In the sun with #LadyWimbledon

What a wonderful break from the dreary January sky. The unexpected sun has found me rummaging through my wardrobe to find some bright pretty dresses and a renewed love for walking to places with a spring in my step.

February has proved to be a fun-filled month full of unexpected surprises.

First was a phone call from my Wimbledon Kids editor Harriet O'Conner who told me Polka Theatre would like to invite me there to meet someone important. “It's The Queen!” she squealed jokingly. No idea who I was about to meet, I threw on a dress and grabbed an Uber so I could put some mascara on on the way.

As I walked in, there was a small group of people greeting a pretty doll sized lady. She turned round and smiled and I was delighted to be introduced to Amanda Holden. With children similar age, we shared stories of what the joy Polka has brought to our mini families.

With an obvious height difference, I suggested we sat down for photos. Looking longingly at her dress, I had to ask if she would consider a dress swap. Her laugh was infectious and her sweet nature agreed, however, I immediately realised how weird that would be and we continued to smile for the press shots.

I'll never forget the first time I took my three children to Polka Theatre. With three children under 3 and a half, there was not a moment to breathe. Yet, for an hour we all curled up with cushions to watch an adaption of Anthony Browne's Gorilla.

We also had lunch in the train carriage without me worrying about spillage, noise and no changing facilities. Since then, every half term I have booked for the four of us to watch a show. I even took 20 girls at Christmas for my daughter’s birthday.

So immersed with the shows and the safe haven it provided my children and me, I have never noticed its need of renovation. However, it does. The refurbishment will allow even more children to experience the joy of theatre made just for them. If enough funds are raised, the new space will provide better access for performers and children who take part, a new cafe and a brand new theatre made especially for children under six.

Amanda agreed. "I feel it is enormously beneficial for children to be lucky enough to experience the atmosphere of sitting in a theatre to open their minds & imaginations from an early age. Going to the West End can be an expensive activity for a family, which is why investment in local theatres is essential, particularly one like Polka that creates work designed especially for children. Together I know we can raise the £1m needed for a first class venue.”

I soon learned that Polka Theatre actually needs to fundraise an extra 1 million pounds! Amanda being a Polka Patron was to begin this almighty campaign by announcing the exciting news that one lucky family will have the opportunity to win 4 tickets to the live semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent in a prize draw. The money raised will help Polka’s long-term sustainability both artistically and financially for generations of children to come.

As I sit here in the morning sun writing this piece, I am waiting to meet an old friend of mine, Tilly Richardson from the Wimbledon Choral Society, who is about to tell me about their Da Vinci Requiem concert in May at the Royal Festival Hall. Already impressed, I will certainly report here over the next few months about the concert and how to get tickets.

It's a big day for me today. When I began this Lady Wimbledon thing, a respected woman in Wimbledon thought it was a brilliant idea and took me under her wing. She introduced me to her network and we have been nothing short of best buddies ever since. Bordering at times like a scene from Ab Fab, Karine Torr is the biggest champion of women in Wimbledon, putting ordinary folk on the front cover of her Darling Magazine. Today she celebrates 10 years success and I am throwing her a networking party at The Dog & Fox with 150 guests. I have balloons to pick up, a dress to find, a guest list to finalise, a lot of Instagram stories to run and photos to take for next week’s column. It is a stunning day for it and I literally can't wait.

For now, I hope we all make the most of this glorious weather and wear all our bright spring clothes before the reality of early March bites us on the bum.

Warmest,

@ladywimbledon

Families can enter Polka’s Britain’s Got Talent ticket prize Draw here: https://polkatheatre.com/bgt/

A family must include at least 1 child over the age of 12. Full terms and conditions are available on the website. Competition closes on midnight on 31 March.