The Chiswick Magazine September 2019 by The Chiswick Magazine

CHISWICK

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

September | Complimentary

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Chiswick’s Dance Queen

Wheelers Turnham Green’s floral haven

The Chiswick Diary Meet the Artist Jane Hargrave

Rhik Samadder On his memoir Chiswick Mind Celebrating two years in W4 chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Travel

Step back into the 18th Century in Charleston USA

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

15% OFF* BRAND NEW SAFE DEPOSIT VAULT IN CHISWICK

*INTRODUCTORY OFFER FOR 12 MONTH RENTALS ON ALL NEW BOXES OPENED BEFORE 30/11/19 PRICES START AT £95 A YEAR 12 DIFFERENT SIZES OF BOX CALL 020 3928 2828 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 329 CHISWICK HIGH ROAD, LONDON W4 4HS

www.metrosafe.co.uk CHISWICK

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Chiswick Magazine (271.6x184.6mm)(X).indd 1

ST JOHN’S WOOD

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

16/09/2019 10:41

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 3

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

CONTENTS 8. Piccolo Parties

Chiswick’s bespoke children’s party service

12. Chiswick Mind Shop

Celebrating 2 years on Chiswick High Road

14. KM Music School

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

ABOUT LOCALS, FOR LOCALS, BY LOCALS

CHISWICK ®

T H E

is brought to you by EDITOR

16. Photo Story

Katie visits Turnham Green favourite Wheelers

Áine McGinty aine@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

24. Main Feature

FEATURES EDITOR

28. The Library Bar Shepherd’s Bush foodie heaven

30. Meet the Artist Jane Hargrave

32. Rhik Samadder

We chat to Rhik Samadder about his new book

34. Nick Hennegan

Local writer and director Nick Hennegan reveals more about his plays

36. NYLC facial

N O T E

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

M A G A Z I N E

Find out more about Chiswick’s new specialist piano and singing school

Chiswick’s favourite pop queen chats to us about her upcoming tour and life in W4

Katie Saunders katie@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Simon Hossack simon@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

PUBLISHER

Paul Williams paul@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

DESIGN

Ed Fitzmaurice

TRAVEL

Dear Reader, Welcome to the September edition of The Chiswick Magazine. September is a busy month here in Chiswick with fantastic events like the Chiswick Book Festival & Cookbook Festival, the Chiswick House Dog Show and this year, the Together on the Terrace Street Festival. The end of summer doesn’t seem so bad here… Another new edition this September, was Pub in the Park at Chiswick House. I was lucky enough to head along to the Friday night session and what a fantastic event it was. I love Chiswick House anyway and it truly did make the perfect setting for such a huge event. The food was delicious, the music was great and it was just so well-organised. I have a feeling this could become another annual celebration in Chiswick’s calendar. Anyway, with all of these events taking place locally, I’m surprised you’re finding time to read the magazine! I do hope you enjoy the read though. Áine x

Jo Gardner jo@viestramagazine.com

Katie visits NYLC Fulham for a facial

38. Spa de Sal

A look at Brentford’s popular salt therapy spa

40. Ellen Wilkinson School

Find out more about Ealing’s outstanding girls school

42. Falcon’s Pre-Prep

Meet the new Head of Falcons Pre-Prep

Vencor Ltd Unit 22, 295 Chiswick High Road London, UK W4 4TT. Telephone: 020 3623 0567

chiswickmagazine.co.uk |

@chiswickmag

thechiswickmagazine

© PWR Media 2019. THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE is published by PWR Media. 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.

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.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 5

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

The Chiswick Diary 3rd-27th September: PALS at the Tabard Theatre Meet the pals - Pete, Andy, Linda and Sue - in a hit new comedy based on the true story of Brummy council estate mates, from the sixties and the noughties. Nostalgia, pop, scouts, besties, bullies, beatings and sex. Written and directed by Nick Hennegan. Shows take place at 19:30. Tickets £17.50 or £15.50 concession. Tickets are available at tabardtheatre.co.uk

4th-28th September: Romeo & Juliet at the Tabard Theatre It’s a man’s world… but not with this Juliet around! She knows what’s what! Writer-Director, Nick Hennegan’s fresh, footballing take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of passion, hate and vendettas where true love is no protection… A world premiere with a stunning original score by Robbie Williams (A Christmas Carol) and the voice of a famous surprise guest! Shows take place at 19:30. Tickets £17.50 or £15.50 concession.

12th-16th September: Chiswick Book Festival & Cookbook Festival

The Chiswick Diary gruelling 21 mile course attracts both the true racer and the leisure rower. Around 330 crews from all over the globe take part - all traditional style with a minimum of 4 oars or paddles and carrying a cox and passenger. Head down to Chiswick Pier to watch the Great River Race on Saturday, 14 September. The race begins at Docklands at 11.20 on a ‘‘slowest first, fastest last’’ handicap basis. The first boats should be passing Chiswick Pier by 13.15 with the winner arriving at Ham by around 14.30. Chiswick Pier is a wonderful vantage point for spectators. The Pier House will be open from 12.00 where hot and cold refreshments, savoury and sweet crepes and wine and beer will be on sale. For up to date details please visit www. chiswickpier.org.uk

14th September: The London Brewer’s Alliance beer festival Fuller’s are hosting a beer festival at their Chiswick Brewery. The London Brewer’s Alliance beer festival will be held at Fuller’s Griffin Brewery on Saturday, 14 September from 13:00-19:00. 54 LBA member breweries showcasing their beers. There will also be 3 food traders.

The 11th Chiswick Book Festival runs from 12th-16th September alongside the 2nd Cookbook Festival. For this year’s Festival, AN Wilson will be the opening speaker at Chiswick House. The Festival is a non-profit-making, community event, which has raised around £80,000 for reading charities and St Michael & All Angels, Bedford Park (which hosts and runs the Festival) over the past ten years.

14th September: Great River Race 2019 As part of the Totally Thames Festival the Great River Race will be run upstream from London Docklands to Ham. The 6

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

15th September: Together on the Terrace Street Festival The Together on the Terrace Street Festival will be held on Turnham Green Terrace on Sunday, 15 September 11:0016:00 with the road closed to traffic all day. At 1pm Abundance London’s W4th Plinth Art Project will be launched, with the great (and local!) Sir Peter Blake unveiling the first image of what will be a huge changing image open to artists and voted for by the public. Abundance London will also be awarding its annual prize for the best guerrilla gardening around the area, presented by Polly Devlin, local celebrity author and creator of an amazing meadow in Somerset. Abundance is concluding the refurb of the piazza with the perennial flower bed (designed by Jutta Wagner), beautiful new woodscape benches and Councillor Todd’s fountain restoration. The Cookbook Festival, Abundance’s partner in this street party, is celebrating its exciting second year with lunches, dinners, events and talks. At the Street Festival, there will be a variety of local food traders selling food, music from BGM, The Derivatives, Alistair Pope and Duffy & Bird as well as loads of activities for young and old. So bring along: your friends for communal food, your fruit to be pressed, clothing or fabric to be printed, your bike to be fixed!

22nd September: Chiswick House Dog Show

27th September: Hogarth Great Tyre of London 2019

The 15th Annual Chiswick House Dog Show takes place on Sunday, 22 September. Run by local volunteers for the enjoyment of the whole community, entry is free and you don’t have to own a dog to head along!

An elite squadron of 12 misfits, the Dirty Dozen, will attempt to flip a tyre around the two bridges. That’s a 60kg tyre. On a 7.5km course.

The 18 classes range from Waggiest Tail to Prettiest Bitch, from My Dog’s Got Talent to Next Top Model, and from Naughtiest Dog to Best Veteran. Enter your dog into one (or more) of the classes: all are welcome - big, small, pedigree, miniature, cross-breed, rescute, naughty there’s a class for every dog! Show starts at 11:00 and more details can be found on www.chiswickhousedogshow.org.uk

They will take turns to individually flip the giant doughnut in a relay fashion. It is something that hasn’t been done before so as to how long it will take, no-one knows. That is why as sponsorship they are doing a sweepstake. A £5 donation gets you one guess, £10 for 3 guesses and £20 is 8 guesses. The closest guess will win a Hogarth goody bag.

They are raising money for local charity REACT, Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal illness. Any money raised will make a big difference to a smaller charity. If you would like to go and support the Dirty Dozen at any point, head along and see them regret their decision before they’ve even reached the A4! Donations can be made at: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/greattyreoflondon

They will set off on the morning of Friday, 27 September at 9am. As the nights close in, they are hopeful this will give them enough time to make it back for tea.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 7

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Local Life

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Local Life

Piccolo Parties

By Áine McGinty

Piccolo Parties, Chiswick’s bespoke kid’s party service is the brainchild of local resident Kimberley Bhagat. Kimberley is Chiswick born and bred and her local service offers everything from children’s birthday parties to baby showers and sleepover parties.

he business itself came to Kimberley, who describes herself as a ‘‘big kid’’, quite naturally. She has always been business minded having started her first business at the age of just 21. She has also always worked creatively and loved planning parties, ‘‘I just fell into it because it ’s a bit of a passion,’’ she says.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

Passion certainly shines through when you speak to Kimberley, who puts her hand to everything in order to provide people with the best experiences. When I spoke to Kimberley, she was in the process of baking 120 unicorn Victoria sponge cakes for their Enchanted Unicorn Ball - of course, because Piccolo Parties love entertaining, they throw a number of exciting events each year. As well as the popular and magical Enchanted Unicorn Ball, there are plans for a Harry Potter themed Halloween party and an interactive cinema ball at Christmas - featuring characters from Frozen.

Individual parties are created with special themes suited to the child’s interests whether that be princesses, superheroes, their favourite teddy or even something a little more unusual, Piccolo Parties will take it on. ‘‘The ones that I love the most are the ones that are really bespoke and creative,’’ Kimberley tells me before discussing a party they are planning for a child who loves maps. Piccolo Parties sort a venue based on a brief, provide decorations such as backdrops or balloon arches, and entertainment. They can even create themed buffets. ‘‘Anything you can think of, we can provide,’’ says Kimberley. Perhaps the most special part of the business is Piccolo Angels. Kimberley looks to take some of the pressure off of families who are going through a hard time and who might not want to necessarily celebrate a child’s birthday. She wants to bring smiles to as many children as possible - those who might have suffered from a serious illness or suffered a bereavement within their family. Kimberley knows first hand how difficult times can impact a child, she sadly lost her mother at the age of 20, when her sister was just 10-years-old. With Piccolo Angels, she wants to provide a ‘’small window of joy or happiness in a sad time.’’ If you are someone who this could help or know of a family and would like to nominate them for a free party or free tickets to the next Piccolo Parties event, make sure to get in touch with Kimberley. For September’s Enchanted Unicorn Ball, around 20% of the tickets went to those who needed some joy.

It may only be September but Christmas will soon be upon us and as well as a special event, Kimberly is looking to provide an exciting added element to traditional Advent calendars. Piccolo Parties will be offering an Advent calendar service in which familiar faces such as Elsa or Olaf from Frozen will deliver Advent calendars to local children before or after school, adding an extra sparkle to an already exciting time. Whatever you’re celebrating, it seems this local business will create the perfect party.

Piccolo Parties www.piccoloplaycentre.co.uk info@piccoloparties.co.uk

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 9

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

CHISWICK IS CHOSEN AS LOCATION FOR NEW WORLD-CLASS SAFE DEPOSIT VAULT

Salt’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 30th September 2019.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

Metropolitan Safe Deposits has recently opened a new vault with a capacity of 8,500 boxes at 329 Chiswick High Road. It took nearly 12 months to build and cost over £2 million. The reason for building the new facility was that their two vaults in Knightsbridge and St John’s Wood are nearing full capacity. According to its CEO, Christopher Barrow, there is “a dearth of vaults at the premium end of the market in West London. The banks are continuing to exit safe custody and many of our West London-based customers are now travelling significant distances to deposit their valuables in our Central London vaults”. Metropolitan spent a great deal of time researching the best locations for its new branch. In addition to listening to their existing clients, they carried out extensive analysis of online data and conducted numerous field trips. Each prospective site was inspected carefully in order

to satisfy their demanding requirements, not least for reasons of security and scale. Christopher Barrow highlighted the fact that “a substantial basement for the vault, ample ground floor office space and, crucially, the ability to control physical access into the building are key prerequisites”. Why Chiswick? Three important factors lay behind their choice: favourable population demographics, excellent transportation links, and a diverse mix of residential, retail and office properties in an affluent location. Like Knightsbridge and St John’s Wood, Chiswick has a vibrant high street that sits at the heart of a rich and dynamic community. Besides being one of West London’s most sought-after residential areas, the new vault is within a few minutes’ walk of the many shops, restaurants, bars, pubs and cafés on Chiswick’s high street. The huge Chiswick Business Park is also nearby.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 11

Local Life

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Chiswick Mind celebrating 2 years in W4

By Áine McGinty

ental health charity Mind has shops in communities all over the country with over 2000 volunteers. The shop on Chiswick High Road has around 17 volunteers and during my visit I met the shop’s manager Maria & Persephone, a volunteer who is also in charge of the shop’s social media. The shop do their utmost to be involved in their local community, on special occasions volunteers can be seen walking up and down the High Road trying to engage locals. Persephone tells me that because the majority of the volunteers are local, they end up forging relationships with their customers. Many of the volunteers have actually been there for the whole two years, a testament to both their commitment and the benefits of volunteering in a charity shop. They also support local group Better Mental Health Chiswick by keeping their monthly calendar of events visible in the shop window, the well-being of locals is clearly important to the volunteers who are all passionate about mental health issues. In ways, the shop does even help to keep the conversation about mental health going locally. All of the staff are very friendly and on Time to Talk day in February, they have a volunteer outside with leaflets.

Local Life

They have also previously organised arts and crafts events and raised money with cupcake sales. Local residents have been keen to help from the very start- sending in some stunning donations, with everything from vintage designer clothes to pots and pans. In fact, during my quick visit numerous people popped in with bags full of donations which were gratefully received. Volunteers at the shop actually contacted The Chiswick Magazine not only because they wanted to raise awareness about the shop but also to thank local people for their generosity, ‘‘We’ve had a lot of donations over the years, it’s become quite a popular shop,’’ Persephone tells me. Mind does vital work and some of the volunteers have actually benefited from the information Mind provides themselves. Chiswick’s Mind store will begin recruiting for more volunteers in October and you can pop into the shop to find out more. If you’re looking for a way to help your local community, why not give up some of your free time to volunteer for this local charity shop or drop in a bag of donations?

Mind Shop Chiswick 392a Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London W4 5TF Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 18.00pm Sunday 11.00am to 17.00pm Twitter and Facebook: @chiswickmindshop Instagram: @chiswickmind 02034898130

Chiswick’s Mind charity shop celebrated its second birthday last month and I popped in to find out more about the work being done locally to raise money for better mental health. 12

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 13

Local Life

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

KM Music School

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

itty, who formerly worked for Universal Music Group at their offices in Chiswick, lives in Twickenham and has always had this idea in the back of her mind. She has worked for various companies before eventually deciding she wanted to bring her own business to Chiswick. KM Music School will be holding lessons at Wellington Place on Dolman Road. ‘‘I think I’ve found a place that feels like home for the business,’’ Kitty tells The Chiswick Magazine. She is certainly becoming at one with the area, meeting me in her new haunt Urban Pantry, as well as mixing with other local businesses.

Local Life

Community is actually an important aspect to the music school. Everyone’s needs are different, Kitty says, which is why she will not be teaching herself and instead will be working behind the scenes to understand what each student’s needs are and what they want from their time at the school. ‘‘I want to build a community and a relationship with everyone,’’ she adds. Everyone at KM Music School wants to deliver the best that they can for their students.

Evelyn Kuznetsova

By Áine McGinty

Gabriela Kozyra

KM Music School is W4’s new specialist piano and music school, this exciting venture by Kitty Man officially opened on Monday, 2 September. Piano teacher Kitty brings a wealth of experience, over 16 years in fact, having taught one to one lessons from the age of 18 before studying music at City University in Angel.

The two teachers at KM Music School also bring a huge amount of experience as well as being able to offer a variety of music. Evelyn Kuznetsova, piano, singing and composition teacher at KM Music School has a professional background in classical piano and contemporary singing having studied them for 20 years, her teaching experience extends over 11 years. Gabriela Kozyra, singing teacher, vocal coach and mentor at the school, teaches all contemporary genres including rock, pop, jazz and latin! Gabriela has been teaching vocals since 2002. The school offers mentoring programmes for those that want to progress onto professional performing, composing or songwriting. Importantly, both teachers are still performing themselves, meaning that they still have

that new experience every time they get on stage which they can deliver in a mentoring programme - something which is quite different to some other music schools. KM Music School can offer something for everyone from children from the age of five up to someone who has retired. Interest in the school was already building up throughout the summer, Kitty says, with both Hammersmith and Richmond residents willing to travel to Chiswick for a piece of the action. Kitty is hoping to get even more locals learning at her school and readers of The Chiswick Magazine can get 10% off of their first half term booking or 50% off of their first trial - give Chiswick’s new addition a chance, after all, you don’t know until you try…

KM Music School Wellington Place, Dolman Road, Chiswick, London W4 5PS Instagram: @kmmusicschool

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 15

Photo Story

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Photo Story

Chiswick In Bloom

By Katie Saunders

heelers Flowers in Chiswick is a peaceful sanctuary tucked away behind Turnham Green station, in Cato’s Yard on Turnham Green Terrace. They’ve been in Chiswick for around 25 years and still have Chiswick residents visiting for the first time who didn’t know they were there. It’s Chiswick’s secret garden and you’ll find more than just potted plants and beautiful foliage, you’ll see their gorgeous garden centre with timeless pieces of garden furniture, tasteful garden statues, and the staff are passionate and friendly, they care about the environment and the plants they sell, and are helpful and know their stuff! You’ll walk through the entrance and enter into the undercover area where there is a mass range of eclectic indoor plants and stunning textures and colours. Plenty of pretty pots, big and small, great designs and colours, all ready to be mixed and matched with the plants. Indoor plants have taken over in the past 18 months and are the most popular purchase in the garden centre. It used to be mainly orchids for inside the home, but now there are Swiss cheese plants, Chinese money plants, mother-in-law’s tongue plants, succulents, air purification plants, and cacti are one of the best sellers. I visited last month and bought myself a small peace lily and found the perfect sized blue pot and got both of them for £10. I enjoy taking care of my plants and they make my home look and feel good.

Wheelers also has a wonderfully creative team of florists in the workshop upstairs, they work on weddings, personal gifts, birthdays, events, funerals and films. They work with the BBC and ITV on commercials, including Sipsmith gin and previously on Bond movies and Batman. Upcoming locations and events they are currently working on include Syon House and The Hurlingham Club for Soho House Group. People are pleasantly surprised when they visit the garden centre because they don’t know the florists are there, they just see the flower stall by the station. The two most popular bouquet options are mixed seasonal and white and green but there are so many options to choose from, luxury and classic bouquets and hat boxes, a huge variety of flowers of all different colours and bouquets of creative design. They are really happy with the way things are going at the garden centre and have just received a new delivery and can’t wait to cram it all in. Take a look inside if you walk by and enjoy the gardens, hopefully you’ll pass by on a sunny day. It’s a shame you can’t bring your own bottle of wine and take a seat in the evening as if it was your own back garden.

Wheelers Flowers, Cato’s Yard, Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick London W4 1LR | T: 020 8747 9505

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 17

Photo Story

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Photo Story

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 19

Photo Story

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Photo Story

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 21

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Book your Free Trial Lesson! One of the most prestigious dance schools in the heart of West London! Offering Ballet, Tap & Modern Jazz Contemporary classes for all Ages. IDTA Accredited Dance School: Specialising in Exams, Shows, Audition Preparation and Intensive Teaching Training Courses. The Academy has a history of 100% pass rates with pupils and teachers achieving marks as high as 96% distinctions and merits. Brand New, Fully Equipped Purpose Built Dance Studio in Chiswick W4.

www.westlondondanceacademy.com Natalieparnell.wlda@gmail.com 07795578781

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 23

Main Feature

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Main Feature

Chiswick’s

Dance Queen

By Áine McGinty

resh off the heels of her superb Pub in the Park Chiswick performance, Sophie Ellis-Bextor chats to The Chiswick Magazine about her upcoming tour, life in W4 and motherhood amidst a bustling music career. With just over two months to go until the second leg of her The Song Diaries tour, Sophie is as busy as ever. The Song Diaries, released in March 2019, is Sophie’s 7th album and a greatest hits album with a twist. A traditional greatest hits felt a bit pointless to Sophie who knew she wanted to do the album whilst also pushing herself. ‘‘I needed a new challenge and re-singing those songs with new orchestral arrangements gave me what I needed. I love the new arrangements and the new qualities it’s brought to the songs.’’ Pub in the Park was a bit of a homecoming gig for Bedford Park resident Sophie. She had her whole family there, the atmosphere was great and she felt it was a cute ending to the festival season.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

She has been living in Chiswick for ten years having grown up just down the road where her mum, exBBC children’s TV presenter Janet Ellis still lives. So why Chiswick? ‘‘I think the fact she’s here was a big draw but I also love the combination of London living and village feel that you get here.’’ True to her word, Sophie has previously performed at the Green Days fete, the weekend which opens up Chiswick’s favourite fortnight, the Bedford Park Festival - and not just because it’s close to home. ‘‘I love community things. It’s healthy and positive to know your neighbours a bit and to want the local area to be as lively as possible and to help it evolve,’’ she says. She also shops on the terrace, walks to the river and eats in her favourite local restaurants making the most of the array of things that Chiswick offers.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 25

Main Feature

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Sophie has five children with her husband Richard Jones. Their eldest is a teenager and their youngest was born in January. So how does she manage to continue bringing out successful albums, performing and raising her children? ‘‘I’m not gonna lie, it’s quite intense at times but I love being a mum and I love being a singer. When you’re passionate about all the things in your life, it helps you find time and energy to them!’’ In addition to motherhood and performing, Sophie also finds time to dedicate to charitable work. She is involved with a number of charities that resonate with her such as children’s charities like Save the Children and Lumos as well as Borne which looks into preventing premature birth as she has had two premature babies. As well as music and art charities like Music House for children to help them get access to music lessons and the NYT and arts emergency to help young people get opportunities within the arts.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Main Feature

For her latest tour, Sophie will be touring with an orchestra and her band, it’s part recital and part studio 54, she tells me. As those who went along to Sophie’s Chiswick House performance or even simply saw the videos online will know, she is relaxed and chatty onstage, continuously making jokes, but she does take performing seriously.

‘‘If folk have made the effort to get tickets and come and find me, I’ll do my best to give them a good night out,’’ she promises. The second leg of The Song Diaries tour takes place in November. For tickets and more information visit sophieellisbextor.net

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 27

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Food & Drink

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Food & Drink

The Library Bar

The Bush Theatre’s new foodie heaven By Katie Saunders

Under the direction of the new Artistic Director Lynette Linton, there is a great focus on creating a welcoming and homely space where everyone feels welcome and where they belong. A huge part of making sure this is accessible is in their pricing. For example their freshly baked pastries are only £1.50- £1.80 and Barbara can vouch for how delicious they are.

he Library Bar at the Bush Theatre is a dreamy new space. Taken over by new manager Barbara Zemper. Barbara’s main focus is to cater to the community by offering consistent and delicious food offers and creating an enjoyable space to be in, being able to nestle among the bookshelves of the Gianni and Michael Alen-Buckley Script Library with a cup of tea, chat with friends in the Bar, or enjoy the new glass corridor of seating leading out onto a Garden Terrace.

Whether you are looking for a quiet space to work during the daytime, an artistic space to meet new people or a buzzing bar in the evenings, the Library Bar welcomes you. Breakfast: Recently started their freshly baked range with delicious pastries including the most chocolaty of chocolate croissants and the irresistible favourite vegan blueberry croissant. The breakfast club has everything you need to start your day right. Daytime: Following their successful summer takeover with local Caribbean restaurant Ochi, they will continue to serve delicious Jamaican patties. Their tasty food offer for autumn also includes beautiful homely soups, delicious lasagna and a selection of paninis and flatbreads for those looking for a nice and cosy meal in a warm and friendly environment.

Music: The Library Bar is also teaming up with Sofar Sounds, for those who haven’t heard of them, Sofar is now a large international organisation who started off small by getting musicians together in people’s homes and the public and friends would come by respectfully, bring their own drinks and listen to new talent, acoustic performances and the occasional chart musician for example Ed Sheeran or George Ezra. Music brings people together and it’s great news that Sofar are collaborating with more venues in west London. The Library Bar is also a proud part of The Chatty Scheme. A Chatter & Natter table is where customers can sit if they are happy to talk to other customers. A Chatter & Natter table brings people together and everyone is invited! If you’re on your own, in a couple, with a friend, if you’re a carer why not sit there with who you care for, mums and babies, dads and babies, grandparents and babies, young people, older people and anyone in between! When you are deciding where to sit, look for the Chatter & Natter table and sit there! Stay for five minutes while you have your drink or longer. It’s not about making friends, just having good old fashioned human interaction!

The Library Bar at Bush Theatre 7 Uxbridge Road Shepherd’s Bush London W12 8LJ 28

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 29

Arts & Culture

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Arts & Culture

Meet the Artist

By Katie Saunders

Introducing my beautiful mother, Jane Hargrave in this edition of meet the artist, what a great opportunity to share her incredible talent. Poetry in Motion There is virtuosity in Jane Hargrave’s vast range of technique, medium, imagination and major themes, giving vent to powerful expression. There is an unfolding process taking place in her work, a divulging of information from the labyrinthine depths and layers of the psyche. Within this unfolding journey, her work intuitively and spontaneously explores, through an eclectic ﬂow of insightful and imaginative imagery. The great themes of Life, Death, Beauty, Cruelty, man’s inhumanity to man, the Soul, Time and the extraordinary nature of the Universe. In doing so, there is a dimension of relationship to personal experience, past and present, implicitly incorporated into her work, and a rich tapestry of allusion to history, psychology, religion, mythology and science. Her work has taken her on a meandering path, freely developing her own artistic language. There is a magic and mystery at work that resonates through all the ambiguities, conﬂicts, inhumanities, cruelties, pain and suffering. After the Deluge, oil on canvas, was the beginning of a dark period for Jane, and went on to create the

End Of Day - oil on canvas £4500

Light - oil on canvas £4500

Protest and Revolt series. It was a time of personal tragedy and shock and required searching and a need to understand. Her series of landscapes and seascapes resonate with a sense of epic, punched through with powerful emotions, light, colour, grandeur, and a subtle build up of marks and brushstrokes, glazes and impasto that surely embraces an afﬁnity with Turner, with echoes of Picasso in her versatility, passions and themes. While mystery being at the heart of creativity, one still has the ability to intuit meaning, with life as symbolic, and in so doing Hargrave’s art imitates life, with parallel and corresponding existence that informs her work, a progressive evolutionary path, which she transforms through her practice to a state of consciousness. All the while and throughout her work there is a harmony and balance. She began her real work as an artist around 1990, studying at Chelsea College of Art and Richmond Art School. From 1998, as a single mother of two, she continued to create and develop her practice from her studio in Teddington, exhibiting and doing private commissions. Jane exhibited at The London Ultra last December in a 4 day art extravaganza at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf in South Bank.

Quantam Leap - oil on canvas £5500

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

A favourite quote of Jane’s is ‘‘Soften the light, become one with the dusty world’’ from Lao Tzu. See more of Jane Hargrave’s art on her website: www. janehargrave.com

Immediate Expansion - oil on canvas £5500

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 31

Arts & Culture

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Arts & Culture

Writer, author and broadcaster Rhik Samadder came to Chiswick this month to speak at the Chiswick Book Festival about his book I Never Said I Loved You, a memoir centring around his struggle with depression. We catch up with Rhik to find out more about the book. Writing about such a personal and harrowing experience proved to be traumatic for Rhik, who ended up being a full year over deadline. ‘‘I thought I couldn’t do it,’’ he says. At first, he tried to write it in a serious, dark tone but changing to a more fun and playful tone seemed to release something in him. Yes, writing the book was still difficult, but finishing it in such a way gave him a huge feeling of catharsis. We tend to get confused, Rhik says, and think that if you’re depressed, you’re always sad but this isn’t how life works. A book about depression then, doesn’t have to be entirely grim - it is hard enough to talk about without it feeling dull which is why he decided to write in more of an entertaining and engaging way.

I Never Said I Loved You A new way to talk about mental health

By Áine McGinty

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

Why did he choose to share his story now? ‘‘You get to an age where you realise that there’s no point keeping secrets and shame,’’ he says. The more you are open about your struggles, the more you can help to release people from theirs. I Never Said I Loved You was published in August and has received rave reviews - with predictions that it will join Matt Haig’s Reasons To Stay Alive and Bryony Gordan’s Mad Girl as a leading book of the genre. Asked what he thought about the comparisons, Rhik said he was ‘‘very flattered’’ as both books have done incredible things and opened up the discussion around mental health- people really responded to both books and he hopes it’ll be the same for his. I Never Said I Loved You will of course resonate with those who have suffered with mental health problems and has been in the same place as Rhik but he says, it can appeal to any reader - exploring topics like grief, relationships and things that happen to us all. ‘‘Anyone will enjoy the ride,’’ adds Rhik. After all, it is a universal story.

I Never Said I Loved You Headline Publishing Group £14.99

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 33

Arts & Culture

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Arts & Culture

Nick Hennegan Local writer and director brings two plays to the Tabard By Áine McGinty

‘‘I’ve loved the Tabard and what they’ve done for some years,’’ says Nick. He occasionally reviews shows at the Tabard and both Nick and Fred, the Tabard Theatre manager, had been looking to do something together for a long time. Nick was going to the Edinburgh Fringe with both shows and when Fred heard of the ways audiences were reacting he asked them in. Although the two plays are very different, Nick says they do have some similarities. PALS is a comedy about four kids growing up and Romeo and Juliet is of course Nick’s take on a Shakespeare tragedy about two kids. The same four young actors are playing all of the parts in both plays. ‘‘Rep theatre used to be popular but it never happens now. To see the same actors being completely different every night has proved to be really popular.’’ The plays enjoyed huge success in Edinburgh, so much so that someone is actually travelling down from Edinburgh, having seen Romeo and Juliet, to see the same cast in PALS! They received a number of 5 star reviews, much to Nick’s delight. ‘‘To come away with all those 5 star reviews from the biggest and most competitive arts festival on the planet is unbelievable. I hope Chiswick agrees,’’ he says. Asked if he thinks Chiswick is a good place for creatives to prosper, he cites the village feel to Chiswick, adding,

Writer and director Nick Hennegan, who has been a Chiswick resident for fifteen years, has not one but two of his plays showing at the Tabard Theatre this month. Nick chats to The Chiswick Magazine about his latest venture. He was born and brought up on a council estate in Birmingham and ended up in London after his partner moved here for drama school back in 1993. ‘‘We’ve loved it here ever since,’’ he says.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

‘‘It’s one of the parts of this great metropolis where people will nod at you in the street. I think that is good for the soul and artists often work better when their souls are not too tortured!’’ This certainly proves true when you look at the wealth of talented Chiswick residents - Nick recently being included in the Chiswick Writers Timeline, an online archive established by Torin Douglas which looks to celebrate writers who have lived in Chiswick or written about the area. Nick was incredibly flattered to be included. ‘‘There are people like Harold Pinter and WB Yeats on that! I never thought Nick Hennegan would ever be mentioned in the same breath!’’ Nick’s most recent plays have something for everyone. PALS is set from the 50s to the 00s featuring music of the period which will delight many ears. Whilst with Romeo and Juliet, Nick has done away with the old traditional hierarchy and given Juliet more character as a post-millennium, strong woman which has gone down well so far! He has also kept most of Shakespeare’s poetry in the show- even though both productions are only an hour long. Make sure to catch both plays at the Tabard this month.

PALS 3 September - 27 September Romeo & Juliet 4 September - 28 September 19.30 Full Price £17.50 Concession £15.50 tabardtheatre.co.uk THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 35

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Beauty

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Beauty

Facial Peel at

NYLC

By Katie Saunders The C’esta Serum with Vit C is a powerful antioxidant cocktail, designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin texture. Its lightweight liquid quickly penetrates the skin to target flagging collagen within the lower layers and it smells great! This little gem of a serum proves to be good enough for royalty, as Meghan Markle has it on her list of skin products she swears by. My cheeks went a little pink after the peel but I found it to be gentle and effective. You’ll feel it tingling when it goes on and tell that it’s active but it’s nothing to be scared about. Straight after Kirsty applied a cooling mask which felt great, and perfectly soothing. I then had the LED light treatment for 20 minutes which was incredibly relaxing, I’m sure I dozed off for a few minutes. I was wearing goggles as well to protect my eyes from the light so it was like I was wearing a sleeping mask and it was blocking out all the light.

he New York Laser Clinic Fulham is a 30 minute train journey on the district line from Turnham Green to Fulham Broadway and is a short walk from the station. I visited for the first time last month and I had never had a facial peel before my appointment so I was slightly nervous about it. I’m 31-years-old with olive skin that tans easily in the sun and I have a normal skin type. I was hoping to achieve a fresher, revived complexion and for my skin to look and feel rejuvenated after the treatment, which I specified on my skin consultation form when I arrived at the clinic.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

I was greeted at reception by the receptionist and then Kirsty, who was my therapist for the treatment, checked over my forms and took me to the treatment room. Kirsty is lovely and very easy to chat with and she is a relaxed and friendly therapist. She talked me through everything and in the end I had a Jan Marini skin peel and LED treatment. The products used were C’esta Cleanser, Gel Exfoliating Peel, Micro Mask, C’esta Serum with Vit C, and Transformation Cream.

The New York Laser Clinic has three clinics; Baker Street, Bishopsgate and Fulham. In Fulham you’ll find them at 1 Farm Lane, SW6 1PU Telephone: 0207 409 1083 Website: www.thenewyorklaserclinic. co.uk

The treatment room had various machines in it because the clinic does a lot of other treatments including microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and cellulite treatments, but the room still had a cosy atmosphere. The couch was made to be warm with a lush super soft blanket to get under. It was so comfortable that although I was having a peel and a little nervous, I found the treatment and the visit to the clinic very relaxing and I would happily go back for another peel. The treatments took around 45 minutes altogether so it’s easy to book one in on a lunch break from work! A week on since the treatment, I used the product samples every day and I have seen improvements in my skin. It’s a little clearer and brighter. I noticed the small bumps just under the surface of my skin that had appeared over the last few months had reduced slightly. I haven’t worn foundation since and because my face tanned considerably after a holiday in Spain in July and I didn’t buy darker foundation I haven’t worn it for a while but I’m not bothered at all because my skin looks good and brighter and I’ve no need to wear foundation at the moment.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 37

Health & Well-being

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Health & Well-Being

sessions for people with mobility issues. They also have the Adult Room located on the lower ground floor. Both therapy rooms have a controlled micro-climate into which, fine particles of medicated salt are diffused into the atmosphere through the specially devised halo-generator. At the end of the session, Matilda will serve you a cup of herbal tea, increasing health benefits and also bringing you back to the real world. There is seriously a personal feel to this experience with Matilda sitting drinking the tea with you discussing a range of topics. The tea I had was Mullein - which helps to treat respiratory ailments and tastes delicious! You can even buy samples of the teas for a very reasonable price and enjoy part of the experience at home. In addition, the Himalaya salt lamps which add a positive energy to the spa are also available to buy.

Spa de Sal

Brentford’s Oasis

By Áine McGinty

pa de Sal on London Road, Brentford is the perfect place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of London. Being one of only three salt caves in Greater London, we are very lucky to have this natural health treatment a short cycle or bus journey away from Chiswick. Being in Brentford, Spa de Sal can easily be reached from a variety of locations. In fact, this was one of the main reasons that director, Matilda Goes decided to open here. ‘‘Brentford has got amazing connectivity to London and beyond,’’ says Matilda. It certainly was the right move for the business which serves customers from all over London and even as far as Maidenhead!

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

Matilda herself was inspired to bring salt therapy to this part of London having benefited from it personally, she is a long term asthmatic and in 2014 she contracted bronchitis twice in twelve months which then developed into chronic bronchiectasis. She had been travelling to Earlsfield for her salt therapy and found that the long journey cancelled out some of the relaxation. She explained, ‘‘Salt therapy really helped me so I thought I want to create something like this for myself. So I did.’’ As well as herself, Matilda also hoped to help her father who has COPD and anyone else with respiratory problems. ‘‘It was a very expensive way to do it but I don’t regret it!’’ she added.

Salt therapy has numerous benefits and actually a lot more than I originally thought. I was lucky enough to experience one session of salt therapy at Spa de Sal and I can certainly vouch for its relaxation benefits. I felt as though I had been transported to another world, the busy road outside seeming a lifetime away. It seems cliche but as soon as you enter Spa de Sal you know you’re going to have an amazing, relaxing experience. I felt immediately put at ease when I was greeted by Matilda. She is a warm person with a genuine wish to help people- her main priority really does seem to be raising awareness about salt therapy and its benefits. Regular salt therapy sessions, as she explained, can help with the following: • Expanding lung capacity, boosting the immune system • Repairing muscles which can be good for athletes & singers pre and post event • Clearing congestion in lungs and sinuses, dehydrating excess mucus and toxins • Breathlessness • Improving skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis with its antibacterial & antiviral properties • Relieving some symptoms of respiratory allergies • Relieving arthritic pain • Easing hay fever symptoms with its antihistamine benefits • Improving sleep and concentration • Stimulating the lymphatic system.

Spa de Sal will be celebrating their two year anniversary in November and with that comes some change. The spa has recently reopened following refurbishments which will allow for even more specialist treatments to take place in the spa. Matilda hopes to see Spa de Sal become a holistic centre and not just well-loved salt rooms. She is looking for specialists in alternative therapies to work with. Spa de Sal also occasionally offers meditative yoga classes by local woman Rebecca Jane of RJ Mind Body. I highly recommend giving salt therapy a try but you don’t have to take my word for it, the reviews for Spa de Sal on both Tripadvisor and Google speak for themselves. Readers of The Chiswick Magazine can contact Spa de Sal for 25% off your first session.

Spa de Sal 5 London Road, Brentford TW8 8JB 020 8582 8971 spadesal.com

Salt therapy can benefit everyone from children (from the age of 9 months) to adults. At Spa de Sal there is the Family Room which offers child sessions and is equipped with toys as well as adult

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 39

Education

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Education

he Ellen Wilkinson School for girls in Ealing is steeped in tradition and ranks among the top 3% of schools in the country. They have one of the best school sites in west London and the huge expanse of outdoor space means students enjoy the sports field and all weather pitch; six tennis courts; trees and lawns; picnic areas and a Japanese style garden. Each day, students experience a safe haven in a sprawling city. Among their new buildings you will find a world class learning and resource centre; an indoor sports hall boasting two basketball courts and a bespoke drama studio. Once a girls’ grammar school, they have maintained the foyer with parquet flooring, the traditional assembly hall and old library which brings warm smiles to the faces of visiting alumnae. The excellent transport links to Ealing make the school a favourite choice for parents around London who demand quality and high standards for their daughters. “This is an outstanding school.” Ofsted 2019 The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls has earned many accolades for its academic success. Their curriculum is not a one size fits all approach; it is rich, well-planned, broad and challenging. The school offers the National Curriculum and a wide range of subjects across the key stages, taught exclusively by fully qualified, trained graduates. Each child is an individual and they ensure they achieve their true potential by personalising their learning.

The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls Where girls create their future

“Teachers have developed effective ways to deepen pupils’ thinking. They pose challenging questions for pupils to grapple with. This enables pupils to make connections in their learning and enhance levels of understanding.” Ofsted 2019 The happiness of each child is important to the school so their pastoral system is built around the child. You will find a safe, stable, harmonious environment created by fair and balanced systems. Students can routinely call upon a host of staff for support: their Form Tutor; Head of Year; Peer and Learning Mentors and friends. The school also provides an extensive enrichment and extracurricular activities programme. They strive to embed school trips into the school term – some trips abroad and some to explore the wealth of culture London has to offer. They are frequent visitors to many of London’s renowned institutions and staff have enthusiastically planned trips to Germany, Switzerland and Italy to name a few. They develop students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding to help students develop into responsible citizens. They firmly believe that girls will achieve their true potential by being educated in an all-girl environment and their statistics verify this again and again. Pupils develop an appreciation for a full range of subjects and have excelled in progress scores. They are consistently among London’s top achieving, comprehensive, state schools. “Outcomes are outstanding because the pupils benefit from high expectations and the deep subject knowledge of their leaders and teaching staff.” Ofsted 2019 Their all-girl learning environment continues in the sixth form. Students who aim to attend university are coached, mentored and guided by the teachers and expert sixth form team, including a member of staff who is dedicated to supporting students through the University Application System, thus ensuring that all students who wish to enter university are offered a place. Additionally, they are currently adjusting to the new apprenticeship routes into various career paths so opportunities for their students are abundant. “Teachers use their subject knowledge well to support students and prepare them for the next stage of their education and employment.” Ofsted 2019 Does your daughter deserve an exceptional opportunity? Head along to the school and see for yourself. If you are unable to attend the Open Evening on 19th September, please feel free to call the school to arrange an Open Morning personal school tour for you and your child.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 41

Education

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Education

New Head joins Falcons Pre-Preparatory School L ‘‘I feel extremely fortunate to be following in the footsteps of Mr Forbes,’’ says Ms Liz McLaughlin, a Harvard alumnus who joins the Falcons Pre-Preparatory School as their new Head this autumn.

iz brings to the school a wealth of experience from working in the Primary sector in various leadership roles and has taught in four different countries including Canada, Italy, USA and the UK. She holds a particular passion for literacy and, as a self-confessed ‘lifelong learner’, has over the years returned to the world of academia to explore research-based methods of education which she is looking forward to putting into place at the Pre-Prep to enhance the current provision to the boys. ‘‘I have made it clear to parents and teachers that I am not coming to the Falcons Pre-Prep to change it – I am coming to help it continue on its journey of being a school that excels due to its high expectations of the boys, whilst also taking care of their well-being,’’ explains Liz, continuing on by saying, ‘‘From my first interview at the school, to an evening where I met the parents, I have been drawn to and inspired by the shared vision of academic excellence for the boys whilst also ensuring a nurturing and caring environment.’’ On her choice of career in education, and in particular Primary education, Liz explains: ‘‘Early in my career I fell in love with how children learn and watching their excitement as they come to school. There is nothing that matches the twinkle in a student’s eye or the smile on a child’s face when he or she has learned something new. Children in this age group naturally love learning and it is our job as educators to put the right material in front of them so that they excel and thrive in each new learning opportunity. Boys in particular at this age love learning by doing, trying, and experimenting and it is a joy to create an environment where they can do exactly what they do best.’’

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

Liz is looking forward to working in a boys only school and is resolute on the benefits that a single-sex school can offer: ‘‘Boys and girls learn differently. It is proven by research and also if you were to ask any primary school teacher about their experiences teaching boys and girls. By having a boys only environment, we can intentionally design our curriculum to suit their needs and to enhance their skills.’’ The Falcons Pre-Prep has three core values at the heart of everything it does – Courage, Care and Curiosity – and Liz will certainly be continuing to uphold and support these through the school, ‘‘I cannot think of three better values for a school educating 3 to 7 year old boys. If every boy can leave the Falcons Pre-Prep truly understanding and embracing each of the three C’s, then we have created a perfect learning environment for him. In the 21st century, we know that these boys will need a high dose of Courage, Curiosity and Care to navigate their way successfully through life beyond the Pre-Prep.’’ The Falcons Pre-Prep will be holding their next Open Morning on Saturday 12th October from 10.30am to 12.00pm, offering a great opportunity to go and have a look around the school and to meet the new Head who will also be giving a short talk at 10.45am. Please visit the school’s website for further information www.falconsboys.co.uk or call the Registrar on 020 8747 8393. Individual tours and a meeting with the new Head are also available by appointment.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 43

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Travel

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Travel

USA

STEP BACK INTO THE 18TH CENTURY IN

CHARLESTON

Image: Deep Ellum.

WORDS BY GEOFF MOORE

www.viestramagazine.com

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

www.viestramagazine.com

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 45

Travel

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

USA

ocated on the Ashley and Cooper rivers on USA’s East Coast - Charleston’s wide city scape view is as broad as the welcoming smiles its visitors receive. It was the place where the United States Civil War started and that first battle at nearby Fort Sumter where a 34 hour bombardment miraculously left no casualties on either side. However also important for Charleston visitors now was that many towns and cities in the South were destroyed during the vicious war that followed but those pre Civil war wooden and clapper board houses were also not casualties and provide the city with a first class historic centre to enthral and marvel at today. Apart from the cars and some modern technology you are back in the 18th century. Touring the intact cobbled streets and the well preserved grand and humble housing stock of the old harbour side is a great historical experience. Located in what is called the ‘Lowcountry’, Charleston was founded under Charles I, and later further developed under Charles II into a key port and trading city. However, it was the city that was responsible for importing around 40% of all the African slaves into the USA before slavery was abolished. Its key exports of cotton and indigo left the city heading mainly to the UK northern powerhouse of cotton production, Lancashire. Today Charleston is a city of charm with a very busy tourism economy as it attracts a whole range of visitors. Food is one area where the city is strong. Around the main centre and outskirts there are a large number of top restaurants providing modern cuisine for those searching for culinary comfort. The Belmond Hotel Group have a delightful offering at the Charleston Grill located on its ground floor. A cellar of very fine wine, including Pétrus, with other fine vintages and ports too.

The recently opened Hotel Bennett is a 179 room establishment perfectly located on Marion Square. Its owner Michael Bennett had been working on the project for over 20 years and even had to go to the Supreme Court for the final say so. It has just opened in April 2019. The hotel is at the luxury end of the accommodation sector. It has great views over the city and a delightful rooftop swimming pool ideal for cooling off as peak summer period temperatures can get to 100 degrees with 100% humidity. Spring and late autumn are probably the best times to visit and currently with British Airways introducing two direct flights a week from London Heathrow between April and October makes it a perfect long weekend break, and even for longer stays as the surrounding area has numerous places to visit.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

Museums covering many areas of interest from that iconic Fort Sumter and its key role in the history of the USA to the Gibbes Museum of Art full of local and ethnic art plus there is the Old Slave Mart Museum and even a museum dedicated to the first submarine to sink a ship. The Hunley submarine was discovered back in 1995 and raised in 2000 with many artefacts found aboard. It sank after the incident with all hands and you can see a forensic reconstruction of the eight crew.

Slave and slavery history is dealt with very openly in South Carolina with many chances to learn more of that period. Plantation properties and estates that were once a place of Caucasian elitism provide an insight into the history of both slave and slave owner. These magnificent manor type houses would not look out of place around Europe, like Middleton Place and Boone Hall that can be reached easily from Charleston.

Shopping streets like King Street that run alongside the Bennett Hotel are popular and within walking distance you will find numerous eateries from high end to the more traditional US diner types.

Further afield, about two hours’ drive away, is the boating, golfing and holiday island of Hilton Head Island. 13 miles long and shaped rather like a shoe. With stunning sandy beaches and dunes, award winning golf courses to tempt those that swing clubs for their relaxation.

A long market building is another escape from the sun. Here many souvenirs, local foods and coffee are on offer. The Untied States Custom House building nearby was built before and completed after the Civil war.

There is also the chance of meeting some local wildlife as it’s not unusual for golfers to be joined on the courses by the odd alligator or two. But not to worry the Royal and Ancient rules of golf do allow a free drop should one be in the way of your play!

The history of the slaves and their culture are much remembered today by the Gullah community that abounds in South Carolina. The language, culture and art forms of those brought to the USA from West Africa are very present. There are many from this community who engage with all the public and visitors at museums and plantations to tell stories and bring to life those that were once slaves. The making and weaving of sweetgrass baskets, painting and the spoken word help to educate visitors with performances and song.

There are boating trips of all kinds including a chance to sail on a former Americas Cup 12 metre yacht ‘Stars and Stripes’ or a more leisurely and less physically challenging dolphin spotting trip with the team from Vagabond Cruises based at Harbour Town resort on the island. If you fancy a higher altitude challenge then there is a chance to experience a tree top zip line run by Zipline Hilton Head. The 8 linked zip lines will have you zooming around the treetops for 2 hours. 70 feet above the ground at times. Cycle and walking trails are all over the island and it’s one of the most popular tourist choices with literally seas of hire bikes at various points around the island. Once back in Charleston the city has plenty of places to visit and explore on foot or by the very popular carriage rides. You can best take in the colour and charm of Charleston’s historic quarter at Harborside and the old town. It’s so easy to spend hours slowly walking around the streets lined with wooden and brick houses of that pre Civil war period.

www.viestramagazine.com

“Shopping streets like King Street that run alongside the Bennett Hotel are popular and within walking distance you will find numerous eateries from high end to the more traditional US diner types.”

A city that started off under one King Charles was transferred and developed by another, then lost, but regained by the British for just two years only to be lost by them again and it has been kept by the US ever since! However the story of Charleston continues, and as the CEO of the Visitors Bureau, Helen Hill said; “We spent 150 years getting rid of the British and have now spent the last ten trying to get them back with British Airways now bringing in hundreds of Brits each week once more.” Images: ©2015 DiscoverAmerica.com

The slogan for the state of South Carolina is ‘Just Right’ and that phrase certainly applies to the coastal city of Charleston too as it has so many things that are indeed just right! Its food, its history, its architecture, its warmth and its weather just to mention a few...

Travel

‘Just Right’ I say!

STAY Hotel Bennett - 404 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 +1 833-313-1798 | www.hotelbennett.com GETTING THERE British Airways is currently the only airline flying direct from London to Charleston. Flights to Charleston depart two days a week from London Heathrow (LHR) all year round. Fly direct and land around 8 hours later at Charleston International Airport (CHS). www.britishairways.com

www.viestramagazine.com

37 THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 47

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

THANK YOU

CHISWICK

What a wonderful weekend we have had, thank you for making us feel so welcome.

The Pub in the Park Festival Team

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 49

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Brentford school for girls

brentford 6 form th

“top 100 non-selective state-funded schools in the country” Nick gibb, minister of state for schools

open evening

tuesday 1st october 2019 6pm - 8.30 pm (head teacher talk 7pm) VISIT www.brentford.hounslow.sch.uk to book NOW

VISION

CREATivity excellence Call us on 0208 847 4281

and Explore our school at: 5 Boston manor Road, Brentford TW8 0PG Chiswick Magazine Full Page Ad .indd 1

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

19/07/2019 09:11:45

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 51

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Open Evening Thursday 19th September, 2019 From 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm

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

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

Headteacher Talks at 6.15pm & 7.30pm Guided Tours | Taster Lessons Meet Staff and Students | Complimentary Refreshments Queens Drive, London W3 0HW | 0208 752 1525 www.ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk | office@ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 53

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Take Flight In Falcon Gold With Gulf Air

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.

DUBAI £1559

BANGKOK

BAHRAIN

£1571

£2462

Breakfast now being served from 8am Monday to Friday and 9am at the weekend.

Luxury awaits at the Falcon Gold Lounge at London Heathrow, Dubai and Bahrain Discover the comfortable and plush state of the art at bed seat Enjoy the latest entertainment on your personal 22” monitor Delicious contemporary cuisine prepared by the on-board Sky Chef

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

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

Premier

btpremier.com

0208 819 9852

premier@brightsun.co.uk

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 55

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

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.

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 57

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

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

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

OUR SERVICES

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

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 59

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 61

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Not many restaurants in London (actually none that we can think of) offer a house wine made from grapes grown around their very own house. Well, technically it’s a vineyard and a Palazzo, but it’s our Tuscan home. Under the stewardship of the Bandinelli family, Villa di Geggiano has been turning Sangiovese grapes into delicious wines for centuries. Rumour has it we first brought our wine to the UK in 1725.

Syon Clinic

Our house wine actually comes from our house. Our organic techniques, combined with sustainable, ecologically balanced and traditional methods result in superb Italian wines. And we haven’t even mentioned the fabulous food – much of which is sourced from our neighbouring farms and other local producers. Try our house wine for yourself, and make yourself at home in our Dining rooms. You may not be able to see our house from here, but you can certainly taste it.

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 Lunch 12pm to 3pm Dinner from 6pm Kitchen closes 10.30pm weekdays, 9pm Sundays

020 8322 6000

bmihealthcare.co.uk/syonclinic

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

Villa di Geggiano Dal 1527

17252 1414 MKT ADV / 07.2019

17252_1414 MKT ADV_self_pay_advert_syc.indd 1

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019

17/07/2019 11:46

THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | September 2019 63

chiswickmagazine.co.uk