Barnessheen issuu marapr 16

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

a theatre director

h& Marc

April

2016

FOCUS: HOMES & INTERIORS BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL

Also: - Grow your own meadow - Easter egg-tivities...

- DecorCafe at Strawberry Hill House

Plus: local people, local lives, local events... and great local businesses

www.livinginmagazines.co.uk

Living In Magazines

Welcome...

Photo: www.anniearmitage.com

One of the great things about publishing this magazine is talking to interesting locals. This month I interviewed Mark Bell, who is directing the play The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, opening at the Criterion Theatre in April. Mark also teaches clowning skills - attaining the comic-timing perfection of Charlie Chaplin rather than a circus clown.

Read more about Mark on pg 25.

This issue has a special focus on Homes & Interiors, so if you thinking of repairing, extending or moving house, don't miss out on where to look for the best local designers and trades. Find out who to call from pg 7.

Easter seems very early at the end of March, so if you haven't planned anything yet, read about some egg-citing (sorry...) activities for children on pg 31.

7 Pippa, Editor

Connecting local people to local businesses

Contents 7 21 23 25 27 29 29 31 34

Homes Focus: The perfect kitchen for small spaces Gardening: Your wildflower meadow garden Barnes Music Festival A Day In The Life Of... a theatre director Local talk Restaurant review: The Bear Kick Health: Should you avoid wheat?

Easter egg-tivities!

What’s On

25

31 Contributors: Valerie McBride-Munro, John Moses, Katherine Sorrell, Alison Runham

Contact us:

Editor & Publisher: Pippa Duncan T: 020 8878 1890 E: pippa@livinginmagazines.co.uk Published independently by: Living In Magazines Ltd May/June copy deadline: 8 April

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... a theatre director

March

6

il 201

& Apr

FOCUS: HOMES & INTERIORS GROW YOUR OWN MEADOW

Also:

Delivery dates:

Also look out for: Living In Barnes, East Sheen & West Putney magazine

Barnes, Castelnau, Mortlake: from24 February Barnes Common, East Sheen, West Putney: from 8 March

facebook.com - Living-In-Magazines

- DecorCafe at Strawberry Hill House - Bang! Local explosives...

- TW9 website launches

Plus: local people, local lives, local events... and great local businesses

www.livinginmagazines.co.uk

www.livinginmagazines.co.uk @LivingInMag

linkedin.com/Pippa Duncan

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homes &

interiors

make the most of a small

kitchen

They may be small but they can be perfectly formed: the tiniest of kitchen spaces is often extremely efficient – you can wash, slice and cook almost without moving at all, writes Katherine Sorrell Planning the room In a small kitchen every centimetre counts, and the first principle of design is the ‘work triangle’ – the movement between the three main areas of activity: cooker, sink and fridge.

Each zone should be self-contained, with its own storage and worktop space, but it should also be easy to move between each one. The best way to ensure this is to draw a floor plan with lines connecting each point on the triangle, and avoid placing any obstructions (such as tall cupboards) between them. The theory goes that the most efficient length for each side of the triangle is a double-arm span or about two metres. In practice, however, it is rarely possible to create an absolutely equal triangle, and what matters more is that the three work centres aren’t uncomfortably close or too far apart. In a double galley, keep the sink and cooker on the same side, with the fridge pretty much opposite. In a single galley, you can’t create a triangle at all, but its linear shape means that it’s very easy to use anyway, as long as you don’t make the line too long. Aim

'Mixing colours and textures in the kitchen is a growing trend...' to have tall cupboards at one end, then the hob nearby, and the maximum amount of worktop space between the hob and the sink, with the dishwasher next to the sink at the other end. Add a rubbish bin under the sink and, if you have room, add a pull-out larder to store food.

Eating and entertaining Even in a tiny kitchen, it’s always a good idea to try to fit in somewhere to eat and drink.

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Image: ikea

Fold-down tables might work, or perhaps there is room for a small dining table – if it extends for extra guests, so much the better. Or you could add a breakfast bar by forming an ‘L’ shape at the end of a run of worktop, adding a couple of high stools that can tuck underneath when not in use. Bingo! An eat-in kitchen.

Choosing units and worktops Mixing textures and colours in the kitchen is a growing trend, and top fashion picks at present include metallics, marble and rough, tough industrial accents. Deep worktops and open shelving will update a kitchen of any size, but what matters most in any kitchen is quality.

You can find more or less any look at more or less any price - but you do get what you pay for. Check the quality of the carcass: cheaper ones are made from chipboard, sometimes with just hardboard backs, which may be fine if all you want is a budget option. But for a well-used kitchen

'You can find any look at any price - but you do get what you pay for...' that you want to last a number of years, opt for plywood or MDF veneer, the thicker the better. Laminate worktops are the budget choice – choose high-pressure rather than low-pressure ones, as they’re more durable.

Wooden worktops can also be inexpensive, but avoid ones that are too cheap or too thin, especially if you’re installing them next to a sink, as they’ll just warp and buckle.

Splashbacks are often made from the same material as the worktop, though if cost is an issue you could opt for a cheaper alternative, such as ceramic tiles, tongue and groove painted with tough gloss, or a fashionable sheet of clear or coloured acrylic.

Make the most of your space · Fit wall cupboards that go right up to the ceiling, storing little-used items right at the top · Sliding doors are ideal as they don’t intrude into the room · ‘Magic’ corner cupboards (with special mechanisms that let you get to the stuff at the back) allow you to fit more in · Wall-hung racking systems let you see what you’ve got while still storing it in an organised fashion

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· Avoid visual confusion by sticking to ultraplain cabinet fronts with either no handles or very discreet ones · Larger-than-average floor tiles make the floor seem larger Image: rational.de/en

Katherine Sorrell is the author of 17 books on design and interiors

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Cupboards

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●

· Pull-out shelving and slim drawers (eg in the plinth) all add extra storage space · Internal fittings help organise cupboards · When it comes to appliances, choose multi-functional, compact, slimline, built-in and stacking versions · Reflective and/or transparent surfaces and pale colours make the room seem bigger · Base cabinets on legs or recessed plinths allow you to see more floor

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Fitted Furniture & Woodwork

a world of CURTAINS Curtain Call on Richmond Hill offers a wide range of new and nearly curtains and blinds

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alk into the eclectic world of Curtain Call, tucked away on Richmond Hill, to find one of the widest range of affordable curtains and blinds available in the borough. Luxurious fabrics from designers including Casamance, Voyage and Clarke and Clarke can be hand made to order into curtains or blinds.

Nestled alongside are all types of Luxaflex made-to-measure blinds, from blackout rollers to wooden venetian blinds, and a range of nearly new curtains. Nearly new curtains are priced at approximately half their new cost and are a great, affordable way to finish off a room.

This family run business is not just a curtain shop, it also sells one of the quirkiest ranges of gifts in the area. They have a fantastic eye for the unusual in kids craft kits, beautiful gifts for ladies and retro gifts for men, as well as a

range of over 100 designs of reading glasses.

Just a short walk from the famous ‘Turner view’ and Richmond Park, a visit to this shop is highly recommended.

52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond TW10 6NQ Tel: 020 8332 6250 curtain-call.co.uk

Exclusive Dry Cleaners 197 Upper Richmond Road West East Sheen SW14 8QT 020 8878 0175

All dry cleaning professionally cleaned and hand finished on the premises Shirts are professionally finished Express service available at no extra cost

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WINDOWS on the world Are you suffering from draughty windows and doors?

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on’t leave it until next winter to make a change. Old and badly fitted windows and doors not only send a chill wind through your home, they push up your heating bills, too.

Pro-Fit Windows & Doors has an impressive range of designs to suit every home. Not only will they help to insulate your house and keep bills down, they will help to keep your home more secure, too, with the latest locking mechanisms and key lockable handles.

Windows Modern and traditional looking windows will be an asset to your home, enhancing the frontage, improving noise reduction and offering durability and security.

Doors All Pro-Fit doors are finished to a high

standard and are expertly fitted, improving the quality of your home. Enjoy improved security, too.

Bi-folding doors With a range of choices including aluminium, uPVC, and many others to suit the style of your home, our bi-folding doors offer excellent solutions for your home as well as smooth and reliable opening actions.

Call to discuss your needs: 020 8288 8893 www.pro-fitwindowsystems.co.uk

Catchphrases 1. The first three words of which famous movie catchphrase literally translate as "until the viewing"?

2. Which company was privatised in 1986, with adverts featuring the catchphrase "if you see Sid, tell him" being used to encourage individuals to buy shares?

3. In 2010 the BBC issued an apology to which TV presenter after Jon Culshaw poked fun at his weight on The Impressions Show using the catchphrase "I was fierce hungry, so I was"?

4. Which TV dating show features the catchphrase "No likey, no lightey"?

5. Who coined the catchphrases "say what you see" and "it's good, but it's not right" on the TV show Catchphrase?

6. What is the best known one-word catchphrase of the double act whose real names are Janet Tough and Ian Tough?

7. In 2011, who attempted to trademark a number of his catchphrases, including "duh, winning", "tiger blood", "rock star from Mars" and "I’m not bi-polar, I’m bi-winning"?

8. How did the TV character Daffyd Thomas refer to himself in his best known catchphrase?

9. Which cartoon character's catchphrase was originally derived from the Brylcreem advertising slogan "A little dab'll do ya"?

10. Which famous character's best known catchphrase was originally written in a Answers: pg 30 script as "annoyed grunt"?

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beautiful WINDOWS CJR INTERIORS in Sheen Lane cater for every window treatment required

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e specialise in motorised tracks and blinds of any configuration.

We work in the professional and experienced manner that you would expect from a company that has been established in East Sheen since 1984. We are the only interiors shop in East Sheen and endeavour to always delight our clients and exceed their expectations!

Our contract division works within the interior design industry with exacting deadlines and specifications which help us to offer you all the advice and ideas you need to dress your windows.

Our workroom produces exquisitely hand finished curtains, pelmets and Roman blinds, all within two weeks of confirmation. Our handmade pelmets are bespoke and are the perfect finishing touch to any window.

We have a varied range of designer fabrics

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and wallpapers and can access all fabrics at competitive prices. We carry a huge variety of blinds: conservatory and shutters. We also carry a wide range of poles including metal, wood and chrome.

Our upholstery division carries out reupholstery, headboards and walling, cushions, seating areas and loose covers – all made by master craftsmen.

We are open five days week and by appointment on Saturday. Our estimates are free with full technical advice.

We look forward to welcoming you with whatever your curtain needs are…

Tel: 020 8045 2555 cjrcontracts.co.uk

Connecting local businesses to local people - 020 8878 1890

Invest in your HOME

business profile

Make sure you use the right company when extending your home

E

garden xtending space. DPS your home offer a is a big complete investment in service from time and money, design to so you want finished to make sure rooms and the company provide you use is a fully experienced. itemised, Dali Pro Services fixed price (DPS) has been quotation transforming so you can homes into be confident bigger, beautiful about the spaces for more cost before than 16 years.

'Loft conversions are the most costwork begins.

Says DPS owner, Dalibor effective way of improving your home...'

Darak: ‘We Refurbishments belong to the Federation of Master Builders If you don’t need an extension or loft and the Guild of Master Craftsmen, so conversion, but aren’t happy with the you know that every job is the result of current layout of your home, DPS can help excellent workmanship. We always provide reconfigure your rooms to increase space, light a high standard in design, management and useable areas. Or, if you just need your and construction to ensure our customer’s bathroom, kitchen or bedroom refitted, they happiness. can help with this, too.

House extensions New builds Adding ground floor space not only opens DPS’s team are experienced in building up your kitchen and living space, it can add everything from a one-bedroom flat through value to your property, too. Depending on to a seven bedroom family home, multi-storey the size of your conversion, you will need office or apartment block. They can build to apply for a Building Notice or Full Plan you the home of your dreams, with every last Application. If you don’t know a fully qualified architect, DPS has their own architect detail planned. The team’s knowledge, built up from years of experience, means they can and structural engineer, who are experienced offer you a wide range of building methods, in dealing with the local authorities. A typical techniques and materials. They can work with extension takes eight to 10 weeks to build. you from your first ideas through to design development, statutory planning and building Loft conversions regulation processes to the completed project.

Loft conversions are the most cost-effective way of improving your home. They only take DPS Ltd around six to eight weeks to construct and dpsco.co.uk / 0800 0432 333 by building upwards it means you are using usually dead space rather than sacrificing Please mention Living In magazines when contacting advertisers Advertisement Feature

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nothing beats a real FIRE With the price of fuel, having a wood burner installed into the heart of your home is set to become more and more popular

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amily-run Kindle Stoves on Station Road, Teddington, supply and install stoves approved by DEFRA to burn in Smoke Controlled Areas and offer the latest in clean burn, high efficiency stoves. We represent the world renowned Clearview, Aga, Rais, Contura, Morso and Westfire stoves, bringing you the latest in stove technology and a wide range of designs to suit anything from a Victorian family home, modern city apartment or even canal boat.

HETAS approved, Kindle can carry out a survey and provide you with a full quote. As well as several live displays in our showroom, we also offer a full range of stove and fireside accessories, bespoke natural stone surrounds and kiln dried logs for that perfect burn. Interest free credit available for a limited period.

To bring a living fire to the heart of your home, call or visit our showroom: Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-5pm.

Tel: 020 8973 3995. www.kindlestoves.co.uk

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DecorCafe Home & Garden Festival Strawberry Hill House 10 - 11 March

I

f you've ever wanted advice on how to create a contemporary room, where to source a particular fabric, or find a unique piece of art for your wall, the DecorCafe Festival will have the answers.

The DecorCafe is a collaborative community of independent home experts, who can help you create your perfect home. The experts range from designers and gardeners to florists and artists.

One such artist is ceramacist, Isobel Allan-Lowe (isobelceramics.co.uk) who has a passion for porcelain and uses form, texture and depth to create stunning pieces (top, right). Her clients now include Claridges and the Saudi Royal family as well as private residences.

As well as meeting the experts, there will be talks and demonstrations.

Evening 10 Mar - ÂŁ25 entry including Prosecco and canapes (6.30-9pm) Friday 11 Mar - ÂŁ15 (10am-4pm) Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham TW1 4ST decorcafe.com

CLEANERS FOR MY HOME

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Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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GARDENING PROBLEMS SOLVED

from a single plant to an overgrown jungle Gardening masterclasses also offered

It's different, it's fun and the garden magic created will last and last

020 0208892 88929243 9243 www.auntieplanty.co.uk www.auntieplanty.com

DB Decorating and Property Maintenance Services have developed a reputation for our commitment to quality, value and customer satisfaction. We provide a professional service and a very high standard of workmanship ■ ■ ■

Answers: pg 30

■

Maintenance and Repairs: Roofs, gutters Tiling/grout & bath/shower sealant Windows/glass, locks including replacement Fence repairs and replacement

Refurbishment: Interior/Exterior painting and decorating Kitchen and bathroom replacement TRIO carpet and vinyl) TOR(wood, laminate, 3 Letters ■ Flooring and electrical work (NICEIC) 6 Letters 4 Letters ERR ■ Lighting ■ Plumbing and heating (Gas Safe Register) ■

O E R T I R You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 8 4 letters: 7 5 letters: 0 6 letters: 1

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RIOTER RIOT IRE visit our website for a full list of services: ORE Please RITE www.db-decor.co.uk ROTERoad, Barnes, London, SW13 9BJ ROE 29 Boileau Mobile: 07818 404748 901 TIER ROT Tel / Fax: +44 (0) 208 1213 TIREMobile: 07818 404 901 TIE Che atrade use them TOE Before youTORE www.vetted.com

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growing your own MEADOW

gardening

You just need a small patch to grow your own meadow

F

© Valerie McBride-Munro 2016

ields flecked with poppies and cornflowers are the traditional image of the countryside in summer. But you only need a few square metres to recreate a wildflower meadow in your own garden, turning it into a haven for bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

Where to start The best soil for meadow flowers is thin and poor and low in fertility so that competing grasses are kept to a minimum. So where your lawn is stubbornly patchy, this could be the best place to try wildflowers instead.

If a lawn is established, you can’t just scatter wild-flower seeds over the top as there won’t be enough room among the dense, closecropped planting for them to germinate and grow. However, as long as yours is not a manicured lawn that hasn’t been exposed to chemicals or fertilisers, you may be able to create a small meadow by leaving part of it unmown. Let the grass grow to its natural height, so that any existing wildflowers get a chance to grow alongside it.

What to grow Decide whether you want a spring-flowering meadow (cowslips, buttercups, violets and fritillaries) or a summer-flowering one (scabious, campions, harebells and oxeye daisies). For a small patch, you might want to use a flowers-only mix, while in a larger garden you could try a mixture that includes 80 to 90 per cent wild grasses.

Broadcast the seed widely, then roll or trample it in - there’s no need to rake it over.

If you’re incorporating plugs or plants, allow a trowel’s length between each one. Or you could take a complete short cut by using a seed mat, which can be cut to any size or shape.

Meadow planting is best done in autumn, so that the roots are established before competing plants appear in spring, but it can be planted up to the end of May - or even during summer - as long as your water butts can keep up with demand.

How to maintain it Although the beauty of a meadow garden is its untended appearance, it requires careful management to keep it flourishing. However heartbreaking it seems to cut back your new growth, you need to mow regularly during the first year (whenever it reaches a height of 10 to 13cm) to keep annual weeds at bay.

After that, you can leave it unmown until the plants have set seed and started to die down, then perhaps cut it again in the autumn.

Once established, you can simply enjoy your meadow’s natural splendor from the comfort of a garden seat; alternatively, mow a narrow path that will allow you to wander through the middle of it.

Valerie McBride-Munro is a chartered horticulturist offering a plant problemsolving service. Tel: 020 8892 9243

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restaurant review

The Bear Kick

A family friendly restaurant, serving traditional pub food

W

hen I first started publishing more than nine years ago, The Naked Turtle in East Sheen was a favourite restaurant. Not necessarily for the food, which was a little hit and miss, but because of the great atmosphere and friendly service. Then it was taken over and became the even more weirdly named Lofty Turtle.

And now, it’s The Bear Kick.

What’s with the names?

The layout is the same as the previous restaurants – the popular bar as you enter, for those who want a grown-up drink, and then a walk through to the family-friendly restaurant.

We went early on a Saturday evening and it was certainly full of families. It’s great to have a place where you know the kids can wander away from the table, but maybe wait till later if you don’t want to be surrounded by small children.

The décor is nice and simple – rustic wooden furniture, mirrors and artwork - with plenty of space between tables so you don’t feel you’re listening to everyone else’s conversation. The menu is very much pub food fayre, with great traditional dishes such as cod and chips, chilli con carne and sausage and mash. We were a party of four and, while one decided to save himself for the main course, two of us had starters of grilled king prawns (£8.95). Four good sized, meaty prawns each, although the garlic butter was a little too lacking in garlic for us. My husband, Alex, had the vegetable soup – which was deliciously thick rather than full of chunks, but seemed a little expensive at £8.95 for what it was. Obviously going for comfort food on a wet and windy evening, he followed this with a deeply satisfying chilli con carne (£11.95), which came with little pots of cheddar cheese, guacamole and sour cream.

Two of us went for the ‘Bear’ beef burger (£11.50), made with British beef. This was really a highlight – a large, soft, moist burger full of

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'I always hope for a great big melting hunk of stinky Stilton...' flavour and accompanied by fantastic fries.

The only slight disappointment was the blue cheese topping. I always hope for a great big melting hunk of stinky Stilton or Gorgonzola, but it almost never happens.

Our other guest had the 8oz sirloin steak, served with skinny fries and a peppercorn or garlic butter sauce (£18.25). While more well done than the medium rare he ordered, it was nevertheless very tasty, he said, and was polished off remarkably quickly.

Again, the puddings are traditional – chocolate brownie, Eton mess or sticky toffee pudding - although we shared a wonderfully gooey pecan pie (£5.95) and honeycomb ice cream (£1.50).

Happy to try this restaurant again, although next time I think we’ll go mid-week and eat with the grown ups!

Pippa Duncan 505-507 Upper Richmond Rd West East Sheen SW14 7DE 020 3417 4660 bearkick.com

Connecting local businesses to local people - 020 8878 1890

community

BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL 5 – 20 March Handel and the Composers of Barnes

T

his year’s Festival, which has a packed programme of more than 25 events, opens with a concert by two of Barnes’s great contemporary composers – Howard Goodall and Roxanna Panufnik.

Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light: A Requiem has been performed over 400 times internationally, with its Carnegie Hall debut later this year. Goodall (top, right) says the music ‘flooded into my head in a great rush. It is especially significant for me that Eternal Light should be performed as part of the Barnes Music Festival here in Barnes, where my family and I live.’

Roxanna Panufnik’s The Audience was written to celebrate the Endellion String Quartet’s 30th anniversary, with poet Wendy Cope writing accompanying narrated poems about different types of audience members. Says Roxanna, pictured bottom, right: ‘The Drinker was the hardest to write without employing too many inebriate musical clichés. I hope I’ve created an unsteady demeanour and anticipatory dreams of pouring wine…’

Other highlights include: 6 Mar - Come & Sing Handel’s Messiah - with Daniel Turner, Festival Artistic and Music Director 9 Mar - English Chamber Choir: Handel Dixit Dominus 13 Mar - St Paul’s School Jazz Bands 14 Mar - a special reading by Alistair McGowan, Charlotte Page and Patricia Hodge – Coward & Co 20 Mar - Barnes Blues Band Daniel Turner, the Festival’s Artistic and Music Director, says: 'Drawing on the rich variety of composers who have lived and worked in Barnes, we are celebrating the glory of the English tradition, as seen locally in SW13, with two weeks of the highest quality music, featuring both local and international talent.'

Events are being hosted at venues across Barnes, including St Mary’s Church, St Michael’s, the OSO Arts Centre, Olympic Studios cinema and The Bull’s Head pub.

You can find out about more events and tickets at barnesmusicfestival.com.

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YOUR LOCAL SOLICITORS We provide personal advice for private clients, business owners and trustees. With a wealth of experience, our solicitors act for a broad range of clients with a strong focus on advising individuals, families and business owners in relation to their property, family affairs, wills and tax and succession planning.

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Tel. 020 3744 3800 or 020 3198 2100

Unit 3, 135 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 1EZ hello@posadalaw.co.uk | www.posadalaw.co.uk

Neighbourhood support

FiSH is a neighbourhood care organisation, which provides assistance and support to anyone living in East Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes FiSH Tuesday Talks, 11am (coffee from 10.30am) : 8 Mar Switching bank advice and pensions regulations - Kim Bolton 15 Mar Rambert Dance Company, elders programme - Kate Mason 22 Mar The sporting heritage of Barnes - Simon Inglis 29 Mar Make your own spring hat - Liz Dallas Ross 5 Apr The history of the Roehampton Limb Centre - Tom Stanier 12 Apr Masks and props for the theatre - Patrick Read 19 Apr Shackleton the explorer - Isobel Williams 26 Apr The history of the All England Lawn Tennis Association - Nick Morrison 4 Mar 1 Apr

First Friday Lunch & Concert: 12.30-1.30pm Christabel Gairdner piano recital Lenis Lucas, Pawel Skalsky and Andrew Robinson - voice and piano FiSH also organises concerts, outings, coffee mornings and activities such as bridge and choir.

Barnes Green Centre, SW13 9HE

fishhelp.org.uk or call for more details on: 020 8876 3335 24

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a day in the life of... a theatre director Mark Bell, who lives locally, is directing The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, by Mischief Theatre. He has directed plays across the UK and Europe as well as teaching at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA)

‘W

hen we’re rehearsing a play I like to get to the rehearsal room about half an hour before the actors arrive. I start doing the admin on the train into London, making notes for the deputy stage manager, designers and producer.

‘Rehearsals last about six weeks. For The Comedy About A Bank Robbery we’re doing four weeks of training and character building and finishing with two weeks of technical training, as this particular show involves a lot of stunts.

I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s about a bank heist and there’s a lot of falling out of things from high above the stage!

‘The group of actors who founded the comedy Mischief Theatre used to be my students at LAMDA – and now they’re my boss. We do a read-through of the play first and use games and improvisation to warm up.

It’s important that they work as a collective, not individuals, on stage. They get to play around like kids, but it is also very physically and emotionally demanding.

‘I teach ‘clowning’ skills – which is Laurel and Hardy or Buster Keaton rather than circus clowns – it is very much about comic timing and interacting with the audience.

As the focus is on comedy I need them to be funny!

‘Someone once said

the job of an actor is to go on stage and make the other actor look good.

That way everyone is working together – you can’t be selfish on stage.

‘We’ll work right through until six o’clock, 'I teach 'clowning' but the nearer skills... it is very much it gets to the about comic timing first night, the later we stay, and interacting with often until the audience...'

10pm. It gets very intense.

‘Once the play opens, my day changes and I can actually get some sleep. I’ll watch the preview performances every day until the opening night, but once it’s running I’ll only go and watch once a week or to see if there are any problems, as they don’t want the director breathing down their necks. Then I can start working on other projects.

‘We’ve never had to interrupt a play because of one of the actors, but there was one play when an audience member projectile vomited over the rows in front. It was so messy we had to close the play for the night.

‘It’s good to come back to Kew. I love the peace and quiet and that Kew Gardens is on my doorstep. The best end to the day is sitting with my 10-year-old son watching Captain America… again.'

The Comedy About a Bank Robbery opens at the Criterion Theatre on 12 April

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local talk... barnes • Barnes Green Centre The Barnes Green Centre, aided by Age UK, runs a wide range of activities for those who'd like to remain active into their later years. Fancy trying your hand at T'ai Chi, arts & crafts, reflexology, bowls or bridge? Get in touch!

Pop into the centre: The Green, Church Road, Barnes SW13 9HE, call for advice on 020 8876 2377 or visit: ageuk.org.uk/richmonduponthames

been part of Council lands since 1920.

Friends of Palewell are always looking for volunteers happy to help look after the common, so do get in touch if you've got some spare time: palewellcommon.org.uk

mortlake • Family friendly activities Mortlake Hall hosts a range of activities for families with young children. For parents there are courses such as 'Positive Start' family fitness and exercises and Rhythm & Rhyme and Story Time for tots under 18 months. They also run regular cake and chat events. For more information: 020 3021 1990 or richmond.gov.uk/childrens_centres

east sheen

putney

• Palewell Common thrives Palewell Common is one of our many wonderful local open spaces - but it needs constant work to help maintain and protect it. As well as being looked after by the Council, the Friends of Palewell Common take a keen interest in preserving its natural habitat. The first known reference to the common dates back to C16th manorial records, when it was known as a 'place called the pale' - and it's

• Help children learn to read Doorstep Library is a Putney charity that brings books and the magic of reading to disadvantaged children - and they are looking for more volunteers.

Reading to and with children not only improves their reading skills, but also improves confidence, selfesteem, academic performance, social integration and work prospects. If you'd like to help, call for more information: 020 8870 1476. doorsteplibrary.org.uk

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How are your NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS going?

Not as well as you’d hoped?

W

ould you still like to get fit or lose a stone by the summer?

Maybe all you need is a little inspiration to take action and change your mind set!

At Inspired Fitness there are no gimmicks, no body shrinking seaweed wraps, no magic contraptions, no crazy diet or pre-packaged meals. I take time to understand you and your lifestyle. I will support and motivate you - both in exercise and nutrition to help you achieve your goals, providing you with a personalised programme.

Ruth (pictured before and after her training started) is one of the many clients that I have helped to break through the barrier of lost motivation and lazy eating. Says Ruth: ‘I’ve lost over 23 pounds (1 stone and 9 pounds), but more importantly I feel so much fitter, stronger and healthier since I began training with Becki at Inspired Fitness. I ran my first 10k run in July last year – something I thought I would never be able to do.’

£60 Gift Voucher For You!

This Living In Magazines advert counts as a £60 Gift for your first personal training session, so you can start your fitness and weight loss plan right way.

Contact Becki now for your £60 session 07949 330 588 / inspiredfitness.co.uk

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health & wellbeing

should you be wary of WHEAT? Could you have a sensitivity or allergy to wheat?

I

f you suffer from bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach cramps or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), maybe you should check out with your doctor if you have a wheat allergy. You should always see your GP (rather than self-diagnosing) if the above symptoms are severe and persistent, especially if you have blood in your stools, vomiting, excessive bloating or very painful stomach cramps - it may indicate more serious medical conditions. Wheat allergy, wheat sensitivity/ intolerance and Coeliac disease are often confused, so let’s get them straight.

Wheat allergy If you are truly wheat allergic, eating wheat will rapidly provoke allergy symptoms such as itching, rashes and wheezing. You’ll need to avoid any wheat and see your GP. Coeliac disease Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects around 1% of people in the UK and often goes undiagnosed. In Coeliac sufferers, the intestinal lining becomes damaged because it can’t absorb gluten, a protein found in foods including wheat, barley and rye.

Tiredness, hair loss, mouth ulcers, anaemia and unexpected weight loss, alongside gastrointestinal symptoms, can indicate Coeliac disease. Diagnosis is by a blood test and biopsy.

Wheat intolerance/sensitivity Wheat intolerance or sensitivity is more common than wheat allergy. Symptoms can develop hours after eating wheat, which can make the condition hard to pinpoint, and it’s not something your GP can test for.

Try eliminating wheat for four weeks to see if your symptoms improve (ensuring you replace it with healthy alternatives like rice, buckwheat pasta and quinoa). Keep a food diary in case another food type, such as dairy, is the culprit.

Reintroduce wheat slowly. If your symptoms reappear, it’s a good indication that you

have wheat sensitivity; trial and error will tell you whether you’re sensitive to some or all wheat products.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) If your symptoms don’t seem specifically tied to wheat, you may have IBS. While the causes are not entirely clear, stress, illness, highfat or high-fibre foods seem to precipitate attacks, making bowel function erratic and causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotic supplements or foods can help, as can medication prescribed by your GP. The FODMAP diet Designed originally for people with (IBS), the wheat-free low-FODMAP diet eliminates Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols - types of carbohydrates that aren’t easily digested and may cause bacterial growth, leading to diarrhoea and bloating. The FODMAP diet should be followed under a dietician’s guidance, as it’s quite complex. Your GP can give you a referral.

Information and Support: Coeliac UK: Helpline 0333 332 2033 coeliac.org.uk The IBS Network: 0114 272 32 53 theibsnetwork.org Allergy UK (also has information on intolerances): 01322 619898. allergyuk.org

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Martial arts tuition From age 3 – 6 The kids have fun while learning the skills they need as part of their physical development.

Pee-Wee Karate Web: peeweekarate.co.uk Email: info@peeweekarate.co.uk

From age 7 and up Combining the fun and excitement of sport with time honoured tradition.

Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association Web: fskauk.co.uk Email: info@fskauk.co.uk

Contact Sensei Debi Steven

020 8940 8958 Quiz answers

Karate_ad_92x64_V2.indd 1

FUN QUIZ: 1. Hasta la vista, baby (from the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day) 2.British Gas 3. Eamonn Holmes 4. Take Me Out 5. Roy Walker 6. Fandabidozi (Janet and Ian Tough are the Krankies) 7. Charlie Sheen 8. The only gay in the village (on the TV show Little Britain) 9. Fred Flintstone’s ('Yabba dabba do') 10. Homer Simpson’s (the catchphrase is 'd’oh') TRIAL ANSWERS:

3 Letters: ERR, IRE, ORE, ROE, ROT, TIE, TOE, TOR 4 Letters: RIOT, RITE, ROTE, TIER, TIRE, TORE, TRIO 6 Letters: RIOTER

30

Connecting local businesses to local people - 020 8878 1890

15/09/2011 22:49

egg-citing things to do this EASTER

family

Look forward to the Easter holidays with plenty of things to do to keep your children entertained...

T

he Easter weekend comes early this year, at the end of March. Enjoy some great outdoor activities with your children.

Kew Gardens

25 - 28 March Get the family along to the great annual Easter Egg Hunt in Kew Gardens. There will be lots of other Easter-related activities for children, too. If you haven't taken them to visit the Badger sett yet, it is well worth a visit. kew.org

London Wetlands Centre

25 March - 10 April Where have the missing spring ducklings disappeared to? Little ones can follow the Giant Easter Duck Trail around the nature reserve to discover where those naughty yellow ducklings are hiding. Children can also create their own colourful duckling in a duck painting eggs-travaganza and join in some Easter-themed games, or make their own Lego duckling as well as enjoying the natural wetland wildlife. Trail tickets ÂŁ1 per trail, plus usual entrance fees. wwt.org.uk/london

Hampton Court Palace

For chocolate lovers of all ages, a visit to the Georgian Chocolate Kitchen at the Palace is a must. This kitchen is the only surviving royal chocolate kitchen in the country. Children can learn about the chocolate making process and what went into creating George I's luxury chocolate drink. Once they're chocabloc, they can escape to the maze or run around the 750 acres of parkland while indulging in some Easter antics. hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

Strawberry Hill House

26 March - 10 April Enter the mystical woodland at Strawberry Hill House to find clues and answer the riddles which will lead you to the naughty gnomes (26-28 March) over the Easter weekend. For further fun, see what botanical mischief the Easter bunnies have been up to at Horace's Castle. Suitable for all ages. strawberryhillhouse.org.uk

Ham House

25 - 28 March Ham House is a beautiful 17th century National Trust treasure trove. While it is said to be one of the most haunted houses in the country, this shouldn't worry little ones enjoying an outdoor Easter trail. Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find the prize - a Cadbury's chocolate treat. On their way round, children can discover the cherry garden's archway tunnels, egg-splore the maze-like wilderness and find a corner to build their very own den.

Trails are open from 10am - 4.30pm. Cost ÂŁ3 plus normal admissions. nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house

useful numbers doctors surgeries/hospitals

schools

Barnes Surgery Chartfield Surgery Danebury Ave Essex House Surgery Sheen Health Centre Seymour House The Surgery Kingston Hospital Queen Mary’s Hospital

Barnes/Mortlake Barnes Primary 020 8876 7358 Lowther Primary 020 8748 3984 St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic 020 8876 6679 St Osmund’s Catholic 020 8748 3582 East Sheen East Sheen Primary 020 8876 7484 Sheen Mount 020 8876 8394 Putney All Saints C of E 020 87885196 Hotham Primary 020 87886468 Our Ladies of Victories Catholic Primary 020 87885196 St Mary's C of E 020 87889591

020 8748 7574 020 8788 3252 0844 477 3782 020 8876 1033 020 8876 4086 020 8940 2802 020 8748 1065 020 8546 7711 020 8487 6000

clubs, groups & societies Barnes Community Association 020 8878 2359 Barnes Literary Society 020 8876 3817 Barnes & Mortlake History Society 020 8392 8505 Barnes Music Society 020 8876 1563 Barnes WI www.barneswi.co.uk FiSH Neighbourhood Care Scheme (For help and to volunteer) 020 8876 3414 Friends of Barnes Common 020 8392 2566 Friends of Palewell Common 07771 970017 Friends of Richmond Park 020 8549 8975 Mortlake with East Sheen Society 020 8876 7744 Neighbourhood Watch 020 8247 5807 OSO Community Arts Centre 020 8876 9885 Putney Music www.putneymusic.org.uk Putney Bridge Club 020 8892 9429 Putney Scouts 5thputneyseascouts.btik.com Putney Society www.putneysociety.org.uk Putney Theatre Company 07900 216 197 Richmond Orchestra 020 8876 4728 WI www.barneswi.co.uk www.putneywi.wordpress.com

sports clubs & activities 144 (Richmond) Squadron Air Cadets 020 8940 2223 Barn Elms Sports Centre 020 8876 7685 Barnes Sports Club 020 8876 1270 Barnes Runners 020 8241 6574 Pools on the Park 020 8940 0561 Putney Leisure Centre 020 8785 0388 Rocks Lane Tennis & Football Centre 020 8876 8330 Sheen Common Bowling Club 020 8878 6279 Shene Sports & Fitness Centre 020 3__772 2999 Sheen Shufflers 020 8876 6819

council Richmond Council Wandsworth Council Crimestoppers

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08456 122 660 020 8871 6000 0800 555 111

Secondary Schools ARK Putney Academy Christ’s Grey Court Richmond Park Academy

020 87883421 020 8940 6982 020 8948 1173 020 8876 8891

local police Barnes Police Station Richmond Police Station (8am-8pm) Putney Safer Neighbourhood Teams East Sheen Mortlake & Barnes Barnes Putney

020 8392 1212 101 101 07879 433 391 020 8721 2007 07768 178 731 0208 247 7860

libraries Castelnau Mon, Tues, Fri 9.30am-6pm, Weds 10am7pm; Thurs & Sun closed. Tel: 020 8734 3350 East Sheen Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9.30am-6pm; Weds 10am-7pm; Sat 9.30am-4pm, Sun 10am-2pm.

Tel: 020 8734 3337 Putney Mon, Weds, Thurs 9am-8pm, Tues closed, Fri 9am-2pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm.

Tel: 020 8871 7090

recycling Richmond Borough (Townmead Rd) Opening Times Mon 10am - 6pm; Tues-Sat 8am - 6pm; Sun & Bank Hols: 9am - 4pm. Closed: 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan. Richmond residents only. Last admission 15m before closing time.

Wandsworth Borough (Smugglers Way) Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm; Sat 8am - 6pm; Sun 8am - 5pm If you have a club, society or association that you would like listed here please email me the details at: pippa@livinginmagazines.co.uk

Connecting local businesses to local people - 020 8878 1890

Index of Local Businesses Bathrooms Masons Builders/Extensions DPS

10 3, 14

Car & Van Hire Practical Car Hire Carpenter Yellow Chisel Car Services Colin Ferns - Mercedes Catering Katie’s Kitchen Cleaning Services Cleaner For My Home Curtains & Blinds Curtain Call CJR Interiors Dentist Kew Dental Care Drama Classes Stagecoach Dry Cleaners Hamlyns

19 10 2 20 8 11 15 26 36 11

Fireplaces Chiswick Fireplace Kindle Stoves Fitness Coach Inspired Fitness

18 5

Gardening Auntie Planty Gym The Little Library

20

Heating Engineer David Harris Hypnotherapy Westfield Practice Insurance Shene Insurance Interiors Bella Interior Design CJR Interiors Saunders Interiors Job Opportunities Forever Living Kitchen Design John Roberts Design

Martial Arts Pee Wee/Funakoshi Karate 30 Painting & Maintenance DB Decor 20 Personal Trainer Inspired Fitness 28 Photographic Art Jocelyn Horsfall Solicitors Posada Law Stamp Collection J Curtain Ltd Styling (clothes/home) My Right Style Tutoring Progress Tutoring

24 20 26 30

Website Design Helen Bantock Web Design 16 Windows Pro-Fit Windows 12, 35

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26 9 28 19 18 6 28 8

Disclaimer: While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information in this magazine is accurate, the Publisher cannot accept, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for the claims made by contributors in advertising content or Business Profiles or for loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement.

Reproduction of text, images or artwork is strictly prohibited without prior permission of the Publisher.

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33

what's on LOCALLY Theatre...

Outside Looking In - Ed Byrne 20 March

Ed Byrne is a stalwart on the comedy circuit as well as being a regular on TV in Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, The Graham Norton Show and The One Show. In his one-night show at Richmond Theatre, Ed will be reflecting on everything from life as a father and husband to feminism and transgenderism.

His shows are usually sell-outs, so book quick!

8pm, Richmond Theatre, Richmond Green. Tickets £23.15. atgtickets.com. Booking office: 0844 871 7651

Music...

Theatre...

The World's Wife 29 Mar - 2 Apr

Behind every man there's a great woman. Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy's work throws new light on a host of seemingly familiar characters.

Her collection of poems offer wit, wisdom and irony, giving voice to the women closes to their famous men - King Midas, the Krays, Darwin or the Hunchback of Notredame.

These women are brought to the stage in this thrilling new interpretation.

Putney Arts Theatre 7.47pm, tickets £14. Box office: 020 8788 6943. putneyartsheatre.co.uk

The Violet Jive 18 March

Steve Spall's funky four piece band, stylishly mixes a musical cocktail of retroswing and alternative blues, with a hint of Latino thrown in. The quartet have previously supported the Grammy-winning American jazz vocalist, Gregory Porter. It's said this 'achingly cool band' can 'transport you somewhere hot and wanton within the first few bars'. Surely worth seeing!

8.30pm, Tickets £8. The Bull's Head, Barnes. thebullshead.com

Theatre... The Brink 7-30 April

At 27, history teacher, Nick, is on the edge. There is a secret Nick can't get out of his mind and a series of visions force him to investigate. Nick's girlfriend doesn't understand. Neither do his fellow teachers. Frustrated, he confides in a Year 10 student, but can she be expected to have all the answers? A sharp, funny yet dark new play by Brad Birch, who is under commission to the Royal Court Theatre and RSC. Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence St, Richmond. orangetreetheatre.co.uk. Box office: 020 8940 3633

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35

Kew

020 8487 1456

www.stagecoach.co.uk/kew

Believing in the potential of every child

Age 4-18 Fun, educational, confidence-building classes in acting, singing and dance.

Venue: Classes run all day Saturday and Friday evenings at Broomfield House School, Kew Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

STAGECOACH is a registered trade mark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

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QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988

600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE Connecting local businesses to local people - 020 8878 1890