Packed Calendar of Events Ahead at Chiswick Pier
Includes foraging, a jazz cruise and an insight into Horrible Histories
Riverside walk will be guided by foraging expert Gemma Hindi of Earthwild
There's a lot going on at Chiswick Pier in the coming months - an opportunity to learn about foraging on a walk with an expert; a webinar about the background to Horrible Histories taking to the Thames; an Art workshop; a Jazz Cruise to celebrate Midsummer and the annual Party on the Pier.
Chiswick Riverside Foraging Walk
Saturday 28 May, 10am-1pm
Enjoy a walk from Pier House into Duke’s Meadows guided by foraging expert Gemma Hindi of Earthwild. Gemma will be introducing you to a variety of wild food plants and offering advice on how to safely and sustainably make use of them. You will have the opportunity to sample treats and a drink made from local plants at the end of the session. Adults £25 (16+) & Children £15 (8+, must be accompanied by an adult).
Gemma is an enthusiastic ethnobotanic educator, interested in the changing relationship between people and plants over time. She has studied and worked with wild plants, trees and fungi for food, medicine, and traditional crafts for 20 years, led guided walks since 2010 and wild cooking workshops since 2016.
The ancient skills of foraging are becoming increasingly popular not only as a means of finding fresh sustainable food but also as a way of reconnecting with nature and ancestry. Subjects covered during the walk will include: The Forager's Code, botany basics, history and uses of wild edibles, skills for self-sufficiency.
Bring a bottle of water and suitable clothing and footwear - the walk is fully outside and will go ahead despite the weather. You may wish to jot down notes or take photos to jog your memory of all the information covered in the course.
Food samples are free from gluten, refined sugar, dairy and caffeine. The majority are vegan but some may contain organic egg or honey. Some products contain nuts. The walking pace will be slow and the terrain flat.
If you have any dietary requirements, mobility issues or any questions at all, please get in touch by emailing sam@chiswickpier.org.uk.
Meet the Man behind the Terrible Thames Boat Tours
Tuesday 31 May, 7pm Webinar
Neal Foster, is the actor, director and writer responsible for turning Horrible Histories books into hugely successful stage shows.
Creator of ‘Terrible Thames’ river tours, Neal Foster, will be presenting a live Zoom talk (Tuesday 31 May at 7pm) on how the infamous Horrible Histories books have been transformed into live shows, both on-stage and afloat the waters of the tidal Thames.
Actor/Manager of Birmingham Stage Company (BSC), Neal has written and directed all of the most recent Horrible Histories shows – including Barmy Britain in the West End, Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders for a national tour, Wicked Warwick at Warwick Castle and Terrible Thames.
The Terrible Thames tour, running throughout the Summer from Tower Bridge Quay, is an immersive theatre experience where the audience sails through the heart of London while the Horrible Histories performers entertain with songs and gruesome tales of London’s past. The tour is a collaboration between BSC, who provide the performers and Woods’ Silver Fleet, the watermen whose boat ‘Silver Sockeye’ hosts the show.
Neal’s talk promises to be of interest to history fans and theatre-lovers – and offers a behind-the-scenes tale about the creation of the live Horrible Histories shows, which originated from the pages of the award-winning children’s book series, written by Terry Deary.
Neal also created the first major productions of stories by David Walliams, including Gangsta Granny, Awful Auntie and Billionaire Boy. He recently collaborated with Liz Pichon to create the world premiere of Tom Gates.
Art Workshop
Wednesday 8 June, 10am to 4pm
For all you artists a new tutor, Jill Storey, is coming to Chiswick Pier to run a watercolour workshop on 8 June. Jill is an experienced artist and has lived, taught and exhibited in the Richmond area for many years. More details will be released soon but meanwhile save the date or ring 020 8742 2713 to book your place.
Midsummer Jazz Cruise
Friday 17 June, 7.45pm embarkation, 8pm departure
To celebrate the summer solstice Chiswick Pier Trust would like to welcome you to the river by hosting a Jazz Cruise on Friday 17 June. The cruise will be leaving Chiswick Pier at 8pm and sailing to Westminster and back.
On board to serenade you whilst sailing the Thames will be the popular jazz band Anacousis. During the cruise a two course buffet supper will be served and drinks will be available to purchase from the bar on board.
Leaving in daylight on a summers' evening, experience the magic of the river and its banks.
Tickets cost £55.00 per person and can be booked on line or by calling 020 8742 2713.
Jubilee Party on the Pier
Sunday 17 July, 11.30am to 4pm
Plans for Party on the Pier, which this year is on 17 July, are going full steam ahead. Already booked and confirmed are the boat for the free boat trips, the band for live music and Amanda's Action Kids to entertain the children. More and more stalls are applying to come along, selling a wide range of goods. The event will be running from 11.30 - 4.00. Put the date in your diary now as with this being the Jubilee Party on the Pier, you do not want to miss it.
The Chiswick Pier Trust runs the Chiswick Pier and Pier House. In this role it manages the commercial and residential moorings at the Pier, as well as venue and conference hire at Pier House.
The trust works to engage people with the River Thames. It provides access to the Thames and support major river events, as well as organising events of its own.
For further information on the Pier check the Chiswick Pier Trust's web site.
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May 8, 2022