Finding Out Just How Handsome and Talented are Chiswick's Dogs
Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
Andy Slaughter with the two winners of the handsomest dog category age 3-4
September 26, 2026
I was delighted to join organisers Jonathan Mercer, Kate Fishenden and Caroline Needham for the launch of this year's Askew Arts Festival at Sulgrave Youth Club last Friday. The festival's theme this year is ‘If children are our future…’, and the launch included an excellent exhibition of work by local youth groups celebrating recycling.
It was a lovely start to a week of arts and community events around Askew Road, bringing together local artists, young people and residents.
Last Sunday I had the difficult responsibility of being one of the judges at this year's Chiswick House Dog Show, which brought more than 500 dogs and their owners to Chiswick House for 17 different classes. I was entrusted with, among others, My Dog's Got Talent and the Handsomest Dog aged 3-4 and decisions which I am sure were scrutinised closely by the unsuccessful contestants.
Congratulations to Pretzel and owner Alexander Montier, who won My Dog's Got Talent, and to Ronin, owned by Isabella Cole, who won Handsomest Dog aged 3-4.
The show is organised by a small committee and around 150 volunteers, with all proceeds going to the Chiswick House & Gardens Trust to help maintain the grounds. It was great fun and, fortunately, all the dogs appeared to take the judging in good spirit .
All the participants and judges of My Dog’s Got Talent at Chiswick House Dog Show
I put my general knowledge to the test at The Upper Room’s annual Quiz Night held on Wednesday at Latymer Upper School. Sadly, my team was not victorious, but it was a very enjoyable and completely sold-out evening. Most importantly, it was in support of The Upper Room’s excellent work helping people affected by homelessness, food poverty and social exclusion across west London. The event managed to raise a fantastic £10,000 which helps The Upper Room to continue their vital work.
On Friday evening, to round off Askew Arts Festival, I attended a lecture on Greenside School, a listed building designed by Erno Goldfinger, to hear more about this heritage asset and how we can look after the building making if fit for the future.
The Greenside School mural
And finally, although Parliament is not sitting due to Party Conference season, government work continues – I met the senior management of Serious Fraud Office and Crown Prosecution Service. I also had a handover meeting with my successor as Chair of Justice Committee, Catherine Atknison.
Best wishes,
Andy
andy@andyslaughter.com
P.S. I send a regular email newsletter to residents about local and national issues. If you would like to receive it then please email me at andy@andyslaughter.com, click this link.
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