Me at the Firepit with the artists Ernesto Romano Juan Pablo Chipe
One of my favourite portraits is by the divine Italian artist Ernesto Romano. So when I heard he was sharing an exhibition with the Mexican-Spanish artist Juan Bablo Chipe, whom he met during an artist residency in Shanghai, I couldn’t wait to sashay down to Firepit Art Gallery in Greenwich. I expected the portraits to draw me in. I hadn’t counted on being drawn in by a packet of spicy noodles.
In Between Perception & Construction, Chipe gives that packet top billing in a collage with the cheek of a fashion editorial hijacked by the corner shop. A figure in head-to-toe patterned Valentino sits among snack wrappers, a Vans logo and the Abercrombie & Fitch moose. The noodles land where you expect a face, and once you’ve seen them, it’s hard to look anywhere else.
I like how little reverence Chipe has for the pecking order of brands. The White Rabbit sweet wrapper holds its own against the designer print. There’s a joke in seeing them given equal billing, and it’s partly at our expense. I recognised the logos almost at once. It took me a little longer to notice the elegant bend of the figure’s knee and the way the pattern on the clothes carries your eye down the page.
Romano’s infrared photography makes a familiar scene strange in a different way. In one untitled work, a figure bends over what looks like a mixing desk, their face almost lost in electric blue while the controls glow yellow. Against Firepit’s warm timber panelling, the photograph has the charge of a late-night club scene. The longer I looked, the more intimate it felt. There’s a second figure just behind, but my eye kept coming back to the hands hovering over the controls. You can almost imagine the sound changing with the next movement.
Romano has a dry wit, too. In his First Lady – Neon Edition, the familiar grammar of a postage stamp gives us a crown, a profile and a first-class mark. Then you clock the skull. The orange frame is gloriously showy, which makes the rather macabre joke all the better.
What I enjoyed most about the pairing was the way each artist made me look again for a different reason. Chipe made me laugh at how quickly I recognised a brand, then made me wonder why I’d looked at the packet before the person. Romano held my attention with something as small as the angle of a wrist. I went to Firepit because I love one of his portraits. The image I kept thinking about afterwards was the one in which I could barely make out a face.
Dr Anne Kennedy obe collects a cheque with patron of Anna Kennedy on line Steven Smith from Paul
A HOLE LOT OF HEART! BRAMPTON PARK GOLF CLUB RAISES £4,203 FOR DR ANNA KENNEDY OBE’S AUTISM CHARITY
A family’s pride in their talented son inspires a remarkable year of fundraising for Anna Kennedy Online.
By Steven Smith
It was all sunshine, smiles and generosity when award-winning autism campaigner Dr Anna Kennedy OBE travelled from London to Brampton Park Golf Club in Cambridgeshire to receive a wonderful donation of £4,203.12 for her charity, Anna Kennedy Online.
But behind the impressive fundraising achievement lies an equally heartwarming story of family pride, musical talent and a shared determination to make a difference to the lives of autistic people.
At the centre of it all is singing sensation Richard Antony, a much-loved performer who has graced the stage of the charity’s acclaimed Autism’s Got Talent show on several occasions, winning standing ovations and capturing hearts with his performances. He is also a charity champion for Anna Kennedy online . Richard has raised money for the charity with sponsored walks .
Having witnessed first-hand the extraordinary work undertaken by Dr Kennedy and her dedicated team of volunteers, Paul and Jane put Anna Kennedy Online forward as a charity deserving of support from Brampton Park Golf Club sms Captain Charity
What followed was a year of fundraising that brought members together in a wonderful demonstration of community spirit, kindness and generosity.
The result was an impressive £4,203.12, raised for a cause that has become particularly close to the family’s hearts.
During the club’s annual meeting, Paul and Jane proudly presented Dr Kennedy with a cheque in front of members, marking the culmination of their fundraising efforts.
Dr Kennedy, who has dedicated much of her life to improving understanding, acceptance and opportunities for autistic people and their families, warmly accepted the donation and spoke about her personal journey and the work of the charity.
Joining her for the occasion was Steven Smith, a long-standing and loyal patron of Anna Kennedy Online, who has supported the organisation’s campaigns, fundraising initiatives and Autism’s Got Talent events for many years.
For everyone involved, the occasion was about far more than presenting a cheque.
It was a celebration of what can happen when families, local communities and charitable organisations come together with a shared purpose.
Anna Kennedy Online has become widely recognised for championing autistic individuals, challenging misconceptions and providing a platform for talents that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Its annual Autism’s Got Talent production has become a particularly important part of that mission, offering performers the opportunity to showcase their abilities, build confidence and shine in front of appreciative audiences.
Richard Antony’s story is a wonderful example of that philosophy in action.
His performances have brought immense pride to his family, while inspiring them to help create similar opportunities for others.
And thanks to the generosity of Brampton Park Golf Club’s members, that inspiration has now translated into valuable financial support.
The presentation was a fitting reminder that sometimes the most meaningful charitable partnerships begin with something as simple as watching someone you love step onto a stage and shine.
For Richard, Paul and Jane, the journey began with music.
For Anna Kennedy Online, it has resulted in another wonderful example of a community coming together to make a difference.
Because when talent meets kindness, everybody wins.
An evening with Sea Shepherd that changed the way I look at one of the ocean’s most extraordinary creatures.
By Steven Smith
When one of my dearest friends Marieanne Nanson announced a few years ago that she was becoming vegan, naturally, we were devastated.
There were tears, expressions of disbelief and the inevitable question: was this simply a phase? Was it something we had done At one point, I even considered whether a little conversion therapy might bring her back to her senses.
Her son, however, was rather less sympathetic.
“Pay no attention,” he remarked. “It’s just another excuse for her to be even more difficult in restaurants.”
Reflecting on some of our previous dining experiences, I had to admit he had a point.
Of course, I jest. Being a pescatarian myself, I’ve always been perfectly comfortable visiting vegan cafés, restaurants and bars. In fact, I’ve enjoyed some truly outstanding plant-based food over the years. I even attended the launch of the Vegan Women’s Club, founded by my gorgeous friend Victoria Featherstone Pearce.
But I have never felt particularly inclined to abandon fish altogether. After all, surely a little seafood couldn’t be doing that much harm?
Well, as it turns out, I may have been rather naïve.
On Wednesday evening, 11 November, I joined my dear friend Marieanne Nanson , Dr Anna Kennedy OBE and Victoria Featherstone Pearce for a special London screening of Before the Last Octopus, a documentary presented by the extraordinary marine conservation organisation Sea Shepherd.
The event, held at Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings in Clerkenwell, began with vegan food before the screening, followed by talks and a question-and-answer session featuring Sea Shepherd Global CEO Captain Alex Cornelissen and the film’s director, Robbie Newby.
I arrived expecting an interesting evening, perhaps a few uncomfortable truths and certainly something worthwhile to write about.
What I hadn’t anticipated was leaving with an entirely different attitude towards a creature I had already been aware how intelligent an octopus is
Let’s face it, who hasn’t sat in a beautiful Greek taverna or beside a harbour in Spain, enjoying a glass of wine while a waiter presents a plate of grilled octopus?
It’s all part of that delicious holiday experience. Sunshine, sea air and the romance of Mediterranean living.
But behind that picture-postcard scene lies a reality that many holidaymakers, myself included, rarely stop to consider.
And that is precisely what Before the Last Octopus forces us to confront.
THE INTELLIGENCE BENEATH THE WAVES
Octopuses are astonishing creatures.
With eight remarkable arms, the ability to camouflage themselves almost instantly and an intelligence that continues to fascinate scientists, they are among the most extraordinary animals inhabiting our oceans.
They can solve puzzles, open containers, navigate complicated environments and demonstrate impressive problem-solving abilities.
They are curious, adaptable and, in their own mysterious way, individual.
Unlike us, much of their nervous system is distributed throughout their arms, allowing them to explore and respond to their surroundings in ways that seem almost unimaginable.
Yet we continue to treat these extraordinary creatures as nothing more than another item on a restaurant menu.
The documentary tells the story of Sea Shepherd’s mission to confront illegal octopus fishing in the Mediterranean, particularly in the waters surrounding northern Greece.
And some of the figures are absolutely staggering.
In 2022, Sea Shepherd removed 7,672 illegal traps from a protected marine area in Tuscany, Italy. With trapping pressure reduced, the organisation reported encouraging signs that octopus populations were beginning to recover.
The campaign subsequently moved to Greece, where the scale of the problem became even more alarming.
In 2024, crews recovered more than 6,500 traps and approximately 32 miles of rope in just three weeks, freeing over 570 octopuses.
The following year, the operation expanded dramatically. More than 34,500 traps and 179 miles of rope were removed from the Thracian Sea, with over 1,500 octopuses released.
Sea Shepherd’s published campaign figures for Greece record at least 51,946 illegal traps removed and 2,894 octopuses released since 2024.
Just consider those numbers for a moment.
Thousands of living creatures caught in underwater traps, often with little hope of escape, while abandoned fishing equipment continues to threaten marine life long after it has been discarded.
THE PEOPLE FIGHTING BACK
What makes Sea Shepherd’s work particularly compelling is that these are not simply campaigners standing on the sidelines demanding change.
They are out on the water doing something about it.
Working alongside Greek authorities, marine specialists and the Coastguard, their crews spend exhausting days locating and recovering illegal fishing equipment.
Every trap must be hauled from the seabed, inspected and cleared. Every living creature that can be saved is returned to the water.
The work is physically demanding, painstaking and far from glamorous.
But it matters.
In Greek waters, trap fishing is prohibited from July through September. Sea Shepherd’s operation focuses on removing traps deployed illegally during this period, protecting marine life while supporting enforcement.
There is also the dreadful problem of abandoned fishing gear, often described as ghost gear, which can continue trapping and killing animals long after its owners have disappeared.
The ocean, unfortunately, cannot speak for itself.
That is why organisations such as Sea Shepherd are so important.
Their crews are giving a voice to creatures whose suffering is largely invisible to those of us enjoying the luxury of life on dry land.
A LESSON I WASN’T EXPECTING
I am not about to announce that I have suddenly become a fully fledged vegan.
My friends would probably faint, and certain restaurants might immediately declare a national day of celebration.
Nor do I believe that everyone who eats fish or seafood should be condemned. Food choices are personal, and responsible fishing supports communities whose livelihoods have depended on the sea for generations.
But surely we can begin to question where our food comes from, how it is obtained and whether our appetite is placing an unacceptable burden on the natural world.
There is an enormous difference between responsible fishing and the industrial-scale exploitation of wildlife.
For me, that is the message at the heart of this documentary.
We cannot continue taking from the oceans without considering what we are leaving behind.
I also came away with renewed admiration for people such as Victoria Featherstone Pearce, Dr Anna Kennedy OBE and the countless campaigners who encourage us to look beyond our own habits and consider the welfare of other living beings.
We may not always agree on everything, but sometimes those passionate voices are precisely the ones we need to hear.
I began the evening laughing about veganism and joking about the complications of dining with friends who refuse to eat animal products.
I ended it thinking about the thousands of extraordinary creatures being rescued from traps beneath the Mediterranean.
And the next time I find myself sitting in a beautiful seaside restaurant, watching the sunlight dance across the water, I know one thing for certain.
There will be no octopus on my plate.
Not because someone has ordered me to stop eating it, or because I have suddenly developed a passion for preaching about food.
But because I have learned something I cannot unlearn.
Once you understand that the creature on your plate was capable of curiosity, intelligence and extraordinary behaviour, it becomes rather more difficult to dismiss it as simply dinner.
Perhaps that is the greatest achievement of Before the Last Octopus.
It doesn’t just ask us to save a species.
It asks us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world.
And sometimes, changing the world begins with something as simple as changing what we choose to eat.
For me, the octopus is no longer a Mediterranean delicacy. It is a remarkable living creature that deserves our respect, our protection and, above all, the chance to remain in the ocean where it belongs.
To learn more about Sea Shepherd’s work protecting octopuses and marine life, visit.
As friends, colleagues and associates scramble like rats from a sinking ship to distance themselves from David Walliams and Russell Brand, I find myself asking a rather uncomfortable question: have we become so obsessed with celebrity scandals that we are losing sight of the bigger picture?
Let me be absolutely clear. Russell Brand has been convicted of appalling sexual offences, while David Walliams faces serious allegations that he denies. Every victim deserves to be heard, every allegation properly investigated and every guilty individual held accountable, regardless of fame, fortune or influence.
But where is the same relentless attention when it comes to the grooming gangs that have destroyed the lives of countless vulnerable children across Britain?
Where are the daily headlines demanding justice for the young girls, and indeed boys, who have been groomed, raped, exploited and, in far too many cases, failed by the very authorities entrusted with protecting them?
We know that some of these organised grooming networks involved men of Pakistani heritage. That is an uncomfortable fact which must be examined honestly, without turning an entire community into scapegoats. Equally, nobody should be afraid of being branded racist for reporting genuine concerns about child sexual exploitation.
Protecting children must come before protecting reputations, political careers or institutional embarrassment.
I know someone whose niece was groomed. This is not simply another horrifying headline to me. It is something that has touched people I know personally. Yet where was the publicity surrounding her ordeal? Where was the public outrage? People ask me sometime why my friend is angry ? I say ” It’s like this if your child was brunt alive or raped murdered you would never forgive who did it ” so thats why they are angry/
We cannot pretend these crimes are not happening simply because the perpetrators are not famous.
And while Westminster debates, ministers make promises and political parties trade accusations, I want to know what is actually being done.
What is happening to the victims? Are they receiving proper psychological support? Are the authorities pursuing those responsible? And will those who ignored warnings ever be held accountable?
Then there are our homeless veterans.
Men and women who served this country, sometimes risking their lives, only to find themselves struggling for somewhere safe to sleep. Surely Britain owes them more than warm words. There should be zero homeless veterans , if we can home migrants in Piddington with a gym and a pool we sure can make the brave men and woman safe and comfortable not just for the winter but for good .
I want to see headlines about getting veterans into permanent homes. I want serious investment in policing, mental health services and safer streets.
I want women to feel safe walking home at night. I want children protected from predators and elderly people to feel secure in their own neighbourhoods.
And yes, I believe foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes should face deportation wherever the law permits, with proper due process and safeguards. Coming to Britain should never mean escaping accountability.
None of this should be controversial.
Britain has become extraordinarily good at public outrage, celebrity cancellations and political point-scoring. What we desperately need is the same passion directed towards solving the problems affecting ordinary people.
Of course, expose celebrity wrongdoing. Of course, demand justice for victims.
But let us stop confusing headlines with meaningful action.
I do not want another carefully rehearsed speech from a politician telling us how seriously they take these issues.
I want results.
Because behind every forgotten victim, every homeless veteran and every frightened child is a real human being whose life matters every bit as much as the latest celebrity scandal.
And surely, in a supposedly civilised society, that should be our greatest priority.
Ten years and six months. That was the sentence handed down to Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court on 9 November 2026. A man who once appeared to have the world at his feet is now facing more than a decade behind bars. What a terrible waste of a life, of talent and, above all, of the lives affected by his actions.
There is something profoundly tragic about the entire affair. Here was a man of extraordinary intelligence, wit and charisma. A gifted performer who could command an audience with seemingly effortless brilliance. A man who spoke openly about his struggles with addiction and appeared, at various points, to be searching for meaning, redemption and peace. Yet behind the celebrity, the charm and the carefully cultivated public persona lay behaviour that a jury has now found to be criminal.
On 5 November, Brand was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of two further rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. I cannot help wondering how much of this tragedy was fuelled by the extraordinary, sometimes poisonous nature of fame itself.
Celebrity can be a dangerous drug. And like any drug, some people become addicted to the power it brings. For decades, we have lived in a world that worships the rich, the beautiful and the famous. We place celebrities on pedestals, shower them with admiration and sometimes behave as though ordinary rules no longer apply to them.
There was a time when young women who pursued rock stars were proudly described as groupies. Getting backstage, being invited into a hotel suite or finding yourself in the company of your musical idol was almost regarded as an achievement. Some even became celebrities themselves through their associations with famous men. But looking back, how many of those young people were vulnerable? How many were underage? And how often did the people surrounding the stars simply turn a blind eye?
There is a world of difference between consensual sexual freedom and someone believing their fame gives them the right to take whatever they desire. Not every famous person abuses their position. Many use their success, influence and wealth to achieve extraordinary good. But what happens when admiration becomes entitlement? When the word no is treated as an inconvenience rather than an answer? I wonder whether some stars become so intoxicated by their own importance that they lose all sense of boundaries. And perhaps the more uncomfortable question is this: how many people around them help create that illusion?
I have a very personal reason for finding this story so unsettling. I was only a few days past my 16th birthday when I was taken to a pop star’s home. I was given a great deal of alcohol. I will leave the rest of that evening there. What I will tell you is that I went back. I was even a guest at his manager’s birthday party on the Thames.
For years, I carried an enormous amount of confusion about what had happened. If it had been as bad as I remembered, why had I returned? Why had I accepted another invitation? Surely, I told myself, going back somehow meant I had been responsible for what happened the first time. It is astonishing how cruel we can be to our younger selves.
Decades later, while watching coverage surrounding the Epstein files, something finally began to make sense. I heard accounts of people who had returned to individuals or places associated with experiences of abuse. Their stories made me reconsider my own. Returning does not necessarily mean consenting. Nor does remaining silent mean that nothing happened.
Trauma does not arrive with an instruction manual. People respond in different ways, particularly when they are young, frightened, confused or overwhelmed by someone else’s power. At 16, I was hardly equipped to understand the complicated emotions surrounding an encounter with a famous adult. Looking back now, I see a boy who was barely beginning to understand himself. And perhaps, after all these years, I can finally offer that boy a little compassion.
Over the years, I have heard boys and men struggle to talk about experiences they feared would be dismissed or ridiculed. There is still an extraordinary reluctance to recognise that boys can be victims of sexual abuse. We have created a culture in which a young man is sometimes expected to regard sexual attention as a compliment, regardless of whether it was wanted. Add celebrity to the equation and the situation becomes even more complicated.
Who will believe a teenager over a national treasure? Who wants to challenge a successful entertainer surrounded by influential friends, expensive lawyers and an army of devoted admirers? The public sees the charity appearances, the television interviews and the carefully managed image. The person making the allegation may see someone entirely different.
And that is why we must listen. Not automatically condemn, because justice requires evidence and due process, but listen seriously, without dismissing someone simply because the person they are accusing happens to be famous.
I also believe the entertainment industry has some difficult questions to answer. Who looks after the young people invited backstage? Who challenges inappropriate behaviour? Who is brave enough to intervene when the person behaving badly happens to be the star everyone depends upon? Sometimes silence is not simply the absence of words. It is the result of a culture in which speaking up can cost someone their livelihood.
My heart goes out to the women whose experiences were examined in court. Their courage in coming forward deserves respect, particularly when they knew their lives and private experiences would become the subject of intense public scrutiny. Yet I must confess that something about the almost celebratory appetite for Brand’s downfall leaves me deeply uncomfortable. There is a difference between demanding justice and enjoying another human being’s destruction.
I have never believed that public humiliation should become a form of entertainment, however serious the crime. There will undoubtedly be those who believe Brand deserves every day of his sentence, and others who will continue to defend him. He may seek to challenge his convictions through the legal system, as is his right. But a jury has delivered its verdict, and the court has imposed a substantial prison sentence. That must be respected.
I can recognise Brand’s extraordinary gifts while condemning the crimes for which he has been convicted. I can feel compassion for a troubled human being without allowing that compassion to overshadow the suffering of his victims. Those positions are not contradictory. They are part of recognising that human beings, and the circumstances surrounding them, are rarely simple.
Will seeing Russell Brand imprisoned make the women he harmed feel better? Perhaps, for some, it will bring a sense of justice, vindication or closure. But a prison sentence cannot erase the past. It cannot remove a memory, restore lost years or necessarily silence the anxiety that can follow someone long after an assault.
Trauma can linger in the most intimate and unexpected ways. A familiar smell. A particular room. A voice. A moment that suddenly transports someone back to an experience they have spent years trying to forget. There are wounds that leave no visible scars, yet remain with us for a lifetime.
That is why I hesitate to describe today’s sentence as a victory in any ordinary sense. Justice has been served, but lives have been damaged. Brand has lost his freedom. His family must now live with the consequences of his imprisonment. And the women at the centre of this case must continue with their own lives, carrying experiences that no judge can simply sentence away.
My hope is that prison offers Brand an opportunity for genuine reflection. Whatever his personal struggles, addiction or emotional difficulties, none can excuse sexual violence. But I do believe people should be capable of confronting what they have done and, where possible, using whatever abilities remain to contribute something positive.
Perhaps one day Brand’s intelligence, creativity and experience might help others avoid destructive paths. That would not undo his crimes. Nor would it entitle him to forgiveness. But I struggle to see what is gained by wishing that another human being should never do anything worthwhile again.
Ultimately, this story should not simply be about Russell Brand. It should be about power, accountability and the extraordinary courage required to speak when the person you are speaking about is admired by millions. It should force us to question the culture of celebrity worship and the dangerous assumption that talent somehow excuses unacceptable behaviour.
And it should remind us that victims do not always behave as outsiders expect them to. Some report abuse immediately. Others remain silent for years. Some cut off all contact. Others return to the very people who harmed them. None of those responses, in isolation, tells us whether an assault occurred.
I think again about that 16-year-old boy attending a party on the Thames. For decades, that invitation became the detail I used to question my own experience. Today, I see it differently.
If a young boy came to me with the same story, I would not begin by asking why he went back. I would ask what happened to him. And then I would listen.
Because perhaps the greatest lesson from this entire tragedy is not simply that the powerful must be held accountable. It is that the vulnerable must never be made to feel powerless. Fame should never place anyone above the law, and silence should never be the price someone pays for being believed.
Steven Smith meets Jurate Nikulina, the woman bringing a little sunshine to London Bridge
By Steven Smith
Jurate Nikulina, at The Tanning shop
Goodness me, I’ve been writing about health and beauty for over twenty years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that the beauty industry never stands still.
Every season brings a new miracle treatment, or perhaps an old favourite reinvented with a glamorous new name. Collagen, peptides, NAD+, herbal remedies — you name it, I’ve probably written about it, researched it or, knowing me, tried it!
We are forever searching for that elusive fountain of youth. But sometimes the most interesting developments involve something that’s been around for billions of years: light.
Let’s face it, most of us feel better when the sun comes out. There’s something wonderfully uplifting about a bright summer’s day, and who doesn’t love the appearance of a healthy, golden glow?
Of course, we now understand far more about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation. A good broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is essential, even on cloudy days when UV levels warrant protection. A tan caused by UV exposure is actually a sign of skin damage, and sunbeds carry risks of premature ageing and skin cancer.
However, natural daylight itself has genuine health benefits. It helps regulate our body clocks, supports sleep patterns and mood, and sunlight enables our bodies to produce vitamin D, essential for healthy bones and muscles.
But there’s a new star in the world of light-based beauty and wellness treatments.
Enter red light therapy.
Copy right The Tannin shop
Unlike traditional tanning beds, dedicated red light therapy uses red and sometimes near-infrared wavelengths without ultraviolet radiation. It doesn’t produce a suntan, and researchers are exploring its potential benefits for skin rejuvenation, collagen production, certain types of pain, wound healing and even hair growth.
Some applications have encouraging scientific evidence, while others need considerably more research. It certainly isn’t a miracle cure.
But you know me. Tell me there’s something potentially beneficial to health and beauty, and suddenly I’m reaching for my diary!
Which brings me to a rather extraordinary woman.
Meet the Sun Queen
Her name is Jurate Nikulina, and she runs The Tanning Shop in London Bridge. I affectionately call her the Sun Queen, because quite frankly, she’s a ray of sunshine herself.
What impresses me about Jurate isn’t simply her professionalism, but her knowledge, patience and genuine interest in the people walking through her door.
Whether you’re considering a spray tan, enquiring about a sunbed or exploring red light therapy, she takes time to listen, understand your skin type and explain what’s involved.
And believe me, that makes a refreshing change.
We’ve all encountered those beauty establishments where the person behind the counter is chewing gum, staring into space and looking as though they’d rather be anywhere else or sell you the most expensive course of treatment .
Not here!
The salon is beautifully maintained, spotlessly clean and welcoming. Jurate makes you feel like a valued client rather than another appointment.
I particularly appreciate her willingness to discuss the pros and cons of treatments rather than promise the impossible.
With UV tanning, of course, even expert supervision cannot remove the risks, which is why my personal preference remains a good spray tan.
My Red Light Experience
Red Light therapy picture The Tanning shop.
Having recently undergone hernia surgery, I found myself in an unfamiliar position.
No gym, limited movement and a rather uncomfortable recovery. For someone accustomed to being active, it was frustrating, to say the least.
A friend suggested looking into red light therapy.
When I discovered that The Tanning Shop offered it, I telephoned Jurate.
Straightaway, she was refreshingly honest. Everyone responds differently, she explained, and she could only speak from her own experience.
Jurate had undergone surgery herself and felt that red light therapy had helped her recovery.
That was enough to make me curious.
I booked five sessions.
Each treatment lasts approximately fifteen minutes, and packages are available at discounted rates.
Now, I won’t lie. It had been decades since I’d climbed into anything resembling a sunbed. Perhaps it’s my age, or perhaps I’ve watched Final Destination once too often, but initially I felt slightly claustrophobic!
Fortunately, that sensation disappeared after a few minutes.
You’re provided with eye protection, and once settled, the experience is surprisingly relaxing.
There’s something rather pleasant about escaping the outside world for fifteen minutes, particularly when you’ve spent weeks recovering from surgery.
Before I knew it, my first session was over.
Did I emerge looking twenty years younger, ready to run a marathon?
Sadly not!
The results weren’t immediate, although a few people subsequently commented on how nice my skin was looking.
By my third session, I personally felt that my skin looked fresher, and I noticed less discomfort around my surgical scar.
Now, I must emphasise that this was my own experience. Postoperative pain naturally improves over time, and I cannot say whether red light therapy contributed to that improvement.
Nevertheless, it certainly sparked my interest.
By the end of my five sessions, I found myself wishing I’d booked more.
Sunshine Without the Sun Damage?
Copyright The Sunbded shop. ” Spray Tanning ”
For me, the attraction of red light therapy is that it offers a different approach to skin and wellness treatments without the ultraviolet exposure associated with tanning.
It isn’t a substitute for medical treatment, and anyone recovering from an operation should seek medical advice before trying it.
But the emerging research is fascinating, particularly in relation to certain skin conditions, cellular activity and tissue repair.
I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on developments.
As a natural redhead, I have always been particularly conscious of protecting my fair skin. My preferred route to a golden glow remains a professional spray tan, accompanied by sensible sun protection whenever I’m outdoors.
I’m also intrigued by some of the salon’s newer beauty treatments, including its body-firming and hydrating options.
Watch this space!
What I value most about my visits, however, is having someone knowledgeable and approachable to talk things through with.
Jurate doesn’t need to blind you with science or promise miracles. Her warmth, experience and genuine enthusiasm are more than enough.
So, while I won’t be abandoning my sunscreen or replacing conventional healthcare with a glowing bed, I am certainly adding red light therapy to my list of beauty treatments worth exploring.
And if you’re curious about what might be right for you, I can think of no better person to have a conversation with than Jurate Nikulina.
After all, a little sunshine can brighten anyone’s day.
And the Sun Queen of London Bridge has certainly brightened mine.
The Tanning Shop — London Bridge 134 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LB
Treatments: Red light therapy, spray tanning, UV tanning and skin treatments.
Well, not to me! I’ve always been far more impressed by quality, imagination and, of course, the clever use of what’s behind it. Although, I must confess, anything described as micro might not necessarily float my boat!
Goodness, where is your mind going? Sorry, I seem to have taken us completely out of context!
I’m talking about ART, darling, and a rather divine exhibition currently taking place at one of my favourite creative haunts, the Firepit Gallery in Greenwich.
Entitled Does Size Matter?, this fabulous exhibition runs from 6 November 2026 until 30 January 2027, and proves that wonderful things really do come in small packages.
But before I tell you why you absolutely must go, I need to mention one particular piece that caught my eye.
Artist Marcus Jake has created the most gorgeous gold artwork, and I promise I’m not saying this simply because he’s a friend. In fact, friendship aside, I think it’s an absolute showstopper.
Marcus Jake ,
Rather modestly positioned, almost tucked out of the way, it quietly steals the show. At just £400, it’s an absolute steal. Not only is it a fabulous conversation piece, but it would transform practically any room.
Now, should anyone fancy buying it for me, I would graciously accept. Favours can, of course, be negotiated! Only joking. Well, perhaps!
Seriously, though, someone snap it up before I start raiding my savings. It would make an extraordinary Christmas present.
Ayina Rowe
Curated by Marcus Jake, Does Size Matter? brings together more than 150 original artworks, with one rather appealing rule: nothing measures more than 50cm, and everything costs £500 or less.
We’re talking paintings, photography, drawings, glass, printmaking, collage, miniature dioramas and sculpture. It’s a wonderfully eclectic collection, bursting with originality, personality and artistic flair.
Pooyan -Di visual artist
What I particularly love is the exhibition’s philosophy. Art shouldn’t be reserved for wealthy collectors with enormous houses and even bigger bank balances. Everyone deserves the opportunity to own something original and beautiful.
The works are displayed salon-style, encouraging visitors to wander, explore and discover unexpected treasures. Better still, when something sells, another piece replaces it, meaning the exhibition continually evolves.
And the Firepit itself? Well, what a gem!
With Christmas fast approaching, I cannot recommend it highly enough for present shopping. Forget another predictable candle or pair of socks. There are fabulous artist-made gifts and original little treasures that won’t break the bank.
An interior designers dram you can purchase artist Phil Davies smaller art
There’s also wonderful coffee, a bar, and that wonderfully welcoming atmosphere which makes you want to stay far longer than intended.
The Firepit is so much more than a gallery. It’s a creative community with a genuine heart, supporting artists while making art accessible to everyone.
So, does size matter?
Absolutely not, darling. It’s what you do with it that counts!
Marcus Jake owner of The Firepit gallery
Does Size Matter? 6 November 2026 – 30 January 2027 Firepit Gallery, 10 Cutter Lane, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0XX.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm; Thursdays until 7pm.
Anastasya Martynova Andrew Stevens Anuradha Shee Art Lewy Ayiana Rowe AyshaArts Azaria Ledeatte-Williams Constantinos Zeinalipour-Yazdi Curtis Donovan Diana Dunca Dil Vahidova-Mardell Ernesto Romano Ese Freeman Geoff Gunby HAF The Artist Harsh Hingu Hayley Bowen Isabella Chiara Vicco Jane Oldfield Jon Schwochert Judy Clarkson Julie Fitzpatrick Kamila CK Kirti Gaba Lihui Liang Luigi Coppola & Mark Shuttleworth Marcus Jake Marina Borodulya Marina Prilepina Maya May Jex Milena Makani Minoo Sadi Nadine Talalla Nelly K Once Upon A Stack Phil Davis Pooyan Dalir Prachi Gawas Ritisha Singh Ruby Khan’s Art Sara Annunziata Sara Paganetto Sergio Carando Sophie Batey Temitope Ogunseitan Valentina Baranova Wahida Jabarzai Yugeart Zalika
GIVE US A BREAK: FOURTEEN YEARS ON, WHY ARE WE STILL FIGHTING BULLYING?
By Dr Anna Kennedy OBE
Every day, millions of children wake up and prepare for another day at school. For many, there is excitement about what lies ahead. Breakfast in a loving home, the anticipation of seeing friends, perhaps a favourite lesson or simply the joy of being part of something. Of course, some children would rather stay in bed than face another school day, but generally, life is good.
For others, however, their first waking thought is fear.
Why? Because somewhere beyond the safety of their front door, the bullies are waiting.
Imagine being a child who dreads going to school, not because of exams or homework, but because of the humiliation, intimidation and cruelty that may await them. Many are too frightened or ashamed to tell anyone, sometimes not even their own parents. They worry that somehow, they have failed, that they are not popular enough, clever enough or simply not like the other children.
They become experts at hiding their pain, reassuring parents that everything is fine and telling teachers what they think they want to hear. Yet the psychological damage can remain long after the school gates have closed for the final time, sometimes contributing to serious mental health problems in adulthood.
How many times have we read heartbreaking stories of children self-harming or, tragically, taking their own lives, only to hear a parent or friend say, “We thought they were happy. We had no idea anything was wrong”?
It is a devastating reminder that appearances can be deceptive.
Never be afraid to dig deeper. Ask that simple but potentially life-changing question: “Are you OK?” And, more importantly, take the time to listen to the answer.
Sadly, we never really leave the playground behind. Bullying follows people into adulthood, into workplaces, relationships, communities and sometimes even their own homes.
We must talk about bullying openly and without shame. If you are being bullied, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You have not failed, and you do not deserve what is happening to you.
Sometimes those who bully others are struggling with their own emotional difficulties. That may help explain their behaviour, but it can never excuse it.
Fourteen years ago, a campaign was launched with a simple but powerful message: Give Us a Break. Yet here we are in 2026, and the heartbreaking reality is that bullying remains as destructive as ever.
In 2012, my charity, Anna Kennedy Online, launched the Give Us a Break anti-bullying campaign, determined to challenge discrimination, encourage understanding and give a voice to those who too often suffer in silence.
Fourteen years later, the campaign continues. And perhaps the saddest question is: why do we still need it?
Bullying has evolved. Once associated primarily with school playgrounds, it now reaches into almost every corner of society. From classrooms and colleges to workplaces, social gatherings and the digital world, cruelty has found new platforms and, disturbingly, new audiences.
Social media has created a particularly toxic environment. Behind the perceived anonymity of a screen, individuals can humiliate, intimidate and destroy someone’s confidence with a few careless keystrokes. What takes seconds to type can leave emotional scars lasting a lifetime.
For autistic children and adults, the challenges can be especially painful. Being different should never mean becoming a target. Yet misunderstanding, ignorance and prejudice continue to leave many feeling isolated, excluded and frightened to be themselves.
This was shared at the start of the Give us a Break Campaign in 2012 when working with NSPCC and Esther
Through Anna Kennedy Online, I have spent years campaigning for greater autism acceptance, understanding and inclusion. Our charity continues to champion individuals whose talents, personalities and contributions deserve celebration rather than judgement.
Organisations such as Born Anxious also help promote awareness and acceptance, encouraging important conversations about neurodiversity and the need to recognise and embrace individuality.
But bullying is not exclusively an issue affecting autistic people. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, appearance, sexuality or ability. Adults can be just as vulnerable as children, and the consequences can be devastating.
Perhaps one of the most disturbing aspects of bullying is the silence surrounding it. How often do witnesses look away? How many people dismiss hurtful remarks as harmless banter? And how frequently do victims hear those dreadful words: “You’re being too sensitive”?
Words matter. Kindness matters. And standing up for someone who is struggling to find their voice matters enormously.
This November, as Give Us a Break marks fourteen years of campaigning, Anna Kennedy Online is renewing its call for compassion, respect and responsibility.
Our message is beautifully simple:
“Take 5 before you type.”
Five seconds to consider whether your words are necessary, whether they are kind and whether they might cause lasting harm.
Imagine how different our schools, workplaces and online communities could become if everyone adopted that small act of consideration.
We cannot eliminate bullying overnight, but we can challenge the culture that allows it to flourish. We can educate, encourage empathy and remind people that silence is not always the answer.
Fourteen years on, Give Us a Break remains more than a campaign. It is a reminder that acceptance should never be conditional and kindness should never be optional.
Different is not a reason to target someone.
And if there is one message I would like every child and adult experiencing bullying to hear, it is this:
You are not alone. You deserve to be heard, you deserve to feel safe, and above all, you deserve to be yourself.
Some of the most interesting evenings begin with a friend opening a door to something new. In my case, that friend was artist Phil Davis, through whom I came to discover Orbit Luna at Indra Gallery in Shoreditch. Friendship brought me to the show; the meeting of art, music and imagination gave me plenty to explore.
Phil deserves an introduction of his own. A Fine Art and Sculpture graduate of Loughborough University, he creates landscapes and figurative works alive with rich, vivid colour. Combining instinctive painting with handmade stencils, he brings carefully observed detail into images full of energy and emotion. There is something compelling about that balance between freedom and precision: the colour catches your attention, while the detail invites you to linger.
It was through Phil that I encountered the creative world of Maham Suhail, the London-based artist, singer-songwriter, composer and curator behind Orbit Luna. Like Phil, Maham works across different creative processes, although her canvas extends beyond the visual into sound, photography, digital media and live performance.
Phil says: “It was a blast to be part of Orbit Luna. This was only my second time exhibiting at Indra Gallery in a few days, but it’s already proved a fantastic venue, giving my paintings room to breathe alongside sculptures, projections and live music.
“Watching people engage with my paintings and ask about my creative process was deeply rewarding. As the evening unfolded, the gallery became a space for free improvisation, creating something truly unique.
“Maham did a wonderful job bringing together artists, musicians and art lovers. The spectacularly surreal highlight was Maggie Nicols and Maham’s improvised performance, accompanied by Leyla Ustunkaya and Aurelie Freoua painting spontaneously to the music.
“It may have been a one-day showcase, but the creative energy and connections will stay with me.”Her influences are equally wide-ranging. Soul-electronica, jazz, ethno-folk and world percussion meet in music shaped by travel and cultural exchange. Identity, freedom, love and self-discovery run through her practice.
For Orbit Luna, Maham brought together visual artists and live musicians, with an interactive voice workshop by Maggie Nicols adding an opportunity for visitors to participate. The programme placed contemporary art alongside experimental music and a sound bath, inviting audiences to experience the gallery through several senses.
Thanks to Phil, I had arrived at an exhibition that offered an introduction to both individual talents and the possibilities of collaboration. Naturally, I wanted to know more about the woman bringing it all together. I caught up with Maham to discuss her creative journey, the thinking behind Orbit Luna and what comes next.
Maham Suhail, the London-based artist
MAHAM SUHAIL: THE CREATIVE VISION BEHIND ORBIT LUNA
Q: You’re an artist, singer-songwriter, composer and curator. Where did your creative journey begin?
A: Friends often describe me as a Renaissance woman! Creativity has always been part of my life. As a child, I sang, played piano, wrote poetry and loved drawing portraits.
My first exhibition was in Pakistan in 2010, raising funds for the Red Cross. I subsequently studied art and design in Pakistan and music production at Berklee College of Music, both on scholarships.
I’ve always loved combining music and visual art. Orbit Luna brings these passions together through immersive exhibitions, performance and sound.
Q: How have your travels and experiences of different cultures influenced your work?
A: I was born in Pakistan, have lived in India, Spain and the UK, and travelled to more than 25 countries.
These experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of identity, freedom and belonging, themes that continually appear in my work.
Studying Sufi music in Pakistan and India also influenced my spiritual development. I’m fascinated by cultural fusion and how different artistic traditions connect.
For me, identity is constantly evolving, shaped by our experiences, relationships and surroundings.
Q: What inspired Orbit Luna at Indra Gallery, combining visual art, live music and sound baths?
A: Orbit Luna represents an otherworldly experience inspired by celestial movement, nature and transformation. Interestingly, Maham means “my moon” in Persian.
I wanted the gallery to become a living artwork, combining paintings, sculpture, film, installations and music.
Visitors could explore freely, participate in improvisation or simply absorb the atmosphere.
Our Art as Meditation strand encouraged reflection through sound, poetry and silence, while Art as Mediation brought together artistic experiences to inspire dialogue and fresh perspectives.
My hope was that everyone would leave feeling inspired and perhaps transformed.
Q: How did you select the artists and musicians, and what connected their work?
A: I wanted to create a diverse artistic ecosystem, bringing together established and emerging artists from different generations, cultures and creative disciplines.
The exhibition included artists associated with institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths and Berklee College of Music.
Together, we represented more than 11 ethnic backgrounds, exploring painting, photography, sculpture, film and experimental music.
What connected us was a shared interest in memory, spirituality, transformation and the human condition. I believe art can encourage healing, challenge perceptions and inspire change.
Q: Why was audience participation, particularly during Maggie Nicols’ interactive workshop, so important?
A: Free improvisation is about freedom of expression. You don’t need training or experience; everyone can participate.
Maggie Nicols created an atmosphere where people felt comfortable experimenting. Artists including Jo Morrison, Aurélie Freoua and Leyla Ustunkaya contributed to an exciting fusion of sound, movement and live painting, alongside Northcore’s electronic music.
Some visitors spontaneously joined in, which was wonderful!
Orbit Luna encourages people to overcome inhibitions, explore their creativity and connect with others.
Ultimately, I want audiences to understand that art isn’t something they simply observe. They can become part of it.
Remembering Dame Esther Rantzen: A Remarkable Woman Who Believed in Me
Remembering Dame Esther Rantzen: A Remarkable Woman Who Believed in Me
By Dr Anna Kennedy OBE
Throughout our lives, we meet so many people. Some pass through briefly, while others leave footprints on our hearts that remain forever. On my own journey, I have been fortunate enough to meet some truly remarkable and inspirational individuals who have helped shape who I am, influenced my opinions and encouraged me to follow my dreams.
It would be almost impossible to single out one person who has made the greatest impression. However, on 30 September this year, I felt an enormous sense of sadness when I heard that my dear friend, Dame Esther Rantzen, had passed away.
I wanted to dedicate this month’s column to a very special lady who meant so much to me, both personally and professionally.
Dame Esther had been part of my journey for many years, and I have some wonderful memories that I will treasure forever.
Esther kindly wrote the foreword to my book, Not Stupid, and was a patron of Hillingdon Manor School, which I established after struggling to find suitable education for my sons.
She understood the importance of giving children opportunities, listening to families and ensuring that those who often felt invisible were finally heard.
When we launched our very first Autism’s Got Talent in 2012, Esther was there to support us. At a time when we were trying to build something meaningful, her encouragement meant the world to me.
We remained in touch over the years, exchanging emails, and without fail, Esther would send me a Christmas card every year. It was such a thoughtful gesture from someone who had dedicated so much of her life to helping others.
My last email to her was in June, wishing her a happy birthday. As always, she kindly replied, signing off in her familiar way:
‘Xxxxxx E.’
It is those little things that suddenly become such precious memories.
I also remember her visits to Hillingdon Manor School. Esther always liked her tea served properly, in a teacup with a saucer. We even kept a special cup just for her visits! Whenever I think about it now, it brings a smile to my face.
When you start something from nothing, particularly when people tell you it cannot be done, you never forget those who believed in you before the world began to take notice.
Esther was one of those people.Through her extraordinary broadcasting career, her pioneering work with Childline and The Silver Line, and her tireless campaigning, she became a voice for those who needed someone to listen.
She was courageous, compassionate, determined and never afraid to challenge injustice.Her legacy will continue through the countless lives she touched, the causes she championed and the people she inspired.
My heartfelt thoughts are with her children, grandchildren, family, friends and everyone who loved her.
Esther, thank you for believing in me all those years ago, for your friendship, your kindness and your unwavering support.
The world has lost an extraordinary woman, but heaven has gained a very special lady.
And somewhere, I hope, there is a beautiful teacup and saucer waiting just for you.Rest in peace, dear Esther. You will never be forgotten
