Out & About Magazine, West London, October-November 2023

There is a new street food market coming to west London this autumn. Not your common or garden fried chicken variety, but a mix of stalls with an interesting variety of exciting sounding menus from Iraq and Venezuela, Italy and Indonesia amongst others. Organiser Richard Johnson is busy signing up traders for the first market in October. P12-13

There is also something called the ‘Big Cheese Weekender’ happening in Chiswick. The Cheese Market is playing host to cheese tasting, live demonstrations of cheese making and activities for children, accompanied by Chiswick School’s steel pan band and with the usual range of stalls offering 180 different artisan cheeses. P27 There is the usual choice of half term activities for children, along the traditional Halloween theme. We offer up some ideas for entertaining children from Syon House and Osterley Park, as well as some venues that are a bit further afield. If you are prepared to venture out of London into Surrey there are several farms which

do pick your own pumpkins as well as pumpkin carving sessions, fancy dress competitions, fairground rides and scavenger hunts. P6-7

Hen Corner in Brentford offers Baking Together courses for families who want to learn how to make bread, cakes and pastries together in half term week. They are in celebratory mood at Hen Corner, celebrating bumper fruit and vegetable harvests and ‘buckets of honey’ from their bees as well as winning awards for three of their products at the Great Taste Awards this summer. P26 Syon House is also one of the historic houses taking part in the ‘London Luminaries’ series of local history talks. Fifteen historic properties in west London have come together to produce the series of online talks about the estates and their occupants, and the rich legacy they have left us of buildings, gardens and landscapes. I usually think of Syon House as being the product of 18th century interior designer Robert Adam and landscaper Capability Brown, but Howard Simmons’ talk revealed how the house and its occupants were also at the centre of the lethal politics of the Tudor court, and the abbey on which it stands was one of the richest and most influential in the country in medieval times.

This autumn sees a new theatre production from Theatre at the Tabard which sounds fun: Delinquent

And Jazz at George IV has a great autumn line-up including three sessions in the EFG London Jazz

Editor: Bridget Osborne

OUR FAMILY HELPING YOUR FAMILY

For over 240 years, eight generations of the Lodge Family have been privileged to help local families in their time of need. We provide all funerals, whether modern, traditional, green or alternative, with care and compassion.

“As soon as I spoke to Jacqueline I knew she was the right person to support me through the funeral. I went with my gut and never regretted it. Nothing was too much trouble. I felt totally supported and guided through the process and amazingly felt like it was a friend holding my hand.” - Ms J

Robert, Chris, Andrew & Michael Lodge

HALLOWEEN

If you are looking for Halloween things to do with the kids, there are activities at Syon Park and Osterley Park. If you are prepared to travel a bit further, Hobbledown Heath in Surrey is going all out, as is Hampton Court and the Wetland Centre in Barnes, with ‘eek week’. You can also pick your own pumpkins.

Sadly, Chiswick House does not have a repeat of the magnificent event it held last year, where a large part of the gardens was given over to ghosts and ghouls, pumpkins and the paranormal, but there are plenty of other places with Halloween activities for children.

SYON HOUSE

Syon House in Isleworth offers ‘Creepy Critters’ and a spooky Halloween family trail. Zoolab are back with their animal handling sessions, but this time they promise creatures which are ‘hairier and scarier!’ In the house itself, meet costumed characters in the ‘rotten underbelly of the house ‘ and hear tales of ‘gory guts, disgusting gravy and a sinister tale of gunpowder and plot.

Wednesday 25th / Thursday 26th / Friday 27th October.

www.syonpark.co.uk

OSTERLEY PARK

Osterley Park offers a Family Halloween trail through the park from 14th – 29th October. The King wants the Monster Hunter to capture the monsters in the woods. As you follow the tale of the Monster Hunter you will find a number of activities along the way.

Pumpkin carving 27th - 29th October takes place in the Stables Walled Garden between 11am and 3pm.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/osterley park-and-house/events

HOBBLEDOWN HEATH

Hobbledown Heath, at Staines Road, Hounslow, TW14 0HH, describes itself as ‘London’s largest adventure playground’.

There is a pumpkin trail where you look for hidden letters to make a secret word. Work it out and you can pick up a sweet treat at the end.

There is a fancy dress monster ball, spooky science workshops, Halloween shows and storytelling sessions.

www.hobbledown.com

And things that go bump in the night

HAMPTON COURT

Explore Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace at Hampton Court. ‘As you tiptoe through the dark winding corridors and courtyards, you’ll feel the chilling presence of our infamous ghosts hiding around every corner. Some may even be closer than you expect, but keep your distance – these ghosts are best kept to the past.’

Watch as portraits come to life in the Gallery of the Damned and enter the Council Chamber to take part in a spine-tingling séance. www.hrp.org.uk

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

WWT London Wetland Centre is a great day out at any time of the year but they always put on a special effort in school holidays. For ‘eek-week’ (21 – 29 October) they have put together an interactive trail. They ask: ‘Will you dare to put your hand in an eel box, grab a photo op with a bat, or listen out for the croak of a toad?’ It’s a ‘weirdly wild day out’ for the whole family. Activities include pond dipping and potion making, as well as the usual daily otter feeding.

www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london

LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER AND STEAM

Not a Halloween event as such, but the London Museum of water and Steam has recast its educational sessions about the kinds of bugs which live in water as ‘mini monsters’ to get in on the act. They have a ‘Soggy Science Show’ for October half term, as well as their usual storytelling and craft sessions.

www.waterandsteam.org.uk

PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS

THERE ARE A FEW PLACES IN SURREY WHERE YOU CAN GO TO PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS.

CROCKFORD BRIDGE FARM

Crockford Bridge Farm at New Haw Road, Addlestone, Nr. Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2BU offers pumpkin picking and a ‘sausage fest’ from 30 September to 15 October (closed Mondays). You do need to book.

When the picking is over, the Pumpkin Festival begins, involving jugglers, mime, dancers, stilt walkers and an aerialist. Throughout half term week (20 – 29 October) there are vintage fairground games and rides to try, pumpkin displays and arty installations, pumpkin carving sessions and fancy dress, with a prize for the best costume.

www.crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk

GARSONS FARM

Garsons Farm at Winterdown Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8LS offers pick your own fruit and vegetables throughout the year. Book online for a pumpkin pass to pick your own any day between 7th and 31st October.

www.garsons.co.uk

SECRETTS OF MILFORD

Secretts of Milford at Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford, Surrey GU8 5HU is also offering pumpkin picking during half term week. They offer activity sheets for children to take part in a scavenger hunt, hot drinks and snacks throughout half term week, 21 – 29 October, including pumpkin soup, pumpkin curry and spicy pumpkin cake.

www.secretts.co.uk

GardenTOGETHER

With Chiswick House & Gardens

This half term, join the garden team at Chiswick House & Gardens and get outdoors.

Running on Wednesday 25 and Friday 27 October the Garden Together sessions are hands-on family garden volunteering opportunities, a chance to get your hands dirty and make a lasting impression.

Philippa Markou, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Chiswick House & Gardens Trust said: “Our Garden Together sessions are a wonderful way to do something brilliant for your local community, learn new skills, meet new people and have lots of fun with family and friends!”

Taking place in different areas of the gardens, volunteers can get involved in a range of gardening activities this October, including bulb-planting,

Get involved

leaf clearing, wood chipping and preparing beds for winter with compost.

Here’s what Rosie Fyles, Head of Gardens, has to say about gardening in October: “Autumn is one of the most exciting times in the gardens when we plant bulbs for spring in soft, warm soil and we get to imagine their impact. Inevitably we are clearing leaves too – leaves provide us with compost, wildlife habitats and exceptional colour. Come and help the team this autumn and please do come back and see the results of our handiwork in spring!”

As a charity, Chiswick House & Gardens Trust relies on the time, skills and dedication of its over 200 volunteers to keep Chiswick’s precious green space and historical gardens looking beautiful all year round for everyone to enjoy.

Book now to join a Garden Together volunteering session on Wednesday 25 October, 1.30–3.30pm and Friday 27 October, 10.30am–12.30pm.

Suitable for adults and children aged 8+.

Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Scan to register your place:

Trust

Image by Gregor Petrikovič

Image by Andre Pattenden

Storytelling with Santa at

Chiswick House

25 November – 22 December

Santa welcomes you to his Chiswick House grotto to enjoy a magical Christmas story. Followed by photo opportunities and a present for your child to take home.

chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

Delinquent DAD

I bumped into Nick Bromley recently at the Tabard, the pub theatre in Chiswick where he was auditioning actors for his latest project Delinquent Dad, the brand-new comedy which premieres there this autumn.

The play is described as ‘a fast-paced knockabout comedy about feeling older in a rapidly changing world, getting caught out and finding redemption’.

Thirty-somethings couple Matt and Cara have enough trouble on their hands with their landlord trying to get them to move out, without Matt’s dad arriving on their doorstep.

‘As Dad’s misdemeanours are revealed, hilarious mishaps ensue as the three of them dig in against the landlord and find common cause against the world.’

Nick is well known in the theatre business as a Company Stage Manager and has only turned to directing relatively recently. I asked him about his career.

What does the job of Company Stage Manager involve?

Keeping the show afloat, dealing with sudden leaks, collisions and mopping everybody up afterwards.

You will have worked with many well-known faces over the years; anyone we might know…?

I’ve been very lucky to have worked with Richard Briers and Paul Eddington so that’s half The Good Life, Robertson Hare – Oh Calamity for your more mature readers, Alec Guinness, Ralph Richardson,

Nick Bromley directing

Simon Thomsett talks to the director of the new comedy on at Theatre at the Tabard this autumn

Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Tim Piggot Smith, Simon Russell Beale, Maureen Lipman and Tim Curry. Then there’s Alan Bates, Alan Bennett, Alan a Dale – no that’s too far back . . .

Alec Guinness? What was he like?

He was extraordinarily generous – everybody in the company would be taken, in small groups, for an after-show dinner at Cecconi’s and made to feel special. He had just finished filming Star Wars but was somewhat uncertain as to what it was about!

Our play The Old Country was about espionage and members of the intelligence service would often come round backstage at the end of the show. Of course, the hot topic was (Kim) Philby and I remember Sir Alec telling me that when he asked one particular officer what he would do if he met him again, the answer shot back: “kill him”.

There’s a bit of a misty-eyed view these days about Philby – but that officer believed he was responsible for hundreds of deaths.

Who was the most fun to work with?

Orson Welles. He had the force of personality that would open any door, no matter what the request. He was demanding, inspiring and charming.

What was the job?

I was one of his assistants whenever he was in London. This was during the period that he was filming Ten Days’ Wonder for (director) Claude Chabrol as well as filming the TV adaptation of

The Man Who Came to Dinner in which he played Sheridan Whiteside.

On top of all that, he was also setting up and filming F For Fake, and that was the one thing he wasn’t. Who were you pleased to see the back of?

That would be telling. CSMs are employed for their discretion, but I do remember things weren’t helped by an open dressing room door on one production.

The two stars of the show having got on like a house on fire at rehearsals had unlocked the door connecting their dressing rooms to exchange pleasantries. Then we started playing and fire extinguishers were required. Things soon got so bad that at one interval both left the stage bellowing at each other.

The quarrel continued to rise in volume until it could be heard on stage so I thought it high time to calm things down for Act 2.

I found them throwing fisticuffs at each other through the open doorway. I got between them rather like one of those hands-on boxing referees but suffered no injury. Neither did they, for, being acutely aware of their profiles, their punches were frankly pathetic.

When the round and the interval came to an end, I persuaded them to get on with the show and locked the communicating door. For the rest of the run they were reduced to shouting at each other through the keyhole but the key was safely in my pocket.

I was pleased to see the back of them of course, but if you want a name and because I believe he’s safely dead, that Jerry Lewis could be a bit demanding.

So why the change now to directing?

It gives me a chance to be demanding.

Delinquent Dad opens at the Theatre at the Tabard on 11 October and runs through to 28 October 2023.

Tickets: tabard.org.uk

NEW WEST LONDON Street Food Market

Over the past few years Chiswick High Rd has had a new buzz about it on Sundays. First the Flower Market opened on the first Sunday of the month, then the Vintage and Antiques market on the second Sunday and the Cheese Market on the third Sunday. Now there is to be a Street Food market on the fourth Sunday, beginning on Sunday 22 October. Organiser Richard Johnson is busy signing up street food vendors with that little something extra special …

We’re BEYOND excited to launch Food St - our new street food market - in West London this Autumn. We’ll be taking over the car park outside the George IV - the site of Chiswick’s first outdoor market, set up by soldiers returning from WW1 - on the fourth Sunday of every month. And we’ll be hoping to entice visitors down to experience all of Chiswick’s independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

We run the biggest street food competition in the world. Currently in 16 countries across Europe - and we’re launching in the US in November. So it makes sense that the opening of Food St will be peppered with British Street Food Awards finalists such as Avila, the Venezuelan street food traders from London who refuse to specialise in arepas. Yesterday’s news. For them it’s all about the patacon - a green plantain sandwich made from smashed and twicefried green plantain.

You’ll meet Nick, the Potje Man, and his EXTRAORDINARY Cape Malay flavours. Nick’s signature dish is his 12-hour Welsh lamb. “I use a dry rub of toasted mustard seeds, peri peri, oregano, rosemary and black pepper. Then I slow roast it for 12 hours with garlic, onions, white wine and chicken stock.” It’s served with his famous Cape Malay curry sauce, on a bed of yellow rice with added peri peri,

Bread and cakes from Ma Ma Bakery

Richard Johnson introduces something new to Chiswick Sundays

cashew nut cream, toasted almonds and coriander. “Super tasty.” Though he says so himself.

We’re also bringing street food royalty. Amani Kitchen - the winner of the People’s Choice at the 2023 British Street Food Awards - will be there. Cooking has been Amani’s passion for as long as she can remember. “As a child my happy place was the big table in my grandparents’ house in Iraq –full of delicious, hearty and aromatic food made by my grandmother.” Hunt out her Kuba. But also get to know her plant-based menu – whether it’s her authentic Arabic falafel, spinach fatayer with pomegranate seeds or biscuits filled with dates. The Chiswick representation will be high. Marzena and Nigel will be there - they run Chiswick’s dedicated gluten-free Ma Ma Boutique Bakery. It’s a bit special. “We blend tradition with innovation, creating new, feel-good classics” says Marzena. “We believe that bread should be made the old-fashioned way, using only natural ingredients from the finest sources and long fermentation methods without compromising on taste or texture.” The bakery is at the Hammersmith end of the High Road, and the couple are ready to show off their handmade breads, pastries, cakes and sandwiches to the rest of Chiswick.

Mick from The Japanese Knife Company is excited.

He wants to talk knife technique from the small Food St presentation stage. So does Jo Pratt, who’ll be talking about her new book (and maybe teaching us a recipe) in November or December. The Whistling Oyster want a pitch - subject to getting approval for a temporary alcohol license. The Chiswick fish mongers are independently owned, and want to push their seafood trike down to Food St. Maybe serve up some oysters washed down with an ice-cold beer - or glass of champagne?

We’ve been BEGGING Mari Deli and Dining to come and trade with us. We knew the authentic Italian deli and restaurant, situated on the corner of Eyot Gardens - a picturesque and peaceful residential road in Chiswick Mall - would be a PERFECT addition. Well…..they’ve only gone and said YES! For the past six years, the independent, family-run business has served the riverside neighbourhood impeccably. With Marina, the famous Fiat 500 Giardinetta - open trunk stuffed with colourful fruit and vegetables - parked up outside. Over the years, Marina has become a local celebrity. She even graced the BBC News on Coronation Day - a testament to the captivating allure she possesses. We’re not sure she’s roadworthy enough to join us with Mari Deli on Chiswick High Road on October 22 - but stay tuned on our @FoodStMarket instagram channel….

Amani, of Amani’s Kitchen

Marzena and Nigel, Ma Ma Bakery

LANDMARK Arts

Autumn has arrived and with it comes the muchanticipated Landmark Art Fair. The bi-annual gathering is a beacon for artists and art lovers alike, and a must-see event in southwest London.

This prestigious art fair is expertly curated by Abigail Thomas, who marks her fifth year managing the event. Abigail was also behind the installation of the acclaimed Luke Jerram’s Gaia at the Landmark, as part of the Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival; drawing over 18,000 visitors this summer.

Abigail’s big picture vision continues to propel this season’s art fair forward. Boasting over 75 artists stands, the fair will feature a variety of art forms

from painting to sculpture, photography, mixed media, printing making, ceramics and more. Abigail describes the fairs as a celebration of high-quality fine art created by incredibly talented artists in the local area and further afield. There are no galleries, no dealers, just the artists at the forefront.

The weekend long fair promises to be a visual feast. Highlights include surrealist artist, Cristina Schek, winner of the Chiswick W4 Fourth Plinth. Award-winning textile and jewellery artist, Dionne Swift - catch her before she takes up an artist residency at Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence.

The Landmark Art Fair runs from Friday 13 October until Sunday 15 October. For full details, exhibiting artists and how to book, visit: landmarkartscentre.org

The Landmark Art Fair: A Visual Feast for Art Enthusiasts

Cristina Schek

Dionne Swift

‘Ceiling in the Sky’ by Cristina Schek

Dionne Swift

HEAD

Gardener’s

NOTES

Andy Eddy, Head Gardener at Osterley Park & House, writes

“One of the chief ways that we professional gardeners extend the season and keep our garden looking lovely right through the autumn months is by planting tender perennial plants. These are specimens that we plant out in the summer (once all risk of frost is over) that will grow quite large and fill gaps in our pots and borders and that will flower profusely until winter frosts stop their progress. We take cuttings of all of these tender plants here at Osterley and overwinter them in our glasshouse in the nursery, but all of them can be purchased quite easily when you want to plant them out in the summer.

One of the best groups of these plants are the salvia family and in the photo you can see Salvia ‘Amistad’ with its glorious dark purple flowers. This is a very dependable member of the sage family, not needing staking or tying up, with a guarantee of blooms from mid-summer until Christmas if we get a warm autumn. Also in the photo are a pretty, pink Diascia rigescens which contrasts well with the salvia and the grey leaved artemisia ‘Powys Castle’ growing

through it. In the background you can see a new aster that was shown last year at Chelsea Flower Show Symphiotrichon ‘Vasterival’ which is also a stalwart performer for the autumn months.

All of these plants can be grown – and purchased – very easily and will make a tremendous difference to your late season display!”

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park-and-house

020 8326 2000

Isleworth Campus

London Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4HS

Wednesday 4 October 5pm - 7pm

Saturday 11 November 10am - 1pm

Feltham Skills+Logistics Centre

Boundaries Road, Feltham, Middx TW13 5DR

Tuesday 10 October 5pm - 7pm

Book

COFFEE BREAK - See page 23 for answers!

COFFEE BREAK WORD SEARCH

Across

1. Nearly (6)

4. Tenet (6)

8. Travel by car (5)

9. One who shoes horses

(7)

10. Provider of refreshments (7)

11. Express in speech (5)

12. Remiss (9)

17. Steed (5)

19. Throw away (7)

21. Advantageous purchase (7)

22. Gangway (5)

23. Concurred (6)

24. Recluse (6)

Down

1. Junkie (6)

2. Make damp (7)

3. Take an oath (5)

5. On the way (2,5)

6. Imbecile (5)

7. Uproar (6)

9. Proscribed (9)

13. Hand-thrown shell (7)

14. Horizontal beam (7)

15. Morbid fear (6)

16. Period before Christmas (6)

18. Less common (5)

20. Shiver (5)

QUIZ

1. What date is Halloween traditionally celebrated on?

2. Which ancient Celtic festival is believed to have inspired Halloween?

3. What term is used for the carved pumpkins with faces illuminated from within by a candle?

4. What do people typically call the practice of going door-to-door in costumes to collect candy on Halloween?

5. In Mexico, a holiday similar to Halloween is celebrated. What is its name?

6. Which Disney Channel Original Movie features three witches who come back to life on Halloween night?

7. In the song “Monster Mash,” who throws a graveyard bash?

8. Which classic horror film features a character named Norman Bates and his eerie motel?

9. What traditional Halloween game involves trying to catch apples using only your mouth?

10. Which famous magician and escape artist died on Halloween in 1926?

LONDON LUMINARIES

The outskirts of London is littered with the estates of the rich who once ran them as country houses where they took refuge from the business of the city. Fifteen historic properties in west London have come together to produce a series of talks called ‘London Luminaries’ about these estates and their occupants and the rich legacy they have left us of buildings, gardens and landscapes.

Syon House, Ham House, Marble Hill House, Chiswick House, Boston Manor House, Hogarth’s House and Gunnersbury Museum and Park are among those taking part, providing a series of online talks throughout October and November.

Earlier in year Howard Simmons,

one of the professional heritage guides at Syon House, gave a talk about the Duke of Northumberland’s estate, which started out in mediaeval times as Syon Abbey, originally founded by Henry V, and was visited by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. His talk focused on Tudor times.

Many people know of Syon from the 18th Century, he said – Robert Adams’ wonderful interiors and Capability Brown’s magnificent landscaping - but when visitors come to the house, which belongs to the Duke of Northumberland, they are often surprised how old its history is. The current house is constructed from stone from the original abbey, a Bridgettine order called after the Swedish saint St Bridget,

founded in 1340.

“There were some 800 religious houses across the country and Syon abbey was effectively the tenth wealthiest, holding lands from St Michael’s Mount down in Cornwall, right the way up to Lincolnshire, with a whole range of patrons” he said. “There is much of the abbey that remains, because the house is actually built on the foundations of the old abbey and when they built it, they decided not to build new cellars but to simply use the under croft of the abbey as the cellars of the house. If you haven’t been, I do recommend you come.”

The abbey survived the Wars of the Roses and despite having been set up by a Lancastrian, it

Bridgettine nuns c 1435 Paradiso, Florence

An autumn programme of talks about the great historical houses of West London

thrived into Tudor times. It was only destroyed and rebuilt after the death of Henry VIII. It was Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, who as Lord Protector guiding the boy King Edward, was effectively the most powerful man in the land, who decided he would rather like to build himself a grand house in the latest Renaissance style on the site of the old abbey.

Syon was at the centre of the lethal politics of the Tudor court. As the abbey was a great centre of religious learning, and just across the water from Richmond Palace, Queen Catherine of Aragon used to visit it with her daughter Mary to engage in debate with the nuns and the brothers.

Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth queen, was imprisoned at Syon when she was accused of treason. She was held “in just two rooms within the old abbey buildings, for a period of time, three to four months when he dangles in front of her the prospect that she might be forgiven, but in the end he doesn’t and she is sent from here down to the Tower of London to be executed at the age of 17.” Syon abbey was caught up in

the religious schism caused by Henry’s divorce and in the power struggle for the succession when he died.

The abbey signed its own death warrant when it backed Elizabeth Barton, ‘the Holy Maid of Kent’, who spoke out against Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. She was executed and claims the distinction of being the only woman to have her head displayed on Tower Bridge. That attracted the attention of Henry’s henchman Thomas Cromwell, who sent his agents in to Syon to produce a report which talks about the ‘lust and incontinence’ of the nuns, who ‘make free with the friars’. “It’s somewhat colourful language for the time” said Howard Simmons, “and there’s certainly no objective evidence of it whatsoever, but it is sufficient to lead to the dissolution of Syon.”

Edward Seymour was himself executed on Tower Hill for treason. Queen Mary took his house back into royal ownership and promptly gave it back to the Bridgettine nuns.

“Forced out at the time of the dissolution, the Bridgettine

nuns are invited back and for the period of Mary’s reign Syon becomes known as a centre for Catholic theology again with major masses and teachings in the open air outside attracting large crowds of several thousand people coming to some of them.”

Naturally when Queen Elizabeth I took over as Queen she booted them out again. She used the place as a venue for holding councils of state.

“There were some 13 Councils of State held at Syon over the years, including one major celebration when Francis Drake circumnavigated the world. It is here that the proposals come about for some of the colonial initiatives that will be taken –the creation of Virginia in the Americas.”

Walter Raleigh and his mates hung out at Syon with Henry Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland. He was known as the ‘wizard earl’ because he was a polymath, interested in alchemy and in sponsoring the arts.

Among their group was Thomas Harriot, “perhaps the greatest British scientist of the period, known as a mathematician, interested in navigation”, who

Anne Boleyn, National Portrait Gallery, unknown artist

Catherine of AragonNational Trust

Jane Seymour

set up an observatory and a laboratory at Syon. “It’s from here that he does the first drawings of the moon and the circles round Jupiter.”

Perhaps the most colourful story of all from Howard Simmons’ talk was the best known tale from Tudor times, of how Henry

VIII’s funeral procession to Windsor stopped off at Syon overnight and the weight of the casket broke the bier, spilling the contents on the floor.

“One story, which the Horrible Histories love, is that because of the decomposition, when it falls it explodes. What we think

actually happened is that it falls and it cracks open and some of the contents leak out onto the floor and the hunting dogs that are there lick it up.”

It is now down to the speakers in the autumn programme to try and top that story!

Painting of what the abbey is believed to have looked like, by Frank Salisbury

Syon House by Ewan Munro

Portrait of Henry VIII, Hans Holbein the Younger

Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon before Papal Legates at Blackfriars, 1529 Frank Salisbuty

LONDON LUMINARIES AUTUMN ONLINE TALKS

‘Charms Often Sought – So Rarely Found!’: The Loves of David Garrick

Clive Francis, 4 October, 7pm

Love, Loss, and Longing at Ham House

Dr Hannah Mawdsley, 5 October, 7pm

Love in the Early Modern Household: A Glimpse into Life at Boston Manor House

Angela Platt, 11 October, 7pm

The Mourning and Funeral of Sir John Maynard of Gunnersbury in 1690

James Wisdom, 12 October, 7pm

Morality and Mortality: Death Portrayed in Hogarth’s ‘Modern Moral Series’ and Mourning in Georgian Britain

Katie Hinchliffe, 18 October, 7pm

‘All their blood lyes att the doore of this Bishop’

Alexis Haslam, 19 October, 7pm

Love, Death and Royalty: Kew Palace and Strawberry Hill House & Gardens

Lee Prosser & Mark Lambert, 15 November, 7pm

‘Love is a treacherous emotion’: A Portrait of Catherine de Medici

Mark Lambert, 15 November, 7pm

The talks are free, but a donation of £5 is encouraged. For more details and how to book to listen to the talks on London

Luminaries website: londonluminaries.com

COFFEE BREAK ANSWERS

1. October 31st.

2. Samhain.

3. Jack-o’-lanterns.

4. Trick-or-treating.

5. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

6. “Hocus Pocus.”

7. Dr. Frankenstein.

8. “Psycho.”

9. Apple bobbing (or dunking).

10. Harry Houdini.

JazzAT GEORGE IV

George IV in Chiswick is one of the venues for the EFG London Jazz Festival in November, topping off a great autumn programme.

Thursday 5 OctoberThe Jazz Mondays

This West London-based 13-strong ‘Little Big Band’, famous for its eight-strong wall of saxes and tight rhythm section, now also features a double bassist, trombonist and trumpeter playing Jazz and Soul, Ska and Funk.

Thursday 12 October –Soulfunks

Expect explosive soul and funk from this exciting nine-piece ensemble! The band’s extensive setlist provides a balance between familiar classics and less wellknown numbers, with recent additions from the soulful end of 70s reggae.

Thursday 19 October –Sam Kelly’s Station House

Internationally renowned, legendary award-winning drummer Sam Kelly. This latest musical reincarnation of Sam Kelly’s Station House gives the blues-based ‘groove’ band a unique sound that is influenced by New Orleans Second Line, jazz soul and British funk.

Thursday 26 October –

Richie Milton & The Lowdown

Featuring Linda Hall

Richie Milton’s dynamic five-piece ensemble’s driving sound mixes up Southern Soul and Chicago Rhythm & Blues along with New Orleans funk and Latin rhythms together with a dash of Ska.

Sunday 12 November -

Momentum, part of the EFG London Jazz Festival

This superb six-piece contemporary jazz-fusion band already have three well-received albums. Their songs encompass an exciting brand of World Music and Jazz, with an eclectic mix of Flamenco, Tango, Calypso and Reggae thrown into the musical mix.

Thursday 16 November -

Tim Penn & The Second Line, part of the EFG

London Jazz Festival

The much-feted singer and veteran pianist Tim Penn is one of the leading ‘go to’ musicians on the London Blues & Roots scene. The band will take you on a magical journey through 20th Century American jazz and blues, referencing all the greats from Louis Armstrong, through the New Orleans’ piano masters such as Fats Domino and Dr John, to Ray Charles, Tom Waits and Tim’s own compositions.

Sunday 19 NovemberTrio Manouche, part of the EFG London Jazz Festival

World class Gypsy Swing ensemble Trio Manouche will be performing inspired re-worked classics of the great Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt together with highly atmospheric arrangements of trad swing greats such as Nat King Cole as well as original material written by band leader Simon Harris.

Buy tickets from Eventbrite. Search for Jazz at George IV + the name of the band. George IV is at 185 Chsiwick High Rd, London W4 2DR

THE CHISWICK Calendar

The Chiswick Calendar is a local website which tells you what’s going on in our area on a day to day basis. Beautiful photographs by local photographers - Page per day listings of what’s on, constantly updated - Interesting videos - Our own events. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter and get a free club card, giving you access to deals and discounts from quality local businesses.

Go to www.thechiswickcalendar.co.uk

Hen CORNER

Celebration is Good for the Soul

Whether it’s little wins, or huge achievements, it’s always good to be thankful and to celebrate all that brings us joy. I was literally jumping with excitement when I first tried making halloumi cheese recently, and the utter delight of tasting it hot off the grill… Mmm… It never fails to amaze me how a bottle of milk can be transformed into any number of varieties of cheese.

Recent celebrations have included our bumper harvests, both of fruit and vegetables and buckets and buckets of honey. We’ve made a good stash of piccalilli using home grown vegetables along with other jams, pickles and preserves. Last year, somehow, we had two harvests of figs, but with this summer’s strange weather, they are not ready to pick yet. Once ripe, they are destined to be dehydrated as a cheeseboard treat or made into jam.

We have been making it for ages, but this year we entered our most

popular Apple & Chilli Jelly into the Great Taste Awards and were thrilled to have won a coveted star.

It is also our bakery’s 8th Birthday in October; we won another Great Taste Award for our Cranberry & Pecan Sourdough, which you can learn how to make on our Full Day Making Sourdough course (Wednesday 11th Oct).

This brings us nicely to the Half Term holidays, celebrating the midway mark between summer and Christmas. For families with a bit of spare time, why not try Baking Together (Wed 25th Oct) and learn how to make bread, cakes and pastries?

Finally, for those who like to plan ahead, my favourite celebration of all is just around the corner…

If it’s not showing off *too much*, we also won a Great Taste Award for our Apricot Couronne, which we make for Christmas as an

All courses, virtual & face to face, can be found at HenCorner.com

Apricot Advent Wreath. We will be showing online how to make this (Monday 4th Dec 6-8pm) and you can order it from our weekly microbakery.

So hip, hip, hooray - celebrations are here to stay!

If you fancy trying your hand at some new cooking skills …

Introduction to Making Bread

Wednesday 4th October

Full Day Making Sourdough

Wednesday 11th October

Baking Together (Family Course)

Wednesday 25th October

Introduction to Making Sausages

Thursday 26th October

Bagels, Muffins & Swirls

Tuesday 7th November

Introduction to Making Pasta

Tuesday 14th November

Introduction to Making Cheese

Wednesday 22nd November

Stir Up (Christmas Puddings)

Sunday 26th November

Big Cheese WEEKENDER 2023

Goes Live to Chiswick Cheese Market, 15th October

The Academy of Cheese (National UK cheese accreditation body) is hosting their on-line Big Cheese Weekender 2023 on 13th – 15th October. The aim of the weekend is to spread knowledge and enjoyment of artisan cheese. Originally set up by food journalist and author Patrick McGuigan and Academy of Cheese Director Tracey Colley in response to the pandemic and its effect on Independent British Cheese producers, it has grown into an internationally recognised and hugely popular event in the cheese calendar.

This year’s BIG CHEESE WEEKENDER takes on a dynamic new format as the Academy brings the final day LIVE from The Chiswick Cheese Market. Yes right here, in our borough!

The market, situated at The Old Market Place on Chiswick High Road on the third Sunday of every month, is the UK’s only monthly dedicated cheese market and is a must for any cheese lover, offering over 180 different artisan cheeses to taste and buy. On October 15th it will be so much more than just a market – with added fun for all the family.

Browse the market tasting cheese, listening to live local bands including the fantastic Chiswick School steel band. ‘Hunt the cows’ on the stall cow trail. Watch free live cheese making demos.

Quickes cheddar will be announcing the name of the new cheese chosen by a naming competition earlier in the year at the market and the ‘Cheesewick’ (original name of Chiswick) lifesize, painted cow will be making her first appearance at the market – what could be better than a photo with her?

Meet and chat to cheese makers. For those keen to learn more there are two ticketed cheese pairing events and blue badge guide Cheesewick walks. Book ahead for these www. bigcheeseweekender.com/ programme

Stalls selling handmade cheese boards, homemade chutneys, local bread, London Kimchee, smoked and cured meats and fish – the market is culinary treat! The High Road is crammed full of fabulous shops and cafes so make a day of it and join in the fun.

See you there 15th October, 9.30am – 3pm.