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.
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.
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
Wow, fabulous to see the ladies getting a look-in! This is so sexy I might become a lesbian. That would certainly explain my lack of dating! It is also the campest, pardon the pun, slasher movie I have seen in years. A must-watch. It is bloody brilliant!
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is not your average horror movie. Forget the predictable screaming teenagers, the masked lunatic lurking behind a tree and the obligatory blonde running through the woods in her underwear. This is something altogether more delicious, daring and wonderfully deranged.
Director Jane Schoenbrun has taken the slasher genre, given it a fabulous queer makeover and served up a gloriously twisted cocktail of sex, obsession, psychological horror and dark humour. It is outrageous, seductive and utterly compelling.
The story follows an enthusiastic young filmmaker, played by Hannah Einbinder, who is given the opportunity to resurrect the once-popular Camp Miasma horror franchise. After years of increasingly dreadful sequels, the series desperately needs new blood. And goodness, does it get some!
Her journey leads her to the original film’s mysterious star, played by the magnificent Gillian Anderson, who has withdrawn from the spotlight. What follows is a disturbing and intoxicating exploration of desire, power, fantasy and the dangerous relationship between an actress and her admirer.
Now, can we please talk about Gillian Anderson?
My goodness, this woman is extraordinary. Anderson delivers a performance so hypnotic, sexy and commanding that you simply cannot take your eyes off her. Every glance, every carefully measured word and every movement seems calculated to draw you deeper into her web.
There is something almost dangerously seductive about her presence. She doesn’t merely occupy the screen; she possesses it. She can make a moment of silence more electrifying than an entire sequence of bloodcurdling screams.
Anderson has always been an exceptional actress, but here she reminds us why she remains one of the most fascinating performers of her generation. She is mysterious, powerful, vulnerable and terrifyingly alluring, sometimes all within the same scene.
Hannah Einbinder is equally impressive, bringing an intriguing mixture of ambition, fascination and emotional vulnerability to her role. The chemistry between these two women is electric. Their relationship becomes the beating heart of a film that is as interested in psychological seduction as it is in horror.
What I particularly loved is that the film refuses to behave itself. It plays with the conventions of the slasher genre while examining fame, female power, sexuality and the strange obsession audiences develop with their screen idols.
It is unapologetically queer, gloriously camp and refreshingly different. There is something wonderfully liberating about watching a horror film in which women are not simply waiting around to become the next victim.
Be warned, though: this is not conventional popcorn horror. It is strange, provocative and deliberately unsettling. But that is precisely what makes it so memorable.
As for Gillian Anderson, darling, forget the masked killer. She is the real danger here. One smouldering look and I would probably surrender without a fight.
Five stars from me. Sexy, sinister, spectacularly camp and utterly irresistible. Go and see it. Just don’t blame me if you develop a crush on Gillian Anderson!
Imagine edible aromatherapy, where your senses are pleasurably assaulted by a dining experience that will linger in your memory long after the last mouth-watering morsel has been savoured.
Let’s be straight I am not a vegan, though I totally respect people who are vegans. I have lived with a vegan and I enjoyed the food and as she is one of my best friends we eat at Vegan recusants and it is great and add to Italian my favourites Mexican, Japanese and Thai .
For the record I am Pollotarian means I eat chicken fish turkey but no red meat or poultry it is very hard given my diet I do not eat cheese or shell fish to explain to some people that this has been a choice since I was 20 . The smell of pork makes me feel sick. People are often judgemental or do understand vegans ,
Suprsingly the most difficult ritios people are quick to judge and even ignore . One peson “ I have done chicken for dinner “ when I opened there was pork and cheese in it “Scrape it off “ they said signing forgetting the list of what they will do and wont . Their assoiate “ In my day we were eat what we were given “ my regards to the victorain era. One friend at the womans vegan club said to me “ Are all these woman lesbians “ my eyes went to heaven ,
Kirk and Keely Haworth
But back to the review my great pal andi have been desperate to dine at the vegan church Plates Behind the extraordinary success of Plates, the UK’s first fully plant-based restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star, are brother-and-sister duo Kirk and Keeley Haworth. Kirk, the restaurant’s chef and creative culinary force, comes from an impressive gastronomic pedigree.
His father, Nigel Haworth, is a celebrated Michelin-starred chef, and Kirk himself honed his skills in some of the world’s finest kitchens, including The French Laundry in California and Restaurant Sat Bains. However, it was a life-changing diagnosis of Lyme disease in 2016 that transformed his relationship with food and inspired his journey into plant-based cuisine.
Kirk actually regularly serves at the tables
Together with his sister Keeley, who oversees the creative and business side of the operation, he has created something rather remarkable in London’s Shoreditch. Having been crowned Champion of Champions on BBC’s Great British Menu in 2024, Kirk went on to make culinary history when Plates received its Michelin star in February 2025. Yet perhaps his greatest achievement is demonstrating that exceptional fine dining need not rely on meat, fish or dairy to deliver an unforgettable experience.
We have waited a year to dine at Plates , in fairness it was not just that it is Alway’s booked up , we did get two other reversions it clashed with travel arrangements. But despite this time recovering from my and operation we made it . Boy I am glad I did it Plate is an experience of a life time and the tasting menue accompanied by the wines is something you will. Walks away feeling good and wanting
more
Plates is not in Mayfair or any syllabaries location it is in Old Street and it is the cuties of venues and everything is simple but stylish even the staff are dressed in a chic way. Now let’s start with the staff. You can not quite find such a great knowledgeable and attentive crew . Even the maestro himself Kirk comes to the table and over sees everything .Though lunch was sold out and there was no space not even at the courtier It was very pleasant atmosohere that did not feel packed and we could easily chat .
We opted Plates – Tasting Menu paired with wines ( well worth it )
My best vegan friend
£125 per person
There was a little taster of barbecue tomatoed soap
1. Taco of sand carrot, fig leaf & kohlrabi just exploded in your mouth with tatse
2. House laminated sourdough bread, whipped cultured butter, green chilli & vadouvan
This is so good that I wished that had a bakery next to the restaurant.
11. Warm cacao sponge, parsnip ice cream & Buddha’s hand again out of this world
Now this was not just lunch and I am so glad I shared with someone who is not just a friend but someone I care for as it is an experience not just lunch or dinner. If you are not vegan I challenge you to dine here and not want to know more . it is the same price as West End theatre seat , but the meal last a little longer and will leave you buzzing a lot longer than mama mia .
My friend seized the moment to re book wise woman ,
Additional charges
There is a £2.75 per person surcharge for mineral water and an optional 13.5% service charge added to the bill.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have an eclectic circle of friends. They come from different backgrounds, hold different political opinions and make very different choices in life. And do you know what? That’s precisely how I like it.
Friendship, in my opinion, should never depend on agreeing about everything.
Recently, one of my dearest friends and I found ourselves debating the suitability of a certain gentleman to become Prime Minister. I made my feelings perfectly clear. Every time I see or hear him, I think of slime, accompanied by a rather unfortunate vision of Albert Steptoe dressed as Hitler!
My friend, being considerably younger( cough ) , had absolutely no idea who Albert Steptoe was, but she certainly got the gist.
She, on the other hand, adores this politician. So much so that she nearly accepted a position in his press office.
Did we fall out? Absolutely not. We laughed, moved on to another subject and arranged to see each other the following week. No tantrums, no cancelling friendships and certainly no personal attacks.
However, there is one thing I will never tolerate: bullying.
Which brings me to GB News presenter Nana Akua and her recent confrontation with Andy Twelves.
Whether you agree with Nana’s politics or rate her broadcasting style is entirely irrelevant. She is a human being who deserves courtesy and respect.
Nana presents a programme that combines lively debate, entertainment and information. Her guests should be free to challenge her opinions, but disagreement should never become an excuse for intimidation.
Watching the confrontation, I felt Twelves behaved like a twelve-year-old schoolboy pulling a girl’s pigtails simply to provoke a reaction.
Call me old-fashioned, but even in an age of equal rights, I still find the sight of a man bullying a woman utterly disgusting or any bullying . Equality should never mean abandoning basic decency, courtesy or respect.
That isn’t intelligent debate. It’s playground behaviour.
We desperately need more tolerance, more humour and considerably less hostility in public life.
Disagree passionately, argue intelligently, but never confuse bullying with bravery.
