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Hammersmith & Fulham Council and TfL on their plans for the future of the Hammersmith Bridge could bridge and are committed to making sure that residents on our side are informed and importantly engaged, in Photograph © Alex Muller Alex © Photograph be closed for three years any opportunity to help shape its future.” The bridge belongs to Hammersmith By LDRS Reporter & Fulham Council, who in 2015 agreed Callum Rutter with TfL to restore the Grade II listed structure to its Victorian splendour. Mr Cowan wanted to reassure the many people who used the bridge that it will be reopened to vehicles “as quickly as possible”. He said: “People on both sides of the river want to see our beautiful Victorian bridge fully restored and operational for generations to come. That is exactly what is going to happen. “But the works are complex as this Nineteenth Century suspension bridge is unique. It’s made of cast iron which is brittle and uses wooden panelling. “It was designed for nothing much heavier than horse-drawn carts and carriages but until recently was being ammersmith Bridge could stay but Richmond Council (the borough Hammersmith Bridge has needed used by 20,000 vehicles and 1,800 buses closed to vehicles for three on the bridge’s south side) warned in a significant restoration work for decades. a day. years, as experts work to make it statement that the repairs could take up And, in an ideal world, Hammersmith “We’re pushing to make sure safe to drive on again. to three years. Council would have had a lot more time H Hammersmith Bridge will be re-opened The bridge was closed “indefinitely” Leader of Richmond Council to plan and work with the community as quickly as possible. And when it is, in April after a weekly check revealed Councillor Gareth Roberts was taken on on a scheduled closure. people will know that it’s benefited damage that has been known about for a tour of the bridge on Friday, May 31, “However, the damage was a lot from the most thorough refurbishment years was much worse than authorities by his counterpart at Hammersmith and more severe than they once thought. The programme in its history, which will thought. Fulham Council, Councillor Stephan number one most important thing is that keep it safe for decades.” A team of 18 engineers is currently Cowan. the bridge must be safe to all who use it. assessing the work that needs to be done, He said: “We know that “We will continue working with

the scheme their backing, with 714 board, affecting low-income households that the council was “determined that saying they would make a contribution too. everyone has the opportunity to make Hundreds of K to the scheme. The voluntary scheme would target a success of their lives, no matter their The council plans to introduce the council tax Band H residents, whose background.” and C residents scheme this year. properties were valued at more than The fatal fire at Grenfell Tower Although A listers’ mansions can £320,000 in in 1991. They face a council two years ago highlighted the stark pay voluntary fetch upward of £30 million, owners tax bill of £2,381.10 this year. discrepancies between some of the only have to pay the same council tax According to a report going before country’s most affluent and exclusive extra council tax as neighbouring homes valued in the the council’s leadership team of senior areas and pockets of deprivation By LDRS Reporter hundreds of thousands because of the politicians on June 5, 937 people said elsewhere in the borough. Julia Gregory council tax rules. they backed the aim of supporting The Conservative politician who Current rules mean local authorities opportunities to help residents in took the top political post after Grenfell are unable to raise the council tax for Kensington and Chelsea find work. said it meant getting pupils “from all Hundreds of people living in homes the most expensive homes rated Band Council leader Elizabeth Campbell walks of life” a leg up to win university worth millions in west London said H without raising the rates across the wrote to Band H residents, stating places, apprenticeships, “skills and routes they would give extra money on top of into employment or their £2381 council tax bill to support entrepreneurship”. projects to help their neighbours get into “It means investing work. in the right provision Kensington and Chelsea Council for pupils with special wrote to people living in 15,500 luxury educational needs and

Photograph © Pixabay Photograph homes, including the exclusive addresses disabilities, so they too of pop stars Robbie Williams and Jimmy can achieve their full Page and power couple David and potential,” she added. Victoria Beckham. The leadership team Dubbed the “mansion tax”, the agreed in February to voluntary contribution could help boost ask its Band H residents council funds to support community what they thought about projects. paying more. The council asked the 22,750 people Westminster Council paying the top council tax rate if they raised £600,000 from its would be willig to dig a bit deeper and voluntary contributions make a voluntary contribution to support scheme it launched community projects, including a freepost last year, which it put option to respond. towards schemes for Just 1,172 of its famously well heeled the homeless and young residents replied and 785 of them gave people. 4 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk News

utilised even more". renewed sense of place.” There is also a Roads that would have new speed plan for a number of new homes around Public limits include: the station, including along the station side of Pelham Street. This will return Photograph © TfL consultation on Albert Embankment the historic row of buildings that existed Lambeth Palace Road there before. The buildings here will also London 20mph Lambeth Bridge provide retail opportunities, potentially Millbank for independent outlets and a focus on speed limit Victoria Embankment health and well-being. Upper Thames Street “We are excited to be working fl have launched a pubic Lower Thames Street with Native Land on these important consultation on imposing a Tower Hil l proposals which will transform the area speed limit of 20mph on all Aldgate gyratory including: Leman around South Kensington Tube station,” central London roads that fall under Street, Prescot Street, Mansell Street, station and its surrounding area’s historic Graeme Craig, Director of Commercial T Minories and Goodman's Yard streets, while also bringing a number of Development at Transport for London the organisation’s remit. The proposed scheme would see over 5.5 miles (8.9 Borough High Street improvements for those who live, work, said. “Our aim has been to create a km) of roads including Millbank, Albert Great Dover Street and visit the area. proposal that honours the heritage of the Embankment, and Borough High Street Blackfriars Road One part of the proposal will be station and reflects the historic legacy subjected to the new speed limit by May Part of Druid Street (between Tower a new ‘Bullnose’ 5-storey building and architecture of the area as well as 2020. Bridge Road and Crucifix Lane) so called for its unique shape. It will its unique setting as a gateway to some TfL have claimed that reducing Crucifix Lane provide workspace, restaurants, and of the most important and treasured traffic to this lower speed was "vital to Part of Bermondsey Street (between shops, hoping to give the area “a cultural institutions in the world.” protect people walking, cycling and Crucifix Lane and Tooley Street) riding motorcycles". The plan is not Part of Queen Elizabeth Street without critics however, with dissenting (between Tooley Street and Tower voices claiming that the reduction Bridge Road) in speed would make little practical difference. The public consultation about the The plan is part of the mayor of plan will run until 10 July and you can London’s Vision Zero scheme, which make your opinion heard at https:// aims to eliminate all road deaths in the consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/20/ or by capital by 2041. calling 0343 222 1155. The affected roads include all those managed by TfL within the congestion zone, along with the Aldgate Gyratory. The plan also includes measures to New vision to increase the height of pedestrian crossings in seven high-risk locations, revitalise South such as on the Embankment and outside the Tate Britain. Kensington Tube Transport bosses have said they also hope to introduce lower speed limits on station 93 miles (150km) of streets run by TfL across London over the next five years. Joshua Harris, director of campaigns TfL has unveiled plans to restore and at road safety charity Brake, said 20mph improve South Kensington Tube station limits "give drivers more time to stop to and the surrounding area which it says avoid a crash and also make our streets respects its heritage. The proposals more welcoming places to be". include developing as many as 40 However, Steve McNamara, from additional homes, a new range of shops, the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, has restaurants and workspaces, as well as said the limit will make little difference, step-free station access to the ticket hall, claiming "those roads are all at a virtual and District and Circle line platforms standstill" from a new entrance on Thurloe Street. The chair of the London Assembly Native Land is the firm chosen to Transport Committee, Florence Eshalomi partner with TfL for the redevelopment though claimed the mayor should be and Stirling Prize-winning architect "more ambitious" by looking at areas Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, designed "outside of the congestion charge zone the proposals, aiming to sensitively where walking and cycling could be repair and enhance the Grade-II listed

LONDON MEN’S HOME FOOTBALL TRAFFIC WATCH July 27, QPR v Watford, 15:00 LONDON HOME FOOTBALL July 28, Arsenal v Lyon, 15:15 July 30, Tottenham Hotspurs v Real Madrid, 17:00

LONDON WOMEN’S HOME FOOTBALL July 28, Arsenal v Bayern Munich, 12:30 Compiled and Edited by Fahad Redha See page 59 for full sports fixtures. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 5 News online: www.KCWToday.co.uk Photograph © Maaria Lohiya © Maaria Photograph

equipment” But buskers have hit back, and a Trade unions change.org petition calling for the PSPOs to be stopped has gained 1,250 weigh in as signatures. Michael Day of the theatre industry ‘busker ban’ row trade union, Equity, with about 44,000 UK members, said PSPOs should not deepens stop people “trying to make a living” from street performing. “We think PSPOs are appropriate against anti-social behaviour like rade unions have weighed in on drinking, drug taking and prostitution,” plans to regulate busking in areas Mr Day said. “We have consistently such as Kensington’s museum responded when councils have proposed district,T and Portobello Road market. PSPOs or licensing rules for busking. The council said it received “1,136 We will be responding on behalf of complaints of anti-social busking” from members in the area.” residents and businesses in 2018, with A spokesperson for the Musicians’ many bemoaning performers repeating Union, which claims 30,000 members, the same songs and occupying the same said: “Buskers have entertained the locations. public on Portobello Road, in the One respondent criticised a harpist, South Kensington museum district often found in the tunnels leading to for many years. These are considered South Kensington station beneath iconic locations for street performers. Exhibition Road, who “incessantly” The Musicians’ Union is concerned by plays the song, My Heart Will Go On, the punitive measures that [the council] from the Titanic movie soundtrack. wants to introduce to curb this vital The council said it must “strike a stream of revenue for musicians.” balance” between the needs of residents The council’s lead member for the and performers. When it ran a survey of environment, Councillor Cem Kemahli 413 residents last year, almost 70% were said: “If we are to maintain our proud in favour of developing public space tradition of being a global powerhouse of protection orders (PSPOs). These would music, more needs to be done to support allow rules from a new busking “code and regulate our busking community. of conduct” to be enforced in tourist “We need to strike a balance between hotspots, using fines. what works for both residents and street Among the proposed rules for the performers. Our goal is to ensure that code of conduct are: street entertainment doesn’t reduce the • Performers “shall ensure a full and quality of life for residents. varied repertoire” “Our proposals to regulate busking • A performance in any one location were created after a full consultation must be for no more than 45 minutes with local people, businesses and 0800 008 6814 • Buskers and street entertainers shall representatives from the busking not perform in the same location twice community. We will continue the in any one day conversation around the current www.homebuyersofbritain.co.uk • No use of “amplifiers, loud proposals and test how they will work speakers, megaphones or any similar in practice.”

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using this data by TfL. It worked closely with the help of the information Lambeth Council TfL uses wi-fi commissioner’s office to ensure privacy and transparency concerns were being pays out nearly data collection considered and addressed. It will help to £15 million to improve travel improve the information given to anyone to victims of Shirley Oaks on the London Underground. Hinton © Christopher Photograph It will look to harness existing Wi-Fi By LDRS Reporter Birdie information connections from over 260 stations in Witton order to better understand how people navigate through the network. This will help to give ‘harms way’ payments processed. As ambeth Council has paid out targeted information well as this, 68 victims have been paid nearly £15 million to victims to customers as £915,680. of abuse at its former children’s they travel around Harm’s Way Payments have taken an homes. London and L average of 43 working days, predictions The Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress help them plan place the final value of claims could cost Scheme is compensating survivors of journeys better to the council between £30m and £250m. Shirley Oaks, which were open from avoid congestion Former Lambeth Council leader Lib the 1930s until the 1980s and 1990s. and delays. The

Peck and council leader Jack Hopkins © Markus Spiske Photograph A report by the Shirley Oaks Survivors entire system was have both apologised to the victims on Association (SOSA) in 2016 exposed developed in- behalf of the council. paedophilic and racial abuse taking place house by TfL and Cllr Hopkins said:”We know that in the Shirley Oaks children homes on will automatically may former children’s homes residents an “industrial scale” and claimed at least depersonalise data will never be able to forgive the council 60 abusers were active from the 1950s to Depersonalised Wi-Fi data collection with no browsing or but we hope that this redress scheme the closure of the homes in 1983. to give customers better, more accurate historical data collected from any device. gives some comfort and redress. The scheme, which is managed by information about their Tube journeys “The benefits this new depersonalised “We’re determined to do all that we Lambeth Council, provides individual From the 8th of July TfL will use dataset could unlock across our network, can to deliver swift and compassionate redress of up to £125,000. It also ‘depersonalised Wi-Fi data collection from providing customers with better redress to those that have waited so long includes a ‘harm’s way’ payment which technology to give customers better alerts about overcrowding to helping to even have acknowledgement of the sees anyone who lived in the network and more accurate information about station staff have a better understanding suffering they have experienced,” he of homes receiving a payment of up to their tube journeys. A pilot scheme in of the network in near-real time, are said. £10,000. 2016 demonstrated how the technology enormous,” Lauren Sager Weinstein, The spokesman for the Shirley The council made a deal with the could be used to reduce crowding and Chief Data Officer at Transport for Oaks Survivors Association, Raymond government to borrow £100m for the prioritise transport investment. The London said. “By better understanding Stevenson, has said there were hundreds scheme, which has meant that council “secure, privacy-protected” will include overall patterns and flows, we can of victims. tax will not have to be raised. alerts about delays and congestion provide better information to our Lambeth has paid out £14.7m to within stations. customers and help us plan and operate The Scheme will be open to applications victims in the year ending April. As of Customers are reassured that their our transport network more effectively January 1, 2020 and opened on January January this year, 1,002 applications individual data will never be shared and for all. were made to the scheme, with 851 2, 2018. they will not be personally identified

Whilst increasingly London’s retail landscape Fraser Ellis 100 Years has changed from family run businesses to more & : impersonal corporately owned stores; Fraser & Ellis, a family run plumber’s merchant recently Photograph © Fraser & Ellis © Fraser Photograph bucked the trend by celebrating their 100th birthday.

he South London-based company was formed in 1919 by two squaddies, who having survived the terrors of the First World War,T used their £50 earnings from the war to found Fraser & Ellis Ltd in premises in Warwick Street. The company grew quickly, jumping from Portsea Mews to Old Church Street in Chelsea. During the Second World War the company set up an engineering shop called Essential Works within Fraser & Ellis’ warehouse in order to make bomb parts for the war effort. However disaster soon struck, after the frontage of the shop was blown off by a parachute mine, Fraser & Ellis took the ill-fated decision to move the vast majority of their stock to the countryside for safety. Stored on a farm, nearly all of it was destroyed by a direct hit by the Luftwaffe. The company recovered from the losses and went on to prosper Old Church Street was becoming increasingly difficult. Traffic and parking restrictions were strangling the business and parts of the property were in urgent need of repair, including bomb damage from the war. By this point Fraser & Ellis had become renowned as having the most comprehensive stock of any plumbers’ merchant in London. After a stopover in Gwynne Road the company made a final move to their current premises of Broughton Street. It’s rare enough to find an independent company that has been open for 10 years, let alone 100, Fraser & Ellis are due many congratulations. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 7 Advertisement online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

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He commissioned John Callcott Horsley to do the artwork Blue Plaque: The pseudonym, Felix Summerly, was used by Sir Henry Cole to produce items Sir Henry Cole for production which he had designed himself. The Minton teapot was popular and he wrote children's books and a guide to Westminster Abbey.

Photograph © David Hawgood © David Photograph Sir Henry Cole campaigned to gain support from the Government to improve industrial design. Prince Albert backed him and the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce was English Heritage honoured Sir Henry created. Now known as the RSA. Cole with a Blue Plaque at 33 Thurloe Sir Henry Cole organised Square. South Kensington. It was Exhibitions and Queen Victoria backed erected in 1991. the idea of The Great Exhibition in 1851. He was a civil servant and an Prince Albert was President and the enthusiastic campaigner for education venue was the Crystal Palace in Hyde in the Arts and Sciences and, having Park. It was the first international a great interest in industrial design, he Exhibition and a resounding triumph, brought Art and Industry together. Sir featuring art applied to industry.

STATUES Henry Cole was an active supporter Sir Henry Cole had the opportunity of postal reform and is famous for to channel some of the profits into introducing the first commercial supporting Arts and Education. He Christmas card. He is also much helped develop the V & A, which was remembered for his role organising the then the Museum of Ornamental Art Great Exhibition of 1851. in Marlborough House. He supervised Bath, in Somerset, was his birth its move to South Kensington and place and his parents were Henry Robert became the first Director. A wing in the in Henry VIII that she discovered a Cole, a Captain in the 1st Dragoon Museum bears his name. part almost as well suited to her acting Guards, and Laetitia Dormer. He was Sir Henry Cole was an iconic figure Sarah Siddons powers as that of Lady Macbeth. Her educated at Christ's Hospital, which in South Kensington, being known as Leon-Joseph Chavailliaud own life was littered with tragedy, he left aged fifteen years to become 'King Cole'; he transformed that area with five of her seven children dying a clerk to Francis Palgrave and later into a hub of Science and Art. Paddington Green in infancy. Mrs Siddons lived for a worked as a sub commissioner in the He had married Marian Bond in time at Westbourne Green, which is why she was buried in St Mary’s Records Commission. This did not fully 1833 and they had eight children. Churchyard, right next to Paddington occupy his mind and he found time to Sir Henry Cole died in 1882 in Green, where the Grade II-listed study watercolour painting under David Philbeach Gardens. Kensington and is ir Henry Irving, who unveiled the statue, initially paid for by public Cox, eventually exhibiting at the Royal buried in Brompton Oratory. statue in 1897, noted that, apart subscription, was erected. Apart from Academy. Marian Maitland from being the first non-royal her tragic roles, she is also remembered The Records Commission ceased woman to be immortalised with a for her fainting at the sight of the to function in 1837 due to statue in London, she was the first Elgin Marbles in London. internal problems. A new Sof an actor, apart from William Leon-Joseph Chavailliaud. was Records Commission was Shakespeare, to grace the streets of a French sculptor who was born in constituted in 1838 under the Rheims in 1858, but who came to the capital. It was not until 1906 Public Record Act. Sir Henry that Irving got his own statue, a year England in the 1890s and stayed for after his death, which is outside the 15 years, producing eight statues of Cole became one of the four National Portrait Gallery in Charing famous naturalists and explorers, Assistant Keepers. Cross Road. Sadly, Mrs Siddons was in both marble and bronze, which He, with the permission in a skirmish with some vandals, who stand outside the Palm House of his employers became broke her nose, stole her dagger and in Sefton Park in Liverpool. The Secretary of a committee bashed up her tragic mask at her feet. marble statues are of Carl Linnaeus, promoting postal reform. The statue is currently being repaired the Swedish taxonomist, Charles His work was energetic and and restored by a worthy body, The Darwin, John Parkinson, the botanist, noticeable and he was able to Heritage of London Trust, who help and André le Nôtre, the landscape effect the introduction of a to preserve buildings and monuments gardener, who designed the park of new postal system, winning a the Palace of Versailles. The bronze in the city. It is said by some critics premium from the Treasury that her pose, as the great tragedienne statues are of Henry the Navigator, Lady Macbeth, was inspired by the Gerardus Mercator, the cartographer, for stamp design;This was the portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Christopher Columbus and Captain first pre-paid postal system. Sarah Siddons as The Tragic Muse, James Cook. Back in France he He was assistant to Rowland Melpoméne, but, other than they are produced a statue of the alleged Hill and the penny post was both seated, there is little in common. inventor of champagne, the French born. He may have designed Mrs Siddons was the leading actress Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon. the world’s first stamp, the of her generation, and she made There is a popular misconception that Penny Black the role of Lady Macbeth her own, he was blind, but these are references Greetings cards were in to much acclaim throughout the to his ‘blind tasting of wine’, at which vogue at the time. They were land, and described by the eminent he was supreme, prior to blending, hand painted and expensive. whereby he would taste the grapes critic William Hazlitt as ‘tragedy They were delivered by hand. personified’. After Lady Macbeth without knowing the source vineyard. she played Desdemona, Rosalind, Double-blind-drunk tasting, perhaps. Sir Henry Cole invented the Ophelia, and Volumnia, all to great first commercial Christmas success, but it was as Queen Catherine Don Grant card. It was printed lithographically in black and white and coloured later. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 9 News online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Chelsea Flower Show 2019 By Don Grant © Don Grant Photograph

he actual show of flowers at Chelsea is unsurpassed, and, in terms of the quality and theT expertise in bringing blooms to their absolute peak of perfection for one week in May, is impressive. From roses to peonies and acers to cherry trees, they are all at their Sunday best. All except, that is, in a section called Floristry, also called Floral Immersion: Beauty of Nature Installations, and also represented by the National Association of Flower Arrangements Societies, which handily has NAF in its acronym, but even naff does not fully do justice to this form of plant-abuse. Last year the theme was Thrones, and this year, to celebrate 200 centuries since the birth of Queen Victoria, the theme was Crowns, and it is hard to believe that such beautiful flowers can be woven Gregory’s Welcome to Hospital. This year John Everiss had into such grotesque objects. Speaking Yorkshire garden, whose designed a commemoration of seventy- of naffness, Birmingham City Council design this year was five years since D-Day, with ghostly has done it again! With previous themes inspired by the canals mesh soldiers, made up of thousands ranging from World War One, sewing and waterways of of welded metal washers, amongst needles, with a wicker Usain Bolt, to Yorkshire and featured four metal waves and a series of angled the Windrush generation, they had won a fully-functioning defence poles and a carpet of sea thrift. a total of six gold medals in succession, lock. Did we not have This ‘invasion’ was being watched by with last year featuring the whimsical a set of lock gates from a 97-year-old D-Day veteran, Bill English cartoonist Rowland Emett. Leeds City Council’s Pendell, carved out of millstone grit, This year had more worthy themes, gold medal-winning who was sitting on one of fifteen stone namely “environmental sustainability, HESCO Garden plinths. After Chelsea, it will all be water conservation, clean air, reducing from the Leeds and dismantled and relocated to a permanent waste and community involvement”. Liverpool Canal in site at Arromanches in Normandy, a As with previous years, there was a lot 2010? Chelsea Flower fitting tribute to the largest seaborne going on in this very busy and cluttered Show had banned landings in world history. Nearby, show-stand, with a 3-metre high head oak trees this year there was a cheery gentleman, who made up of 3,000 transparent tubes, Pavilion was an ambitious two-storey amid fears the Oak Processionary was balancing impossibly shaped rocks representing single-use straws, drinking construction, entitled Gardening Will Moth could rapidly spread across on one another, with enormous skill, out of a disposable cup using a plastic Save the World, featuring a stepped Britain. The hairs on the caterpillar’s patience and confidence. The 10-tonne straw. At the back of the head was a gold Supernatural Garden, with a Hyperreal body contain Thaumetopoein, a toxic balanced stone sculpture that Hugh tap, feeding a canal with a roses-and- Garden underneath, comprising that can be responsible for triggering Fearnley-Whittingstall sat under, was, castles painted barge filled with recycled hydroponic technology in a horticultural skin irritation, breathing problems, in fact pinned together, so the tragedy plants in a lock. In front of the head was laboratory. It was a collaboration fevers, eye and throat irritation, and, of losing one of our more irritating a stretch of black asphalt road with a between IKEA and designer Tom in extreme cases, can set off a major ‘celebrity chefs’ under a rockfall was truck about to mow down a wheelchair- Dixon, who ‘want to encourage a allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic never a runner. Somebody had decided bound lady on the verge. There was healthier, sustainable lifestyle by shock, which can be fatal. In a new to ‘clarify’ the signage within The Great a singularly unattractive greenhouse exploring affordable, innovative solutions category, there were a number of Artisan Pavilion by focusing on one area at a made of recycled plastic bottles, whilst for distributed food growth in homes Gardens in the Serpentine Walk, time, which had the resulting effect of hanging above the whole mélange was and communities.’ Certainly not pretty, running through the woods parallel completely befuddling the visitors. a mysterious giant wicker foot, which but a nod in the direction of challenging to Chelsea Bridge Road, and featured As in previous years, there is an apparently represented the carbon the way society looks at growing plants, Gold Medal winners Family Monsters’ over-abundance of gruesome goblins, footprint we are leaving on the planet. particularly in an urban environment. Garden, The High Maintenance Garden fey fairies, cats and dogs, snails and Birmingham City Council worked Andy Sturgeon won Best in Show For Motor Neurone Disease Association frogs, and cutesy little prepubescent girls alongside Dame Floella Benjamin to for The M&G Garden, with powerful, and Green Switch. It was shame about generally lolling about, reading or deep produce this travesty of a garden. One blackened burnt-oak timber sculptures the noise from the massive earthworks in thought. One might have thought sometimes wonders what drugs the representing ancient rock formations for on the Embankment, building London’s they had had their day, but driftwood design department of Birmingham City M&G Investments, who had bombarded Thames Tideway super-sewer opposite animals just won’t gallop away, with Council are on, as you couldn’t make every available space with placards, the Bull-Ring Entrance, although the runaway horses, giraffes, ostriches, and, it up. They did not even feature in the hoardings, pennants and posters. squalking of green parakeets added an keeping up with the Game of Thrones medal stakes this year, so maybe the Well, they are the lead sponsor of the exotic note to the gardens in the woods. frenzy, no doubt, a wingéd wyvern atop game is finally up for Britain’s second event. Sometimes, less is more, but In 2016, there was a field of 300,000 a gazebo, itself made from reclaimed city? try telling that to a banker. This year’s hand-crocheted poppies on the lawn steel and recycled water bottles. Yours Bang in the middle of the Great Gold Medal-winners included Mark between the showground and the Royal for £110,000. 10 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk News

seen) Conservatives finished the election history, may have Greta Thunberg, their Diesel engines running in order with only four seats; losing 14.8% of the Extinction Rebellion and perhaps even to power the freezers, they emit huge European vote share compared with 2014 whilst US Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez amounts of black carbon. Labour finished with 10 seats; losing loudly speaking out about green issues in According to scientists, the toxins Election 2019 11.3% of the vote share since 2014. American congress to thank. However, emitted by diesel engines can trigger Conclusions Whilst this may be blowback from the with a 51% turnout across the continent; asthma attacks and may also stunt the By Ellen Harper Conservatives Party’s handling of Brexit up 10% from 2014, it may be time to growth of children’s lungs. and Labour’s apparent lack of political argue the case the European issues are Other councils to roll out the ban stance on the issue, isolating voters from much higher on the radar of European include Camden, Tower Hamlets, both spectrums of their party, it has voters than ever before. Islington and Richmond. t may seem that a ‘Rise of the Right’ paved the way for the breakthrough of In Camden, ‘no ice cream trading’ is populating Western politics; in minority parties. signs will be put up, accompanied by an ideological transition that hit its The combined votes for ‘leave’ Westminster fines handed out to anyone not abiding Ipeak with the success of Nigel Farage parties totalled 34.9% which adds the by the rules. and his Brexit party at the European 3.3% that went to the UKIP party to Some councils are considering Elections on 29th May 2019. Whilst the 31.6% achieved by the Brexit party. bans Ice Cream putting permanent electricity points in to some it may have seemed frivolous However, the combined votes for remain parks so ice cream vans can stay parked to even be holding these elections, parties actually totalled 40.4%- perhaps vans in one place, with their engines switched considering Brexit is looming large over indicating the UK is now significantly off. our tiny island’s future, the results were more pro-remain, but definitely ensuring A spokesperson for Westminster indicative of the UK’s political climate. these parties have a larger influence in City Council said: “Idling vehicles With voter turnout only two the European Council. The two Remain pump harmful chemicals like NO2 and percentage points higher than it was parties on the ballot were the Liberal black carbon into the air, which is why in 2014, standing at 36.7%, it may Democrats who won 16 seats, 20% of at Westminster City Council we are not be a significant enough change to the votes and a 13.4% increase in the introducing measures to reduce, and blame on Brexit. Areas such as Bristol vote share since 2014 and the Green in some cases remove, traffic around and Edinburgh, which had the highest Party who won 7 seats, 12.1% of votes schools and other public spaces.” percentage of Remain voters in the 2016 and a 4.2% increase in the vote share. Westminster Council becomes one of Green Party London Assembly referendum, saw the biggest turn out These two parties, who both dedicated the first to ban Ice Cream vans, in an member Caroline Russell said ‘it’s this election as well. However, what the strong parts of their manifesto to their attempt to reduce the harm caused to perfectly possible to have ice cream in aftermath of the Brexit referendum can anti-Brexit stance, have made huge gains children by the vans’ idling engines. the park without a side order of filthy be held responsible for is the dramatic in politics, sending a message to the Whilst Westminster has the diesel fumes. drop in votes received by both the countries dominant political institutions. worst air pollution in the country, the ‘No one wants to be the fun police countries dominant parties; Labour and Across the rest of Europe, the Green crackdown is an attempt to encourage or see people lose their businesses, but Conservative. Whilst they received only party became a political force. Holding ice cream vendors to switch to greener people don’t want a side order of asthma 25% of the overall votes between them, up 9.19% of the European councils and electric power sources. with their ice cream. This is a serious (the worst result either party has ever overall make up, for the first time in Because the traders have to leave health issue.’

flats on the estate. In April, north Kensington residents New community facilities and a met staff from AECOM and the City Hall offers children’s play space could also be built. Environmental scientific advisory group which is The ideas were detailed in a Cabinet overseeing the work to suggest spots Hammersmith meeting report, voted through yesterday, tests for Grenfell which should be tested. which said the council will aim to They told the teams about places and Fulham ‘contamination’ where they found debris from the submit a planning application for the take place after months 24-storey Tower. The fire on June 14, £15 million regeneration scheme in summer 2020. 2017, claimed the lives of 72 residents It forms part of the council’s aim to of campaigning and made hundreds more homeless. for new council build 1,500 “affordable” homes by 2020, By LDRS Reporter At the end of last month, 20 the report said, while the White City community representatives from the houses area undergoes a “multi-billion pound” Julia Gregory Lancaster West, Silchester, Bramley BY LDRS Reporter transformation. House and Henry Dickens residents’ The report did not specify whether associations, Notting Dale advisory Owen Sheppard existing homes on the White City estate board and the St Quentin Community would need to be demolished. Further environmental tests for possible Kitchen Garden joined the AECOM contamination from the fall-out from But it will also require buying the team for a site walkover. the Grenfell Tower fire are getting being They watched them surveying the former White City Health Centre undertaken this month, just before the spots they planned to survey and shared A huge redevelopment of the building in Australia Road, owned by second anniversary of the disaster. more information about places they saw the NHS. The report said negotiations They follow months of campaigning debris rain down from the fire. White City estate could be on with the NHS for the centre have now by residents for further tests following In April, Professor Stec told a “reached a critical stage”. revelations by fire toxicology expert residents’ briefing, which the LDR the horizon as council chiefs Cabinet members decided it will hold Professor Anna Stec of chemicals Service was invited to join, that she had discuss plans for new homes a public consultation with residents, which could cause cancer and breathing not found any asbestos in the samples and what it called “key stakeholders” at problems in the soil near the Tower. her team took. using £15 million from City the Adventure Playground, Randolph A team from AECOM are doing Meanwhile, residents on a housing Hall. Beresford School and the White City the first tests and are planning to share estate just over half a mile from Grenfell their preliminary findings at community Residents Association. are also due to hear the results of what Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s workshops in late June. They will scientists discovered there. Planning the new housing scheme produce a report next month detailing Hammersmith and Fulham council senior politicians met on Monday, June will cost the council £2.8 million, the what they find. commissioned RPS Consulting to carry 3, to consider building “100-250 new report said. Two soil samples 5cm deep will be out tests at the Edward Woods Estate. homes” and said half could be let at The newly-built social-rent homes, taken from each spot and experts will Public Health England advised discounted “affordable” rents. or council homes, would be managed by take more samples 10-15cm deep at residents that: “People with gardens At the cabinet meeting, it was agreed a housing association, which the council Waynefleet Square, because it is close to in the local area should continue to use that a bid for £15.3 million will be sent hopes to sign up the scheme by offering the Tower and was in the “plume area their fruit and vegetables as normal, to London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office to money it gets from right-to-buy council following the fire and where debris was ensuring that they are washed and pay for new affordable and social-rented housing sales. found”. peeled before cooking or eating.” 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 11 News online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

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BRICKS AND BRICKBATS © L.F.A Photograph BY SQUINCH

The London Festival of Architecture

he London Festival of Architecture has just begun and runs throughout the month of June.T It is big! It is the largest festival of architecture in the world, yet surprisingly is unknown to the general public. Its theme this year is Boundaries. This may sound like architectural private language; in fact the programme is not only gigantic, it is diverse, accessible and some of the activities sound like family White Chapel Bell Foundry. fun. The bell foundry has now moved its works, but the original Whitechapel The festival orbits around four foundry building is being opened up to hubs: allow a rare opportunity to explore its © Dronepicr Photograph history. The Royal Docks London Bridge (includes Tower Bridge) Dulwich Picture Gallery The City from 12th June is hosting The Colour The Heart of London Palace. The John Soane gallery is a (Bayswater to Piccadilly) treasure. Take a picnic and feed the ducks in Dulwich Park right opposite. Spreading out from each of these hubs, there are exhibitions, installations, Granary Square South (N1) workshops, guided walks, pop-up events The Wooden Parliament (more and ‘parklets’, open offices, river trips, interesting than broken government?) kids drawing and Lego competitions as open air pavilion will be hosting a well as conferences and learned talks. series of musical performances, drop-in Architects open offices promote the drawing workshops and children’s events scope of work being designed out of organised by The Museum of Architecture London around the world alongside throughout June. healthy self-promotion. The festival The Southwark Hub will hold a are just too busy and London already has has always given space and voice for guided walk around the source of too much going on? emerging young architectural talent as London’s history of alcohol, gin, cigars It would be good if KCW Today could well as being reliant on that energy for and coffee houses with the salacious title publish a programme or summary of the its breadth and colour. “a slow comfortable screw against the

events. Regrettably we have not been Agnese Sanvito © Photograph London has its issues, but is still wall”. Make of that what you choose! able to obtain this, so a search of the the architectural capital of the world. For the more serious minded, the website www.londonfestivalofarchitecture. London attracts tourists all year round Royal Danish Embassy in Sloane org will be necessary for readers who for its history, museums, pageantry and Street is hosting a three day conference wish to find out more. A few highlights architecture; so why is our population entitled How to create cities that can that caught Squinch’s attention are: less aware and engaged in what this blur the boundaries to the benefit of all. be it plastic pollution of our oceans, festival is all about? Is it the lack of The conference is being held from the deforestation, chemical and mineral , education in the school curriculum that Tower Bridge Diorama 18th-20th June and aims to illustrate exploitation, or impending extinction which runs from 30th June to 30th fails to engage youngsters in awareness exemplars of sustainability, affordable of flora and fauna with precipitant September showing alternative designs of our visual and spatial environment? To housing, accessible transportation, cities ecological disaster will only be averted submitted in 1876 of how the great explore our city, towns and villages, to at night and how architecture can help by awareness, education and change. bridge might have been; some frivolous, learn about urbanisation and the impact communities gel together. To achieve this, one starting point is some fantastical! on nature of the planet’s population In light of the divisive outcomes of awareness, interest and understanding of migrating to cities? Why has it taken the Brexit debacle, anything that can the place, the environment in which we 93 year old David Attenborough and National Gallery help gel our divided nation back together live. Or is it that London’s populace are 9th & 16th June “Drawing for 16 year old Greta Thunberg to shake up will be valuable exploration. awareness of the plight of planet earth? less design and environmentally aware families”. See how much better your kids Man’s devastation of the natural world, than we pretend to be? Or is it that lives can draw than Mum or Dad? 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 13 Festivals online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

disappeared over the long centuries of their existence. Summer in For those interested in more information of London’s Wards, the the City London Festival of Architecture By Max Feldman are hosting a walking tour on the subject, Within or Without-Wards of the City of London on June 13th for 12.00 go to https://www. londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/event/ Summer is here and festival within-or-without-wards-of-the-city-of- london-2/ for more information. season with it. For those who’d rather spend a night in a jail cell than a leaky tent, we’ve Festivals on the assembled a list of some more Southbank cosmopolitan festivals and The Southbank is at the very centre of exhibitions taking place a mere London life and throughout summer there is an immense selection of tube trip away around London activities and festivals running along the riverbank. The Underbelly festival is showing a typically diverse selection The London of affordable circus, theatre, cabaret, comedy, music and children’s shows. Festival of This year’s line-up of top comedians includes Mark Watson, John Robins, Architecture: Vikki Stone, Abandoman and Fin Running until June 30th Taylor. There’s also a regular Saturday night show, London Comedy Allstars, The London Festival of Architecture featuring a mixed bill with performances features 400 exhibitions and from Josie Long, Ed Gamble, Phil installations; talks and debates, walks Wang, Dane Baptiste, Felicity Ward, and tours take place across London. It is Ahir Shah alongside enjoy weird and the world’s largest annual architecture wonderful cabaret acts, including Bernie festival; last year it attracted over Dieter’s Little Death Club, one of the 600,000 visitors with a global audience tops shows from the Edinburgh Festival of 122 million. The stated mission is and Yummy, a drag extravaganza. to support London’s architectural and In addition there is the Southbank design talent, enthuse and engage with Summer which has this year focuses on the public, along with finding new ways LGBTQI+ artists and performers, with to look at familiar places. DJs, performances, film screenings and The 2019 programme features live music. exhibitions and installations, talks and Also upcoming is the UK exclusive debates, walks and tours, family events boundaries with a feature on the history with the role of Alderman becoming an of Jean Paul Gaultier’s part revue, and a wide range of special events. of the Wards of the City of London, a elected role during the reign of Edward part catwalk, Fashion Freak Show, While LFA events take place in every still existent branch of the medieval III (1327-1377), by which time the alongside pop star Peaches, drag star corner of London, this year’s programme governing system that divides London Wards appear to have assumed names Ginger Johnson and electronic musician features many events focused in four into 25 segments. Over their hundreds similar to those of today. Some wards, Planningtorock. specially-designated Festival Hubs: The of years in existence, the wards were such as the Cordwainer (shoemaker) In addition the Kiss My Genders City of London, London Bridge, The Royal broadly excepted from the majority of Ward, are named after the professions exhibition opens at Hayward Gallery, Docks and the Heart of London district Government reforms, surviving as a historically practiced within, whilst showcasing more than 30 international covering St James’s, Piccadilly Circus one of the city’s few direct links to our others such as Cripplegate are named artists whose works redefine identity, and Leicester Square. ancient past. for landmarks, many of which have beauty and the body. This year the theme is boundaries, The 25 wards of the City have seen festival director Tamsie Thomson their borders functionally unchanged described the theme thus: “Life in over their years of existence and initially cities is all about physical and mental each individual ward functioned in boundaries. We are constrained, ordered concert with the others in regards to and defined by borders, fences and walls their own administrative, financial that in many ways make us comfortable. and governance functions. Whilst the For architects, however, boundaries are recorded history of the Wards goes back more than a mundane fact of everyday to medieval times, their origins are life: they’re something to be challenged.“ almost certainly earlier. In their original form, historians speculate that they probably took the form of ancient estates within the nascent City, serving a role The History of somewhat similar to a lord of the manor and had some level of independent civil London’s Wards and criminal jurisdiction. To keep with the spirit of the London Documents written in the 12th Festival of Architecture and its theme of Century refer to the Ward system and boundaries we’ve decided to spotlight to the names of Alderman of the Wards some of the capitals oldest, yet invisible, who held a largely hereditary position 14 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Opinion & Comment

the zone”; that feeling when you’re so New Zealand decided to stop looking absorbed in a process you don’t notice to GDP as their progress indicator, but MARIUS BRILL’S how much time has passed. Finally “well-being” instead. They prioritised work could be happiness. Unfortunately, mental health provision and other it turns out that slaughtering cattle, markers of population happiness. MEMEING OF LIFE working in retail, wiping incontinent It’s like New Zealand is trying a patients, indeed the vast majority of jobs national Google, “workers’ fun first”, Meme: An element of a culture or system of behaviour passed from one individual to another... actually require mental presence. approach. Meanwhile Google itself is In reality, for Capitalism to thrive taking a different approach to bring on work needs to be miserable. We must post-Capitalism: mass unemployment. hate work enough to do enough of When they’re not sliding between having to do a day’s work. it in order to stop having to work so floors and catching naps in sleep pods Work: and why It’s a paradox of the human hard. If you’re enjoying your work then or playing office pool, the hipster condition: man works in order to afford you’re doing Capitalism wrong. Work G-males (G-men make up almost you have to not to work. Just as, in the sickest place necessarily needs to be hateful, tedious, 70% of Google’s staff) are coding the to impart irony, it was wrought in iron stressful and generally soul destroying. Artificial Intelligence Revolution (AIR). hate it on the gates of Nazi concentration It’s almost as if people with BO have If Capitalists profit more by driving camps: Arbeit Macht Frei. Work will set been purposefully despatched to make the cost of production down, like the you free. your tube commute awful, your manager Industrial Revolution before it, AIR It’s a lie we still tell ourselves. The is trained to be an odious twat and aims to tip the labour/capital seesaw odds of getting across the seesaw are people above you are hired especially for irretrievably towards the capital owners: not much better than the lottery but being idiots. If not to escape it, how else replacing skilled manual and white- Capitalism isn’t working… the opportunity to do so underlines the might you be inspired to graft? collar decision-making work. At some … it’s getting other people western American dream. The truth is But what if we just earned sufficiently point the only work for humans will be, closer to Merle Travis’s swing classic to eat, feed, house and school our like the Amazon warehouse runners, to do it for you. Sixteen Tons. families adequately, do the things we obeying and servicing the machines. enjoy doing and live lives in which we But because, for centuries, Capitalist s global economic inequality Some people say a man is made out of mud. deplete the planet as little as possible work has been necessarily awful, AI grows, there’s a feeling A poor man's made outta muscle and blood; before we leave it? This an anathema to Revolutionaries believe they’re on the Capitalism is facing an end of Muscle and blood and skin and bones, the Capitalist goal where profit is success side of the angels; ridding the world of days. But what might replace it is less a A A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong. and profit beyond any possible need is boring and repetitive work whilst driving battle of ideas than a desert of anxiety. holy. Achieving a Life/Work balance down the cost of production which, in a Viable alternatives are thinner on the You load sixteen tons, what do you get? limits productivity and production is the fairer world, would make products and ground than the supermodels tent at Another day older and deeper in debt. measure of all things. the cost of life cheaper. Glastonbury. Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go, Western economies measure success They dream of a post-Capitalist The 18th Century “Socialism” I owe my soul to the company store. in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) world in which both work and the cost solution has not had a great run and, which has almost nothing to do with of life is minimal whilst leisure, and the you’ve got to wonder whether post- how much fun it is to live there. opportunities it affords, are maximised. Capitalism is even possible? Could Briefly, in the 1990’s, Tony Blair’s Brexiters cannot believe the EU will not The dream isn’t new. In The Soul of Capitalism be organic? Is it inevitable for New Labour believed there could be do a better deal with “the world’s 5th a Man Under Socialism, (1891) Oscar any species that develops language and is a third way to approach work and largest economy”, but maybe there are Wilde reflected on the radical new ideas intent on conserving energy? promoted the ideas of a psychologist more important things they’re trying to being put forward by Marx, Engels and Imagine you’re early man, you shake whose very name is hard work, Mihaly protect. Kropotkin. In an ideal Post-Capitalist a tree and an apple falls. But shaking Csikszentmihalyi. He thought all we Last month Britain’s furthest world, “With the abolition of private trees takes energy and soon becomes had to do was find work so absorbing ex-colony made a bold bid for post- property,” he wrote, “then, we shall have tedious. However, if you just guard we’d enter a “flow state”, aka being “in Capitalism. With their latest budget true, beautiful, healthy Individualism. your tree instead, you can allow others Nobody will waste his life in to access the tree, to shake it for you, if accumulating things, and the symbols of they agree to share the bounty. But then, things. One will live. To live is the rarest guarding the tree can also be tedious and thing in the world. Most people exist, dangerous so why not get more fellow that is all.” hominidae to guard the tree for you Wilde saw we are trapped by and also share in the fallout? All you’ve © Banksy Image our stuff and the shedding of it was done is tell a story of ownership and prophetic. In our growing digital world, now you’re gorging on apple pie whilst ownership is becoming virtual. The everyone else is doing all the guarding GDP shopping basket can no longer rely and shaking; your superior apple-rich solely on physical things being produced. genetic Capitalist legacy is set. The apps we buy, the games we play, the In a classic economic model, boxless box-sets we watch, the music Capitalism relies on balancing a seesaw. we listen to, the maps we explore, the On one side is labour: work, the value photos we take, the spreadsheets we fill, awarded to time and effort. On the the e-books we read, even the money other side is the “means of production”: we exchange are all ethereal electronic property, materials, capital, cash, signals. money, moolah, the way to acquire life’s Experience tells us that, if you drive essentials and eventually a naval fluff the means of production into fewer and hoover. If the value of work goes up, fewer hands, they’re rarely willing to capital depletes, if the value of work share the wealth without a fight. Wilde becomes less, profits rise. knew the answer, channelling his inner The idea is that, through life, you Milton and justifying it as only he could. try to tiptoe across the seesaw. As you “Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone acquire capital, through work, you do who has read history, is man’s original less work to acquire capital. Capitalist virtue. It is through disobedience success, therefore, is measured by profit that progress has been made, through or, just how far you can get from ever disobedience and through rebellion.” 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 15 Opinion & Comment online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

the return of deference from the working Also, in response to public polling, of 39% if you are still with me) which My Manifesto classes towards the nation’s rulers. The the death penalty will be re-introduced, frankly was woeful and the worst in all for the role of Prime Minister. speaker of the House of Commons compulsory milk will be served in warm 28 European countries. Voting should be will be required to wear his wig while bottles with soggy straws at 11:00 am compulsory. Parliament is sitting. Hereditary every weekday morning in schools (after Poor Nigel Farage still does not peers will be allowed and encouraged the National Anthem has been sung know what to do next except to hope to sit in the Upper House and bring and the Lord’s Prayer said at morning that the Brexit issue remains alive by espite there being a large gang of their particular brand of wisdom and assembly). 2022 when the next election is due. At applicants for the new vacancy experience to the law-making process. We shall legislate to reverse the present he has no power inside the UK of Leader of the Conservative No more female judges will be devolution of Wales, Scotland and and very shortly he will retake his seat in D& Unionist Party/Prime Minister, I appointed to avoid judgement by Ulster, putting the ‘United’ back in the Brussels though methinks he will hardly perceive that none of their manifestos unregulated hormonal influence. UK. make an appearance. include any fresh, dynamic crowd- Chewing gum manufacturers will Onwards and Upwards to the greater But Brexit is the only kid in town. pleasing ideas. be subject to an additional tax on their glory of a once mighty nation, putting At the time of going to press the Matt Hancock, bold thruster from products in order to pay for scraping the the ‘Great’ back in Britain! Conservative leadership list had reached nowhere has, for instance, the bright idea unsightly residue off every paved area of just under one hundred (I may have of cutting a penny off income tax. open space in the country. made that up). Extraordinarily all but Esther McVey, the Tories’ own Cut-price airlines like Easyjet, one wanted either a ‘No-deal’ or a Denise Royle has declared herself the Ryanair and Laker Airways will be ‘Quick deal’. And all but the same one Blue Collar Conservative. banned in order to divert the flow of are facing inwards to their political Mrs Leadsom will focus on British holiday-makers away from colleagues so they could make the final motherhood. hot foreign destinations and back to The Chaos play-off shortlist of two. But the bizarre Gove is telling Europeans here that traditional British seaside resorts to way in which you can be a candidate they are welcome to become British, Continues lessen the cost of support for coastal by Derek Wyatt without any named supporters must despite their not being in a position to towns and to cut down on the costs of change. I doubt Esther McVeigh could vote for anything. treating melanoma. muster fifteen supporters amongst her Boris (the artist formerly known as Morecambe and Wise will be cloned colleagues, ditto Andrea Leadsom, Al Johnson by his friends and family) has from toenail clippings found among It has been another difficult Matt Hancock et al. To be honest in sensibly, to date, said nothing; to avoid their possessions and their weekly TV month for politicians. The two the current published list there are any embarrassing gaffes. programme shown every Saturday really only two contestants worthy of Jeremy Vagina (as the Today evening. majority parties have had their consideration Rory Stewart and Michael programme referred to him) thinks that The News of the World will be collective backsides whipped. Gove. If only Amber Rudd would stand. if he takes a rag-bag of disparate and reinstated and will focus on the Anyway, the odds are that Boris renegade MPs to Brussels, he can do in misdeeds of ordinary people like vicars Johnson will be our next Prime Minister three weeks what everyone else has failed and parking wardens, not so-called The latest polling suggests and that though he favours a quick exit to do over the past three years celebrities or members of the Royal that the Lib Dem’s just edge he will find that the requisite legislation Savid Javid is playing the ethnic card. Family. timetable has been delayed and so Dominic Raab’s strategy is We shall legislate against the wearing the Brexit Party (with no Brexit could not happen possibly until indiscernible; a load of old Raabish, you of denim jeans by women over forty and seats in Parliament though after Christmas. Of course, he could could say, although he too will knock a men over fifty, while encouraging the ask Parliamentarians to forego their bit off income tax. return of the bowler hat in the City of they are tipped to win the eleven week holiday but that is for the London too, as well as the former more Peterborough by-election) birds. I wonder what the odds are for Against the background of efficient way of doing business by the any of the candidates to tell the public shake of a hand when a man’s word was with Labour and the Tories in that a delay is inevitable because of the these limp, vacuous claims for his bond. third and fourth place, with legislative cock-up. I hope you do see the right to lead, I am putting The smoking ban on all public how appalling all this is...... transport will be lifted. McDonalds’ the Greens edging them. If It would be bad if Labour was not myself forward as a prospective Hamburger restaurants will be ordered you had bet on this a month equally in such dire straits. You could next Prime Minister, with to stop serving junk obesity-causing food not make it up. or be replaced by Lyons Corner Houses. ago you would have been Maybe that is why the public is a raft of exciting, mould- The open platform hop-on hop-off certified. increasingly putting its faith in the Lib breaking policies. access to double decker buses will be Dem’s. reintroduced. The wearing of hijabs and “The Lib Dem’s, the Lib Dem’s,” My Manifesto the speaking of foreign languages in I hear you say, “you must be joking?” Enjoy your holidays. Reflecting the mood of voters in the public places will be banned. They have been resuscitated so many part of South Shropshire where I spend The serving of vegan food will be times over the past thirty years that they most of my time, and where xenophobia made illegal. deserve honorary membership of the cat is high and brows are low, not only will All civil servants interfacing with the family. Why is this? My sense is that we I vigorously support our departure from public will required to address members are losing our faith in the old two party Europe, Britain will also immediately of the public by their surname, with the state. Increasingly, we are voting on leave the World Trade Organisation prefixes Mr, Mrs or Miss. single issues and we are happy to sell our and decide for itself what tariffs it will soul to the party that best represents us charge. To underpin our independence at the time. and ability to stand on our own two The Euro elections were a case a feet, we will leave the United Nations point. The Brexit Party wanted an end (because, like Mr Trump, I believe that to our relationship with Europe, the international co-operation is a sissy way Lib Dem’s did not. Had there just been to do business) and NATO, with all its a Remain Party comprising LD’s, the lefty do-gooding ideas about protecting Greens, Labour, ChangeUK and the Romania and Latvia from Putin. We will Women’s Equality Party, the election reinstate the British Empire, and take could have been a referendum which back control of Australia, Canada, India, would have led to Remain scoring the West Indies, the Chagos islands, peterburden.net around 58% of the vote. However, you Ceylon and Mauritius. would still have to bear in mind that our My new government will legislate for www. total vote only amounted to 39% (so 58% 16 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Business & Finance

of unlisted stuff, some of which will be about to float or potentially be acquired. To sell or not to The thing is, underperforming funds CAREERS like Woodford’s could have their future sell: the investor’s day in the sun. Or they might have just

Image © www.gotcredit.com Image picked rubbish companies. The actual question truth is that no-one knows what the By Holly Mackay, CEO of future holds. So if someone claims to financial guidance website know the definitive answer to ‘sell or not sell’, plug up your ears. The future is yet Boring Money to be seen.

When you’re in the investments game, you win some and you lose some. But the question of when to sell an London Council underperforming fund is one of the hardest to answer. Brexit impact Recently, this question has come up time and again, as one of the most UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) popular funds on the market – run by will replace the European Structural Neil Woodford, the male Beyoncé of fund management – has plummeted 17% and Investment Funds (ESIF), that in just 12 months. currently invest in schemes and projects UK income funds across the board to increase employment and training have had an awful time as Brexit opportunities, productivity and has rumbled on. Woodford has had economic growth in London boroughs. 5. How much is your immediate the worst time. At the same time, The change comes as the Brexit Making your manager committed to your personal by contrast, the big US tech firms deadline looms in the horizon. However, success and development? 1-Not at all; have been having a party, shouting London Councils expresses concern at Future Work 3-only when there is something in it for "whoopeeee" and going gangbusters. the change in management, as details Love what you do. them; 5-actively supports you at every Here’s the problem. Any investor regarding what UKSPF funding will be opportunity. should be a bit worried if all of their used for and how it will be shared out Do what you love 6. How much freedom do you have funds are doing brilliantly at the same are not yet clear and a consultation on By Charles McLachlan to plan your work, set your priorities time. Because trends come and go, and this has been postponed. and agree your targets? 1-None; 3-some that’s why we diversify. ESIF amounts to £580 million for input; 5-I have complete freedom within And all those global share funds the 2014-2020 programme in London, overall goals. across the board that we’re loving? which is made up of £160 million For many of us, we spend 7. How often do you face Hmm... You might think you are for European Regional Development expectations of unrealistic deadlines, diversified because you own 10 different Fund (ERDF) projects that increase more time of our waking lives targets, goals and effort? 1-all the time; global funds, but what if 5% of all of productivity and economic growth at work than with those we 3-from time to time; 5-never. these funds is in Apple, Microsoft, and and £420 million for the European 8. How often are you carrying or Amazon? Social Fund (ESF) project to increase At some point I suspect we’ll see love. covering for weaker team members or employment and skills. a shift, and all those big global giants bad management? 1-almost all the time; Cllr Clare Coghill, London Councils’ Yet how often do we review which we probably all hold far too much 3-sometimes; 5-never. of, will have their day in the doghouse. Executive Member for Business, Europe the quality of our relationship 9. How often do you trust your Take Apple. Most people who could ever and Good Growth demands that London with our work? organisation to do the right thing and do afford a smartphone, have a smartphone. receives as much funding from UKSPF it right? 1-no trust; 3-half the time; 5-all It’s now a replacement market, not a as it is currently receiving via EU ike so many of our relationships, the time. growth market. At some point, the programmes, highlighting the limited the initial enthusiasm and 10. How much do you care growth worm will nibble this Apple. resources of London boroughs as a result excitement can subside into the or believe in the outcomes your of sustained heavy funding reductions Ltoil of the routine and mundane. We organisation is seeking? 1-not all; 3-to A modern media-fuelled tragedy? over the past decade. become controlled by the MOS (must, some extent; 5-passionate. There’s a modern twist at play Coghill further emphasizes that ought, should) and lose the freedom of with Woodford and the like which London’s share of the UKSPF must DPL (desire, passion, love). If your score is less than 20 then you I find more interesting than endless be fully devolved to the city to ensure So how do you recognise it is time to should be planning to leave. If your speculation about his performance. The effective distribution of funding. London make a change? score is less than 35 you should consider impact of the media. Councils also stresses that allocation what steps you can take to improve the When he launched 5 years ago, his of the UKSPF must be based on a fair Score this simple check list so that situation, However, recognise you may high profile took him high. But today measure of need, such as deprivation, you can reflect on whether you love what not have a long term future with the the media has turned, and they have not regional Gross Value Added. you do and do what you love: organisation. If you have a score of 35+ become as much of the problem as his In terms of positive changes, 1. When you think about the then ask yourself what might put this performance, because this barrage of London Councils requires that UKSPF activities you most enjoy at work, how score at risk in future. negativity creates a structural problem. administration is much simpler than much of your time are you able to spend Finally, decide whether the rewards Why? Well, the regulator wants fund that of current EU programmes. As on them? 1-all most none; 3-a sufficient of your role overall are sufficient to managers to have the ability to pay up if well as uncertainty over the Brexit- investors want to bail. So lots of funds proportion; 5-almost all the time. devote so much of your life to this induced transfer of funding from ESIF are not allowed to have more than 10% 2. How often do you learn activity. to UKSPF, the government has given of their money in unlisted shares, which something new at work? 1-Never; Next time, we will explore what take time to sell. Woodford has had to no guarantee that some European 3-regularly; 5-all the time. options you have to plan your departure adopt some cute strategies to stay within transnational funds such as Interreg, 3. How much have you developed so you can love what you do and do what the rules. But at the same time, after Horizon 2020, Creative Europe and skills, knowledge or experience over you love. every negative article, there’s a stampede Erasmus will continue their involvement the last year? 1-not at all; 3-somewhat; for the doors. And when people want with these programmes. London 5-very substantially. Charles McLachlan is founder of their money back, you need to sell shares Councils is calling for continued access 4. How many of your colleagues FuturePerfect and the Portfolio Executive to get cash to pay out. The last thing to these funds as part of the Brexit respect what you bring to the work Growth Academy I want as an investor is for my fund negotiations, which are separate from place? 1-None; 3-some; 5-all of them. www.portfolioexecutive.biz manager to be a forced seller, especially ESIF. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 17 Business & Finance online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Why men earn more than Bridging the women: Gender Pay Gap a new report highlights in Law Firms the gap… and the remedies Stephanie Hawthorne By Stephanie Hawthorne

Law firm management Insights

Insights

n law firms, as in much of the rest statistics from the top fifty (mainly UK) of British industry, the gender pay law firms gap is huge. Much more needs to be It should be mentioned that the Idone although the legal profession has relevant data needed to produce a report come a long way since the first woman like this in the first place is available Carrie Morison became a solicitor in thanks to certain UK legislation, 1922 nearly 100 years ago. At the time primarily the Equality Act 2010 (Gender of her entry to the profession, Carrie Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017. Morison, said in an interview in the This obliges employers to publish Dundee Evening Telegraph: “Men say information relating to the gender pay the law is too rough and tumble for gap within their organisations. women”. She and thousands of her Statistics aside, the Report, almost successors have proved her wrong and half of it, shifts into the positive mode today there are now more female than as a source of sensible workable advice male solicitors, yet in the largest firms on the reasons for the persistent gap in (50 plus partners), just 29% of partners gender pay and the ways and means by are female. which the resulting inequalities may be My book Bridging the Gender Pay Gap rectified. in Law Firms highlights these injustices Good Practice in Law Firms is the but more importantly, suggests positive title of one chapter which contains the actions for human resource directors viewpoints of a regional firm…a Magic to take to improve the lot of women Circle firm… and a top 20 law firm. employees. I can do no better than The chapter on government to quote Elizabeth Robson Taylor of recommendations precedes a conclusion Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip which calls for timely effective action. Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers and Other issues covered include work Reviews Editor, The Barrister’s excellent allocation, maternity support, parental Not all family lawyers are the same. review of the work: leave and much more. These are the Specialising in one area of law keeps our solicitors on top of the same issues which of course pertain to An Appreciation by Elizabeth much of British industry, as well as law ever changing legal landscape. Technical excellence and years of firms.” experience combine to give our solicitors the upper hand in gaining Robson Taylor and Philip This Report, comments Nigel Pascoe the best outcome for clients. Taylor MBE QC ‘is a major piece of fundamental research and analysis by one of the most “A gender pay gap in law firms? Heaven experienced and able commentators in forbid! Who would have thought? And the law... it is truly outstanding.’ how many of these firms perpetuate Lawyers and HR directors, this situation, whether deliberate or journalists, social commentators, in inadvertent? Answer: just about all of fact readers of all sorts, will find that them, with only a few exceptions. here in one cutting edge document, Visit our website to see our client feedback. It also You can read all about this and is a handy source of information that contains a wealth of knowledge about family law. related matters in this newly published would normally take days or weeks to Special Report from author Stephanie research. It is no exaggeration to say that www.tmfamilylaw.co.uk | Tel: Hawthorne and publisher Globe Law this publication should be referred to 020 7426 4915 and Business as part of their Law firm as essential reading for anyone seeking Management Insights series. reliable input on this often-difficult Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited The Report features terse, topic.” Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6RD insightful and very readable (almost unputdownable) commentary on this Bridging the Gender Pay Gap in Law vexed and always controversial subject, Firms by Stephanie Hawthorne: a /ThomasMansfield supported by any number of charts and special report, price £45, published by “Excellent” statistics, also readable and revealing, Globe Law and Business @ThomasMansfield with the focus on comprehensive www.GlobeLawandBusiness.com 18 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Business & Finance

all sectors and company sizes in over 130 countries. It is the only business Business organisation with UN Observer Status. ICC United Kingdom is the representative © BNI Photograph Membership office of ICC in the UK and works with Listings British business groups worldwide to represent the voice of British business at inter-governmental level; the United Here is a selection of some Nations, G20 and World Trade organisations that could help Organization. iccwbo.uk you as you do business in London. Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) abcc.org.uk BNI BNI is a 26-year-old business and British Argentine Chamber of professional organisation that allows Commerce only one person from each trade or baccnetwork.com profession to join a chapter. With over 6,866 active chapters, and 139,971 Australian/United Kingdom members, it is the most successful Chamber of Commerce business referral organisation in the australiachamber.co.uk world. bni.eu Brazilian Chamber of Commerce London Chamber of Commerce your Chamber is influential in helping for Great Britain British Chamber of Commerce Membership is corporate and members to create the right business environment brazilianchamber.org.uk The Chamber of Commerce Network exists have access to over 200 networking for local companies to flourish. Through to support and connect companies, events a year, marketing and business membership you have the ability to use The China Chamber of Commerce bringing together firms to build new opportunities, tenders, free business, our “business voice”, the opportunity in the UK (CCCUK) relationships, share best practice and legal and HR advice, a range of exclusive to meet key stakeholders, network chinachamber.org.uk foster new opportunities. Through or discounted business services. The and do business with many other local practical on the ground support they also main type of membership is called businesses that you won’t find anywhere The Danish/UK Chamber of help firms trade locally, nationally and Premier Plus. When you join, you gain else. Commerce Ltd globally, including specific support for access to a huge range of professional, wandsworthchamber.org ducc.co.uk international trade. independent, affordable services, all britishchambers.org.uk focused on supporting businesses in Westminster Business Council The French Chamber of Commerce London. Westminster Business Council is London's in Great Britain Business Funding Show londonchamber.co.uk premier business connections team, (Chambre de Commerce Française de Back for its fourth year, the Business offering valuable insights into business Grande-Bretagne) Funding Show takes pride in being the Kensington & Chelsea Chamber of opportunities, provide companies with ccfgb.co.uk only funding exhibition in the UK & Commerce the connections they are looking for, EU. ​The goal of BFS ’19 is to educate The Kensington & Chelsea Chamber of and foster great business relationships. German-British Chamber of SMEs about the available funding Commerce is a dynamic and independent WBC has developed strong and extensive Industry & Commerce options and ease the process of obtaining business network committed to help networks, being in touch regularly with (Deutsch-Britische Industrie und capital, while showcasing the best members' businesses grow and to sustain around 12,000 enterprises. Its service Handelskammer) opportunities for both founders and a successful business community in delivery includes regular bespoke events grossbritannien.ahk.de investors. the Kensington and Chelsea borough. which allow businesses to network businessfundingshow.com The Kensington & Chelsea Chamber with distinguished business guests, The Italian Chamber of Commerce and of Commerce promotes and supports meet buyers, and be introduced to Industry for the UK The Clubhouse both locally based businesses and partner organisations that can provide (Camera di Commercio e Industria Italiana The Clubhouse was founded in 2012 organisations and those working within information and services which support per il Regno Unito) by Adam Blaskey who was frustrated the borough through networking business growth. italchamind.eu with meeting important clients in events and representation at local Retail westminsterbc.org.uk uninspiring, unproductive places Forums and other London events. The Japanese Chamber of around London. This ignited the idea kccclondon.org SOME OF THE Commerce & Industry in the to create a better way to do business and INTERNATIONAL United Kingdom ( JCCI) to fill the gap between a co-working London Southside Chamber of CHAMBERS OF jcci.org.uk space or serviced office and meeting in Commerce COMMERCE IN THE UK: hotel lobbies, members’ clubs or coffee Whether you want to win new Spanish Chamber of Commerce in shops. The Clubhouse is now London’s customers, increase your company The Council of Foreign Chambers Great Britain leading business members club, offering profile or extend your network of of Commerce in the UK (Cámara de Comercio Española en Gran innovative, design led flexible meeting contacts, London Southside Chamber of An informal group of chief executives Bretaña) and workspaces across four locations in Commerce opens up those opportunities of foreign chambers based in the UK. spanishchamber.co.uk central London. for its members locally, nationally and There are currently around 40 members theclubhouselondon.com internationally. Although it mainly in the council whose main role is to Swedish Chamber of Commerce represents, businesses in Wandsworth, promote trade and investment between for the United Kingdom (SCC) Federation of Small Businesses Southwark and Lambeth, any business their respective countries and the UK. scc.org.uk As experts in business, the FSB offers its on the South side of the Thames is cfcc.org.uk members a wide range of vital business welcome to become members. Turkish/British Chamber of services including advice, financial londonscc.co.uk International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TBCCI) expertise, support and a powerful voice Commerce tbcci.org in government. Its aim is to help smaller Wandsworth Chamber of ICC is the world’s largest business businesses achieve their ambitions. Commerce organisation representing 45 million fsb.org.uk As the business hub of Wandsworth, companies and 1 billion employees from Compiled and edited by Fahad Redha 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 19 International News online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

integration. The agreement also accompanies huge investment into the INTERNATIONAL Ulaanbaatar, African markets from countries such Mongolia as China, which recently saw their NEWS biggest telecom company Huawei strike The government of of Mongolia has a deal with the African Union to build BY CONOR KNAPP & come under pressure again as protestors more than 50 3G networks across the ARMAN ABOUTORABI flooded the capital Ulaanbaatar continent. After a blacklisting of Huawei demanding better leadership. This is the by the US for allegations of spying, latest in a wave of protests from a people China looks to be fighting efforts to that are dissatisfied with the Mongolian disrupt operations in an increasingly government’s unchecked corruption, entrenched trade war. failure to address public health and pollution issues, and inability to generate economic prosperity following a 2016 Rakhine, currency crisis from which the country has yet to fully recover. While Mongolia Timbuktu, Mali Myanmar is a resource rich country that once As security forces in Sudan turn New evidence has emerged that had a booming economy driven by violent against protestors and Algerian implicates the Myanmar military, known foreign investment, it has seen a sharp elections are postponed due to anti- as the Tatmadaw, in committing war decline as commodities’ prices slumped. government demonstrations, civil crimes and violating human rights laws. China’s economic slowdown can also be unrest and government instability in A report released on May 29 by Amnesty attributed to the decline as the demand African nations are well-documented; International details the atrocities and for Mongolian exports, which makes however, perhaps the longest and formally accuses the Tatmadaw of up three quarters of Mongolia’s total deadliest conflict in West Africa remains a series of crimes including torture, exports, has been reduced considerably. underexposed, that being the ongoing Osaka, Japan extrajudicial executions, arbitrary Protests in the past have had significant violence in Mali. The ongoing trade war between the arrests and enforced disappearances. impact, most notably when the former The situation in Mali dates back US and China threatens to dominate the This string of abuses comes after a speaker of Mongolia’s parliament to 2012 when, in the midst of an upcoming G20 summit in Osaka, yet government instruction to ‘crush’ the Miyegombyn Enkhbold was forced out Islamist separatist movement in the certain member countries are resolute in Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine armed of office in January amidst a series north of the country, a military coup using the meeting to productive ends. nationalist resistance group. The report of corruption scandals. Accusations ousted the existing government for Ahead of the two-day event beginning examined divisions and battalions against Enkhbold center mainly around its ineffectiveness in dealing with June 28, Japan has announced its desire under the Western Command of the allegations that he heads a shadowy the aforementioned uprisings. As to make the reduction of plastic waste syndicate known as MANAN, or “fog” in Jihadist forces moved southward a top priority. The host country will Mongolian, which is believed to have a and expanded their influence in the attempt to broker a deal by which plastic strong influence over the leaders of both country, international aid was requested, waste inflow to the ocean would be the major political parties. As the 2020 culminating in the massive UN reduced to zero by 2050. election approaches, the Mongolian peacekeeping operation MINUSMA. Marine litter has recently become government oversees a struggling UN intervention in the region a highly-discussed issue, as the UN economy and a disillusioned electorate did not bring peace to Mali and has Environment Assembly estimates 4.8-12.7 which expects much more from their potentially only served to exacerbate million tonnes of plastic waste enters the democracy. violence in the country, as the UN ocean yearly, accounting for £6.3 billion claims 198 fatalities of its troops alone, in damages to coastal communities, making it the deadliest UN operation shipping and fishing industries, and since its inception and, according to the world at-large. The UN estimates the World Peace Foundation, “one of the that the ocean will have more plastic Addis Ababa, most deadly operations in the history than fish by 2050, highlighting the of peacekeeping.” These statistics only timeliness of Japan’s attempt to avoid Ethiopia account for loss of UN operative lives, such ecological disaster. Tatmadaw, who were previously accused The African Union has made a while thousands more civilian deaths It is surprising to see Japan taking of committing war crimes back in 2017. ‘historic milestone’ as the African have gone unaccounted amidst reports of the lead on the issue of marine debris, The mostly Buddhist Arakan Army was free-trade zone has been signed into terrorist bombings and massacres. as the archipelago nation came under formed almost a decade ago to revolt effect. The agreement works to boost There is no end in sight for Mali’s international fire last year at the G7 against government failures concerning intra-African trade with the progressive unrest, as yet another government has summit in Canada for refusing to socio-economic issues, although the elimination of tariffs by forming a been erected after the previous regime’s sign the Ocean Plastics Charter, in government is using the conflict with the continent-wide market of 1.2 billion dissolution in April. The government’s which government leaders pledged a Arakan Army as an excuse to viciously people worth around £2 trillion. control over the country is limited commitment to recycle and reuse at least discriminate against the Rohingya Advocates for the agreement argue as a result of the sweeping control of 55 percent of plastic packaging by 2030. Muslim population. More than 900,000 that it will help African countries Jihadist groups throughout Central and Uncertainty remains about whether Rohingya refugees have been displaced focus on foreign market integration Northern Mali, spanning the eastern Japan’s initiative will meet broad into neighboring Bangladesh by the through economic solidarity rather than border to 250 km away from capital acceptance in G20, as the US, who also violence, with a safe return to their the longstanding practice of African city Bamako in western Mali. UN refused to sign the Ocean Plastics Charter, homes not in the foreseeable future. The economies being driven by resource Secretary-General António Guterres’s remains characteristically skeptical UN Office of the High Commissioner on exploitation. The operational phase is repeated requests for more military of all environmental agreements, and Human Rights released a statement on to launch July 7 at an AU summit in personnel to MINUSMA suggest that European attendants may push for a April 5 warning both the Tatmadaw Niger; however, a number of outstanding violence in Mali is nowhere near an more ambitious goal. Such issues will be and the Arakan Army to ‘immediately issues still require resolution including end, as an intractable conflict between discussed and whatever agreement arises cease hostilities’ or the attacks may be arbitration measure, certifying the militants and an infantile government at the end of June will likely be assessed designated as war crimes, and that ‘the origins of goods, tackling corruption forecasts continued unrest in a country at the biennial meeting of the UN consequences of impunity will continue and improving infrastructure. Critics whose collapse has been ongoing and Environment Assembly in 2021. Despite to be deadly’. also voice concerns about poor undernoted. uncertainty over the fruits of such infrastructure and a lack of diversity attempts, it is encouraging to see G20 between economies as being a barrier countries working to remain productive to successful continent-wide trade in light of the US-China stalemate. 20 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Astronomy

The Crab By Scott Beadle FRAS

In the summer of the year 1054 AD, Chinese astronomers saw a new “guest star,” that appeared six times brighter than Venus. So bright in fact, it could be seen during the daytime for several months.

his “guest star” was forgotten until about 700 years later with the advent of the telescope. AstronomersT saw it as a tentacle-like nebula in the place of the vanished star that self-detonated as a supernova, briefly shining as brightly as 400 million suns. The explosion took place 6500 light-years away, in the constellation Taurus, the Bull. If the blast had instead happened 50 light years away it would have irradiated the planet Earth, wiping out most life forms. The nebula was rediscovered by John Bevis in 1731, and later by Charles Messier who mistook it for Halley’s Comet. It was Messier’s observations of the nebula that inspired him to create the first catalogue of celestial objects that might be mistaken for comets, hence the designation Messier 1(M1). The large mosaic of the Crab Nebula was assembled from 24 individual exposures captured by Hubble over 3 months. The colours in this image do not match exactly what we would see with our eyes, but yield insights into the composition of this stellar corpse. The orange filaments are the tattered I leave you with a fun fact remains of the star and consist mostly of hydrogen. The blue in the filaments in to get your heads around; the outer part of the nebula, represents theoretically a teaspoonful of neutral oxygen. Green is singly ionized sulphur, and red indicates doubly ionized a neutron star would weigh oxygen. These elements were expelled about 3 billion tons, and during the supernova explosion. A rapidly spinning neutron star (the that’s on Earth. The same ultra-dense core of the exploded star) teaspoonful weighs about 20 is embedded in the centre of the Crab Nebula. Electrons whirling at nearly the quintillion tons on the neutron speed of light around the stars magnetic star itself, or about a quarter of field lines produce the eerie blue light in the interior of the nebula. The neutron what the Moon would weigh star, like a lighthouse, ejects twin beams on the Earth’s surface! of radiation that make it appear to pulse 30 times per second as it rotates. Because astronomers need to study the Crab Nebula across a broad range of electromagnetic radiation, from X-rays Top: Large mosaic of the Crab Nebula in visible light. to radio waves the second image is a Credits: NASA and ESA; J.Hester (ASU) and M. Weisskopf combination of data from five different (NASA/MSFC) telescopes: the VLA (radio) in red; Right: Spitzer Space Telescope (infrared) in "Across the electromagnetic spectrum"; The Five Observatories; VLA, Spitzer, Hubble, XMM_Newton, yellow; Hubble Space Telescope (visible) Chandra X-ray. in green; XMM-Newton (ultraviolet) in Credit: NASA, ESA, G.Dubner blue and Chandra (X-ray) in purple. (IAFE, CONICET University of Buenos Aires) 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 21 Education online: www.KCWToday.co.uk ENROL NOW SEPTEMBER 2019

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Discover a World of Possibilities at the Language Centre, SOAS University of London

fun and the satisfaction of mastering a foreign language.

Photograph © SOAS Photograph For any language, Make the Most of Summer the ingredients for success are the same: regular systematic study, Learn a New Language interesting and interactive learning activities and the at SOAS University of London support of an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher. • Easily accessible Central London location You will find these key • Expert, experienced, native speaker teachers ingredients at SOAS • Fun, interactive, communicative lessons Language Centre. Our immersive classes, taught Courses in July and August - Book Now! n the global village in which we live, by highly qualified and experienced the achvement of basic functional native speaker teachers, on weekday • 1-Week Intensive Courses • 2-Week Semi-Intensive Courses competence in a key world language evenings or on Saturday mornings or • Weekday Evenings or Evenings and a Saturday is recognised as being a great asset. afternoons, let you take a class that fits I • Levels from Complete Beginner SOAS University of London, a centre in with your lifestyle. of excellence in language study for over Find out how learning a language • Arabic: Standard - Levantine - Calligraphy a century, offers classes in an unrivalled will open new horizons for you. You • Chinese - Japanese - Korean variety of world languages at all levels. will find language study, whichever • Persian - Thai - Sanskrit - Swahili Some might be hesitant about language you choose, a rich and • French - Spanish learning a non-European language, rewarding experience. We have intensive especially if it involves different tones or and semi-intensive classes in July and Check out or website: soas.ac.uk/languagecentre the writing uses an unfamiliar script. Yet August with enrolment now open. Our Phone: (0)20 7898 4888 or visit our office 11.00-18.00: the European languages that we teach regular evening classes resume from the SOAS Language Centre, 22 Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG. (French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish) beginning of October. Enquire now to Also find us on Facebook as SOAS Language Centre also have their idiosyncrasies. Every register your interest and you will be or on Twitter @soaslangcentre language presents unique challenges contacted when the timetable comes out and dealing with them creates the in September.

competitions across the UK, America, the Department for Education that would Westminster Canada, Australia and India got the Schools consider combat both issues; a one meat-free biggest turnout yet. school lunch a week. Nursery wins With over 1000 schools participating, meat-free lunches They argue that this change will not Achievement for All’s 2019 competition, By Olivia Herz only be significantly healthier for the global reading sponsored by learning company Pearson, affected students, but is also beneficial smashed the 2018 record which had 100 for the environment. The Department competition million reading hours, with 140 million for Education is currently reviewing its reading hours. School Food Standards, which outlines Professor Sonia Blandford, CEO at the rules that all state funded schools are Achievement for All said: “Our biggest required to follow. Currently the School challenge yet saw almost half a million Food Standards have a non-mandatory children engage with reading across the meatless meal recommendation; but globe! That is a fantastic result. most schools ignore it and the few “It’s vital that we introduce children schools who participate tend to serve Marsham Street Community and young people to the habit of meatless lunches that are unhealthy. Nurserya in Westminster,b c won reading in everyday life to improve Therefore schools; specifically those their prospects and unlock new worlds teaching young children, need to £1000 worth of books atfer and possibilities. Picking up a book, substitute current lunch time meals with reading the most average newspaper, comic or magazine helps healthier alternatives. The Soil Association develop language skills, imagination, argues that as the rate of childhood number of minutes per child communication and self-esteem and obesity continues to climb, the issue for an Early Years setting. what better way to start that than becomes more and more serious. through our challenge. Thank you to all Since the climate strikes that took The competition, titled, those taking part.” place globally on April 12th, there is Achievement for All’s global a strong public movement to halt the damage caused by global warming by 200 Million Minutes Reading The competition will be any means necessary. By decreasing Challenge, saw the nursery back again in 2020, where they the consumption of meat through It’s often difficult for people from meatless school lunch meals, dangerous school children reading for a will be hoping to break the different walks of life to agree on how greenhouse gas emissions created by total of 179,620 minutes in incredible record once again. to handle a single issue issue, especially farms will diminish because the demand on something as weighted as childhood for meat production reduces. According just 26 days. obesity. However The Soil Association, a to The Soil Association, providing a meat- For further information on the 200 charity founded in 1946, that campaigns free meal once a week in state schools Seeing special reading assemblies, Million Minute Reading Challenge visit for healthy, sustainable food and across England are the first steps in teddy bears picnics, reading events and www.200millionminutes.org farming, have proposed a solution to combating both issues simultaneously

020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 23 Education online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

As demand for Third Door in Putney describes itself as “a Co-working dynamic work collaborative community where members culture and shorter, can excel in their careers and be around for their children.” The Ofsted registered offices offer day more economical nursery follows the Reggio Emilia care for new leases increases, approach, the eponymous teaching demand for co- method that emphasises the resilience and curiosity of children. Curiosity parents working spaces in is also encouraged in adults, with By Isabelle Groenewegen London will continue freelancing workshops and networking to increase. events on offer to members. Huckle Tree West in White City provides similar amenities for tech businesses, entrepreneurs and corporate ondon is the global capital for extends to females of reproductive in 2017), the handful of childcare innovation teams across media, fashion co-working spaces with a record age. A 2016 report commissioned by focused offices in London are in high- and design industries, while N Family 2.5m square feet of lettings the Government and the Equality and demand and members profess glowing Club in London Fields goes the extra signed for flexible workspaces in Human Rights Commission revealed reviews. These spaces are not exclusive L mile with a rooftop playground for the city center, according to a 2018 that a third of employers avoid hiring to women in work. Ofsted-registered members of Second Home workspace. report by real estate company Cushman women of childbearing age. Offices with nursery and workspace Cuckooz Nest in As demand for dynamic work culture & Wakefield. These spaces promote nursery facilities could revolutionise Clerkenwell, the brainchild of mother- and shorter, more economical leases a more positive and holistic approach the way women work, giving them of-one Charlie Rosier and her best increases, demand for co-working spaces to work, offering networking events, more freedom and flexibility to pursue friend Fabienne O’Neill, have 48% male in London will continue to increase. The wellness facilities and arcade rooms to their careers without sacrificing investors, suggesting a shift in attitudes growth of family-friendly office spaces name a few features. There is a younger quality childcare. With the millennial that reflects more equal parenting within the sector is a welcome change as trend emerging within the sector, pursuit of a ‘work-life balance’ and responsibility. societal pressure requires a re-think of child-friendly workspaces for working evidence of its productivity-boosting Cuckooz Nest offers membership our attitudes towards new mothers (and parents. Considering 60% of the 2.2 effects, as explained by employment options that range from pay-as-you- fathers) who do not want to compromise million people that stayed home with agency REED, these family-friendly go to monthly at affordable rates, with their professional lives to provide quality their children were looking for work, workspaces are not only beneficial to facilities curated for children under 2 childcare. according to My Family Care Survey the self-employed but could also benefit years old such as a darkened sleeping 2015, nursery-cum-offices are a natural large corporations. area, a breastfeeding area, a dress up progression for the burgeoning industry While tight profit margins for similar area, an interactive arts and crafts area For more information: of coworking spaces in the U.K. spaces, such as Officrèche in Brighton, and climbing soft play area as well as www.cuckooznest.co.uk A plethora of statistics highlight have resulted in closure (Global Ofsted-registered staff to monitor the www.third-door.com the disadvantage women on maternity Coworking Survey discovered only 40% children while parents work. www.huckletree.com/locations/west leave face in the job sector, which of co-working spaces were profitable For parents living in West London, www.nfamilyclub.com/n-london-fields

CAMERON HOUSE SCHOOL 4 THE VALE, LONDON SW3 6AH Headmistress: Dina Mallett T: 020 7352 4040 www.cameronhouseschool.org

A Springboard for Life

•A Soaring Start •Challenging Curriculum •Established Excellence ISI Report “Excellent" in all Categories 24 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Education

"Children, young people to signify that they are struggling. Special Needs: and adults with learning we need to rise to meet the disabilities and/or autism Do you know your have the right to the challenges neighbours? Could any of same opportunities by Dr Raj Chandok, FRCGP as anyone else to live them have a disability and be MSc MBBS DC DRCOG satisfying and valued feeling isolated or segregated? DFFP D Med Ed lives, and to be treated Are community groups and with dignity and respect" centres doing what they can

he term “special needs” is usually We know that the challenges safe and rewarding lives’. to welcome and include all thought of in relation to children experienced by children, young (ADASS, LGA, NHS England, residents? with Special Educational people and adults with special needs 2015) Needs and Disabilities or SEND. are important to our local councils We know from data that those Have local businesses ChildrenT fall under this category if it and the NHS, the NHS Clinical with learning disabilities and/or considered whether they have is determined that they have a learning Commissioning groups for Westminster autism already have poorer life chances difficulty or disability for which they and Kensington and Chelsea and their compared to the general population, made reasonable adjustments require special educational provision. partner Councils have developed a Big including more difficulties around to ensure they are accessible? In 2014, the Joint Strategic Needs Plan for 2018-2021. They have adopted building relationships, obtaining Assessment (JSNA) stated that there the following statement as their vision: education, training and employment. Are staff trained to be were 1,628 children in Kensington and ‘Children, young people and adults Many of us may take most of these for aware? Chelsea who had a SEND. This was with learning disabilities and/or autism granted. 13% of the school age population. have the right to the same opportunities However, we as a community should When children with a SEND as anyone else to live satisfying and look at the small ways we can ensure Dr Raj Chandok and Dr Serena become adults they may continue to valued lives, and to be treated with that all children, young people and Foo are General Practitioners and have the same difficulties or disability. dignity and respect. They should have a adults with learning disabilities and/or Commissioners, they work together to There are approximately 3500 people home within their community, be able to autism feel included. Not all those with deliver patient-centred, high quality known to have a learning disability in develop and maintain relationships, and learning disabilities or autism have a Long Term Conditions care across the Borough. get the support they need to live healthy, physical disability, there may be nothing North West London

This helps us orientate ourselves in It has been suggested that colour Soft lighting with no overhead lighting the world around us. It helps us relax, therapy has many uses, and treatment also worked best for him. concentrate, and move safely throughout can be applied in different forms. Rebecca Buckham, a Dyslexia our day. The more efficiently our nervous Chromatherapy, (from the Greek therapist recommends being aware of system processes the information it word Chroma, meaning colour), also how a room is lit. ‘It is important as it receives, the better our response to the sometimes known as Light Therapy is can have an impact on a learner's mood stimulus, and the more coordinated, the use of soft, sequential lighting that or concentration. For example, a harsh, or “in sync”, we become with our can be used to affect well-being. Single bright strip light over a desk could environment. or mixed colours, sometimes from a be too stimulating and distracting to Sensory processing disorders, laser, may be shone on the whole body some people and can sometimes even ranging from mild to severe, are more or on particular chakras. A light box or cause headaches. People with specific common than people are aware of, and lamp with coloured filters is sometimes learning difficulties often experience eye it is believed affect about 10% of the included as a part of treatment. Ocular tracking or convergence difficulties. A population. These sensory distortions Light Therapy, in which light is behavioural optometrist can prescribe From colour can lead to behaviour problems, projected through coloured filters into coloured overlays for reading. These affect the way we move through our the eyes, is sometimes used in people alleviate eye stress and improve the theory to colour environment, influence the way we learn, with psychological disorders. ability to follow text when reading’. relate to others, and how we feel about Colour therapy is different Scientific research has also therapy. ourselves. from conventional ultraviolet light revealed the effect of coloured green How colour can help improve Although colour and how we respond phototherapy, which is used to treat high light on migraine symptoms. Using to it is well documented, scientific bilirubin blood levels in infants and skin psychophysical assessments in patients our health, from easing studies are still uncovering the facts disorders such as acne or psoriasis. Light with normal eyesight, it was found migraines to supporting about its therapeutic benefits, and therapy is also used to treat seasonal that green light exacerbates migraine increasingly it is being used as a means affective disorder. headache significantly less, than white, behaviour problems in of relaxation and sensory stimulation in Sleep disorders and disruptive blue, amber or red lights. children. the field of dementia, mental health and behaviour during the night are There is also preliminary research learning disability. commonly associated with dementia. suggesting that colour therapy may be By Jane Duncan Colour therapy uses colours for their One study showed promising effects helpful in the relief of hand, elbow, or proposed healing abilities in treating of bright light therapy on restlessness lower back pain, however further studies emotional and physical disturbances. and disturbed sleep for people with are needed before a clear conclusion can Changing the colours of clothes, dementia, resulting in less daytime be drawn. ur sensory system is made up of the home or office environment, or sleeping and increased night-time seven basic senses: smell, touch, visualising different colours may be sleeping. www.jddesignlondon.com taste, vision/visual perception, recommended. Colour therapy is based The behaviour of children, #jddesignlondon hearing/auditory processing, movement/ on the premise that different colours particularly children with special [email protected] O needs have also demonstrated benefits balance, and kinesthesia/muscle tone. evoke different responses in people. For Sensory integration is the brain's example, some colours are considered associated with integrating specific ability to interpret, organise, and to be stimulating, whereas others may colour and light into their environment. Anderson J. The effect of colour on the respond to the information that be soothing. In traditional Ayurvedic One parent reported that her son was severity of migraine symptoms. Brain/ we receive through these senses for medicine, different colours are associated more emotionally stable, ready to do his Mind Bull 1990;4(15): Brain, Volume functional behaviour. It receives sensory with different chakras, or energy centres homework and could wind down for bed 139, Issue 7, July 2016, Pages 1971–1986, messages and turns them into responses. in the body. more easily with a bluish charcoal room. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/aww119 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 25 Education online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Extra-Ordinary Lives Photo: © I-Stock By Simon Hatchard-Parr

n March 2019 a champion for the rights of those with disabilities, Dr Michael Oliver, died aged I74. Having broken his neck while on holiday aged 17, Oliver was to become a formidable activist and the world’s first Professor of Disabilities Studies. From his wheelchair he was a vigorous proponent of the social model of disability, a term he coined, which shifted responsibility onto society rather than the individual to adapt to, and meet the needs of, people with disabilities. It takes only a glance back to the 1960s, before the advent of mass communication and the rapid changes in our social and moral world, to see a systemic lack of consideration when conceiving and building the resources for those who lived in it: pavements without access for wheelchairs and buildings designed without a jot of concern for those who would use them but couldn’t Another remarkable story is that actually walk into them. If you used of Dr Charles West who, after a long a wheelchair for transport you were fund-raising campaign and in the face of simply barred from public conveyance as powerful opposition, opened The Hospital buses didn’t have ramps. The self-same For Sick Children at 49 Great Ormand infrastructure lauded for its advances Street in 1852. Housed in a 16th century in technology and design didn’t cater townhouse with 10 beds and two for everyone, the physically disabled physicians, it was the first hospital in the were left to fend for themselves, or not UK dedicated solely to the treatment of as the case may be. Oliver was one of children and from these early beginnings the forces at the heart of the inexorable is now familiar to everyone across the and decades long shift to the adaptation world as Great Ormand Street Hospital, a of public resources, one that moved pre-eminent centre of medical excellence consideration and responsibility for the for the treatment of children. needs of disabled people onto the society Throughout the 1840s West they lived in. endeavoured to interest the medical Oliver‘s contribution was one of establishment in London to set up empowerment, of removing those things a hospital for children. In 1849 he that impaired the lives of people with began a tireless campaign, backing disability. Oliver said of his work, “It up his arguments with data from his (the social model) was basically giving widespread contacts in Europe and you the opportunity, both personally and the annual mortality reports of the politically, to rethink yourself and your Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children Registrar General. It was thanks to his position in society. It was about having indomitable spirit, inspiring influential an optimistic view of what disabled friends and colleagues along the way, people could achieve if many of the approach that a child’s learning happens with a degree in Biomedical Ethics and that the hospital came into being. barriers they faced were removed.” in the context of a safe, loving and fun become CEO of The Autism Treatment These three stories are separated Such a call to challenge and social relationship, they began to reach Center of America, the organisation set up only by scale but they share their place change accepted ways of thinking into the world of their son and play. by the Kaufmans to teach others their in shaping the world we live in for the is at the heart of Raun Kaufmann’s Their premise was that instead of methods. better and they reflect the capacity we story. His extraordinary journey is doing what they could to bring Raun As their success with Raun became have as humans to make imaginative one from developmental rather than into their world, they would do what apparent they developed their method leaps that cause the world to grow and physical disability and it exemplifies they could to enter his. They approached into a home-based treatment programme to change. These are three people from how determination and courage can him, not from the view that there was which builds a bridge into the world among the many, and often unsung alter lives. The Son-Rise Programme something wrong with him and thereby of the autistic child. I have personal legions, who quietly bear witness to the was conceived and developed by his attempting to ‘fix’ him, but instead saw experience of Son-Rise having trained best of the human spirit and the belief mother and father, Samahria and Barry him as someone wonderful and unique here in London to work as a playroom that either we all matter or nobody Kaufman when Raun was 18 months’ and set about trying to understand him volunteer, one of many created by matters. old and diagnosed with severe autism. better. parents of autistic children in the UK. It When recommended to institutionalise It took many years of loving, is an extraordinary experience and I saw Simon Hatchard-Parr practices as a Raun and unable to find the treatment dedicated interaction and Raun was to first-hand how it changed not only the healer and therapist in North London. they wanted, they developed their own. grow into a happy and socially confident life of the two children I worked with, For information visit: Using a form of play therapy from the adult who graduated from University but also the lives of all those involved. www.sanctushealing.com 26 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Education

their teachers; and their teachers were incredibly passionate about both the project and their students. The Project itself has seen entire networks being built, friends being made and Guinness World Records being broken (for the largest ever Triangle Albert Hall © Royal Photographs ensemble). Music theory, instruments, lyrics and rhythms are learnt and the students get to express themselves through the medium of music; a great healer and therapy for all. One of the project’s younger students,16 year-old Madi, who uses a communication device that she controls with her eyes, hasn’t missed a session since she joined the project 8 years ago. Madi’s mum Sally explained: ‘they teach you, so it’s not all about going along and having a sing. You bang on the drum and you work out what are quavers and semi-quavers. They questioned the students on it and using Madi’s communicator, she answered and got it right. That’s when the Music Man Project realised, that with the aid of Madi’s communicator, she was really able to express herself. She then got The Music Man Project a part in their initial Peace and Hope By Ellen Harper where her lines were spoken rather than sung. Madi’s solo in the Royal Albert Hall, saw all eyes on her as she was given the part of the ‘translator’ in the avid Stanley, a former standout performance, echoing her lines Deputy Head teacher at a throughout the full auditorium. Performing Arts Specialist Madi finds her mum’s singing DSecondary School and now director embarrassing but loves her friends. of the Music Man Project, was inspired She also really loves Jenny and David. after teaching his friend Tony, who Everything Madi said, exemplified the has Downs Syndrome how to play I Music Man Project as a hub of creativity, am the Music Man. In 2001 David freedom and expression, as well as a started the Southend Mencap Music place of learning. The shows they put on School, running a series of workshops at some of the country’s biggest stages, and classes for special needs adults boost confidence and incites pride in the and children, inspiring them to learn minds of these performers, at the same through music. In 2012 David gave time as helping them break stereotypes. up his teaching job and made the Music Man Project his number one Mousetrap is another organisation, which commitment. Since then, the Project uses theatre as a tool for working with has expanded to Essex, Suffolk, Sussex, special needs people by helping them Kent, Hampshire, Bristol, Lincolnshire, develop their social skills and boosting Scotland and following funded learning their confidence with trips to the theatre and research trips, led by David and his and workshops in schools. It strives to colleagues, they also opened centres in create joy as well as teaching valuable life South Africa and India. As their website skills. says, The Music Man Project nurtures their innate musicality, delivering Since the 1950s an organisation, called education, enjoyment and performances Nordoff Robbins, has been developing through the teaching of original music music therapy for people with special at special schools, colleges, care homes, Albert Hall and the parents took over that had been destroyed through global needs. Catering for the individual needs weekly music schools and daily adult the auditorium with sheer pride on their warming. What was a delight to see, of each person, creates an understanding classes in the community.’ faces, the night was an overwhelming were the teachers who got fully stuck of how music therapy can help them David Stanley has since written and spectacle. Arranged so that everyone in; with Jenny Hitchcock, one of the engage with other people and with the conducted shows for the children at a would have a part to play and everyone’s programme’s directors, dressed up as music. multitude of iconic venues, such as the needs and abilities were met, the piano space man and leading the performers London Palladium and events, such as played by David himself accompanied in an enthusiastic performance of their the London Marathon throughout the an incredibly polished performance by Space musical. Her passion for what Mousetrap: UK. When the Music Man Project was his fantastic students. Music written for she did, these performers and the music www.mousetrap.org.uk set up he promised his music students the project itself, showcased the team’s as a whole, was evident from the stage that one day they would get to perform fantastic work, but also the talent of the as there was not one face that did not Nordoff Robbins: at the Royal Albert Hall and as April pupils. have an ear-to-ear smile. Watching the www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk 15th 2019 proved, this is exactly what he The second half of the show took teacher and student interaction, proved did. the audience on a trip into space, as how important and meaningful the For more information about As the choir, orchestra, teachers the stage replicated a spaceship, saving student-teacher relationship is for the the Music Man Project: and pupils filled the stage of the Royal all the humans from a futuristic earth performers. These people truly loved www.themusicmanproject.com 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 27 Education online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

sessions, Contact support the families Disability and of children with disabilities or special needs. They provide emotional and Special Needs practical support to families, sitting at their child’s hospital bedsides and have Services a large online community. They also By Ellen Harper support fundraising projects. Website: www.contact.org.uk/

Special Kids in the UK Throughout the country Aims to bring together families, as well as information in an attempt to there are a huge number fully support the families of special of organisations, charities, needs children. They run events for the families, but also as a way to fund raise, services and websites that whilst providing information and an seek to help, educate, finance open forum with which families can talk to one another. and facilitate those who have Website: www.specialkidsintheuk.org special needs and disabilities. Nanny and Butler They also seek to help their A bespoke service that find a nanny who families, care specialists and caters exclusively to your child’s special and developmental needs. Their nannies that seeks to end the stigma and Royal Society for Blind Children teachers access the resources are trained and experienced, ready to discrimination around Special Needs. Providing a range of services across that are available to them. deliver the care to your child that they They attempt to promote inclusion by London and the rest of the UK and need and deserve. finding work placements and running Wales, the charity provides services to Website: www.nannybutler.com workshops teaching art and sport, as blind children and young people, as well a means of socialising individuals and as to their families and the professionals Lambeth Sensory Support Service Keen London helping them to become independent. who work alongside them. Provide support services to children The only charity in London that Website: www.mencap.org.uk/ Website: www.rsbc.org.uk aged 0-25 and their families, who provides one-to-one support at free sport have hearing, visual and multi-sensory and activity sessions to help children British Dyslexia Association British Deaf Association impairment. They provide support with additional needs. Their weekly The leading Dyslexia charity, wans to Standing for equality, Access and to voluntary organisations, children sessions give special needs children the bring attention to the needs, values and Freedom of Choice, they promote the and young people throughout their chance to hang out, have fun and make development of dyslexic people in British representation, communication and education and to teachers and support friends, whilst being supported with an society. Campaigning and lobbying to opportunities for deaf people in society. staff. individual trained volunteer. create long-lasting changes that benefit By raising awareness of the benefits Website: www.lambeth.gov.uk/send- Website: www.keenlondon.org dyslexic people, they also provide advice of sign language, as well as informing local-offer/education/sensory-support- and support for dyslexic citizens. parents of the services available for their service Website: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/ children, they are able to make the right MahaDevi Centre decisions for their families. The National Autistic Society Running yoga sessions for special needs Afasic Website: bda.org.uk/ Centre children and their parents, instructors This charity provides information and Run by the charity the National use the Sonia Sumar Method. The training for parents and professionals, Brainwave Austistic Society, their centres run therapeutic, low-cost one-on-one yoga to help individuals with speech and A charity that exists to help children specialised groups, workshops and sessions are open to all families with a language impairments. They seek to with disabilities and additional needs to classes aimed at helping autistic adults special needs child. create awareness and better services and achieve greater independence by helping become as independent as possible. Website: mahadevicentre.com provision for children and young people, to improve mobility, communication Running clubs, such as the Breakfast whilst promoting understanding, equal skills and learning potential through Club and Supper Club, they encourage Centre404 opportunities and inclusion. a range of educational and physical the socialisation and development A support group that offers advice on Website: www.afasic.org.uk therapies. of the social skills of the autistic housing, medical issues, funding, and on Website: www.brainwave.org.uk individuals. advocacy as well as support to help end Revitalise Holidays London Locations: Acton, Ladbroke isolation. They run workshops, classes, Offering respite holidays for special Cerebral Palsy Grove, Mansfield Place, Pathways groups and activities for people with needs and disabled people and their A website offering help and support, Website: www.autism.org.uk/services/ special needs to help them socialise, carers, they offer 24-hour-on-call they aim to educate those in need of the community/centres.aspx and end isolation and which ultimately nursing care and plenty of support. With various charities accessible to help them promotes independence, including one- centres throughout the UK, the breaks or any family member with cerebral Lady Allen Adventure Playground on-one support. offer care and support without being a Palsy. They also offer tips, advice and With qualified and trained staff, the Website: www.centre404.org.uk care home; giving guests the freedom to guidance to help those affected by the playground caters to children with relax and explore. condition. special needs and requirements. The Variety Website: www.revitalise.org.uk Website: www.cerebralpalsy.org.uk/ safe and secure space, provides an The charity provides wheelchairs, environment for children who can Sunshine Coaches and grants to SENsational Tutors Spinal explore the adventure playground disadvantaged children. Providing Specialising in matching highly Working to support people who have freely.They also take in the siblings of resources to individuals, they also help experienced SEND tutors, therapists been afflicted with a spinal injury, from the special needs child. youth clubs, hospitals, hospices and run and other specialists with children the injury itself, through to having to Wandsworth a ‘Great Days Out’ programme, taking in need of specialist SEND tutoring. adjust to an entirely new lifestyle. They Website: www.kids.org.uk/lady-allen- thousands of children on day trips each Creating bespoke sessions for their work with paraplegics, as well as their adventure-playground1 year. clients to fully help children develop families and health and care specialists Website: www.variety.org.uk and thrive in both education and wider to ensure everybody’s needs are met. Contact society; encouraging them to find Website: www.spinal.co.uk Providing advice, information and MENCAP success later in life. running workshops and information A leading Special Needs charity, Website: www.sensationaltutors.co.uk 28 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Education

is delivered in one day (6 hours) and enter the world of work with confidence. methodology, or developing practical delegates will be assessed throughout You’ll be equipped for a range of careers techniques and approaches. Participants Education, the whole day with a certificate awarded helping to bring about a more inclusive on these courses come from all over upon successful completion. society. the world and are at various stages of Health, Social 0370 2185 919 University Way, Royal Docks, London their career. All participants on the localfirstaidcourses.co.uk E16 2RD short courses will receive an IH London Care, & Special 020 8223 3000 certificate of study. CONEL uel.ac.uk 16 Stukeley Street, Holborn, London Needs courses Health & Social Courses in London WC2B 5LQ This month our focus is on See website for dates London Southbank University 020 7611 2400 On these health and social care courses, Education: Special Educational Needs ihlondon.com education. One of these you'll learn the skills necessary to and Disability (SEND) MA courses could help set you onto succeed in the industry, including See website for dates UCL Institute of Education areas not covered by other colleges. This course is designed for Teacher training a new career path Additionally, you’ll gain a thorough people with an interest in autism See website for dates understanding of equality, diversity, and critical disability studies and for The IOE has been ranked number one inclusion, healthcare legislation, and practitioners across the age range into in the world for education for the past health and safety. These healthcare post compulsory education. Based on six years. Our PGCE programmes are courses also provide opportunities for the principles on ‘nothing about us rated Outstanding by Ofsted across CHILDCARE practical experience with employers such without us’, content is informed by all subjects and phases. IOE teacher as North Middlesex University Hospital. the experiences of people who identify educators are actively engaged in Westminster Adult Education Services See website for campus address personally with autism and/or SEND. cutting-edge education research, with Award in Skills for Childcare 020 8442 3055 You’ll be prepared for a wide variety of many of them writing the textbooks on Dates TBC conel.ac.uk settings, from early years of education every aspect of teaching. More London The content of the course encourages through to college or university. schools choose to partner with the IOE an understanding of the knowledge NURSERY Disabled people are actively encouraged for teacher training placements than any and the skills needed to care for young to apply and will receive appropriate other university. Children in London’s children. It helps you to understand how South Thames College support. diverse, exciting schools outperform children grow, learn and develop and Childcare, health, care and science 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA those in the rest of England regardless of ways of supporting them. This course See website for dates 020 7815 7815 their ethnicity, whether or not English is will cover the importance of building Studying and working in health, lsbu.ac.uk their first language, and whether or not children's confidence, ways of supporting care and childcare is an exciting and they have a disability. children’s communication and learning rewarding choice. There are a number of TEACHING See website for more information different aspects and value of play, the ways that you'll get to know the sector ucl.ac.uk/ioe/courses/teacher-training importance of a healthy lifestyle and really well during your course. First of International House London what consists a healthy diet. all there are teachers who will share Short courses for EFL teachers Compiled and edited by Fahad Redha 219 Lisson Grove, London, NW8 8LW their vocational experiences with you in winter and summer 020 7297 7297 while you learn. Your work placements See website for dates Next month the focus will on writing waes.ac.uk are important too. These are your chance IH London has a range of short courses. If you have a course you’d like to discover what it's like to work in your courses for qualified teachers aimed listed in the next edition, please email: Kensington & Chelsea College chosen area, leaving you confident about at introducing new themes and [email protected] Foundation Degree in Early Years launching your career. (offered in collaboration with Kingston See website for campus address University) 020 8918 7777 a minimum number of weekly hours, on September 10 south-thames.ac.uk top of those funded by the government in This course is run in collaboration Funding Childcare order to keep them financially stable. with Kingston University at Level Westminster Adult Education Services By Ellen Harper Whilst you do not have to apply for 4 and Level 5. All students attend Childcare and Early Years Education this funding, any hour on top of what is college for one day per week between See website for dates funded by the Local Authority will have to be paid for. However, children from 3pm and 9.30pm on a Tuesday. The Do you have a passion, enthusiasm programme provides a unique approach the age of two are eligible for the Grant for working with children? The childcare Childcare is a topic of great discussion in Funding if you are from a low-income for work-based learners to gain a degree sector has grown rapidly in recent years. modern society, as both parents head back family, receive Job Seekers Allowance or qualification, combining theoretical It is an important career, as those who to work before the child reaches primary Working Tax Credits or a number of other academic study and work to enhance and work in it play a vital role in shaping school age. According to the Family and benefits. deepen knowledge and improve practice. the lives of future generations. Whether Childcare Trust the average cost of a part- If you are a parent studying at college Hortensia Rd, Chelsea, London your focus is on nursery care, child time nursery place for a child under two or university there is a government SW10 0QS minding, teaching assistant or after- has risen by 7 percent, double the rate of funding scheme called Care to Learn 020 7573 3600 school provision, they have the courses inflation. The numbers can make finding which provides a weekly fixed amount kcc.ac.uk to suit. nursery places seem daunting, so what are to your childcare provider. If you are your options when it comes to funding 219 Lisson Grove, London, NW8 8LW under the age of 20, live in England, are your young child’s nursery placement? studying a publicly-funded course and you 020 7297 7297 HEALTH & SOCIAL Whilst state-funded nurseries or are the main carer for your child you may CARE waes.ac.uk local authority funded children’s centres be eligible. If you are living in London, will not ask for a financial contribution, the grant will pay up to £175 per child per Local First Aid Courses SPECIAL NEEDS private nurseries will, so it is important week, which drops to £160 for residents Emergency first aid at work to know what you are entitled to. Local outside of London. The amount you See website for dates University of East London Authorities, under a government scheme receive depends on your income, childcare An in-house comprehensive training BA (Hons) Special Education called Nursery Education Grant Funding, needs and the number of children you programme suitable for staff in any Starts September 2019 fund 570 hours of nursery care a year, have and you do not have to pay it back. sector, providing essential knowledge This intellectually challenging and per 3-4 year old, however as costs of Parents who study are also eligible has increased, funding has not risen at a to ensure a safe working environment. thought-provoking course offers you to a Parents Learning Allowance, which a hugely rewarding undergraduate parallel rate. According to statistics by the enables you to funding for learning The training is also available as an Pre-School learning Alliance, grants fall, resources. If you have a dependent child, experience here at the University of East open course option, although the on average, 20% short of the costs needed you can get up to £1,716 per year, which in-house version is recommended so London. It opens up the world of Special to efficiently run a nursery; straining you do not have to pay back. that the training can be tailored to suit Education Needs and Disabilities both the nurseries themselves as well as For more information go to: www.gov. the delegates’ workplace. The course (SEND) and offers you the chance to parents. Nurseries, often therefore permit uk/childcare-grant 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 29 Literature online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

autopsies and mother’s live in carer leaving her brittle something very with arrested development. Desperate unfortunate for something to happen in her life, she involving a kitten. jumps at the chance to help a pseudo-

Photographs © Netflix Photographs Presumably there scientific investigation into the reputedly have been plenty profoundly haunted Hill House as a of viewers who, last roll of the dice to escape from the having had fun stultifying confines of her existence. with the ghost So far so Steven King, but the novel’s train thrills of genius springs from the out of skew the series decided nature of Eleanor’s point of view. to give the From the very beginning Jackson’s original book a lyrical writing only slightly occludes spin. It’s possible the oddness of how Eleanor processes that, after a few the world around her. As a result when chapters, some Eleanor reaches Hill House, it’s every of them put the angle built subtly out of skew with itself book aside never in an almost Escher-esque nightmare, to be touched the sheer sensory overload pushes the again. This is narrative into fever dream territory. not just because The huge house provides a bizarrely the book’s story dreamlike backdrop to Eleanor’s attempt is a completely to assert herself amongst her ghost different story, hunter peers, a separate social horror its hills, holding darkness within; it had all the way down to the characters, story that intersects and melds with stood for eighty years and might stand but also because The Haunting Of Hill the things that go bump in the night. The Haunting Of for eighty more. Within, walls continued House on the page is deeply, worryingly, Steadily Eleanor’s already tenuous grip upright, bricks met neatly, floors were unsettling. on reality begins to slip and the reader Hill House firm, and doors were sensibly shut; Unlike the series, the ghosts in gets queasy watching a mind begin to silence lay steadily against the wood Shirley Jackson’s 1959 spine-chiller come apart in a wiggling mass of spidery and stone of Hill House, and whatever prefer to stay out of sight; and are prose. With as much of the Bell Jar and o live organism can continue walked there, walked alone." maybe even wholly absent. We see Polanski’s Repulsion in its DNA as The for long to exist sanely The Haunting Of Hill House was the Hill House through the, not especially Shining, The Haunting of Hill House’s under conditions of absolute subject recently of a markedly successful trustworthy, eyes of Eleanor Vance. disquieting horror is its own rare beast, “reality;N even larks and katydids are Netflix adaptation. The series was a An unwilling shut-in, Eleanor’s life has an unnerving hybrid impossible to supposed, by some, to dream. Hill lot of fun: a whole bevy of jump scares been dominated for the last 11 years by reproduce. Whatever it is, it walks alone. House, not sane, stood by itself against involving screaming ghosts, infernal serving as her tyrannical, now deceased, Max Feldman

have become virtually hard-hats areas, Lots Road Derelict London as yet more uninspired and uninspiring Power Station Paul Talling buildings are thrown up. Flicking slowly being through this book, one is struck by Random House Books the number of buildings that one has transformed 216 pp. £14.99 known and passed year after year, only over the years; to suddenly find that they have been all like observing ISBN 9781847948380 boarded up, like the mysterious Zodiac Records shop in Wandsworth. an elderly Across the river, one has been aunt getting watching the Lots Road Power Station undressed... slowly being transformed over the years; like observing an elderly aunt getting undressed, into even more Even as this book was being printed, ‘high end loft-style luxury riverside dozens of buildings will have been apartments’ since it was closed in 2002. demolished, abandoned or converted. Further downstream, the Grade II London is losing on average one pub listed Battersea Power Station, which a week, with 3,530 working pubs left is the largest brick building in the in the Capital, and across the UK, world, has been a long time in the the number of pubs has fallen by re-development stage, surrounded by 17% since 2000. It’s not just pubs, as a clutter of enormous cranes, turning Talling points out. Shops, cafés, offices, it into a complex of offices and, wait houses, flats, police stations, cinemas, for it, ‘luxury riverside apartments’. stadiums, hospitals and churches all Talling describes Beckton Gasworks, become redundant and liable to rot and once the largest gas plant in Europe, and used as a dry ski slope, but fails to and Charing Cross, although some of Hospital and the Crown and Shuttle pub fall down. Building yet more ‘luxury, these have had change of usage. Talling in Shoreditch, which are included in riverside apartments’ where there used mention the fact that Stanley Kubrick turned it into Vietnam to shoot his film makes good use of his knowledge of Then+Now categories, with photos taken to be small, light industrial units, has buildings that he first photographed a decade apart, so all is not lost. Some reached pandemic proportions, mostly Full Metal Jacket there before it was demolished. Two Underground stations ten years ago, some of which have of the pictures tell a very sad story, with bought as investments by rich foreigners. remained derelict, like the George Diner neglect and misfortune at their root, It is interesting how quickly one’s brain are featured, including York Road near King’s Cross, and Shoreditch, but there in Silvertown, and a grand mansion but others have a brighter future and adjusts to the changing urban landscape, called The Georgians in Bishops Avenue have been saved for posterity. It would all but blotting out what was there before are reputedly over 40 abandoned tube stations, including Brompton Road, owned by the Saudi Royal Family, but be interesting to see a revised edition in the developers moved in. Parts of the others, like the Royal Garrison Church another ten years. Capital, particularly around Vauxhall, South Kentish Town, Down Street in Mayfair, Aldwych, British Museum of St George in Woolwich, Colindale Don Grant 30 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Woodstock 50 Woodstock 50 Photograph Whisperer Photograph © Woodstock

oodstock (or The Woodstock scale gatherings of the counterculture ugust marks Music and Art Fair to give it were greeted with cynicism from the Wits proper name) occupies a intelligentsia and outright fear from venerable place in the collective cultural conservative America. This progressingly the 50th unconscious. As memories of the depressing situation culminated with A 1960s have increasingly been replaced the Newport Pop Festival, which by an idealised version that bears as unfortunately coincided with a concerted anniversary of The much relation to reality as The Other police campaign to stamp out the Boleyn Girl, Woodstock has become distribution of marijuana in the Los the cornerstone for this pleasant semi- Angeles area. Rather than be cowed, the Woodstock Music fiction. In many ways the cultural audience took their amusement from a impression of three days of peace, love particularly virulent cocktail of alcohol, and catastrophically underprepared amphetamines and an impure chemical and Art Fair. Max toilet facilities has grown to become hybrid with the ominous designation one of the defining moments of the late of “Orange Acid”. Rather than peace 20th century. Whilst Neil Armstrong and love, the combination inspired Feldman explores walking on the moon was held up by incoherent violence against the police, cultural commentators as the moment each other and anyone unlucky enough that would resonate through eternity, for to be in the general vicinity. As local how a bunch of better or worse when it comes to people’s government officials began drafting imaginings of the decade, it doesn’t hold ordinances to prevent future outbreaks a candle to 500,000 mud-splattered of violence it was generally assumed hippie capitalists hippies. that “there would never be another In the wake of the ecstatically Monterey.” successful Monterey Festival, the It was in this uncertain managed to seize concept of festivals lost their original atmosphere that the first whispers of connotations of communal celebration a new gargantuan festival that would and became increasingly co-opted as a overshadow all that had come before the zeitgeist and marketing tool. Most cities had their began to circulate in hip circles. It was own rock festivals where proliferating scheduled for August, in the scenic large crowds endured increasingly upstate New York town of Woodstock; a define a generation appalling conditions and, by 1969, large site chosen for no other reason than the 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 31 Woodstock 50 online: www.KCWToday.co.uk fact that Bob Dylan lived there. When approached by the festival organisers, the people of Woodstock decided that Profile: playing host to 200,000 unwashed hippies perhaps wasn’t quite their cup John Morris of tea and it was only in July that Max Yasgur, a farmer from the neighbouring Woodstock’s Production town of Bethel agreed to rent his land Coordinator to the festival promoters. These same promoters weren’t going to let the little problem of the Woodstock Festival not n honour of the 50th being held anywhere near Woodstock anniversary, KCWToday sat get in the way of a specious Bob Dylan down to chat with John Morris, connection and so a chance to make any the Production Coordinator at number of Bethel-Bethlehem related Woodstock. Whilst normally puns were sadly lost forever. Once a Ithis would have been an unsung location was fixed the organisers, hippie role, Morris’s voice (as well as capitalists all, sold the recording rights that of Chip Monck) became an to Atlantic Records, whose boss, Ahmet indelible part of the event due Ertegun managed to secure the film to his announcements over the rights for Warner Brothers, Atlantic’s sound system throughout the parent company. It was this movie that festival. helped to truly cement the legacy of the Festival, but in many ways it was also a John Morris already had telling stepping stone from the counter- significant counter-culture cultural happening it was intended to creditentials, having already be and the corporate symbol its legacy helped set up the short-lived but eventually became. successful Anderson Theater in In the earlier stages of planning New York City before helping to the organisers: Michael Lang, John set up the famous Fillmore East. Roberts, Joel Rosenman, and Artie When speaking to him now he Kornfeld had (grossly under)estimated assured us with some amusement that a maximum of 200,000 (though told the Bethel township they were only expecting 50,000) people would was three days of peace and love. There of society that can afford the huge up probably turn up and managed to sell were only two deaths recorded, one price of admission) that one would 186,000 advance tickets for $18 and likely a heroin overdose while the other normally dive under a truck to avoid. offered tickets on the door for $24 a slightly more bizarre incident where Gurning bankers slathered in face-paint (equivalent to $120.00 and $150.00 a sleeping reveller was run over by a and mainlining cocaine mixing with respectively) and certainly had no tractor. vomiting teenagers in garish animal interest in running Woodstock as costumes; drunk on both freedom from anything less than 100% for profit. The success of Woodstock helped adult supervision and herculean amounts Unfortunately for them, the late change the concept of the music festival to of cheap cider has become a large part of venue to Bethel left them in a the level of cultural ubiquity that (at of the cultural heritage that Woodstock situation where the festival promoters least in our own fair isles) has slowly has inadvertently inspired. However ghettoised into a boutique bourgeois as the years go by, the memory of the didn’t have enough time to properly that ‘we invented everything nightmare. The desire to grab hold of Festival and what it represented in its build both the stage and the security as we went along’, including some part of the ephemeral ‘festival contemporary culture will continue to fence. Realising that any problems frantically scanning the Yellow experience’ that was initially laid down stand tall over any festival that came with the stage would kill the festival Pages for helicopter rentals on the in the sixties has pulled in a huge-cross after. In this particular case you didn’t dead they focused their attention on it, first day of the festival in order section of society (or at least, the parts just have to be there, man. spending the bare minimum energy on to overcome the huge number the fences. As a result when thousands of attendees flowing around the of hippies showed up disinclined to pay, unfinished fences. ‘We went from the phrase “the fences of Woodstock” 0 to 16 helicopters in less than a swiftly became an oxymoron. Aware day, we had to war game every that they stood to make up lost cash problem as it came up. from the subsequent box-office revenue of Woodstock (on which a young Martin After Woodstock he would go Scorsese served as Assistant Director) on to create and own London’s the organisers were forced to declare first major rock concert venue, the event ‘a free festival’. Word soon The Rainbow and produced live spread and soon New York’s motorways concerts for bands including Paul were choked with multi-coloured McCartney’s Wings, The Grateful Volkswagens (the famous announcement Dead, The Moody Blues, The that “the New York State Thruway is Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, closed, man” wasn’t quite accurate, but The Doors, and Santana. Morris, it wasn’t far off). Eventually 400,000 always involved in the art scene, to 500,000 had packed into the site has since gone on to found and and considering that the entire festival produce a number of prestigious was acutely lacking food, water and art shows including the upcoming sanitation (shortages of everything Antique American Indian Art except drugs really), the stage should Show Santa Fe which will open have been set for carnage that made the Wednesday, 14 August 2019. Newport Pop Festival look like Ascot’s Ladies Day, but miraculously it really 32 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Events

BUSINESS Women in Business: London Networking Tower Millennium Pier Leading cultural A River Thames cruise where you will have the opportunity to engage and network venues are June 12 with women in various professions and joining forces Funding for Innovation:Unleash a Box of careers. A delicious buffet lunch and drinks Opportunities will be served making this the perfect way to recreate the Newable London Office to network on a summer's day. Lunch and spirit of the GovGrant, the UK's leading specialist is drinks are included. here to make sure that innovation in any Lower Thames Street, London Great Exhibition business is recognised and receives a full EC3N 4DT of 1851 for the range of available government funding, See website for more information enabling the creation of new products, londonchamber.co.uk 21st century systems, devices or services that add real value, support business expansion and June 26 ver one weekend this summer, South Kensington’s Exhibition growth and enhance company valuation. Networking Lunch Their focus is on how the government can Bailey’s Hotel ORoad will host a celebration of curiosity and discovery, with incentivise the innovation life cycle for Set in a stunning Victorian era town- a new, free festival of art, science and culture. UK companies through the Research and house, The Bailey’s Hotel is over 120 Running from 28-30 June, the Great Exhibition Road Festival will see the area Development Tax Credit and Patent Box years old, one of the capital’s oldest transformed, with an array of interactive workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, innovation funding schemes. hotels. Each of the hotel’s 212 luxury exciting talks and dynamic performances to inspire all ages. 020 7841 1067 rooms incorporates contemporary The Festival; a collaboration between Imperial College London, the Natural 140 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, comfort and style with the hotel’s unique History Museum, the V&A, the Royal Albert Hall, the Science Museum, the EC1A 4HY heritage. Enjoy drinks and canapes while Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, Discover South Kensington, the businessfundingshow.com networking with companies from across Royal Society of Sculptors and others, marks the bicentenary of the births of the Borough. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, taking inspiration from their vision for the Great June 12 020 7795 0304 Exhibition of 1851, which showcased the latest innovations in British industry and Networking 140 Gloucester Road, London culture, and was visited by six million people. House of Killik SW7 4QH From robot air hockey to sculpture workshops inspired by the wonder material The aim of this is to bring together a kccclondon.org graphene, there is something for everyone among the hundreds of events planned. number of local businesses to help establish The iconic road will be closed off to traffic for two days, as activities spill out into mutually beneficial relationships. We June 21 the surrounding streets and scientists and curators escape their offices to meet the envisage the event to be an informal affair, Mexico: One-to-One Business Clinics public. drinks and nibbles will be provided. LCCI 020 7337 0676 Mexico is the second largest economy To attend the festival, please make sure to register for free. Registering 125D Northcote Rd, London in Latin America, with a higher gross is the only way to receive the latest Festival updates, a first look at the SW11 6PS domestic product (GDP) per capita than full programme, and exclusive opportunities to book in to popular talks and wandsworthchamber.org any of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and behind-the-scenes tours. Visit www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.com China) countries. It boasts powerful, global June 20 cities with different sector hubs, making

it an ideal investment and trade hub. 14 Grays Inn Road, London Mexico offers an abundance of business WC1X 8HN opportunities across various industry businessfundingshow.com sectors. 020 7248 4444 DANCE & OPERA 33 Queen Street, London EC4R 1AP londonchamber.co.uk Ends June 11 Romeo and Juliet June 27 The Royal Ballet India: Overcoming Trade Barriers Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers Lloyds Bank encounter passion and tragedy in A specialist seminar on accessing the Kenneth MacMillan's 20th-century ballet Indian market with industry and in- masterpiece. country experts, hosted by Lloyds Bank. 020 7304 4000 This seminar will address the problems Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, businesses often face when trying to WC2E 9DD enter this challenging market and how to roh.org.uk overcome them. 020 7248 4444 Ends June 16 25 Gresham Street, London Cinderella in-the-round EC2N 7HN Royal Albert Hall DREAMlondonchamber.co.uk Enter an enchanting kingdom where forest creatures live alongside princes, a growing BONGSU PARK + July 3 tree appears to dance in the wind, and JINYEOB CHA Evening with Angel Investors Cinderella’s wit and generosity get her WeWork Chancery Lane to the ball, with the help of a little bit of RITUAL At this BFS event, meet top business angel magic. This inventive production combines networks in your sector, learn how to secure magnificent sets and costumes, surprising their money, discover what drives business theatrical tricks and lively choreography angels to invest in certain ideas over others to delight, move and astound, all to the A DANCE AND VIDEO JOURNEY and identify the best-fit angels for your melodious tunes of Prokofiev’s sublime INTO DEEP SUBCONSCIOUS business. score, performed by English National

03 Jul— Tickets £18—£20 thecoronettheatre.com SUBSCRIBE & SUPPORT 06 Jul 2019 020 3642 6606 Notting Hill Gate KCW Today. See page 7 for details 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 33 Events online: www.KCWToday.co.uk Promotion

MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR 27 - 30 June, Saatchi Gallery

For FREE ADMISSION go to FAIRFORSAATCHI.COM and use offer code FFS19

Ballet Philharmonic. Patrick Terry. 020 7581 1245 020 7304 4000 Kensington Gore, South Kensington, Bow St, Covent Garden, London London SW7 2AP WC2E 9DD ballet.org.uk roh.org.uk

June 27-28 July 3-6 Phoenix Dance Theatre, The Rite of Dream Ritual Spring / Left Unseen The Coronet The Peacock The Korean tradition of buying and Approaching group rituals from two selling dreams is the starting point different angles, Phoenix Dance Theatre for this ethereal dance and video presents an energetic double-bill of performance. Bongsu Park is a Korean reinventions. The Rite of Spring draws artist whose dance video works have won on the themes of ceremony and sacrifice international acclaim. Recently, she has in a captivating performance for today’s been collecting the dreams of all kinds of modern global society. people as inspiration for this unique live 020 7863 8222 performance. Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT 020 3642 6606 peacocktheatre.com 103 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB Ends July 22 thecoronettheatre.com Have you Recitals at Lunch Royal Opera House July 20 Experience an exciting programme of The Lisa Gilbert Academy of Ballet 10 lost your music in the opulent setting of the historic Year Anniversary Show Royal Opera House Crush Room. These Dancing Through the Decades regular lunchtime performances feature Hackney Empire dreams? artists from The Royal Opera: Orchestra Get set for a fantastic evening of dance of the Royal Opera House, Jette Parker as the Lisa Gilbert Academy of Ballet Don’t despair. Young Artists and a range of guest artists and Performing Arts celebrates its 10th in performances inspired by the heritage anniversary. Pupils aged from 3 to 21 years Here at ANIMA we’ve built something we call a Dream of the Royal Opera House, its operas from East London’s dance school will Camera. Just call or text the number and we’ll find and music. The Jette Parker Young Artists take you on a trip down memory lane as your dreams for you. also return to St Clement Danes for two they perform Dancing Through the Decades. additional lunchtime events. In April, Aigul Classics such as Benny Goodman’s Sing, Akhmetshina gives a recital accompanied Sing, Sing from the 1920s to modern day 07588 733 111 by Patrick Milne. In May, Patrick Milne hits from The Greatest Showman will be conducts a chamber concert with soprano performed on the night in what’s set to be Jacquelyn Stucker and counter-tenor a sensational spectacle of dance suitable for 34 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Events music fans of all ages. objects from IWM’s collections including embarked on a succession of expeditions from gender to adventure, in real or 020 8985 2424 weapons, uniforms, diaries, keepsakes, film to document the natural world. The imagined worlds. Immersive and playful, 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ and art. Each object on display gives a observations of flora and fauna made by the exhibition will explore manga’s global 020 8985 2424 voice to the people who created them, used the artists on these voyages of natural appeal and cultural crossover, showcasing them or cared for them, and reveals stories history have contributed greatly to our original Japanese manga and its influence EXHIBITIONS not only of destruction, suffering and loss, understanding of nature. On display until across the globe, from ‘anime’ to ‘cosplay’ but also endurance and innovation, duty October 2019, the exhibition content will dressing up. This influential art form Ongoing and devotion, comradeship and love. rotate every four months, giving you a entertains, inspires and challenges, and Museum of the Moon 020 7416 5000 rare opportunity to see remarkable never- is brought to life as never before in this Natural History Museum Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ before-displayed original illustrations and ground-breaking exhibition. A six-metre spherical sculpture, features iwm.org.uk photographs. 020 7323 8299 detailed NASA imagery of the lunar 020 7942 5511 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London surface. Allowing visitors the chance to June 18 – July 12 Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 WC1B 3DG see the far side of the Moon, the artwork Jon Schueler Abstract Expressionist 5BD britishmuseum.org will offer a new and exciting perspective Waterhouse& Dodd/Fine Art Brokers nhm.ac.uk of Earth’s celestial neighbour. The By the late 1950s, the American painter FAIRS & FESTIVALS sculpture is accompanied by a surround- Jon Schueler (1916-1992) was a leading June 21-August 21 sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor figure in the New York School, exhibiting The Mapping of the Moon: 1669-1969 Ends June 30 Novello award-winning composer Dan large scale expressionist works in two The Map House Southbank Centre Food Market Jones. Suspended from the ceiling and major solo shows, one at the auspicious Coinciding with the 50 year anniversary With some of the best street food in lit from within, the Moon will create a Stable Gallery (1954) and perhaps most of the historic Apollo II moon landing this London, Southbank Centre Food Market show-stopping centrepiece within the significantly at the Leo Castelli Gallery July, the exhibition explores 300 years of delights food lovers and explorers alike. 19th century Waterhouse architecture of (1957). At the height of his fame however lunar and celestial cartography from early Devour the tastiest food and produce in the Jerwood Gallery. Offering a space for Schueler chose to turn his attention away astronomers in the 17th century to the the capital. Bursting with fresh, creative reflection within the Museum, visitors from the New York art scene and move Apollo II mission in July 1969 and beyond. and vibrant flavours, this market caters can contemplate their own relationship to Mallaig, a remote fishing village in Free entry generously for food lovers and explorers with the Moon and its influence on life on the Scottish Highlands. It was here that 020 7589 4325 alike, making it one of London’s top Earth. he became entranced by the menacing 54 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, foodie destinations. Find the market on 020 7942 5511 skyscapes experienced between the Isle of London, SW3 1NY Southbank Centre Square each weekend, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London Skye and mainland Scotland, and to which themaphouse.com including bank holidays. SW7 5BD he brought the scale, gravity and gesture of 020 3879 9555 nhm.ac.uk Abstract Expressionism. Ends August 26 Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London 020 7734 7800 Manga SE1 8XX Ongoing 47 Albemarle Street, London WIS 4JW British Museum southbankcentre.co.uk First World War Galleries albemarlegallery.com Enter a graphic world where art and The Imperial War Museum storytelling collide in the largest exhibition June 22-23 Discover the story of the First World War Ends July 12 of manga ever to take place outside of Steam on the Underground: District 150 through the eyes of the British people and Expeditions and Endeavours Japan. Manga is a visual narrative art form Ealing Broadway & High Street the Empire, both on the home and the Natural History Museum that has become a multimedia global Kensington fighting fronts. On display are over 1,300 For centuries, scientists and artists have phenomenon, telling stories with themes

Mind-Scape V at 3812 London Gallery

’s must-see summer 3812 exhibition demonstrates the wealth of talent and diversity the gallery brings to London’s contemporary art scene. Mind-Scape Sophie Chang. Green Seeding. oil on canvas, 97x 130cm x 4. 2018 V includes vibrant works by eight ‘blue-green Landscape’. His colourful artists who reflect 3812’s dedication landscape paintings include palimpsests to fostering cultural understanding of his works burned in a studio fire of Chinese contemporary art where in the 1990s. Xue, inspired by Robert ancient practice meets contemporary Rauschenberg in the 1980s, was the first expression. artist in China to bring western collage Using a range of disciplines from onto the contemporary Chinese art Chinese ink and coffee on paper scene. to acrylic and oil on canvas, the Another striking addition to the impressive artists who make up Mind- show will be Sophie Chang’s dynamic oil Scape V are: Wang Jieyin, Sophie painting, Green Seeding. Chang’s abstract Chang, Wang Huangsheng, Li Lei, landscapes were developed during years Qu Leilei, Xue Song, Liu Guofu and of meditation and reflection. Beauty is Chloe Ho. This is a group of artists integral to her work and the vivid colours who have expanded the horizon of she uses create arresting imagery. contemporary Chinese art practice. At the frontier of Asian contemporary The exhibition brings the traditions of art, 3812 Gallery aims to engage Chinese creative culture into dialogue international collectors through its with the paradigm of contemporary expertise and unrivalled exhibition art. programme. Mind-Scape V opens to Highlights to expect include the public on 21 June and runs until 17 Xue Song’s beautiful mixed-media August 2019. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 35 Events online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Recreate the experience of being sadlerswells.com one of the first Londoners to travel underground and let an original steam Ongoing FREE Auction train transport you into the heart of the Go Ape Capital between Ealing Broadway and Battersea Park Valuation Day with High Street Kensington. Mingle with For the fully-grown Tarzans and Janes, Victorian characters on Ealing Broadway’s you won’t even feel like you’re in the T V ’s Thomas Forrester platform, and soak up the atmosphere city, as you’ll be fully immersed in the whilst listening to live music from heritage pursuit to conquer some of the longest Victorian brass instruments. This will be and highest crossings for a full 2-3 hours. SAS Director & the last time steam trains are expected Friendly instructors are ready and waiting T.V. Expert to travel into central London on the to propel the youngsters into a leafy world Underground network, due to signalling of canopies too, including bridges and zip modernisation that will provide more wires. Monday 17 June 2019 frequent services and improved reliability 01603 895500 10am-3pm on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ City and Metropolitan lines. goape.co.uk Come along and find out 020 7379 6344 more about your treasured Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, Ends June 30 London, WC2E 7BB Investigate for families possessions, in this popular ltmuseum.co.uk Natural History Museum monthly event. Get a feel for how scientists work by June 27 – July 3 having a go yourself. Come and explore Just pop in, or book an Masterpiece London hundreds of real nature specimens that appointment by calling 01635 Royal Hospital Chelsea form the evidence Museum scientists use 580595, or emailing mail@ Masterpiece has established itself as the in their work. Science Educators are on world's leading cross-collecting fair, hand to help you look closely at real objects specialauctionservices.com offering the finest works of art, design, using the many tools provided. furniture and jewellery, from antiquity 020 7942 5511 Valuations are FREE, but donations to the present day. The unmissable event Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London to the Stroke Association at the height of the capital’s summer SW7 5BD are gratefully received. season, Masterpiece London provides nhm.ac.uk an unparalleled opportunity for new and established collectors to discover Ends July 6 exceptional works for sale from 160 Re:Sound: Polka40 Choir international exhibitors; the centrepiece of Polka Theatre Next Valuation Day will be: a unique week of cultural experiences in Join in and learn four Polka classics, Monday 15 July 2019 the heart of London. plus, be the first to sing an exclusive new 020 7881 5350 commission by Julian Butler at a special FREE valuations at J McCarthy Ltd, 11 Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RH Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, performance on 6 July. Each weekly SW3 4SR session will be an opportunity to make new masterpiecefair.com friends, have a cuppa and sing your heart out. The group is open to everyone. There including the science of beatboxing and 020 7942 4000 June 28 – July 5 is no need to audition and no need for 3D printed food. Relax after work with Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London Art Week experience. It’s fun. It’s free. It’s yours. one of our sense-boggling cocktails London, SW7 2DD From Ancient sculptures to Old Master 020 8543 4888 while discovering how carnivorous plants sciencemuseum.org.uk drawings and post-Impressionist paintings, Various locations. See website for more trick and trap their insect prey or take a London Art Week offers visitors the information. spectacular virtual tour of our galaxy. Over- FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY chance to see, and buy, extraordinary polkatheatre.com 18s only works. For seasoned collectors as well [email protected] Ongoing as those simply curious to learn more July 1-7 6 – 9 Carlton House Terrace, London Moons Beyond Counting about art, London Art Week dealers are Summer Science Exhibition SW1Y 5AG Royal Observatory always on hand and delighted to share The Royal Society royalsociety.org Discover the moons of the Solar System in their knowledge and expertise. Talks Discover a future vision of wooden this brand new show narrated by our Royal and events are scheduled throughout the skyscrapers, four-legged robots and July 4-7 Observatory astronomers. From the Earth’s week, delivered by some of the UK's most cosmic civilisations at the Royal Society’s London Children’s Ballet: Ballet Shoes closest neighbour in space, our Moon, to distinguished art historians and curators. 2019 Summer Science Exhibition. This The Peacock the moons of the distant gas giants, this There is no tent; visitors have the luxury free blockbuster exhibition offers visitors Celebrating 25 years of fantastic show explores our Solar System’s natural of discovering masterpieces within our unparalleled access to the researchers at productions, London Children’s Ballet satellites. Voiced by Royal Observatory beautiful gallery spaces, all situated within the frontiers of science. With 22 exhibits returns to the stage with an adaptation of astronomers, discover more about the walking distance. exploring the very latest advances in a much-loved classic. Ballet Shoes is the appearance and features of our own moon, See website for more information science and a packed programme of enduring tale of the determined Fossil as well as a selection of the many different londonartweek.co.uk thought-provoking talks, jaw-dropping sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, as they kinds of moons out there that orbit the demonstrations and entertaining family take to the stage in order to support their other planets. FAMILY & CHILDREN performances alongside the exhibits, there’s adopted family. 020 8858 4422 something for everyone. 020 7863 8222 Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 See website for dates [email protected] Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT, 8XJ Family Fridays 6 – 9 Carlton House Terrace, London peacocktheatre.com rmg.co.uk Sadler’s Wells SW1Y 5AG A new monthly workshop that encourages royalsociety.org September 6, October 11 Ends June 30 young children aged 2-4 and their carers Astronights Chris Steele-Perkins: Some Kind of Truth to dance together and have fun here at July 2 Science Museum The Photographers’ Gallery Sadler’s Wells. Led by professional dancers, Summer Science Exhibition Lates An overnight science extravaganza at the Magnum photographer Chris Steele- come along to this unique opportunity The Royal Society Science Museum. If your child has ever Perkins (b.1947, Burma) studied designed to start you and the little ones on Discover a future vision of wooden wanted to explore the Museum after dark, psychology in Newcastle before moving to a dance journey. These sessions will cover skyscrapers, four-legged robots and or if the idea of spending the night in London in the 1970s and pursuing a career a range of dance styles and will encourage cosmic civilisations at the Royal Society’s one of our iconic galleries fills them with in photography. Alongside freelance work coordination, creative thinking and social 2019 Summer Science Exhibition. Explore excitement, then they’ll love Astronights, he began to manifest an ongoing interest in interaction. 22 exhibits showcasing the very latest sleepover for children. With workshops, documenting subcultures and marginalised 020 7863 8000 advances in science after hours at a special science shows and activities, rounded off societies across the UK. Perhaps his best- Mezzanine level, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, late night opening of the exhibition with breakfast and a breathtaking IMAX known work from this period is The Teds Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN for adults only with exclusive activities 3D film; it will be a night they never forget. (1979), an intimate series of portraits of 36 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Events

young teddy boys, which brilliantly capture 020 7942 4000 www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfCRr-jrUnI the style, culture, attitude and identity of Exhibition Road, South Kensington, the group. London, SW7 2DD 020 7087 9300 sciencemuseum.org.uk 16-18 Ramillies St, Soho, London W1F 7LW MUSIC thephotographersgallery.org.uk June 13 June 10 Young Artists’ Platform: Colours in Sound Shakespeare in Love (1999) Foundling Museum Dulwich Picture Gallery Flautist, Camilla Marchant, presents a Winner of the 1999 Academy Awards for colourful programme of music focused Best Picture, Shakespeare in Love depicts on the work of Carl Philipp Emanuel a fictional love affair between a young Bach, a composer heavily influenced by William Shakespeare ( Joseph Fiennes) Handel. She is accompanied by pianist, and Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow). Joseph Havlat. Camilla Marchant enjoys a Shakespeare, experiencing writers’ block varied freelance career and has performed and more-or-less penniless, is inspired by with many of the UK’s leading orchestras his love for Viola to write Romeo and Juliet. including the Philharmonia Orchestra, Directed by John Madden and starring London Symphony Orchestra, English Joseph Fiennes, Ben Affleck, Colin Firth, National Opera and Royal Northern Gwyneth Paltrow and Judi Dench Sinfonia. In addition to her orchestral 020 8693 5254 work, she regularly enjoys performing solo Gallery Rd, Dulwich, London and chamber recitals. Most recently she has SE21 7AD performed as a soloist in the Royal Festival dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Hall, St Martin in The Fields, Cadogan Hall, and at the Royal Concertgebouw, June 13 Amsterdam. Weimar Berlin - Metropolis Live 020 7841 3600 Screening 40 Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury, Royal Festival Hall London WC1N 1AZ Watch Fritz Lang's sci-fi masterpiece foundlingmuseum.org.uk Metropolis accompanied live by Gottfried Huppertz's score. Composer Huppertz June 14 and film director Lang were frequent The Rhythm and Booze Project partners in the creation of German cinema London Party of the Weimar period. Their most famous The Harrison Bar collaboration was on Lang's 1927 tour de Booze Project are back and ready to cause force of epic expressionist science-fiction trouble in King’s Cross! Felipe and Paul are storytelling. Set in a city of the future going to bring you a night full of whisky, (in 2026), Metropolis is lauded for its music, and mischief. Taking place in the imaginative flair in depicting a nightmarish intimate basement of the Harrison bar, this mechanized-industrial future. Its warning is a combination gig and whisky tasting, about society, equality and the nature of featuring an open whisky bar and the boys thomas del mar Ltd the city itself reflect the instability and doing what they do best as a gritty duo, Britain’s Leading independent auctioneers of antique arms, armour & miLitaria concerns of the Weimar age. both as musicians and whisky professionals. 0844 875 0073 0207 278 3966 Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, 28 Harrison Street, Kings Cross, London Lambeth, London SE1 8XX WC1H 8JF Next Auction 10th July 2019 southbankcentre.co.uk harrisonbar.co.uk

June 19-22 June 18 The Decorative Potential of Blazing None but the Brave Factories Handel & Hendrix The Coronet Theatre The internationally-renowned soloist A quest for artistic inspiration turns into Maximilian Ehrhardt (Welsh triple harp) a disaster of biblical proportions in the performs newly discovered works for the new film by seminal British artist Bruce harp from a Welsh manuscript collection, McLean and director-producer Gary including music by Handel, Corelli, Parry Chitty. An ingenious blend of art and and others. Maximilian Ehrhardt will drama ‘starring 58 sheets of foam board’, perform on a copy of an 18th century harp, The Decorative Potential of Blazing Factories recreating the original sound of the period. is a journey to the very heart of art and 020 7495 1685 politics. 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, London 020 3642 6606 W1K 4HB 103 Notting Hill Gate, London handelhendrix.org W11 3LB thecoronettheatre.com June 21 Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight Ends July 19 St Martin-in-the-Fields A beautiful planet Founded to perform the masterpieces A CASED PAIR OF 30 BORE SILVER-MOUNTED PELLET-LOCK PISTOLS BY CHARLES Science Museum of the 18th century at St Martins in the See fantastic images of the Earth from Fields Church, the Festive Orchestra MOORE, LONDON, NO. 948, LONDON HALLMARKS, 1824, MAKER’S MARK E.B. the Space Station and gain a new of London draws its members from the £14,000 - £18,000 understanding of how wonderful and outstanding period performers of London. unique our planet is. See the world light The ensemble broadcasts on both radio and up at night and enjoy natural spectacles television and their recordings and concerts such as the Northern Lights from a unique have been critically acclaimed both in the viewpoint. Discover how the Earth is UK and abroad. changing and how much power we have to 020 7766 1100 protect it. Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 37 Events online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

WC2N 4JJ Nayeri as they discuss their new books: stmartin-in-the-fields.org The Runaways and The Ungrateful Refugee ahead of Refugee Week 2019. A bold new June 25 novel from bestselling Pakistant author Over the Hills and Far Away Fatima Bhutto, The Runaways follows Handel & Hendrix the lives of three very different characters Mafalda Ramos (flute) leads a chamber whose fates cross paths in the desert ensemble through Baroque music that attempting to escape the secrets of their evokes the serenity of undisturbed nature past. Dina Nayeri weaves together her own and images of pastoral scenes. With songs story of fleeing Iran at the age of 8 with of birds and shepherds, this concert will those of refugees more recently uprooted. include 18th century repertoire from The Ungrateful Refugee explores the realities different corners of Europe. of journeying across borders in the hope 020 7495 1685 of a fresh start, and the emotions involved 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, London at each stage of these deeply personal W1K 4HB journeys, from escape to asylum and handelhendrix.org resettlement. 020 7437 5660 TALKS, TOURS, & WALKS 107 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT RHS London See website for dates foyles.co.uk The Karl Marx Walking Tour Botanical Art and Karl Marx was the most influential June 18 thinker of modern times. His epic life Curator's Talk: The Ey Exhibition: Van Photography Show story combines comedy and tragedy, love Gogh and Britain curator's Talk: The Ey and hate, hope and despair. This sets the Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain 23–25 July backdrop to an intellectual expedition Tate Britain that sought to unravel the mysteries of Find out more about Vincent van Gogh’s Preview Evening 23 July history, politics, economics and philosophy. time in England as a young man. In this Marx’s work inspired protests and strikes, talk you will hear about his passion for A showcase of global artists capturing rebellions and revolutions, terrorism and graphic art and prints, the inspiration plants and gardens in exquisite detail. war, struggles for freedom, democracy and he took from the streets of London, the liberty, as well as regimes of tyrannical literature of Charles Dickens and William Book now repression. This tour will walk you through Shakespeare, and the works of John rhs.org.uk/londonshows the story of his life in London and Constable and John Everett Millais. The explain his ideas and their influence on hour-long talk by Carol Jacobi will be Royal Horticultural Halls human destiny, taking you to the places followed by a private view of the exhibition. St James’s Park / Pimlico London Victoria in and around Soho where Marx lived 020 7887 8888 Image: Detail from Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Edo’ by Hideo Horikoshi / RHS. RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262 and worked, it will show you traces of the Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG London he knew, and tell the extraordinary tate.org.uk tale of this man who would change the world. June 22 marxwalks.com Michael Palin: Live on Stage Cadogan Hall Ongoing To celebrate the paperback publication of MERRY MCCLOUD Hidden London Erebus: The Story of A Ship, Monty Python London Transport Museum star and much-loved television globe- TO PLAY AT ONE-OFF This is the London Transport Museum’s trotter Michael Palin announces a brand exclusive programme of tours and events new one-man stage show. With previously at disused stations and secret sites across unseen footage and previously untold HAWKWIND REVIVAL London. Led by experienced guides, ready stories, Michael shows how comedy and to share unusual and little-known stories adventure have been natural bedfellows JUNE 15TH surrounding the stations’ varied histories, during a rich and diverse career. these visits offer an exciting opportunity to 020 7730 4500 explore locations rarely seen by the public. 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ 020 7379 6344 cadoganhall.com Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 7BB June 27 ltmuseum.co.uk Hyde Park Nursery Open Day The building is designed to handle the Ends June 29 growth of around 450,000 bedding plants Kew’s architectural treasures guided tour and shrubs needed for the world-class Merry McCloud Kew Gardens flower displays across eight London parks, A tour of the beautiful architecture and including the floral displays in front of is playing at the Excellent Behaviour Partival learn about the secrets of Kew's buildings, Buckingham Palace. A selection of these both old and new. From modern buildings plants will be available to buy on the day in Needham Market near Ipswich on Saturday 15th June, such as the Princess of Wales Conservatory, with all proceeds going to The Royal Parks supporting a one-off Hawkwind revival and tribute to Dik Mik, to Grade ll listed buildings like the Temple charity to help manage and maintain the of Aeolus, Kew is home to strikingly varied eight Royal Parks and their facilities. See of original members from the legendary Silver Machine days architecture. Find out more about the website for more information. of 1972 including Nik Turner, Terry Ollis, Mick Slattery, Dave history of these unique buildings. Meet at royalparks.org.uk Anderson and Bruce Welch. Merry has played at the Glastonbury the Information Desk, Victoria Plaza Festival for three years in succession, including on the famous 020 8332 5655 THEATRE Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE Avalon stage and she has worked and recorded with the late kew.org Ends June 15 great Malcolm McClaren. She writes and sings her own material Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love and loves to perform at psychedelic folk festivals. She is going to June 11 songs) Fatima Bhutto and Dina Nayeri in Lyric Hammersmith be playing a 45 minute set on the Acoustic Stage at 7pm with her conversation Pioneering theatre company Kneehigh guitarist Bruce Welch and they can’t wait to rock the night away! Foyles returns to the Lyric with their trail- Look forward to seeing you there. Join authors Fatima Bhutto and Dina blazing and much celebrated show, Mayor 38 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Events

Goodman’s been assassinated. And so has Nadia and Daniel have a secret. In fact, his dog. MacHeath the contract killer they have quite a few. They’ve just signed is dangerously on the loose. What the on the dotted line for a studio flat. Under hell is the world coming to? Pioneering a pseudonym, naturally, Mr and Mrs theatre company Kneehigh returns to the White. After years of school pick-ups, TV Lyric with their trail-blazing and much takeaways, and the day to day drudgery of celebrated Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and married life, this is their chance to wipe other love songs). Using their legendary the slate clean. But as much as they try mix of puppetry, physical theatre and live and re-define the rules, and themselves, music, the extraordinary cast of actor- the outside world is closing in. Ultra- musicians hoot and shimmy through this contemporary, sexy and funny, Rust pushes timeless story of power and lies, based on the boundaries of trust, love and lust to the John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera. limit. 020 8741 6850 020 8743 5050 Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL 7 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8LJ lyric.co.uk bushtheatre.co.uk

Ends June 15 June 29 Beneath The Blue Rinse Theatre Tour Park Theatre The Coronet Quentin Tarantino meets Last of the The Coronet Theatre started life in 1898, Summer Wine in this wickedly funny, designed by WGR Sprague, architect of high octane comedy about growing old many of the West End's most beautiful SATURDAY passionately and disgracefully. When theatres. Edward VII often visited, Ellen unscrupulous, over-confident salesman Terry and Sarah Bernhardt trod its boards, Simon Sudgebury comes knocking on and it was where John Gielgud saw his 29 jUne the door of the seemingly timid Flora first Shakespeare play. In 1923 it became Parkin, hoping to scare her into buying the much-loved Coronet Cinema, but was FUlhAm Sw6 an expensive alarm system, little does he increasingly neglected until taken over by 9am to 5pm realise what he is about to let himself in Anda Winters in 2014. As it is gradually for. Feisty, charismatic 75 year old Flora restored, today the building combines and her gentle 72 year old ‘toy boy’ lover grand architecture with an intimate and George are not what they first appear! warm setting, including candle lit hallways, 020 7870 6876 antique décor, stage props and the most Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London beautiful theatre bar in London. N4 3JP 020 3642 6606 parktheatre.co.uk 103 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB Ends June 22 thecoronettheatre.com J’Ouvert Carnival is here. The streets of Notting Ends August 31 Hill are alive with history and amongst Hamilton the pulsating “soca”, dazzling colour, and Victoria Palace Theatre endless sequins and feathers, Jade and Hamilton is the story of America's Vintage Days Out Nadine are fighting for space in a world Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, they thought was theirs. A timely reflection an immigrant from the West Indies, who for celebrations, on the Black British experience and sexual became George Washington's right-hand politics of Carnival, J’Ouvert is a piercing, man during the Revolutionary War and family outings, to hilarious and fearless story of two best helped shape the very foundations of friends, battling to preserve tradition the America we know today. The score exclusive Henley in a society where women’s bodies are blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and frequently under threat. Broadway; the story of America then, Royal Regatta 020 7978 7040 as told by America now. Hamilton has 503 Battersea Park Rd, Battersea, London, book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel experiences SW11 3BW Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with theatre503.com choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations Looking for ways to create memories this Summer with family, friends or June 19-25 by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron colleagues? The Damned (Les Damnés), Comédie- Chernow's biography of Alexander Française Hamilton. Vintage Days Out, a privately-owned company, offer prestigious memorable The Barbican 0844 482 5138 experiences along the River Thames’s most idyllic stretches steeped with Crackling with intensity, this triumphant Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E undiscovered secrets from Henley-on Thames to Wallingford, and scenic spectacle directed by Ivo van Hove depicts 5EA Chauffeur driven rides through Oxfordshire and Berkshire. the disintegration of a society, undone victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk A unique combination of fully restored luxury private charter vintage through a venomous alliance; the drama boats, chauffeur-driven vintage Rolls Royces and fine dining embody the finding unsettling parallels today. Luchino glamour of the 1920s & 30s. Cruises and drives can be taken separately or Visconti’s screenplay is the springboard combined with exclusive behind the scenes visits to private country houses, for a ceaselessly creative production, which wineries, sporting experiences and iconic areas of local interest. From a few follows a family of German industrialists, hours to a full day you will have a perfect relaxing experience enjoying top the corrupt and debauched Essenbeck clan. class service with attention to every detail. With echoes of Greek and Shakespearean From 3 to 7 July 2019 enjoy an unrivalled experience of undoubtedly the tragedy, their deepening collusion with best-known regatta in the world,Henley Royal Regatta. Enjoy the unique the nascent Nazi regime puts them on a combination of being Chauffeur driven in a vintage Rolls Royce and cruising perilous path to destruction. along the river to watch the races with exclusive use of fully restored 020 7638 8891 luxury vintage boat Lollapalooza. Vintage Days Out’s private mooring and Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS marquee are among the best, right opposite the start line. Between all day barbican.org.uk refreshments, you choose when to cruise along the course to get a real Compiled & edited by Fahad Redha insider’s view of the event and spend as much time as you want on the river. June 26 – July 27 For your tailored estimate, for parties from 2 to 20, contact founder and Rust If you have an event that you’d like listed proprietor Richard Prunier at [email protected] or call +44 07767 Bush Theatre in the next edition, please send any 404670 vintagedaysout.co.uk information to: [email protected] 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 39 Events online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

written theme, this work features variations by 14 living composers MUSIC including Sally Beamish, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Dai Fujikura and Judith Weir. ROUND UP BY GEOFF COWART • In the bicentenary year of Queen Victoria’s birth, Stephen Hough performs Mendelssohn’s First Piano Concerto on her very own piano. On loan from The Queen, this will be the Your summer of musical first performance on the piano outside King Crimson to rock Royal Buckingham Palace. anniversaries beckons as the Albert Hall for 50th birthday BBC Proms toast to the 150th A concert dedicated to the genius • Meanwhile, the tributes to Sir It’s been 50 years since a young guitarist birthday of its founder Sir of Nina Simone featuring American jazz singer Ledisi and conductor Jules Henry seek to highlight the named Robert Fripp and his merry band Henry Wood, while “prog Buckley. of mischief makers played their first gig huge amount of classical music as King Crimson at the Fulham Palace rock” royalty King Crimson • A Cadogan Hall series focusing on that he championed for British café. turn 50 notable female composers from the past; Since then, the group has spent such as Hildegard of Bingen, Barbara audiences. the past 50 years defining a style of Strozzi and Clara Schumann to the progressive music that explored the outer Proms present day with a new BBC commission He oversaw the British premieres reaches of jazz and blues, while Fripp The Proms get a bad rap. The flag- from Freya Waley-Cohen. of hundreds of works at the Proms, has established himself as one of the waving final night is a quirky footnote including Stravinsky’s The Firebird, best British guitar players of the 20th in what is one of the most storied and A C Beebies family concert celebrating Sibelius’s Violin Concerto and century. Even if their angular approach accessible festivals in London. With • the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Schoenberg’s Five Pieces for Orchestra. leaves some listeners cold, King Crimson more than 90 concerts over eight weeks Moon landing with a new work from This summer, 33 of the pieces that have made a huge impact on music every the Proms consistently draws the world’s soundtrack legend Hans Zimmer. The Wood introduced to UK audiences will bit as big as their contemporaries in greatest musicians to London. moon landing will also be marked by be performed, along with 33 new works Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin. Henry Wood’s mission was to bring cult archive-mining electronic duo to do Sir Henry proud. The eighth incarnation of the Fripp- the best of classical music to the widest Public Service Broadcasting as they Every note of the Proms will be led group returns to their west London possible audience. This is still the present a new orchestral arrangement of broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and birthplace with three nights; June 18 to case. But there’s now so much more to their 2015 album, Race for Space. Expect available for 30 days online. With the 20 at the Royal Albert Hall. The group celebrate with Afropop and jazz, hip hop a mix of music and radio recordings BBC Sounds App, audiences can now has performed sparsely since 2014, and pizzica, on offer at this summer’s portraying the tale of the US/Russian listen to the Proms remotely, anytime, but two recent shows at the Roman Proms. Tickets start at just £6 for every space race. anywhere. Or catch one of the 25 Amphitheatre in Pompeii have whet the event. performances on TV throughout the appetite of fans. The action begins at the Royal A huge landscape-inspired work from festival. Now backed by three explosive Albert Hall on Friday July 19 with the • composer John Luther Adams, titled Selected concerts will be presented as drummers (Pat Mastelotto, Gavin BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus In The Name Of The Earth and featuring a binaural audio stream enabling radio Harrison and Bill Rieflin), expect Fripp performing Janacek’s monumental four community choirs packing in more listeners, using ordinary headphones, to to showcase material from their 12 Glagolitic Mass. The festival finishes on than 600 singers. experience the concerts as if they were studio albums, including many of the Saturday September 14 with concerts in present in the Royal Albert Hall. songs from their seminal 1969 release, In Belfast, Swansea, Glasgow and Hyde A sci-fi film music Prom of scores Tickets are available at bbc.co.uk/ the Court of the Crimson King. Park. • from cult space and sci-fi films, proms or by calling 020 7070 4441 or in 7.30pm. Tickets from £50. including Steve Price’s Gravity and Mica person at the Royal Albert Hall. www.royalalberthall.com This summer’s highlights Levi’s Under The Skin, presented by the London Contemporary Orchestra under include: Robert Ames. Swedish sound

• Ealing-resident and pianist Murray Perahia performing Beethoven’s artist duels with Fourth Piano Concerto with the Vienna Philharmonic under Bernard Haitink. medieval church

• Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood organ curating a Late Night Prom showcasing his new work, Horror vacui, which simulates electronic sounds via 68 string instruments played acoustically.

alented young composer Ellen Arkbro is set to perform pieces from her Tnew album on the grand organ at the medieval St Giles’ Cripplegate church. She arrives at the Barbican church on Saturday June 22. Her new album, A Late Night Prom featuring • CHORDS, sees her adopt a minimalistic approach by extending and obscuring pianist Monty Alexander and the Nu the timbral quality of the organ. The Stockholm-based composer counts La Civilisation Orchestra as they channel Monte Young and Marian Zazeela as major influences. Duke Ellington’s unique take on church Ellen said: “I listen to these chords as complete events without any music. particular attention to their sequential occurrence. To me, chords with a

high degree of harmonic clarity display diamond-like qualities.” Martyn Brabbins presents a new • 7.30pm. Tickets £15. www.barbican.org.uk companion piece to Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Based on a new anonymously 40 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Dining out

aunter up the steps to Zheng and sitting proudly, and perhaps ever-so-slightly Zheng in your face is a very complimentary review by Giles Coren pasted on to a 4 Sydney St, Chelsea, London SW3 6PP board. Confident, or perhaps tempting fate? Either way, you can’t ignore the fact that The Times restaurant critic for the past 25 years has nailed his colours to S © Zheng Photographs By David Hughes the mast. So now I’m wondering, will the same team be in place as when GC last visited, and will I be joining Giles in handing out the compliments with abandon? Inside it’s a fairly dark décor, but a well-lit space with echoes of Japanese minimalism. The menu is a Chinese-Malay mix that may well be the world’s first fusion food as China exported and traded with Malaysia from the 13th Century, and unsurprisingly claims to have also lent a fair bit of its cuisine along the way. After the initial exploration, a chap called Zheng cemented relations, before the region wanted to become Islamised, though interestingly it sought to do this using a bit of Chinese protection. All this matters not a jot to the hungry of course, so without a care for the history, Lady H and I decided to go for a fabulous mixed platter as well as some Dim Sum. On the mixed platter, bun-like sesame Prawn Toast had a delightful covering that bore no relation to those ironed flat numbers from your local take-away, 2 chicken satays that were perfect, and some deep fried seaweed that tasted like it always does, but sadly, not of the sea. I know, it’s not supposed to, but there’s a certain irony there. Top marks to the squid, and a medium thumbs up for the spring rolls.The Dim Sum needed only lightly bathing in rice wine vinegar to be truly mouth-watering. The Maître D obviously thought well of GC and suggested we also try the Rendang Beef and some NasiGoreng Kampung. Happy to oblige, we also topped out with a Godmother Chilli Lamb and some Kangkung Belacan. The beef’s succulent, with an almost dry edge that’s a good foil for the Rendang sauce, but I`d clearly over ordered pairing it with a whole NasiGoreng. The Nasi comes as a kit, with a small pile of tiny crispy fried anchovies, a few raw peanuts and a small dish of hot Sambal sauce to accompany the egg and shrimp fried rice. Most enjoyable, and for me, an 8 out of 10. On the other side of the table, Lady H was getting along well with her spicy Godmother, but happy that the Coconut Rice was toning it down a little. I’m in two minds about the Kangkung: I like a bit of punch in the flavour, but I was slightly disappointed that the “stir fried in spicy chilli sauce” added little to the liquorice edge of the water spinach.

Verdict: High end restaurant with a clear sense of what it is putting out. I’m (mostly) with you GC. Bookings on 020 7352 9890, or www.zhengchelsea.co.uk

5th June is World Environment Day and Italy meets Mexico as Baglioni it has been revealed what is thought to Lowest carbon be the lowest carbon curry ever created New exclusive Hotel London welcomes is vegan. award-winning tequila and curry ever The potato, split pea and cauliflower Casamigos curry will be served with flatbread at the mezcal brand Casamigos to launches this Headquarters of Friends of the Earth to Cocktail Menu launch The Vegan Society’s environmental create an exclusive cocktail World campaign. menu, inspired by summertime The dish will be cooked by plant- at Baglioni Hotel Environment based chef Simon Bishop, who has a in the two countries. background in Michelin level cooking London Day and his recipe will feed 50 people for just The carefully-crafted cocktails feature over £20. from 13 June the distinctive flavours of Mexico thanks The dishes carbon footprint is calcu- to ingredients such as black pepper lated to be a mere 8.92kg CO2e, whereas and hibiscus, and Italy is represented its non-vegan counterpart, a beef and by grapefruit and bergamot tonic lentil curry, would have an estimate essences. Casamigos Mezcal will give carbon footprint of 130.56kg CO2e; 15 the Cuore Caldo: Lei & Lui cocktail times more than the vegan equivalent. a rush of smokiness with refreshing Each portion costs just 43p to make notes of cucumber and exotic fruit, and will contain around 16g protein, while Casamigos Tequila Blanco will add 3.6g fat, 51.8g carbohydrates and 288 a delicate taste of lemon, nutmeg and © Baglioni Hotel Photograph calories. black pepper to Il Bacio. Simon said: “We are excited to show The Casamigos X Baglioni cocktail menu people how much of a difference they launches 13th June 2019 and will be can make simply by changing the way available throughout the summer. they eat. “Our curry is delicious, sustainable, In addition, between 5-8pm every nutritious, cheap and easy to make. It’s cocktail is served with the Baglioni the ultimate meal across all dimensions. Aperitivo, complimentary Milanese-style “It is widely recognised that a plant- small bites including anchovy puff pastry based diet is the most sustainable way with Bagnetto Verde sauce, rosemary of eating, and we want to spread this cracker with ‘nduja and chilled tomato important message by showing people soup how quickly and easily they can prepare vegan meals without the need to use Baglioni Hotel, 60 Hyde Park Gate, heavily processed ingredients.” London SW7 5BB. T: 020 3911 2033 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 41 Dining out online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

the food. That’s why all the chefs that you can see when you look through to Claude Bosi the kitchen have toques that are a half a metre tall. at Bibendum Bosi has a rumbustious reputation, sometimes full of charm, other times have quite a belief in the wellbeing it’s not only fools he refuses to suffer. provided by being served good food What’s never been in doubt, though, is in an inspirational environment, but the desire to surprise and to elevate food © Claude Bosi at Bibendum Photographs Ithis time I really took some liberties. to art. Not every combination is going After a 20 hour day before, I’d crawled to work for everyone, but it’s ok to have in at 2am, showered, got a second wind favourites; just as long as you recognise then finally said hello to my bed at the endeavour and the thought that it 3am, and all the while knowing I had a provokes. After that pre-amble, you 6.45am alarm call the next day. Was I know where I’m going; it’s got to be the bleary eyed? You betcha, but I had a visit tasting menu with the accompanying to Claude’s finest table booked for 1pm. flight of wine, and damn the expense. This was going to put my theory quite This is a place for feeling special, and severely to the test. celebrating something. Today it’s sunny Two Michelin stars gets you a and warm, let’s celebrate that! receptionist downstairs who`s only The fun starts straight away when

looks like it’s been carefully placed with might go well with sherry vinegar fine tiny tweezers then gently levelled off potatoes, capers and a foam. As a small to sit exactly alongside its neighbour clue, it’s not the outstanding Pieropan and its tastes subtle but sultrily divine. Amarone, that comes later. The French Then there’s another amuse of crisp of Veal Sweetbreads are totally encased in chicken from the neck, along with the Arabica coffee to cook, then released for chicken mayo (which takes on the taste a final finish before being served with of a heavily reduced stock, yet is still pickled walnuts and a macadamia nut somehow fresh and clucking) purée. Very special, and likely to convert I’m looking forward to my Cornish you to what is after all a pretty alien dish Crab which is separated into 3 layers: to many palates. brown meat at the bottom, immaculate The next dish is introduced with a flakes of white, and then a jelly that smile and a whispered “surf and turf!” has sealed in the taste of the sea. My It’s a mile away from a huge steak and companion, originally from Pompey the usual slightly overcooked lobster greatly approves. Now we are into a bit beloved of lesser establishments. Brittany of “I’m so good I can get away with this” Rabbit sits alongside langoustine and Seasonal Nosotto, chicken oysters, 24 artichoke barigoule. It could all fit job it is to glance at the reservations a miniature olive bush is set before us, and confirm its ok to climb up to the containing two “olives” of cocoa butter hallowed ground, but it does make it feel encasing a perfect little amuse bouche of that touch more exclusive. The upstairs citrusy mojitos. It’s very cleverly done, room probably doesn’t need too much and technically stunning. You freeze introduction, with its beautiful stained the core then dip that into molten cocoa glass Michelin men windows providing butter, then allow the core to melt whilst a stunning interplay of colours that just preserving the integrity of the cocoa cascade across the grey suedette seats butter outer shell. Fantastic, and there’s and bright open spaces. The waiters are still eight courses to go. Bibendum egg, very trad French in style (though several of course, is just a vehicle for coconut are Italians) and the Maître D’ and foam supporting a thin scattering of Sommelier have two button suits, with curry powder, and the Duck Jelly with one button artfully undone, because, special selection of caviar sounds almost hey, zis is a relaxed place, but serious on modest too, but it isn’t. Each caviar egg

month Comte and Lancashire Mead. I comfortably on a saucer, but in this had my doubts, but it was brilliant. Tiny menu it’s enough, and once again scores matchheads of potato imitate the rice, a home run. Crème fraiche, Alphonso the seasoning was robust but perfect for mango and Corsican pomelo cleanse the the portion size, and that unlikely set palate, making way for the not-too-sweet of ingredients sat well with each other. finale of Asparagus, white chocolate, The Pompey lass once again gave it the black olive and coconut. It’s become a bit thumbs up. of a thing to finish with something that I haven’t mentioned the wines so sneaks in a bit of olive, and in this case it far, and the Sommelier does deserve works. Coffee, wonderful service, smiles, your applause. Throughout this menu and my equilibrium has been returned. he’s ranged across borders that do Clearly, I should stay out to 2am more credit to his taste and imagination, and often! popping a Madeira into the middle of David Hughes proceedings was not just an expression of virtuosity. What do you give a Claude Bosi at Bibendum, man with his Cornish Turbot A la Michelin House, 81 Fulham Rd, Grenobloise? I’m going to let you discover London SW3 6RD that for yourself, but imagine what Reservations on 020 7581 5817. 42 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Travel UK

Berwickshire Coastal Path, which covers Muir; the father of national parks and 28.5 miles in 2-4 days situated along the global conservationism, should take southern coast of Scotland is enriched hikers between 7-10 days to complete. with sandy beaches, extensive birdlife, Views of snowy mountains sit in stark Photograph © Pixabay Photograph breathtaking cliff tops complete with contrast to golden, sandy beaches arches, stacks and crumbling castles and and deer, birds, quaint villages and the fishing village of St Abbs. unforgettable walking trails are the hightlights of this trip. FOR ISLAND HIKES, the West Island Way and Arran Coastal Way are both part THE FIFE COASTAL PATH is an of Scotland’s Great Trails Network. Whilst experience like no other; taking you the West Island Way can be achieved on a 117 mile journey through mining in 2-3 days and covers a distance of towns, surfing villages, rugged cliffs, around 30 miles, the Arran coastal way cosmopolitan cities and award winning takes 4-6 days and hikers follow the beaches. This coastal journey offers a time to embark on an adventure closer islands coastline for approximately 65 multitude of activities for adventure to home. For those whose preferred miles. Both islands have extensive and seekers or those wanting to chill out and The best Scottish getaways include hiking amongst beautiful beaches and the West Island enjoy the view. nature, Scotland is the perfect summer Way remains flat for the major part, Coastal hikes destination. giving hikers 360 degree views of the THE AYRSHIRE COASTAL to take on this Summer coast and sea as well as the neighbouring PATH, equalling 100 miles from By Ellen Harper FOR SHORTER HIKES that take Isle of Arran. Arran is a splendour in start to finish, begins in Glenapp and around 2-3 days to complete, the Mull itself, proudly hosting a collection of finishes in Skelmorlie. Also a part of of Galloway Trail, covering a distance breathtaking beaches and coastal views the International Appalachian Trail, it of 37 miles is picturesque. Beginning as well as Goatfell, one of Scotland’s connects up to the Mull of Galloway at Mull of Galloway and finishing in many mountains with scenery to catch Trail as well as the Clyde Coastal Path s we approach the summer Glenapp in South Ayrshire, it links with your breath and no corner of the hike is and hikers can enjoy the mountainous months and people begin to jet the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Part of the without families of adorable seals. and ever changing scenery of the Isle off to all corners of the globe Scotland’s Great Trail’s Network, it is of Arran as well as panoramic views of for their yearly dose of vitamin D, one also a key ‘chapter’ in the International SEASONED HIKERS, with the British coastline. A coast steeped in A Appalachian Trail. It is a perfect hike impressive stamina and a true passion history, it provides magnificent wildlife country that many fail to venture in to is Scotland. The British Summertime, for exploring the South West coast of for coastal walking trails, should take on and views to match. which presents the perfect conditions Scotland; taking in the spectacular the John Muir Way, which takes hikers for endless exploring with its endless coastal views as well as an array of on a 134 mile journey from Helensburgh For more information, visit: www. hours of daylight and heat that pinnacles wildlife which includes deer and seals, in Argyll to Dunbar in East Lothian. visitscotland.com/see-do/active/walking/ at a bearable temperature, is the perfect and spectacular plants. Secondly, the A coast to coast walk, named after John routes-trails/#coastal-trails

RAIL RAIL M D M D A A A A E Y E Y T T from T from T

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£U 109 £109

Bob Green Bob Green The Dorset Coast Express The West Somerset Steam Express Thursday 25th July, 8th, 22nd August and 5th September 2019 Saturday 27th July and 17th August 2019

We are offering a number of attractive summer day trips from London to This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage Weymouth by steam train. These trains provide plenty of opportunity to visit by two steam locomotives in one day. This provides a truly fascinating day out the beautiful Dorset coast and relive the ‘golden age’ of steam. travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast. Join us from London Victoria to visit Bournemouth or Weymouth. Join us from London Paddington to visit Minehead.

There are three classes available on both day trips: Fares Adult Junior Family Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner Premier £264 £180 £798 silver served at your seat. First £164 £107 £489 Standard £109 £76 £332 The Railway Touring Company First Class includes morning coffee with a muffin, afternoon tea and coffee 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, with a cake and a biscuit. Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £25 per person Norfolk PE30 1JN (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. Phone 01553 661 500 For more information including approximate timings please visit railwaytouring.net 22 The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply. See website or brochures for details. EST. 1997 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 43 Travel UK online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Residents can join in complimentary yoga or meditation classes or book individual sessions,and it’s the spa’s handpicked team of experts that elevates the experience. Kali, who gave up corporate life to move to Cornwall, gently guided me through 90 minutes of bespoke yoga and set me on a path to serenity. Ayurveda is the Spa’s focus and massages are entirely bespoke. Sebastian will pummel life’s woes from browbeaten shoulders; intensely rejuvenating.The brown spa robes lend a monkish quality to guests as we amble around the outside pool area in a state of blissed-out zen. Relaxed? It was difficult to stay awake. The restaurant served local fish and shellfish stew; fragrant with saffron that ur first stop was the glorious overlooking the hotel’s gardens. The hinted of warmer climes, and roasted city of Bath; its golden suite was vast and perfect, from the wood pigeon. ‘Traditional but quirky’ Come Spa coloured stone signifying the marble bathroom to the four-poster bed. said the sommelier about the Tuscan red chosen for the pork dish. He might M4 was now a distant memory. The The dreamy gardens proved too enticing with me O as well have been speaking about the Royal Crescent is truly a marvel; Its and a glass of Picpoul de Pinet was By Talia Hull hotel more generally; it has all the Palladian façade designed by John enjoyed whilst admiring the beautiful elements of a traditional spa hotel but is Wood the Younger, an iconic landmark plantings; the lavender, honeysuckle and utterly unique. The Scarlet isn’t perfect; of sweeping beauty. Entering The Royal roses. The luxury continued in the Spa & It started with a row; the end not having a public reception area felt Crescent Hotel & Spa feels like walking Bath House with its world-class facilities gimmicky and just didn’t work for me, of a long week, too much time into a different world, a better world. that feel as though you have sole use. but it’s a cool operator, attracting a hip True luxury at every turn shouldn’t A muscle melt massage incorporating in the office and on mobile crowd with many returning guests. As mean stuffy and this hotel oozes hot stones was an excellent use of sixty devices. We were driving effortless professionalism; staff are they approach their 10th anniversary, it minutes. The sense of calm continued still manages to feel like a secret gem of to Bath and then Cornwall delightful, attentive and charming. in the award-winning Dower House Behind the doors of The Royal an escape. where rest, relaxation and restaurant with its spacious tables and Crescent Hotel & Spa are forty-five views. Food allergies had been given rooms and suites and, at the heart of Finally, to the Carlyon Bay Hotel and reconnecting were high on the prior thought and Oh, the revelation that a more traditional spa offer. Come for the hotel, a captivating secret garden gluten free bread can be light of crumb agenda. After a quick return with sculptures, eating areas, a garden the pools (both indoor and outdoor), and delicious! The charming sommelier sweeping vistas to breath-taking dash to the flat when someone swing (popular with instagrammers) Jean-Marc Leitao’s extensive knowledge and an arbour where, should you feel Carlyon Bay and a golf course which is shouted ‘walking boots’, we was given generously and with humour. highly rated. Everyone from Princess so inclined, wedding vows can be An amuse bouche of beetroot, black garlic exchanged. We were in the Sir Percy Diana to Noel Gallagher and Nigel were on the road, making good and orange was pitch perfect. Loch Havers have stayed, and hallways are Blakeney Suite, the only master suite Duarte salmon followed, soft as butter time and the tensions of the to enjoy views both to the front over dotted with pictures to confirm the and partnered with lobster, asparagus fact. The hotel’s Art Deco exterior belies morning began to melt away. the crescent lawns and to the back and caviar. There was also a delicious the traditional interiors, and it’s a mackerel ceviche with cucumber and a reassuringly comfortable, friendly and champagne poached Oyster followed by more affordable luxury experience. Sip loin of pork with pork belly and pear. a cocktail in the piano bar before dinner Retiring to our suite was a joy; this bed and then move to the brasserie or fine was so comfortable that even a princess dining restaurant with its wraparound would surely not feel the pea. All of this Photograph © Takia Gace Takia © Photograph views. Classics of the cooking repertoire just over two hours from London by car are superbly executed and a good wine or 90 minutes from Paddington by train. list includes Camel Valley, a vineyard Already we long to return. on Bodmin’s outskirts. The restaurant is buzzing with happy customers on a From Bath we travelled to The Scarlet Tuesday evening and the hotel’s Director Hotel, which occupies a portion of greets guests as friends. Delightful! dramatic headland in Mawgan Porth. A striking modern design combines The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath. glass, reflecting light and sea, and www.royalcrescent.co.uk wood to great effect. A focus on Double deluxe rooms from £330 on a sustainability and ecology provides a B&B basis. luxury experience you can feel good T: 01225 823333 about without being short-changed in the pampering department. Do book a Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall hot tub overlooking the beach and drink www.scarlethotel.co.uk in the epic sunsets, glass of champagne Double occupancy from £240 per night in hand. Relaxing pods are everywhere, T: 01637 861 800. dotted into the gardens and the spa. The Scarlet wants us to return to the Carlyon Bay Hotel womb and emerge newborn in perfect Rates from £135 per person per night state. Ensure a room with a sea view so including dinner, bed and breakfast, plus you can fall asleep to the sound of the free golf and spa facilities. waves. Large bathtubs are open-plan www.carlyonbay.com with a separate wet room for the shy. T: 01726 812304. 44 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Travel UK

Hands up, who likes castles, quick walk through the most famous Before I go on, let’s get back to that the need to introduce a little more sin local attraction, Alnwick Castle, home Mother Superior room. on day two, so my vote was cast for the magic, Harry Potter and to the Dukes of Northumberland. It’s painted a dark greenish blue, Full English, one of our culinary gifts poison! Although the local accent round here with a divider between the pulpit area to the world. You can also have kippers, is much softer than the (not far away) and the floor. The main body of the but I like mine whole, not shorn of or any “not-sures” let’s throw in Geordie stronghold of Newcastle, there room houses an immense bed of great head and trimmed. Evening meals are fine sandy beaches, England’s are some rules to be observed. Alnwick comfort (it was honestly quite hard not available every night as the head least populous county, fresh air, is pronounced Annick, and try Cassel to get motivated to leave) a sofa, easy chef likes his stamp on what goes out, Hadrians Wall and the chance to see instead of Castle and you won’t be far chair, writing desk, other tables, various and needs the odd night off. The house F out. All this is largely lost of course on lights and a huge TV. The upper part style is ingredients led and not overly the odd marauding Scot. Still need more? How about a couple of nights in many of the 700,000 plus foreign visitors has a designer hip bath, vanity area with primped, and the informal surroundings one of the best boutique Hotels in the who flock to the town every year to sinks, the obligatory huge faucet in the mean the atmosphere is more country region, The Cookie Jar. Ah, I thought that see the castle where many of the Harry shower and a small cabin for the loo. gastro pub than High Church. There`s might prove irresistible. No matter how Potter scenes were shot. The castle and Their website states “Interiors worth a couple of good pubs in this ancient much you are looking forward to these grounds are well worth a tour, but as worshipping” it’s a good pun, but it’s also market town, as well as the famous and other fine things, there’s no doubt that with anything the film world has latched true. Downstairs there’s a book lined distinctive Barter Books that lives in the checking in to somewhere as spotlessly on to, it’s quite hard to transpose screen room opposite the reception desk to old Alnwick Station. The Keep Calm & clean and fabulous as The Old Chapel life to real life, though the retail outlet hang out, and the dining room, which Carry On wartime poster was discovered (the Mother Superior Room) is positively will do its best to remind you with has the clubby feel of an up market B&B there and in homage to its past, a life enhancing. The country-wide a good selection of Wands, Slytherin so you naturally gravitate towards saying model train runs around the tops of the shortage of nuns has led to a number House ties and other clobber. Inside “hello” and “good morning” at breakfast, bookcases; fascinating for big and small of old nunneries being repurposed, and the main bit of the castle (still used as though dinner is slightly more formal. kids alike. This is a great place to base in this case I’m very pleased to report a private residence when the visitors Breakfast covers all bases, and I’d yourself for a short break, or take a car that the age of austerity has definitely have departed) it’s amazingly opulent, particularly recommend the Passion and explore a little more widely. Trains passed. Before we descend into too many housing one of the best private art and Fruit, Yogurt and Granola pot if you from Kings Cross run direct to Alnwick raptures about the hotel, let’s have a furniture collections in the country. are feeling virtuous. Personally, I felt and on average take around 3.5 hours. Photographs © David Hughes © David Photographs Photograph © The Cookie Jar Cookie The © Photograph

The Cookie Jar, Alnwick By David Hughes 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 45 Travel online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

with a low threshold and super-model slim at 999kg. Getting to car stuff, look away in requires grabbing the roofline and now. Those with a bit rolling sideways and down, which would more interest, buckle be a lot slicker if I wasn’t chunky-model up, we are going accross sized. Giovanni 2 looks downcast, his the road for a bit of fun nice sleek car now has way too much in Alfa Romeo`s on ballast, but he’ll do his best. Being light, the Varano De’ Melegari and an all carbon fibre tub the driver

Photograph © Emilia Romagna Tourist Board Tourist © Emilia Romagna Photograph circuit. After the feedback is much taughter and more inevitable form signing, delicate, but on any straight you could safety chat (how very wish for a bit of the Stelvio’s hefty 503 PC) and introduction bhp. to the pro drivers Next we are off to Modena for a bit (all called Giovanni, of culture. Those who regard paintings, all ludicrously good sculptures, churches, theatres, museums looking and all of and opera as culture are well supplied, course, very cool) its but I`m off to worship at different time to slither into the altars, the first being food. Tonight at Emilia Romagna, worlds quickest SUV, the Miltary Academy (the ex Ducal the Stelvio Quadrafoglio. Palace) I’m going to look at exotic cars Slow food & fast cars and attend a black tie Cortile d’Onore By David Hughes Dinner with Osteria la Francescana Chef Massimo Bottura. Michelin stars, just voted one of the worlds top 100 chefs, so not too much of a chore. The schedule goes to pot with a myriad of speeches, translations and general pomp, but its l Supremo was on the phone all good fun, and the great man brings again “Just checking if you are out his whole kitchen team to universal free next month” I didn’t get a applause. Just what I needed to fuel my Echance to reply before the “I need you visits the next day, first to the Maserati to go to Italy” order was delivered. I’m factory, then the amazing Pagani atelier not complaining; some of my favourite (its too posh to be called a factory, you things happen in Italy “It’s all cars, even get a set of shoes made by the Hughes © David Photograph good food, and it looks like you are Pope’s personal cobbler with each new staying in a castle. Do you want to go to car ordered) Prices start at 1.3m euros, a track for a couple of laps?” I pinched but I’ll need nearer 2 million for the spec myself fairly hard, then casually said I fancy. As a consolation for not being “tell me more” able to afford the Pagani I’ve booked a When the details arrived I couldn’t Lambrusco (another DOP product) have been better pleased. The northern vineyard visit. Its definitely region of Emilia Romagna is particularly improved in recent years, but I’m blessed with fine food as well as some of still far from converted; it’s the the greatest car builders on the planet Pagani or nothing for me today. and collectively the region had decided the Champagne region, It’s getting a bit damp out, that now was a good time to hold a and Parma Ham from but a visit to the Luciano Pavarotti Motor Valley Festival. The 37th re- Parma. Theatre to hear the local super star running of the famous Mille Miglia car The next day had soprano belt out a few arias before race passes through the region, which is us on the road early in supper proves utterly captivating. great for petrol heads, but there’s also a search of one of the best She’s a big lass, but powerful like you multitude of other events going on. known DOP products, wouldn’t believe, and a great prelude to With the assistance of the tourist the world famous visiting Trattoria Pomposa, one of Luca board I managed to pack a week into 4 Parmigiano Reggiano, Marchini’s home town restaurants. Very days, but what a week. From a slightly or Parmesan Cheese much an everyday establishment, the blustery touchdown in Milan we went as we often know title Pomposa is firmly tongue in cheek, to the promised castle, dropped our it. Over here, when and we get through several bottles of bags and barely 40 minutes later we they say “cheese” the local red over a relaxed evening. It’s were making local pasta. Predictably, it’s not a smile still a bit damp the next day, but the Archive © Don Grant Photograph the castle was great, our pasta less so. for the camera, sight of dozens of historic cars threading Tortelli con ricotta e spinaci e pisarei e faso but shorthand for Parmigiano through the city proves a great excuse to turns out to be fiendishly difficult to Reggiano and it’s used in its various loaf around drinking coffee and soaking make well unless you have the dexterity guises in many dishes. A factory tour I tell Giovanni 1 up the local atmosphere. After a quick of an Italian moma with 40 years had us looking half interestedly at the I’ve a bit of experience on the visit to see how proper DOP Balsamic is experience. Cheffy was quite smiley and production, but much more focussed at track so step on it please, and he duly made (forget the vinegar, the real thing’s encouraging, but nothing was going the tasting, and the general concensus obliges by burying the brakes super late a very different beast) there’s just time to persuade her to cook our miserable was that the 24 month aged was the into turn 1. Hooray for huge carbon to visit the Ferrari Museum and bag a efforts, so we consoled ourselves with a best. A snowy haired old gent of 82 still discs, becuase this is a big chunk of couple of beautifully packed espresso cups slap up meal at La Rocchetta, the Torre runs the place, and generously handed car compared to the 4C that I’m out in before we leave for Bologna airport. Like San Martino’s restauarant. Italy is still out slabs of a 24 month one as we left. next. The 2 laps are over all too quickly, a Formula 1 pitstop, this trip was over in intensely regional in its cuisine so expect That’s a good start to anyone’s day. but you can’t help but be impressed by a flash, but I’ll be back again soon. some of its famous local DOP products Next up was a visit to the Dallara how agile the Stelvio is. No doubt a few to appear on most menu’s. DOP for the factory . They build race cars, and are more laps would mash the tyres, but that My thanks to Sara and all at the uninitiated is the protected designation one of the most innovative and forward happens with 1830kg to hustle around. Emilia Romagna Tourist Board: of origin. Cornish pasties can now only thinking composite manufacturers The 4C is an altogether more delicate www.emiliaromagnotourismo.com come from Cornwall, Champagne from outside of the Formula 1 teams. Those beast, a natural rival to a Lotus Elise for a fabulous trip. 46 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Travel

Passion for Art The Passion of Art Passion for Life de Bellosguardo Torre © Photograph Itself By Adam Gilchrist

All true artists are united by passion in what they do and for what they do. If lucky, they are recognised and the creations which they produce are purchased by other aesthetes who are equally passionate about their lucky purchases.

articularly drawn to people of such A great delivery to the brotherhood, be, then even better than that. The and lead, but also a good collection of persuasion, there was a time when including an impressive slide show. It never-ending and tumultuous rack of Venetian drawings executed en plein air. visiting a friend’s daughter, who was a challenging lecture for both young uncertainty, then the ecstatic moments For me the real treat here was a Pis learning the artistic technique at the and old: those formerly educated in the of triumph in this age-old process of carved Carrara marble head, Nic’s Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence, field and those currently being educated. tempering the craft; all inspired by this favourite pose. Finely carved, not gave me the excuse to stay at the His enduring style of delivery was dynamic 75 year-old who refuses to just beautiful but pretty; yes, a pretty wonderful Hotel, Torre di Bellosguardo impressive, through wit and whimsy. compromise and appears clearly to have Fiddian Green. The artist must be going for a few nights and then go on to It is beyond doubt that this man not the energy of a man 20 years his junior. through an extremely happy phase and Venice, only a short journey away by only has the talent to paint, but more It is not surprising that the end product it shows in his recent work. Yes, all train. The Bellosguardo hill, just outside importantly, the succinct ability to of the studio is so impressive. This place of the old magnificent, eccentric and Florence, has preserved the tranquillity inspire others to do so. A return to lives and breathes artistic passion 24 heroic style is there; this latest marble is and architecture of the days of Dante the beginning of the rich practice of hours a day. Needless to say, a portrait beautiful and seductive in its sensitivity and the Medici. Even today, antique drawing, then on to the technical aspect has already been commissioned. of style and finish. Unsurprisingly, it villas surrounded by parks and gardens of light, shade and subtlety of colour, all Venice is always something different, was purchased immediately by the first immortalized in literature, (Bellosguardo drawn from clear sight. Yes, life models partly due to the abundance of visitors, person to see it. was the home of Guido Cavalcanti, only, no photographs or projections. It especially during the Art Biennale. Yes, it’s still all about passion and life Galileo Galilei and Ugo Foscolo, to name is life and paint and smell and flesh; the We were fortunate to stay at the hotel and long may it all continue! a few), give guests the rare privilege of real deal. Maison Venezia on the edge of the Jewish unique views over Florence. Suddenly you immediately ghetto, it was comfortable and discreet, My dear friend Nic Fiddian Green, understand the old cliché of the just off the beaten track, but a short walk www.charlescecilstudios.com is currently exhibiting during the Venice struggling artist. The brotherhood or water taxi from all that Venice has to www.nicfiddiangreen.com Art Biennale within the cloister of the by and large is not starving; they are, offer. www.torrebellosguardo.com Madonna dell’Orto. Eager to see his however, all inspired to push themselves Enchanted to see Nic’s latest work, www.gruppouna.it (Maison Venezia) latest work standing in this majestic to be the best that they think they can not just in the form of bronze, copper www.sladmore.com cloister, we would be in good time to take in both cities and have the bonus of Nic’s (always fun) opening night party. Florence is Florence; its ever wonderful, strangely familiar self. Not banked upon was meeting with the artist himself, Charles H. Cecil. We started the afternoon with a tour of his Gilchrist Adam © Photographs two studios where his disciples were succeeding and struggling in almost equal parts, with this ever difficult discipline of portraiture drawn from life. Agonising and euphoric as the work was, even in dress, these slaves to their easel could have been standing in 1890. It is hard here not to consider the Pre- Raphaelite brotherhood; all those wide eyed idealists encouraged by thoughts of a bright new future, wrapped up with a dose of 21st century realism. Later that evening we all attended the weekly Charles H. Cecil Lecture. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 47 Travel online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

The unbearable lightness of

lacquer McGowan © Lynne Photographs Sight seeking in Saigon, Vietnam By Lynne McGowan

o Chi Minh City (HCMC) to be politically correct but fondly referred to by locals as Saigon His a pulsating metropolis of a city. The powerhouse driving change throughout the country is a hectic medley of culture and commerce, ancient and modern. Historically, an Indochinese kingdom and centuries later a key Khmer trading port followed by Vietnamese settlers and colonial French, Saigon has re-invented itself multiple times. Tried and tested by warlords with their wars and invaders from all sides, Saigon continues to survive and thrive. Therein beats a vibrant, cosmopolitan heart, any visitor is swept away by the sheer energy and enterprise of the people and their enthusiasm to embrace all races and cultures. One of the city’s highlights is the eclectic choice of eateries, from real deal ramen sitting on a plastic pavement stool to breakfasting on freshly baked brioche. If sight seeing is on the agenda, Buddhist temples are abundant in this city embracing both Taoist and Confucian aspects. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is adorned with intricate wood carvings and sinister statuary, corralled outside are ponderous tortoises symbolising longevity and wisdom. The Floating Temple squats in a river fenced off by fierce dragons and in the Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda hang towering crimson incense coils creating a pungent fug. Away from the closeted, perfumed interiors of temples over to The Factory, a Contemporary Arts Centre with open, sleek spaces offering a state-of-the-art side to the city. Born in the US, lacquer artist Phi Phi Oanh has returned to her roots using an ancient medium with a contemporary vision with her seminal piece Specula. Walking through this lustrous seven metre long vault is an immersive and visceral experience.

So luminous and penetrating is the Top left: lacquer effect it seems a portal is entered Phi Phi Oanh, Specula words, the viewer is compelled to spend this art form and though far from being Top right: to another dimension, words like Saigon time, focus deeply and adjust changing a Lonely Planet reviewer or expert art byzantine, pre-historic, mystical and Middle right: perceptions. At the opening Phi Phi critic, perhaps a parallel can be drawn Phi Phi Oanh, Palimpsest other worldly spring to mind yet Specula Above: gave a talk explaining the complex here with the city of Saigon itself. The is suffused with earthly, honeyed hues. Incense Coils, Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda techniques of Vietnamese laquer many honed layers having undergone Bathed in this ethereal space, a viewers painting or son mai. Careful layering centuries of repeated building up and presence is reflected within the walls of harvested tree sap is then repeatedly continuous wearing down to finally as senses are thrown examining the burnished back until the desired effect emerge with hidden depths and showing unfathomable depths, how can it be? and mirror finish is achieved; a reductive a shiny new face to the world. how is it done? process and the opposite to applying This art cannot be understood by paint. Patience and endurance are the www.phiphioanh.com a single glance or explained in a few prime qualities behind the crafting of www.factoryartscentre.com 48 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Health & Lifestyle

INSERM, Institut de la Recherche Agronomique, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers and Université Paris Heart scan may 13. They were published in the peer- reviewed British Medical Journal. Both detect young the French study and the Spanish study were published on an open access basis, people at risk of so they’re free to read online. These were observational studies sudden cardiac which found that people who ate the most “ultra-processed” food were more death likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or to die sooner, when compared to those who ate the least ultra-processed food. The term “ultra-processed food” Research from the University of Oxford generally refers to food that has been and published in the peer-reviewed through multiple food manufacturing Journal of the American College of processes to make it cheaper, taste better, Cardiology has suggested that a heart or both. scan could spot signs of “sudden death There are some questions about the risk” in young and seemingly healthy “Ultra-processed studies including whether the definition people. To be more specific, it may be cardiac arrest. they used of ultra-processed food was able to spot signs of a sudden cardiac The new study hopes to see if a food” linked to reliable or helpful. Some experts wonder arrest which is when the heart can special type of cardiac MRI could detect why cheese, for example, was not classed suddenly stop beating, often during abnormalities in the heart muscle fibres health problems as such while salami was, despite the sports activities. This is what happened in HCM that are thought to be linked fact that making the former involves a to footballer Fabrice Muamba, though to those with a higher risk. It compared number of processes and additives. he thankfully survived. the scans of 50 people with HCM and Two studies, one from France and one It’s also hard to prove direct cause This can be caused by a number of 30 healthy people as a control group. from Spain, have found a link between and effect from this. It could simply factors including an inherited condition It found that they could detect various heavily processed food, including ready be that people who eat more heavily called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy differences between them. meals and ice-cream, and early death. processed food may have a poorer diet (HCM). This is when heart muscles are The researchers suggested that the These studies came from from the and unhealthy lifestyle and it’s a number abnormally thick, making it harder for cardiac MRI could identify who among University of Paris and the University of factors that increase the risk. the heart to pump blood. Many people those that have HCM is at a higher risk of Montpellier in France, and the However, it is still recommended that who have it can experience few, if any, of sudden cardiac arrest or death. This University of Navarra in Spain you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, symptoms such as shortness or breath could then make it easier to consider They were funded by the Ministère limit salt and sugar, and eat less or feeling lightheaded. About 1 in 100 those for treatment including an de la Santé, Santé Publique France, fatty foods. people with HCM are at risk of sudden implanted defibrillator.

amounts to £6,619.82. In that length of time you could Mercedes v spend the same amount of money on a Marlboro new car lease. If you have a look now, By Fahad Redha you can easily find a number of brand- new cars for less than £183.88 a month. For heavy smokers it’s even more staggering. If you can get through A lot has been said about the health an entire 20 pack in a single day you consequences of smoking. But if the would be spending £325.46 a month risk of lung cancer and other respiratory for that same king size filter cigarette. diseases isn’t enough, the financial cost Over the same three years you would’ve should be more than enough incentive spent £11,716.50. This means that to quit. heavy smokers could lease a BMW or a number puzzles can help to keep our Today, around 9.4 million adults in Mercedes for the same money spent on brains working for longer. the UK smoke and this is not just hitting cigarettes. Daily puzzles However, this doesn’t necessarily them in their lungs. It’s also affecting Smoking doesn’t just shorten your show that the puzzles themselves are their bank account. An average pack of life. It also eats into your salary in a big could be linked to making their brains sharper or that king size filter cigarettes costs around way. Visit nhs.uk/smokefree for more doing them will reduce the risk of £10.70. Over a month this comes to information and support and you could cognitive ability dementia later in life. It could simply £183.88 and over a year this would be on your way to getting a brand-new be that those who had better cognitive be £2,206.61. Over three years that luxury car. There is some evidence that doing abilities to begin with were more likely daily mind games and puzzles may be to do these types of puzzles. connected to better cognitive abilities The researchers recruited people aged and “keep the brain young.” Researchers 50 or over and who did not suffer from from the University of Exeter, Imperial dementia. It was a cross-sectional survey College London and Kings College completed by volunteers online as part London, and funded by the National of the ongoing PROTECT research Institute for Health Research, published study. This programme is looking at how their two studies in the peer reviewed brains change with age and how certain journal Geriatric Psychiatry. factors including lifestyle affect this. The The researchers concluded that study will continue to follow up with the people who said they did puzzles on volunteers for at least 10 years with these a regular basis did better on tests of results being part of the first assessment. cognitive ability. They were quoted in Cross-sectional studies can test people’s the Daily Telegraph as saying that it at one point in time but they cannot suggests that regularly doing word and definitively prove any link 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 49 Health & Lifestyle online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

and formulate optimal treatment pathways for patients, individually. Uk’s leading Many factors can contribute to reflux reflux expert disease and consequently, there isn’t a calls for more awareness ‘one size fits all’ approach for patients.

An increasingly popular option for © Lister Hospital Photographs around symptoms, diagnosis, reflux patients is the innovative LINX® and treatment options for procedure. This is a day case keyhole procedure during which a small, flexible condition bracelet of interlinked magnetic beads is placed around the oesophagus. This strengthens the valve at the bottom of 0-30% of people in the UK suffer to know about reflux, the challenges we For many people suffering with the oesophagus, creating a permanent from gastro-oesophageal reflux currently face in the UK, and the best reflux symptoms their first port of call barrier to the reflux of acid or bile. symptoms. Everyone is aware that treatment methods which provide long will be to take over-the-counter antacid The London Reflux Centre at The these can include acid heartburn and term solutions for patients: tablets. When necessary their GPs will Lister Hospital have been performing 2 “Many people will experience prescribe powerful anti-acid medications this procedure on patients for several indigestion, but fewer know that the throat and lungs can also be affected reflux symptoms during their lifetime. (PPIs). These can be very helpful but years now and are the most experienced causing a cough, sore throat, voice These include burning heartburn, about 30% of patients will continue to centre in the UK. Research has shown problems and even asthma and chest regurgitation, laryngopharyngeal reflux experience symptoms, they especially that 85% of patients report that their infections. (LPR or silent reflux), an unpleasant don’t help LPR symptoms and don’t symptoms are cured or significantly These symptoms can be occasional, taste in the mouth, sore throat, throat address the fundamental problem, which reduced, their quality of life improved inconvenient and uncomfortable; and for clearing or voice problems. Some people is failure of the valve at the bottom and are able to stop taking PPIs. This some people become a debilitating part will experience respiratory problems, of the oesophagus. Often people are is a great long-term solution for many of daily life. Due to lack of awareness, asthma, cough or even chest infections. prescribed these drugs indefinitely and reflux sufferers. many people are not seeking effective These symptoms can have a significant there are also increasing safety concerns Too many patients with reflux treatment and instead rely on antacids to impact on lifestyle and can be very when taken long-term, not least because symptoms feel there is no effective temporarily relieve pain and discomfort, disruptive. of their effect on the gut’s biome and treatment. Our mission is to help by without getting to the root of the A big issue we have in the UK is mineral absorption. concentrating expertise and making the problem. that there just isn’t enough awareness The London Reflux Centre at The Lister most modern and effective diagnostic Mr Nick Boyle, Consultant Upper about reflux disease and, patients often Hospital is the first and only centre in and treatment options available in one Gastro-Oesophageal Surgeon from don’t know how/where to seek the best London staffed by a multidisciplinary specialist centre. The London Reflux Clinic at The Lister treatment. In contrast, in the USA team of experts. Gastro-oesophageal, Hospital is one of the UK’s leading people have access to specialist reflux ENT and respiratory specialists work To learn more, visit https://www. experts in reflux disease. Here, Nick centres and tend to be more proactive in with dieticians, physiologists and hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister- shares his thoughts on what people need asking their doctor for treatment. specialist reflux surgeons to diagnose hospital or call 020 3993 2296

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Open to Call us for advice or to arrange a visit everyone 020 3504 8767 Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday. Closed Sundays and bank holidays. Calls are charged at no more than local rate and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles. We may record or monitor our calls. Q119281 KNS JUN19 CS 01217 50 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Health & Lifestyle

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were 250,000 cannabidiol consumers in recreational drug, its CBD compound cocktail, CBD truffles and a pot of hemp this country in 2017, double the number is making a name for itself as a welcome leaf tea. Just down the road, Yogland CBD health from the previous year. London has addition to Londoners’ personal health offers a vegan frozen yoghurt with 40% benefits seen a boom in CBD related business, and beauty regimens. cannabis oil. By Isabelle Groenewegen ranging from cannabidiol-infused However, A CBD health-kick can Further East, The CBD Zen Yoga tampons to reduce menstrual stress still be sociable with many London Day Retreat in Shoreditch starts with a to skincare products that offer anti- restaurants and bars following the trend. few drops of cannabis oil on the tongue inflammatory properties for acne and Notting Hill’s Farmacy offers a High Tea, prior to a 75-minute group vinyasa class, eczema. While cannabis is still a popular which comes with a CBD-infused vodka which is followed by beauty treatments and a rejuvenating gong bath. The Feel annabis, once synonymous Good Café combines dining and exercise with rebellious adolescents and with a morning cup of CBD tea followed hippy culture, is infiltrating a by yoga and the option to purchase an demographic of health-conscious adults array of cannabis infused baked goods.

C © Pixabay Photograph in London. Cannabidiol (CBD), found The vegetarian café in East London in marijuana and hemp plants, does not will be hosting a talk by CBD expert have the psychoactive elements of THC David Powell on June 18, discussing the associated with feeling “stoned”. Rather, benefits of the supplement and offering users have claimed to experience benefits advice on how much to take, how best to including reduced inflammation, better take it, and how often. sleep and improved mental well-being. While health fads wax and wane, CBD is often extracted and mixed with the prevalence of CBD products in a carrier oil for ingestion and topical mainstream stores such as Boots, Holland application and is for sale at a growing & Barrett and Sainsbury’s suggest a number of online and High street nationwide recognition that CBD may retailers based in the U.K. The growth be the next big thing. If its medical in the CBD market in the U.S., which benefits are proven, it is likely the is more progressive than Europe’s, has industry will continue to grow globally resulted in a public hearing to obtain with countries such as Canada and scientific data and information about the Uruguay having fully legalized the safety and quality of products containing consumption and sale of both medical cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds and recreational cannabis already. by the Food and Drug Administration. Whether the outcomes of scientific Despite a lack of existing scientific studies on CBD’s benefits are convincing evidence on CBD oil’s benefits, an or not, empirical evidence seems to be estimate from the Cannabis Trades enough for Londoners, with cannabis- Association UK suggested that there infused lifestyle options on the rise. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 51 Health & Lifestyle online: www.KCWToday.co.uk KC W Today June 2019

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Osamu used robots series, written and illustrated by a Manga as an allegory to woman, Higashimura Akiko, for British Museum explore issues of women, exploring gender and identity prejudice and racial through an apartment building in Until 26 August 2019 intolerance. He was Tokyo where only female tenants are Images © British Museum © British Images Admission £19.50 also responsible for allowed. Nowhere in the exhibition Princess Knight, a is the preponderance of manga porn britishmuseum.org/Manga very un-Japanese mentioned, which is possibly the looking girl with most well-known genre of manga in saucer eyes, who the Western world, and possibly in would appeal to a Japan, too, but there are references in o be exposed to manga from a female audience that the accompanying catalogue, which standing start, with very little could replicate the costs a whacking thirty pounds. One knowledge about what seems to success of his other artist dealing with sexuality is Tagame getT millions of Japanese so animated, is stories aimed at Gengoro, who published his first work at like being thrust into an alien culture, boys. In fact, most the age of 18 and has gone on to become with no understandable language, of the characters a leading artist of gay erotic manga. and no real idea of what is going on. have very ‘western’, The British Museum features heavily On leaving the exhibition, I was still almost Disney facial as a backdrop to Hoshino Yukinobu’s puzzled by what the fuss is all about. characteristics, with Professor Munakata’s British Museum I thought that manga was comics and large eyes, little Adventure, with a planned robbery and graphic novels, in other words, picture pointed noses and subsequent intrigues, the artwork which books for semi-literate people, but it broad faces. There the Museum has been collecting over the is a three billion-dollar industry that are cute cats, like past ten years. has become a global phenomenon, Konami Kanata’s One Piece series by Oda Eiichiro is across all age groups and genders. Chi, teen romances, thebest-selling manga of all time, with Manga literally means ‘pictures run sports-based dramas 450 million copies sold in 91 volumes, riot,’ and its roots stem from the great and a Princess followed by Dragon Ball at 300m. and Japanese artists Katsushika Hokusai Jellyfish (Kuragehime) Naruto at 235m. Pokémon is another and Kawanabe Kyõsai in the 19th- example of a massive game-based spin- Top left: century and has evolved to become a off. These were all made into anime Charlie the Rooster form of immersive story-telling in the Middle: films. The very best of the films to come Eliza the Sheep 20th and 21st. The last time I was in out of manga were from Studio Ghibli, Above: the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery was Konjin Snowy II makers of Spirited Away, which became Below left: to see the Rodin and the Art of Ancient the top-grossing film in the history of Hope the Donkey Greece, and that was full of majesty, Japanese cinema and won an Academy © Plus One Gallery power and beauty. Sadly, the Manga award for Best Animated Feature. Astro & Alexandra Klimas exhibition is a trifle flimsy, with a few Boy, will be one of the officially licensed drawings pinned to walls, books in products sold in Japan during the 2020 vitrines and screens dotted about, and Olympics and Paralympic Games taking what three-dimensional models there place in Tokyo next year. This enormous are, looked like fill-ins. There is an cultural phenomenon is a colossal art extraordinary object, the Shintomiza movement that has been around for two Kabuki Theatre Curtain, some 17-metres hundred years and covers such facets in length painted in 1880 by Kyõsai, to as publications, films, TV and games, be displayed between acts, and featuring and it cannot be ignored, whether one ghoulies and ghosties and long legged likes the strangeness of it all, or finds beasties, all painted in an alcohol-fuelled some of the graphics cheesy and badly- session lasting four hours. It is quite a drawn. There was a cross-pollination piece, but it is certainly not manga, and between Japanese culture and western one wonders at its inclusion, other than art, with many impressionists and to fill up a vast run of an otherwise bare post-impressionists being influenced wall. by Japanism, including Van Gogh Maybe, I am too old to appreciate and his interest in ukiyo-e woodcut the finer points of manga, as I have never prints, and Degas’s fascination with been immersed in the world of gaming, Hokusai’s compositions. Claude Monet’s which, along with anime, stems from Garden in Giverny featured a Japanese that art form.There is one telling clip footbridge, James Tissot painted Young from Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, in which Ladies Looking at Japanese Objects, the wild-eyed professor Rotwang creates James Whistler found simplicity in the Maria, by frantically twiddling knobs Japanese aesthetic, while Pissaro, Manet, and pulling levers, placed alongside Pierre Bonnard, Gauguin and Toulouse- another monitor showing the creation Lautrec all looked towards the East of Astro Boy, using not-dissimilar for inspiration, with two illustrators, devices creating and transmitting Aubrey Beardsley and Alphonse Mucha, electrical power. Astro Boy (1952-68) leading the charge in the Art Nouveau was set in the near future, where robotic movement. Manga were first drawn in technology had become so advanced the Meiji period, influenced greatly by that it threatened to radically transform English and French political cartoons, human culture. Not only had the loss of including those that appeared in Punch, many human jobs to robots led to social and then later by American superhero upheaval, but the robots themselves had comics and Disney animated cartoons. become so sophisticated that mankind Hardly fair trade, one would have must begin to recognize them as another thought. sentient species. In Astro Boy, Tezuka Don Grant 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 53 Arts & Culture online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Farm Animals: by Alexandra Klimas at Plus One Gallery

umanity’s relationship with the animals we share the planet with isn’t exactly the most harmonious of ecological flat-shares. With battery farming, culls and environmental destruction as just some of the little ‘quirks’ we display Has a room-mate/species; it’s something of an uneven playing field for our four-legged, finned and feathered counterparts. However hyperrealist artist Alexandra Klimas is doing her best to redress the balance. Whilst animals generally only feature in art as accessories in portraits, or through floating in a tank of formaldehyde if they’re really unlucky; Klimas bucks the trend by giving them an exquisitely detailed day in the limelight. The Netherlands based artist exclusively produces deeply sensitive portraits Top left: Ella a yearling Calf. 13 x 10cm. Oil on canvas of animals, typically those found on farms like sheep and cows. Middle: Daisy the Sheep, 15 x 12 cm, Oil on panel Top right: Olivia the Cow. 100 x 80cm. Oil on canvas Lower left: Snowy the Rabbit. 100 x 80cm. Oil on canvas

All Pictures © Alexandra Klimas and Plus One Gallery

Even if your personal knowledge of arts only stretches as far as a Mona Lisa fridge magnet, you’d know a Hyperrealist piece when you see it. It’s not just that the art works are perfect copies of their subject, instead Hyperrealism as an art form is renowned for how it accentuates reality rather than exact recreation. Hyperrealist art is intentionally brighter, more vibrant; offering a vertiginous focus and soul. It’s this quality that gives Klimas’s unlikely subjects the dignity and grace of a monarchic state portrait. This dizzying degree of detail transforms the placid stare of Eliza The Sheep into something more challenging; her face butts through the frame, her natural smile somehow quirks into something almost mocking. The faces of Klimas’s farmyard collaborators, seen through hyperrealist eyes, throb with feeling. The smallest subtleties of emotion find enigmatic life on her titanic canvases, be it the quiet dignity of Hope the Donkey’s greying muzzle or in the cheeky irreverence of Mona The Cow’s poked out tongue. Over her life, Klimas has watched as farm animals have increasingly disappeared from the countryside into industrial ‘megafarms’ and simple farm animals have steadily been crowded out of the modern mind. Klimas’s spotlight brings the living actuality of these thinking beings roaring back into the forefront of the mind. Animals have spent most of their time as accessories, but through the eyes of Alexandra Klimas’s animals, it’s humanity who is under the microscope. An exhibition of Alexandra Klimas’s paintings, Alexandra Klimas: Farm Animals is showing for 13 June-9 July 2019 at Plus One Gallery. Plus One Gallery will also be found at Stand 18 at Fair For Saatchi, a new pop-up art fair situated in the Saatchi Gallery, 26–30 June. Max Feldman

Plus One Gallery is located in the Piper Building, Peterborough Road SW6 3EF T: 020 7730 7656 www.plusonegallery.com Open Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm by appointment only 54 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Arts & Culture

Victoria's Journal, school exercise books the world has ever seen. and daily records of her behaviour Lord Melbourne, her first Prime written by her Governess, Louise Minister was a great influence in her Lehzen. The famous dolls’ house is on life. He guided her on how to be a view, furnished with off cuts from the constitutional Monarch. She soon Palace furnishings. realised that even without real power Photograph © Royal Collection © Royal Photograph Visitors can see a collection of she could use her influence. Her wooden toys and the game solitaire. husband,Albert. was a great support. He There is also a music box. I liked the was very interested in trade, inventions, small scale model model theatre, science and industry. He organised the complete with figures and recordings of Great Exhibition, the profits from which opera pervading the room. paid to build the South Kensington The Princess was well educated, group of Museums. learning Geography, History, Latin, The Exhibition explores through Music, Dancing and Drawing. There is memorabilia, clothes and photographs evidence of a pen and ink . her reign in which many reforms were She shared a room with her mother made. It draws attention to her entry and her bed is on display. She also had into deep mourning when Prince Albert a collapsible bed for her travels. The died. The exhibits relating to this are room where she met her future husband, very moving. She made very rare public Alfred, Prince of Saxe-Coburg (The appearances and always wore black. Prince Consort), is candle-lit which is Some heavy black dresses are on show. effective and they married in 1840. The They contrast with a pretty pink dress room where she held her first Council Albert designed for her for the Great Meeting has a wonderful painting in Exhibition. which she addresses her Ministers. The Queen’s love of India is She was eighteen years old. Stirring well documented with the deposing Coronation Music is played in this room. of Maharajah Duleep Singh well The Exhibition, it seems to me, explained. The story of the Koh-i-noor seeks to show Victoria's childhood as diamond is interesting. She had it reset happy, but I wonder. She never saw other in a tiara. Abdul Karim has not been left children or adults without her mother out. He was both a servant and a friend. or governess present. She seems to have He taught her Urdu. Her Diary written lived in a world of fantasy, making in that language is on display with fine countless dolls, writing, painting and examples of craftsmanship from the listening to opera. However, she did Empire. enjoy walking in the Park. Queen Victoria had nine children The Kensington System, a list of and forty two grandchildren. She rules for her up-bringing which is on the organised marriages into the ruling Uncle Frederick, Duke of York died in wall was devised by Sir John Conroy, her families of Europe for all of them: thus Historic Royal Palaces 1827, she was second in line. George IV mother’s Secretary, and the rules look creating dynastic contacts across the mark the 200th Anniversary died in 1830 and was succeeded by his forbidding. He was very powerful and continents. It was done to keep peace brother, William IV: Princess Victoria when she became Queen she dismissed in Europe. It failed. The First World of Queen Victoria’s Birth was now heir to the Throne. William him. Notice the portrait of Victoria aged War broke out partly due to squabbling with a Major New Exhibition. IV died in 1837. He left no legitimate six by William Fowler. The determined relatives. heir, but did have nine children with his spirit is already there. She became very The Exhibition shows pictures of mistress, Mrs Jordan. strong minded. Also when she was Osborne in the Isle of Wight which was When William IV died, Princess Queen she distanced herself from her a holiday retreat. Queen Victoria died Victoria: Woman Victoria became Queen of Great Britain mother. She gave her rooms as far from there in 1901. She is buried in the Royal and Ireland. herself as possible. Was that childhood Mausoleum at Frogmore, Windsor, and Crown Historic Royal Palaces have used happy? This makes one wonder. which she had built for herself and Kensington Palace. new research to entirely refurbish the The new Exhibition, Victoria: Prince Albert. suite of rooms in Kensington Palace Woman and Crown is held in the Pigott Her words are inscribed above the Until 31st January. 2020. where Princess Victoria spent her Gallery and explores how she balanced door. childhood under the strict supervision the roles of Queen, wife, mother and “Farewell best beloved, here at last I of her mother. The restoration has grandmother. She also became Empress shall rest with thee, with thee in Christ I taken ten years and the rooms are now of India. Polly Putnam has risen to the shall rise again” re-presented to the public. Research challenge of showcasing the long and Marian Maitland rincess Alexandrina Victoria was into archives and forensic material complex life of Queen Victoria and she born in Kensington Palace on has resulted in authenticity of carpets has curated an excellent Exhibition. The Royal Garden Hotel 24th May, 1819. Her parents were and curtains. Princess Victoria's own The Victorian age was exciting. It next door to the Palace is now serving Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn journals with other inventories and was a new start with a young ruler. This a genuine Queen Victoria Afternoon Tea. P correspondence have provided further age had many new dawns, one of them Originally menus included beef tea with and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg- Saalfeld, who later became the Duchess information. Paint samples were being photography. The Queen used curried chicken sandwiches, muffins, of Kent. Their daughter's lineage to the analysed to determine whether the wood this technology to promote her image game tart, smoked salmon, egg vol au Succession was not direct. She was born in the rooms was painted or gilded. and imperial power. It was also used to vents. They also included bread and 5th in line to the Throne. The Curator, Claudia Acott- show the public her family life. This was butter pudding, cranberry tart, chocolate When Princess Victoria's father, the Williams, wishes visitors to realise that a time of economic progress, industrial opera cake and orange jelly. Cranberry Duke of Kent, died in 1820, she became Victoria's childhood home was not expansion and the Empire extending tart was Queen Victoria's favourite dish. fourth in line. George III died in 1820 gloomy, but brightly decorated and had her bounds. There were great scientific Enjoy some of these restorative and was succeeded by his son, George attractive furnishings. The wallpaper is discoveries. Most significantly press and delicacies with champagne after visiting IV. He left no heirs because his daughter digitally printed by experts and some of the print culture allowed her image to the Exhibition at the Palace. Charlotte died giving birth to a child the furniture is original. go far and wide. Statues and paintings of Reservations: 020 7361 0602 and the child did not survive. Princess The exhibits create an evocative the Queen are still to be seen across the giovannigargasole@royalgardenhotel. Victoria became third in line. When her atmosphere. On display are Princess continents. Her Empire was the biggest co.uk 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 55 Arts & Culture online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Shubbak: A Window on Contemporary Arab Culture Photograph © Kabereh Cheikhats © Kabereh Photograph

hubbak is London's largest Biennial Festival of Contemporary Arab Culture and events take place across SLondon. There will be a wide range of Performance, Music, Visual Arts, Film, Literature, Outdoor Activities and Workshops. The events will bring new and unexpected culture to London. The Festival is particularly important this year as it seeks to prove that all art forms rise above the tragedy and strife that is happening in the Middle East

and it brings light and hope for greater Ammar © Hela Photograph understanding between peoples. Remember that the earliest birthplace of civilisation was in Iraq, Syria and Egypt and their beautiful cities are a testament to this. Shubbak celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and shows that creative art from war torn countries survives. Each artist feels deeply for his own country and they all come together for Shubbak. These people have vision, they can see beyond the scene of a world of strife and we all believe the powers of darkness can be put to flight. Art of their own countries is a comfort for people in exile and shubbak opens a window of friendship to them. This 5th Shubbak welcomes artists from Arab lands and Europe as they bring their work to London's galleries, museums, libraries, stages, concert halls and cinemas. This year their work can be described as 'bold'. A new partnership has been formed with the Gate Theatre at Notting Hill where plays will be performed in Arabic internationally and their work is known and English. There will be special from Beirut to Casablanca and to programmes for schools and young Jeddah. people. Morocco has a lively youth scene and Photograph © Sama Photograph Many artists come from Beirut is sending beach acrobats and even some and deal with such diverse themes drag artists. as motherhood, jogging, meditation The British Library is celebrating and avant garde electronica from contemporary Arab writing and there Mo Khansa. Beirut is famous for its will be readings from across the Arab lively arts scene and has made a huge world. contribution to Arab culture. Many Maysoon Pachachi is Chair; principle artists from there are exploring all art partners are Arts Council England, forms in 'an open way' which would be British Council, Bagri Foundation difficult in other cities. and AM Qattan Foundation. Eckhard The programme for the Festival is not Thiemann is Artistic Director. consciously divided into countries and it Shubbak translates as 'window'. Let it is noticeable that Arab art is dominated open out onto a kaleidoscope of fun and by a culture of youth. In Algeria two entertainment in London. thirds of the population is under thirty. Their electronic and rap artists work Marian Maitland 56 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Arts & Culture

MAX plenty of wit and humour besides the grim beats of the novel and even some Feldman genuine feelings of fear, particularly in REVIEWS a pitch dark sequence that best remains

unspoiled. © dotdotdot Photograph The real draw of course is the aforementioned VR and during three key points you slide on the head sets and War of the are turned loose in big set pieces which see the titanic tripods rain death down Worlds upon you. It’s not exactly photorealistic, everything looks like a PS2 era Immersive videogame cutscene but it’s surprisingly effective, particularly the first time you Experience cower under a ravening metal tentacle. 56 Leadenhall Street, London, the Worlds, a bloated 70s concept album attempting to push this immersive The unfortunate double edge to this and rock opera adaptation of his story. envelope further with the headline virtual sword is that during these EC3A 2BJ Personally the combination of classical grabbing addition of full-visor VR. sections you have entire movements of Tickets: 49.00 influenced prog and painfully high Dotdotdot have taken a whack at this the prog rock musical blasted into your pitched lyrics about interstellar war VR malarkey before with the sadly poor defenceless ears. This unfortunately shoots past sublime, smashes through somnambulant Sonmai Sonmai, but overwhelms any feelings of fear and ridiculous and ends up somewhere in with this adaptation they’ve thrillingly wonder with the sudden need to burst ‘war crime’ territory, However the record clicked into gear. The audience goes in into hysterical laughter. Still it must .G. Wells was one of the is apparently 32nd best-selling studio groups of twelve and are led through a be said that there’s nothing really like foremost writers of science album of all time in the UK so clearly sequence of really rather tastefully laid this showing in London; it contains fiction in history, stories like my opinion is slightly off piste. Though out rooms ranged across the 22,000 moments of groundbreaking frisson that HThe Time Machine, The Invisible Man whilst considering its commercial success feet of the performance space: from other (and better) theatre would kill for. and perhaps his most famous novel The it’s worth remembering that thousands observatories, barricaded front rooms, However at a notably pricey £49 a head War of The Worlds would go on to codify of people voted for Hitler as well. confessionals and rank backstreets. (along with the de rigueur 20 minute many of the foundational tropes of the Immersive theatre company dotdotdot Each individual room has its own actor interval in a cocktail bar) it’s up to the genre. In his stories he predicted the have taken this apparently beloved who lead you through the action. As individual to work out how much it’s advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, albatross/album and turned it into with all immersive theatre the more you worth it. For fans of the novel and [sigh] nuclear weapons, satellite television an impressive piece of hybrid theatre. put in with your interactions the better the musical, there’s a lot to like and kids and something resembling the World Since Punchdrunk exploded onto the your experience will be, but the actors [there’s a 12 and over age limit] should Wide Web. However even he would scene over a decade ago, immersive seemed extremely poised and happy to go absolutely gaga for it. Great fun, in its be hard pressed to have foreseen Jeff theatre has achieved an impact-sapping go off script dealing with some of our own way groundbreaking, but not quite Wayne's Musical Version of The War of market saturation, but dotdotdot are more involved interactions. There is out of this world.

Deadwood charts the of creating a more perfect union. The Deadwood birth pains of the real- criminals want a more ordered system to life gold rush town as it protect their ill-gotten gains as much as

Season 1-3 the people want defences against them. © HBO Photograph lurches from a brutally HBO Progress comes piecemeal, compromise Darwinian camp illegally and corruption hand in hand, but occupying Native steadily the town creeps towards We’ve been living in the so-called American land to a fully respectability. If Deadwood is about ‘Golden Age of Television’ for so long incorporated township anything, it’s about how the human now that it’s become almost tiring. impulse towards altruism is as hardwired The endless variety of prestige quality and vital as our self-interest. Even Ian series has become numbing rather than cocktail of shocking violence, incredibly excessive, it feels real and so it horrifies McShane’s seemingly moral free saloon exciting; there’s only so much time rich lyrical dialogue, overflowing with the way it does in real life. keeper cum despotic ruler comes to be and attention the average viewer has to the kind of soliloquies actors would Since The Sopranos one of the great subconsciously ruled as much by what’s bestow and so you have to ignore critical give their eye-teeth for [albeit studded themes of prestige television in the good for the town as for himself [though darlings of all stripes in order to have with the kind of profanity that could 21st century has seen ‘anti-heroes’ he does conflate the two]. some kind of life that doesn’t revolve strip paint] alongside the kind of throwing off the constricting bonds of If this has been something of an around the sofa. As a result of all the Machiavellian political manoeuvring law and society in order to achieve a academic review of an incredibly human, endless stream of buzz-worthy series that makes the Tory leadership contest self-actualisation they would otherwise passionate show that's because focusing vying for attention, telling someone look positively genteel. Whilst it was be denied. Whether it’s Walter White’s on the characters is impossible in such a they need to drop everything for a three running, the majority of the review Nietzschean rise to criminal majesty constrained space. Whilst McShane is as season cowboy show that was cancelled ink was spilt over the show’s violence. in Breaking Bad, or even Peggy Olsen close as the show comes to a lead, this is in 2005 without a proper ending tends Indeed, the very first episode features chafing against patriarchal constraints an ensemble piece with the list of ‘major to engender some scepticism. When the shockingly brutal beating of a in Mad Men; society is frequently characters’ approaching 15; each who you add in the fact it stars Ian McShane prostitute that saw many prospective presented as a stultifying straightjacket can take over a scene without warning. from Lovejoy, the eye rolls get extreme viewers switch off for good, but the that characters need to break out of in The show isn’t really about any of them enough to risk permanent ocular violence very much plays second order to fulfil their individual needs. though, it’s about the town, it’s about damage. None of this changes the fact fiddle to the rich characterisation and Deadwood flips this rebellion on its people and how we fit together. After that Deadwood is one of the best series dialogue. Show runner David Milch head, focusing on the shared desires over a decade HBO is putting out a film ever made. created a language that was almost and needs that lead groups of people to finally draw the previously unfinished Deadwood charts the birth pains Shakespearean, yet deeply lived in and to sublimate themselves in a larger narrative to a close, and if that’s not of the real-life gold rush town as it comprehensible. One of the reasons whole: in this case the town itself. The a good excuse to finally sit down and lurches from a brutally Darwinian camp that Deadwood’s violence is so shocking town is populated with both the best watch some of the best dialogue ever illegally occupying Native American when it comes, is that its characters and worst of humanity [sometimes put to film, I don’t know what is. Take it land to a fully incorporated township, feel so alive and real in the grounded these two extremes are contained in from me, free, f—king gratis. complete with sheriff, mayor and banks. world of the show. This is the reason the the same person] and yet all come Deadwood the Movie will be reviewed This is accomplished through a potent violence shocks so much; it’s not that it’s together episode by episode in the name in our July edition. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 57 Fishing online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

of felicity afire, came glancing like an arrow through landscapes of untended From the memory’ wrote the American Amy Riverbank Clampitt in her eponymous poem. Part 11. By Don Grant It is virtually impossible to paint © Unsplash Photograph them from life, as they fly as fast as a flash of electric blue lightning, and rarely pose for you on a branch. Delacroix famously once said that ‘you’ll never be he original binomial name for a great artist unless you can sketch a the kingfisher, Gracula atthis, man falling from the fourth floor of a was devised by the great Swedish building before he hits the ground,’ but taxonomistT Carl Linnaeus, but later that could just be fanciful. Maybe the re-named Alcedo atthis, which actually same should apply to kingfishers? They stems from the Greek alcedo, meaning are also pretty elusive for photographers, halcyon, in turn derived from the even those with the very latest cameras Greek goddess Alcyone, daughter of and lenses, and an inexhaustible supply Aelous, God of the winds. Atthis was of patience. Having not seen one for a beautiful young woman from Lesbos, the first two weeks on the river, our and a favourite of Sappho, the lyric third trip produced an impressive eight poet. Halcyon days are those peaceful sightings, including one, where my and calm periods just around the winter fishing companion Robert witnessed one solstice, when, in Greek mythology, actually take a minnow off the water. kingfishers are meant to have made The reason that they were so active their nests out of fish bones which was because they sometimes have up floated on the Mediterranean, with to 10 chicks, holed up in a burrow on the gods smiling on them with good the bank, and can have more than two weather. We recall halcyon days as those broods in a season. Although their diet that hold fond memories, whenever is mainly fishy, they will sometimes take in the calendar, but usually related to big, juicy dragonflies or damselflies, as childhood and summer. well as other aquatic insects, including Kingfishers have inspired many water beetles. Dragonflies are amongst writers to use them as metaphors, things the fastest of insects, flying at around of beauty and as symbols, representing 30 mph, both forwards and in reverse, a multitude of opposites such as and even while copulating, which is transformation, calm, multiplicity, unity, impressive, to say the least. Kingfishers felicity, disturbance and revelation. can hit the same sort of speed, only According to one academic, ‘to poets, forwards, so the unsuspecting dragonfly the kingfisher magically embodies a may suddenly find that he should have joining of opposites, a preservation of perhaps tried looking sideways, as a variety, an embrace of challenge and blue flash, with a scuba-spear-sharp change.’ The Welsh poet William Henry beak, gobbled him up. They have Davies wrote to catch the equivalent of their own bodyweight every day, just to feed his, ‘It was the rainbow gave thee birth, and her, brood. Their territory extends And left thee all her lovely hues. for anything between one and five And, as her mother’s name was Tears, kilometres, and they are extremely So runs it in my blood to choose protective of their ‘manor.’ There are For haunts the lonely pools, and keep seven distinct beats on ‘our’ river, each In company with trees that weep.’ just over a kilometre in length, and the riverkeeper reckons there are at Gerard Manley Hopkins was also least six breeding pairs. Kingfisher in inspired to write ‘as kingfishers catch French is martin-pêcheur and dragonfly fire, dragonflies draw flame’, in the is the delightfully-named libellule, bright spring sunshine. Another great while a damselfly is une demoiselle. poet, John Clare, in his natural history Mayfly is éphémère, hardly surprisingly. “incident light”, in other words light slightly disrupted, thus causing a smaller writings, stated that ‘it flys on the top In Germany, the kingfisher is called shining on the sample’. Another scientist span of iridescent colour.’ of the water, down rivers & dykes & eisvogel, ice-bird, as it migrates many went on to explain, ‘we found that In Japan, their 300kph Shinkansen often seizes its prey on the wing; it hundreds of kilometers from Northern the cyan and blue barbs of its feathers bullet trains were producing a sonic makes its nest on the ground in the reed Europe to milder climes in winter. contain spongy nanostructures with boom when they came out of a tunnel, beds & lays 5 eggs of a dirty brown Scientifically, the production of varying dimensions, causing the light and this problem was resolved by an colour - the young take the water as intense blue presents challenges to to reflect differently and thus produce engineer, who was also a bird-watcher. soon as hatched.’ Andrew Marvell’s nature. Most vertebrates are unable the observed set of colours. The subtle He studied the way kingfishers dived Kingfisher is seen ‘flying betwixt the day to produce blue pigment. The orange differences within colours are produced into the water to catch fish, at anything and night’ and changing as she recedes of kingfisher plumage is the product by tiny variations in the structure of the up to 25mph and carefully noted their upstream, into a ‘sapphire-winged of tiny pigment granules but its cyan barbs.’ So, kingfisher feathers reflect behaviour. The birds create very little mist’. The Kingfisher stands for peace and blue feathers contain no pigments. light in a way that scientists describe splash when they enter the water, due to and prosperity, and is connected with These colours are ‘structural’. According as semi-iridescent. ‘The feathers of the aerodynamic shape of their head and Jupiter, who is a symbol for abundance to research carried out at Cambridge peacocks and birds of paradise are truly large beak. Imitating the kingfisher’s and wealth. It is a symbol of a fertile University, ‘they are created by the iridescent. Iridescence is produced by shape, engineers equipped trains with harvest and good fortune. Certainly, intricate structural arrangement of a the ways in which layers of material a tapering nose nearly 50 feet long. As seeing one darting scarcely a few inches transparent material which, depending are perfectly aligned and repeated well as producing much less noise when above the water, lifts one’s own spirits, on its precise make-up and thickness periodically to achieve a shimmer effect. exiting tunnels, the newly-designed and has, in the past, heralded a catch. ‘A compared to the tiny wavelength of Semi-iridescence is produced when the train used 15% less electricity while kingfisher’s burnished plunge, the colour light, produces a range of colours by layers are not quite perfectly aligned but travelling 10% faster. 58 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Flying

Learn how to fly By Fahad Redha

It’s hard to write about flying without slipping into cliché. This would usually be something about Icarus or the Wright Brothers and how it has been humanity’s dream since we started walking upright.

f course, becoming an airline or military pilot takes years of training, assuming you can pass Othe health and height requirements. But what about recreational flying? Getting a private pilot’s license (PPL) on the other hand opens up a world of opportunities where the sky’s quite literally the limit. Whether you want to learn a new skill or make your next holiday a little more interesting, this is something you will surely love. You will still need a medical exam to prove you are fit, but it is not as restrictive as a BA or RAF pilot would 9. Flying Classes London: Cloudbase have to pass. Aviation | theflyingschool.co.uk/lessons- Prices vary, but a lesson can cost london.html around anywhere from £100-£200 per 10. Learn to fly: London Elstree hour, depending on the flying school Aerodrome | Borehamwood Herts and type of aircraft. There has been talk WD6 | makaviation.co.uk in the industry of small electric aircraft that would bring that number down, 11. Flying Schools | bigginhillairport. but until then that’s typically the range. com/flight-training/flying-schools Some flying schools offer packages, 12. Flying Lessons and Experiences | allowing you to buy lessons in bulk, northwealdflighttraining.co.uk bringing the price of each lesson below that number. That means that it may be Or maybe you’d prefer to fly a worth shopping around to find the best helicopter. Here is a selection of some deal in your area. places that offer that. An average pilot would need around 55 to 60 hours of training to stand a chance of passing their test. Depending Some Helicopter Schools in on how much spare time (and money) but then you’re looking at millions of Some flying schools in England: England you have, this could take weeks, months, pounds to buy and a fortune to maintain. or even years. Just like driving a car There are alternatives however. Just as 1. Flying School | EASA Airline 1. Instrumental Rating Courses | there are two parts to this, a theory and it’s possible to get yourself a kit car that Academies | l3commercialaviation.com castleairacademy.com a practical test. you build yourself, there are a number 2. Do you want to be a pilot? | BAA 2. Helicopter Training School Based of kit plane manufacturers offering a Your training, according to the Civil Training | baaflightschool.com in Hampshire and Surrey and Sussex | Aviation Authority (CAA) website, will range of models to suit your needs, some 3. Flight Training London | phoenixhelicopters.co.uk consist of ground training and exams of which are quite affordable. Two of in different subjects, dual flying lessons the most popular are Sonex and Van’s. flighttraininglondon.co.uk 3. Helicopter Pilot Training: Trial with an instructor, solo flying training, The former even has a jet in its stable 4. EFG Flying School |flyefg.co.uk Lessons, PPL(H), CPL(H) | and a flight test. You must be at least 16 (though costing considerably more than 5. Learn to Fly | How to Become A elitehelicopters.co.uk years old to have a license for a glider or an average kit plane) while the latter has Pilot | Stapleford Flight Centre | flysfc. 4. Into The Blue | intotheblue.co.uk balloon and 17 years old for aeroplanes a wider variety that even includes a four- com 5. Helicopter Lessons: Robinson or helicopters. seater so you can take the whole family 6. Flying Lessons | Flight Lessons: Helicopters. Heli Air | heliair.com After that you may decide that you along. There are also companies making virginexperiencedays.co.uk 6. VVB Aviation | Helicopter Training want a plane of your own. These don’t replica Spitfires, P-51 Mustangs and 7. Flying Lessons & Pilot Licence and Charter | vvb-aviation.com come cheap however. A good second other iconic planes. 7. Gift Experience: Virgin Experience hand one can cost at least £20,000 and Visit the CAA website at caa.co.uk Training London: goflyoxford.co.uk/ that’s before you factor in all the running for more information. Below is a list flying-lessons-in-london Days | virginexperiencedays.co.uk costs involved. A war bird such as a we’ve compiled of some flying schools 8. Learn to Fly: West London Aero 8. Flying Pig Helicopters: Landing Pad Spitfire or Hurricane may be tempting that may interest you. Club | wlac.co.uk/wlac/learn-to-fly | flyingpighelicopters.co.u 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 59 Sports Fixtures online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

TENNIS, CRICKET, Mallorca, Spain June 15, 10:30 Birmingham Le Havre FIFA WOMEN’S Entries: Australia v Sri Lanka South Africa v Germany, Angelique London FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD 12:00 WORLD CUP FIXTURES Kerber (GER), CUP- FRANCE Group B JUNE/JULY 2019 Anastasija June 15, 13:30 Montpellier Sevastova Afghanistan v South June 10 Nigeria v France, 15:00 (LVA), Belinda Africa Argentina v Japan, 12:00 Group A Bencic (SUI), Cardiff Group D Rennes MEN’S TENNIS Elise Mertens Paris Korea Republic v Norway, (BEL), Carolina June 16, 10:30 Canada v Cameroon, 15:00 15:00 June 10 - June 16 Garcia (FRA) India v Pakistan Group E Group A Mercedes Cup www. Manchester Montpellier Reims Stuttgart, Germany mallorcaopen. Entries: Karen Khachanov org/?lang=en June 17, 10:30 June 11 June 18 (RUS), Daniil Medvedev Bangladesh v West Indies New Zealand v Jamaica v Australia, 15:00 (RUS), Nikoloz Basilashvili Nature Valley Taunton Netherlands, 9:00 Group C (GEO), Gael Monfils (FRA), Classic Group E Grenoble Milos Raonic (CAN) Birmingham, June 18, 10:30 Le Havre Italy v Brazil, 15:00 www.mercedescup.de/ United Kingdom Afghanistan v England Chile v Sweden, 12:00 Group C major-events/nature-valley- Entries: Naomi Manchester Group F Valenciennes June 10 - June 16 international/ Osaka (JPN), Petra Kvitova Rennes Libema Open (CZE), Ashleigh Barty (AUS), June 19, 10:30 USA v Thailand, 15:00 June 19 s-Hertogenbosch, June 25 - June 29 Elina Svitolina (UKR), Aryna New Zealand v South Group F Japan v England, 15:00 Netherlands The Boodles Tennis Sabalenka (BLR) Africa Reims Group D Entries: Stefanos Tsitsipas Championship www.lta.org.uk/major- Birmingham Nice (GRE), Alex De Minaur Stoke Park, United Kingdom tennis-events/british-major- June 12 Scotland v Argentina, (AUS), Fernando Verdasco Entries: TBA events/nature-valley-classic/ June 20, 10:30 Nigeria v Korea Republic, 15:00 (ESP), David Goffin (BEL), www.theboodles.com/ June 23 - June 29 Australia v Bangladesh 9:00 Group D Francis Tiafoe (USA) Nature Valley Nottingham Group A Paris libema-open.nl/en/ June 25 - June 28 International Grenoble Aspall Tennis Classic Eastbourne, United Kingdom June 21, 10:30 Germany v Spain, 12:00 June 20 June 17 - June 23 Hurlingham, United Kingdom Entries: Karolina Pliskova England v Sri Lanka Group B Cameroon v New Zealand, Gerry Weber Open Entries: Marin Cilic (SRB), (CZE), Kiki Bertens (NLD), Leeds Valenciennes 12:00 Halle, Germany Lucas Pouille (FRA), Nick Sloane Stephens (USA), France v Norway, 15:00 Group E Entries: Roger Federer Kyrgios (AUS), Felix Auger- Ashleigh Barty (AUS), Elina June 22, 10:30 Group A Montpellier (SUI), Dominic Thiem (AUT), Aliassime (CAN) Svitolina (UKR) Afghanistan v India Nice Netherlands v Canada, Alexander Zverev (GER), https://www. www.lta.org.uk/major- Southampton 12:00 Kei Nishikori (JPN), Karen hurlinghamtennisclassic. tennis-events/british- June 13 Group E Khachanov (RUS) com/ major-events/nature-valley- June 22, 13:30 Australia v Brazil, 12:00 Reims www.gerryweber-open.de/ international/ New Zealand v West Group C Sweden v USA, 15:00 July 1 - July 14 Indies Montpellier Group F June 17 - June 23 Wimbledon July 1-July 14 Manchester South Africa v China PR, Le Havre Fever-Tree Wimbledon, United Kingdom Wimbledon 15:00 Thailand v Chile, 15:00 Championships Entries: Novak Djokovic London, United Kingdom June 23, 10:30 Group B Group F Queens, United Kingdom (SRB), Rafael Nadal (ESP), Entries: Serena Williams Pakistan v South Africa Paris Rennes Entries: Stefanos Tsitsipas Roger Federer (SUI), Dominic (USA), Naomi Osaka (JPN), London (GRE), Kevin Anderson Thiem (AUT), Alexander Karolina Pliskova (CZE), June 14 Knockout Stage (RSA), Juan Martin Del Potro Zverev (GER) Simona Halep (ROU), Kiki June 24, 10:30 Japan v Scotland, 9:00 (ARG), Milos Raonic (CAN), www.wimbledon.com/index. Bertens (NED) Afghanistan v Bangladesh Group D Round of 16: Kyle Edmund (GBR) html https://www.wimbledon. Southampton Rennes June 22-June 25 www.lta.org.uk/major- com/index.html Jamaica v Italy, 12:00 Quarter-final: tennis-events/british- June 25, 10:30 Group C June 28, June 29 major-events/fever-tree- WOMEN’S TENNIS England v Australia Reims Semi-final: championships/ CRICKET London England v Argentina, 15:00 July 2, July 3 June 10 - June 16 ICC WORLD CUP Group D 3rd Place Match: June 23 - June 29 Libema Open JUNE 10-30 June 26, 10:30 Le Havre July 6 Turkish Airlines Open s-Hertogenbosch, New Zealand v Pakistan Final: Antalya Netherlands June 10, 10:30 Birmingham June 15 July 7 Antalya, Turkey Entries: Kiki Bertens (NED), South Africa v West Netherlands v Cameroon, Entries: Benoit Paire (FRA), Aryna Sabalenka (BLR), Indies June 27, 10:30 9:00 Adrian Mannarino (FRA), Belinda Bencic (SUI), Southampton India v West Indies Group E MLB LONDON Damir Dzumhur (BIH), Jaume Elise Mertens (BEL), Lesia Manchester Valenciennes Munar (ESP), Pablo Carreno Tsurenko (UKR) June 11, 10:30 Canada v New Zealand, June 29, 18:10 Busta (ESP) libema-open.nl/en/ Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, June 28, 10:30 15:00 Major League Baseball http://www.antalyaopen. Bristol South Africa v Sri Lanka Group E London com/ Nature Valley Open Chester-le-Street Grenoble London Stadium, Queen Nottingham, United Kingdom June 12, 10:30 Elizabeth Olympic Park June 24 - June 29 Entries: Ashleigh Barty Australia v Pakistan June 29, 10:30 June 16 Nature Valley (AUS), Caroline Garcia Taunton Afghanistan v Pakistan Sweden v Thailand, 9:00 June 30, 15:10 International (FRA), Donna Vekic (CRO), Leeds Group F Major League Baseball Eastbourne, United Kingdom Johanna Konta (GBR), Yulia June 13, 10:30 Nice London Entries: Marco Cecchinato Putintseva (KAZ) India v New Zealand June 29, 13:30 USA v Chile, 12:00 London Stadium, Queen (ITA), Guido Pella (ARG), www.lta.org.uk/major- Nottingham Group F Elizabeth Olympic Park Fernando Verdasco (ESP), tennis-events/british-major- Australia v New Zealand Paris Matteo Berrettini (ITA), Laslo events/nature-valley-open/ June 14, 10:30 London Djere (SRB) England v West Indies June 17 www.lta.org.uk/major- June 17 - June 23 Southampton June 30, 10:30 China PR v Spain, 12:00 Compiled and edited by tennis-events/british- Mallorca Open England v India Group B Gill Gross 60 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Motoring

declining sales, uncertainty over Brexit, This makes it all the more We always hear from naysayers or something else, is anyone’s guess. appropriate for Tesla to bring its new that Britain hasn’t got a car industry Motor Show One company that did make it was Model 3 over here. The car at the show anymore, since all of our brands are Suzuki. The firm had brought a number was left-hand-drive with right-hand- foreign owned. What these people miss returns to of its models over and the one that stole drive production set to begin later in the is that we have factories up and down London the show was its new Jimny. The tiny year, but it was the first time the car set the country churning out everything By Fahad Redha off-roader (“sport utility vehicle” really its tyres on our green and pleasant land. from Toyotas to McLarens. It may be doesn’t apply here) has been immensely Its minimalist interior redefines what we different from the Triumphs and Austin popular, particularly in its home market. expect from car interiors, with a single Healeys we are associated with. But ask Because of this its supply in Britain large screen controlling everything in anyone old enough to have had one of is heavily restricted, such that dealers the car from the HVAC even to the those whether those days were really London’s motor show at Excel seems aren’t even taking deposits! The car was performance. better. You may not like their answer. back to being an annual event, helping also taken to a car show in to keep our city on the motoring map. America despite the company It may not have the glamour and size pulling out entirely from the of Geneva or New York, but with over US market. It seems Suzuki 30,000 people attending this year’s event really loves to tease people and in May, it is still one to pay attention to. show them what they can’t Shows in other cities are often used have. to debut some of the most important Every year electric cars new cars, from Fords to Ferraris. With become bigger and bigger so many new British cars being launched players in the game as a range this year, including the McLaren GT of new models are shown to the and new Bentley Continental Flying world. An entire stand at the Spur, it is a shame that they were not show was dedicated to some of introduced to the world here. the most popular including the At least MG didn’t forget about us! Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and Last year it showed off its ZS compact BMW i3. These allow guilt SUV and this time it brought an electric free motoring and cost pennies version of that. Not exactly an earth- to run (excluding insurance). shattering revelation. The company also It’s not a matter of when you gave away goody bags that included a make the switch, but if. And notebook, some pens, and a key ring since charging stations are with its logo. outnumbering petrol stations, Sadly, a lot of big car makers were that day may come sooner than absent. Whether this is because of you think.

etrolheads everywhere mourned story, as rumour has it that the big cat 12-cylinder in their big saloons. But as messers Clarkson, Hammond, will return next year as an all-electric in more recent models its place was All good things and May announced a complete car. This is hardly a surprise, as whether taken by the XJR. This has always been change to their show’s format. “A great it’s because of stringent regulation or the the same formula. A fire-breathing must come to P supercharged V8 keeping the saloon British motoring institution” has all but last oil well running dry, it’s a matter come to an end as the previous series’ of time before every car makes the on a par with some of the lightest that an end finale paid tribute to the Ford saloons transition. But at the time of writing this the Continent has to offer, all in the lap By Fahad Redha that have been a staple here. is still a rumour. of luxury. Sure, a Mercedes AMG or But we have heard little more than All of this is entirely understandable. BMW M might be faster. But which a whimper about an even older, more Saloons have waned in popularity as would you honestly rather have had? important one coming to an end. The SUVs dominate most sales charts. There The XJ is the latest victim of what Jaguar XJ, which has been around since are various reasons for this, including some American websites have called 1968 will be discontinued on the 5th of the fact that taller cars are just easier the “sedan apocalypse” referring to the July. That’s not entirely the end of the to climb in and out of on a daily basis. aforementioned death of traditional But it is still sad saloons in favour of SUVs. Every news nonetheless. company has been reluctant to finish The big Jag has off its top of the line from the S-Class been one of the Mercedes and 7 Series BMW, to the most iconic British Lexus LS and Lincoln Continental nameplates and is which was recently revived. But Jaguar second only to the is the first to face up to reality. Sales of Mini in being the the Jag have dropped massively since the longest lasting. new model was launched in 2009. The XJ has What’s also sad is that there has been more than been very little said about this news. one car, ranging When the Land Rover Defender was from the entry discontinued in 2016, it received far level XJ6 to two more attention even though we all knew different kinds of for sure that it was coming back. But flagship. The days that could be because the then current of the XJ12 are Defender dated back to the Cretaceous long behind us, period. leaving only the German luxury But there is still hope for the XJ to firms (as well as return in 2020 as an EV. So maybe it’s Rolls Royce and not dead. Maybe it’s just pining for the Bentley) with a fjords. 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 61

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This is the seventy eighth Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 Turns away five hundred from notices. (6) 8 9 Wolfe Cryptic Crossword 5 This Prime Minister sounds like despair. (6) 10 11 Emma Rasool by email from the 10 Facial feature reversed before joyless progressor. (7) Brompton Hospital is last month’s winner, 11 Euro lad produced what could be a Swiss roll. (7) congratulations. 12 Reptile inhabiting Antigua naturally. (6) Please let me have any comments or 15 Virile man over ten in artists room. (6) 12 13 14 15 suggestions you may have and remember, 16 Couching without you making dumplings. (7) if you haven’t totally finished the whole 16 crossword still send it in as the first correct 17 Look for sound of Northern Indian. (4) or substantially correct answer picked 18 Arms back in cosy room at the pub. (4) 17 18 at random will win a prize of a bottle of 19 If staying in ill, I cite it as being wrong. (7) Champagne kindly donated by Lea and 20 Initially he earned complete knowledge that 19 Sandeman. Send your grids either by post expressed surprise. (4) 20 21 22 23 24 to Wolfe, at KCW Today 80-100 Gwynne 22 Ray went from side to side in boat. (4) Road London SW11 3UW, or scan it in 25 Type of junction on casual vests. (1-6) 25 26 and send by email to wolfe@kcwtoday. 27 Place ball holder around lower leg. (6) co.uk. 28 Southern police lacking nothing join rope. (6) 27 28 www.leaandsandeman.co.uk/Fine-Wine. 31 Absconder about 112 degrees around Supermans 29 30 106 Kensington Church St, London, cloak. (7) W8 4BH. T: 020 7221 1982. 32 Row one with a student of space. (7) 31 32 Contact Sandor. 33 The remains of upset brides. (6)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 T U N A F I S H E N T O M B 34 Unknown drone flying around over there. (6) 9 R U I O P E U I 33 34 10 11 U N M A N M E L T W A T E R S E I E E S D D Down 12 13 T H R E S H O L D C R O S S 2 Flyer whose meals are normally late. (7) Y I H N G O E 3 Very keen to go to artist acadamies boxing arena. (6) 14 15 16 A C T I V E E S T U A R Y 4 Identical uncle going East. (4) 17 15 Right in work periods taking confession. (7) C A N L D E 5 Damn sock repair. (4) 18 19 20 20 Bouncy toy holding grain. (6) H A L O G E N R E A S O N 21 6 Swift look when south west chinese feng designers 21 Part of finger cut I cleansed about. (7) I S O E N R A 22 23 24 are put about short foot. (6) 23 I fed ice into imposing building. (7) L Y R I C B R O A D B A N D 7 Put a musical group to play desert. (7) 24 Mixed mule is for breakfast. (6) L E H O R Y T M 25 26 8 Eye glasses for alcohol. (6) 25 Harden steel can make you lose it. (6) O F F L O A D E D A L I B I 9 Live with desire to be part of a group. (6) U E O Y E R O R 26 Drug I lost twisting ligament. (6) 27 28 T H R I L L C R E D E N C E 13 Break any seal sorting out component parts. (7) 29 Members charges are green at the golf club. (4) 14 Regarding radiation distilled in cacti (7) 30 Watch early satellite probing you to begin with. (4)

PUBLIC NOTICES Andrew’s Top Ten Conventions With Andrew Robson Section 158, Licensing Act 2003 NOTICE TO LOCATE Licensing Act 2003: ABSENTEE FREEHOLDER One of my absolute favourite conventions, it is simple, effective and happens often, is Application to vary a Jacoby. After partner has opened 1♥/1♠ and the next player has passed, a response of Premises Licence 2NT shows at least game-going values with four or more cards in support. PURSUANT TO SECTION 50(4) Playing 2NT as 10-12 points and a balanced hand is unwieldy, you can always bid Notice is hereby given that: OF THE LEASEHOLD REFORM 2♦/2♣ on a four-card suit instead. But 2NT as Jacoby, setting trumps at a low level and (A) CLOUD TWELVE CLUB LIMITED of: (B) allowing for a slam exploration via Trial Bids (new suit bids at the lowest level) and 2-5 COLVILLE MEWS, W11 2DA HOUSING AND URBAN Splinter bids (jumps in new suits), is an invaluable tool. has applied to the Royal Borough of DEVELOPMENT ACT 1993 Kensington & Chelsea to : Dealer South North-South Vulnerable ♠ ()#! "&' $%'# !&' $('# (C) Vary a Premises Licence for: This notice is made by a tenant ♥ %" ♠ (D) CLOUD TWELVE CLUB LIMITED  of the freehold property known ♦ (+% (E) 2-5 COLVILLE MEWS, W11 2DA %&)) $ %&)) ♥ as 4 St Anns Road, London, W11 ♣ *! The proposed application is: ♠ + ' ♠ , %&)) $ %&)) !♥ (F) THE LICENSED AREA TO BE 4SR to trace the freeholder, N ♥ *+)! ♥ ( '$# ♠ INCREASED TO THE ENTIRE PREMISES. Mr Shahrdad Golban. WE %&)) " #''(&)) ♦ &" ♦ '# THE SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL OFF THE ♣ S ♣ PREMISES FOR GROUND FLOOR MON- It is understood that '% &$#" ♠ WED AND FRI-SAT 09:00-18:30, SUN Mr Shahrdad Golban *&%$" ♥ 09:00-17:30; FIRST FLOOR MON-WED may formerly be of Flat I, 47 & AND FRI-SAT 09:00-19:30, SUN 09:00- Queensgate, London, SW7 5JN ♦ *)$! 17:30. SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL BOTH ON but his whereabouts cannot ♣ (+) AND OFF THE PREMISES FIRST FLOOR now be ascertained. ONLY THURS 09:00-22:00. North’s 2NT response showed at least a game going hand with four or more spades. With a minimum opener South would jump to 4♠. His actual 4♥ bid was a Splinter Anyone wishing to make a representation to this Would Mr Shahrdad Golban bid showing a slam-interested hand with a singleton heart. North’s ♥742 ceased to be application may do so by 2nd July 2019. ♥ A record of the application made to the Licens- or any successors in title of a negative feature, so he used Roman Key Card Blackwood. South’s 5 response showed ing Authority will be kept on a register at the address Mr Shahrdad Golban contact two of the five aces (counting ♠K as an ace) but no ♠Q. North was not worried about given below and the register may be inspected ♠ during opening hours. Meaby & Co Solicitors the missing Q though, as he knew the partnership held at least ten trumps (South had All representations regarding this application of 3-4 Portland Mews, Soho, to have five, given his singleton heart). must be in writing and sent to: Licensing Team, ♥ ♠ ♥ Council Offices, Royal Borough of Kensington and London, W1F 8JF in this regard. West led K against 6 , and continued with Q. Declarer trumped, and had only Chelsea, 37 Pembroke Road, London W8 6PW, tel. to avoid losing to ♠Q to make his slam. In order to retain a possible finesse position 020 7341 5152 or www.rbkc.gov.uk Telephone: 020 7703 5034 (♠AJ) he carefully cashed ♠K at trick two (key play). When East discarded, he was It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ a false statement in connection with an application Fax: 020 7708 3711 able to play 4 to 10 and J. He drew West’s Q with dummy’s A and claimed the and is subject to punishable by a fine of any amount remainder. on summary conviction for the offence. (Ref: AB/1850/1). ANDREW’S FAVOURITE CONVENTIONS (9): Jacoby 020 7738 2348 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today 63 Chess online: www.KCWToday.co.uk

Its title is simple, 1 d4 with 2 c4, CHESS but what follows sets the stage and the situation straight, and unlike the general By Barry Martin perception that 1 d4 is quintessentially, ‘a precursor to quieter opening choices such as the London System, the Colle System or the Trompowsky, the author aggravates our conditional mindset by 2 G Master Carlsen c4 and the aggressive possibilities that White has in store to follow. I like the author’s raison d’être, For the book, his 40th, by saying that having reached 40 years of age, ‘I’m going through a mid-life (chess) crisis’. He points the finger at a good friend IM Tony Saidy who chided him for constantly going for conservative safe openings, as above, but also ‘Ulf Andersson’s ultra safe 1 Kt.f3 instant endgame repertoire!’ Cyrus states,’ I long ago abandoned the root of all evil, a craving for complications, but Tony claimed that my opening choices lacked arable land in which to be creative !’ A good point! He insisted I take up a 1 d4 2 c4 repertoire, Magnus Carlsen, far right, with the FIDE President, ‘Always attack! Never overextend!’ Arkady Dvorkovich centre, at the opening of the World Championship, 2018 Cyrus’s book is the result. The book is for reasonable standard chess players, but if a ‘theory hater’, he 5th Grand Chess Tour it may not be for you. It studies the has expanded to become 8 responses to the opening from both tournaments during the course sides of the board, so if playing Black path to the win, for example ? 4NCL top division, and Guildford’s of the year, and expanded the number of it gives good defensive and attacking T possibilities once the game has started. The book is a very worthwhile squad doesn’t diminish in such excellent full-tour participants to 12. A welcome addition to any chess player’s resource play, they will continue to dominate as addition is the inclusion of 14 ‘event The author also suggests that something library, and a very good buy at £19.99p. they have done for the past 6 years! level wildcards’ to be introduced during of the class-bully syndrome is thrust wwweverymanchess.com Even their top player Gawain Jones the tournament’s yearly progression upon you, since this opening defines its Closer to home the Four Nations who took over the top spot from Adams with a new topping of prize funding; perpetrators as, ‘an aggressively-minded Chess League; England,Scotland,Wales was absent on this occasion having the taking home pay now stands at player, who craves confrontation, both and Ireland has seen the Guildford, played and won a career best at the $1.75 million. Further joyous news is strategic and tactical!’ The author Surrey team win all of their current Stockholm Elite GM tournament, scoring its expansion to 4 continents; Africa, cleverly places himself as Black asking season’s 11 matches in Division 1 to take 5/7pts. ahead of India’s number 2, Asia, Europe and the USA. In the such questions as, ‘Which White line do the top title yet gain! The team wins Pentala Harikrishna. first of the GCT tournaments, Côte I fear the most?’ Then advocating lines matches with full marks and rarely ever The chess puzzle is taken from the d’Ivoire, May 6-13th with Rapid and in answer. 13 chapters cover the main looses a game, with perhaps a draw as recently concluded 1st leg of the GCT, Blitz sections, Master Carlsen emerged defensive lines and the developments consolation for the losing team, and Côte d’Ivoire between Peter Svidler triumphant with an overall score of that ensue for White and Black. I’m spread over a 6 year period. and Magnus Carlsen. On move 20... 26.5/36 points and the $37,500 First giving the particular lines covered to Their strength lies in their mix Qf8. Carlsen doubled up on the f file Place Prize. He has triumphed in 5 give the general reader and beginners a of English and French Olympic and computer analysis by Stockfish had consecutive tournament wins this taste of the wide range of titled actions Grandmaster players whose team the game well nigh equal. What was year, a staggeringly huge success, with the opening can lead to: The Nimzo- experiences at top flight level easily White’s next move that gave Black a the 7th Altibox Norway Chess 3-15th. Indian Defence: 4.f3; The King’s Indian outweigh those of the majority of the slight edge in the game, but also started June coming in fast, and the 2nd leg Defence: Petrosian System; Grunfeld teams they play against. A new team a series of vacillating moves by White of the GCT, Classical Chess Tournament Defence: Pseudo-London; Modern Benoni: that entered the fray this season Chess. that proved inconclusive in preventing backing up on June 24th-July 9th in Flick Knife Variation; Benko Gambit ComManxLiberty was expected to Black’s signposted march down the Zagreb, Croatia! In the 1st leg of the Declined: 5,f3; Queen’s Gambit Declined: challenge Guildford’s strangle-hold over board to victory? Another move by GCT Carlsen’s success was tempered by Exchange Variation; Queen’s Gambit the competition, given its composition White would have consolidated better his 2 losses to Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Accepted: Botvinnick System; Slav and of Romanian GMs amongst others. his defensive structure, what was that? where the former in both games and in Semi-Slav: Meran System; Dutch Defence.

It is an absorbing book with the author’s They had previously played for Trier in Answer upside down below. a comfortable drawn position, self- days! awful have can players

illuminating annotations giving fresh the German Bundeslig, but fell out with inflicted his losses by over-pressing and top Even o-1. Rxf6,h2+.33.Kh1,g2++

insight into that which passes through the organisers and decided to find their missing quieter moves possibly giving Qc7,Ref8.30.h3,gxh3.31.g3,fxg3.32.

a chess player’s mind during the course salvation playing in the 4NCL. Richard future advantages depending on his side.26...g5.27.Rfe2,g4.28.Rf2,Qh6.29.

of a game.. For example page 178 on Rapport, the Hungarian number 1 and opponent’s responses. I will return to King’s the on attack for massing is

move 19...Re4.20.Bg3,Qxd5 under the 25th in world rankings is their top the GCT subject, but since the notion Black that given defences, White’s for

Chapter’s heading Benoni Defences, and board and drew with Mathew Sadler ‘Always attack! Never overextend’ has nothing does b-pawn the grabbing

Game 26, C.Ward-G. Quillan, British creating a 2-2 score line at one stage in been aired, the following tome from since 26.Qf3, played have should

League, 2000, the author states, “Let’s their match with Guildford. However, the inexhaustible fountain of chess White better. much is Qxb7,...Black

assess: 1. Black has 2 pawns for the the latter’s solid central engine composed knowledge, application and strategic better.26. slightly is Black Rf2,Re8,

piece-not enough. 2. White’s all-isolani of players such as Luke McShane and purpose by Cyrus Lakdawala is upon Qf3,Ne5.23.Qe4,Ng4.24.Rce1,Ne3.25.

structure isn’t as important as it looks, Michael Adams, on this occasion, and us. It comes in under the general banner .22. 21.....Rd8. ! f3 defending and

since White can defend”. 3. White is rated higher than the ManxLiberty, of Opening Repertoire and is published b7, on pawn the Kt.to the pinning

winning due to Black’s weakness on the squad soon put a stop to their aspirations by the indefatigable and prestige 21.Bxd5, was better 21.Qxd5,.... with a final 6-2 win. It would seem growing Everyman Chess and Gloucester dark squares. And, every chapter comes that until a super rated team enters the Publishers. with exercises, What is White’s clearest 64 June 2019 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Today www.KCWToday.co.uk Advertisement

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