MINT Polo in the Park 2013: Frost Learns How To Play Polo

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

I have always been intrigued by polo. Playing a sport is hard enough but playing it on a horse seems almost impossible. So can someone who has never done it before learn to play? Frost writer James and I went to the Chesterton Humberts MINT Polo in the Park Academy day to learn how to play polo. Neither of us had been on a horse for a while so we thought it would be interesting!

First of all we are taught the moves by excellent professional polo players Andrew Murray and Rosie Ross. I don’t do well at first but Andrew sets me straight by correcting how I am holding the mallet and telling me to look at the ball, not straight ahead. Otherwise you top the ball instead of hitting it straight on. Andrew is a brilliant teacher and I soon find myself gaining confidence and hitting the ball properly. We are also told the rules of Polo.

After we have gone through the shots it is time for a riding lesson. Some of us are more nervous than others. I can’t remember the last time I was on a horse and neither can James. I get on my horse, Talia, and she looks at me as if to say “I have no idea who you are but you certainly don’t seem to know what you are doing.’

In the photo above I look pretty confident but actually when I first got on the horse I was slightly nervous. This all went away after I got into the swing of it. We have a riding lesson which taught us how to make the horse do what we want, how to hold the reins, go left and right and cantor. In polo you hold the reins with one hand so you can hold the mallet with the other one. This seems difficult at first but it isn’t.

The day is an incredible amount of fun and I manage to show some authority and get my horse to listen to me.

After the riding lesson we play some polo. It really is addictive and a huge amount of fun. I want to do it more now. It is fun and challenging. I have realised that the most fun things have an element of scariness attached to them and polo certainly fits that bill. I love it.

James thrives and even wins the Most Improved Player trophy. Afterwards we are issued certificates to say we graduated. It was a brilliant day. I am hooked now.

Kick Off The Summer Social Season With

MINT Polo in the Park 2013

Be a part of this unique London lifestyle event which blends fashion,

retail and gastronomy with thrilling, high-octane polo.

Where:

Hurlingham Park, Fulham, SW6 3RQ.

Event dates:

7th, 8th & 9th June 2013

Friday 7th June:

City Friday, 12:00 – 21:00 hrs

Saturday 8th June:

Ladies’ Day, 12:00 – 20:00 hrs

Sunday 9th June:

Finals Day, 12:00 – 19:00 hrs

For the fifth consecutive year, Hurlingham Park in Fulham will play host to one of the most hotly anticipated sporting and

social events in London’s calendar; on June 7th, 8th and 9th the hallowed turf will thunder with the hooves of world class

polo ponies. Enjoy a day of entertainment at the spiritual home of polo, which is conveniently located in central London.

On the field, teams from around the globe will compete to be crowned champions of MINT Polo in the Park 2013.

This year’s event will guarantee a quintessentially British atmosphere fused with the truly international flavour of the

sport, with the four corners of the globe being represented by IG Index Team Sydney, Mandarin Oriental Team Beijing,

Otkritie Team Moscow, City AM Team Abu Dhabi and the ever-popular Camino Real Team Buenos Aires, plus the home

team and 2012 Champions, MINT Team London. It is the perfect way to kick off the summer social season with friends,

family, clients or colleagues.

Eat, drink, shop, socialise, enjoy world-class hospitality and see thrilling polo with the thousands of guests who return

year after year to this multi award-winning event.

Winner of the 2010 and 2011 London Sport Attraction of the Year at The London Lifestyle Awards, MINT Polo in the Park

is the leading outdoor polo and lifestyle event in Central London. It is regarded highly for its innovative format and

provides the perfect introduction for those less well-acquainted with the sport.

2013 Features

We are delighted to announce a range of off-field features, entertainment and hospitality areas. Some are brand new

additions to the event and others are the welcome return of favourites from previous years.

KERB Food Market

KERB Food Market is a new pitch-side addition which offers an abundance of fresh produce from Britain and abroad.

Providing variety and great value food, KERB gives you the opportunity to sample some of the finest fresh produce and

delicious summer party favourites throughout the three-day event.

The Pommery Champagne Garden

The Pommery Champagne Garden gives spectators first-class service and spectacular views of the polo. Relax on the

deck chairs, challenge your friends to a game of table football or simply sit back in the salubrious surroundings and sip

on a glass of vintage Pommery.

Mahiki

2013 sees the return of London’s premier nightclub, which will take pride of place and offer some of the best pitch-side

views of the polo action. Renowned as one of the places to be in on the capital’s social scene, Mahiki blends a

Polynesian ambiance with chic luxury London living.

Crown & Corgi Pub

A proper British pub is clearly an important addition to such a quintessentially British sporting and social event. The

Crown & Corgi provides a fantastic vantage point from which to get close to the on-field action. In addition the bar has

been extended from last year so that you can spend less time ordering drinks and more time enjoying them.

The PIMM’S Bus

The iconic double decker bus will provide the centre piece of the white picket fenced PIMM’s garden. Their expert

mixologists provide you with possibly the most revered and established summer party beverage, which no British social

occasion would be complete without. Recline on the deck chairs and soak up the very best of British.

CLUBHOUSE

Stella Artois is proud to be the Official Lager Supplier to MINT Polo in the Park 2013.

Guests are invited to visit the Stella Artois Clubhouse which will embody the upmost sophistication and where master

draftsmen will serve chalices of perfectly poured Stella Artois; introducing them to the discerning style and authenticity

of the brand.

The KERB food market

KERB are a centrally organised community of independent ‘Street-Food’ vendors. They have a strict vetting process

based on the highest levels of product, sourcing, health and hygiene, as well as style and originality. KERB are well

known in both the ‘foodie’ and ‘trendy’ circles of London for their phenomenal variety and world famous burgers.

Luxury Shopping Village

Featuring over 40 exhibitors selling a wide range of quality products, the Luxury Shopping Village is a wonderful

showcase of products you might not find on the high street. From hats to Argentine leather goods and bespoke

jewellery to exquisite works of art and some of the finest accessories for town and country, our retailers are ready to

help you find that extra special souvenir of your day.

Club Med Kids

As the leading family travel organiser, Club Med have joined us to ensure all members of the family are kept entertained

at MINT Polo in the Park. Our extended and improved Kids’ Zone reflects a truly family-friendly event which caters for

parents and children alike. The secure, supervised area will feature soft play, face painting, ball pools, competitions and

music. The Club Med Kids’ Zone means that you can bring the entire family for a great day out with us.

Finals Day (Sun 9th June)

In addition to the weekend-long Club Med Kids’ Zone, Sunday 9th June will see not only the mounting tension of the

polo as the teams progress towards the final, but also a range of on-field entertainment between matches catering for

children of all ages. In addition to this, exclusively on Finals Day we will be running a range of on-field activities

especially for children. These activities will be free and will run from Midday until 1.45pm offering a great start to any

child’s day out. On-field activities will include a giant inflatable slide, relay races, British Bulldog and dodgeball run by

our partner charity, Walking With The Wounded. We will also have children’s entertainers circulating within the crowd

throughout the day, providing the ultimate family experience.

Charity Work

MINT Polo in the Park is delighted to announce that Walking with the Wounded will return as the official charity partner

for MINT Polo in the Park 2013. Walking with the Wounded raises money to fund the training of wounded service

personnel so that they are equipped with the skills and qualifications required to find long-term employment and create

secure futures for themselves and their families. Later this year Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge

2013 will see teams of wounded servicemen and women from the four corners of the globe race across the Antarctic.

Ticket Packages

MINT Polo in the Park brings polo from its traditional home in the counties to the heart of London and our ticketing

packages are tailored to suit a range of requirements. Bookings for individual and group tickets are made via

Ticketmaster on 0844 248 5069.

General Admission

Enjoy the event with the ability to roam around all public areas of the venue.

Grandstand Tickets

In addition to access to the venue at ground level, this pass allows you access to the Grandstand for the seats with the

best views of the action. Purchasing a Grandstand Ticket means your seat will be allocated exclusively to you.

Family & Groups

Share the experience with friends and family by taking advantage of our family and group discounts.

– Family Ticket includes two adults and two children.

– Groups of 10-20 people: Save 10%

– Groups of 21-30 people: Save 15%

– Groups of 31 or over: Save 20%

VIP Hospitality at The Hurlingham Club

Enjoy luncheon at one of the UK’s most prestigious members’ club, its history inextricably linked to the history of polo.

Walk through the beautiful 42-acre garden following lunch to the private pitch-side Hurlingham Club Enclosure where

you will enjoy our hospitality and fantastic views of the polo. Please contact Rachel at City Events on 0207 936 5284 or

rachel@cityevents.uk.com

VIP Hospitality at Hurlingham Park

Polo and social entertaining go hand-in-hand so if you have a summer celebration, are organising a group visit or wish

to entertain clients or colleagues then these private, staffed marquees are perfect for your event.

Pricing

Friday 7th June

General Admission (no restriction on access to the Grandstand on Friday ONLY)

Adult

£20

(£5 after 5pm)

Child

£10

(free after 5pm)

Family

£60

Saturday 8th June

Grandstand

Adult

£45

Child

£15

Family

£110

General Admission

Adult

£35

Child

£15

Family

£75

Sunday 9th June

Grandstand

Adult

£40

Child

£10

Family

£80

General Admission

Adult

£25

Child

£10

Family

£60

Find more about MINT Polo in the Park

PoloInTheParkLondon.com | Facebook.com/PoloInThePark | @PoloInThePark

Tickets

Ticketmaster

0844 248 5069

Knock Yourself Out Theatre Review

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Paloma Kubiak

Tom Holloway’s Knock Yourself Out gives the audience a glimpse of modern university life, portraying the highs and the lows of two post-grads and a heroine junky enrolled on an MA course.

Throughout the semesters, we see the three amigos leading young and carefree days but the play edges the characters toward responsibility and their ultimate journey into the real world.

With the days and nights of partying set against life’s challenges, this kidult production depicts the struggle between reality and expectation.

Roger, played by the production-writer himself, expresses his desires and feelings through poetry.

At first, Roger appears to be an old soul trapped in modern life; a romantic seeking his happy ever after.

Yet, when a chance encounter leads to potential romance, he’s completely ignorant of Nicola’s affection and the gentleman we see in the opening scene is arrogant and brash toward her.

Likeable, naïve Jono, is dating Carrie and he confesses to the boys how in love he is and how much he misses her when they’re apart.

But his infatuation and hope of being together forever is misjudged when Carrie tells him she wants to see and sleep with other people.

And gay Scottish Billy, the only one of the trio who is actually studying, displays the persona of a lethario but secretly wants to commit to one man, Sam.

However, his only gratifying relationship is with heroine as he shoots up to experience euphoria.

For the boys, the final year in student accommodation is a time to explore

drugs, sex and the boundaries of their friendship.

Roger kisses Jono’s girl and a fight breaks out between the two, adding to the dark undercurrent within the play.

Tom Holloway’s show is based on real experience and it’s a moving insight into the opportunities perceived while at University verses the actual financial hardship, unemployment and management of friendships.

While the stage is set to the front-room of the house only, there was clever directing with scenes played out as if the fast-forward button had been pressed.

Knock Yourself Out boasts an impressive cast from the likes of Danielle Watson (Ginny) who’s starred in Wire In The Blood & This Is England ’86 to Jenni Herzberg (Carrie) who’s featured in Spooks and Doctors.

And for the launch night on Thursday 7 March 2013, there was an equally impressive audience with the likes of Olly from Made In Chelsea, Holby City actress Jing Luis and Eastenders actress Bunmi Mojekwu.

Knock Yourself Out runs at The Courtyard Theatre until 24 March, excluding Mondays www.thecourtyard.org.uk/whatson/295/knock-yourself-out

There are 2 for 1 tickets all weekend using codes: ‘Mouse Trap’ or £5 tickets on 12th March with code: ‘iambic’ for £8 Tickets until the 14th March.

Photo credit: Kit Oates.

Michelle Obama Tops Best Dressed List

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

SUNDAY TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES: MICHELLE OBAMA TOPS THE BEST DRESSED LIST 2013

Sunday Times Style Magazine, the UK’s premium fashion and beauty magazine, has this week announced its first-ever definitive guide to the best dressed. Over the next two Sundays, Style names the 50 individuals who have led fashion with their interpretation of sartorial good-taste in 2013.

The list is compiled by the Style team, including: AA Gill, Camilla Long, Colin McDowell, Shane Watson, Christina Lamb, Giles Hattersley, Kate Spicer, Tiffanie Darke, Claudia Croft, Richard Gray, Francesca Hornak, Fleur Britten, Michael Hennegan, and of course Mrs Mills. The team also provides insightful commentary on how the rankings have been chosen, and who leads in creating the perfect alchemy between taste, style and personality.

At the top of the list is America’s style queen: Michelle Obama. Described by Darke as being an important woman with a high-powered job who still has fun with fashion; the First Lady was praised for her blend of High Street with couture, and her use of clothes to inspire and entertain.

Mrs Obama’s lead ranking contradicts today’s reports of criticism by designer Dame Vivienne Westwood who termed Michelle’s choice of clothes “dreadful” and a “non-starter”.

Creative director of Céline, Phoebe Philo, is in second place. Her understated approach; relaxed mantra, and devotion to flats – particularly box fresh trainers, has earned her Kate Spicer’s vote. Miuccia Prada meanwhile receives the bronze. The 63-year-old matron of Milan’s great fashion house is described by Gray as embracing ‘the edge’ with poise and strength so that it is never frivolous and always handsome.

Ranked at number seven is Victoria Beckham who comes one above the Duchess of Cambridge. Mrs Beckham is praised by Colin McDowell for her commitment to providing customers with perfection, and taking the same approach with her own never-faltering appearance.

Style Magazine editor Tiffanie Darke says: “The diverse nature of this list demonstrates the importance of fashion in the overall conversation, confirming the role clothes play in creating a visual manifesto.”

“What’s so encouraging is that among the 25 people celebrated today, no two share a similar look; they all occupy a different part of the fashion spectrum, using their own taste and judgment to bring together an individual style that serves to inspire.”

At 20 in this week’s list, is Grayson ‘Claire’ Perry. Praised for being the world’s most individual dresser, the 52-year-old Turner Prize-winning artist is celebrated for his love of over-scale dresses and flouncy skirts that look large enough to accommodate a nappy. A living work of art, Mrs. Mills considers him a national treasure that should be listed as part of our heritage.

The top five undressed are also featured for their zest as well as their ability to wear naked well. Kelly Brook leads the pack with curves that make maintaining eye contact too challenging. In second place, model Kate Upton marks the return of the bombshell, while Kate Moss comes in at third for her ever-wiliness to embrace being starkers.

Suri Cruise shows the under 10s how it’s done thanks in no small part to her brave use of accessories. An early appreciation of Chanel handbags has put Alia Wang – niece of Alexander – in second, while Shilou Jolie Pitt’s decision to eschew the glitter has gained her a third with a firm salute for self-assured taste.

The Top 50 Best Dressed List forms part of a re-launched Style magazine, which sees a renewed focus on fashion, and more attention given to beauty and a re-design that will include more stunning photography.

Style will continue to be supported by a year-long schedule of brand activities designed to strengthen its position in the industry as a key fashion and beauty brand. Readers will also be invited to attend exclusive Style-branded events, including an upcoming series of Style Conversations. Hosted at the Savoy, Erdem is due to headline in April. Previous conversations have seen major fashion designers such as Valentino, Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Giles Deacon taking questions from Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell.

Speaking about the re-launch, Darke said: “The Sunday Times Style Magazine is already a pillar of global fashion media and this re-launch is only going to consolidate that position. We’re taking the title back to its roots in order to stake our claim as the number one title for women with an interest in high-end fashion and beauty.”

Next week: Nos 25 – 50; the best dressed men, and who leads offenders.

Who would you put on a best dressed list?

Giles Deacon Launches Libertine Jewellery With QVC

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Frost headed to the Ivy for the launch of Giles Deacon’s new jewellery collection for QVC, Libertine. We had a chat with the man himself and he told us that he could not choose his favourite piece as it ‘changed everyday’ and that his favourite that day was the ‘village people’. He also said that collaborating with QVC ‘took a while’ and was quite hard as they wanted everything to be perfect. Kimberley and Proudlock from Made in Chelsea were also there. Take a look and tell us your favourite piece.

“A Libertine is a person who has so much love, self awareness and lust for life. A free spirited individual that ignores constraints defined by the larger society and whose thinking goes beyond mainstream idea”.

Libertine, an edgy new jewellery collection from fashion designer, Giles Deacon, represents all of these characteristics through quirky design and bold use of colour. Gold tone; embellished with Swarovski elements, these signature pieces reflect Giles’ playful style; offering women of all ages fun, statement accessories that inspire confidence.

Libertine is perfect for the woman who likes to have fun with her wardrobe and stand out from the crowd offering a variety of wearable bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings. Giles’ colourful enamelling and crystal embellishment will complete any daytime or evening look, with prices ranging from £14.00 to £70.00; the collection offers affordable glamour for women everywhere.

“The Giles Libertine jewellery collection is a mix of Edwardian eccentricity with punk attitude. In the “garden collection” which is beautiful golden thorns wrapping their way around enamel crystallised twisted bugs, or the “golden scorpion” collection with feather details – ‘Scorpy and the danglers’; also revisiting some of our favourite characters Eek mouse makes a return with a disco twist, as well as some figures developed from illustrations of fashion icons from the 30’s till now.

I am delighted to be launching the Libertine collection in collaboration with QVC, and to become part of their history of designer collaborations. The new jewellery line has been designed with QVC’s ever growing customer base in mind”– Giles Deacon –

ROSIE FORTESCUE UNITES WITH LEADING BREAST CANCER CHARITY TO SUPPORT FASHION TARGETS FRIDAY

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Frostie

Fashion icon Rosie Fortescue, from E4’s Made In Chelsea, is heading up Fashion Targets Friday – a brand new fundraising initiative from Fashion Targets Breast Cancer to help beat breast cancer.

Fashion Targets Friday is taking place on Friday 26th April 2013 and is aimed at British students; encouraging them to raise vital funds for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the UK’s leading charity fashion campaign in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

In her role as Fashion Targets Friday Ambassador Rosie is urging everyone to style up and sign up to hold a fashionable fundraising event. One in eight UK women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, so every penny raised is crucial in order to help beat the disease.

Rosie Fortescue, Fashion Targets Friday Ambassador, says: “I love fashion so what better way to help all the families affected by breast cancer than holding a stylish fundraising event. Fashion Targets Friday is the perfect way to raise money for this incredible cause – whether you wear your support with a non-uniform day at school or style up your student union with a fashion party – the money you raise will help to stop women dying from breast cancer.”

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is the leading charity fashion campaign raising money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The campaign raises funds through the sale of specially designed products from leading high street retailers including M&S, River Island, Coast, Topshop, Warehouse, Laura Ashley and Debenhams so those who can’t hold or attend a Fashion Targets Friday event can still Wear their Support with a visit to their local high street (from April 22nd).

To find out more information about Fashion Targets Friday visit www.fashiontargetsfriday.org.uk

Kimberly Wyatt performing at UK’s biggest dance festival

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Kimberly Wyatt performing at UK’s biggest dance festival MOVE IT at London Olympia 8^th – 10^th March, 2013

Join the dance movement!

MOVE IT, the UK’s biggest dance event is back. Join 20,000 dancers for three days at the UK’s biggest festival dedicated to dance of all styles and levels. Starting 8^th March till 10^th March at London’s Olympia, soak up MOVE IT’s electric atmosphere with 100 live performances, 220 dance classes in any genre you can think of, dance competitions and fascinating interviews from dancing idols and celebrities from the dance world.

MOVE IT is your once-a-year opportunity to create your ultimate dance experience and is perfect for beginners, professionals and students, or just simply for an inspiring day out for those who love dance.

MOVE IT 2013 includes:

KIMBERLY WYATT – Got to Dance judge Kimberly Wyatt who was professionally trained in dance at New York’s Joffrey Ballet and the Broadway Dance Centre is performing on the main stage her new track ‘Derriere’ as well as, guest presenting with So You Think You Can Dance winner Matt Flint and signing autographs on the Capezio stand.

Catch up at ‘The Dance Register’ Interview Sofa
Discover useful insights and expert knowledge with interviews on the latest dance topics. Featuring:

DARCEY BUSSELL – Strictly Come Dancing judge and Prima Ballerina Darcey Bussell will be on the sofa answering questions and talking about her work with the Royal Academy of Dance at this year’s MOVE IT. Darcey has over 20 years experience in the dance world from training at Royal Ballet School to performing some of the most iconic roles in ballet. Darcey has since discovered a passion for ballroom and is now a judge on the hugely successful and much loved Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC.

Also dropping by the sofa will be Tommy Franzen, Aletta Collins, Jonzi D and Mark Baldwin of Rambert Dance Company with Inside Dance TV and Dance UK tackles dancers’ health with English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Tamara Rojo.

MOVE IT Main Stage: The destination for live dance
Be blown away by dance stars and fresh new talent from all over the UK. Including:

Wayne McGregor | Random Dance – Internationally acclaimed choreographer Wayne McGregor brings his company of ten extraordinary dancers for the first time to MOVE IT. With music from Coldplay and Massive Attack collaborator Jon Hopkins, his rapid, hard-hitting, highly articulated movement breaks boundaries and defies characterization. Part of Contemporary Focus at MOVE IT 2013.

A CHORUS LINE – Almost 35 years since it last appeared in the West End, critically acclaimed and multi-award winning musical A Chorus Line is heading its way back to the UK stage and the stars of the show will be performing at MOVE IT. See them live on the Main Stage and then learn their dance routine in one of our 220 different dance classes.

Also performing will be Twist and Pulse, Olivier Award winning Boy Blue Entertainment, English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer, Birdgang Dance Company and Sky’s Got to Dance finalists Boadicea.

MATT FLINT – After last year’s toe-tapping MOVE IT debut, So You Think You Can Dance winner Matt Flint is back for 2013, this time as the exciting new host of the MOVE IT Main Stage. With a passion for dance that started at the age of 12, Matt’s career has seen him go on to choreograph in Film, TV and Theatre including shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Let’s Dance for Comic Relief. Matt is fast becoming one of the most wanted choreographers in the UK, and he’s all yours at this year’s MOVE I

MORE GREAT THINGS TO DO AT MOVE IT 2013

MAOAM FREESTYLE STAGE – Catch the latest spins, freezes, flips, shimmies and crazy dance moves on the MAOAM Freestyle Stage. A showcase of raw talent and jaw dropping moves. Just turn up, plug in and wow the crowds!

FAMILY FUN – A fun day out for the whole family, MOVE IT has something for all age groups, whether you have a budding ballerina, hip hop star or disco diva. Every member of the family can enjoy the entertainment, masterclasses and find out everything you need to know about dance no matter if it’s just where your local class is or where you can audition for a degree in dance or the performing arts.

CAREER CLINIC – Want a career in dance, but don’t know where to start? MOVE IT is the one stop shop to find out everything you need to know about the dance industry and community. With panels of experts, workshops and every major performing arts university/colleges under one roof, it is the best place to go to help put your dance career on track.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP – Visitors can catch a glimpse of the latest trends and fashions in dance by heading to the fantastic fashion show. Shoppers will then be able to head to the wide range of stands at the show to pick up the hottest items in dance.

So why not get involved with MOVE IT? With 20,000 dancers over 3 incredible days, MOVE IT is the show for professionals, teachers, students and dance enthusiasts.

Most Common Job For Women ‘Same as in the 1950s’. Progress? What Progress?

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Today may be International Women’s Day but nothing proves we still have a long way to go than the results of the latest US Census. Being a secretary is still the number one job for women in the US. Four million Americans are working as ‘secretaries and admin assistants’ and 96% of those are women.

Nothing is more depressing for equality than the fact that the most common job for women is the same than in the 1950s. Only 16.6% of women in America hold board-level jobs. In fact, globally, only 10% of workers in executive position are female. A rather depressing statistic.

It is not much better in the UK, which this excellent article from the BBC highlights. They say:

Fewer than a third of the UK’s most influential jobs are held by women, figures compiled by BBC News show.

Women occupy on average 30.9% of the most senior positions across 11 key sectors analysed by the BBC, including business, politics and policing.

The armed forces and judiciary have the fewest women in top posts – 1.3% and 13.2% respectively – while secondary education has the most (36.7%).

Campaign group the Fawcett Society said progress was still too slow.

“Men outnumber women by four to one in Parliament and only a third of local councillors are women,” the group’s Preethi Sundaram said.

“When we look at the top quarters of power in the political world there are only five women there out of 22… It’s quite an appalling fact really.”

According to the BBC News website’s findings, women represent

1.3% of brigadiers (or their equivalent) and above across the Army, Navy and RAF
13.2% of the most senior judges (High Court and above, including Senators of the College of Justice in Scotland)
14.2% of university vice-chancellors
16.6% of the most senior staff in the police (Acpo ranks and above)
34.7% of the senior civil service

This should be highlighted today and not forgotten. How many articles have you read with a successful women and they always ask them how they juggle having kids with a career, or if it is possible to? They don’t really ask men this question. That is the main problem. Women are still expected to do the bulk of childcare. To have it all and be everything to everyone. A women who puts her career first is judged, but it takes two parents to raise a child.

I think it is time for a change. What do you think?

Sunday Times Style Magazine Launches Best Dressed List

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

A campaign launched today by Sunday Times Style Magazine, features fashion icons: Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Tinie Tempah portrayed as royalty as it heralds the magazine’s re-design and launch of its first-ever definitive guide to the best dressed.

Starting this Sunday, Style has named the 50 individuals who have led fashion with their stylish interpretation of sartorial good-taste in 2013.

The list has been compiled by the Style team, including: AA Gill, Camilla Long, Colin McDowell, Shane Watson, Christina Lamb, Giles Hattersley, Kate Spicer, Tiffanie Darke, Claudia Croft, Richard Gray, Francesca Hornak, Fleur Britten, Michael Hennegan, and of course Mrs Mills. The team also provides insightful commentary on who leads in creating the perfect alchemy between taste, style and personality.

Style Magazine editor Tiffanie Darke says: “The diverse nature of this list demonstrates the importance of fashion in the overall conversation, confirming the role clothes play in creating a visual manifesto.”

“What’s so encouraging is that among the 50 people celebrated, no two share a similar look; they all occupy a different part of the fashion spectrum, using their own taste and judgement to bring together an individual style that serves to inspire.”

In the interests of inclusivity, the best dressed doggies are identified; while the leading playground fashionistas have been awarded special recognition with the under tens given their very own list.

The re-launched Style magazine sees a renewed focus on fashion and more attention given to beauty, as well as a re-design that includes more stunning photography.

Style will continue to be supported by a year-long schedule of brand activities designed to strengthen its position in the industry as a key fashion and beauty brand. Readers will also be invited to attend exclusive Style-branded events, including an upcoming series of Style Conversations. Hosted at the Savoy, Erdem is due to headline in April, with the event being filmed and streamed live across the UK for the first time. Previous conversations have seen major fashion designers such as Valentino, Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Giles Deacon taking questions from Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell.

Speaking about the re-launch, Darke said: “The Sunday Times Style Magazine is already a pillar of global fashion media and this re-launch is only going to consolidate that position. We’re taking the title back to its roots in order to stake our claim as the number one title for women with an interest in high-end fashion and beauty.”

Next week: Nos 25 – 50; the best dressed men, and who leads offenders.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Knock Yourself Out Theatre Review

Michelle Obama Tops Best Dressed List

Giles Deacon Launches Libertine Jewellery With QVC

ROSIE FORTESCUE UNITES WITH LEADING BREAST CANCER CHARITY TO SUPPORT FASHION TARGETS FRIDAY

Kimberly Wyatt performing at UK’s biggest dance festival

Most Common Job For Women ‘Same as in the 1950s’. Progress? What Progress?

Sunday Times Style Magazine Launches Best Dressed List