Fulham Horticultural Society celebrates 100 years

In days gone by the urban villages of West London had their own horticultural society, today only the Fulham Horticultural Society (FHS) remains. Founded by green fingered locals in 1924, a few years after the end of the First World War, this thriving society are celebrating their centenary year. The FHS are keen to share the health and community benefits of gardening with new generations. Everyone is welcome to join them at their next centennial anniversary show at St Etheldreda’s Church, 528 Fulham Palace Road, on Saturday 7 September (2.30 - 4.30pm). FREE entry, tea and homemade cake for sale.

The annual FHS autumn show is a friendly competition and an opportunity for amateur gardeners of all abilities to showcase their talents. You can expect to see beautiful bouquets, colourful fruit, all types of vegetables, fabulous cakes and gardening related arts and crafts. Rose Cranston, Fulham resident and FSH member told Urban Village LDN “it is a fun educational event and all about the community. There are numerous categories you can enter fruit, veg, flowers, handicrafts etc.  You don't have to have lots of experience, beginners to those showing off their expertise are welcome, also anyone can enter, you don't have to be a society member and there are junior categories”.

Early entry, up to the Thursday prior to the show puts you into a draw for a £50 voucher generously donated by The Palace Gardener and you can also enter on the day between 10-12. The categories are judged from 12 -1 before the show opens to the public and prizes will be presented at 4pm. Email entries to charlesdowson@aol.com before 8pm on Thursday 5th September

Fulham Social Hub Networking Event

Ding ding round two! We hate the word networking too and we can reassure you that this event on Thursday 19 (6-9pm), run by our sister organisation Fulham Social Hub, comes with no labels, scary introductions, shouty mics and is simply an opportunity for the SW6 community to connect. Since the launch in April Zara & Melinda have hosted 10 episodes of Fulham Chronicles (see below for the latest episodes), created a Directory of local businesses / brands, on boarded members with 10% of membership going back to support Friends of Bishops Park; the current local cause they’re fundraising for.

If you want find out how to keep business within our local economy, what organisations you can volunteer with, meet new people, residents and business owners who really need your support to stay open, then come along. Sadly lots of these independent businesses are closing their doors and we’re sure you’ll agree that we don’t want our urban village to become a sea of chains? Pret a Manager are rumoured to be opening another branch in SW6 and in a prime spot! We might have to follow other communities lead and boycott these chains. Ooh we always said we’d never get political but we went there!

The event is also a good opportunity to take a look around The Parsons Green Club who are kindly hosting the event. If we had a pound for everyone who’s turned round and said “where’s that?” or stalwart locals who’ve told us they’ve never been inside before! See you there? Tickets are £5 and you can find out more / book on the link below.

Fulham Chronicles: the SW6 podcast

Haven’t tuned in yet? Then you’ve missed conversations with: Nina von der Werth Director of Sands End Arts Community, Fulham raised Oussama Azam founder of Malik’s Honey, Anna & Annie Founders of Truffles & Ruffles, local resident and author Clare Pooley, Scott Hallsworth, Ex Nobu London Head Chef, restauranteur and owner of Freak Scene Parsons Green, Julius & Fabian Cowdray twin brothers from a cricketing dynasty and Nesse Cannon, founder of Barrefly London whose Fulham Studio is just off the Kings Road. Listen to the stories that are the fabric of our community on YouTube, Apple or Spotfiy search Fulham Social Hub.

Lachesis London

Lachesis London is an innovative online fashion boutique, founded by Brazilian-born, Fulham resident Cássila Dolman. Lachesis are celebrating their first anniversary so we thought we’d give this unique boutique, that specialises in Brazilian-inspired, ethical and sustainable pieces, a shout out.

Lachesis champions slow fashion and craftsmanship, collaborating with suppliers who share its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The handmade products they select support artisans and promote the preservation of traditional crafts. Urban Village LDN spoke to Cassila “I was born and raised in Brazil and have lived in Fulham for over 10 years. I was a corporate lawyer and after taking maternity leave with the arrival of my two little girls I didn’t want to go back into the corporate world. Entrepreneurship was always in my DNA, I was always going to do my own thing, Lachesis is it. Brazil has so much talent and creativity and I wanted to showcase this in the UK”.

Sounds like it’s been a great first year and Cassila told us she couldn’t sell enough of the handmade hats they stock, weaved out of straw and made with organic cotton fabric. There are some gorgeous bio-jewellery pieces made from Golden Grass, a delicate flowering plant found in Brazil with a natural golden hue in its stem resembling golden wire. Local artisans use traditional skills and techniques passed down by generations which they weave into jewellery. Cassila has just got back from a trip to Brazil so you’ll find new stock on her website alongside hats, jewellery, handbags and more. Take a look on the link below