Chiswick & Brook Green April 2015 by Runwild Media Group

Managing Editor Francesca Lee

What’s inside

Editorial Assistants Tom Hagues Henry Hopwood-Phillips Editorial Intern Elizabeth Sersta

An insight into this issue

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood Managing Director Eren Ellwood

“…If you’re concerned that this sounds a little dry, fear not, because it’s a historical rom-com and not a dragging tale of a time gone by…” – Film

General Manager Fiona Fenwick senior Designer Lisa Wade Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

“…Other statistics don’t look so rosy. YouGov published a poll at the end of 2014, claiming Ivan’s recognition in London hovers around the nine per cent mark…” – Politics

Executive Director Sophie Roberts Client Relationship manager Friday Dalrymple BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nicola Bloomfield Production Alice Ford Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney

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RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX T: 020 7987 4320 rwmg.co.uk

Members of the Professional

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Publishers Association

“…For this evening, award-winning singersongwriter Hazel O’Connor is joined by Clare Hirst on saxophone and Sarah Fisher on keyboard for a performance dripping in talent and a glorious combination of vocals…” – Music “…With a flock of keen members already on the roster, the society is hoping to push the number up this year and get more people involved…” – LOCAL SOCIETIES

[editor’s letter and contents]

From the

editor

CONTENTS

n this issue, we hope to introduce readers to one of the many societies that operate in and around the area. The Chiswick Horticultural and Allotments Society spoke to us this month

about its latest projects and aims. Read about getting green fingers and how to celebrate local agriculture, from page 16. Meanwhile, on page 20,

Lifeboat Institution when the crew isn’t out on the water; from boat maintenance to cleaning, we find out all about it. With the general election taking place next month, we’ve rounded up some of the education policies that the main parties are proposing and, with a nod to the return of school after Easter, all the term dates and

we see what goes on during a long shift at the Chiswick Royal National

Chiswick Park

REGULARS 4

contact details for schools in the area. Read about all things educationrelated, from page eight. Elsewhere, on page seven, the Brook Green Wild Food Market’s

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

HP SOURCE

The Budget: an overview

WORD ON THE STREET

Chiswick and Brook Green locals’ most pressing issues

organiser tells Belinda Donovan why it’s so great, and all the must-

FEATURES

attend events are listed, from page four. Don’t forget to flick to page 14

THREE FOR A POUND!

What’s not to love about the Brook Green Wild Food Market?

pedagogy power

What the main political parties are offering in terms of education

the real-life candidate

An interview with London mayoral candidate Ivan Massow

We hope you enjoy the issue.

Chiswick’s grass roots

Francesca Lee, Managing Editor

for a glimpse into the theatrical events taking place in and around the area this month.

The Chiswick Horticultural and Allotments Society’s centenary year TAKe good care of yourself A review of the barber’s shave at Genco Chiswick 20

A DAY in the life of...

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution crew at Chiswick Pier House

news, events and reviews 10

TERM dates Keeping you in the know with local school-term dates

ON THE COVER (left to right)

Top of the pops

Olympia Record Fair; Altman © Soda Pictures; Thames Wharf Studios ©

The best of the musical events taking place this month

Hammersmith Historian; Brook Green Wild Food Market © Wild Food Market; an

what to watch Blockbusters to keep an eye on

enter stage right April’s productions to get out and see

Top picks for

APRIL

The best events to attend this month

11 April THE PERFECT SPOT

20 April IS THIS YOUR CARD?

20-23 April YOUNG AND EAGER

Rowers from Oxford and Cambridge will be gliding their way up the river this month, with the splashing of their paddles accompanied by shouting from the boats’ coxes. To celebrate the fact that you’re not exerting your muscles in front of thousands of spectators, raise a glass or two. The Pier House will be screening the start and finish of the race – and roughly 11 minutes after the start, the action will slip past the end of the pier, providing a fantastic vantage point. There will also be live music from the band Shenanigans for on-shore entertainment.

Prepare for mystery and plenty of spellbinding suspense with Neil Henry’s magic show at the Tabard Theatre. Henry has recently been travelling the world improving on his tricks, and this performance will show them off. Full of comical twists and turns, mind reading and dramatic flourishes, this gig will captivate believers and sceptics alike. Practise your best surprised faces, warm up those cheek muscles in preparation for plenty of laughing and cast aside thoughts you don’t want aired in public – you never know what he’ll reveal to the audience when he reads your mind!

National Theatre Connections hits the Bush Theatre this month for a three-day long celebration of fresh talent. Each year, 10 writers submit a play which is then performed by theatre companies from around the United Kingdom. Worthy groups will be chosen to play at the National Theatre, meaning the performances at the Bush Theatre might be a good chance to get a sneak preview of one of these special productions. Each day shows two plays, giving you the chance to choose which ones you’d most like to see or you can go all out and attend them all.

£12, concessions £8, 7.30pm, Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8995 6035 (tabardweb.co.uk)

£5 per show, book two shows for £8, 6pm and 8pm, Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ, 020 8743 5050 (bushtheatre.co.uk)

Free, bar and pier open 2pm, women’s race 4.50pm, men’s race 5.50pm, The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG, 020 8742 2713 (chiswickpier.org.uk)

racing rowers

MAgician NEIL HENRY

[EVENTS]

21 April MAKING A SPLASH

24-25 April COMEDY VALUE

25 April SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND

With its fantastically long history, it comes as no surprise that the Thames has had one or two swimmers in it over the years. Downstream is a talk by Caitlin Davies at Chiswick Pier Trust this month that will inform attendees about the people of the past and present who like a dip in the water. The talk coincides with the release of Davies’ book of the same name, which includes interviews with every major long-distance Thames swimmer since the 1980s. The stories have been collected through her own research, and the colourful history of the river will be brought to life at this talk.

A previous winner of Time Out’s Comedian of the Year title, Paul Tonkinson is one of five performers giving the crowds something to laugh about this weekend at the Headliners Comedy Club. He’s an excellent impressionist and his face has been described as ‘a wonder of contortion’ by The Independent. John Fothergill will also take to the stage, a comedian who has been praised for his command of an audience and his ability to work the floor, and Roger Monkhouse and Glaswegian comedian Stuart Mitchell will round the evenings off.

If you fret over dusty vinyls and recoil at the thought of discs being scratched, Olympia Record Fair might be right up your street. With a seemingly endless number of genres, artists and editions available, it also serves as a great opportunity to barter with people in the world of record fandom to get that final item needed to complete your collection. Despite having such a huge variety of items on display and for sale, the atmosphere is not elbow-jabbing and everyone-for-himself; it’s one of camaraderie and friendliness. You’ll probably leave with a few new records and additional friends.

£3, 7.30pm, The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG, 020 8742 2713 (chiswickpier.org.uk)

comedian paul tonkinson

£12 Friday, £14 Saturday, £10 if bought online, 9pm both nights, George IV pub, 185 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR, 0207 221 4450 (headlinerscomedy.com)

£3, 10am-4pm, Olympia Central, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX, 0116 275 2815 (vip-24.com)

olympia record fair

[EVENTS]

Elsewhere in London

chiswick chatter What’s got local tongues wagging recently? @beaasprey The satisfaction of leaving early enough to catch the Piccadilly Line from Turnham Green. #Chiswick

@EraseThisTweet @fleetstreetfox I recommend the traditionallooking fish ‘n’ chip place Chris’s Fish Bar on Turnham Green Terrace. Places to park too.

@mrchiswick Good Morning #Chiswick. The birds are singing, the sun is out – it’s a good start

to Thursday!

@Abundance_UK New garden created by the #chiswick Town Hall by Abundance London, Friends of #Turnhamgreen & @Fusion_LS silent disco at the view from the shard

@JosephRogers90

11, 17 and 25 April SILENCE OF THE BANDS

Great rehearsal studios in Stamford Brook,

The View from The Shard regularly puts on silent discos, with central London at night as its magnificent backdrop. Once you strap on your big headphones you’ll have access to the sounds, beats and rhythms of three different DJs who will have set up camp on the 69th floor where you’ll be boogieying. It has a fairly late start time though, so be prepared to set aside the day after for a full and uninterrupted recovery. £37.50, 10pm-2am, The View from The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG, 0844 499 7111 (theviewfromtheshard.com)

a 50-yard walk from the tube station. Great price, great gear! Check it out at @ArchStudiosLdn

@artisan_coffee Lots of hard-working people today! @artisan_coffee #stamfordbrook

@LBofHounslow

25 April CELEBRATE A SAINT

This event is organised by the mayor and is inspired by the great feasting events that took place on St George’s Day in the 13th century. Trafalgar Square will be filled with market stalls dishing out traditional English food, from hog roasts and pies to moreish cakes. Nestled between the fountains will be a banqueting area specifically designed for you to get as much of the treats into your stomachs as you can before everyone packs up and heads home. Free to attend, 12noon-6pm, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN, 020 7983 4000 (london.gov.uk)

26 April GIVE SOME SUPPORT

The London Marathon takes place this month, providing an opportunity to cheer on the runners. Since you have to stand there for an hour or more waiting for everyone to go past, count the number of runners dressed as cartoon characters and, if the occasion calls for it, streakers too. Fingers crossed that category results in a resounding zero. Dotted throughout the course will be entertainment and live music, so it’s a day out whether you’re running or spectating. Main race starts at 10.10am with various start points, see website for details (virginmoneylondonmarathon.com)

A lively discussion on improvements to Chiswick Library and Gunnersbury Station bridge is taking place.

@MaryMacleodMP Good meeting last night of #GSAT #Chiswick looking to improve Gunnersbury Station. Pushing @LBofHounslow to confirm bridge at Chiswick Park.

@MeeraDas A well-behaved group from Shepherd’s Bush School – gorgeous lot! #WeDayUK

[FOOD HOTSPOTS]

Three for

a pound!

ush Dhawan loves Brook Green. He loves that it’s very much a community and he was inspired to start a farmers’ market for the area. Push’s Wild Food Market in the playground of Addison Primary School brings a great sense of community by supplying fresh restaurant-quality food to local residents. Over a coffee, Push tells me that he started to look for fresh produce at local markets but could only find noteworthy goods in north London, which meant traipsing across town. Because of this, he decided to set one up and his desire was to have all the stalls in an enclosed area, thus creating a haven to which food and drink lovers could flock. He launched the Brook Green Wild Food Market nine months ago and, since then, it’s gone from strength to strength. He tells me that in three to four weeks time, visitors will be able to get the best hot dog in London from the market. ‘I’ll certainly be queuing for mine,’ I tell him. Push suggests that I meet Matt Young, the market’s resident chef who holds a different cookery masterclass each week. The idea behind these classes is to create a platform

for seasonal ingredients to be showcased and used in dishes and offers the chance for residents to learn and engage with different cooking methods. Recently, Matt showed everyone how to make ravioli, an experience that went down a treat with the crowd of onlookers. The market is also planning to undertake foraging classes for people keen to find their own ingredients. The only other market with similar sessions is Borough Market in south London, so it’s great to have

Courtesy of Wild Food Market

Belinda Donovan speaks to the organiser of the Brook Green Wild Food Market

stalls. The best cakes in London (at least I think they’re the best) can be bought from stallholder Barbara. I am happy to vouch for her blueberry cheesecake – it’s the tastiest I’ve ever had. For those who like gin, there’s a special stall for flavoured variations of the drink, including a strawberry one. Who wouldn’t enjoy that in the summer months? The market supports local businesses and farmers who would rather sell directly to the community, not through supermarkets. Push also says that he wants to change people’s perception of organic food, and this is a step in the right direction for his vision. You won’t be disappointed if you visit the market next Saturday; the entrance is at Addison Gardens and the best time to visit is around lunch because you can eat as you buy. Take the opportunity to stock up on fresh herbs, fish and all manner of goodies as well and don’t forget about the blueberry cheesecake from Barbara’s stall.

In three to four weeks time, visitors will be able to get the best hot dog in London from the market something like this right on your doorstep. Push tells me that farmers are selling their produce at the market and cutting out the middle man, and it’s a great opportunity for people to talk to the farmers and offer their views on the produce and the market itself. There’s a lot to choose from among all the

plenty of produce to choose from

Courtesy of Wild Food Market

10am-3pm every Saturday, Addison Primary School, Addison Gardens, W14 0DT (thewildfoodmarket.flavors.me)

a popular destination

Pedagogy

power

Chiswick and Brook Green shines a spotlight on one of the more sensitive issues of the General Election in May: education

a school classroom

SITUATION:

In 2009, people knew that the era of limitless economic growth was over but few could discern what this meant for universities. A year later, in 2010, with the abolition of teaching subsidies and the shift of the full cost of teaching to students, a little more clarity emerged but the student loan book remained unaffordable. At the moment students begin repayments once pay reaches £21,000 per year. If more money is required it would be easy to raise revenue by dropping that threshold. The can was kicked down the road, however, with the Browne Report, and this procrastination feeds a more general confusion over where the main parties stand

on education as the 2015 election looms.

UNIVERSITY:

Some policy has emerged – mostly through headlines. Labour has chosen to focus on cutting maximum tuition fees to £6,000 (though without specifying how the lost revenue might be replaced). It is also keen to highlight the needs of the ‘other 50 per cent’ – those not attending university – and has pledged to remove international students from calculations of net immigration. The Conservatives are thinking of uncapped tuition fees, with a view to balancing the student loan book. The Liberal Democrats are making noises about giving universities

the right to buy their own student debt as an investment; this is being sold as an incentive for universities to get their graduates into high-paid jobs. UKIP is eager to remove tuition fees for students taking approved degrees in science, medicine, technology, engineering and maths on the condition that they live, work and pay tax in the UK for five years after the completion of their degrees.

SCHOOLS:

On the school front, UKIP will scrap the arbitrary target of 50 per cent of school leavers going to university. The Green Party has vowed to provide free education for all. The Tories are promising to open at least

[EDUCATION]

Voting slips

ed miliband

500 new free schools (approximately 270,000 new school places) in the next parliament, if elected. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, noted that free schools were a huge success story, and that ‘at the heart of all of it is giving parents real choice.’ Labour, perhaps unsurprisingly, disagrees, claiming that it would be right to close the scheme because ‘parents waiting for the results of their children’s primary school applications will be astonished to learn that David Cameron wants to continue funnelling money into areas of surplus school places.’ Of 77 free schools inspected by OFSTED, 18 have been rated outstanding, 23 as requiring improvement or inadequate, and three have been closed or taken over.

CONSERVATIVES:

David Cameron says he wants to ‘see a war on mediocrity’, targeting 3,500 schools ranked as ‘requiring improvement’ by OFSTED. He would pursue this ‘war’ by forcing such schools to become academies with new ‘superheads’ in charge. Meanwhile, Labour is turning against academies and shows signs that it would want to slow the rate of schools converting to academy status. The Green Party would abolish OFSTED, replacing it with a more collaborative system of monitoring school performance. The party feels teachers are

The Tories are promising to open at least 500 new free schools

david cameron

‘teaching to the test’ rather than equipping children with the skills they need.

LABOUR:

Ed Miliband stresses that Britain lacks an education system that produces the right sort of skills. He told manufacturers recently that Britain needs almost 160,000 engineers a year but is producing fewer than 75,000. Labour therefore promises to guarantee apprenticeships to school-leavers with the right grades in order to rectify this situation.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS:

In the wake of a report by the New Policy Institute that claimed 29 per cent of 19-25 year olds are in poverty and the proportion of young adults in private rented

accommodation has risen by 10 points to 37 per cent over the past 10 years, the Liberal Democrats want to attract attention to their pupil premium scheme, which gives schools extra funds for every disadvantaged pupil they take in.

CONCLUSION:

Looking at the bigger picture, Labour wants to ‘protect the overall education budget in real terms’. This contrasts with the Conservative Party, which would cut funding by 10 per cent. However, much of the debate misses out a crucial question – what, exactly, is our education system and what are our universities for? Much of the confusion, the fudge, caused is due to this lack of greater vision.

[school dates]

Dates for

the diary All the upcoming term times for this academic year

nurseries and pRIMARY Schools

Contact details

Summer term dates*

Belmont Primary Head: Ms V Coates Belmont Road, W4 5UL

13 April T: 020 8994 7677 E: messages@belmont.hounslow.sch.uk – 17 July (half term: W: belmontprimaryschool.org.uk 25 May – 1 June)

Cavendish Primary Head: Mrs A Inwood Edensor Road, W4 2RG

T: 020 8994 6835 E: office@cavendish.hounslow.sch.uk W: webfronter.com/hounslow/ cavendish

Contact details

Summer term dates*

T: 020 7603 8478 Cardinal Vaughan E: mail@cvms.co.uk Memorial School Head: Mr P Stubbings W: cvms.co.uk Addison Road, W14 8BZ

14 April – 17 July (half term: 25-29 May)

13 April – 20 July (half term: 25-29 May)

Chiswick School Head: Mr T Ryan Burlington Lane, W4 3UN

T: 020 8747 0031 E: enquiries@chiswickschool.org W: chiswickschool.org

13 April – 17 July (half term 25-29 May)

Chiswick & Bedford T: 020 8994 1804 E: info@cbppschool.co.uk Park Preparatory W: cbppschool.co.uk School Head: Mrs C A Sunderland Priory Avenue, W4 1TX

23 April – 10 July (half term: 25-29 May)

Godolphin and Latymer Head: Mrs R Mercer Iffley Road, W6 0PG

T: 020 8741 1936 E: office@godolphinandlatymer.com W: godolphinandlatymer.com

19 April – 6 July (half term: 30 May – 3 June)

The Falcons School for Boys Head: Mr G Milne Burnaby Gardens, W4 3DT (pre-prep site)

23 April – 9 July (half term 25-29 May)

Latymer Upper School Head: Mr D Goodhew King Street, W6 9LR

T: 020 8629 2024 E: head@latymer-upper.org W: latymer-upper.org

20 April – 7 July (half term: 30 May – 3 June)

Sacred Heart High School Head: Mrs M Doyle Hammersmith Road, W6 7DG

T: 020 8748 7600 E: info@sacredh.lbhf.sch.uk W: sacredhearthighschool hammersmith.org.uk

20 April – 17 July (half term: 25-29 May)

West London Free School Head: Mr H Jones Bridge Avenue, W6 9JP

T: 020 8600 0670 E: admin@wlfs.org W: westlondonfreeschool.co.uk

22 April – 14 July (half term: 25-29 May)

T: 020 8747 8393 E: admin@falconschool.com W: falconsboys.co.uk

T: 020 8994 3385 Heathfield House E: pwpwilliamson@gmail.com School Head: Mrs Goodsman W: heathfieldhouse.co.uk Heathfield Gardens,W4 4JU

16 April – 10 July (half term: 25 May – 5 June)

Strand on the Green T: 020 8994 7921 E: office@strandin.hounslow.sch.uk Infant & Nursery W: strandinfantandnursery.co.uk Head: Mr M Newton Thames Road, W4 3NX

13 April – 16 July (half term: 25-29 May)

13 April Strand on the Green T: 020 8994 7847 E: office@strandjuniors.hounslow.sch.uk – 16 July Junior (half term: Head: Ms S Harrison W: strandjuniors.org.uk 25-29 May) Thames Road, W4 3NX T: 020 8994 5606 St Mary’s RC Primary (Chiswick) E: office@stmarys.hounslow.sch.uk Head: Ms T McManus W: stmaryschiswick.org.uk Duke Road, W4 2DF William Hogarth Primary Head: Ms C Driscoll Duke Road, W4 2JR

SECONDARY Schools

13 April – 17 July (half term: 25-29 May)

13 April Tel: 020 8994 4782 Email: admin@hogarth.hounslow.sch.uk – 17 July (half term: Website: williamhogarthschool.co.uk 25-29 May)

*Above information correct at the time of printing

[POLITICS]

The real-life

candidate Ivan Massow talks to Henry Hopwood-Phillips about why he’s fighting to become Mayor of London

strike days. ‘I set out a poll on a website that attracted large numbers of voters. In the end, more than 40 per cent said they would participate if such a scheme materialised, which I thought was rather impressive.’ Other statistics don’t look so rosy. YouGov published a poll at the end of 2014, claiming Ivan’s recognition in London hovers around the nine per cent mark. It’s a superior presence to other Conservative hopefuls, but also undoubtedly worse than the Labour big guns such as Tessa Jowell and Sadiq Khan. This has caused consternation within the party; some have voiced concerns that they need a bigger name. A Conservative for 33 years, a Londoner for 25, one cannot fail to be impressed by the energy that the silver fox is applying to his candidature. One gets the impression that some in the public realm believe his campaign to be more about energy than sense; a political example of a man on a collision course with a brick wall. Looking back at Ivan’s life, it seems the walls have sustained far more damage than his head.

spanned a time of self-exile in Barcelona, a sad hiatus that nevertheless ended with a fairy-tale rescue by none other than Joan Collins – ‘who by the way, insists on being named the godmother of my child,’ he adds excitedly. The controversy didn’t end with the alcohol intake though. Never shirking the right to hold real opinions, he recollects being ‘forced to resign as chairman of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) after observing that much of conceptual art is “craftless tat”.’

Ivan jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire, throwing his hat into the mayoral ring Looking to pick himself up, Ivan jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire, throwing his hat into the mayoral ring at the end of last year. The first shot across the bows came from Mark Wallace at Conservative Home, describing Ivan as an ‘unconvincing candidate’, a man who seemed destined to be little more than a careerist and ‘loose cannon’. ‘I understand why he said that,’ Ivan comments humbly, ‘so I set things straight by inviting his editor to interview me.’ The follow-up makes for interesting reading, and captures Ivan’s tone well. It is apparent that he is sensitive to the lightness and heaviness of both life and the task he has set himself. Another accusation is that what Ivan sells as ‘blue-sky thinking’ amounts to little more than headline-chasing. Policies aimed at housing the homeless in City Hall and naming a prison after himself on ‘Boris Island’ seem to add noise rather than solutions to a city that proffers itself as one of the few ‘world capitals’. ‘That’s not fair,’ he protests, giving the example of a volunteer transport brigade that would potentially stop London from coming to a halt on

(ivan.london)

ondon mayoral candidate Ivan Massow seems like a real guy; not the most sexy of descriptions, admittedly, but in the age of the Spock-lite politician it’s a powerful card. He also looks real. Though he’s wearing the ubiquitous open-necked shirt, the London mayoral candidate comes across less like the sandblasted goblin of the Blairite and Cameronian yesteryear than a wizened saltand-pepper-haired pin-up. The post has relatively limited formal powers but its appeal has, perhaps paradoxically, up until now, been restricted to the megalomania of Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson. So having a candidate who appears so regular feels slightly anticlimactic, even incongruous… But, of course, Ivan isn’t terribly normal. The menagerie, from dogs at knee-height up to parrots above (singing a medley of welcomes and threats as I bound through his Bloomsbury door) hints at this. Raised near Brighton, he admits to being an ‘instinctive’ Tory ‘despite a politically tribal narrative that might insist my “natural” position is on the left’ due to an early ‘street urchin’ existence that included dyslexia, adoption and homosexuality. I cannot remember what qualifications I left Brighton with,’ his eyes glint, ‘because I’ve had to fib so much about that period in the past – but I think I left school with one O-level.’ Clearly, his life trajectory wasn’t a conventional one – with a launch pad of qualifications – but Ivan was a man with an idea. ‘I found a niche in the market by making sure gays weren’t financially penalised in the financial products that they were offered.’ Millions of pounds soon flowed into his coffers. ‘I was so happy proving to teachers, parents and friends that I was worth something, that I wasn’t a dead-end,’ he beams. That particular high, however, closed when he lost a lawsuit to a firm he had accused of failing to uphold his ethics. A period of alcoholism followed and

[music]

Top of

the pops

At a loss for what to listen to this month? Here’s a helping hand O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE

EVENTIM APOLLO

SUBSONICA

MICHAEL BALL

Ciao, music fans. Subsonica, the Italian rock band, is making its merry way to Londra for a much-anticipated performance. The band will be performing some of its most popular hits as well as material from the group’s new album. If you don’t speak Italian, worry not – music is a universal language that can be understood and enjoyed by tutti.

For more than 25 years as everyone’s favourite theatre star, Ball has had a lot to live up to. He’s a double Olivier Award winner and has various other accolades under his performing belt, so make the most of his newest tour and see what the fuss is all about. Chances are you won’t be disappointed. 11 April, 6.30pm, £51.75

19 April, 8pm, £24

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

THE SKINTS

No, The Skints is not a rare illness but a reggae band from London. At the beginning of the group’s career, the members chopped and changed before finally settling on the current line-up. Close your eyes and the reggae sounds will transport you to Jamaica.

Some 41 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, the band Lynyrd Skynyrd formed and began producing its instantly recognisable twang. The band halted its output for a decade after a tragic plane crash in 1977, but now it tours around the world, belting out Sweet Home Alabama to adoring fans.

21 April, 7pm, £12.50

23 April, 7pm, £45.75

Aquostic Live 2015 gives lucky fans the chance to see the boys up close. The tour promotes Quo’s latest album, the cover image of which features the five of them entirely nude with guitars protecting their modesty. It’s unclear yet as to whether this will be the chosen attire for their live shows, but prepare for the worst.

24 April, 7pm, £27.50 O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT, 0844 477 2000 (o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk)

26 April, 7pm, from £40.75

image © yakub88

Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH, 0844 249 4300 (eventimapollo.com)

BLAIR DUNLOP AND EMMA STEVENS

Dunlop and Stevens were once two upcoming musicians trying to break into the ferocious entertainment industry, Dunlop a folk musician and Stevens a singersongwriter. Now, having broken through and established themselves as worthy of their place, they have teamed up to perform together. Bravo!, you cry, and rightly so. 18 April, 7.30pm, £14.50

HAZEL O’CONNOR

For this evening, award-winning singersongwriter Hazel O’Connor is joined by Clare Hirst on saxophone and Sarah Fisher on keyboard for a performance dripping in talent and a glorious combination of vocals. 23 April, 7.30pm, £20

STATUS QUO

FIVE

Those with a sharp eye will notice that there are only three people on the stage, but if you use your imagination and squint a little bit, you might be able to see all five.

five

bush hall

hazel o’connor

THE ONCE

Canadian folk musicians The Once are pretty darn good at doing what they do. They’re owners of several music awards, including the Newfoundland & Labrador Art Council’s Artist of the Year and they pride themselves on their vocal harmonies. 29 April, 7.30pm, £9

status quo

Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12 7LJ, 020 8222 6955 (bushhallmusic.co.uk)

[film]

What to

watch Our roundup of the newest film releases

COURTESY OF SODA PICTURES

10 April JOHN WICK

robert altman

Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch Starring Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist and Alfie Allen Hold onto your horses because Reeves is back on the scene. Acting as a retired hitman forced back into action by violent Russian mobsters, his character tries his best to avenge the people who took everything from him. It should be a substantially explosive thriller that will have you gawping at the screen and talking about it for days afterwards.

3 April ALTMAN

Directed by Ron Mann This documentary takes a look at the life, mind and work of Robert Altman, the man who was nicknamed ‘the father of independent film’. Altman used satirical twists in his films in order to get his vision across to audiences, meaning his pictures were often subtly comical and stood out among the works of other filmmakers and he was described by one critic as being able to ‘make fireworks out of next to nothing’. This well-respected director and screenwriter was beloved by the industry and now’s the chance to get to know more about him.

3 April FAST AND FURIOUS 7

Directed by James Wan Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson Number seven of this long-running franchise is coming out this month in a seemingly desperate attempt by the producing studio to squeeze every last drop of money out of audiences willing to see it. Expect scantily dressed women, fast car chases and muscular men, just like you’ve seen in the other six instalments of this endless series.

keanu reeves in john wick

17 April THE SALVATION

Directed by Kristian Levring Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, Jeffrey Dean Morgan It is the 1870s and Danish immigrant Jon (played by Mikkelsen) has been waiting for years to bring his wife and son to the United States but as soon as they arrive, they are victims of a horrible murder. Jon, blinded by anger, kills the perpetrator, is the brother of a notorious outlaw who terrorises the small town. Unfortunately for Jon, this has bad consequences and he must try his hardest to defend himself and the town.

17 April A LITTLE CHAOS

Directed by Alan Rickman Starring Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Stanley Tucci A female landscape gardener is called upon to design the gardens at Versailles in France, an assignment that lands her in the middle of the court of King Louis XIV. If you’re concerned that this sounds a little dry, fear not, because it’s a historical rom-com and not a dragging tale of a time gone by. With the ever-lovely Winslet at the helm, it’s not likely to be a bad film either and it’s certainly nice to see Rickman out of his Hogwarts cloak and in a frilly wig for once. This picture was also directed by Rickman and we think it sounds rather interesting.

17 April DARK HORSE

Directed by Louise Osmond A documentary based on a true story: barmaid Jan from South Wales breeds a racehorse on her allotment that goes on to become an unlikely champion. A touching real-life story about beating the odds.

dark horse Courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment LTD

[THEATRE]

Enter

stage right

April’s productions to get out and see local 5 April AND THIS IS MY FRIEND... MR LAUREL

for many decades of performances to come. Olivier award-winning director Sean Holmes, along with his cast of talented youngsters, will bring to life the well-known and muchloved production. Why not celebrate the multi-million pound refurbishment with a raucous evening of splurge guns and beloved musical numbers?

This performance has only one cast member, Jeffrey Holland, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as grand as a performance with a full chorus and orchestra. Set in the bedroom of a poorly Oliver Hardy, this show at the Tabard Theatre offers a glance into Laurel’s visit to his sickbed and together they recount their success as a comedy duo. This performance is touching, funny and wellwritten and allows the viewer to appreciate Laurel and Hardy’s everlasting influence.

From £15, 7.30pm Monday-Saturday, 2.30pm Saturday, Monday and Wednesday matinees, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, W6 0QL, 020 8741 6850 (lyric.co.uk)

To launch the newly refurbished Lyric, a performance of Bugsy Malone will take to the stage and wear it in a bit in readiness

image © David Ellis

11 April until 1 August BUGSY MALONE

bugsy malone

image © Bernhard Müller

£16, concessions £14, 7.30pm, Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8995 6035 (tabardweb.co.uk)

golem

further away 14 April until 22 May GOLEM

From a theatre company called 1927 comes Golem, a delightfully disturbing tale that will have you gripped and gawping in all the right ways at the Trafalgar Studios. A man fashions a creature – The Golem – out of clay and gets it to work for him, and this play is about the relationship between man and machine. The story takes place in a world where The Golem is a sought-after item that is synonymous with a good life. Terrifyingly, though, its existence begins to threaten those who have come to need it. From £10, 8pm Monday-Saturday, 2.30pm Thursday and Saturday matinees, Trafalgar Studios. 14 Whitehall, SW1A 2DY, 0844 871 7632 (atgtickets.com)

30 April until 13 June THE ANGRY BRIGADE

Polish your medallions, dust off your flares and re-heel your platform shoes for this play, because it’s set in the 1970s. Against a backdrop of a Conservative government’s cuts, high unemployment and a deregulated economy, a young urban guerrilla group mobilises. They go by the name of The Angry Brigade and have various targets in their sights, namely MPs, embassy police officers and (bizarrely) pageant queens. In a world of order that has been shattered by anarchy, the rules have changed and an uprising has begun in which no one is exempt. This thriller is running at the Bush Theatre from the end of April and is the latest offering from playwright James Graham. From £15.50, concessions from £12.50, 7.30pm Monday-Saturday, 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday matinees, Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ, 020 8743 5050 (bushtheatre.co.uk)

[POLITICS]

hp source:

henry hopwood-phillips reports on local issues

BANKING ON A BOUNCE Henry Hopwood-Phillips breaks down the final budget before the General Election...

KEY AREAS OF BUDGET

• By 2018-2019, Britain will have a budget surplus of 0.2 per cent. • ONS has announced that employment in UK has reached a historic high of 73 per cent. It fell by 102,000 to 1.86 million. • Inflation is running at 0.2 per cent. Two per cent remains the target. • Share of income tax paid by top one per cent will rise from 25 per cent in 2010 to over 27 per cent in 2015.

THE OPPOSITION

ED MILIBAND said:

foreign secretary Philip Hammond and chancellor George Osborne

SAVINGS

First £1,000 of interest on all savings will be tax-free.

1. Nobody believes this Chancellor when he says he’s going to cut their taxes because that’s not what’s happened. Twenty four tax rises, families worse off on average by £1,127 a year as a result of his measures, the equivalent of 8p on the basic rate of income tax – that is the reality of a Budget that cannot be believed.

Rises to £6.70.

CORPORATION TAX

having left his budget speech at home. From then on, Chancellors have had to prove that they’ve got it with them.

Falls to 20 per cent.

EDUCATION

Loans for up to £25,000 will be available to postgraduate PhD and Masters research students.

KEY STATS • UK economy grew 2.6 per cent in 2014. • Growth forecast for 2015: 2.5 per cent. • Borrowing is forecast to be £90.2bn in 20152016, down from £91.3bn, published in the Autumn Statement.

‘The coalition government’s policy decisions in this Budget are not expected to have a material impact on the economy.’ – The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR)

DEBATE in-office division ‘Why should the government be helping

2. Our productivity gap with the rest of the G7 group is now the worst for a quarter TAX-FREE ALLOWANCE of a century. He talked about Rises to £11,000. rebalancing the economy, TAX RETURNS but what he promised Abolished. To be replaced hasn’t happened. The with automatic digital Did you know? Chancellor’s targets for tax accounts. Ever since 1868, Chancellors have exports are set to be ALCOHOL held the red box aloft outside 11 Downing Street to prove they haven’t forgotten it. missed by £300billion, Beer – cut by 1p on This is down to the unfortunate George Ward and on these figures a pint. Cider and Hunt. The Chancellor in Benjamin Disraeli’s first he’s seen the slowest whisky duty cut by government, Hunt arrived at the Commons recovery for 300 years. two per cent.

MINIMUM WAGE

‘In my part of Essex, the only thing that is going up is the prices in the shops. People really do feel they have been left behind economically and when politicians bamboozle them with statistics, I think they are talking about the London economy – the corporate bank-subsidised economy – they’re not talking about the real economy out there.’ – Douglas Carswell MP

OPINION

‘It’s growth based on consumption primarily, and we know if consumption is the driver of the economy you get boom and bust because people run up a debt mountain. What we really need is a rebalancing towards business and investment, a move towards exports and, of course, our current account figures show a very, very large negative current account balance – [it is] totally unsustainable.’ – John Longworth, Head of British Chambers of Commerce

first-time buyers to get on the property ladder? It will further drive the false economy – I think what we need is to build more houses. People shouldn’t need an incentive to save or expect handouts – they should want to do it for themselves. I feel the money would be better spent in other places.’ Francesca Lee, Managing Editor, Residents’ Journals

Versus ‘We have an economic deficit and as a result, the ability to offer financial incentives is limited; as ever it is a matter of priorities. I think the ISA for first-time buyers and the increase in the tax-free allowance for savings is a way of enabling those who have worked hard to see the benefit of their efforts. It is a way of offering security to working people and encouraging saving.’ Gabrielle Lane, Editor, Canary Wharf

Find the budget in detail at gov.uk

Chiswick’s

grass roots

The Chiswick Horticultural and Allotments Society is celebrating its centenary year, so we decided to find out a bit more about it and what it does

Local allotments

s we settle down to discuss the society’s centenary year, Henry Gewanter, the chairman, tells me that you don’t need to be a toiling farmer to be part of the Society. ‘It was originally for allotment holders but now, although many have plots, a lot of members just have small gardens or window boxes. You don’t need an allotment to join; anyone who has an interest in growing things can register.’ This open-ended approach to membership is a positive thing for the community, especially for those who don’t

have an allotment. ‘There’s about a fiveyear waiting list for them in this part of Hounslow,’ says Henry. With such a long waiting list, it might seem that people who are hoping to get an allotment have very little hope, if any, of actually suceeding. There are ways around the wait, as show secretary Mike Flinders explains: ‘What’s worth noting is that you can actually share an allotment with someone, which is one way of getting one.’ Henry agrees and adds that it’s easier to get a share of an allotment than it is to have a whole one. ‘The plots are quite big,’ says

Henry, ‘and they’re a lot of hard work, so it’s a good way of being in on it.’ This struck me as a good idea in terms of getting involved with an allotment for the first time. For people who have never gardened, farmed, picked or pruned before, sharing an allotment offers not only a small practice patch but also an allotment buddy who can teach and offer handy tips. The Society itself offers advice to members through ‘The Trading Hut’, a small construction located in the Staveley Road Allotments on Staveley Road opposite

[LOCAL SOCIETy]

members and aren’t only about growing. ‘You Chiswick School. ‘It’s open three Sundays a can enter vegetables, flowers or domestic month,’ Henry informs me. ‘There are experts items, arts and crafts and photography,’ he who offer advice and it has very cheap tells me. These shows are fun for all the seeds available as well as anything needed family and in the past, Mike has set up a for planting. It’s only open to members, but kids’ area where young attendees can paint, membership is £13 [£7 concessions] and create collages and make model gardens. because the goods at The Trading Hut are ‘Everybody in Chiswick is welcome to enter. so cheap, the membership sort of pays for All the different classes available at the itself because of the money you’ll save on shows are on the website. Even if people purchases you make.’ don’t want to enter anything into the As a charitable organisation, the Society shows, they’re free to come and it’s a nice has aims that it tries to fulfil, like trying to day out,’ he finishes. Despite the premise spread a love and knowledge of growing. of people entering things into these shows, ‘Several years ago we started going round it’s not a competitive atmosphere. ‘We have local schools and offering free seeds, plants independent judges who come in from and compost in an attempt to get younger outside the Society and there’s free advice children to plant things in flowerpots,’ for anyone who wants it,’ Mike and says Henry. Since this year is Henry tell me. the Society’s hundredth With a flock of keen anniversary, the drive to get members already on the LEARN TO GROW the younger community roster, the Society is hoping involved is in full flow, If your child’s school might be to push the number up as Henry explains. ‘We interested in planting and growing, or you think they’d like to take part in this year and get more have a 100-year-old the competition, contact Joanna at people involved. Henry tells bronze plate that we’re editor@chsw4.org me that ‘We recently gave giving as a prize for our one school some seeds and gardening competition. potatoes who subsequently All schools in Chiswick are asked if they could join the free to enter and all they have Society. We’ve never had a group to do is try and grow something. membership or anything like that but we’ve The best will get to retain the plate for given membership to the whole school a year until the next competition. It’ll be which allows any of the children and their an annual event open to schools and other parents to hold membership to the Society.’ youth organisations, such as the Brownies Being a member has a number of benefits, and Girl Guides.’ not just the opportunity to grow something Mike, who organises the Society’s shows, from scratch. The group is a member of the informs me that the group hosts two shows Royal Horticultural Society which gives its per year, one in the summer and one in members the chance to take trips to gardens the autumn, and both are open to anyone within an hour’s drive of London, as well and everyone. The shows are not just for

early stages of growing

planting vegetables

raking the ground

as offering discounted tickets to shows. The RHS also puts on special tours for its member societies, something that isn’t available to the general public. The Society also works closely with the local authority to get as many people involved with gardening as possible. ‘Gardening has many health benefits. It gets people up and moving and gives vulnerable older people who might be lonely a chance to interact with other gardeners. At the moment we’re working with the council to encourage greater participation with the allotments and more outdoor activities,’ says Henry. With so much going on for the group in this centenary year, now is a good time to get involved. As our meeting winds down, Henry and Mike try to sum up all the benefits of being a member of the Society. Access to advice, cheap seeds, compost and gardening tools, paired with RHS tours and a chance to meet others in the community, are just a few. With an open-arms policy and an established network of gardeners willing to help newcomers get started, there’s nothing stopping anyone who wants to be involved. (chsw4.org) follow on Twitter @growchiswick

Take good care

of yourself

Whether you trim, snip, shave or let it grow, facial hair is a hot topic at the moment review

Take it all off, please Tom Hagues visits Genco Chiswick for a traditional barber’s shave

a traditional barber’s shave

y face, having let my stubble grow over the weekend, was furrier than a guinea pig’s toupée when I walked into the Genco male grooming salon. I was delighted to be finally getting rid of my facial wig and as soon as I arrived I felt as though I was in the perfect place to have it removed. The salon itself is discreetly tucked next to the restaurant La Trompette and it looks smart. Its black exterior and slick logo make it clear to any passer-by: This is a man’s salon. Inside is a perfect combination of keeping style in mind but maintaining a laid-back

atmosphere. With the pleasant concoction of atmospheric music being played, a friendly but entirely professional batch of staff and the ‘leave it to us’ confidence they have, you’re made to feel welcome very quickly. If first impressions are everything,

At this point I was delirious with relaxation, something that I was surprised about

then this salon tries its hardest to impress anyone who walks through its door. I settled into the seat and had my cheeks and chin prodded and stroked by Paul Dos Reis, the salon director and senior stylist. He asked me a few questions about my shaving habits, before burying me under numerous towels and applying a scrub to my hairy chops. This was to cleanse my face and get rid of the gritty, dusty elements that I’d gathered while out and about on the tube. He then proceeded to wrap my head in a warm towel by way of preparing my skin for the even hotter towel that was to follow. I was, I noticed, becoming increasingly more relaxed with each towel I was given. The next step was the moisturising eye pads. I nestled back in the chair, had cool pads placed over my eyes and another warm towel held them in place. At this point I was delirious with relaxation, something that I was surprised about, because having a shave doesn’t conjure thoughts of spa-like tranquillity. Usually, for me, it’s a rushed five minutes in the morning with bleary eyes and bed-hair. No, this experience was much more welcoming and, as I sat in the chair getting lathered up, I decided that this was the way I wanted to shave every morning. As Paul applied shaving cream to my cheeks, chin and neck, I had a very brief but terrifying memory of seeing a film where the protagonist was subjected to such a shave by the villain. I couldn’t remember what it was called, however, and I was already certain that Paul wasn’t an evil mastermind, so I continued to relax. As the shave began, the gentle scraping of the metal on my stubble was smooth

[men’s grooming]

and didn’t catch. I was in expert hands, I decided. After going with the grain, Paul then said that he was going to go against it and was careful to be even gentler so as not to cause any shaving rash or irritation. Afterwards, I was pleased to see that he had done a perfect job. No scratches, no nips and no itching. Paul rubbed my face down with an ice cube to close my pores and carried on dishing out advice. I left looking fresh-faced and feeling relaxed – a perfect, if elaborate, way to start the day.

Top shaving tips Use a brush to apply shaving cream to your

better) to shaved areas of the face after

face. Doing this means that the hair gets lifted

washing away the excess shaving cream. This

up, away from the skin, and will allow the razor

closes the pores quicker, which allows the skin

to cut the hair finer, thus ensuring a smoother

to heal and stops dust and dirt from getting

shave. Swirl the cream on with the brush in

into the newly-opened pores.

circular motions, ending with a flick away from the face to expose as much stubble as possible to the razor blade.

A perfume-free shaving balm is recommended for anyone who finds they have shaving irritation. The best way to keep irritation at bay

Shaves start at £31, Genco Male Grooming, 9 Devonshire Road, W4 2EU, 020 8994 0040 (genco-uk.com)

Apply ice or very cold water (the colder the

is to simply look after your skin.

keep an eye out The art of grooming is a popular art form with men at the moment. Beards are in (but not so much for the female population), so it’s important to keep on top of what facial hair you have. Whether you see yourself as a moustachioed man or a beardy bloke, or if you still like a clean shave, here are our top picks for maintaining the smartest of faces.

AN OBVIOUS CHOICE

The Neville Three Piece Shaving Set from Cowshed is a good all-rounder. It has all the basic tools for grooming and looks smart as well. The stand keeps everything organised and away from other implements in the bathroom cabinet, but be aware that the stand actually counts as one of the ‘three pieces’. The two actual shaving tools are the three-blade razor and a badger-hair shaving brush, both of which have an attractive dark green handle that’s comfortable to hold. £150, Cowshed, 62 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PR, 020 8987 1607 (cowshedonline.com)

SOFT AND SOOTHING

HELPING HAND

Acqua di Parma Revitalizing Face Cream is a favourite among men who occasionally want to shave everything off and start again. Removing vast quantities of fisherman’s beard can be rough on the skin, but this product comes to the rescue with its hydrating qualities. It’s a good, light consistency as well, meaning it doesn’t feel as though you’re massaging greasy cooking oil onto your delicate skin.

For an impressive beard, moustache or goatee, you’re best off pulling out all the stops and helping the hair along whenever you can. Cared-for skin will have positive benefits for your stubble, so give it a good treatment now and then. Molton Brown Deep-clean Face Scrub will help you achieve facial cleanliness by dissolving excess oils (we presume this doesn’t mean extra-virgin olive kind).

£37 for 50ml, House of Fraser, Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, W12 7GA, 0844 800 3765 (houseoffraser.co.uk)

£20 for 100ml, Molton Brown, Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, W12 7GA, 020 8811 1881 (moltonbrown.co.uk)

[OUT AND ABOUT]

A day in the life of…

the rnli crew There’s plenty going on behind the scenes of the river rescue team, as Tom Hagues discovers

t’s a sunny, breezy day when I arrive at the pier house where Chiswick RNLI is based. The river is choppy but there are a fair few boats out on the water; rowers practising or people idly bobbing close to the banks of Barnes, enjoying the sun. When I bustle into the crew room, the team is gathered during a rare lull in the day. ‘The shifts are 12 hours long,’ says duty helmsman Glen Monroe. ‘We’ll do four days on and four days off.’ It’s a long time, 12 hours, but the crew doesn’t spend it huddled around the radio apprehensively waiting for it to come screaming into life. ‘We’ve got many volunteers, so we have regular

training sessions to keep them refreshed and we carry out regular maintenance on the boats when we’re not out on the water.’ Ah, yes, I think. The boats. Being one of the most iconic things on the water in London, lifeboats can often be seen skipping up the Thames on their way to a call. I’m taken outside for an inspection of one by volunteer and qualified helmsman Luke Dillon and, as we walk down the pier and onto the floating dock, I immediately wish I’d brought my coat with me. My foolish lack of forward thinking is made more obvious by the many layers of Luke’s outfit and his great rustling yellow jacket. He hops onto the boat with ease

and I stand at the side, shivering slightly and keen not to put my foot in any gaps and go sprawling into the water. How ridiculous that would be, I muse. Chiswick RNLI rescuing a man from the water at its own dock. The boat Luke shows me is immaculate; the servants of Downton Abbey could only dream of getting such a thorough polish on chrome and silver. ‘It’s had a good clean,’ Luke tells me proudly, as he lifts the lid of the engine housing. I peer in and he talks me through the mechanical monster (each boat has a pair of twin engines on them) and points out that the engine bay is also completely spotless. ‘Yep, that gets cleaned by us very regularly as well.’ It seems that there’s plenty going on for the crew at Corney Reach Way. I’m told that the volunteers do the same work as the fulltime staff, meaning everyone’s always busy even when they aren’t pulling bedraggled people out of the water or towing a stricken cruise barge. A lot of maintenance, copious amounts of cleaning, plenty of training and a great deal of tea-making take place in the riverside crew room and the team is always in action of some sort. (chiswicklifeboat.org.uk)

date for the diary The RNLI’s Alternative Boat Race will take place on the day of the Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race this month. Watch out for miniature RNLI boats as they set off down the Thames towards the Mortlake finishing line. People have sponsored the boats and the winning one will be awarded the opportunity to name a future rescue boat. 10 April, 5.30pm. See the boats cross the © david clarke

finishing line at the Mortlake end of the race’s course An RNLI boat

[LETTERS]

Word on

THE STREET The most pressing issues from Chiswick and Brook Green locals

PARTY VENUE I wanted to suggest a potential party venue for Mrs Lock (February’s issue). I had a wonderful birthday party at the Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club on Ibis Lane last year. It’s a lovely space with a great view because it’s on the river and the staff are really nice people to deal with. Also, it has a bar that offers beers and wines available on a tab and car parking at the boathouse site, plus additional space out on Hartington Road. - Miss Patterson, via email

FRESH LICK OF PAINT

We usually have our house decorated every spring (nothing major, just a touch-up here and there) in order to keep it looking well-kept and to stop us growing tired of the colour on the walls. This year, however, we’re looking for someone to paint the outside of our property. Does anyone have any recommendations for exterior painters who are reliable and able to get the job done quickly? We doubt very much that the stone needs any sanding or smoothing

over because it’s in pretty good condition as it is. Rather, we’d like it painted white, much like a Mediterranean villa. Hopefully we’ll get some weather to match it soon as well. - Mrs Day

A LITTLE BIT OF R&R All my friends have been taking off to sunnier destinations as of late (the lucky devils) so I think I might surprise my wife and whisk her away for a short break as well. I’m looking for destinations where the weather is warm at this time of year. I’d take her to a place where our friends have recently been but I’d like it to look like I’ve had an original thought by taking her somewhere different. I’m considering a May break and I’m not overly worried about costs (unless someone suggests a three-week holiday in Hawaii, in which case I think that’s a little too much!). - Mr Mackie A LITTLE BIT OF R&R

TIME TO MOVE? I read on a news website the other week that house prices in Hammersmith have increased by as much as half the amount of the property’s worth. That’s a ridiculous rise and one that gives me serious thoughts about selling up. The obvious pros of this is the immense profit I would gain from selling my house, but the big con I’m faced with is whether I can leave my beloved Hammersmith and move somewhere else. I’ve often considered moving slightly further west to Chiswick and I suppose this could be a good time to do it. I know a few people are having similar thoughts as I am at the moment, but I wonder whether it’s really worth it? - Mr Sinfar

ARGUING WITH A BRICK WALL I recently had a bit of a fiasco with the council regarding a parking ticket that had been slapped on my car’s windshield. To cut a long story short, I was parked where I always leave the car, across my own garage at the end of my street and the parking official decided that he didn’t like me putting the vehicle there on that day. After attempting to appeal over and over again, I was finally reimbursed for the fine, but it took an awful lot of phone calls to reach that

settlement. I found it very frustrating and I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar problem? - Miss Powell, via email

ARGUING WITH A BRICK WALL

BAKE FOR CHARITY Last month, I was inspired, for the first time ever, by television. BBC 1’s The Great Comic Relief Bake Off made me realise just how easy it would be to raise a healthy amount of money for people who really need it. I made some little ‘red nose’ jam biscuits and took them to my child’s school bake sale and I’m considering setting a stall up in my front garden next year. It’s a good way to get the children involved as well as I think it’s important for them to be aware of charitable causes from a young age. - Ms Vine, via email

BAKE FOR CHARITY

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

savills.co.uk

computer generated image

1 computer generated image

STUNNINGNEW DETACHED HOUSE BACKING HOLLAND PARK A STRIKING DEVELOPMENT LOCATEDONTO IN SOUTH EALING abelard place, w5 w14 abbotsbury road, Russell Simpson Double drawing room øroof dining roomand ø kitchen 3 houses with parking, terraces garden ø 2 luxurious flats with terraces Jake Russell EPC=B bedroom (predicted) ø 10 structural warranty ø master suite ø year 7 further bedrooms (3 en jrussell@russellsimpson.co.uk suite) ø cinema and gym ø garden ø off-street parking 020 7225 0277 ø garage ø 626 sq m (6,746 sq ft) ø EPC=D £25 millionto Freehold Guide £500,000 £1.2 million

Ealing Savills Kensington Christopher Johnny FullerBramwell cbramwell@savills.com jlfuller@savills.com

020 7535 8018 3300 7100

savills.co.uk

RARE DOUBLE FRONTED UNMODERNISED HOUSE WITH EXCELLENT POTENTIAL westwick gardens, w14 Double reception room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø utility room ø garden ø off-street parking ø 156 sq m (1,679 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.75 million Freehold

Savills Brook Green Dean Moriarty dmoriarty@savills.com

020 3618 3777

CREATIVELY DESIGNED HOUSE WITH STUNNING FAMILY SPACE ormiston grove, w12 Reception room ø family room ø kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 2 further bathrooms ø garden ø 225 sq m (2,422 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.85 million Freehold

Savills Brook Green Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 3618 3777

savills.co.uk

EDWARDIAN END OF TERRACE HOUSE IN A SOUGHT-AFTER CHISWICK LOCATION st. albans avenue, w4 Double reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø eaves storage ø garden ø garden shed ø 146 sq m (1,572 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.359 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 3618 3777

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO REFURBISH THIS SPACIOUS MAISONETTE arminger road, w12 Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø 110 sq m (1,184 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £875,000 Leasehold

Savills Brook Green Dean Moriarty dmoriarty@savills.com

020 3618 3777

savills.co.uk

FULLY EXTENDED FAMILY HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL LIVING SPACE whitehall park road, w4 Double reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms ø family bathroom ø shower room ø cloakroom ø cellar ø garden ø 155 sq m (1,668 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.3 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Emma Sims esims@savills.com

020 8987 5550

SUPERB LATERAL SPACE IN A RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT chiswick staithe, w4 Reception room ø conservatory ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø shower room ø loft ø roof terrace ø communal gardens ø garage ø 173 sq m (1,862 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.095 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Emma Sims esims@savills.com

020 8987 5550

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

A WELL PRESENTED AND RECENTLY REFURBISHED FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT wells road, w12 2 bedrooms ø open plan reception room/kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø 90 sq m (965 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=C

Unfurnished £650 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Brook Green Ben Charlsey bcharlsley@savills.com

020 3618 3785

FIRST FLOOR FURNISHED APARTMENT ON A POPULAR ROAD IN BROOK GREEN sinclair road, w14 Bedroom ø open plan reception room/kitchen ø bathroom ø high ceilings ø 39 sq m (419 sq ft) ø Council Tax=C ø EPC=C

Furnished £365 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Brook Green Ben Charlsey bcharlsley@savills.com

020 3618 3785 *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/ guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination 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.

L L O

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

STUNNING BEDFORD PARK HOUSE FULLY REFURBISHED TO EXACTING STANDARDS addison grove, w4 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø dressing room ø 3 reception rooms ø 4 bath/shower rooms ø guest w.c. ø utility room ø garden studio ø off-street parking ø 310 sq m (3,335 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

Unfurnished £2,850 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Chiswick Joanna Read jgread@savills.com

020 8987 5550

FABULOUS APARTMENT IN THIS UNIQUE DEVELOPMENT WITH PARKING chiswick green studios, w4 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø open plan reception room/kitchen ø bathroom ø built in storage ø gated development ø parking ø porter ø gym ø 99.9 sq m (1,075 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

Unfurnished £795 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Chiswick Joanna Read jgread@savills.com

020 8987 5550 *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/ guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination 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.

Property

news

Chart by Transparency International

by the laws which allow UK property to be owned by secret offshore companies.’ Naomi Heaton of property investment fund London Central Portfolio warns that we should consider being wary of wealthbashing generalisations: ‘The many innocent people who hold property through offshore companies quite legitimately, and who run their affairs transparently and in accordance with UK tax legislation, may well have something to say about that. So may pension funds and insurance companies. ‘No one is suggesting that there are not corrupt people around the world who are laundering their ill-gotten gains but, as a society, we have reached rock bottom when we dump everyone into the same boat.’

One in five vendors now looking to sell ‘off-market’

There is growing evidence that the UK property market has become a safe haven for corrupt capital stolen from around the world

36,342 properties in London are held by ‘hidden’ companies registered in offshore havens, according to a major new study by an anti-corruption agency. Transparency International (TI) has been analysing data from the Land Registry and the Metropolitan Police Proceeds of Corruption Unit (MPPC), and claims that 75 per cent of properties whose owners are under investigation for corruption ‘made use of offshore corporate secrecy to hide their identities’. According to the findings, nearly one in 10 properties in the City of Westminster (9.3 per cent), 7.3 per cent of properties in the affluent areas of Kensington and Chelsea and 4.5 per cent in the City of London are owned by companies registered ‘in an offshore secrecy jurisdiction’. ‘There is growing evidence that the UK property market has become a safe haven for corrupt capital stolen from around the world,’ says Dr Robert Barrington, executive director of Transparency International UK, ‘facilitated

London’s property market ‘has become a safe haven for corrupt capital’

‘Buyers need to dig deeper than just looking online,’ says estate agency Douglas & Gordon, as a growing number of vendors are requesting that their properties be offered for sale discreetly in the run-up to May’s general election. Around 20 per cent of vendors are now asking to list ‘off market’, reports the agency. George Franks, sales director says: ‘There is clearly now much more activity in emerging prime areas than prime central London with ongoing political uncertainties and the recent SDLT (stamp duty and tax) changes

[PROPERTY]

the view from savills HEad of West London residential Christopher Bramwell discusses the impact that the election could have on property prices It is not unusual for London’s prime housing markets to be cautious in image © rightmove

the run-up to a general election and 2015 has been no exception. The Chancellor delivered a gentle budget with the intention of attracting wavering voters. One of its key proposals was the

alluded to in our last barometer now having a marked effect. More sellers coming to the market would seem to tally with thoughts that high SDLT has been a tax on mobility. ‘Although there are fewer buyers registering, those that are committed and ready are again most active in emerging prime. Many are, however, waiting for some post-election certainty. ‘Interestingly, around 20 per cent of sellers approaching us wish their properties to be offered off-market pre-election so buyers need to dig deeper than just looking online.’

New asking prices are now just £30 shy of last June’s all-time high Residential designs go in for Hammersmith’s Thames Wharf

Planning has gone in for a key riverside development in Hammersmith, next to the River Café. The Livingstone Brothers’ London & Regional Properties, along with partners Knightsbridge Holdings, have put in the application for two new residential blocks on the site of the old Richard Rogers’ offices. Rogers designed the existing 1980s office buildings – with a lovely barrel-vaulted space for his team – but is now moving his Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners to the Cheesegrater Building. RSH&P has designed Livingstone’s proposed scheme too, which would deliver 57 new residential units alongside some office and retail space. The River Café will stay where it is, and buildings along Rainville Road will be retained and converted for other uses, as opposed to being demolished.

Asking prices tickle an all-time high, despite a muted month

is aimed at helping first-time buyers to save for a deposit for a property, with the Government promising to contribute an additional 25 per cent of the amount placed into the ISA up to a maximum of £3,000. There are some drawbacks, however. There is a cap of £1,000 for the initial deposit and a maximum of £200 can be placed in the ISA per month. Therefore, it would take a new first-time buyer saver more than four-and-a-half years to accumulate the £3,000 maximum government contribution. In London, the money can only be used towards the purchase of a property up to the value of £450,000 (£250,000 outside London). On previous occasions the market has witnessed a post-election increase in activity for those buyers and sellers remaining indecisive until the result is declared. Overall that means committed sellers currently need to be realistic about prices. That said, there may be a buying opportunity for those who are prepared to take a longterm view on the prime housing market.

Savills, 020 8987 5555, cbramwell@savills.com (savills.co.uk)

New asking prices are now just £30 shy of last June’s all-time high, says Rightmove, despite a relatively relaxed one per cent rise in March. The number of newly-listed properties on the website is 3.2 per cent up on the previous month. That one per cent monthly rise is ‘more muted than that seen in the strong rebound market of March 2014’ (which saw +2.1 per cent), and the lowest seen at this time of year for three years. A looming general election and a year of tighter mortgage lending under the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) have chilled vendors’ expectations a little, but some strong demand – a record eight million enquiries were sent to Rightmove agents in the first two months of 2015 – is countering the brakes to push asking prices onwards and upwards. Buy-to-let is looking particularly rude in health, as BtL mortgage loan numbers were up by 23 per cent in 2014 compared with 2013, and more interest is on the cards as new pension rules come into force next month. At the higher-value end of the market, there’s 5.4 per cent more stock available now compared with the same time last year, and asking prices are up by 4 per cent, says Rightmove.

introduction of a ‘Help-to-Buy ISA’. This

thames wharf studios

Christopher bramwell

   This magnificent Victorian home is situated on a popular residential road, just ashort walk from Chiswick High Road. The property comprises 5 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms + WC, double reception room, dining room, modern kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, basement, rear garen,front garden/off street parking.EPC:E. Approximately 225 sq. m (2,744 sq. ft).  .

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        KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com   

 

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick

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  A meticulously refurbished and elegant four bedroom family house situated on a popular tree lined road in Bedford Park, just a short walk from Turnham Green Underground Station and the local amenities of Chiswick High Road. The property comprises 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms + WC, reception room, cloakroom, modern kitchen/dining room, utility room and a westfacing patio garden. EPC:D. Approximately 155 sq.m (1,657 sq.ft.)  Freehold.

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        KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com   

 

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick

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        This delightful four bedroom period property is ideally situated on a quiet residential road a short walk from Chiswick High Road. Spread over three floors, this family homecomprises 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, large kitchen/dining room,front and rear gardens. EPC: E. Approximately 135 sq. m (1,457sq.ft).  Freehold.



        KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com   

 

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick

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   Lattimer place is ideally positioned with views of the River Thames, in a popular Chiswick development. Arranged over four floors the property boasts 4 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms + WC,1 reception room, utility room, conservatory, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, private patio garden & off street parking for 2 cars. EPC:C. Approximately 208 sq. m (2,239 sq. ft.).  Freehold

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       KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com   

 

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick

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  This immaculate riverside home is set over two floors of lateral living spcae with views of the communal gardens and the River Thames. The property boasts 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms + WC, reception room, modern kitchen/breakfast room, private roof terrace, conservatory, garage and alarge communal garden. EPC: D. Approximately 175 sq.m (1,862 sq. ft).  Freehold. 

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       KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com   

 

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick

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Southfield Road, Chiswick W4

A well presented 2 bedroom flat in Bedford Park

This bright first floor maisonette flat is situated within the highly sought after area of Bedford Park. The flat comprises 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large reception room, open plan kitchen/dining room and a private garden at the rear of the property. Available now. EPC rating D. Available: Furnished

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

Guide price: £795/week SHORT LET KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick

@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

Chiswick Brook Green Lettings

25/03/2015 15:50:50

Redmore Road W6 £1,185,000 Freehold

A fabulous two bedroom cottage which is arranged over 960 sq.ft. of boutique style living. The property is situated on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of the Hammersmith & Shepherd's Bush Sales popular Brackenbury Village.

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Cloakroom, Garden, EPC: C.

020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

North North

Chelsea Chelsea

Fulham Fulham

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington Kensington

Kensington Gate Kensington Gate

South Kensington South Kensington

Notting Hill Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster Pimlico & Westminster

douglasandgordon.com

Brackenbury Road W6 ÂŁ1,100 per week Fees apply Unfurnished Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

South

Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

A beautifully refurbished house in the sought-after location of Brackenbury Village. The property offers fantastic family living, with a large open-plan kitchen opening onto a lovely garden.

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite), Double reception room, Kitchen/ breakfast room, Garden, EPC: D.

West Putney

St Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Freehold StWaldeck Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Road, W4 £1,100,000Freehold 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 renovated four bedroom two bathroom home inathis sought after location a short Asuperbly well presented four bedroom two bathroom Victorian terraced house enjoying south facing garden and only located in this walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick High Road. A superbly presented andtorecently four bedroom two bathroom home in this sought after location only a short walk fromafter Turnham Green tube andrenovated the Chiswick High Road. sought road close the River Thames. EPC rating = E. 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’bedrooms Double reception room • Two bathrooms Stand after on the Green location • Four • Good localgarden schools • Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped •• • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden Stone’s throw from the river Thames • Two bathrooms • Access to A4/M4 • Contemporary style • Four doublereception bedrooms • EPC =D after location Double room bathrooms •• • Sought Walking distance of the high road •• 25’ Large kitchen/dining room •• Two Landscaped garden Contemporary style Fourfacing double bedrooms EPC =D Spacious open plan ground floor • South garden • Freehold •• 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, W4 £2,500,000Freehold Freehold Wingate Road, W6 £2,250,000 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 A wonderful to acquire this family house Dukes Avenue a west rear garden Wingate Roadopportunity is arguably one of the most popular andinand fashionable roads within thefacing Brackenbury Village area comprising uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards the west. Located in this sought after road running off Chiswick High Road. walk from Turnham Green tube 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. attractive semi-detached and flat fronted terraced houses whilst being moments from the open space of Ravenscourt 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. Park and Ravenscourt Park tube station. Freehold. EPC rating = D. 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 •• Off parking • • location facing rear garden Twostreet bathrooms •Excellent Semi-detached family house distance• ofWest • 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 • •Fashionable location • Immaculately presented Garden Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen •• EPC = Eoffice/studio Prime central location Six bedrooms Off street parking • EPC = D • Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • Semi-detached house •• Two reception ••• Freehold Wonderful west family facing garden Vaulted kitchenrooms EPC =E • •Classic flat fronted Victorian House • Four bedrooms Freehold •• 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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A COLLECTION OF JUST SIX, BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED TOWNHOUSES IN A WATERSIDE SETTING — NOW RELEASED Enjoy a highly specified new home offering spacious living accommodation over four floors as well as your own courtyard garden and two terraces. On your doorstep you will find access to a host of watersports from canoeing to paddle boarding. A short stroll will take you to the beautiful grounds of Syon Park or onto the high street. Here you can visit the popular weekly market and stock up on locally grown, fresh produce – or alternatively, grow your own in our roof top allotments.

TOWNHOUSE PRICES START FROM £950,000 For further information or to arrange an appointment to visit our sales and marketing suite call Stubbings Property Marketing on 01628 482276 or visit www.brentfordlockwest.co.uk You will find our homes situated alongside the Grand Union Canal in Brentford, west London. Price correct at time of going to print.

[PROPERTY]

Townhouse living in

west london A collection of six stunning four-bedroom townhouses offers buyers outside space and a waterside location

f you’re looking for a beautiful new home that offers a fantastic waterside location, highly specified interiors, spacious accommodation and your own private outside space, then look no further than one of the impressive new townhouses at Brentford Lock West. As the latest collection of homes to be released at this popular waterside development in Brentford, west London, the four-bedroom townhouses have already been attracting interest. Situated just a stone’s throw from the Grand Union Canal and set around the picturesque Carrick Square with its beautifully landscaped communal gardens, the homes enjoy an enviable setting. What’s more, with their own private courtyard gardens, along with two generous outdoor terraces, each of the homes offers plenty of precious outside space which is highly sought after by so many of today’s London buyers. Purchasers at Brentford Lock West will also have the opportunity to register for one

specified throughout. From the properties’ oak-engineered wood flooring to their interior-designed, fully-fitted, highgloss cream kitchens and contemporary bathroom suites with high-quality fixtures and fittings, attention has been paid to every detail. With just six townhouses available, it’s likely that the homes won’t be on the market for long. In addition to the townhouses, Brentford Lock West comprises a desirable collection of apartments and penthouses. With the first two releases of homes now sold out and the first residents having already moved in, a real sense of community is emerging here. Just a limited number of two and threebedroom apartments remain available for sale on this first phase. Brentford Lock West forms part of a fiveyear project which is expected to breathe new life into Brentford through the creation

Purchasers at Brentford Lock West will also have the opportunity to register for one of the development’s eagerly anticipated rooftop allotments of the development’s eagerly anticipated rooftop allotments, offering them the opportunity to meet fellow green-fingered residents and grow their own fresh produce. For those looking to make the most of the water, there are plenty of local clubs offering paddleboarding and canoeing, with frequent activities taking place on the water in front of the development. Syon Park and its beautiful grounds are just a short stroll away. With its own bustling high street, a host of restaurants and cafés and its popular weekly market, there is plenty for residents to access on their doorsteps and the popular towns of Chiswick, Ealing and Richmond are within easy reach. All of the townhouses come with their own basement parking and will be highly

of 520 new homes. In addition to providing much-needed new housing, the scheme will also deliver new community spaces and commercial buildings, which will help create a number of new jobs in the area. The homes offer buyers a unique opportunity to secure a new, highly specified home while benefiting from a host of community features and green initiatives. Prices for the townhouses start at £950,000. For more information, or to book an appointment, call the Brentford Lock West sales team at Stubbings Property Marketing on 020 8569 7449, email brentfordlockwest@ stubbingsltd.co.uk or visit brentfordlockwest.co. uk. The sales and marketing suite is open daily, 10am-5pm.

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Bolingbroke Road W14 ÂŁ2,300,000 This superb four-bedroom house, arranged over four floors, is presented in excellent condition throughout with generous living space. Located in the heart of Brook Green. Freehold. EPC=D

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Eyot Gardens W6 ÂŁ1,695,000 This superb family house, located on a quiet residential street just off Chiswick Mall and moments from the river, offers fantastic open plan living space, four double bedrooms and a private patio garden. Freehold. EPC=D

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

Oaklands Grove W12 £450 per week Finished to a high standard throughout this stylish and well proportioned property is ideally located in the popular ‘Grove’s’ with cafes and local amenities close by. EPC=D

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

Elegant, Elegant, high-end high-end dwelling dwelling exquisitely exquisitely decorated decorated throughout throughout Matching Matching people people and and property property in in London London for for 150 150 years. years.

PR ADO settee with cushion & EVERY WHERE sideboard. Design: Christian Werner. LUMIĂ&#x2C6;RE NOIRE floor lamps. Design: Philippe Nigro.

23-25 Mortimer Street London W1T 3JE 0207 323 1248 www.ligne-roset-westend.co.uk