms, you may want to turn them up while you are selling your house.

promo

From start to finish Prestige & Village were excellent.

Not only a really a brilliant conduit between myself, solicitors and seller but they went over and above helping me with the transaction and move.” Mr Akehurst, buyer First impressions

Gardens can often be a bit messy at this time of year.

Make sure that the front garden in particular is neat and tidy, with the leaves raked up and the edges of any grass trimmed neatly. Try to clear any moss off the path, and add a couple of pots with brightly coloured winter bedding plants by the front door.

Even a new doormat or a freshly-painted front door can make the front of your house more welcoming and convincing. First impressions really matter.

Garden space

Lighting

A messy garden can detract buyers. Winter weather can tire garden furniture, and make it look unsightly. If possible, clear patio furniture away, if not, ensure they are securely covered. It’s worth spending a few hours trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, removing fallen leaves and dead plants to make a tidy outdoor space.

Good lighting will be essential on a drab day, so make sure all your lights are working.

Adding some lamps into dark corners and turning them on before the viewing will help.

It is best if the viewing can take place in daylight, but if a potential buyer is coming in the evening or at dusk, make sure the porch light or outside light is working.

It is also a good idea to trim back overhanging branches, particularly those blocking the windows in order to encourage as much light into the property as possible.

Increased rainfall over the winter months take its toll on guttering too, so check the gutters and drain covers are properly cleared of dead leaves and other debris, as leaky gutters and downpipes cause damage and are unappealing.

Decoration

For more details go to: darlingmagazine.co.uk/HOME&LEISURE

Do feel free to decorate your house for Christmas or other festivals, but don’t forget the golden rule to avoid clutter. A twinkling Christmas tree will be attractive, but try not to make the room feel smaller by squeezing too much in.

Temporarily moving a piece of furniture into a shed or a neighbour’s garage may solve the problem. n 07966 495438 Kerry@prestigeandvillage.co.uk prestigeandvillage.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

25

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MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE

couch with Dr De-Stress

mental health

On the

Dr Mariette Jansen

Can’t say no?

C

atherine was your typical ‘busy bee’. Always active. Even at times when she thought she wasn’t, her ‘things to do’ list would catch up with her. She loved people and hated the idea of disappointing them. She was also very uncomfortable with confrontations. It felt easier to say yes to any request.

How do you change that?

When a friend asked her why she was always so busy for others, she shrugged her shoulders and said: ‘I can’t say no’. The friend nodded, as if this was an okay explanation.

• What does it take from me? Apart from time and energy.

But is it okay?

Is it okay to say yes to a request when you might not have time or energy to take it on? When your yes is an expression of fear of confrontation or disappointment? When you compromise your priorities and favour someone else? When you allow others to overstep your boundaries?

I asked Catherine to stop her automatic response of ‘Yes I will do it’. Step back and say instead: ‘Let me think about it.’ Thinking about it means in this context for her to answer the following questions: • What do I get out of saying yes? Apart from people pleasing and avoiding a confrontation.

• Who pays the price? Apart from me.

When she has the answers to these questions, she can make a decision to say yes full heartedly or no convincingly. ‘Can’t say no’ is not okay, even though it is widely accepted.

Want to receive my weekly tips (similar to my columns) on a Saturday morning, just text Darling Saturday to 07967 717 131.

Who pays the price?

Catherine might be okay with spending time and energy on helping others out, even though it tires her. But her partner feels neglected and her children think they don’t see enough of their mum. Her lack of ability to say no is affecting her loved ones; they pay the price.

drdestress.co.uk mariette@drdestress.co.uk

Dr Mariette Jansen - Dr De-Stress - is a life coach, meditation teacher, EFT therapist, award winning blogger and expert in helping women to understand how they get in the way of their own happiness and how to make changes to become happy, stop anxiety and build confidence.

Email: mariette@drdestress.co.uk drdestress.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

27

legal promo

Surviving DIVORCE

Pension sharing explained

by Claire O’Flinn from Keystone Law

T

It is very often the case that one of you will have the greater pension provision and divorce throws up this issue in stark reality for those who have no independent source of income for their retirement.

If as the non-earner, you have stayed in the home to bring up children and/or care for relatives and you have not contributed to a pension or your contributions have been suspended, the prospect of reaching retirement age can be frightening.

Fortunately, the law can help. On divorce, in England and Wales, the family court can order a division of all the matrimonial assets, including pensions. Even though one of you has been the breadwinner, paying bills and building up a pension, your contribution in supporting the family is regarded as equally valid. Private pensions, occupational pensions and the additional state pension can all be shared by means of a court order and obtaining

he inevitable emotional bruising that divorce inflicts is compounded all too often by financial concerns. What will you live on now and when you are older? Will your soon to be ex-spouse/civil partner keep supporting you after retirement?

You gave up work years ago to bring up the children and have no or limited private pension.

Do you have a right to part of your spouse’s pension?

If so, how much and how do you go about it?

28

winter 19/20 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Claire O’Flinn

decree absolute. The pension assets are split immediately which gives you the freedom to decide what to do with your share.

The starting point is to work out the value of all the matrimonial assets, that is all the wealth that has accrued during your marriage/civil partnership, so property, savings, investments, art/valuables and pensions. Inevitably, pensions and the family home are the most valuable assets.

Valuing a property is relatively straightforward.

In divorce/dissolution proceedings, pensions are valued using the cash equivalent transfer value (CETV.) This is produced by the pension provider on request by the holder of the pension.

Ideally your spouse should produce this information on a voluntary basis, but if not, they can be ordered to do so as part of the court- led disclosure process. In extreme cases of non- disclosure, the court can draw ‘adverse inferences’. In other words, draw the conclusion that if a pension (or indeed any asset) has deliberately not been disclosed then it must be valuable. The court could then, having reached this conclusion order that you receive a greater share of other assets instead.

advice if you are considering this option, as a percentage share of a CETV does not necessarily result in the same percentage of income.

The size of the share will depend on all the circumstances, including the overall value of the assets and your own particular circumstances. A solicitor can review your circumstances and give guidance as to the outcome as well as consider with you whether negotiations would end in a suitable financial settlement. Alternatively, whether mediation or a court application is needed. In all circumstances, you will need to apply for and obtain a divorce which ends on decree absolute and a financial order with a pension sharing order attached. Whether this is achieved by voluntary financial disclosure and a joint application to court for the order, or with the use of mediation or by an application to court is something a solicitor can provide guidance on.

Legal advice is also therefore very important.

Usually, pensions are shared in three ways: • By payment out of the existing pension fund into a separate fund, so you can have it paid into a pension that you may already have (and so give it a boost in value). Alternatively, you can set up a new fund to receive the payment.

On a final note, your circumstances include consideration of any existing pension entitlement that you have, including your potential state pension, with the amount you eventually receive, dependent on your N.I contributions and credits pre- your retirement age. In some cases, you may be able to boost your state pension by making voluntary contributions, thus you should also seek advice from a financial planner on what state pension you can expect and whether and how you might increase it. n

• If the rules of the pension fund allow, some providers will set up a separate fund for you within the same scheme. There are cost saving advantages to this, so it is important to enquire if this is possible.

Claire O’Flinn Consultant Solicitor and Mediator 020 3319 3700 07803 723702 ClaireO’Flinn@keystonelaw.co.uk

• Rather than having a share of the pension, the value of your notional share may be ‘offset’ so that you receive, for example a greater share of the family home or of any investments and savings. It is really important to have financial

Isobel Mundy Solicitor and Mediator 0203 319 3700 07510 594162 Isobel.Mundy@keystonelaw.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

29

Co-educational 2-4 years, boys ages 4-13

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community

What do you discuss?

“Travel came up early on - we started to visit other countries and look how other women in business worked and even dared to try ‘out of the comfort zone’ activities which we wouldn’t necessarily have had the courage to do by ourselves.”

Hub Sweet Hub Darling met with founder Susan Green, to hear how she galvanises women to get out of their comfort zones and into Inspired Women Photography by Cythare Cooper

The Hub will have something for all the family to access or use as part of their business or social lives, in a safe and relaxed environment

Photo by Darling Magazine

Why did you decide to create Inspired Women - and what is it?

“I had an overwhelming desire to share all of the wonderful things that were going on in my life—my businesses, my children and my friends, but also to gain support for the things that weren’t going so well. As I began to speak to other people I realised that I wasn’t alone. That led me

to start a group and to call it Inspired Women, a name that captured everything I wanted to achieve.”

What was it like in the beginning?

“We met at a local pub, just a few of us at first—some of my staff from Greenacres Day Nursery School, mums from the nursery, and even my relatives.

We found that we were really motivated by each other’s stories and it just grew from there.”

Tell us a bit about your members…

“Everyone seems to have a different passion for helping to change the world, whether it be our diets, to help the elderly, improve things for the youth of today, reduce our carbon footprint or aid a calmer and more mindful world.”

You’re now building a hub for your meetings and events, The Hampton Inspired Hub. Why is it important to have your own venue?

“Having our own building creates so many more opportunities. Whether you are a member or not, you are welcome to the café, workshops and events, to use the hall and small meeting rooms and to chill in our amazing ‘Zen Zone’ for relaxing and socialising.”

So, Hampton Inspired Hub will be a place for everyone to use and enjoy?

“We now also have Inspired Retirement, Inspired Childcare, Inspired Dieting, Inspired Wellbeing and a very successful Inspired Youth! There’s something for everyone—a book club, Scrabble clubs, cooking classes and yoga, as well as business support for ‘craft and creations’. n inspiredwomen.co 07713 405049

darlingmagazine.co.uk |winter 19/20

31

MEET THE

Artists

Contemporary Art Fairs Surrey, now in it’s third year

Already fully booked with an exciting range of artists and art, this friendly and welcoming event exhibits new, emerging, mid-career and established artists, creating contemporary works on paper, paintings, fine art and modern photography, print, ceramic, glass, sculpture and assemblage. The mission of Contemporary Art Fairs is to bring real people and real artists face-to-face, for a real art experience.

The Directors are Deborah James and Sarah McAllister, who many years ago identified a need for an informal, truly accessible way for established, award-winning and emerging artists to showcase their work

and skills to a wider audience.

Sarah explains: “We wanted to bring together artists and galleries from across the UK and Europe under one roof to give art lovers the opportunity to browse and immerse themselves in everything contemporary art has to offer, whether for the home or work environment. There are so many different styles to peruse, with everything from limited edition prints to the more expensive original pieces, as well as every opportunity to commission your very own tailored artwork.

Art is for one and all and to bring it together alongside real, live interaction with the artists themselves makes the magic of art and creativity wonderfully accessible to everyone.”

With over 5,000 carefully curated artworks on display from 160 artists in a huge variety of styles and mediums, this event is also perfect for anyone just wishing to browse their way through the very best of the contemporary art scene within a warm and friendly environment. The Art Fair represents an open doorway into the art of tomorrow; and

with emerging artists eager for recognition, there’s every chance of snapping up an unexpected bargain!

Art lovers can enjoy a wide range of exciting, interactive activities. There are live demonstrations by exhibiting artists and an interactive area with artist-led workshops run by Watts Gallery, where everyone is welcome to try their hand and discover new techniques and new found abilities. For the youngsters the children’s Art Quest activity trail combines general questions about art, technique and things that can be found at the fair – with a prize for every entrant. n

The fair opens with a VIP Private View evening at 6pm on Friday 13th March 2020 while the public days take place on Saturday 14th March 10am-6pm and Sunday 15th March 10am-5pm at Sandown Racecourse, Esher.

contemporaryartfairs.co.uk

onthescene

Darling Socials with Holly Candlish

HARRISON’S FUND’S SKY HIGH BALL

Adrian Fairbank & Janet Nelson

Olivia Davenport, Jordan Alexander, Anna Revilla-De Araujo, Rodrigo Borges De Araujo, Lauren Adele, Louise and ArmandTraoré, Richard Smith Bernal

Alex Smith, Joanna Forest and Chris Hollins

WANNA BE‘On SEEN IN DARFor more the Scene’ pics Check out if you’re online!

LING?

Go to: darlingmagazine.co.uk

Martina Cechova and Petr Cech

Alex Smith, Joanna Forest and Chris Hollins

Alex, Jenni and Andrew Smith

Jo Bentley, Sarah Colenso, Alex Smith, Hannah Davis and Dan Smith

James Mason and Alex Smith

FUND RAISER FOR CHILD BEREAVEMENT AT THE GRANGE SURREY

Gill Thompson, Fiona Morcombe, Fiona Koep & Sian Rogers Karima Decker, Louita Gericke, Kristina Simonyan, Lizzi Maddox, Asa Seafield, Fiona Morecombe & Fiona Koep

Adrian Fairbank & Janet Nelson

Julie Robinson, Sally Baccanello & Julia Hauger

Carmen Hall & Anna Frost Catherine Miholich, Tina Lond-Caulk & Bernadette Tyrell Holly Shanly & Tracy Hanssen

MIRRA HAIR, WEYBRIDGE CELEBRATES TURNING 1!

Lizzie Liebanhals & Debbie Arnold Alice Tims, Maurizio Ferraro, Katka Ferraro, Maddy Stimpson, Nicoleta Bratu the Mirra Team

Katka the owner of Mirra, Ruth Mitchell local councillor for Elmbridge & Chris Mitchell

Mr and Mrs Baker & Cllr Mary Sheldon Mayor of Elmbridge

Nikki Mundy, Maxine Adams, Lou Bush, Lucy Eames, Julie Allen & Kim Ricks

ART AGENCY’S ALISON RAMSAY HOSTS SWISH 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY HELD AT THE HAMPTON COURT PALACE GOLF CLUB

Alison Ramsay & David Watkin

Alison & Emma Riley

Catriona Greene, Nicci Fairbank, Emma Riley & Holly Candlish

Helen Mason, Alistair & Holly Candlish

Sharon Blackhouse, Sally Blackwood, Louita Gericke & Jennie Grady

Nicci Fairbank, Paul Glassup, Julia Tuck, Paul Vernon & Ben Davey

Dominic and Kirstin McEvoy

Sabine Coombs, Issy Davey, Alison & Grace Ramsay

CLARENDON ART EXIHIBITION

Carol Borghi, Artist Anna Razumovskaya & Stefano Borghi

Margaret & Trevor Raymond, Frankie Bendig

Inge Senior & Libby Hartley

Nina Hunt, Holly Candlish & Lauren Holder

Carol Borghi, Lindsey Prendergast (Gallery Manager) & Stefano Borghi

ANNUAL HERITAGE DAY IN COBHAM WAS CELEBRATED IN FINE STYLE

Nicola Darbym, Daniel Allum, Louise Allum & Dorothy Ford

Faiza Ahmed, Andrew Hobbs & David Worsfold (from Farents)

Marty Reeve, Sue Sundstrom, Chet Henderson & Mark Danby

Left: David Tipping, Lady Joyce Archer, Alexandra Stott, Fiona Briscoe & Sue Granes

Michelle Hillman, Rosy Whetstone and Chris Topintzis

Val Beynon, Jenny Major, Mike Newman & Helen Foster

DARLING Editor Marja-Leena Toseland & Sally Case from Number Six

Russell & Justine James with Isabella & Rocky

QUESTA BOUTIQUE TURNS 30! AND HAS A BIG CELEBRATION

Daisy Jones, Francesca Cook, Amanda Cook & Jasmin Jones

Jane Goody & Bertie Williams

Francesca Cook, Janet Edwards, Amanda & Greg Cook

Lily & Gina Bowman & June Pezaro

Vanessa Kennedy & Corinne Sterry

Vicky Smith, Andrea Jones & Rachel Sherwood

Hayley Mitchell, Sharon Mitchell & Cara Travers

Holly Candlish, Judy Bird & Amanda Cook

Jasmin, Clare & Daisy Jones

Sarah Gilbard, Toby Block & Judith Gilbard

For more ‘On the Scene’ pics Check out if you’re online!

Go to: darlingmagazine.co.uk

POWERS IN WEYBRIDGE EXPANDS AND TURN ONE!

Heather Bissix & Kat Griffiths

Jez Douet, Elisa Everitt, Paula Kemp, Mark Bailey, Liz Bailey, Asa Gollins and Paul Power

Below: Tony & Paul Power, owners with shop manager, Jo Drouet Elise Jalon & Jeanette Pyott

Lizzie Liebenhals, Emma Shoe, Charlotte Colliver & Paul Hall

Liam McCormick & Anthony Blake

SPOTTED AT THE SANDOWN RACECOURSE SURREY HOMES EXHIBITION

Really Helpful Club’s Caroline Edwards

Liv Morgan’ s Robina Morgan & designer Christoph Cohen

Crystabel Stirling and Ellis Borer with RTFact’s Rachel Griffiths

FESTIVE SHOPPING EVENING WITH FIZZ FOR THE GIRLS!

Janis Sweeney, Olivia Towey, Helen Wilner & Janis Sweeney, Olivia Towey, Helen Wilner Catriona Greene & Catriona Greene

Jules Viner & Helen Wilner

Adrian Fairbank & Janet Nelson

Elena Bernardi & Number Six owner, Sally Case

DECORCAFE ANNUAL FAIR EVENT AT STRAWBERRY HILL, TWICKENHAM ATTRACTED MORE THAN 2500 PEOPLE

Susannah Weiland & Editor Marja-Leena Decorcafe partners Emma Mitchell & Debbie Blott

Sara Cook from the Linen Quarter

Sophie Edgington (The Dinnerset), May Simpkin (nutritionist) & Chef Jan Greenhalgh

What’s On this winter THE ART AGENCY

PAINSHILL PARK

WISLEY

Elliot Channer sculpture exhibition Until Sun 5 Jan theartagency.co.uk

Santa’s Snow Train and Crystal Grotto Until 22 Dec, 10:30am - 6pm painshill.co.uk

Glow 2019 Until 5 Jan, 4pm - 8pm, last entry 7pm rhs.org.uk

Meath Epilepsy Charity Carols at St Clement Danes Mon 9 Dec, 7pm - 9pm meath.org.uk The Children’s Trust - Christmas Concert Holy Trinity Church Guildford Wed 11 Dec, 7:30pm thechildrenstrust.org.uk THE BARN THEATRE CLUB Panto Robin Hood & The Babes in Hinchley Wood Tue Dec 10 - Fri 12 Dec, 7:45pm & Sat 14 Dec, 2:30pm & 7:45pm Christmas Cinema at The Barn: Elf 21 Dec, 5pm thebarntheatremolesey.co.uk WATTS GALLERY In Print: Capturing Light Until 5 Jan Raising the Banner Until 13 Dec wattsgallery.org.uk EPSOM PLAY HOUSE Peter Pan, panto 14 Dec - 5 Jan 2020 epsomplayhouse.co.uk

NEW POND FARM, Reigate Hedge laying training Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, 9am - 4pm Coppicing & Wattle hurdle making Sat 4 - Sun 5 Jan, 12pm surreyhills.org Shere Village Christmas Art & Crafts Fair Sat 14 Dec, 11am - 3pm surreyhills.org Breakfast in the Woods Sun 15 Dec, 10am-12pm The Salt Box, South Nutfield surreyhills.org DENBIES WINE ESTATE Late Night Christmas Shopping & Craft Fair Mon 9 Dec (with a special visit from Santa) 5pm - 8pm Christmas Rocks!

Fri 13 Dec, 7:30-11:30pm Santa’s Cellar Grotto (see online for bookings) Festive Tea Dance Sun 22 Dec, 3pm Burns Night Celebration Sat 25 Jan, 7pm denbies.co.uk

Surrey’s Antique & Collectors Fair at Ripley Village 15 December (3rd Sun of the month) antiques-atlas.com Christmas Concert at Leith Hill Place Fri 13 Dec, 4pm Dorking surreyhills.org Christmas Crafts (3-7 yrs) Mon 23 Dec, 10-11am Gatton Park, Reigate surreyhills.org Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink 22 Nov - 5 Jan 2020 (excluding Christmas Day) 9:00am until late (10:00 on weekdays) hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre 6 Dec - 8 Dec Fri and Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 10am-4:30pm hrpfoodfestivals.com

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41

point of view

THIS

little PIG

By Kate Greenhalgh

I

knew it had been on my partner’s mind, so it was time to talk. I said, ‘You’re thinking, has she gone sneakily vegetarian?’

He sighed, ‘Have you gone sneakily vegetarian?’ Pause.

‘No! Yes! Maybe! We passed that lorryload of pigs the other day, remember? It gave me one of those moments.’

The last time that happened, it was battery chickens and I was 17. Everything is so triggering at that age.

This time, it was the pigs’ trusting little faces as they trundled to slaughter. Radical zeal awoke in the old bosom, even though I really love farms. There’s a pig farm on the A303 by Stonehenge - you must have driven past it - lots of rooting and oinking; pigs sunbathing and reading pig-lit on their kindles - how a pig farm should be. And I love my Christmas ham, and chipolatas basting round

42

the turkey, and devils on horseback dipped in mustard.

Damn. If only I could forget those little pigs.

To be fair, we now live in the age of A.Y. (After Yotam), where a vegetarian diet can be a wondrous thing; delicious meals which propel wholesomely through the gut. Power Peristalsis!

Aubergine Awareness! And as we’re not talking vegan, (welfare concerns for dairy cows - lalala, not listening, not listening...) there’s always the consolation of cheddar.

Is there any greater delight than a lump of cheddar?

Name one thing that is not improved by the addition of cheddar. No, see, you can’t.

But this is sad. When yet another of my woke triggered children went veggie, I missed cooking the favourite slowroast lamb for her anymore.

I feel sorry for my partner.

We’ve always bonded greedily

winter 19/20 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

over beef and horseradish.

Maybe I’ll still eat chicken, if it’s organic. According to Which magazine, organic chickens lead a pampered, idyllic existence, (like that of the proverbial pig in clover) so I won’t feel too guilty about scoffing one after it’s had a good innings. Chickens can’t have existential angst about being served up with a bit of thyme and garlic, can they? Although a friend of mine who did a work placement at a local chicken processing plant reports that it was grim.

And on another bright side, that’s also Lent sorted. I never do Lent, as giving up anything is a terrifying thought for me. I bless the day I never got into gambling, drugs and pornography. But now, by not eating meat, I can be both Lentenly pious and compassionate to animals; kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. n

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spring 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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