O ROYAL B ROUGH B J U B I L E E E D I T I O N b 1952 2012 Diamond Jubilee edition www.thediamondjubilee.org

Salute the troops

Over 200 soldiers from the Territorial Army and a detachment of Chelsea Pensioners will be taking part in the Royal Borough’s DIAMOND JUBILEE MARCH PAST along Kensington High Street at 11am on Saturday 9 June 2012

Come along to give them a cheer as they pass!

The route is along Kensington High Street, from Holland Park to Kensington Church Street. All the TA regiments and the Royal Hospital have the Freedom of the Royal Borough. The regiments have had personnel on deployment in the current conflict in Afghanistan. Around the Is my tail the 2012 Games borough’s waggiest? round-up parks SEE PAGE 7 SEE PAGES 14 AND 15 SEE PAGES 9 TO 11

Royalwww.rbkc.gov.ukBoroughSUMMER2012 No. 173 Portobello Station

because as well as carrying local Lend your support by writing to: The new Crossrail station the people east and west to new job Council is determined to see and leisure opportunities, the new Boris Johnson built on the old Kensal Crossrail station would also deliver Mayor of London visitors to North Kensington and, in Greater London Authority Gasworks site should be particular, Portobello Road. City Hall called Portobello, the Royal The Queen’s Walk Borough has proposed. With the Midlands just 45 minutes London SE1 2AA away via HS2 and the eastern and western reaches of the city made Email: [email protected] The Council’s long-running campaign more accessible by Crossrail, it for a ‘Portobello’ Crossrail station hopes for a whole new class of The Rt Hon Justine Greening MP R The architect’s impression of the south-east viewpoint of has won much local support from day-trippers to Portobello and Secretary of State for Transport the academy, leisure centre and public realm. residents and businesses and also Golborne that will keep the markets Department for Transport has the backing of a number of in business for generations to come. Great Minster House high profile MPs and Members of 33 Horseferry Road ACADEMY AND the London Assembly. Portobello would also meet the London critical need to create an attractive SW1P 4DR Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell, Leader and familiar brand that will make LEISURE of the Council, floated the idea of the thousands of new homes and Email: the Portobello name on his blog, business units that might be built greeningj@par sparking much debate and on the Kensal site that bit more liament.uk provoking a number of alternative appealing. PLAN suggestions. Join our list of In the end the final decision on supporters by emailing Over the past two years the Although most people were station names rests with the [email protected] Royal Borough and the Aldridge broadly in favour of the name, Crossrail sponsors but, as it has Exciting Foundation have consulted other suggestions included Grand agreed to underwrite the station Like our Facebook page at plans for a widely on the proposals through Union station and Sainsbury construction costs, the Council www.facebook.com/KensalCro new leisure a series of drop-in events, Junction. The most popular expects to have some influence. ssrail centre and workshops and exhibitions. alternative to date has been North academy in North Local people have also been Kensington, with some support for For further information, please see Join the station naming debate at Kensington have been kept informed through the compromise solution of www.rbkc.gov.uk/crossrail www.rbkc.gov.uk/leader submitted to the Council by newsletters, a residents’ forum, Portobello North. architects Studio E. the leisure centre’s user group and websites. The Council is sticking with The academy proposals will and Kensington High Street, Portobello because it believes it provide much-needed school If the plans are approved with coverage to expand over has the best chance of catching LEADING places to tackle the fact that in September, a phased the coming years across the the public imagination and winning more than 30 per cent of local construction programme will wider support, as well as being borough and Westminster. students currently travel outside begin in the autumn of justified in both historical and THE WAY the Royal Borough for their 2012, with the Kensington The system does not require a geographical terms. secondary education. Aldridge Academy opening in password or username, it does The first stage of a rollout that will September 2014. The leisure not impact on the user’s In the eighteenth century, Kensal see London become Europe’s The planning application also centre is expected to open at sat on the northern tip of largest free wireless internet mobile’s data allowance and it includes a state-of-the-art the same time. Portobello Farm, and Portobello access zone has been launched works for everyone, not just leisure centre to replace the Road itself is just a short stroll in time for the Olympics. O2 customers. current facility, an improved For more information, see away from where the station would Lancaster Green, better access www.rbkc.gov.uk/kalc or visit O2 Wifi has launched in the To find out what areas are be built. to the area and new homes the Planning Information Office, Royal Borough, with access available and when, see that will be sold to help fund Ground Floor, Town Hall, The Council also thinks the name available on Exhibition Road www.o2wifi.co.uk/my/hotspots the scheme. Hornton Street, W8 7NX. is justified in transport terms 2 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 Contacting the Council

Contents Here to help – your Councillors Tri-borough success CONTACT Kensington and Chelsea is served by 54 elected Councillors, three for each of the page 3 Royal Borough’s 18 wards. They are available by telephone, email and letter. Survey results YOUR COUNCIL Personal appointments can be arranged and in some parts of the borough you page 4 can visit a ward surgery. Mayor’s Awards Enquiryline 020 7361 3000 You can find out which Councillors represent you, and how to contact them, by visiting www.rbkc.gov.uk/councillors or calling Librariesline on 020 7361 3010. page 5 Email [email protected] Leader’s Leader Streetline 020 7361 3001 page 6 Email [email protected] Surgeries Pedal power page 7 Environmental Healthline 020 7361 3002 Colville ward People and places Email [email protected] Cllrs Carol Caruana and Tim Jones: 2pm to 3pm, last Saturday of every month page 8 Arts and Leisureline 020 7361 3003 except August – Portobello Court Clubhouse, Portobello Road, W11. Celebrating Holland Park Email [email protected] Cllr Dez O’Neill: 1pm to 2pm, first Saturday of every month – Tabernacle, page 9 to 11 Powis Square, W11. Help us save water Parkingline 020 7361 3004 page 12 Email [email protected] Cremorne ward

Environmental round-up Council Taxline 020 7361 3005 Cllrs Maighread Condon-Simmonds, Matthew Neal and Gerard Hargreaves: page 13 Email [email protected] 9.30am to 11am, 9 June, 1 July and 5 August – Chelsea Theatre, World’s End Olympics special Place, King’s Road, London SW10. page 14 and 15 Benefitsline 020 7361 3006 Sports and leisure Email [email protected] Earl’s Court ward page 16 Paymentsline 020 7361 3007 Cllr Linda Wade: 10.30am to 12.30pm, 8 and 23 June, 7 and 21 July and 4 and Healthy living Pay online at 18 August – Brompton Library, 210 Old Brompton Road, SW5. page 17 www.rbkc.gov.uk/onlinepayments/general Events diary Golborne ward Housingline 020 7361 3008 page 18 and 19 On a rota basis, Cllrs Bridget Hoier, Emma Dent Coad and Pat Mason: Email [email protected] Pageant competition 7pm to 8pm, Mondays (except Bank Holidays and August) – Venture Centre, 103 Wornington Road, W10. page 20 Educationline 020 7361 3009 Email [email protected] Notting Barns ward Librariesline 020 7361 3010 RoyalBorough Two out of Cllrs Robert Atkinson, Judith Blakeman and Todd Foreman: 10am to Email [email protected] 12 noon, second and fourth Saturdays of every month (excluding Carnival Royal Borough is produced for weekend) – EMB Community Hall, opposite the playground beside Grenfell Tower residents by the Royal Borough Recruitmentline 020 7361 3011 of Kensington and Chelsea. on Lancaster West Estate, just off Station Walk, south of Latimer Road station. Email recruitment rbkc.gov.uk It is delivered to 87,000 homes and @ businesses in the Royal Borough Norland ward and is also available from community Planningline 020 7361 3012 venues. The newspaper is Email [email protected] Cllrs Catherine Faulks and David Lindsay: 10am to 11am, 7 July and 8 September produced by the Council’s Media and Communications Office, – Henry Dickens Court Club Room, St Ann’s Road, W11. designed by Go4 Marketing and Social Servicesline 020 7361 3013 Public Relations Ltd and printed Email [email protected] by Harmsworth. Pembridge ward We welcome comments about Cllrs Barbara Campbell, David Campion and Doreen Weatherhead: Royal Borough as well as letters 10am to noon, 23 June, Bangladesh Centre, 24 Pembridge submitted for publication. Write to Royal Borough Editor, Media and Local Democracy Information Gardens, W2. Communications Office, Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX June to August 2012 or email [email protected] Redcliffe and Earl’s Court wards Mark your letter ‘for publication’ if you wish it to be considered for Public Realm Council Cllrs Marie-Therese Rossi, Frances Taylor, Charles Williams, Terence publication (the Editor’s decision in 2 July 27 June Buxton and Jonathon Read will hold joint ward surgeries: 6pm to such cases is final). 7.30pm, 11 June, 2 July and 6 August – Brompton Library, 210 Old Family and Children’s Services Planning Applications Committee If you, or someone you know, 26 June 19 June, 3 and 17 July and 7 August Brompton Road, SW5. would like this newspaper on tape, in Braille or in another language, call 020 7361 2826 or write to the Health, Environmental Health and Major Planning Development St Charles ward Media and Communications Office Adult Social Care Committee 4 July 12 June and 10 July (see above). Cllr Matthew Palmer: 6.30pm to 8pm, first Monday of every month (except Bank Holidays) – Feathers Youth Club, Dalgarno Community Housing and Property Audit Committee COMPETITION TERMS Centre, Dalgarno Way, W10. AND CONDITIONS 12 July 18 June COUNCIL MEETINGS A winner will be drawn from the Cllrs Pat Healy and Bob Mingay: 11am to 1pm, second Saturday of correct entries. Entries will not be Cabinet and Corporate Services Cabinet each month – Club Room, Balfour Burleigh estate (basement of 11 June and 16 July 14 June and 19 July returned. The editor’s decision is SCRUTINY COMMITTEES Treverton Tower); 6pm to 8pm, third Monday of each month (except final and no individual correspondence Unless the time is given in brackets, all meetings take place at 6.30pm at Kensington Bank Holidays) – Tenants’ Association Rooms, Peabody Estate, can be entered into. Entry is Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX. restricted to residents of the Dalgarno Gardens; 6pm to 8pm, fourth Monday of each month borough, excluding Royal Borough Meeting times or dates can change. Before attending, please call 020 7361 2265 or (except Bank Holidays) – Community House, Sutton Way. of Kensington and Chelsea staff visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/councilanddemocracy.aspx to confirm the meeting date, and their families. Entry is subject place and time. to these terms and conditions. The web page above also has information about the Council’s decision-making P www.rbkc.gov.uk/contactus process and allows key decisions to be tracked. SUMMER 2012 | RoyalBorough 3 Serving residents

TRI-BOROUGH SURVEY Tri-borough triumph

Each of the three councils retains Moves to save taxpayers’ its identity, decision-making cash and improve council powers and local councillors and services by combining them continues to set its own budget and policies. across three local authority areas have been backed The Tri-borough plan promises to by residents. deliver additional back office savings by creating greater buying power when dealing with In a recent poll of 1,500 people, 73 outsourced contracts such as per cent of west London residents, cleaning, buildings maintenance asked whether they backed the and IT. The joint procurement of sharing of some council services facilities management services, for between Hammersmith & Fulham, instance, is expected to lead to Kensington and Chelsea and annual savings of £2 million a year Westminster, said they supported by 2014-15. the integration. A shared youth service is making it The results of the ‘Tri-borough’ faster and simpler for young New school at Middle Row survey, released in late April, also people and their families to get reveal that nearly four in five (79 per back on their feet, while the A rebuilt Middle Row Primary The new Middle Row will also a number of outdoor terraces on cent) of residents are satisfied with councils are also sharing foster School, fit for the demands of accommodate a new Speech and each floor. the way their council is running the placements in a move that avoids twenty-first century teaching, could Language Centre, initially for 16 pupils. area, up from 77 per cent at the the additional cost of using be open by September 2014. Some homes are included in the start of 2011. independent fostering agency The new school will be a three- plans for the site and this will help placements. A planning application to replace storey building, rather than being provide funds to build the new The news coincided with the signing the existing buildings with a modern, made up of a number of separate school. The new housing will be on of legal agreements that formally Royal Borough of Kensington and two-form entry school with lower buildings, and will have a games Kensal Road, Middle Row and create the combined departments Chelsea Leader, Cllr Sir Merrick maintenance and running costs is area and a dedicated playground Southern Row and will consist of in major areas – such as adults’, Cockell, said: “Providing services due to be submitted this month. for the youngest pupils as well as one, two and three-bedroomed children’s and libraries services. for families and children is a vital a playground for older children and apartments. The arrangements are expected to part of what councils do and is deliver savings to taxpayers of always a challenging task, particularly around £40million a year by 2015-16. when money is tight.

Much of the saving comes from “By working together and sharing RARE HONOUR merging senior and middle management we will reduce our Born in Liverpool in October 1938, Committee, bringing together management posts. Half of the costs and get the best value for Christopher Buckmaster read the scrutiny committees of all management jobs have been shed our money and we will maintain Politics, Philosophy and Economics London boroughs on trauma in the Tri-borough departments, consistently high standards of at Oxford, where he was Chairman and strokes. dramatically reducing the overhead services for our children and of the University Conservative costs of delivering services. families.” Association. He went into business Cllr Buckmaster has appointed Cllr Christopher Buckmaster and travelled widely and has lived Cllr Victoria Borwick as the will serve a second term as the and worked in the Caribbean, North Deputy Mayor, Anne Hobson, Mayor of the Royal Borough America, Australia, New Zealand, who worked tirelessly in support of Kensington and Chelsea and latterly in Africa. of the Mayor’s Charity during after being elected to hold the his first Mayoral year, as his post for 2012-13. For three years he was a member Mayoress and the Rev. Robert of the London Regional Board of Thompson, lead chaplain to the Cllr Buckmaster, who was mayor the Confederation of British Industry Royal Brompton and Harefield in 2003-04, is only the second and he has been a keen supporter NHS Trust and Associate Priest Councillor to be elected for a of voluntary organisations, including at St George’s Church, Campden second term as Mayor, with the Open Age and Kensington and Hill, as his chaplain. other being the late Cllr Miss Chelsea People First. Elizabeth M Christmas MBE. Cllr Buckmaster’s Cllr Buckmaster was elected to the Mayoral Charity He said it was “a very great Council in May 1994 and represents for 2012-13 honour to have been elected Campden ward. He is currently is the as Mayor for a second time, Chairman of the Council’s Licensing Brain Tumour particularly in this Diamond Committee and before that was Research Jubilee and Olympic year.” Chairman of the pan-London Health Campaign

“This achievement reflects the way we have adjusted to the post- Credit rating still top credit crunch world and the fact SUPPORT FOR ST QUINTIN that we built up enough reserves Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron joined parents at the St While both the USA and France The Council’s success comes in the good years to allow us Quintin Centre for Disabled Children and Young People in North have lost their Triple A credit despite the dramatic reductions to deliver our current ambitions Kensington to celebrate securing funds from the Cheyne Charity to rating from Standard and Poor’s, in central government grants without additional borrowing,” provide new activities for children with cerebral palsy. Kensington and Chelsea has that have impacted on all local said Leader of the Council Sir retained its top status. councils. Merrick Cockell. 4 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 News round-up

SURVEY SNAPSHOT A ROYAL TREAT More than 250 residents and Chelsea, Cllr Julie Mills, the Despite the financial crisis and enjoyed a rare chance to evening included speeches the decline in government grant explore Kensington Palace out- from the Head of Kensington Directly Involved to help pay for Council services, of-hours at a special event Palace, Natasha Woollard, and 84 per cent of residents continue organised by the Council in April. Head of Access and Learning to think the Royal Borough is Dr David Souden. doing a good job. The event gave guests who In business? That’s just one of the headlines might not normally visit the Mouna El-Ogbani, from Al- Sign up for the Council’s views on business in the Royal Borough and from this year’s Annual Survey of borough’s cultural attractions Hasaniya Moroccan Women's receive Business Direct, our online magazine. Londoners, the most authoritative an intimate account of Queen Centre, said: “This event was Victoria’s extraordinary life an opportunity for me and my Business Direct only covers issues that could affect the profitability of local take there is on the performance of businesses or that relate to trading conditions in the borough. London’s local authorities. through the palace’s new children to visit Kensington Victoria Revealed exhibition. Palace. We enjoyed the history Learn about major public realm and transport infrastructure projects, large- Each year a representative sample and the stories about Queen scale planning issues, parking, law and order, education, employment and of a thousand residents across training, visitor management and business initiatives. Guests included representatives Victoria.” London answer questions about their from tenants’ and residents’ Business Direct offers high-level briefings on what is relevant – not PR ‘puffs’. perceptions of their councils and areas. associations, migrant and Abdulkadir Abukar, a Trustee of To subscribe, email or visit: According to the survey, the Royal refugee communities, the Hodan Somali Community, [email protected] Borough continues significantly to traveller community based at said: “This event was very Stable Way and residents of the important for me and my www.rbkc.gov.uk/businessdirect outperform the rest of London in a number of key services including Wornington Green estate in colleagues as new British street cleaning, repair of roads and North Kensington. nationals. It gave us an insight pavements, street lighting, parks into the great history and and open spaces, refuse collection, Opened by the former Mayor of identity of this country and a RBKCPartnerDirect libraries and parking services. the Royal Borough of Kensington sense of belonging.” Seventy seven per cent of residents report finding the Council “efficient Let’s Stick Together and well run”, 15 per cent more than the London average, and 65 per cent believe the Council provides “good value for money”. Part of the Big Society? But it’s not all good news. The If you belong to a voluntary organisation in Kensington and Chelsea, survey reveals, for example, that work for the police, health service or a social housing provider or run a while crime is less of a concern for company that works for the Council, then we’ve got news for you. Royal Borough residents than it is Partner Direct is a monthly e-bulletin aimed at keeping you – our partners – for the capital as a whole, six per up to speed on the Council’s priorities, ambitions and challenges. cent more residents now identify it as an area of personal concern. If you need to understand our budgetary position, check the state of play on major planning and infrastructure projects or find out about some other strategic issue in the Royal Borough, Partner Direct is the place to start. To subscribe, email or visit: ELECTION [email protected] www.rbkc.gov.uk/partnerdirect A by-election will be held in Brompton ward on Thursday 28 June 2012 following the Dalgarno decision death of Councillor Baroness (Shireen) Ritchie. The future of the Dalgarno The fact that the Council’s donation RBKCDirect Neighbourhood Trust (DNT) looks has helped secure funding from The Residents who took part in bright after the Council agreed Social Investment Business means the recent London elections, £100,000 of funding to enable it the trust can now help support or have registered since, will to improve its building at 1 Webb local people who want to set up be able to vote without Higher Interest Rates Close and extend its lease. their own enterprises. re-registering. If you are not registered you must submit The decision means DNT can now The DNT works extensively with a completed form to improve the community centre and will young people and supports a Kensington Town Hall by Want to take more of an interest in what the be able to secure an extra £150,000 number of projects run from the Wednesday 13 June 2012. Council is doing? from The Social Investment Business community centre including IT Applications for new postal to complete the improvement works. classes, keep fit and a crèche. If you are one of the thousands of residents who participate in civic life votes or to amend or cancel through residents’ associations and in other ways, you can keep yourself existing postal or proxy votes even better informed by reading RBKC Direct. must also reach Electoral Home from home With the Royal Borough already a Big Society borough, the Council recognises Services by Wednesday 13 that involved residents are a vital part of improving the local quality of life, June. Applications for a proxy This summer sees work start on 2013. The work will convert the which is why it works hard to keep them up to date and well informed. vote must be received by a £1.65 million refurbishment of existing three six-bedroomed flats Aimed at active and engaged residents, RBKC Direct gives readers an Wednesday 20 June. Piper House, which provides into 12 flats, ten of which will be insider-style briefing on the big issues facing the specialist accommodation for specifically designed for wheelchair Council, explains the thinking behind the policies and For further information or a borough residents with learning users. tells them what we know, when we know it. registration form contact difficulties and complex physical Electoral Services on 020 To subscribe, email or visit: and/or behavioural needs. The reopened Piper House will 7361 3444, visit www.rbkc. [email protected] increase the number of residents gov.uk/byelection or email The work will take approximately who can remain living in the www.rbkc.gov.uk/partnerdirect [email protected] 30 weeks, with the new Piper borough, in a familiar environment, House due to open by summer near their families and friends. SUMMER 2012 | RoyalBorough 5 News round-up

Help for you at a difficult time

A one-stop service designed The process is made much to help residents make sure easier if the person registering they tell the right statutory the death has the national services when a relative or insurance number of the friend dies has been launched deceased and details of any by the Council. benefits or services they were receiving. The Tell Us Once service R (Left to right) Sue Redmond, Clive Wilson, Cllr Julie Mills with Robin Tuck's award, Ruby Edwards means that those affected just As well as contacting all and David Elavia. need to provide the required Council departments, The Tell information once, to Council Us Once service can pass on staff, to be sure that the correct information relating to: Rewarding community spirit central and local government agencies are informed. > Department of Work and Five people who have made a their local community and add Ruby Edwards for her work in Pensions contribution to Kensington significantly to the quality of life of supporting the elderly in Chelsea Anyone registering a death with > Pension Service and Chelsea had their efforts thos e around them. the Registrar will be given a > Disability Service and recognised by the former Sue Redmond for her work with reference number that has to Carers Service Mayor of the Royal Borough Awards were presented to: Full of Life in supporting those be used within 28 days. They > Jobcentre Plus of Kensington and Chelsea, with learning difficulties. then simply have to contact > Identity and Passport Service Cllr Julie Mills, on Thursday Clive Wilson for his work with the the Council, either by calling > DVLA 26 April. Norland Conservation Society The former Mayor said the awards 020 7361 3940 or going to > HM Revenue and Customs “give us a chance to say thank www.direct.gov.uk/death-tell > Child Benefit The Mayor’s Awards acknowledge David Elavia for his work with you and acknowledge their usonce > Tax Credits the positive difference made by Inkerman Housing Association sterling efforts.” those who live or work in the Royal Borough. The award is Robin Tuck for his work with given to people who make an many voluntary organisations outstanding contribution to in the north of the borough Speeding up vital decisions

The three London councils return judges will place the child’s approximately 100 cases of Kensington and Chelsea, timescales at the heart of their across the three boroughs Westminster and Hammersmith decision-making process. each year. It will be their job to & Fulham are shining a track the progress of each spotlight on children’s care “Every child needs a case and ensure the six-month proceedings in a ground- deadline is achieved. breaking national pilot to speed stable home and up the family court process. strong family base” Tri-borough Head of Children’s Services Andrew Christie, who The care proceedings pilot, The agreement involves the Inner oversees the children’s The Council has received street naming and launched in April, is a national London Family Proceedings Court departments in all three numbering applications for the new ‘Portobello first that could set the (ILFPC), the Principal Registry, the boroughs, said: “While the benchmark for similar initiatives Children and Family Court Advisory measurable focus of this pilot Square’ development at Wornington Green. across the country. Support Service and the three might be to speed up family councils, and will apply to all court proceedings and hit the Have your say – contact us with your comments: It involves a new ‘pact’ between proceedings in respect of children six-month target, the Email: [email protected] the councils and family court who have suffered significant harm. overarching aim is to achieve judges designed to speed up greater permanency and Telephone: 020 7361 3838 proceedings. In particular, it will There will be specially designated emotional stability for Post: Building Control, Town Hall, Hornton try to meet the target set out in days at the ILFPC for Tri-borough vulnerable children in our care. the recent Family Justice Review cases being heard under the pilot Street, London W8 7NX for children to have a permanent and, wherever possible, the same “Every child needs a stable plan agreed by the court within judge will be used throughout a home and strong family base, Further details and a map of the street six months. case to ensure continuity and so we hope this new location can be found at: further speed things up. programme will transcend www.rbkc.gov.uk/planningandconser Councils have agreed to deliver targets and checklists and vation/buildingcontrol/namingandnu their assessments promptly A new project manager and a new make a real difference to these mbering and to a set standard, and in case manager will coordinate young children’s lives.” 6 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 Leader’s Leader

competition will see the men’s and Britain, London, and of course the women’s road cycle races hurtle Royal Borough, at their finest to down Knightsbridge, Brompton mark the historic achievements of Road and Fulham Road before Queen Elizabeth II and to cheer on LEADER’S heading out to Surrey and then the finest sportsmen and women returning to the borough for what in the world. will be a frantic finish along the Mall. With top British cyclist Mark Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell Cavendish a leading contender for Leader of the Council a gold medal, crowds will once LEADER again be huge and expectant. P www.rbkc.gov.uk/leader sizes will muster on the Thames Over in Earls Court Exhibition Centre Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell has a blog This summer we have the before setting off from Battersea thousands of people will be drawn on which he comments on a rare opportunity to celebrate Bridge to Tower Bridge. to the volleyball competition that will range of issues. Read his views in style two momentous run for the duration of the Games and add your comments at This will give residents a chance to and culminate on Sunday 12 August. www.rbkc.gov.uk/comment occasions, the Diamond witness this historical spectacle, borough. The Council will also be Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II but the advice is to find your place presenting all schools and residential The Olympics will not just be a and the 2012 Olympic and early as huge crowds are expected. care homes with a framed copy of chance to see sport but also an Follow us… Paralympic Games. And be sure to give a cheer to the official Diamond Jubilee portrait opportunity to take in some of the some of the intrepid kayakers who of The Queen. artistic and cultural treats London form part of the flotilla and regularly will be laying on. If you use social media, be The borough’s connections with use the Council’s community As the Jubilee celebrations get sure to follow us on Twitter the monarchy are cherished and facility at Cremorne Riverside. underway we will begin counting Where better to see some of this and ‘like’ our Facebook centuries long. They resulted in down to London 2012, the world’s at close hand than on the newly- page. Be one of the first to Kensington becoming a Royal I know that away from the river many biggest sporting event and one in transformed Exhibition Road, which receive news updates and Borough just over 100 years ago, residents’ groups are maintaining which Kensington and Chelsea will be hosting ROADSHOW, our stories from the Council, recognising the fact that King a fine British tradition and holding has a keen interest. The Olympic very own street party to which find out about the latest Edward VII’s mother, Queen Victoria, street parties to mark the event. I torch will be carried along some of everyone is invited. From 28 July to borough events and see had been born in Kensington am confident that the Queen’s our roads before being greeted in 5 August, Exhibition Road will photographs and make Palace and lived there until health will be toasted far and wide Holland Park by the singers from feature the work of artists, writers, comments on borough life. becoming Queen. as we all mark our respect and Opera Holland Park and a community musicians and acrobats, making it admiration for the role she has choir, giving residents a chance to the place for Londoners and Follow us on Twitter Queen Victoria was the first, and played in the life of the country. get into the Olympic spirit before visitors to unwind and recharge @RBKC and check out until this year the only monarch to competition begins. during the Olympic Games. our Facebook page at celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. And We will be organising our own www.facebook.com/Roy what celebrations we will see this celebrations, including a parade on While much of the action takes I hope the summer of 2012 will go alBorough summer. On Sunday 3 June more Saturday 9 June of regiments and place over to the east of the city, down in history as the year than 1,000 boats of all shapes and units that hold the freedom of the the first weekend of sporting communities came together to show

As recently as 2010, inspectors Shireen Ritchie successfully CASH HELP noted that in Kensington and campaigned to reduce Dedicated to families Chelsea the difference between unnecessary demands on Diamond Jubilee street parties, the performance of potentially social workers so that they funding for a local history DVD Baroness Ritchie of Brompton, members. She also chaired the vulnerable children and others of could focus on working directly and gardening workshops are an influential figure in the Royal party’s Candidates Committee. the same age was consistently with vulnerable children and among the latest projects put Borough of Kensington and smaller than in similar areas and their families and she was a forward for funding from the City Chelsea who oversaw the across the country. strong advocate for local Living, Local Life initiative. Council’s outstanding children’s government on a number of services, has died. Shireen Ritchie was determined high profile groups including Councillors and residents in each that glowing reports from the Family Justice Review and of the borough’s 18 wards have Elected to Brompton ward in inspectors would never result in the Social Work Reform Board. access to £20,000 to support May 1998, Shireen Ritchie was complacency and always sought schemes they believe will improve an active and influential local to ensure that officers looked for In 2010 she was made a life their neighbourhood. Councillor and leading member new ways to improve and to peer, taking the title of The of the Conservative Party. increase the chances and Baroness Ritchie of Brompton. In Cremone ward, residents and opportunities for the young. Councillors have decided to She became Cabinet Member Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell, Leader support several local projects, for Social Services and Health in Recognising the importance of of the Royal Borough of including setting up a new monthly 2003 and then Cabinet Member strong families at the heart of the Kensington and Chelsea, said: parent and toddler group on the for Family and Children’s Services community, she worked ceaselessly “Shireen Ritchie made a major World’s End Estate. They are also in 2005. She held the position to make sure that the services contribution to the life of the considering a request from the with distinction until ill health Shireen Ritchie was dedicated to delivered by the Council helped community and, in particular, the Cremorne Residents’ Association prevented her from continuing ensuring that excellent services families to thrive. Shireen Ritchie borough’s families and young to fund a local history DVD. to hold such a demanding were delivered for families in played an energetic role in the civic people through her leadership portfolio, but even then she Kensington and Chelsea, particularly life of the borough and was Deputy and determination to make sure In Earl’s Court, residents and continued to support the new to those who were disadvantaged, Mayor in 2008-09. that the services the Council councillors are looking to establish Cabinet Member. and she succeeded in that aim. provided made a real difference. two new community kitchen gardens The quality of the services provided Baroness Ritchie was also an Shireen’s many qualities and and a gardening club. She helped the Conservative by the Council’s Directorate for active member of the Local skills made hers a respected Party raise awareness of the Families and Children’s Services, Government Association’s Children voice in the Conservative Party Contact your local ward councillors importance of diversity to the for which Shireen Ritchie was the and Young People Board and was and resulted in her elevation to or the Community Engagement party through campaigns Cabinet Member for seven years, its chairman. She led a number of the House of Lords. Team on 020 7598 4633 or by including Women2Win and the were regularly praised by Ofsted high profile campaigns, particularly emailing [email protected] Priority List, which was as being amongst the very best in in relation to safeguarding and “She will be greatly missed by all controversial with some party the country. child protection. who knew her.” P www.rbkc.gov.uk/cityliving locallife SUMMER 2012 | RoyalBorough 7 Out and about

These build on the success of the five pioneering two-way cycling schemes introduced by the Council in 2009 on Gilston Road, Holland Street, Hollywood Road, Old Court Place and Thackeray Street. These trial schemes helped persuade the Department for Transport to allow all councils to use ‘Except cycles’ signs below ‘No Entry’ signs.

The Council plans to introduce two-way cycling in four more sections of one-way streets later this year. These are:

> Bolton Gardens (section off Earl’s Court Road) PEDAL POWER > Logan Place HALLO BALOO > Nevern Place Cyclists can now travel both The Council will monitor the (between Earl’s Court Road Floppiest Ears and Waggiest Tail were just two of the classes in ways along sections of a number success of the new arrangements and Templeton Place) this year’s Parks Police Dog Show, which raised more than £300 of one-way streets in the borough before taking a decision on > Pembroke Gardens. for Full of Life – the local charity for disabled children. following changes made by the whether to confirm the two-way Council. cycling schemes, which are on: There is a map of the two-way Best Dog in Show was Baloo, a Leonburger (pictured above with cycling schemes on the Royal owner Diana Poole), who triumphed The experimental changes are > Elystan Street (between Borough’s cycling web page over the other 54 dogs. designed to make cycling more Whitehead’s Grove and rbkc.gov.uk/cycling attractive and allow riders to take Ixworth Place) The show was organised in the most direct route to their > Elystan Street (between It is important to remember that partnership with the dog welfare destination, as well as preventing Ixworth Place and Fulham there is no blanket exemption from charity Dogs Trust. To find out situations in which one-way streets Road) one-way restrictions for cyclists, about next year’s show email force cyclists onto busier main > Park Walk (between King’s with the only exemptions indicated [email protected] or roads. Road and Camera Place) by signs. telephone 020 7938 8190. > Park Walk (between Camera The streets now have ‘Except Place and Elm Park Road) To comment on the experimental P www.dogstrust.org.uk cycles’ signs below the existing > Pavilion Road (between Pont schemes or to put forward ‘No Entry’ signs together with signs Street and Hans Street) other sections of one-way street and markings warning drivers that > Pavilion Road (between Hans you believe should be made cyclists are allowed to travel in the Street and Herbert Crescent) two-way for cyclists, email opposite direction. > Sedding Street. traffi[email protected] In town for Jubilee Celebrations Touring on two wheels A summer programme of Emperor Akihito and cycling tours and guided Empress Michiko (front) rides aims to encourage more visited the Kyoto Garden in people to take to two wheels Holland Park as part of a to discover the secret haunts five-day state visit that and history of the borough. included celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s The programme includes a Diamond Jubilee. magical musical mystery cycling tour organised in association with the Festival of the Bicycle and featuring musical connections ranging from the royal palaces of William III to seventies punk. READ ALL The tours take place on Saturday Places on the tour, suitable for As well as visiting some of the 9 June and Saturday 7 July. adults and children over 11, can ABOUT IT key locations of a borough that be booked at www.bikeminded is home to the richest musical Meanwhile this year’s InTRANSIT .org/events/bike-tours. With service improvements underway in history in London, the tour will Festival includes two-wheeled Kensington’s Central Library, its reference include a climb of ‘Col du excitement in the shape of a tour of The Royal Borough has also library will operate a restricted service until early July. Ladbroke Grove’, the cobbles Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland joined with British Cycling to of Kensington and some of its arranged by the Council in association offer ten Sky Ride Local rides The rest of the building, including the lending and children’s libraries, are beautiful streets and parks. with Exquisite Folly Theatre. between June and September. unaffected and will be open at the usual times. Although there may be possible These free bike rides for friend disruption, this will be kept to a minimum and users will be kept informed. The tour is designed and The cycle tours, which take place and family groups are led by a paced for those new to cycling from 18 to 22 July, will take in the British Cycling-trained leader The next phase of the works, scheduled for July, will mean closing the and will suit both cyclists with beautiful nooks and crannies of who can provide support and main area of the lending library. During this phase the first floor, the their own machines and those Kensington and Chelsea while tips. children’s library and the main entrance will be unaffected. who would prefer to pick up following Alice in a tour that uses a hire bike from a nearby storytelling and puppetry to create a Register for free by visiting For more details speak to a member of staff, email [email protected] docking station. most unusual and interactive show. www.goskyride.com/rbkc or visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/centralworks 8 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 People and places

A dramatic difference In working to support communities the cast and audience share is Councillor Question Time across Kensington and Chelsea, our stage. There are no rules for the Council is keen to harness where or how our stories unfold, the talents and energy of local and our aim is to collapse the organisations and to support distance between the actor and their work with carefully targeted the audience. grant funding. Cllr Catherine Faulks “Our performances are adventurous Norland ward The Council has committed a total and immersive. We make professional Q&A of £30,500 annually to support shows and shows with young people, the work of Specially Produced and we believe that both are of equal Kholo Masenya Innovatively Directed (SPID), an artistic value. This style has been Royal Borough meets a Councillor who is used to award-winning theatre and film called ‘wraparound theatre’ or ‘living making quick decisions. company that uses the arts to film’, and appeals especially to young The organisation took up regenerate neglected spaces. audiences and to those who would residence on the Kensal House When did you first consider proud to have been elected by not otherwise go to the theatre.” estate in 2005 before refurbishing becoming a Councillor? Norland ward. The company creates projects that the community rooms and bringing October 2011. are designed to foster stronger SPID typically produces one them back into regular use. Do you have any hobbies? communities by engaging people professional show, one youth show Did you need a lot of Tennis, skiing, singing and with their local environment, as well and a film for and by young people SPID also works in other local convincing? dog walking. as running free weekly activities every 12 to 18 months. estates and has won national prizes Yes, as I only had three days throughout the year. for promenade performances in to make up my mind to fight a A favourite book? “Our twice-weekly youth theatre neglected community spaces. The snap by-election. Any Human Heart by William Although based in the Grade II* listed sessions are free to attend, as are aim is to involve local residents in the Boyd and all Sebastian Faulks’ community rooms of west London’s our youth shows, while our research, creation and performance How did you feel when you books. Kensal House council estate in professional shows are free to local of shows whenever possible. were elected? Ladbroke Grove, SPID does not residents,” said Helena. “Our weekly Very excited by the possibilities A favourite film? create pieces for the stage. community classes such as yoga, Helena added: “Our work has but also rather daunted. Days of Heaven. T’ai Chi and animation are also free three principle aims: developing a As Helena Thompson, Artistic to attend, and the space can be new form of high quality theatre What is the most rewarding A favourite song or piece Director, explained: “The space that hired cheaply by local residents.” that engages audiences with the part of being a Councillor? of music? space that it inhabits, regenerating Working with local people and Elijah by Mendlessohn. Kensal House community rooms trying to help bring about and other neglected spaces and change on local issues. A favourite part of, or place creating shows that empower in, the borough? REAL GEMS neighbourhoods.” And the least? The sculpture Physical Energy Being cornered at parties by by Watts in Kensington Gardens. Once a hodge-podge of bric- in antiques and designer and Kholo Masenya, a teenager who angry residents who want to a-brac, nylon cast-offs and vintage clothes, and I enjoy took part in the recent touring let off steam. A recommended place to eat? knitting patterns, today’s learning from the garments and version of SPID’s Team Spirit show, Uli in All Saints Road. charity shop is an Aladdin’s antiques we receive. told BBC London: “SPID’s more What are your ambitions in cave of luxury goods that can about today’s subjects and issues the political sphere? If you could take a holiday provide real finds for those Why should people visit that we face every day. Coming To be re-elected as ward anywhere in the world, who rifle through the rails. your shop – does it offer here and working on stuff that you Councillor in 2014. where would you go? anything special? see every day, or in some cases go Madagascar. But the real gems work behind We specialise in designer and through, and then being able to act What are the main the scenes to make the treasure vintage clothes and accessories it out and play it to an audience is concerns raised at your If you could have one wish hunt possible; they are the – Yves Saint Laurent, Junya really inspiring.” surgeries? granted for yourself what volunteers that run the shops. Watanabe, Alexander McQueen, Housing and planning issues. would it be? Valentino… We also sell antiques, See www.spidtheatre.blogspot. That my husband and children As part of a new series focusing old silver, china and ivory. co.uk/search/label/Home How many hours a week, remain healthy and happy in on charity shops, Royal Borough on average, do you spend what they choose to do. spoke to Cathy Shimell, manager What was your favourite on Council work? of the British Red Cross shop at donated item and why? 13 to 20 hours – it changes If you could have a wish 67-71 Old Church Street, SW3. A Chanel handbag we received ROLL UP! every week. granted for everybody what The shop is open Monday to four months ago; cream in colour, might it be? Saturday from 10am to 6pm. classic design. Entrepreneurs Jo Hawtree What one thing would Good health – both mental and Emily Ellen Dell, whose improve the lot of your and physical – that allows What made you choose Are you looking for business ideas have won constituents? everybody to be the best they to work for the British volunteers? them two trading pitches This is a very mixed ward that can be. Red Cross? We always need volunteers. Give on Portobello Market, are combines 40 per cent of Because it helps people in need us a call on 020 7376 7300 or preparing for their first day’s social housing with some of wherever they are in the world. just come by the shop to find trading on Saturday 30 June. the most expensive houses in Also there is such a lovely out how we work and what we the whole of London, so the community feel in Chelsea. do. In fact, we are about to host Jo, who is starting a men’s issues vary enormously. Our neighbours are incredibly a big art event, and any help fashion label called Gunsmoke generous; the beautiful designer would be really appreciated. & Lavender, and Emily Ellen, What one thing are you and vintage clothes they donate who will sells bespoke art most proud of doing since are what makes this branch For information on the shop’s on canvas under the name becoming a Councillor? so special. art sale see the events diary on Girl on a Swing, won six Having only been a page 19. months rent-free market Councillor since October What do you most enjoy stall space at the world 2011 I am not sure I about working here? For further information and to famous market as winners have achieved an Apart from the fantastic donate to the British Red Cross, of the Market Enterprise individual triumph atmosphere, the shop specialises visit www.redcross.org.uk/donate Launch Pad last December. yet, but I am very www.rbkc.gov.uk/parksandgardens

While Royal Borough Some of the park’s more 1800 to 1840 Under England’s relationship with and HIH, the then Crown residents will be colourful episodes are the 3rd Lord Holland and his the Portuguese deteriorated. Prince (now Emperor) of joining in the chronicled below: wife, Lady Holland, the Japan, as a reminder of celebrations for Her house becomes famous as a 1939 Queen Elizabeth The The Japan Festival that Majesty the Queen’s 1605 Sir Walter Cope social, literary and political Queen Mother and King marked the centenary of the Diamond Jubilee, local builds the house that is now centre with Byron, Thomas George VI attend the last Anglo-Japanese Society. people have another the backdrop for Opera Macaulay, Samuel Rogers, great ball held at the house cause for 60th birthday Holland Park, originally Charles Dickens and Sir shortly before the outbreak 1996 Opera Holland Park celebrations. known as Cope Castle. Walter Scott amongst its of World War II. performs for the first time. celebrated visitors. News that Holland Park is 1649 Henry Rich, the 1st 1940 The house is largely 2012 New ecology centre celebrating 60 years as a Earl of Holland and then 1802 The 3rd Lady destroyed after being hit by planned. public park in 2012 will owner of the estate, is Holland planted the first an incendiary bomb. surprise those who thought beheaded for Royalist dahlia seeds to germinate Royal Borough spotlights the it had a longer history. activities during the Civil successfully in England. 1952 Ownership of the borough's parks on the next War. His ghost is said to estate passes to the London two pages. The confusion arises because, haunt the house and 1804 Lord Camelford is County Council and Holland for nearly 350 years before grounds – some say it carries killed in a Holland Park Park officially opens as a its purchase in 1952 by his head. duel with Captain Best. public park. London County Council, Lord Holland puts up an Holland Park was a private 1653 Lady Diana Rich anti-duelling memorial on 1987 Storms destroy estate owned by the 6th Earl (daughter of Henry Rich) sees the spot. Lime Tree Walk. The of Ilchester. an apparition of herself, clean-up operation takes which she describes as an 1812 Buonaiuti, a member three months. Throughout its history – in identical mirror image, while of the Holland family’s staff, both private and public out walking in the grounds creates the Portuguese 1991 The Kyoto Garden ownership – Holland Park of the estate. A month later Garden, later renamed the is officially opened by has not been without drama. she dies of smallpox. Dutch Garden when HRH the Prince of Wales

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS | PAGE 9 | OF HOLLAND PARK Things to The Ecology Centre Currently housed in the old Holland House stable yard, the Ecology Centre runs a number of outdoor and creative activities ranging from holiday activities for children to bird and bat walks and art classes for adults.

For those who prefer to be more hands-on, the ‘Taskforce for Nature’ programme is seeking volunteers to help improve and restore the wildlife value of parks seeIN HOLLAND PARKdo and open spaces across the borough. & For more information visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology It also housed Graham The Council has recently applied for planning Hudson’s controversial work permission to build a new ecology centre next to the Sajida Talfah that had to Holland Park Adventure Playground with funding be redesigned following support from Kensington and Chelsea Environment fire damage. Ltd. This will offer better facilities and be more sustainable and will also provide a home for the Sports Children’s Forum and Play Rangers. Holland Park offers a range of sports facilities, all of The new centre will allow the Ecology Service to grow which can be booked and offer more opportunities for children and adults to through the sports booking learn about what wildlife surrounds them. office in the Stable Yard during the park’s opening S An artist’s impression of the new Ecology Centre. hours. The Kyoto Garden HRH the Prince of Wales and > Full-size grass football The Kyoto Garden was HIH the Crown Prince of pitch available from designed and built to Japan – joint patrons of the October to April celebrate the Japan Festival Japan Festival – formally in London in 1991 and was handed over the Kyoto > Cricket practice nets in a joint project between Garden to The Royal the summer the Royal Borough and the Borough of Kensington and > Tennis courts, Kyoto Chamber of Chelsea in September 1991. including two Commerce. with The design of the garden floodlights Created from a small piece incorporates simplicity, of woodland near to the site harmony and atmosphere, > Cricket pitch of a Japanese garden that has and provides another haven from April to been a feature of the Holland of peace and tranquillity September House estate from about within Holland Park. > Golf practice nets, 1900, the Kyoto Garden was including a bunker designed and built by the The Ice House Kyoto Garden Association, a The circular ice house first > Petanque court appeared on a plan dated consortium of the principle > Netball courts Giant Chessboard Opera in the Park garden construction 1770 and was built for the A chessboard with a set of Don’t forget Opera Holland companies in Kyoto. storage of ice for Holland giant chess pieces is a Park's season starts on 7 June House. It is now used solely To book telephone gathering point for all ages with a programme of superb as a gallery exhibition space. 020 7602 2226 or email and abilities. Installed in performances that are sure Exhibitions change every sportsbooking@rbkc. 2010 it is regularly visited by to enthrall audiences young two weeks. gov.uk novices, masters and and old. grandmasters alike. The Napoleon Garden The garden has been used to highlight the work of up-and-coming sculptors for a number of years. It has recently featured The Garden of Earthly Delights by Daniel Pasteiner Kyoto Garden and Black Sun by Douglas White.

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS | PAGE 10 | OF HOLLAND PARK A parachute mine on 17 April The wrought-iron gateway “Recently I have been able to This year the park has been 1941 destroyed the buildings that had stood at the King's secure nearly one acre of refurbished, resulting in a here and a small sunken Road end of the original land, which I consider new playground and garden was created on the gardens and belonged to suitable to lay out as a improvements to the Voysey bomb damaged area. Cllr Lord Cremorne’s house was public garden, with sand-pit, Garden, with a new games Lady Heath, Mayor of the incorporated when the etc., and, having now area to follow. Metropolitan Borough of riverside park was newly completed the purchase, I St Luke’s Gardens Chelsea, laid the foundation landscaped in the early 1980s. have much pleasure in Dovehouse Green St Luke’s Gardens ceased to stone on 11 March 1964. offering the same to your be a burial ground around Kensington council, and am ready to 1857 and was converted into Cremorne Gardens Memorial Park make over the freehold, the a public garden in 1881, with The gardens commemorate Kensington Memorial Park only condition being that the gravestones being moved the site of the famous has been a public park since the land be dedicated in to form a boundary wall that Cremorne Pleasure Gardens, 1926, when Princess Louise, perpetuity to the people of is still present today. which opened in 1845 and Duchess of Argyll, opened it London as a recreation- closed in 1877. to the public. The land was ground. I propose to clear A grant from the London County Council in 1887 helped to develop the gardens and Holland Park is not the only park James Veitch, a local nurseryman and prominent plant collector, helped plant in the borough, and nor is it the the formal gardens. only one that has a rich history The park suffered from R Children playing on the bomb damage during World After renaming the house bought in 1923 with funds the land and lay out same at Dovehouse Green bomb site. War II and the original after himself, Thomas Dawson, provided by the Kensington my own expense.” railings surrounding the park Lord Cremorne, who had War Memorial Committee, Dovehouse Green was laid were removed in the early bought Chelsea Farm in 1778, which wanted to create a Emslie Horniman lived in out as a garden in 1977 to 1940s to help with the war had the house enlarged. suitable tribute to those who Chelsea but was inspired to commemorate the Silver effort. These railings were had given their lives in the create the park in North Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II restored in 2009 as part of In 1831 the house was First World War. Kensington that today bears and was refurbished in 2002 improvements to the park. purchased by Charles his name by Sister Ruth, a in celebration of her Golden Random De Berenger, Baron Emslie Horniman’s local nun who worked with Jubilee. Sir Hans Sloane had Ropers Gardens De Beaufain, who first Pleasance the poor of Kensal Town. originally given the site to The site was part of the turned it into a sports club During a meeting of the Emslie Horniman was the borough in 1733 for use marriage gift of Sir Thomas and then opened the London County Council on 14 interested in the arts and as a burial ground that More to his daughter pleasure gardens. March 1911, the chairman read commissioned architect closed in 1824. There is a Margaret on her marriage to Entertainment included out a letter containing an offer Charles Voysey to design the memorial plaque on the William Roper in 1521 and concerts, fireworks, balloon from politician and ex-council park, which prompted the green to 457 civilians killed was once an orchard. ascents and galas. member Emslie J. Horniman: name ‘Voysey Garden’. in World War II.

Avondale Park

This former slurry pit, once known as ‘the ocean’, was part of a notorious range of piggeries as well as kilns and brickfields. The land was bought in 1889, officially opened on 2 June 1892 and named after the recently deceased Duke of Clarence and Avondale.

The Council has recently submitted plans to rebuild the toilet facilities at the park following a public consultation two years ago that showed local residents wanted a new amenity building in the park. The work should be completed by Spring 2013.

QU An artist’s impression of the new facilities at Avondale Park.

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS | PAGE 11 | OF HOLLAND PARK 12 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 Local living

RAIN NOT ENOUGH YOU CAN HELP > A five-minute shower uses about a third of the water of What’s to be done? There are lots of ways to save a bath, but remember that Despite enduring the wettest water; here are a few ideas. power showers can use April in the UK since records The Government is drawing up more water than a bath in > began in 1910, followed by contingency plans and the water The hosepipe ban means less than five minutes. companies themselves are promising you need to wash your car Taking a quicker shower more rain in May, parts of the to tackle the level of leakage, which with a bucket, but think could give you an extra few country are still officially in is startlingly high. In the Thames about whether or not you minutes in bed. drought and the hosepipe Water region an incredible 26 per really need to wash it at all. > ban is set to remain. cent is lost through leaks. Just keep headlights, Dripping taps can waste up mirrors and windows clean. to 15 litres of water a day. Savings While the Council is very proud of its Replace worn tap washers That’s because, according to the parks, gardens and floral displays, it > Don’t let washing up water for a quick and cheap way Clever energy-saving technology experts, while this April was the takes a lot of water to keep them run to waste while waiting of saving water. has already helped the Council wettest ever recorded, the past looking as magnificent as they do, for it to get hot – use it to use ten per cent less energy in two years were the driest. At the and the Royal Borough is also water plants. > Collect rainwater in water two civic buildings. end of March 2012 the cumulative keen to show leadership in saving butts and use a watering deficit in rainfall over the previous this precious resource. > Avoid running the tap can. The voltage optimisation technology 24 months was 417 mm. Between until the water runs cold is one of a number of measures 1 and 24 April, there was 68 mm That’s why the Council has reduced every time you want a > Regularly weed and hoe being introduced to save energy of rain, which may have been its dependence on seasonal annual drink. Keep a jug of your garden to ensure that as part of the Council’s climate impressive but only reduced the plants for summer colour in favour water in the fridge. rainfall helps plants and change programme. deficit by a fraction. of woody or bulbous plants that are not weeds. better able to withstand or recover > Let your grass grow – The equipment allows the Council to To make matters worse, April was from drought. this provides shade for > Plant flowers and shrubs reduce energy usage by drawing just comparatively warm and the impact the soil and helps retain that thrive in hot and dry the right amount of electricity from of evaporation was greater. By the In addition our displays will now be water. conditions such as thyme, the national grid. The process has end of March the soil was so dry watered by hand, which is much evening primrose, rock been compared to using a smaller that most of the April rain was just less wasteful, with priority given to > Reuse bath water for the rose, Californian poppy, straw to make a drink last longer. sucked straight up, with very little high profile spots like the Dutch garden. You can collect it pinks, lavender, buddleia getting through to recharge the Garden in Holland Park. Less popular using a watering can or and hebes. The ten per cent reduction in two civic groundwater sources – and as spots will be watered less frequently. buy a device to siphon buildings exceeded expectations soon as the weather warms, the bath water from the bath > Mulches such as wood and has been one of the simplest The Royal Borough’s two popular plants will put on a growth spurt to the garden. chips, bark and gravel and most cost-effective ways of water play facilities – Cremorne and and suck up most of that moisture. help to prevent water reducing energy consumption. Kensington Memorial Park – will stay > Don’t leave the tap evaporation and also That’s why Thames Water is saying closed until the hosepipe ban is lifted. that the hosepipe ban is here to stay, running while you brush suppress weed growth, The technology is also available for at least until we have had some The Council is also reviewing the your teeth, shave or wash saving you both water and domestic use, although it is not yet proper winter rainfall to really number of hanging baskets it your hands. time spent weeding. widespread. Meanwhile, residents recharge the groundwater levels that has so that it can balance the can reduce their home electricity are still, in places, lower than they enhancement they provide with the bills by checking out energy-saving were in 1976 when Denis Howell need to conserve water. advice at www.rbkc.gov.uk/green was appointed Minister for Drought. erliving. The website covers topics These measures tie in with the such as how to save energy and And if that rain doesn’t come in the Royal Borough’s existing long-term THEIR SHOUT water, what to recycle and how to volumes we need, Secretary of strategy of becoming a greener, less find greener and healthier ways to State for the Environment Caroline resource-greedy Council, under which Teenagers from Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, and get around the city. Spelman has warned we may see it has been substantially reducing Kensington and Chelsea will be speaking their minds at the first the return of standpipes, not seen water consumption. The table below Big SHOUT at Stamford Bridge on June 23. Businesses and schools can find in England in a big way since that shows how consumption has fallen out what they can do as well as long summer of 1976. (in litres) since 2007-08. The summit of 100 young people from each area will focus on how the Council can help their subjects identified by the young people themselves – sexual and organisation save money and 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 mental health, communication between the police and young protect the environment by visiting people and promoting opportunities for young people. www.rbkc.gov.uk/greenerbusiness 149,980 119,133 125,159 105,114 or www.rbkc.gov.uk/greenerschools

management of libraries across Celebrating reading the three boroughs to meet financial challenges and keep Residents, librarians and Chelsea’s Cabinet Member for all their libraries open. councillors highlighted the Libraries, described as “an opportunity importance of libraries in to celebrate reading and to share getting the nation reading when books with our residents”. they gave away 700 free books during a World Book Night bus She added: “Our libraries are well tour of libraries in Kensington used and valued. We want to maintain and Chelsea, Westminster and our services and we are pleased Hammersmith & Fulham. that by working together we are able to widen the range of books and A range of classic and services available to our residents.” contemporary novels were given away to the public during The three councils have protected The Chickenshed Kensington and Chelsea youth theatre performed the event in April, which Cllr their libraries from budget pressures its entertaining new show, Olivia Twisted, an energetic take Elizabeth Campbell, the Royal by launching the Tri-borough on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, at Kensington Central Library Borough of Kensington and programme that has merged the as part of the World Book Night in April. SUMMER 2012 | RoyalBorough 13 A better environment Eat it, don’t waste it

With the average family According to LFHW, most waste in cake recipes or make them into estimated to throw away around relates to fresh vegetables and salad, a healthy ice cream; the natural £50 of good food every month, drink, fresh fruit and bakery items such sweetness means you won’t need Kensington and Chelsea Council as bread and cakes. Campaigners to add sugar. is supporting the Love Food believe that a better understanding Hate Waste (LFHW) campaign of ‘use by’ dates and knowing how “You can’t refreeze that aims to raise awareness of to store food to keep it fresher for defrosted meat” the problem. longer could help cut waste. If you defrost raw meat and then cook it, it can be refrozen afterwards, LFHW is a national initiative to Here are some food myths that according to the Love Food, Hate take action on food waste. The could be costing you money, Waste campaign. For example, if organisation has calculated that together with tips to help you make you cook a frozen chicken you can the UK throws away 7.2 million the most of your freezer: freeze the leftovers. tonnes of food and drink, most of which could have been eaten “You can’t freeze cheese” You need to take great care to safely, every year. You can make sandwiches with defrost meat thoroughly and re- frozen grated cheese and frozen heat it until it’s piping hot. The cost of all this wasted food sliced bread. Ensure they are has been estimated at £12 billion, thoroughly defrosted before eating. Do not reheat leftovers more than with 8,500 tonnes thought to be once. For guidance on using leftovers thrown away by Royal Borough “You can’t freeze onions” safely, visit www.food.gov.uk Messy business residents every year. Onions can be diced and frozen if you have a few that need to be For more information, tips and recipes While a dog may be man’s best The message is simple: Bag it Council officers believe residents eaten before you have the chance visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com friend, not everyone is quite so and bin it. Leave it behind and could reduce their food bills to use them. fond of those owners who fail to you could get fined. significantly by wasting less food clear up after their pets. and have been handing out free “You can’t freeze bananas” Environment Day Not only is dog mess unpleasant recipe books and providing advice If you have bananas that are starting In response to the age-old and messy, but it carries harmful on how to minimise waste and to turn brown, chop them and Residents looking for a problem of dog fouling, the bacteria that can cause infections cut costs. freeze them. You can then use them greener lifestyle can pick up Council launched a campaign and even toxocariasis, which practical advice on how to in June to encourage owners to can lead to blindness. save energy and be more clear up after their dogs by environmentally friendly at disposing of waste in the bins Remember: the Council’s Environment provided or taking it home. Day on Thursday 7 June. > Take some plastic bags so Posters have been displayed in that you can bag it and bin it The event, inspired by hot-spot areas, while Council every time your dog fouls World Environment Day, enforcement officers and the > takes place at Sainsbury’s Never let your dog onto the Parks Police have targeted street to foul car park, Ladbroke Grove. problem areas and spoken to > For further details email dog walkers and owners about Rain does not wash the problem away [email protected] responsible ownership. or call 020 7341 5770. > Use special ‘dog toilet areas’ Anyone who fails to clean up and in parks if they are provided P www.rbkc.gov.uk/ bin their dog’s waste could be greenerliving prosecuted and taken to court. > Respect dog-free areas. RECYCLING REMINDER With National Recycling Week > Tins and cans (rinsed please) or call Traid on 020 8733 2580 running from 18 to 24 June, the > Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and (option one) for a free collection. Council is encouraging residents trays Be safer and businesses to be ‘recycling > Food and drink cartons (rinsed Make sure you remove bottle saints’ by washing, squashing and and flattened). 5 lids and tops then put them in taking lids off before disposing of the rubbish. with training items such as plastic and glass They are also asked to avoid bottles, jars, tins and cans in their these recycling sins: If in doubt leave it out. Check The Council offers training in health and safety, food safety, orange bags and mixed recycling 6 items against the list above, basic infection control, fire safety awareness, and for banks. Don’t put recyclable material in and if you are not sure about personal licence holders who want to sell alcohol. You can 1 black bin bags. something, play it safe and put undertake training in person or by guided learning. Recycling saves energy, resources it in the rubbish. and protects the environment. Never put food waste in your Recycling saints are being recycling and rinse out jars. Community groups, businesses, employees in health and 2 For further information about encouraged to recycle: social care or education, voluntary organisations, recycling and waste Don’t include non-recyclable and individuals are welcome to attend. > collections call Streetline on Paper (not shredded paper), plastics such as cling film, plastic Training takes place across London. 3 020 7361 3001 or visit newspapers, magazines, junk sheeting, other food wrappings www.rbkc.gov.uk/recycling mail, telephone directories and or plastic toys in your recycling. For further details and how to book: envelopes www.rbkc.gov.uk/publichealthtraining > Cardboard 020 7361 3002 Never put textiles in your recycling > Glass bottles and jars 4 bag or mixed recycling bank. (without lids) Use textile banks for clothes 14 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 London 2012 Games Countdown to the Games eight have actually decided how they To find out more about how you The Olympic Games will might need to change their travel can cheer the torch on its journey, begin on Friday 27 July and plans during this time. take a look at the Line the Streets promise to be a marvellous campaign by visiting www.london Cllr Warwick Lightfoot, Member 2012.com/get-involved/local- sporting and cultural Lead for 2012, said: “It is very leaders/line-the-streets/ spectacle. important that people who live and work in the borough are aware of Men’s and women’s the key dates and plan for some road cycle races Athletes from across the world will inevitable disruption. Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July be competing at the very highest level, watched by millions of spectators. “I urge everyone to check out the The route of the two races will Get Ahead of the Games website, include Knightsbridge, Brompton The influx of visitors to London, as well the borough’s own website. Road and Fulham Road. Some coupled with the need to ensure While it is clear that the Games will other roads in the borough, as well that the athletes, coaches, officials, be a fantastic occasion, the sheer as in other parts of west London media representatives and others scale of the event means that, for a and out to Surrey, will also be connected with the few weeks, we will all need to plan closed. organisation of the ahead to minimise disruption to Games can get to our daily lives and business.” The events are predominantly free and from the to view and will attract thousands venues in good Key dates and of spectators along the route, place on Exhibition Road (see next The A4 from Earl’s Court Road to time, means that affecting traffic and bus routes, page). Activities will include dance, Hyde Park Corner is part of this there will be real information for and there will be temporary scientific experiments, music and network and will link Heathrow to pressure on events in Kensington changes to parking, including the aerial displays. Exhibition Road will the Olympic Park and other London’s roads and Chelsea suspension of some parking bays. be closed to traffic at the following competition venues in east London. and public On Saturday 28 July, road closures times: transport Olympic torch relay in the borough will begin at 3am, General traffic will still be able to network. Thursday 26 July with roads reopening after the race > Saturday 28 July use this part of the ORN and PRN as soon as the organisers consider 9.30am to midnight and residents and businesses will The Olympic torch will be visiting it safe to do so. On Sunday 29 July, still have access to their properties. the borough on Thursday 26 July, roads will be closed from 5am and > Sunday 29 July However, to keep traffic moving on as part of its 70-day journey around will reopen as soon as possible. 9.30am to 11pm the route, TfL will make some the United Kingdom. This is the temporary changes to the way final day of its journey by road > Monday 30 July to roads in the area can be used. before it takes to the Thames to Thursday 2 August arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 5pm to 11pm Games Lanes are lanes that can Friday 27 July. only be used by accredited “It is very important > Friday 3 August vehicles at specified times. When The torch is expected to enter the 5pm to midnight the Games Lane is in use, the that people who borough across Chelsea Bridge adjacent lane will remain open to live and work in and take in parts of the south of > Saturday 4 August general traffic. In Kensington and Kensington and Chelsea including 8.30am to midnight Chelsea, Games Lanes will only be the borough are King’s Road. on off-side sections of the ORN aware of the key > Sunday 5 August and PRN along the A4 and A40. dates and plan for One highlight is expected to be the 8.30am to 11pm They will be easily identifiable by arrival of the Flame into Holland clear markings on the Lanes and some inevitable Park for a community celebration. signs along the roadside. disruption” The torch is also expected to The borough’s roads return to the borough after visiting The changes along the A4 will be Hammersmith and Fulham by For the duration of the Games in place during the Olympic and travelling along Holland Park Transport for London (TfL) will Paralympic Games and for a Kensington and Chelsea residents Avenue to Notting Hill Gate before operate a fast-track road network, couple of days before and after. will not be immune from this as the finally leaving the borough. Volleyball at Earl’s Court called the Olympic Route Network The ORN will also include the A40 borough will be hosting the Olympic Saturday 28 July to Sunday (ORN), so that athletes, officials, Westway and parts of the Earl’s volleyball competition at Earls Organisers hope as many people as 12 August media representatives and others Court one-way system, but here Court and the men’s and women’s possible will come out and line the working at the Games can get to the ORN will only be in place for Olympic road cycle races will come streets of the borough to welcome The volleyball tournament at Earls events in good time. A smaller the Olympic Games. through some of our busiest roads the Olympic torch and support their Court is expected to attract 12,000 Paralympic Route Network (PRN) on the first weekend of the Games. local torchbearers. The torch relay spectators to each session of will operate during the Paralympic Drivers of vehicles that park or stop promises to be a great spectacle competition (there are three sessions Games. illegally on the ORN or PRN will be Residents and businesses should topped off with some wonderful a day for most of the tournament). fined and their vehicles could be familiarise themselves with the key entertainment courtesy of Opera Along with the increased number of TfL is responsible for ensuring this removed to a pound. Olympic calendar dates that will Holland Park. To find out more visitors to the area, there will be network operates effectively during have a local impact and make sure about the route and celebrations changes to the entrance and exit the Games period, with the When the road cycling race takes they know where to look for up-to- of the torch in the borough, visit routes from Earl’s Court Tube and minimum of disruption for those place, some parts of the ORN will date information on how the Games www.london2012.com/olympic- closure of some local roads. who live and work in the capital. be closed and the athletes going will affect roads and public transport. torch-relay Changes to parking will include the to other venues and their support suspension of some parking bays. In the borough these changes will crews will need to use alternative Research published in March by Information about further details include banned right turns, routes. General traffic will still be Transport for London (TfL) shows that and timings of the torch’s visit to ROAD SHOW relocated bus stops and changes able to use these routes and although 84 per cent of Londoners the borough will appear on our own to loading and parking. There will residents and businesses will still are aware that travel will be affected website www.rbkc.gov.uk/london The Council’s ROAD SHOW is a also be changes to some side have access to their properties, during the Games, fewer than one in 2012 cultural and scientific event taking roads just off the ORN. but to help keep traffic moving SUMMER 2012 | RoyalBorough 15 London 2012 Games

there will be some temporary changes to the way roads in the There will also be readings from a Sue Broadway, Circus Director area can be used. The changes book of short stories, Road Stories, for the Opening Ceremony of mean that restrictions on parking specially commissioned for ROAD the Sydney Olympics. and loading will be increased SHOW and written by such luminaries and residents may need to as Michel Faber and Ali Smith. P www.exhibitionroadsho make adjustments to deliveries w.co.uk and parking. Much of the live action will take P www.facebook.com/exh place using pop-up stages in the ibitionroadshow For more detailed information form of customised trailers that will about how the borough’s roads are move in and out of Exhibition Road affected, including maps, visit ROAD SHOW, the Council’s major over the course of the afternoon and www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projec Sculptures housing cultural and scientific festival taking evening. Organisers promise that tsandschemes/22387.aspx. bees, a real meteorite place over the first nine days of each day “will surprise and delight in embedded in the ground, the Olympic Games, runs from different ways, taking the visitor on 28 July to 5 August and promises a lively journey and allowing them Tips about parking a particle accelerator, a a wealth of creativity inspired to see the iconic institutions and during the Games bicycle orchestra and a by Exhibition Road’s institutions buildings of London’s cultural pop-up ballroom hosting and galleries. heartland in a new light”. Parking suspensions, skips and materials licences everything from waltzes It will include new art commissions The length and breadth of the road to line-dancing are just from Katie Paterson, Tomas will be filled with high-energy Certain stretches of roads in the some of the spectacular Libertiny and Graeme Miller and acrobatics provided by resident borough will be kept free of highlights of ROAD live music performances from troupe The Exhibitionists, an suspensions and obstructions Patrick Wolff, Eliza Carthy, Mike international ensemble of dancers R Live music performances such as skips during the Games. If SHOW. Westbrook and others, as well as and acrobats brought together for will include Mercury Music you are moving home, having the Roving Crows. the festival under the direction of Prize nominee Eliza Carthy. some work done or trying to arrange deliveries, you may not be able to reserve space near your Bus service alterations www.getaheadofthegames.com Businesses that may be thinking of have any other questions relating home or business during the website and start planning and applying for a minor variation under to licensing during the period of the Games period, from Friday 27 July Because of the anticipated increased exploring alternative travel options. the Licensing Act 2003 to suspend Olympic Games, should contact the to 9 September. For more details demand during the Olympics and any conditions that restrict delivery/ Licensing Team on 020 7341 5152 call 020 7361 4385. Paralympics, there will be more Managing business rubbish collection times, or that or email [email protected] frequent buses on several routes in Long-term off-street parking the borough. There will also be some deliveries during the for residents temporary diversions and bus stop Games changes. For details of specific route If you are thinking about leaving changes and when they will take With the ORN and PRN passing the borough during the Games, place, visit www.getaheadofthe through the Royal Borough, the please remember that residents games.com or look out for notices cycling road race routed along with parking permits are entitled at bus stops. Knightsbridge, Brompton Road to concessionary rates in the and Fulham Road and the volleyball Council’s off-street car park in New interactive map competition being staged at Earls Hornton Street. The resident rate Court, the road network in the for long-term absence (minimum TfL has developed an online map borough is going to be under one week and a daily charge for to help people find out more about pressure during the Games from stays of more than one week) the temporary road changes that 28 July to 9 September. is £42 (minimum) and £6 per will be in place during the 2012 day beyond the first week. For Games. The interactive map Traffic restrictions during this time further information please contact enables road users to search by will have an impact on delivery the car park staff directly on date, postcode or area and see all and servicing for businesses in 020 7937 7040. planned changes to the road the borough and will almost network, including restricted turns, certainly lead to an increase in Public transport stopping restrictions and Games ‘out of hours’ activity between information Lanes. It can be found on midnight and 6am. www.getaheadofthegames.com With information on how journeys This may be a problem for those could be affected, alternative Drop-in sessions businesses where delivery times are routes and updates on what restricted by planning permission or stations to avoid and when, Public information stalls and drop- premises licence conditions, because www.getaheadofthegames.com in sessions during June and July deliveries that take place outside is the one stop shop for people will allow residents to ask questions the specified hours may be in travelling around London this summer. about transport during the Games. breach of conditions and could Details will be published on the be open to enforcement action by As well as the wide range of Council’s website. the Council. information available through both that website and www.tfl.gov.uk Station hotspots The Council will ensure a balance London’s travelling public will also between its wish to support the be able to get live travel updates Earl’s Court, South Kensington and Games and help businesses and on Twitter via the @GAOTG handle. Knightsbridge stations will be its statutory planning and licensing exceptionally busy during the duties regarding ‘out of hours’ Some stations in the borough will Games. The stations are among delivery activity. be particularly busy, including Earl’s 88 Tube, rail and DLR ‘hotspots’ Court, West Brompton, Gloucester deemed to be the most hectic this For clarification about planning Road and High Street Kensington. summer. Stations will be affected conditions contact the Planning Disruption can be minimised by on different days and at different Information Office at the Town avoiding these stations at the times, so Londoners are advised to Hall on 020 7361 3012 or email busiest times. check the stations they use on the [email protected] 16 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 Leisure time Inspiring opportunities

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, which will travel to within ten miles of 95 per cent of the UK WIN A ‘BETTER’ YEAR population on its way to the Name: ......

opening ceremony on 27 July, will # pass through Kensington and Address: ...... Chelsea on 26 July...... Postcode: ...... Residents who are inspired by the Telephone: ...... Mobile: ...... 2012 Games can take up a new Email: ...... sport, or revive an old one, by making the most of the excellent Kensington Leisure Centre, Walmer Road, London W11 4PQ facilities at Kensington Leisure Telephone: 020 7727 9747 Email: [email protected] centre and Chelsea Sports Centre. Chelsea Sports Centre, Chelsea Manor Street, London, SW3 5PL Telephone: 020 7352 6985 Email: chelsea.enquiries gll.co.uk Competition time @ The two centres provide facilities Terms and Conditions Jubilee weekend is not just a time From what material is the for all sorts of activities including Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions. Offer excludes use of any to recognise the Queen’s 60- milestone from which the hotel swimming, exercise classes, martial other facilities. Participants must abide by terms and conditions of GLL, which can be year reign but a chance to reflect takes its name made? viewed at reception. Offer is non-transferable. No cash alternative. Photocopied tokens arts, basketball, outdoor five-a-side not accepted. Please note activities and facilities vary at each site. The closing date for on being British – and what football and racquet sports, as well entries is 31/7/2012. better way to celebrate both Send your entry for the attention as offering a children’s play gym than by taking afternoon tea. of the editor either by email to and much more. [email protected] or by Website users can book online up year – contact Fit For Sport to find Thanks to the generosity of the post to Royal Borough, Media Changes to your to six days in advance, registration out more. (Standard day: 9.30am Milestone Hotel, Royal Borough and Communications Team, local leisure centre takes just a couple of minutes and to 4.30pm. Extended day: 8.30am to is offering readers the chance Town Hall, Hornton Street, the booking process is quick and 5.30pm. Half day: 9.30am to 1pm). to sample tea fit for royalty. London W8 7NX Working in partnership easy. Ring 0845 456 3233, email The Milestone, a five-star, Grade Make sure you include your Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) is Questions or comments enquiries@fitforsport.co.uk or II listed hotel with views over answer, name, address and a the charitable social enterprise that see www.fitforsport.co.uk Kensington Gardens, takes its contact telephone number. The manages the two leisure centres in We’d love to hear from you. You can: name from the old cast iron closing date is Monday 25 Kensington and Chelsea on behalf milestone that stands in its June 2012 at 5pm and the of The Royal Borough of > Visit www.better.org.uk/ original position beside the hotel. winner will be contacted after Kensington and Chelsea and, feedback and leave us your the draw and announced in the because of its status, invests the comments For a chance of winning a next edition. profits back in to the centres. > Speak to a member of staff at champagne afternoon tea for the centre two, just answer the following See page 2 for competition Your feedback to us > Fill in a comment card available question: terms and conditions. at reception. A number of changes are on the cards as a result of GLL’s annual To celebrate the new Better website, Hosted by St Helen’s Church, the about the event please email user survey, which highlighted some here is a chance to win a better Notting Barns and St Charles ward [email protected] confusion amongst customers. As year. Just enter our free prize draw Councillors and the shopkeepers a result we will be introducing a for the chance to win an annual Summer swimming courses and residents of the St Helen’s Early warning: Kensington Leisure single customer brand that will membership to the two leisure area, the festival is aiming to build Centre will be closed from 1pm on badge all products, memberships centres in your borough. London Swim School is a on the success of the first event 26 August and all day 27 August and services, and a new easy-to- comprehensive swimming last year. because of the Notting Hill Carnival. use website. What’s on this summer development programme that not for youngsters? only teaches people how to swim This year’s Diamond Jubilee event but also develops skills and water promises to be bigger and better Healthy Lifestyle Activity safety. and will include a dog show, Camps for Children at photographic cat show, horse Kensington London Swim School caters for all rides, fun races, face painting and ages and abilities and anyone a children’s fancy dress competition. The Fit For Sport Healthy Lifestyle interested can join via the website Kids’ Camp is a fantastic way to (www.sportscourses.org) or by There will be visits from the Safer keep children active and entertained. getting in touch with their local Neighbourhood Police team and They take part in a wide range of centre at Kensington or Chelsea. the North Kensington Fire Brigade activities and enjoy trying different as well as stalls showcasing sports, games, keep-fit activities There are also intensive courses Kensington Leisure Centre and Fit The new brand will be Better, which and arts and crafts as well as during school holidays. For For Sport. reflects the company’s aim of learning about a healthy lifestyle. information on summer courses making our customers’ day-to-day email [email protected] or New events for this year will lives that little bit better, whether The courses are suitable for [email protected] include an auction of that is by giving people a chance children between three and 12 and promises conducted to exercise and wind down, take place during half term (4 to 8 Children under five benefit from free by a local celebrity, a somewhere to socialise or a new June), the summer holidays (23 swimming in both the borough’s Jubilee cake competition interest to pursue. July to 31 August) and half term centres. and prizes for children (29 October to 2 November). who take part in the best crown The new website can be found at St Helen’s Jubilee Festival competition. www.better.org.uk and should be Cost (if applicable) Standard day: easier to use. Customers who have £25 per day or £110 per week; Kensington Leisure Centre will be Visitors to the Kensington Leisure previously used the site to book Extended Day: £32 per day or £140 taking part in the fun at St Helen’s Centre stall on the day can pick up classes, courses or courts will find per week. There is a wide range of Jubilee Festival on 9 June – and a free day guest pass to visit the that their login details are the same. discounts available throughout the giving out free day passes. centre in June 2012. For enquiries SUMMER 2012 | RoyalBorough 17 Healthy living

The feelgood factor Frankie Lynch, Borough Director at A new health and well-being NHS Kensington and Chelsea, said: centre has opened in the “The new centre has been a big heart of Kensington and success and the feedback we are receiving is that patients like the Chelsea, offering GP, dental, wide range of services offered under sexual health and community one roof and the whole community well-being services to atmosphere that has been created.” patients and the public. The Earl’s Court centre also offers a number of non-medical services Conveniently located opposite to support local community Earl’s Court Tube, the modern development such as community centre offers a range of NHS rooms and Earl’s Court Community services and comes with a Connect, which rewards people commitment from the NHS that it who help others in their community will go beyond simply treating by giving them back a similar medical conditions in order to amount of time. It works by offering address physical, mental and those who volunteer an hour of social well-being. their time an hour of ‘time credit’ that they can ‘spend’ on getting R Cllr Nick Paget-Brown helps with planting. The centre provides a full range help from somebody else. of clinical services including COMMUNITY preventative healthcare, childhood The Health and Wellbeing Centre is immunisations, vaccinations, family funded by the NHS and operated planning and sexual health advice, by Turning Point, Greenbrook obesity management and a stop Healthcare, Terrence Higgins Trust GROWING OUR OWN smoking service. and NHS Dentist. Three new community kitchen in partnership with the Council to Since 2009 the Council has As well as registering new patients, the gardens in the Royal Borough deliver the scheme. transformed 30 derelict sites GP and dental services are providing OPENING HOURS of Kensington and Chelsea into thriving gardens, taking urgent, on-the-day appointments are giving more residents the The project is part of the Royal the number of allotments in on request. The new centre also Monday to Friday, 7.30am opportunity to grow their own Borough Environment Project, the Kensington and Chelsea from offers services such as well-being to 6.30pm (except Thursday fruit, vegetables and herbs. Housing Regeneration Programme nil to more than 300. coaching and employment advice. 8.30am to 6.30pm) and and Decent Neighbourhoods Saturday 9am to noon. The community kitchen gardens initiative, all of which are aimed at Most of the sites were provided The Wellbeing Service is described located in North Kensington at improving the environment and to the Council for free. Surveys as an innovative way of helping To find out more or to Russell Road (opposite the making social housing cleaner, have shown that 97 per cent of people manage their own health register, visit the centre, junction with Russell Gardens), greener and safer. residents say the scheme has and social wellbeing. It is delivered see www.echwc.nhs.uk or Ruth House (Kensal Road) and improved their environment, by experienced coaches who are call 020 7341 0300. Robinson House (Bramley Road) The Royal Borough’s Deputy Leader, while 71 per cent of garden registered healthcare professionals. have all been developed on what Cllr Nick Paget-Brown, said: “I am holders say it has improved used to be derelict or unused land. delighted that more than 500 their quality of life. residents can now grow their own The Russell Road garden, vegetables in these kitchen gardens. Two community gardeners, which has 40 raised beds, was Will Gould and Lisa Wilkinson, FIRST AIDS opened by the former Mayor of “Outside the City of London we are provide free gardening support Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr the smallest and most densely- and advice to all plot holders, A new scheme to provide Residents who are assessed as Julie Mills, in March. As the populated borough in the country, helped by the Council’s new simple aids to help residents being eligible for help receive a borough’s second biggest but by putting underused land to Environment Apprentice, Chris with day-to-day living has ‘prescription’ entitling them to kitchen garden, it provides good use we are now able to North, who has his own plot at been hailed a success after receive the appropriate piece of facilities for nearly 100 green- introduce people to the relaxing Russell Road. issuing more than 330 equipment free of charge from fingered residents. and healthy hobby of gardening. prescriptions and 564 items an accredited high street retailer. The gardens also promote a great since January and receiving Family Mosaic Housing sense of community and provide an positive feedback from users. The prescription can be ‘topped Association, Catalyst Housing opportunity for people to get to up’ if the user chooses to pay and L&Q Housing have worked know one another.” The scheme is aimed at extra in order to have a version people who have difficulty of the equipment that is more carrying out normal tasks like to their taste, such as a different bathing, getting dressed or model or a colour they prefer. preparing meals, and whose Stay cool – and safe Anyone who feels they could quality of life can be improved benefit from the scheme should > dramatically by a simple piece contact Social Services on If we are lucky enough to get wear a hat and clothing that of equipment. 020 7361 3013 or via email plenty of sun during the London will keep you cool and covered. 2012 Games: [email protected] Those who have benefited from to request an assessment. Be sure to drink plenty of water or the service have been helped > don’t forget your sunscreen, soft drinks during the day to keep by inexpensive items such as apply generous amounts of at you hydrated – especially if you are raised toilet seats, bath boards least SPF 15 and re-apply drinking alcohol as well. it with you at all times and keep it in to help them get in and out of regularly a secure place. the bath, walking sticks and Travelling on public transport can simple items that make life > try to stay out of the sun or in get hot and stuffy in summer, so Plan your journey on public transport easier in the kitchen. the shade between 11am and don’t forget to carry water with you. by visiting www.tfl.org.uk/journey 3pm when the risk of burning planner or www.getaheadofthe is especially high If you take regular medication, carry games.com 18 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 Events diary

KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Have your event featured here by sending the details, marked for the Royal Borough Editor, to [email protected] Events Diary Please make sure you include all the details shown in the SUMMER 2012 listings below, such as times and admission charges.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Visitors can also walk around a ROBIN HOOD: life-size representation of Scott’s MUSIC TO THE FILM Sculptures housing bees, a Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD base camp hut that still survives Thursday 12 July 2012, 7.30pm. real meteorite embedded in Telephone: 020 7942 5000 in Antarctica. the ground, a bicycle orchestra, Nearest Tube: South Kensington For one night only, Cadogan Hall a particle accelerator and a pop-up Exhibition Road www.nhm.ac.uk Tickets: Adults £9, children and will screen the 1922 Robin Hood ballroom hosting everything from waltzes concessions £5.50 (family £26). film accompanied by the Royal 28 July to 5 August to line-dancing are just some of the WILD PLANET Philharmonic Orchestra spectacular highlights of ROAD SHOW, Nearest Tube: the Council’s major cultural festival Until 30 September, 10am to performing John Scott’s score. South Kensington 5.50pm (last admission 5.15pm). VICTORIA AND ALBERT planned for the first nine days of the MUSUEM Tickets: £37.50, £30, £22, £12.50. www.exhibition Olympic Games. The wildest landscapes and roadshow.co.uk www.facebook.com/exhibitionroadshow most endangered species will Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL be showcased in a free outdoor Telephone: 020 7942 2000 ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC exhibition running throughout Nearest Tube: South Kensington Highlights include shooting on a past. Mementoes of Queen the summer of the Olympics. www.vam.ac.uk Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS 1940s-style rifle training range, a Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee of Wild Planet will feature 80 Telephone: 020 7591 4300 1940s-style assault course, rock 1897, George V’s Silver Jubilee of classic shots from Wildlife BRITISH DESIGN 1948-2012 Nearest Tube: South Kensington wall climbing and 19th century 1935 and Queen Elizabeth II’s Photographer of the Year – the Until 12 August 2012, 10am to www.rcm.ac.uk swordplay. Silver Jubilee of 1977 will be on world’s most prestigious wildlife 5.45pm (until 10pm every Friday). display alongside the newly- photography competition and MUSIC FROM THE LONDON Tickets not required. released keepsakes launched to an international leader in Celebrate the best of British post- OLYMPIC YEARS commemorate this year’s event. providing new insights into the war art and design from the 1948 Recital Hall, 20 June 2012, 6pm. natural world. ‘austerity’ games to the summer CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN Tickets: Adults £6.50, children of 2012. The exhibition highlights To celebrate the London 2012 £2.25, concessions £4. Free admission. significant moments in the history Olympics, this concert features 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS of British design and how the significant works premiered in the Telephone: 020 7352 5646 SCOTT’S LAST EXPEDITION country continues to nurture previous London Olympic years Nearest Tube: Sloane Square LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM Until 2 September, 10am to artistic talent and be a world of 1908 and 1948. The final work www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 5.50pm (last admission 5.15pm). leader in creativity and design. is the String Quartet no 5 by RCM 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ alumna Elizabeth Maconchy. PAPER STIXX AND WONDERFUL Telephone: 020 7602 3316 Explore Robert Falcon Scott’s Tickets £12 (concessions WIRE SCULPTURES Nearest Tube: High St Kensington epic Terra Nova expedition to available). Free admission but tickets required. 1 August, 10.30am to 2.30pm. www.leightonhouse.co.uk Antarctica at Scott’s Last [email protected] Expedition, which goes beyond MOZART: LE NOZZE DI FIGARO Artist, inventor and designer Darcy the well-documented journey to CADOGAN HALL 29 and 30 June and 2 July, 7pm; Turner returns with another great the South Pole and the death of 1 July, 2pm. opportunity to make wonderful the polar party to reveal powerful 5 Sloane Terrance, SW1X 9DQ sculptures to take home, discover tales of endurance and celebrate Telephone: 020 7730 5744 Mozart’s comic masterpiece, Le hidden talents and see paper and the many scientific achievements Nearest Tube: Sloane Square nozze di Figaro, performed by wire in a different way. of the expedition. www.cadoganhall.com some of the world’s best young singers in the intimate surroundings Please bring some newspapers of the RCM’s Britten Theatre. with you. For children aged six and upwards. One of Mozart’s best-known and most loved operas, Figaro has Tickets: Adults and senior citizens been delighting audiences for £9 (concessions available). LEIGHTON’S MUSICS: more than two centuries. SUMMER CONCERT 12 June, 7pm. Tickets: £10, £20, £30, £40. MUSEUM OF BRANDS, PACKAGING AND ADVERTISING Following his successful recreation of one of Leighton’s ‘Musics’ last NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM 2 Colville Mews, Lonsdale Road, summer, musician and broadcaster Notting Hill, W11 2AR Sandy Burnett returns to host Royal Hospital Road Telephone: 020 7908 0880 another concert at Leighton House. Preparations are underway for this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, Chelsea, SW3 4HT Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate The programme includes the E which takes place as usual over the Bank Holiday weekend, Telephone: 020 7730 0717 www.museumofbrands.com minor violin sonata by Mozart and Sunday 26 and Monday 27 August. Nearest Tube: Sloane Square the A major sonata by Brahms, www.national-army-museum.ac.uk JUBILEE, JUBILEE songs by Schubert, Gounod and This year Carnival welcomes back some of its most popular sound Until 31 August, Tuesday to Britten and some of Chopin’s stages including Norman Jay’s Good Times, Rampage and KCC. FIGHTING FIT Saturday, 10am to 6pm and best-loved piano music. Richard It will start at 9am and the judging point on Great Western Road will FATHER’S DAY EVENT Sundays, 11am to 5pm (closed Edgar-Wilson steps into Lord close at 6.30pm. The fun will finish by 8.30pm, when all vehicles will 16 and 17 June 2012, Mondays except Bank Holidays) Leighton’s shoes, accompanied be off the route and the music will stop. 10am to 5.30pm. Last entry 45 minutes before by violinist Kathryn Parry and closing. Juliet Edwards at the piano. To help Carnival run smoothly, the police will be checking all vehicles Explore the ways in which the entering the Carnival area from 6am on both days and only floats Army has kept itself in trim To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Tickets: £25 (includes refreshment). will be allowed on the route from 7am each day. Residents are historically, as well as the of 2012, Jubilee, Jubilee will asked to help the clean-up by not bringing their vehicles back into contribution the British Army has showcase souvenirs and Booking essential – visit the Carnival area until the morning of Tuesday 28 August. made to sports, including its commemorative products made www.leightonhouse.eventbrite. Olympic achievements. to mark the royal jubilees of the co.uk or ring 020 7471 9153. SUMMER 2012 | RoyalBorough 19 Events diary

WINNERS Congratulations to Tomoko Takemoto, who correctly answered ‘Walter Scott’ as the Julie Rutherford also deserves congratulations for knowing that 1839 was the year author of the novel on which the opera Lucia di Lammermoor is based. Tomoko won Queen Victoria became engaged to Prince Albert. Julie won a pair of tickets to a pair of tickets to Opera Holland Park’s opening night performance. Kensington Palace’s new exhibition – Victoria Revealed.

THE ARTISTS’ Enjoy woodland walks and identify help you customise it. Suitable for GOOGLE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE HOUSES WEEKEND different native trees, search for young people aged 11 to 15. Until 22 July, 10 am to 6pm daily. 23 and 24 June minibeasts in the woods and explore the wildlife pond. Free admission. Work by the ten finalists of the Tours: 11am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm global prize for students. Free to 3pm and 4pm to 5.30pm. Free admission. admission. SAATCHI GALLERY A weekend of special tours SUMMER HOLIDAY celebrating the exceptional group CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES IN Duke of York’s HQ, BRITISH RED CROSS SHOP of artists’ studio houses built HOLLAND PARK King’s Road, SW3 4SQ during the second half of the 23 July to 5 September (except Telephone: 020 7811 3070 67-71 Old Church St, SW3 5BS nineteenth-century in Melbury 27 July to 12 August) Nearest Tube: Sloane Square Telephone: 020 7376 7300 Road and Holland Park Road. www.saatchigallery.com Nearest Tube: Sloane Square A fun-filled, environmentally- www.redcross.org.uk Tours include access to some themed programme of outdoor STORYTELLING SESSIONS OUT OF FOCUS: PHOTOGRAPHY private gardens not normally and creative activities. Popular FOR THE QUEEN’S Until 22 July, 10am to 6pm. ART SALE open to the public. activities include shelter building DIAMOND JUBILEE WITH 14 June, 4pm to 8pm. in the woods, minibeast hunting, DIANA OLUTUNMOGAN Out of Focus presents 37 artists who Tickets: £20, limited availability. searching for dragonflies and 6 June, 11 to 11.30am. offer an international perspective on Focusing on paintings and sculpture, mask making. current trends in photography, this charity sale will feature work Booking essential – visit Diana Olutunmogan is a working with the medium in diverse, from many local and well-known www.leightonhouse.eventbrite. Two-hour sessions suitable for professional storyteller with more innovative and arresting ways. artists including Flora Blackett. co.uk or ring 020 7471 9153. five to ten year-olds only. Four- than a decade of experience who hour sessions suitable for eight to has written an informative and Free admission. Free admission. 12 year-olds only. £4 per two- enjoyable story about the ECOLOGY CENTRE hour session; £7.50 for four-hour Queen’s Diamond Jubilee for session for Royal Borough children aged five to 10. The free Information correct at time of print. P www.rbkc.gov.uk/events Holland Park residents. event is also taking place in North The Stable Yard, W8 6LU Kensington Library from 2 to Telephone: 020 7938 8166 Booking essential by calling 2.30pm with no need to book. Nearest Tube: Holland Park 020 7938 8186 or emailing [email protected] [email protected] CUSTOMISE A T-SHIRT www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology WORKSHOP WITH EITHNE FARRY SUMMER WILDLIFE KENSINGTON CENTRAL 7 June, 2pm to 4.30pm. AREA OPEN DAY LIBRARY 7 July, 2pm to 6pm. It you are passionate about Phillimore Walk, W8 7RX clothes and accessories and    The Wildlife Area Open Day is a Telephone: 020 7361 3010 would like to create something of great chance to explore a hidden Nearest Tube: High St Kensington your own, bring an old t-shirt to   %$  "("%,$""$ corner of the park. www.rbkc.gov.uk this workshop and let Eithne Farry ) +'#%'$$(& %*( $( $)%$ %$'$$+$)( $)'

Portobello Road will be taken over make-up artists will be present "+$*(%'.%*'&' +)%' InTRANSIT by a giant friendly dragon, an to make you look the part. %'&%')#) $($+$)(


enormous red lobster, some feisty For all InTRANSIT Festival historic suffragettes and a host of Tickets £20. '  )%$.%*'%%'()& events and booking details see other street theatre performers. Booking essential on www.rbkc.gov.uk/intransit With puppet shows by the highly www.rbkc.gov.uk/intransit renowned PuppetBarge and a THE BIG DANCE BUS large-scale interactive street ‘ICE AND LAVA’ ON AT WORLD’S END artwork by artist Edgar Mueller, this PORTOBELLO SQUARE 13 July, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. is an afternoon not to be missed. Painting in progress 9 to 13 July. As part of the InTRANSIT Download a trail of the day at Festival, World’s End Place, www.rbkc.gov.uk/intransit International street artist Chelsea, will be transformed Edgar Mueller comes to the into an amazing dance space Free admission. Royal Borough as part of the that will include the Big Dance No booking required. InTRANSIT Festival to paint a double-decker Routemaster special commission on bus with a fantastic dance A 1920s DANCE NIGHT Portobello Square. Titled Ice %$))%*'-&' $("()#%$  floor, performances, 25 July 2012, 7pm to 11pm. and Lava, the three- +$*( '!
%+
*! ,,,
'!
%+
*!+$*( workshops and lots more. dimensional artwork will The stunning venue of the 20th transform the square as never Free admission, no booking Century Theatre (291 Westbourne before seen. Once complete, required. Grove, W11 2QA) becomes the the public will be invited to location for an evening of 1920s interact with the illusionistic THE PORTOBELLO ROAD music and dance with singer scene by stepping into it. ARTS TRAIL Patricia Hammond and the band 14 July, 1pm to 4pm Ragtime Parlour. Vintage hair and Free admission. 20 RoyalBorough | SUMMER 2012 News

Illustration by Joshua Knowles

Pageant prize

R Before and after: The Elm Park Gardens project. On Sunday 3 June more than Send your entry for the attention 1,000 boats took to the Thames of The Editor by email to SOCIAL HOUSING as part of a Diamond Jubilee [email protected] or by Pageant to celebrate Her Majesty post to Royal Borough, Media and The Queen’s reign as Monarch. Communications Team, Town Hall, SUCCESS SPREADS Hornton Street, London W8 7NX. To recognise this historic event, Make sure you include your answer, The Council has agreed that Cabinet members were so Royal Borough has two goody bags name, address and a contact THAMES cash raised by the sale of 23 new impressed with the success of of official merchandise to give away. telephone number. flats created from dilapidated the development that they agreed TRIBUTE basements at Elm Park a further £700,000 should be For a chance of winning just The competition closing date is Gardens should be used to fund spent developing similar ‘hidden answer the following question: Monday 25 June 2012 (at 5pm). No fewer than 72 kayaks from the improvement works to social homes’ at Holmefield House, The winner will be contacted after Royal Borough paid their own housing in North Kensington. Greaves Tower and elsewhere. For how many years has Queen the draw and announced in the tribute to Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth been Monarch? next edition. when they launched from Cremorne The major beneficiary of the “We have created 36 brand new Gardens to take part in the Cabinet decision will be Grenfell homes out of dead space and See page 2 for full terms and conditions. Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant. Tower on the Lancaster West the proceeds from that will Estate, which is set to receive now fund badly-needed work Young people, parents, service £6 million worth of investment. elsewhere,” said Cabinet Member users, volunteers and staff from for Housing and Property Cllr Cremorne Riverside were among Tenants can look forward to Tim Coleridge. the 1,000 boats taking part in this new double glazing to reduce historic event to celebrate 60 years noise and help them stay “The Elm Park Gardens project of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. warmer more cheaply, as really has been something of a well as individual new boilers triumph; the challenge now is to As part of the man-powered fleet, to reduce the demand on the see if we can repeat the hidden the kayaks led the Royal Barge communal heating system. homes formula elsewhere.” along the Thames through the city, joined by craft from all over the Grenfell Tower itself is to have The basement developments at Commonwealth along with new external cladding to protect Elm Park Gardens, in the heart commercial, historic and maritime it against the rain and improve of Chelsea, have provided 36 vessels from home waters. its thermal efficiency. The cladding high quality new homes, 23 for will also dramatically improve sale and 13 for affordable rent. the appearance of the Tower in a way that complements the new Elm Park Gardens was bought Find a venue Academy and leisure centre being by Chelsea Borough Council in A website that helps people planned on the adjacent site. 1949, by which time the book publicly-available basements were already Post Office and Royal Mail Services space for events, sports, At the same time, in the spirit of vacant. Over time they came Public Meeting exhibitions, performances, the Elm Park Gardens project, to house communal heating meetings and conferences space that is currently unused systems, ducting, electricity 6.30pm to 8pm, Tuesday 19 June 2012 is signing up venues. on the lower floors of Grenfell units and more, as well as Small Hall, Kensington Town Hall, will be converted into between being used in some cases for Hire Space will launch at the four and six new affordable homes. storage by tenants. Hornton Street, London W8 7NX end of the summer and is already working with venues The Council invites you to come and have your say on how including the Harrow Club postal services in Kensington and Chelsea can be improved and maintained. and St Charles Catholic Bank on our help Sixth Form College.   

 
 
 
 
 



    
 
Affordable financial services for local people in Kensington and Chelsea – asked to provide details of their current plans and to answer Will Swannell, formerly a whatever their circumstances – is set to become a reality after the questions from residents. teacher at nearby Paddington Academy, and Edward Poland Financial Services Authority approved the setting up of a borough This public meeting has been arranged by the Council to credit union. noticed that space in              
               venues such as schools and

Called Your Credit Union, it will take advantage of new regulations that 
  
 
   
  
   community centres was often mean credit unions can have a broader membership. It will offer residents underused and set up Hire of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea the chance to invest Anne Wright Space to tackle that problem. money for social good locally and provide affordable financial services for 
020 7361 2254   
[email protected] those who may not be able to access mainstream banking. Email [email protected] or telephone 07786 013995. See www.yourcu.co.uk or phone 020 8354 5663. www.thediamondjubilee.org Diamond Jubilee edition

She then turned down what is now After the Queen had replied, the Kensington Church Street and into the Vestry Clerk’s daughter Beatrice “Our hearts are thine” open space in front of the still newish Leete presented a bouquet and St Mary Abbots church towards several ladies and gentlemen were Queen Elizabeth’s is not the first chairmen, was formed; its terms of In the afternoon, 4,000 Sunday which she had contributed £200. The presented. The elderly Queen then Diamond Jubilee to be celebrated reference were to compose a “loyal school children attended a grand church bells pealed, the Middlesex resumed her place under her parasol in Kensington and Chelsea. and dutiful address to Her Majesty” fête in Kensington Gardens. Rifle Volunteers stood guard and the and drove away to deafening cheers, Royal Borough describes how and to consider “arrangements for Princess Louise and her children huge crowd cheered as the royal bells and military bands. Kensington’s eminent Victorians its presentation”. popped over from Kensington carriage drew up in front of the dais made their cheers heard above Palace to present each Sunday on which Kensington’s sweltering Her carriage travelled at walking the empire-wide celebrations for Amongst these ‘arrangements’ was school with a framed portrait of the dignitaries waited to be presented. pace to enable nearly 7,000 local Queen Victoria. a proposal from AJR Trendell of Queen by Bassona and watched children gathered behind the railings Ladbroke Square. Mr Trendell as the children, led by the band of Amongst them were Victoria’s of Kensington Gardens to get a Kensington is just one of hundreds, suggested that it would be a the Coldstream Guards, marched daughter Princess Louise, the good view. They cheered as she maybe even thousands of places “graceful and popular thing” if the past singing Onward Christian Marquis of Lorne, Lord and Lady travelled past the Albert Memorial transformed in the Victorian era, statue of Her Majesty in Kensington Soldiers and Queen of the Sixty Ilchester from Holland House, the and into the park at Queensgate, but it is also a member of a much Gardens, which had been the Years. In a nearby marquee 500 vicar, the Reverend Canon Somerset where a detachment of the local more exclusive group that can claim parish’s commemorative gift at the grown-ups were served free beer Pennefather, West London’s MPs Church Lads’ Brigade saluted her. close ties with the inaccessible, even golden jubilee, were to be suitably supplied by the Britannia Brewery. and the senior members of the Vestry. reclusive figure who lent her name decorated with flowers. The Vestry Amongst the children was a group to that era. was impressed by this thought and But the highlight of the day was, of The chairman of the Vestry, Mr T W from Nazareth House orphanage. ordered it “acted upon”, provided course, the Queen’s visit. Queen Wheeler, QC, read the address to One of them was moved to write: Queen Victoria was born in “of course”, that the expense “be Victoria arrived at Paddington Station which the special committee had “We cannot go to bed tonight Kensington Palace in 1819 and defrayed from private sources”. The from Windsor at about 12.45pm clearly given their all and which the without writing a thank you for all lived there until she was Vestry also did its best to encourage and proceeded by carriage to parish magazine of the day was the great trouble and care you summoned to the throne in 1837, “decorating and illuminating on the Notting Hill Gate, along the way undoubtedly correct in describing took to make us happy today… just a few weeks after her 18th main thoroughfares of the parish”. passing under a triumphal arch as “slightly more original than is This day will be remembered by us birthday. As well as being her inscribed “Our hearts are thine”. usually the case”. all our lives…” birthplace, Kensington was where The day of the Queen’s visit – 28 her beloved husband Bertie had June 1897 – was hot and sunny. perhaps his greatest triumph. The More than 5,000 attended first Great Exhibition of 1851, which the matins at St Mary Abbots, and at ADDRESS Prince Regent did so much to the 11 o’clock service the church’s bring about, not only made organist and choir gave a powerful TO THE QUEEN’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY Kensington one of ‘the’ places to performance of the coronation live, it provided the money for anthem Zadok the Priest. But even m some of the great museums and so, it was the bells of St Mary institutions of South Kensington. Abbots which seem to have made May it please your Majesty the deepest impression, at least on We, the Chairman, Vicar, Churchwardens, Members of the Vestry, and inhabitants of the With these important connections, one local poet who wrote: borough of Kensington, approach your Majesty with this, the expression of our unfaltering perhaps it was only natural that the allegiance to your Throne and person. Vestry – the predecessor of the “we hailed the hour when Royal Borough of Kensington – We are deeply sensible of the gracious kindness which has prompted your Majesty once more should wish to make a special in thy youthful prime to visit the place of your birth and childhood. This too at a time when above and beyond the effort to celebrate the Diamond “cares that yoke with Empire,” and the heavy and anxious duties of your exalted place and Jubilee, and to that end, a rang out the joy bells of station, the claims of all your loyal subjects upon your Majesty’s time are many and are great. committee was formed in February St. Mary’s chime Sixty years ago your Majesty was called from your home amongst us to ascend the Throne of 1897 to put forward suggestions. At thy reign’s birth. your ever increasing dominions, whose citizens from every quarter of the world now throng our Imperial City to tender to your Majesty their homage and their affection. On 19 May it reported back to the And still, though sixty Vestry. One of its suggestions was However glorious your Majesty’s reign has been, however great your Empire may have grown, that Her Majesty should be humbly rapid years have passed, we rejoice to think that both at home and abroad the happiness and welfare of your people petitioned to visit her old home They echo on the has been widened and deepened. In their joys your Majesty has ever taken part. In their during the Jubilee celebrations. On sorrows, not ignorant of grief yourself, you have ever shared. hearing that this petition had been Summer’s cheery blast granted, another committee, this Thus it is, and why it is, that your Majesty now witnesses a sight, nobler and grander no time composed of the Vestry With equal mirth”. human eye has ever seen, the great home-coming of the English Nation. We humbly pray that the Almighty Ruler of the Universe may bless your Majesty in the years that may be yet to come with every happiness that life and time can give, and with this not least or last the last the love of an united, a great and an understanding people. The Common Seal of the Vestry of the Parish of St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, was here-unto affixed this twenty-eighth day of June, 1897.

T.W. Wheeler, Chairman W.M. Chambers Leete, Vestry Clerk

HER MAJESTY’S REPLY I thank you for your loyal and kind address. It gives Me great pleasure to receive this assurance of devotion and goodwill from the inhabitants of Kensington, and I gladly renew My association with a place which, as the scene of My birth and My summons to the Throne has ever had, and will ever have with Me solemn and tender recollections. www.thediamondjubilee.org