Sea Urchins Magazine Launch Review

25/11/2011

1,496 1 minute read

Sea Urchins Magazine Launch

Reviewed by Stuart Hosking

After a rather heavy Saturday night I wake up in a fantastic suite overlooking the Thames and Big Ben courtesy of the Marriott courtyard hotel. Fortunately the London Aquarium is in the same building so by 9.45am I'm clutching my press pack and being ushered to the main room. The venue especially hired for the launch is eerily quiet and I wander down the deserted corridors with just fish for company. The peace and quiet is quickly interrupted with the voices of many an excited child and I'm in the main aquarium surrounded by sea life, celebrities, paparazzi oh and a chocolate fountain. There is vegetarian sushi on offer with non alcoholic bucks fizz not exactly hangover recovery material however I'm greeted by Sam Hewitt who is Stacey Solomon's sister and creator of the magazine.

Sea urchins magazine is a result of Sam's life long dream and as mentioned, during her speech later in the morning, she has massive support from not only Stacey but also Theo Paphitis chairman of Rymans and Dragons Den panelist. It's clear that Sam has the whole Solomon family in the venue and supporting her, it's a real family affair from sisters to aunties to grandparents and very proud they are too. After a little speech Sam and Theo gear up and splash about in the main tank with the sharks and turtles while I catch a quick word with Stacey before she gets on stage to sing to the crowd. The event finishes off with a raffle and all the proceeds are donated to Haven House, a children's hospice located in Chingford. I grab my goody bag having not won a single prize…( And I really wanted that turtle sandpit !!) But it is compensated with my free copy of the magazine, some smellys from Rituals, sweets from the Sweet Store Company and a Zoobles toy.. Sadly no aspirin.