Archbishop Of Canterbury Gets Chiswick Present

Special delivery of local charity calendar to Lambeth Palace

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the latest owner of the 2014 Chiswick charity calendar after a special delivery to Lambeth Palace.

Justin Welby and his family lived in Chiswick for several years in the 1980s and he recently spoke about his fond memories of life in W4. Local photographers Jon Perry and Ian Wylie visited the Archbishop’s London home this week to deliver copies of the 2014 calendar, which has already broken sales records.

(l-r) Ian and Jon outside Lambeth Palace

They fund the calendar and donate their best Chiswick images, with all profits going to St Michael and All Angels Church in Bedford Park for its Organ Fund and Parish Rooms Appeal.

Printed on high quality photographic paper, the calendar - available in two sizes - includes 13 outstanding new images of Chiswick in a celebration of life in W4.

It follows the success of the 2013 calendar which was snapped up by Chiswick residents and businesses, as well as W4 exiles abroad.

Freelance journalist Ian Wylie explained: “Chiswick-based TV and radio presenter Clare Balding sat next to the Archbishop at a dinner last month and reported how they had ‘talked lovingly of Chiswick’.

“So we thought he would appreciate copies of the Chiswick 2014 calendar. 

“It also seemed appropriate as the calendar is in aid of the good causes appeal at one of the Archbishop’s branch offices - St Michael and All Angels - and features another - Christ Church, Turnham Green - on the front cover.”

Lambeth Palace later conveyed the Archbishop's thanks for the special delivery of Chiswick Calendars.

Joanne Scott, senior executive assistant to the Archbishop, said: "Your kindness for passing on the calendars is very much appreciated and I wish you well in your fundraising campaign for St Michael and All Angels Church Organ Fund and Parish Rooms Appeal."

Wild Flower Meadow - Ian Wylie

The Welbys spent some five years in Grove Park and three of their children were born while the family was based in Chiswick.

They moved to Chiswick from Paris. In 1984 Justin Welby became group treasurer of the oil exploration group Enterprise Oil in London and he and his wife Caroline left France for the UK.

During their time in W4 they enjoyed walks in nearby Chiswick House and Gardens and along the river.

The future Archbishop of Canterbury later retired from his executive position and said he sensed a calling from God to be ordained - leaving Chiswick in 1989 and studying for ordination at St John’s College, Durham.

The cover of the Chiswick 2014 calendar features the Turnham Green wild flower meadow with Christ Church just over the floral horizon (see picture above).

Station Lights- Jon Perry

The 12 photos inside are: (January) A snowy Gunnersbury Triangle; (February) ‘Little Lamb’ and Sam’s; (March) All Angels Dawn; (April) Bedford Park blossom; (May) Turnham Green Station Lights; (June) A Chiswick House Dream Window once occupied by The Beatles; (July) Swan Lake by The Bell & Crown; (August) Now Showing at The Old Cinema; (September) The first 27 bus returns home to Chiswick Business Park, once the site of London Transport’s huge Bus Works; (October) Misty Chiswick House Morning; (November) Strand-on-the-Green freezing fog; (December) W4 White...in the snow.

Swan Lake- Ian Wylie

The calendar is available in two sizes: The A4 version, which proved so popular last year, and a new large version. The A4 size costs £12 (as last year) with the large retailing at £20.

Both versions are now on sale at 10 outlets across Chiswick: Fosters’ Bookshop, 183 Chiswick High Road, Waterstone’s, (A4 edition only) 220 Chiswick High Road, Top Hat Cleaners, 20 Devonshire Road, Sam’s Brasserie & Bar, 11 Barley Mow Passage, Zecca (Contemporary Homewares), 88 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick Camera Centre, 4 Chiswick Terrace, Acton Lane (near Sainsbury’s), Laveli Bakery, 61 South Parade, near the Murco garage and Chiswick Computers, 349 King Street, Hammersmith.

Plus The Cards For Good Causes Shop inside St Michael & All Angels Church - opposite the Tabard pub - until December 14 and The Cards For Good Causes Shop inside Christ Church, Turnham Green until Dec 18.

You can also buy the A4 edition direct online with a debit or credit card or PayPal via the St Michael and All Angels (Bedford Park) website: http://smaaa.org.uk/worship/ChiswickCalendar2014.html

Ian Wylie added: “Both Jon and I have been taken aback by the reaction to this year’s calendar with some outlets already selling out and having to be re-stocked.

“Our aim, as ever, is to celebrate a place we all love while raising money for a local good cause. As the calendar is printed on high quality photographic paper, owners have the added option of saving their favourite photos to frame, should they wish.

“It is really heartening to see people across Chiswick working together in this project. None of it would be possible without the help of all the community spirited local outlets selling the calendar.

“With special mention to John Fitzgerald and all his team at Snappy Snaps in Chiswick who print this top quality calendar and are working overtime to supply us with enough copies to meet the demand.”

   December 7, 2013