History, horticulture, cruises and culture all on your doorstep
If you think you know everything about your local area, September’s fourth annual Open Chiswick event might just prove you wrong! Coordinated by the Thames Strategy - Kew to Chelsea, it provides a fantastic opportunity to explore your own backyard and celebrates W4’s historic, cultural and natural heritage with a fun programme for all ages. Almost all events are free and full details can be obtained on www.openchiswick.net
Saturday 5th sees two exciting events on the Thames – The Great River Race and the Great River Swim. Chiswick Pier House will open at 12pm and is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the Great River Race as the boats pass by at around 1.10pm en route from Greenwich to Ham. Over 300 crews take part in this prestigious event. Then why not stay on to enjoy the festivities with live music, a barbecue and a Fuller’s bar before cheering on record numbers of hardy swimmers taking part in the Great River Swim from Chiswick Pier to Chiswick Eyot and back?
On Sunday 6th, come and enjoy the Chiswick Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show at Duke’s Meadow’s Community Association Hall. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take part in a free Canoe Club taster session at Chiswick Pier? Full details can be obtained on www.openchiswick.net
On Saturday 12 th there will be a great opportunity to ‘discover’ Chiswick with a fascinating, free guided history walk through Chiswick old town. The Thames will also be the focal point for the Mayor’s Thames Festival in central London with an exciting itinerary for the whole family.
On Sunday 13 th you are invited to join the Thames Strategy – Kew to Chelsea on an unforgettable charity ‘Take Me To The Fireworks’ boat trip from Chiswick Pier to central London to enjoy the spectacular fireworks as part of the Mayors Thames Festival. Booking is essential - email john.powell@lbhf.gov.uk. Full details can be obtained on www.openchiswick.net
On Saturday 19 th, Fuller’s Griffin Brewery will open their doors to the public as a part of this year’s Open Chiswick and Open House London weekend. Free tours will be running between 11am and 2pm (spaces are limited), with lots of other activities besides. In addition, and for the first time, Chiswick Pier will play host to a Thornycroft designed WWII naval motor launch which will be free to visit between 10am and 5pm.
Sunday 20 th is a day packed full of exiting events. As a part of the Open Chiswick and Open House London weekend, discover the inside story of W4's Palladian jewel, Chiswick House. You could also take a fascinating tour of St Nicholas Church and graveyard, take part in a free taster session with the Canoe Club at Chiswick Pier or hunt for archaeological treasures on the Thames foreshore at low tide from Kew Bridge. Full details can be obtained on www.openchiswick.net
An exciting and varied closing weekend of Open Chiswick 2009 kicks off on Friday 25 th with the Chiswick Book Festival. This festival will include a varied itinerary of author talks, discussions and competitions.
Saturday 26 th will see another full itinerary of events within the Chiswick Book Festival. In addition to various talks and discussions, there will also be events for children and a Book Quiz supper. Alternatively, why not dust off the walking shoes, identify a walking route from www.walklondon.org.uk and take part in this year’s Walk London weekend?
Sunday 27 th sees another packed day of events. Why not enjoy a barbecue or cream tea while watching the Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show? Alternatively, take a leisurely boat trip upstream to Kingston and enjoy a wonderful meal at Pissarro at Chiswick Pier (booking essential - visit www.openchiswick.net for details ). Furthermore, you could always enjoy exploring new areas as a part of the Walk London weekend.
Why not take part in this year’s Open Chiswick photographic competition? Just capture the spirit of Open Chiswick and you could win a selection of great prizes from Fuller’s Brewery in Chiswick. Full details can be obtained on www.openchiswick.net
Full details of all the Open Chiswick events are available on www.openchiswick.net
August 28, 2009