Fulham Residents' October 2015 by Runwild Media Group

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Written for the residents of SW6 september 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 35

fulham Resident s Journal ’

SEPTEMB e R 2 015 • i ssue 35

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Dear Resident, September’s here, and the summer is finally put to bed. Roll on the (hopefully) beautifully crisp autumn weather, which is just perfect for a stroll in one of Fulham’s many parks and commons. This month also means that school is in, and lie-ins are out! But it’s not all bad news; this month, the Fulham Residents’ Journal brings you its education special, jam-packed with useful and interesting information. From term dates to an in-depth look at the history of the Montessori Method, get schooled from page nine. But it’s not all pencils and paper this month; Bethan Rees meets Libby Hart, City banker-turned-entrepreneur to discuss her clothing line LIBBY (p.16). Elsewhere in this issue, there’s something fishy going on, as Bethan Rees meets the friends behind Fulham Fine Fish, which is bringing South Coast delicacies to SW6 (p.22). Also, find out about the potential plans for Chelsea Football Club stadium, which is looking a little bit Gothic, on page 27. Make sure you follow us on Twitter, @FulhamRJ for all the latest SW6 updates.

Image: The Roca London Gallery in Fulham, which is opening its doors to the public as part of the annual architectural festival Open House. Read more on page seven.

Managing Editor Francesca Lee

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

Editorial Assistant Bethan Rees

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Executive Director Sophie Roberts

Editorial Intern Philippa Short

Production Oscar Viney Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Alice Ford

Client Relationship Director Friday Dalrymple

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

Senior Designer Lisa Wade

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

local news Keep your finger on the pulse with our roundup of local news

In-house The Cue & Co of London showroom has recently undergone a refurbishment, so all of your creative ideas can come to life. Head down to the Parsons Green space and take a look at the two new stylish kitchens: The Waldemar and The Ebury, which join the newly updated Bovingdon kitchen. If you are having difficulty finding the perfect lighting, more has been added to the collection; the very latest being The Lucent Lantern II and The Octangle Blade. The bathroom setting has also been updated and an open-plan self-contained studio flat is being built. Check out the recently re-launched website before you visit the showroom to see everything in situ. 33-39 Parsons Green Lane, SW6 4HH, cueandco.com

Community Spirit Join All Saints Fulham for one final summer hurrah on 26 September for the annual community fête. The day will be fun for all the family with events such as a dog show, face-painting and costume-making; where children can model their animal costumes at the end-of-day parade. Fulham’s finest will be selling their baked goodies and there is even the opportunity to spend some money at the car-boot sale and stalls of books and indulge in sizzling barbecue food, pizzas and quiches, as well as an array of hot and cold drinks. In proper fête fashion, there is of course a bouncy castle, tombola and a kids’ kick-around. All proceeds go towards three great charities; Action Duchenne (to combat muscular dystrophy in children), The Honeypot Children’s Charity and Glass Door (homeless support). £1 entry fee for adults, 26 September, 11am-2pm, All Saints Church Hall, Bishop’s Park, SW6 3LA, allsaints-fulham.org.uk Words by Philippa Short

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Clean and Green Keep Britain Tidy is an environmental charity that recognises and rewards the best parks and open spaces across the country. The candidates for the award are judged by experts on eight strict criteria; a welcoming place, a healthy, safe and secure environment, cleanliness and maintenance, sustainability, heritage and conservation, community involvement, marketing and management. As residents of SW6, you should be proud to learn that once again your beautiful local parks, Normand Park, South Park, Hurlingham Park and Bishop’s Park and Fulham Palace, have all retained their Green Flag Award. Next step is the 2016 award. keepbritaintidy.org

Quench your thirst If you consider yourself a rum aficionado or even just enjoy the taste of one of the world’s most loved spirits then get down to RumFest 2015; it’s set to educate and entertain. It is back for its ninth year and is bigger and better than ever. Four hundred of the most diverse rums from across the globe will be showcased, as well as a Christie’s rum auction, intimate talks, masterclasses, cocktail-making and, of course, quality tastings. You won’t go hungry either due to the array of mouthwatering cuisine from exotic rum-making locations around the world. To finish off the night is Carnival Hour, which will get you into the fun, social, party spirit with live bands and dancers. £49.95, 17-18 October, 12noon-6pm. To book, visit rumfest.co.uk

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”

£12, £9 concessions,7-24 October, Tuesday-Saturday evenings 7.30pm, Saturday matinees 2.30pm. To book, visit londontheatreworkshop.co.uk

Here’s to you Mrs. Robinson End your summer with an outdoor experience you won’t forget. Sprawl out on a rug and dig into some fine food, drinks and goodies in the wondrous grounds of Fulham Palace with The Nomad Cinema. Book your tickets for a selection of three Oscar-winning gems; the classic that is The Graduate, the visual masterpiece Gravity and star-studded film The Grand Budapest Hotel. The Nomad’s aim is to create unforgettable experiences here in the UK as well as making a lasting difference in other parts of the world; 100 per cent of the distributable profits from The Nomad Cinema go to The Sustainability Institute in South Africa. Tickets sell out fast, so make sure you get yours early – you don’t want to disappoint Mrs Robinson. From £10-£28.50, 10-18 September, 7.30pm. To book, visit whereisthenomad.com

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Image: © Nomad Cinema

Calling all Shakespeare lovers, join the London Theatre Workshop (LTW) in its adaptation of the Bard’s final work, The Tempest. The direction has been put in the safe hands of associate producer of LTW, Brandon Force who also directed the critically acclaimed 2014 performance of Romeo and Juliet. LTW is an independent theatre company which put its heart and soul into the productions and shows a real passion for their art. This production of The Tempest bursts to life on the stage, giving the audience a true sense of wonder and terror.

PARTIES, Weddings & EVENTS

z e s t e v e n t s lt d London SW6 4QT www.zestevents.com Tel: 020 7384 9336 parties@zestevents.com

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

Mi casa,

su casa

ondon is home to some of the world’s most respected architecture, and it’s in this vein that Open House was born. The hugely admired annual festival celebrates the capital’s buildings, giving the public access to them, including some which are not always open such as private homes, government buildings, historic sites, educational establishments and more. Open House started in 1992 as a small, notfor-profit organisation that aims to promote public awareness and appreciation of our fair city’s buildings and to help the wider community become more well-informed to advise judgements on architecture. With more than 800 venues, including 10

Broaden your architectural horizons on 19 and 20 September as Open House returns for its twenty-third year

Downing Street, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, its broad programme is suitable for everyone, including children. The festival and organisation believe that these spaces are a fundamental reflection of our society and culture and that London has challenges in terms of buildings yet to come, such as demand for housing, as well as green and open spaces and the need for more transport infrastructure. This year’s theme is “Revealing” which aims to unearth some potential solutions to the aforementioned issues. If you want to enjoy the festival, but don’t want to venture out of SW6, fear not, as some of Fulham’s most revered spaces will be taking part.

Open House started in 1992 as a small, not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote public awareness and appreciation of our fair city’s buildings

Courtesy of Roca London Gallery

Photography by Justin Piperger ©Fulham Palace Trust

Roca London Gallery

Fulham Palace

No, you haven’t left Fulham and departed for space: this is the Roca London Gallery designed by the esteemed Zaha Hadid Architects. Inspired by the various phases and states of water, it takes this element and uses it as a theme to connect all aspects of the gallery. The space was created for Spanish bathroom brand Roca and houses undulating white walls and glowing pods, while glossy plastic benches and desks fill the space, with globular light-fittings overhead.

As the former residence of the Bishops of London, this historic house plays a true role in the lives of Fulham-ites with its active engagement with the local community through exhibitions, talks and educational lessons. The Tudor courtyard with Georgian additions houses a museum, a gallery space and a café overlooking the blooming botanical gardens. Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA, fulhampalace.org

Townmead Road, SW6 2PY, rocalondongallery.com

For more information, visit openhouselondon.org.uk -7-

OPEN DAY 2015 Saturday 3rd October 9.30am PLEASE CONTACT US TO BOOK A PLACE

AN INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 4 – 11 YEARS

Parsons Green Prep, Eridge House, 1 Fulham Park Road, London SW6 4LJ

T: 020 7371 9009 E: admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

An education Summer’s over, lunchboxes are being packed, school uniforms are being ironed and satchels are filled with brand-new stationery. It’s the start of another academic year, and the Fulham Residents’ Journal is celebrating education in the area and giving readers’ some useful information, such as the term dates of schools in SW6. Flick through these pages to find out more about the fascinating Montessori Method, Parsons Green Prep’s new look and why more of us are turning to private tutors. Pack your bags, we’re going back to school

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FULHAM Residents’ Journal

Back to school September calls for a new academic year and for Parsons Green Prep, this means some exciting changes. Bethan Rees meets headteacher Mrs Helen Stavert to find out what the school’s been up to over the summer break

Mrs Helen Stavert, photography by Sarel Jansen

s the leaves begin to turn a rusty hue and the fun frolicking of the summer holidays comes to a close, Parsons Green Prep, an academic, independent, co-ed school for four to 11-year-olds, flings open its doors after eight weeks. Welcoming a flock of new four-year-olds and present pupils looking forward to the next challenges they’ll face in their new year groups, additionally while the gates have been closed and the playground a lot more quiet than usual there have been some exciting developments, starting with the playground itself which has had a total makeover. I meet Mrs Helen Stavert, headteacher at Parsons Green Prep and she talks me through the recent transformation and the thinking behind it. “We didn’t really want to build on the school as we’ve got a lovely space here,” Helen explains, and she’s right; the school occupies a fantastic

location in heart of SW6. Parsons Green Prep is within the confines of grand encircling walls providing privacy for the school and is set in a traditional house-style building which gives it a real homely and welcoming feel. Although a lot of sport is played at Hurlingham Park, Bishop’s Park and South Park, the school has worked perfectly within its means and the outside space now looks better than ever. “We have divided the playground into different areas because we’ve got so much space. This includes two mini tennis courts and pitches for football and netball. There are a number of separate areas including a separate reception year playground,” Helen describes. Additionally, the playground won’t just be filled with children running around, as there is now also more of a quiet area with chess and games, where those who don’t wish to join in the energetic lunchtimes can sit and play in peace. The separate reception - 10 -

ography by Sarel Jansen Mrs Helen Stavert, phot

year playground includes an activity area for the youngest pupils to play in. As Juliet asks in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: what’s in a name? Parsons Green Prep has not always been known as such; it recently changed its name from Eridge House as it had been for 14 years, named after the building in which it resides. But what was the rationale behind this? “It’s all about who we are, what we are and where we are. Also, a lot of people found it quite difficult to pronounce Eridge House,” Helen laughs. On top of the continuation of teaching through a creative curriculum, Parsons Green Prep has also introduced a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programme. “These are all really important subjects for future careers, so it was a real passion of mine to initiate this. It’s crucial to do this in our own unique way at primary school,” Helen enlightens me. In order to embed the programme into the curriculum, the Apple Mac suite has been updated and from year three upwards each child is given a tablet which can be used around the school. It’s a very modern approach to learning and a great way of enhancing their learning through technology. Chess is huge in this school; from year three upwards children come in early every morning to play chess and this runs alongside STEM extremely well, along with STEM ambassador visits to the school including a scientist who designed and built a satellite.

With the name comes the inevitable logo change, which also coincides with the uniform. “The new additions include a very smart blazer and an updated sports kit, so that when our children are out and about they look smart, whether at sports fixtures, on school trips or for the year six children at interview,” Helen tells me. Other additions to the uniform include, for Parsons Green Prep girls, the introduction of floral print skirts for the older pupils, while the younger girls will still wear the floral dress. Helen became headteacher in September 2014 and was deputy head for two years before that. She also currently teaches a year six class. “We are a school of 200 children so having a small class is very manageable. My passion is teaching an excellent curriculum and motivating my teachers to deliver exciting up-to-date and interesting lessons,” Helen explains. How does she think the school has progressed since her new role? “We have introduced more senior teachers in the top end of the school as it has really expanded this year. This is also partly why our nursery has now closed due to the school filling up at the top but also as our major intake is into reception year for which we now have more registrations than we have ever had previously. We are well ahead of the curve at primary level in putting STEM at the heart of our curriculum and we have always got our children into the right school for them, which includes good London day schools and boarding schools,” she begins. “Also, we have two assessment systems called Target Tracker and PIPS so that we can see which pupils are doing really well as well as those who might need a little extra support, and it highlights our gifted and talented children.” “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing all the children come through the front door with smiles on their faces; they’re just really happy children,” says Helen. And I’m sure the children’s smiles will be extra gleaming when they see the brand new playground for them to enjoy. Parsons Green Prep, 1 Fulham Park Road, SW6, 020 7371 9009, parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

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FULHAM Residents’ Journal

Parent Trap: Nappy Valley Net NappyValleyNet.com has become an online sensation in the four years since founder Susan Hanage, aka. Annabel, launched it, with more than 130,000 visits to the site every month. An invaluable tool for parents based in south-west London who are seeking to swap tips and share advice, we’ve teamed up to post some of the most pressing topics posted on the site

Best yoga and Pilates studio?

the Reformer machine) and the Barre classes. They’re both excellent.

I have recently moved to Fulham, and I am obsessed with yoga and Pilates. Can anyone recommend a good studio in the area? I’m currently testing out a company called SoMuchMore, which has been amazing. It allows me to go to all the best studios in London on just one membership. I want to keep this going but wondered if there were any studios that I should try? Any recommendations would be great.

Tue 14 Jul, 2015 8.07pm Heartcore in Fulham is fantastic, although it can end up being pricey if you do a lot of classes. I’m a member of the Chelsea Club, which has excellent Pilates, Reformer and yoga classes. The membership includes all classes and the gym is immaculate. It’s never crowded and there is a lovely lounge too. If you have children, they have just reopened the crèche, which is fantastic – the gym itself is a kid-free zone.

Mon 13 Jul, 2015 2.33pm

Wed 15 Jul, 2015 8.17am

I’d recommend Bootcamp Pilates on Bishop’s Road. It’s a Reformer Pilates (which uses a machine with springs for resistance) studio and it’s amazing.

How about popping down to King’a Road and trying out Triyoga Chelsea? It has great teachers and lots of classes.

Mon 13 Jul, 2015 6.24pm You should try Heartcore – it has a studio in Fulham and a few others too. I use go to in the City and it is great. I have tried the Pilates (using

My baby is starting nursery! What do I need to know? Needless to say I am quite freaked out about my 13-month-old starting nursery full-time next week. I wanted to ask if you had any advice or insight on what I should send with him to the nursery, just general do’s and don’ts for a very inexperienced mummy. Top replies: Mon 17 Aug, 2015 1.23pm Congratulations! You’ll both be fine. I think the most important thing is to relax and not make a big deal about it. I think children pick up on stress! The one tip I would give? Drop and go. Your little one may cry when you leave and it may be heart-breaking but, and I promise this is the case, after 10 minutes they are fine. Mon 24 Aug, 2015 3.16pm Have a favourite toy for nursery and another for home, and it helps to have a bag you can leave there with two sets of spare clothes, a second pair of wellies etc., so you don’t have to remember to do this each day (just in case). Also, save the tears until you get home, no matter how hard it is.

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All threads from NappyValleyNet.com; users’ names have been omitted to protect individuals’ identities and although opinions have not been altered, posts have been edited in line with the Residents’ Journal house style and some dates and times changed

Top replies:

Extraordinary

Montessori

Dr Maria Montessori once wrote: “Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual. It is acquired not by listening to words, but by experience upon the environment.” Elizabeth Finney investigates the mind behind The Montessori Method

aria Method. Schools sprang Montessori up in Paris, Boston was born in and New York, and her Chiaravalle, methods were put into Italy, in 1870 to a family that practice across Europe. prized education. Maria was She travelled the world, thought to be “of average training, teaching and intelligence” in her youth, but making prestigious she admitted later that she acquaintances such found the repetitious nature as Gandhi, Margaret of school dull. In 1875, her Woodrow Wilson and family moved to Rome, a hub Anna Freud. of academia, but there she was The Montessori taught in the standard practice movement was hit – memorising, reciting and hard by conflict. From Domain, via ri (Photo: Public Maria Montesso dictating from textbooks. 1916 she was based mons) Wikimedia Com Gender roles were still in Barcelona, but determined by tradition in when the Spanish civil war Italy. Although her father disapproved, broke out in 1936, she moved the Association Maria went to a technical school to study Montessori Internationale (AMI) to Laren, engineering, before later applying to the near Amsterdam. Montessori schools were University of Rome’s medical school in 1890. destroyed in Germany by the Nazis in 1933, Her application was initially rejected by the and the following year they were closed in Italy male-dominated faculty, but she started due to clashes with the Fascist government, studying physics, maths and natural sciences, as Mussolini wanted to make political capital and progressed to medicine. In 1896 she out of the organisation. In 1939, Maria set became the first female physician in Italy with off with Mario to India to help combat a degree, having earnt scholarships in surgery, illiteracy, however Mario was interned and pathology and medicine. Maria was placed under house arrest at The Maria spent two years studying paediatrics Theosophical Society by the British colonial at university, then went to work at a psychiatric government for the duration of the war when clinic alongside physician Giuseppe Italy joined on the German side. Montesano. In 1900, the Orthophrenic School After the war she returned to Amsterdam for mentally ill children was opened, with in 1946, and to Italy in 1947 on Maria and Giuseppe as co-directors. Maria invitation from the government. became pregnant by Giuseppe, but the two From that point Maria began never married due to objections by his family, delegating to Mario, and and their son Mario was born in secret and before she passed away in cared for by foster parents. Guiseppe married 1952, she was nominated soon after, and Maria left the school in 1901. for the Nobel Peace At 15, Mario returned to live with his mother, Prize three times. but was presented as her nephew. ami-global.org. The Absorbent Maria was a driving force in education Mind, by Maria Montessori, and women’s rights and lectured at the £9.99. The Montessori University of Rome. In 1907, she opened a Method, by Maria school for disadvantaged children – the Casa Montessori and dei Bambini in the poor San Lorenzo district Gerald Lee Gutek, of Rome. Two years later, she completed her £24.95 first book, known in English as The Montessori - 13 -

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

THE TIMETABLE Key contacts and dates for the diary

Secondary Schools

School

Contact & autumn term dates

School

Contact & autumn term dates

All Saints Primary School Head: Carol Gray Bishops Avenue, SW6 6ED

Tel: 020 7736 2803 Email: admin@allsaintsce.lbhf.sch.uk Website: allsaintsce.lbhf.sch.uk 2 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Fulham College Boys’ School Head: Peter Haylock, Executive Principal Kingwood Road, SW6 6SN

Tel: 020 7381 3606 Email: fcbs@fulhamcollege.net Website: fulhamcollegeboys.net 7 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Millie’s House Nursery Head: Katie Covey New Kings Road, SW6 4SN

Tel: 020 7731 0440 Email: katie@millieshouse.net Website: millieshouse.net Open all year round - excluding bank holidays

Fulham Enterprise Studio Head: Peter Haylock, Executive Principal Kingwood Road, SW6 6SN

Tel: 020 7381 3606 Email: fes@fulhamcollege.net Website: fulhamenterprise.net 27 Sept – 12 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Langford Primary School Head: Seamus Gibbons Gilstead Road, SW6 2LG

Tel: 020 7736 4045 Email: admin@langford.lbhf.sch.uk Website: langfordprimaryschool.co.uk 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

The Hurlingham Academy Head: Ben Parnell, Executive Principal Peterborough Road, SW6 3ED

Tel: 020 7731 2581 Email: info@thehurlinghamacademy.org.uk Website: thehurlinghamacademy.org.uk 1 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

New King’s Primary School Head: Miles Chester New King’s Road, SW6 4LY

Tel: 020 7736 2318 Email: admin@newkings.lbhf.sch.uk Website: newkings.lbhf.sch.uk 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Lady Margaret School Head: Sally Whyte Parsons Green, SW6 4UN

Queen’s Manor Primary School Head: Sonja Harrison Lysia Street, SW6 6ND

Tel: 020 7385 4343 Email: admin@queensmanor.lbhf.sch.uk Website: queensmanor.lbhf.sch.uk 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Tel: 020 7736 7138 Email: admin@ladymargaret.lbhf.sch.uk Website: ladymargaret.lbhf.sch.uk Years 7, 12 and 13: 3 Sept – 18 Dec All years: 4 Sept – 18 Dec (half term 26-30 Oct)

Sir John Lillie Primary School Head: Sue Hayward Lillie Road, SW6 7LN

Tel: 020 7385 2107 Email: admin@sirjohnlillie.lbhf.sch.uk Website: sirjohnlillieprimary.co.uk 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

The London Oratory School Head: David McFadden Seagrave Road, SW6 1RX

Tel: 020 7385 0102 Email: admin@los.ac Website: london-oratory.org 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

St. John’s Walham Green CE Primary School Head: Barbara Wightwick Filmer Road, SW6 6AS

Tel: 020 7731 5454 Email: admin@stjohnsce.lbhf.sch.uk Website: stjohnsce.lbhf.sch.uk 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

The Moat School Head: Clare King Bishops Avenue, SW6 6EG

Tel: 020 7610 9018 Email: office@moatschool.org.uk Website: moatschool.org.uk 9 Sept – 10 Dec (half term: 22-30 Oct)

St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School Head: Mrs J Flower Estcourt Road, SW6 7HB

Tel: 020 7385 8165 Email: admin@stthomasrc.lbhf.sch.uk Website: stthomasrc.lbhf.sch.uk 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Sulivan Primary School Head: Wendy Aldridge Peterborough Road, SW6 3BN

Tel: 020 7736 5869 Email: admin@sulivan.lbhf.sch.uk Website: sulivanprimaryschool.co.uk 3 Sept – 18 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Parsons Green Prep School Head: Helen Stavert Fulham Park Road, SW6 4LJ

Tel: 020 7371 9009 Website: parsonsgreenprep.co.uk 3 Sept – 16 Dec (half term: 19-30 Oct)

Kensington Prep School Head: Prudence Lynch Fulham Road, SW6 5PA

Tel: 020 7731 9300 Email: enquiries@kenprep.gdst.net Website: kensingtonprep.gdst.net 10 Sept – 16 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Sinclair House School Head: Carlotta T.M O’Sullivan Fulham High Street, SW6 3JJ

Tel: 020 7736 9182 Email: info@sinclairhouseschool.co.uk Website: sinclairhouseschool.co.uk 3 Sept – 9 Dec (half term: 26-30 Oct)

Thomas’s Fulham Head: Annette Dobson Hugon Road, SW6 3ES

Tel: 020 7751 8200 Email: fulham@thomas-s.co.uk Website: thomas-s.co.uk/fulham-home 210 Sept – 10 Dec (half term: 22-30 Oct)

o t k Bac l o o S ch

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*All dates and details were correct when compiled in August 2015, but may be subject to change. Please contact the schools directly for further information.

Pre-school and Primary

Making the

grade

With private tuition becoming more and more popular in the UK, Bethan Rees meets Steve Spriggs, managing director of William Clarence Education, which started in a humble bedroom in Fulham

ccording to The Telegraph, private tuition is a great British growth industry, worth £6.5billion a year, and it’s on the rise. In 2001, 270,000 tutors taught 1.6million children and last year 520,000 tutors taught 2.8million pupils. William Clarence Education is just one of the private tuition agencies which, having started in September 2013, has grown from strength to strength offering clients hourly tutoring, home schooling, residential tutoring for overseas placements and online schooling. But with so many organisations offering private tuition, what sets this agency apart from others? An avid believer in private tuition as a tool for refining knowledge, boosting confidence, honing a healthy work ethic and a competitive spirit, Steve Spriggs set up the company following a five-year stint working on a trading desk in the City. “The first two years were great; I was getting the best buzz – but it got very wearing after a while, getting to work at 7am working and staying there really late. Then I was made redundant two-and-a-half years ago and I didn’t have a clue about what I wanted to do at all,” Steve tells me. A daunting prospect for most, he believes this career break came at “the perfect time”. It was when he was visiting his local coffee shop, Local Hero on Fulham Road, he saw an advert on the noticeboard for a part-time economics and maths tutor, and having completed a masters degree in banking and finance, all the pieces of the

puzzle were beginning to come together. I ask Steve what makes William Steve Sp riggs Clarence Education different from its competitors. “In all honesty, there are some great agencies around that are run by good people and they serve a good purpose at their given level, depending on a client’s budget,” he begins. “All the tutors we use are professionals, all full-time tutors, so they take it very seriously and know the syllabus inside out. You get that one-to-one attention because it’s a small company and we can afford to do that,” he adds. Also, Steve explains that all of his tutors have specific specialist subjects which they teach, and they’re divvied up into entrance exams, GCSE, A-Level and degree, so you don’t get a tutor who does “a bit of this and a bit of that”. Steve has met, interviewed and vetted each of the 150 tutors in his network in person. But what is he looking for in the candidates? “A lot of it’s down to personality; qualifications are taken as a given as all of the tutors are great academically. They need personal skills because we’re putting tutors into homes and they need to build a bond with parents, to trust them and hopefully be part of their team for the long-term,” he answers. For more information, contact William Clarence Education on 020 7412 8988 or visit williamclarence.co.uk

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FULHAM Residents’ Journal

A change

of Hart

You’ll find Fulham-resident Libby Hart’s business card inside many women’s purses around the City after starting her eponymous womenswear label back in 2011. Bethan Rees meets the woman transforming the corporate wardrobe as her A/W15 collection is released What inspired you to start LIBBY? I spent almost a decade working in finance, and throughout that time I found it increasingly difficult to find stylish but office-appropriate, affordable clothes. There was a real gap in the market. I investigated the idea of developing a clothing line for a long time and after endless research my initial designs were so well received, I thought, “I have something here”. How would you describe your design style? I’m drawn to architecture and find it is often an influence for me when creating the new collections. LIBBY designs are streamlined and elegant but extremely wearable. The design process is very much customer-led. It starts with what I know women love and need and then I look at how LIBBY can work current trends into this. How would you describe a LIBBY woman? She’s an intelligent thinker, a career woman. Whatever age she is, the LIBBY woman wants easy-to-wear, affordable luxury; smart pieces with flattering cuts and fits that make her feel good all day. Who’s your hero? Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. I think she’s doing an amazing job. What’s the most rewarding part of running your own business? For a customer to appreciate the clothes enough to justify spending their hardearned cash on something that we’ve designed and made means so much.

Seeing women wearing LIBBY clothes with confidence is a wonderful feeling. Which designers do you admire? Roksanda Ilincic, Victoria Beckham and Elie Saab. What inspired the new AW15 collection? The simplicity and clean lines of modern architecture. Our colour palette is autumnal, including burnt orange, rich navy and petrol green. We always look at feedback from previous seasons to see how the business can improve, what the LIBBY woman responds well to and wants more of. You currently sell online and through pop-up shops – do you want to open a shop? Yes, I think LIBBY misses opportunities because it doesn’t have a shop. A LIBBY woman enjoys shopping and I feel the brand misses out on this audience. Talk me through the thinking behind pop-up shops. Marketing an online retail business is expensive and in the early days the team held corporate pop-up shops every week in various banks or law firms around London. I still hold similar events now as it is a great opportunity for me to interact with the customers face-to-face. It’s interesting to see what people select and why; their feedback is invaluable. A lot of the customers I met in the early days are now the most loyal and have followed the journey from the beginning. What’s the biggest issue women in business are facing currently? I think too much focus is placed on the - 16 -

A/W15 ca

mpaign Im

ages: Kate Davis-Mac le

but about 30 per cent to 40 per cent is now regional throughout the country and the brand has developed a great international following with customers in Australia and the US, where LIBBY tailoring is very popular.

external factors holding women back, but additionally I think we can be our own worst enemies, often letting self-doubt and lack of confidence get in the way of achieving great things. Where are your products manufactured? We make 100 per cent of the garments in the UK which gives LIBBY a very quick turnaround time. I am passionate about local sourcing and British manufacturing; the skills we have here are second to none. Where does your customer base come from? Is it just London? Interestingly, I always thought the customers would be very London-centric,

What do you love about living in Fulham? I could live in Waitrose. It’s an hour of a hobby when I go there, and I love to eat in Hally’s. Also, Fulham’s home to the best hairdressers in the entire world, in my opinion. It’s a salon called Seed. How have you seen the area transform? Sands End has changed a lot, that’s where I live. I bought my house three years ago and it was a bargain, which you wouldn’t necessarily get now. What’s next for LIBBY? We are in the process of moving into a much bigger office space so that we can develop the in-house atelier to support the bespoke side of the business. n libbylondon.com

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FULHAM Residents’ Journal

All around the world

gland

Bethan Rees sits down with co-founder of new online boutique Gereg Williams, Anna Gereg, to talk kaftans and diamonds

Swizer

The

land

here are few things better in life than the smug feeling one gets after a friend points to something you’re wearing, exclaims that it’s beautiful, asks where you bought it from, and you reply “oh, just this little boutique I found in Provence”. But two women who are throwing a spanner into the smug works are Anna Gereg and Jo-Anne Williams, and they’re doing it in the best and most fashionable way possible. Whether it’s an 18-karat gold and diamond ear cuff from Istanbul or a silk scarf from Munich, Anna and Jo-Anne, or Gereg Williams as their online boutique is called, are bringing their finds from around the world into our wardrobes, and showcasing the finest independent artisans globally who might not otherwise be found.

Her childhood in five different countries triggered her love of exploring “Travel is in my blood,” the effortlessly glamorous Anna, who’s draped in fine jewellery she’s found around the world, begins to tell me. Her childhood in five different countries triggered her love of exploring. Born in Ukraine to Polish parents, her father was a football player, hence why they moved around so much. She studied hospitality management at the École hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland and began a career in marketing for luxury brands, working for the Dorchester Collection, Intercontinental Hotels and De Beers, to name a few, and now finds herself residing in Fulham.

Istanbu

Over the years, Anna has travelled the world extensively, but rather than visiting museums and tourist sites, she has always preferred to hit the shops. “It’s sad but true,” she laughs. Their newly launched business came to fruition after Anna and Jo-Anne, her best friend, godmother to her child, maid of honour and now co-worker, both had babies last year and thought it was the perfect time to finally make their dream a reality. “JoAnne was working in finance and, with my marketing skills, our areas expertise are very complimentary,” says Anna. I ask her where the inspiration for the business came from. “About nine years ago we went sailing abroad and I bought this horseshoe necklace in Bodrum. Everywhere we went, everyone would ask me ‘where is that from?’ and I would say ‘a little shop in Turkey’,” she begins to tell me. “We thought, wouldn’t it be a dream to launch this as a business, to find things that we buy on holiday and bring them back here so that you allow people in the UK and Europe to buy from international designers but also promote artisans who don’t have the marketing to do it themselves?” The majority of the products on the online boutique are from Turkey as that’s where they both “fell in love and the idea came to life”. Anna tells me that whenever

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Mad

geregwilliams.com

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Anna Gereg (left ) and Jo-Anne

Williams

Franc

she goes to Istanbul, she takes a trunk and it comes back filled with goodies. However, they also stock pieces from America, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Mexico. “We have these amazing kaftans from Mexico. Only 55 women in the country know how to make them, and it’s a dying art. We’re the only supplier that you can buy the Santa Lupita kaftans from online,” says Anna. “The kaftans are produced using a technique that has been passed down for generations.” As if the products themselves aren’t reason enough to buy with Gereg Williams, wait until you see the adorable packaging. “It’s wrapped in a map, with a wax seal and a postcard from the destination the piece is from,” Anna tells me. Luckily, throughout their travels over the years, they collected business cards from the artisans and shops they visited. It’s almost as though they subconsciously had the Gereg Williams idea before they even knew it. But having both worked for huge international firms, what was the hardest element about quitting and starting up on their own? “Neither of us had worked for a start-up before so we didn’t know what to expect. Also, not going in to an office now is a big change. I’ve found myself hanging out in a lot of the cafés in Fulham,” Anna giggles.

Madrid

Ist

anbu

Istanbul

I ask Anna what her perfect Saturday would consist of. “My perfect Saturday would be going to Paola’s BodyBarre for a workout, Hally’s for brunch, then hanging out on Eel Brook Common with my baby, and in the evening drinks at Amuse Bouche,” she answers. Just before I leave, Anna gives me one more pearl of wisdom. “If you really believe in something, you put your name to it.”

rid

“We know the little details make a big difference. That’s why we prepare our meat in store depending on the particular cuts our customers want.” Duncan Head Butcher, Fulham

Fulham • South Kensington • Putney parsonsnose.co.uk

PN RWMG Fulham-RJ 25.08.15.indd 1

25/08/2015 09:27

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

FOOD & DRINK Warning: the following may make you hungry and thirsty

review

mamma mia Bethan Rees takes her lucky taste buds on a trip to Italy at Fulham’s latest neighbourhod restaurant, La Gatta Pizzeria. Expect plenty of dough and limoncello

t’s not common for me to feel full of wisdom and positivity after eating a pizza. I’m usually jam-packed with self-loathing, re-counting my choices (especially the decision to order stuffed-crust), while sitting on the sofa with garlic and herb dip on my elbows, tomato sauce on my top, wondering how that piece of pepperoni got in my hair. However, I also had not visited Fulham’s latest Italian offering, La Gatta Pizzeria. Located on New King’s Road, the light and airy eatery has a funky vibe, embodied in the slogans that are splashed in multicoloured pens across mirrors, lining the walls of the restaurant. With optimistic phrases such as “worry less, smile more”, “do

all things with love” and “everything happens for a reason”, it’s the most encouraging graffiti I’ve ever seen. Offering baked-to-order pizzas in a traditional brick oven, with handmade dough, the menu lists comforting Neapolitan food, including deep-fried pizza which, according to Luca La Gatta the owner, is a delicacy. My guest and I begin snacking on some straccetti fritti, or fried dough with pecorino cheese, rocket salad and cherry tomatoes alongside the obligatory olives to accompany the prosecco. My guest and I ordered two pizzas: the capricciosa (tomato sauce, mozzarella, grilled artichokes, Neapolitan salame, grilled mushrooms and basil) and the saliccia e cariofi (mozzarella, Neapolitan sausage, - 21 -

grilled artichokes, and basil), the latter I attempt to pronounce in my best faux-Italian accent, which I instantly regret. I’d heard the hype surrounding the pizzas before coming here, and let me tell you, mine certainly lives up to it. Perfectly thin, with a satisfying distribution of toppings and a crunchy crust, it is pure bliss. We finish the meal with a DIY tiramisù, with freshly brewed espresso in a mini moka pot to be poured over the sponge fingers, and topped with mascarpone and chocolate powder, which is a tasty, novel touch. I leave La Gatta Pizzeria full to the brim, 98 per cent with dough and two per cent with after-dinner grappa, while considering getting one of the most profound phrases seen written on the mirror here, tattooed on myself: “People disappoint, pizza is eternal.” I think I’ll sleep on it. 311 New King’s Road, SW6 4RF, 020 3105 1699, lagattapizzeria.co.uk

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

Hook and line Bethan Rees meets the two fish-loving friends who are bringing a shore-to-door concept to Fulham

orking out of its office in the Old Gasworks in SW6, Fulham Fine Fish is a novel business in the area, sourcing seafood directly from the south coast and delivering the produce from shore to door. Founded by local resident Malcolm Stewart and friend Kit Smith, the company aims to bring the best fish in England to Fulham and its residents through its online service, which allows customers to buy (before 9pm from Monday to Thursday) and have delivered to their door, or be available to collect from the office the following day. So, roll up, roll up and get your fresh fish from Fulham Fine Fish, from smoked haddock to lobsters, oysters to whole crabs. What inspired you to launch Fulham Fine Fish? Malcolm: I was a frustrated resident. I’m originally from Brixham, the biggest fishing port in the south-west of England. I found it very irritating trying to get

some nice fresh fish in London without having to pay a crazy amount of money, and when I talked to some friends they agreed. That’s where Kit came in, because he’s an old friend who’s in the fish industry, and I said to him we’ve got to do something about this. Kit: My background is in fish: firstly, supplying restaurants in London and then, fish wholesale. I moved down near Hastings about 12 years ago, which has one of the most ancient fisheries in the UK, but it is also right next door to Rye, which has an inlet. So you’ve got these two landing points for fish which sparked my interest in investigating how they distributed their produce; the point is they didn’t really. So, I set up a couple of fish sheds in Sussex, and it proved very successful. That’s how the idea came about for Fulham Fine Fish. I thought, let’s do exactly the same but not in a static way; let’s do a click and collect service and bring the coast to London.

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What kind of fish are you bringing to Fulham? Kit: Local south coast fish, such as mackerel, plaice, turbot, Dover sole, herring, sardines, squid, all those sorts of UK national water fish. We also have some exotics, such as tuna, swordfish, marling and snapper.

people think it goes off in a day. Customers continually say to us:“I don’t want the fish delivered on a Thursday as I want to eat it on Saturday, it will be off by then”, not realising that actually some fish you find in the supermarkets might have actually have been caught two or three weeks ago, albeit frozen.

Are you hoping to expand the business outside of SW6? Kit: Yes, but it’s quite important that it has other dimensions as well – it’s not just about having the single purchase, it’s about having a dialogue. If somebody wants to ask us what’s good at the moment, let’s have a conversation about it, such as: how would you cook this? So it’s that great old-fashioned trading proposition; where somebody goes along for a natter and then comes the purchase. Malcolm: We want to go back to basics and talk to people, offer some really good advice and get them some really nice fish by guiding them through the process.

Which fish are in season at the moment? Kit: The plaice is great, the Dover sole is good too, but it all depends on what the weather is like. If the weather is bad it can be a little tricky to predict what’s going to be in season.

What’s the most challenging element of the business? Malcolm: Getting people to break old habits such as buying fish from supermarkets; in fact my wife still does it! It’s realising that our fish is lovely, fresh and cheaper. Also, there is a lack of understanding about fish:

What’s your favourite seafood? Malcolm: For me, it’s clams, just love them and my family love them too. Four of us will get through two kilos of clams easily. Kit: A whole-baked John Dory, cooked on an oiled baking tray with the oven set to hot. You can get nice sizes; buy a two-kilo fish to share between two people, served on a big plate having roasted it for 20-25 minutes. It’s absolutely delicious. Malcolm, as a Fulham resident, is there anywhere that you like to spend time in the area? Malcom: We like The Rose on Harwood Road, and Megan’s on King’s Road. fulhamfinefish.net

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FULHAM Residents’ Journal

HEALTH & BEAUTY Look and feel your best this month

REVIEW

Face value

Bethan Rees has baby-soft skin and a summer glow, thanks to Beauty.m’s new Biologique Recherche treatments

estled underneath a white, cloud-like duvet, engulfed in relaxation, I almost drift off. Debriefing on the day that’s just occurred, I can tell my mind’s sinking into chill-mode as it begins to reel off odd philosophies of the world such as: what would actually happen if mosquitoes didn’t exist? As I’m about to get too cosy, I suddenly realise that I’m not at home in the comfort of my own bed, but having the newly launched Biologique Recherche Soin Lissant facial by the lovely Magda Spiewak at Beauty.m. Downstairs at the Seed Salon on Fulham Road, the treatment rooms follow much the same theme as the hairdressers, with an industrial, stripped-back look: think exposed brick walls and rustic wood panels. The Soin Lissant facial is a

reconditioning treatment suitable for sensitive skin, and aims to stimulate the face, reshaping its contours to give it an instant lift, smoothing lines and wrinkles and calming the skin, make the complexion clearer and more uniform. Using the Biologique Recherche products, Magda uses

sculpting movements, combined with quick, pulsing strokes, to produce the optimum effect of the facial. After cleansing my skin with Lait Oxygenant VIP O2, which eliminates impurities, she applies the Lotion P50W, a gentle exfoliator with rich anti-inflammatory ingredients, which makes my skin super-soft. Followed by a combination of Lotion Soin Lissant and Powder Soin Lissant, this moisturising duo helps smooth lines and is applied prior to Masque VIP O2, then left to sink into my skin for 20 minutes while I have a shoulder and back massage; bliss. Finishing off with a cocktail of, the purest formulations from the Biologique Recherche range, my skin looks beautifully glowing, and that’s not a synonym for greasy. As someone who usually hides under make-up, even if it’s just a little tinted moisturiser, I leave Beauty.m to meet my friends totally nude, facially, not all over, although I’ve yet to try the Biologique Recherche body treatments that are launching this month at the salon. Watch out Fulham. Soin Lissant facial, £115 for 75 minutes. 789 Fulham Road, SW6 5HD, 020 7731 5744, beautym.co.uk

Don’t miss out … on World Reflexology Week from 21-27 September, which aims to raise awareness of the alternative therapy that releases tension and claims to treat illness through various points in the body. Take our advice and book a reflexology massage with Zuzanna of Zuzumassage, a mobile service that sets up in the comfort of your own home. To book, visit zuzumassage.com

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FULHAM Residents’ Journal

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Structural changes in the area

Planning Applications DATE REGISTERED: 12 Aug ADDRESS: Bagley’s Lane PROPOSAL: Replacement of existing single-glazed, metal sliding sash and fix-glazed windows to the whole block, with a new calibre system, double-glazed windows. Also, replacement of existing single-glazed timber French doors to the individual flats with a new calibre system, double-glazed doors DATE REGSITERED: 13 Aug ADDRESS: Bishop’s Avenue PROPOSAL: Erection of obscured glass around flat roof at second-floor level in connection with its use as a terrace. Also, installation of French doors to replace window to rear elevation at roof-level DATE REGISTERED: 13 Aug ADDRESS: Dawes Road PROPOSAL: Conversion of the first, second and third floors from a single dwelling to a one-bedroom selfcontained flat at first-floor level and a three-bedroom self-contained flat at second and third-floor levels

ds Stamford Bridge as it stan

today (Photo: anderm)

a change for the blues? One of the most recognisable institutions in SW6 has announced plans to change and expand. Stamford Bridge has unveiled its proposal to increase the stadium’s capacity from 41,798 to 60,000. With this proposal, all four sides of the ground would be replaced and direct access to Fulham Broadway station will be reachable through the Matthew Harding Stand. The team behind the plans say it’s to be heavily inspired by Gothic architecture and cathedrals such as Westminster Abbey. If the expansion is to go ahead, it would mean demolishing the existing stadium along with the extra buildings on the site, including flats, hotels and the health club. However, the plans have angered some local residents, who have produced a document claiming the club should “not act as irresponsible neighbours who unreasonably affect residents with 20,000 more spectators”. If the plans receive approval from the Council, the football club would have to move out for three seasons, possibly to Twickenham, Wembley, or as suggested at the public exhibition, the Olympic Stadium. chelseafc.com; lbhf.gov.uk

Planned roadworks and closures in and around September STREET

PLANNED WORK

DATES

WORKS OWNER

Munster Road

Surfacing carriageway

28 September – 2 October

Ongar Road

Sewer failure: works intended to include first-time 7-25 September permanent reinstatement within same phase

Hammersmith and Fulham 020 8748 3020 Thames Water 0845 920 0800

Townmead Road

Lay new domestic service three metres from main in carriageway

National Grid Gas 0845 605 66777

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10-16 September

UK RESIDENTIAL, EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS

Import, Export & Storage by Air, Road & Sea

Abels.

Masters of the art of moving.

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FULHAM Residents’ Journal

the directory Whether whim or wish, all of the essentials are taken care of in our round up for harmonious living

ESTATE AGENTS Douglas & Gordon 656 Fulham Road 020 7731 4391 Knight Frank 203 New King’s Road 020 7751 2400 Marsh & Parsons 103-105 Moore Park Road 020 7736 9822 and 333 Fulham Palace Road 020 7993 9888 Strutt & Parker 701 Fulham Road 020 7731 7100

Savills 191 New King’s Road 020 7731 9400 and 423 Fulham Palace Road 020 7578 9050 Snell & Snell 64 New King’s Road 020 7736 7739

Carter Jonas Bishops Park 361 Fulham Palace Road Sales: 020 7731 3333 Lettings: 020 7751 8898 and Parsons Green 783 Fulham Road Sales: 020 7751 8899 Lettings: 020 7751 8898

Chestertons ‘Three offices – one great postcode’ 78 New King’s Road 020 7731 4448

PROPERTY SEARCH AGENT Penn Holmes London Ltd ‘SW6 ladies Katie and Francesca specialise in buying properties for their clients here in Fulham.’ 55 Langthorne Street 07884 180480 07989 746499

FASHION Essam Guenedy 273 New King’s Road 020 7751 3348

Marc Wallace 261 New King’s Road 020 7736 6795

Katie & Jo 253 New King’s Road 020 7736 5304

Iceblu 24a New King’s Road 020 7371 9292

Claudia Sebire 136 Fulham Road 020 7835 1327

Mania Mia 307 New King’s Road 020 3441 1003

Natasha Coote 173 New King’s Road 020 7371 7526

HEALTH & BEAUTY BEAUTY

Space NK 205 New King’s Road 020 7736 6728

hair salon Gina Conway 612 Fulham Road 020 7731 7633

pharmacy

Palace Pharmacy 331 Fulham Palace Road 020 7736 3034

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barber

Crew Experience 911 Fulham Road 020 3010 1096

HOME ARCHITECTS

Hogarth Architects Ltd 186 Dawes Road 020 7381 3409

INTERIOR DESIGN

tiling

WOOD FLOORING

Alice Leigh Design

Porcelanosa

12 Parkville Road 07801 823953 (aliceleigh.co.uk)

Wandsworth Bridge Road 08444 818952 (porcelanosa.com)

Bembé UK Ltd ‘German craft since 1780.’ 315-317 New King’s Road 07794 906621

schools & nurseries Chelsea Independent College 517-523 Fulham Road 020 7610 1114

Godolphin and Latymer School Iffley Road 020 8741 1936

Latymer Upper School 237 King Street 020 8629 2024

Parsons Green Prep (formerly Eridge House) 1 Fulham Park Road 020 7371 9009

Hurlingham and Chelsea School Peterborough Road 020 7731 2581

L’Ecole des Petits 2 Hazlebury Road 020 7371 8350

Fulham Cross Girls’ School Munster Road 020 7381 0861

Kensington Prep School 596 Fulham Road 020 7731 9300

Millie’s House Nursery & Pre-School 163 New King’s Road 020 7731 0440

Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Road 020 7386 2444

Lady Margaret School Parsons Green 020 7736 7138

Parayhouse School New King’s Road 020 7751 0914

essentials builder William Gaze Ltd. Basement, Loft and Extension Specialist 28 Imperial Square 020 7078 8874 (williamgazeltd.com)

butcher Parsons Nose 752 Fulham Road 020 7736 4492 (parsonsnose.co.uk)

plumber

Sinclair House School 159 Munster Road 020 7736 9182 The London Oratory School Seagrave Road 020 7385 0102

Cranbrook Nursery 344-346 Fulham Palace Road 020 7381 9523 (cranbrooknursery.co.uk)

luxury services EVENTS

Sweetapple Heating & Plumbing ‘Local Gas Safe registered plumbing and heating engineers, offering a 24 hour service’

Addoastra ‘Events that leave a legacy’ Party planning, event styling and concierge services 020 3689 4585 (addoastra.com)

130 Stephendale Road 020 7371 0409 07889 184146 (sweetappleplumbing.co.uk)

Zest Events 2 Swan Mews 020 7384 9336 (zestevents.com)

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stationer

Perry’s 777 Fulham Road 020 7736 7225

travel

The Ultimate Travel Co. 25-27 Vanston Place 020 3627 6264

Tickets and hospitality DTB Sports and Events 10 Plato Place, 72-74 St Dionis Road 020 7385 3553

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

PROPERTY WATCH Experts shine a light on local property news

A lease of life All images courtesy of Sarel Jansen

With 15 years’ experience under her lettings belt, Bethan Rees sits down with Sophie Curtis, head of lettings at Savills’ Fulham offices, to talk savvy landlords and why tenants are moving from neighbouring Chelsea to SW6

at in the lounge of a prestigious boutique apartment in the The Landau development, just moments from Fulham Broadway, I meet Savills Fulham’s head of lettings, Sophie Curtis. A stalwart of the rental market, Sophie has 15 years’ experience in this industry, managing teams across London; from Chiswick

to north Kensington. Now in SW6, Sophie heads up both the lettings team in the Parsons Green and Bishop’s Park offices. She’s also a proud FARLA (Fellow of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents) which took 18 months of studying and exams to achieve. A trusted agent in the local area, she’s been at Savills Fulham since - 30 -

June 2006 and has learnt some essential lessons along the way to the top of her game. “Always listen to people and find out exactly what they need; never assume anything,” she tells me. With her breadth of experience in the lettings field, she’s built up a vast number of long-term relationships with landlords and tenants, which

often leads to them re-letting through their property, from physically properties to a high standard because Savills time and time again. “We get managing the place through cleaning that’s what tenants want. Now landlords a good rapport and figure out what’s and maintenance to helping them know this, it’s commanding higher important to them.” understand lettings legislation and can rates and I think this is only going to “We work very closely with often give them peace of mind. Savills increase,” Sophie enlightens me. “We landlords. Here at Savills, we’re trusted has found this particularly prevalent predict that this year rental values will advisors and we’re not afraid to tell it in properties where landlords may increase by 2.5 per cent, and so far in how it is. We have a flat in the Landau have moved overseas and want their prime London values have grown by development that was bought as an rental to be looked after. Sophie 1.5 per cent In Fulham, the average investment, and the owners used tells me that a third of its properties weekly rent is just shy of £1,000 a week our expertise to dress the property,” are managed and says that Savills but last year it was £850, so it’s clear this says Sophie. “definitely encourages” it, as it can is happening,” she emphasises, adding Are landlords usually that there’s an evidential receptive to Savills’ advice? increase in prices for flats as Tenants in managed properties “Generally yes,” she begins there’s so much demand for stay longer than in non-managed to explain. “But if it’s them in SW6. their own home they may “At this time of the year we properties. On average, it’s 19 months for understandably be a bit deal with a lot of corporate managed, 17 months for unmanaged more sensitive, or if they’re relocators. In fact, they relocating abroad and account for 42 per cent letting out their family house they can be a “deal breaker for tenants who of our tenants,” she declares, which be more particular.” want to rent a managed property”. seems to me a huge proportion. But Having worked with an army of Interestingly, she adds, “tenants in where else are the tenants coming landlords, I figure she must know what managed properties stay longer than in from? According to the Savills research they’re looking for. “Often, they want non-managed properties. On average, report, in the first half of 2015, 17 to achieve a good rental value, but also it’s 19 months for managed, 17 months per cent of tenants moved from the to have a really good-quality tenant who for unmanaged.” Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will look after the property and stay According to Savills’ research, the and City of Westminster, compared to there for a long time,” she explains. average rent in prime south-west 13 per cent of tenants in 2014. This What about tenants, though? “They London has increased by 1.7 per cent is particularly obvious in Fulham, but want a good landlord who will be easy over the past year, despite the small falls why? “Fulham is 42 per cent cheaper to get hold of if something breaks of 0.1 per cent over the three months than neighbouring Chelsea – that’s down or goes wrong, but will also give to the end of June. But why is this? a big draw, especially for families,” them their space,” she continues. “Perhaps we’re selling more houses, Sophie elucidates. Savills offers a property management and I also think landlords are getting savills.co.uk service, which helps landlords let more savvy and refurbishing their

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savills.co.uk

1 ELEGANTLY PRESENTED LION HOUSE WITH WEST-FACING GARDEN bowerdean street, sw6 Double reception room ø conservatory/family room ø dining room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø cloakroom ø storage space ø garden ø 215 sq m (2,314 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Savills Fulham Phillippa Dalby-Welsh pdwelsh@savills.com

020 7731 9420 Guide £2.85 million Freehold

savills.co.uk

1 SUPERB FAMILY HOME WITH 31FT SOUTH-FACING GARDEN atalanta street, sw6 Double reception room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø cloakroom ø garden ø 181 sq m (1,948 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Savills Fulham Tom de Winton tdwinton@savills.com

020 7731 9420 Guide £1.775 million Freehold

savills.co.uk

1 STYLISHLY REFURBISHED HOUSE WITH VIEWS OVER SOUTH PARK settrington road, sw6 Family room ø kitchen/dining room ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø utility room ø balcony ø roof terrace ø garden ø 209 sq m (2,250 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Savills Fulham Phillippa Dalby-Welsh pdwelsh@savills.com

020 7731 9420 Guide £2.475 million Freehold

savills.co.uk

L L O

1 WONDERFULLY LIGHT UPPER MAISONETTE IN A NICHOLS LION HOUSE acfold road, sw6 Reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 79 sq m (850 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Savills Fulham Henry Forbes hforbes@savills.com

020 7731 9420 Guide £935,000 Leasehold, approximately 974 years remaining

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

ATTRACTIVE FOUR BEDROOM FAMILY HOME fulham park gardens, sw6 4 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø utility room ø guest w.c ø patio garden ø 184 sq m (1,980 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=D

Savills Fulham Alexandra Martin amartin@savills.com

020 7578 9051 Unfurnished £1,295 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.

Berks Life September.qxp_Layout 1 28/07/2015 12:57 Page 1

SABRE THE MANSION HOUSE 2 bedroom first floor apartment with private lift access

£795,000 Nestled in over 20 acres of private landscaped grounds, Charters is an iconic development of prestigious two and three bedroom apartments offering secure luxury living of the highest standard. ●

C H A R T E R S

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20 acres of landscaped grounds

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Estate managed by one of Europe’s leading hoteliers

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50 foot heated pool

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Fully-equipped gymnasium

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Sauna & steam rooms

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Concierge service

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Snooker room

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All weather tennis court

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Dedicated security team

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A S C O T

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CCTV system

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Electronic gates

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15 miles to London Heathrow Airport

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2 miles to Ascot Racecourse

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4 miles to the Wentworth Club

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Close to leading Independent schools, including Eton College, Wellington College and St. Mary’s Ascot

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www.char ter suk.com VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY • lwilliamson@savills.com • 01344 295375

Immaculate plot with south-facing patio Matching people and property in London for over 150 years.

Delaford Street SW6 ÂŁ1,800,000 A sensational five-bedroom house refurbished to the highest standard throughout and located in central Fulham, ideally placed for the shops, restaurants of Fulham Road with excellent transport links. Freehold. EPC=E

Fulham: 020 7736 9822 sales.ful@marshandparsons.co.uk

Box Tree House SW6 ÂŁ1,150,000 A simply stunning two-bedroom apartment in the award-winning Imperial Wharf riverside development, boasting a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants, underground parking and a gym. EPC=E

Fulham: 020 7736 9822 sales.ful@marshandparsons.co.uk

Parkview Court SW6 ÂŁ1,150,000 A magnificent three-bedroom penthouse apartment with off-street parking and a roof terrace, overlooking the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace and with views towards the River Thames. EPC=D

Bishops Park: 020 7993 9888 sales.bis@marshandparsons.co.uk

Rumbold Road SW6 ÂŁ2,750 per week A stunning and exceptionally designed five-bedroom family home on the Moor Park Estate that has been completely redeveloped throughout offering expansive modern living. EPC=C

Fulham: 020 7736 9822 lets.ful@marshandparsons.co.uk

Kenyon Street SW6 ÂŁ450 per week A charming two-bedroom ground floor apartment with a south facing garden, set in a pretty Victorian terrace and ideally positioned to take advantage of Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park and numerous transport links. EPC=E

Bishops Park: 020 7993 9888 lets.bis@marshandparsons.co.uk

WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? To find out how we can help you or to arrange your complimentary market appraisal please conact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/fulham fulham@knightfrank.com 020 7751 2400

Guide price: £1,900,000

Rigault Road, Fulham SW6 A recently refurbished and extended five bedroom house on a quiet residential street close to the shops, restuarants and amenities of the Fulham Road and the New Kings Road. 5 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room, garden. EPC: C. Approximately 174.1 sq m (1,874 sq ft). fulham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 7751 2400

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £2,150,000

Cresford Road, Fulham SW6 A charming Lion house close to Eel Brook Common which offers huge scope to extend. Master bedroom suite, 3 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/dining room, large cellar, garden. EPC: D. Approximately 210 sq m (2,260 sq ft). fulham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 7751 2400

FRJ - Sales Sept 15

24/08/2015 15:42:50

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WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? To find out how we can help you or to arrange your complimentary market appraisal please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/fulham fulham@knightfrank.com 020 7751 2400

Guide price: £2,950,000

Winchendon Road, Fulham SW6 A beautifully presented house that was completely rebuilt five years ago. Master bedroom suite, 5 further bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), 2 reception rooms, kitchen with dining area, guest WC, media room, utility room, garden. EPC: D. Approximately 258 sq m (2,777sq ft). fulham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 7751 2400

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £2,350,000

Radipole Road, Fulham SW6 Subject to planning consents the house has potential for extension at ground and third floor level as well as in the basement. 3 double bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, 3 reception rooms, kitchen, guest shower room, garden, cellar. EPC: D. Approximately 198.0 sq m (2,131 sq ft). fulham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 7751 2400

FRJ - Sales Sept 15

24/08/2015 15:42:50

Winders Road, Battersea SW11 Two bedroom flat for sale A fantastic maisonette with a private garden. 2 bedrooms (1 with en suite), bathroom, kitchen/dining room, reception room. EPC: D. Approximately 82 sq m (882 sq ft). Share of freehold: approximately 994 years remaining

Guide price: £765,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/battersea battersea@knightfrank.com 020 3597 7670

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/RVR150203

Residents Journal Sept 2015 Battersea v2

18/08/2015 12:31:00

Ken

1:00

Eglantine Road, Wandsworth SW18 Close to Wandsworth Common An exceptional Victorian family house with a 50ft south facing rear garden. 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), double reception room, kitchen/dining/family room, cloakroom, cellar, large south facing garden, and loft. EPC: E. Approximately 270 sq m (2,906 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £2,200,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 8682 7777

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WND150024

Kensington & Chelsea Magazine

21/08/2015 10:09:31

St. Dionis Road, Fulham SW6 A desirable family house St. Dionis Road runs west from Parsons Green itself and is close to Parsons Green Underground station (District Line) and bus routes to the West End. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, garden. EPC: C. Approximately 131.6 sq m (1,417 sq ft). Available unfurnished

Guide price: £1,100 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/FLQ203177

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings fulhamlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3463 2621

@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

FRJ - September 1

24/08/2015 13:35:25

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Langthorne Street, Fulham SW6 Five bedroom semi-detached family house Langthorne Street is situated moments from Bishops Park and the Thames Path. There are local amenties close by on Fulham Palace Road as well as a multitude of bus routes taking you in and out of London. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen, garden. EPC: E. Approximately 203.4 sq m (2,189 sq ft) Available unfurnished

Guide price: £1,350 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/FLQ198636

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings fulhamlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3463 2621

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

FRJ - September 1

24/08/2015 13:35:25

sullivanthomas.co.uk Now part of the Carter Jonas network

FINLAY STREET Fulham SW6

A beautifully refurbished and fully extended semi-detached house offering approximately 3,300 sq ft of well laid-out space. 2 reception rooms • 6/7 bedrooms 2 bathrooms • 2 shower rooms Approximately 70 ft garden • EPC rating C

Guide price £2,999,950

Fulham Bishops Park

020 7731 3333 wayland.ward-smith@carterjonas.co.uk

CHALDON ROAD Parsons Green SW6 A charming freehold house with an abundance of natural light throughout and a beautifully maintained south-facing garden of over 30ft in length. The property offers wellbalanced accommodation and is presented in good order. • • • • • • •

Double reception room 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Kitchen/dining room Roof terrace South-facing garden EPC rating E

Guide price £1,500,000 Parsons Green

020 7751 8899 tom.lewis@carterjonas.co.uk

DELAFORD STREET Parsons Green SW6 A stunning family house ideally located on this quiet residential road close to local transport links on Lillie Road going into Earls Court, Fulham or Hammersmith. • • • • • • •

Double reception room 5 bedrooms, 1 en suite 2 further bathrooms Open-plan kitchen/family room Separate WC/utility room Patio garden EPC rating D

£1,000 pw*/£4,333 pcm* Parsons Green

020 7751 8898 selina.garcia@carterjonas.co.uk *Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact our branch who can provide this information.

Rostrevor Road SW6 ÂŁ2,350,000 Freehold Fulham Sales 020 7731 4391 | fulhamsales@dng.co.uk

South

Balham

Battersea

North

Chelsea

Fulham

Battersea Park

An exceptional five bedroom property situated on the highly sought-after, tree-lined, Rostrevor Road. This family home offers substantial and well laidout living space and boasts south-west facing, landscaped, garden.

Clapham

East Putney

Hammersmith & Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bush

Kensington

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), Reception Room, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Garden, Balcony, EPC: F

Southfields & Earlsfield

West Putney

Kensington Gate

South Kensington

Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster

douglasandgordon.com

Rostrevor Road SW6 £1,675 per week + admin fees* Unfurnished Fulham Lettings 020 7731 4791 | fulhamlets@dng.co.uk

Set just off the Fulham Road, close to the open spaces of Parsons Green, is this well-proportioned family home. The impressive basement conversion has access to the split level garden.

5 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), Double reception room, Family room, Dining room, Kitchen, Utility room, Garden, EPC: D

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

FULHAM Residents’ Journal

PROPERTY WATCH Experts shine a light on local property news

family affair

Bethan Rees meets the power couple behind Snell & Snell shaking up the property scene from their boutique estate agency in Fulham

triding into Snell & Snell’s office on New King’s Road, through the Egyptian-blue frontage, it feels as if I’ve accidentally walked into someone’s living room. Whether it’s the warm welcome from Andrew and Victoria Snell which radiates through a relaxed disposition, casual chatter and smiles or the carefully thought-out setting with soft grey tones of the ridiculously snug sofa, scattered with turquoise cushions, this agency is certainly doing something to make clients feel at ease. Forget the corporate, strait-laced approach; this duo is doing things a little differently. It’s a boutique, family-run estate agency with a personal approach, emphasised with the two of them fronting the team. “We’ve got a modern approach with old fashioned values,” Victoria says. They’re actively involved with the local community and want to meet their demographic; they operate a truly “open door” policy. They are however, highly experienced professionals (with more than 30 years between them) who offer clients everything their larger competitors do in terms of compliance and marketing, but with a personalised and consultative approach. With their name sitting proudly above the door, Victoria and Andrew made the decision to branch out independently from their individual property careers in May this year. Victoria started out in 2001, specialising in residential lettings, and Andrew in 2003, focusing on residential sales. Both were working across various renowned agencies,

when they finally met at Hamptons. “Because we work for ourselves, we take pride in everything we do and treat each property as if it’s our own,” Victoria explains to me. “Some companies in our industry can get a little complacent; they’re high-volume firms, which is the opposite of ours,” she continues. “It’s a less corporate approach. We want to create a vision and a package for each client,” says Andrew. He also expresses his amazement at some people not wanting to work where they live. “From an agency point of view, it’s fantastic. We’re here until the cows come home and we’re completely flexible in that respect. Also, we’re not planning on moving, so people will always know where to find us.” Since opening its doors on 27 May, the couple have had a 100 per cent success rate, and they tell me that the rest of the year is looking exciting for Snell & Snell. “There seems to be a lot - 54 -

bubbling for the next month or two,” Andrew says. But were the pair ever hesitant about leaving their jobs? “Once we decided the time was right, we had to do it. We know our minds and we know the industry inside out,” he explains. What benefits are there to starting on their own? “The highs and lows are completely different when you work for yourself. When you’re working for a large company and when it has a great month, you don’t feel or see the rewards as much as you do here,” Victoria describes. “So there’s much more of a direct impact in this situation.” Leaving the office, I feel as if I’ve just had a delightful catch-up with some old friends, with no pressure, no encroaching business talk; Victoria and Andrew are the friends you want to do business with. 64 New King’s Road, SW6 4LT, 020 7736 7739, snellandsnell.co.uk

@snellandsnellfulham @snellandsnell snellandsnell.co.uk

COLEHILL LANE, SW6

£895,000 Leasehold

An absolutely immaculate and generously proportioned top floor flat, designed by Yohan May Design. Arranged over two floors and affording far reaching views the property is perfectly located for access to Bishop’s Park and a wealth of local amenities. EPC=D SNELL & SNELL andrew@snellandsnell.co.uk 020 7736 7739

• 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • living room • kitchen • balcony • exceptional storage options

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Bloom Park Road, SW6

A beautifully presented four bedroom house on this attractive, tree lined road, a short walk from Parsons Green.

ÂŁ1,699,950 Freehold

Fulham Sales 020 7731 7100 fulham@struttandparker.com

Rivermead Court, SW6

A wonderfully spacious three bedroom flat on the ground floor of this highly regarded, gated development on the River Thames.

ÂŁ1,999,950 Freehold

Fulham Sales 020 7730 7100 fulham@struttandparker.com

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Atalanta Street, SW6

An excellent, wider than average and spacious four double bedroom end of terrace house with a generous 32 foot garden, close to Bishops Park.

£975 per week* Unfurnished

Fulham Lettings 020 7731 7100 fulham@struttandparker.com

*The following Tenant charges may apply prior to tenancy commencement: Tenancy Agreement £210 (inc VAT) Credit References per application £54 (inc VAT). All advertised prices are excluded and other associated services.

fulham Resident s Journal ’

OCTO B E R 2 0 1 5 • I s s u e 3 6

We highly value your feedback: fulham@residentsjournal.co.uk or 020 7987 4320

w w w. R e s i d e n t s J o u r n a l . c o . u k (020) 7987 4320

701 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5UL 020 7731 7100 | struttandparker.com

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01/04/2015 11:23

Fulham Residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journal w w w. R e s i d en t s J o urn a l . c o . u k 020 7987 4320

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