THE HUB AT NO 3 in Wincanton, Somerset, is a powerhouse of healing and alchemy, with Lynne Franks OBE as its heroic leader – heading up the unique fusion of magic and divine feminine, in true warrior fashion, within the DNA of its foundation.
Men are also very much a part of the picture, and both male visitors and mentors are welcomed to the Hub, as the male energy is equally respected as an essential ingredient of spiritual growth.
Lynne is famously known as the inspiration behind the dynamic but quirky PR guru Edina in Absolutely Fabulous played by Jennifer Saunders, but since her own fearless spiritual journey, Lynne has transformed into more of a Wise alchemist whose insight into each of her mentees is remarkable as she pinpoints their path and helps them rediscover their mission and self-worth.
I was determined to discover how accurate her reputation for personal growth had become and have recently returned from three days at The Hub in Wincanton, only to discover that Lynne really is a legend in her own lifetime, and that is quite separate from her Abs Fabs fame.
I arrived early to avoid the snow, and was welcomed with open arms by Lynne and her team who looked after me as soon as I arrived, but gave me the space to find time to meditate and soak up the healing atmosphere. I also managed to chant my mantra of many years, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, with Lynne who is a confirmed Buddhist.
The two buildings of The Hub have been restored and transformed by the passion of Lynne herself over almost two years, with all the trials and tribulations that come with a project of this magnitude, and which also involved a great deal of spiritual healing and cleansing, as it had been an old pub and drinking house. I also heard through the local grape vine, that Lynne had created a bit of a stir in the area, even offending some of the local church going community with her ‘holistic’ messages. Lynne has remained steadfast throughout as I understand, still respecting the people of the area, but sticking to her guns which is admirable and maintaining her integrity as always.
I had booked for three nights, and on arrival was taken to Rose room which was a lovely tranquil space with a cosy bed adorned with a duvet of Alpaca feathers – totally healing in itself. I had the best night’s sleep in a long time, and this apparently is a shared experience of all the guests.
I then decided to sample all of the holistic treatments available as well as a special one-to-one experience with Lynne herself, which I was really looking forward to.
They started with the lovely Saskia Marjoram who administered Flower aromatherapy and healing with her incredible insight into flower essences. I have to confess I was a little dubious at first, but quickly understood the relevance of the remedies, as I had used Rescue Remedy over the years, and was reassured by Saskia’s knowledge and confidence. She seemed to pick the remedies associated to me personally, so I quickly knew where it was heading.
I then had a massage and facial with Helen, who I discovered is also a Reiki healer and clairvoyant, and as if this is not enough, completely tuned into me and identified areas of my body and indeed my life that needed attention. She also explained more about the Hub, saying that they felt that the ‘healers’ and ‘witches’ are congregating there, which I found mesmerising and awe inspiring. I have to agree, as spookily on the last day, I realised that my lower back pain had completely disappeared which was definitely down to the Reiki and so would really recommend this treatment too.
The one-to-one with Lynne Franks was life changing, as she not only tuned into me, but channelled my inner world and guided me into where my focuses should be. She was pragmatic and honest as well as being sensitive and nurturing, and I know I have changed an essential part of my own self-discovery and future passage.
There was only one other guest at the Hub, who was a beautiful young woman from the corporate world who was there to redress the balance, and she and I built our vision boards together under the enchanted eye of our mentor. The results were extraordinary with the vision boards reflecting our inner souls rather than skin deep illusions.
We all connected as Lynne had predicted and in many extraordinary ways, with shared and similar life experiences to help heal each other, and it made me feel that the Goddess was working her magic to bring us all together. The food is organic, healthy and delicious and all part of the collective collaboration at meal times.
I had heard that when you visit the Hub, it facilitates the beginning of a new life and way of being, and incredibly I found all of this to be true. Having said that, you have to be ready to change your life, and be open to all possibilities, and if you are – be brave, face your fears and visit Lynne Franks and her healers at The Hub at No 3, where your future awaits.
Whether we have done a dry January, or planning a fitness February the one constant in our lives is Passion, but its killer is now lurking at every corner.
We are all insanely protective about our privacy but will discuss intimate details of our sex lives with complete strangers if we are coerced, so why not actually have one to shout about.
So many of us are trading passion for parenting or a healthy sex life for tetchy behind doors grouching. So how about confronting those Winter blues and getting some passion back into your lives.
You don’t have to act out the Karma Sutra, just some gentle hugging and stroking will do for beginners to reinvent their ‘honeymoon’ or romantic early dating, if it has been a while. It has even been advised by the experts to refrain from doing more than that for a few days to build up to a satisfactory ‘climax’, in more ways than one, if you have been experiencing problems in this area.
There is nothing better than forbidden fruit to rouse your desire, remember when you were dating and your parents told you to be home by 11. Those frantic stolen kisses were worth their weight in gold, although the majority of us didn’t appreciate it at the time. Avoid illicit affairs, as the majority end in tears, but if you are needing to get a bit of spice back into your life, you could do as one of our members of the Glotime office did (and she will remain anonymous) and dress up to meet your partner in a nearby bar, as if complete strangers, wearing only a faux fur coat and a pair of slingbacks! We dare you!
So we are encouraging you to reinvent the wheel, or at least the wondrous early days of your life before you had the responsibility of a mortgage, family and career – all monumental passion killers. Which is why the over 60s seem to be having the most fun in their retirement, although they often need help in this area too.
There are some fabulous sex toys on the market, try Agent Provocateur in deepest sexy Soho for the more unique chic sex toy, as well as Ann Summers who always have the latest invention in eroticism, so why not go together to explore what you both enjoy.
The same goes if you are single, and the staff will make you feel welcome and help you chose if you get stuck. Yes really, you should not get embarrassed as they are quite au fait with most fantasies, and will even encourage you with the most recent additions to their variety of sex toys and lingerie.
There are some excellent lubes on the market too if you need them, and they come in a variety of flavours as do condoms. You can buy them online as with any sex toy, if you have difficulty in buying in person. Try www.lovehoney.co.uk who have a good selection.
Vibrators are also extremely useful for both couples and lone lovers, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours – with a variety of speeds and vibrations. Take a look at www.lelo.com
In finality, don’t rule out a good sexy book – if you have exhausted Fifty Shades, then you may like something a bit more romantic with an erotic undertone like some of the following titles.
There is nothing better than snuggling up in front of a roaring fire with your favourite sexy story, it is guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart, and hopefully a great deal more.
Remember you heard it here as I sample and report back on some of the best kept food secrets in town
Bob Bob Ricard
If you want sheer decadence as well as absolutely delight, Bob Bob Ricard is famous for each table sporting a button reading ‘press for Champagne’ as well as its ‘all booth’ ambience. As you can imagine the British/Russian menu is sumptuous as well as the fine wine and cocktails. Wallow in sheer luxury in this glamorous restaurant in the heart of Soho.
‘A stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus, out of No 1 exit and continue to walk straight were the perfect directions. You can’t miss its distinctive front entrance on the left of Sherwood Street, with the distinctive style reminiscent of Paris of a bi-gone era, consistently reflected within its vast haughty walls. The Brasserie sprawls proudly across its basement level alongside its Cabaret Club, The Crazy Coqs, and rather than confuse you, if you want a French meal at a meagre £10.50, you can order two courses in the Brasserie and then book to see one of its acts in the club. It is also perfect for lunch when shopping or in the evening as a pre-theatre dinner.
I have recently been re-introduced to this iconic restaurant in Covent Garden by my friend Debbie Arnold, who has a table in her name. I was a regular in the nineties when performing in the West End, and it has held its own in spite of steep competition over the years. But classics never date and Joe’s never does. A great supporter of the arts and the homeless charities, you will always see a familiar face either from theatre or TV and as our very own national treasure Joanna Lumley says ‘when in doubt eat at Joe Allen, they will take good care of you’ and the food is always absolutely fabulous.
This authentic Persian Restaurant has become one of the most recommended places in town to experience Persian food at its best. I was taken there impromptu by my new friend Gudrun Jonsson, a wonderful biopath and holistic practitioner, who lives nearby in Napier Street, after having reflexology. It is always a good sign when you are recommended personally and also see local Iranians and foodies sampling the mixed mezze of strained yoghurt, freshly walnuts and mirza ghassemi (smoked aubergine, garlic and tomato). For our main course, we had the grilled kebabs – chicken with saffron and lemon. Other sides include warm bread, and basmati rice –with raw egg yolk, butter and herbs if required. The spiced tea was really refreshing, and the service is great too with friendly staff who look as if they really care about their customers.
Where: 10 Russell Gardens, Kensington, London W14 8EZ
July 12, 2026 100 BC Julius Caesar 1854 George Eastman 1895 Oscar Hammerstein II 1927 Frank Windsor 1928 Kathy Staff 1935 Roy Barraclough 1937 Bill Cosby 1943 Christine McVie 1947 Gareth Edwards
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