Darling Magazine Wimbledon Spring 2019

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tu ar rn lin s1 g 0 !

SPRING19 PRICELESS

MERTON MAKES THE CUT Lights, camera, action!

LISA LAMBERTI

‘Come on Eileen’

Inspiring to the Core

105 BIRTHDAY CANDLES

Gender Balance The Challenge of our time

DON’T PUT LIFE ON PAUSE

UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS Peacock’s Employment Advice

THE DA VINCI REQUIEM

With Pam Custers

A WCS World Premiere

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Fashion Conscious

Shop with your Heart

Dr Nihara Krause

living in WIMBLEDON

|

darlingmagazine.co.uk

MAIDA VALE | CHELSEA | WIMBLEDON

A new Day is dawning Day True Wimbledon Village is Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Spa and Outside Living.

Find out more at daytrue.com

editor’s letter Dear Darling Reader,

Cover Girl Lisa Lamberti Photography Juliet Lemon julietlemon.com On location at Hotel du Vin, Wimbledon

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Karine Torr Editor Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Advertising 07930 396356 Email info@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributors Roz Hanna Kate Greenhalgh Paul Mendelson Photography Taylor Torr 07414 865272 Darling North Surrey Karine Torr 020 8739 0059 Darling Kingston & Richmond Marja-Leena Toseland 07802 949836 Design Director Hermina Williams design@herminawilliams.com Website Design wimbledonvisuals.com Printer Direct Colour mark@directcolour.com 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.

Ten years on – and what an adventure it’s been! I started Darling Wimbledon in the spring of 2009 on nothing more than a whim and a prayer. Now, with over 40,000 readers in SW London and North Surrey, my original dream of giving local women a forum for all the news, views and business issues that matter to them, has become a wonderful reality. So this issue is dedicated to the many extraordinary and inspiring women who have graced our pages over the years, and more importantly, have become such good friends. Thank you all for your love and support, especially Marja-Leena Toseland, our Richmond/Kingston and co-editor on North Surrey and Phillipa Hennessy who took Darling to North Surrey in the early days. And that’s not to forget all the fabulous Darling men in our community too. So even though women will always be closest to our hearts, I’d like to thank the gorgeous males (and there are many), who have volunteered for my covers. Sorry chaps, as much as we like to be inclusive, that space is reserved for the fairer sex!

So here’s to all of you – and to another ten years of Darling!

Karine Torr Editor | info@darlingmagazine.co.uk For franchise enquiry for North Surrey Darling please email us.

CONTENTS 4 Darling on the lash! We’re 10!!

7 Lisa Lamberti – life on the bench 11 Charlotte’s peachy spring fashion 13 Power Women doing it their way 16 Love Local – support local 17 FilmMerton! Our very own festival 19 Richmond Hotel’s new look 21 Open your eyes at Nakedhealth 23 Stop grinding your teeth - Infinitidental 25 Revolutionary Method Putkisto 27 Your crowning glory at Wimblederm 29 Home Instead seniors ‘Love to Move’ 30 Cook’s Corner mango surprise 33 Pam says The Change is coming!

34 Peacock & Co reads the rules 37 Sophie Kahn keeping tabs on The Bill 39 Thembalitsha transforming lives in South Africa 40 Wimbledon Bookfest’s new spring season 40 Da Vinci’s Requiem premiere with WCS 41 Dr Nihara takes Stem4 to the Palace 41 The Fringe comes to Wimbledon!

42 Fashion with a conscience - Ali Clifford reports 45 Mimmo’s Italian Deli celebrates its decennial 47 New styles, new stripes at The Flooring Co 48 On the Social Scene 49 What’s Hot with Lady Wimbledon 53 Women’s Rights are Human Rights 54 Paul Mendelson’s Spring Bridge 55 Wimbledon’s oldest and finest at 105 56 Darling Diary highlights 57 Happy 30th Birthday David Lloyd Raynes Park!

58 Kate finally has a wedding… darling turns 10! 3

DARLING TURNS 10!

Lady Wimbledon Event at the Dog & Fox Editors Karine Torr & MarjaLeena Toseland

COVER GIRLS: Meera Santoro, Debbie Knight, Lady W, Kim Peacock, Denise Waterman, Malory Torr, Charlo�e Broadbent, Danielle Sweeney Front: Lisa Lamber�, Karine Torr, Jini Reddy & Kim Salmassian

Darling owner Karine Torr with Mayor of Merton Cllr Mary Cur�n

Darling Team Editors Holly Candlish, MarjaLeena, Karine Torr and Darling designer Hermina Williams Rebecca Burt, Lady W & Gemma Fordham-Bryant

Photography Martijn Prins Sara Minton, Susan Cusack, Richard & Sarah Jane Holden Adrian Mills, Bhav Padhiar & David Frost

Victoria Norman & Andrew Morris

Star Baker, Zayner Sherwani ( Zay’s Bakes) & Karine Torr

Décor Café Debbie Blo� & Emma Mitchell & Nina Moeller

Alina Neukirch & Darling Photographer Taylor Torr

Jessica Kingsley, Rebecca Bre�, Lady W, Emma Cale & Linda Dantas

Philippa Tuaine, Lady W, Karine Torr, Dog & Fox GM Ben North, Ollie Molloy & Hannah Hodge

Hel & Mel Style bloggers with Mo Ashraf in the middle

Alex Gear from Nutri�on for Life

Dianne Reid

Lady W & Cllr Janice Howard

Lisa Lamber�, Kim Peters & Jacqui Torr

Clare Alder,, Katherine Box, Verity Lester & Darling Fashion Editor Charlo�e Broadbent

Carol Andrews, Diana Sterck (CEO Merton Chamber), Danielle Sweeney, Caroline Cook and Julie Baker

SJ Burne� & Karthik Ganesan

Nicky Franklin, Rachel Angel & Sandy Reid

Sarah Buxton & Lynda Leith

Janie Smith & Jackie Schnieder

Fiona Jeffery Annie & Mark A�water

Flora Firth, Mike Gleave, Mike Oldham & Toby Oldham

David Kevan & MarieHelene Rodriguez

Heidi Kirby, Tracey Hahn & Esther Caouki

inspiring woman

MIND BODY & SOUL inspiring woman

Lisa Lamberti has it all

G

rowing up in a large extended South African family of entrepreneurs, it never entered my mind that I would be a corporate worker. I was always going to own my own business and be in charge of my own future. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce (covering all those wonderful subjects like Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Finance) I came straight to the UK to work with the idea of saving enough pounds to be able to go back home to my beloved family and open a business, although I still had no clue what that business was going to be. While working and saving I learned some things about myself: I realised I had a capacity to work hard and be excited by it, and I found I had a skill for recognising talents in other people and helping them to develop themselves in that. Separate from work, I also discovered a fascination for the science of the human body, which surprised me since I gave up Biology for Accountancy at school.

Three years of IT project management finally came to an end when I found Pilates. It was actually through our ‘dear friend’ Oprah Winfrey that I first heard about Pilates. I saw the equipment, I heard a bit about the principle of what it was, and in that moment I knew deep inside – THIS is going to be my business! I

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found the closest course I could, became a Pilates teacher, and began my journey. This was the year 2000 though and not many people knew what Pilates was so I just said ‘yes’ to any request to teach a class in a studio or gym, or to any client wanting a session at home, and anything I could get, and I ran from one end of London to another making it by the skin of my teeth wherever I went, 6 days a week. And I discovered I was really good! People liked my teaching and I became popular, it was so exciting! But it was tough to make any money this way, so I never managed to move back to SA, and ended up going all out creating my business here, in the UK. I started with a small home studio, then grew a little bigger to a new commercial one, then bigger again to where I am now at The Pilates Clinic, Wimbledon. I am so proud of it, as it is a place where clients are happy when they are there and feel better when they leave, and my incredibly talented teachers get to showcase their best skills day after day. It is like all my passions rolled into one.

I was very lucky to meet my supportive husband in the early stages of building my business and he has been incredibly patient with my spending so much time and energy on it. We had our

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became a Faculty member first son when the studio for them, delivering the was still quite small, and training to students myself. our second son came I’ve even been a Finalist in along right when I was the Merton Best Business expanding to my big awards over the last few studio. Two joys arriving years. at the same time was so incredibly hectic that it all feels like a blur when I try It has been an incredible to remember it. I am crazy journey of overcoming about my kids, they are a physical challenges and fulfilment of a lifetime’s challenges of self-belief.

First International Pilates conference in Southfields hosted and desire to be a mom. As There is nothing like organised by Lisa they have grown, I have demonstrating high level become a football mom, just another exercises in tight lycra to a group of many hats I wear. This job is one of students to get you over your I love – they are skilful and I am one self-imposed fears, to humble you of those annoying moms who shouts and to force you to just get on with from the side. living and being the best version of yourself on any given day.

The Pilates school that I trained with, BASI Pilates, an International I am so fulfilled in what I do, that school of Pilates, has become like a despite the daily strains and heavy guiding light to my career. I trained load of running a business, a marriage, two kids and a dog, I just with them in 2004 and by 2013 my love the fact that I get to be involved studio had become a host studio to in creating an environment that enhances the lives run BASI Pilates courses, a great honour! A year of not only clients from our community, but my later, I was awarded the Licence (franchise) for teachers and my students all around the UK too.

BASI Pilates for the UK and Ireland and in 2015

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CANNIZARO

PRESENTS

A N I G H T O F CO C K TA I L S CANAPÉS AND LIVE MUSIC At Hotel du Vin Wimbledon E v e r y fi r s t Fr i d a y o f e a c h m o n t h f r o m 6 . 3 0 p m J o i n u s i n t h e l o u nge f o r a n e ve n i n g o f l i ve mu s i c a n d c om pl i m e n t a r y c r a f t e d c a n a p é s , w h i l s t s i ppi ng on o u r c o c k t a i l o f t h e m on t h .

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Your business your

rules

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

The Women in Business Council was set up

by Teresa May in 2012 in order to advise Government on how women’s contribution to the economy can be optimised. They see an urgent need to broaden girls’ career choices and aspirations by bringing together schools, businesses, career development professionals and parents. To empower future generations of young women to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option requires us to embed this female entrepreneurism in the education system.

Working for yourself can be lonely, especially at the start, but there are support networks around. Women only networking groups are mushrooming everywhere. The members of these groups, us included, find them warm, supportive, fun and they help us grow our businesses.

Angela Auluck Founder of Dental Rooms Angela Auluck is the dynamic and glamorous founder of the Dental Rooms, a hugely successful dental practice in the heart of Wimbledon Village.

Angela was a high achiever from a young age and her drive and motivation comes from believing everyone has the right to a beautiful smile. Her successes include winning the Gold Medal for dentistry from the University of London, recognition by the HRH The Queen as a Young Achiever, raising two children – and recently celebrating 20 years of marriage!

My top tip: Build a perfect team. The Dental Rooms team is always working towards our goals and vision. They are the backbone of my business and my second family! dentalrooms.co.uk

Sarah Austin – Founder of Really Helpful Club

Gaëlle Fontaine Independent Private PA

I spent 10 years in the City as a Senior Fund Manager before leaving to become a full-time mother. Four years ago, I founded Really Helpful Club, an online and offline community for positive, like-minded people to share their connections, advice and knowledge. It’s free to join and, with over 15,000 members, our community is buzzing. Our website features a directory of outstanding memberrecommended businesses, who can advertise their services to our unique and influential network.

We also run informative, inspiring and interesting events covering all aspects of life, from health and wellbeing, to career advice.

I spent 20 years working for Cartier London, juggling career, business trips, motherhood and “doing it all”. Eventually I realised even the best of us need help and so as a born organiser, I decided I would offer that help to others. We all sometimes feel overwhelmed by unaccomplished tasks, domestic challenges and the chaos that forms when we don’t get on with them. From running errands, handling personal affairs and confidential matters to managing different projects, the scope is immensely varied, challenging and enriching.

But the most rewarding aspect is to allow my clients more time to do things that inspire them.

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

My top tip: Asking for help is a Strength!

reallyhelpfulclub.com

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darling turns 10! | spring 19

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Clare Jefferies – Owner of Home Instead Senior Care, Wimbledon, Kingston & Richmond

Kate Kelk Co-founder of Cajun HR The reason Jenny and I decided to work for ourselves and set up our human resources consultancy was because it provided us with flexibility, variety and the opportunity to work with people we like. We operate in a myriad of different sectors providing practical straightforward and commercial HR advice. Qualified in our profession, we have a genuine passion for business.

Our aim is always to help fellow business owners deliver their strategic plans through the development and management of their team of employees, without having a permanent HR professional on the payroll.

My top tip: Enjoy your work!

If you are not enjoying it understand why and make changes.

My top tip: Trust your gut instinct. If it feels right, do it. A leap of faith could be the making of you! homeinstead.co.uk/wimbledonandkingston

cajunhrservices.co.uk

Sophie Khan – Solicitor Advocate in civil liberties and human rights law I set up my niche law firm to specialise in civil liberties and human rights law in 2014 and opened a branch office in Wimbledon Village, two years later. My firm has an expertise in representing individuals who bring actions against the police and other state bodies, at inquests and in claims against the military. I am also the Founder and Director of Legal & Policy at the Police Action Centre, the first national organisation dedicated to providing a free, independent and confidential advice service on complaints against the police and other detaining authorities.

My top tip: Never let other people define you and always be yourself. sophiekhan.co.uk

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I love my job.

My company provides highly personalised care and support to older people in their own homes locally. The care our clients receive is delivered from the heart, by people who really want to make a difference to their clients lives and my particularly passion is the subject of dementia awareness. Our care is rated Outstanding by the CQC and we’ve won numerous awards. Inspired by my own parent’s poor care, I can honestly say, they would be very proud of all that we do to prevent loneliness and isolation.

spring 19 | darling turns 10!

Lisa Lamberti – Founder of The Pilates Clinic I always wanted to have my own business and I always wanted to do something where I could enable people around me to become better versions of themselves.

I have also always loved movement and exercise with a deep interest in movement anatomy. The Pilates Clinic is the fulfilment of all these loves. I get to be inspired by our incredible teachers and I get to give them a platform to shine, grow and flourish, aligning with my mission to offer the best service possible. I love that my business is a shining light in such a great community.

My top tip: Don’t be led by other businesses, be led by yourself and your own sense of truth, honesty, integrity and fairness. thepilatesclinic.com

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Lucinda Peyton-Jones Holistic Health London Have you ever wondered how Reiki can help you?

As a full registered and insured Reiki Master and Teacher of 16 years, I have seen some remarkable transformations. A client says, ’I can’t believe the difference, more energy, better sleep, my neck pain has gone. Thank you.’ Through relaxation I help with stress and anxiety, harmonising your life, bringing you a better work/life balancing and giving you more energy to cope with the everyday, especially if you are going through troubling times and long-term illness. It is OK to have times when we are not managing. If that’s you or someone you know, call me. I am in Wandsworth SW London.

My top tip: Do your worst task first and get it out of the way. holistichealthlondon.co.uk

Deepa Prasad Owner of Arthur Road Dental Practice

Sarah Quartermaine Co-founder of RyGas RyGas RySparks RyBuild turns over a million a year and we recently have just won Merton’s Overall Best Business 2018. Never did I picture running a successful company in the property maintenance industry. However, I soon learnt that business intuition can be transferred to any sector. Being a creative female influence in a man’s world (domestic gas, plumbing, electrics and drainage), my previous career in the beauty business has helped shape the company and make us stand out from the rest!

My top tip: Never stay still or be complacent, always look at the next step towards a bigger goal. Confidence in most cases is more valuable than skill. rygas.co.uk

Jennifer Siegeris Siegeris Dance and The Ballet Boutique

As well as being a highly experienced dental surgeon, Deepa is also Principal of Arthur Road Dental Practice, a well-established family practice in Wimbledon.

The practice has a very loyal patient base, a true reflection of the high quality, personalised care that Deepa and her team are committed to delivering! Outside of dentistry, Deepa believes in giving back to the community and does voluntary work with children. She is also involved in postgraduate education and was past Chair and Secretary of the Kingston BDA group.

I told everyone I wanted to be a ‘dancing girl’ when I grow up, even as a toddler I had a dream of becoming a ballet teacher!

We’ve just celebrated Siegeris Dance’s 10th anniversary with a spectacular show at the New Wimbledon Theatre. With 10 class locations in Merton as well as our dancewear shop, we are so proud of what we have achieved with the support of our local community. We’re extremely excited about what 2019 will bring - we’re expanding with the launch of a new Ballet Boutique in Kingston, and we’re expecting our 3rd child!

My top tip: Don’t compromise on your principles and never give up on a dream.

My top tip: Balancing home and work life is a challenge, but my family inspires me every day to make my dream a reality.

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community

merton

goes to the Movies!

Merton based filmmakers Matvi Khosho, Charlie Strank, actor Daniel Bramiah & filmmaker Rosie Gaunt-Mathieson

FilmMerton brings pop-up film screenings, new short film commissions and the latest immersive technologies to the borough in an exciting arts programme

By Hannah McGreevy

F

ilmMerton is an exciting new initiative to develop a film culture in areas of the borough like Mitcham, where there are lower levels of participation in the arts. Throughout 2019 until Spring 2020 there will be screenings of film seasons chosen by a diverse range of community groups and high-profile guest curators. You can also look forward to a virtual reality festival showcasing the latest in immersive technologies.

John Merriman, Chair of the FilmMerton Cultural Advisory Group

Photography Rebecca Cresta

Finding Common Ground When local resident John Merriman decided to bring together an advisory committee to bid for London Borough of Culture, a team of talented entrepreneurs worked closely with the council and consultant, Sarah Tanburn, to write a bid entitled Common Ground. This had two key aspirations; firstly, to bridge the divide in Merton between the east and west of the borough and secondly to involve local communities in the decision-making so that Merton residents would choose the events that were delivered and the art that was made.

Establishing FilmMerton Merton won the prestigious Cultural Impact Award to fund FilmMerton and the project has also received funding and support from Merton Council, which has been key to delivering the film seasons and commissions. This support has enabled FilmMerton to build a partnership with the British Film Institute, enabling local young filmmakers to access training and networking in 2019 and beyond. shop local

What’s Up Next?

Get ready for an inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking selection of films in screenings all over the borough. From gangs and peer pressure to hidden stories, there is in an eclectic range of films to watch in Merton this year.

As well as films chosen by residents, there will also be seasons curated by notable guests, including a season on Radical Women selected by Deputy Mayor of London, Justine Simmons.

Four new short films have been commissioned to be filmed in the borough, two of which are being made by local young filmmakers who will receive funding, attendance at the BFI Future Film Festival and ongoing production and mentoring support.

The winning films will be screened at a virtual reality festival taking place in March 2020 where you’ll get the chance to experience the latest immersive technologies.

Want to find out when the next FilmMerton event is on? Follow @filmmerton_ on Twitter or for further information contact: Film Seasons – Maureen Mckarkiel Arts Consultancy maureen@maureenmckarkielconsultancy.org.uk Virtual Reality Festival/short film commissions alison@digitaldrama.org

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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“Conclusive proof that all-girls education from an early age can be simply brilliant.”

The Good Schools Guide 2018

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.

Annual Open Morning 9 March 2019.

All Welcome.

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+.

New bursary available for entry into Year 1 or Year 2 in September 2019.

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

finding its finding its finding finding its findingits its

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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

Hair Natulique now available at Thom Kirby Certified organic colour 360 BIOCERT. For post holiday Sun Stressed hair enjoy a free consultation with one of our senior Colour Technicians, where you can discuss colour and treatments available, including OLAPLEX.

155 Arthur Road Wimbledon SW19 8AD

020 8947 5222

thomkirbyhair.com

beauty promo

Louise Stewart

THE EYES HAVE IT! Images courtesy of Dr P. Piersini

Minor ops now available at Wimbledon’s leading MediSpa

before

N

akedhealth brings a Minor Surgery service to the High Street. Since getting the green light from the Care Quality Commission, the Nakedhealth Ops Room has been in full swing offering surgical procedures such as the removal of all types of lumps, bumps, skin lesions, cysts, lipomas (fatty deposits) and moles.

Mr David Gateley, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and cofounder of Wimbledon’s most established Medispa, also performs eye blepharoplasty, which is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. It is a short operation using local anaesthetic in which loose skin and excess fatty tissue around the eye area is removed. It is an effective and instant treatment to

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after tighten and smooth the eye area, resulting in a fresher appearance. Mr Gateley has been delivering these treatments for many years and reports high levels of patient satisfaction saying that “patients immediately feel that they look younger and rejuvenated”.

With many years experience in Plastic Surgery Mr Gateley fully understands the importance of minimising scarring and down time and that procedures need to be both safe and comfortable for the patient.

To introduce the minor surgery service, Nakedhealth is offering free mini consultations with Mr Gateley.

With a rise in the incidence of skin cancers in the UK all patients will be offered a free mole check. The Nakedhealth

Minor Ops Room has the latest monitoring and surgical equipment to ensure a safe, quick delivery of care. All follow ups will be by the resident medical staff. If required, lesions can be sent for examination under microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

‘Worried about a mole that has changed it’s appearance? Then jump the queue’ So, if you’re worried about a mole that might have changed in size, shape and overall colour or a cyst that has unusually increased in size, then jump the queue and contact Nakedhealth Medispa and book a mini consultation with Mr Gateley before the end of May. Nakedhealth MEDISPA 020 8944 5454 nakedhealth.co.uk 261-263 Coombe Lane, Wimbledon, SW20 0RH

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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dental promo

BRUXISM TEETH GRINDING AND CLENCHING Cracked, chipped and worn teeth! Ever thought why?

Bruxism affects over 10 million adults in the UK yet most of us do not know what it is. Many people grind and/or clench their teeth without problem. However, a large number suffer from severe symptoms, ranging from broken teeth and restorations to headaches, jaw and neck ache.

Thankfully there is growing awareness of the condition and your dentist can help. Dr Anand Patel of Infinitidental clinic in Wimbledon has advanced his knowledge in this field and has revolutionised his approach to patient care.

Causes

Whilst bruxism can occur during waking hours, nearly 80% of clenching and grinding occurs subconsciously during sleep and is typically associated with stress and/or anxiety. A dental examination provides a static representation of a lifetime of dentistry where many of the signs of bruxism can be detected: • Chipped or fractured teeth • Crack lines within the tooth and around restorations • Previous loss of teeth due to them splitting • Chipped or worn porcelain on crowns • Wear facets on teeth due to repeated sliding of tooth on tooth • Flattened teeth and cusps • Ragged incisal edges on the front teeth • Bone loss around molar teeth

sufferer. However, with symptoms not always involving the teeth, often there is little awareness that bruxism may be the cause of such painful symptoms.

Treatment

Dentists have traditionally concentrated on fixing the issues and complaints patients present with. Beyond this, Dr Anand Patel now strives to find out why these incidences occur and can recommend ways in which they can be minimised going forward.

The sleep clench inhibitor (SCI)

Patient tolerance with the smaller SCI dental splint is far superior to the traditional full arch devices and therefore patient compliance is much greater.

Worn at night, the splint sits between your front teeth, preventing the back teeth from making contact. This is a key difference to traditional splints and by doing so clench intensity is minimised and grinding becomes almost impossible. By inhibiting the unwanted muscle activity, the tension that causes migraines, headaches, and jaw and neck pain is greatly reduced.

Dr Anand Patel has found great success with the use of SCI splints in his practice to date and believes they are a great preventative treatment modality.

• Sensitive teeth • Lines and ridges on the cheeks and tongue Involving some of your most powerful muscles, studies have shown that during sleep, patients can exert 20% more pressure than is possible whilst awake – with severe consequences for the

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Book in for your consultation by calling us on 020 8542 2171 146 Merton Hall Rd, Wimbledon, SW19 3PZ infinitidentalclinic.com

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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We cater for all occasions Private Function Room Kids Welcome Free Delivery

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195 - 197 Merton Road London SW19 1EE ayacuisine.com

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promo

Is Movement the Medicine?

Shirley Ruetimann uses Method Putkisto to help

S

itting is the new smoking - a sedentary lifestyle puts you at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, deterioration in spinal health, depression and mood disorders.

Why? Because “humans are not programmed to be inactive. The combination of both accelerated sedentary lifestyle and constant food availability disturbs ancient metabolic processes leading to excessive storage of energy in tissue, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance.”

Clinical Science (London) 2011

technique - Method Putkisto. “To heal your body and improve its performance it is necessary to build a good understanding and awareness of your body - from where your muscles and joints are, to your posture, body position and your sense of equilibrium.”

Our in-house massage therapist specialises in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Through deep tissue massage, she can assist you with moving better to improve performance in all areas of your life.

Body Mindfulness Studio teaches the foundations of movement through a Finnish bodywork

To discover how our mat and outdoor classes combined with massage therapy can help you realise your potential visit bodymindfulnessstudio.co.uk T: 07767 686010 E: shirley@bodymindfulnessstudio.co.uk

Award-Winning Team Care and Nursing at Home

Fully Managed Service Family Owned and Run Dementia Specialists 68 Branches Nationwide

Do you need a helping hand?

With almost 30 years of experience in caring for people within their own home, and a commitment to using only directly employed carers, we have the expertise to provide the best care possible from 30 minutes to full-time live-in care.

Looking for care?

02087 126 616 For more information www.helpinghands.co.uk

Women’s Health Physiotherapy Specialising in all aspects of Pre and Post Natal Physiotherapy & Pilates, Pelvic floor surgery Rehabilitation and Incontinence Physiotherapy

£10 OFF any service when you quote Darling Valid to May 31st.

“Seeing Jess for a post-natal health assessment was the best thing I did after giving birth. Along with attending her Pilates classes, I was able to re-build my core and strength slowly and safely. I now feel like ‘me’ again and stronger than ever!

Jess is a fantastic physio and teacher and I’d recommend her to every new mother!”

APPI Wimbledon Clinic 1 Thornton Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 4NB

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RAY STEVENS ACADEMY “Our dedicated and qualified team offer the very best in teaching techniques with the emphasis on fun” Ray Stevens, Olympic medalist

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JUDO classes for all ages West Wimbledon 07552 774111 enquiries@raystevensacademy.co.uk www. raystevensacademy.co.uk

hair promo

HAIR RAISING! “Don’t let your hair lose its mojo,” says Bhavash Padhiar of Wimblederm, “Use your own blood to restore it”

R

emember the days when your reflection in the mirror was you with beautiful thick hair? And not your scalp shining through.

Losing hair is a natural part of getting older. Everyone normally sheds up to 150 hairs a day. Don’t worry, most people have roughly a hundred thousand hairs on their head and for each hair that falls out, you will grow a new one.

Thinning hair happens when hair naturally moults and doesn’t grow back as quickly or as thick as it used to. Over time the hair growth cycle slows down and eventually stops growing altogether. The thinning process of individual hair follicles can take up to ten years before baldness happens.

‘We use the restorative components of your blood and combine it with correct growth factors and nutrients to apply back to your scalp’ shop local

The Answer Luckily you have a window of up to a decade after your hair starts thinning to be able to reverse the decline of those weak and flagging hair follicles before they are gone for good.

Remember that time is ticking and the window is getting smaller. At Wimblederm, we use the healing properties of your own immune system to kick start the natural chain reaction that happens when you injure yourself. We make this process happen without the trauma of an actual injury.

Bhavash has over two decades of training and experience as a clinical pharmacist in acute major hospitals working with some of the top consultants and surgeons in the country on hospital wards and during surgical procedures. He has developed the integration of pharmaceuticals, clinical knowledge of the scalp and skin, together with non-invasive surgical procedures to create an advanced system to quickly thicken and rejuvenate hair that’s lost its mojo.

Wimblederm uses the restorative components of your blood and combines with correct growth factors and nutrients and applied back to your scalp using shallow injections. The process is relatively pain free, quick and doesn’t involve you having to hide away for weeks on end as you would after surgery. A full consultation is required before any treatment to assess your suitability.

We are based at the fabulous Lulu Blonde salon in Wimbledon Village. Their expertise and talent in hair care, colour and style fits perfectly with our hair thickening treatments to put the “Wow!” back into your hair.

Mr Bhavash Padhiar BSc (Hons) MRPharmS Pharmacist 07830 385299 Lulu Blonde 20 Ridgeway, Wimbledon Village myhair@wimblederm.co.uk wimblederm.co.uk Read my blogs on ladywimbledon.com darling turns 10! | spring 19

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Wine Tasting Series welcoming all parents and prams Every first & third Monday of the month 2pm-3pm | ÂŁ15 tickets includes 4-5 wines & light nibbles Hosted by Friarwood Fine Wines in Wimbledon Village Tickets available on Eventbrite or at the Friarwood Wimbledon Village shop Unit 3 Haygarth House, 31 High Street, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5BY

Come and join

Love to Move Home Instead Senior Care, in partnership with the British Gymnastics Foundation, are launching a chair-based gymnastics programme specially designed to get older people moving and functioning better.

The science bit…

Almost every part of this chair-based exercise programme works on bi-lateral asymmetric movement patterns. This benefits all older people including those with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, by enabling the left side and right side of the brain to process information independently, thus improving cognitive function, co-ordination and the ability to carry out activities of daily living more independently… so basically it’s great for all!

Our programme runs every Monday at the Lantern Arts Centre, Tolverine Road, Raynes Park from 10.30am to 12noon and will run every Monday throughout the year.

We will be serving tea, coffee, cake and biscuits in what will be a friendly and encouraging environment. We ask for a contribution of £3 to attend.

For more information please contact Clare on 020 8942 4137 or clare.jefferies@homeinstead.co.uk www.homeinstead.co.uk/wimbledonandkingston

COOK’S CORNER Mango Mousse

Carole Cory

T

his recipe is so easy and lovely for spring.

I find mangoes are often overlooked as a fruit, especially in recipes and they are starting to really come in to season March/ April time, being at their best in the summer. Obviously you can buy them all year round though as they are imported. With this recipe you can use either all-fresh mango or for a quick and easy cheats guide you can buy tinned mango pulp. A rich but very easy dessert to make for a dinner party/picnic/BBQ’s or, as Easter is coming up, for something sweet after your Easter

lunch. It is also a great dessert after something spicy like a curry. The decoration is up to you as well. I tend to put mango on top to make it a full on mango experience but have also used Kiwi fruit, passion fruit and raspberries to get some real tropical colour and taste. Play around with this recipe. Have fun!

020 8947 5337 carole@partiestogo.co.uk partiestogo.co.uk

Ingredients 1 x 850g Fresh mango pulped loosely in a blender or you can buy a can of Mango Pulp if its easier 1 x 600g Double Cream 1 x 250g Mascarpone 2 Fresh Mangoes to decorate Mint Sprigs to decorate optional Method Whisk the double cream in a large bowl until semi thick.

Add the Mango Pulp and whisk together until you get a smooth consistency. I tend to like a really smooth one with no lumps in, but some may prefer a bit of a bite to it.

Add the mascarpone until the mixture is thick and creamy.

I like to serve them in Martini Glasses but you can serve them in ramekins or smaller glasses if preferred. Just pour the mixture in to the individual containers/ glass and decorate with fresh chopped Mangoes or improvise with passion fruit or raspberries on the top. Fresh Mint is another great way to decorate with instant colour and fresh flavour. Easy…

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020 8944 1973 www.chiclocations.com ATOL 6389 ABTA W773X

Perfect Your Smile for the New Year Invisalign Open Evening Wednesday 27th March 2019, 5-9pm

Free specialist consultations and scans

£500 off treatment for those who sign up on the night Booking essential. Please contact info@dentalrooms.co.uk for more information and to book, or call 020 8946 2426

Quote code DM0319 when booking

Invisalign is an excellent and hugely popular, discreet teeth straightening option: • Virtually invisible aligners - you can smile and socialise in confidence • Removable - you can eat, drink, brush and floss as usual • Custom made and close fitting – your speech won’t be affected • Smooth and a snug fit – no discomfort and damage to gums and surrounding tissue • Reduced treatment time and fewer appointments needed 1 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, London SW19 4RS shop local T: 020 8946 2426 E: info@dentalrooms.co.uk darling turns 10! | spring 19 W: dentalrooms.co.uk

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

Local, friendly and professional Admel House 24 High Street Wimbledon Village SW19 5DX T: 020 8944 9955 E: mail@pole.co.uk 32

spring 19 | darling turns 10!

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mental health

Time to Pause

“Whatever we call it, the change, the pause or that time of life the menopause is a life changing event”, says therapist, Pam Custers

T

he emotional effects of the menopause effect our mood and our relationships. When a woman has her first hot flush it is a profound moment. Many women feel a sense of loss. We realise that our child rearing days are over and we start to take stock of what our life holds. We may also feel a sense of liberation. No matter how you may view this moment it may well shift our own sense of identity in the world.

What we know is that for the average woman (is there such a thing!), menopause happens at the age of 51 whilst being peri menopausal starts at 45. Some woman start way earlier and others may start way later. In our practice we understand that it happens at a time when so much else is happening in a woman’s life. Careers may have reached a ceiling for them or their partners. Children may well be leaving home. Financial demands are at their highest and our long-term relationships have lost their mojo! Then just for good measure nature throws us a curved ball. We step onto a hormonal rollercoaster.

Menopause effects women in a vast number of ways. It is as unique as each of us and impossible to provide one size fits all help.

Women are often left stumbling around trying to find information that may or may not be useful to their unique set of circumstances.

So what can we do? Find a medic that is knowledgeable and sympathetic. Talk. Talk to your friends to a counsellor, talking helps process what at times feels like we are at sixes and sevens with the world. Use mindfulness to reduce the stress and anxiety. Exercise to release the endorphins.

Finally, you may be the one that is going through the change but so is your relationship.

The menopause is a relational issue. We know that the difference between a good and a bad relationship is the difference between thriving or simply surviving. Have an open and frank

conversation with your partner. Let them in to what is going on. We know that feeling connected to our love partner releases a different kind of hormone that reduces tension and stress and helps us to cope with what life is throwing at us.

Pam Custers runs The Relationship Practice she is an experienced therapist working with individuals, couples and families. MA. BA (Psych) Hons and is a RELATE trained. MBACP (accredited). She leads a team of equally experienced specialists.

Contact 07914 411729 | pamcusters.co.uk

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legal promo

The Hand that

Rocks the Cradle

Employing domestic staff and getting the basic terms right with Peacock & Co’s Clare Chappell

Employing domestic staff is not like an ordinary “commercial” employment relationship, even though the same legal framework applies.

In basic terms, domestic staff are employed so households can function smoothly whilst their employers get on with their business lives.

Whether a nanny looking after the children of the household, or a live-in carer for an elderly person, domestic staff perform essential functions in close quarters to their employer.

This article seeks to highlight some matters that could arise when employing domestic staff.

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spring 19 | darling turns 10!

Recruitment It is essential to ensure that you recruit the right person for a domestic role, especially a live-in role. As well as qualifications, consider the candidate’s character and “fit”.

It is unlawful to employ anyone who does not have the right to work in the UK, or who is working in breach of the conditions under which they are permitted to stay in the UK. Employers must confirm that prospective employees have the right to live and work in the UK by carrying out “right to work” checks on documents evidencing of that right before allowing an individual to start work.

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PEACOCK & CO Solicitors

Clare Chappell

If it transpired that an individual did not have the right to work in the UK, the employer could be liable for a civil penalty of up to £20,000 (per illegal employee), plus an unlimited fine and/or up to six months’ imprisonment. It is worth getting this right at the outset and a reputable recruitment agency will help.

the disciplinary and grievance procedures that apply to employees – often included in a Staff Handbook covering all relevant policies and procedures. No matter how many staff are employed, all employers should consider documenting the rules and procedures that apply, so that everything is clear on the face of the relationship.

Contract of employment

Regular catch-up meetings are also a good idea – but don’t allow big issues to fester.

All employees are entitled to basic written terms and conditions of employment within 8 weeks of starting work. I recommend issuing a written contract at the outset, so a probation clause can be included (see below) and to deal with matters like the employee’s entitlement to use the employer’s vehicles.

Confidentiality will be an imperative. There is an implied term of mutual trust and confidence that should exist between all employers and employees; arguably domestic employers are entitled to expect a higher level of trust and confidence. Standalone Non-Disclosure Agreements are common for domestic staff, to prohibit any public statements about the employer or their family at any time, in any publication or on any social media platform. Those quotes about the latest celebrity divorce from “friends” or “someone close” to the person might be PR-managed - or could come unapproved from their domestic staff.

Imposing a probation period is a good idea to give the employee time to settle in, and the family a chance to check all is working out satisfactorily, coupled with a minimal notice period for a quick separation if necessary.

During employment As a bare minimum, employers must publish

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After employment Perhaps oddly, it is best to anticipate and deal with post-termination matters at the start of employment. In the domestic environment, ensuring confidentiality, and avoiding prolonged, magnified publicity from a claim or negative media reports, will carry an intangible value to employers. It is often not simply a case of issuing a warning and carrying on after misconduct; the relationship, once dented, can be difficult to recover.

Dismissal might be the desired outcome for even a minor transgression, owing to that higher standard of trust and confidence expected from domestic staff. Care should be taken to minimise risk of successful claims and ensure the employee’s contractual obligations as to confidentiality remain in force. Early legal advice can help achieve a managed departure.

If you would like more information on the matters summarised in this article, please contact Clare Chappell, Associate Solicitor at Peacock & Co, at clare.chappell@peacock-law.co.uk or on 020 8944 5290 peacock-law.co.uk darling turns 10! | spring 19

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sep-oct 2013 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

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REAL CRIME NEEDS REAL POLICE Sophie Khan, Solicitor-Advocate states her case

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n November 2017, the London Mayor announced a decision to close 37 of the 73 police stations across London.

The decision followed a consultation launched on 14 July 2017 by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime on a Draft Public Access and Engagement Strategy (PAES) for London. The Mayor’s decision was judicially reviewed by Professor Paul Kohler, who had in 2014 been the victim of a violent attack in his home in Wimbledon.

On 20 July 2018, the High Court found that the decision to close Wimbledon Police Station was unlawful, as the Deputy Mayor had “failed to ensure that there was consideration of a material matter raised in the consultation responses relating to Merton.” The material matter which had been ignored was “the need to test whether the new technology would reduce the amount of time officers needed to spend in the community.”

The shift away from traditional policing methods to digital policing has already been explored by other police forces to include Kent Police.

In 2013, Kent Police started to use the PredPol programme, a predictive policing algorithm which claimed that on a daily basis it can identify 180 crime hotspots, each 500ft by 500ft.

Unsurprisingly, Kent Police has decided not to renew the £100,000 per year contract and in

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November 2018 launched “a new policy model that places victims and witnesses at its centre…” after evaluating “alternative options which will support a focus on both traditional and emerging crime types”.

The unpredictability of the “new technology” has also been experienced by the Metropolitan Police in its trialling of Live Facial Recognition.

The NEC’s NeoFace Technology, is said to identify a person from a digital image, held on a system database which contains the “watch list”, but there has been an almost 100 per cent misidentification rate. It has cost the Metropolitan Police £198,000 for the software and £23,000 on hardware, such as cameras.

The future of the Wimbledon Police Station remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the experiment with digital policing has failed. It is difficult to see how the Mayor can remain of the view that “new technology”, can bring about savings to the police fund and safety to Londoners at the same time.

If you wish to seek legal advice on whether you have a human rights claim against the police or a detention claim, if you have been arrested, contact Sophie Khan & Co, Solicitors and Higher Court Advocates on 07702 999 638 enquiries@sophiekhan.co.uk sophiekhan.co.uk

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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Spring has almost sprung!

Easter gatherings, Summer Parties, Impromptu BBQ’s and general summer fun As an established caterer for over 20 years, Parties to Go are not only very experienced, but bring that extra bit of summer fun to any party, so you can go off and really enjoy yourself. We have a vast range of food and drink to choose from and can organise your event from beginning to end including finding a venue for you.

Please do get in touch on 020 8947 5337 or email carole@partiestogo.co.uk | partiestogo.co.uk

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Hope

The School of

Sponsor a desk and help a child to follow in Miche’s footsteps risen to the challenge and is an inspiration and role model for other young students to follow.

Join Thembalitsha UK and the Thembalitsha Foundation today and help us to transform many more tomorrows.

Miche

Access to quality education is still a pipe dream for many South Africans. A dismal 50% of the children that begin school in Reception successfully make it through to Sixth Form.

Now meet Miche. She fell pregnant while she was repeating Grade 8, and when her baby girl arrived the day before her 16th birthday it seemed as if her last hopes of completing her education were gone. After two years of staying home to care for her daughter, her grandmother, knowing how difficult it would be to find reliable work with only a Grade 8, encouraged Miche to get back into school. Planning for a future for herself and her child would be challenging if Miche

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didn’t make a change, but what kind of school was going to accept an 18-year-old GCSE student?

Fortunately, she soon discovered the School of Hope, one of the flagship projects funded by the Thembalitsha Foundation with the help of Thembalitsha UK. In 2018 Miche graduated from the School of Hope at the top of her class with a Bachelor Pass and two distinctions!

What’s next for Miche? She hopes to study Foundation Phase teaching, should her financial situation allow it, all the while raising her daughter.

Her journey as a young mother has been one filled with trials and tribulations, but Miche has

Sponsoring a desk for just £10 a month would help others to follow in Miche’s footsteps and provide the much-needed support to restore hope to some of the most vulnerable populations in South Africa. thembalitsha.org.uk

Registered company number: 06446753 (England and Wales) Registered Charity Number: 1122832

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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header

Wimbledon BookFest Spring Weekend Festival Wimbledon BookFest is delighted to announce an inaugural Spring Weekend Festival in partnership with King’s College School, Wimbledon on 15-17 March 2019.

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he Festival will feature a diverse programme of talks, interviews and debates featuring writers, commentators and acclaimed thinkers from the worlds of politics, global affairs, education, philosophy, history and more.

Speakers include poet Roger McGough, philosopher Julian Baggini, writer and novelist Fatima Bhutto, broadcaster and author Tim Marshall and world renowned historian Peter Frankopan who will be discussing his latest book ‘The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World,’ the companion volume to his international bestseller ‘The Silk Roads: A New History of the World.’ There will also be a debate on the private education system between Andrew Halls, Head Master of King’s College School, and

social historians Francis Green and David Kynaston.

The Spring Weekend Festival will run in addition to Wimbledon BookFest’s annual ten-day Autumn event which takes place in a pop festival site on Wimbledon Common.

This Weekend Festival will take place in the new Concert Hall at King’s College School and the beautiful historic house, Southside House.

To book go to wimbledonbookfest.org

WIMBLEDON CHORAL SOCIETY’S WORLD PREMIERE OF Da Vinci Requiem Darling chats to composer Cecilia McDowall

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eonardo da Vinci died in 1519. To mark the 500th anniversary in 2019 Wimbledon Choral Society commissioned Cecilia McDowall to compose Da Vinci Requiem. The world premiere is at the Royal Festival Hall on May 7th, with the Philharmonia, conducted by Neil Ferris, and soloists Kate Royal and Roddy Williams.

You came to composing quite late When my children were in their teenage years, I was nearly 50 by that time, I did a Masters in composition, and I decided to focus on writing music.

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What are some of the milestones in your career?

Oxford University Press said they would take me on as a house composer in 2010, that made a great difference, and I suppose when I won Composer of the Year for Choral Music in 2014.

You have a family connection with da Vinci Yes, my mother gave my father the Leonardo da Vinci notebooks when they married in 1946.

As a child I was absolutely fascinated by the drawings. There are a number of texts which align themselves very closely to the Requiem, so I’ve combined extracts from his writings with the Requiem liturgy.

For tickets to the World Premiere of Da Vinci Requiem go to southbankcentre.co.uk or call 020 3879 9555 shop local

arts and culture

Dr Nihara Krause Wins British Citizen Award Dr Nihara Krause, CEO, founder and Clinical Psychologist, has been honoured at the Palace of Westminster receiving a British Citizen Award for Services to Healthcare (BCAh) Dr Nihara Krause was presented her Medal by Dame Mary Perkins and Michael Underwood who hosted the event.

Dr Krause is the CEO and founder of stem4, which was established in 2011 to help young people at risk of a range of psychological difficulties as well as their families, friends, teachers and healthcare professionals.

One of the biggest impacts is Dr Nihara Krause’s creation of the Calm Harm App, which she developed in consultation with young people that wanted to self-harm. The App, which is free, has been downloaded around 900,000 times. Last month she created the Clear Fear App to help children and young people manage anxiety.

#FromTheFringe

stem4.org.uk

Hip Hip I’m Gay

The New Wimbledon Theatre Studio comes alive this summer

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ntroducing New Wimbledon Theatre’s #FromTheFringe season, new for 2019!

For three weeks this June, each night the Theatre’s studio space will play host to something entirely different. Having been selected from the very best submissions, a range of exciting theatre-makers and comedians will preview their work before they take it off to various fringe festivals. And, for an inexpensive ticket price with multi-buy offers available, you can afford to experiment and find a new favourite artist or style, all whilst enjoying an icecold beer from Wimbledon Brewery, the official Beer of #FromTheFringe.

From stand-up to drama, children’s theatre to sketch comedy and musical delights, they’ve got something for everyone! This season will

see the return of local favourites, comedy troupe Bad Clowns with a brand-new show Cult Classic, whilst Edinburgh Fringe sell-out In Loyal Company is sure to exceed your dramatic expectations. Regarding comedians you can see Ivo Graham, Tom Houghton, Kate Lucas and Simon Brodkin to name but a few. #FromTheFringe runs from 4th – 22nd June in New Wimbledon Studio atgtickets.com 020 8545 7915

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eco

WEAR YOUR ETHICS ON YOUR SLEEVE Ali Clifford’s guide to guilt-free shopping

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hether it’s spring, summer or autumn, or winter, every fashion choice you make comes at a price that isn’t always reflected on the tag.

David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II has opened our eyes to the devastating impact of plastic on our oceans. And Stacey Dooley’s shocking BBC documentary Fashion’s Guilty Secrets has pricked our consciences by showing the real cost of “fast fashion. But the ethical consequences of everything we wear, from head to toe and from luxury designs to casual summer outfits, are only now getting the attention they deserve.

Navigating the ethical minefield can be tricky when you are trying to stay true to them.

So – to keep it brief… let’s shop ‘ethical’ instead.

• Sustainability - What is it made from?

• Fairness for garment workers - who made it?

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

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

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

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

Party Shoes and Summer Sandals The fashion documentary on Netflix, “The True Cost Movie” shows leather tanneries responsible for chronic pollution with a toxic waste of chemicals such as arsenic and chromium flowing into India’s revered Ganges River, and the systematic poisoning of tens of thousands of people. Opt for

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spring 19 | darling turns 10!

vegetable tanned European chrome-free leather which will have been produced to higher welfare and environmental standards. There are plenty of sustainable vegan footwear options available too: Shoe brands such as Po-Zu.com use materials such as cork, linen, eco microfibre, organic cotton, Fairtrade rubber, and innovative vegan materials like Pinatex, a plant-based leather which is made from pineapple leaf fibres.

Are you a Slave to Fashion?

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

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

Also, Fashion Revolution’s hashtag #WhoMadeMyClothes? This simple question gets people thinking differently about what they wear.

As consumers, our questions, our voices and our everyday shopping behaviour has the power to help change things for the better.

IN SUPPLY CHAINS WORLDWIDE

41 MILLION people are victims of forced labour

168 MILLION children

still in child labour

$150 BILLION illicit profits generated annually @slavetofash

@safia_minney

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Ali Clifford @incredibusy

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

We can create our own ‘Megan effect’ – People will ask you where you bought your party shoes! Hey, you could even RENT your party outfit from Wear the Walk!

Use your wallet, wardrobe and your voice to transform fashion into a force for good.

Here’s a list of brands and independent stores who are finding alternative ways of producing and promoting fashion (new and pre-loved too) that is mindful of the people who make it, the planet and its resources: po-zu.com, howies.co.uk, peopletree.co.uk, fabricforfreedom.com Find the Slave to Fashion book at ethicalshop.org Ali Clifford is a Wimbledon-based social media marketing consultant to ethical and sustainable fashion and cosmetics brands.

Check out her website incredibusy.com and follow her on social media @incredibusy

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darling turns 10! | spring 19 Boots by Po-Zu.com

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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.

BLACK CONSTRUCTION General domestic building work plumbing, plastering electrical, kitchen and bathrooms repair or new.

35 year experience and based in Wimbledon.

We can deal with any planning or building control requirements, small or large.

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

Call David on 07850 393 448 info@black.construction.virgin.co.uk blackconstruction.co.uk

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Aromatica for that

Authentic Italian Taste

Mimmo’s celebrating over 10 years on Leopold Road

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his cosy Italian Deli hide-away still has locals flocking, as Mimmo the owner and chef has been a part of local culture with his happygo-lucky, winning personality and Italian good looks, making customers feel at home and welcome. This could be the secret to his longevity on this High Street. Apart from the friendly atmosphere, his food, inspired by the region of Puglia, is always prepared in his cucina with fresh and interesting ingredients. You may even find black ink tagliolini with baby octopus on the menu one day and a tender pork roast the next. Mimmo also specializes in all things wonderful from Puglia

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including pure extra virgin olive oil, highend balsamic vinegar and imported fine wines from the region.

Customers can even order dishes in various sizes and just pick up.

Popular choices are casserole chicken, lasagne (veg and meat) and parmigiana for example, catering for 6 up to 30 people.

Just heat up and pretend you are the creator!

NOW OPEN FRIDAY & SATURDAY FOR DINNER 7PM – 10PM. PLEASE CALL TO BOOK ON 020 8944 0309 9 Leopold Road, SW19 7BB

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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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.

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!

The Flooring Company

Carpet colour Audrey Twilight 029

020 8971 9101 info@the flooringco.co.uk 257 Coombe Lane SW20 0RH

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 fullergilbert.co.uk

on the scene

With Editor Karine Torr

LADY WIMBLEDON’S FABULOUS LOVE BALL AT HOTEL DU VIN CANNIZARO HOUSE

Nadia Kfaiti, Lady W & Emma Dore, Hotel du Vin GM Dani Sweenie, Lady W, Suzie Kennedy (Marilyn), Flora Firth & Alice Bradley Darling Editor with Love Ball organiser Lady W Ana Pribylova & Anna Louise Scaife

Eli Morley & Harriet O’Conner

David Bradbery & Tulay Hesketh-Prichard

Nimal Fernando, Lady W, Jason Burrill & Claire Atallah with parrots Mikey & Mia

SPOTTED AT FILMMERTON! GALA LAUNCH AT THE NEW WIMBELDON THEATRE

Our fashion guru Charlotte Broadbent

Alice Hammond, Sally Hammond, Ed Gretton & Rufus Shaljean Some of the women on the panel making FilmMerton happen!

Beatboxer Conrad Murray & poetrapper, Paul Cree

Photography Rebecca Cresta

Cllr Janice Howard, Alison Ramsey, Maureen McKarkiel, Christine Parsloe, (Cllr Dan Holden), Sarah Tanburn & Kate Valentine

GLAMOROUS STEM4 CHARITY BALL SPONSORED BY SCHMIDT KITCHENS RAISING £16,000

WHAT'S HOT

John Krause, Dr Helen St John & Dr Nihara Krause POLE DRINKS PARTY HELD AT HEMINGWAYS BAR

Sponsor, Ryan Marfleet & Charley Jones

REISS REISS Floral Floral Midi Midi Dress, colour Dress, colour pop, pop, £225 £225 SKINSMITHS SKINSMITHS Vitamin Vitamin C C Booster, Booster, £27 £27

Rupert Hessian, Simon Pole & Marisa Hessian

OFFICE OFFICE Trainers, Trainers, spring steps, steps, £75 £75 spring

Jacqui Watson, Janice Ackerman & Gayle King GUCCI GG GG GUCCI Leather Leather Belt, Belt, £315 £315

Tony Davies, Keith Malone, Teresa Cheuk & Gary Douch SUZY WOOD, GM CENTRE COURT, LEAVING DRINKS AT 601

Sarah-Jane Holden, Fiona Jeffery OBE & Diane Mills

RIVER ISLAND ISLAND Mid Mid RIVER Blue Blue Straight Straight Leg Leg Jeans, Jeans, Centre Centre Court, Court, £40 £40

WHISTLES WHISTLES Millie Millie Croc Croc Crossbody Crossbody Bag, Bag, hot hot with with any any outfit, outfit, £139 £139

Suzy with Armando Capogrossi Paul Harvey, Adam Jones & Suzy Pietro Palladino, Alex Herbert, Suzy Wood & Lynsey Coleman

OWN OWN IT IT Full Full Women's Women's Training Tights, Tights, Intersport Intersport Training UK UK Now Now at at Elys, Elys, £45 £45

ladywimbledon.com ladywimbledon.com @ladywimbledon @ladywimbledon #LadyWimbledon #LadyWimbledon

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DRINKS AT HOTEL DU VIN

Jennie Allen, John Nouri, Kelly McAteer, Chair of WVBA, Lady W & Karine Torr Photo Taylor Torr

Dr Angela Auluck & Dr Dev Patel Nicky & Adrian Mills with Daniela Horton stepping down as Wimbledon Village PR Officer

Anne-Sophie Paul & Mark Beim

Mary Hirsch & Peter Hirsch

Sarah Austin, Annette Wiik & Alison Edgington

Denise Waterman

Tilly Richardson Bhavash & Hanisha Padhiar with WVBA guest (middle)

ADRIAN & NICKY MILLS OF THAI THO IN WIMBLEDON VILLAGE CELEBRATING WITH FRIENDS

Nicky Mills, Noemy Stoiber, Adrian Mills & Kevin Devine

Andy & & Vicky Vicky Miller Andy

Kristina Walker-Karlsen & Kimberley Salmassian

Simona Massa, Charly Senior (back) & Louise Whelan

Terry & Jackie Farrant

50 june-aug 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Kevin Devine, Adrian Mills & Paul Coia

Natnari Panya & Nicky Mills

David Llewellyn & Noemy Stoiber

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CYNTHIA CORBETT GALLERY ENTERTAINS FRIENDS

Cedric Smith, Steve Boyd & Karine

Artist Amy Cushing, host Cynthia Corbett & Joanna Digby

Carmela Corbett, Gerry and Amanda O’Connor

Celia Kinchington & Harry Corbett

LOCAL TALENT AT NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

Cllr Geraldine Stanford Dep Mayor, Wendy Pridmore Wimbledon Guild, Nick Parr & Roger Norman

Karine with Janis Winehouse, Amy’s mom

PART OF THE STUDY PREP PERFORMERS AT MERTONLIVE!

Back: Mrs Brown Director of Music, Olivia (ArtsEd), Miss Yasmin from Elite Dancers Front: Tienne, Gabriela & Rania

CANDLELIGHT DINNER AT SOUTHSIDE HOUSE HELD IN AID OF MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

Jenny Small & Zoe Penny

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Libby Asher, Lynne Heap & Francis Small

darlingmagazine.co.uk | june-aug 2016 51

NETWORKING WITH MERTON CHAMBER & METRO BANK

ROSIE Q’S ON COOMBE LANE OPENS ‘THE SHED’ FOR CLASSES

Manager Rachel Victory, owners - Jocelyn Ashton & Marc Kerrigan & Hazel Rooney

Joanne Groves, Flora Firth, Caroline Cook & Marjan Moosavi A VIP EVENING AT THE IVY TO MEET THE NEW GM

Sundeep and Sarah Kapila, Jacqui Bowen & Bernadette Thomlinson

New Ivy Manager Saimir Kalziqe with Hayley and Tony Robson from Day True Interiors & Lady W

REGULAR TENNIS FRIENDS AT DAVID LLOYD RAYNES PARK CELEBRATING THREE ‘BIG’ BIRTHDAYS!

Adele Farquharson and Greg Alleyne - Wim Guild

Saimir Kalziqe with Nigel & Jane Chase SCREENING OF ‘DISPOSSESSION: THE GREAT SOCIAL HOUSING SWINDLE’ AT WIM LIBRARY

Jackie Schneider, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, Paul Sng (Director) & Cypren Edmonds

the the Tipping Tipping Point Point

Redressing the idea idea behind behind Redressingthe thegender genderbalance balance -- that’s that’s the #BalanceforBetter, Women’sDay Day #BalanceforBetter,the the2019 2019 International International Women’s theme themeforforwomen womenaround around the the world world

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he economic and social benefits he economic and social benefits of a fair gender balance are well of a fair gender balance are well documented.

Women’s documented.

Women’sissues issuesare are grabbing thethe headlines with grabbing headlines withthe the#MeToo #MeTooand and Time’s UpUp movements, but Time’s movements, buteveryone everyonefrom from school children to to world leaders school children world leaders need to play their part if if wewehope need to play their part hope to make thethe world a better to make world a betterplace place for for us all. us all.

1978 in California and made official in 1987 1978 in California and made official in 1987 by the US Congress. Many amazing events by the US Congress. Many amazing events take throughoutMarch, March,such suchasasWOW WOW take place place throughout -- Women the World WorldFestival Festivalon on8-9 8-9March March Women of of the in SouthbankCentre.

Centre.WOW WOWwas was in London’s London’s Southbank launched in 2010 by Jude Kelly launched in 2010 by Jude Kelly and has has since sincespread spreadworldwide. worldwide. and It attracts activists, experts, artists It attracts activists, experts, artists and audiences audiencesfrom fromall allover overthe the and world and from all walks of life. world and from all walks of life.

Real change changefollows followsafter afteritsits Real groundbreakingdebates, debates,such such groundbreaking the founding foundingofofthe theWomen’s Women’s as the Equality Party Partyby bySandi SandiToksvig Toksvig Equality and Catherine CatherineMayer Mayeratatthe theWOW WOW and London Festival Festivalinin2015.

2015.

London

InInevery every sphere sphere of life, WeWe have reached a crucial life,there there has has never never have reached a crucial moment in in history.

InIn every moment history. every been beenaamore more urgent urgent sphere of of life, there has never sphere life, there has never been a more urgent need totohelp been a more urgent need help need needtotohelp help forge forge forge a more gender-balanced forge a more gender-balanced world.

Women have come world.

Women have comea along long aamore moregendergenderway,way, yetyet there’s still more totobebe there’s still more balanced world. world. achieved.

Feminism has evolved balanced achieved.

Feminism has evolved the fourth tootoo andand wewe areare in in the fourth Women have have come come Women wave of feminism, also called wave of feminism, also called modern feminism, according aalong modern dayday feminism, according longway, way, yet yet to leading scholars the subject. to leading scholars inin the subject. focus is now combatting there’s there’sstill still more more TheThe focus is now onon combatting sexual harassment and violence sexual harassment and violence achieved. totobebeachieved. against women well against women as as well asas establishing equal educational establishing equal educational professional opportunities andand professional opportunities women everywhere. for for women everywhere.

International Women’s Dayis iscelebrated celebrated International Women’s Day annually on March 8 but the global campaign annually on March 8 but the global campaign theme continues all year to encourage action theme continues all year to encourage action and discussion. March is also Women’s and discussion. March is also Women’s History Month. It was first introduced in History Month. It was first introduced in

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Out Out of of frustration frustrationFrances FrancesScott Scott founded founded the the50:50 50:50Parliament Parliament in 2013 2013 and and#AskHerToStand #AskHerToStand campaign campaign in in2016 2016totoachieve achieve50:50 50:50 Parliamentary Parliamentaryrepresentation, representation,anan inclusive inclusive gender-balanced gender-balancedparparliament, liament, that thatdraws drawsupon uponthe thewidest widest possible possible pools poolsof oftalent, talent,in-cluding in-cluding men men and and women womenequally. equally.We Westill still have have aa long longway waytotogo gowith witha arecord record 208 women women MPs 208 MPs elected electedatatGeneral GeneralElection Election in 2017, 2017, aa record in record high highof of32%.

32%.As AsofofJanuary January 2018, there there are 2018, are 206 206 female femalepeers, peers,making makingupup 26% of of Members Members of 26% of the theHouse HouseofofLords.

Lords.InIn this day and age, that’s just not good enough! this day and age, that’s just not good enough!

5050parliament.co.uk 5050parliament.co.uk

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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Spring Fever with Bridge Guru 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 Wimbledon Choral Society www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk Local Police/Neighbourhood Watch www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods The Wimbledon Guild www.wimbledonguild.co.uk Care Connect www.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnect www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk IMPORTANT NUMBERS Wimbledon Police 020 8947 1212 or (999) Merton Council 020 8274 4901 NHS DIRECT 0845 4647 44

St George’s Hospital 020 8672 1255 Kingston Hospital 020 8546 7711 National Rail 08457 484950

feb-march 2012 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

The Surrey Schools Championships filled the Roehampton Club this spring with a hundred bridge players under the age of eighteen, all enthused to compete and enjoy COLLECT COPIES AT OUR “HOTSPOTS” this wonderful game.

KCS Wimbledon took home the garlands. Although some were less * Nicholas & Steele Durhamproved Rd experienced, many 78 declarers that they Tel:their 07947 011879 had wits about them… * Maison St. Cassien, Wimbledon Village Tel: 020 8944 1200 North

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♣

S 954 * Southfields GalleryH AK10 223 Wimbledon Park Rd Tel: 07947 675 059 D Q862 C A104 West * Truckles Deli on Coombe Lane SW20 East S 2 S A3 Tel: 020 8605 2175 H 7654 H J832 D KJ74 * Aromatica Italian Deli on Leopold RdD A95 C KQJ5 C 8732 Tel: 020 8944 0309 South S KQJ10876 Please call first to check stocks H Q9 D 103 C 96 Dealer South N/S Game N E S W 1C NB 1S NB 1NT NB 4S

North’s 1C was artificial and his 1NT rebid showed 12-14pts. South ambitiously, but correctly, jumped to game. West led K♣ and declarer realised that he faced four losers: a club, two diamonds and the ace of trumps. South won with dummy’s A♣ and then made the key plays: he played 10♥ to his Q♥, then 9♥ back to dummy’s A♥. Next, he laid down K♥ and discarded 9♣ from his hand. Then, and only then, was it safe to draw trumps.

Even for experienced players, the temptation to play too quickly at trick 1 can be overwhelming, yet this is the time when both declarer and defenders must take their time, analyzing the dummy, the lead, recalling the bidding and forming some kind of basic plan to make or break the contract. aceoftrumps.com

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A Century of

Memories

Celebrating the 105th birthday of Eileen Symonds by her youngest daughter Laura Conn Eileen on points at 10

Some of Eileen’s immediate family on her birthday including great, great granddaughter Beatrice

E

ileen Mary Symonds was born in 1913, in the City of London where her parents ran a pub in Fetter Lane. When only three years of age she and her brother were evacuated to a boarding school in the West Country to avoid the bombs. Eileen and her family later lived in Muswell Hill where she attended ballet lessons and showed promise. At 11 she was enrolled in a girls’ boarding school called St Catherine’s in Bramley, Surrey. Here she excelled in sport, playing in the top teams for cricket, hockey and lacrosse. She loved her school days and still remembers the happy years she spent there.

On leaving school, Eileen spent time at home with her mother and later became a House Model for a couturier in Conduit Street in London.

Eileen and Bim on their wedding day

Being tall and very slim, she made an ideal model. Clothes have always played an important role in her life and even today at 105 she is smartly dressed and fashionable.

Eileen met her husband ‘Bim’ through a school friend who was his sister and they married in 1938, settling in Thames Ditton. Angela was born in 1939 and Caroline two years later. Bim was away in Egypt and Italy during World War II and not long after his return the family, plus Eileen’s mother, moved to Worthing in Sussex. Laura was born in 1947 and all three of Eileen’s daughters trained in ballet and all forms of the Arts. Coming to live in Wimbledon in 1956 gave the girls closer connection with London and they all had successful careers in the theatre.

Eileen has had five different homes in Wimbledon and over the years has made many friends. She loved to play bridge, and visiting the theatre for ballets and musicals was her delight. She has nine grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter, Beatrice!

She has lived in Kew House for the last five years and has daily visits from family and friends. She still likes a whiskey from time to time and a cigarette! Always very strong and resolute, she drove a car until she was 98 – even longer than Prince Philip! A remarkable lady.

Photographer David Bailey, Laura and Eileen

darling turns 10! | spring 19

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diary

WHAT’S ON WHAT’S WHAT’S ON ON WHAT’S ON

HAMPTON COURT PALACE NEW WIMBLEDON FESTIVAL Jools Holland, Kylie, THEATRE SHOWS HAMPTON HAMPTON HAMPTONCOURT COURT COURTPALACE PALACE PALACE NEW NEW NEWWIMBLEDON WIMBLEDON WIMBLEDON LOVE LOVE LOVEWIMBLEDON WIMBLEDON WIMBLEDON Jackson 5 and more fab acts.

Hair the Musical 21-30th March ON THE PIAZZA’ HAMPTON COURT PALACE NEW WIMBLEDON LOVE WIMBLEDON Hair_Title_996 FESTIVAL FESTIVAL Jools Jools Holland, Holland, Kylie, Kylie, THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS FESTIVAL Jools Holland, Kylie, ‘MARKETS ‘MARKETS ‘MARKETS From 6-21st June.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake March 2nd/3rd, April 6/7th and FESTIVAL Jools Holland, Kylie, THEATRE SHOWS ‘MARKETS Jackson Jackson Jackson 5 5 5 and and and more more more fab fab fab acts. acts. acts.

Hair Hair Hair the the the Musical Musical Musical 21-30th 21-30th 21-30th March March March hrp.org.uk for details 16-20th April ON ON ONTHE THE THEPIAZZA’ PIAZZA’ PIAZZA’ may 4/5th local monthly market H Jackson 56-21st and more Hair the Musical March Matthew Bourne’s SwanLake Lake From From From6-21st 6-21st June.

June.

June.fab acts. Club Tropicana Matthew Matthew Bourne’s Bourne’s Swan Swan Lake 23-27th April21-30th 11am-6pm.

StreetApril food, crafts, ON March THE PIAZZA’ March March 2nd/3rd, 2nd/3rd, April Aprilart, 6/7th 6/7th and and MERTON 2nd/3rd, 6/7th and BEST BUSINESS clothes and unique gifts.

The Full16-20th Monty 29th Apr-4th May From 6-21st June.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake hrp.org.uk hrp.org.uk hrp.org.uk for for fordetails details details 16-20th 16-20th April April April May May may 4/5th 4/5thlocal local monthly monthly market market AWARDS March 2nd/3rd, April 6/7th market and LAUNCH EVENT lovewimbledon.org Wind inClub the Willows 9-11th May April hrp.org.uk for details 16-20th April Club Club Tropicana Tropicana Tropicana 23-27th 23-27th 23-27th April April 11am-6pm.

11am-6pm.

11am-6pm.

Street Street Street food, food, food, art, art, art, crafts, crafts, crafts, may 4/5th local monthly market On MERTON 13th March atBEST Taste BUSINESS RestauMERTON MERTON BEST BEST BUSINESS BUSINESS WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST American Idiot 14-18th May clothes clothesand and andunique unique unique gifts. gifts. clothes gifts.

The Full Monty 29thApr-4th Apr-4th May The The Full Full Monty Monty 29th 29th Apr-4th May Club Tropicana 23-27th AprilMay 11am-6pm.

Street food, art, crafts, rant, Merton College 6-7:30pm.

AWARDS AWARDS LAUNCH LAUNCH EVENT EVENT AWARDS LAUNCH EVENT SPRING WEEKEND FESTIMERTON BEST BUSINESS atgtickets.com lovewimbledon.org lovewimbledon.org lovewimbledon.org clothes and unique gifts.

Free entry. mertonchamber.co.uk Wind in the Willows 9-11th May Wind Wind in in the the Willows Willows 9-11th 9-11th May May The Full Monty 29th Apr-4th May VAL At King’s College School 15On On On13th 13th 13thMarch March Marchatat atTaste Taste Taste RestauRestauRestauAWARDS LAUNCH EVENT WIMBLEDON WIMBLEDON WIMBLEDONBOOKFEST BOOKFEST BOOKFEST lovewimbledon.org American Idiot 14-18th American American Idiot Idiot 14-18th 14-18th May May May Wind in the Willows 9-11th May REALLY HELPFUL CLUB JIGSAW JAZZ CONCERTS 17th March. Debates & interviews. rant, Merton College 6-7:30pm. rant, Merton Merton College 6-7:30pm.

6-7:30pm.

Onrant, 13th MarchCollege at Taste RestauSPRING SPRINGWEEKEND WEEKEND WEEKEND FESTIFESTISPRING FESTIatgtickets.com atgtickets.com atgtickets.com WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST DRAGON BOAT RACE 7th Free May Concert at Wimbledon wimbledonbookfest.org American Idiot ’19 14-18th May Free entry. mertonchamber.co.uk Free entry. entry. mertonchamber.co.uk mertonchamber.co.uk rant, Merton College 6-7:30pm.

VAL VAL At At King’s King’s College College School School 1515VAL At King’s College School 1523rd June 12-4:30pm Wimbledon SPRING WEEKEND FESTIATHENA WOMEN’S NETWORK High, 10 May 8pm ‘Violatastic’ atgtickets.com Free entry. mertonchamber.co.uk REALLY REALLY REALLY HELPFUL HELPFUL CLUB CLUB--JIGSAW JIGSAW JIGSAW JAZZ JAZZ JAZZ CONCERTS CONCERTS CONCERTS Park Lake.

For teamHELPFUL entries go toCLUB 17th 17th March.

March.

Debates Debates Debates &&&interviews. interviews. interviews. concert at Southside House.

Monthly meetings at Hotel du Vin. VAL17th At March.

King’s College School 15reallyhelpfulclub.com For7th tickets jigsawplayers.co.uk DRAGON DRAGON BOAT RACE ’19 DRAGONBOAT BOATRACE RACE’19 ’19 7th 7thMay May May Concert Concert Concertatat atWimbledon Wimbledon Wimbledon wimbledonbookfest.org wimbledonbookfest.org wimbledonbookfest.org Call Julie on 07890 523030 LOVE WIMBLEDON ‘MARKETS

JIGSAW JAZZ CONCERTS 17th March. Debates & interviews.

High, High,10th 10 May May 8pm ‘Violatastic’ High, 10th May8pm 8pm‘Violatastic’ ‘Violatastic’ ATHENA ATHENA ATHENAWOMEN’S WOMEN’S WOMEN’SNETWORK NETWORK NETWORK7th May Concert at Wimbledon wimbledonbookfest.org concert concert concertatat atSouthside Southside SouthsideHouse.

House.

House.

Monthly Monthlymeetings meetings meetingsatat atHotel Hotel Hoteldu du duVin. Vin. Vin. High, Monthly 10 May 8pm ‘Violatastic’ ATHENA WOMEN’S NETWORK For For Fortickets tickets ticketsjigsawplayers.co.uk jigsawplayers.co.uk jigsawplayers.co.uk Call Call CallJulie Julie Julieon on on07890 07890 07890523030 523030 523030 concert at Southside House.

Monthly meetings at Hotel du Vin. For tickets jigsawplayers.co.uk Call Julie on 07890 523030

REALLY HELPFUL CLUB -

23rd 23rd 23rdJune June June12-4:30pm 12-4:30pm 12-4:30pmWimbledon Wimbledon Wimbledon DRAGON BOAT RACE ’19 Park Park ParkLake.

Lake.

Lake.For For Forteam team teamentries entries entriesgo go gototo to 23rd June 12-4:30pm Wimbledon reallyhelpfulclub.com reallyhelpfulclub.com reallyhelpfulclub.com

Park Lake. For team entries go to reallyhelpfulclub.com

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HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY DAVID LLOYD RAYNES PARK!

Wow! Time flies. David Lloyd Raynes Park celebrates its 30 year anniversary this year. The second David Lloyd club to open, Raynes is now one of over 120 clubs in the UK and Europe

A

lthough tennis is the heart of the club it is now much more than just an indoor tennis club. It is a family club offering a wide range of sporting, recreational and social opportunities for members of all ages. We love to mix things up. As a great example, cardio tennis is a great way to combine the love of the game with a need for overall dynamic fitness.

Cardio tennis takes place on court, with a tennis coach and really puts participants through their paces. If you want to raise your heartrate and get fit for sport, then cardio tennis is a great addition to your weekly regime.

Socially, tennis is second to none. Most clubs will offer leagues, competitions and events, but for absolute beginners Raynes Park has a fantastic fast track programme. It’s included in your membership and over four weeks focuses on the four main components of playing tennis.

Once you know the rules and can have fun attempting to hit a ball a fantastic new hobby will open up.

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From the day it opened David Lloyd Raynes Park has had great atmosphere and energy, what you might call a good vibe. It’s not daunting, snooty or exclusive but a welcoming and inclusive club where friendships are made through learning and playing sport together and by participating in the many social events organised throughout the year. davidlloyd.co.uk/raynespark

point of view

Something OLD, Something NEW

By Kate Greenhalgh

S

tep aside! Future mother-of-thebride here - cancel everything, clear the diary, daughter has had a proposal of marriage from an eligible young man. So excited. Where to start?

Obviously, the first thing is to rush out and buy a glossy magazine featuring a dewyeyed bride on the cover. Vital to scour its pages in order to avoid populist cliché. You will not catch me booking a flock of doves dyed in pastel colours for release as the happy couple ascend petalstrewn steps overlooking a lake lit by myriad floating candles reflected on water, while a choir sings a classical cover-version of something

by Coldplay. (Hmm, but how lovely that sounds!)

My first message of congrats was from a veteran Mama of Daughters: ‘So happy with the news! Warn brideto-be it is a NIGHTMARE booking a venue.’ So it has

58

proved. Everyone wants edgy weddings these days, not Princess Castles. Very sad. Hipster warehouse in Nunhead - booked out until 2020. Derelict chapel in Peckham - ditto. Condemned bingo hall in Luton - ditto.

And no drinking or music after, like, 10pm, thanks to killjoy Nimbies who have forgotten what it is to be young and wide awake.

Annoyingly, I just moved from a house with a garden big enough for a marquee.

I wish eligible young man had spared a thought for his future mother-in-law, and proposed before I did this. On the other hand, it’s possibly quite good he did not spare a thought for future mother-in-law, as it will be Moi. It’s even rather romantic that he proposed DESPITE future mother-in-law.

Daughter, who seems to think she has any say in any of this, (Bridezilla Syndrome - I was warned about this) wants

spring 19 | darling turns 10!

a wedding which will be ‘inclusive’, by which I take her to mean all her Welsh relatives, half of Wimbledon, and anyone else I can think of. Or she might not mean that. But whatever. And Bridesmaids! I have yet three other daughters - they must not wear puce satin, unfetching to prospective suitors who may be amongst the Welsh guests. So much to think about and worry.

So little time! Oh no, wait, due to lack of venues, far too much time, which is stressful, as danger of OVER planning; and groom getting cold feet, although I can’t think why he would, given his conscious choice of future mother-in law.

But help is at hand. ‘No flowers in jam-jars - so over’ is the advice from one daughter, and my son has offered to organise a stag party in Bangkok for his future brother-in-law.

I’m starting to feel more confident already. shop local

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