UK's first divorce fair held in Brighton (From The Argus)

UK's first divorce fair held in Brighton

6:20pm Sunday 15th March 2009 in

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Dolly Parton sang about it and Paul McCartney paid more than £24million for it.

And now Brighton has hosted the UK's first show on how to get over a divorce.

There was no sign of Macca or ex-wife Heather Mills at the Old Ship Hotel today.

But there were plenty of people looking for advice on how to survive the break-up of their marriage.

The Starting Over Show was billed as the first of its type in this country to help people bounce back from the end of their marriage.

More than 30 organisations from lawyers to financial advisers and aromatherapists were on hand to give advice and support to those seeking it.

Guest speakers at the event included television “divorce doctor” Francine Kaye of Channel 5's the Wright Stuff, and author and journalist Anna Pasternak.

Three interfaith ministers re-created a “letting go” ceremony on Brighton beach to demonstrate that divorce can end with respect and not in bitter rivalry.

And in among it all was Ron May, 77, who has just got divorced after 18 years of marriage.

Mr May said: “I didn't want to get divorced but my wife fell in love with someone in the office.

“I have come here to see what help and support is available for someone like me.

“The divorce affected me very badly and I am looking for help in coming to terms with it.

“When you lose your partner it takes away your purpose in life and I am looking for reassurance that life does not end when you get divorced.”

The event was organised by Suzy Miller, 44, a divorced mother of three from Forest Row, near East Grinstead.

She said: “This is different from the divorce shows that are held in Europe, it is more personal.

“We don't have DNA testing companies, private detectives or people who focus on the negative aspects of divorce here.

“We are looking at people who are starting over and who are looking ahead to what they want in the future.

“I hope this will be the first of many divorce shows here and that we will be back again next year.”