The Chiswick Magazine August 2020 edition

CHISWICK

ÂŽ

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

August 2020 | Complimentary

Milly Forrest Classical singer talks arts, culture and Chiswick life

Chiswick House & Gardens Director Xanthe Arvanitakis on fundraising campaign

Meet the Artist Sangeeta Weatherley

Chiswick Flower Market All your plant needs right here in W4

The Queens Head Local pub owner talks reopening

THE YOU Clinic Popular salon back with a difference

chiswickmagazine.co.uk

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

15% OFF* BRAND NEW SAFE DEPOSIT VAULT IN CHISWICK

*INTRODUCTORY OFFER FOR 12 MONTH RENTALS ON ALL NEW BOXES OPENED BEFORE 31/12/20 PRICES START AT £95 A YEAR 12 DIFFERENT SIZES OF BOX CALL 020 3928 2828 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 329 CHISWICK HIGH ROAD, LONDON W4 4HS

www.metrosafe.co.uk CHISWICK

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Chiswick Magazine (271.6x184.6mm)(X).indd 1

ST JOHN’S WOOD

2

17/03/2020 08:27

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Growing their imaginations

Let your child’s imagination take them on a journey of discovery at The Pump House, a new, modern day nursery in the heart of Brentford.

• Stimulating indoor and outdoor spaces to spark their curiosity through play • Riverside location – ideal for nature walks • A secure, homely environment for children aged 12 weeks to 5 years • New extended opening hours from 7.30am to 6.30pm

For ne that jo w families in Augu throughout s no reg t, there are istrati Just q on fees.

Pump uote for yo House2 ur dis count .

Personal tours now available. To book a tour or to enquire about a place, contact manager@phdaynursery.co.uk or call 020 8003 0123.

www.phdaynursery.co.uk

pumphousedaynursery The Old Pumping Station, Pump Alley, Brentford TW8 0AP 3

PART OF THE GROUP

ABOUT LOCALS, FOR LOCALS, BY LOCALS

A

N O T E

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

CHISWICK T H E

®

®

M A G A Z I N E

is brought to you by

EDITOR

Áine McGinty aine@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

FEATURES EDITOR

Lucy Bacon lucy@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Simon Hossack simon@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

PUBLISHER

Paul Williams paul@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

DESIGN

Raja Lockey

TRAVEL

Paul Williams paul@chiswickmagazine.co.uk

Dear Readers, Welcome to the August edition of The Chiswick Magazine. It’s been a long time since I last sat down to write one of these.

It’s hard to know what to say during these times but I know everyone here at The Chiswick Magazine is delighted to be back with some locally focused content for you all. We may touch on the virus here and there but I hope it can still be a form of escapism for some of you.

As I’m writing this restrictions have eased to allow some of our fantastic local pubs and restaurants to reopen- including one of our favourites, The Queen’s Head. Do show them some support if you can.

As always I hope you enjoy the read.

Stay safe, Áine x

Vencor Ltd Unit 22, 295 Chiswick High Road London, UK W4 4TT. Telephone: 020 3623 0567 © 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. ® THE CHISWICK MAGAZINE is registered as a trade mark, trade mark number UK00003257230.

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.

chiswickmagazine.co.uk @chiswickmag thechiswickmagazine

Contents Chiswick Flower Market

The YOU Clinic

6

26

Popular Chiswick beauty salon adapts to the ‘new normal’

Could the Chiswick Flower Market be west London’s answer to Columbia Road?

The Chiswick Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group

Nicholas Rose

8

28

Local psychotherapist reflects on the psychological impact of Covid-19

Find out more about the people helping the community throughout the pandemic Maggie & Rose

Spa de Sal

12

30

Chiswick club reopens remaining a safe haven for local families

Director Matilda Goes writes about the impact of coronavirus on the business and the benefits of salt therapy

Bengal Cats

Ocado Zoom

14

Ocado Zoom delivers just what the doctor ordered – more food, less waiting

Lucy Bacon meets the man who takes his Bengal cats out for their daily walk The Pump House

34

The Queens Head

16

36

New Brentford nursery now offering personal tours for interested parents and children

Find out how one local pub is coping with reopening

Photo Story

Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls

18

Ealing’s safe haven where girls ‘create their future’

Director encourages locals to help save Chiswick’s sanctuary Milly Forrest

Beleaf 40

20

CBD store comes to Chiswick

Classical singer discusses the arts

Meet the Artist

38

Travel

24

Paul Williams visits Hotel Fairmont Le Château Montebello

Lucy Bacon chats to local artist Sangeeta Weatherley

5

42

LOCAL LIFE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Chiswick Flower Market by Áine McGinty

Could the Chiswick Flower Market be west London’s answer to Columbia Road?

T

he Chiswick Flower Market was born out of a desire to rejuvenate Chiswick High Road. Like high streets across the country, businesses on the High Road and its surrounding streets have been struggling for some time but this is not about doom and gloom, this is a proactive response. It is hoped that the Chiswick Flower Market will bring a different offering to the High Road, something interesting and appealing to attract not just Chiswickians but people from all over London.

They now plan to launch on Sunday 6th September with the market being carefully marshalled and adapted with spacing to allow queuing systems and designated passing areas.

What has stayed the same though is the group’s ambition and drive. They’re a new team and although Karen has experience from the Together in the Terrace Street Party, none have ever run a street market. ‘‘We’ll make up in enthusiasm for lack in experience,’’ she laughs. This is not intended to be a small local market, the group believe it’s going to be a London-wide initiative. ‘‘We want to be west London’s answer to Columbia Road,’’ Karen tells me. They aren't naive, they know this is not going to happen in a week. ‘‘But we’re very ambitious, we’re aiming for the stars and seeing where we get to.’’

Local resident and Chartered Surveyor Ollie Saunders drew up a list of twelve initiatives to save the High Road and unsurprisingly the idea of a flower market in west London caught the eye of Abundance London’s Dr Karen Liebreich, MBE. Karen, who also set up the Chiswick House Kitchen Garden and received an MBE for services to horticulture and education, joined forces with Ollie and Bridget Osborne of The Chiswick Calendar.

The three of them are directors for the market which is now a Community Interest Company, where any profits will be invested back into the market and Chiswick High Road.

Head along on Sunday 6th September between 09:30-15:00 for the launch and the first Sunday of every month thereafter for all of your plant needs. All types of plants will be on sale - bedding plants, house plants, grow your own, cut flowers, perennials, seed and bulb suppliers, tree specialists including fruiting trees, horticultural products such as pots and gardening equipment, as well as other garden-related accessories.

The Chiswick Flower Market came about long before the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, plans were delayed for its original launch date but with businesses struggling even more following the pandemic and the market adapting to suit social distancing, this could be a great local response. ‘‘We didn’t plan this as a Covid response, we planned it before Covid as a thing to help Chiswick flourish and it’s even more necessary in the current situation,’’ Karen says.

‘‘We hope it will be a fantastic day out that brings people from all over London to enjoy Chiswick and appreciate Chiswick,’’ Karen adds. Even better, there will be cargo bike deliveries for all purchases delivered for free for those within a 2-mile radius so you can even walk or cycle to the market if you’d like.

6

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

7

LOCAL LIFE

LOCAL LIFE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

The Chiswick Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group

by Lucy Bacon

Helping the community

A

t the beginning of March, it became clear that Covid-19 was going to radically change the way we live our lives, at least in the short to medium term. So, neighbours pulled together to consider how they might help their neighbourhood during these difficult times, to complement the activities of local councils and existing charities and community groups.

At street-level, volunteers have done shopping and have collected prescriptions for those unable to leave their homes. In some cases, volunteers have phoned isolated older neighbours on a regular basis for a ‘check in and chat’. A small group of volunteers have also been working alongside a local GP surgery to support a number of shielding neighbours.

Many people who were self-isolating were also keen to volunteer remotely, offering administrative or language support.

One outcome was the formation of Covid-19 mutual aid groups across London and the rest of the UK. Such groups provide a nonhierarchical platform to connect neighbours wishing to offer and receive assistance during the pandemic​. ​Mutual aid groups have existed since 2005 when communities in and around New Orleans got together to help their neighbours in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Alongside helping the community, the Chiswick Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group organised a donations drive in April for the Imperial Health Charity, which supports Charing Cross, Hammersmith, St. Mary’s, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea and the Western Eye hospitals. The team at St. Michael’s in Elmwood Road kindly offered their church hall, and W4 residents generously donated sealed toiletries and food, which were made into care packages and used to stock pop-up shops for frontline NHS workers. In fact, so many donations were received that some supplies were also donated to local care homes.

The Chiswick Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group was set up via social media in mid-March and has now accrued approximately 1,400 Facebook members, though participation has of course not been limited to social media. The group facilitators have worked closely with the nearby Hounslow Mutual Aid Group to share ideas and best practice, but were keen to foster a separate group within the W4 area.

As lockdown begins to ease the group has begun to think about continuity, and about how to ensure that neighbours who need support over the longer-term might receive it.

But one thing that is likely to remain past lockdown, says Philippa Griffin, who has helped to facilitate some of the activities, is ‘‘The sense of community that has developed in some street-level groups and the idea that mutual aid comes in many different forms.”

Members quite quickly divided themselves into street-level groups, which allowed interactions to occur as locally as possible.

A number of people have reported feeling more connected with residents in their street as a result, in some cases meeting other neighbours for the first time.

8

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

9

LOCAL LIFE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

TONIGHT’S DINNER PLANS WITHOUT THE PLAN. Zoom delivers groceries within an hour – no matter what your plans bring.

There are new slots available every day, including new customers.

Picnic in the park or dinner date after dark?

Get your first delivery free with code: CHISWICKMAG

1.

Shop over 10,000 products on the Zoom app or ocadozoom.com

2.

Book your delivery slot (don’t forget to use your voucher!)

3.

Get your delivery within 60 minutes or later that day.

Your first delivery is free!

FREE DELIVERY on your first Zoom

Add this code as you check out:

CHISWICKMAG

Order by: 30/09/20 Min spend: £15 Max reward: £15

Voucher usage requires opt in to e-marketing from Ocado about ocado.com and ocadozoom.com. Usage of service is not dependent on voucher redemption. Restrictions apply: Voucher only valid for Ocado Zoom orders placed on the Ocado Zoom website or app. New Ocado Zoom customers only. One first shop voucher per customer and per registered address. Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other voucher offer. Deliveries subject to availability and location. Delivery charges may apply. To check if Ocado Zoom delivers in your area, visit ocadozoom.com. Discount will exclude products in the following categories: Baby Milk, Postage Stamps, Health & Medicines. Minimum spend excludes tobacco products, postage stamps, infant formula, the purchase of Ocado Gift Vouchers, and food donations with Ocado. Statutory minimum alcohol pricing applies. Deliveries limited to one per day. For full Terms & Conditions see ocado.com/zoomterms.

10

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

grow with us!

Play is truly a child’s work. Little ones develop best when their imaginations are fuelled and they feel right at home. Our Ofsted-registered nursery settings offer a unique and creative approach to delivering Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes.

Book a tour or find out more at maggieandrose.com

Chiswick 1 Essex Place W4 5UJ

11

Kensington 58 Pembroke Road W8 6NX

Islington 7 Esther Anne Place N1 1UL

LOCAL LIFE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Maggie & Rose Chiswick reopens by Áine McGinty

Club introduces strict safety measures without losing the fun

P

arents across Chiswick and west London will be delighted to know that Maggie & Rose are reopening their Chiswick club and even happier to know just how committed they are to ensuring everyone’s safety. ‘‘We have spent the last two months reviewing government guidance and putting in place expert risk assessments to ensure that our member community and team can safely return to Maggie & Rose,’’ says Anna O’Riordan, Sales & Marketing Manager.

Their phased reopening approach reflects this, in line with government guidance, the club itself and play areas will not be open and they are currently unable to offer their live classes. Families can access their virtual classes at maggieandrose.me at any time and even better, these are currently free of charge to support families during the pandemic.

Presently, access to the club is limited to pre-booked sessions at their Roof Café where Chiswick members may bring up to five people from their household to enjoy a meal, snack or drink, ordering via Maggie & Rose’s new contactless system from socially-distanced tables. ‘‘We have considered everything from establishing one-way flows to access and leave the roof, to putting in place additional hygiene measures throughout the club and for guests,’’ adds Anna. ‘‘Our team has undergone rigorous training on infection control measures, also focusing on delivering the relaxed, welcoming ‘home away from home’ experience for which Maggie & Rose is known and loved.’’

Similar measures have been applied to the Big Kids Camps and physical birthday parties where Anna says they have also gone above and beyond government guidance in their approach to using small, consistent ‘bubbles’ to reduce the risk of transmission

- all without losing any of the fun! In fact, the Big Kids Camps is only being offered from their Chiswick club for the time being to ensure that Maggie & Rose can provide the safest of experiences for its community and team. The Chiswick club boasts by far the most outdoor space, helping them ‘to ensure little ones have maximum fun with minimal contact’. Camps will run subject to sufficient demand each week and so far there has been great demand for them with families signing up from both within and beyond Chiswick.

At the time of writing, Maggie & Rose nurseries have been open for just over a month. ‘‘We have been delighted to see the little ones in our care (and their families) adapt so easily to new safe-guarding procedures and flourish thanks to the return to the nursery routine. Many of our families who were at first unsure about their return are now back with us, as confidence grows.’’

Naturally some parents will still be wary about their kids returning to Maggie & Rose. ‘‘We absolutely understand that this is a challenging time for many and appreciate that some families may still choose or need to shield. We also know that many families are now desperate to return to some sense of normality, feeling the need to balance the low risk of transmission with the impact to their mental well-being,’’ Anna tells me. ‘‘Our community is key and we are taking reopening slowly and carefully – each tiny step has been fully risk-assessed and we are constantly reviewing the latest government guidance and adapting practices to ensure Maggie & Rose remains a safe haven for families.’’

To find out more about the safety measures in place at Maggie & Rose visit maggieand rose.com 12

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

13

LOCAL LIFE

LOCAL LIFE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Meet Zenek & Henia

by Lucy Bacon

The Bengal cats who love their daily walks

A

s some of you might have noticed on your walks, one local family walks their two Bengal cats on leads every day.

Zenek and Henia have their own Instagram page where their fans can see pictures and videos of their daily walks. The two cats who are brother and sister get walked between Turnham Green and Chiswick Park by their owner Martin.

can see pictures of them walking and playing.

Martin started the page when the cats were kittens so that he could capture all the good memories and be able to show how they have grown since the very beginning.

While walking the cats Martin, has received some odd looks. He says, “I often get asked, ‘Is that a cat?’ because people can’t believe it.”

The second question Martin gets asked is ‘How can I train my cat to be like yours?’.

The answer is to start training your cats young. From when they were 12 weeks old Martin and his wife have been taking the cats out for walks on their leads.

Martin is enthusiastic about others training their cats to walk on leads.

Martin got the siblings in June last year and has been training them since they were kittens to walk on a lead. Martin and his wife were inspired to train their cats to walk on a lead after visiting Paris and seeing a Savannah cat (a cross between a domestic cat and several wild African cats) being walked this way. He explained, “It was such a cool thing to see and we decided that we wanted to do something like that when we got cats.”

He explains that walking the cats has led to him getting outdoors more and meeting lots of people in the community.

Explaining one of his favourite interactions Martin says, “I was walking the cats and a woman cycled past and she exclaimed as she went past, ‘Oh what such lovely cats. You have made my day!’”

Since purchasing Zenek and Henia, Martin and his wife have walked the cats every day. The cats really enjoy their walks and are often curious about people and other pets, especially the brother, Zenek. “Zenek loves the walks and is really curious especially about people. He used to be really curious about dogs but after a bad incident he is a bit more cautious now,” says Martin. Zenek’s and Henia’s antics get captured on their Instagram page where you

For the moment Martin does not want to get any more cats and is very happy with his two Bengals and the balance they have created in his family. Follow @my2bengals on Instagram to see more of their adorable photos.

14

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

15

LOCAL LIFE

LOCAL LIFE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

16

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

New Brentford day nursery now welcoming prospective families New purpose-built day nursery and pre-school, The Pump House, has re-opened its doors following the coronavirus outbreak, with places now available.

T

he Pump House is the second nursery to open in SW London as part of a multi-million pound investment by CC Nurseries/Downing LLP, following the successful launch of sister nursery Beaumont House in Twickenham which opened in 2017.

with full Covid-19 measures in place.

Nursery Manager Lorna Meese said: “We are delighted to have re-opened our doors and be welcoming families into our lovely space once again. Community is at the heart of what we do, so to see the children excited to return to learn and play in this nurturing setting we have developed is a joy.

Located between Brentford high street and the riverside, The Pump House has extended its opening hours to better accommodate working parents and provide wraparound care, now opening from 7:30am-6:30pm.

“We are very proud to be a part of the Brentford community and we look forward to welcoming new parents and children into our family. Our new opening hours are ideal for parents who commute or are working full time and find it difficult to fit pick ups and drop offs into their day, so we are very pleased to be able to provide more flexibility. It is hard to describe what we offer in words, so the best thing to do is to come and visit us!”

The nursery is welcoming families in the area looking for high-quality childcare for children aged 12 weeks to 5 years.With occupancy for 90 children, the nursery houses inspiring and stimulating environments with an emphasis on learning through hands-on experiences, and is equipped with a range of modern facilities and hand-picked resources.

The Pump House is part of the independent CC Nurseries nursery group, which already provides inspirational Early Childhood Learning and Care for over 500 families in settings across England and Scotland.

The nursery also boasts its own secure outdoor area at the back of the building for children to learn about their natural surroundings and enjoy playing in the fresh air.

To book a tour or to find out more, contact manager@phdaynursery.co.uk or call 020 8003 0123.

The Pump House is now offering personal tours for interested parents and children,

www.phdaynursery.co.uk

17

LOCAL LIFE

PHOTO STORY

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Chiswick’s outdoor sanctuary needs your help by Áine McGinty

Chiswick House & Gardens are trying to raise £120,000 in 120 days

P Xanthe Arvanitakis

arks and open spaces proved vital throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, particularly when we were limited to just one hour a day of outdoor exercise. And none more so than our very own Chiswick House & Gardens. To the delight of many local people they kept their gates open from dawn until dusk 7 days a week throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, carrying out essential maintenance to make sure the gardens were kept clean and safe. This is not all- behind the scenes they also cultivated and harvested fruit, vegetables and flowers to donate to the Hounslow Community Food Hub with the support of Rob from La Trompette and his team as well as contractor Gavin Jones.

Now this local and much-loved 65 acre sanctuary needs our help. Chiswick House & Gardens lost 60% of their income over night from cancelled events following the pandemic and lockdown. They have had to cut costs, furlough staff and kick off their #welovechiswickhouse campaign to try and bridge the gap until they are able to get back on their feet. We catch up with Director Xanthe Arvanitakis to find out more.

Although she has spent the last seven years of her career working in culture and heritage, Xanthe has been thrown in at the deep end with her new role starting just before the pandemic. ‘‘It has been a rollercoaster ride with a mix of emotions. In my second week in the job Covid-19 hit and everything changed,’’ Xanthe says. ‘‘I had to move straight into crisis management as well as trying to work out how we are going to survive given the financial impact. But I have also got to know the team really well who are all incredible – they work so hard, very committed and resilient.’’

Despite the current situation, Xanthe has still 18

been able to get to know the local community. ‘‘I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of our volunteers, Chiswick House Friends, local residents and daily visitors to the gardens,’’ she adds.

The #welovechiswickhouse campaign was launched in May as Chiswick House & Gardens revealed that they needed to plug the £500,000 gap in their income. They have set a target of £120,000 in 120 days to help them do this and are asking visitors to donate £5 when they visit.

Thankfully almost 700 people have responded with many donating significantly more than £5 meaning they have raised over £20,000 so far! Their plant fundraiser raised £5,000 and Chiswick House Friends have launched their exciting Lego® Brick Fundraiser, building a Lego® brick model of Chiswick House to help raise funds.

We’re using this month’s Photo Story to show our gratitude to all of those who have kept Chiswick House & Gardens running during these turbulent times and to show off the beauty we’re lucky to have on our doorstep.

If you’d like to get involved in the fundraising campaign, you can do by taking part on social media, heading to a fundraising event and by donating by visiting chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/donate or texting LOVE to 70450 to donate £5 (texts cost donation amount plus one standard rate message).

Xanthe adds, ‘‘We have places to picnic, wilderness to get lost in and formal gardens to enjoy – something for everyone, everyday. We need your help, now more than ever. We don’t want to just survive the impact of Covid-19 we also want to be able to rebuild and do much more in the future.’’

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

19

SECTION

PHOTO STORY

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

20

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

21

PHOTO STORY

ARTS & CULTURE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Milly Forrest by Áine McGinty

Classical singer talks arts, culture and Chiswick life

W

hen I catch up with classical singer Milly Forrest she is just on her way back from her first live audition since before the coronavirus lockdown - with the panel listening to her via Zoom! The ‘new normal’ is peculiar for everyone and certainly for those in the arts industry- singers across the country have had to deal with cancelled work, venues being closed and uncertainty as to when it’ll be safe to perform to an indoor crowd again.

not everyone sees the online recordings as positive, Milly sees it as encouraging people to be brave and keep music flowing.

Although she no longer lives in Chiswick, Milly, who has been singing at St Michael & All Angels Church since she was 7-years-old, is still an integral part of Chiswick’s arts and culture scene. In fact, she has nothing but praise for the area and its residents. ‘‘I think it’s fantastic for celebration of the arts,’’ Milly says. ‘‘Even though it’s a very small community, it accomplishes so much in terms of culture and music.’’

What struck me about Milly is her determination to carry on throughout the lockdown.

Milly made the news when she went from singing arias to working as a hospital porter at Watford General Hospital almost as soon as the lockdown was announced. Her usual work had been postponed but rather than wallow, Milly was keen to help. Although they were unable to keep the staff they hired at the height of the pandemic, Milly found her time at the hospital extremely rewarding. ‘‘I’d go back in a flash if they needed me,’’ she tells me.

Milly has always received huge support from the church- with it being a place to rehearse and Torin Douglas involving her with the Bedford Park Festival. Audiences are also very appreciative of her talent and classical music. ‘‘I guess that’s why I just want to keep going back again and again.’’

Drive-in cinemas, outdoor concerts and even outdoor comedy performances are now all the rage and Milly hopes this will see people supporting the arts at this difficult time. ‘‘I’d like to encourage people to go to as many outdoor performances as they possibly can,’’ Milly says as she discusses the worries of many fellow singers who don’t know if and when they’ll perform again.

That being said, her singing didn’t take a back seat during the lockdown. Many of you will have watched Milly’s lockdown YouTube videos and ‘Virtually Milly Forrest & Friends’ as part of this year’s online Bedford Park Festival. Although performing in recordings has been a different challenge Milly thinks it has given the classical music industry ‘the wake up call they needed’ - forcing an industry which is quite far behind to update. It’s meant that Milly and other singers have been forced to learn a different set of skills and although

You can keep up to date with Milly’s work on YouTube by searching her name and her future outdoor performances by visiting millyforrest.com

22

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

23

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Meet the Artist

by Lucy Bacon

Lucy Bacon chats to local artist Sangeeta Weatherley

I

first discovered Sangeeta Weatherley’s art through her Instagram page where she posts pictures of her beautiful paintings and collages which with their vibrant colors and elegant lines are highly striking.

viewed her paintings as a hobby and did not think they were up to a professional standard.

Growing up in India she felt that art was not something that she could do professionally and so instead she went to work in IT. It was only in the last year that she has started to identify herself as an artist. Her change in heart came after she went to an exhibition and realised her work was as good as the artist she was seeing and that all she lacked was confidence.

Sangeeta explains, “I came to realise that I just had to believe in myself. There is no such thing as bad art, there is only art which you have not pushed far enough. Looking back at my old art most of it was only one step away from being good.”

Due to social distancing we arranged to have an interview over Facetime. Sangeeta is exceptionally cheerful at the start of the interview; she has just seen a girlfriend for the first time in three months and been able to have a good chat and gossip.

We started off talking about how speaking over Zoom is not the same as meeting in person and how tired we are of quizzes. But, for Sangeeta Zoom has also provided her with a new creative outlet. During calls she has started to do Zoom Doodles, where she quickly sketches people as they appear on her screen. She shows me two of the doodles, one of a moving depiction of a mother daughter pair discussing Black Lives Matter and another of an energetic DJ hosting a Zoom party.

In the last year Sangeeta has held two exhibitions on the Goldhawk Road and taken part in the virtual Artists at Home in June. It is through her art that Sangeeta has been able to connect with the Chiswick community. When she first moved here, eight years ago from India, she found it hard to meet people and form a relationship with the community. But through her artwork she has met new people who enjoy art and who support artists in the local community.

Sangeeta has found lockdown to be a highly creative time, along with her doodles, she has been creating a series of paintings depicting The Lockdown Woman. The series depicts a faceless woman alone in her garden in different poses. Sangeeta says that for her, “Nature has always been a huge inspiration! When I see something beautiful, I always try to capture it.”

Sangeeta’s greatest ambition is to create art that ‘brings people together’ and to do this she has started to teach workshops which are open to people of all ages and all abilities. “I have never had any formal training in art and have always picked things up as I went along. I know how small people can be made to feel when they do not have a professional qualification.

In my workshops I just want people to have fun and be inspired. “Ultimately, I just want us to fill Chiswick with beautiful vibrant paintings!”

Sangeeta decided to depict The Lockdown Woman because she has been inspired by all the innovative women she has encountered in her life and she shows her awe and admiration for them through her art. Laughing she says, “Men haven’t made it to my paintings yet, they will have to work on that.” The Lockdown Woman has a special meaning to Sangeeta because she has recycled her old art to form the woman. For a long time, Sangeeta only

You can see more of Sangeeta’s work by searching @sans.art on Instagram.

24

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Lockdown Gardens

Lost in Thoughts

Genie

25

ARTS & CULTURE

BEAUTY

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

The YOU Clinic

by Lucy Bacon

Popular Chiswick beauty salon adapts to ‘new normal’

O

n July 9th the government announced that beauty salons & nail bars could reopen from Monday 13th. But they could only offer services that did not involve work in the highest risk zone - directly in front of the face. This meant that The YOU Clinic was, at first, severely restricted in what they were able to offer as 85% of their work is based on the face.

all services, which include a face visor, masks, aprons & gloves. Sonya is concerned about the environmental impact that single use disposable items are having, so the Clinic uses Scrummi Spa bedding & face cloths which are 100% vegan and made of natural wood fibers, & bio- degrade in 8 weeks.

While preparing for the future, Sonya has also been thinking about how to make beauty products and treatments accessible to her clients right now. The YOU Clinic has launched their own online shop and they have seen a huge uptake in their supplements range that supports wellbeing and immunity. Sonya feels that people are now really prioritising their health and this has been reflected in the products they are buying.

When The YOU Clinic reopened offering waxing & laser services (from the neck down), Sonya Cross, the owner of the Clinic, told us about the many ways she and her team planned to keep customers safe and comfortable.

She told us that The YOU Clinic was having a professional Covid-19 deep clean with a product called Zoono, an anti-microbial spray. The spray forms a protective layer on all surfaces so if a pathogen touches the surface, they are ruptured by microscopic pins, this destroys the cell walls of the pathogen. Zoono does not contain any harmful chemicals and its liquid is less toxic than Vitamin C and coffee.

Also proving popular is their ‘Gua Sha Facial Package’ a facial oil and Gua Sha jade stone massager from their online shop which includes a free Zoom chat with one of their therapists showing you how to create your own at-home facial.

Customers are being seen by appointment only, their temperature is taken on arrival & a health questionnaire is completed. The plan is that a customer will not encounter any other customers when they are in the Clinic, only the receptionist & their therapist.

The YOU Clinic is now able to offer their full range of services and they are excited to be launching a brand new treatment.

The YOU Clinic will be the first place in west London to have the Byonik Pulse Trigger laser facial. The Byonik is the world’s first pulse triggered laser, which rejuvenates, repairs, and protects your skin directly from within the skin cells. The cold laser is guided by your own pulse and promotes collagen and elastin to preserve youthfulness.

Personally I’m heading to their website now to reserve my place on their waiting list!

There is also a 30-minute gap between each customer’s appointments so that the treatment rooms can be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the next customer. To reduce the footfall of customers attending the Clinic they are offering Zoom consultations for laser & skin treatments. Staff are wearing PPE for

The YOU Clinic 6 Chiswick Terrace, Acton Lane, Chiswick, London W4 5LY 020 8742 2266, theyouclinic.co.uk

26

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

27

SECTION

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Six months of Covid-19, how are you doing?

by Nicholas Rose

Local psychotherapist reflects on the psychological impact of Covid-19

A

s we reach the six month marker since Covid-19 became centre stage in all our lives, as summer reaches its height and as we look towards the autumn it seems that change and uncertainty are two words that continue to dominate our everyday experience in an unprecedented way.

Nicholas Rose

As a practice of psychotherapists and counsellors based in Chiswick we have spent regular time in peer meetings reflecting on how the experiences of our patients highlight some seemingly universal concerns and together we have thought about what this might mean in terms of psychological and physical wellbeing for everyone.

In this article, I will outline a few major themes that have been prevalent over the last six months, talk about what currently preoccupies many people and share our thoughts on what is helpful right now.

Initially the shock and scale of the disruption to our everyday lives resulted in an apparent contraction to our society, a ‘gathering in’ of our experience to a much smaller sphere both geographically, relationally, occupationally and even spiritually. Heightened senses coming from shock combined with uncertainty, driven by streams of news and information, led to some feeling like ‘pressure cookers’ whilst for others a withdrawal from everyday modern 28

life resulted in a calming, slowing effect, a releasing of pressure.

We noticed that irrespective of how people were doing before Covid-19 how they coped during the first few weeks was often key to how they would then experience the months afterwards. Some people were fuelled with purpose and energy whilst others felt paralysed and drained. Some family relationships flourished with new understandings and connection whilst for others divisions widened and conflict was terribly intensified by lockdown restrictions.

Whilst psychological well-being has been at the forefront of much media attention the reality has been that whilst the situation is ongoing for many, irrespective of how stressful the situation, the demands of getting through each day has meant that psychological struggles have been seen as inevitable, only now are people realising that they might need some extra help. This is natural given that ordinarily people come to us for help months after a traumatic event.

Our social interactions have been transformed, technology has been incredible but our experiencing of each other has been drastically altered. On one hand we so value and need social contact, on the other, people are now potential carriers of a deadly virus

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

and distance is necessary. With many people separated, loneliness has been widely experienced, whilst for others, for example households where the young have had to return from university or house shares, relationships have strengthened and been supportive. And then of course there has been the terrible increase in domestic violence.

Changes to lockdown and economic uncertainty have over recent months brought a flood of new things to consider and understand, with life assuming a pace, whilst for many others - including those furloughed, unemployed, shielding, in care homes, hospitals without visitors and children a quite different experience of being in limbo.

Many people have found a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives that was missing, people in key worker jobs feeling appreciated and valued like never before, whilst for others a void has opened up and looking towards the future only makes things appear bleaker.

Particular groups of people we have been thinking about recently include survivors of the virus, the bereaved, those in sectors where employment has dried up, new parents, those in their fifties facing sudden economic uncertainty, younger children who without school or technology have been isolated, school and university leavers entering into a non-existent jobs market, new parents

and all the previously recognised vulnerable groups in our society where services are now facing funding pressures.

No matter what your own experience, the most important thing to remember is that it is really easy to miss tiredness, exhaustion and declining psychological and physical wellbeing. Interrupted exercise routines, poor sleep, increased drinking, weight gain, inability to relax, slow withdrawals from friends and family, more volatile moods are just a number of warning signs.

This unprecedented time of change and uncertainty, bringing heightened senses, emotions and bodily sensations needs to be thought about and managed. It is really important to spend some time to think about how your well-being has been affected and then ask yourself what you have done to look after yourself? It might be useful to compare how you feel and how you are experiencing life today compared to six and twelve months ago? Having done this you can also look at those around you and look for signs that they might need to pay attention to self care.

From all of us here at Nicholas Rose & Associates stay safe and well.

29

SECTION

Nicholas Rose is a local psychotherapist working with individuals and couples.

Nicholas Rose & Associates can be contacted on 020 8996 9551 or by emailing info@nicholas-rose.co.uk

SECTION

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

30

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Spa de Sal:

The impact of Covid-19 on our local salt cave

by Matilda Goes

Matilda Goes, Director of Brentford’s Spa de Sal writes about the impact of coronavirus on the business and the benefits of salt therapy.

T

he Covid-19 lockdown affected Spa de Sal tremendously. From 2nd March, some clients who were classed as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘extremely vulnerable’ were either not making bookings or started cancelling bookings. Not because of the salt rooms but because of the journey to and from.

The saving grace during those fifteen weeks was contact with clients – those wishing for the salt rooms to open soon and those missing the herbal infusions and interactions with others. Most people reported following self-isolation guidelines, and very few people reported having symptoms of coronavirus.

Many people mentioned unusually experiencing hay fever symptoms after many years of no symptoms.

Coincidently, 2nd March is when we started implementing social distancing measures in the spa. Capacity was reduced by 50%. Parallel to some people cancelling, new enquiries were coming in at an unprecedented level.

New registrations during February and March went up by almost 30%. The general consensus was that people were looking to boost their immune system to fight whatever this virus was. Then came the announcement that all non-essential indoor retail had to close and, following government guidelines, our last day of operation was on 21st March.

From mid-June we started ramping up activities for re-opening and the spa has been taking calls since 22nd June for advance bookings.

Government guidelines were changing dayby-day, so we had to come up with several scenarios related to the 2m or 1m gap and social grouping in an indoor setting - each scenario affecting the capacity on offer.

To enable safe social distancing, we have decided to reduce the number of sessions and increase the gap between sessions. In the short term we will only open from Monday to Thursday with four sessions in the Family Room starting at 09:30 and four sessions in the Adult Room starting at 09:45. After each one-hour session there will be a gap of 45 minutes with the booster fan running for 30 minutes, thus ensuring a complete exchange of air before the following session.

Little did we know then of the devastation coronavirus was going to cause – families losing loved ones; NHS staff and other key workers risking their lives to keep a system going; children missing out on education and social interaction; businesses suffering financial losses. We certainly did not expect our business to be closed for fifteen weeks with no revenue, but only outgoings.

31

SECTION

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Scientific advice is that coronavirus is killed

by UV light. We have therefore installed a Dyson Air Purifier to cleanse and circulate clean air in the spa. All soft furnishings have been removed and all touch sensitive surfaces are being decontaminated regularly. Each lounger will be covered with a clean blanket so that there is no cross-contamination between clothes and the lounger.

be classed as Quiet Rooms, particularly when we start accepting people from different households into one session, to avoid vapour droplets contaminating the air.

Social distancing can further be achieved through separate toilets for each salt room, a separate entrance and a separate area for after the session during which time they can enjoy a herbal infusion and a chat from a distance.

Clients are being asked to pre-book, and pay for, their appointments over the phone.

At the same time they are taken through a medical checklist to ensure they or members of their household are not suffering from any Covid-19 symptoms. They are advised to rebook appointments if they subsequently start to get the symptoms.

Whilst our clients are having to experience many changes to our processes and social interaction, what has not changed are the benefits of salt therapy. Now, more than ever, building your immune system is vital to help fight coronavirus.

Once in the salt room, relaxing in one of our loungers and conducting deep breathing techniques, the negatively charged salt particles go through the bronchial tube, the bronchiole, the air sacs and finally via the capillaries into the bloodstream attracted by

On the day of their booking, clients must arrive as close to their appointment as possible. They will be asked to wash or sanitise their hands, and/or wear gloves that will be provided.

Both the Family Room and Adult Room will

32

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

the positively charged parts of blood cells.

The salt particles start doing their work as soon as they enter the body and blood stream.

cells’ antiviral defence that kick in when they are affected by a cold. Sodium sources the bacteria in lungs and skin and extracts liquid from it through a process called osmosis to kill the bacteria and stimulate certain white blood cells that improves the immune system.

An immediate effect is liquifying difficult to shift mucus and toxins. This is great for blocked sinuses and cigarette residue in the air sacs.

In fact, during a salt therapy session it is not unusual to experience a ‘runny nose’ which is a great indication of hardened mucus being liquified. Salt is also especially useful for shifting excess mucus produced because of conditions like bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.

Therefore, taking regular salt therapy is a natural way of building your immune system and improving quality of life. Why don’t you give it a try?

Special offer especially for The Chiswick Herald and The Chiswick Magazine readers – buy a private session for July or August and get another for free.

Salt has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the mucus membrane in the lungs, therefore easing breathlessness, as well as reducing inflammation in other parts of the body such as joints and muscles resulting in reduced pain and increased healing in those areas.

Antibacterial and antiviral are two other properties of salt. Research, as recently as February 2019 at the University of Edinburgh, suggests that sea salt may work by boosting

At the time of writing Spa de Sal is still closed, please check online to see if the spa has reopened.

Spa de Sal 5 London Rd, Brentford TW8 8JB 020 8582 8971, spadesal.com

33

SECTION

FOOD & DRINK

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Zoom past the supermarket queues in west London Popular Chiswick beauty salon adapts to ‘new normal’

B

ritons may be known for their queuing skills but even this patient population has its limits. With new social distancing restrictions in place, the staple supermarket shop experience is more prolonged than ever.

Kelly from Acton said that the whole process is, ‘‘Super convenient – having to walk back from the shops like an octopus is now a thing of the past.’’

The best part is that you don’t have to bulk buy and there are over 10,000 items to choose from. Zoom allows you to ‘shop small’ by getting orders of a minimum of £15 delivered straight to your door. That’s not bad at all, especially if your alternative is going to take away from your valuable time. Think of it as your neighbourhood greengrocer – just superpowered and able to deliver flour in an hour.

Not only do customers have to worry about keeping their distance from their fellow shoppers, but they also have the added anxiety of wondering how many hands have touched each item.

Thankfully, Ocado Zoom is perfectly placed to solve this problem for west Londoners – all from a safe, social distance. Ocado Zoom allows you to get groceries delivered on the same day that you order them. The technology behind it means the food selection process is automated and orders can be filled by robot hands, instead of human ones.

Daniella from Brentford agrees that Zoom is an, ‘‘Absolute game changer! [It’s] like an exceptionally well stocked corner shop with the great hours, better choice of products, but with quick and affordable delivery.’’

Not only that, but Ocado Zoom can help busy Brits who are balancing both work and childcare from home. There’s no need to queue for an hour to enter into your local supermarket, when you can get both fresh and frozen food delivered in a jiffy.

Looks like 2020 does have its upsides after all. Download the app or visit Ocado Zoom’s site to get your first Zoom. First orders even get free delivery with the voucher code CHISWICKMAG – so don’t zoom out to the supermarket until you’ve tried this first.

34

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

35

SECTION

SECTION

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

36

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Opening up after lockdown

by Lucy Bacon

The reopening of The Queens Head

O

n the 4th of July pubs across England opened their doors after almost four months of mandated closure. For the first time this summer people were able to go out to a pub and enjoy a pint in the building. For The Queens Head Pub & Kitchen the process of reopening has been a busy one. They began two weeks before July 4th as they needed time to make the pub suitable for social distancing.

adapted well to the changes and everyone is doing a good job of being mindful of the new rules. However, she is worried that some of the charm of going to the pub has been lost as it can no longer be a spontaneous decision.

Most customers need to make reservations online so that the pub can make sure it does not get too crowded although walk-ins are still allowed if the pub is quiet. Customers also need to leave their contact details so the pub can contact them if there is a Covid-19 break out. Aneta explained that the measures have been successful and, “All the customers I have talked to have been very understanding of the new arrangements. They all feel happy and safe.”

The first thing they did was conduct risk assessment on both the front and back of the pub to make sure it was safe for all their customers and staff. Aneta, one of the owners of The Queens Head, said that the two weeks of preparations were ‘intense and busy’.

A one-way system has been introduced in the pub and it has also received a deep clean from an external company. All staff members were trained and briefed on how to implement new safety and hygiene measures.

Although The Queens Head has seen a return of some of their regulars, they have had less families come in than usual. The Queens Head is well known for their family atmosphere and usually have a play area for children with toys.

However, due to new regulations the play area has had to be closed as children cannot share toys. Aneta said, “We have always been a family orientated pub and I am worried that we won’t be able to maintain that with current regulations. But overall, I am feeling optimistic about the future. We are doing everything in our power to keep our customers safe.”

To establish social distancing in The Queens Head, the bar has been closed and customers can now only be served at their tables. The tables have been separated and most of the seating is now in the garden with the pub running at 50% capacity.

When the pub opened on the 4th of July, Aneta was very happy to see some familiar faces: “We are very happy to be back and it was lovely to see the familiar faces of our regulars over the weekend.” She says customers have

If you would like to make a reservation to go to The Queens Head please go visit their website at queensheadchiswick.co.uk

The Queens Head Pub & Kitchen 12 Sutton Lane North, Chiswick London W4 4LD

37

FOOD & DRINK

EDUCATION

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls Ealing’s safe haven

T

he year 2020 has brought new challenges to education, Ealing and London. The outstanding Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls can be proud of their past pupils who are leading the way in the NHS, frontline and emergency services. This is a school where girls really do ‘create their future’.

and the old library have been meticulously maintained. The excellent transport links to Ealing make EWS a favourite choice for parents around London who demand quality, high standards and safety for their daughters.

EWS offer an extensive curriculum, which includes the National Curriculum, teaching that excites, experiences that enthuse, a setting which is established and secure, as well as incorporating online and remote learning support. The young women who choose to come here develop an enthusiasm for learning which remains with them beyond their time at the school. They mature into astute, self-assured, aspirational women ready to take their place in society. The Science and Mathematics specialist status provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to embark on university courses in related fields, but an equal number of our students progress to careers in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. In the words of the inspectors, we have created “….a culture where pupils thrive and develop as confident young women.” Ofsted 2019.

Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls is steeped in tradition and consistently ranks among the top 3% of schools in the country. The school follows directions from the London Borough of Ealing and the Department for Education to ensure all staff and students are kept safe in school. It has one of the best school sites in west London with a huge expanse of outdoor space, lawns, picnic areas and a Japanese style garden.

Each day, students experience a safe haven in a sprawling city. Among the new buildings you will find a world class learning and resource centre; an indoor sports hall boasting two basketball courts and a bespoke drama studio.

Once a girls’ grammar school, the foyer with parquet flooring, traditional assembly hall

38

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

EDUCATION

Open Tours

Places are limited so booking is essential

“This is an outstanding Ofsted school.”

2019 A specialist College for Science and Mathematics Tours during the school day available by appointment

Where girls create their future Passionate Inspiring Creative Nurturing Successful “ … a culture where pupils thrive and develop as confident young women.”

Ofsted 2019

To make a booking call the school or email ahemming@ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk Queens Drive, London W3 0HW | 0208 752 1525 www.ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk | office@ellenwilkinson.ealing.sch.uk

39

BUSINESS FOCUS

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

New CBD and lifestyle store comes to Chiswick High Road

by Lucy Bacon

Beleaf opened its doors for the first time last month

C Beleaf store

hiswick High Road has gained a new addition, ‘Beleaf’, a premium, specialist CBD store, has now opened its doors.

This will be the retailer’s second UK store, following the launch of a Soho flagship in November 2019 alongside an online store.

Beleaf is located at 288 Chiswick High Road and is replacing the former Phase 8 store. The store's products will be CBD based.

CBD stands for Cannabidiol and it is a natural remedy, extracted from the cannabis plant, and has been widely acknowledged in recent years to offer exciting benefits for many common ailments. In recent years, CBD use has gained significant momentum, with some studies confirming it may ease symptoms of ailments like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, skin quality, diabetes prevention, and improved heart health.

Research from the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis estimates that the UK CBD market reached £300 million this year and could grow to £1 billion by 2025 - a value larger than the markets for vitamin C and vitamin D combined.

Beleaf is focused on providing quality, organic and ethically-sourced products and offers a broad range of premium brand extracts, cosmetics, vapes and edibles, with more than 100 product lines available for sale, including the only organically-grown product available in the UK. The store has trained specialist staff on hand to offer advice, support and share their experiences with anyone who is interested in, or already using, CBD products.

The store also features a ‘blends bar' with complimentary fresh juices on offer and lounge where customers can sample various CBD-infused products.

40

‘‘We know there’s a lot of confusion and misinformation in the CBD space and our mission from the start is to educate and build consumer confidence as a leading authority on CBD in Europe,’’ said Marcus Fox, Managing Director. ‘‘We’re partnered with one of the largest cultivation businesses in the world, based in Canada, and as a result of our international reach we have encountered some exceptional products from across the globe that we are excited to offer our UK customers.”

Marcus says that the decision to open a store in Chiswick was also very deliberate: “I live in the area, so I know firsthand that there is nowhere else locally where people can simply come and find out more about our exciting and new wellness products.”

“We really want this to be a ‘local’ store; we’re a small, conscientious brand who’d like to be there whenever someone has a question, wants to bring a friend, or just wants to chat and try something new.”

Beleaf had a very successful opening on the 17th of July with over 100 people coming into the store to find out about their products.

Marcus says the opening was a very positive experience: “People seemed really excited that something new was opening on the High Road. Everyone was really encouraging about the business and wished us the best even if the product wasn’t something, they were interested in trying.”

The store will initially be open for three months to test the viability of a longer-term retail business on the high street.

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

41

BUSINESS FOCUS

SECTION

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

42

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

The Allure of Hotel Fairmont Le Château Montebello

by Paul Williams

Montebello, Canada

C

anada’s Fairmont Le Château Montebello is without doubt one of the world's most idyllic getaways; reflective of the nature in which it stands and with an alluring atmosphere of serene exclusivity, a visit left me mesmerised and in need of vacation therapy to explain the emptiness I felt when I left. Ok, that’s rather dramatic but let’s just say that Château Montebello is good for the mind, body and soul; to say I am enchanted is an understatement….

After making friends with the concierge, I made my way to reception. The hotel lobby is unbelievable - a huge six fireplace ornate chimney stack, the centre piece of the hotel, stands strong as it warms the weary traveller.

The atrium has numerous corridors shooting off in various directions, an intriguing maze of hospitality harking back to a bygone era, still with its original fittings and furniture.

On the way to my room, I was fascinated by the photographs adorning the walls - presidents and prime ministers, royalty and celebrities - Château Montebello has been a retreat for many. It’s almost a record office of Canada’s role as a diplomatic torch bearer. With a rich history spanning 100 years, I’m sure the building has some quite awesome stories to tell, itself born from a vision by the wealthy Harold M. Saddlemire to create an isolated retreat for the so-called elite of society.

I’d been staying in Mont-Tremblant for a couple of days, enjoying the skiing, so the journey to Montebello was around an hour and a half.

Snow was falling and a winter sun glowing subtly through the low cloud gave some light to the dark afternoon. There is something rather satisfying about driving along the forest roads in these conditions - a real sense of ‘travelling’. The Canadian landscape maintains its beauty whatever the season.

The rooms are kitted out as you’d expect they’re by no means palatially over the top like some so-called equivalents, but are on a level you’d expect from Fairmont. Cosy, comfy and so homely you’d be forgiven for thinking you were at your favourite aunt’s place - safe, relaxed, happy.

Elegantly propping itself (quite literally - it's the worlds largest log cabin) up in 500 acres of countryside, Château Montebello, where luxurious art deco meets traditional architecture akin to the buildings of a pioneer wilderness, is one of Fairmont Hotels’ flagship properties.

43

TRAVEL

SECTION

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

A glance out the window and the winter wonderland passes into night - when darkness falls, Château Montebello comes to life. The atrium is abuzz with the chatter of patrons enjoying the pre-dinner drink, lounging on sofas in front of the roaring open fires. It’s such an alluring atmosphere. The bar, offset to the edge of this incredible space, is the perfect place to perch and chill - I enjoyed a craft beer of local origin, they make it better than we do, enjoying a chat with a fellow guest. I could have quite happily sat here for the rest of the evening, quaffed a few and wallowed in the unique ambience of the Montebello’s beating heart.

over. Opt for a table at the Aux Chantignoles Restaurant. Recommend? Onglet - you may know it as hanger steak - medium. If you like your wines, take the advice of your assigned waiter/waitress. I did and it was superb. As was she. Faultless service, great to have around.

Days were spent roaming the grounds; deep snow and a winter chill making a leisurely walk that little less leisurely but, thoroughly enjoyable, a work-out in itself - no need for the gym, although there is one on site. The frozen Ottawa river meanders by, but at this time of year its frozen solid. Take a jolly to the village of Montebello and enjoy a hot chocolate with all the lashings at Le Zouk, a resto pub on the quaint main road or pop into the Chocomotive and stare in wonder at the assortment of home made chocolosies.

Make the most of the menu - you won’t be disappointed - all tastes and requirements catered for. There is a buffet style offering, or off the menu choice which thankfully is sensibly limited to around 4 choices, thank the Lord! Some hotels of a high class ilk STILL baffle me as to why they have a menu that needs around seven days to glance your eye

Altogether there are around 40 miles of hiking trails, and if you’re into completely knackering yourself out there are significant

44

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

cross country skiing courses. Indeed, each year, Montebello hosts one of the stages of the Canadian Ski Marathon which sees a contingent of amateur enthusiasts of the sport descent on the chateau. The nature reserve is another must - ask the concierge for details, maps and wildlife information but at winter its pretty bleak, so keep within the grounds or close by, then warm your cockles with a winter warmer at the bar.

10-midday out in the snow - midday until 1pm onwards: bar.

outdoor ice skating rink - curling is brilliant fun and can be played any time of year. Take time to look up the history of the curling club that once called this home.

With fulfilment easily attained, sleep comes easy here. Like my dreams whilst I stayed here, Hotel Montebello is purely magical.

Hotel Fairmont Le Château Montebello 392 Rue Notre Dame, Montebello, QC J0V 1L0, Canada +1 819-423-6341 | www.fairmont.com/montebello

The hotel is home to one of the most impressive swimming pools in the entire universe - at 23 metres (the story goes it was purposely built to 23 metres to void itself from Olympic classification thus limiting use to members only) the heated pool is sheltered in its own ornately decorated log cabin, meticulously maintained as if it had just been given the sign off as approved and finished. There is also an indoor curling and

Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a distinguished landmark of Québec. As the world's biggest log Château, this heritage resort has graced numerous award lists including: Resort. US News & World Report - Best Resorts in Canada (2020) Condé Nast Traveler - Readers' Choice Award (2018, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2011, 2010)

45

SECTION

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

46

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

The ABC of CBD

Hello Chiswick!

We’re beleaf, the UK’s premium CBD retailer, and we’ve just arrived on Chiswick High Road!

Open now at 288 Chiswick High Road, or online at shopbeleaf.co.uk Come and meet our friendly experts in store to find out more about CBD products, try a new brand, or simply enjoy a complimentary fresh juice!

And for all our new customers – here’s 10% off your first purchase in store or online – simply hand in this voucher, or enter the code when prompted at checkout.

VOUCHER CODE: BCI04

47

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

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

48

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

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 49

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

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Falcons Pre-Preparatory School Preparing for the 7+ and beyond

We are a leading independent school in the heart of Chiswick COURAGE | CURIOSITY | CARE We are a 5 minute walk from Gunnersbury tube station

JOIN US AT 3+

Private tours available on request Call now or email for further information admissions@falconsboys.co.uk 2 Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick, W4 3DT 020 8747 8393 | www.falconsboys.co.uk

WHERE THE RIGHT START MATTERS 12711-APG-Falcons School for Boys Pre Preparatory -Chiswick Magazine Ads x2.indd 2

50

06/08/2020 16:46

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Discover what your treasures are worth

Open for free and confidential valuations

Our Asian Art Department is one of the top UK destinations for the sale of Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, Korean and Southeast Asian Art, delivering exceptional sales results time and time again.

If you have a Chinese vase tucked away in your attic or other items of Asian interest, the Department is happy to provide a free and confidential valuation.

Get in touch: lazarus@chiswickauctions.co.uk Visit chiswickauctions.co.uk

51

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

ULLER'S SISTER PUBS To all our EWSF past pupils, parents and carers in the GEORGE IV | OLD PACKHORSE | THE PILOT NHS,I Nfront-line and emergency services, VITE YOU TO A WEEKEND OF BEER AND GIN we thank you!

E H T E V A S ATE D Where girls BEER & GIN create their future FESTIVAL

8TH | 9TH | 10TH NOVEMBER

LP Banner 8ftx4ft_v1.pdf

1

07/08/2017

10:22

LP Banner 8ftx4ft_v1.pdf

1

07/08/2017

10:22

LP Banner 8ftx4ft_v1.pdf

1

07/08/2017

10:22

LP Banner 8ftx4ft_v1.pdf

1

07/08/2017

10:22

52

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

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

Unwind & allow yourself some pampering for your body, mind & soul with peace & tranquillity to recover & to de-stress.

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

53

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Let the healing properties of salt reduce the symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions and improve your immune system. With repeat sessions salt’s anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antihistamine properties can help reduce symptoms of asthma, sinusitis, COPD, hay fever, acne, eczema, psoriasis and much more. Suitable for children and adults.

Your safety is our priority. We have taken all precautions to ensure hygiene and social distancing measures are in place.

During a salt therapy session, the air pressure and saltinfused air means that you are in a sterile environment.

Chiswick Magazine readers can get a 20% discount off a Private session in the Adult Room. Use by 31st August 20.

54

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE Helen Pidgeon Solicitors Limited Building 7 Chiswick Park 566 Chiswick High Road London W4 5YG DD: +44 (0)203 585 2576 M: +44 (0)7833 228181 helen@helenpidgeonsolicitors.com www.helenpidgeonsolicitors.com

MEDIATION -

a forum for separated and separating couples to resolve parenting and finances issues.

THIS PROCESS CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY. During these difficult times with added pressures on families Mediation is a forum that can help those who are already separated, or those embarking on separating, make arrangements for their children and deal with financial concerns.

matters to you both and finding workable solutions for both short term and long term arrangements.

Mediation is a very practical forum. The mediator offers guidance and support to assist you to generate and explore your options in a creative and cooperative way.

Different options can be canvassed and considered to see how they would work in practice on a day to day basis. It provides clarity to your situation and focuses on the future and how you want things to be.

Whilst this is a very difficult time for everyone it is perhaps especially difficult for those families who are separated where children would normally spend time separately with each parent. This can be disrupted as we may go in and out of lockdown situations. It can be a very worrying time if your child is not with you and communication with your former partner can sometimes be difficult. New arrangements may well be required to ensure that your children can maintain a good relationship with both parents over the coming months. The families’ finances may already be under pressure by virtue of having two households and they may be even more stretched now due to the downturn of the economy and its impact on employment.

Mediation is a voluntary process. You and your partner attend with a family mediator to discuss your issues in a safe and non judgmental environment. The mediator will help you to firstly identify just what those issues are, then guide you towards finding solutions. The mediator cannot impose a decision on either party. The intention is to encourage openness and a willingness to negotiate, with both parties working towards a settlement.

You may wish to have the benefit of legal advice from an independent solicitor prior to or during the process of meditation so that you are entering into the conversations on an informed basis, knowing your rights and responsibilities and what outcomes maybe possible in your situation.

Mediation is a good forum to use to have these conversations, especially whilst everyone is under pressure and stress and there can be difficulties with communication between you.

By conducting mediation successfully your separation is managed confidentially and significantly more quickly and economically than a court process which benefits you and your children.

There are many different ways mediation can work.

Mediation usually takes place over a series of weeks or months in sessions lasting no more then 2 hours at a time allowing you time to consider and reflect on matters in the periods between sessions. However in some circumstances it can be carried out over the course of a number of days back to back especially if one party has travelled from another country to attend. It depends on the individual circumstances of the parties involved and what suits you.

If you are in the public domain for any reason and your goal is to maintain privacy and avoid potential publicity about your separation then a totally private process such as mediation is far preferable to court proceedings which can be reported in the media.

We can offer mediation using video conference facilities such a Zoom which are easy for you to use from your home.

Helen Pidgeon is a qualified mediator and family law solicitor. In her role as a mediator she can offer you both legal information, explanation and guidance in an impartial manner as you go through the process of mediation. Alternatively as a solicitor she can offer one of you independent legal advice whilst you embark on mediation with another mediator.

Mediation offers a neutral environment to discuss issues concerning arrangements for your children and the family’s finances following a decision to separate or as issues arise anytime after a separation. We focus on what

55

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

VIESTRA EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION FEATURE

WIN 7 NIGHTS IN OMAN Full board, all flights and transfers included from UK to Oman

This competition allows for travel to Oman on a full board basis between 01/ 10/20 and 31/03/21. Competition closes 10/08/20.

Full details at viestramagazine.com/oman

To enter this competition you must be over 18 years of age, a resident of the UK a basis between 01/ 10/20 and 31/03/21 and includes all flights and transfers fr Competition closes 10/08/20. Full terms and conditions at viestramagazine 56

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

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

OMAN to 60109 (texts cost £1.50 per text)

and have a valid UK passport. This competition allows for travel to Oman on a full board rom London Heathrow to Oman. Texts cost £1.50 per text. Helpline 020 3623 0567. e.com/oman. Vencor Ltd, Unit 22, 295 Chiswick High Road, London, UK W4 4HH. 57

RW THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

BATHROOMS

Complete bathroom refurbishments to suit your requirements

RW BATHROOMS

Complete bathroom refurbishmentsto your requirements

FULLER'S SISTER PUBS GEORGE IV | OLD PACKHORSE | THE PILOT INVITE YOU TO A WEEKEND OF BEER AND GIN

E H T E V A S ATE D

BEER & GIN FESTIVAL

For further info obligation 8 T or H a| no 9T H | 1 0 Tquote H N call O VWill E Mon B E07748 R 967 824 58

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

59

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

BREWED, SERVED & ENJOYED FOR 60 YEARS.

60

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Bluebell Walks at Osterley Park and House Discover the bluebells carpeting the grounds at Osterley this spring, with a guided walk with one of our rangers.

26 April, 5 May and 7 May, 2pm Normal Admission Applies www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley 020 8232 5050 The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Photography Š National Trust Images 61

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

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

62

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

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.

Our dedicated team of travel professionals work around the clock to ensure all of your travel arrangements are taken care of.

Seychelles

Maldives

Mauritius

Business Class

Business Class

Business Class

£2352

£1767

£2039

Premier

btpremier.com

0208 819 9852

63

premier@brightsun.co.uk

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

64

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

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.

65

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

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

DESIGN LED CONSTRUCTION Tel: 020 8995 3424 Email: info@assegaidb.com 46 Duke Road, Chiswick, London W4 2DD www.assegaidb.com

  

Supply and installation of

Bathrooms & Kitchens High specificaction.

Professional team.

For a no obligation quote call Will on 07748 982 917 66

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

67

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

68

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

69

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

Syon Clinic

Would you like to get back to what you love sooner?

Don’t wait. Go private with BMI Syon Clinic and get fast access to specialist consultants for accurate diagnosis and treatment in Brentford.

We work with all major insurance companies and have fixed price packages for patients wishing to pay for their own treatment.

020 8322 6000

bmihealthcare.co.uk/syonclinic

17252 1414 MKT ADV / 07.2019

17252_1414 MKT ADV_self_pay_advert_syc.indd 1

70

17/07/2019 11:46

THE CHIWSICK MAGAZINE

71

Welcome to The Hogarth, a unique independent health club in the heart of Chiswick.

We’re proud of the community we have built over the last 40 years here in West London, and we’d love for you to come and visit us.

We’re open, and we can’t wait to welcome you to The Hogarth MEDISPA

WWW.THEHOGARTH.CO.UK

THE HOGARTH CLUB

chiswickmagazine.co.uk