Darcey Bussell in recent publication confirmed her love of Richmond Park where she moved when she was 13 to study at White Lodge (The Royal Ballet’s Lower school)

She said “It was quite surreal at the time,going from a block of flats in central London to a school surrounded by trees,deer and so much history.I felt very privileged and it was such a beautiful place to explore.”

Now retired as one of the world’s greatest ballet dancers ,she loves the outdoor life which was so much a feature of her time in Australia.

 

There have been several article in the press on Alzheimer’s disease. The latest explores a potential link  between Alzheimer’s and  a chemical called BMAA which is sometimes produced as a by -product by of  blue/green algae blooms that can grown in some lakes and reservoirs.The link appears a little tenuous but the hope is that further research will help to establish a link that will lead to a protective  supplement in the long term

The Hawker gallery at The Maltings  – off School lane in Old Amersham in Bucks are hosting a range of original watercolours by Gordon King.  This one-man exhibition fully reflects Gordon’s standing as one of the leading figurative artists in this country and shows off his remarkable skills – particularly in his favourite medium of watercolours.

One of the highlights is his beautiful picture of Darcey Bussell which was commissioned to help raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. It is one of three stunning works from which limited edition prints were taken and signed both by Gordon and Darcey Bussell. It is the first time one of the three originals has been offered for sale and is perhaps the highlight of the show  which runs from 26th September to 10th October.

 

Darcey brings a breath of fresh air to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One on Friday 25th September 2015.

Her comments are always incisive but delivered in an encouraging way to the new line up of celebrities which this year seem of a generally higher standard as there are no obvious “lame ducks” at least on the evidence of the first show.  We were treated to the successful mix of glamour, personality and celebrity and the dancing was of an unusually high standard for the first outing. It is so good to see Darcey shining alongside her three well known male judges who all have dance backgrounds.

At a party recently I pictured just how much my mother loved to dance – a real party animal. She would sometimes dance on her own lost in the rhythm and movement.

This thought showed me how much my memory of her had reverted back to the vibrant lady I loved and how the sad thoughts of her suffering with Alzheimer’s had receded – not forgotten but less painful.