South Ealing Area Guide

This October, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery unveils Howard Hodgkin: In a Public Garden — the largest institutional exhibition of original prints by the acclaimed British artist to date. Curated by renowned art historian Richard Calvocoressi, this landmark show features around 60 vibrant, emotionally charged prints that span five decades of Hodgkin’s career, from 1966 to 2016. Installed throughout Pitzhanger’s contemporary gallery and the atmospheric rooms of the historic Manor itself, this retrospective-in-print immerses visitors in Hodgkin’s world of colour, memory, and abstraction. His bold, gestural works — full of nuance and feeling — transform the building into a living canvas of moments remembered and reimagined. As curator Richard Calvocoressi notes, “In the case of Howard Hodgkin, the term ‘prints’ is perhaps misleading. Many of them were hand-coloured by the artist or his collaborators and come close to being one-offs, like paintings; and as such, they make a powerful impact on their environment. Working from memory and imagination, Hodgkin created images of transience, in which ambiguous, dissolving forms are the pictorial equivalent of an autobiographical sensation or perception. I hope visitors will be both moved and exhilarated by this exhibition.” Highlights include Venetian Views (1995), a rarely united series of lyrical cityscapes, and Swimming (2011), created for the London 2012 Olympics. This marks the second time Hodgkin’s work has been exhibited at Pitzhanger. He was drawn to the building’s distinctive light and architecture for a 2009 exhibition — before the major restoration and reopening in 2019 — establishing a meaningful connection with the site that continues today. A setting steeped in art and architecture, Pitzhanger Manor was the country home of visionary architect Sir John Soane, built between 1800 and 1804. Designed as a showcase for his most experimental ideas, the Manor also has a rich artistic legacy – Soane often welcomed leading artists of the day, including frequent guest and kindred spirit J.M.W. Turner. Further details about the exhibition will be released closer to the opening date—subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on this exhibition.

Come and join us at Boston Manor House for a workshop filled with fun, creativity and culture! Think florals and rural scenesall cut by hand using simple scissors and plenty of imagination. This in-person event will showcase the art of Polish paper cutting (wycinanki), inspired by Boston Manor House's current community exhibition My Country is My Home: The Polish Community in the United Kingdom. In this relaxed session, youll learn about the history behind the craft, the tools and techniques used, and why so much of it is inspired by nature. Then, youll create your own piece to take home. Try your hand at intricate designs inspired by the seasons and Boston Manor House's interiors as you immerse yourself in the world of paper art. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this event is perfect for anyone with a passion for creativity and an interest in Polish culture. Led by Alexandra Lunn [https://www.alexandralunn.com/], founder ofWell Crafted [https://www.instagram.com/ well crafted /], who first learnt the art of wycinanki from her Babcia (Polish grandmother) and during her travels across rural Poland. Suitable for all ages. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.

An opportunity to celebrate the life and music of Dick Esmond - drummer, band leader and charter member of Ealing Jazz Festival - who passed away earlier this year. Dick's big band, Sound of Seventeen, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 at Drayton Court, and this event follows on from the hugely enjoyable memorial here in the summer.

Marley was dead... to begin with... It’s Christmas Eve, and Ebenezer Scrooge is alone in his room, dreaming of money. Except... he’s not alone. As the night draws on, spirits come to him; spirits of his past, his present, and his future. With each toll of the clock, Scrooge is forced to confront the idea that there is more to life than money... but can he change his ways before it is too late? Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale comes to the beautiful Boston Manor House this December, presented by The Arts Centre Hounslow, reimagined as a live radio play.

Our School Disco, Glow Room and Festive Canteen are back!There will be 3 sessions for different year groups, so please read the details. Glow Room admission from 3:20pm Disco times: 4:00pm - 4:50pm for Years 1 and 2 5:00pm - 5:50pm for Years 3and 4 6:00pm - 6:50pm for Years 5 and 6 Please do not book this event for Nursery or Reception children. Their event is called the Mini-Disco and has a separate booking. FAQs: Q: How much are tickets? A: 4.50/child. Q: Do I need to buy a ticket for my child/ren? A: The school disco is AFTER SCHOOL and completely optional to attend. If your Years 1-6 child would like to come please purchase a ticket on TicketSource or during playground sales when they happen (cash and card payments). Q: Can I donate a ticket? A: Yes please! This is always appreciated. This is an option at checkout on the TicketSource page. Thank you! Q: I need help funding a ticket, what do I do? A: We want all children to be able to attend, if you need help funding this, please have a word with the office staff. We will be happy to help! Q: What can my child wear to their disco? A: Friday is a Non-uniform day! Wear your disco/party clothes to school! If necessary you can also change in the toilets after school. Q: Where is the disco being held? A: The Middle Hall (Y3/Y4 floor). Please drop your child off at the Year 3 door (across from the canteen) before their disco. Q: I am a parent/carer, how does this work? A: Please read carefully: You MUST pick up your child/ren from school at 3:20pm as normal. If your Y5/Y6 child walks home alone, they can go home alone as usual and come back for their disco, but you must bring them. All parents/carers MUST stay on site when your child is in the disco. This is not childcare; please be present in case of any issues. Please remind your children to stay in the disco hall, and if they need help to seek an adult present. They are not permitted to leave the hall or wander around school. Q: Can I attend the disco too? A: Unless youre volunteering to chaperone, we cannot let parents or siblings into the discos. Q: How and when do I collect my child after the disco? A: The children will be coming out of the Year 4 door (next to the office across from Lost Property). Please meet them here at the stated disco end times listed above. Q: What do we do when waiting for the children to come out? A: Bring siblings children to the Glow Room for some fun, or fuel up and enjoy the vibes in the Festive Canteen! Q: What is the Glow Room? A: The Glow Room is part of our fundraising and also FUN-RAISING! Come get neon face paints, glowsticks and more! Each disco has 40 minutes in the Glow Room before their disco session to get a Glow Up! Q: What is the Festive Canteen? A: The Festive Canteen is a Derwentwater tradition! Whilst the children are dancing away in their disco, we invite you to relax in the canteen with other families and enjoy some refreshments. We have our Tuck Shop with treats galore sweet cones, popcorn, and other special offerings. There is the bar with both soft drinks coffee/tea, and mulled wine, prosecco and beer to enjoy. Outside we will have, returning from the summer fun day, food truck Lord Falafel, offering a wide selection of Lebanese/Syrian and British food to enjoy in the canteen. All things on offer are part of our fundraising efforts and include vegetarian and Halal options. Q: Will you have a raffle? A: Yes! If you have a prize to offer, please email us, and thank you! [email protected] Q: Can my child attend if they are in Aktiva on Friday 13th? A: They can attend. Aktiva will still be running as usual. If you want your child to go to the disco, please buy a ticket and then let the office know so we can arrange this. Q: My child is in an after school activity (drama, football, etc). What happens? A: These activities will be rearranged for earlier in the day. Please stay tuned for emails from the school for complete details. Q: Can siblings, friends or adults go into the discos? A: No. The discos are only for the children in the year groups featured in each session. They must be Derwentwater students. Parents/carers need to stay on site, and can wait in the Festive Canteen or outside. Q: Is the disco for children that do not attend Derwentwater? A: No. This includes siblings who go to other schools. Q: Will the music be age appropriate? A: The DJ will ensure that the tunes he plays are appropriate for each year group. Q: Can parents/carers pay for food and drinks and Glow Room by debit/credit card? A: Yes we can take card and cash payments. Minimum spend 1 on card. Q: What time does event finish? A: 7pm please buy snacks for Y5&Y6 by 6:30pm so they have something to eat when they come out (and they WILL be hungry from dancing!). However, we would like to close the canteen at 7pm so our volunteers can go home, so please purchase drinks and snacks and take them to go. Q: My child is easily overwhelmed by loud noises and lights. Should they attend? A: We always have a quiet room on site supervised by a chaperone, so if any child needs a break, they can go here. If your child is especially sensitive to noise but wishes to come, they may bring ear defenders. Please note: There will be flashing lights. Q: As a parent/carer, how can I help this fabulous fundraiser? A: There are many ways to help: Volunteer: We need LOTS of help!!! Sign up here for sessions to help: https://signup.com/go/WdAijmr Display a CityDeal Estates Board for 4 Weeks: For every board displayed, we receive a donation. This also shows our community we support our school. Its easy, simple and free. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/eRr6zsxHA5kUWtPJ8 Donate a raffle prize: [email protected] Join the Volunteers WhatsApp Group Any other help, offers, questions? Email us: [email protected] Thank you for supporting this event!

Kick-off your Christmastime with the St Michaels Players and our world-famous pantomime! A beautiful princess about to come of age; a jealous step-mother who will stop at nothing to remain the fairest of them all. Are woodsmen Bogwort & Stinkwort wicked enough to follow her evil instructions? Can supergroup The Seven keep Snow White safe? Will Ditsy, the trainee good witch, get her magic act together in time to save her? What help will she receive from her rumbustious mum Dolly Dumpling? Where does a multi-identitied [sic] detective fit in - and how handsome will Prince Frederick actually be? Enough of the questions just get yourself down to the St Michaels Centre and see if you can stop laughing long enough to find all the answers!