Our Patch February-March 2016 | Page 2

Our Patch FEBRUARY 2016 Our Patch February 2016 A FINAL BOW Contents DAVID BOWIE 1947-2016 Welcome to our patch from John Horton A 0/0 4-6 The former children’s TV presenter turns her hand to novel-writing PARTNERS: 10-13 Shop local! We bring you nine more local businesses and their special offers FEATURED PARTNER: THE STONEMASONS ARMS Cider-cured trout and compressed cucumber on menu at new-look pub FROM THE ARCHIVES: BROADWAY CINEMA When the roof fell in on a historic picture house, it marked an era’s end What’s on: 11 IT'S STORYTIME: 18-19 A literary festival for children is about to open in Shepherds Bush. Join in! FEELING DAZY: NEW KITCHEN WOWS THE BUSH Expert advice and analysis that every local landlord needs to read FEATURED PROPERTY: BRACKENBURY ROAD, W6 16-17 David Bowie performs at the Shepherds Bush Empire on his 1997 Earthling tour PICTURES: AMANDA ROSE Well-appointed Victorian townhouse spread over five floors and a garden 15 19 20 le TAKING A BUTCHER'S JANET ELLIS FRENCH DELIGHTS FULHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA T From theatre to classical concerts, stand-up comedy to jazz and blues, some great ideas for an evening out PUBLISHED BY Horton and Garton www.hortonandgarton.co.uk Editor Geoff Cowart DESIGN By:design 020 8753 4482 DISCLAIMER We thank our advertisers for supporting Our Patch, but Horton and Garton does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers Printed by Hammerprint 22,000 copies distributed by Letterbox Distribution s the world bid farewell to musical maverick and Londoner David Bowie – who died at the age of 69 last month – we took a trawl through the Shepherds Bush Empire’s archives to catch a glimpse of the Thin White Duke in action. Pictured in 1997, on tour for the somewhat underwhelming album Earthling, Bowie didn’t fail to mesmerise with his dependably enchanting stage persona. That night, classics such as Scary Monsters, Fame and Under Pressure sat side-by-side with quirky covers of the Velvet Underground’s White Light/White Heat and Laurie Anderson’s O Superman on the impressive setlist. Bowie was also no stranger to the Hammersmith Apollo, where he famously announced the ‘death’ of his musical persona Ziggy Stardust in July 1973. 7-9 The origins of Valentine’s Day stretch back to Roman times, but the annual celebration of love and romance is now led by florists and card manufacturers Sa 20 years working in the area. So if you are looking to simply get an up-to-date valuation to sell or let, or to buy or rent a property, do pop in and speak to the local experts who will guarantee you a genuine professional and experienced viewpoint on the local market. However, it’s not been all plain sailing this year... after all, I found myself on crutches after a taking a tumble in a pre-Christmas football match. It means that I have officially retired from the beautiful game, hanging up my boots for good. I didn’t even make it to my testimonial match. So I will remember to heed my son’s football coach’s advice: “Five-a-side football for the over 40s is an extreme sport.” Now I know what he meant. The new year is proving to be onwards and upwards in more ways than one. Cover story: HOW DID WE FALL FOR CUPID? r There is an urgency for buyers and new landlords ahead of Stamp Duty hike A Fo new year promises much, but so far we’ve begun 2016 just as we left off in December. The Christmas period proved busier and more active in terms of sales and lettings than we had all expected, with deals being done and people moving during the holidays. There is an urgency for some buyers and new landlords to complete on second home purchases ahead of the extra three per cent Stamp Duty hike which comes into effect in April, and also for sellers to maximise their returns in what is traditionally the best period of the year to sell property. Luckily, our patch of west London and Zone 2 is as popular today as at any time I can remember in my nearly Property grid: The search for your dream home in Hammersmith, Brook Green or Shepherds Bush starts here! 20-23 Orchestral manoeuvres in Hammersmith he Fulham Symphony Orchestra returns to Hammersmith Town Hall on Saturday, March 19, to perform music from French composers Ravel and Chausson. The ambitious amateur orchestra – formed in 1958 as the Fulham Municipal Orchestra, and who also rehearse at the town hall – now pack a real punch in their mission to push musical boundaries and premiere new or rarely heard musical works. This includes dazzling composition Harmonielehre from pioneering American composer John Adams, which will conclude the otherwise all-French programme. Meanwhile, mezzo soprano Catherine Hopper stars in Chausson’s Poeme de l’amour et de la mer. For tickets and details visit www.fso.org.uk