WHAT’S IN A NAME? What are my options for changing my name? Meet the expert: Cécile Mazuet is the founder and managing director of NameSwitch, a service that offers a uniquely designed and secure system that completes the forms and letters you need, ready for you to instantly download, sign and pop in the post. Cécile says: Traditionally, the bride changes her name to take on her new husband’s surname but is that the correct choice for you? It’s a big decision and can make some women feel like they’ve lost their identity, especially if you’ve built a strong reputation at work using your maiden name, or are an only child and want to continue the family name. However, you might be concerned that you’ll offend your hubby-to-be if you decide not to embrace it. For same-sex couples, there’s no convention, which can make the decision even harder. Whatever your situation, there are plenty of options out there so communicate openly with your partner and work out what suits you best. You could take your partner’s name or you could keep your maiden name but change your title. You don’t require a deed poll to do this and your title isn’t included on UK passports. You could also consider taking your partner’s name but use your maiden one professionally, take your partner’s surname but keep your maiden name as a middle one. There’s even the option to double-barrel your maiden name and your partner’s name or form a new surname from both your names. Name Switch | 01628 522 223 | www.nameswitch.co.uk HOT WHEELS Please can you give us some unusual hen and stag ideas? Meet the expert: DrivingExperience.com offers a diverse range of cars and vehicles available to book for driving experiences at racetracks and other venues across the UK including Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and Chippenham in Wiltshire. Models available to drive range from supercars and other high-performance vehicles to off-road ones, rally cars, classic cars, motorcycles, tanks and trucks. Junior driving experiences, for youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17, are also available. DrivingExperience.com say: The easing of restrictions has seen stag and hen parties racing back to the track for Supercar Driving Experiences with bookings having increased by 75% and the two most popular being the Double Supercar Blast for Two. The package offers lovers the chance to get behind the wheel of speedy and stylish vehicles such as a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. Alex MacGregor at DrivingExperience.com, commented, “Such a sharp increase in bookings show us that lovers have vowed to leave lockdown behind as they zoom into marriage with a high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled driving experience.” Alex added, “The popularity of our Supercar Blast for Two suggests that, perhaps surprisingly, couples are opting to spend their final moments not apart from but together.” www.drivingexperience.com www.gettyimages.co.uk 58
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