Darling Magazine Wimbledon Spring 2017

darling SPRING 17 PRICELESS

Special Feature

IT’S HIGH TIME FOR OUR HIGH STREETS

HANDY ANDY Celebrity stylist

RAISING THE BAR

IN SICKNESS & IN HEALTH

MAKETH THE MAN

BRICKS OR BREXIT

Caroline Edwards inspires

The new Wimbledon Pharmacy

At Wimbledon Wardrobe

Haven Construction

SCHOOLS IN THE NEWS

55 PINTS LATER

It’s back!

LA LA LAND At Hanna Pianos

living & lifestyle in wimbledon

Jenny Mayne’s giving

MINDING OUR MAYORS Carl Brown’s 15 years

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darlingmagazine.co.uk

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editor’s letter

Cover Girl: Caroline Edwards Photography: Taylor Torr

Dear Darling Reader, Welcome to our bumper spring edition! With green shoots everywhere, here are some things to look forward to in the lengthening days: exchanging your heavy winter coats for light summer jackets and heavy boots for strappy sandals.

And let’s put the nasty shocks of 2016 behind us and spring-clean everything from our muddy rugs to our hopes and dreams - especially for the renaissance of our high streets.

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr

With new and different businesses springing up all over SW19 and 20 (pg 10), “Darling Loves Local” is the call to action for all my readers to cherish and support our local entrepreneurs. We need the energy, variety and charm that make our neck of the woods so special (pg 51). Vote with your purses, not your mouse!

Editor Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Advertising 07930 396356 Email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributors Kate Greenhalgh Paul Mendelson Photography Taylor Torr 07414 865272 Darling North Surrey Philippa Hennessy 07772 633339 Darling Kingston Marja-Leena Toseland 07802 949836 Darling Ascot Martine Curzon 07788 444184 Design Director Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.com Website Design charlieapple.co.uk Printer Aquatint scott@aquatint.co.uk Distribution info@3colours.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Darling Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form – electronic, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from the publisher.

To celebrate our love of local, we’ve interviewed some our most colourful characters – Andy, Ben, Carl, Mimmo and the family that make Tony’s so special. Lots more in this bumper issue; from fitness, homes, health & beauty to our dynamic, Inspiring Woman, Caroline Edwards (pg 5).

There’s plenty to enjoy reading this issue.

We also wish our Merton Chamber a very happy 25th birthday this year! Until sunny summer

Karine Torr Editor | info@darlingmagazine.co.uk For franchise enquiries in other areas please email us.

CONTENTS

5 6 9 10 13 14 15 17 19 21 23 25 26 27 29 31 32 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 49 50 51 52 53 54

Our Inspiring Women brings Law & Order Jenny Mayne, serial donor Celeb salon – get the Andy treatment High Time for our High Streets – Love Local Sartorial elegance at The Wardrobe Lean bodies with Method Putkisto Bowling us over – David Lloyd Club news The Really Helpful Club expands horizons The new Wimbledon Pharmacy Schools in the News – technology we love and hate Mimmo’s Aromatica casa tua!

Cook’s Corner with Carole Cory Paola’s Body Barre hits Wimbledon Bayley & Sage, our very own food emporium Suzanne Hogan cleans up at Infinitidental Clinic Raising eyebrows again – Zara Elliott Hart Brown on business wills Absolute Abode’s trends for spring Brexit or Build? Haven Construction Hot off the loom - new trends in carpets Hanna Pianos go global!

Paul Mendelson’s Bridge Smooth Sales with Andrew Scott Robertsonn Young Wimbledon Artists Tony’s - the mystery unveiled On the Social Scene with Editor Karine Torr Lady Wimbledon’s ‘What’s Hot’ Matters of the heart with therapist Pam Custers Darling Diary Darling Loves Local – our classifieds Hotspots – get your copy of Darling Minding our Mayors – Carl Brown does Kate Greenhalgh, crafty as always...

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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W E D D I N G S& C I V I L C E R E M O N I E S At Hotel du V in W imbledon

THE PERFECT STAGE FOR YOUR WEDDING

W ith exquisite private rooms, gorgeous suites, a tranquil terraced garden, heavenly dining elegantly from ceremony to wedding breakfast and beyond. Hotel du V in W imbledon is the perfect venue for weddings and civil partnerships.

Visit our website for more details: HOTELDUVIN.com HOTEL DU VIN& BISTRO WIMBLEDON events.wimbledon@hotelduvin.com 0330 024 0706 Please ask at time of booking for standard booking terms and conditions.

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inspiring woman

MAGISTRATE, MENTOR & MUM The inspiring journey of Caroline Edwards, from lawyer to full-time mother, to partner in a business which supports women in all aspects of their lives Interview by Karine Torr

I

was born into a family of lawyers and so no one was surprised when, at the age of 15, I announced that I wanted to be a barrister. My father, who was a judge in Cardiff, was completely against it as he knew that life at the Bar would be challenging.

However, I was determined to try and was thrilled to be accepted at Queens’ College, Cambridge to read Law. Then I went to Bar School in London and was accepted in Chambers in the Inner Temple. I loved my career and everything that went with it: dinners in Inner Temple Hall, the wig and gown and the thrill of representing people when they needed help and guidance.

A couple of years later, a family friend suggested that I apply to become a magistrate as this would bring me back into the legal world on a part-time basis.

I applied and was accepted when my youngest son was only two. So the juggling began again! I am delighted that I sit as a magistrate, as it is voluntary, fascinating and sobering all at the same time. You meet a unique kind of person in the voluntary sector. No one is looking for advancement, there is no competition and people genuinely feel good about providing a service for no remuneration. Some of the cases we hear are disturbing but we always do our best to ensure a fair hearing.

After the birth of my first son I returned to my career and our wonderful nanny, Claire Gordon, who now helps to run Wimbledon Nannies, made it all possible. Things soon changed though. A series of family disasters in 1999 made me realise that family came first and so I hung up my wig and gown for good. At first I felt completely lost as though my identity had gone. However, with the support of my new friends through the Hill Kindergarten in Wimbledon where my boys attended nursery, I realised that there was far more to life than a glamorous career. I threw myself into being a full-time mother and loved it.

In 2003 I started to volunteer at the boys’ prep school, Rokeby School in Kingston. This opened up a whole new chapter in my life. I went on to be Vice-Chair of the Rokeby Parents’ Circle and then of the Friends of King’s College School Wimbledon for 5 years in total. Though daunting at first, being part of the parents’ association at any school can be so rewarding. The head teachers and teachers genuinely value the work carried out by the parents and the children really benefit from all the added extras provided by the associations, be they fireworks displays, Christmas fairs or laser printers.

shop local

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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inspiring woman

In 2014 I retired from the Friends of King’s and was looking forward to a quieter life. Little did I know that Sarah Austin, founder of the Really Helpful Club, had other ideas! Sarah invited me to a charity lunch that she was organising.

There was a very inspiring guest speaker who talked about the various types of personality including those people who never say no. I felt relieved thinking that I wasn’t that type of person any more. I could and would say no from now on. The next day Sarah asked me for feedback on the lunch and then asked if I would consider running the Really Helpful Club events’ programme. When I protested and said I couldn’t run events, I was a lawyer and didn’t know the first thing about event management, Sarah reassured me that my recent work for the schools had been organising events.

All photography Taylor Torr

So that is what I now do and I’m loving it. The RHC organise lifestyle, business and charity events such as the annual Wimbledon Dragon Boat Race and the upcoming Family Gala Dinner in September to celebrate 30 years of NSPCC Childline.

My journey shows that you never know the direction your life will take. The RHC events help our members to realise that much earlier than I did. We empower our members and inform them about what is on offer and how to have the confidence to achieve anything.

LIFE BLOOD

Sports Therapist Jenny Mayne gives it

M So far…!

y mother introduced me to donating blood when I was 18. She had been giving blood since the 1960s - she wanted to give back after having received a life-saving transfusion herself. It was a very easy and rewarding experience and I have now donated 55 pints!

Every donation will help save lives. Hospitals in the UK need over 6,000 people to give blood EVERY DAY. Donations can be used whole or can be separated in to their individual components to be used for multiple patients.

This can be used for anything from blood disorders and cancer to surgery or blood loss after childbirth, AND you get to know your blood type.

The donation process takes just an hour (or less) of your time. We have a Donor Centre very local to us in St George’s Hospital, Tooting. You never know if you or a loved one might need a life-saving transfusion one day, so I will continue to donate for as long as I can.

Your reward includes relaxing afterwards with a well-earned cuppa and a ‘guilt-free’ biscuit - well you have just potentially saved a life after all!

Jenny Mayne

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For more information and to become a donor, go to blood.co.uk

spring 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

shop local

SPRING PRINT SHOW 18TH MARCH TO 1ST APRIL 2017

FEATURING WORKS BY: PETER BLAKE. BRUCE McLEAN. JOE WEBB. LUCY FARLEY. GAYLE STOREY. FLORA McLACHLAN. DAN BALDWIN

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2 LEOPOLD ROAD, WIMBLEDON SW19 7BD T 020 8944 7171 hicksgallery.co.uk | info@hicksgallery.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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header (Josefin 10pt)

The Wimbledon Foundation, the charity of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and The Championships supports the local community in a variety of ways:

AELTC sponsorship of Wimbledon Guild Village Fair

245kg of food and laundry detergent donated to Wandsworth and Wimbledon Foodbanks

items of overnight equipment donated to the YMCA Wimbledon

£250,000 grants and donations made to Merton charities in 2016

Bespoke visits and tours for supported charities

An AELTC coach is in a Merton school every day of the school week introducing children to tennis

Follow us @WimbledonFDN shop local

new salon promo

What do the cast of ‘Made in Chelsea’ and Robin Williams have in common?

They’ve all trusted Andy’s capable hands

T

he first shop in Wimbledon Village with a doorman to welcome you into this emporium, Andy Sharma has just celebrated the opening of his salon in SW19; a place he refers to as “his home away from home.”

His lifelong passion for hair began 16 years ago on the Brompton Road. His amazing flair and charming personality meant he became a leading stylist on Kings Road and a renowned celebrity hairstylist to the likes of Hugh Jackman, Filipe Luis, Robin Williams and the cast of Made in Chelsea.

In 2013 Andy became Director of a leading salon in Parsons Green. 3 years later he had the opportunity to open his own salon and begin his very own legacy. With the help of his dedicated team, loyal client following and support of the residents around SW19, Andy’s Salon has been an instant success!

Andy’s drive for perfection in meeting every client’s specific needs and requirements has now made him a firm favourite in the Village.

Meet the team: Sultan Sharma - Keratin Treatments With 15 years’ experience, our senior stylist Sultan Sharma is our salon expert for the Keratin treatment. Produced with the most up to date technology and highest quality ingredients, the treatment eliminates frizz, adds shine and maintains body. This gives you the ability to have ‘wash and wear’ hair for up to four months. The salon uses the Pureology range at their backwash.

They are formulated without sulphate and have AntiFade Complex which works to prevent colour fade and increase the longevity of your keratin treatment. shop local

Alice Yaneva Highlights If you’re looking for subtle soft highlights which are tailored to your skin tone, Alice Yaneva is our go-to colourist.

Her super fine weaving techniques using L’Oréal Professional colour results in a softer regrowth and maintains the condition and shine of your hair.

Sonal Mepani - Extensions Our extension specialist Sonal Mepani has trained with Great Lengths hair extensions for 5 years.

Quote Using individual keratin “Darling bonds they can be extremely versatile in Magazine” to creating various styles. receive 20% off Extensions allow you your first cut or to add fullness, extend colour service length or experiment with your colour without permanently dyeing your natural hair.

ANDY’S SALON | Open 7 days a week andyswimbledonvillage.com | 020 8605 2453 info@andyswimbledonvillage.com 89 High Street, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5EG

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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Home In this special feature on the future of our high streets

I

t’s an old, familiar memory game we play on car journeys with the kids. But I’ve begun to wonder, would ‘I went online and I bought…’ or ‘I went to the one and only supermarket and I bought..’ be more fitting in today’s modern world?

It’s an idea which brought me on to the question at hand; is there still a place for local, independent shops and businesses? Has the convenience of adding to our virtual baskets, or the easy access of the super-chains encroaching onto every street corner, made our smaller indie stores and services redundant?

Road and Arthur Road, our independent shop owners and business have an individuality, creativity and a personal investment in the customers of our community, which simply cannot be matched by larger nationwide corporates. For example, Wimbledon Bookshops hosts story-time and special signings of books. Love & Dye Hairdressers in ‘Great British High Street finalist’, 2016 - Raynes Park, host gigs, movie nights and music lessons, all under one roof, another example of the entrepreneurial dynamism which benefits the locals in new and exciting ways.

As a local business myself, I have experienced first-hand the knowledge, support and friendship of the incredible people who live and work in and around Wimbledon. There is a strong sense of community which I believe owes a large part to those who manage, run or work in local enterprises. From the unique charm of the Village to the variety we see on Leopold

“At The Forest Bailiff we are grateful to have wonderfully loyal customers who support us with returning business. To enjoy small and friendly independent local shops it is really vital for the public to vote with their feet and purses!

Using our shops as windows for inspiration with the intention of sourcing and ordering online is contributing, amongst other challenges, to the demise of our high street. Lucy Woodruff Forest Bailiff Durham Road

“Using our shops as windows for inspiration with the intention of sourcing and ordering online is contributing, amongst other challenges, to the demise of our high street”

However, with high rents and competition from chains rising, it has become increasingly difficult for independents to stay afloat. As clients and shoppers, we hate to lose shops (like the Bike Shop in the Village) or see a wonderful old butcher disappearing but we may not always equate this with how we spend our money.

shop local

Truths

Darling Editor Karine Torr uncovers some startling new facts

The Guardian recently reported on an American Express study which discovered ‘Houses near town centres full of prospering small traders have climbed by an average of £40,000 over the last decade.’

Adrian Mills, Chairman of the Wimbledon Village Business Association tells us why he believes we must support local goods and services. “Shopping locally retains Wimbledon Village’s distinctiveness. Our local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of Wimbledon Village. By supporting the local shops you are maintaining Wimbledon Village being a special place, not just anyplace. Local businesses are often owned by people who live in this community, like myself. We are less likely to leave and are more invested in the community’s future”.

Of course, there is also a place for the corporate chains. They are the lazy way out when all we need are routine commodities. But research has shown ‘…for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business, 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business’. And The Guardian recently reported on an American Express study which discovered ‘Houses near town centres full of prospering

shop local

small traders have climbed by an average of £40,000 over the last decade.’

Helen Clark Bell Chair of Love Wimbledon BID (Business Improvement District) says, “Supporting local businesses is vital to give our town centre a unique feel. 35% of Wimbledon town centre retailers are independent, the majority of these are owned by and employ local residents. Playing your part in building the Wimbledon community by supporting these businesses is what gives us a point of difference.”

“Use it or lose it! Shop on the high streets and keep them vibrant and busy” Liz Beaumont For all these reasons, and because there is nothing I love more than the variety and the vibrancy that local trade brings to our high streets, perhaps we should all think twice about where we buy our upcoming birthday presents or where we get that next blow dry…

We want to hear from YOU! Write to us at info@darlingmagazine.co.uk or tweet us @darlingmagazineuk, about how you feel about the indie businesses in your area. #darlingloveslocal

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sep-oct 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

shop local

How to dress the Gentleman Benjamin Eng - Owner of The Wardrobe Wimbledon

A

fter years of being without, Wimbledon Village has become the home to our first menswear shop. Opening towards the end of last year, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed engaging in the local spirit of the Village.

With a combined industry experience of 35 years and a recent resurgence of interest in classic menswear, Tim (our General Manager) and I felt the timing was right, and Wimbledon Village was the ideal location for our nostalgic menswear shop. At the Wardrobe Wimbledon (WW) we specialise in artisanal Italian and British labels within a warm and inviting setting and friendly and attentive service to match; much as it used to be when all men aspired to be gentlemen.

The term Gentleman is applicable to all men, regardless of career, class or creed. He is clothed in timeless elegance and unwavered by fashion trends.

Ultimately, we realise that there is not only pleasure in dressing like a gentleman, but doing so can make amazing differences in unspoken ways.

Below are Tim’s recommended staples for a gentleman’s wardrobe: 1. The Sports Jacket: trusted for its mild sensibility when meeting the boss out of the office or date-night with the Mrs. We have a seasonal offering of jackets in our tastefully curated fabrics, as well as an abundance of choice via our Made-to-Measure program.

2. The Suit: an essential for every man. It must principally fit the form well and compliment the stature. Dark navies and charcoals are standards that offer versatility for all occasions. We offer these off the peg, and much more via our MTM program with a 2-piece suit starting from £600.

3. Shirts: A gentleman should own several consisting of solids for the office to simple patterns for the weekends. At the WW we offer a plentiful range, with ready-to-wear starting from £65 to our fully customisable MTM service.

4. Trousers - Always the hardest to fit correctly. We offer a select number of labels, who do nothing but trousers with expertise spanning generations.

5. Accessories - Ties of recent have become virtually obsolete.

However, for a gentleman, the tie is a small but essential form of self-expression in an otherwise typically sober ensemble. We have hundreds from which to choose, all handmade in Italy, with prices from £35.

The Wardrobe Wimbledon 18 Ridgway London, SW19 4QN 020 8605 9000 thewardrobewimbledon.com

Revolutionising the industry’s approach to physiotherapy, rehabilitation and prescriptive exercise; fit8 delivers a truly personal, affordable, effective and progressive system that delivers results Specialising in sports specific rehabilitation, sports performance, postural and gait analysis, injury prevention, biomechanical assessments, acute and chronic pain management, arthritic conditions, weight and obesity management, general physical health and functionality

G R E AT VA LU E S E S S I O N PAC K AG E S : 5 sessions £190 • 10 sessions £350 • 20 sessions £650 Tel: 0333 800 8008 opt 1 | Email: fit8@fit8.co.uk | Website: fit8.co.uk

putkisto METHOD

Deep Dynamic Stretching for a Lean Lifted Body

M

ethod Putkisto is all about realigning and redefining your body using innovative, precise exercises that involve deep stretching, strengthening and breathing enabling you to achieve in-depth improvements in your body shape.

Suitable for everyone irrespective of age or fitness level, many Wimbledon residents have already benefited from our unique approach to well-being and specific issues like back pain, joint pain and rehabilitation.

We believe strength should be built “from inside out”, and try really hard to help you get to know your own body and respond to its needs and challenges.

On the way you’ll benefit from improved posture, greater freedom of movement, not to mention a strong responsive core.

Read more about the benefits of practicing Method Putkisto at shirleyruetimann.co.uk or call me on 07767686010 to discuss how we can nurture your vision for a leaner and lifted you.

“MP is one of the most sensible, effective and body changing (if not potentially life and health changing) methods of exercises I have tried” Newby Hands, Harpers Bazaar

New Bodywork Studio in Putney

DAVID LLOYD CLUB NEWS Welcome To Raynes Park Lanes

A

t last, after months of careful planning and hard work, our dream of a play and leisure centre for everyone is a wonderful reality - just in time for spring.

Step inside Raynes Park Lanes and you’ll soon see there is something for everyone.

Fancy a game of pool or air hockey before you don your bowling shoes for a game? We’ve got that covered. All played out? Our restaurant is open, serving hot food and our bar caters for every taste. Our top restaurant and 12 bowling lanes are also available for private hire.

For the kids there’s a newly refurbished soft play frame, tablets with fun interactive games, toys to stimulate children’s minds and a book corner for quieter play. We also offer instructor led children’s sessions, great full or half day holiday camps, as well as a full party offering. Hot and cold food available for kids from our new healthy options menu.

Book your experience now on 020 8544 9965 davidlloyd.co.uk/raynespark

All of our facilities are open to members and non members alike

LEARN TO RUN

New Courses for Beginners & Improvers

Classes for women on Wimbledon Common Small, friendly groups Free trial session Contact Caroline 07810 486286 info@commonrunners.co.uk

Outstanding Care Time and again our patients rate us as one of the best private hospitals with 99% rating our overall quality of care as Excellent or Very Good*

• Exceptional nursing • Highly skilled Consultants • New state of the art operating theatres • New cardiac diagnostic facility • Recognised by all major insurers • Fixed price surgery and finance packages available A private, charity owned hospital providing compassionate healthcare for almost 60 years

Call: Email: Visit: Find us:

*Patient Satisfaction Survey Jan-Dec 2016

+44 (0) 20 8949 9000 enquiries@newvictoria.co.uk www.newvictoria.co.uk Just off the A3 184 Coombe Lane West KT2 7EG

Darling Half Page 160x112.5mm Jan17.indd 1

19/01/2017 16:21

Based in South West London, David Hur Design offers a complete interior design service from contemporary through to classic. Handmade furniture, upholstery, kitchens, curtains, carpeting and decorating. We understand our clients’ needs to create tranquil yet practical solutions for everyday living.

The Home Care Specialists

Award winning Home Care from 30 minutes per week to full-time Live-in Care If you are looking for extra support at home or an alternative to residential care homes, then we’re here to help in Wimbledon.

Helping Hands has been providing award winning quality help at home since 1989.

A family run company we apply our local knowledge and over 28 years of experience to offer you one to one home care that enables you or your loved one to remain at home with compassion and dignity.

If you or a loved one could do with extra help around the home, shopping, support with personal care, a hospital discharge or even providing a break for an existing Carer, then our local Carers are right on your doorstep.

DAVID HUR DESIGN 020 8870 2041 www.davidhur.com 129 Granville Road London SW18 5SF

To find out how we can help you, call:

02037 335 769

or visit: www.helpinghands.co.uk

living life promotion living life promo living life promotion

CHANGING CHANGING LIVES LIVES

Making a life-changing decision can be hard, particularly when you’re in Making life-changing be hard, particularly when your 40sa and over but, decision as Sarahcan Austin can vouch, it’s never tooyou’re late toin your 40s and over begin but, asagain SarahorAustin can vouch, try something newit’s never too late to begin again or try something new Interview Philippa Hennessy

Interview Philippa Hennessy fter a fulfilling career in the City, Sarah Janine resumed work after a five year career break. She fter a fulfilling the City, Sarah Janine resumed workaafter a five year career break.

She Austin chose tocareer take ainbreak to start a was aware that even six-month gap in her CV would Austin to take a break to startand a family. chose With her children at school was aware that even a six-month gap in her CV would make it tricky to find employment which prompted her family. her children school and now growing up,With she launched the at Really Helpful make it tricky to find employment her to attend a Back to Business event.which “It wasprompted reassuring now thededicate Really Helpful Clubgrowing (RHC). up, Sheshe haslaunched the time to to her to attend a Back to Business event.

“It was reassuring to network with women in the same situation as myself Club (RHC).

Shealongside has the time to dedicate to her exciting venture her role as a parent. to thefor same asapplied myself andnetwork I pickedwith up women valuableintips my situation CV. I then exciting venture alongside her role as a parent.

“Setting up the RHC has been a long-held and I picked up valuable tips for my CV. I then applied “Settingofup the –RHC been long-held dream mine I canhas build thea business and be for a flexible digital marketing role with a business mine –having I can build the business and be for a flexible which digital Imarketing with businesshours adream mumof without to compromise.” consultancy, got! I loverole it and thea flexible a mum without having to compromise.”

Working in partnership with her friend consultancy, which I got!

I love it and the flexible hours allows me to be there for my family.”

Working in partnership with her friend Caroline Edwards, they bring together inspiring, allows me to be there for my family.”

Caroline Edwards, they bring together inspiring, dynamic and like-minded women to connect, learn dynamic and new like-minded womenoftoour connect, learn It was a health and wellbeing event which triggered and discover things. “Many members It was a health and wellbeing event which and discover things. “Many of toour members Vanessa to make improvements to her andtriggered her might also benew considering a return work or Vanessa health to make improvements to her and her might also be considering a return work or she looking to start and grow their owntobusiness,” family’s and happiness. She’s also learned

A A

looking startsoand grow for their business,” explains.to“It’s fulfilling usown to make a real she explains. “It’s so fulfilling forAnd, us to the make a real difference to people’s lives.” formula differenceseems to people’s lives.” And, thejust formula certainly to be working, after two years, certainly seems toits bethousands working, after just two years, membership is in and growing all membership is in its thousands and growing all the time. the time.

family’s health and happiness. learnedat a many day-to-day practical toolsShe’s and also techniques many day-to-day practical tools and techniques at a mindfulness workshop. mindfulness workshop.

A regular face at RHC events, Jen describes how one in A regular face at RHC describes how one in particular has had a bigevents, impact:Jen “Since having children, particular has had a big impact: children, my work wasn’t a priority, until I“Since met thehaving founder of my work wasn’t a priority, until I met the founder First Aid for Life. At the time, I’d been pondering of a

Since joining the club and frequenting Since joining the club andevents, frequenting various networking RHC these various networking RHC events, these three women have all changed directions: three women have all changed IT Consultant, Janine Hewitsondirections: reignited IT Janine Hewitsonhas reignited herConsultant, career, Vanessa Alexander kickher career, Vanessa Alexander hasnurse kick-Jen started a former interest and for started Jen Craven,aaformer chanceinterest meetingand led for to anurse new role.

Craven, a chance meeting led to a new role. shop local

First Life. At thewhen time,Emma I’d been pondering a returnAid to for practice and, Hammett asked return practice when Hammett asked me if Ito would like and, to join her Emma team, teaching emergency me I would like Itocouldn’t join herrefuse. team, The teaching emergency firstifaid to clients, wheels of first aid to clients, I couldn’t refuse.

The wheels of employment are in motion and I can’t wait to start.” employment are in motion and I can’t wait to start.”

For free membership, join the RHC by registering online at For membership, join the join RHCthe by registering at Forfree free membership, RHC byonline registering reallyhelpfulclub.com reallyhelpfulclub.com online at reallyhelpfulclub.com darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

SPRING 2017 SPRING 2017

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co.u . s Celebrating 25 years in business r s te a i cm n Organic Masters ga r HAIR SALON .o w Wimbledon Village w Makers of w Fine Jewellery

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We use a unique hair colour system which is gentler on hair and locks in colour, moisture and goodness to leave your hair looking healthy with a dynamic and long-lasting colour.

John Masters Organics professional award winning range is used exclusively in the salon. Our products are natural and sulphate/paraben/ GMO free with 100% natural preservatives and no added fillers. artjewels.co.uk

“WeLondon only getSW19 one body, 1 The Pavement, Wimbledon, 4DA and we only get one planet. e: info@artjewels.co.uk

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health promo

‘Is There A Pharmacist In The House?’

Kirti Patel, the new owner of Wimbledon Pharmacy, at your service

Kirti Patel

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ne fresh spring morning, Editor Karine Torr went along to have a chat to the glamourous new owner, to find out what this spanking new pharmacy, an update on the old D.E. Davis, was offering its community. “I’m a mother of two children who have been schooled in Wimbledon for over 10 years now”, says Kirti, “I have always thought that the pharmacy in the village could do with a bit of TLC. So when it came up for sale I jumped at the chance to put my mark on it. Since the sale went through in October 2015 it’s been a difficult journey.

The plans were finally approved in July 2016 and work began on the renovations. Through it all, my team kept going so it remained open for dispensing prescriptions and advice. Just before Christmas last year the works were completed. Here are some of the new services we offer:

• • • • •

Travel clinic Flu vaccination service Cholesterol testing Blood pressure monitoring NHS minor ailment services

We also, of course, dispense prescriptions and give advice on medication and ailments.

Apart from the medical side, we sell some lovely skincare ranges such as La Roche-Posey, Bioderma and some niche brands like Floris, Bronnley and Roger & Gallet. For the health conscious, we carry a wide range of quality vitamins and supplements too.

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The Wimbledon Pharmacy team

“I’ve have always thought that the pharmacy in the village could do with a bit of TLC” Despite the recent government cuts to pharmacies all over the UK, we are determined to provide the very best service to our community in Wimbledon and welcome you with open arms.”

Wimbledon Pharmacy 80 High Street Wimbledon 020 8946 0543 info@wimbledonpharmacy.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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“One school, two buildings, great teaching, and tip top facilities.”

The Good Schools Guide

The Study is a leading prep school situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village. We identify and nurture each girl’s unique academic, creative and sporting skills in a caring and supportive community.

For further details and to book a school visit, contact Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Registered Charity No. 271012

We welcome enquires about our scheme of assistance with fees for girls aged 7+.

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

5

Winner

header

Generation Z

Tennison-Banner.indd 1

26/01/2017 11:47

Sandra Nardi, Founder of the Parent Education Consultancy catches up with the digital natives

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he hurtling evolution of technology makes us dizzy, watching our young teenagers born into a world of social media with continuous updates.

Unsurprisingly, this had led to Generation Z (those born in 1996 or later), processing information faster than generations before.

Although Generation Zs have a significantly lower attention span to ours, their ability to multi-task is beyond our comprehension.

In school, they can create a PowerPoint presentation on their computer, research on their iPad and scribble notes on a notepad.

In the evening they watch TV with a laptop, Snapchatting on their phone. Shudder we may, but Generation Z can quickly and efficiently shift between work and play, with multiple distractions going on in the background.

Minecraft is a culprit, exasperating parents yet kids are hooked, learning to build their own castles, cities and towns. The media regularly feeds parents negative screen stories, whilst ignoring how Generation Zs will depend on these virtual skills. Contrary to belief, such games can boost children’s Science and Maths grades, encourage them to take risks, improve language and social skills and most importantly their confidence to solve problems.

It’s difficult to know how to support our young teens; watching successful YouTubers worldwide, keen to start their own non-profit enterprises.

We can teach them the pros and cons of Crowdsourcing to create their own products and respect Instagram as the fastest growing platform to sell their own merchandise. Their independent, creative minds are enviable as they are beginning to carve a career around their own personal lives, which has trapped working parents since time began. All we need to do is to watch, learn and keep them safe.

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Top Tips for setting up YouTube channel safely for kids 1. Create a Gmail YouTube account using a screen name rather than your real name.

2. Set YouTube view to “Safety Mode” to filter YouTube content.

3. Turn on and Lock SafeSearch in Google search settings, limiting adult content.

4. Turn off the ability to leave comments.

5. Age Restrictions - Google/YouTube collect user data, be aware for kids under 13.

6. Set up a shared Gmail account to review the steps along the creative process.

Sylvie Garvey - Computer Specialist 07768 379747 darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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THE FOREST BAILIFF LEARN ANNIE SLOAN’S TECHNIQUES AND JOIN ONE OF OUR SPECIALIST PAINT WORKSHOPS

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Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 56 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park

Opposite the Raynes Park Station thelimeandthyme.com Tel: 020 8946 5068

or blow dry for just £25

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(on presentation of this voucher) Offer ends 31st May 2017

364 Coombe Lane, West Wimbledon SW20 0RJ 020 8946 5120 www.stephenyounghair.com *Terms and conditions apply.

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café promo

FINDING MIMMO Aromatica, for Puglia’s best kept deli secrets

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stablished since 2008, this Italian hide-away on Leopold Road is a gem, especially on Saturday mornings when locals flock for the unique full ‘English’ but rather in ‘Italian’ style, at the best prices around. Mimmo specializes in all things from Puglia including extra virgin olive oil and imported fine wines from the region. A passionate ‘foodie’, he likes to impress his customers with Puglian dishes like Orechiette with turnip tops, Spaghetti alla Chitarra and Burrata cheese salad.

Regular Aromatica fan, Pasquale says, “I love the Spaghetti, Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino and have been coming to Mimmo for a decade now”.

Mimmo is such a dab hand in the kitchen that he has also been dazzling local residents with his in-house cooking demonstrations. He hosts such evenings for around 15 guests and offers to teach them how to cook a starter, main and desert. These evenings are magical and the usual, rustic setting becomes transformed as the white table clothes and candles come out and an elegant space is created for Mimmo to weave his magic as he imparts his best chef’s tips. The next demonstration evening is scheduled for May and booking is essential.

Mimmo and long time customer Pasquale

Another string to Mimmo’s bow is his well known private catering. He offers a range of services; including luxury Italian canapés, for example crispy Parmesan stuffed with mushroom and mascarpone cheese and his signature dish at the moment is a delicious gnocchi with lobster sauce served with Russian caviar.

He is happy to open his doors for private, bespoke parties of 10 - 15 guests and offers a specialist set menu to be served with fine Italian wines. Something really different to experience with friends and family.

Aromatica is open Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm. Closed on Sundays.

Tel: 020 8944 0309 for all catering enquiries.

9 Leopold Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7BB shop local

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

23

The Secret Caterer Shhhhhhh!!!

• Pretend it’s your own, we won’t tell if you don’t.

• Wow your guests with delightful and delicate canapes.

• Dazzle them with a buffet table heaving with home-made treats.

• Indulge in glorious desserts.

• Then take all the credit without any of the hassle of crafting the event.

• Parties to Go designs the menu, prepares the food, delivers it to your home, sets up the party and then disappears, like magic, allowing you to take all the credit when your friends arrive.

• On the other hand, we would be more than happy to stay and service your party for you, if you would like us to – again like magic!!

partiestogo.co.uk

events@partiestogo.co.uk

020 8947 5337

catering promo

CATCH OF THE DAY Carole’s sea bream for spring

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ho doesn’t like spring and the chance to get outside and enjoy the first signs of garden life. It’s such an invigorating time and I often feel we ought to start our New Year’s resolutions now, when there is a sense of optimism and energy, rather than in the dark winter months. For many of us, spring also means getting healthy and active and with that comes healthy eating. But just because food is healthy doesn’t mean skimping on flavour and fun.

I have chosen Sea Bream and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes as my recipe for you Darling Readers.

It is delicious. Sea Bream is considered a valuable source of omega 3 fats. It also contains more of vitamin E and D. I hope you enjoy it!

partiestogo.co.uk 020 8947 5337

carole@partiestogo.co.uk 07971141733

Sea Bream and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Served with a tomato-butter sauce Prep and cooking time 30 minutes.

4 Sea Bream 450g fillets Cherry Tomatoes, on the vine Butter Salt Pepper Fresh Parsley Lemon

Serves two

Place the vine on tomatoes on a baking tray, sprinkle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt. Bake until the skin starts to split. Remove from the oven and leave to rest.

In a large frying pan heat a tsp of oil. Prepare the fish, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook with the skin facing down for 5 minutes. Turn the fillets over and cook for a further minute until the fish is opaque and the skin has a crisp texture. Remove the fish and place it on a warm plate.

In the same pan heat the butter followed by lemon juice, zest, parsley and add the residue juice from the baked tomatoes. Stir until the ingredients have combined. You can always add a small amount of water if it is too thick.

Plate up the fish and cherry tomatoes, on the vine, and then drizzle the sauce over the fish. Pair up Sea Bream with steamed mange tout or green beans and add New Potatoes shop local if you so wish.

Visit Senti for special gifts and all things fragrant

23 Church Road Wimbledon Village SW19 5DQ 020 8947 5179

senti.co.uk

Hair Natulique now available at Thom Kirby We only use certified organic ingredients in all of our colours and provide the professional hair care industry with a safe and sustainable alternative, With less chemicals and better functionality.

155 Arthur Road Wimbledon SW19 8AD

020 8947 5222

www. thomkirbyhair.com

Paola di Lanzo Has Arrived!

Paola’s BodyBarre – Wimbledon Village

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ith the famous “PBB derrière lift” that keeps celebs like Millie Mackintosh and Amber Le Bon coming back for more, Paola di Lanzo is a power-house in the fitness industry and she has come to our town!

With over 25 years experience, Paola has worked in Fulham, Chelsea and Kensington for the past 19 years helping her clients to improve their fitness levels and reshape their bodies.

Paola is a mother of three, and is no stranger to preparing and rehabilitating before and after childbirth. Her first studio site in Fulham won her and her team the Best For: Pre and Post Natal Fitness Award in Tatler’s Gym awards in 2016. PBB was also awarded The Best All Rounder in 2015.

Paola: “Myself and the PBB team are loving coming up to Wimbledon Village every day.

Although it’s only 20 minutes away from my home in Fulham, I feel a sense of “escaping’ from the hustle and bustle of London life. We have loved meeting the locals and local businesses, everyone has been extremely friendly and supportive.

We look forward to offering a high standard of service with a down to earth, non-intimidating delivery.”

paolasbodybarre.com info@paolasbodybarre.com Paola’s BodyBarre Wimbledon, Hill Place House, 55A High Street, SW19 5BA

Attention All Foodies

S

ince opening it’s doors in 1997, Bayley & Sage has been the ‘go to’ destination in the Village for an abundant variety of fresh food, fine wines and an impressive and extensive selection of beautiful cheese, artisan breads, pastries and a simply divine deli counter.

With new lunchtime offerings from supergrain salad bowls, protein pots, freshly made sandwiches or hot food from the grill, to an ever-changing, seasonal selection of the freshest produce sourced from local markets; which you can usually find in store before anywhere else in town. For those pressed for time, they also stock a variety of delicious food cooked in their kitchen ready for you to put in the oven at home - genius!

A new loyalty card has recently been launched: not for coffee or sandwiches – but for wine! One stamp for each bottle of wine purchased and receive a complimentary bottle of wine specially selected for you by Bayley & Sage with 10 stamps.

For more news on what is new in store, seasonal products of the month and exciting competitions visit bayley-sage.co.uk or follow on social media @bayleyandsage

Are you sick of your home and business post getting mixed up?

We can provide a secure mailbox with a prestigious address in the heart of Wimbledon Village...

Packages from

£75

Email us at office@village-office.co.uk or visit www.villageservicedoffices.com shop local

dental promo

Meet Infinitidental Clinic’s dynamic new hygienist Darling chats to Suzanne Hogan

Tell me a little about yourself?

I am delighted to be working with Wimbledon’s Infinitidental practice. I originally graduated from Guy’s, King’s College London and St Thomas’ Hospital in 2006 and was awarded ‘best academic achievement’. Alongside working in general practice, I deliver oral health education to schools and in the near future will be volunteering locally, helping people affected by dementia and their carers to improve their oral health.

Who can see the hygienist?

Absolutely everyone! I am able to give up to date advice regarding your teeth. I can help alleviate anything from bad breath issues to giving you that confidence back. I can give you tips for maintaining your oral health.

Sensitivity and tooth wear is an increasing problem for the younger and older generation and I can assist you with this.

If you need some motivational help with children / teenagers, I will be delighted to see them and help educate them. Hygiene appointments are as important for children as for adults who are in the process of getting their teeth straightened. Orthodontists recommend regular hygiene appointments.

“In the near future I will be volunteering locally, helping people affected by dementia and their carers to improve their oral health” Do I need to see a dentist before I see you?

No, as you can access my services directly.

I will conduct a thorough assessment and carry out any dental hygiene treatment that is necessary.

What if I don’t have gum disease?

That’s great news! I can still help with freshening up your mouth by doing a gentle scaling of your teeth if necessary and polishing them. I can use the traditional method or I can use a more advanced jet polish procedure that removes staining and leaves your teeth and mouth feeling great.

This can be done as a one off for that special treat, or as often as you like.

What do your patients say about you?

“After coming for a while, I have to say Suzanne is amazing! Suzanne has helped me with advice on cleaning and looking after my teeth. I didn’t realise how bad my teeth were.

I was shocked, but Suzanne has helped me through this and advised me how to keep my teeth cleaner. Suzanne is amazing.” - P D

146 Merton Hall Rd Wimbledon SW19 3PZ 020 8542 2171 infinitidentalclinic.com shop local

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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sep-oct 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

beauty promo

BEAUTIFUL, NATURALLY! Enhance your natural beauty with semi-permanent make up techniques

D

o you feel naked without mascara? Or get fed up leaving the house looking fresh faced, only to return looking streaky and smudged? Trips to the gym can see your make up make its escape at the first hint of sweat, and running short on time can lead to a quick smear of colour, that lasts about as long as it took to put on.

During my twenty years as a skin and beauty specialist, I have worked alongside my clients to offer them cosmetic solutions that will last. Semi-permanent make-up (SPMU) is perfect for anyone who wants their look to last. When applied by a fully qualified technician like myself, I can produce results that will look 100% natural and are designed to last.

Semi-Permanent Eyeliner or Lash Booster Treatments Bring back the twinkle in your eye with my Permanent Eyelash Definition by Zara. Using a simple treatment where tiny little ‘dots’ of pigment are implanted lp you with your tinting and brow makeup shade choice.

Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Treatments Our eyebrows frame our faces, and well defined brows can help create a more youthful, open and polished look. As tempting as it may be to take the tweezers to them at home, my treatments can fully reconstruct, define, or fill-in over plucked brows, as well as add shape.

Semi-Permanent Lip Treatments A smudge of colour on the lips brings your face to life. With age however, our lips can lose definition and colour I can help you add natural looking definition and create the appearance of fuller lips, without having to resort to collagen injections.

My treatments are all undertaken using natural minerals and safe non-toxic hypoallergenic properties. You can book your treatment with me at info@zaraelliotbeauty.com or call me on 07786 936979.

Zara Elliott Beauty: Passionate about transforming women into the most confident and happy version of their best selves.

BABTAC Member - Fully Licensed and Health Authority Regulated Qualified Advanced Aesthetics Specialist - Environ Skin Care Specialist 20 Years Experience - New Malden, Surrey

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Free makeup lesson with every purchase of semi-permanent makeup treatment when quoting ZaraDarling

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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legal promo

Wills for Business Owners wills FOR

BUSINESS OWNERS

Keeping it in the family, with Hart Brown

Business Wills Taking the necessary steps to pass the family business on to the next generation raises complex and emotion laden issues and, if not handled successfully, can be one of the main causes of division and tension that damages family life and ultimately undermines or destroys business performance.

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spring 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

There are, of course, alternatives to succession, most common is some form of sale as a going concern as this is likely to recover the most value from the business. Alternatives within this option include trade sale, which may be particularly appealing when no suitable successor can be found, or stock market floatation can be the best answer if external

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

capital to finance growth is a priority. Similarly, a management buy-out financed by private equity funding can offer a compromise between transferring the shares of the family in an outright trade sale. There is always the option of liquidation and, finally, the option of doing nothing. Doing nothing is the least logical, the most costly and most destructive of all the options, yet it is by far the most popular.

If the planned alternative is succession, we would nearly always recommend that the current owners or the “Founder” should have in place a written succession plan which incorporates a step by step approach to dealing with the practical and psychological aspects of the transition process – in other words, a business will.

Succession Planning The business will can include as much detail as appropriate, (i) a detailed timetable that plots each phase of the Founder’s reduced participation in the business (ii) a timetable mapping out the chosen successor’s expanding role and responsibilities (iii) a map of the structure and the functioning of the management team after the transition.

In doing so, the Founder should ensure that everyone is involved in putting together this process, that a training process is established, that there is a plan for retirement of the Founder, and then that all the parties action the plan.

Successor Identity There is also the dilemma of whom to choose.

The eldest son, or where several children are in the frame, a first among equals. There may be daughters or in-laws, or indeed the hiring of professional managers to run the business which would of course provide a clear solution to the co-ownership problem. shop local

It is also recognised that over-promoting family members is ill-advised. It is not only damaging to the business, but, by putting any family member into a job that is beyond their capabilities, the business risks causing more alienation among family members, and destabilising more than just one promising career.

It is possible that some may not be up for the job at the moment, but they could grow into it in the future. A good option for a potential successor is to look to gain career experience outside of the family business to develop the skills needed for the role they will play when they eventually join.

The next generation A willingness of family company owners to plan for their succession is often a decisive factor in determining whether the business survives or fails. Some argue that family firms should never be put in the hands of the Founder’s children, and that the more successful the Founder and the larger the company the less likely that the children will be capable of running it. But there are many examples of highly profitable and well run family firms, both public and private, which have remained in family ownership for generations.

A family is a complex organism and a business is a complex entity. Putting the two together will always have its challenges and passing a family business on to the next generation equally so. As for the business will, well one could say it is in fact less about inheriting and more about promoting.

James Lamont | 020 8947 8171 jdl@hartbrown.co.uk hartbrown.co.uk darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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• • • • • •

SPECIALIST SOLICITORS

Mary Jane Richmond – maryjane.richmoond@mwsolicitors.co.uk (Planning for the future – including Wills, Trusts, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney) Payall Dave – payall.dave@mwsolicitors.co.uk (Family matters – including Financial Relief, Living Together Agreements, Divorce and Child Arrangement Orders) Shahida Salim (Residential) – shahida.salim@mwsolicitors.co.uk or Hema Sharma (Commercial) – hema.sharma@mwsolicitors.co.uk (Buying and selling property – including Residential and Commercial) Lucinda Lymer – lucinda.lymer@mwsolicitors.co.uk (Corporate and Commercial – including services for businesses of all sizes)

For more information, please contact your local Wimbledon office on 020 3551 8500 (main number) or visit us at 8-10 Hartfield Rd, Wimbledon, London, SW19 3TA (located just behind The Broadway).

Would you like a part time job?

Has the early morning school run stopped since your ‘little one’ has headed off to University?

Is the house feeling like an empty nest?

Would you like to be busy again?

Would you like to go back into the work place?

Would you like a a job that will really make a difference to someone’s life?

If you like the idea of having a good natter, sharing memories, making a cuppa and doing all you can to help someone who has reached that stage in their life when an extra pair of hands are needed, then please get in touch.

We believe that being a Caregiver is a really special job.

Call now on 020 8942 4137 or email mike.jefferies@homeinstead.co.uk www.homeinstead.co.uk/wimbledonandkingston

Home Instead Senior Care has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission

decor promo

SPRING FEVER Some key trends from Absolute Abode

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ith the weather warming up let’s bring the outside in! Natural, bamboo and the jungle are big themes this season. Pantone’s Colour of the Year, ‘greenery’ says it all – house plants are back in a big way! Pair natural materials like concrete and bamboo with linens and cottons to create a cool jungle vibe.

Bring the garden inside with gorgeous concrete pots, and why not hang them to create visual layers in your home?

Art deco inspired gentle blush, grey, soft brass and marble offer a gorgeous luxe look for your bedroom or living areas. Sophisticated glamour abounds.

Velvet, linen and soft cotton textures for cushions and throws create a stunning look and feel fabulous.

To nourish your body as well as your soul, try our delicious spring menu, with specials packed full of healthy and nutritious ingredients. Maria, our fabulous baker, will enthrall you with delicious home baked treats. Don’t worry, you’ll find gluten free and vegan choices like our vegan chocolate fudge cake!

We also serve delicious ‘small plates’ as well as our mains all afternoon and evening on Thursdays and Fridays, so why not pop in for a glass of wine and nibble after work?

If you’d like us to help you realise the vision you have for your home, one of our interior designers would love to offer you a complimentary consultation over a coffee to understand your requirements. We can work with you to advise on redecoration through to full home renovations.

Please call 020 8090 3210 or email design@absoluteabode.com Absolute Abode | Design | Café | Emporium 76-78 Coombe Lane SW20 0AX absoluteabode.com

shop local

Brexit, bricks & bright ideas

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he seismic shock of Brexit has created a lot of uncertainty, but life must go on. If you’ve decided to stay put for the time being, then renovating your house could be the best thing to do while waiting for things settle down. In the end your bricks and mortar will never disappear, and with good timing can yield you excellent profits.

With interest rates still low, it’s a good time to add value to your home. It could be that loft or basement conversion you’ve always dreamed of, an open plan living space, or simply using skylights to let the summer sunshine in. Our most popular alterations: • A family room opening out to the garden through bi-fold doors • An additional bedroom, dressing room and en-suite • That new kitchen with work surface a plenty • Heated floors throughout, below the wooden look-alike tiles • Natural light beaming into your living area • Create the inside-outside feeling we all would love.

• An open-plan kitchen/diner shop local

“With interest rates still low, it’s a good time to add value to your home” The best approach with any addition to your home is to work together very closely at the planning stage, so we have a shared vision of what you are looking for. It is this foundation at the very beginning that creates the kind of working relationship you need for the best results.

Whatever you have in mind, my team and I can turn your home into a haven. With an excellent reputation in South West London, I have a passion for meticulous planning and great craftsmanship. All of my tradesmen have a minimum of 15 years experience, and I’m particularly proud of the feedback I get from clients about the quality, the reliability and the timely completion of my projects.

Take a look at the examples on my website, or give me a call to discuss your dream haven. havenconstruction.org.uk 07880 546 063 darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

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for you We are a long-established, local, family-run, independent Estate Agency specialising in property sales in South West London and North East Surrey focussing mainly on SW20.

Whether you are moving now or later or would like a free market appraisal, please do call in or contact us today.

Grant Fuller, Managing Director Fuller Gilbert & Co Estate Agents, Valuers, Development Consultants 316a Worple Road West Wimbledon, London SW20 8QU 020 8947 4764 sales@fullergilbert.co.uk www.fullergilbert.co.uk

SPRING IN YOUR STEP

S

pring is looming and thoughts again turn to that much needed face lift we keep promising our home, so why not follow the advice of many top interior designers and plan from the ground up.

How many of you, after enduring months of building and decorating work, stood amazed at the visual impact your new floor had, turning your building site, back into your home once again?

Your floors are often the largest area of colour in your home, so why underestimate their impact?

A visit to The Flooring Co. could be just the thing to put that spring into your step and provide the needed inspiration to start planning.

With both contemporary and traditional carpet ranges from leading manufacturers, to the amazing Amtico design floors and natural wood flooring options, we are sure you will find something to stir the imagination.

Carpet colour Audrey Twilight 029

With experience and technical advice on hand, from the planning to the final installation, we will guide you through the sometimes overwhelming array of choices, so visit us today and start that journey!

020 8971 9101 ronnieattheflooringco@gmail.com The Flooring Company 257 Coombe Lane SW20 0RH

local business promo

Yamaha Piano Specialist store opens in Wimbledon

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anna & Sons have been selling, hiring and repairing Pianos from around the world at their shop on 94 Kingston Road, Wimbledon since January 1990 but Saturday the 21st January 2017 marked a historic change.

This change was the opening of their sister store next door, an event that saw both Stephen Hammond MP and Madam Mayor Councillor Brenda Fraser cut the red ribbon in front of a crowd of customers at midday.

Everybody then rushed in to explore the new showroom and watch demonstrations of the new pianos by an official Yamaha representative. As the day went on more customers flocked in and out to see the brand new stock and were even treated to piano recitals by Anne-Claire Herr, Alberto Ferro and Maria Evans; as well as a large helping of delicious refreshments.

Yamaha Piano Specialists showroom is stocked with brand new Silent, Acoustic, Transacoustic, Digital and Hybrid range Yamaha Pianos as well as a purpose built piano practice room which is available to hire for teachers and players alike. It is open Monday to Saturday and we welcome anyone to pop in and have a look and try these state of the art instruments for themselves. Hanna Pianos not only provide high quality new and restored pianos but also provides many other services like piano tuning, repairs, restoration, removal and sales of pianos.

YAMAHA Showroom 92 Kingston Road Hanna Pianos at 94 Kingston Road Wimbledon SW19 1LA T: 020 8540 5541 | hannapianos.com

Photo: Stephen Hammond MP, Fadi Hanna, Madam Mayor Councillor Brenda Fraser, Mr Fraser, the Mayor’ consort and Chucri Hanna

STAY STRONG, MENTALLY Says Paul Mendelson Creating Connections Inspiring Success

THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING, TRAINING ANDKingston, Wimbledon, Putney, Balham, DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS CLUB FORCourt FEMALE Surbiton, Streatham and Hampton EXECUTIVES AND ENTREPRENEURS. VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME.

EMAIL ‘My vision is to encourage more women to julie@theathenanetwork.com network and in turn realise their full potential by helping and inspiring them and providing valuable connections’, says Julie HELPFUL WIMBLEDON WEBSITES Love Wimbledon WIMBLEDON, PUTNEY, BALHAM AND STREATHAM www.lovewimbledon.org London Borough of Merton Julie Eltham www.merton.gov.uk Regional Director, The Athena Network Citizen’s Advice Bureau t: @athenaSWlondon www.nacab.org.uk f: TheAthenaNetworkSurrey&SWLondon Merton Chamber of Commerce 07890 523030 www.mertonchamber.co.uk e: julie.eltham@theathenanetwork.com Wimbledon Town Centre www.wimbledontowncentre.co.uk w: theathenanetwork.co.uk/julieeltham Wimbledon Civic Forum www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk Wimbledon Society www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk Wimbledon Community Centre www.wimbledoncommunity.org.uk Volunteer Centre Merton www.volunteercentremerton.org.uk Learning & Skills Council www.lsc.gov.uk Charity Commission www.charitycommission.gov.uk Wimbledon Music Diary www.wimbledonmusicdiary.com Bridge exercises the mind and is a great Wimbledon Society way Choral to meet new friends. www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk Come and see what the game Local Police/Neighbourhood Watchinvolves at a free taster session. www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods The Wimbledon Guild Beginner courses: small class sizes of up www.wimbledonguild.co.uk Care Connect to 8 students. www.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk Improver classes also available.

BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS

IMPORTANT For detailsNUMBERS please contact Hilary on Wimbledon Police St George’s Hospital 020 8947 1212 or (999) 020 8672 1255 Merton Council Kingston Hospital candh12@aol.com 020 8274 4901@hilarystewartbridgelessons 020 8546 7711 facebook: NHS DIRECT Rail 22 Lindisfarne Road, National SW20 0NW 0845 4647 08457 484950

07816 982 030

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feb-march 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

So many bridge hands appear as if they have been set up by some Machiavellian force, tempting you to make the slightest mistake and then fail horribly but, dismiss superstition, restrict yourself to clear COLLECT “HOTSPOTS” thought, and COPIES all will AT beOUR well… * Nicholas & Steele 78 Durham Rd Tel: 07947 011879North

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S 63

* Maison St. Cassien, Village H Wimbledon Q85 Tel: 020 8944 1200D AKJ83

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West East C K87 * Southfields Gallery 223 Wimbledon Park S AQ952 S Rd 1087 Tel: 07947 675 059 H J932 H 1064 D 1094 D Q5 C J * Truckles Deli on Coombe Lane SW20 C Q10962 Tel: 020 8605 2175 South S KJ4 H on AK7Leopold Rd * Aromatica Italian Deli Tel: 020 8944 0309 D 762 C A543

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Please call first to check stocks

Dealer South N E 1D 3NT

NB

Game All S 1C 1NT

♣

W NB NB

West led 5♠ , to East’s 10♠ , and declarer’s J♠ . South played to dummy’s A♦ and a heart back to his A♥.

Then he led a second diamond and, when West played small, he put on dummy’s J♦. This lost to East’s Q♦ and 8♠ was returned. Whether South plays low or high, West took four more spade tricks to defeat the contract.

Let’s go back to the first trick. When East contributed only 10♠ , this marked West with both A♠ and Q ♠ so, when South wins J♠ , she should appreciate that East cannot be allowed to gain the lead or a spade will be returned and disaster will occur. To this end, the normal diamond finesse must be rejected. Instead, declarer should lead a diamond to A♦ and cash K♦. A♠ it happens, East’s Q♦ falls, and all is well. If it does not, declarer must play a third round and hope that West - who cannot profitably play another spade - will win.

aceoftrumps.com

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property promo

Want a speedy and smooth sale?

First class tips from Andrew Scott Robertson

I

t has been a challenging and unpredictable few years for the property market, but we start 2017 with cautious optimism. The good news is that there are buyers actively wanting to buy so if your property is priced correctly, it should attract interest. In the past 7 days, we have received 21 offers from different buyers on our properties, and our lettings department have registered more new tenants in one week than they have for several months.

If you are considering a move in 2017, here are five useful tips to maximise your chances of a quick and effective sale or let.

Initial valuation No estate agent should provide you with advice about pricing without carrying out a thorough inspection of your property (including measuring) and showing evidence of comparable properties that have recently sold/let or are currently available.

Become an estate agent detective Before choosing your estate agent, test their knowledge of the local property market.

Ask for statistics about how their agency is performing, and make sure their marketing reflects the quality of the property.

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Stephen Parsons, Director of Residential, Andrew Scott Robertson

Their service standards Find out what you can expect from your agent in terms of customer service once instructed.

You should receive feedback calls within 24 hours of every viewing including the viewer’s opinion of the property’s value. Make sure that receive regular reports showing your property’s online performance on the property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla.

Be realistic about your price Your property will generate interest if priced correctly. It is a false economy to come to the market at a vastly inflated figure. A Guide Price of 5% above the true value is optimum. Once a property is 10% over-priced it is going to be being offered to the wrong audience, who can generally afford a more expensive property.

Choose a qualified estate agent The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) provide training and qualifications. A qualified estate agent will know the legislation covering the industry and understand their responsibilities under The Property Ombudsman’s code of conduct.

We pride ourselves in offering our clients a bespoke, personal service. To find out how we could make the difference please contact me on 020 8971 6780 / sparsons@as-r.co.uk.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

41

Hermina Williams

Graphic Designer

Advertisements Branding Brochures Stationery Campaigns

07896 948 336 design@herminawilliams.com herminawilliams.com

Bi-Annual Art Competition For Young Artists

Y

WA’s award scheme is designed to promote all young Wimbledon artists.

It offers schools, colleges and academies in Merton, local young artists and groups of young artists who live in the borough, a platform to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery environment, usually the Norman Plastow Gallery. The award scheme has two exhibitions a year. June for high school ages and December for junior schools, with prizes of art vouchers for winners. Mike Robbins from YWA presents the prizes to the winners.

For more details please contact Graham Martin Wimbledon Village Club 26 Lingfield Road, Wimbledon, SW19 4QD Tel: 020 8946 5223

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A TALE OF TWO TONYS Our favourite corner shop by Karine Torr

E

verybody knows Tony’s. Aside from a leather sofa or a new car, there is virtually nothing you cannot find at this well known foodie wonderland in West Wimbledon. From America’s Betty Crocker range, Fruit Loops and Dirty Rice, South Africa’s favourite Mrs Balls Chutney and Ouma’s Rusks to Kosher necessities, the shelves are always stocked with exotic delights; not to mention their eye-watering array of alcohol and the fact they are one of the biggest stockists of Lindt Chocolate in London.

After living nearby for 17 years, I am starting to feel like I have shares in the shop! The choice and variety of goods as well as the friendly service is no mystery to the locals, but the store’s history is something I have always wondered about… Who the heck was Tony?! And how did it all begin?

Owners Rajni, Dina, young Krush, Geeta and Shailesh

glorious emporium it is today and it has gone from strength to strength since. And the journey goes on to the next generation of Patels. The Coombe Lane parade just wouldn’t be the same without them.

Turns out, one spring morning in the early 80’s, two brothers Rajni and Shailesh walked into the corner store to find a charismatic, old Italian gentlemen, in his trademark large white hat, running the show. Mr Emanuel Tony, ‘Tony’ ended up selling the shop to the family. Shailesh told me that when Tony left the shop for the final time he said, “One last request please, don’t change the store name.” He died the next day… Isn’t it ironic?

On 21st March 1983, Rajni and Shailesh Patel moved into the flat above the shop with their families. Rajni, his wife Dina and two children Monaxi and Manish as well as Shailesh, his wife Geeta, daughter Rina and son Rishin who are now familiar faces on Coombe lane.

The shop was expanded in 1997 into the

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Avid local shoppers Alison Young and Nina Ruiz

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

43

N THE SCENE

With Editor Karine Torr

SPOTTED AT THE BEST PARTY OF THE SEASON - THE THEME, GOLD, GOLD, GOLD!

Hosts Tim Beacom and Kate Greenhalgh

Dazzling Vic and Carolyn Laville

Simon Pole, Vince O’Brien and Chris Morrison

Jim Finlayson & Jane Healey

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION END OF YEAR DRINKS AT HOTEL DU VIN CANNIZARO HOUSE

Carole Andrews & Rev’d Mandy Hodgson

Adam Jones & Wendy Pridmore

Paul Capra & Lady Wimbledon

RIGHT: Kim Peacock, Johnny Perkins Angela Allright FAR RIGHT: Patrick Baxter, Thom Headley, Christiane Mouttet TOP: Wendy Grant, Richard Hunter, Ruth Hunter, Sarah Thain and Daniela Horton

THAI THO COOKING CLASS PRIZE FOR HOLLY LODGE

ABOVE: Patricia Evans, Richard Evans and Nigel Headley RIGHT: Adrian Mills, winner, Baroness Sue Kramer, Nicki Santichatsak and winner, June Beedham

44

spring 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

MACMILLAN RECOGNISING ROBERT HOLMES Zoe Penny giving Robert Holmes an engraved pen to mark his 20 years' support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Event took place at the Macmillan Southside Christmas Party.

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DARLING’S SWINGING END OF YEAR GROUP EDITOR’S PARTY

David Curzon for Asot, Karine Torr Wimbledon, MarjaLeena Toseland, Kingston & Philippa Hennessy North Surrey

Mark Gordon Wimbledon Brewery & Karine Torr

Left: Pamela Gregory and Jude King from Hannibal Brown & Josh Read (middle) Mid: Darling Wimbledon’s graphic designer Hermina Williams POP-UP HARVEY NICHOLS FESTIVE SHOPPING EVENT AT HOTEL DU VIN CANNIZARO

L-R: GM Hotel du Vin, Beccy Gunn, Nadia Kfaiti, Stephanie Upton Prowse and Debbie Blott

L-R: Local ‘It’ girls, Alex Naylor, IGNACIO POTELLI Organiser - Stephanie Upton & GUESTS AT Prowse, Jules Mann & Sandy Reid VALLEBONA

SINGING CAROLS FOR THE HORSES AT WIMBLEDON STABLES! Ignatio & Gemma Forland

Charlie, John, William & Susie Costello

Mayor, Cllr Brenda Frazer & Stephen Ballantyne

SPOTTED AT THE WIMBLEDON SOCIETY AGM

Gilly & Eamon Razvi with Naoko Vallebona

L-R: Asif Malik, Cassandra Taylor, Dep Mayor Cllr Stan Anderson, John Mays and Stephen Hammond MP

L-R: Linda Defriez, Jennifer Newman, Sheila Dunman and Museum Chairman, Cassandra Taylor

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ATHENA BEST NETWORKING AWARDS

L-R: Zara Elliott, Polly Hand, Bronwyn Grey (top prize 3rd year running) and Lucinda Peyton Jones all win ‘Best Networkers’ in their areas

WIMBLEDON WOMEN IN BUSINESS (WWIB) OPEN NETWORKING EVENTS

L-R: Nisha Patel, Helen Wharton, Asha Patel and Linda Vu - at König Kitchens open event for the WWIB

BEN ENG’S NEW ‘THE WARDROBE WIMBLEDON’ OPENS IN STYLE

Chair Diana Mason and Mary Hogan get some thanks!

WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORK (WIBN) AT DOG & FOX

L-R: Lorraine Rees, Evelyn Hoggart (leader), Barbara CosOwner - Ben Eng, Alexandra Wardrobe team grave, Laura Passey and Natalie Robertson Erciulescu and Khosh Horre intro evening L-R: Richard & SJon Holden, sponsor Marcus and Francis Beale and Johnjoe McFadden AYA RESTAURANT RELAUNCHES A GLORIOUS SEASON FOR THE POLKA THEATRE!

Fadi Hanna with owners Ali and Amira Mahfouz

ABOVE: Peter Glanville, Stephen Midlane, London Mayor, Sadiq Kahn, Amanda Cropper and Lillian Scott-Clash ABOVE RIGHT: Debbie Hicks, Amanda Cropper, Tom O’Connell and Zoe Welden

BRIDGE DRIVE FOR THE ‘FRIENDS OF CANNIZARO’

Omid Djalili & Peter Glanville

WESTSIDE TENNIS CLUB HOST A GIFT FAIR

WANNA BE SEEN IN DARLING DIFFERENT AD PLS Want to be seen in Wimbledon?

L-R: Juliet Willis, Anne Peacock, Susan Cornelius, Robert Holmes and Den Anderson

L-R: Libby Klugman, Gilda Guttierez, Concha Peirson, Helen Ellis-Smith (organiser), Alison Taylor & Sue Nonjaim

Advertise your business in Darling today! darlingmagazine.co.uk

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07930 396356

INTERNATIONAL WIMBLEDON MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT THE LIGHTHOUSE FAR LEFT: L-R: Jenny Ison, Anthony Wilkinson (Festival Director), Hilary Leek, Alex Brougham (Chair of the Festival) Mid: Margaret and Robert Lyons (Trustees Lionel Tertis Trust) Left: Nina Kaye and Hilary Leek AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS ART EXHIBITION AT THE TINGARI GALLERY

POLE ANNUAL DRINKS CELEBRATIONS Adrian Mills, John King & Richard Hunter

Jonathan and Lucy Tubbs

L-R: John & Ellie Hermon Taylor, George & SJ Holden (gallery owner) and Robert Rubens

Right: Sue Harvey, Simon Pole and Colin Nicolson

DAVID LLOYD RP OPEN LADIES SINGLES AND LADIES DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIPS

Winner - Singles L-R: Rachel Angel, Nick Walden, Runner up, Candice Farrell Daly & Tournament Director, Alison Battista

L-R: Winners - Doubles, Aku Patel and Mary Anne Hubbard, Runners up, Rachel Angel and Karine Torr

LAUNCHING PAOLA’S BODY BARRE CLASS

SING4SANE CHARITY TENNIS

Karen Gimes, Jessica du Boulay and Judith Pole

SPOTTED AT PHO OPENING

WANNA BE SEEN IN DARLING

Want to be seen in Wimbledon?

Advertise

L-R: Omolade Ojo, Neesha Gill, Instructor Harriet Heath and Ezekiela Lisk

John Mager & Singer Melissa James Photo: Bob Harvey Jenner

Sarah Thomas, Lisa Wyatt and Jane Beauchamp

darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

your business in Darling today! darlingmagazine.co.uk

07930 396356 47

SHOPPING EVENING FOR JDRF DIABETES CHARITY RAISING FUNDS AT QUESTION AIR

L-R: Charlotte Fairclough, Samantha Harvey, Martha Carus-Bird and Rosie Cotton

L-R: Suzanna Collier, Sara Pepper, Charlotte Carus-Bird and Martha Carus-Bird

SHOPPING DAY FOR WIMBLEDON VILLAGE, SOUTH WEST LONDON TV WAS THERE!

LOVE & DYE HOLD LOCAL ART EXHIBITION

L-R: Tim Norris, Moira Jarvis, Barbara L-R: Paulina Wackowska, Remi Amos, Piotr Aldridge, Ben Gibbon, Sally Booth and Julian Rozanski and Sue Smedley Rena from the Cannizaro Studios LIVE MUSIC AT TUNNELS 264 CLUB

Jamie Roche, Alex RV Phillips, Elaine Miller and Jim Corbett

SAN LORENZO -MERTON CHAMBER XMAS LUNCH SHINDIG Artist Sarah Manolescue and Peter Fisson SW London TV

L-R: Dani Nash, Bernadette Washer, Geoff Johnson and baby Cecil Bee Nash

Johnny Disco & Miles Maclagan

ATTENDING A LOCAL BAHA’I EVENING DEVOTIONAL SOIRÉE

Michael Knight & Caroline Cook

L-R: Ivona Alizadeh, Amelia Golmohamed, Marissa Quie, Jyoti Munsiff and Renoo Zaiwalla WILLOW BOUGH EXHIB

Shahla Fallah Rita Maclellan

CHATTING DDMIX! FOREST BAILIFF XMAS DRINKS

Shelly Palmer & Clare Alder, Celeb PhotograJulie Lenon & Alison Combe Darcey Bussell pher Kiera Fyles, Cllr Edward Foley & Leilah 48 Palmer spring 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Isabelle Hargreaves and Chris Townsend

Sandra Nardi, Ivor Heller and Suzy Wood

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mental health

Family

RULES

With Therapist Pam Custers

This is your first the proof 3of which 2 freeweproofs remaining Additio foundations of on top build our run deep. Our respective families of origin are

own family with its own rules and dynamics. The interesting thing is that in getting our priorities right, we do not take anything away from the important relationships. They all just seem to fall into place.

F

Pam Custers is an experienced therapist working with individuals, couples and families. Her clients are successful individuals who value her unique approach. She is accredited MBACP. MA. BA (Psych) Hons and is a RELATE trained and registered counsellor. T: 07572 841388 pamcusters.co.uk

amily loyalty is such a complex thing.

Blood is thicker than water. Our family of origin is where we learn the many unwritten rules of how we relate. We can often hit a snag when we form our own families and new rules and loyalties need to be forged.

Many years ago I met a woman who felt her marriage was in tatters. It became clear that she had never been accepted by her mother- in-law, and to compound matters her husband, in her eyes, never supported her. She was distraught.

She had been married close on thirty years and this feeling of not having her husband’s loyalty had coloured her marriage.

“Making the emotional transition from family of origin to our partners is a difficult step” Making the emotional transition from family of origin to our partners is a difficult step. When we are able to shift our primary relationship to our partner, our ability to make joint decisions that are in the best interests of the new family become less fraught. It is heartening to see how a gentle shift and a release from the guilt of divided loyalties can reduce conflict so rapidly.

I still think of those thirty years when that women lived in what felt like emotional purgatory and how sad it was that she left it so long. The emotional transition may not be easy as loyalties

SPRING IS IN THE AIR! NOW IS THE TIME TO FIT A CLEARVIEW STOVE!

3 6 D u r h a m R o a d , Lo n d o n . S W 2 0 0 T W 0 2 0 8 9 4 7 5 1 1 5 | w w w. f o r e s t b a i l i f f. c o . u k

diary

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                                                                                                        

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COLLECT COPIES AT OUR 'HOTSPOTS' * Maison St. Cassien, Wimbledon Village Tel: 020 8944 1200 * Absolute Abode 76-78 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park. Tel: 07747 601692 * Southfields Gallery 223 Wimbledon Park Rd Tel: 07947 675 059 * Spoons, Coombe Lane SW20 Tel: 020 8605 2175 * Aromatica Italian Deli, Leopold Rd Tel: 020 8944 0309 * Love Wimbledon Information Desk Centre Court Shopping Centre, 4 Queens Rd Please call first to check stocks To advertise in Darling please email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk shop local

community

“Home, Carl, and don’t spare the horses!”

15 Years of minding the Mayor Darling interview with Carl Brown

I

n 1987, redundant and keen to put food on my table, I was tipped off by a friend of mine that Merton Council was looking for a driver.

Little did I know that 15 years later I would be an expert in mayoral etiquette, opening doors for royals and celebs, and even, on one occasion, being mistaken for the mayor himself – thanks to my beautifully polished shoes.

There’s never a dull day when you’re the mayor’s minder.

That’s not my official title, but it’s the essence of my job – planning the mayor’s journey, making sure that parking, refreshments and every little detail of protocol for the meetings and greetings are arranged and agreed well in advance, so there’s never an obstacle or an embarrassing hitch. Like a referee in a football match, I know I’m doing my job well when nobody notices me!

Left Carl Brown, with last year’s Mayor, Councillor David Chang handing over to Madam Mayor, Councillor Brenda Fraser for 2016/2017

I have now looked after nine Lady Mayors including the present one, Councillor Brenda Fraser. Even though each Mayor has a different idea about what they want from the year ahead, the principle is always the same, to uphold the dignity of the mayoralty and serve the community to the best of my ability. My role has taken me to places I would never have thought of going, I have met and made new friends, and enjoyed myself at the same time. And I’ve learned some fascinating facts: When it comes to the Mayoral chain, it is my responsibility to make sure that it is kept clean. Each year a new link is added with the current Mayor’s name and year of office engraved on it. The Merton chain was made in 1965 with the amalgamation of Wimbledon, Mitcham, Morden and the town of Merton.

When you address the Mayor, the form of address is Mr Mayor for a male. If the Mayor is female, it is now customary to address her as Madam Mayor. But in reality the proper form of address for a female is also Mr Mayor, the reason being that the role of Mayor in the old days was for men only. How times have changed!

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darlingmagazine.co.uk | spring 2017

53

point of view

at dawn

KNITTING NEEDLES

By Kate Greenhalgh

D

id you hear that the new, youthful, female boss of John Lewis is downsizing Millinery and Haberdashery? Some guff about modernisation and giving the customers what they want. Madam, the customer WANTS Millinery and Haberdashery. Oh reason not the need. No, of course we don’t actually purchase any of it, but we want a world where other women do - a comforting world of craft and needlework, weddings and Ascot; lives unruffled by the terrors, doubts and pressures of the 21st century. In any case, as the mother of four as-yet unmarried daughters, (Mrs Bennet, feel for me!) I look forward to when a good millinery department will be my go-to.

I will be Hat Central, once we nail down some nuptials. Meanwhile, walking into a John Lewis with no Millinery or Haberdashery will be like walking into Paris with no Eiffel Tower, or the Village with no bike shop or Tandoori. Ok - you can’t remember quite the last time you actually frequented any of them, (when you cycle as little as I do the last thing you can indulge in is a Tikka Masala or climbing 1,700 steps) but they are the soul of the place, and if they die, a little piece of us dies, too.

“...walking into a John Lewis with no Millinery or Haberdashery will be like walking into Paris with no Eiffel Tower” trained dogs, and no children who write their thank-you letters. Atavistic nihilism gone mad.

Instead of hats and knitting needles, John Lewis proposes to offer ‘bikini-waxing salons’ and ‘Prosecco bars’. The urge to make a derogatory suggestion that all the stores simply relocate to Essex is overwhelming, but I will not make it, in deference to our much-maligned Essex sisterhood. But if ever I want a bikini-wax and a glass of Prosecco, shoot me. John Lewis woman drags a Bic over the offending tufts, whilst downing a cup of tea. You know what will be next - an attack on Tupperware and the comprehensive range of vacuum cleaner bags.

Stand up for the silent majority whose hearts race at the sight of napkin rings not nail bars.

Time to burn our corsets!

They can’t have thought about the essence of the brand - preserved in its rolls of fabric and feathery hats, (although the shift into fascinators was ill-judged and painful.) Strip those out and you strip out the formidable matrons who are ordering bias-binding by the yard and planning an outfit for Cousin Clothilda’s Christening. As a society, where are we, once we have driven this sort of woman into the wilderness? I’ll tell you - a world with no Sunday lunches, no properly

54

spring 2017 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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