The Chiswick Herald January 2020

CHISWICK

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T H E

January 2020 | Complimentary

Movement for Mums

M A G A Z I N E

Meet the Artist Jo Laing

Chiswick mother’s mood boosting mission

Celebrating Growing Older

Chris Ward

Arts exhibition celebrates older people in Hammersmith & Fulhamn

Local author chats about new book

Tryst Returns to Chiswick

Better Mental Health in Chiswick Local group aim to beat the January blues

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Travel K West Hotel & Spa

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CONTENTS

ABOUT LOCALS, FOR LOCALS, BY LOCALS

Chiswick Diary

CHISWICK

A look at past and future events in Chiswick

Better Mental Health in Chiswick Local group aim to beat the January blues

Eagles Karate Club

Local man helps people discover their strength with karate

T H E

®

M A G A Z I N E

is brought to you by

Bedford Park Bicycle Club Re-launch of historic club

Celebrating Growing Older Arts exhibition celebrates older people in Hammersmith & Fulham

Movement for Mums

Meet the Chiswick mum helping other mums feel the mood boosting benefits of fitness

Sam’s Riverside

Katie visits Sam Harrison’s new Hammersmith restaurant

LIV Restaurant

EDITOR

Áine McGinty aine@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

FEATURES EDITOR Katie Saunders katie@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Simon Hossack simon@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Paul experiences a taste of Italy in Gloucester Road

Meet the Artist Jo Laing

Chris Ward

Author of Less Perfect More Happy talks to us about the impossible pursuit of perfection

Tryst

Victorian thriller returns to Chiswick

The YOU Clinic

PUBLISHER

Paul Williams paul@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

DESIGN Raja Lockey

TRAVEL

Serena Bhandari serena@viestramagazine.com

Bespoke facial at popular Chiswick salon

Reflexology

A visit to Jessie Morrison’s The Reflexology Room

Health & well-being

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

Designing Fitness

© Vencor Ltd 2019. THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE is published by Vencor Ltd. Registerd Unit 22, 295 Chiswick High Road London W4 4TT. chiswickmagazine.co.uk.

All rights reserved.

Sarah Davies from the Chiswick Medical Centre writes about exercising with a bump and beyond

Good-looking, high-quality fitness equipment

The London Classic Car Show The best classic cars on show at Olympia

Travel

K West Hotel & Spa

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A

N O T E

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

Dear Reader, Welcome to the January edition of The Chiswick Magazine.

It might be cliche to say this but I can’t quite believe we’re in 2020, 2019 flew by. Once again, I’d like to say thank you from all of us at Vencor Ltd for your support of our publications, particularly our revamped version of The Chiswick Magazine.

Aside from work, I’ve decided to give myself an enjoyable new year’s resolution. I can’t quite promise to read 52 books in 52 weeks like some but I certainly want to read more this year. I’m starting with Chris Ward’s book (read more about it in this month’s Arts & Culture section). If you have any recommendations please do let me know!

Otherwise, I hope to see some of you in Bookcase, Waterstones or even reading in one of our local cafes.

Back to the magazine, I really hope you enjoy the read. Áine x

chiswickmagazine.co.uk |

@chiswickmag

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thechiswickmagazine

The views of the writers and interviewees in THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE are not necessarily the views of the publisher. All images have been used with permission of the copyright owner. Any imagery supplied by a third party eg advertising, marketing or pr agency, will be published on the understanding the images have been supplied for publication with the permisson of the copyright owner. Any imagery that incurs copyright infringement, the supplier of that image (s) will be held responsible and liable for any royalties or licence fees. The contributor acknowledges that material submitted may be published in any publication or on any website owned by Vencor Ltd. By submitting material to THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE, Vencor Ltd is automatically granted the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and licence to use, reproduce, edit, distribute and display such material, in whole or part and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed for the full term of any rights that may exist in such content.

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The Chiswick Diary LAST MONTH IN CHISWICK December was a busy month in Chiswick with numerous ways for locals to enjoy the festive season including a Christmas Makers’ Market by the Chiswick Creatives, Christmas at the Chiswick Playhouse, choir concerts and much more!

Below is an event that will make all Chiswick locals proud.

Chiswick School students welcome local senior citizens to Christmas celebrations The Chiswick School sixth form team welcomed local senior citizens to celebrate Christmas in what has become an annual tradition for the school.

Year 12 and 13 students served tea, cakes and sandwiches to the guests before performing a selection of acts designed to entertain and showcase their wit. The atmosphere was wonderful and gave both groups a chance to talk and interact with each other.

Chiswick School student said: “I had the pleasure of welcoming our visitors today some had been for the last few years and were so happy to be back - it is great that we can do this for our local community and we feel very lucky to host them.”

Chiswick School Headteacher Laura Ellener said: “I am very proud of the sixth form team, staff and students who have worked hard to prepare for this event and to give back to our wonderful community.

It was great to chat to the guests and they were incredibly complimentary about our students.”

COMING UP Great British Mysteries 1599 Do you like mysteries? Do you like historical inaccuracies? Do you know the difference between Thomas More and Roger Moore? Then read on!

Great British Mysteries make their Chiswick Playhouse debut following two sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and transfers to Soho Theatre. 1599? Is the follow-up to the company’s debut show from 2017. But set 400 years earlier.

Confused? You will be.

In this edition, mystery hunters Olive and Teddy become embroiled with witches, haunted houses, and the scent of Cardinal Wolsey’s conscience. It’s like The Woman in Black meets Key Stage 2 Tudor History.

Expect multi-roling, homemade sound effects and more gags than Henry VIII had wives. Seven?

For fans of Blackadder, Garth Marenghi and bubonic plague.

Great British Mysteries 1599 21st - 25th January Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm £15 chiswickplayhouse.co.uk

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Song-filled fundraiser for local charity On Saturday 25 January doors will open at 7pm at St. Peter’s Parish Hall in W4, for a lovely evening of Chansons, with the esteemed performer Brian Bertscher.

Brian’s show “My Journey” is his life in words and song from Gershwin to Hollander, Sondheim to De Curtis, from Johannesburg to London via The Royal Ballet, New York, Germany, and Taiwan.

Accompanied on piano by Stephen Lade.

Tickets are £10 and may be purchased at Ballet4life classes at the hall or by reserving them by email on ballet4lifeuk1@ gmail.com. Refreshments will be available before and after the show. All proceeds go to Move into Wellbeing®. www.moveintowellbeing.org.uk www.brianbertscher.com

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The Chiswick Diary A Whole Day’s Dreaming: Yeats, the Thames and Poetry On Tuesday 25th February at 7.30pm there will be a lecture by Cahal Dallat with Yeats readings by Anne-Marie Fyfe at Chiswick Pier Trust.

The Thames has long had a magnetic attraction for writers and artists but for Nobel-Prize-winning poet WB Yeats, growing up in nearby Bedford Park, the riverbanks between Chiswick Pier & Hammersmith were a vital resource: both a place to meet influential and inspirational people, and the source of one of the world’s best-loved poems of longing, The Lake Isle of Innisfree.

Chiswick poets Cahal Dallat and Anne-Marie Fyge, both from Ireland’s Glens of Antrim conjure up for us, through talk, excerpts from the young WB Yeats’s poems & letters, and a little music, Yeats’s late-19th-century Thames-side circle of poets, painters, playwrights, political thinkers and small-press publishers, and the natural riverbank world of willows, osiers, & water lapping with low sounds by the shore.

Founder/organiser of the WB Yeats Bedford Park Artwork Project, poet and musician Cahal Dallat has lectured widely on Yeats’s London years.

Doors open at 7pm. £5 for non-members, FREE for members. Parking is free in nearby Pumping Station Road after 5pm.

Buses E3 or 190.

The Scene In 2020, The Scene will turn 4 years old. This New Writing platform was established by Get Over It Productions for writers, actors and directors of west London. Maintaining a commitment to the production of female-centric work, this company has championed the role of women in theatre since its inception.

With credits from The Roundhouse, Lion and Unicorn, The Cockpit, the Playground Theatre, Upstairs at The Gatehouse, Etcetera Theatre & the Bread and Roses Theatre where they are an associate company; Get Over It Productions continue to produce highly rated shows year upon year.

Since the first instalment of The Scene in 2016, this product has blossomed into so much more than just an evening

of entertainment. It has become an important seed-bed for New Writing; a launch pad from which many short plays have gone on to develop into longer forms and enjoy longer runs elsewhere.

Chiswick Pier Trust The Pier House, Corney Reach Way London, W4 2UG Tel: 020 8742 2713 trust@chiswickpier.org.uk

The Scene 2020 - A Festival Of New Writing, is the second time The Scene has taken festival form. Presenting 30 short plays across 5 nights, using a company of multi-roling actors and skilled, diverse directors - go to one night, go to all 5, you are bound to see something you love.

Find out more on the Chiswick Playhouse website.

The Scene 28th January - 1st February Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm £15 chiswickplayhouse.co.uk THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | December 2019 7

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Local Life

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Local group set to beat those January blues Beat those January Blues with a day of social activity and community events on January 20th.

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etter Mental Health in Chiswick, a volunteer group, set up in 2018 to improve mental health locally, has announced its programme of events for ‘Blue Monday ’ to help banish those January lows. It follows on from the success of last year’s event.

This year’s programme will take place at the Catholic Centre, 2 Dukes Avenue and the Chiswick Library. All events are free, and anyone can drop in to one or all of the sessions.

They include talks on living a healthy life, yoga and mindfulness sessions as well as poetry and origami workshops. Events start at 11:00 until 17:00. The day concludes with the first of this year’s monthly Read Well Book Clubs, held in Waterstones from 17:30-19:00. The programme is available on the group’s Facebook page or advertised in the library.

BMHIC hopes that community and creativity coming together can help in strengthening everyone’s mental health in the area.

Local Life

Sally Malin, one of the founders of BMHIC said: ‘‘ We carried out a number of events and initiatives in 2019 and were encouraged by the response from the Chiswick community to something local helping to alleviate mental health issues. Clearly it ’s something the area is keen to support. We have even more in store for 2020, kicking off with the Blue Monday event and the first of our monthly Read Well book clubs.’’

You can keep up to date with the work of Better Mental Health in Chiswick throughout 2020 by following them on social media. Their programme of events is also displayed in the window of the Chiswick MIND shop on Chiswick High Road as well as elsewhere.

BMHIC welcome volunteers to get in touch at bettermentalhealthinchiswick@gmail.com

PROGRAMME FOR ‘BLUE MONDAY’ Catholic Centre 11am-5pm 11:00-13:00:

Winter Art Workshop (Artivate)

11:30-12:00:

Talk on Green Doctors - Looking after yourself this winter (GreenWork)

12:00-12:30:

Talk on Eat Well - Making healthier food and drink choices (Rasneet Choudray, One You Hounslow)

13:00-14:00:

Lunch - Freshly prepared based on One You Hounslow ‘Cook and Eat ’ recipes

14:30-15:00: (upstairs)

Poetry for Well-being - share the poetry you love and create some new pieces (Kyrill Potatpov (BMHIC)

14:30-15:00: (upstairs)

Talk on living a smoke free life - the benefits of being a nonsmoker (Rasneet Choudray, One You Hounslow)

15:15-16:00:

Mindful Yoga (Karin Gartze)

Chiswick Librar y 11:15-12:00:

Chair yoga (Karin Gartze)

16:00-17:00:

Origami for beginners (Kyrill Potapov)

Waterstones Chiswick 17:30-19:00:

ReadWell Book Club Monthly Session

Better Mental Health in Chiswick Twitter: @BMHC_ Facebook: @BetterMentalHealthinChiswick

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THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | chiswickmagazine.co.uk Helen Pidgeon Solicitors Limited Building 3 Chiswick Park 566 Chiswick High Road London W4 5YA DD: +44 (0)20 8899 6345 M: +44 (0)7833 228181 helen@helenpidgeonsolicitors.com www.helenpidgeonsolicitors.com

WHETHER YOU’RE IN A MARRIAGE OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP - WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS IF YOUR RELATIONSHIP BREAKS DOWN? There’s even more choice now to legally formalise and protect your relationship after the Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 came into effect on 2 December 2019 meaning opposite sex couples can now enter into a civil partnership too.

On divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, the court can make whatever financial order is fair and all assets, whether held in joint or sole names, can be taken into account. A prenuptial agreement can be obtained by those who have significant assets or, expectations of significant assets they wish to protect. While not legally binding, a properly drafted prenuptial agreement which meets the legal criteria will upheld by the courts these days.

THIS IS IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF COUPLES WHO LIVE TOGETHER WITHOUT MARRYING OR HAVING A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP. On separation each partner can keep whatever is in their own name and if the house is not in their joint names, then the partner with the name on the title deeds and who has paid the mortgage will keep the house, unless the other can establish that there was a mutual intention that they should have an interest in it (often an uphill and expensive struggle).

WHAT STEPS CAN YOU TAKE TO PROTECT YOURSELF FINANCIALLY IF YOU ARE LIVING WITH YOUR PARTNER? Marriage or a civil partnership may not be on the cards for you; perhaps you have decided to live together or found yourself in that situation over time. At the outset of your cohabitation or, as soon as you are aware, it is advisable to discuss the ownership of any property either of you may have and agree what would happen to it if your relationship breaks down. You should also consider how any gifts or loans from you to each other or from family may be treated.

HAVE A COHABITATION OR A LIVING TOGETHER AGREEMENT Unlike on divorce, there is no particular set of rules that automatically apply if the relationship breaks down. Living with someone in a relationship for any period of time does not mean you are entitled to automatic financial support or to a share in all property following a relationship breakdown.

If your interest in a property hasn’t already been recorded, sorting out disputes without an agreement can be expensive and take a long time.

A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your partner. By agreement, it can be reviewed and amended as your circumstances change during your relationship.

WHAT IS THE POSITION WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN? If you have children, the position is slightly different. However, even then and without a cohabitation agreement being in place, the claims of the partner with day-to-day care of the children are limited to child maintenance and expenditure which directly relates to the care of the child. An unmarried partner who stays at home and cares for the children cannot make any claims for themselves in their own right for property, maintenance or pensions as they would be able to do in a marriage or civil partnership.

Helen Pidgeon is a solicitor, mediator and collaborative lawyer and director of Helen Pidgeon Solicitors specialising in the law of cohabitation as well as all aspects of private family law matters. Please contact us if you require further assistance to help you decide what is right for you and your family.

This article is intended for general advice upon the law. If you require advice about your particular circumstances then you should seek your own independent legal advice about the approach you should take and how this will affect you.

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Eagles Karate Club: Find your strength in Chiswick

Sensei Luca Pace welcomes you to Eagles Karate Club, a British Martial Arts and Boxing Association affiliated club.

L

uca is a full time instructor, grading examiner and referee. He was born in Potenza, Italy in 1983. Luca received a black belt in karate at the age of 18 and trained for the Italian National Championships.

Unfortunately, due to health reasons, Luca took a break from karate. Thankfully, he recovered and returned to Karate and in 2010, Luca moved to the UK and started training and teaching karate.

Eagles Karate Club has been in Chiswick since September 2018. Luca, who lives in Hounslow, said: ‘‘Chiswick is an attractive and vibrant area of west London which is easy to commute to. I chose the Hogarth Youth & Community Centre, as it is in the centre of Chiswick and is a great place for people in Chiswick and the neighbouring areas.’’

Eagles Karate Club offers classes for both adults and children. ‘‘Adults and children have different learning styles and can learn from each other,’’ Luca reasons.

Luca is a motivational and effective educator who

understands the importance for students to learn physical and mental skills for their confidence. He is passionate about physical education, healthy living and self-development.

Luca’s communication and people skills makes him an effective instructor. He communicates in a way that anyone can understand and has the ability to change his teaching methods to match the age and skills of the students. From Luca’s own personal experience, he strongly believes that martial arts is a positive way to enhance character development skills and to inspire a person’s confidence for life. ‘‘At Eagles Karate Club, we do our best to create a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere. We welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities. You will be gaining a new skill, improving fitness and making new friends. Come and see for yourself - the first class is free!’’

For all enquiries about the club, please contact them directly by phone or email.

Eagles Karate Club 07873 424 951 eagles.karate.club@gmail.com

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Local Life

Re-launch of historic

Bedford Park Bicycle Club A group of local residents who ride bicycles and would like to share their interest and enjoyment with others have decided the time has come to re-launch the Bedford Park Bicycle Club.

V

ery active in the 1880s the Bedford Park Bicycle Club membership declined during the 20th century as cars took over as the main means of travel for Chiswick residents.

Bedford Park’s original developer, Jonathan Carr, wanted the area - the world’s first garden suburb - to be the ‘healthiest place on earth’; healthy cities have now moved back up the agenda as well-being is recognised as an essential element of successful urban living and the dangers of pollution from cars become increasingly acknowledged. There is renewed interest in the bicycle as a practical and zero-emissions way of getting around a gridlocked city, as well as a pleasant leisure activity.

This month all (not just Bedford Park residents) were invited to a meeting to discuss plans to resuscitate the Bedford Park Bicycle Club, one of the very earliest organisations of its kind.

The group includes Peter Murray, chairman of New London Architecture, long term resident (33 years) of Bedford Park in Chiswick, former Honorary Secretary of the Bedford Park Society and regular cyclist. He is one of the Evening Standard’s most influential 1,000 people in London, founder of the Festival of Architecture, Design Advocate for the London Mayor and

Chairman of New London Architecture and of The London Society.

Peter says: “If people would like to see safer cycling in and around Bedford Park, or enjoy relaxed cycle rides exploring west London, then they should join the Club. The Club can be a voice for better conditions for cycling and walking in the Chiswick area as well as greener, cleaner and healthier streets.’’

Other founder members include Ed Seaton and his wife, both doctors, who cycle locally with their young children, and Tom Pike, a professor at Imperial College who last year landed the UK’s first instrument on Mars, and brought up his family in Bedford Park.

Ed says: “As a doctor I see the importance of incorporating walking and active means of travel into daily living. We are increasingly aware of the risks from air pollution, and the Bedford Park Bicycle Club is absolutely in keeping with the ideals of the founders of Bedford Park.”

If you were unable to make the meeting, you can still sign up to find out about future developments and rides by emailing BPBicycleClub@icloud.com.

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Celebrating Growing Older

By Katie Saunders

A

new art installation has been installed in our closest, and Europe’s largest shopping centre, Westfield White City. It’s all about celebrating older people and supporting the community. This is the latest in H&F Council’s series of installations with Westfield London as a result of the council’s Arts Strategy. The exhibition will be on show until February 2020. The previous one showcased the emerging biotech hub in the borough which includes Open Cell, one of London’s most affordable bio tech spaces, in Shepherd’s Bush.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Westfield London have teamed up with local charities Hammersmith United Charities, the Masbro Centre, the Lido Foundation and Fulham Good Neighbours to give a snapshot into the lively world of older residents and local charities. Hammersmith & Fulham is the only council in the country not to charge residents for home care and it only charges £2 for meals on wheels.

“We want to work with the whole community to make H&F the best place to grow older,” said Cllr Ben Coleman, H&F Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care.

“This exhibition gives a great insight into the vibrancy of our older residents’ lives and the fun offered by local charities.

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“It also raises awareness of the range of services in the borough to combat loneliness, poverty and poor health in H&F. Many thanks to Westfield for putting it on.”

“We’re delighted to be hosting this exhibition in partnership with H&F Council to bring to life the work of local charities through art”, added Myf Ryan, CMO Europe and Group Director of Brand and Strategic Marketing for Unibail Rodamco-Westfield.

“It’s just one of the many great examples of community spirit that we celebrate at Westfield London. We’re consistently looking for ways to be a hub and work with the local communities, partners and charities to encourage togetherness.”

You can find the installation on display on the large windows near the John Lewis entrance and Silver Road. The closest station is Wood Lane, so you can pop by easily on the tube and if you’re visiting for shopping, eating or the cinema it’s worth taking a few minutes to have a look at the installation and the space made for the projects. There is outside seating and greenery, all in all, a nice place to take a break and relax. Westfield London has some exciting projects coming up in the future and we’re looking forward to seeing them.

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Movement for Mums Chiswick mother’s mood boosting mission By Áine McGinty

‘‘I’ll be honest with you, I’m not an exciting person!’’ Claire Cole, the brains behind Movement for Mums tells me but I beg to differ having heard her story and I think you will too once you find out more.

C

laire is the Chiswick mum who has set out on a mission to help other Chiswick mums to get active to boost their mood. Don’t worry this isn’t another guilt trip or bid to get you to set unachievable goals that will leave you feeling guilty. This is about using fitness to help improve your mental health.

Hearing about Claire and her mission has coincided with RED January 2020. Something I actually only heard of because of Claire! Mental health charity MIND partners up with RED January in order to challenge people to get active every day of the month but in their own way. It’s not about gruelling workouts as such but more keeping yourself moving, with your own interpretation of the word, which should then boost your mood. On New Year’s Day, Claire went bowling with her kids and this counted as her movement for the day - a fun, family activity which made her feel good.

RED January seems to actually embody Claire’s ethos and her passion for intuitive exercise which is about listening to your body and rather than punishing, it is motivating. If you’re tired in the morning, then maybe you should stretch instead. If you don’t have time for a workout, then maybe you could try walking the kids to school. Claire is careful to say that she isn’t taking on the fitness industry but rather carving out a more sustainable and enjoyable way for mothers to have an active lifestyle. Claire doesn’t mention weight loss and fat loss with her programme and instead the prime focus is the mood boosting benefits of fitness. ‘‘We put far too much pressure on ourselves that we end up failing,’’ she says. Whereas if we listen to our body and find what works for us like Claire has then we could become a happier person.

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Movement for Mums has long been in the making, although mother of two Claire left her corporate job just three months ago in order to give the movement her full attention (as well as all of the other jobs motherhood involves). Her passion for the idea is clear as soon as you chat to her. In fact, it’s almost infectious and I was sold straight away! This passion comes from Claire’s own experience with facing mental health issues so it is a cause close to her heart. Claire has faced her own battles, she has experienced anxiety and depression as well as postnatal depression and agoraphobia. © @brandon.p.douglas

She found being active helpful with her postnatal depression, needing time to herself she joined a gym and found the exercise boosted her mood. She now wants to help other mothers to boost their mood - in an affordable and realistic way. ‘‘If I can help some mums then it would be worth it,’’ says says.

Claire has recently partnered with Sweaty Betty, running classes on exercise for your mental health as part of their wellness programme and she will be running classes locally in February. If you would like to register your interest for future events, you can do so at: movementformums.com/moodboost There is a Facebook group where Claire streams free live workouts. There are also workouts to do with kids, Claire’s own son does the animal flow workout with her all of the time and not because he is told to but because he wants to and enjoys it. Claire can also meet and train mothers in person as she offers 121 personal training.

© @brandon.p.douglas

What Claire is doing to improve the mental health of local mothers is exciting and fresh and I’m sure I won’t be the only one eager to keep up with what she gets up to throughout 2020. If you wish to keep in the loop, you can follow the Movement for Mums Instagram page or even join the Facebook group. For now, since I’m feeling particularly motivated, it’s time for me to get up from the laptop and walk the dog, movement that works for me!

Credit: @brandon.p.douglas

© @brandon.p.douglas

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Movement for Mums www.movementformums.com Instagram: @movementformums

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Food & Drink

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Sam’s Riverside

By Katie Saunders

Sam’s Riverside is a new restaurant opened by Sam Harrison and is well situated on the River Thames with a picturesque view overlooking Hammersmith Bridge and connected to Riverside Studios.

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he restaurant is beautifully decorated, spacious and airy. When you walk in, the bar is right there, ready for you to sit and enjoy a few drinks. The main eating area is to the left and a casual seated area with booths is to your right which allows dogs from 12-6pm every day.

The pale pink bar stools and marble bar top is classy and transcends you into a boujee and relaxed drinking experience. The same is said for the dining area, the pale pink and wooden seats are well made and paired with white marble table tops. The large windows supply plenty of natural light to fill the room, and the flower arrangements complement the art on the restaurant’s large walls. Sam wanted the restaurant to feel special and he’s achieved this effortlessly and has created a lovely atmosphere.

His new kitchen at W6 has 8 chefs. The menu is simple and supplies the best fresh fruit, vegetables, meat produce and classic oysters. Sam wanted to keep the menu traditional with a modern twist. I had grilled octopus, pimentos potatoes and aioli for starters, brick chicken, black cabbage and poor man’s parmesan for my main and fresh mango with lime and coconut sorbet. I liked the variety in the menu and vegetarian options for example heritage carrots and purple sprouting broccoli and winter greens from the grill for a main dish. The portion sizes are healthy and hearty and the attention to detail on presentation and flavours from all the dishes are strong and distinguishable. © Andrew Burton

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Food & Drink

Sam’s previous restaurant was called Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick and had 6 chefs in the kitchen. It was very popular and was open for 10 years. It came to a natural ending as Sam decided to have a break and was proud of what he had achieved. His break lasted for 2 years until the space came up at W6 and he started working on Sam’s Riverside, it took a further two years of planning and putting together until it was finished and ready to open to the public.

My first visit to Sam’s Riverside was in November 2019 and it had only been open for two weeks. Already there were guests who were very fond of his previous restaurant dining on the table next to us. They were happy to be visiting his new place and to be able to speak to Sam whilst they were there.

This month Sam’s Riverside will be open for breakfast, as well as serving lunch and dinner daily, except for Sunday nights when the kitchen closes at 4pm. Afternoon tea is available from now onwards and as always they have their private dining room for up to 18 people and the big kitchen size allows them to cater for events up to 100 people.

I’m looking forward to visiting again and trying the breakfast menu. © Andrew Burton

© Andrew Burton

Visit www.samsriverside.co.uk for a sneak peak at sample menus and opening times.

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Gloucester Road’s REAL taste of Italy

By Paul Williams

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iven the abundance of eateries with an Italian moniker, I’ve been reaching the soaring heights of boredom with invites to yet another hideously over-priced pizzeria we’re all guilty of subsidising - it really is taking the piss - pizzas priced at £10-£15 or pasta knocked up in a pan of boiling water, splattered in tomato sauce and shoved out at the aforementioned price too. Yeah sure, they have overheads, but if they pushed these meals out a fiver a pop they’d still profit massively and keep the dough and cheese scoffers happy.

So, it was with real scepticism that I popped along to the LIV Restaurant in Gloucester Road. 2 minutes from the tube, LIV sits down a quiet side street, away from the Sloane Square wannabes plugging up the bars like lost Z list celebs.

My adopted sceptical persona was short lived, what a joy. No pizza, no dough balls, no garlic bread with cheese for the moaning 5-year-olds - at last; a true Italian that oozes rustic charm, although elegant, real charisma from staff that appear to have a vested interest in making the experience worthwhile for themselves and the dining customer, and original recipes from an obviously very, very confident chef.

This place rocks. Love it.

I’m not going to rant on about how I had this, and how if you went I recommend that, but the pasta was al dente perfection. Wine to match was divine. Crab - excellent. A chat with the chef and he gave me his own-off menu creation to cater for my dietary preferences - that was cool, as usually an option befitting of a vegan, vegetarian or dietary sensitive requirement is tucked away at the bottom of a menu offering pretty dull alternatives to the standard fayre. Not here. LIV offers that personal touch that makes dining out a wonderful experience and a worthwhile exercise. You pay for what you get, and you’d be happy with the price given the food and service.

LIV is by far the best Italian I have visited in a long, long time. Spend your time and money here, not at a chain that churns out below par food at a premium.

Our rating based on 25 points is: Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambience: 5/5 Customer spacing: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Total: 25/25

LIV Restaurant 18-22 Holbein Pl, Belgravia London SW1W 8NL +442078810886 bookings@livrestaurant.co.uk THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE | December 2019 33

Arts & Culture

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Meet The Artist

Jo Laing

By Katie Saunders

Jo Laing launched in February 2019, just shy of a year ago. I met the beauty behind the art at High Road House on Chiswick High Road.

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learnt a lot about Jo and her impressive work background, working for Harvey Nichols, Jigsaw and Neta-Porter. Her journey began when she studied Textile Design at university and that inspired her involvement further within the fashion industry. Following an internship, Jo began her career at Net-a-Porter as a stylist, and during the time she worked there admired their beautiful offices and the wonderful fashion walking around every day. At Jigsaw she helped launch the company website and loved the working environment, the warmth of a family run business and having dogs at the office. Jo worked for 5 solid years at Harvey Nichols in the editorial team as the editorial manager, however she was ready to take a break in 2016 when she found out she was pregnant with twins.

Jo has always loved art and creativity and painted when she was a child. Whilst she was working at Harvey Nichols, she would often commission illustrators and always thought to herself, ‘why aren’t I doing this, that’s what I want to do’ and would get frustrated. 2016 was the year when her personal life and career reached a huge turning point and became a life-changing year. She moved to Dakar, West Africa with her husband and two 5-month-old babies to relocate for his job. It was there that she noticed the lack of good quality greeting cards and stationery available for local expats and started drawing and putting her ideas onto paper. She found the only print press down a very sandy and dusty road, and sourced envelopes from a local paper market. It was quite an adventure. Within a couple of weeks of the stationery being on sale, the collection had sold out!

Now back in Chiswick, her collection has grown into an extensive range of fine art giclée prints and luxury stationery, all fashioned using sustainable print techniques and the finest FSC certified papers.

Her print designs are fun, current and the varied collection of prints includes items suitable for adults and children.

Her collection is built up of luxury fine art prints, luxury stationery and art for nurseries- pieces you’ll most definitely want to keep as each piece is an individual piece of art.

The prints are delicate, pretty and carry a feeling of sentimental value in them, especially the Nursery Art, the Snail Mail Notelets and the Four Seasons Correspondence cards.

There is a French Collection that has proven to be popular in Paris and Canada and her Humour collection is fun and charming. They are easily framed or can be bought framed.

It was a pleasure meeting Jo and we have high hopes for the future of Jo Laing.

You can find Jo’s work on her website: www.jolaing.com and view it on her Instagram page @jolaingstudio.

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Arts & Culture

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The book which could help you have a

Less Perfect More Happy 2020 By Áine McGinty

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eople shouldn’t feel they have to prove they’re good enough, we’re all just good enough by being here,’’ says Chris Ward, author of Less Perfect More Happy. Chris himself has struggled with perfectionism, constantly trying to prove himself and what he now knows is called OCPD, Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. It’s this struggle which has inspired his latest book. ‘‘I’ve struggled thinking I wasn’t good enough for my father my whole life and I split up with my wife twice, we sold our house round here and we lived separately and through coming to terms with this, we got back together,’’ Chris tells me in our honest and frank discussion.

Perfectionism is often perceived as a good thing but Chris is all too familiar with the reality of life as a perfectionist and the bad place it can leave you in. As reported by the World Health Organisation, there has been a rise in anxiety and depression amongst young people suffering with perfectionism so Chris spent the last three years researching and getting some well-known names to contribute to his book.

Having realised what he was struggling with and working through it, his relationship with his wife is better than ever, he’s more relaxed now and his home in Chiswick is a much happier place. ‘‘A perfectionist writing a book about perfection is almost impossible because you could never think it’s good enough so it’s proved that I’m over perfectionism because I actually published it and thought it was good enough,’’ Chris explains. Now Chris wants to help others and the reaction the book has received since it was published in November 2019 has proved sharing his story was the right thing to do.

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Chris is also conscious of the life of isolation that can come from being a perfectionist. ‘‘Perfectionism takes you away from people, you hide from people because you never feel you’re good enough to go and just bump into someone so you avoid people in the street,’’ Chris tells me. This has prompted Chris to set up Friendfulness. We live in a world where many people work on their own, don’t see people enough and then mindfulness tells you to go and spend more time alone, he says.

But Chris thinks people need to help and support each other. ‘‘Because the best thing in life is to be yourself with someone else, truly be, because then that’s just friendship,’’ he adds. Chris is asking people to host gatherings, maybe in a coffee shop or in the pub, where people can go along and be themselves with other people. If you’d like to host a Friendfulness event, then head to friendfulness.com so your event can appear on the website.

Arts & Culture

Now that the book has been published, Chris has another mission after becoming sick of seeing adverts selling the impossible: perfection. Adverts that sometimes target young people. Chris is aiming to submit an application to the Advertising Standards Agency to stop companies from being able to use the word ‘perfect’ or ‘perfection’ in their adverts. ‘‘I don’t hold a lot of great hope for this world generally now it’s all going online and we’re all turning into these robot things,’’ he says but with people like Chris working to make a positive change and encouraging others to seek help, the world isn’t as bleak as it sometimes seems.

Less Perfect More Happy is available on Amazon and in some independent bookstores.

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Arts & Culture

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Tryst returns to Chiswick By Áine McGinty

Victorian thriller Tryst is returning to Chiswick this year following its sellout run at the Tabard Theatre in 2017. Director Phoebe Barran chats to The Chiswick Magazine ahead of the play’s west London revival.

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ryst enjoyed much success during its 2017 Chiswick run. ‘‘It was the perfect place for it the first time,’’ Phoebe says. Phoebe is excited to return to the theatre following its rebrand as the Chiswick Playhouse. She has been impressed by the new production team and the fresh and challenging things they are doing. As stated when they announced the relaunch, the Chiswick Playhouse aims to champion up and coming directors. What’s more, there have been three female directors in its opening seasonone of the things that has pleased Phoebe.

Tryst takes a look at a past era in a modern light with the deeply psychological play presenting its audience with two fascinating characters. Fraudster George Love meets naive shop-girl Adelaide Pinchin who agrees to run away with him in a secret tryst after being seduced by his charm. Their plans then unravel in frightening and unpredictable ways with the play evolving into a riveting thriller.

Arts & Culture

Phoebe naturally credits Karoline Leach’s script for much of the success and found it an exciting challenge as a director with quick scenes and a huge amount of locations. It’s unusual to get the opportunity to revisit a play like this, she knows the play a lot better now and is looking forward to tweaking certain bits. There is also a new actress this time which will bring a different angle and energy.

The play makes for an intense hour and a half with no interval but proves to be a real audience pleaser. ‘‘Come and see it before it sells out,’’ is Phoebe’s advice for those toying with the idea of buying tickets. ‘‘I don’t think I’ve ever had such a passionate response from an audience,’’ she adds.

So if you missed Tryst the first time or want to see what Phoebe has done with the play this time around, be sure to head to the Chiswick Playhouse website for tickets.

Tryst 5th-29th February 2020 Monday-Saturday 7.30pm £22.50 with £17.50 concessions www.chiswickplayhouse.co.uk

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Beauty

Bespoke Facials at

The YOU Clinic

By Katie Saunders

Serious about skin care? I highly recommend a bespoke facial at The YOU Clinic in Chiswick. The YOU Clinic has been open since 2006 and won Best Salon in West London in 2019 at the London Hair and Beauty awards.

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hey specialise in hair removal and bespoke facials, using Medik8 products that work with your skin to achieve lasting, glowing results.

They are also stockists of advanced nutrition programme products, which are a premium range of skin care supplements that support healthy skin from the inside out and your overall well-being.

I visited for a bespoke facial with Stephanie. When I arrived it was refreshing to be greeted by Stephanie and her upbeat attitude, and she had beautifully clear skin.

It was my first time at The YOU Clinic and I liked the relaxed atmosphere.

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My main reason to go for a facial is for relaxation, but this time I had a skin concern that I’d noticed over the past month. I had lots of tiny red blotches under my skin along my cheekbones. Probably not noticeable to others, but I could feel them. Part of me thought it was a symptom from the cold weather but during the facial Stephanie looked closely and discovered it was an allergic reaction to something I was ingesting.

I had problems with wheat in the past and recently introduced it back in to my diet. When I told Stephanie about that, she confirmed it would be irritating my skin and causing the inflammation and bumps. She recommended I eliminate the allergen for a month and see how my skin progresses.

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Beauty

I was laid down on a very warm and cosy couch and under two blankets during the facial. Stephanie cleansed my skin and carried out microdermabrasion on the parts where dead skin had built up, for example around my nose. Microdermabrasion uses small crystals to perform deep cleaning and to stimulate blood flow and encourage the skin to produce collagen and elastin. It can generally be used on all skin types.

Now I was prepared for red light therapy which is used for many skin conditions and helps the skin heal with red low-level wavelengths that targets wrinkles, scars and clients with eczema. It kicks of the skin’s natural healing process on a cellular level. The light is on for 10 minutes and it’s extremely relaxing, I definitely fell asleep for a while.

Each facial at The YOU Clinic is designed around the needs of each individual, as we all have different needs, and I really noticed that they are very aware of that.

Throughout Stephanie had a gentle and soft touch.

When the light switched off, Stephanie did an incredible massage and I didn’t think I could feel more relaxed but I did. A facial massage is very beneficial for well-being and I would have a facial every other day if I could.

I remember thinking to myself that I didn’t want the appointment to be over. The final part was the sheet mask, and it was my first time having one. I’ve had gentle peels and oatmeal masks and masks you apply yourself at home. The sheet mask was cool and refreshing on the skin and it covered all of my face apart from my eyes and my nose. It stayed on for a little while and during the time it was working on my skin, Stephanie massaged my aching neck and shoulders until it was time to take it off. The neck and shoulder massage was soothing and beneficial to alleviate tension I was holding there. When the facial came to an end I was really impressed with the treatment and the advice I was given about my skin.

For my after care I was given the sheet mask that still had another application in it for me to do at home and advised to drink plenty of water. Medik8 products offer corrective solutions to client needs, based on their CSA philosophy of using vitamin C, sunscreen and vitamin A daily for our skin health. The YOU Clinic stocks the entire Medik8 range including their premium Retinoate range.

You can follow The YOU Clinic on Instagram @ theyouclinic and you can visit their website for a full list of treatments at www.theyouclinic.co.uk.

The YOU Clinic 6 Chiswick Terrace, Acton Lane, Chiswick, London, W4 5LY Email: info@theyouclinic.co.uk | Phone: 020 8742 2266

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GI FT AV VO AI UC LA H BL ER E S

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INVITE YOU TO BE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE MEDIK8 BRAND NEW RANGE OF SKIN PEELS

020 8742 2266 theyouclinic.co.uk

info@theyouclinic.co.uk 6 Chiswick Terrace W4 5LY

FR FO EE C R C ON HIS SU QU WICK MLTATION OT AGA & PA E: ZINE TCH WO REA TES W DERS T

12 WEEKS TO WOW

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Health & Well-being

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Health & Well-being

Reflexology

with Jessie Morrison

By Katie Saunders

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had a reflexology treatment at The Reflexology Room with Jessica last month. It was enlightening and educational learning about the possible benefits of having reflexology. Jessie has one daughter and having trained whilst she was pregnant, she decided to have a career change after Evie was born. So, she swapped her role as a marketing associate for a much more rewarding role of being a reflexologist. She is part of the Association of Reflexologists and works from her treatment room inside her house in Chiswick. The room is tuned in with calming music to really set the atmosphere for healing and relaxation.

My treatment started with a consultation. Jessie takes this so that she can get a full picture of you in order to tailor the treatment to your specific needs. This included why I wanted to have reflexology and what I was hoping to achieve from the treatment. I had reflexology once, a very long time ago, and was intrigued by it and wanted to try it again. The outcome I was hoping to leave with was total relaxation and I was interested to know what she would find out from working with my feet.

Reflexology has been around for a long time. Although very well-known in traditional Chinese medicine, it was first discovered in Egypt but not brought to the western world until the early 1900’s by William Fitzgerald. It is a holistic, complementary therapy involving the application of pressure to the hands and feet with or without the use of oil and cream. By applying pressure on certain points on your feet, that reflect different organs, glands and systems of the body, it helps the body to begin its own healing process. Jessie very warmly refers to herself as ‘the middleman’. She is there to not do anything to your body but to give it the opportunity to do what it needs. Reflexology can be used to benefit a wide range of symptoms such as migraines, sleep problems, digestive issues, pregnancy related issues, anxiety, pain relief and so on.

Jessie is popular with lots of locals including mums and mums-to-be. The latter is because of her specific training in maternity. During pregnancy a woman’s body goes through many changes and having reflexology can help ease some of the unwanted symptoms like pelvic girdle pain, constipation, back ache, insomnia,

anxiety and so on. It can also help the body to prepare for the birth of the baby as well and to rebalance post birth. But very importantly, it gives you the chance to have an hour to simply switch off your mind (helped by her lovely breathing exercises at the start) and allow the body to just be.

Jessie has begun to offer the introduction of aromatherapy blends into her treatment for your specific needs. She made me up a mixture of lavender, vetiver and tangerine. Also making up enough for me to take home and use again in my own time. By going by what I wanted from the treatment I found the mixture suited me really well and an added bonus, I loved the smell.

Because I have a nut intolerance when ingested she used a cream appropriate for me that wouldn’t cause any problems.

I thoroughly enjoyed my treatment. I floated off into a conscious but unconscious land, got lost in the music and found it was a beautiful hour for my mind to simply switch off. I was very close to falling asleep. In fact I may have just a little.

When the treatment was over, I asked Jessie if she had observed anything and when she told me, I agreed with what she had picked up on. I got off the bed after the treatment and left to make my way home feeling as if I was walking on air.

Jessie explained that when clients come to see her, she really likes to work holistically with them towards their end goal. Depending on what that is, she will put together a treatment plan and give you some take home suggestions that you can apply in your everyday life.

What I love is that Jessie is clearly passionate about helping people and her warm and approachable manner shows how much she cares about your needs.

She says, “For me, it is an honour to be able to help support people through personal and tricky times. I feel lucky to have been given this skill and I want to share it with as many people as possible.”

You can follow Jessica on Instagram @reflexologyrooms and visit her website www.reflexologyrooms.com

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Health & Well-being

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Exercising with a bump and beyond

Sarah Davies, Consultant in Musculoskeletal, Sport and Exercise Medicine, Chiswick Medical Centre

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hilst motherhood is one of the most rewarding experiences a woman can have, looking after children, often combined with a busy work schedule can make it far harder to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.

In fact, it’s been reported that just 58% of women manage the recommended 150 minutes of exercise each week. This is why whether you have had children recently, some time ago or are planning to in the future, there are certain exercise tips that can help you to achieve weight loss in the correct way.

Exercising during pregnancy Many believe that exercise should be restricted as soon as the thin blue line appears. However, moderate physical activity during a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy can increase fitness whilst also reducing the risk of complications, including preeclampsia and diabetes.

Pregnant women looking to start a programme of physical activity should consult their doctor for advice.

If you were healthy and active before pregnancy, there

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We have now entered the winter months and you may have noticed a disruption to your sleep over the past few weeks, with difficulties getting to sleep, maintaining sleep or struggling to get up in the morning. This can impact on how you feel the next day, resulting in daytime tiredness and lethargy, lack of motivation and low mood.

should be no problem maintaining this into pregnancy.

If you were inactive before conceiving, it’s recommended that low-intensity activity is started, whereas staying active during pregnancy makes it easier to adapt to your changing shape and weight, and also helps you to cope with labour and get back into shape more easily after giving birth.

In terms of your workout intensity, you should still be able to talk as you exercise. If you become breathless whilst talking, you may be doing too much, or it could be a sign of something more serious. Stop exercising and seek immediate medical advice if you experience: • • • • • • • • •

Breathlessness before exercise Calf pain Chest pain Dizziness Fainting Headache Swelling Vaginal bleeding Weakness

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How soon should I exercise after giving birth?

After a healthy pregnancy and normal vaginal delivery, it’s usually safe to start increasing your physical activity a few days after giving birth. After a caesarean or other complications, your doctor should assess when it’s safe for you to begin.

When you feel ready, start your cardio workout with short walks. Fast walking should get you moving enough to raise your heart rate, get a little breathless and begin sweating, whilst still being able to talk.

As well as stimulating the heart and lungs, walking outdoors gives you and your baby the sunlight that you need to boost your vitamin D levels.

It’s equally important to focus on strengthening after pregnancy, as muscles are likely to have stretched, weakened and possibly separated. Separation of the abdominal muscles, or diastasis recti, happens when your growing womb pushes and pulls them apart. This usually resolves eight weeks after delivery, however you may wish to contact your doctor to check your abdomen

Health & Well-Being

before you progress with abdominal exercises. Pilates and yoga also help to strengthen your core muscles.

Post-pregnancy exercise regimes should be personalised Post-pregnancy, regular and moderately-intense physical activity benefits a woman’s overall health, combined with appropriate calorific restriction which helps to achieve a healthy weight.

If you feel pain or experience any bleeding from your vagina or caesarean wound when undertaking exercise, you should immediately stop and seek medical advice.

Healthy body, healthy mind in 2020 As we look ahead to what the new year may bring, on behalf of all of us at Chiswick Medical Centre I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family the very best for 2020.

We’d also like to invite you to our special children’s health event in February, the details of which are below.

PARENT TALK: CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Tuesday 4th February Doors opening at 6.00pm, event from 6.30-8.00pm RSVP to our event at chiswickmedicalcentre.co.uk To book an appointment or for more information, please call Chiswick Medical Centre on 020 3993 6124

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Health & Well-being

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Designing Fitness With its UK showroom and distribution centre located just 10 minutes’ walk from Turnham Green tube station, WaterRower | NOHrD is the fitness equipment brand to help you achieve your fitness goals in 2020.

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using industry-leading functionality with stunning design, WaterRower | NOHrD is redefining fitness equipment. Made by hand to exacting standards, pieces in the range are found in luxury homes and hotels across the globe. From the pioneering WaterRower, a wooden framed rowing machine that uses water for resistance, to the beautifully curved silhouette of the NOHrD Bike, the brand is recognised as the most innovative player in the fitness sector.

While other fitness equipment manufacturers base their designs on conventional shapes and styles to suit the commercial gym market, WaterRower | NOHrD does things differently. The design process working backward from defining the ideal user experience and then creating a product to match. This is an exacting process overseen by CEO and lead designer Dominik Kuprecht. “The needs of the customer are at the heart of everything we do. When developing a product, my priority is always to deliver a machine that gives the user a best in class workout experience,” explains Dominik. “I spent over 6 years working on the design for the NOHrD Bike, refining every element

Health & Well-being

to create something that I believe is in advance of all other indoor cycles.”

An antidote to disposable manufacturing, sustainability is at the heart of the company’s philosophy. Production is split between Germany and the USA, running 100% on renewable energy coming from solar panels at the two facilities. All the beautiful hardwoods that are used come from verified sustainable sources, where the planting rates must exceed harvest rates by a multiple of 2.2 or higher.

Impressive stuff.

The genius behind the company is its simplicity. Fitness is an experience that should be enjoyed, as such the environment in which you exercise should be a pleasurable place to be. WaterRower | NOHrD enable this by offering good-looking, high-quality fitness equipment that doesn’t need to be hidden away and can sit pride of place in any room. All too often people relegate their gym equipment to collect dust in the dark corner of a basement, making them far less likely to use it. Exercise equipment that you are actually going to use, there’s a thought!

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Entertainment

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Entertainment

The Best Classic Cars on show at Olympia

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ondon’s premier classic car event returns on 20‐23 February 2020, at its new home of Olympia, London in Kensington, marking the next chapter in the history of The London Classic Car Show. Now in its seventh year, the show is firmly established as the must‐attend event for discerning classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts.

Not only will visiting classic car collectors and connoisseurs have the opportunity to view and purchase over 500 desirable cars, they will also be treated to a brand‐new selection of carefully curated features and celebrations of some of the most exotic and exquisite marques from throughout the decades.

2020 sees the introduction of an exciting new ‘Car Stories’ stage featuring six of the most iconic and interesting cars in the world, presented by industry personalities and previous owners, delving into the history and heritage that makes them special. Car Stories will be hosted by classic motoring expert Max Girardo and will give visitors the chance to go under the bonnet of such illustrious cars as the 1987 Rothmans Porsche 962C, the Maserati 250F driven by Sir Stirling Moss in 1954 and the Lotus 49 rebuilt by Adrian Newey.

2020 also marks the 50th anniversary of one of the UK’s greatest cars, the Range Rover. The benchmark 4x4 continues to be the utility vehicle of choice amongst those who appreciate the finer things in life and The London Classic Car Show will be celebrating 50 years of the car marque from the first prototype through iconic ‘challenge’ versions to the Range Rover of today.

Also celebrating a landmark anniversary is one of the most iconic models to grace both road and rally – the Audi Quattro, with 2020 marking 40 years since its unveiling. A specially curated display of some of the finest Audi Quattro models will be showcased at this year’s event.

So, whether you’ve got a penchant for the classic, are a serious buyer or simply want to dip your toe in the water and admire these beautiful vehicles, make your way to Olympia, London from 20-23 February 2020.

Standard and Premium tickets are available plus the opportunity to attend the Thursday evening exclusive Preview Night and Icon Awards presentation.

Tickets are available online at https://www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk/

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Travel

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K West Hotel & Spa K West Hotel & Spa underwent a dramatic interior redesign in November 2014, inspired by the cult West London hotel’s rich music heritage and history of musicians staying at the hotel.

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he story of the K West building began in the 1950s when it became the home of the BBC Recording and Broadcasting Studios in Shepherd’s Bush. The building was the base of an eclectic mix of BBC services. From The World Service to David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, legendary sessions and broadcasts were captured within the walls of K West.

The hotel is West London’s Neighbourhood Hideaway.

The cherished location is an authentic London residential neighbourhood, a stone’s throw from the vibrancy of Shepherd’s Bush, White City, and well connected to the heart of London. Fashionable areas such as Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Kensington are also just a short walk away.

A defining characteristic of all 219 guestrooms is the generous space, with the smallest being just under 300 sq ft. The rooms are designed to offer a soothing respite from the fast pace of London life, with luxurious

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oversized beds and a calming colour scheme. Modern flourishes including LCD flat screen TVs, sandblasted glass, and original artwork give the rooms a distinctive K West stamp.

At the upper end of the scale, the six spectacular K Suites offer the ultimate experience. Dramatic walls of glass divide the bedrooms from the lounge areas, which are fitted with Bose surround sound entertainment systems, a 42” plasma screen television and ultra-comfy sofas. Two-metre square beds and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries are also staples in the suites, and the bathrooms have been fitted with designer Philippe Starck double-ended baths and fixtures.

On the ground floor by the entrance, Studio Bar has been given a moody, music-infused atmosphere come the evenings. Industrial style pendant lamps hang low over raised tables, and textured silver wallpaper by Dixon & Turner gives the bar a modern edge. The polished dark walnut-wood flooring brings warmth to the area,

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which is opened up with the use of floor-to-ceiling mirrored pillars and relaxed seating arrangements. Up-cycled furniture is used to create high backed booth seating along the back wall, separated by silver and black voile curtains to create intimate VIP style corners. Chic black and white artwork depicting musicians hangs above each booth, with punchy contrasting accents of colour adding vibrancy. Even the drinks menu has been injected with some Rock ‘N’ Roll swagger, with six signature Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails available, plus the quirky K West special ‘Pickleback’ shot of Jack Daniels whiskey accompanied with a shot of pickle juice.

By day, Studio Bar is a light and airy space for creative media meetings over coffees and laptops. Plugs are fitted conveniently by seats; ensuring meetings never run out of charge, and a ‘Geek Hub’ laptop bar with complimentary iMacs for guests to use can be found tucked into a snug area around the corner from the bar.

On the mezzanine floor above the Bar, Studio Kitchen is an informal eatery with an urban New York vibe. Edgy city landscape sketches stretch along the walls, mirrored by a quirky wave of banquet seating hugging the back of the room. Sprinklings of filament light bulbs suspended on individual wires add an abstract, arty feel to the room.

The Library has been redesigned to complement the front of house bar, providing a relaxed, informal and creative atmosphere which can be completely sealed off from the buzz of the bar with black and silver drapes suspended between a giant wooden frame. Statement Andy Warhol style artwork depicting Amy Winehouse is displayed at one end of the room, a tribute to yet another music legend who loved the hotel. Against the opposite wall, a large flatscreen TV sits in the centre of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, which display an eye-catching collection of coffee table books. The Library will be a multifunctional space which will be used for screenings, events, pop-ups and various other antics as well as providing a chill space for guests. In keeping with the music theme, a Glam Rock Afternoon Tea will also be launching. It will be available in the afternoon from 2-6pm, and with cocktails from 10pm until 12am.

Awarded ‘Best Spa in London’ at the Good Spa Guide Awards 2015 and winner of a World Luxury Spa Award, K West’s holistic spa offers a range of exclusive treatments. K Spa introduced the first ‘Snow Paradise’ to London, which mimics the Finnish experience of alternating between freezing and steamy environments. The spa also features a twinkling hydrotherapy pool, sanarium, sauna, dry flotation tank, aromatic herbal steam room and the fully equipped K Fit gymnasium.

Prices start from £109 per room per night, and the K Suites are from £540 per night including VAT. Spa packages are also available and include overnight accommodation and treatments.

K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London W14 0AX For reservations, please call: 020 8008 6600 or visit www.k-west.co.uk

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EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION FEATURE

WIN 7 NIGHTS IN OMAN

To win a 3 night stay for 2 people in a Royal Tent at Dunes By Al Nahda and a further 4 night stay at Sahab Resort and Spa in Oman text the word

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Photo: Sahab Resort and Spa

To enter this competition you must be over 18 years of age, a resident of the UK and have a valid UK passport. This competition allows for travel to Oman on a full board basis between 10/03/20 and 31/03/20 or 01/ 09/20 and 31/03/21 and includes all flights and transfers from London Heathrow to Oman. Texts cost £1.50 per text. Helpline 020 3623 0567. Competition closes 28/02/19.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

BY PAULA I am a Qualified Holistic Therapist offering (outcall/mobile) full-body Aromatherapy massage.

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I also offer Holistic spiritual Counselling to help you to overcome any issues you are dealing with.

I also have plenty experience in Elderly Care & Childcare.

For more info Contact Paula 07398 038 769

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THE CAPITAL’S PREMIER CLASSIC CAR SHOW COMES TO OLYMPIA, LONDON

20-23/FEB/2020 The must-attend event for the classic car connoisseur Over 500 cars on display and to purchase Legendary Car Stories retold by motoring heroes Tribute collections to mark 40 years of the Audi Quattro and 50 years of Range Rover

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Escape the city A wonderful riverside pub The Bell & Crown couples the charm of a country pub with a great London location. Set right on the banks of the Thames, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy superb food, fresh real ales and friendly service with a smile.

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

Unique and individual experiences in every pub.

The Bell & Crown, 11-13 Thames Rd, Strand on the Green, London, W4 3PL T 020 8994 4164 E bellandcrown@fullers.co.uk www.bell-and-crown.co.uk

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Enjoy Elegance & Comfort On-Board Business Class With Alitalia Let Premier by Brightsun organise your next business class flight on Alitalia and get some great deals to your dream des�na�on. �elax in the luxurious Casa Alitalia lounge on your transit through Italy and recline on-board in the lavish 180 degree flat-bed seat.

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THE TOWNHOUSE COLLECTION Prices from £899,950*

YOUR WATERSIDE PLACE

The townhouses at Keelson Gardens are a limited collection of just six homes arranged around a landscaped courtyard on the multi award-winning Brentford Lock West development on the banks of the Grand Union Canal.

Each property benefits from: • 1,959ft2 of accommodation • Four bedrooms • Two private balconies accessed from the master suite and bedroom three • Two ground floor terraces • Two parking spaces

£25,000 CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS STAMP DUTY PLUS £2,000 TOWARDS MOVING IN COSTS**

020 3504 6403 brentfordlockwest.co.uk Marketing Suite and Show Home open daily 10am to 5pm Boaters Avenue, Brentford Lock West, TW8 8FE

*Price correct at time of going to print. **£25,000 contribution towards stamp duty plus £2,000 towards moving in cost on selected townhouse plots only & for reservations secured before May 31st 2019. Not in conjunction with any other offer & subject to terms and conditions. Images of townhouse show home & stock.

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BASEMENTS | EXTENSIONS | RENOVATIONS BESPOKE SOLUTIONS • POLISHED CONCRETE • MICRO CEMENT FINISHES • JOINERY • CRITTALL • STAIRCASES

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295 High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 4HH T: 0203 646 1300 W: www.roofwiselimited.co.uk E: roofwiselondonltd@gmail.com We are a family run business with over 15 years experience in the roofing industry.

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