Dec 15.indd - The Kensington Magazine

Kensington
MAGAZINE
THE
Dec/Jan 2014/15
PHILANTHROPY IN KENSINGTON
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Kensington
THE
MAGAZINE
Front Cover:
“Arch-Philanthropist Father Christmas, exerting
himself by appearing in several store grottos
simultaneously, followed by his epic tour of the
nation’s chimneys”. (See pg 22)
Kindly illustrated for this edition by
Charles Yorke
This being our ‘Philanthropic edition’ we have covered the more serious
philanthropists from William Wilberforce and George Moore to Father
Christmas - and everyone else in between!
I would like to thank our contributors, all of whom have been writing
for us for many years now: Jenny, Sarah, Ffiona, Elizabeth, Alex,
Benedict, Maria, Aletta, Victoria and Charles all of whom generously
give up their time each month to research and produce such interesting
(and eclectic) articles. Special mention and thanks also to Raphaella,
our intern for the past year and to whom we wish every success for the
future.
Lucy Elliott, Editor
(Hair by Toby @ Anthony Fletcher Hair)
We have had a wonderful year with some great highlights: sleeping at
Kensington Palace to cover the ‘Kids Sleepover’; photographing Bob
Geldof, Hugh Grant and Bryan Adams (amongst others); getting the
High St. Business Forum off the ground and receiving such positive
feedback from our first Questionnaire sent out in the summer. My
thanks must also go to you, our readers and to our clients for their
tremendous support in this magazine.
Have a lovely Christmas and a safe and happy New Year, Lucy
CONTENTS
Hidden Kensington: Kensington’s Philanthropists
6
Hidden Talent: From the Roof Tops of W8 to the jungles of Peru
8
Editor’s Review: An Historic Dining Experience - The Orangery
10
Kensington News
14, 16, 18, 19
Maria Perry: The Exertion of Philanthropy
22
Book Review: Sedition by Katharine Grant
24
Restaurant Review: The Tiroler Hut
26
Landscape & Horticulture: Philanthropic Plant Conservationists
28
Recipease: Acai Cacao Covered Strawberries
29
Science Bites: Lighting up Christmas and beyond
30
What’s On in and around Kensington 32,34,36
GET IN TOUCH
editor@thekensingtonmagazine.com
Editor & Photography: Lucy M Elliott
0203 667 8762 07921 558520
PUBLISHER: The Kensington Magazine Ltd
WEBSITE: www.thekensingtonmagazine.com | www.lucyelliottphotography.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Jenny Davis-Peccoud, Benedict Bull, Aletta Richie, Victoria O Neil, Raphaella Thomas,
Elizabeth Reid, Ffiona, Dr Alex Anderson, Maria Perry and Charles Yorke
t: KensingtonMag
Read by 34,500 residents and businesses each month. The magazine is also available
at Sainsbury’s Local, Virgin, RBKC Library, Waitrose, Waterstones, Marks & Spencers,
St Mary Abbots, the Copthorne Tara Hotel, The Royal Garden Hotel, The Milestone
Hotel, Peter Jones in Sloane Square and many other smaller outlets in W8.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editor, not its editorial contributors can
accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All artwork is accepted on the strict
condition that permission has been given for us in this publication. The Kensington Magazine Ltd does not officially endorse any advertising material included
within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, without prior permission of The Kensington Magazine Ltd.
4
Lunchtime
Community
Carol Service
St. Mary Abbots Church
Wednesday 10 December
1.10pm – 1.50pm
With the celebrated choirs of St Bride’s,
Fleet Street and St Mary Abbots
Sponsored by
Following the service refreshments will be served, sponsored by
5
Hidden Kensington:
KENSINGTON’S PHILANTHROPISTS
When writing about philanthropy, should one focus on those giving money or those benefitting
from the largesse? Kensington has interesting stories from both sides.
Local resident Jenny Davis-Peccoud finds out more.
If you’re looking up as you come down
Kensington Church Walk, they’re hard to miss.
A boy and a girl perched on the north face
of today’s St. Mary Abbotts School. They are
immediately recognisable as marking a charity
school, otherwise known as a “bluecoat school”
since blue was the cheapest dye available for the
uniforms of the day. The school was founded
here in 1712, housed in a building by Nicholas
Hawksmoor who was working on Kensington
Palace at the time. Funding came from wealthy
parishioners, including Queen Anne. Five
eighths of the rent of the Goat Tavern, still in
business today, went towards the school’s upkeep.
The statues were carved in 1715 by a local man
working with Hawksmoor on the Palace. The boy
holds a scroll saying, “I was naked and ye clothed
Local Resident, William Wilberforce
me”. The girl holds a prayer book.
(Image: www.bbc.co.uk)
While there was great wealth in Kensington in
the 1700-1800s, the neighbourhood also had
its share of poverty. A list of charities from
Victorian times paints a grim picture: Crippled
Boys National Industrial Home, Industrial School
for Girls, Miss Sheppard's Annuitants' Homes
for “gentlewomen in reduced circumstances”.
One suspects the poverty in Kensington
wasn’t necessarily crushing. The Kensington
Scholarships were “tenable at the Universities
of Oxford, Cambridge and London”. And the
People’s Entertainment Society of De Vere
Gardens sought to “cultivate a taste for good
high-class amusement among poorer classes in
the hope of withdrawing them from lower places
of resort”.
Of course Kensington has had its share of
well-known philanthropists. One who may be
little known as a Kensington resident is William
Wilbeforce, the force behind the abolition of
England’s slave trade. Originally from Yorkshire,
Wilbeforce owned Gore House from 18081821. Here he entertained Mr. Pitt and other
abolitionists. Some have said that ‘the agitation
which ended in the abolition of West Indian
slavery was commenced in the library of Gore
House’.
6
George Moore, a successful lace merchant, was
another great philanthropist of the 1800s. From
his mansion on Kensington Palace Gardens
(number 15), he took enthusiastically to
charity: The Cumberland Benevolent Society,
the Commercial Travellers’ Schools (mission:
“house, feed, clothe and educate the necessitous
children of brethren ‘on the road’ who met
untimely death or became unable to earn their
livelihood”), the Warehousemen and Clerks’
Schools, the Porters’ Benevolent Association, the
Royal Free Hospital. He gave time and energy to
them all.
Today philanthropy in Kensington is alive and
well. The Mike Gooley Trailfinders Charity is a
major donor. The Duke of Kent is Grand Master
of the Freemasons, who do significant amounts
of philanthropic work. Virgin supports many
charity fundraisers through its Roof Gardens
venue (see page 8). Of course, one doesn’t have
to be rich or corporate to help out. Trinity
Hospice on Kensington Church Street is rated as
one of the top charity shops in London, one of
five in the neighbourhood where even a little bit
can go a long way.
DISTINCTIVE
MEMO R IES
THE BEATLES FRENZY, 1968
IN 2015 IT WILL BE OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND WE ARE COMPILING AN
ALBUM PACKED WITH IMAGES AND ANECDOTES TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION.
FROM HOSTING ENGLAND’S WORLD CUP WINNERS BACK IN 1966
AND BEING PART OF THE BEATLES FRENZY IN 1968, TO JUSTIN BIEBER
HYSTERIA IN 2012, THE ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL HAS WITNESSED
HALF A CENTURY OF KENSINGTON’S THRILLS AND SPILLS.
WE INVITE READERS TO SHARE THEIR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES - AMUSING,
ROMANTIC OR EVEN A LITTLE RISQUÉ, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR
HOW THE ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL HAS BEEN A PART OF YOUR LIFE.
SIMPLY EMAIL YOUR STORY TO HISTORY@ROYALGARDENHOTEL.CO.UK
OR WRITE TO US, ADDRESSED TO ‘HISTORY’.
2-24 KENSINGTON HIGH STREET LONDON W8 4PT
TEL +44 (0)20 7937 8000 FAX +44 (0)20 7361 1991
WWW.ROYALGARDENHOTEL.CO.UK
7
Hidden Talent: Jason Window
From the Roof Tops of Kensington to the Jungle of Peru...
By Raphaella Thomas
Of the many things to find among Kensington's
diverse array of businesses, there is no shortage
of philanthropy. The Virgin group is a shining
example of that, not only with regards to the
efforts of its founder Sir Richard Branson but
throughout the company including the Roof
Gardens' Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator,
Jason Window, who recently returned from a 12
day trek in Peru. Leaving from Cusco (south-east
Peru) to raise money for the charity Starlight he
and his colleagues finished in Macchu Picchu and
the Lost City.
A far cry from the Spanish Gardens up high in
Kensington, the jungle of Peru offers no such
luxury cuisine; those who brave it have to be
prepared to face rain, thunderstorms and the
random wrath of the local fauna along the way
- though at least catering is provided by the
sherpers. Furthermore, explorers have to spend
at least 2 days simply adjusting to the altitude in
order to withstand the physical pressures.
To help prepare for the journey, Jason practiced
with regular treks through Hyde Park to build up
stamina and wear-in his hiking boots. Although
no stranger to charity events, this was his first
time taking on such a challenge, though he
relished the opportunity. Having lost his twin
brother last year, Jason took this experience
as a chance to make the most out of life and
discover fantastic places entirely unknown to
him, remarking "I want to see the wonders of the
world."
Jason and 3 other staff members were part of the
Roof Garden's annual large scale event to raise
funds and awareness for their chosen charity.
Prior to leaving, Jason and his colleagues had
already raised over £15,000 (not including what
the Roof Gardens have also raised) which will go
to the Starlight charity.
Starlight is dedicated to brightening the lives of
seriously or terminally ill children, giving them
a much needed distraction from the gloom,
8
Jason Window with Roof Garden colleague,
Megan Buffington
(Image: Kind courtesy of Jason Window)
pain and uncertainty of their condition. With
the help of healthcare professionals, Starlight
provides entertainment and escapism to over
500,000 children a year through fun centres,
parties, pantomimes and special 'escapes'.
What's more Starlight is devoted to 'granting
the wishes' of children with life-threatening
illnesses by organising whatever details the child's
wish requires, be it arranging a meeting with
Lewis Hamilton to swimming with dolphins or
appearing on their favourite television program.
The goal is to bring happiness to children at a
time when they need it most.
The Roof Gardens, 7th Floor,
99 Kensington High Street, W8
www.roofgardens.virgin.com
020 7368 3993
www.starlight.org.uk
9
Editor’s Review: An Historic Dining Experience:
THE ORANGERY, KENSINGTON PALACE
by Lucy Elliott
Everyone is familiar with the
splendour of Kensington Palace
but just to the north of this lies
The Orangery: A building of great
elegance, originally designed in
1704 to house Queen Anne’s delicate
citrus trees in her light and airy
‘greenhouse’. Such was the beautiful
interior, with its vast windows, high
vaulted ceilings, marble statues and
semi circular apses at each end of
The Orangery, that it became a place
of entertainment for her and future
Royals: from elegant afternoon teas,
summer supper parties to lavish
balls.
Champagne and Afternoon Tea at The Orangery
Today, the building remains exactly as it was in
Queen Anne’s times, only the catering is provided
not by the Queen’s servants but by Ampersand
who have been in-situ for the past couple of
years. Headed up by General Manager, Allan
Heard, The Orangery is a special place to visit.
Even for breakfast meetings in the summer on
the terrace it adds a certain je ne sai quoi to the
proceedings. New Head Chef, William Pinfold,
whose previous experience includes working
with Gordon Ramsey at Boxwood Cafe and Tom
Aikens at Tom’s Kitchen, provides a seasonal
menu based on locally sourced sustainable
produce.
The Orangery is open from 10.00 – 12.00 for
breakfast (try the cured smoked salmon with
scrambled egg); lunch 12.00 – 14.00 (Potted
Hereford rabbit leg, black cherry compote
with caraway cracker or Devon guinea fowl
breast, roasted garlic, baby carrots, black
cabbage and truffle jus) and of course, that most
quintessentially British institution, Afternoon Tea
from 14.00 – 18.00. Here soldier-cut sandwiches
of cucumber and mint, Coronation Chicken,
egg and cress, smoked salmon and cream cheese
provide the savory, with The Orangery’s signature
‘Orange-scented’ scones to follow. The third tier
of the silver cake stand continues the link to the
royal theme and comprises Battenberg cake (so
named in celebration of the marriage of Queen
10
(Image provided by The Orangery)
Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Victoria to
Prince Louis of Battenberg (known in the UK
as Mountbatten) and of course – The Victoria
Sponge Cake, also known as Victoria’s Sponges.
(So named after Queen Victoria who adopted the
craze for tea parties). If you like a choice of tea,
there are ten on the menu and, of course, a glass
of Champagne adds extra sparkle.
There are several myths we would like to dispel
– you do not need a ticket to the Palace to gain
entry to The Orangery, you can simply walk
in – although we would advise booking at the
weekend. Secondly, despite the grandeur of the
building, you do not need to ‘dress’ up formally
for this. Children are welcome and Sunday
Lunches are particularly popular with families.
Thirdly it is not as expensive as you might assume
‘just north to the Palace’ would be and the
prices are comparable with other restaurants in
Kensington.
The Orangery, Kensington Palace
To book: 020 3166 6113
www.orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk
Gift Vouchers are also available making excellent
Christmas presents either for The Orangery, or
for a Tour of the Palace & Afternoon Tea
at The Orangery.
Enjoy the
Magic
of Christmas and New Year
Celebrate Christmas
in Georgian style with
music, food and dancing
LONDON SHOWROOM
The Plaza, 535 Kings Road, London SW10 0SZ
0207 3511955
www.obc-uk.net
hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace
Recycling and refuse collections kensington_magazine_QP.indd
during the festive season
1
20/11/2014 13:46
The Council will be collecting your recycling and
refuse during the Christmas period. Collections
will operate as normal, except on:
Christmas Day • Boxing Day • New Year’s Day
Normal service will resume
on Friday 2 January 2015.
TIS THE SEASON TO RECYCLE
Last year residents recycled over 97
tonnes of Christmas trees for composting,
so this year the Council is running the
Christmas tree composting scheme again.
From Sunday 4 to Sunday 18 January 2015
the Council will collect used Christmas trees
to be shredded and turned into compost.
Christmas tree collection dates are different
to those for normal rubbish.
Alternatively, residents can deliver their
Christmas trees to collection points between
Sunday 4 and Sunday 18 January 2015.
For more information about collections and
Christmas trees visit
www.rbkc.gov.uk/christmastrees or
telephone Streetline on 020 7361 3001.
11
12
Celebrate Christmas at
ST MARY ABBOTS CHURCH
On the corner of Kensington High Street
and Kensington Church Street
Wednesday 10 December
1.05 pm COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE
sponsored by DMG Media
Sunday 14 December
9.30am
CHILDREN’S NATIVITY PLAY
6.30pm
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Tickets from the church or website
Tuesday 23 December
6.30pm NINE LESSONS & CAROL BY CANDLELIGHT
Wednesday 24 December 4.00pm CHILDREN’S CRIB SERVICE
11.30 pm MIDNIGHT MASS
BY CANDLELIGHT
Christmas Eve
Thursday 25 December
9.30 am FAMILY EUCHARIST
11.15 am SOLEMN MATINS
4.00 pm “UNTO US A BOY IS BORN”
Christmas Day
www.stmaryabbotschurch.org
13
The KENSINGTON News I
General News
Piped Music – love or hate it? Well it turns out
members of PipeDown love music – but hate
the type associated with muzak in restaurants,
supermarkets and pubs. So much so this rather
wonderful and eclectic group have initiated the
‘Campaign for Freedom from Piped Music’. At a
recent ‘Award Ceremony’ held with Julian Lloyd
Webber and Prunella Scales, the Weatherspoon
pub chain and Waitrose both won awards for
not playing musak. Siobhan Wall was also
present with her new publication ‘Quiet London’
following on from her previous publications
‘Quiet Amsterdam’ and ‘Quiet New York’. If you
are interested in learning more about Pipedown
please contact newpipedown@btinternet.com or
see www.pipedown.info
rather than four or five million and they did so
from income that had already been taxed. Many
are now retired and simply would not be able to
afford the mansion tax. He wants to counter the
mansion tax myth with examples of people likely
to be clobbered by these pernicious proposals. If
that’s you, please do get in touch with Nick via
leader@rbkc.gov.uk.
Royal visit: In October, the Royal Garden Hotel
was delighted to welcome their neighbours, the
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to the hotel.
The young royal couple were there to greet the
President of Singapore and his wife who were
staying at the hotel as part of an official State
Visit. While in the President’s suite Prince
William commented that one could probably see
into their bedroom window and suggested to the
President not to look too closely!
www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk
Julian Lloyd Webber, Prunella Scales, Siobhan Wall
and Tim Martin, Head of Weatherspoons
(Image: Lucy Elliott)
With the thorny issue of the Mansion Tax
potentially affecting many living in the area,
we asked the Leader of the Council, Cllr. Nick
Paget-Brown for his comment. He wanted to
dispel the myth that what underpins the mansion
tax is the notion that most people who live in
£2m+ homes are members of the super rich like
bankers and oligarchs. But, as confirmed from
the enormous correspondence he has had on the
subject, the great majority of people who own
these homes are nothing like that. They are not
billionaires, they are not from overseas, and they
are not buyers. In Kensington and Chelsea many
of them bought their houses years and years ago
when they cost four or five hundred thousand
14
Mrs Mavis Oei, Mrs Jennifer Carmichael with
HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
(Image: John Phillips for The Royal Garden Hotel)
Two residents, David Charlesworth and Charles
Mickelworth, researched and proposed a
Blue Plaque to celebrate the work carried out
Clementine Churchill (nee Hozier) during both
World Wars. Clementine lived at 51 Abingdon
Villas prior to her marriage to Winston Churchill.
In attendance were the current owners of the
property, Ben Wisen and Margaret O’Riordan,
together with the three ward councillors, Cllrs
Joanna Gardener, James Husband, Cllr. Victoria
Borwick, the Mayor, Cllr. Maighread Condon-
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The KENSINGTON News II
Simmonds and Lady Churchill’s grandson, The
Rt Hon Sir Nicholas Soames MP who gave an
excellent speech thanking David and Charles
for commemorating his grandmother in this
way. The Blue Plaque was funded as part of the
Council’s City Living, Local Life scheme. This
allows Ward Councillors to recommend funding
for local schemes that would benefit from a
financial contribution from the council.
impressively high standard reflecting great
maturity. The schools involved were Cardinal
Vaughan Memorial School, Chelsea Academy,
Holland Park School, Lycee Francais Charles
de Gaulle, Queen’s Gate Senior School, SionManning RC Girls School and St Thomas More
Language College.
Pupils from Queen’s Gate Senior School with Mayor
of Kensington & Chelsea, Cllr. Maighread
Condon-Simmonds and Cllr. Victoria Borwick
(Image: Lucy Elliott)
Deputy Mayor of London, Cllr. Victoria Borwick,
Mayor, Cllr Maighread Condon-Simmonds
and Sir Nicholas Soames (Image: Lucy Elliott)
Kensington’s Indian restaurant, Zaika, has
reopened its doors with a menu of Northern
Indian cuisine, a new team with executive chef
Sanjay Gour at the helm, and a revived look to
the 120 cover restaurant space. Located at 1
Kensington High Street, the reincarnation of
Zaika comes by popular demand and will be
a sister restaurant to Tamarind of Mayfair, the
first ever Indian restaurant to be awarded with a
Michelin star. Tamarind Collection will be firmly
taking the reins on the new restaurant, assuring
the level of service and epicurean experience
parallels the Tamarind restaurants.
www.tamarindcollection.com
Seven schools across the Borough participated
in a wonderful evening of ‘Poetry and Prose’
marking the 100th Anniversary of the First
World War. The event, in the Town Hall, was
hosted by the Deputy Mayor of London, Cllr.
Victoria Borwick and the Mayor, Cllr. Maighread
Condon-Simmonds. The presentations were
wonderfully read (some in French) and to an
16
Charity News:
The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation and the
Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea recently
launched ‘Business & Community Together’,
a programme offering businesses a range of
employee volunteering opportunities and flexible,
tailored corporate responsibility services that
benefit businesses, local charities and community
groups. Businesses like the idea of focusing
locally but don’t always know where to start.
BCT helps make connections and nurtures
relationships making it easier for businesses to
create sustainable relationships that address local
issues. For information call 020 7229 5499 or
email jcameron@thekandcfoundation.com
Thomas’s Kensington Community Day 2014
was a great success demonstrating the incredible
spirit of ‘giving back’ to the local community.
The volunteers who painted, sang, tidied,
gardened and cleaned, were greatly appreciated
by 18 different projects in the Borough. Mayor
Councillor Maighread Condon-Simmonds who
visited sites in the north of the Borough was
very impressed by the enthusiasm and hard
work shown. This year, 102 families “donated”
17
The KENSINGTON News III
their Saturday morning, as well as 22 teachers,
resulting in over 350 participants. The Thomas’s
School Foundation sourced sites and funded the
day, alongside the generous donation of paint
supplies by Knowles & Associates and plants at
cost from Marmalade Jam.
Congratulations....
To The Troubadour in Earl’s Court who won
‘Time Out Love London Awards’ in which The
Troubadour won all four categories! - Best
Restaurant, Best Café & Coffee Shop, Best Shop
and finally Best Pub and Bar – quite an accolade.
And to Swedish bank, Handelsbanken, who in
a recent independent survey of British Banks,
was rated top for customer satisfaction for the
sixth year running. The bank was found to ‘far
exceed’ its other British banking competitors and
is claimed by Bloomberg to be the strongest bank
in Europe and amongst the best in the world. All
here on your doorstep at 125 Kensington High St.
020 7937 1007 www.handlesbanken.co.uk
And finally to: The ClementJames Centre
which has been named by the Charity Times
as ‘Charity of the Year 2014’ for those charities
with an income of less than £1million. The
charity empowers the community to realise its
potential through education and employment
support in one of London’s most deprived
areas. The national Charity Times Awards are
a prestigious annual honour that recognises
leadership and professionalism in the charity
sector. The ClementJames Centre was praised
by the jury for being “work-focused, innovative
and highly impactful”. In another award success,
IntoUniversity were Highly Commended in the
category for ‘Charity of the Year’ with an income
of £1million - £5million. IntoUniversity began
as a pilot programme and is now established
as a separate sister charity. It provides local
learning centres, including one still run by The
ClementJames Centre in North Kensington.
18
Christmas Gifts?
Get Well Spoon is a collaboration between two
Kensington locals, Aletta Ritchie and Victoria
Kell who regularly contribute to this magazine
with their monthly ‘Recipease’. They present
their cookery book of recovery recipes, marrying
science and practicality. It explains how the
body fights back from illness, and provides
recipe solutions with beautiful botanical style
illustrations. Victoria is a graduate from ION,
specialising in children’s health, mental health
and the elderly. Aletta has a MA from Slade
School of Art and teaches art. There is a Book
Signing Event at Whole Foods Market on 13
December between 12.00 – 14.00 hrs. RRP £25.
An online Kindle version will be coming soon.
Check www.getwellspoon.com for details.
Melissa Greenwood is an illustrator who can
design a unique and memorable piece of art
especially for you. She specialises in a unique,
bespoke ‘portraits’ in the form of a striking
imaginary ‘island’. Perfect for illustrating the
whereabouts of your wedding, party or new
home - in bright colour or monochrome. See
www.melissagreenwoodrawing.com for more
information.
South Kensington based interior designer Harriet
Anstruther has just launched her first book:
a quirky and unusually striking coffee-table
book entitled ‘Reveal’. A kaleidoscopic insight
into the mind and work of one of the UK’s
leading interior designers, Reveal debunks the
misconception that interior design is the realm of
‘cushion plumpers’ and celebrates interior design
as an art form, an essential reflection of who
people are. The book contains Harriet’s quirky
interiors and carefully unpacks the colourful
inspirations behind her work - historical, literary,
musical, artistic and personal (from furniture,
song lyrics, childhood memories, books,
favourite colours etc…) Reveal is available now
through Clearview Books, price £60.00
The KENSINGTON News III
In the small picturesque Tuscan town of Forte dei
Marmi there once lived the beautiful Signorina
“Bocca di Rosa” who made it her mission to
glamorize the elegant gentlemen in her town with
a small buttonhole. Her little embroidery shop,
surrounded by cypress, lemon and olive trees,
smelled of freshly-made coffee and of love. Piece
by piece Bocca di Rosa crocheted the buttonholes
lovingly by hand for the jackets of the Signori.
Each uniquely made Flower brings the art back to
life, so the magic of the buttonhole lives again. If
you are looking for a beautiful buttonhole flower,
see www.bocca-di-rosa.com.
Let there be light! This year the High Street will
be adorned with Christmas Lights. A myth we
would like to dispel is that the Council pay for the
Christmas Lights in Kensington. Sadly this is not
the case. However, due to the enthusiasm and
drive of six members of the Executive Committee
of the recently formed Kensington High Street
Business Forum and many local businesses who
Arcadia
have supported and given generously, a sum of
£15,600 has been raised, meaning that Christmas
lights will adorn the High St. We would like
to thank Bodo Schloss, Chelsfield, City Living,
Local Life (RBKC), Design Museum, Kathmandu,
Kensington Close Hotel, Metro Bank, Non
Stop Party Shop, Pavilion, Prontaprint, Raglan
Estates, Royal Garden Hotel, The Kensington
Magazine, The Milestone Hotel, The Phillimore
Estate, The Roof Gardens, Waitrose and Whole
Foods Market. And finally, don’t forget to visit
Kensington High St, Stratford Road (see page
17), Thackeray Street and parts of Holland
Street on 4th December for the first ‘Kensington
Extravaganza Late Night Shopping Experience’,
complete with live reindeer! See page 32 for
more information.
Correction: We apologise - in our article last
month entitled ‘War Memorials’ the number of
those who died in Bomber Command was 55,573
and not the figure given.
Ristorante Italiano
Homemade Italian Cuisine
Ideal for parties and celebrations
Open everyday
12.00 noon - 11.00 p.m
Set Menu
3 courses £12.50
2 courses £9.95
10% off the A la Carte
Menu for Kensington
Magazine readers
info@arcadiarestaurant.co.uk
0207 937 4294
19
THE KENSINGTON QUARTER
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Come and spend an unforgettable evening
with us at The Kensington Quarter. Talented
Head Chef Riad Zaik has created a lavish 7
course menu complete with a complimentary
glass of champagne and an array of exquisite
canapés on arrival.
Call to book now!
Tel: 020 7370 9130
info@kensingtonquarter.com
www.kensingtonquarter.com
20
Dance the night away with our live DJ
and bring in 2015 full of great food and
great music in a fantastic, friendly, family
atmosphere!
Christmas bookings are also still available!
It’s beginning to look a lot like
Christmas at The Orangery
at Kensington Palace
ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS
OF LAURENT-PERRIER NV WITH
EVERY AFTERNOON TEA*
Heading to The Orangery for a festive afternoon tea is a
wonderful tradition enjoyed by many of our local Kensington
families. They enjoy the glowing Christmas atmosphere,
the warm welcome and the gentle cadence of our classical
harpists which make it a really special experience.
Afternoon Tea served: 14.00-17.00
Harpists in attendance: December 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28
email. kp@ampersandcatering.co.uk or call 020 3166 6113
visit. orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk/reservations
*Please present this advert in order to receive your complimentary glass of champagne,
no copies will be accepted. Offer only available with the purchase of a full afternoon tea.
Offer runs from 14 - 28 December 2014 inclusive subject to availability. No cash value.
Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens London W8 4PX
21
THE EXERTION OF PHILANTHROPY
By Maria Perry and illustrated by Charles Yorke
According to the Oxford Dictionary a
philanthropist is one who exerts himself for the
well-being of his fellow men'. Primed with this
information I tried to recall some philanthropists
who had exerted themselves in the Royal
Borough. Nubar Gulbenkian, benefactor of
the RCA, sprang to mind. Did we know him?
We being myself and my best friend, Fiona, a
sparkling source of inspiration in moments of
literary despair. I reached for the phone....
It transpired she had once kicked poor Nubar!
Fiona sat on the committee of Leighton House in
the days when ladies did not fuss. If molested by
amorous adventurers, they reported indecencies
to protective friends. At a certain Committee
Meeting, she told a fellow-member how someone
had stroked her knee under the table. "The
Blighter", cried her gallant confidant, "If he
tries again, kick me and I'll give him a kick to
remember! The meeting proceeded; a hand slid
softly towards Fiona's anatomy. She aimed a kick
to alert her protector. Unfortunately she kicked
the entirely blameless Nubar instead, just as he
was making a generous donation.
Born on the Bosphorous, but Cambridgeeducated, Nubar considered himself 'British' and
to prove it wore a beard, a monocle and a fresh
orchid in his buttonhole every morning. His
father Calouste Gulbenkian built the Armenian
22
Church in Iverna Court in pious memory of
Nubar's grandparents. But Gulbenkian junior
was 'so tough', it was said he could exhaust 'three
stockbrokers, three horses and three women
every day.'
Another redoubtable Kensington philanthropist
was Baroness Burdett-Coutts, who endowed
the Royal Marsden. She often lived abroad and
befriended Princess Mary of Teck, our Queen's
great-grandmother. A serial party-giver
and a wannabe philanthropist, 'Fat Mary', as the
Londoners called her, had been sent abroad by
Queen Victoria to curb her extravagance. As the
Tecks had no money, she resorted on return to
opening bazaars and once convulsed an audience
by saying, "And we thank Mr John Barker, to
whom we all owe so much." John Barker owned
the store where Fat Mary kept her unpaid
account.*
Mention of Barkers naturally reminds us of that
Arch-Philanthropist Father Christmas, exerting
himself annually by appearing in several store
grottos simultaneously, followed by his epic tour
of the nation's chimneys. All by fuel-saving
reindeer sleigh! Red-coated, green-thinking and
gloriously oblivious to the perils of obesity.
Long life to Father Christmas!
*Now Whole Foods
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM
DEMENTIA CARE?
By Gwyn Grout
Gwyn Grout, a Consultant Nurse (Dementia) at Red & Yellow Care,
the first private healthcare provider dedicated to dementia, shares her
thoughts on what you should expect from dementia care.
Coming to terms with a diagnosis of dementia
is, naturally, a difficult and challenging time.
Dementia is a progressive condition which
affects the physical, psychological and social
wellbeing of an individual and their family.
Integrated specialist dementia care puts the
focus on all aspects of an individual’s health and
changing needs as the condition progresses.
For example, a geriatrician may oversee issues
related to physical health while a psychiatrist
recommends medication to help with symptoms
related to dementia. A nurse may explore how
to help the individual to continue to visit their
grandchildren, and later consider how that
relationship can best be maintained now that the
person is less able to travel. Other professionals
should include clinical psychologists,
dieticians, social workers, financial advisors
and physiotherapists. Such a holistic approach
is beneficial to help achieve a good life with
dementia.
Sadly, one of the most common problems faced
by people with dementia and their families is
the current complex and fragmented provision
of dementia care in the UK. Navigating through
this care labyrinth is complicated and exhausting
for anyone, but especially for those who are
also learning to live with dementia. This is why,
in the ideal care model, a specialist dementia
nurse coordinates the care and ensures all the
individual’s health needs are addressed in a
timely manner.
At Red & Yellow Care, the specialist dementia
nurse is the single point of contact and works
with the family to create a personalised care
plan to help the individual to better live with the
illness. As their condition progresses the nurse
helps the individual adapt to changes and, as
appropriate, involves other members of
Red & Yellow Care’s multi-disciplinary team.
Importantly, the dementia nurse gets to know
the individual and plans their dementia care
to reflect their uniqueness, past, personality,
wishes and needs as well as those of the family.
The combination of personal knowledge and
clinical expertise is essential as the dementia
advances because the nurse can quickly identify
signs of discomfort or distress. For example,
one lady I used to work with began to lose her
ability to express herself verbally as her dementia
progressed. She became increasingly distressed
and aggressive each morning when the carers
helped her get dressed. I recognised this was
uncharacteristic behaviour and because I knew
she had a keen interest in fashion also realised
that the carers were inadvertently taking away
an important part of her life when they chose
the lady’s clothes for her. Changing the routine,
by enabling her to choose her clothes without
speech, empowered the lady and ensured she still
had autonomy of the things that mattered to her.
Red & Yellow Care’s unique health management
service can improve the quality of life for both
the individual with dementia and their family,
enabling them to maintain their independence
for longer.
For more information visit
www.redandyellowcare.com
or call 0203 7000 163.
23
Book Review by Elizabeth Reid
SEDITION by Katharine Grant
(Virago £8.99)
Lawyers will spend days in Court arguing over
the precise definition of a word or phrase. They
will start with the ordinary English language
definition and go on to demonstrate how this
general, everyday meaning has been altered by
custom and practice to explain the innocence of
their client's acts or omissions. As I devoured the
novel, I wondered how faithful to the textbook
meaning of “sedition” the author had been.
In fact she has been true to the definition offered
by the concise Oxford Dictionary. This reminds
us that the noun refers to, “conduct or speech
inciting rebellion against the authority of a state
or monarch”. The Dictionary immediately goes
on to examine the verb “seduce” which can be
used either to refer to the act of enticing someone
into sexual activity or to persuade someone to do
something inadvisable. The novel demonstrates
how closely connected sedition and seduction
can be.
In London in 1794 four men sit together in a
dingy coffee house hatching a plan to make
good matches for their daughters. They have
dragged themselves out of the gutter and made
their fortunes. Now it is time to win social
acceptance and the only way of achieving this is
via the marriage market. They will organise a
grand concert at which all five girls will play the
newfanged pianoforte. The concert will charm
prospective suitors who will then make bids for
each of the girls. Since only the well connected
need apply, in an afternoon, the social standing
of the men will automatically improve as new
money marries blue blood.
A simple plan, but the men, all so skilled in the
art of survival, have no idea of the havoc their
daughters are capable of wreaking as it is set in
motion. With a violent Revolution in full swing
in France, a less bloody but no less tumultuous
revolution takes place in London as the five girls
begin piano lessons in preparation for their sale
to the noblest bidder. Their fathers' daughters,
these five soon show that they are the equal of
any man and not mute pawns in the game of
social climbing.
24
Two characters dominate, Annie Cantabile and
Alathea Swaneyford. The first is the daughter of
the piano maker, Vittorio Cantabile. The second
is one of the girls to be married off. Annie and
Alathea form an unexpected (and very unholy)
alliance which drives the novel forward as they
follow their own agendas and hearts.
The novel is dark and disturbing. The author
captures the brutality of Georgian society to
perfection. However, a strong seam of humour
also runs through the pages, lightening the
horror or tragedy revealed along the way. An
original story, parts of it will make you gasp with
astonishment; it is the type of book that will have
you reading into the small hours and beyond.
Already an established children's author, this is
Ms. Grant's debut adult novel; it will leave you
waiting for news of her next one and hoping it
appears before too long. A truly memorable
book.
Personalised
full colour
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this advert to receive 10% extra free!
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Kall Kwik Kensington Xmas 2014 AD.indd 1
17/10/2014 13:24
COSY UP AT BABYLON THIS WINTER!
Over the Christmas period we’re opening our doors from 27th - 31st December to
ensure the festive fun doesn’t stop. Enjoy great value set lunch menus, delicious
baked cheeses and hot cocktails on the terrace and live jazz every Tuesday!
@Babylon_London
t: 0207 368 3993 • babylon@roofgardens.virgin.com • www.roofgardens.virgin.com
7th Floor • 99 Kensington High Street (Entrance on Derry Street) • London W8 5SA
25
Restaurant Review:
THE TIROLER HUT
RESTAURANT
by Ffiona (www.ffionas.com)
Fancy a mini Austrian skiing break but just can’t
spare the time? Then head off to The Tiroler
Hut on Westbourne Grove. Established way
back in 1967 its longevity speaks volumes. They
say imitation is the highest form of flattery and
heaven knows many have tried, but none have
outkitched, outshone or out done the fantastic
Tiroler Hut!
From Tuesdays to Sundays you can enjoy
traditional Austrian food, drink and hospitality
in a lively ambiance fuelled by music and song. It
is a place that lends itself to groups as audience
participation in the musical entertainment is
encouraged.
But what of the food? Fabulous! There is
something for everyone, but here are my
favourites. To start, I love the Herring nach Art
des Hauses which consists of sweet and sour
herrings smothered in sour cream topped with
sliced apples and onions. A delicious start to the
evening.
For the colder nights, I can recommend the spicy
Gulash soup, a hearty winter warmer.
To follow, it has to be the legendary Gebratene
Schweinshax’n, otherwise known as roast knuckle
of pork served with bread dumplings and
sauerkraut. Tender meat, fluffy dumplings and
tangy cabbage, a winning combination. There
is also the uber traditional Weinerschitzel von
Schwein to enjoy!
26
The Tiroler Hut Restaurant in Westbourne Grove
(Image: www.timeout.com)
If you like sharing then it simply has to be the
cheese fondue. Whatever you choose, leave
room for dessert! Apfelstrudel, Sacher Torte or
Kaiserschmarrin (chopped pancakes with raisins
and cream).
It should be remembered that this is party central
though and not romantic dinner for two.
It is everything you could possibly hope for
from an Austrian ski chalet and so much more.
Cuckoo clocks, antlers, steins and lederhosen
clad hosts.
However, it is the wonderful owner Josef that
steals the show. He leads the patrons in rousing
drinking songs and favourites from The Sound
of Music, encouraging each table to “out-sing”
their neighbours. This is topped off by the world
famous cowbell cabaret, which is truly amazing.
There’s yodelling and laughter, it’s full on fun for
everyone. Wonderfully camp and entertaining
and every night feels like Christmas. Prost!
27 Westbourne Grove,
London W2 4UA
Booking advised: 020 7727 3981
27
Landscape and Horticulture
PHILANTHROPIC PLANT CONSERVATIONISTS
by Benedict Bull
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh and
the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew and the Plant
Collections at the Natural History Museum are
three unique and amazing resources for the
conservation of plants.
In these three great depositories are the historical
collections of many different individuals of
extraordinary energy and philanthropy; plant
specimens ordered by name and type, showing
almost every known form of plant matter from
stems, flowers, leaves, seeds, pollen to diatoms.
They include mosses, ferns and lichens as well as
conifers.
These collections start in the seventeenth century
and continue up to just with accessions still
being made. Very often it was an individual who
collected, documented and researched specific
group of plants or specific geographic zones.
The conservation of historical plants is in
herbaria by type and variation, the conservation
of living plants is of two types: ex situ and in
situ. Ex situ is the collection of seeds or plant
material and their transportation and cultivation
here. In situ conservation whereby parameters
are established that allow the plant to grow in its
native habitat or in a cultivated context within it.
I must mention the collections of Ludlow and
Sherriff, Forest, Rock and Wilson. So many
British plant lovers adore these accessions
and as these plants flourish they are of great
horticultural merit to gardeners. As such they
occupy an introgressive status - at once ex situ
conservation and also commercial commodities.
There are both the herbarium specimens and the
existing genotypes extant in living collections and
the changing fortunes of the plants in their native
habitats makes their value more significant again.
Event Photography
ih-vent: Noun: Something that
happens or is regarded as happening;
an occurence, especially one of some
importance
www.lucyelliottphotography.com 07921 558520
28
Make your Christmas sparkle
Our beautifully appointed Windsor Suite, contemporary Conservatory or
Cheneston’s Restaurant, provide the perfect venue for any Festive Celebration
– whether an intimate dinner for a few guests or a Cocktail Reception for 60.
Festive Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the warm and welcoming
Park Lounge, served daily at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.
For full details of our festive events, please go to:
www.milestonehotel.com/bar-and-dining/festive-dining
To book your truly bespoke experience, please contact Fabrizio Russo:
T: 020 7917 1011 E: frusso@rchmail.com.
Readers of The Kensington Magazine can enjoy a 10% discount
on food when booking a festive event! Just quote ‘KM Festive Offer.
The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL
T: +44 (0)20 7917 1000 E: bookms@rchmail.com
www.milestonehotel.com
29
DN&C_CarolServiceAD_KensingtonMagazine_FINALNovAW_141112.indd 1
12/11/2014 10:51:15
Science Bites by Dr Alex Anderson
LIGHTING UP CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND
This December as we admire the Christmas lights
illuminating the dark December nights, the scientists
responsible for making these lights brighter and
more efficient will be honoured at the Nobel prize
ceremony in Sweden. Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi
Amano, and Shuji Nakamura were awarded the
Nobel prize for Physics for their invention of blue
light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which allowed the
production of energy saving white light sources.
LEDs are composed of several layers of electrically
conductive material (semiconductors). One layer of
semiconductor has an excess of negatively charged
electrons. When a voltage is applied the electrons
move into holes in a second semiconductor layer,
releasing energy in the form of photons (light). The
wavelength and therefore the colour of the light
emitted depends on the type of semiconductor used.
Red LEDs were the first to be developed, and sold
in 1962, using gallium arsenide as a semiconductor.
Creating blue LEDs was a stumbling block until the
three Nobel prize winners were able to produce and
use gallium nitride as a semiconductor. This was a
30
12mm Diffused thin digital RBG LEDs
(Image: www.adafruit.com)
major breakthrough and led the way to the production of white LEDs, which are now used in bulbs,
computers and smart phones. White LED bulbs
are much more electrically efficient than standard
fluorescent or incandescent tungsten filaments.
Currently, 20 percent of the world’s electricity is
used for lighting, but it is hoped that increasingly
efficient LED lighting may be able to reduce this to
4 per cent, saving significant energy not only this
Christmas, but far into the future.
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114a Cromwell Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4ES
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31
What’s On in and around KENSINGTON
“LUMINESCENCE” - JUDY BUXTON
2 – 18 December
An exuberant collection of semi-abstract oil
paintings, of light, vibrant still lifes and sensitive
studies of horses. THACKERAY GALLERY Est
1968. Tel: 020 7937 5883
www.thackeraygallery.com
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE IN AID OF
ASTHMA UK
Tuesday 2 December, 7pm. Ticket prices - adult
£20, children £10, Family ticket £50
Asthma UK invites you to their carol service
to celebrate Christmas with readers Zoe
Wanamaker, Julian Fellowes, Patricia Hodge
and Kirsten O’Brien. Venue: St Luke’s Church,
Sydney Street, Chelsea SW3 For bookings please
see: www.asthma.org.uk
HANDELS MESSIAH with drinks and canapés
Tues 2 Dec 7.00 pm. Tickets £30 - £10
in aid of the Christ Church Community Appeal.
April Fredrick, Soprano, Anna Harvey, Mezzo
Soprano, Michael Butchard, Tenor, Jacques
Imbrailo, Baritone. To book tickets visit: J T
Denyer, 3 Victoria Grove. W8 5RW email:
admin@christchurchkensington.com or
www.handelsmessiah2014.eventbrite.co.uk
CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH BORN FREE STAR
VIRGINIA MCKENNA AND THE MAYOR
CLLR MAIGHREAD CONDON-SIMMONDS
3 December 2-5pm FREE
Virginia McKenna talks about her life and
her passion for wildlife. Music from the
Covent Garden String Quartet. Great food!
Organised by the Kensington and Chelsea
Forum for Older Residents. Venue: Small Hall,
Kensington Town Hall. Tel: 0207 352 1336.
kensingtonandchelseaforum@hotmail.co.uk
HOPE AND HOMES FOR CHILDREN’S 20TH
ANNIVERSARY CHARITY CHRISTMAS
CAROL CONCERT Wed Dec 3 Tickets £20
Silent Witness star Emilia Fox and her talented
younger brother Freddie Fox will give special
guest readings alongside Soprano Alicia Lowes
and the London Suzuki Group. St Mary Abbots
Church, Kensington High Street. Call 01722
790111 or visit www.hopeandhomes.org.
32
ADVENT CAROL SERVICE FOR
CHRISTIAN AID
Thursday 4 December, 7pm FREE
St Mary Abbots Church, Kensington
Music from Nigel Short, soprano Grace Davidson
and the Tenebrae Choir.
Preacher: The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin,
Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of
Commons.
Tickets are free from events@christian-aid.org
‘KENSINGTON EXTRAVAGANA’
-INCLUDING SANTA’S (LIVE) REINDEER!
Christmas Late Night Shopping
Thurs 4 Dec
Three of Santa’s reindeers will visit Kensington
High St for some retail therapy and early
Christmas fun. They will be outside Bodo
Schloss (next to Royal Garden Hotel) while
nearby there will be chestnut sellers and a
Christmas Market at Whole Foods. It is all
part of a Christmas Extravaganza organised by
retailers and businesses of Kensington High
Street and nearby villages (Thackeray Street,
Stratford Road and parts of Holland St) to entice
shoppers to get an early start on their seasonal
shopping with shops staying open late and some
offering Christmas discounts. Cllr Maighread
Condon-Simmonds, Mayor of the Royal Borough
of Kensington and Chelsea, will be opening
the Stratford Road Village Shops party at 5.00
pm and at Bodo Schloss 6.50 pm. Thackeray
Street and parts of Holland Street will also be
welcoming residents to an evening of festive
cheer, mince pies and more. A brass band from
the Royal College of Music, and Choirs from
the Royal College of Music, St Mary Abbots and
Maria Assumpta will cheer shoppers with carols
and other seasonal favourites.
THE LANDSCAPE OF THE HORSE
5 December 2014 – 17th January 2015. Free
An exhibition of recent work by award winning
photographer Rory Carnegie.
John Martin Gallery, Chelsea
80 Fulham Road SW3 6HR
0207 590 9991
www.jmlondon.com
Kensington Magazine page Ad_Layout 1 06/11/2014 21:22 Page 1
St George’s & St John The Baptist Churches
Warmly invites you to:
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
St George’s Church
Aubrey Walk,
London, W8 7JG
St John the Baptist
Holland Road,
London, W14 8AH
Sun 14th Dec
10am: Christmas Pageant
Sun 7th Dec
6.30pm: Nine Lessons
and Carols
Wed 24th Dec
4pm: Carols round the Crib
11.30pm: Midnight Mass
Thurs 25th Dec
8am: Holy Communion (BCP)
10am: Eucharist of
Christmas Morning
Wed 24th Dec
11.30pm: Midnight Mass
For further information:
020 3602 9873
office@stgeorgescampdenhill.com
stgeorgescampdenhill.com / stjohnthebaptisthollandroad.co.uk
33
What’s On in and around KENSINGTON
A STITCH IN TIME SAVES LIVES: MIRO’S
ICONIC TAPESTRY OF TARRAGONA
To 6 Dec at Royal College of Art in aid of The Red
Cross. A priceless collection of contemporary
art, from the Catalan Red Cross collection never
before exhibited in the UK, including Joan Miro’s
iconic Tapis de Tarragona and works by many of
Spain’s foremost artists such as: Antoni Tàpies,
Javier Mariscal, Antoni Clavé, Joan Hernández
Pijuan, Miquel Barceló. For info and tickets
please contact Jeremy Summerfield on
0207 877 7115/6 or e-mail jsummerfield@
redcoss.org.uk or visit www.redcross.org.uk/miro
FOX SCHOOL WINTER FAIR
6 December 12:00 - 16:00, £1 Entry
A fun family day for everyone with candle
making, books, cakes, face painting, tattoos,
children’s games, Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine,
tombola, raffle, toys, BBQ, children’s fairground
ride and much more. Venue: Fox School,
Kensington Place. www.fox.rbkc.sch.uk
0207 727 7637
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT KENSINGTON PALACE SHOP
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December 10.00 - 17.00
The elegant gift shop within Kensington Palace
is a hidden gem, full of beautiful and unusual
gifts inspired by the palace’s history and décor.
Including sets of china, decorative gifts, food
and drink, jewellery and books, this is the place
to find something special this Christmas. In
addition to the experience of shopping in a
wonderful Christmas atmosphere within the
royal palace, newly-decorated with Georgianinspired Christmas decorations, the team will
be delighted to offer complimentary gift-wrap
service for your palace gifts plus tastings of Spey
Whisky, liquors and other treats. You don’t need
a ticket to Kensington Palace to visit the shop,
Palace Café or Orangery.
CHRISTMAS PILGRIMAGE: ORGAN MUSIC
FROM ADVENT TO EPIPHANY 6 December
5.00 pm. Tickets £7/4 on door At St Philips
Church, Earls Court Road/Stratford Road.
Current organ scholar of Southwark Cathedral,
Alexander Binns, will be playing from Liszt, Bach
& Sweelinck. Tickets include a glass of wine.
34
CHRISTMAS AT CHRIST CHURCH
All Age Carol Service Sunday 7 December, 11am
Christ Church Kensington, Victoria Road
www.christchurchkensington.com
BTRC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Wednesday 10 December Tickets £25 each
Service of Carols and Readings followed by
Prosecco and canapes, dedicated to raising funds
for brain tumour research at Imperial College’s
Charing Cross Hospital. Venue: All Saints
Fulham, Pryors Bank, Bishops Park, London
SW6. Wendy Fulcher 0208 601 2402, wendy@
wayahead-btrc.org, www.wayahead-btrc.org
LUNCHTIME COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS
CAROL SERVICE @ St Mary Abbots FREE
Wednesday 11 December, 1.10pm-1.50pm
dmg media is proud to sponsor the St Mary
Abbots lunchtime community Christmas Carol
Service this year. Dust off your vocal chords and
join us for some festive cheer this Christmas,
featuring the celebrated choirs of St Bride’s Fleet
Street and St Mary Abbots School. Enjoy some
festive drinks and nibbles after the service.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT IN AID OF
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
Thursday 11 December, 7.30 pm
The traditional service will be presented by ITV’s
Downton Abbey Alastair Bruce OBE and carols
will be performed by award-winning choir Vox
Cordis. Venue: St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge.
Tickets are £25 and are available from
www.macmillan.org.uk/get-involved/fundraisingevents/event-detail/523/carolsbycandlelight
or call: Judy Spence on 07793 579359.
LIFEBOATS IN KENSINGTON CHRISTMAS
COLLECTION
Thursday 11 December in the Ken. High Street
Arcade They will be collecting from 8.00am to
7.00 pm. Please call in to the Arcade. Help with
collecting would be welcome. If interested please
contact Christopher Thornhill 077715 240276
The MEDITATION TRUST
Registered Charity No 1081218
T: 01843 841010 www.meditationtrust.com
Independent Teachers of
TRANSCENDENTAL
MEDITATION
NOW
Regular Courses in KENSINGTON
Health, Happiness, Energy,
Creativity - naturally
and effortlessly
• LOWEST UK COURSE FEES
• FREE INFO PACK
Also Residential courses in tranquil Kent at
Oxon Hoath Country Estate Retreat
St. Stephen’s Church
Christmas 2014
Gloucester Road
London SW7 4RL
6.00pm A Service of Lessons and Carols
11.30pm Midnight Mass of Christmas
9.00am Mass of the Dawn
11.00am Solemn Mass of Christmas Day
11.00am Solemn Mass with Brass Ensemble
An Anglican Church in the Catholic tradition.
35
What’s On in and around KENSINGTON
ORCHESTRA CONCERT: WAGNER &
BEETHOVEN
11 December at St. John’s Church Notting Hill
7.30 pm.
The Outcry Ensemble, resident Kensington
orchestra of young professional players, perform
Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and Beethoven’s
Symphony No. 7. Conducted by James Henshaw.
Tickets £15 (£8 student concessions).
www.theoutcryensemble.com
BOOK SIGNING AT WHOLEFOODS,
KENSINGTON
Knife, Fork and Get Well Spoon recovery recipes
for children Sat 13 December 12.00 - 14.00 hrs
Local Nutritionalist, Victoria Kell and Illustrator,
Aletta Ritchie will be signing their new book,
providing recipe solutions for poorly children. A
beautifully illustrated and practical book. Venue:
Whole Foods, Kensington High St.
www.getwellspoon.com
ROBIN SAVAGE AND THE NATIONAL ARMY
MUSEUM PRESENT:
D-DAY: THE LAST OF THE LIBERATORS
11 December 2014, 8.00pm, Tickets: £10.00
(Concessions: £7.50)
Join the photographer in conversation with
D-Day veterans from his book ‘D-Day - The Last
of the Liberators’. Venue: Army & Navy Club,
36-39 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5JN Tickets:
www.nam.ac.uk/whatson / 020 7730 0717
CHRISTMAS AT CHRIST CHURCH
Community Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 14 December, 7pm
A Traditional Service of Nine Lessons and
Carols for the whole community.
Christ Church Kensington, Victoria Road
www.christchurchkensington.com
ROYAL PARKS FROSTY FROLICS
December 12-13 £25
As part of the Royal Parks’ Winter Activities or
‘Frosty Frolics’, Hyde Park will be hosting a series
of beloved Christmas films at The LookOut.
Together with Nomad Cinema, the venue offers
guests the chance to revisit festive classics whilst
enjoying mulled wine, a hot meal, underground
heating and a host of other activities including a
seasonal quiz and Christmas decoration making.
For more information and to book tickets, please
visit http://www.supporttheroyalparks.org/shop/
experiences
THE CHELSEA CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR
CHELSEA TOWN HALL, SW3
Friday 12 and Sat 13 December
Over 70 high quality exhibitors. Do all your
Christmas Shopping in one go! A Clever
Creation Event supporting Make a Wish.
www.chelseachristmasgiftfair.com
SPIRITED WINES OF STRATFORD ROAD
Free Burgundy Wine & Cheese Tasting
Friday 12 December, 4-8pm
Come and Meet our Wine, Spirit & Cheese
specialists! 2 Stratford Road, London, W8 6QD
stratfordroad@spiritedwines.com 02079371858
36
HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’ AT
ST MARY ABBOTS CHURCH
Sunday, 14 December 2014 6.30pm
A special Christmas Baroque concert by
candlelight, recreating the atmosphere of
Handel’s original performance. Played on
Baroque instruments by the Purcell Orchestra,
with the St Mary Abbots Choir and soloists.
Tickets: £15 (under 16s: £7.50) available online:
www.stmaryabbotschurch.org or from the
Church. Tel 0207 937 5136
DRAYCOTT NURSING & CARE CAROL
SERVICE IN AID OF CANINE PARTNERS
Monday 15 December 6.30pm
Tickets: £20 includes wine and canapés,
Children £10 Join the Canine Partners dogs and
celebrity readers to raise money to train Canine
Partner puppies to be assistance dogs. Venue:
Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, SW1. 020
7351 7171 Tickets: www.caninepartners.org.uk/
events-new/carolservice www.draycottnursing.
co.uk/nursing-home-care/events.html
CHISWICK SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE
CLUB: Dance Classes for all levels
New Term starts Sunday 11 January 2015 6- 9pm
St Michael & All Angels Church Hall
Bath Road, Chiswick W4. (Turnham Green Tube)
Email first: secretary@chiswickscottish.org.uk
www.chiswickscottish.org.uk
ORCHESTRA CONCERT: THE OUTCRY
ENSEMBLE
7.30pm, 19th January 2015, St. John’s Church
Notting Hill.
The Outcry Ensemble, resident Kensington
orchestra of young professional players, perform
staples of the orchestral repertoire, alongside a
new commission by upcoming composer Joel
Rust. Conducted by James Henshaw. Tickets £15
(£8 student concessions).
www.theoutcryensemble.com
37
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Fri 12th Sat 13th Sun 14th Dec
Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road SW3
Over 70 high quality exhibitors under one roof.
Do All Your Christmas Shopping In One Go!
Full info: www.chelseachristmasgiftfair.com
Small Box Advertisements
Holland Park Computers
Home and small business IT support
On-site services for PCs, Laptops and Macs
Virus and spyware removal ‡ Backup ‡ Data recovery ‡ Printer setup
Hardware and software upgrades ‡Email configuration
Wireless networking ‡Remote assistance ‡ Phone support
020 8811 8812
www.hollandparkcomputers.com
Christmas House/Pet sitter
Highly responsible and trustworthy
38 year old Kensington professional (charity sector) offers services
as house/pet or babysitter this Christmas and New Year period.
CRB clearance. Qualifications in work with children and young
people. Spanish and English speaker. Brought up with pets,
particularly dogs. References available.
Please contact Olivia: oliviasixsmith@gmail.com
07792 950794
SEED SALON
020 7937 6651
1st Floor, 84 Kensington High St.
www.seedsalon.co.uk
Ladies, Gents, Children’s cut/style/
finish/ blow dry
Highlights, lowlights, flamboyage,
colour and treatments
38
Professional eye care
Contact lens centre
Frames and sunglasses
Same day service
Open seven days a week
218 Kensington High Street
London W8 7RG
T 020 7937 8790
www.davidfaulder.com
Knight Frank Kensington
52‐56 Kensington Church Street
Kensington W8 4DB
T 020 7938 4311
kens@knightfrank.com
KnightFrank.co.uk/Kensington
Kensington Mag christmas
17/11/2014 11:11:32
39
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