Chiswick & The West August 2015 by Runwild Media Group

MANAGING EDITOR Francesca Lee

WHAT’S INSIDE

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Tom Hagues Henry Hopwood-Phillips EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lesley Ellwood

An insight into this issue

MANAGING DIRECTOR Eren Ellwood GENERAL MANAGER Fiona Fenwick

“Agent 47 is the result of decades of research and 46 previous (but failed) assassins and he boasts unbeatable strength, stamina and intelligence.” – Film

SENIOR DESIGNER Lisa Wade PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Giles Ellwood EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sophie Roberts CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Friday Dalrymple

“ONE OF MUSIC’S GREATEST DUOS (AND POSSIBLY MOST PARODIED), SONNY AND CHER HAVE PROVIDED WEDDING GUESTS WITH A PERFECT KARAOKE DUET FOR DECADES, MATCHED ONLY BY ELTON JOHN AND KIKI DEE’S DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART.” – Music

SALES EXECUTIVE Joe Rutherford

PRODUCTION Alice Ford Oscar Viney Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele PUBLISHED BY

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nicola Bloomfield

HITMAN: AGENT 47

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“Impossible bills itself as the most dangerous show that London has ever seen, combining death-defying stunts, stage illusions and close-up magic, so you can rest easy that if you go and see it, you’ll be administering a few gasps every now and then.” – Theatre

“Tamara and James are opening an office in LA this summer as well as releasing an app and revamping their website.” – Mr & Mrs Smith

One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX

CHER

[editor’s letter and contents]

From the

editor

CONTENTS

ugust is a month for kicking back, relaxing and stopping the little ones from running riot around the house during the week. With such a task in hand, why not visit our

What’s On listings from page four and find out where you can take energetic youngsters to blow off some steam? Meanwhile, on page eight, there’s news stories galore to keep you in the know and update you on what’s going on in the local area. Similarly, our theatre listings (page 12) and film highlights (page 16) will offer you plenty of opportunity to sit down for a while. For those with a love of the past, flick to page 14 for a trip down memory lane and see what was number one in the Augusts of previous decades. You can also find

Bedford park has links with W.B. Yeats. read more on page 26

REGULARS 4

out more about John Butler Trio who are playing at Shepherd’s Bush Empire later this month. For a spot of light reading in the summer sunshine, turn to page

WHAT’S ON IN AUGUST All the best events to attend this month

HP SOURCE

Back in the Black? The main facts and figures from the recent Budget

WORD ON THE STREET

The most pressing issues from vocal locals

18 where Annabel Harrison interviews the Chiswick residents behind

FEATURES

Mr & Mrs Smith. Page 20 offers you the chance to read about vigorous

exercise without having to actually do any, and you can learn about the

keeping up with the smiths

We chat to the founders of travel company Mr & Mrs Smith

plenty of pain and lashings of gain

Trying the extreme challenge that is circuit training in W6

keeping an eye on things

FLYING BY NUMBERS A fact file with information about the proposed Heathrow expansion

Hammersmith Society on page 24. Finally, local poet Cahal Dallat answers our questions about his

Getting to know the Hammersmith Society

campaign to erect a statue of W.B. Yeats on page 26.

A famous face Q&A with Cahal Dallat about the campaign for a statue of W.B. Yeats

We hope you enjoy the issue.

news, events and reviews 8

read all about it News stories to keep you in the know

Francesca Lee, Managing Editor ON THE COVER (left to right)

paint a pretty picture

Some of the best exhibitions taking place in August

treading the boards Keep yourself occupied with some of London’s greatest shows

Tamara Heber-Percy MBE and James Lohan MBE, founders of Mr & Mrs Smith; Ricky Pound ©Pallas Tours and Lectures; Gin at Charlotte’s Bar and Kitchen; Emily

Barber as Gwendolen and Michael Benz as John in The Importance of Being Earnest; Ronan Keating; Impossible ©Helen Maybanks; Madonna ©Amy Nichole Harris; The Ampersand Hotel, London; Beach East ©Rahil Ahmad

music makes the world go round A glance at what was number one in Augusts of the past

Please turn off your mobile phones Check here for your cinema needs, be it action, romance or comedy

Top picks for

AUGUST

The best events to attend this month

7 August A DIP IN THE RIVER

9 August LET HIM ENTERTAIN YOU

11-15 August BOTTOMS UP

An afternoon of educational walking and talking will begin at Chiswick Pier and move along to Chiswick Eyot, so strap on your finest hiking boots (and take some Wellington boots too) and prepare to dip into the river and explore what’s under the surface. It’s an event for kids to get to know the river life through the use of nets and spotter sheets. Don’t worry if that sounds a bit technical – the guide from the Thames Explorer Trust will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. Expect to see crabs, shrimps and eels but nothing too big and scary (we hope).

Experienced and respected actor John Griffiths, who has 40 years of show-business experience behind him, is to give a talk at the Tabard this month. In 1970 he moved to London after qualifying as a teacher and taught at an Ealing primary school but in 1977 he decided to take up acting full-time, having done it as an amateur for several years. This evening, entitled Forty Years Gone: My Life in Parts, details his career from its very beginnings, including his touring Shakespeare plays through Africa and other exciting moments. Expect anecdotes, memories and lots of laughter.

The Great British Beer Festival is rolling into Olympia in August for a flying visit to teach, entertain and quench the thirsts of locals and visiting beer lovers alike. More than 900 ales, ciders, perries and international beers will be on offer, so prepare yourself for a full day of slurping, swilling and sipping. Beers from Belgium and Germany are due to make guest appearances and, to break up the quaffing, a range of pub games and snacks will be available to enjoy. You’ll march in thirsty and stagger out complacent.

£3 adults, £1 children, 2pm-4pm, The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG, 020 8742 2713 (chiswickpier.org.uk)

£12, concessions £10, 7.30pm, Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8995 6035 (tabardtheatre.co.uk)

£10 day pass if ordered in advance, £8 for CAMRA members, Tuesday 5pm-10.30pm, Wednesday-Friday 12noon-10.30pm, Saturday 11am-6.30pm, Olympia Grand, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX, 0844 412 4640 (gbbf.org.uk)

an education worth having

[EVENTS]

23 August STATUE KNOW?

23 August Farm-tastic!

Ah, gin. The crisp, refreshing liquor that sings the song of summer, but what are its secrets? Charlotte’s Bar and Kitchen in Chiswick is hoping to educate students and whip up a frenzy of gin-thusiasm this month. The special class on 17 August will focus on NY Gin, a blend of traditional and contemporary botanicals, 24 August’s lesson will present The Lakes Gin, a concoction inspired by the Lake District where it’s distilled, and those who visit on 31 August will get a schooling in Eccentric Gin. Cheers to that.

In August, fill the historically inquisitive part of your brain with a walking tour of Chiswick House and Gardens given by architectural historian Ricky Pound. The Garden of the Gods tour will walk visitors around Lord Burlington’s statue garden and examine the pieces collected by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington. The tour will feature several statues which Lord Burlington brought back from his tours of Italy in 1714 and 1719, making them some of the earliest recorded Roman statues exhibited in an English garden.

Free admission, 6.30pm, arrive early to secure a seat, Charlotte’s Bar and Kitchen, 6 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP, 020 8742 3590 (charlottes.co.uk)

£4 reserved ticket, £5 on the day, 2.30pm, Chiswick House and Gardens, Burlington Lane, W4 2RP, 020 8742 3905 (rickypound.london)

Who doesn’t love patting something soft and furry on the head? Grab the kids and tell them to prepare themselves for a few hours of farmyard frolicking, without having to get all dirty or carry in the hay bales after their day of fun. Kidsrome Farm Animals is bringing its most handsome critters to the Dukes Meadows market to entertain any kids looking to get up close and personal to a goat, sheep or other yard-dwelling creature. The visiting animals are just one of many free events being held at Dukes Meadows during the summer. This is the last farm visit, so take your chance to go now.

bottoms up

17, 24 & 31 August an education worth having

Free entry, 11am-1pm, The Pavilion, Market Drive, W4 2RX, 020 8742 2225 (dukesmeadowstrust.org)

Farm-tastic!

[EVENTS]

online chatter

London events

What’s got local tongues wagging recently?

Throughout August CORAL REEFS: SECRET CITIES OF THE SEA

It’s all very well and good splashing around on the surface of the sea this summer, but don’t you want to know what’s down below? This exhibition examines the colourful world of coral reefs, which are home to almost a quarter of all marine life species. This virtual dive will expose visitors to more than 200 different species through exceptional photography and for a couple of hours, you can kid yourself into thinking it’s just as good as scuba diving in Australia.

@Pickle_Catering Flying around #Chiswick like there’s no tomorrow! Private catering galore. #Catering #foodie

@HandF_RR Do you think Hammersmith & Fulham

©Borisoff

should be 20mph zone?

£10, concessions and children £4.50, 10am-5.50pm, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000 (nhm.ac.uk)

coral reefs: secret cities of the sea

@Newopenings Owners of @Fulham_Wine and Kensington @Wine_Rooms to open a third London venue in Hammersmith Grove in August.

@milestone_com

Until 31 August BEACH EAST

Always sad to see a landmark disappear. Cookes Pie and Mash shop, Shepherd’s Bush Market closes for demolition

It’s a bit of a trek away, but it’s not as far as the Bahamas and you’re (sort of) getting the same thing. For a bit of sand between your toes, head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to soak up the sunshine and splash around in the water – okay, so it’s not the Mediterranean or Caribbean Sea, but surely an enormous paddling pool in east London can be just as fun, right? There’s plenty to eat and drink and there are a fair few events taking place too. It’s an all-singing, alldancing summery delight taking place on the other side of London… What’s not to love?

@ChiswickPopUp Thanks for all your amazing support! We love #Chiswick and its local businesses! #shoplocal

@SarahCampus Top #Chiswick coffee @artisan_coffee

@theGFcentreUK

Free, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST (beacheast.co.uk)

Gorgeous #glutenfree savoury pastries beach east

29-31 August NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

It’s one of Europe’s largest street festivals and is renowned across the country for being a celebration of bright colours, people dancing and having a jolly old knees-up. Caribbean music will fill the air and get even the shyest of bystanders moving their feet, and be sure to look out for bowls of rice and peas, curried goat and the famous Jerk chicken – why not get into the spirit of things and enjoy some authentic Caribbean dishes? the notting hill carnival

(thenottinghillcarnival.com)

@ChateauDessert in Chiswick. Great place for lunch!

@michaelmageeUK We LOVE #Chiswick

@gingerpinhead Chips with cheese and curry sauce. Breakfast of champions from Little Feast in Shepherd’s Bush.

@laurenraymusic Off to #Chiswick to play a couple of songs at George IV

[FACT FILE]

Flying by

numbers

If you have something to say about the airport proposals, email us at chiswick.bg@ residentsjournal.co.uk or tweet @ChiswickWestJ

A quick look at the facts and figures of the possible Heathrow expansion

he proposed expansion of Heathrow airport could have a significant impact on west London, with the potential for more overhead traffic and noise pollution. It was recently announced that Hammersmith and Fulham Council has chosen to support calls from local residents by opposing an expanded

Heathrow, and calling on the Government to scrap the proposals. The borough created its own Heathrow Commission, which was led by residents, and its conclusion was that the foreseeable negative impacts outweighed the positive ones. Meanwhile, Hounslow Council, speaking on behalf of the borough where a significant

number of residents work at Heathrow, has called for it to be ‘better, not bigger’. It claims that it wants the Government to stick to its policy of limiting the size of Heathrow, as well as taking further steps to lessen negative impacts that the airport has on the area and its residents. The proposals are a divisive subject for west Londoners.

in numbers

740,000 The number of flights the expansion could allow to come in and out of Heathrow each year

60 minutes Minimum connection time between terminals, a reduction from 75 minutes

100 million

Projected number passengers a year using Heathrow by 2030

£147 billion

every hour

750 180,000

Reported benefit to the economy over 60 years

Planned number of trains heading to the airport

Number of jobs that could be created

Number of homes that would be purchased by Heathrow to be demolished to make way for proposed project

£17.6 BILLION

569

Hectares of land required for such a project

Projected cost of a third runway

Number of flights between 11.30pm and 6am if a third runway is built

Read

all about it

Local news to keep you in the know

illustration by bett norris (bettnorrisillustration.com)

A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE JUST GOT EASIER

Mytime Active is to deliver a service entitled MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutritionâ&#x20AC;Ś Do It) to residents in Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. The aim is to encourage families to make positive, healthy lifestyle choices in order to become fitter, healthier and happier. The service includes support for new mums, diet and nutrition advice for parents, interactive supermarket tours and encouraging children to get involved with physical activities. (mytimeactive.co.uk)

PENDING PROCESS

The court case prompted by a challenge brought against two future building projects by resident Simon Kverndal QC has been adjourned until September. Empire House on Chiswick High Road and the proposed building work on Essex Place and Acton Lane have each been met with resistance from residents in and around the area on the allegations that the green light given to the plans was unlawful because of a failure of substantial consultation. It is also alleged that the local planning policies that are in place were not considered during the decision-making process.

One of the main issues that the challengers have is the height of the buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; local policies are against tall buildings, which something that is relatively consistent across most of west London. Another area where the plans have caused concern is the Turnham Green Conservation area. It is alleged that the proposed buildings would damage the conservation area and residents are keen to avoid this. The ruling judge decided that, due to the many complexities and complicated planning aspects of the case, it would need a lot more time allocated to it. Empire House is due to be changed from

[NEWS]

commercial properties into residential dwellings, and 72 units are proposed for Essex Place and Acton Lane. Four residents’ associations have given their backing to the challenge of the legality of the planning: the West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society, Chiswick High Road Action Group, Friends of Turnham Green and Acton Green Residents’ Association. The case will continue next month.

triangle is run by London Wildlife Trust and this year is the first year the conservation area has been awarded with this recognition. In Hammersmith, six parks have retained their green flag status, including Brook Green, St Peter’s Square and Ravenscourt Park.

AWARD-WINNING

Chiswick High Road was last month declared a conservation area by Hounslow Council. The new zone is close to the Turnham Green conservation area and runs eastwards along the High Road. The new status means that property owners will be allowed to make small changes to their buildings, demolition now requires planning permission and new developments must

A Green Flag Award has been given to Gunnersbury Triangle. The award is recognition of the triangle being one of the best green spaces in the country. The facilities at the park include nature walks, a pond, a reserve and woodlands, which have each been taken into consideration by awarding body Keep Britain Tidy. The

(greenflagaward.org.uk)

A SPECIAL PLACE

either enhance or preserve the area. It was awarded the protected status because of its historical significance as a rare example of a boom town that emerged in the late 19th century. (hounslow.gov.uk)

PLANS DOWN THE PAN

Hammersmith and Fulham Council, along with local residents, are fighting against proposed sewer works by Thames Water. The council is calling for the company to listen to residents’ worries and find a different site that doesn’t damage neighbourhoods or ruin people’s homes. There is worry that the sewer works could seriously harm green spaces around many residential areas as well as cause disruption to neighbours. Thames Water has agreed to work with the council to find better locations for their work. (lbhf.gov.uk)

plans down the pan

JOB WELL DONE

The repair work to Grade II-listed Chiswick Bridge was formally completed last month. The work has been carried out by Transport for London in order to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge. Improved cycling and pedestrian lanes now stretch across the structure, which is 82years-old. A refurbishment was also carried out to restore its heritage features and strengthen the bridge’s parapets to prolong its life. To commemorate the repairs, a new bronze plaque has been installed on the structure and was unveiled by officials from Transport for London, Hounslow Council and Historic England. award-winning

(hounslow.gov.uk)

playhouses • castles • treehouses T: 01544 387100 www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk

[arts and exhibitions]

Paint a pretty

picture conceptual and cultural capacity. If that sounds a bit heavy for an August afternoon, head to a nearby pub afterwards for a glass of wine and look around, questioning whether things are luxurious or not. Free admission, Saturday-Thursday 10am5.30pm, Friday 10am-9.30pm, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000 (vam.ac.uk)

BP PORTRAIT AWARD 2015

Selected from a record-breaking 2,748 entries by artists from 92 countries around the world, the BP Portrait Award 2015 represents the very best in contemporary portrait painting. The work on display ranges from parents to poseurs, figurative nudes to famous faces and expressive sketches to piercing photo-realism. It’s a lot to take in, but oh-so worth it and you can expect to leave feeling as though you know each individual subject of the portraits personally. Look closely for moving eyes – you never know who’s taken a leaf out of the cartoon handbook and is spying on the crowd from

wanderlust

Throughout August WANDERLUST

A celebration of artist Joseph Cornell. This fascinating exhibition is about travel, but not of the physical kind – the work in it was influenced by Manhattan’s antiques shops and dime stores. From these secondhand shops, Cornell collected small items to create his signature glass-fronted window boxes. This travel is less about getting on a plane and flinging yourself around the globe – it’s an exploration of Cornell’s mind. If the sound of that terrifies you, we apologise.

behind the wall. As a side note, what a great place to celebrate great portraiture! Free admission, Saturday-Wednesday 10am6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-9pm, National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055 (npg.org.uk)

DESIGNS OF THE YEAR

For those with a keen eye for a wellorganised mechanical cog, a penchant for the aerodynamics of a racing bike or the gravity-defying feats of bridges, then this is the exhibition for you. With an enormous amount of brilliance on display, it’ll be hard not to tear yourself away, and there’s every chance that you’ll leave feeling as though the next best design idea could be just around the corner. From time-saving, life-changing devices to examples of downright genius, look no further than the Designs of the Year exhibition at Shad Thames. £13, children £6.50, 10am-5.45pm, Design Museum, 28 Shad Thames, SE1 2YD, 020 7940 8783 (designmuseum.org)

£11.50, Saturday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-10pm, Burlington House, W1J 0BD, 020 7300 8000 (royalacademy.org.uk)

WHAT IS LUXURY?

Is it sitting under a palm tree on white sand while sipping a gin sling? Is it a lobster swimming around in an aquarium of Champagne? Who knows, but you could be one step closer to finding out if you attend this exhibition at the V&A Museum this month. Its main aim is to address how luxury is made and understood in a physical,

The finest artistry on display across London

Combs, Hair Highway by STUDIO SWINE, what is luxury

Treading the

boards

Stage shows and musicals to keep you entertained ON THE DOORSTEP 11-29 August BRUISES

Banana and Jackie have been best friends for years, 10 in fact, and they’ve not got anywhere in life. When Jackie meets Mona, who’s a pimp and promises her the world, she leaves Banana behind who, without wanting to be left out, moves in with high-flying lawyer Justin. The two young women try to begin their new lives but find it impossible to stay apart from each other. This thought-provoking but playful production explores a taboo topic in the hope of opening a more informed dialogue. £17, concessions £15, 7.30pm, Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8995 6035 (tabardtheatre.co.uk)

CENTRAL LONDON Throughout August SINATRA: THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC

No, no, bear with us. It’s not a below-average impersonator, it’s actually Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Through the wonders of technology and the talents of a live orchestra, you can now sit (or stand, wave your hands and sing along) through a Sinatra concert – sort of. Footage will be shown of the swinging legend, some of it fascinatingly rare and unseen by most people, and a large orchestra will be playing his hits. It’ll all be accompanied by live dancing in an enormous multimedia performance and it’s the perfect opportunity to lurch back to yesteryear and swing with the king. From £14.50, Monday-Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday 3pm, London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1F 7TF, 0844 412 2704 (sinatraonstage.com)

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

‘A trivial comedy for serious people’,

SINATRA: THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC

apparently. It’s regarded as being one of Oscar Wilde’s most enduringly popular plays, with its razor-sharp wit and farcical plot creating a melting pot of on-stage brilliance. It’s a classic and we think it’s high time you dived into the frantic world of Algernon Moncrieff, Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen Fairfax. For anyone looking

to enjoy the stellar debunking of social pretensions (albeit of a different era) this is the play for you. From £45, Monday-Saturday 7.30pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm, Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, WC2R 0NH, 0844 482 9675 (importanceofearnest.com)

[theatre]

Emily Barber as Gwendolen and Michael Benz as John in The Importance of Being Earnest

6 August until 5 September HETTY FEATHER

Award-nominated and offering familyfriendly entertainment by the bucket-load, Hetty Feather is back for 40 shows, starting this month. The story comes from muchloved children’s author Jacqueline Wilson and tells the tale of brave young Hetty Feather who goes on a journey of discovery to try and find her real mother. During the production, she gets locked in an attic for a night, has to face the terrifying Matron Stinking Bottomly (something tells us she’s the villain), stumbles upon the Tanglefields

Travelling Circus and attempts to navigate the dangerous streets of Victorian London. It sounds exhausting but it’s well worth the watch and might scare the little ones into behaving for the rest of the summer holidays – you can thank us later.

Young Vic Theatre, 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ, 020 7922 2922 (youngvic.org)

From £30, Tuesday-Sunday at various times (11am, 2pm, 3.30pm), Duke of York’s Theatre,

Until 29 August IMPOSSIBLE

Until 15 August A NUMBER

This phrase is usually preceded by ‘age is but a…’ but not this time. It’s the title of Caryl Churchill’s play about a man who, for his whole life, had thought he’s an only child – until he learns the shocking truth at the age of 35. It’s said to push the boundaries of science and ethics with a twist on traditional father-son relationships, and the duo on stage are played by real life father and son John and Lex Shrapnel. It’s directed by Michael Longhurst and proves that Churchill is one of our greatest playwrights. From £10, Monday-Saturday 7.45pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday 2.45pm,

St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4BG, 0845 505 8500 (dukeofyorkstheatre.co.uk)

Impossible bills itself as the most dangerous show that London has ever seen, combining death-defying stunts, stage illusions and close-up magic, so you can rest easy that if you go and see it, you’ll be letting out a few gasps every now and then. It comes with an obvious warning attached – don’t try this at home – so for a dose of the spectacular, grab a ticket now. Performers include illusionists, escapologists, magicians and other tricksters looking to impress you this summer, and they’re only around until the end of the month when they’ll presumably disappear in a puff of smoke. From £22.25, Monday-Saturday 7.30pm, matinees Tuesday and Saturday 3pm, Nöel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4AU, 0844 482 5141 (impossiblelive.com)

IMPOSSIBLE

Music makes the world

go round

Crank up the volume for your soundtrack to August

band profile JOHN BUTLER TRIO These three fellas are an Australian roots and jam band led by award-winning musician John Butler. Their long career began when they formed in 1998 and went through a couple of personnel changes with Butler remaining at the helm throughout. The band have enjoyed success Down Under, with three of their albums, Sunrise Over Sea, Grand National and April Uprising, debuted at number one on the Australian album charts. Their sixth and most recent album, Flesh & Blood was released 18 months ago, and the trio is currently in the process of touring the world, showing the album off and playing some of their hottest tracks. This success is a happy story for Butler, who acted upon his musical ambitions by busking in Fremantle, Western Australia, before releasing a cassette he recorded himself in 1996. It was called Searching for

live show 28 August MACHEL MONTANO

Notting Hill Carnival, so the atmosphere in west London will be perfect for it. Move over pop, rock and R&B, there’s a new kid on the block and its infectious island rhythms are sure to make waves in the near future.

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Montano is determined to get soca music (a genre of Caribbean music specifically from Trinidad and Tobago) into the wider sphere of the public’s taste in tunes. His dream (and it’s a big one) is to see soca played on the radio alongside other internationally popular genres. This concert takes place at the height of the

From £51.75, 8pm, Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH, 0844 249 1000 (eventimapollo.com)

looking back

Too good to be forgotten Tom Hagues takes a look back at past summer number ones It seems that the music industry has expanded on an enormous scale with the multiple online platforms that are available for artists and music fans to use. Anyone can put up a song for everyone to listen to, release an album or imitate someone else. With so much being scattered around, it’s about time we took a look back at what was popular throughout the Augusts of yore.

SWINGING SIXTIES

Heritage and he collaborated with a couple of other musicians to hone his sound and get it just right. The track on the cassette featured percussion music and bass guitar, as well as (rather charmingly) a didgeridoo. After the trio found fame and they had extensively toured Australia with their original-sounding tracks, they started

ELVIS PRESLEY (You’re the) Devil in Disguise

This immensely popular song is one of Elvis’s veteran tracks that’s stood the test of time and is still as good now as it was in 1963. It sat at the top spot of the charts for one week, ending at the beginning of August. Cue the turning up of collars and the lip curl of Elvis wannabes all around the globe.

attracting awards. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has

them in action. £25, 26 August, 7pm, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT, 0844 477 2000 (o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk)

SONNY AND CHER I Got You Babe

One of music’s greatest duos (and possibly most parodied), Sonny and Cher have provided wedding guests with a perfect karaoke duet for decades, matched only by Elton John and Kiki Dee’s Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. I Got You Babe reigned supreme for two weeks in August 1965.

nominated them for 27 awards during their career, and now’s your chance to see

cher as she is today

[music]

The end of this song’s four-week run at number one ended on 18 August, 1966. For Beatles fans who love football, this was a very good summer as England won the world cup.

LOTS OF DENIM BOMBALURINA Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

This should come with a warning because now you’ve read those eight words in that formation, the song will be going round in your head for the rest of the day. A cheesy favourite, it spent a surprising three weeks at number one in 1990.

RONAN KEATING When You Say Nothing At All

Keating’s solo career led him to two weeks at number one with this hit in August 1999. A true ’90s act, his distinctive voice was famously parodied (exceptionally well) by Jennifer Saunders during a series of their popular television sketch show French and Saunders.

THE IRON LADY ERA ABBA The Winner Takes It All

The group that inspired that feel-goodsickly musical film with Meryl Streep in it had several number ones in the 1980s. The Winner Takes It All was the Swedish quartet’s August hit, maintaining the top spot for two magically musical weeks.

THE BEATLES Yellow Submarine

DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS AND THE EMERALD EXPRESS Come on Eileen

madonna

RICK ASTLEY Never Gonna Give You Up

With an impressive four weeks at number one in August 1982, it comes as no surprise that this track was the best-selling single for the entire year. A beat-heavy, perfect-for-amass-singalong, stomping track, Come on Eileen is up there with the best of ’em.

Now used to ‘Rick Roll’ people on the internet, this song was actually the bestselling track of 1987. It was at number one for a whopping five weeks and, since the song is still getting played (in some way), it proves that Astley doesn’t give up easily.

MILLENIALS

MADONNA Into the Groove

BLAZIN’ SQUAD Crossroads

This was Madge’s first number one in the UK ( four weeks ending August 1985) and offered the nation a glimpse into what was to come for the next fistful of decades.

Crossroads was at number one for a week in August 2002, giving the members of Blazin’ Squad something to look back on fondly. Research shows that the band have new day jobs – one of them is a media manager at the BBC and one fits double glazing for a living.

SUGABABES Round Round

This was the heyday for the Sugababes, with six number ones between 2000 and 2009. In August 2002, they impressed the country with Round Round.

SPILLER FEAT SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)

ronan keating

West London’s very own Sophie Ellis-Bextor isn’t shy of a few number ones, but in August 2000, a collaboration with Spiller proved to become one of her most well-known hits that still gets played today.

sophie ellis-bextor

[FILM]

There’s still time to purchase some

refreshments Ritchie does best: action-comedy. Think Lock Stock but set in the ’60s.

Afghanistan returns to his home country and is adopted by his handler’s family after suffering a traumatic experience. He behaves badly because of the stress it caused him until he meets young Justin, the only person who can calm and care for him. For a tear-jerking story about friendship and the devotion of man’s best friend, look no further.

17 August PAPER TOWNS

Directed by Jake Schreier Starring Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne and Halston Sage Hold your horses, Cara Delevingne is taking a break from the catwalk and the Metro’s ‘Guilty Pleasures’ pages to star in a film. It’s about a young man who embarks on a road trip to find the missing girl who lived next door. It’s based on John Green’s best-selling novel about young Quentin discovering that, in order to track down his missing neighbour, he has to find a deeper understanding of true friendship.

fantastic four

14 August MISTRESS AMERICA

6 August FANTASTIC FOUR

Directed by Noah Baumbach Starring Seth Barrish, Juliet Brett and Michael Chernus A lonely young woman going through the trials and tribulations of her first year at college has her life turned upside-down by her adventurous and impetuous soon-tobe stepsister. This American comedy has a relatively unknown cast and will be a refreshing chance to watch something that doesn’t have the usual stars in its lead roles.

Directed by Josh Trank Starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara and Michael B Jordan The world is under siege from this quartet’s friend-turned-enemy ( frienemy) in this summertime blockbuster. The four of them teleport to an alternative universe much more dangerous than their own (thankfully, otherwise it would be pretty dull to watch) and because of the teleportation, their bodies are transformed in unusual ways. They have to learn to control and use their new abilities to eliminate threats to Earth.

27 August HITMAN: AGENT 47

Directed by Aleksander Bach Starring Zachary Quinto, Rupert Friend and Hannah Ware Agent 47 has been genetically engineered to be the perfect killing machine and is known only by the last two numbers of the barcode on the back of his neck. He is the result of decades of research and 46 previous (but failed) assassins and he boasts unbeatable strength, stamina and intelligence. After teaming up with a woman to defeat their shared foes, Agent 47 begins to learn a little more about his origins.

mistress america

14 August THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. max © 2015 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND MGM PICTURES INC. (THE UNIVERSE EXCLUDING MGM RETAINED TERRITORIES) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2015 MGM PICTURES INC. AND WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. (MGM RETAINED TERRITORIES) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTO CREDIT: KENT SMITH

7 August MAX

Directed by Boaz Yakin Starring Thomas Haden Church, Josh Wiggins, Luke Kleintank A dog that helped United States Marines in

Directed by Guy Ritchie Starring Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer Guy Ritchie’s latest film follows CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop an international criminal organisation that’s dealing in the dodgy business of nuclear weapons and technology. The film does what

Enrapturing movie magic this month

hitman: agent 47

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Keeping up with

the smiths

Annabel Harrison meets Chiswick residents Tamara Heber-Percy MBE and James Lohan MBE, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind luxury travel brand Mr & Mrs Smith

f you were sitting next to Tamara and James in a hotel restaurant, you’d think they were just another normal couple away for the weekend, enjoying a glass of wine and each other’s company. However, in reality, they’ve got what many of us would deem a pretty perfect setup. Although they’re now based in leafy Chiswick with their two children – living a happy, outdoorsy, south-west London family life – Tamara and James met in Ibiza in 1996, fell in love and subsequently discovered that they were both best at assessing the relative merits of the UK’s most romantic, unique, mysterious and mischievous boutique hotels and boltholes. So they decided to publish a guidebook to share some of their insights with couples seeking the same kind of trip – and attention to detail – and they realised they had found their niche. Now, nine books, 950 hotels and nearly a million members later, the ‘hobby’ has become a real business success story and a trusted brand with a tongue-in-cheek

tone. Mr & Mrs Smith is ‘all about romantic escapes with your other half; a wink to couples everywhere who fancy checking into a fabulous hotel under this classic naughtyweekend pseudonym’. Tamara and James are opening an office in LA this summer as well as releasing an app and revamping their website. They’re still happily married despite having worked together for 12 years (which would sound the death knell for many relationships) and they were both awarded an MBE last year for services to the travel industry. Any qualms I have about the approachability of such high-fliers dissipate the moment I meet the real-life Mr & Mrs Smith in their west London office; they are unassumingly charming and friendly. Cool, young staff troop out of the white meeting room as we settle down in front of a huge red lightbulb-studded ‘Smith’ logo in their signature font on the wall. It is immediately clear that Tamara and James serve their customers so brilliantly because the company was born out of

delivering a service they wanted for themselves, and they’ve never lost sight of that. ‘We couldn’t find a guidebook to advise us on what we were looking for,’ says James, ‘which was weekends away. I was trying to impress Tam when we were dating and it all went horribly wrong, courtesy of some guidebooks that I won’t name. We did our own guidebook as a fun thing which we thought we’d sell to a publisher and then get on with our day jobs again.’ James puts their success down to passion and teamwork. ‘We’re doing something we love and it’s helped that we’ve been doing it together.’ Their timing helped matters too. Over the course of the past three decades, the hospitality industry has changed massively. No longer will we accept UHT milk, the absence of duvets and hairdryers attached to the wall, which Tamara reminds me was once the norm, and no longer do we settle for a hotel just because it has a ubiquitous brand name. Thanks to the internet, there is now, quite literally, a world of choice. The term ‘boutique hotel’ was

They’re still happily married despite having worked together for 12 years first used by Steve Rubell when he opened Morgans Hotel with Ian Shrager in 1984, and it is in these that team Smith specialises. ‘If you’re looking for something unique and special, rather than cookie-cutter luxury or the obvious options, then you’re a Mr & Mrs Smith customer,’ James affirms. ‘We’re here to champion those special places with heart and soul, or hosts that are real characters, and which show real inventiveness,’ Tamara

[LOCAL PEOPLE]

adds, ‘and the travellers who like us are the ones who go to these places and value that.’ Let’s face it; if you want to spoil your loved one with a surprise weekend away, you need to know that the website and pictures tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Is my exceptional room really exceptional? Is the room service as great as they say it is? Can I charge my phone without having to plug it in under a table? ‘There are a million touch points during a stay,’ says James, ‘and at the best hotels you don’t even notice them.’ So what hospitality errors drive Mr and Mrs Smith mad? ‘Hotels have jumped on the technology bandwagon, but some go overboard,’ says Tamara. ‘That’s annoying. James is really particular about lighting…’ and ‘music as well!’ he chips in. ‘The places that are great are where you don’t notice the lighting or seating. If you’re fidgeting it’s because something hasn’t been designed or thought through correctly. I don’t like over-service either; I don’t want to be asked constantly how my food is – I’m on a date with my wife, not with you! I like thoughtful or surprising touches, like hot-water bottles in the bed on a cold night.’ The devil is indeed in the detail. Having visited so much of the world, what is it that brought the jet-setting duo to Chiswick? ‘We moved here because we were growing up and having kids – we used to live on a boat! – and we love the parks here; Kew Gardens, Chiswick House, for the café and now BMX-ing’, says James. ‘And we love the river, too, from Kensington and Chelsea through Hammersmith, Chiswick and Barnes’, Tamara adds. ‘It’s the most picturesque, beautiful, serene part of the river in London. Anywhere along that part you can feel like you’re in the countryside.’ James points out that proximity to Heathrow and the West Country is also a big plus. So finally, I ask, can the couple who have been there, done that and bought the wall hangings really choose a favourite country? Tamara replies at once. ‘Brazil, the lungs of the world, for the climate, diversity and Rio – it’s just amazing.’ James is just as passionate: ‘I love Ibiza the most! We met there, and years ago I used to run nightclubs and DJ. Now we go as a family. I can’t think of another island where, within a 40-minute drive, you can see and do as much.’ Their website lists 11 properties in Brazil and three in Ibiza, so follow in the footsteps of Mr & Mrs Smith; you can’t do much better than that if you’re in determined pursuit of boutique perfection. To book, call 0330 100 3180 or visit the website (mrandmrssmith.com)

Blakes Hotel, london

The Ampersand, london

The Kensington Hotel, london

Plenty of pain and lashings

of gain

Tom Hagues is put through his paces during a circuit session at PureGym in Hammersmith

get bored very easily when it comes to exercising. Using a running machine is best for me because it’s difficult to get off once it has started going, and some of them have television screens to distract you while you run. Ah, the 21st century. Weight-lifting and toning exercises are the dullest in my mind, and I often find motivation hits me for about two lifts and then I want to go and do something else, like swimming or eating a huge plate of cheese and biscuits. It’s for this reason that PureGym’s function room, down in the basement, offers the perfect fitness class for me.

I’m taken down to where I’ll be put through a rigorous regime and meet my classmates – a few apprehensive-looking women – and admire the selection of fitness weaponry laid out before us. In the middle of the space is a steel frame with various implements hanging off it: TRX straps, a pole with a heavy disc at one end and a weird furry rope. Surrounding the frame are many other items of cellulite’s terror: bench presses, medicine balls, squatting pads and a long ream of rope tied to the ground at one end. I eye the items suspiciously and join my sporting comrades in looking apprehensive. We begin by running around the perimeter

of the room and every now and then our instructor gets us to squat, hop up and start running again. This is the warm-up and, when it’s over, we’re ordered to reduce our pace to walking and circling the items. As we walk around, our instructor stands in the middle and walks to each item and explains what it is and what we have to do. I feel like we’re in a musical and expect to be told to start clicking my fingers with each step of our march. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen and we have to move on to our first post. ‘Forty-five seconds on each step with 15 seconds rest between,’ says Mr Motivator. ‘Go!’ he barks. And so it begins.

[health and fitness]

up and down again a fair few times. One of my classmates leans into my vicinity while holding onto the TRX straps. ‘This killed me last week,’ she pants. I nod in admiration of the fact that she has returned.

STEP EIGHT: MEDICINE BALL

I pick the ball up and throw it down as hard as possible. It’s heavy and I’m making a lot of noise, but it’s one of the easier ones so I don’t complain.

STEP NINE: ROPE WAVING

pushups

STEP ONE: PUSHUPS

I get on the mat, full of enthusiasm. I’ve got to push up with one hand on the ground and one hand on the half-yoga ball contraption laid out at the top end of the mat. I’ve got to swap from hand to hand after each set, which is remarkably more difficult than I had anticipated. Other people have started on more difficult stations and I pity them for their poor decision-making skills.

STEP TWO: HAND WEIGHTS

I lie on my back on the weight-lifting chair (you’ll notice that my sporting vocabulary is limited) and heave the little dumbbells up above me and down again. Only 45 seconds of this, I think. It’s not too bad and I’m enjoying the fact that I’m being moved around and not stuck doing one thing.

the building’s electricity.

STEP FOUR: FURRY ROPE

I stand at this one throughout my 15-second break with my hands on my hips and a look of curiosity on my face. Oh well, I think, here goes. The set begins and I pull the furry rope down towards me. It’s on a loop, so the rope never runs out and our instructor comes over and tells me to do it harder. The pain kicks in and I have to imagine I’m on a ship sailing through bath-warm waters in the Caribbean to get through it. Who knew this would be so tough?

STEP FIVE: SQUAT PUSH-UPS

I get to this one, turn around and lean against the raised metal platform. I push my already-aching arm muscles to do their thing and the endorphins begin to flow through my body and, lo and behold, I’m thoroughly enjoying my beating.

STEP SIX: TRX PULL-UPS

STEP THREE: WEIGHTED POLE

I’ve done some TRX exercising before, so I saunter to this station with misguided confidence. I begin to pull up, leaning back as far as possible, and find it rather easy. That is, of course, because I’m doing it wrong. A teacher-like voice appears at my ear and tells me how to do it properly and I realise it’s not as easy as I thought.

I stand over the pole and pant a little bit. This is hard work. The next 45 seconds commence, so I have to bend my legs, push my shoulders back and pull the loose end of the weighted pole towards me. I feel and look as though I’m operating some sort of pump, and I consider the possibility that I’m creating the power for

Hopping onto the little platform for this one is fine, realising it’s on springs is not so good. Using my core strength, I balance the board and squat down as low as possible. Back

hand weights

STEP SEVEN: SQUAT BALANCE

I pick up the two-strands rope and see that the other two ends meet at the middle in a hook anchoring it to the ground. For this one I have to wriggle the ropes fast and hard, causing them to ripple and wave all the way along like you used to do with skipping ropes at school. I look like a two-tentacled, sweaty creature. This is easily the worst one.

STEP TEN: GRASSHOPPERS

This requires no equipment apart from a mat. Down onto my forearms I go and bring each knee up alongside my hip one at a time without them touching the ground.

STEP ELEVEN: CORE STRENGTHENING

I climb onto a backwards-sloping platform with my legs tucked in at the top end. Here I hold my hands behind my head and slowly rotate around in a circle, giving my abs an admittedly good workout.

STEP TWELVE: LEG RAISES

I always think this movement is good for people exercising at home, but at this point I have no time for thinking about anything other than how tired I am. I lie on my back and raise my legs off the floor and lower them again between a 45-degree angle.

STEP THIRTEEN: BUNNY HOPS

The last step. I hop to my heart’s content for 45 seconds and collapse into a heap when the time’s up but, to my absolute horror, we’re told to start again. I take a deep breath, move to the push-up section where I began and, holding back a tear or two, begin the first of my second round of circuit training. For membership prices and class information, see the website. PureGym, 242 Shepherd’s Bush Road, W6 7NL, 0845 683 8456 (puregym.com)

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[POLITICS]

hp source:

henry hopwood-phillips reports on local issues

back in the black? Henry Hopwood-Phillips takes a look at the latest budget

The Treasury building

Overview

Borrowing is expected to fall from £69.5billion this year to £43.1billion, £24.3billion and then £6.4billion, before reaching a £10billion surplus in 2019-20. The economy grew three per cent in 2014 and is due to grow by 2.3 per cent in both 2015 and 2016. Debt as a share of GDP is due to fall from 80.3 per cent this year, to 79.1 per cent, 77.2 per cent, 74.7 per cent, 71.5 per cent and 68.5 per cent in the following years.

Summary

• New national wage From £7.20 per hour in April 2016 to over £9 per hour in 2020. • The Government aims to hit a surplus in 2019-20 At current deficit reduction rates (one per cent of GDP per annum) a surplus should be achieved in five years time. • Personal tax-free allowance increase The allowance will be increased from £10,600 now to £11,000 in April 2016. • The welfare state budget will be reduced

to make it more affordable Working-age benefits, tax credits and local housing allowance will be frozen for four years. Household benefit cap will be reduced to £20,000 (£23,000 in London). • Home-exempt inheritance tax From April 2017 the family home can be passed on from generation to generation without being affected by the current tax (40 per cent on estates over the tax-free allowance of £325,000 per person). • Higher rate threshold increased Amount people earn before being taxed at 40 per cent will be increased from £42,385 to £43,000. There are plans to increase it to £50,000 by 2020. • Permanent non-dom status ended From 2017 anyone who’s been resident in the UK for 15 of the past 20 years will be considered UK domiciled for tax purposes. • Three million new apprenticeships These apprenticeships will be created by 2020, funded by a levy on large employers. • Student finance From the 2016-17 academic year a new maintenance loan will replace student grants. Loans will be paid back when graduates earn more than £21,000. • Housing Developers will receive automatic planning permission on all brownfield sites. • Corporation tax will be cut To 19 per cent in 2017 and 18 per cent in 2020. • Public sector This sector’s pay will increase by one per cent each year for the next four years.

the Treasury will be able to raise significant sums from tax compliance activity. • Higher spending? Over the next five years in parliament £83.3billion more is now being allocated to government departments than in March.

Responses

This is a double-edged Budget for business. Firms will welcome measures to balance the books and boost investment, but they will be concerned by legislating for wage increases they may not be able to deliver. -John Cridland, Director General, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) The Budget contains a package of tax increases that will raise £47bn... The tax increases are roughly twice the size of the tax cuts in aggregate. - Robert Chote, Chairman of Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)

fun facts This is the first fully Conservative budget since November 1996. It’s George Osborne’s seventh budget. At the Budget speech, the Chancellor is allowed to drink alcohol. George Osborne and his predecessor, Alistair Darling, have both preferred mineral water. Hours after the Budget announcement, the Institute for Fiscal Studies branded the

Controversies

• Compliance myth? The Office for Budget Responsibility also doubts whether ‘it is reasonable’ to expect

budget ‘regressive’ and the Treasury sent a test email by mistake to journalists saying ‘Blah, blah, blah’

Keeping an eye

on things

Tom Hagues gets to know all about the Hammersmith Society, from its work with local planning authorities to its award ceremonies honouring nuggets of architectural greatness in W6

t’s mid-July when I catch up with the Hammersmith Society’s chairman, Tom Ryland. We meet in LaLa just outside of Hammersmith Tube station and I’m ready to absorb all there is to know about the society and its work. It’s more than 50 years old, founded in 1962, and has made a considerable impact on

the urban environment in its decadesold history. The main aim of the group, I’m told, is to preserve and enhance the architecture and the urban environment in various ways. Firstly, it attempts to achieve its aims through promoting public interest in an improved townscape and secondly, it campaigns and works with

hammersmith tube station and 10 hammersmith grove from beadon road

the public and relevant authorities (both local and national). It’s mostly concerned with planning, the environment, transport, homes, open spaces and employment opportunities, but it works on other schemes as well. The Hammersmith Society has an annual awards ceremony and this is where I begin

[LOCAL SOCIETY]

involved with local policy.’ The Society works hard at making sure buildings aren’t more than 20-storeys high – it’s an important aspect of what the group does. Tom tells me about the rigmarole of the hierarchy of documents that the group has to read and wise-up on and I enquire as to whether the Society has to request these important pages or whether they’re sent out automatically to the group to look at. ‘Certainly on all the major local ones we get consulted,’ he replies. The Society has a good standing in the eyes of the authorities then, I ask? ‘Yes, I think we do. I think the authorities know that we have a history spanning 50 years of being a pretty well-informed group – there are always a number of architects and other professionals as members. Sometimes some of our suggestions aren’t taken on board, but generally we’re listened to.’ Is the Society working on anything The awards are based mainly on architecture with the authorities at the moment? ‘Not and can be given to a building based on the specifically. We’re continuing to work on criteria it fills within each award category – things in the town centre where most of for example the Conservation Award. our interest lies and we’re always ‘The awards are normally given keeping an eye on building because of what the outside looks height. There are proposals like, so we don’t have to gain at the moment to have a access to interiors or anything To become a member of the Hammersmith Society, 30-storey building erected like that,’ Tom tells me. It all it costs £5 for a single annual and the reason we’re trying sounds like a fairly simple membership and £6 for to resist that is because process, but I can’t help but annual family memberships it can be seen from the notice that there’s an interior river, which of course is a in the winning collection this conservation site,’ Tom says. year. It’s the Hammersmith I decide it’s time for some Apollo and it won a special award trivia and ask Tom if he can highlight for the design of its cavernous interior any particular places in the area that really that’s usually home to A-list musicians, but sum Hammersmith up as a place. He pauses Tom tells me: ‘That was a one off, really.’ to think (this is when I realise that it’s In terms of deciding the winning nominations, Tom tells me that: ‘It’s a lot like a jury system. It’ll start by asking if there are any specific things anyone would like to argue for and the overall list is usually about 20. We quickly get down to a shortlist of some that we think are worthy and others that aren’t.’ As with any judging system, there are often times where some people think one thing and others think another. ‘The people who feel strongly about a building scheme that’s been nominated will have to make some comments about it and sometimes people’s views will change. We’ve had instances where people have thought that something’s not right for an award, but then after hearing some impassioned statements, they will then vote for it. It can be quite interesting.’ Moving on to the society’s day-to-day work, I ask Tom if it’s fair to say that the society is there to keep an eye on new developments and new schemes. ‘Yes,’ he says, ‘and most of our business is getting villas in st peter’s square my line of rigorous questioning. ‘There’s a panel that looks at the suggestions for the awards,’ Tom tells me. ‘We’ll normally gather around May time and get all the nominations together to discuss them and we present the awards at our Annual General Meeting, which happens in June.’

The Hammersmith Society is always on hand to make sure nothing dramatic happens to the local area

lyric square

quite a big question) and comes up with some good answers. ‘St Peter’s Square – a development built in the early 19th century is a pretty good example of a garden city. The square garden looks private but it’s actually public. The riverside walk is a wonderful sequence of spaces and the pubs and the houses down towards and Fulham, some of which are very historic and distinct. And then I suppose I’ve always liked Shepherd’s Bush Green and the funny mix of buildings surrounding it. The terrace on the northern side is really nice and the western side has that lovely collection of theatres. I like that whole area.’ It seems, like a lot of residents’ associations and local societies, the Hammersmith Society is always on hand to make sure nothing dramatic happens to the local area. Hammersmith is known and loved for its traditional, west London look and feel and the Hammersmith Society is keen to keep it that way. (hammersmithsociety.wordpress.com)

[LOCAL CAMPAIGN]

A famous

face We find out about poet Cahal Dallat’s campaign to erect a W.B. Yeats statue in Bedford Park How did the idea for the statue come about? Is it something that you’ve thought about for a long time?

I’ve been aware of the Yeats/Bedford Park connection since schooldays. I’ve lived a few streets from the Yeats’ houses for the last three decades or so, but it’s only in the past 15 years that I’ve been lecturing on the role Bedford Park played in Yeats’ development, an influence not much explored by most Yeatsian academics. I started leading an annual ‘Yeats Walk’ from Ravenscourt Park via Upper Mall and Chiswick Mall to Woodstock and Blenheim Road. I was always slightly disappointed there was nothing more to prove Yeats’ presence than a plaque on one of the houses the family lived in, so I got to thinking not so much that Bedford Park should ‘honour’ Yeats, more that Yeats should ‘honour’ Bedford Park – that the area should make more of the Yeats connection and advertise what a community can do for an aspiring artist.

Do you think that there’s much influence from Bedford Park in Yeats’ work?

None of Yeats’ poems are set in Bedford Park but the ideas that were around in this first ‘garden suburb’ find an echo in his early poems about queens, jesters, lutes and troubadours. Apart from flourishing in that ‘poetic’ atmosphere, the very fact of living in London and longing for his maternal grandfather’s home in Sligo, Ireland, where he’d spent childhood holidays, allowed Yeats to produce the perfect poem of longing, The Lake Isle of Innisfree, which was inspired by listening to the river water lapping past Chiswick Eyot, and written upstairs at number 3 Blenheim Road.

Keane reading ‘his’ W.B. Yeats, I’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support from local community and conservation organisations – many are keen to provide input, advice and help; from organisations outside Chiswick such as the Irish Embassy and the W.B. Yeats Society of New York, USA, and from individual poets, writers, historians and academics.

What do you need for the statue to go ahead?

With key patrons and supporting organisations already lining up, we’re now forming an action committee and putting structures in place so that we can formally invite sponsors to make financial commitments. We’re not at the ‘financial’ phase yet, but all interest is welcome.

Do you think many residents are aware of the link between Bedford Park and Yeats?

I believe there’s an awareness, but I don’t think most people understand the part Bedford Park played in turning the dreamer into a great poet: not just one of the most popular in the English language but one of

Has the campaign received a lot of support?

Since announcing the idea at a #Yeats2015 event at St Michael & All Angels Church with journalist and broadcaster Fergal

Bedford Park

the most significant in the 20th century.

What’s your favourite Yeats poem(s) or work?

It’s hard to resist The Lake Isle of Innisfree, the ultimate poem of exile and so specifically Chiswick-related. It’s hard to avoid the political power of Easter 1916. Both it and Innisfree are poems my grandfather recited. An Irish Airman Foresees His Death was one of the first poems I set to music in my folk-group years but the drama-critic in me insists it has to be Lapis Lazuli, one of Yeats’ last poems written in the run-up to the World War Two and a sweeping reflection on time, art, drama and politics.

Has Yeats influenced you?

A few lines here or there in my poems acknowledge the fact that Yeats’ lines are among the most quoted in English next to Shakespeare. I believe Yeats allows everyone to dream, of being a poet perhaps, or of something else entirely, and what places like late 19th century Bedford Park do, is allow dreamers to achieve their dream. (cahaldallat.com)

[LETTERS]

Word on

THE STREET CRISIS MANAGEMENT

CYCLE HIGHWAY

I’m getting married this time next year and already there are multiple complications that I hadn’t foreseen. I really need some advice regarding family members who don’t get along and the best way to deal with such a situation. I’ll spare you the petty details, but I need to know whether to invite the troublemakers and seat them as far away from each other as possible, or not invite either of them so I don’t have to spend the entire duration of my special day worrying about anyone having an embarrassing bust-up and spoiling the memory for me. I don’t want to upset anyone by not inviting them, but I also don’t want my wedding day to turn into a brawl! - Soon-to-be Mrs Sands

I’ve been meaning to go on a tour of the cycle highways around London, and the nicest one I went on was the one that goes through Tooting. I very rarely go to that part of London, but decided to give it a go after hearing good things. It was fun and it meant we got to explore south of the river a bit more. I’m not sure it’s the most familyfriendly one, what with the busy roads, but for adults trying to commute or travel a fair distance, it’s pretty impressive. - Mr de Rossi

crisis management

either, or

refuse bags and put it out to be collected with the kerbside waste collection, but I think that is unnecessary. I would much rather collect it all up and compost it at the bottom of our garden – we have a secluded part with a shed and it is the best place for such an operation. Can anyone tell us whose solution is best? - Mr Blacksmith

TICK-TOCK Thanks very much to Michael, the gentleman who saw me drop my watch in a puddle of water and then recommended the best place to get it fixed. Your reassurances put me at ease and you were right – the guys in the shop really did know what they were doing! - Mrs Sanjit

EITHER, OR My wife and I were bickering the other day about what to do with the garden waste I’d spent all weekend accumulating. In her eyes, the best solution is to bag it up in those big plastic

tick-tock

PEDESTRIAN PROBLEMS There are too many issues with the paving on some of the local residential roads. I walk along my street every morning to get to the bus stop and I have to really watch my step, otherwise I know I’ll trip over a tree root that’s protruding from the pavement. Surely the council can do something about this problem; it’s not as though it’s a little issue – someone could get seriously hurt. - Mrs Bois

pedestrian problems

The most pressing issues from west London residents

pick it up

PICK IT UP Do people really need to leave their newspapers at the end of escalators? What’s so hard about carrying it the last few yards and using one of the many bins dotted around Tube stations? The other day an escalator stopped because someone had left a newspaper lying around and, of course, it blew away and got trapped in the teeth of the stairs. Have some consideration for other Tube users, please. - Mr Woods

WHEN I’M CLEANIN’ WINDOWS I loathe getting up the ladder to clean the windows of my house, especially since they just get dirty again. Does anyone know of a good window-cleaner who can come round every six weeks to keep them clear as day? - Mr D’Olivier

when i’m cleanin’ windows

If you have anything you’d like to share, ask or say, email us at chiswick.bg@residentsjournal.co.uk, write to us at Runwild Media Group, 6th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX or tweet us @ChiswickWestJ

The Avenue, Chiswick W4 A delightful five bedrooom, Grade II semi-detached house in Bedford Park This wonderful family home is ideally located in the prestigious Bedford Park Conservation Area, designed by E J May. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, wet room, dining room, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, large reception room, study/playroom, cellar, front garden, rear garden, off street parking. EPC: D. Approximately 222 sq m (2,390 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £2,450,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150100

The Avenue- cbg

23/07/2015 10:03:14

:14

Montrose Villas, London W6 A delightful four bedroom Georgian terraced house, just off Chiswick Mall This charming period property is ideally located is situated directly opposite Hammersmith Terrace, a continuation of Chiswick Mall, less than 100m away from the River Thames. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, WC, dressing room, large open plan reception, modern kitchen/breakfast room, front & rear garden. EPC: E. Approximately 176.71 sq m (1,902 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £1,799,950

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150112

Motnrose- c&bg aug 2015

23/07/2015 11:30:44

Kew Bridge Road, Brentford TW8 An outstanding three double bedroom apartment by Kew Bridge This three bedroom apartment is set within a highly sought after exclusive development next to Kew Bridge and boasts enviable views of the River Thames. 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, WC, kitchen, reception/dining room, 3 south facing balconies, 24 hour concierge, residents fitness suite and private parking. EPC: B. Approximately 161.41 sq m (1,737 sq ft). Leasehold

Guide price: £1,499,999

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150143

Kew Bridge Road- 2 bed- c&bg aug 2015

23/07/2015 09:51:13

Joh

:13

John Bull Place, Chiswick W4 Four newly built three bedroom houses within an exclusive development Four architect designed three bedroom homes, recently constructed to the highest of standards. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, downstairs WC, large open plan reception, kitchen, rear garden, allocated parking. EPC: B. Approximately 102 sq m (1,100 sq ft). Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

Guide prices from: £985,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150086

John Bull Place- c&bg aug 2015 v2

23/07/2015 12:42:19

Aintree Lodge, Chiswick W4 A delightful two bedroom detached lodge in a quiet residential development This well presented two bedroom lodge is surrounded by mature gardens, giving a wonderful sense of privacy. The property is situated just south of Turnham Green with the delights of the shops, bars and restaurants of Chiswick High Road close by. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, reception room, 3 south facing balconies, garden, garage. EPC: E. Approximately 86.52 sq m (931 sq ft). Leasehold

Guide price: £950,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150035

Aintree Lodge- c&bg aug 2015

22/07/2015 15:49:16

:16

Chiswick High Road, Chiswick W4 An immaculate two bedroom flat in the heart of Chiswick The property is a short walk to Turnham Green Terrace underground Station (District and Piccadilly lines). 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception and an open plan kitchen. This second floor flat features stylish furniture, wooden floors, built-in storage and high quality kitchen and bathroom. EPC: C. Approximately 66.9 sq m (720 sq ft) Available furnished Guide price: £525 per week Knightfrank.co.uk/CHQ221782

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings chiswicklettings@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

CBG 156 SSA Lettings - Chiswick High Road final

22/07/2015 11:40:04

savills.co.uk

STRIKING EDWARDIAN HOUSE WITH INCREDIBLE DESIGN AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL twyford avenue, w3 2 reception rooms ø study ø kitchen/dining/ family room ø 7 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø further shower room ø utility room ø cinema ø west-facing garden ø off-street parking ø 315 sq m (3,391 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £2.35 million Freehold

Savills Ealing Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 8018 7100

UNIQUE CONVERTED GRADE II* LISTED CHAPEL WITH COMMUNAL GARDEN east churchfield road, w3 Grade II* Listed ø reception room ø study ø kitchen/dining room ø 2 bedroom suites ø cloakroom ø cellar ø communal gardens ø patio ø 100 sq m (1,076 sq ft)

Guide £975,000 Share of Freehold

Savills Ealing Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 8018 7100

savills.co.uk

ELEGANT HOUSE WITH A STUNNING ROOF GARDEN hammersmith grove, w6 Double reception room ø study ø dining room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 5 bedrooms ø bathroom ø 2 shower rooms ø garden ø roof terrace ø 275 sq m (2,960 sq ft) ø EPC=F

Guide £3.6 million Freehold

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 3618 3777

NEWLY REFURBISHED THREE BEDROOM MAISONETTE IN BROOK GREEN gratton road, w14 Conservatory style reception room ø open plan kitchen/breakfast room ø 3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø 164 sq m (1,765 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.5 million Share of Freehold

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Natalie Sims nsims@savills.com

020 3618 3777

savills.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL HOUSE WITH PARKING AND SOUTH-WEST FACING GARDEN emlyn road, w12 Double reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø 5 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø shower room ø utility room ø cloakroom ø 111 ft south-west facing garden ø garage ø off-street parking ø 183 sq m (1,970 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.9 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Joe Williams jwilliams@savills.com

020 8987 5550

STYLISH TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT WITH SOUTHFACING ROOF TERRACE oxford road south, w4 Reception room ø kitchen/dining area ø 2 double bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø garden ø roof terrace ø off-street parking ø 94 sq m (1,012 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £850,000 Share of Freehold

Savills Chiswick Emma Sims esims@savills.com

020 8987 5550

L L O

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

ELEGANT SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE girdlers road, w14 5/6 bedrooms ø 5 bathrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø open plan kitchen/dining room ø west-facing garden ø self contained one bedroom flat ø 363 sq m (3,908 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

Unfurnished £2,950 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Ben Charlsey bcharlsley@savills.com

020 3618 3785

FABULOUS NEWLY REFURBISHED VICTORIAN HOUSE blythe road, w14 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ø bathroom ø shower room ø reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø utility room ø garden ø 194 sq m (2,024 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

Unfurnished £1,600 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Ben Charlsey bcharlsley@savills.com

020 3618 3785 *£36 reference *£36 inc inc VAT VAT for for each eachadditional additionaltenant/occupant/guarantor tenant/occupant/ where required. Inventory check out fee Inventory - charged at the end of or early guarantor reference where required. check termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property out fee – charged at the end of or early termination size andtenancy whetherand furnished/unfurnished. For more details including of the the amount is dependent on the propertyinventory size andfee, whether furnished/unfurnished. example For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees. visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

WELL PRESENTED FAMILY HOUSE WITH OFF-STREET PARKING grosvenor road, w4 5 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø cloakroom ø south-facing garden ø off-street parking ø 206.33 sq m (2,221 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=G

Unfurnished £1,400 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Chiswick Joanna Read jgread@savills.com

020 8987 5550

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOUSE WITH SUPERB GARDEN wellesley road, w4 5 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø utility room ø guest cloakroom ø garden ø 173.22 sq m (1,865 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=F

Unfurnished £1,150 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Chiswick Joanna Read jgread@savills.com

020 8987 5550 *£36 reference *£36 inc inc VAT VAT for for each eachadditional additionaltenant/occupant/guarantor tenant/occupant/ where required. Inventory check out fee Inventory - charged at the end of or early guarantor reference where required. check termination of the tenancy dependent on the property out fee – charged at the and endthe of amount or early istermination size andtenancy whetherand furnished/unfurnished. For more details including of the the amount is dependent on the propertyinventory size andfee, whether furnished/unfurnished. example For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees. visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

L L O

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

AN ELEGANT SEMI-DETACHED SIX BEDROOM HOUSE mulgrave road, w5 5 double bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bedroom 6/study ø 3 bathrooms ø reception room/kitchen ø dining room ø garden ø off-street parking for up to 4 cars ø 267.53 sq m (2,880 sq ft) ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=C

Savills Ealing Mark Hoskin mhoskin@savills.com

020 8018 7090

Flexible furnishings £1,153 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* *£36inc incVAT VATfor foreach each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor whereInventory required. Inventory out fee end – charged at termination the end of or early termination *£36 additional tenant/occupant/guarantor referencereference where required. check out fee -check charged at the of or early of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees. of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details including example inventory fee, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

ASBOSCOMBE H C H U R C H T EROAD R R AC EW12 W12 ££350 1 2 0 0 PW P W // £1516 5 2 0 0 PPCM CM •• •• •• •• ••

charming and spacious ground floorhouse flat AAsuperbly designed and finished family double bedroom 4 1double bedrooms 2 Bathroom bathrooms (1 en suite to master) Reception room Further shower room en suite Kitchen / breakfast room Cloakroom

•• •• •• •• ••

High ceilings Reception room Leafy outlook rear space Modern kitchenat / dining Original period detail Good storage Available unfurnished / part furnished Good sizedimmediately garden 614 sq sq ft ft // 181 57 sq EPC --ED 1948 sqm mapprox. approx. EPC

FO R SALE

ASNASMYTH H C H U R C H TSTREET E R R AC EW6 W12 £1,200,000 £ 1 2 0 0 P W /FREEHOLD 5200 PCM • • • • • • • • • •

larger Brackenbury Village cottage with huge potential AAsuperbly designed and finished family house doublebedrooms bedrooms 43double 2Bathroom bathrooms (1 en suite to master) Doubleshower reception room Further room en suite Kitchen / breakfast room Cloakroom

• • • • • • • • • •

Lovely lawned Reception roomgarden Wide side return area space Modern kitchen / dining Potential to add additional floor STPP Good storage Quietsized street within outstanding school catchments Good garden 1023sq sqftft/ /181 95 sq sq m m approx. approx.EPC EPC- -ED 1948

Wormholt Road W12 £1,695,000 Freehold

A large, Edwardian, terrace house situated on a popular streets in Shepherd's Bush. The property has been refurbished and finished throughout Hammersmith & Shepherd's Bush Sales with exceptional attention to detail.

4 bedrooms, Bathroom, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Cellar, 120 ft. garden, EPC: D

020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

South North

Balham Chelsea

Battersea Fulham Fulham

Battersea Park Clapham East Putney Southfields & Earlsfield West Putney Hammersmith Kensington Kensington South Hammersmith & & Shepherd’s Shepherd’s Bush Bush Kensington KensingtonGate Gate SouthKensington Kensington

Notting NottingHill Hill

Pimlico Pimlico&&Westminster Westminster

douglasandgordon.com

Grange Road W4 £1,600 per week + admin fees* Furnished/Unfurnished

A wonderful, extended, family home spread over 2,791 sq ft, providing generously proportioned space throughout. This property retains many Hammersmith & Shepherd's Bush Lettings original features and charm.

5 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Dining room, Kitchen, Conservatory, Garden, EPC: TBC

020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

Good to know... *An initial one-off tenancy agreement fee of £240 (inc VAT) per property and a £45 (inc VAT) referencing charge per person will apply. At the end of the tenancy an inventory check-out fee will be charged, this amount will depend on the size of the property and whether it is furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit www.douglasandgordon.com/tenants/infoandcharges

St Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Freehold StStAlbans £1,795,000 AlbansAvenue, Avenue,W4 W4 £1,925,000Freehold Freehold St Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Freehold Stsuperbly Albans presented Avenue, W4 A and recently renovated four bedroom two bathroom home in this sought after£1,795,000 location only Freehold a short A presented and recently four bedroom two bathroom home only in this sought after location only a short Asuperbly superbly presented semi-detached house in this sought after location a short walk from the Chiswick High walk from Turnham Green tube andrenovated thefamily Chiswick High Road. A superbly presented and recently renovated fourHigh bedroom two bathroom home in this sought after location only a short walk from tube the Chiswick Road. Road andTurnham TurnhamGreen Green tubeand station. A superbly presented and recently fourHigh bedroom two bathroom home in this sought after location only a short walk from Turnham Green tube andrenovated the Chiswick Road. walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick High Road. • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms • • Sought location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms Popularafter residential • Edwardian Home • 4/5 bedrooms • Walking distance oflocation the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden •• • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden Close to high road and tubes • Excellent condition throughout • Three • Contemporary style • Four doublereception bedrooms • EPC = Dbathrooms Sought after location 25’ Double room Two bathrooms •• • Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • EPC = D Wide semi-detached • 1937 sqft • Landscaped garden •• Walking distance of the high road •• Large kitchen/dining room •• Landscaped garden Contemporary style Four double bedrooms EPC = D • Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • EPC = D

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Dukes Avenue, W4St Albans Avenue, W4 £2,500,000 Freehold £1,795,000 Dukes Avenue, £2,500,000Freehold Freehold Homefield Road,W4 W4 £2,425,000 Dukes Avenue, W4 £2,500,000 Freehold Dukes Avenue, W4 to acquire this family house in Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden £2,500,000 A wonderful opportunity enjoying Freehold

A superbly presented and recently renovated fourwith bedroom two bathroom homeenjoying in this sought after location only wonderfulsemi-detached opportunity to acquire this family house inLocated Dukes Avenue a west facing rear garden AA substantial Victorian family home offering 2528 three floors with off street parking. Situated in uninterrupted aspectswalk over gardens towards the west. insqft thisover sought after road running off Chiswick High Road. from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick High Road. A wonderful opportunity to acquire this family house in Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden enjoying uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards the west. Located in this sought after road running off Chiswick High Road. this sought after location just off the Chiswick High Road. A wonderful opportunity to acquire familythe house Dukes Avenue with a west rear garden enjoying uninterrupted aspects over gardensthis towards west.inLocated in this sought after facing road running off Chiswick High Road. uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards the west. Located in this sought after road running off Chiswick High Road. • Prime central location bedrooms • Off street parking • Two bathrooms • Sought after location •• Six • 25’ Double reception room Prime central location Six bedrooms •• Four Off street parking • • residential location 2528 Sq ft bathrooms •Prime Semi-detached family house distance• of • high Two reception rooms • Freehold • Walking the road • Large kitchen/dining room • Prime central location • Six bedrooms • Off street parking • Landscaped garden • Semi-detached family house • Two reception rooms • Freehold • •Just off the Chiswick High Road • 30’ •Double reception street Wonderful west facing garden Vaulted kitchen room •• Off EPC = E parking Prime central location Six bedrooms Off street parking • EPC = D • Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • Semi-detached • Two reception ••• Freehold Freehold Wonderful west family facing house garden Vaulted kitchenrooms EPC = E • •Victorian Semi-detached Home • Five• bedrooms •• Semi-detached family house • Two reception rooms • Freehold Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E • Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E

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[PROPERTY]

Property

the view from savills

news

In this month’s column, I would like to focus on our latest new residential office in London. The Savills London office network continues to expand, and I’m delighted to announce the opening of the new Ealing office at 3 The Green, which couldn’t be a better location for Savills. Highlighting our new office in Ealing, I

‘Emerging Prime’ capital values to climb 10 per cent over the next 12 months – Douglas & Gordon

London’s great estates team up for world first eco initiative

Five of London’s biggest property owners have formed ‘a unique collaboration’ to promote green infrastructure in the capital. The combined project by The Crown Estate, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, Shaftesbury, the Howard de Walden Estate and The Portman Estate, is called Wild West End, and is the first time that a city centre ecology scheme has been conceived and driven forward by such an industry partnership. The Mayor of London and the London Wildlife Trust have both pledged support, while engineering consultancy Arup is on board to provide technical advice. The first phase of Wild West End will see The Crown Estate create a ‘green corridor’ across its eight million square feet of holdings in Regent Street and St James’s, linking Regent’s Park and St James’s Park. The plans will see the creation of over a hectare of new green space in central London,

significant growth over the next few years. In west London, a property’s value improves the further west you go and, in Ealing, there remains great value for money. The local landscape is changing rapidly, partly due to the the imminent and much-publicised

The Q2 2015 reading was up 1.33 per cent against 0.18 per cent last quarter but remains 0.84 per cent below where it was 12 months ago. December’s stamp duty re-jig has kept things robust in the lower tiers, but prices of larger houses in these areas remain ‘muted’ and in some places down 10 per cent year on year, according to the research team. Outer areas appear to have led the way, with Southfields and Clapham up 3.97 per cent and 3.45 per cent respectively; average nominal prices in these outerlying locations are now back to where they were 12 months ago (albeit following a weak H2 2014). Good rental growth of 1.65 per cent was recorded, although Douglas & Gordon expects this to slow as the sales market picks up. As for the outlook, the firm reckons things look pretty attractive for professional investors in these areas, with capital values tipped to climb by 10 per cent in the next 12 months.

expect this area of west London to witness

arrival of Crossrail in late 2018, and these changes are particularly noticeable in the high street with the arrival of fashionable

ranging from street-level and rooftop gardens to the installation of bird and bat boxes, beehives and green walls. Other Wild West End partners have individual eco masterplans for their patches of prime central land; together, they should create ‘an extensive network of green stepping stones that form connections between the large areas of parkland which are already key natural features of the overall environment in the West End.’ Not only will all these extra green bits help to boost the city’s wildlife diversity (it’s been worked out that urban land supports just eight per cent of the native bird species and 25 per cent of the plant species of comparable undeveloped land), but the scheme should have a positive impact on localised air quality. In Chicago, introducing green roofs across 10 per cent of the city’s buildings removes 17,400mg of nitrogen dioxide each year – which is estimated to save somewhere between £17million and £65million in public health costs annually. Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: ‘There is absolutely no doubt that parks and green spaces in urban areas improve people’s wellbeing and quality of life. Through the Wild West End project we look forward to transforming a part of the city for thousands of residents, workers and tourists to enjoy even more. London’s population is at an all-time high, so while we need to build new homes and improve transport infrastructure, we also need better quality green spaces.’

restaurants and trendy shops. From drastically cutting journey times to elevating property prices along the line, Crossrail brings many benefits, and Ealing has much to gain from it. It’s one of the most influential infrastructure upgrades to take place in the capital for many decades and, in Ealing, Crossrail will introduce a whole new demographic of buyers and renters who may not have previously considered the area. Ealing ticks every box for young professional families, with great schools and more open public spaces than any other borough in London. Crossrail will provide the missing link, enabling commuters to reach Bond Street in a mere 11 minutes, Canary Wharf in just 25 minutes and Heathrow Airport in a swift 15 minutes. Few other areas can boast such connectivity both into and out of London whilst also offering excellent value when purchasing a property.

In the event that you require more advice, do not hesitate to get in contact with Christopher Bramwell. Savills, 020 8987 5555, cbramwell@savills.com (savills.co.uk)

Christopher bramwell

UK RESIDENTIAL, EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS

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23/07/2015 00:00

Aldbourne Road W12 ÂŁ1,850,000 An exceptional three-bedroom semi-detached family home, located on a desirable street within W12. The property is perfectly located for the local amenities of Shepherds Bush and Askew Road. Freehold. EPC=D

Askew Road: 020 8102 0123 sales.ask@marshandparsons.co.uk

Overstone Road W6 ÂŁ1,850,000 A wonderful four-bedroom Victorian house, located in the highly sought after Brackenbury Village and within easy reach of Hammersmith and Goldhawk Road. Freehold. EPC=F

Brook Green: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk

Lower Mall W6 ÂŁ775 per week A stunning two-bedroom cottage in Hammersmith, offering an unrivalled position on the Riverside and uninterrupted views of Hammersmith Bridge and the Thames. EPC=C

Brook Green: 020 7605 7760 lets.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk

Double fronted property of magnificent proportions Matching people and property in London for over 150 years.

Sofa Beds | Sofas | Beds

Our rather remarkable showroom in Chiswick, London is now open!

W&H Over 35 years of quality British craftsmanship

Extensive fabric and customisation options

Luxury 14cm deep mattresses on all our sofa beds

Call us on 0845 468 0577 or visit willowandhall.co.uk/journal for showroom information or to request free samples or a catalogue

Exceptional value compared to the high street