Open Chiswick 2009

HURRY TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY TO THIS YEAR'S OPEN CHISWICK 2009 PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION. THIS COMPETITION WILL CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2009!! Simply email your photograph to john.powell@lbhf.gov.uk and we'll do the rest! Please click on the 'Photographic Competition' icon on the home page for further details. We look forward to hearing from you.

You can download and print out the 2009 Open Chiswick programme. Just scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the icon.

Saturday 5th September

GREAT RIVER RACE

• For the first time, this prestigious annual event will run in the opposite direction to its traditional route. Contrary to convention, this 22 mile race will start at Greenwich and end at Ham House
• Watch the race from Chiswick Pier with a barbecue, Fuller’s bar and live music
• The first boats start passing Chiswick Pier at around 1.10pm
• The Pier House is open from 12.00pm, so why not come early to soak up the atmosphere and stay on to watch the Great River Swim afterwards at 3.45pm (please see below)
• For further details visit www.chiswickpier.org.uk

EIGHTH ANNUAL GREAT RIVER SWIM, SPONSORED BY PISSARO

SORRY, WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR THE GREAT RIVER SWIM.  

• A 1000 metres swimming race from Chiswick Pier to Chiswick Eyot and back
• Race starts at 3.45pm
• £7 to take part (spectators free), with all profits going to the Chiswick Pier Trust- a local charity
• Minimum age 16. Triathlon style wetsuits are allowed, goggles are highly recommended and numbered swim hats will be provided
• Changing facilities will be provided for participants
• Prizes include Pissarro vouchers and all swimmers are invited to have a free drink at Pissarro after the event
• Watch this race and the preceding Great River Race from Chiswick Pier with a barbecue, Fuller’s bar and live music
• Enquiries togreatriverswim@blueyonder.co.uk
• Details from www.chiswickpier.org.uk

Sunday 6th September

CHISWICK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AUTUMN SHOW

• An exhibition of flowers, fruit, vegetables and domestic produce
• The show opens at 1pm with prizes presented at 3pm
• There will be an auction ofproduce at 3.30pm
• The event will be held at Duke’s Meadows Community Association Hall
• Entry to the show is 50p, children enter free of charge
• Delicious home-made teas will be served
• For further information, or if you wish to exhibit, please visit www.chsw4.org
• PHOTOS AND AWARDS GIVEN AT THIS YEARS EVENTS CAN BE VIEWED ON www.chsw4.org/mainpages_files/page0045.htm   

CANOE CLUB TASTER SESSION

• Come to Chiswick Pier at 10am and take part in a free canoeing taster session
• You will be on the water between approximately 10.30 and 1pm
• Limited spaces, so arrive early to avoid disappointment
• Minimum age 12 years
• Must be able to swim at least 25 metres
• Please where sensible shoes such as trainers
• Details from www.chiswickcanoeclub.co.uk

Saturday 12th September

OLD CHISWICK GUIDED HISTORY WALK

• Meet at the George and Devonshire pub, Burlington Lane, at 2.30pm to join a fascinating guided walk through Old Chiswick
• Walks normally cost £2, but this event is free as part of Open Chiswick
• For more details visit www.hounslow-heritage.org.uk

THE MAYOR'S THAMES FESTIVAL

• For full details of this year's exciting, vibrant and diverse Mayor's Thames Festival in central London, please go to www.thamesfestival.org

Sunday 13th September

THE MAYOR'S THAMES FESTIVAL

• This year's Mayor's Thames Festival in central London promises to be the best one ever with activities and attractions for all the family. For details, please go to www.thamesfestival.org

TAKE ME TO THE FIREWORKS!

SORRY, THE BOAT IS NOW FULL! However, it may be worthwhile making your way down to Chiswick Pier prior to the cruise - places may become available at short notice

• Join the Thames Strategy - Kew to Chelsea and the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Paul Lynch on an unforgettable boat trip downstream to central London, with a guided tour by Dr Andy Duncan
• The Edwardian will pick guests up from Chiswick Pier at 6.45pm for a prompt departure at 7pm. Please ensure that you arrive by 6:50pm or else your place may be given to a person on the reserve list
• We will cruise to Temple Pier, central London as the sunsets over the river, arriving in time to watch the spectacular Thames Festival fireworks adjacent to the famous central London skyline. The boat will return to Chiswick Pier at around 11.30pm
• You are invited to bring your own food onboard, however there is a bar available and we request that drinks are purchased onboard
  The trip will cost £10.00 per person with proceeds going to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute's Chiswick Pier station. We ask that you bring the correct money on the day as we will not be able to give change. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cards
• If you are unable to attend, then please email john.powell@lbhf.gov.uk or call 07917 264 396 so that a person on the reserve list can be invited in your place

Wednesday 16th September

Pass-on-a-Poem

• Why not come along to take part in or just listen to people reciting their favourite poems?
• Readers will be passing on a poem at 8pm at the Oxfam shop, Turnham Green Terrace
• If you would like to read, please contact passonapoemchis@live.co.uk ASAP. Please ensure that you state the name of your poem, the poet and your own contact details

Saturday 19th September

Open Chiswick & Open London Weekend:

FULLER’S GRIFFIN BREWERY OPEN DAY

• Between 11am - 3pm the brewery will be open to the public
• Brewery tours will run every half hour from 11am until 2pm
• Places are limited to 15 people per tour so arrive early to avoid disappointment
• There will also be a sniff pot challenge, tap a barrel competition and a giant discovery jigsaw puzzle
• For further details, please go to www.fullers.co.uk

HMS NUTHATCH OPEN DAY

• Come to Chiswick Pier between 10am - 5pm to visit this historic boat designed by Chiswick's own, John Thornycroft
• The current owner will be conducting tours throughout the day
• Built in November 1944, this lovingly restored timber built naval motorlaunch has arich and interesting history
• Visit www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/ships_register.php?action=ship&id=2088

Sunday 20th September

Open Chiswick & Open London Weekend:

CHISWICK HOUSE OPEN DAY

• The House is open between 10am and 5pm with free guided tours - call 020 89950508 for details
• You are invited to join a free guided tour with the Project Director of the Chiswick House and Gardens Restoration Project
• For further details, please go to www.chgt.org.uk

TOURS OF ST. NICHOLAS' CHURCH AND GRAVEYARD OPEN DAY

• Between 1 - 5.30pm there will be free tours conducted around the church and graveyard, where there are 27 listed tombs and monuments, more than anywhere else in the UK
• A selection of the church's records will also be on view
• Choral Evensong will be held at 6pm. Everyone is very welcome to join us

EXPLORE THE FORESHORE

• An exciting event for children of all ages
• Discover the fascinating archaeology and take part in river dipping at low tide with the Thames Explorer Trust
• Meet at 12.00 pm at Kew Bridge - children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Email andy@thames-explorer.org.uk to book a place

• For more information on the Trust, visit www.thames-explorer.org.uk

CANOE CLUB TASTER SESSION

• Come to Chiswick Pier at 10am and take part in a free canoeing taster session
• You will be on the water between approximately 10.30 and 1pm
• Limited spaces, so arrive early to avoid disappointment
• Minimum age 12 years
• Must be able to swim at least 25 metres
• Please where sensible shoes such as trainers
• Details from www.chiswickcanoeclub.co.uk

Friday 25th September

CHISWICK BOOK FESTIVAL

*Tickets for all book festival events are now on sale in Waterstones in Chiswick High Road. 

• 4.30 for 5pm, Anthony Horowitz, the best selling creator of Alex Rider, the Diamond Brothers and The Power of Five tells us what happens next...! Books on sale for signing afterwards.        www.anthonyhorowitz.com. St Michael & All Angels Church by Turnham Green tube station. Tickets £3 from Waterstones or via advanced booking form.
• 7pm for 7.30pm, Antonia Fraser, author of a biography about Mary Queen of Scots will speak on this subject.This biography will be on sale and the author will be available for book signings. www.antoniafraser.com. St Michael and All Angels Church, by Turnham Green tube station
• www.chiswickbookfestival.org
• The full programme of events can also be viewed at www.smaaa.org.uk/festival/programme.html

Saturday 26th September

CHISWICK BOOK FESTIVAL

*Tickets for all book festival events are now on sale in Waterstones in Chiswick High Road

Children's Book Festival (ALL CHILDREN'S EVENTS ARE FREE)! Supported by Trotters in Turnham Green Terrace

SATURDAY MORNING:

• 10am: Captain Yellowbelly opens his treasure chest! Preston Rutt (Captain Yellowbelly: The Tale of the Terrible Pirate). St Michael & All Angels Hall downstairs
• 10.30am: Sir Ian McKellen & Michelle Paver - Ghost Hunter. The best-selling author of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series introduces the sixth and last in the series, with the eminent actor who reads the stories on audio-book. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs
• 11am: Dragons' Den! Timothy Knapman (Guess What I Found in Dragon Wood?) and Gareth Jones (Dragon Detective Agency). St Michael & All Angels Hall downstairs
• 12 noon: Green Fingers and Vegetable Glue. Susan Chandler, writer of Vegetable Glue and Karen Liebreich, co-author of The Family Kitchen Garden, read from their books and show that vegetables can be fun. St Michael & All Angels Hall downstairs. Authors will sign copies of their books, which will be on sale in the Church.
• LOOK OUT FOR DETAILS OF THE CHISWICK BOOK FESTIVAL TREASURE HUNT!

SATURDAY AFTERNOON:

• 12 noon: Lynn Barber - An Education. Britain's 'pre-eminent newspaper interviewer' talks to best selling journalist and novelist Jane Gordon about her new memoir, being filmed by Emma Thompson and Rosamund Pike, with a script by Nick Hornby. Signings afterwards. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Admission by Saturday Day Pass.
• 2pm: Chick Lit for the Thinking Woman. Katie Fforde (Loves Me, Loves Me Not), Judy Astley (Other People's Husbands), Olivia Lichtenstein (Things Your Mother Never Told You), Rebecca Farnworth (Valentine). Chair: Rebecca Jones (BBC Arts Correspondent, Costa Prize 2009 judge). St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Admission by Saturday Day Pass.
• 2.30pm - 4.30pm: Poetry in the Church. Reading by acclaimed Caribbean poet James Berry, following the launch of the Ealing Arts Poetry Competition 2009 (www.ealingarts.org.uk) and poetry readings. Chaired by Judy Miller, co-chair of the Camden Poetry Group, whose collection 'A Long Malachite View' was published last year. St Michael & All Angels Church. Admission by Saturday Day Pass.
• 3.30: Christina Odone - The Good Divorce Guide. The former Catholic Herald editor and deputy editor of the New Statesman talks to Celia Brayfield about her new novel. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Admission by Saturday Day Pass.
• 4.30: Do Creative Writing Courses Work? Author Celia Brayfield teaches on the MA in novel-writing course at Brunel University. Does it help writers get published? Literary agent Sarah Such, course graduate Kate Vick and a publisher have their say, with Celia. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall downstairs. Admission by Saturday Day Pass. Sponsored by 'AuthorHouse UK Limited', who provide 'author solutions'. 
• 4.30: Beyond Books. Join author and screenwriter David Nicholls and audiobook stars Adjoa Andoh, Michael Brandon, Lorelei King, Andrew Sachs and Kerry Shale in conversation with The Guardian's Alison Flood, as they discuss developing literature into audio and film and announce the winner of the Best Audiobooks of the Year 2009. St Michael & All Angels Church. Admission by Saturday Day Pass.
• 6pm - 7.15pm: Book Festival Drinks. With special guest Sir Peter Blake, who will sign copies of his books. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall downstairs & Church. admission free. Drinks on sale: profits to Festival charities.
• 7pm - 7.30pm: Book Quiz Supper. Enjoy a three course meal with friends and a highly entertaining literary quiz. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Tickets £20 (wine not included), or book a table for 8. Box Office email: helen@may.be
• www.chiswickbookfestival.org
• The full programme of events can also be viewed at www.smaaa.org.uk/festival/programme.html
  

Sunday 27th September

CHISWICK HOUSEGARDENS DOG SHOW

• 10.30 am - 3.30pm. Held in the cricket pitch area of Chiswick House Gardens
• New classes and attractions for 2009 include agility and heelwork to music demonstrations
• Free entry for visitors
• Dog classes - £2 per dog entered
• Barbecue, licensed bar and refreshments available throughout the day
• For more details visit www.chowgroup.co.uk or www.chfriends.org.uk

CHISWICK PIER TRUST BOAT TRIP AND MEAL AT PISSARRO RESTAURANT

• Take a leisurely return cruise upstream to Kingston from Chiswick Pier
• Boarding at Chiswick Pier from 6.30pm to sail at 6.45 and return ataround 10.15pm
• Why not enjoy a 3 course pre-cruise set meal at Pissarro at 5pm? A combined cruise / meal ticket is only £25.00

• Cruise only tickets just £15, £12 for seniors and £10 forchildren under 12
  For cruise only tickets call 02087422713 02087422713
  For combined cruise / meal tickets call 02089943111

CHISWICK BOOK FESTIVAL

*Tickets for all book festival events are now on sale in Waterstones in Chiswick High Road

• From 9.30am - 11am: Sam's Family Book Brunch at Sam's Brasserie & Bar. Bring the children to meet, eat and be entertained - with author Helen Nathan, writer of Flossie Crums and the Fairy Cupcake Ball, and other children's authors. No extra charge but donations to festival charities. reservations direct to Sam's Brasserie and Bar, 11 Barley Mow Passage, London W4 - through Fiona in the office, Monday - Friday from 9am to 6pm on 020 8987 0555.
• 12 noon: From the Virgin Queen to the King of Scots. Historian Tracy Borman (Elizabeth's Women -the week's BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week) and novelist Christie Dickason (The King's Daughter) on the dazzling courts of Elizabeth I and James I.  St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Admission by Sunday Day Pass.
• 2pm: Michael Frayn - Travels with a Typewriter. When not writing novels and plays, Michael Frayn worked as a journalist. He discussed his travel writings, with his daughter Rebecca Frayn, screenwriter and novelist. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Admission by Sunday Day Pass.
• 2.30: Jacqueline Wilson - Cookie and my Secret Diary. The best-selling creator of Tracy Beaker and former Children's Laureate, talks about her new books and gives a rare sneak preview of Hetty Feather, due to hit the shops in October. Books on sale for signing afterwards. St Michael & All Angels Church. £3. Waterstone's or via advance booking form.
• 3pm: The Perfect Book Club Book. Which books are most popular with local book clubs and which work best? What influence have Richard & Judy had? Discussions with book club members, led by Celia Brayfield. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Admission by Sunday Day Pass.
• 3pm: Jane Kelly - Inside - a writer's guide to life in prison. Journalist Jane Kelly talks with Matthew Hickley about her new book, 'Inside', about life working inside Wormwood Scrubs. St Michael & All Parish Hall downstairs. Admission by Sunday Day Pass.
• 4pm: The Perfect Crime - from book to screen. Top crime writers discuss their craft, including Sophie Hannah (The Other Half Lives), Roy Mitchell (creator of BBC1's New Tricks), Stav Sherez (The Black Monastery) and Dan Waddell (Blood Atonement) www.danwaddell.net. St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Admission by Sunday Day Pass.
• 4pm: Sam Delaney - Night of the Living Dad: Confessions of a Shabby Father. Columnist and broadcaster Sam Delaney, on his entertaining memoir about growing up in Chiswick and becoming a father.  St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall downstairs. Admission by Sunday Day Pass.
• 4pm: Matthew Rice on Architecture and Design*. Matthew Rice, designer and husband of Emma Bridgewater, was brought up in Chiswick and bought his Airfix kits in Turnham Green Terrace! Now Emma Bridgewater has opened in Devonshire Road, W4 and is part of the Chiswick scene. matthew's designs are highly recognisable and much loved and his new Architectural Primer was described in the Independent as 'this excellent and beautiful guide to British architecture'.  St Michael & All Angels Church. Admission by Sunday Day Pass. Please note that Candida Lycett - Green will not now be speaking in this session - we apologise for any disappointment.
• 7.30pm: Comedy: An Evening with Dan Brown... and other Literary Figures. Book - themed comedy night at the Tabard Theatre with The Aspidistras, fresh from their successful run at the Edinburgh Festival. Supported by Savills, Chiswick High Road.Tickets £8 from Waterstones or at the theatre door on Sunday.
• www.chiswickbookfestival.org
• The full programme of events can also be viewed at www.smaaa.org.uk/festival/programme.html

THE FOLLOWING LOCAL ATTRACTIONS WILL BE CLOSED THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER 2009:

We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause.

CHISWICK HOUSE KITCHEN GARDENS

• Closed until further notice.

HOGARTH’S HOUSE

• Following a fire in the house in August 2009, Hogarth's House will unfortunately be closed until further notice.