What’s New, On & Happening in Fulham
November 2024
“Fear not November’s challenge bold. We’ve books and friends, and hearths that never can grow cold” - Alexander L Fraser
Lyceum Fit have joined forces with Thursday which although technically a dating app is one with a difference. It’s ethos is more about creating an “in real life” experience for singles. Thursday host singles-only events designed to bring people together in fun and authentic settings. We remember way back when George from Lyceum talked about the single members of the Lyceum team, Robbie & Sabina, wanting to create a singles only event. Now Robbie Fotheringham has only gone and done it by creating “Hiit & Social” and partnering with Thursday.
Hiit & Social is a 45 minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class which will take place every Wednesday at 6.30pm just for Thursday members at Lyceum Fit’s studio based at the Sands End Community Centre, Peterborough Road.
The class, if you’re not familiar with HIIT, is a blend of weights and cardio designed to boost energy levels and release feel good endorphins. Robbie told Urban Village LDN “We wanted to create a concept to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing whilst also feeling part of a supportive community. Bridging the gap between working hard and playing harder”.
There’s a complimentary energy drink on arrival before singles start their “sociable” workout and afterwards a beer or two courtesy of Prime Time Lager. Tickets cost £15 and attendees can fly solo so no worries if you’re the only singleton in your friendship group AND you don’t need to match with anyone to come along to the event. We know we keep saying it but you’ll be in great company with Robbie & Sabina, both lovely people and good fun to be with. Not sure if George is banned from this class or not, purely because he’s a married man and about to become a Father of two!
There’s a new addition to the festivities planned at Fulham Palace this year and it sounds like it’s going to make the palace even more of a magical destination in the countdown to Christmas. Organised by Remarkable events, Illuminated Palace hope to immerse visitors in the festive spirit as they stroll through the Palace’s 13 acres of grounds. The Palace’s stunning gardens, rare trees and the walled garden will all be transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights.
There are other attractions at the event that will no doubt add to the festive atmosphere: boutique shopping, cosy fire pits for marshmallow toasting and a tempting selection of food and mulled wine. There will also be entertainment and captivating performances from circus displays to live magic from Britain’s Got Talent star, Markele and live music to set the mood. Sian Harrington, CEO of Fulham Palace Trust, told Urban Village LDN “I am delighted to welcome Remarkable Events and their light trail to the Palace for the first time. This adds a lovely new event to our established Christmas events such as the fair and meeting Father Christmas!”.
The trail runs from Thursday 28 Nov to Sun 22 Dec and Father Christmas will also be in his grotto on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a small fee of £4.00 with all proceeds going to support children’s homes during the holiday season. Festive fun and giving back sounds like a great combination to us! Find full details regarding entry and ticket prices on the link below.
PROMOTION / AD
In March Dr.Dropin opened their first clinic here in Fulham offering private yet affordable GP services. A known and leading Norwegian healthcare provider, DrDropin was founded in 2017 by Dr Daniel Sorli a GP himself. Urban Village LDN set off to their London flagship at 498-504 Fulham Road (opposite Waitrose Fulham Broadway) to catch up with Daniel and find out more. “I’m a GP by training and spent 5 years in the public sector and working in A&E. After witnessing the wait times in healthcare services and seeing how analogue the systems were, I knew there was a real need to improve the level of service. Adopting a better use of technology, would mean less paperwork and enable us to focus on the medical issues at hand. We launched our first clinic in Oslo offering a low fixed price yet proper medical care and it caught on. Soon I was speaking to former colleagues and university friends to get them on board as we expanded to 32 clinics across Norway and Sweden”.
Having treated over 2m patients, Daniel told Urban Village LDN that the next part of the journey was to expand into other European markets. “I really enjoyed the start of this journey and being hands on. Coming to London and opening here in Fulham has taken me back to that, getting involved with everything, including painting the basement, and working with a small team. I’ve never lived in London and coming here with my family has been wonderful”.
We asked Daniel why Fulham? “Good question! I looked at lots of different boroughs and wanted to find somewhere with a mixed demographic: young professionals, families, older residents and Fulham was it. I spent 6 months on my bike looking at different spaces and when I saw this old Nationwide site I knew it was the perfect location”.
Dr.DropIn Fulham has a team of skilled doctors with extensive experience and they offer consultations and appointments to accommodate busy schedules, including same-day and weekend availability. They’ve already treated +2,000 patients since opening their doors here in March and offer personalised medical care, GP appointments start at £59 and other services include Dermatology, Physiotherapy, health assessments, blood tests, allergy testing and prescriptions. Find out more on the link below.
Local residents recently gathered with Fulham Good Neighbours, in partnership with Higgins Partnerships, to unveil “Fulham Through the Seasons”. This is a vibrant mural created by members of the Fulham Good Neighbours’ Art Club, who have collectively lived in Fulham for 470 years, which spans 14 metres decorating the hoardings around the Hartopp and Lannoy development on Dawes Road. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to Fulham, celebrating the borough’s changing seasons, iconic landmarks and community spirit. From flourishing parks to bustling market stalls and local wildlife, the mural captures Fulham’s beauty through the eyes of its older residents.
The mural project was spearheaded by Roopa Basu, a London-based artist and designer, who also serves as the Art Club’s facilitator and the mural’s curator. The mural’s central oak tree symbolises the strength and growth of Fulham Good Neighbours, a charity that has supported older local residents and those with disabilities in our community for over 50 years. “This mural is more than just art—it’s a visual celebration of Fulham’s rich history, painted by those who know and love it best,” said Roopa. "The passion and life experiences of our Art Club members are reflected in every brushstroke, making this a true community masterpiece."
This unveiling marks only the beginning of Fulham Good Neighbours’ ongoing commitment to celebrating the local community through artistic expression. The charity continues to provide opportunities for older and disabled residents to share their creativity and strengthen their connection to Fulham. Art Club member Angela, a Fulham resident of over 40 years, described the project as “fun, collaborative, and exhilarating,” while Pat, who has lived in Fulham for 70 years, added, “The friendships I’ve gained from it are priceless. I always look forward to our sessions—it refreshes the mind.” Find out more about Fulham Good Neighbours on the link below.
The team at Boysnberry are upping the ante and have just announced some of the additional goings on and seasonal fun they’ve got planned starting this November. In addition to all the deliciousness offered up every day at 839 Fulham Road and, what we’ve reliably been told by one Fulhamite is the best matcha in SW6, this month starts with an event hosted by their very own Oya Horani.
Join Oya for her Clay & Wine pottery classes with a Christmas decoration theme every other Wednesday (13/27th), they’ll be live music every other Tuesday (12/26), think live acoustic sets with a chilled vibe rather than not being able to hear yourself think or talk.
They’ll also be a more seasonal feel to their menus in the countdown to Christmas starting with Thanksgiving. If you want to find out more, book your space or enquire about holding your Christmas party at Boysnberry, get in touch by popping them a DM on Instagram or email info@boysnberry.co.uk
Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) have organised a fun for all the family Bonfire Night Celebration. Expect Guy Fawkes making, water free apple bobbing in the Walnut Grove, firework painting and more. Food, drinks and sparklers will also be for sale. Tickets are £5 per adult or child. Book online via Eventbrite or at reception.
Party Arty 1 is hosting a relaxed evening of painting at the Fulham Arms where you can learn how to create a fun art piece to take home. All of your art resources will be supplied and a drink is also included. As an exclusive offer, those who want to dine with them before or after the event can receive 2 courses for £25 or 3 courses for £30. To grab this deal, book your table with them when purchasing your tickets or give them a call on 020 7731 7823 https://www.designmynight.com/london/pubs/fulham/fulham-arms/paint-sip-the-fulham-arms
This Bridge Baker event is always so popular. Join them at the 811 Fulham Road branch for a fun class where you'll learn how to hand-stretch and create your own Pizza to bake and eat there and also a delicious Tiramisu to take home. Be quick as there aren’t many tickets left!
https://bridgebaker.co.uk/events/
Curious about your dog’s nutrition? Join Wag Works in-house behaviourist Winkie Spiers via Zoom to learn how to make the best food choices for your dog’s health, happiness and behaviour. Winkie has worked with dogs for over 20 years and has been a key part of the WagWorks team from the very start. Her long-life aim is to help owners truly understand their dogs. Being understood is key to creating a happy, trusting & fulfilling relationship. Tickets are free just register on this link http://bit.ly/3NLz6uf
This inaugural Fulham 10k starts and finishes at Eel Brook Common on 17 November. This road closed circuit organised by RunThrough takes in the sights of Fulham and will raise funds for CW+ the official Charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which encompasses Chelsea and Westminster and West Middlesex University Hospital. Register here https://www.runthrough.co.uk/event/fulham-10k-powered-by-vitamin-well
Fulham Camerata invite you to their autumn concert, A French Celebration: Duruflé's Requiem with music by Dupré and Saint-Saëns. Directed by Harry Guthrie, Organist: Tom Winpenny Soloists: Katherine Gregory & Tom Butler. The concert will take place at Holy Cross Church, Ashington Road. Tickets: £18 Students and under 25s: £15 https://www.fulhamcamerata.com/
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and experience the magic of the festive season at Fulham Palace’s Illuminated Garden Trial. Stroll through the illuminated grounds and soak up the festive atmosphere. Enjoy captivating performances, including mesmerising circus displays and live magic from Britain’s Got Talent star, Markele, along with live music to set the mood. https://www.londonilluminatedlights.co.uk/
A specially selected line up of London’s best and up-and-coming comedians from London and the odd international superstar willing to make you laugh for absolute peanuts. Up to six brilliant acts a night, with Comedy Store level openers and closers, in an evening of stellar stand up comedy bliss. Doors open 6pm at the Sands End Arts & Community Centre tickets from £8.83 more information here https://www.seacc.uk/events/live-next-to-the-apollo-at-seacc-2/
Head to the heart of Fulham with local friends and family and join carol singers accompanied by The Salvation Army Brass Band for this now annual Fulham tradition, the official switching on of the Parsons Green Christmas lights. Enjoy this community gathering with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand, sing along and mark the beginning of the festive season.
The whole family can enjoy exploring Fulham Palace’s fourth annual Christmas fair – browse the small business indoor and outdoor market. Treat yourself to mulled wine, mince pies, and a variety of other food and drink, sing along with carollers in the courtyard, and lots more! Tickets cost £5 / Children £3 with all proceeds going towards supporting the Palace and starts with the Christmas Fair at Twilight on Friday 29 (6-8pm). More information and tickets here www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/events/christmas-fair-2/
This year the Christmas lights on Parsons Green have a new sponsor. Parsons Green Village, a collective of businesses in the area have kindly stepped up to keep this lovely festive tradition going. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday 29 at 5.30pm and it would be fantastic to see a great turn out of locals joining in for the occasion. St Dionis Church are supporting the event with the Salvation Army Brass Band and singers starting the festivities with carols, words provided for those who would like to sing along! Mulled wine and hot chocolate will be served and raffle tickets are for sale giving those purchasing the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes all donated by Parsons Green Village businesses. All proceeds from the raffle and refreshment sales will go to The Glass Door Homeless Charity which is based in Parsons Green. At 6pm there will be a few words from the new vicar at St Dionis, Rev William Rogers before the lights are officially switched on.
Urban Village LDN talked to Pat Barnett from Koji "The Parsons Green Village businesses are delighted to be the sponsors of the Christmas lights for the first time this year, we love our local community and are very thankful for all their support. We would very much like to become more involved with traditional community events in our area. The businesses would also like to say a huge thank you to Mr. Resistor for originally donating the lights and to St Matthews & St Dionis churches for hosting this lovely event. We are all looking forward to building on this event and making it bigger and more fun for years to come".
Parsons Green Village are a non profit group that aim to bring together business and community representatives in the New Kings Road, Parsons Green area and enact a range of focused improvements to the area for the benefit of local businesses and the community. You can find out more on the link below.
We heard from Tabby Fistein who is the Frailty Care Coordinator for the South Fulham Primary Care. Tabby told Urban Village LDN about a series of frailty focus groups they are running.
They would like to invite carers or anyone 65 years or older living in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham who are finding day to day activities more difficult than they used to. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating in this group discussion to share your experiences of health care for older adults who need more support, you can get in touch by emailing tabitha.fistein@nhs.net or calling 07480 185526. Tabby said “we would like to understand H&F residents experiences of accessing and using health and social care services in Hammersmith and Fulham, such as your GP, hospital, community care, community groups, support at home and any other services that are important to your health and wellbeing”.
A survey a few months ago asked older people in the area about their experience of health and social care in the borough. South Fulham Primary Care identified recurring themes in the responses which showed where local older people would like to see improvements in their care and they are now looking to carry out changes in those areas. Tabby told us “It is important to us that we ensure that those with lived experience feed into these solutions, and so we are running these focus groups with older people living with frailty and / or their carers to discuss some proposed improvements and take suggestions”.
There are multiple opportunities for older residents to participate: dates this month are Thursday 7 (3:00 to 4:00pm) Sycamore House, Hammersmith United Charities and Tuesday 12 (3:00 to 4:00pm): Action on Disability Centre for Independent Living, alternatively you can attend virtually.
Catch this podcast all about our urban village on YouTube or listen on Apple and Spotify. Latest guests in the studio at VOXPOD Studios at Heathman’s Road are Thomas Lester, Fulham resident , founder and managing director of Reverend Hubert a gin liqueur brand born in SW6. Listen to the story of how this brand started with a cherry tree in a Fulham garden, led to the unearthing of some fascination family history, a recipe from 1904 and stockists including Fortnum and Mason. Head to YouTube to find a 10% off discount code and stock up for Christmas!
Torty Hutton is the first born in Fulham guest, hence the episode title “Once a Fulham girl, always a Fulham girl”. Torty is an advanced crystal practitioner and Reki master who was born in Fulham and practices vibrational medicine in SW6. After navigating issues that affected her family, she went from teacher to crystal practitioner. Tune in to hear her deeply personal story and how the power of crystal therapy can help you recharge and reset.