The Chiswick Magazine November 2019 by The Chiswick Magazine

CHISWICK

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

November 2019 | Complimentary

Villa di Geggiano

Meet the Artist House Vogue

Announces collaboration with Tuscan winery of Sting and Trudie Styler

Chiswick Houses Photographs

The Brewery House Chiswick’s

taken by Dimitrios Sofianopoulos

hidden gem

Travel Top 10 North American Beaches

The YOU Clinic Local salon wins prestigious award chiswickmagazine.co.uk

George Rae

Actor discusses musical comedy premiering at the Chiswick Playhouse

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CONTENTS 6. Chiswick Diary

A look at past and future events in Chiswick

8. The YOU Clinic

Local salon wins Best Salon in West London award

12. The Brewery Shop

Áine pays a visit to Chiswick’s hidden gem

14. Chiswick Timeline of Writers & Books

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ABOUT LOCALS, FOR LOCALS, BY LOCALS

CHISWICK ®

T H E

is brought to you by EDITOR

Áine McGinty aine@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

16. Photo Story

FEATURES EDITOR

24. Villa di Geggiano

ADVERTISING

Local restaurant collaborates with rockstar

Katie Saunders katie@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Simon Hossack simon@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

28. The Six

Katie visits The Six restaurant next to Hampton Court Palace

30. Meet the Artist

Katie meets Kasia and Madga from House Vogue

PUBLISHER

Paul Williams paul@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

DESIGN

Ed Fitzmaurice

32. Chiswick Playhouse

We chat to George Rae, one of the actors in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

TRAVEL

Gareth Davies gareth@viestramagazine.com

34. Rosie Osborne

Treat yourself to a beautiful smile this Christmas

38. Health & Well-being

Find out more about Marie Le Brun’s local yoga classes

40. Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls Ealing school celebrates recent achievement

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

Dear Reader, Welcome to the November edition of The Chiswick Magazine. I’m writing this slightly early after a wonderful day out and about in W4. After a trip to The Brewery Shop (which you can read more about later in the magazine), I went for a relaxing walk along the river in an attempt to capture some of the beauty of Chiswick. Now my photos weren’t up to the standards of Aubrey who we featured in last month’s Photo Story but it got me thinking about just how lucky we are to work & live in such a picturesque and varied area. I know I’m stating the obvious here but I do think it helps to be reminded of these things sometimes. Life can get very busy but making time for a little walk can sometimes improve your day! So wrap up warm and head out to enjoy our local area. But please remember to come back to the magazine! Oh and before I go you can now subscribe to The Chiswick Magazine and get it delivered to your front door! Find out more at chiswickmagazine.co.uk/subscribe As always, I hope you enjoy the read. Áine x

Local author talks about her book Free Spirits

36. Beauty

N O T E

M A G A Z I N E

90 more names added - as Festival seeks the roads with most writers

A selection of photographs of Chiswick Houses taken by Dimitrios Sofianopoulos

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© Vencor Ltd 2019. THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE is published by Vencor Ltd. Registerd Unit 22, 295 Chiswick High Road London W4 4TT. chiswickmagazine.co.uk. All rights reserved. ® THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE is registered as a trade mark, trade mark number UK00003257230.

44. Travel

Top 10 North American Beaches

48. Property

Read about the Council Chamber

November 2019 | THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE

The views of the writers and interviewees in THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE are not necessarily the views of the publisher. All images have been used with permission of the copyright owner. Any imagery supplied by a third party eg advertising, marketing or pr agency, will be published on the understanding the images have been supplied for publication with the permisson of the copyright owner. Any imagery that incurs copyright infringement, the supplier of that image (s) will be held responsible and liable for any royalties or licence fees. The contributor acknowledges that material submitted may be published in any publication or on any website owned by Vencor Ltd. By submitting material to THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE, Vencor Ltd is automatically granted the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and licence to use, reproduce, edit, distribute and display such material, in whole or part and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed for the full term of any rights that may exist in such content.

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The Chiswick Diary LAST MONTH IN CHISWICK

The Chiswick Diary COMING UP

Professor Green at Chiswick Chiswick Book Festival to hold a Park Festival Extra event Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work say it was an honour to have Stephen Manderson AKA Professor Green at their final Chiswick Park Talks event of the year in October. Their Chiswick Park Talks series features great conversations, inspirational talks and lunchtime entertainment delivered by experts in their respective fields. Professor Green shared highlights and anecdotes of his career as a musician, writer, presenter and broadcaster. With honesty and insight, he covered everything from identity politics and youth disenfranchisement to education and poverty. An advocate for mental health and social issues, he also spoke about his own experiences dealing with depression and raising awareness about it to encourage other men to speak out and seek help. The one hour talk was facilitated by Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work CEO, Matt Coulson, to whom mental health and well-being are topics very close to his heart. Looking after the mental health of their team members and Guests at work is one of Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work’s key goals. They work hard to create a workplace culture where people can be themselves.

The Chiswick Book Festival is inviting local residents to discover the history behind their front doors, with Melanie BackeHansen, research consultant for the popular BBC television programme, A House Through Time. The ‘Festival Extra’ event will be held at 8pm on Thursday, 21 November in St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall. Tickets cost £10 and refreshments will be available from 7.30pm. As a new edition of her book House Histories is published, Britain’s leading house historian, Melanie Backe-Hansen, uncovers the hidden stories and secrets of ordinary and extraordinary houses across the country. She will reveal fascinating stories of people and events she has uncovered in her work researching the history of houses, with particular examples of houses from Chiswick and west London. More details are available on the Festival website, where tickets are now on sale. The event is supported by Chimni, a local company which is developing a ‘digital toolkit’ for homeowners, to give them online access to their home information and history.

This was a truly inspiring Q&A session where he talked everyone through his life growing up in Hackney, the pressures to fight and learning how to ‘be a man’ from a young age. They hope it will help start real conversations about mental health with their Guests. This year, they hosted two Talks: The Problem with Plastics by Liz Bonnin and the Q&A with Professor Green. Each speaker provided their Guests with an insight into their worlds and each event was attended by around 150 of their Guests. They are working on a new programme for 2020 and will welcome a host of influential speakers to the Park to continue to inspire and educate their Guests.

Popular local exhibition returns for the second year The Studio 17 Group Exhibition 2019 will take place at St. Michael’s Centre, Elmwood Road, Grove Park, Chiswick on Saturday, 23 November from 10am - 5pm. Entry is free and it will be a chance to see the work done over the past year by artists studying oil painting with Peter Burgess. A wide variety of genres and styles will be exhibited, reflecting the studio philosophy that each student should develop their own strengths, and approach this most versatile of disciplines by following their own interests. Peter has been running oil painting classes at The Pavilion in Chiswick since 2015, guiding students from complete beginners all the way to creating their own series of paintings. The introductory courses combine plenty of practical work with some art history, and cover subjects such as portraiture, landscape, abstraction and still life. Students then progress with groups working on their own projects. Occasionally a visiting lecturer is invited to provide a variety of insights. Studio 17 continues to grow and the friendly creative atmosphere attracts people of all ages and experience. Go to www. oilpaintingexpertise.com for details on how to get involved.

Festive events at the Chiswick Playhouse

sics, these concerts are sure to raise Christmas spirits.

From 4th December to 4th January, Chiswick Playhouse will present an irresistible reimagined take on the classic Christmas tale Hansel and Gretel, directed by Lucy Jane Atkinson (A Hundred Words for Snow, Trafalgar Studios; Vespertilio, VAULT Festival). This children’s adventure will take audiences far from city life, gaming and social media into a world of lollipop houses and tap-dancing cockroaches. Here lives a witch with a penchant for single-use plastic and the only remaining sustainable food source: children. Another festive option, Christmas at Chiswick Playhouse is a series of Sunday evening concerts throughout December featuring a host of the UK’s leading musical theatre talent. With free mulled wine, songs from hit shows and Christmas clas-

St Michael’s Players present Treasure Island Long John Silver may be a dastardly villain, but he’s reckoned without the Ladies of St Michael’s Players Women’s Institute! This is their largest cast pantomime and a madcap, laugh a minute pirate adventure story from start to finish. Aye aye, that it is. Their world-famous pantomime returns once more to delight young and old. Based on the original ripping yarn, Ben Crocker’s script adds all the panto fun into this gripping tale. So once again, lots of singalong songs and laugh-a-long jokes and all-round feeling goodness. They have pirates (ooo), treasure (ooo) ships (ooo) and a parrot (yes, really). But will good triumph over evil this year? Head along to find out. Director Chris Hullat said: “Directing our panto is such an awesome responsibility, and doubly so this year; after all, not only is this the final show in our 70th year, it’s also our twentieth panto ever and our sixth by Ben Crocker. And to top it all there’s the huge expectations of our loyal audience who keep on coming back for more. And why do we do it? That’s easy because it’s such a fun way to get Christmas started and there’s something for everyone.

snowball, rather aptly, the ball starts with script selection in February and with each step gathers a little more weight and momentum, for example: song selection takes a few months before that’s nailed down, some topical jokes along the way, local references, costumes, set design, characterisations, lighting, sound effects and finally, a cast and the snowball is by now speeding along all but out of control. Just got to hang on for the last 2 months and we’ll be there. So how do we feel right now? Excited, apprehensive, elated, nervous and every other emotion possible.” St Michael’s Players fabulous, fantastical and fabled panto returns and this year they are serving up a chest full of goodies... Treasure Island docks in Chiswick this December. Tickets are on sale now and sell out fast. Don’t miss out get yours today. Venue: St Michael’s Centre, Elmwood Road, Chiswick, W4 3DY Dates: 10,11,13 and 14 December (*no show 12 December) Doors: 19:15 | Performance: 19:45 and 16:00 Matinee 14 December Ticket prices: From £7 (£12 on the door) www.stmichaelsplayers.org

“Panto preparation is a bit like rolling a

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Local Life

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Local Life

Chiswick salon wins Best Salon in West London award By Áine McGinty

Sonya & Rachel

Local salon The YOU Clinic which has been based in Chiswick since 2006 has won a prestigious award at the fifth London Hair and Beauty Awards. We chat to Sonya Cross, Chiswick resident and the owner of The YOU Clinic to find out more about their success.

Sonya and her sister Rachel set up The YOU Clinic together as they wanted to specialise in permanent hair removal but using both electrolysis and laser and they knew that there weren’t many clinics offering both services together. Having lived in Chiswick since 2002, Sonya knew that it was the perfect place for her business. She said: ‘‘It ’s just a great part of London, who doesn’t love Chiswick? And if we

November 2019 | THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE

were going to have a business, then why not open it somewhere you love?’’ Local people have been supportive of Sonya and Rachel’s venture from the start. ‘‘ We have the most fabulous client base and that is what I always tell new potential staff, we are so lucky to have such a loyal following and many have turned into good friends over the years,’’ she beams.

The YOU Clinic is best known for permanent hair removal as well as their bespoke facials which are individually tailored to each client. They have eight team members, with some offering just one service that they specialise in such as electrolysis, reflexology or medical pedicures. Sonya was delighted with the recent win and to know that their hard work is paying off. She said: ‘‘It was such wonderful news! It is great to receive this recognition for all our hard work and dedication to the industry we are all so passionate about.’’ Members of The YOU Clinic team attended the glitzy awards night at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in South Kensington. They enjoyed champagne, a sit down dinner and were kept guessing as they ended up being one of the last awards of the evening.

This isn’t the first award for the Chiswick salon, their efforts were also recognised this year when Medik8 celebrated ten years in business holding their first national awards for Best Clinic and Best Practitioner - with The YOU Clinic winning both! The YOU Clinic is a forerunner in the beauty industry and we’re lucky to have such an outstanding business in W4. If it’s good enough for the London Hair and Beauty Awards and Medik8, it’s certainly worth a visit.

The YOU Clinic 6 Chiswick Terrace Acton Lane Chiswick London W4 5LY Email: info@theyouclinic.co.uk Phone: 020 8742 2266 THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | November 2019 9

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Saltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antihistamine properties can help reduce symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions. Spa de Sal offers two salt rooms, with sessions specially adapted for children or adults and for the conditions presented. Get comfortable in our relaxing loungers and let the healing properties of salt ease ways the daily strains of exertion and pollution. Deep breathing techniques will help get the salt-infused air to reach deep into your lungs and blood stream where it starts doing its job of cleansing and healing. Mention the Chiswick Herald when making your booking and receive a 25% discount off your first session which must be used by 31st 30th December September 2019.

November 2019 | THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE

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Local Life

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Local Life

The Brewery Shop Chiswick’s hidden gem By Áine McGinty

The Brewery Shop is Fuller’s Griffin Brewery’s (almost) hidden gem playing host to various beers, ciders, wines and merchandise.

I’m ashamed to admit that this was actually my first visit to the shop but I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Revamped in July last year, the shop is better than ever, boasting The Growler Bar where visitors can sample barrel-fresh beers before grabbing a Fuller’s growler to take home - great for those environmentally conscious consumers! It’s also bigger than ever with a huge wine selection, a clothing merchandise section and their exclusive food range made using Fuller’s Griffin Brewery’s products. In fact, my chat with Adrian was interrupted by an ecstatic customer pleased to have found what he called ‘an incredible wine’ in the store proving it isn’t solely for beer drinkers! Some locals were worried about the landmark’s future when it was announced that Fuller’s would be selling their beer business to Asahi Europe Ltd but the Fuller’s Board had stated that they would protect the heritage of the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick and this has proved correct. ‘‘We’ve always been here and we’re not going anywhere,’’ Adrian says. Adrian is local himself having lived in Chiswick for two years so he knows just how important the local community is and reassures me that they will continue to look after and support local community events. True to their promise of looking after the local community, Chiswick residents actually receive a 10% discount when shopping here.

‘‘We’re Chiswick’s best kept secret,’’ Adrian Southwick, The Brewery Shop’s manager tells me when I pop in to visit the local shop. Tucked away from the array of shops on Chiswick High Road and Turnham Green Terrace, The Brewery Shop might be a huge part of the area’s rich heritage but every week locals are coming in and informing Adrian that they didn’t even know the shop existed.

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Tours of the Griffin Brewery are not only ideal for beer lovers but one for locals and those interested in the area’s rich history as they tell the story of the local area. What’s

more, Adrian tells me that no tour guide tells the exact same story so you could go numerous times and have a different experience. Tours can be booked on the kiosk in The Brewery Shop or on their website. You can even purchase gift vouchers for tours if this sounds like a friend’s cup of tea. As those of us who aren’t extremely organised begin our Christmas shopping, it’s important to note that The Brewery Shop is open to the public and stocks some fantastic gifts, ideal for this time of year. The lead up to Christmas will be especially exciting this year as London Pride, which is brewed in Chiswick, celebrates its 60th anniversary. The Brewery Shop is celebrating this heritage by stocking limited edition merchandise including some 60th anniversary t-shirts! Fuller’s are certainly in the Christmas spirit, organising the Fuller’s Brewery Christmas Evening from 17:0022:00 on Friday 6 December. Join them to place Christmas orders, do some Christmas shopping and browsing or simply for beer and wine tastings. You can eat, drink and be merry with both The Brewery Shop and The Mawson Arms staying open until 22:00. If you can’t make the Christmas event, don’t fret as the shop is open from 10:00-20:00 Monday-Friday and 11:00-18:00 on Saturdays.

The Brewery Shop Chiswick Ln S, Chiswick London W4 2QA 020 8996 2400 @fullersbreweryshopandtours fullersbrewery.co.uk THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | November 2019 13

Local Life

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Around 350 names ‘likely to be final total’ for Chiswick Timeline of Writers and Books

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ew names posted, in the third phase of the archive, include classical guitarist Julian Bream; Pete Townshend and John Entwistle of The Who; Midge Ure of Ultravox; DJ Pete Murray and singer/gardening writer Kim Wilde, who were both born in Chiswick; chef Rick Stein; theatre critic Michael Billington; impresario Sir Charles (CB) Cochrane; actor-manager Sir Nigel Playfair; actors Fenella Fielding, Donald Pleasence and Rachel Kempson; director Vicky Ireland; dancer Wayne Sleep; wallpaper designer Marthe Armitage; Holocaust survivor and bridge champion Martin Hoffman; cricketer Patsy Hendren; former MP Leo Abse; and General Sir Michael Rose. Their names are listed by subject under Non-fiction or Novels, plays and poems. New names from the 17th Century include Sir John Denham, who is buried at Poets Corner in Westminster Abbey and appears in Warwick Draper’s classic history, Chiswick. Sir John was born in 1615 which makes him the oldest name on the timeline. The novelist Samuel Richardson, who was born in 1689 and wrote Pamela and Clarissa, is now on the list too. You can see the Chiswick Timeline of Writers Year by Year online. “We’re grateful to many local residents for their suggestions and we’ve also been checking other archives to fill some gaps,” said Torin Douglas, director of the Chiswick Book Festival. “A year after the Timeline was launched, we’ve reached around 350 names and I think we’re near the final total.” Julian Bream was identified as a former Chiswick resident by Simon Francis, one of several people who responded to an appeal for suggestions. The information was confirmed in the Daily Telegraph property pages. Simon also suggested Lord Robert Skidelsky (“lived in Chiswick briefly in 1976-8 but moved to somewhere in Bloomsbury”); Edward Robert Kelly (1817-1896), proprietor of Kelly’s Directories, who lived in The Cedars in Burlington Lane; Sandra Lousada, a distinguished photographer, who has published and illustrated several books; Ralph Edwards who was head of furniture at the V&A and wrote books on furniture; and Clive and Ann Bingley, publishers.

Over 90 more names have been added to the Chiswick Timeline of Writers and Books, the literary archive launched a year ago by the Chiswick Book Festival. Around 350 published writers are now known to have lived in Chiswick W4, or written about the area, seven months after the Observer wrote that “Chiswick may be Britain’s most literary location”.

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Susan Stanley-Carroll, known to many parents and pupils at Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School as an inspiring English teacher, suggested several names, including former pupils Helena Coggan and Isabella Hammad. Helena published her first novel The Catalyst at 15 and at the age of 20 has published two more. Isabella’s first novel The Parisian came out this year, to acclaim in the New York Times and elsewhere. Susan encouraged both authors at school and appears on the Timeline in her own right, under her pen-name Susan M. Stanley. Other authors under the age of 30 on the list include the Young Adult novelists Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison and playwright Sophie Swithinbank, who is writer in residence at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Several authors came to the list via this year’s Chiswick Book Festival, including Marthe Armitage, Joan Smith, Peter Hanington (who went to Chiswick School), Professor Robert Hewison, Dr Sara Lodge and some who spoke at the local authors party: Kristina Bill, Jerramy

Local Life

Marthe Armitage came to the list via this year’s Chiswick Book Festival

Fine, Dr Josephine Perry, Maggy Pigott, Clare Cassy, Annette Duckworth and Martin Godleman. “Marthe Armitage has lived and worked by the river in Chiswick for most of her life,” Douglas said. “Her new book, The Making of Marthe Armitage, Artist and Patternmaker, was launched at this year’s Festival and her ‘Chiswick House’ wallpaper is displayed on the Chiswick Timeline mural, which inspired the Timeline of Writers and Books.” The Guardian’s theatre critic Michael Billington, who also lives locally, is the biographer of Harold Pinter, who wrote The Caretaker when he was living in a flat in Chiswick High Road. Pinter is one of Chiswick’s two winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature, and one of 21 great playwrights, poets and novelists featured on the Chiswick Timeline ‘Writers Trail’ map. “Michael Billington and Harold Pinter are part of Chiswick’s great theatrical heritage, which we recently highlighted to mark the Tabard Theatre’s relaunch as the Chiswick Playhouse,” said Douglas. See ‘Chiswick’s theatres, playwrights and performers’ on the Chiswick Book Festival website. The Timeline archive has grown to around 350 names from 175 a year ago and 250 in April this year. Douglas said: “I knew there were distinguished writers with W4 connections, and famous residents who’d written their memoirs, as well as less well-known authors, poets and dramatists. But I never suspected we’d find 175 – let alone 350!” The Festival is now asking local residents for help in finding the roads with the most writers. These will be listed on a new page: ‘Chiswick Timeline of Writers: Road by Road’. If you have suggestions for this - or for other names and stories to be included on the Chiswick Timeline of Writers and Books - please email: admin@ chiswickbookfestival.net. Early front-runners include Strand on the Green, where residents have been catalogued by the Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society and Chiswick Mall, featured on the Panorama of the Thames project, including Walpole House, home to several notable writers. The 12th Chiswick Book Festival will take place from September 11th to 15th 2020. Visit www.chiswickbookfestival.net

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | November 2019 15

Photo Story

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Chiswick Houses

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Photo Story

By Katie Saunders

22 St Peters Square

hotography is a way of expression for Dimitrios Sofianopoulos (Sigma). It’s his way of being creative and he enjoys having personal projects on the go. He began taking photographs when he was 17; starting in editorial fashion photography and through the years he merged his passion for photography and genuine interest in interior design & architecture and moved into interior and exterior photography. Born in Greece, Dimitrios found his way to London and fell in love with Chiswick and became a W4 resident. He admittedly moved away due to being unhappy with the interior of the residence he lived in. However, within a few months he had already moved back to W4. I met with Dimitrios because of the fantastic photos he’s taken of the houses in Chiswick. He loves learning about the history behind each building and gives us the low down about them. We also spoke about his life events and what brought him to where he is now, including the inspiration and experiences he’s had along the way of being behind the camera. I like the way Dimitrios thinks. One of the projects he’s working on is incredibly thought-provoking. The project is ongoing and the imagery has an emphasis on concrete buildings and architecture. He asks, why do we appreciate concrete so much? There is something so unnatural and cold about it, yet we have large concrete buildings thriving throughout London. For him, it has deeper meanings. He’s been on an intense inner journey and has been highly inspired by the music of Paolo Nutini and particularly his song Iron Sky as well as the writings of Fumio Sasaki on deep minimalism. He relates our appreciation of those brutal concrete spaces to the Stockholm syndrome, and how we, people, end up admiring something that’s obscuring our vision and connection with nature.

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Another experience that led Dimitrios to grow was when he worked with the interior designer Katrina Phillips on an interior project. Katrina suggested that he should try and detach himself from his ego and focus on the space that he was working with and become as connected with it as possible to capture the true essence and soul of the space he was photographing. This technique has proven helpful in creating a captivating and soulful image. The process took nearly 13 hours to photograph but by the end of it, there was no editing required. This is a technique he’s been following ever since.

This Grade II Listed building was the former studio of Island Records, also known as The Fallout Shelter. Many musicians such as Steve Winwood and Trafﬁc, Robert Palmer, Cat Stevens, Bob Marley, U2, Nick Drake and Sandy Denny recorded there.

Dimitrios had his work presented in Saatchi Gallery in 2013 when he worked on a personal project where he merged the royalty of ballet with the ugliness of the asphalt. This year he had a project he did for UCL in the Tate Britain, the project was to do with a wearable device that inflated with haptic sensation. For the future, Dimitrios would like to make hardback books to showcase his thoughts and photographs of the brutalism of concrete as well as the houses of Chiswick. He would also like to take more photos of properties down the English coast, Dorset and Cornwall, and explore British heritage and how natural light interferes with the textures and natural substances. Here you’ll see his pictures of Chiswick Houses and learn a little bit more about them. You’ll also see some photos of additional interior projects Dimitrios has done completed with Alfred Dunhill and Torch Partners, all within London’s west end. You can see more of Dimitrios’s interior and exterior work on his website, www.cameradelta.com and his Instagram page @ dimitriossigma.

College House In 1810 Charles Whittingham founded The Chiswick Press and moved here in 1818 with his presses, the house was known as ‘Whittington’s Printing ofﬁce.’ THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | November 2019 17

Photo Story

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Cygnet House These form a pair of early C19th Regency semi-detached houses. Until the 1960s they were known as 1 and 2 Riverside (Cygnet was 1, Riverside was 2). Cygnet House has been home to russian artist Vladimir Polunin, inventor Manning Pike and author Stephen Potter.

Greenash

Previously known as Eyot Villa, it was an imposing Arts and Crafts house constructed in 1882 to the design of John Belcher. John Belcher designed several other houses in Chiswick. In 1941 Greenash was turned into a hostel for people suffering from shock brought on by bombing raids on London. 18

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Photo Story

Heron House Heron House was ﬁrst called The Hollies. From 1895 Mr. Barnaby, Thornycroft’s chief engineer, lived here and his son wrote a history of the ﬁrm, ‘100 Years of Specialised Shipbuilding.’

Oak Cottage This modernist house was built in the late C20th by Michael Manser, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The house stands on the site of a Victorian cottage which was once home to some of the staff of the Maternity Hospital. THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | November 2019 19

Photo Story

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Photo Story

Island House These are a pair of big proportioned stuccoed houses constructed in the early 19th century. Perhaps the most notable occupant was Alexander Sich, an active in municipal government who died in 1916.

Alfie’s at Alfred Dunhill Davies Street Mayfair

Katrina Phillips Products

Mall Cottage & Eyot Cottage These two cottages were separate, but are currently enjoined into one belonging. They’re traditional vintage buildings that back on to the river and shape a delightful view of the water. 20

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Investment Bank Cavendish Square THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | November 2019 21

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Main Feature

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Main Feature

Every Sip You Take

Local restaurant announces collaboration with Tuscan winery of Sting and Trudie Styler By Áine McGinty

illa di Geggiano, the home of Tuscan fine dining in Chiswick has recently announced their new exclusive collaboration with Tenuta II Palagio - the Tuscan winery of Trudie Styler and Sting. Tenuta II Palagio is the neighbour of the Chiswick restaurant’s Tuscan namesake, the family home and winery of the Bianchi Bandinelli family. Wine is extremely important to the family’s history, after all, they have been bringing superb wines to the UK since 1725! Apart from their own estate wines, Villa di Geggiano also bring other Tuscan wines from small, organic biodynamic producers to Chiswick.

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To celebrate their new partnership, the west London restaurant will be hosting another one of their famous wine pairings with the delicious wines of their neighbour in Tuscany. This special evening taking place on the evening of Wednesday 20 November balances the Villa’s renowned high-end rustic take on Tuscan cuisine with a delightful variety of organic Tuscan wines from Trudie and Sting. Last time we featured Villa di Geggiano in The Chiswick Magazine we noted that the popular restaurant was ‘the perfect place to go for a touch of Tuscany without actually leaving the country’ and this new partnership really does support this claim.

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Main Feature

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Sting and Trudie Styler produce nine wines, many of which have names reflecting the songs of Sting, with Roxanne, Sister Moon, and When we Dance as some of the reds, and Message in a Bottle appearing as a Bianco blending Vermentino/Sauvignon/ Trebbiano, as well as a Toscano Rosso aged in French oak barrels. Other wines include a Rosato, Beppe, which is lighter than the usual Tuscan rose, and the robust Casino delle Vie. On the night, Tony Sasa from II Palagio will be presenting a short history and will welcome you with a glass of Beppé Rosato. It’s not all about wine though, Villa di Geggiano will also be the exclusive UK distributor of the olive oils and honeys made at Tenuta II Palagio.

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Main Feature

Trudie Styler: ‘‘We are so excited to welcome our wines into their new UK home, Villa di Geggiano. If you’re in London, stop by Chiswick High Road and have a glass of Tenuta il Palagio grape and some pasta.’’ The cost of the exclusive evening will be £89. Places for this event are strictly limited and secured only by pre-payment. For your reservation, please call 020 3384 9442 or email ilpalagio@ villadigeggiano.co.uk. If you can’t make this exciting event, try not to worry, as all of Villa di Geggiano’s wines are available to take away and orders of more than two cases can be delivered to your doorstep. Sting’s wine could soon be delivered to your door!

Villa di Geggiano said: ‘‘We are absolutely delighted to add Tenuta Il Pallagio’s produce to our list. Not just their wines, but we’ll be creating dishes featuring their honeys and olives, too.’’

Villa di Geggiano 66-68 Chiswick High Road London W4 1SY

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Food & Drink

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Dinner at

The Six

Food & Drink

The Six Burger

By Katie Saunders

he Six restaurant opened in July this year and is located opposite Bushy Park and next door to Hampton Court Palace. Hampton Court is a beautiful leafy part of greater London, not too dissimilar to Chiswick. For a slight difference in scenery we visited Hampton Court and The Six and took a train from Gunnersbury to Richmond and then got the R68 all the way to the Palace from the bus stop outside of Richmond station. The journey time takes around an hour and the journey is pleasant and takes you through Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton Hill. It’s an easy route to drive too.

The Six is part of the Kings Arms Hotel and is named in reference to Henry VIII’s wives. Bordering the maze of the famed Palace the Grade 2 listed hotel dates back to 1709 and has been brought back to life with inspiration taken directly from its beautiful surroundings. It used to be called the Queens Arms when Queen Anne was on the throne but by 1772 it was the Kings Arms when King George the third took the throne. As it borders the maze you can see it through the back of the restaurant which is a lovely quirky touch! Back inside the decor is elegant, contemporary and stylish without being boastful. The fresh white walls and light natural wood flooring are uplifting and they have added complementary art work and plants and created a relaxed atmosphere. There is a lovely brick wall and also a brick fireplace, that has been wonderfully restored with coals enclosed behind a sheet of glass, which is a sophisticated and modern touch, and chosen well as it suits the restaurant very well. Tables are set for smaller groups of 2-4 and larger groups of people and there is a nice amount of space between the tables. We went on a Friday evening and there were a few people sat at the bar having drinks, another couple opposite us and a large group to our left. It didn’t feel overcrowded and we could hear each other talking and carrying out a conversation was easy. What to expect from the menu. The food is sourced locally as the chefs believe in local produce and ethical menus. It’s so local that the herbs are picked from the Hampton Court Palace Kitchen Garden. The restaurant is lead by Michelin starred chef Mark Kempson and the kitchen is headed by Jack Scoines. They have crafted a traditional

British menu with a modern twist including crispy spiced whitebait or pressed wild rabbit for starters and squash and tunworth cheese pie or beer-battered haddock or stuffed Wiltshire chicken for mains. I chose whitebait for my starter and was pleasantly surprised with the portion size, I actually left a couple in the dish. For my main, I chose the Wiltshire chicken which was stuffed beautifully and came with truffle mash, girolles, turnips, Dorset ham and tarragon and the chicken was wrapped in ham and was beautifully presented. When it arrived I first thought it didn’t look like enough but the quality and flavours and the richness filled me up substantially. The same was said for my dinner date who had the organic Welsh lamb. Having actually eaten enough, and feeling very full, I still wanted to have dessert because it’s always my favourite section on a menu. It’s funny how I won’t be hungry and then something sweet comes along and I can eat the whole thing without a problem. The dessert menu was traditional and I went for the one and only all-time fave sticky toffee pudding with a dollop of rum and raisin ice cream. The presentation was very pretty and it tasted great. My date had the chocolate delice which was too rich for me but he ate the whole thing! The Six is definitely worth a visit. It will be nice to go back during the day for a Sunday roast and see the place and the surroundings in daylight. It is reasonably priced for the quality you receive and the location is beautiful and you have the magic of the maze and Hampton Court Palace next door.

The Six 2 Lion Gate, Hampton Ct Rd, Molesey East Molesey KT8 9DD T: +44 (0)20 8016 6630 E: enquiries@kingsarmshamptoncourt.com thesixrestaurant.co.uk 28

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Arts & Culture

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Meet the Artist By Katie Saunders

This month I met the wonderful Kasia; the very talented woman behind the illustrations at House Vogue. Her business partner and friend, Madga, who is an absolute delight, full of positive energy and great ideas, joined us. This happy and enthusiastic duo created House Vogue. They compliment each other perfectly as Kasia’s background and education is in architecture and Madga has worked in PR, marketing and photography. You can see they work together extremely well and share the same visions for Kasia’s drawings and for House Vogue. A cool fact about these two lovely women is that they studied at the same university in Poland, yet they didn’t meet until they both lived in London.

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Arts & Culture

Kasia started her drawings some years ago and enjoyed capturing the beauty of residential homes and buildings on paper, and drawing by hand again. That was back in 2012 and through word of mouth and neighbours and friends seeing her work and asking for drawings of their own homes for themselves, Kasia sold several drawings. Work and family life continued and the timing didn’t seem to be right. Kasia was working full time and had a family to focus on, and her drawings took back stage for a while. Magda and Kasia met years later in a restaurant in Chiswick where Magda was taking photographs. When Magda saw Kasia’s work she believed in her so much, she really encouraged her to do more and helped her get her work seen as naturally shy Kasia needed someone like Magda to help her get her work out there. It’s been a growing success so far over the last couple of years. The drawings are beautiful to be given as a gift, or a lovely way to remember somewhere you once lived. A number of Kasia’s customers have moved house and wanted a drawing to remember the years of happiness living in their home. Kasia likes talking to the homeowner before she starts drawing to ask what they like most about their home and includes small characteristics from the house, for example plant plots by the front of the house, or a child’s toy inside the window, to create a drawing that is individual and personal for them. Businesses have also fallen for Kasia’s talents and have had drawings made up of their restaurant or of their offices. We had the pleasure of having Villa Di Geggiano drawn by Kasia on our front cover several copies ago. The illustrations are also great gifts to send to family living overseas. Kasia has more time to focus on her drawings nowadays and it’s what she loves doing. The drawings used to take 2-3 days to complete and now they take her several hours. If she doesn’t have a photo to work from, she is able to use Street View or Google Earth to see the front of the house. When this isn’t possible Madga comes to the rescue and cycles to the address to take photos of the house for her. For the future Kasia is hoping to draw illustrations for wedding invitations and will draw the venue on the card. Her illustrations could also be available in prints as currently there is only one copy and that copy is given to the customer, she doesn’t even keep a copy for herself. Drawings of popular London landmarks is another idea that Kasia is thinking of completing for people who are interested in them. Kasia’s website is www.housevogue.uk and their Instagram handle is @housevogue.uk, where you can see more of her work.

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Arts & Culture

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Popular musical comedy to premiere in Chiswick

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Arts & Culture

L-R Dominic Hodson, Laura Johnson, Naomi Slights, George Rae by Savannah Photographic

By Áine McGinty

Last month it was announced that the Tabard Theatre would be relaunching as the Chiswick Playhouse, with a new look and an exciting opening season. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the first play to be performed at the Chiswick Playhouse and we chat to one of the play’s actors, George Rae, ahead of its UK premiere.

Laura Johnson and George Rae by Savannah Photographic

When asked to tell us a little bit about I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, George says, ‘‘It’s a hilarious musical comedy - basically a celebration of the mating game!’’ The comedic play features wonderful songs and is full of emotion - it’s for anyone who’s fallen in, or out, of love. ‘‘There are some beautifully poignant moments for people of all ages to connect with. Anyone who has dated, been in love, had a baby, been married or divorced will relate to it,’’ he adds. This version of the play was premiered off-Broadway in New York last year, containing new songs, musical arrangements and lyrics and Chiswick audiences will hear these songs with new anglicised lyrics George says. The play was re-written in 2018 to reflect the challenges facing the romantics of today including social media influences. This is a promising start to the Chiswick Playhouse’s opening season featuring West End stars and directed by Charlotte Westenra (Donmar Warehouse, Old Vic). Working with Charlotte is a process George has clearly enjoyed. ‘‘I have never worked as hard as I have done working on this magnificent show with beautiful Charlie but, at the same time, I have never been as stimulated or creatively

fulfilled. Charlie’s process is wonderfully diverse and artistic and she pushes us to our limits creatively - you don’t always find this in a Director so it’s been a joy to work with her.’’ The actors in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change are certainly pushed to their limits with all four playing around forty different characters! George is very much looking forward to coming to west London and performing for Chiswick audiences at the newly revamped venue. ‘‘I am excited to feel the Chiswick vibe! I already love the vibrancy of the area and the intimacy of the theatre means more of a connection with audience members which, for an actor, is satisfying; sometimes you lose that connection in the bigger performing venues.’’ Head to the Chiswick Playhouse this month to see an exciting play’s UK premiere with four West End actors. Tickets for the play are available from the Chiswick Playhouse Box Office and www. chiswickplayhouse.co.uk You can also keep up to date with George’s work by following him on Twitter @GeorgeRaeActor.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Wednesday 30th October – Saturday 30th November 2019 Tuesday – Saturday, 7.30pm Saturday matinee, 4pm £22.50 with £17.50 concessions www.chiswickplayhouse.co.uk

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Arts & Culture

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Arts & Culture

Rosie Osborne on

Free Spirits

By Áine McGinty

Photo by Josh Harkon

osie started visiting artists’ studios at the time with her father, a local artist who made paintings and collages in his spare time. Every time her father would visit a fellow artist, Rosie would insist on going with him. She told The Chiswick Magazine: ‘‘These visits to artists’ studios as a teenager made me think about how, often, artists’ studios are spaces that aren’t seen or experienced by the public - instead, they’re intensely private - an extension of the artists’ homes. After each visit, I felt that I had seen such a personal insight into the way that that particular artist lived their life, and after a few years interviewing, I wanted to share how inspiring these spaces can be, and attempt to encapsulate that.’’ However, it was the stories that Rosie heard during her interviews with the artists that cemented her need to write Free Spirits. ‘‘As I had been interviewing artists from quite a young age, the stories that I heard went on to shape decisions I made in my own life - acting as a compass for my life in a way. So I’ve almost grown up collecting these stories - all the way up until this year, when the book was published,’’ she adds.

Photo by Michael Eddy

Rosie Osborne’s Free Spirits, a book which contains a number of intimate interviews with artists, has been in the making since thirty-yearold Rosie was just thirteen years of age. 34

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Although much of the book explores Cornish artists due to the time Rosie spent in St Ives and Parisian artists after her years in Paris, Rosie actually grew up in Chiswick and went to Chiswick Community School. ‘‘West London is very close to my heart,’’ she says. Her great grandparents sold antique furniture on Portobello Road and in a lovely personal touch, Free Spirits begins with some old photographs of Rosie’s great grandmother in front of her furniture shop. ‘‘She was a very determined and hardworking woman and I feel very proud to include her in my own story.’’

Rosie first visited St Ives when she was six and says that the artistic heritage of the area is something that can really be felt. Her love of writing intensified after spending large parts of her childhood there. At fourteen, Rosie interviewed Sandra Blow, a pioneer of abstract art who was working in St Ives at the time- it turned out to be the last interview Sandra gave before her death. Speaking about this particular interview, Rosie says: ‘‘I admire her work so much, and I felt incredibly lucky to have seen her making some of her works right in front of me during the interview. It was a surreal moment that I cherish to this day.’’ Another interview which greatly inspired Rosie was her interview with Sylvette David, Pablo Picasso’s muse Sylvette is now in her eighties and an artist in her own right. Rosie says the stories that Sylvette had to tell about her time with Picasso were just incredible. They talked for hours, and it was an interview that Rosie really enjoyed both listening to and recording. Rosie ends our discussion on a rather inspiring note, in the same way she concludes the book, talking about the importance of listening. One of the things, Rosie tells me, which has become engrained in her after her years interviewing. She includes a quote from the book’s conclusion: ‘‘Stay close to the people you cherish. Let them tell you their endless, funny, tragic stories.’’ Such messages mean that the book appeals to all kinds of people and not solely artists. ‘‘One of the most enriching parts of the process so far has been receiving messages from readers across the world, from all ages,’’ Rosie says. ‘‘The main themes of the book surround freedom in day to day life, and how to hold on to a sense of free spirited independence in a world that makes it increasingly difficult to do so.’’

Free Spirits was published on 18 October, the day before Rosie’s thirtieth birthday. It is available to buy at Bookcase on Chiswick High Road, from Amazon, and from Rosie’s website www.rosieosborne.com THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | November 2019 35

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Beauty

Treat yourself to a beautiful smile this Christmas By Katie Saunders

ast month I visited popular dental practice, Holford Partners Curaden Dental Clinic on New Bond Street, west London, which I was told is a huge hit with Chiswick residents. I went to spend time with a hygienist and a dentist to have my teeth professionally whitened for the first time. It’s a straight forward journey from Turnham Green station, changing once at Westminster for the Jubilee line and getting out at Bond Street station. I arrived at Holford Dental Clinic for the first time on the 8th of October to have an overall assessment of my oral health. My first impression of the practice was how white and beautiful it was, it’s the nicest dental practice I’ve been to. I met my dentist, Dr Louis R. Guenin, on time, and it was lovely not having to wait around for ages. He is friendly, welcoming and easy to talk to. He explained the process of teeth whitening and talked about how it’s one of the nicest treatments you’ll have in the dentist chair. Teeth whitening has been around for 15 years and is more popular in the United States of America. We all know about the Hollywood smile and Ross from Friends. The states is where my dentist goes every year to attend dental conventions because they have a vast amount of knowledge and more advancements in dental care than we have here in the UK.

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Before When he had a look at my teeth it became apparent they needed a thorough clean. I admit I’ve neglected my teeth for the past year or so, and haven’t had them cleaned for some time. Before carrying out the whitening process I needed to have them cleaned to get the best results for the whitening. They booked me in for the following week with their hygienist. He then took moulds of the top and bottom teeth which I was told would be custom made into whitening trays, and to come back to collect them in 2 weeks. The teeth whitening treatment is carried out at home, and you can wear them while you sleep. I joined the hygienist a week later and sat in the dentist chair for roughly 45 minutes. My teeth were drilled clean from all the build-up of plaque and polished at the end. It’s a strange sensation and the noise is slightly unpleasant but the difference afterwards was amazing and my teeth looked whiter just from being cleaned. I had some difficult spots around the back of my mouth and my wisdom teeth, that meant they wanted to clean them again and so they booked me in on the same day as collecting my trays. I was feeling much happier already after the first clean. For my final clean before seeing my dentist everything was looking good and I collected my trays on the same day, on the 21st of October. Dr Louis R. Guenin demonstrated what to do with the trays and the bleach and got me to put them in so I understood how they worked. He said that I may feel some sensitivity during and after bleaching, and to wait a night or two in between bleaching to avoid that happening again. I got home that night with super clean teeth and an electric toothbrush and floss, because I’ve been using a manual toothbrush for years it was time for an upgrade. The electric toothbrush has worked wonders and cleans so much better than a manual one. I’ve also been flossing every other day and noticing how much food gets in-between your teeth and gums, that gets missed by the toothbrush. I have finally realised why flossing is so important.

Beauty

After The first time I applied the gel into the whitening trays I wondered if I put enough gel in, but it was really easy and pushes out of a syringe straight into the tray. Once that’s done you pop the trays in one at a time to the top and the bottom and go to sleep with them in. I woke up after my first night of whitening and I could see a whiter smile, and I didn’t have too much sensitivity. I continued with the second night of whitening the next evening. This time I did experience some aching in my teeth so I decided to wait a couple of nights until I used them again. I’ve now used the bleach four times and my teeth have gone several shades whiter and I haven’t finished using my gel yet so I will do it again another couple of times. What is nice is how natural they look and having a healthy white smile makes you feel good. Another wonderful thing is professional teeth whitening is a very safe and effective treatment. The results are long-lasting and once you have your trays you can use them again. You will have some gel left over and you can top them up 6-12 months later if you need or want to. My visit to Holford Partners Curaden Dental Clinic was a very positive experience, the team there are welcoming and I felt quite at home. I know I wasn’t having a root canal or an unpleasant treatment but I would have complete trust in them if I did.

Holford Partners Curaden Dental Clinic: 73 New Bond Street, London W1S 1RS. 0207 499 9806

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Health & Well-being

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Yoga with Maria Le Brun at The Light Box, W4 By Katie Saunders

aria’s philosophy is offering more than just exercise, she’s hoping to transform people inside and out. Her classes combine positive psychology, tantric yoga philosophy and her knowledge of anatomy to create dynamic sequences. Her classes at The Light Box on Power Road in Chiswick started in September this year. The techniques she teaches incorporate grounding, centering and breathing. She offers yoga as a moving meditation and encourages stilling the mind and being in the present moment. ‘‘I want to help people to get the most out of life by teaching them techniques of relaxation and grounding to bring into their day to day lives,’’ she says. Maria practises vinyasa flow

yoga, which is a dynamic practise that emphasises moving with the breath and the sequences vary from week to week. Maria has been practising yoga since she was 16, she completed her 200 hour training in Chelsea, London and specialised in yoga for stress and anxiety, and has been trained in trauma-informed yoga with Hala Khouri for using yoga as a healing tool. She loves connecting people and creating a community environment within Chiswick, creating a space where people feel at home when they practise. Maria is half Chinese and half English and enjoys blending elements of East and West into her classes and like the spiritual aspect of yoga as well as the physical side.

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Her classes are open to everyone from all walks of life and for all reasons for wanting to practise. People who want to focus on their mind or people who want to come and challenge their body and learn new poses. She is also a musician, composer and music teacher and brings her creativity and fun approach with her to the yoga studio. I recently attended Maria’s class at The Light Box. The space she has in the offices is large, well ventilated, clean and I like her use of multi coloured yoga mats for the class members. There were several men in the class which was great to see and the rest were women, there were approximately twelve of us in total. You could see everyone was at a different level, some people newer than others and a couple more advanced who managed the more challenging positions, it is a place for everyone to practise. Maria is easy to follow during her class and gives clear instructions for the positions and flows, and she includes the advanced version of a position for those who can, or those who want to practise. There was a moment when one of the men went into flying pigeon pose and it’s inspiring to be doing yoga alongside people who are so advanced. In her class expect to be pushed and challenged and to sweat a little, to use your whole body in the practise and use your breath to support yourself through it. There are a number of benefits from practising yoga. Most of all it brings you back to the moment, second of all it challenges you to push past any physical barriers. When that thought goes through your head that says ‘I can’t’ a moment later and with some concentration and focus, you realise you can achieve a certain pose, you are strong enough and the more you practise the smoother it becomes and the deeper your stretches are and your positions turn into a flowing sequence.

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Health & Well-Being

To drop into Maria’s class will cost you £10, and 6 classes paid upfront only costs £50. Maria wants people to join her during her practise and therefore offers reasonable packages for people to go. You can find out more about her on her website - www.marialebrun.com and her Instagram page @maria_lebrun_yoga.

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Education

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Success for EWS at the Lean Careers Award 2019

Rebecca Gibson, Careers Co-ordinator and Kris Bolt, Assistant Head Teacher

S The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious London Enterprise Adviser Network (LEAN) Partnership of the Year.

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Education

everal London schools within the network were nominated and 3 were short-listed for the award. The award was presented by the Deputy Mayor of London, Debbie Weekes-Bernard, at City Hall on the evening of Thursday, 19 September at The Lean Celebrations Awards. Also present were representatives from around 300 schools, from the Greater London Authority, from Reed in Partnership, from The Careers and Enterprise Company, from the East London Business Alliance and from the Mayor’s office. This is yet more proof of the fantastic work done at the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls which is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. They have won a number of awards before this including the SSAT Gold Award for Cultural Diversity. The school also boasts fantastic school productions and teaches their students to care for others with pupils regularly donating to Ealing Foodbank.

The school is a part of The London Enterprise Adviser Network which currently comprises of over 300 schools and 200+ strategic level business volunteers. This means that pupils at the school are able to make informed decisions about their future. The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls is a forerunner in this following their impressive win. Girls attending the school will be able to build the skills they need to lead a bright future. Speaking about the award, Kris Bolt, Assistant Head Teacher, said: ‘‘It is fantastic for the school’s outstanding careers information advice and guidance to be recognised by the London Enterprise Advisor network. We have been able to create new links with employers, businesses and educational institutions leading to an excellent response and engagement from the girls.’’ If you wish to find out more about the school, you can visit ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk

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Travel

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Travel

NORTH AMERICA

TOP 10

America and Canada are vast (vast) countries with multi-cultural cities, world-renowned attractions, natural beauty and, of course, beaches. Whether you want to surf, watch the sunrise (or sunset), cycle along a promenade, tuck into fresh seafood, build sandcastles or simply be a beach bum, North America won’t disappoint. Here is our round up of 10 best North American beaches...

NORTH AMERICAN BEACHES

WORDS BY JO GARDNER

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www.viestramagazine.com

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Travel

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Travel

NORTH AMERICA USA Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Lovers of Ferris wheels, bright lights and fairground rides will feel at home on Myrtle Beach. Facing a 2km expanse of ocean, and with 60 miles of white sand to pad along, this neon wonderland will keep you and your family entertained for weeks on end. Watch a game of beach volleyball, get on a bike (or don a pair of roller-skates) and fly along the wide promenade, tuck into fish and chips at one of the many restaurants, play a round of golf on one of 100 golf courses or watch live entertainment in the evening. Accommodation choices are vast, with campsites, apartments, hotels and beach huts. It’s little wonder 15 million people visit the area each year. Vero Beach, Florida Vero Beach is a small city in Florida with a pretty stretch of sand and a lively arts scene. Spend the morning reading a book under a palm tree; the afternoon browsing the Museum of Art or the McKee Botanical Garden, and the evening watching a performance at the Riverside Theatre. As well as beaches, this area boasts golf courses, large parks and river inlets, where visitors can kayak and fish. Sports fans should head to Historic Dodgertown, the former training home of the Brooklyn/LA Dodgers now a tournament venue for baseball, lacrosse, football, swimming and rowing. The 80-acre campus has 89 on-site hotels, restaurants, meeting spaces and two fitness centres. Orange Beach, Alabama Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach has white sand, turquoise waters and orange sunsets. Look for pretty shells, sail across the ocean on a catamaran or dine at a seafood restaurant before settling in to watch the sky change from blue to pink to red to orange. Visitors can enjoy an array of attractions during their stay, including deep-sea fishing and golf. If the weather turns, retreat to The Wharf, a 200-acre resort with 32 shops, 16 places to eat, a marina, a Ferris wheel, several cinemas and an amphitheatre. Surfrider Beach, Los Angeles As the name suggests, this Malibu-based beach attracts surfers from all over the world who come to ride the long right-hand break. Lifeguards are on hand for young children who wish to give a go, and there’s a separate section marked out for swimmers and children. You’ll find a volley ball net near the pier, too – if you would prefer to watch, head to the Malibu Sport Fishing Pier where several benches provide good views. Malibu Farm - located on the attractive, lightstrewn pier - is the place to head for a coffee, brunch, lunch or an evening meal. All three restaurants are located in chic white-washed buildings and serve organic, local produce. Montauk, New York State Fans of US drama The Affair will have already seen footage of Montauk, with its lobster shack, deserted beaches and surfer dudes. This is one part of The Hamptons that New Yorkers flock to every summer to escape the city heat, stay in local beach houses, admire the morning sunrises and attend high-end parties. The beaches rank among the top in the country, with rolling breakers crashing onto great expanses of white sand. Montauk is known for its spectacular 70-foot high bluffs, which protect sections of the beach from high winds, making it family-friendly. There are plenty of wild open spaces to explore, too; the 200-year-old lighthouse at Montauk Point is a must-see.

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Waikiki Beach, Hawaii A popular spot for honeymooners and couples, Waikiki beach is somewhere you dream of being on a cold winter’s night in England - think swaying palms, clear green waters and pure white sand. It’s also the most famous beach in Hawaii with visitors coming to relax on hammocks, sip cocktails and stay in high-end resorts. The two-mile stretch of beach has eight different sections making it easy to be as relaxed or as active as you wish - whether you are looking to surf, canoe, snorkel, swim, sun-bathe, people-watch or admire the setting sun, there’s a part of Waikiki Beach for you. Don’t leave without trying poke, the raw Sashimi that’s a local delicacy. Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach has everything you need for a family holiday, with plenty to see and do for children of all ages. With multiple beaches and several different districts – each with its own eclectic personality – it will be hard to see it all in a week. Head to Oceanfront for live music, outdoor cafes and a three-mile boardwalk; Sandbridge for relaxing beaches, sand dunes, kayaking and crab shacks; Pungo for farm shops and countryside charm; Chesapeake Bay for calm, shallow waters and a laid-back vibe; Town Center for shopping, arts, culture and restaurants; Inland for clapboard houses, specialty stores and breweries; and ViBe for creativity and crafts. Told you you’d need more than week… CANADA Long Beach, British Columbia Located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – with its ancient rainforests and abundant wildlife – Vancouver Island is a nature-lovers paradise. Long Beach is, as the name suggests, a long stretch of unspoilt coastline (35km) facing several boutique and high-end properties. The national park itself is geared up for visitors wishing to enjoy the great outdoors with camping, kayaking and canoeing, hiking and surfing all on offer. You can even join a campfire and listen to thousand-year-old stories of the Nuu-chah-nulth culture. Children will love exploring the tidal pools teeming with sea life or paddling in the sea. Devonshire Beach, Alberta Thanks to the large, 1,500-year-old sand dunes fringing this 7km-long stretch of coastline, Devonshire Beach is the location of the annual sand-building competition, with many creations shared on social media during the day. The stretch of groomed beach is also a popular spot for swimming and surfing, while nearby Slave Lake is ideal for fisherman and families, who come during the summer months to swim in the warm, current-free waters. Accommodation options include the Super 8 Slave Lake, which has a waterslide, and the Marten River Campground. Wasaga Beach, Ontario Tweens, teens and twenty-something’s flock to Wasaga beach each year to browse the trinket and clothes stores, try their hand at windsurfing or catch the rays on the 14kmstretch of white sand, making it the longest freshwater beach in the world. The shallow waters are so safe, parents of older children can retreat to quieter spots further along the beach, where mountains frame the panorama, and relax. Beyond the sand there are trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing (yes, skiing) and snowmobiling; rivers for kayaking and fishing, and courses for playing a round of golf. A full programme of entertainment also runs throughout the year.

www.viestramagazine.com

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Property

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Council Chamber Coming soon

This is a truly unique and luxurious four bedroom apartment, located in the original Council Chamber of The Old Town Hall in Acton. This residence really needs to be seen in order to appreciate the grand scale and historic beauty of its original features.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

These features include extremely high (well over six metres from the ground) decorative ceilings, handsome wood panelling and stained glass windows, with the addition of a contemporary new mezzanine level for the master bedroom, ensuite and lounge. The Council Chamber is well designed and proportioned, perfect for those looking for a newly built home within an attractive, historic setting, that also offers something completely different to anything else on the market. With Acton Central station just 6 minutes’ walk away, Acton Town tube a 15 minute walk away and a bus stop directly outside the development, getting around London couldn’t be more convenient. With the opening of the new Crossrail line anticipated next year linking the local area with Paddington and Heathrow, this only adds to the ease of travel. What’s more, there are a host of local amenities on your doorstep for when you don’t want to venture far from home. The prestigious Grade II listed building that was once Acton Town Hall, home to civic splendour since 1910, has undergone extensive redevelopment to create much sought after residences in the heart of Acton town centre. There are 71 apartments in total, all completed and for the most part occupied, with the Council Chamber as the ‘cherry on top’. The standard high specification incorporated throughout the development has been significantly upgraded for the Council Chamber to match its grace and unique features. The apartment will be sold including all the furnishings on display, which take on an art deco theme to match the style of the surrounding development. New features include underfloor heating to the oak herringbone floor-

November 2019 | THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE

Property

ing on the ground level and air conditioning and ventilation installed in specific rooms. The kitchen includes a range of Siemens white goods including two fridge freezers, a wine cooler, microwave, double oven, induction hob and plenty of storage for all those culinary essentials. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe with bespoke fittings and a large shower room with a double sink. The bath sits on a raised platform within the bedroom itself overlooking the splendid surroundings below. Not for the bashful! There are also a further three bedrooms, one being a guest ensuite. All are tastefully decorated. With both the wood panelled walls and intricate ceiling being listed, it was hard to divide up the space without compromising these features, therefore two of the bedrooms (one currently used as a study) sit in the centre of the apartment with floor to ceiling glass surrounds. Above these is the main seating area from which you can admire the ceiling and impressive original windows while catching up on the latest Grand Designs show on the television. It has been a long time coming, but worth the wait. Please contact a member of the team today to find out more on 0344 800 8043.

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BATHROOMS

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High Spec Serviced Offices in Central Chiswick.

Complete bathroom refurbishments to suit your requirements

RW BATHROOMS

Complete bathroom refurbishmentsto your requirements

FULLER'S SISTER PUBS GEORGE IV | OLD PACKHORSE | THE PILOT

E H T E V A S ATE D

BEER & GIN FESTIVAL

For further info or a no obligation quote call Will on 07748 967 824

A beautiful former organ factory affectionately converted to a contemporary office space. 2-min walk from Turnham Green Tube Station Ground Floor office up to 12 workstations First Floor office up to 18 workstations 3 Meeting rooms 3 WCs + Shower Room A/C + Underfloor Heating Contemporary kitchen Landscaped outdoor area with seating, olive trees, and artisan coffee shop

For further information or to arrange a viewing please call or email:

0208 099 6039

theorganworks@gmail.com

www.organworkspace.com

The Organ Works, Turnham Green Terrace Mews, Chiswick, London, W4 1QU

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FULLER'S SISTER PUBS GEORGE IV | OLD PACKHORSE | THE PILOT

Open Tours

E H T E V A S ATE D

Places are limited so booking is essential

BEER & GIN FESTIVAL

“This is an outstanding Ofsted school.” 2019 A specialist College for Science and Mathematics Tours during the school day available by appointment

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Passionate Inspiring Creative Nurturing Successful “ … a culture where pupils thrive and develop as confident young women.” Ofsted 2019

To make a booking call the school or email ahemming@ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk Queens Drive, London W3 0HW | 0208 752 1525 www.ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk | office@ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk 50

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BREWED, SERVED & ENJOYED FOR 60 YEARS.

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Escape the city A wonderful riverside pub The Bell & Crown couples the charm of a country pub with a great London location. Set right on the banks of the Thames, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy superb food, fresh real ales and friendly service with a smile. Breakfast now being served from 8am Monday to Friday and 9am at the weekend.

Unique and individual experiences in every pub. The Bell & Crown, 11-13 Thames Rd, Strand on the Green, London, W4 3PL T 020 8994 4164 E bellandcrown@fullers.co.uk www.bell-and-crown.co.uk

November 2019 | THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE

Enjoy Elegance & Comfort On-Board Business Class With Alitalia Let Premier by Brightsun organise your next business class ﬂight on Alitalia and get some great deals to your dream des�na�on. �elax in the luxurious Casa Alitalia lounge on your transit through Italy and recline on-board in the lavish 180 degree ﬂat-bed seat. Our dedicated team of travel professionals work around the clock to ensure all of your travel arrangements are taken care of.

Seychelles

Maldives

Mauritius

Business Class

£2352

£1767

£2039

Premier

btpremier.com

0208 819 9852

premier@brightsun.co.uk

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THE TOWNHOUSE COLLECTION Prices from £899,950*

YOUR WATERSIDE PLACE

The townhouses at Keelson Gardens are a limited collection of just six homes arranged around a landscaped courtyard on the multi award-winning Brentford Lock West development on the banks of the Grand Union Canal.

Each property benefits from: • 1,959ft2 of accommodation • Four bedrooms • Two private balconies accessed from the master suite and bedroom three • Two ground floor terraces • Two parking spaces

£25,000 CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS STAMP DUTY PLUS £2,000 TOWARDS MOVING IN COSTS**

020 3504 6403 brentfordlockwest.co.uk Marketing Suite and Show Home open daily 10am to 5pm Boaters Avenue, Brentford Lock West, TW8 8FE

*Price correct at time of going to print. **£25,000 contribution towards stamp duty plus £2,000 towards moving in cost on selected townhouse plots only & for reservations secured before May 31st 2019. Not in conjunction with any other offer & subject to terms and conditions. Images of townhouse show home & stock.

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BASEMENTS | EXTENSIONS | RENOVATIONS BESPOKE SOLUTIONS • POLISHED CONCRETE • MICRO CEMENT FINISHES • JOINERY • CRITTALL • STAIRCASES

DESIGN LED CONSTRUCTION Tel: 020 8995 3424 Email: info@assegaidb.com 46 Duke Road, Chiswick, London W4 2DD www.assegaidb.com

295 High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 4HH T: 0203 646 1300 W: www.roofwiselimited.co.uk E: roofwiselondonltd@gmail.com We are a family run business with over 15 years experience in the roofing industry.

  

Supply and installation of

We pride ourselves on our high standards of workmanship and customer service.

Bathrooms & Kitchens High specificaction. Professional team. For a no obligation quote call Will on 07748 982 917 58

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OUR SERVICES

New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Leadwork • UPVC Fascias • Soffits & Guttering • Chimneys • Building Repairs • Ridge Tiles & Gable Ends • Loft Conversions • Interior & Exterior Painting

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Syon Clinic

’Tis the season to be ‘Sazio’ at the Villa di Geggiano ‘Sazio’ is informal Italian for ‘full up’. It’s that feeling the holidays bring when you know you’ve really had enough, but the food is just so scrummy that you’re sure you have a small corner somewhere where you might fit one more delicious mouthful. The authentic Tuscan food served at the Villa is very definitely moreish and our seasonal menu will give your taste buds a treat too. Then of course, there’s the wine. A celebratory glass of Prosecco. A clean, crisp Gavi. A beautifully rounded Chianti. There’s a whole cellar replete with organic wines from all over Italy – including our very own,

Would you like to get back to what you love sooner?

Don’t wait. Go private with BMI Syon Clinic and get fast access to specialist consultants for accurate diagnosis and treatment in Brentford. We work with all major insurance companies and have fixed price packages for patients wishing to pay for their own treatment.

w: villadigeggiano.co.uk e: contact@villadigeggiano.co.uk t: 020 3384 9442

020 8322 6000

Holiday Opening Times: Lunch 12pm to 3pm Dinner from 6pm Kitchen closes 10.30pm weekdays, 9pm Sundays Restaurant closes December 25th - January 1st Reopens for lunch January 2nd

bmihealthcare.co.uk/syonclinic

17252 1414 MKT ADV / 07.2019

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November 2019 | THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE

produced on our estate near Siena. Apart from the flavours, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the villa is the wide variety of spaces available. With four dining rooms including the main restaurant dining room, as well as our comfortable lounge, there’s plenty of space to celebrate with friends and family or work colleagues. Please make a note of our Holiday season opening times – we’re not open on Christmas Day. And lastly, if you find that your clothing is slightly tighter after a festive feast at the Villa, it really isn’t our fault! Have a wonderful holiday.

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Villa di Geggiano 66-68 Chiswick High Road London W4 1SY www.villadigeggiano.co.uk

Villa di Geggiano Dal 1527

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