FAMILIAR face

with BBC WEATHERMAN & ARTIST, TOMASZ SCHAFERNAKER

Tomasz Schafernaker is a Polish-British meteorologist who currently works for BBC Weather Recently it was revealed that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, had had a "secret crush" on Tomasz and loved to watch his weather forecasts

Tomasz also moonlights as a wonderfully accomplished artist In 2021, Tomasz was crowned Celebrity Landscape Artist of the Year in a Sky Arts special and he has recently announced an exciting collaboration with For Art Sake on Ealing Green Tomasz works across all media, from acrylic paint to watercolour, oil to graphite

At what stage in your life did you first move to Ealing?

I was born in Poland, but West London is where I have some of my earliest childhood memories, including various parts of Ealing However, as an adult, I have been living in Ealing for over 20 years

If you were telling someone about Ealing who had never visited, how would you describe it?

It is a wonderful and tranquil borough in West London, abundant with greenery Located just north of Kew Gardens and The River Thames, it boasts large parks and ample space for a refreshing run! I think it occupies a perfect position within Greater London not too far from Central London to escape the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to reach the West End at almost a moment’s notice

Do you have a favourite Ealing watering hole?

In recent years, Ealing Broadway has undergone significant development, and Dickens Yard has become my go-to spot for a quick coffee or drink during the week

Where have you had your best Ealing meal?

Regarding food, I must admit, I may not be the best person to ask ask! However, when it comes to grabbing a delicious lunch salad, I frequently visit The Farm W5 in Ealing Broadway

Is there a part of Ealing that you find particularly inspirational or where you find peace?

One of the things I love about this area is its parks Gunnersbury Park and Elthorne Rough in particular Gunnersbury Park’s expansive size, magnificent trees, pond, and historic buildings make it one of my favourites I have often taken a sketch pad and my watercolour paints for some en plein air creativeness

However, I must say that it saddens me a little to see it becoming more “developed” and losing some of its open spaces On the other hand, Elthorne Rough, situated by the Grand Union Canal, has a slightly more “wild” feel to it, which is precisely why I love it too It features a few secluded spots that are wonderfully peaceful On a sunny day, when I happen to have some free time, visiting this park can be truly blissful you would never guess you ’ re in the midst of a bustling city

Tell us what you ’ re up to & what’s next for you.

During the week, my time is equally divided between TV work in Central London and managing my art business from home As someone who wears both the hat of an artist and a scientist, this arrangement provides the perfect balance for me Recently, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with my favourite gallery and gift store in Ealing Broadway, For Arts Sake Since mid-summer, they have been displaying prints of my cloud artwork, and it brings me great joy to see them through the window whenever I pass by

15 MINUTES OF

Morning Yoga

Just fifteen minutes of yoga can make a big difference to how you feel throughout your day. Victoria Ayling, founder of Yoga-tastic in Ealing, explains how 3 poses and 5 minutes of conscious breathing can help you feel steady, powerful and peaceful

MAKE LIKE THE WARRIOR

Press your front foot into the mat, square your shoulders above your hips and ground down through the outside edge of your back foot Reach through your arms, gazing over the front hand Repeat on second side, ready for whatever the day brings

Embody The Goddess

Press down through both feet and drop the sitting bonesavoid arching your lower back Lift the chest and and draw the arms back behind you to bring your torso more vertical Try lifting the heels for an added challenge Tap into your power

Walk The Dog

Actively press your hands down into the mat, lift up and back through the sitting bones and let your head hang down Try bending one knee and straighten the opposite leg, sending the heel back and down Switch and repeat several times Soothe your nervous system

Breathe Well

Sit cross legged, kneeling or in a chair, placing your hands on the front of your body Allow the inhale to expand your belly first, and then your chest Allow the exhale to release your chest first and then your belly Be gentle and avoid taking bigger breaths This technique helps you use the lungs effectively and brings about a sense of peace

Victoria is passionate, skilful and inspiring yoga teacher She teaches classes in Pitshanger, Northfields and Hanwell www.yoga-tastic.co.uk