Author Archives: fortewinks
Signs, signals, swearing and sighs: London on two-wheels
I am on my moped at the front of the traffic lights, pulling up to a silver executive saloon so I can tap tap on the driver’s window. He lowers it and looks at me with a mix of annoyance … Continue reading
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Time warp: a schoolgirl 60th
Are you the Giovanna Forte who attended Lourdes Convent? Reading this message on LinkedIn, I hesitated. I recognised the sender – indeed, we were best friends back in the 60s and early 70s but we all know the risks around … Continue reading
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JoyFest: Eric drives North for a Very Exciting Adventure
HH (Handsome Husband) announced some time ago that we had been invited to the annual PartyFest hosted by dear friends whose company is rare given the distance between our homes; our joint commitments were carefully unpicked as we procrastinated over … Continue reading
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Fanfare: The Noble Rot Mayfair
The email was addressed to Noble Rot Friends and Family; it was a first-come-first-served invitation to the brand new Mayfair soft launch. Happily, at 7:23pm on a Friday, I was still slaving over a hot keyboard and replied in seconds. … Continue reading
Posted in Eating out, enterprise, Entertaining, Food and wine, holiday, Life and romance, London, restaurant, Uncategorized
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Landlords, tenants and an uneven playing field.
“Remember, tenants should be aware that at any time, in the periodical phase of their tenancy, they can be evicted by landlords – tenants should bear this in mind when standing up for their rights.” This telling phrase appears in … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Consumer rights, Design and architecture, Family, Home, Landlords, Life and romance, London, property, Property agents, Property rental, Tenant rights, Uncategorized
Tagged banks, building society, business, councils, Family, Home, housing, Innovation, Landlords, legal, life, Local Authority, London, maintenance, mortgage, private tenancy, property, property law, Property rental, rent, repairs, rights, tenants
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Independent retail: the personal touch and a bit of a natter
Many moons ago, my then partner invited me to accompany him to a corporate Racing Day. I had a hunch there was something going on between him and his client so decided my look had to pack a punch. A … Continue reading
Does my bum look big in this?
Preparing for a party many moons ago, My Girls then aged 4 and 6 sat on on the bed to watch me dress and make-up. The final glittering touches complete, I twisted and turned in front of the mirror, wondering … Continue reading
A Secretary’s Tale: stories to entertain, enlighten, inspire
You’re not very bright. Perhaps don’t worry about a career. You should either get married or ask your Uncle for a job in one of his hotels, said my Careers Advisor at school, circa 1978. When handed an UCCA Form … Continue reading
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New year old me: sixty is the New Forte
“I can tell you that if there’s nothing wrong with you except fat, it is easy to get thin. You eat and drink the same as always, except half. If you are handed a plate of food, leave half. If … Continue reading
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Being Nonna: reviving old memories, making new ones
Mum … what would you say if I was pregnant? Two years ago, this is how FirstBorn introduced me to her new situation. Grandson N is now 16 months old … and the light of my life. Of course, outwardly … Continue reading
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