My next recommendation; The Best Dentist Practice and Dentist; ‘Knightsbridge Dental Care: Doctor Alan Gold’. 

http://knightsbridgedental.co.uk/clinicians/dr-alan-gold/

http://knightsbridgedental.co.uk/services/

There is nothing more terrifying for me personally than a visit to the dentist. For me, as is the case for many, the child-hood trauma from seeing the school dentist has lingered and has evolved into a type of phobia, now, in later life. Many people in the U.K. literally have to have their teeth practically falling out or need to be in excruciating pain before they dare to step over the threshold of the dreaded Dentist surgery. 

My trauma undoubtedly derived from the school dentist and I can still visualise the gas mask coming towards me. In the '60s, little empathy was shown towards a crying child.

But also, even in my adult life, my anxiety was heightened when being told by one desist "Stop moaning you’re a big guy this should be a doddle". I felt like I was being tortured by some horrendous instrument like in a scene from the movie Saw. Furthermore, I have even been punched in the face accidentally, to add further insult to injury, when the dentist attempted to pull out a support as he rushed to complete my filling.

SAW The horrors of a bad dentist

Have you ever noticed when the dentist accidentally stabs you with their scissors or one of their many sharp implements you often get the response "Oh your sensitive in that area?" Being honest, I find myself wanting to get up and grab the tool out of their hands to stick it in their bottom as he/she squeals, simply replying "Gosh you're sensitive there!"

Having lived in the U.S. for nine years, I went to the same dentist and wonderful hygienist for the whole time, without any issues. Yes, it is true that the U.K. is now catching up with its dentistry counterparts, but we do lag behind in terms of the advancement of the technology and skills within dentistry in the U.S. It took me almost a decade to find a hygienist that matched the practice I used to attend in Los Angeles. ‘Nanny toothbrushes’ does not begin to describe some of the terrible experiences I have had in London. Naturally, the last dental disaster left me fervently searching for a new dentist, a bit like when you find a good hairdresser and do not want to lose them at any cost. The minute I hear "Do you drink coffee or tea?" from the mouth of the hygienist, I want out of there! 

My poor departed friend, the brilliant journalist Lester Middlehurst, contracted Hepatitis B, apparently from a dentist in Brighton. It was ten years since he had been near a dentist at the time and he called me asking for a recommendation as he had read about ‘painless dentistry’ in a magazine. This process of being put to sleep for dental procedures had fast become popular in the U.S. and he admitted that the only way he was going to sit on a dentist chair, as if he could be put to sleep, even if it was just a cleaning his teeth required. The usually vivacious Mr. Middehurst did not even want to talk to a dentist receptionist as it gave him the shivers, but his teeth were beginning to rot and with his heavy smoking, his smile was starting to deteriorate. 

Being in the world of beauty and fashion, it is easy to get recommendations for good dentists, but very few offered painless dentistry. In fact, a few seemed perplexed when I asked about this type of procedure.  

http://knightsbridgedental.co.uk/services/

Then…BINGO! I discovered Knightsbridge Dental Practice located in Beauchamp Place, one of the infamously chic streets in London. They do not advertise or have a social media presence, which inferred that they must have a very good reputation if word of mouth was what their business relied upon.  

http://knightsbridgedental.co.uk/services/

Even after finding them, it took another month to get poor Lester there and I had to tell a little lie that they put you out before they even looked at your teeth. I needn’t have worried as an imminent love affair between Roman Franks (one of the partners of the practice) and Lester started as he was put into a dream-like state, to repair the damage caused by many years of neglect.  

Painless dentistry involves sedation to relieve any anxiety but it does not put you fully to sleep. It is undeniably a great benefit for those patients who suffer from anxiety in the dentist chair, though this can cost extra and regrettably, not all practices offer this service.  

Up until this point, I had been waiting to make my bi-annual visits to the U.S. to go to the dentist. I was so impressed not only by the expert customer service but the wonderfully trained receptionist, at this clinic in particular, that I decided to try out the practice for myself. Senior partner, Alan Gold, fortunately, had an appointment which is rare and I have to admit, we clicked right away, particularly with him being a Geordie. He had a wicked sense of humour and appeared to genuinely listen to my own personal issues around anxiety and dentist visits.  

The amazing Alan Gold

Additionally, he was not selling me anything, whereas so many times, I have had consultations where I feel that they are simply trying to sell to me.  I did need some work, however, and so he suggested attempting to do the procedure without sedation initially and seeing how I coped. Bless him, I am really not easy and having had bad experiences in the past, the slightest noise can set me off.   

Alan’s clinic is beautiful and relaxing and there is a television above you to focus on, which takes your mind off what he is actually doing. It soon became clear, however, even with his immense skills, I would need to be sedated for most invasive procedures. 

Now for those thinking of asking for sedation, you need to do this when you have time, as essentially you will need to go straight home and rest following the procedure and ideally you will need a friend to take you home as you may feel uninhibited and therefore need supervision. 

Alan himself is a breath of fresh air, he jogs to work each day and has never had a single day off work sick, since launching the practice in 1975. He is an expert in cosmetic dentistry also, giving a running commentary on daily news issues whilst skilfully working on your teeth. 

In 1970 Alan graduated from Newcastle University,  training extensively in the very latest in dentistry. He took the SAAD (Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry) course and has treated many thousands of phobic dental patients using intravenous and inhalation sedation techniques.

After Roman retired, Alan’s new partner, the very glamourous Avee-Marie joined the practice, an approachable, warm and gentle clinician. She qualified from the Kings College School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2000 and has been practising for nearly 17 years. She brings an advanced holistic feel to the already welcoming and professional team. Avee-Marie specialises in phobic patients. 

Avee -Marie

Much as Alan is old school and has no interest in social media, Avee-Marie has managed to get the practice to ‘dip its toes’ into social media marketing. 

Alan Gold at Steven Smith

You cannot find a better place to go to if you have issues and anxiety around going to the dentist. It is safe to say, Alan wraps you in cotton wool.

Though he teases me when I attend the clinic “Oh god it’s you! I need sedation!” I cannot rate both the clinic and the dentistry team highly enough.

http://knightsbridgedental.co.uk/clinicians/dr-alan-gold/

 .

Tel: 0207 581 1000 / 0207 584 2537
Fax: 0207 823 9408

Email: info@knightsbridgedental.co.uk 

The Best for Chiropody and Podiatry-  my third recommendation for 2020 

Fiona Patterson Beauchamp Foot Care 

https://www.beauchampfootcare.com

 https://www.beauchampfootcare.com

When it comes to our feet, this is the area we most often neglect. From my personal experience, thirty years of standing on my feet to cut people’s hair had caused my toes to rebel and suddenly one problem after another began to emerge with my feet. It started with an unpleasant in-growing toenail to developing Plantar Fasciitis. I have been no stranger to pedicures however if not being treated by the hands of an expert this became a torcher rather than an enjoyable experience. I realised that just having my toenails cut and filed was not doing the trick and in fact, was leading to health issues.

Many of my clients raved about who they called ‘The Foot Doctor’, Fiona Patterson who was based at Beauchamp Foot Care. One of my friends urged me to go to the clinic, promising me she would sort all of my problems. It is important to point out that Fiona, though brilliant in her field of work, is not a doctor, it’s just a term we use as so many people feel like she has given them huge pain relief following treatment.

Fiona trained under the renowned Dr. Scholl in Islington, obtaining her degree in Podiatry at Durham University in 2010. Additionally. she also undertook her degree in anesthetics at Dublin University. Fiona has worked at Beauchamp Foot Care for 24 years, along with her three partners.

  

What strikes you about the clinic, apart from the fact that it has the very latest, state-of-the-art equipment is just how fantastically clean it is. As well as being experts in podiatry and chiropody, a wide variety of conditions including fungal nail infections, verruca’s, ingrown toenails, and many more can be treated here. A team of highly qualified chiropodists/podiatrists make up the staff, each having over 25 years of experience, guaranteeing clients an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Fiona is a fantastic no-nonsense lady who really fills you with confidence. I personally hate anything to do with my feet and so I spent the first two minutes apologising for how neglected they were. Fiona just nodded, however, reassuring me that they were just fine and she would get them back to their glory. I quickly felt relaxed and at ease and as she expertly worked on my feet, I felt like I was being lifted into the air. Fiona explained to me how to deal with my issues with my feet so that I could better self-manage them at home.

Each appointment is typically half an hour long in duration. Inevitably, if you want nail polish or anything extra then you would need to book extra time for your appointment as this is not part of the standard pedicure treatment. Understandably, arriving late for your appointment will usually mean that your appointment will be cut short and you will still have to pay the full treatment price, so it is recommended to arrive before your appointment time. Obviously, in exemplary circumstances, Fiona will always do her best to accommodate you.  

Your treatments will be private as each of the partners have their own room so you don’t have to be concerned with other people staring at your feet or listening to your conversations. 

Fiona and her partners

The clinic can get extremely busy and appointments are booked in advance owing to their superb reputation, often achieved by word of mouth and client recommendations. Observing the clientele when I have been in the clinic, it is clear that prominent figures of London society frequent it including celebrities 

along with the local Knightsbridge and Chelsea brigade. Soon word spread and the clinic has been   featured in magazines and newspapers. This year alone they have appeared in the ‘Good Foot Guide’ in Harper’s Bazaar And publications such as Tatler and Marie Claire, The Telegraph, the Sunday Times and The Evening Standard have all recommended Beauchamp Foot Care in their articles. 

  https://www.beauchampfootcare.com

• Beauchamp Foot Care
• 41 Beauchamp Place
• Knightsbridge
• London SW3 1NX

Next Best for  having your hair put up.      

RECOMMENDING THE BEST .

S

HELP ME: WHO SHOULD I GO TO?    https://twitter.com/asksteve2c

 

Steven Smith looks at  how to find the very best in  beauty , aesthetic ,  cosmetic.  doctors  or  hair expert for you and  announces his own recommendations guide  for 2020   

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My blog is changing for 2020, and will now focus on reviewing and informing you about the very best people and places to go to for beauty, aesthetics, cosmetics, hair, and how they can make you look good.

Unlike many recommendations out there, none of the clinics or experts have paid me to highlight them and I am not offered commission to send clients to them. These are establishments and individuals that I feel have excelled, have something special to offer, and which I would happily use.

Steven Smith with over 30 years experience in the beauty /hair industry
and author .

Having worked in the beauty, hair, and fashion industry for over thirty years, the question that so often arises is, “Where is the best to go to?”. It is a quandary that so many people find themselves in when wanting to have aesthetics, hairstyling, or beauty done, or for when they just need an expert manicure or pedicure. We all want the very best, even if we are on a budget.

Steven Smith with over thirty years in the beauty business one of his many hair creations ..

They are quite right in that asking an expert where to go is their best course of action. A good hairdresser or beautician can tell you about the best restaurants, shows, doctor, cosmetic surgeon, or where to get a manicure that sparkles above the rest. This is because their clients are in the know, and since they are at the height of their game, they tend to know the very best.

Equally, you could go into the make-up and skin-care department of an upmarket store and look for an assistant who looks like what you like and ask them for recommendations. Good fashion shops also know where the best places are.

It is so true that the very best often have little social media presence and rarely advertise. This is because they are all booked through the most valuable asset; word of mouth clients who are the core that will keep your business growing and growing.

In my opinion, Groupon, constant adverts bombarding social media, and discounting screams one thing: “I am desperate”. There is a popular theory that you need to put out three posts per day. For supermarkets and large corporations this may be true. I am sure there are expectations, but the elite are certainly not following that path and I have heard people comment things like “I was thinking of going there, but the overselling put me off”. 

In any of the fields I am talking about, if an operator is not booked and self-sufficient after being in business for a year, it is maybe time they moved on or seek more training should they need a little more  help building their  client base.

Besides word of mouth, there are two other things that bring in clients in 2019. First, celebrities do they go there? Potential clients will see you working with for many are seen as  the cream of society as a huge security blanket, but remember that no one good in the business will actually talk about their clients, whether famous or not. Nonetheless, often the gossip leaks out or the famous make a deal to promote the clinic or salon. In my experience, most just want to come to not be bothered before paying and getting on their way.

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Kylie Jenner 

ttps://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=Kylie+Jenner

The other way is the media, who have a way of sniffing out who goes where, as well as who is best in the field you’re looking for. Newspapers and magazines often run who’s best and who goes where. Be careful here too that it does not say “Sponsored” or “Ad”, since often services pay to have their names publicised by the media. Many top clinics offer 100 percent discount cards to the famous and beauty editors in order to get their name in the features. So be careful to read the articles if you’re looking for a recommendation, and always have a consultation or meet who will treat you first.

By this I mean you should meet the doctor or whoever is performing the treatment or service first. Never be fobbed off by the receptionist or customer service expert or advisor. If they are not fully qualified, they are simply a salesperson and the only thing they should be doing is telling you the price, or at best what the treatment involves if the actual experienced expert thinks it might be applicable. 

It is you right to privacy to ask to see qualifications and the experience to be about you .
What you do for a living or what you relationship status  is, is your business 

The next thing is how do you feel about the actual clinic or salon your looking at having your treatment in. Is it professional? Is it clean? Do you feel treasured and that your privacy is harboured? Sadly in many establishments today, three years of hard training in customer service and even in their chosen craft has been replaced by people who have taken a two-day course. I am all for on the job training, but in my experience it does not take much for those that have been on a quick course to think they know better than a highly trained individual. Ask to see their qualifications and don’t be afraid to challenge them if you are in any doubt ; it is your money and you have to live with the outcome.

So, lets kick off with my first recommendations that embodies all that I believe in when it comes to customer service, combined with expertly skilled treatments and a team who work together so you love coming to their shop. 

MINX ( Manicure , Pedicure , threading and waxing ) 

You might not have heard of Minx before, which is located off Kensington High Street towards Earl’s Court’s leafy roads. But those in the know flock to what arguably has to be the best manicure and pedicure, threading, and waxing establishment in London. Royalty and celebrities love Minx, as do the locals and many people travel to get the Minx treatment.

I first heard of Minx from a BBC journalist who travelled up once a month from Brighton to get her treatments done, “They are so special,” she told me. Being a fella that has always taken good care of his hands (in the US, most men have it done) I couldn’t resist trying them out.

One of my pet hates is when I go to a place and I feel like I am being interviewed; 

“What do you do for a living?” or “Have you got a girlfriend or boyfriend?”, when I all I want is my manicure and head out. The first thing I used to train people to do when I was a hairdresser was to “Not ask personal questions as you make the treatment about you, instead take your lead from the client.”

With Paris from Minx

To be honest, I had my fill of going places and being asked questions that are just not relevant, and I was looking for someone that was low key and professional. When you enter Minx, they are only interested in your treatment. The first thing that hits you is how gentle and in harmony all the staff are. You would actually have to ask to find out who the actual owner is, rather than they're  being a domineering personality. fronting the place. Meanwhile, conversation is not forced on you. Also, for once I can honestly say that all the staff are equally skilled, so you won’t be disappointed if your usual person is not available.

Minx never advertises and has no social media presence, and they also do not offer discount packages or have gimmicks. Additionally, I have never been offered a coffee or tea, although there is a nice place opposite to grab one before if you feel the need that. They are booked out all the time through word of mouth and an expert first-class work and customer service that has everyone coming back.

Minx was opened by Iranian born Narsin Aghaty in 2003. She is a keen businesswoman with over 9 years’ experience in customer service and in the beauty field. She works with her sister, Paris, who has a degree in nutrition and is a qualified beautician who worked as a customer service trainer for several of the big high street stores.

Many of the lady’s clients followed them to Minx, and word spread around the neighbourhood, with Paris telling me that “My sister felt that our work ethic and skills would bring people through the door, and once they came it would grow from there.”

They must be doing something right, since when their longest member of staff of 15 years left to do a degree course and she was in tears.

“We take our staff on for a six-week trial, during this time we teach them our brand of customer service and techniques, so we all work to the same standard. After the six weeks, we ask the other staff how they feel about us taking that person on. It is a family and we rarely have anyone leave and we want this feeling to be conveyed to our clients when they walk in.”

Now, Minx is not cheap, but once you have entered the doors you really don’t want to go anywhere else. 

  http://www.minxbeauty.com/#

Address: 9 Stratford Road, Kensington, London, W8 6RF

Hours: 

Open ⋅ Closes 7PM

Phone: 020 7937 8844

Next week best aesthetics Doctor. Ioannis Liakas 

LADY BE BE BY STEVEN SMITH

Lady Be Be

                    By Steven Smith

 

Chapter One

This is the amazing story of a true star, Lady Be Be, the most famous and fabulously glamorous bear there ever was.

She was born Baby Be Be, deep in a Canadian forest, home of the black bear. Be Be's mother knew straight away that her little one was going to be special as, unlike the other black bears, she was born with fur that was sandy-blonde. And, just as she let out her first little cry, the largest shooting star imaginable passed through the sky, lighting the whole forest up.

"Look, my little daughter is going to be so very special,” gasped Mummy Be Be. She hugged her baby cub so tight, and was full of love for her, wishing only that the baby's father could have been there to see his amazing daughter. Sadly, a few months earlier, the hunters had raided their village and killed Pa Be Be for his shiny black fur, turning him into a hat for the Queen of England’s guards. Ma Be Be had managed to get away, and hid until it was safe. When she looked at her beautiful new cub, she could see her beloved husband gazing back at her in the eyes of Baby Be Be. He would live on in her forever.

Not all the other bears in the village shared her joy, however. Some were unsure about the unusual new cub and sniggered at her strange colour. Unkind talk and gossip swiftly spread through the forest community.

"It's not natural, if you ask me” sniggered Clara Bear, gawping in horror at Baby Be Be. “Are we quite sure the father is not a moose?” All the other bears hollered with cruel laughter. “Or maybe a red squirrel,” jibed one of Clara's friends.

Never in the history of the black bear had a cub been born such a colour. But, as proud Ma Be Be fussed over her child, she tried not to listen to the vile comments. "It’s the child I feel sorry for. Trust me, she will be bullied at bear school,” said Dee Bear, frowning. “Mmm, no no no! I sure won’t let my little Abigail play with such a bear cub – it might be catching!” said Dee, rolling her eyes heavenwards.

This was more than Ma Be Be could stand and she let out an almighty roar, a roar so powerful it knocked some of the lady bears off their feet. There was no way Ma Be Be was letting those small-minded village bears talk about her little baby that way. Her warning roar sent them a clear message – back off!

"Well I never, we were just trying to be helpful and observant,” said Clara. “There ain't anything nice about being different,” she said, as she and the other bears scampered off with their heads between their legs.

For the first few years of her life none of the other bears would play with Be Be. They were always too busy or just looked the other way when Be Be passed by and she was never invited to any bear parties. True to her word, Dee Bear refused to let her precious Abigail have anything to do with Baby Be Be and when Abigail had a birthday party, every other cub was invited except her.

Baby Be Be filled her long hours alone by watching the campers at the edge of the forest. She loved it when they sang and danced around the campfires at night, or had the radio on during the day as they picnicked and she would often impersonate them when she got home.

"Look Mum, I am dancing Bear, full of cheer. A dancing bear, for you, oh yeah!” Ma Be Be clapped and cheered – and so did Abigail and the other cubs passing by. “Sing more,” they would shout. So Baby Be Be danced and sang and they all cheered her, as mum handed out peanut cookies – a bear's favourite – and fizzy lemonade “borrowed” from the campers (bears never, ever steal anything, they simply borrow and forget to put back....).

Suddenly Dee Bear interrupted the festivities. “Abigail, get here now! Stay away from that odd coloured bear, you could end up catching all sorts,” she roared.

There was a silence as Be Be stopped singing and started to cry. This was the final insult and Ma Bear was preparing to charge Dee Bear when suddenly Abigail stood up. “No Mum,” she said, firmly. “That is prejudiced. We learnt at school today that to dislike someone because they are a different colour is wrong. She is every bit as good of us, if not better, and I want her at my party. Please mum, you can't or stay away from someone just because they're not the same colour as you.”

Having said her piece, Abigail ran to hug Baby Be Be, just to show her mum that she wouldn't suddenly be turned sandy-blonde.

Dee Bear was shocked. For once, she could think of nothing to say. She had certainly never thought of herself, or any of her friends, as being prejudiced, she just thought she was protecting her young from something different.

Looking at sweet Baby Be Be crying, and seeing the accusing glances of Abigail and the others, Dee Bear suddenly realised that she had been a very unkind and silly bear and that she had not been setting a good example to her daughter. There was no such thing different - Be Be was special.

"Oh what a silly old bear I have been! Of course she can come to the party. I am truly sorry - can you ever forgive me?” she begged Baby and Ma Be Be. "Of course,” Ma Be Be replied, smiling. “It would be prejudiced of us not to!”

So Baby Be Be was the star at the party and sang for all the children. She wore a special hat her mum had made out of pine-cones and leaves and everyone said she looked amazing.

"Let's be friends, let's be friends, take my word, let's be friends, take my word, it is here for you…..”

But that was not the last time Baby Be Be - or Lady Be Be as she famously became known - suffered jealousy or prejudice. In her best-selling biography she told how she turned the prejudice around to make her stronger and that she had forgiven those who had been unkind to her, just as her mother had taught her.

She would need all of that strength years later, after her mum died unexpectedly and she set out on her journey to fame.

  

Lady Be Be, the most famous and glamorous bear there ever was, was preparing for a party. There was nothing she liked more than parties, especially if she had been asked to sing. And that day she was going to sing her brand new song, ‘I Want To Be Free’.

“I am a most glamorous and fashionable bear, and soon to be famous,” Lady Be Be told Chutney and Bandit, her two loyal friends - or, as she liked to call them, her accessories. They were, in fact, two ferrets on the run from immigration in Canada. Lady Be kept them hidden in her very trendy tree house, which was kept in a very stylish fashion, of course. Just in case a magazine came to do a ‘Lady Be at home’ article.

She continued to arrange a small pillbox hat carefully on the side of her head; it was one of her own designs and crafted from leaves and twigs. “There are no famous lady bears”, giggled Bandit, but Lady Be Be ignored the ferret’s comments. If bears like Pooh, Paddington and Yogi could make it, then so could she. It was time for Girl Bear Power.

She slipped on a small red dress that she had ‘borrowed’ from a picnicker. Well, the girl clearly didn’t need it as she’d left it lying on the grass when she went for a swim in the river. Handily, it was next to a hamper full of good things and Lady Be Be helped herself to two smoked salmon bagels that had also been left unattended. Being glamorous is such hungry work.

“There, do I not look lovely?’’ she cooed.

“The most beautiful bear in town”, chanted Bandit and Chutney, breaking into a chorus of giggles. They hadn’t fully recovered from the events of the previous day, when Lady B took it upon herself to dye their hair – green for Chutney and blue for Bandit. They had been rewarded with extra fish and, their ultimate treat, peanut butter.

“Now for my jacket!’’ declared Lady Be Be. Bandit and Chutney scampered to the corner and pulled out a bright red jacket that was Lady Be’s pride and joy. She could not quite remember how she acquired it, but it looked just perfect on a most fashionable and soon to be famous bear.

“Thank you my darlings, you’ll still be my friends when I am famous,” she said. “Remember, you are having big bit of my pie now. When I am famous you may only get a small slice, but I love you.”

She had once heard a diva say that on TV and liked the sound of it. The TV was another possession she had acquired from a careless camper. Lady Be never thought of it as stealing; she was simply pursuing her art. She had learnt to speak perfect English from watching the programmes and she felt sure the owner would be thrilled the TV had gone to such a good cause.

“Pie?” Chutney’s head shot up. “You eat all the pies.”  Bandit giggled and Lady Be was not impressed. “I am very slim for a bear, all I am saying is once I am famous do not expect to see as much of me.” Having made that quite clear, she applied her lipstick to complete the look.

“Any more peanut butter left?” squeaked the ferrets, more interested in their tummies than her look. “Patience, dears, after we have rehearsed my song for Ben and Roger Bear’s party.”

Meanwhile, not too far away in the forest Craig Bear had only just got up, and was defiantly not getting ready for a party. Craig Bear hates mornings; in fact Craig Bear hates most of the day, except bedtime. But the thing he hates most of all is parties. “Noisy things, full of other bears making silly small talk, never invite me to one,” he would growl. Come to think of it, Craig was not too keen on bears at all, with or without a party. What he really loves is hibernation, and collecting things he may need for his long sleep. “You can never have enough things to hibernate with,” was his rule number one.

Craig was busy collecting things and scratching his butt when he spotted his two least favourite bears, Mirabelle and Mandy. It was too late to hide - just the worst start to a day a Bear could wish for. “Rule number two, do not speak to a Craig Bear unless he speaks to you, and that will be never.”

“Good afternoon Craig Bear,” said Mandy, fluttering her eyelashes at him (though grumpy, Craig was a very handsome Bear). As always, she got a sharp reply: “What’s good about it?” he snarled, turning his back and continuing to collect leaves and acorns.

The lady bears just giggled at how grumpy a bear he was. “What are you doing?” inquired Mirabelle. As Craig Bear’s rule number three was “never reply to a stupid question” he of course gave no answer.

“Are you coming to the party tonight? We are all going, it’s Ben Bear’s birthday, there is going to be a peanut cake and all sorts. Those bears give the best parties ever!” Miranda said, shaking herself in excitement.

Craig Bear continued collecting, ignoring the two excitable lady bears.

“So we will see you there then?” said Mirabelle and Mandy, undaunted, and they waved a cheery goodbye.

“Not if I see you both first,” he muttered. “I would rather eat mouse dung than go to that party. Now leave me alone, can’t you two dumb bears see I am busy,” he said, flicking two acorns over his shoulder at them. “Rule number four: never invite a Craig Bear to a party; he hates them. Closely followed by rule number five: Craig Bear never dances, especially at parties.”

The lady bears took off, amused, as there had never been such a grumpy but handsome bear in the forest in all their years. Meanwhile, Lady Be Be was almost ready for the party.

“Come along now; let’s make all the other lady bears jealous. And we won’t take any notice of what they say - all great stars suffer on the way up.”

“Not quite as much as you!” said Chutney. “All the other lady bears seem to get quite upset when you’re around.” And then he got a shock himself, as he caught sight of his reflection, and his dark green hair, in the mirror.

“It is not nice to make people jealous or to be jealous” said Bandit, checking his hair out in the mirror. Lady Be Be knew Bandit was right; she would try her best not to flaunt just how amazing she was. Bandit, on the other hand, was pretty sure nobody was going to be jealous of him and his green hair.

“Are we sure the Queen’s hunters will not be out and about?” asked Bandit. Giggling, Chutney let out a most unfashionable gasp of wind, chanting: “If it’s blue, it was you.” Lady Be Be and Bandit were most unimpressed. Ferrets make great accessories, but rather smelly house pets.

“I do not think they will be around; a bear as famous as I am about to be could never be made into a hat for the Queen’s guards, I’m entirely the wrong colour,” said Lady Be, with great conviction.

Bandit and Chutney scampered over to Lady Be, arranging themselves around her neck like a stylish scarf. Not only did they look good, it was an excellent disguise in case the immigration man came looking for them. Ferrets are outlawed in Canada, as they eat all the fish, but it wasn’t fair, Bandit and Chutney thought, as they ate peanut butter too. 

It wasn’t long before Lady Be Be, looking every inch the star, bumped into Mirabelle and Mandy and Mirabelle’s two little bear girls, Lovable and Joy, who where all heading to the party.

“Look mum, it’s her! I hope she sings,” screamed the girls.

“Oh no girls! Stay away, she is a disgrace to all bears. Who does she think she is?” Mandy sneered.

“Bears do not dress like that, it is most inappropriate,” snarled Mirabelle. The girls still begged their mum to let them hear Lady Be sing.

Ben and Roger bear came out of their tree house and rushed towards Lady Be. “You look wonderful, are you going to sing for us?” they said, jumping with enthusiasm.

“Must she? I have a headache,” groaned Mirabelle, as Chutney and Bandit unraveled themselves from Lady Be’s neck, snarling at Mandy and Mirabelle.

“Ooooh, Mum, what are those?” shrieked the girls, looking at Bandit and Chutney with a mixture of excitement and fear.

“They are squirrels,” answered Lady Be Be, swiftly tucking the ferrets back around her neck. Mandy and Mirabelle looked unconvinced.    

“They are part of my act. They do backing vocals”.

“Singing squirrels! Whatever next!” Dancing badgers?” laughed Mandy and Mirabelle.

“Sing!” commanded Ben and Roger. “Sing please,” pleaded the two little girl bears, jumping up and down.

“Let’s wait till everyone is here,” said Lady Be Be to the birthday boy, “then I can sing my new song.”

News of a new song got everyone exited, and the chat was about little else as Roger and Ben laid out food and drink and greeted new guests.

“Just our luck, a new song…hope she does not sing too many,” sighed Mandy, getting less and less in the party spirit. But, as more and more guests turned up, the crowd began chanting for her to sing and Lady Be Be could resist no more.

“Oh darlings, if you insist” she said.

“We don’t,” said Mandy and Mirabelle. “Oh please, mum,” screamed the little girl bears, getting frustrated at their mother’s lack of enthusiasm for Lady Be Be.  They were desperate to be just like her.

All the noise had quite upset a certain grumpy bear. Craig Bear was trying to enjoy an early night but his tree house was shaking with all the commotion. “Parties, parties, who needs them…I will give them a party!” he growled as he jumped up, scratched his bottom and wiped his eyes clean. Then he made his way to the party.

Lady Be took up position and Bandit and Chutney ran down from her neck and took up their posts too.

“Ooooh!“ screamed Mandy. “They are such an odd colour!” Up went Bandit and Chutney’s backs, as they spat at her.

“First a big Happy Birthday to the bear who helped design my tree house and who gave the forest the bear touch.”

Lady B began to sing:

“Call me Be Be, call me Lady,

I am what you want me to be,

but just set me free.

Free, free, free

I believed in love, I believe in being free

You can see me in the stars

You can feel me in your hearts

So set me free, free, free.”

The ferrets joined in the chorus:

“Ah, ah, set her free. I am not your Lady, I am not your bear,

I want to be free.” 

The little crowd erupted, and Ben and Roger screamed: “We love you Lady Be Be!” As the diva took a bow, the ferrets jumped up and down and then rearranged themselves around her neck.

Unknown to the partygoers, hidden behind a large bush was one very startled Bear. Craig Bear had arrived and was about to make his feeling known but when he heard Lady Be sing something very strange happened to him. His legs and body started to move in a strange way and he couldn’t work out what was going on. Then suddenly he realised that he was breaking one of his biggest rules. “Oh no! I am dancing!” he roared.

Craig Bear peered through the bush and, for the first time ever, he saw a bear he liked. In fact, his heart was thumping so hard he felt quite giddy. He just had to meet the amazing bear with the wonderful voice!

He slipped away quietly and dashed to his tree house to find a gift for Ben Bear - and a comb to smarten himself up. He found a jar of gel – “that would make a perfect present” he exclaimed. And it would also give him a sleek and stylish new look.

Craig Bear’s arrival at the party caused quite a stir, especially as he looked so dashing. Mandy rushed to say hello. “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Craig said, pushing past her.

“Welcome to my party,” said Ben, who was very surprised to see him – and more than a little worried that Craig Bear had come to complain.

Craig shoved the gel in Ben’s hand. “Happy, um, er, birthday. I don’t have them myself, but here you go,” mumbled Craig. He tried to smile but his face would not let him and he only managed to lift the left side of his lip, making it look more like a snarl. Besides, he was really only looking at one Bear - Lady Be Be.

She started a new song:

“Love Bear and want to be a love Bear

Do not have a care, just be a love Bear

Do not be mean; do not be unkind, just be a love bear.

Let’s swing around ah ah ah ah ah ah love bear.”

Before Craig knew it, and much as he hated it, he was swinging around and dancing to the music. He even blushed, as much as a bear can bush anyway.

“If you do not love, you will not feel true happiness from above 

 Come love with me ah ah ah ah ah ah”

The ferrets joined in “ah ah ah ah ah ah she just loves love.”

Lady Be Be moved among the audience to dance with Ben Bear on his special day. 

“It’s good to huggle, and cuddle, love bear,” she sang.

It was all too much for Craig Bear. He pushed Ben aside and started to dance with Lady Be Be. She was shocked at first and not sure what to say, but he was such a dashing Bear so she smiled. Craig Bear smiled back and this time almost managed to get both sides of his mouth moving at the same time.

Suddenly, a loud gunshot rang out and the excitement turned to panic. Roger collapsed to the ground.

“Aagh,” screamed Mandy, “it’s the Queen’s hunters! We are all going to be hats.”

As she ran to scoop up her young, there was another shot and she fell down. “Mum has been shot!” the two little bears cried. With her last breath, Mirabelle said: “Mandy, take the girls. Quick! Hide!”

Another shot rang out. 


“Ben, everyone, get away. Leave me, I cannot be helped,” Roger urged. “It’s not safe here. We will all be hats by morning.”

The shots were getting louder and more frequent and one bullet narrowly missed Lady Be who had lost Craig Bear in the commotion. The ferrets, which were whimpering in fear, ran back up Lady Be Be’s neck for safety.

“I am a star! How can they shoot?” said Lady Be Be.

“Run!” shouted Roger.

She and the terrified ferrets ran and ran and ran so fast through the forest, past the picnic area, over the river and across the railway track, where she jumped on a slow moving container train.

Once Lady Be Be had got her breath back, she saw a large container with a sign “UNITED KINGDOM LONDON.” Stealing a look inside, she saw the most marvelous clothes; clothes that were fit for a star such as she. There was a red military hat and jacket she had seen some singers wear on the TV. “Oh look, it is perfect for me.”

The ferrets rolled their eyes - only Lady Be Be could think of fashion at a time like this.

“Ferrets, we are going to London,” she declared. “Only in London will a star such as myself be truly appreciated. Climb aboard!”

“Does this mean we’re not getting any peanut butter?” demanded Bandit.

“Darlings, follow Lady Be to London and I will buy you a jar of peanut butter as big as a house”.

Bandit and Chutney wasted no time scrambling into the container. “Hurry, we can’t keep the fans waiting now, can we.” Chutney snuggled down as Lady Be closed the door of the container. “Next stop London, my loves”, she said happily.

Somehow they knew there was no bridge over the Atlantic Ocean so the train was going to be only part of the journey. But Diva Bears never did let the facts get in the way of a good story.

 COPYRIGHT Steven Smith 

LAWYER HENRI BRANDMAN 

https://www.comptonmanagement.com/?p=739