darling Magazine - Summer 2011

Summer 2011 FREE

darlingmagazine.co.uk

PLUS: Jason’s Bargain Basements, Bridge with Paul Mendelson, Keep Your Tonsils, Conveyancing Cons, Ghi Gong & Peace of Mind Practise, Thomas Swaine’s Hair Colour, Dan Bloxham & his Future Stars, Forest Bailiff’s British Home Style, Seen on the Social Scene and Catty Comments with Kate

Where are they now?

“We’re all going on a summer holiday!”

Dear Darling Reader,

More summer than sunshine, more parties than party frocks, more stories than pages to print them! With the road works in the Town Centre progressing well and everything being spruced up for The Tennis, Fairs, Festivals and Food…I, for one am ready to embrace the summer here in SW19 and 20.

So no space, sadly, for a special feature on AFC Wimbledon’s rise from the ashes, (sorry girls), no room for the brand new Wimbledon Way, “a designated walkway linking Wimbledon town centre to Wimbledon Village and the All England Club”, opened in May by Diana Sterck from the Merton Chamber of Commerce as part of the Going for Gold programme, nor for the delicious adventures of Darling Diners (though you’ll find their first restaurant review and much, much more on our sparkling new website) – and just a glimpse of that summer perennial, the Wimbledon Village Fair. But plenty to chew on, nevertheless, from Ghigo’s delightful tales of what former Wimbledon champions ate on the night before the final, all the way through to Kate’s hilarious cat.

And don’t forget Father’s Day on 19th June – because they did all the hard work, didn’t they?!

Karine Torr Editor | [email protected]

P.S. If you want your company’s name in lights now’sthe time to enter Merton Business Awards!

PublisherDarling Magazine UKKarine Torr

EditorKarine Torr020 8739 0059

Advertising07930 396356

[email protected]

Contributing WritersPhilippa HennessyKate Greenhalgh

PhotographyTaylor TorrPatrick Jackson

Design DirectorMark [email protected]

PrinterAquatint/[email protected]

DistributionThree Colours [email protected]

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.

editor’s letter

CONTENTS

05 Ex Campaign Magazine’s Caroline Marshall inspires us08 Nathalie Baur & Annie Armitage make Prom Magic11 Richard Jones and our annual tennis treats15 San Lorenzo’s long history with Wimbledon stars17 Want to be in business? Philippa Hennessy reports19 Schools in the News21 New Wimbledon Theatre’s Sam Bain talks to Darling22 Junior tennis at the All England under Dan Bloxham23 Alessandro Ferullo tells us how to quieten the soul26 Darling Social Pages - are you there?31 Sizzling Summer hair colour to make you feel new32 Someone in The Village turned one!33 Maria Jevtic says keep you tonsils & adenoids. Find out why34 Hart Brown Solicitors spill the beans about convenyancing fees37 Elegant interiors - Forest Bailiff in the British tradition38 The Basement Revolution and why it’s all the rage40 Jackie Lightfoot and how her invention could help your child41 Paul Mendelson with more Bridge antics!42 Important local websites and numbers43 Charities in the news44 What’s On this summer46 Kate Greenhalgh - how Bertie lost his Boris

Cover Girl: Belinda Eriksson, Jewellery by MiglioPhotography by Taylor Torr

darlingmagazine.co.uk | summer 2011 3

4 darling/summer 2011

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of industry events. Campaign used world-class photographers, and took a more questioning approach to the news it covered and the clever, well-educated creative people it featured.

So why leave?

In recent years I took on a more commercial role, representing Haymarket's stable of media titles to companies who wanted to reach or influence advertising people or marketers. It was this experience that gave me a taste

for the business of advertising, for working for myself as an adviser to a handful of companies rather than being an employee. It's a tough time to be starting out, but I'm very excited about it. And I've got three children at Holy Trinity Church of England school in Wimbledon so working for myself will allow me to spend more time with them at home and our favourite places - the Common, The David Lloyd club, South Park, and so on.

inspiring woman

A Darling exclusive with Caroline Marshall

What inspired you to leave a big company and set out on your own?

I joined Haymarket Media Group straight from university in the 80s and from day one I loved working in publishing. Haymarket, co-founded by Lord Michael Heseltine in 1957, is one of the big beasts of business-to-business and specialist consumer publishing. In recent years, even through a tough recession, the company has expanded overseas and moved its brands into the digital and events area. I stayed there until now because every time I got restless a new more exciting opportunity came up.

And through the 23 years you spent at Haymarket, what was the most formative job you held?

My longest time at Haymarket has been in its media publishing division. For five years I was editor of the weekly magazine Campaign, known as the advertising industry bible. It's impossible to overstate how important Campaign is in advertising and media circles. People want to be featured in its pages, and it was the first trade title that looked great. Before Campaign came along trade titles used to be drab affairs, full of press-released news and snaps

What was the biggest influence on your decision to go solo?

There are so many inspiring people in advertising who work for themselves and I've been lucky enough to have them as contacts and friends over the years. It's a business that thrives on start-ups and risk-taking, with agencies often sold within five or ten years of their creation. There's an energy to the people behind these companies that is really infectious.

What will your company be called?

Caroline Marshall & Partners. There are lots of companies in advertising with snappy, memorable and sometimes silly

“It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice”

She’s a Wimbledon Mum, ex editor of Campaign Magazine and a big name in London advertising


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names. I decided to keep it simple and use my own name. And of course it's the work that I will do that will give the company its profile, not the name. I'm working with designers on my corporate identity and website over the next month and I'll be up and running by July.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?

Apart from a very supportive husband and family, I'd say Jeremy Bullmore who is a Campaign columnist and member of WPP's advisory board.He's a wise friend, wonderful writer, hugely creative, full of common sense and incredibly witty. Anyone in advertising will tell you Jeremy's a legend.

What's been the best piece of advice you've received during your career?

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

What do you do outside work?

My children are 5, 8 and 11 so they keep me very busy. I'm something of a running obsessive, and horrible to live with unless I get my trainers on and pound the streets of Wimbledon or the treadmill a few times a week. I'm also a Governor

at Holy Trinity and a member of a book club with other journalist friends.

Contact Caroline via [email protected]

inspiring woman

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Stylist Nathalie Baur shares her secrets while photographer Annie Armitage captures the mood

fashion

Prom is the special day when a teenager wants to dress to impress. It

is an opportunity for boys and girls to celebrate together, dress up and feel like the celebrity they’ve always dreamed of being, and letting loose for a night of dancing, parties, and fun.

But how? From a female perspective, you can be left

overwhelmed by the variety of choices. An eye-catching prom dress is a girl’s ticket to looking and feeling sexy, but it is not the only factor that goes in to the overall look. Your look will have to work for pre-prom pictures, a special dinner, and a few hours of dancing, so you’ll want to pick a look that is comfortable and easy to maintain as well as being flattering.

5 top Prom tips or keys to a flawless appearance.

1. Don’t leave dress shopping until the last minute. For starters, it is not enough if only part of you looks the best that it can. To get the most out of prom, you want to look good from head to toe. Look through magazines or watch red carpet celebrity specials, looking for looks that

Accentuating your look makes all the difference in appearing ordinary or showing up prepared. Girls have choices when it comes to the way they look on that special night. Whether you’re a girl who is into styles or accents, there are plenty of options to choose from. But in order to find a selection that makes your prom experience memorable, you have to know what makes you comfortable and what suits your personality.

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Annie Armitage, [email protected] 391919All photographs by Annie Armitage

photograph and move well. Also be honest. Know what cuts work for your body so the dress fits you and not trying to make it fit for you. Try Elisabeth Piner at www.havingaballdresshire.co.uk for some stunning frocks.

2. Buy shoes well in advance. You need the right colour and design to complement the rest of your look. For some girls, that means open-toed. For others, cross-strap patterns and heels may be the ticket. No matter what you pick, you have to feel comfortable and confident in them. Are your shoes a place to skimp or to splurge? Metallic tones (silver, gold) suited to the colour of your dress are tried-and-true, and can be found with a variety of heights of heel. Keep away from flashy footwear and instead consider elegance and comfort with 2 or 3 inches high.

3. Pick accessories that you think suit your style. Flash up your appearance with jewellery that complements and enhances your attire. If your dress is already flashy enough, minimalism might be key. Hot bags are also recommended to coordinate with your shoes and gown. Be prepared wherever you go (phone, money, lipstick) as there is no reason why you have to be at the sacrifice of style. Many bags are sold to coordinate with the most

popular styles and colours of prom gown, so it should never be a problem finding something that blends well with your outfit.

4. When considering hair, magazines are an excellent resource - cut out pictures with hairstyles that you really love. Consider the kind of prom that you want to have: are the pre-prom pictures what you’re most excited about? Or are you likely to be showing off on the dance floor? Choose structured or more relaxed styles accordingly. Always keep the style of your dress in mind, and purchase hair accessories well in advance.

5. Makeup is the area with the highest possibility for error. This is a highly photographed event, so foundation is not optional. Tinted moisturizer and powdered foundation will cover without being messy in the heat. Choose to enhance the lips or the eyes. Do both and you’ll look like Lady Gaga! If you want to experiment, try it out well in advance and continue perfecting it.

“An eye-catching prom dress is a girl’s ticket to looking and feeling sexy”

Nathalie BaurAnnie Armitage


On retiring from full-time tennis John McEnroe switched roles

effortlessly from tennis court to commentary box. Boris Becker, Chris Evert, Pat Cash and Tracy Austin followed a similar path. But for some former champions, life after tennis takes a less predictable direction.

Yugoslavia’s Monica Seles made her Wimbledon debut in 1989 at just fifteen years of age. A precocious talent with huge power and an ear-splitting grunt, Monica had a sunny disposition which quickly led the British public to fall in love with her. She became the undisputed world No.1 player, winning six consecutive Grand Slam titles, but her career was marred in 1993 when a crazed Steffi Graf fan attacked her on

court during a tournament in Germany. After two years out of the game Monica made a successful return, winning the Australian Open in 1996, but she had lost her previous slim physique, and battling to keep her weight down has become a cause celebre for Monica to this day.

“Many of Sampras’ tennis trophies were stolen from a storage facility in Los Angeles”

tennis

The stars of the Wimbledon Championships dazzle us with their skill, athleticism and personality for a few glorious summers and then, suddenly and without warning, they are gone. Here Richard Jones reveals what life after tennis has brought for some of the Centre Court’s most popular personalities


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Following her retirement from tennis in 2003, Monica quickly became a reality TV star in America, and was most recently seen in Dancing with the Stars, America’s equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing.

In contrast, seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras has shunned the limelight since retiring from tennis in 2002. Always modest about his achievements, Sampras was motivated by a burning desire to make the most of his natural talent. He worked ferociously hard to perfect his game as a teenager, and reaped a rich harvest with career earnings of over $43 million. Since 2002 Sampras has made brief appearances in ATP Legends Tour events, and in 2010 he played in a special event to raise funds for victims of the Haiti earthquake. In the same year many of Sampras’ tennis trophies were stolen from a storage facility in Los Angeles, close to the family home he shares with his wife Bridgette and their sons Christian and Ryan.

In 1990 America’s Jennifer Capriati became the youngest player ever to appear on

Wimbledon’s Centre Court, and the youngest ever to win a match at the Championships. She finished her first year on the WTA Tour with prize money of $283,597 and a ranking of No.8 in the world, all at just 14 years of age! For the next two years she continued to make headlines, becoming the youngest player to reach $1 million in career earnings in 1991 and winning the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. But then it all started to go wrong. Early in 1992 rumours spread that Jennifer was unhappy with life on the pro tennis tour, and some difficult years followed during which she dropped out of tennis and was arrested for shoplifting and possession of marijuana. Jennifer battled back, winning the Australian and French Opens in 2001 to take her first two Grand Slam singles titles. Injury finally forced her into premature retirement in 2004, and the years since then have been another difficult time, with media reports of further drugs problems. But Jennifer, like Monica Seles, will be remembered as a talented teenager who lit up the Centre Court with her cheerful personality and infectious smile.

Former World No.1 Ivan Lendl spent many years trying to become a professional golfer on the

US PGA Tour. Sixties champion Margaret Court became a pastor of a church in Perth, Western Australia. Romania’s Ilie Nastase stood unsuccessfully as a mayoral candidate in his native city of Bucharest. For every tennis star there is a different way to play the game, and a different path to follow when they walk away.

tennis

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Last year San Lorenzo Fuoriporta was 40 years old and will have fed

nearly every single Wimbledon Champion since the 1960’s.

Much about the tennis scene has changed since the early days, but the players remain, as always, remarkably humble and uncomplicated.

It’s been my enormous privilege to serve just about every Wimbledon contender since the 60’s and, though it only lasts two weeks, the championship is always such an exciting time for us. Players change over time, but they all have an unassuming quality about them which, I guess, comes with the experience of dining out regularly all over the world. The old tennis playboys of the ‘70s made way for the Bollettieri-minded pros of more recent times and each generation of players brings new techniques. Yet the hallmarks of a great champion are always the same: strength, character and determination.

Diets have also evolved. When a 17 year old Boris Becker dined on the eve of his historic win, he ate a Fiorentina (T-Bone steak) at my mum and dad’s. In time, players began insisting on carbs before a match, taking in proteins only on rest days. The night before beating Ivanisevic in the ’92 final, Agassi requested a vegetable soup which we promptly improvised using fava beans and peas. I told him “Look André, that’s the colour of the turf you’re going to win on tomorrow.” I gave him a card signed by all the staff: ‘…to the future Wimbledon Champion’. Brooke giggled as he blushed. The next day, my wife and I were fortunate enough to be invited to the final, and I nearly

What Boris, Andre, Martina and friends had for dinner…

restaurant

Paolo Berni with Nastase’s racquet

Ghigo Berni


burst with pride, muttering to her “it was our pea soup!”, as Agassi received his trophy.

There are so many anecdotes, I could almost write a book. At Navratilova’s retirement party, for instance, KD Lang stood up on a table like a 50’s rat-packer and dedicated a beautiful song to an emotional Martina. Another time, the restaurant was so overwhelmed that Ilie Nastase got up and gave the barman a much needed hand, helping himself to a few glasses of wine along the way. Such fun, spontaneous times...

Still, I’d better get into training again now because the Championship is like a human Tsunami. It’ll batter you for two unrelenting weeks and leave you just as abruptly as it arrived, whilst you lie gasping in its wake

like a grounded fish, wishing it could have gone on for two more weeks.

You see, the tennis fortnight is really like a summer holiday in a familiar place. You get to see all these old friends but once a year, and you make new friends, but most of these people never stay the course because they get knocked out, so you hardly ever get to say goodbye properly. Every year someone retires, and I especially miss Arantxa Sanchez, whose family were so pleasant and embracing, Gabriella Sabatini and her wonderful Argentinian entourage, Pat Rafter’s gentle charm, Conchita’s smile, Mark Woodforde’s great warmth, and the almost reclusively sweet Pete Sampras. I still have my old friend, Boris and, occasionally, I get to embrace Steffi and André, Martina or Newcombe, as well as

my dear friend Gianni Clerici (the intelligent and poetic ‘voice’ of Italian tennis).

Amongst the modern players, we get to look after Sharapova, Henin, Roddick, Clijsters, Murray, Venus and Serena, the entire Italian Tennis Federation, not to mention the whole apparatus of TV and sponsorship management, from NBC to IMG, the trainers and coaches, and their up-and-coming protégés, stewards and umpires, sports writers, and the corporate debenture holders, the player fans, and tennis lovers. It’s quite a circus, and it’s coming to town very soon...

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For women with children, a career was once a thing of the past – running the

household as the full-time child-carer replaced the commute, the long hours and the boardroom banter. Nowadays, there is just under a one per cent difference between mums who work and women without children who work (Office for National Statistics).

Employment rates for mothers peak in the age group 35 to 49 – there is a growing breed of women revelling in a 'second youth,' keen to claw back some independence. They may brush up on old skills,

Leading business mums share their sweet secretsto success with columnist Philippa Hennessy

acquire new skills, pursue a new hobby, return to full-time work or brave business alone. Wimbledon has seen it all – successful mumpreneurs running delicatessens, hair and beauty boutiques, jewellery enterprises and at the high-end, lawyers. Belinda Eriksson, co-founder of SW19Lawyers (www.SW19Lawyers.co.uk), claims that to succeed in any business, you need to be driven and have vision. Since its humble beginnings in 2008 with a makeshift office in the spare bedroom and a handful of old contacts, SW19Lawyers now resides in a fully functional (and rather plush) office in a

Wimbledon mews. Legal eagle and mother of two reveals how her business acumen has got her to where she is today.

Why did you set up SW19Lawyers?

Both founding partners didn't want to go back on the City treadmill working 14 hour days. We wanted a work/life balance.

What challenges have you faced?

• We had a minimal budget, so had to market hard to law firms and banks to get on their referral lists.• Work / home balance - that's why we set up something we

business

Belinda Eriksson from SW19Lawyers


could try to control. I say 'try,' because ultimately the clients try to control you. • Building up business - there's so much to do - you are the financial controller, the marketing director and the PA.

Are you involved with any business networks?

We set up 'nichelaw' (www.niche-lawnet.co.uk), a network of small law firms and we have joined the Employment Lawyers Association and the Wimbledon Village Business Association. Larger firms tend to refer work on to us where there are conflicts or clients cannot afford their rates.

How do you juggle your commitments with family life?

I have full-time childcare. I do the school run and get home for bedtime. Being based in the village means that the children can pop by anytime.

What one piece of advice would you give to other women?

Believe in yourself, set realistic goals and know what you want.

Not all budding business women succeed first time. When Debbie O'Connor became a distributor

for Usborne books, she was living abroad with two young children. With no support network, Debbie's selling opportunities were limited. The timing wasn't right and it wasn't the

right business. She is now a distributor for Cambridge Weight Plan and manages Motivating Mum (www.motivatingmum.co.uk), a network offering support and advice to local business women.

How do you finance your business ventures? I've chosen business options with low start up costs to avoid borrowing. My ventures have gone into positive cash-flow within the first four months.

Are there local courses available for start-ups?

There are many - the best ones are run by business mums, who have trodden the path before you. We offer mentoring and run networking events - great for brainstorming with others.

What qualifications / experience are necessary?

All you need is a willingness to work hard. Some businesses require specific skills or training, but there are lots that don't.

How do you juggle your commitments with family life?

My Cambridge clients come to me – they understand that I have children and occasionally bring their own children along. Motivating Mum is an online business so it's flexible.

What challenges have you faced?

Lack of funds, lack of time, childcare and sometimes a lack of confidence.

What one piece of advice would you give to other women?

Know your skills, capabilities and resources. Be clear about what you want.

[email protected]

“Believe in yourself, set realistic goals and know what you want”

OUR MUMPRENEURS TOP TIPS

• Network. • Know your stuff and your competitors.• Be resilient and determined.• Be prepared for disappointments.• Negotiate hard.• Focus on the big things - outsource the low level stuff. • Everyone is a potential client so treat them as such.• Remember a business is not a charity.• Question everything – conduct a fine cost analysis.• Website is key – join facebook, twitter and LinkedIn.• Don’t take on too much.• Trust your instincts.• Know exactly what you are looking for in your business.• Continue with your hobbies.

business

Debbie O’Connor from Cambridge Weight Plan and Motivating Mum

18 summer 2011 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Schools in the NewsSponsored bysavills.co.uk

Recently The Parent Practice (TPP) hosted two screenings of the

U.S. film “Race to Nowhere” at Channel 4 and Clapham Picture House. The film is an American documentary that explores the pressures today’s children are under to succeed. While the film is American in content, the themes are absolutely universal, and it seems the concerns are shared by many parents here in the UK.

Elaine Halligan, TPP Director goes on to say, “While many children are able to thrive with pressure placed upon them by schools and extracurricular

activities, there are also many that aren’t able to deal as well. This film tells their stories. It raises so many conversation points: standardised testing, early years homework, getting into the “best” school versus a school where the child will be able to thrive, and redefining what success looks like for our children today.”

Both screenings were followed by a 30 minutes panel discussion. What took up the most time in discussion was the issue of homework. Here is what current Wimbledon headteachers have to say about this highly controversial issue.

“The issue of managing homework is very closely linked to the academic capacity of the student and we all know how very varied that is. Some students can manage a hefty homework load much more readily than others, and it is important that parents, and schools, recognise when it all becomes too much. Homework-free days and no homework over holiday periods are ways in which we at WHS allow more freedom for the girls. “However, all students need to develop their own study

skills and the ability to learn independently of their teachers. Well-planned and interesting homework will enable these skills to grow.” Heather Hanbury, Headteacher Wimbledon High School

“I know what homework shouldn’t be - it should not be an opportunity to study what there was no time for in class, it should not be to undertake elaborate research, it should not, ideally, involve creativity. Homework is carried out at home, usually at the end of a long day at school. So for the sake of morale and to make best use of declining energy and creative juices, homework should involve short achievable tasks that practice or drill the lessons of the day. Perhaps there should be something to respond to or reflect upon. The seamless inclusion of revision - little and often - is also desirable. But above all else, homework should not be allowed to spoil family life, interfere with the evening meal, conversation, recreation and relaxation. The most important thing a child should achieve before a school day is to rest, recover and enjoy a good night’s sleep.” Timothy J Hobbs, Headmaster, Hall School Wimbledon

How do we feel about homework and its effect on our children?


“At King’s, we know the boys and girls have high expectations of themselves and their school. We strive to meet these not only by teaching them well, but by providing extension and consolidation work in the form of homework. In a senior school, homework is an essential way of ensuring pupils have understood their subjects and developed independent thinking skills. However, the deal is two-way: boys and girls work hard on their homework, but we, as their teachers, need to mark thoroughly, supportively and swiftly. Where teachers neglect the importance of marking homework in order to guide, enthuse and inspire, it is a wasted task.” Andrew Halls, Head Master, King’s College School

“The real issue with homework is not its’ length but its’ quality.

Homework must consolidate or extend the work in school; it should be challenging and must be useful. For me, The Study’s ‘Ten a Day’ Maths sums epitomise the best sort of homework, enabling pupils to sharpen their mental maths skills.” Susan Pepper, Headmistress, The Study Preparatory School

“The issue of homework invites conflicting opinions – there is no conclusive evidence for the benefits of homework for primary children, but many parents perceive homework as a factor in a child’s - and school’s academic success - and suggesting that it might be done away with may be seen as a radical notion! However, anecdotal comment from parents suggests that the homework burden adds to the pressure some children experience in the

school system.”Philippa Jackson, Headteacher, Hollymount School

racetonowhere.comtheparentpractice.com

FOR YOUR COMMENTS ON OUR NEW SCHOOLS PAGE EMAIL THE EDITOR:[email protected]

Panelists after “Race To Nowhere” film: L-R:Bonnie Harris M.S. Ed, the author of the series of books about ‘What To Do When Kids Push Your Buttons’, Sue Kumleben, Facilitator with the Parent Practice, Heather Hanbury, Headteacher at Wimbledon High School & Charles Bonas, Educational Consultant & Commentator

schools

interview

What is your background?

I’m from a showbusiness family of sorts - both my parents worked at ATV on TV programmes such as The Muppet Show, Sunday Night At The London Palladium and the Royal Variety Performances. I started out as a freelancer in pop music marketing, developing fan bases for new pop groups and artistes. It was great fun and I got to see a lot of fantastic gigs along the way, but then I was bitten by the theatre bug and never looked back. I got a job at Richmond Theatre as an Admin Assistant and learned the ropes (and got to see Johnny Depp in action when he filmed Finding Neverland at the theatre!), then came to New Wimbledon Theatre as Administrator in 2004 when the theatre re-opened under the management of Ambassador Theatre Group.

What exciting new developments do you expect to oversee as new general manager of the theatre?

The theatre has undergone extensive building improvement works over the past couple of years (with matched funding investment between the Ambassador Theatre Group and the London Borough of Merton) and we’re now able to host bigger and better productions for our audiences. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella production recently also had breathtaking sets and effects which due to their scale

would have been very difficult to accommodate until now. I’m particularly proud that this Autumn, as a direct result of that building work, we will be hosting one of the world’s finest opera companies, Glyndebourne On Tour. New Wimbledon Theatre is one of just six venues across the UK that they will be visiting, and just a year ago we wouldn’t have been able to fit them into the building! Then of course there’s our 101st pantomime, Dick Whittington, starringDame Edna Everage, to look forward to...

How do you see the arts scene in Wimbledon by international standards?

As a Wimbledon resident myself I think we’re very lucky to have such a wealth of arts on our doorstep. As well as New Wimbledon Theatre there is the New Wimbledon Studio for small-scale drama and comedy, and the Polka Theatre and Colour House Theatre for children’s work. There’s also a flourishing music scene, ranging from pub bands to large scale gigs at the theatre. Wimbledon has a good number of festivals too, from Edinburgh Fringe previews in the Studio to Abbeyfest down at Merton Abbey Mills, not to mention the Wimbledon Music Festival, and Wimbledon Bookfest which brings writers and storytellers to our neighbourhood. With all that going on, it’s hard to be bored in Wimbledon!

Could you elaborate about the development of the New Wimbledon Studio?

While there are huge musicals and grand operas going on in the theatre, the Studio next door operates at the other end of the scale, developing new pieces of theatre and comedy. The Fresh Ideas season showcases new writers, directors and theatre companies and over the past couple of years has hosted more than 15 world premieres. We also take a keen interest in developing comedy work, both through Edinburgh previews and throughout the year. Since the theatre re-opened we’ve hosted shows from the likes of Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Russell Howard, Chris Addison and Russell Kane to name but a few, and this summer will be no different. With the full season yet to be announced we already have shows booked from Patrick Monahan, Humphrey Ker and Holly Walsh.

Sam Bain, General Manager of the theatre

Sam Bain from New Wimbledon Theatre


How the All England Club is breeding a new generation of champions with Dan Bloxhamat the helm

School of Hard Knocks

The past ten years have seen many changes at the All England Club

which have taken the Club into the 21st century. In addition to the roof on Centre, the new Courts 2, 3, 4 and 8 and the award winning museum is the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI).

The WJTI is celebrating its 10th birthday this month and rightly so. The Club’s community programme which works in all schools in Merton and Wandsworth including SEN, has given over 100,000 children their first experience of tennis as well as developing county, regional, national and international standard players from scratch at the All England Club. The success WJTI has experienced is due to the All England Club’s Head Coach Dan Bloxham. His enthusiasm, knowledge and the dedicated team of coaches he has built have created an environment where

kids can explore their limitless potential and parents are guided along their children’s tennis journey rather than directing it. Bloxham’s ability to work with all standards and in all situations is key to improving the opportunities for the local community. His role involves encouraging all from nursery class to established teachers to get the most out of the sport whether in their delivery of a quality sports session or having the confidence to try the skills demonstrated.

The All England Club’s forward thinking attitude and complete support of the WJTI has resulted in a programme which offers the local community quality sports coaching and a pathway for talented athletes to explore their potential. The doors are open every weekend of the year for talented children selected at the school visits. The top players have access to indoor, clay and even the famous grass courts as well as top physical and mental skills coaches. Bloxham and the kids even met the Queen on her visit to the Club last summer and appeared on her Christmas speech. Not a bad start for the first ten years- let’s see what the All England Club can come up with for WJTI’S second decade!

Dan presenting the WJTI squad to the Queen

tennis

Tennis photography courtesy of Julian Tatum - The Photo Image Unit

HILARY RUTTLEY ON YOGA AND TENNIS

Tennis stars such as Andy Murray, the Williams sisters and John McEnroe practise yoga because it helps their game.

“Tennis is a high impact,asymmetrical sport requiringmental and physical stamina,” says Hilary who teaches yoga to tennis players of all standards. “Players acknowledge yoga’s unique capacity to support optimal functioning of the body and train the mind to focus and relax”.

“The focus I have achieved since doing yoga with Hilary has helped me make my serve and the whole of my game, more powerful, accurate and dangerous”.

Dao Tran-Boyd (Finalist, Ladies Club Championship 2000)

CALM ENERGY YOGATel: 020 8946 2131calmenergyyoga.com


Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity. Eternity embraces the all-possible.

The all-possible leads to a vision of oneness - Tao Te Ching

Can Chi Gong help us to cope better with this rapidly changing world ?I believe so, yes. It is hard to be settled with things changing and evolving so quickly technologically, the fast and immediate pace of communication and people often wanting and expecting things immediately. Chi Gong gives us some guidance and techniques so we can reflect how we adapt to these changes to ask whether our expectations (which often lead to disappointment) are reasonable.

What does peace of mind mean to you ?If you leave a glass of muddy water to stand for a while, the mud settles and the water becomes very clear. Our minds are similar: If we can still the mind, gradually our thoughts settle and out of the stillness comes a greater clarity and mental freedom. With Chi Gong meditation practice, we can learn to do this regularly and effectively. By sitting or standing we use simple techniques with a long history and lineage that have worked for thousands of years.

Can you say more about stillness?Through our practice when the mind becomes settled and still, we connect with the universal source (where we originated from) which we have often lost touch with. Over time we begin to feel more nourished on a deeper level and supported. Spiritually. This can heal many problems, both physical and mental as we become more grounded.

Do you think life can be more joyful as a result of Chi Gong practice?Yes, we accept others and life situations more easily. As our outlook transforms the world transforms too. When we practice well and have this peace

of mind, we seem to attract more good fortune in our lives, have healthier relationships and everything seems easier. Joy and better health are the main benefits of this peace of mind.

In the next issue we will explore issues of life and death and deepen our understanding of these major issues so we can worry less and enjoy more.

Monday Evening Classes 7.30- 8.30pm (drop in classes)Wimbledon Village Club Hall, corner Ridgway and Lingfield Road

Contact Alessandro Ferullo07747 113305 [email protected]

spiritual

Alessandro Ferullo and the PracticeOf Chi Gong



HOME AUTOMATION | GATE AUTOMATION & ENTRY SYSTEMS | INTRUDER, FIRE & CCTV SECURITY

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Consultations are available by prior approintment only

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T 020 8944 9040 E [email protected] W www.techniquest.co.uk

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Logo: Stewart FilmscreenUpdated: Mar-2008



HOME AUTOMATION | GATE AUTOMATION & ENTRY SYSTEMS | INTRUDER, FIRE & CCTV SECURITY

MULTIROOM AUDIO | DIGITAL TV & VIDEO DISTRIBUTION | HOME THEATRE | LIGHTING DESIGN

SCENE BASED LIGHTING CONTROL | IT COMMUNICATIONS | DIGITAL TELEPHONE SYSTEMS

MECHANICAL SERVICES DESIGN & CONTROL | ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING

Consultations are available by prior approintment only

TECHNIQUEST UK L IMITED 26, High Street, Wimbledon Village, London SW19 5BY

T 020 8944 9040 E [email protected] W www.techniquest.co.uk


Logo: Stewart FilmscreenUpdated: Mar-2008


Waitrose Raynes Park Opening

L-R: Happy shoppers Georgie Devereaux, Mark Day, (Branch Manager), Jackie & Tim Smith with Sophie & Alex Smith in the front. L-R: Nick Panitza, Ally Maughan and Rupert Walsh.

L-R: Debra Azzopardi (Artist), Marjorie Mattar, Celia Kinchington, Marianne Ivan Abbe and Peter Campbell.

Private View at Cynthia Corbett Gallery

Wimbledon Village Business Association

L-R: Lynda Reynolds (Morrisons), MP Stephen Hammond, Eleanor Lawrence (Wimbledon Guild), Aaron Abraham (Equity Invest), Andrew Suggitt (TWM)& Mark Steele (Man. Westside Lawn Tennis Club).

L-R: Teen Frazer (Savills), Richard Rooney (Richard Rooney & Co), Jenny& Simon de Haan (S & J Associates) & Zara Sukharisingh (Peacock & Co).

Committee, L-R: Jenny Gorringe, Ginny Stobart, Sue Oury, Julia Popham& Susie Lewin.

Cancer Research Bridge Event atThe All England Lawn Tennis Club

Cinderalla Stuns Wimbledon Audiences

Director & Choreographer, Matthew Bourne with Darling editor, Karine Torr


L-R: Kuldip Rihal (Gallery owner), Roberta Stoker, Andrea Leila Brown,Mie Baekke & Sylvia Love.

Spring Opening at Southfields Gallery

Macmillan Spring Fair Raises Over £3000 Elaine Hallam’s Group of Singers

L-R: Zak Mansurian, David Curzon, Jonathan Tubbs, Richard Hunterand Lucy Tubbs.

Local Wimbledonians who love to sing. This is not a choir. They are all finding their own voices with vocal coach and West End performer, Elaine Hallam each week at the Wimbledon Village Club. Elaine Hallam bottom left.

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Group of eager senior school pupils taking part in this event which has raised over £5000 so far for the British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal.

Wimbledon Business ForumAt San Lorenzo

L-R: Ghigo Berni, Tracy Francis, Juliette Heal & Viv Newbould.

Hall School Wimbledon Flying Cranes For Japan Day Fundraiser

L-R: Margaret Payne, Barbara Zarzycki, Linda Defriez, Marsha Beresford, Mayor Clr Oonagh Moulton, Mr Tom Moulton, Jan Phillips & Liza Roe.

Debbie Watson, Ben St George Front, Kez Kendall & Sandy Rerksasut.

Want to be seen in Wimbledon?Advertise your business in darling today!

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Cake donated by the Thai Buddhist Temple. Mr Lom cutting the first slice!

WIMBLEDON’S WEDDING DAY STREET PARTIES


Summer Art & Cocktails Event at Cannizaro House

Charity Art Show at Canvas for St. Raphael’s Hospice Organised by Robert Holmes

L-R: Natalie Stevens, Dean Jeffers, Katherine Maginnis, Robert Cummins and Kirsty Chapman.

L-R: John Nouri and Susan Cornelius (Robert Holmes & Co), Richard Tokatly (Artificial Gallery), Sheelagh McCarthy (St Raphael’s Hospice) and Chris Mabire (Canvas Wimbledon).


With a kaleidoscope of colours to choose from, it can be hard

to know where to begin when thinking of changing your colour or having colour for the first time. But it really could be all you need to totally revamp your style. Your 20’s is the ideal time to experiment with colours. Be bold and embrace one of this seasons must have looks. For blondes that means icy shades, with lavender blonde or silvery tones. Brunettes should go for vibrant plum and berry shades or deep, glossy chocolate for ultimate drama. The hottest trend, however, is definitely reds. There are red shades to suit everyone. Whether that’s soft strawberry and auburn or fiery siren red. All can be complemented with copper and apricot highlights. A total colour change is also a good excuse to buy a whole new wardrobe.

If during your 30’s and 40’s time is limited, and juggling children means you can’t visit the salon as often, I would recommend a blend of natural highlights. These enhance your colour and are easy to maintain. If greys need hiding or you prefer one colour throughout opt for rich shades that make your hair look and feel incredibly healthy. Being busy doesn’t have to mean compromising on your style!

As we age our hair and skin changes, hair loses volume and skin-tone is less glowing. As such it’s essential, when reaching 50 and beyond, to ensure hair colour complement skin-tone and brings warmth to the face. Colour should be natural and soft. During the summer we all remember to protect our skin from the sun, but we often neglect our hair. It’s vital to counteract the drying effects of the sun and chlorine. I recommend using

Contact Details4 Coombe LaneRaynes ParkSW20 8NDT 020 8947 2277thomasswaine.co.uk

hair

Contact us for a FREE darling colour consultation. Colour starts from just £30!

“Being busy doesn’t have to mean compromising on your style!”the L’Oréal Solar range as these products contain UV filters which protect your hair, and the colour, against sun damage.

Colour Me Gorgeous with Thomas Swaine

May 1st 2010 Wimbledon Village’s only independent and

locally owned cocktail bar opened its doors and was duly named ‘Hemingways’.

“We celebrated our first birthday with a cheeky ‘Mad Hatters Cocktail Party’, after a fun-filled and successful year of service. With over 200 VIP Members and over 2000 friends we cater for any celebration and will be featuring high on the Wimbledon Tennis party circuit this year.” says Kelly McAteer.

“We have had a host of wonderful locals, sports stars and celebrities

HAPPY BIRTHDAYHEMINGWAYS!

such as Hugh Grant, Graham Thorpe, Mark Hughes and some of the Eastenders cast and in April were thrilled to have our own spread in OK magazine!!!”

For enquiries call Richard today! 020 8944 7722 Denise Waterman, Eric Forcythe-Reid, Caroline Linares, Lili Bejarano and Suzanne Kenna

Superb riding over Wimbledon Common & Richmond Park. Expert, friendly tuition in private or small group lessons. Special short courses for all standards. Come along to our next New Rider Open Morning.

wvstables.com | 020 8946 8579

Miss Cheerleader TV is an online TV channel that showcases cheerleaders in the UK. If you would like to find out more about investing, email Mark McGough your questions today!

In association with darling

[email protected]

event

on skin (eczema), lungs (asthma) or upper airways (hay fever). Homeopaths also believe that too many vaccinations, fever medication/pain killers may push the body into low-level, chronic inflammation. In addition, a child with tonsil and adenoid problems may actually be allergic to dairy products. Avoiding these may at least take the pressure off the immune system to constantly defend against it. This would in turn raise available energy and resources.

Thus, a homeopathic approach would be truly holistic and in tune with your child’s body, good reason to try homeopathy first.

Maria JevticBSc (Hons) LCHE RSHom DNTh mBANT

t: 020 8946 8526 m: 07704 232 117 e: [email protected]

Many young children have enlarged tonsils and adenoids. To

some extent this is normal and will correct itself with age. But when it causes snoring, breathing problems or even delay in speech development, you need to explore therapeutic options.

Tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and as such play an important part in our defence against infection. In the first instance it would therefore be ideal to avoid complete removal. This is because infections may subsequently manifest lower down, in the chest. Capping – removal of part of a tonsil – is a more desirable option, as the tonsils can still perform their vital function. Still, this option makes it necessary to have an operation, which in itself brings with it stress and possibly anxiety to parents and child. A third option would be to look at homeopathy to address the

state of tonsils and adenoids. Typically, a homeopath assumes that tonsils and adenoids are only enlarged when they are chronically inflamed. With this type of inflammation of the lymph glands behind nose and throat homeopaths do not expect to see any pain or redness, just a swelling or enlargement. There may also be a tendency to recurrent throat infections. A homeopath sees this state of affairs as a sign that the child’s body is not strong enough to overcome the problem by itself. Therefore homeopaths concentrate on strengthening the immune system and raising the body’s defences so that the body has enough energy to heal itself. With tonsils and adenoids homeopaths therefore aim to reduce inflammation as well as improve the general state of the lymphatic system and all the lymph glands in the body.

From a homeopath’s point of view there are several factors that contribute to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. There may be an inherited tendency to a poor state of lymph/glands. This is often seen in people with recurrent respiratory infections and tendency to inflammation

homeopathy

“A child with tonsil and adenoid problems may actually be allergic to dairy products”

Homeopathy for tonsils and adenoids with Darling’s Maria Jevtic


legal

When buying or selling a house, have you ever been told by the

estate agent that you must use a certain solicitor or that they will organise everything for you

but you have not told who will be acting for you and how much it will cost? Was it a qualified solicitor who acted for you or did you never find out? Whether you are buying or selling a house or

doing both it is a stressful and expensive time. You can limit the stress and make sure the transaction proceeds as smoothly as possible by instructing a good and experienced local solicitor.

Hart Brown’s Gary Score on hidden costs of referrals


legal

0208 947 [email protected] www.hartbrown.co.uk

REFERRAL FEES EXPLAINED

A referral fee is the payment of a fee by a solicitor or conveyancer to an introducer such as an estate agent for the introduction of a client. Many clients are unaware of this arrangement, If you are not made aware of the arrangement, the solicitor is breaching rule 9 of the solicitors’ code of conduct.

A recent report carried out by the Legal Services Consumer Panel suggested that over 50% of law practices involved in residential conveyancing had some form of referral arrangement. Estate Agents are the main source of referrals. Solicitors often pay between £100-300 for a referral of this nature. This can either increase the cost passed onto the client, or reduce the quality of the work carried out.

The same report found that the main source of competition in the conveyancing market is coming from “factory firms” processing volume work with, referrals as a core feature of the business model.

We will be at the Wimbledon Village FairOn Saturday 18th June from 10:30am – 5:30pm

Many estate agents are paid a referral fee by the solicitors they recommend and it does not always mean you get the best person to help you. Here are some points to look out for:

1. Quality – Look out for the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) Accreditation. The Law Society vets every firm seeking accreditation to ensure that they deliver a quality service and are fully competent to give the best advice. Firms with a poor client record and claims against them will not achieve accreditation. Hart Brown is the first law firm in Surrey to have been accredited to this scheme reaffirming the high quality service we offer. Buying or selling a house is likely to be the most expensive sale and purchase you ever make. Make sure you use someone who is fully qualified, experienced and independent. In that way you will not have any problems later on.

2. Recommendation – if your estate agent recommends their “preferred solicitor” check if they are being paid a referral

fee from that solicitor. Ask how much it is. Ask if the solicitor they recommend is qualified and where they are based. Often they will be based a considerable distance away. If you are not told the above information there has been a serious breach of the rules which govern solicitors.

3. Locality – using a local solicitor can be very useful. They will know the area well, which means that they can easily anticipate any issues which may arise. They will know how to deal with local issues making sure the process is less stressful for you.

We are interested to know what the general public think about referral fees. Have you been referred to a solicitor without a choice? Have you ever used an “all in one package” from an estate agent that covers conveyancing fees? What did you think of the service you received? Let us know your thoughts, email [email protected] or write to us at Marketing Department, Resolution House, Riverview, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4UX.



Whilst our country is trying to get back on its feet, it

is more important than ever that we invest in good quality British products for the home and at the same time support local businesses. At The Forest Bailiff, a great range of high quality British products can be found. Paint from Dorset and Oxfordshire, fabrics from Norfolk to London to Edinburgh, candles from Cornwall and stoves from Shropshire. Previously a local fish mongers, the building has been restored to its former Victorian glory. Wander leisurely through the charming rooms decorated in

Farrow & Ball paint finishes and each featuring a working Clearview wood burning stove.

Here you can browse through the wallpaper and fabric sample books and discuss your home furnishing projects with the very friendly team who provide a personal and efficient service in a comfortable and friendly environment. Curtains, blinds,

loose covers and upholstery can also be organized by skilled local craftsmen. The full range of Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers are comprehensively stocked and if advice is required at home a specialist colour consultant can be commissioned.

Annie Sloan specialist chalk paints and waxes are also stocked and paint workshops using their internationally famous materials take place at regular intervals. An inspiring way to gain the confidence to embark on furniture painting projects at home.The Forest Bailiff is fast becoming the place to visit for

Home decorating in style with The Forest Bailiff

decorating

your home interiors projects. All these services are enhanced by a range of decorative items including furniture, lighting, rugs, cushions and china. Call in to meet Lucy and her team between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and experience all that is on offer for yourself.

Contact Details36 Durham RdSW20 [email protected] 8947 5115


building

Love where you live but need more space? We all at some time in our

lives need that extra study and office space or playroom for the kids. If extending out and taking away precious garden space is no longer an option, it leaves you with the possibility of either a loft or basement conversion. Converting the loft is the cheaper and easier of the two options, hence it is always the first route I would recommend my clients take. It is not always possible however to convert an existing loft and sometimes one simply requires even more additional space.

Many Londoners are facing this dilemma, not wanting to move, but urgently needing that extra space. One of our current clients has just had baby number three and the house, in its current state simply cannot accommodate a family of five. So we are now in the throes of excavating his basement and remodelling the house to accommodate this expanding family.

Welcome to the basement revolution!

More and more people are converting existing damp basements and cellars into fabulous living spaces or simply excavating and creating an additional level to the house where previously there was

nothing but soil. Basements do however require expert design to maximise their potential which is why we prefer to work with experienced architects. The possibilities however are endless, with basements being used for cinemas, playrooms, utility rooms or a nanny flat/teenage den. A good working relationship between the builder, architect and structural engineer is always important, but even more critical when it comes to a project as technically challenging as a basement. Rhino construction prides itself on the good working relationship we have with engineers and architects, which in turn is reflected in the quality of our workmanship.

With the huge improvements in technology in areas such as damp proofing and lighting, basements are now light, airy and eco-friendly. It is this eco-

friendly aspect along with the fact that they provide extra space without additional land take, which has prompted the government and local planning authorities to support basements. The fact is that doing a basement conversion, although expensive, now makes perfect financial sense in many areas of London when the cost of moving to a larger home and stamp duty is taken into account. All the more reason to start digging!

Call Jason Coetzeem: 07932 753 328 www.rhinoconstruction.co.uk

Look under your floor boards! You could be standing on it says our local builder Jason Coetzee


Grant Fuller and Peter GilbertEstate Agents, Valuers, Development Consultants316a Worple RoadWest WimbledonLondon SW20 8QU

020 8947 4764www.fullergilbert.co.uk

Fuller Gilbert are pleased to announce the opening of their Kingston branch.

We have dealt with property in this area for over 30 years, working and living in the area to give us unrivalled local knowledge. So whatever your property needs may be, we are dedicated to making moving home easier.

020 8546 4499 www.fullergilbert.co.uk

Kingston House * 15 Coombe RoadKingston upon Thames * Surrey * KT2 5AB

Kingston& Company

Lamu is a ‘new way to sit’, a chair, designed by Jackie Lightfoot and now

produced by Isis Concepts.

With two sons busy at Hall School Wimbledon senior school and a husband forging ahead in the business world, Jackie, a trained yoga teacher, was looking for a new challenge. Inspiration came through an interesting discussion with a local physiotherapist, about an apparent increase in reported back pain by school children.

Jackie explains “Of course, I was a 'concerned parent', but with my new-found knowledge from yoga and, from another life, a degree in furniture design, I felt I should be investigating this problem and looking for solutions.”

Could the way children sit at school be causing this? Early investigations with pre-school children showed instinctive good posture, so clearly research needed to start in primary schools. An outline proposal gained her a place at Central St Martin’s on a self-directed, two year MA course giving Jackie the perfect platform to explore these ideas.

She recounts “Returning to study, after many years away from education was a daunting prospect, not least finding myself in a class of vibrant,

talented and, let's face it, mostly younger contemporaries. Add their apparent ease with new technology in design and manufacture and the word ‘challenge’ took on a new meaning. However, the buzz and energy around was exciting and invigorating and just what I needed to get going.”

Much observation of children, in local schools, followed – how they sat when listening, drawing, writing, playing, chatting and importantly when they were tired....or fed up! Results were recorded in drawings, photographs and eventually video. The consultant physiotherapist gave valuable insight into why children moved or sat in particular ways. Prototypes were made, tested and refined. The resulting chair combines perfect ergonomics and great fun. It is lightweight, intuitive to use, durable and available in a rainbow of assorted colours. A perfect

solution for the modern flexible classroom, or for home, designed and made in Britain!

Lamu led to MA with a distinction, and was exhibited at Olympia in January this year. Jackie is now working on her next challenge.

Contact [email protected]/schools/seating/Lamu.html

inventor

You will be when local mum & inventor Jackie Lightfoot’s amazing new school chair is launched. Darling gets to the bottom of it


bridge

Many a visitor to Wimbledon indulges in a game of Bridge, what with the Bridge Club and numerous card rooms. I once tried to persuade Martina Navratilova to play during Wimbledon; strangely she seemed pre-occupied with another game then, but she is a keen player.

A game of tennis was affected by a bridge hand only recently.

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N E S WNB NB 1H NB2C NB 3NT

Rain had delayed play in a weekly grudge match between four ladies and a few hands of Bridge were played before the sun came out. The declarer on this deal had bemoaned her luck. When she came to tackle the club suit, she played Qc and, despite West showing out, continued with Kc. She realised too late that she could push out East’s club winner but that she would never be able to return to dummy. One down. The four-zero club break was blamed and the game moved on.

A little later, bobtails bouncing and red clay dusting their ankles, their tennis match was in full swing when, all of a sudden, a realisation came upon the declarer. It struck her so hard that, at deuce, she swung for mighty overhead and missed the ball all together. What could have caused such an embarrassing slip?

When South leads Qc and West shows out, declarer must lose one club trick, but communications need to be retained between dummy and declarer. To this end, South should play a second club from hand and play low from dummy. East wins, but now nothing can stop declarer from re-gaining the lead, cashing clubs from the top, and making nine tricks for certain.

aceoftrumps.com

With UK bridge Guru Paul Mendelson


NEW VIDEO ADVERTISING: Call 0793039 6356

We are in the middle of a ‘Networking Explosion’ as more and more women are realising that this is by far, the most effective, supportive and exciting way to grow their business, develop their own skills and form great business relationships and alliances.

HELPFUL WIMBLEDON WEBSITES

London Borough of Mertonwww.merton.gov.ukCitizen’s Advice Bureauwww.nacab.org.ukMerton Chamber of Commercewww.mertonchamber.co.ukWimbledon Town Centrewww.wimbledontowncentre.co.ukWimbledon Civic Forumwww.wimbledoncivicforum.org.ukWimbledon Societywww.wimbledonmuseum.org.ukWimbledon Community Centrewww.wimbledoncommunity.org.ukVolunteer Centre Mertonwww.volunteercentremerton.org.ukLearning & Skills Councilwww.lsc.gov.upCharity Commissionwww.charitycommission.gov.ukWimbledon Music Diarywww.wimbledonmusicdiary.comWimbledon Choral Societywww.wimbledon-choral.org.ukLocal Police/Neighbourhood Watchwww.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoodsThe Wimbledon Guildwww.wimbledonguild.co.ukCare Connectwww.merton.gov.uk/living/care/careconnectwww.centrecourtshopping.co.uk

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Wimbledon Police020 8947 1212 or (999)Merton Council020 8274 4901NHS DIRECT0845 4647

St George’s Hospital020 8672 1255Kingston Hospital020 8546 7711National Rail08457 484950

creating connections, inspiring success

contacts

Athena in conjunction with The Victoria Hospital Medical Foundation will be holding a fun run on 25th September on Wimbledon Common from Cannizaro Park for more details call Julie Eltham: 07980 523 030

WIMBLEDON | PUTNEY | BALHAM | KINGSTON | SURBITON | STREATHAM | HAMPTON COURTEmail: [email protected]


WIMBLEDON VILLAGE FAIRSaturday 18th June 10:30 - 5:30pm Wimbledon Common New this year will be TFL’s family cycling demonstrations, Zorb balls, author signings and over 200 stalls. The food village is a must for lunch and don’t forget the horse show and the fun dog show. There will be live on-stage performances all day. Go along and help raise funds for the Wimbledon Guild who organise the event. It will be opened by John Inverdale and Stephen Hammond MP. It’s a great day out for all the family. wimbledonguild.co.uk

DO SOMETHING AMAZING…CYCLE VIETNAMOn 19th -29th Nov 2011, a team will cycle through Cambodia and Vietnam to raise funds to build a network of schools and support orphanages in the region. The challenge will take you on a 400km cycle ride deep in the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia. You will be cycling off the beaten track, experiencing everything both countries have to offer. This will be a truly amazing trip and a life changing experience. You do not have to be super fit; you can go at your own pace and will have a team of 50 people to support you every step of the way. To make a big difference to hundreds of kids go to www.truevolunteer.org Dao Tran-Boyd dao@truevolunteer.

VENEZUELA VIVA!A local meeting in Merton Park, organised by Andreina Townsend revealed that the International

Fundraising Committee of the British Red Cross has chosen for this year’s Royal Gala the musical Venezuela VIVA. A company of twenty five dancers and ten top musicians will celebrate the country’s rich melding of cultures. The artists, in tour around the UK, have donated this performance. London Palladium, 10 Oct 2011. A truly stunning experience! [email protected]

MERUWe are called MERU and we custom-make equipment for disabled children, when there’s no ready-made product that will suit their needs. For this reason it’s often the more severely disabled children, or those with multiple/complex disabilities that we help. We are in fact a unique charity, no other has the depth of knowledge and experience (35 years!) of providing practical solutions for disabled children. We cover all of London and the south east – including Wimbledon of course! One of our patrons is Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, whose father Trefor

Llewellyn Bowen co-founded the charity in the 1970s. Trefor was an orthopaedic surgeon who worked with kids. We’re shortly launching The Bugzi Appeal. Bugzi is a powered wheelchair that is designed for toddler-age children (1-5 years). As you can imagine, if you are a disabled toddler you can’t move around and explore, have fun – get into a bit of trouble – meet other children and learn all those valuable life-lessons. We want to raise enough money to create a fleet of Bugzi wheelchairs that can be loaned to disabled children, so they can have all those fantastic and absolutely vital

developmental experiences. When they grow out of it, their Bugzi will come back to MERU to be made ready for another child.

WIMBLEDON GUILDANNOUNCES FIRST EVER….Charity Calendar Photo Competition The Wimbledon Guild is launching its first ever charity calendar photo competition. The theme for the competition is “what Merton means to you” so if you live, work or go to school in Merton and have an image that you feel captures the essence of Merton, why not send it in. The closing date is 15th July 2011. A panel of independent expert judges will then select the winning entries. These will be used to create the Wimbledon Guild 2012 calendar which will go on sale this autumn. Entrants can send in up to 3 images in landscape format by email or post to: Charity Calendar Photo Competition, Wimbledon Guild, 30-32 Worple Rd SW19 4EF Support this great local charity!wimbledonguild.co.uk

charity

L-R: Andreina Townsend, Carlota Wigglesworth Vice-Chairman International Fundraising Committee Red Cross, Karine Torr Darling Magazine, Gloria Carnevali Red Cross International Events Consultant & Giovanna Hernandez

The campaign is fronted by Top Gear’sRichard Hammond. Visit: meru.org.uk


WIMBLEDON VILLAGE FAIR FOR ALL THE FAMILYSat 18th June 10:30am - 5:30pm WIMBLEDON FOOD FESTIVAL23rd - 26th June The Piazza,Wimbledon Town Centre

SOUTH PARK GARDENSMUSIC FESTIVAL - FREESat 2nd July 12pm - 8pm.southparkgardensmusicfestival.com

MERTON CHAMBERWorkshops & Networking Eventsmertonchamber.co.uk

SCHOOL SUMMER FAIRSSt Matthews 2nd JulyHollymount 2nd JulyHoly Cross, Coombe 2nd JulyWimbledon High SummerFamily day 19th JuneCheck websites for times.

CENTRE COURT SHOPPING15th – 21st August 2011Game, Set & Match Wii TennisTournament on giant screen withgreat prizes to be won. 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm Daily Lower Mall

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRESpirit of the Dance 23rd - 25th June. Italia Conti Centenary 12th-17th July. Dance Overture 22nd - 24th July. Buddy 19th - 14th September. The Drifters 18th September.

WIMBLEDON STUDIOSunday - A Celebration of Musical Theatre 13th June, Jimmy McGhie & Gareth Richards.

POLKA THEATREAll Join In & Other Stories 4-7yrsUntil 6th Aug.Archaeology - A Worm’s Story1-3yrs 6th July - 20th Aug

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWWIMBLEDON FINE ART19th - 26th June 11am - 7pmJames Dean Diamond / Doublehead/ Patrick Jackson / Arnhelde Serra

DOG’S NIGHTWimbledon Dog StadiumAnnual Fundraiser forHope For Children CharitySaturday18th Junewww.hope4c.org01442 234561

‘A GIRLS’ NIGHT IN’Fashion show Warren House15th September at 7pmGuest speaker: Trinny Woodallplus African Drumming!For the charity Build [email protected]

Develop Your IndividualVoice and Singing!Learn to Sing / Use your Voice correctly / All Styles and Genres of Popular Music: Pop, Rock R&B, Musicals, Blues, Jazz, Traditional and Country.

3 Courses each year at The Wimbledon Village Club. NEXT COURSE IS AUTUMNBooking September to Christmas 2011. 10 Week Term. £80.00. (Concs £75.00)

No need to Read Music! Classes also in Surbiton, Esher, Long Ditton and Kingston.

Check out Website for Detailsor Call 07956 323782Elaine Hallam, West End Performerand Vocal Coach.

singersandsongs.com

summer 2011

Kelly Swallow bespokechair now available

LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT?StarTurn helps make your good time a great time!

Beef up your celebration with music or entertainment.Variety of genres – suiting pockets & occasions.T: Caroline 020 3326 5788 | [email protected]

View artists: www.starturn.biz

WORK YOUR OWN HOURSaround your family or career.

Our organic health & beauty business isexploding and we need your help. Potentially

£1000 p.m. Part time. £4000 p.m. Full time.CALL CLAIRE ON 020 3393 9557 (24hrs)

CHALET TO LET - NEW FORESTLovely, comfortable, small 3 bed chalet

with garden to rent, 5 mins from sea, incl.dishwasher. Weekends from £150.Details - Sue Young 01590 683805.

ELEGANCE DRY CLEANERS - RAYNES PARKSpecial Offer!

Tues: £14 for 2 piece suitsThurs: 30% off for senior citizens

020 8542 2055(opp. back of station)

CARPENTER & GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES C. N. RYAN LTD - 25 years in the business Member of Guild of Master Craftsmen Free quotes &

excellent references T: 0845 259 0221 E: [email protected]: 07811 285367

WINDOW CLEANER - FAMILY BUSINESS40 YEARS IN THE WIMBLEDON AREA

From £12 - £18 for an average fourbedroom house. Contracts welcome.

Call Victor 07703 803955

2-BED COTTAGE TO LETRural North Cotswolds from £380 pw.

(London 1hr.35m.)Large garden, very quiet, M40 – 6 miles

www.oldenenglishcottage.co.ukor Tel: 07779 322776 (quote Darling)

SPECIALIST CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Free, no obligation estimates. All work guaranteed & insured. Est 1983 with many Wimbledon clients.Gary 07949 084693 | E: [email protected]

bristowclean.co.uk

If and when children reach the

age when they are reliably house-trained, and no longer ruin carpets and furniture in a variety of revolting ways, have you noticed how many mothers rush out and get a dog or a cat, to fill the gap in their lives?

So my big decision was dog or cat. We used to have two West Highland terriers, Mackintosh and Wellington, (now frolicking with the immortals.) I thought how I had missed them! Not much, actually: Mackintosh’s toe-curling halitosis; Wellington’s creepy habit of always trying to follow me into the toilet; Wellington’s other creepy habit of vigorously sodomising Mackintosh when the mood took him; their refusal to come when called; the long walks over a rain swept Common with people whom you know secretly think that their dog is better than your dog; and perhaps worst of all, the feeling of a warm, fresh faeces in the palm of one’s hand, even when wrapped in polythene...Never again!

Bertie the marmalade kitten therefore came into our lives,

bringing with him his mother and girlfriend, all of whom I agreed to in a weak moment, (this always happens to me - family planning is not my strong point.) What a success young Bertie was! A Boris Becker of the cat world - playful, rakish, tawny and gorgeous! But then, alas, the time came when we had to take the Becker out of his Boris. Our vet has two stone lions by the entrance, friskily flicking up their tails to flaunt their impressively globular reproductive credentials, which probably struck Bertie as very insensitive, as he emerged crestfallen and castrated from surgery. Gone was the lad of life, the imp of fame. Bertie is now a feline amoeba, a disappointing puddle of cat, prone on the floor without any apparent skeletal support, moving by

slow osmosis between his food and his bed, his eyes half-closed, a contented purr occasionally reverberating through his plump, girlish form. It is a truly shocking demonstration of what is left when one removes the testosterone from a male. Nothing at all!

Poor Bertie - like his literary namesake, a Drone. A glorious shot at what a cat ought to be, long fallen wide; but a lesson, maybe, that we put too many expectations on our pets, as well as on our children, and indeed, on everybody! Will somebody please remind the children of this when I am no longer reliably house-trained, and start to make a revolting mess on the carpets and furniture? After all, the vet will know what to do.

points of view

By Kate Greenhalgh

Catty Comments



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darling Magazine - Summer 2011