On The Hill Magazine - Dec 2017/Jan 2018

NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR PRIMROSE HILL PEOPLE

DECEMBER & JANUARY 2017/18 | ONTHEHILL.INFO

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

PRIMROSE HILL CHRISTMAS GIFTS Inspiration for Christmas gift buying from our local shops

MAGENTA LIVES AMONG US Patricia Quinn talks about The Rocky Horror Picture Show

MARY’S LIVING AND GIVING

Produced by Primrose Hill Community Association

Look behind the scenes and call-out for volunteers

December & January On The Hill On The Go Keep up with the latest news and happenings on our social media channels.

CONTENTS & PREVIEW

05 Editor’s Letter

07

06 On The Street

Primrose Hill Community Dogs help out Chalk Farm Foodbank, Paddington 2 review, an interview with Star Wars actor Warwick Davis, all your local news and views and more!

16 What’s On

December and January events for your diary

18

18 Primrose Hill

Christmas Gifts Inspiration for Christmas gift buying from our local shops

20 Jon Snow: Colour is

My Brand The broadcaster’s ties get their own exhibition

21 The Ghost of Christmas Lanah P’s seasonal single

22 Mary’s Living and Giving

Look behind the scenes and call-out for volunteers

29 Marketplace

Contact details for local services

30

24 Magenta Lives

Among Us Patricia Quinn talks about The Rocky Horror Picture Show

24

@onthehill_mag @onthehillinfo @onthehillinfo

onthehill.info

30 Primrose Hill Eats

Michael Nadra creates the Cinnamon Hill cocktail especially for On The Hill

32 Hello, Primrose Hill!

Primrose Hill gets ghoulish

3

Sales

020 7043 4433

£1,200,000

£2,150,000

Leasehold

Freehold

Primrose Hill, NW3

Primrose Hill, NW3

An outstanding 3 bedroom apartment set on the entire second floor of an impressive double fronted, detached period residence. This superb apartment offers a stunning, South West facing reception room, separate modern kitchen, principal bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further double bedrooms, one that is currently being used as a dining room and a large family bathroom.

An exquisite town house located within a private estate. The property comprises an exceptional 28 ft open plan kitchen/dining room with an abundance of natural light, beautifully presented living room, principal bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 2 double bedrooms, single bedroom, large study/bedroom with en-suite cloakroom, family bathroom, roof terrace, private patio garden, off street parking for guests and a further 2 resident parking spaces.

Energy Efficiency Rating - E52

3

1

Lettings £530* pw

4

Energy Efficiency Rating - D67

2

020 7043 3333 £1,950* pw

Furnished (£2,297 pcm)

Unfurnished (£8,450 pcm)

Kentish Town, NW5

Primrose Hill, NW3

A luxury 2 bedroom apartment situated on the first floor of this modern development retaining many of its original period features and charm. The property comprises an open plan kitchen/reception room benefiting Smeg & Siemens appliances, 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and 2 fully tiled and contemporary bathroom suites (1 en-suite shower room). Further benefits include wood flooring throughout and underfloor heating.

Offering this exceptional split level garden apartment occupying the entire raised ground and lower ground floors of a well maintained Victorian semi-detached house in a much sought after and convenient location moments from Primrose Hill Park. The property boasts a large double aspect reception room, family dining room, eat-in kitchen/ diner with exceptional storage and exposed brickwork and a charming and larger than average South West facing patio and lawn garden.

Energy Efficiency Rating - B87

2

2

Energy Efficiency Rating - D68

5

3

Set fees apply for all tenancies: £180.00 administration fee per tenancy + £48.00 referencing charge per Tenant/Guarantor. For variable charges and deposits explained please visit www.g-h.co.uk

CAMDEN OFFICE . 114-118 PARKWAY . CAMDEN . LONDON NW1 7AN . RESIDENTIAL SALES

020 7043 4433 . RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS

020 7043 3333

www.g-h.co.uk

2916 OTH Monthly Sales & Lettings AD DECEMBER 2017 V4.indd 1

16/11/2017 11:55:18

The Team Editor

Maggie Chambers editor@onthehill.info

Editorial Group

EDITOR’S LETTER

Dick Bird, Doro Marden, Phil Cowan, Pam White, David Lennon, Mole on the Hill, Micael Johnstone, Andrew Black

What’s On Editor Julie Stapleton

Social Media and Website Editor Jason Pittock

Subeditors

Brenda Stones, Vicki Hillyard

Photographer

Sarah Louise Ramsay www.slrphotography.co.uk

Primrose Hill Eats Vicki Hillyard

Design

Luke Skinner for BLACK

Cartoonist

Bridget Grosvenor with inspiration from Richard Benson

Advertising Sales

David Jeffries 0208 150 5293 djeffries@onlymedia.co.uk Melissa Skinner 0208 386 1933 07779 252 272 mskinner@onlymedia.co.uk Special thanks to all our contributors.

Thanks to Primrose Hill agency BLACK for their work on the design www.agency-black.com

This publication is created by the community and for the benefit of Primrose Hill on behalf of your local charity, the Primrose Hill Community Association (PHCA). All proceeds from this publication go directly to fund the charity.

We hope you enjoy. www.phca.cc Disclaimer: the views in the magazine are not necessarily the views of the PHCA. This magazine is printed on FSC® certified paper. The trees used are sourced in an environmentally friendly, socially responsibly and economically viable manner.

Welcome to December & January It’s a well-known observation that many dogs look like their owners. Here in Primrose Hill dogs take on their owner’s character. There are a growing group of dogs, among them Jon Snow’s dog Bailey, which help out with good causes in the area. Primrose Hill Community Dogs – with a little human help – are currently involved in a project to help out the Chalk Farm Foodbank, a vital resource at any time of year, but particularly at Christmas. If you can help in any way, please do. Contact details are inside.

While on the subject of Jon Snow, if you find yourself near the Design Museum, there’s a lovely display about his eyecatching ties, and the process behind their creation.

Another community plea comes from our local Mary’s Living and Giving. If you have a spare few hours in the week, please offer your time. It’s staffed by volunteers and all proceeds from sales go to Save the Children.

This issue we save you frantic shopping hours as we’ve sourced the best of local gifts. You then have spare time with which to do something enjoyable. Let me recommend the Rebecca Leigh exhibition in Tann Rokka, or The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the library. We have a special feature this issue on Patricia Quinn, who played Magenta in the film.

If you haven’t seen Paddington 2 yet, please do. It’s well worth it for the Primrose Hill scenes and the humour.

Michael Nadra has created a special Christmas cocktail for us, so be sure to source all the ingredients in time for Christmas morning and we’ll raise our communal glasses for a toast.

Merry Christmas and a productive and peaceful new year to you all!

ISSN 20-6175

onthehill.info

Cover Photographer: Jaime Travezan Stylist: Rebecca Rose Assistant: Ursula Jackson Model: Lizzie Fletcher MUA: Helen Pike.

Dress courtesy of Juno Says Hello

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PRIMROSE HILL NEWS, VIEWS, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE

Primrose Hill Community Dogs p6

Interview: Warwick Davis p8

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017

Paddington 2: A review p9

Postcards from Primrose Hill p 10 AND MORE

Primrose Hill Community Dogs help the Chalk Farm Foodbank

Rachael Green @ rach.ldesign

By Eliza Slawther

ON THE STREET Hill Community Dogs are on board too, Gilbert, Mimi, Bailey, Oscar, Phoebe, Sukie, Bumble and Chile can be seen in the photograph.

The foodbank is open on Thursdays from 10.30am to 12.00pm, located at the Baptist Church on Berkley Road.

It offers food packages based on a voucher referral scheme.

Rachael Green @ rach.ldesign

Chalk Farm Foodbank (Adrienne McPherson) info@chalkfarmfoodbank.org.uk 0207 482 3763 Primrose Hill Community Dogs (Helen Sweeney) helensweeney@mac.com

The dog-loving community of Primrose Hill have paired up with the Chalk Farm Foodbank to raise funds and support their Christmas lunch.

Helen Sweeney, founder of Primrose Hill Community Dogs, has said: “Tapping into the talented and compassionate neighbourly spirit of Primrose Hill, our aim is to raise awareness, and secure kind donations and funds to provide a better experience over the festive season for over a hundred families. Taking into account the foodbank needs at this time of year, we have created a calendar of initiatives; we are asking the community to come together and share some festive goodwill with those who really need it.”

The initiative of events includes a ‘Trolley Appeal’, in which individuals, families or businesses can donate a shopping trolley filled with nonperishable Christmas items, such as mince pies, toys, family games and clothing, to be donated to the foodbank.

The foodbank is aiming to have at least a hundred full trollies donated in the month of December.

Each trolley will be gifted to a family who attend the Christmas lunch, which is being hosted on 22 December at the Salvation Army on Chalk Farm Road.

The foodbank will provide a threecourse meal, entertainment and gifts to a hundred people. The entertainment line-up includes pianist Merv De Peyer,

and soft drinks will be provided by local pub The Princess of Wales.

Throughout December the foodbank will also be hosting a pop-up dog foodbank, offering treats, food, bedding and toys for the pets of clients. Donations of both new and outgrown or unwanted items are welcome. The foodbank also relies on volunteers in order to continue running, which could be a way to help out other than donating.

Adrienne McPherson, manager of the Chalk Farm Foodbank, says that they have given food to over 5,500 people since opening in 2012. She says that the foodbank is for people in crisis, and it always aims to make sure that families and individuals will have follow-up help after receiving food. Adrienne’s connections with referral groups mean that she can assist in getting people to the right jobcentres so that they can find work, or in directing them to debt counsellors. She said: “We try to ensure that people are connected ‒ to a charity, to an organisation, or getting support from the council.”

Among the residents already supporting the initiative are journalists Andrew Marr and Jon Snow and animal-rights activist Meg Mathews, as well as Sylvie Jacobs, Eileen Barnes, Rachel Green, Frank Lipman, Lulu Hizami, Phil Stylianou, Sam Chaldwell-Smith, Margaux Poussin, Caroline Santi, Gary Ingham Hairdressers and Spa, Primrose Hill Pets, and the Primrose Hill Community Library. Humans are not the only ones helping out, though. The fourfooted, fluffier locals from Primrose

What people are saying about the caring canines “We have an abundance of real grass roots around us here in Primrose Hill – let’s use them to give strong material support to the Dogs/Chalk Farm Foodbank campaign.”

Jon Snow “We have been in Primrose Hill almost 10 years. As an independent pub the community is at the heart of what we do. As soon as we heard about the foodbank campaign we immediately said yes and are looking forward to working with the team” Caroline Santi, owner, Princess of Wales “The dogs are a huge part of Primrose Hill, such a great idea to champion our local food bank. The dogs bringing the community together for a great cause, I love that.”

Meg Matthews, Animal rights activist “Excellent idea, happy to support.”

Andrew Marr “Being part of the Community Dogs gives me great pleasure, working with the foodbank is a wonderful thing.”

Sylvia Jacobs (age 83)

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ON THE STREET INTERVIEW

Warwick Davis: Actor Children from Haverstock School’s journalism course interview Warwick Davis

Warwick Davis was eleven years old when he was spotted as a background artist on Return of the Jedi by feature film director Richard Marquand. He is the only actor who has worked with five Star Wars feature film directors, over three decades. We asked what it was like to work on Return of the Jedi.

WD: The director Richard (Marquand) worked very hard with me to make my Ewok’s character real by encouraging me to project my emotions through the mask. He also helped me create the character. I played him as a combination of a very curious eleven- year-old and my pet dog.

Warwick learned to act with characters that he couldn’t see.

They were filmed separately and projected onto a blue screen afterwards: WD: I had never seen anything like it before. I had to imagine not only what characters I was dealing with, but also the planet Endor.

The blue screen is also known as Chroma key and it still continues to this day. In Rogue One, rather than shoot the actors against a blue screen, in certain scenes they used a massive 40×140-foot LED screen on which computergenerated backgrounds were displayed. The Rogue One group’s jump to hyperspace was one of the shots.

We asked what it had been like to work with all five Star Wars directors.

WD: All of the Star Wars directors bring something of themselves to the table: camera style, writing skills, performance; they give each of these films a unique slant and character, but at the same time they are ALL still part of the same galaxy.

But when I was working on Rogue One, the director Gareth Edwards announced: “We’re going to use ALL the tools in the tool box: CGI, models, animatronics and puppeteers!”

Richard was a bit like a magician; there are a lot of different ways to do a trick, and it made the whole film complete and convincing. I think it was lovely to see some of these skills being utilised again.

“All of the Star Wars directors bring something of themselves to the table” 8

We asked if he had to alter his performance to accommodate the different techniques.

WD: Well, Rogue One was a very immersive experience because there was a three-dimensional, 360-degree space all around you, and there was stuff going on everywhere.

You never knew what was going to be shot! Gareth would shoot and then whip the camera around, so you had to be aware that you only had limited vision and so stay in character at all times.

We asked what he thought about the future of filming.

WD: There was a virtual reality element whilst shooting Rogue One for the tank sequence of Jedha. The guys had this weird box contraption, which they put in the middle of the set. I asked what it was, and they explained it was virtual reality. I put the goggles on and it was weird, because I just stood in the same space I had filmed in but I was able to turn around and look at the whole of the space that we had been in.

Warwick’s experiences of filming have given us a unique insight into working with five very different directors, and the techniques that have evolved in the Star Wars films.

Thank you, Warwick; you are a real actor craftsmen.

Aicha, age 13, Iman, age 12

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017

Paddington 2: A review

By Holly Collis The marmalade-loving, polite and sometimes naïve bear returns in Paddington 2, where he tries to find his Aunt Lucy a birthday present in an antique shop in Notting Hill and comes across a pop-up book of London.

Unfortunately he has to save up money in order to buy it so becomes a window cleaner, going on a washing spree around Windsor Gardens and making the residents happier with their improved windows.

However, another motivated buyer for the book disguises himself and steals the book, but Paddington catches him in the act. When he chases the thief along the Regent’s Canal on dog-back, he is convicted of theft by the police as the thief disappears into thin air!

The Browns go around Windsor Gardens trying to discover clues and find out who the thief is and why he wants the pop-up book, while Paddington spends time in jail finding friends to clear his name.

This summer, if you were lucky enough, you might have seen the newspaper stall at the end of Chalcot Crescent and the film crew and even possibly some of the actors working around the set.

A couple of Primrose Hill residents who watched the film recently said it deserved at least five stars and was a huge improvement on the last one, due to the great range of comedy and action scenes.

It was wonderfully creative and a joy to watch. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet!

As we develop exciting plans to open our new shop in Primrose Hill, we are now looking for two team members to join our team: •

• Jewellery Design Assistant Studio Coordinator (Assistant Retail Manager)

Since 1998 we’ve been working closely with customers all over the world to create beautiful, unique pieces of jewellery. Winners of over 20 national and international awards for our work as jewellers, our contribution to ethics within the industry and our innovative approach to what we do, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery is positioned as a leader in the exciting area of bespoke jewellery. Our ethics and values are exemplary in the industry and we are extremely proud to employ the most talented and dedicated team who bring creativity and excellence to everything they do.

Visit www.hkjewellery.co.uk/jewellery-careers for more details about each position and email your CV and cover letter to recruitment@hkjewellery.co.uk

9

ON THE STREET

POSTCARDS FROM PRIMROSE HILL

A nice, crisp image of 183 Gloucester Road (now Gloucester Avenue). The house is situated near Bridge Approach, the first house on the right going south, across the road from the Pembroke Castle pub. It is still very much the same, apart from the addition of two skylights and the loss of its classic balcony balustrade. The image also gives a nice glimpse of the back of some of the houses in Regent’s Park Road.

In 1911 the house was occupied by the Brewer family: father George, mother Ruth and their children Harry, Alice and William.

It was son Harry, a 22-year-old postman, who wrote this postcard to a Mr Bonner in Birmingham. ‘Will you kindly send patterns for 1 fairly heavy overcoat for me. Also for two costumes, one a brown of some sort for mum & the other a grey for Alice.’ He then suggests a time for the three of them to visit Birmingham: ‘Sat week, the 1st Feb’. He ends with ‘Yours in haste, Harry’. @old_primrosehill_postcards

PASSIONATE ABOUT ART AND POTS 64 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5BJ Wed - Fri: 11am - 6.30pm, Sat: 10am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm (also by appointment) Marc Chagall, Acrobats at Play, lithograph, 1963

26846 Sylvester Fine Art On The Hill Advert 210x99.indd 1

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t: 020 7443 5990 e: info@sylvesterfineart.co.uk www.sylvesterfineart.co.uk

Mike Dodd, MD2071, Small bottle vase; ash glaze over white slip, 18 x 13cm

10/11/2017 15:55

Capture the unique facets of your story with a one-off bespoke engagement ring

Coming Soon to Primrose Hill www.hkjewellery.co.uk Hertfordshire Jewellery Centre +44 (0)1462 790 565 hertfordshire@hkjewellery.co.uk North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Herts, SG4 7DP

London Shop (Opening soon) 69 Regent’s Park Road Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UY

Cambridge Shop +44 (0)1223 461 333 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU

Bridal Jeweller o f t h e Ye a r

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ON THE STREET

NEWS & VIEWS The Getaway Gala An auction event in aid of Primrose Hill Community Association is planned for the spring. We are looking for people kind enough to donate a week/weekend in their holiday home, or other getaway experience. A brilliant way to support your buzzing community centre, and a fun evening ‒–watch this space! Contact info@phca.cc or ring 0207 586 8327.

The Bishop of Edmonton opens St Mary’s Brewery The brewery in the crypt of St Mary’s has now been officially blessed by the Rt Revd Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton. Alongside a picture of St Arnold, the patron saint of brewers, the bishop said prayers over the brewing equipment and sprinkled holy water.

St Arnold, a medieval abbot, brewed beer and encouraged the locals to do the same, as it conferred the ‘gift of health’. During epidemics of sickness, Arnold would get the peasants to drink the brews from his monastery rather than the local water, as it seemed to save lives. What he didn’t realise was that in the brewing process the water was boiled, thus ridding it of harmful bacteria. St Arnold is usually depicted with a mashing rake in his hand. His image will overlook the brewing activity in the crypt.

The church then hosted a beertasting evening for 120 people, who sampled ten of the best craft beers around. A raffle was held and the

winner got a case of beer and the opportunity to name the brewery’s new milk stout.

Steve Reynolds and Roddy Monroe started the project with the full support of the Vicar Revd Marjorie Brown and the Bishop. Since its launch a year ago, the brewery has perfected its beer in collaboration of Johnny Clayton, an award-winning international brewing consultant. With the help of open brewery Ubrew in Bermondsey, they have been contract-brewing and now have five styles of beer on offer.

The social enterprise has grown with the help of passionate volunteers doing social media, marketing and helping out with brewing. Profits from the brewery go towards the church’s youth work and outreach projects. As the Bishop said, “In the spirit of St Arnold: Drink and you’ll save lives!”

You can buy the beer at the Primrose Hill Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, or online at stmarysbrewery.co.uk

99 red balloons for Mark Ron Holding, the caretaker of St Paul’s School for 43 years, and his wife Janette held a small gathering on Primrose Hill on 20 October to mark the 20th anniversary of the loss of their son Mark from cancer. His favourite song was ‘99 Red Balloons’ by Nena, so Ron, Janette and their friends and family released 99 red balloons from the top of Primrose Hill, followed by a heart balloon.

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Psychological thriller by local author Local author Alex Day has brought out a psychological thriller, The Missing Twin.

Published by Killer Reads, it’s available in paperback, ebook and audio book.

The audio has been narrated by an actress of Syrian heritage, Sarah Agha. It’s a very topical read, set between a Mediterranean country and a mother fleeing the Syrian war with her children.

Alex Day is a mother of three and a teacher. The events in The Missing Twin were inspired by the true stories told to her by refugee children in her classroom; stories of terrible loss, epic journeys and the struggle to begin again. Identical twins, always a fascinating topic, provided the counter-balance to this tale told by two very different, but ultimately connected, protagonists.

Carol singing Put on your festive hats and meet at Primrose Hill Community Library to go carolling: 13 December, 5.30–6.30pm Children with their adults please.

All donations to benefit the Community Association.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017

Take Away Dreams In a bold shift, this art exhibition takes place at the famous Marathon Kebab House in Chalk Farm Road, taking the artwork out of the conventional gallery space, which has no connection to the work, into its real-life environment.

Translating its subject onto the traditionally ephemeral ‘canvas’ of a pizza box, something which rarely lasts longer than its contents, the artist comments on the juxtaposition between short-lived physical elements and the infinite nature of dreams.

The artworks bring together a host of characters in recurrent, everyday situations, experiencing and displaying a range of emotions, which all come back to forms of dreaming.

Oliver Malin undertook postgraduate studies at the Royal Drawing School, and his work has been exhibited in London (Rebecca Hossack, Graffik Gallery, Art Below) and Miami (Robert Fontaine). Of the unusual location, he says: “Traditional wisdom would say this works against the seriousness of the work, but I would retort by saying that it adds to the actual experience as the viewer is physically connected to the subject’s environment by living and breathing within it. Also, you can’t order a pizza or kebab from five feet away in a gallery.”

Take Away Dreams can be seen at the Marathon Kebab House, 87 Chalk Farm Road, 13–14 December; visit Oliver’s website at www.olivermalin.com

Advice for Primrose Hill visitors during the festive period In the run-up to the festive period, the Royal Parks and Camden police are reminding people not to bring fireworks or paper lanterns to Primrose Hill.

An increasing number of people have been coming to Primrose Hill to celebrate and view the various displays taking place in London on New Year’s Eve. For the comfort and safety of visitors and residents, the park will close at 1am on New Year’s Eve. In previous years visitors to the hill on New Year’s Eve have dropped excessive litter, so the Royal Parks and Camden police are continuing to urge people to respect the park and their fellow visitors by taking litter home or placing it in the bins provided.

Mark Bridger, Assistant Park Manager for Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, said: “Primrose Hill isn’t suitable for

L I S A

hosting a display or for people to bring their own fireworks.

Also, paper lanterns can be dangerous when lit in the dense assembly of visitors, causing injury and damage to the park, including surrounding properties.”

Police officers will be at all the gates to Primrose Hill to stop anyone attempting to bring in fireworks or lanterns.

Anyone carrying such items will be asked to surrender them to officers for safe disposal and may not be allowed into the park.

A Royal Parks Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “I urge members of the public not to bring fireworks to Primrose Hill. This will allow my officers to focus their efforts on ensuring that park visitors remain safe, that the atmosphere remains good-natured and that any anti-social behaviour can be dealt with swiftly.”

For further information, please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk

H A U C K

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We are using cruelty free, paraben free, sulphate free and sustainable products like Kevin Murphy and Nailberry.

13

ON THE STREET

Corrina Gray

Arthur Rackham 150th anniversary events

Myra Newman, one of our Greeters, arranged a tour of Primrose Hill and Mad Hatter’s tea parties to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Arthur Rackham’s birth.

Rackham lived and worked in Primrose Hill and Belsize Park and is well known for his Alice in Wonderland illustrations and works of art in more than 65 books. The day for the event coincided with International Greeter’s

Wanted!

NuYu Salon NuYu London recently won the ‘The Most Wanted’ Salon in North London at the Hair and Beauty awards 2017.

The event was held at the Grange Tower Bridge and was attended by over 300 people. A number of well-known hair and beauty specialists were in attendance. Congratulations, NuYu!

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Day. Myra arranged a tea party following a tour to Primrose Hill Studios where Arthur lived and worked. The party took place in Beyond the Wave art gallery, with exhibits by local artists.

One artist with work on display was Andrew Marr, the journalist and broadcaster, who came along to talk about his artistic work. Andrew has just published his Short Book About Painting, following from his Short Book About Drawing.

Also attending was Martin Nelson, a local actor and opera singer, whose father was taken under the wing of Arthur Rackham as a child.

Martin brought along a book and photographs illustrating his father’s connection to Arthur Rackham. Eleanor Monk, the Chair of London Greeters, wrote formally to gallery manager Kate Shand to thank her for hosting the event and to Myra for organising the tour and tea party.

On 18 October as part of Camden Intergenerational Week, Myra was also involved in organising a Belsize tour and an intergenerational tea party at Belsize Community Library, with a visit from the Mayor of Camden, Cllr Richard Cotton. Dressed up as the Mad Hatter, the Mayor cut the anniversary cake provided by Primrose Bakery.

Mel Wright, coordinator of Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE), took part in the Arthur Rackham walk and reported that there was a good turnout of 23 people, including three new members.

e Letter to th

Editor

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Keep up the Jim Mulligan

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017

Rebecca Leigh exhibition at Tann Rokka Rebecca Leigh is holding an art exhibition at Tann Rokka, 123 Regent’s Park Road, between 1–‒8 December.

Her paintings are modern naïve impressionist portraits, stylishly capturing characters from a bygone era. Her inspiration is 1920s‒–30s glamour, and she adores the work of artists Kees van Dongen and Otto Dix. Self-taught at the age of 47, and a single mother of two young boys, Rebecca has only been painting for just over a year, but already she has caught the attention of an exclusive client base on Instagram.

“My commitment to my work is 100 per cent, immersing myself in my painting all day while caring for the children. A fine juggling act at times!

The feeling I have when making my art is incomparable to anything I have ever felt before.”

For originals/limited prints/ commissions please contact: @seedofmemoryart OR loftten@btinternet.com

Nishihara & Co. Hair Salon 42 Chalcot Road London, NW1 8LS T: 020 7483 2417 E: nishihara.london@gmail.com www.nishihara.co.uk

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What’s On December/January NEW THIS DECEMBER TUESDAY 5 Film Show at the Library The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), directed

by Tim Sharman. PHCL. 7.15pm. £8, including a glass of wine, in cash, in advance at PHCL or on the door.

WEDNESDAY 6 Open House Join us for a chutney-making session with Beena Patel. PHCC. 2pm. Free.

Double bill at the Library Two thought-provoking novels about human dramas of survival: Desmond Astley-Cooper talks about In the Time of the Mulberry and Ellen Wiles on The Invisible Crowd. PHCL. 7pm. £2, including a glass of wine and nibbles.

SATURDAY 9 Primrose Hill Designer Sale 10:00–18:00, St Mary’s Church, Elsworthy Road.

SUNDAY 10 Family Barn Dances Bring the entire family and take part in lively dances from the British Isles in a supportive and fun environment! Cecil Sharp House. 3–5pm. £7 adult, £5 child, £2 under 2s.

TUESDAY 12 Local Lives Richard Creasey in conversation with Dick Bird for his ‘Desert Island Discs’. PHCC. 7pm for 7.30pm start. £4 to include a glass of wine.

WEDNESDAY 13 Open House Kissing the Shuttle exhibition. Visit an exhibition of screen-printed quilts. Cecil Sharp House.

2pm. Free.

Calling all loud children!

Come and join us for a night of Christmas carolling around Primrose Hill. Put on your Christmas accessories and meet us at the Library at 5.30pm.

Email missgabby@mac.com for a list of songs. All proceeds to benefit PHCA. Evening Open House Getting to Know Your Local Area with Air Camden.

An illustrated presentation of a century of aviation heritage by Lester Hillman. PHCC. 7.15pm. Free.

THURSDAY 14 Meditation yoga with Ellen Emmet PHCL. 6.45pm. For prices contact ellenemmet@outlook.com SUNDAY 17 A Christmas concert with a folk twist, and a chance to join in the songs and merriment Cecil Sharp House. 7–9pm. £15, or £10 for under 26s.

MONDAY 18, TUESDAY 19, WEDNESDAY 20 Circus Glory December workshops Trapeze for ages 3–12, all levels welcome. PHCC. 10am–3pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com TUESDAY 19 Open Mic PHCL. 7pm. Donations appreciated. Contact events@phcl.org

WEDNESDAY 20 Open House Jack and the Beanstalk panto, followed by tea and cake. PHCA. 2pm. Discounted tickets available.

Circus Glory All levels welcome. Trapeze for ages 3–12. PHCC. 3–6.30pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com

PHCC and PHCL will be closed from 23 December to 2 January inclusive.

Rhyme Time Library Rhyme Time for under 5s. PHCL. 10.30–11.15am. Suggested £2 donation. Contact 020 7419 6599

SUNDAY 31 New Year’s Eve ceilidh Dance away the old year and welcome in 2018.

Cecil Sharp House. 8pm–1am. £30, or £20 for under 26s.

NEW THIS JANUARY TUESDAY 9 Film Show at the Library Untouchable (2011), directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, with subtitles. PHCL. 7.15pm. £8, including a glass of wine, in cash, in advance at PHCL or on the door.

TUESDAY 16 Open Mic PHCL. 7pm. Donations appreciated. Contact events@phcl.org WEDNESDAY 17 Open House Melody Thompson describes one of the largest First Nation groups in North America, the Cree Indian Circle. PHCC. 2pm. Free.

Lecture by Dr Caroline Radcliffe: Clog Dancing and the Victorian Music Hall Cecil Sharp House. 7–8.30pm. £8, or £6 for EFDSS members.

SUNDAY 21 Family barn dances Bring the entire family and take part in lively dances from the British Isles in a supportive and fun environment! Cecil Sharp House. 3–5pm. £7 adult, £5 child, £2 under 2s.

WEDNESDAY 24 Open House Visit St Mary’s church in the heart of Somers Town, Eversholt Street, King’s Cross, NW1 1BN. 2pm.

Free. Transport available from PHCC in advance.

WEDNESDAY 31 Open House Manhattan. Screening of Woody Allen’s classic ode to New York. PHCC. 2pm. Free.

PLAN AHEAD COMING SOON SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY Primrose Hill’s Vintage Disco 7pm till late. Primrose Hill Community Centre.

Dance to the sounds of the 60s, 70s & 80s. Tickets £12 from www.phca.cc/disco

FOR KIDS MONDAY Ready Steady Go ABC classes Fun and educative groups for toddlers and babies aged 6–18 months with their parents and carers.

PHCC. 9.30–11am. £120 per term (pro-rated when joining), trial classes available. Please contact 020 7586 5862 to register or for more information.

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Homework Club Do your homework in the Library with a qualified teacher. PHCL. 4–6pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 TUESDAY Monkey Music Award-winning music classes for babies and toddlers: music, movement, percussion, bubbles and fun. Contact 020 8438 0189 for a free trial class.

Hartbeeps Baby Sensory PHCC. Multi-sensory class of mini music productions for the very young. 1.30–5.15pm.

Classes £8. Contact Clare 07528 688 734 Tatty Bumpkin Children’s mindfulness and yoga. PHCL. 4–5pm.

Prices from londoncentral@tattybumkin.com Music and Rhyme for under 4s Drop-in sessions. PHCC. 4.30–5pm. £1. Contact 0207 586 8327 WEDNESDAY Ready Steady Go Yoga Baby and Me, age 6 wks–9 mths, with Lily.

PHCC. 9–10am. £60 for 5 weeks (first class free).

Contact yoga@readysteadygo.org to register or for more information.

Circus Glory Trapeze for ages 3–12. PHCC. 2.30–6.30pm.

Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Homework Club Do your homework in the Library with a qualified teacher. PHCL. 4–6pm. Free. Contact: 020 7419 6599 Primrose Hill Children’s Choir Learn to sing, enjoy fun songs and games. Ages 4–11. St Mary’s Church, NW3 3DJ. 4–5pm. First time free, then £8 per week. www.primrosehillchoirs.com. Contact Matthew 07817 234 925 All-ages Chess Club Join us for a game of chess. PHCL. 6.30pm. Free.

Contact 07830 107 477, a.bruce@pardesgrammar.co.uk THURSDAY Mini Mozart Musical story time. PHCL. 9.30am for young children; 10.15am for babies.

Contact hello@minimozart.com Mothers and Babies Pilates Want to tone your limbs, flatten your tummy and strengthen your pelvic floor? PHCL. 10am and 11am. Contact pilateswithpaulette@gmail.com, facebook.com/pilateswithpaulette First Class Learning English and Maths tuition. PHCL. 3.30–6.30pm.

Contact primrosehill@firstclasslearning.co.uk Drop-in for under 4s Drop in and take part in a variety of activities.

PHCC. 11.15am–1pm. £2.50 to include snack, tea and coffee for mums. Contact 020 7586 8327

Catherine’s Ballet, Chalk Farm School of Dance for under 5s Ballet classes at PHCC. 4–5pm. Contact info@ chalkfarmschoolofdance.co.uk, www.chalkfarmschoolofdance.co.uk Music and Rhyme Time for under 4s Drop-in at PHCC. 4.30–5pm. £1.

Contact 0207 586 8327 FRIDAY Mothers’ Mornings Meet other mothers while your children play.

PHCL. 10.30–11.30am. Free.

Contact 020 7419 6599 Circus Glory Trapeze for ages 3–12. PHCC. 2.30–6.30pm.

Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Tatty Bumpkin Yoga-inspired movement to soothing music, in a relaxed multi-sensory environment, to nudge your child towards physical and social development, 0–7 years. PHCC. 2.45–3.45pm.

Contact 07393 970 185, www.tattybumpkin.com/londoncentral Funky Dance Classes – Pitta Patta Ages 4–16. PHCC. 4–7.15pm. Contact Juliet 07971 916 174, Juliet@pittapattadance.co.uk, www.pittapattadance.co.uk SATURDAY Jingle Jam Music Music classes with a jazz flavour. Babies of 3 months to walking at 10.10am; walking to 5 years at 11.10am. Contact Emily Dankworth 07905 979 024, www.jinglejamkids.co.uk SUNDAY Drama, dance and singing classes A unique mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential, age 4–7. PHCC. 10–11.30am, and 11.30am–1pm. PHCC. Try a free class. Contact 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk, www.perform.org.uk

FOR ADULTS MONDAY ACOL Bridge Club PHCC. 1.45–3.45pm. £3. Contact Maureen Betts 07919 444 187 Circus Glory: Trapeze for Adults All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.30–2.45pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Neighbourhood Information Centre Drop-in advice centre. PHCL. 2–4pm. Free.

Contact 020 7419 6599 Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) New drop-in class to release chronic tension patterns and return the nervous system to balance.

PHCC. 4–6pm. £15 per class, or 5 for £50. Contact Tim Kirkpatrick, www.back2base.co.uk Chilled Strings Small amateur string chamber orchestra, guided by professional tutor Kwesi Edman. PHCC. 6.30–8.45pm. £10 for each evening. Contact sueandhercello@gmail.com Bridge Class Beginners/intermediate. Join us in the Library for a game of bridge. PHCL. 6.30pm. Contact jojarrold@gmail.com

What’s On December/January Primrose Hill Community Choir Love to sing? Try us out! All welcome. PHCC. 7.30–9.30pm. £6. Contact Matthew 0781 723 4925, www.primrosehillchoirs.com TUESDAY Pilates PHCL. Dynamic sessions, 9am and 10.15am; gentler session 11.30am–12.30pm. £12 per class, £100 for 10 classes. Contact lizacawthorn@gmail.com Laban Movement Workshop To practise and explore Rudolf Laban’s Scales and Efforts. PHCC. 12noon–1pm. £10. Contact 07970 536 643, jennyfrankel.laban@gmail.com

Yoga for Seniors PHCC. 7–8pm. Free. Contact 020 7586 8327 Yoga PHCL. 6.30–7.45pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 Life-drawing Beginners to professionals, just drop in! PHCC. 7–9.20pm. £8 or £6 concession. Contact 020 7586 8327, phlifedrawing@gmail.com, www.meetup.com/Primrose-Hill-Life-DrawingLondon, Instagram: @lifedrawingph

ESOL Class Learn English at the Library. PHCL. 12–1.30pm.

Free. Contact jojarrold@gmail.com

English Country Dancing Learn English country and ceilidh dancing with tutor Mike Ruff. Musicians welcome to join the band led by Ian Cutts. No need to bring a partner, no experience necessary. Cecil Sharp House.

7.30–10pm. Contact www.cecilsharphouse.org, 020 7485 2206

Hatha Yoga PHCC. 1.30–2.30pm. Drop-in £11, 5 classes £50, 10 classes £90. Contact 0780 855 3599, emma.lecoeur@gmail.com

FRIDAY Aerial Pilates PHCC. 9.45–11.15am. Contact circusbodies@gmail.com

Keep Fit for over 60s PHCC. 3–4pm. Free. Contact 0207 586 8327

Mothers’ Mornings Meet other mothers while your children play.

PHCL. 10.30–11.30am. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599

General Yoga PHCC. 6.30–8pm. Contact Catriona 020 7267 5675, cat.b1@blueyonder.co.uk Morris Dancing Led by tutor Andy Richards, learn lively Cotswold Morris dancing with handkerchiefs and sticks.

No experience necessary. Cecil Sharp House.

6.30–9pm. Contact www.cecilsharphouse.org, 020 7485 2206 WEDNESDAY Circus Glory Trapeze for adults. All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.15–2.15pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Open House A regular activity (film, talk, performance) followed by tea, cake and chat. PHCC. 2pm. Free.

Contact 020 7586 8327 All-ages Chess Club Join us for a game of chess. PHCL. 6.30pm. Free.

Contact 0783 010 7477, a.bruce@pardesgrammar.co.uk English Folk Dance Club Camden Great fun for dancers of all abilities or none. No partner needed. PHCC. 7.30–10pm. Drop-in charge £5. Contact camdenfolkdance@yahoo.com THURSDAY Pilates For mothers and babies. PHCL. 11am. Contact pilateswithpaulett@gmail.com Gentle Pilates Gentle but effective Pilates class. PHCL. 12.30–1.30pm. £10 per session.

Contact annie@mactherapy.org Narcotics Anonymous PHCC. 1.30–3.45pm. Free.

Pregnancy Yoga PHCC. 2–4pm. Contact 0780 855 3599, emma.lecoeur@gmail.com Primrose Hill Yoga Strengthen, stretch, relax and re-energise. PHCC. 5.30–6.30pm. £11 drop-in, £40 for series, student and unemployed discount available. Contact carolineshawyoga@gmail.com

Circus Glory Trapeze for adults. All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.30–2.45pm. Contact Genevieve 0797 345 1603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com SATURDAY Primrose Hill Market St Paul’s School playground, Elsworthy Road, NW3.

10am–3pm. Contact www.primrosehillmarket.com SUNDAY Hopkinson’s Bar Meet for a drink with your neighbours. All welcome. PHCC. 12–2pm.

Contact 020 7586 8327

CONTACT DETAILS PHCC Primrose Hill Community Centre 29 Hopkinsons Place (off Fitzroy Road) NW1 8TN Contact: info@phca.cc 020 7586 8327 PHCL Primrose Hill Community Library Sharpleshall Street, NW1 8YN Contact: events@phcl.org 020 7419 6599 Please submit entries for our December issue by Friday 10 November onthehillwhatson@phca.cc

Cecil Sharp House 2 Regent’s Park Road NW1 7AY Contact: info@efdss.org 020 7485 2206

Christmas is around the corner, and it wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful wreath to decorate your home.

Lucie Allison will be running wreath-making workshops on: Thursday 7 December Tuesday 12 December And table centre-pieces and a wreath chandelier to hang above the table on: Thursday 14 December Monday 18 December Each workshop will run 8–10pm at a cost of £85. This will include all materials: a selection of green festive foliage, aromatic herbs, dried fruits, foraged thistle heads and hydrangeas all hand-picked in the early morning from Covent Garden market.

Swedish mulled wine and nibbles will be provided to get you in the festive mood. Happy wreath-making!

Please contact Lucie via email to guarantee a place, as numbers are limited: l-allison@live.co.uk

find Lucie on Instagram @lucieallison

Advertise your club, group or event with On The Hill Submit your details to onthehillwhatson@phca.cc to be featured and reach 35,000 Primrose Hill residents and visitors each month

OnThe Hill

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05/09/2016 10:03:51

PRIMROSE HILL GIFTS Save yourself a trek and do all your Christmas shopping locally. Here are a few ideas to get your festive season off to a sparkling start. And don’t forget to treat yourself while you’re out there!

JUNO SAYS HELLO Make sure you’re the belle of the ball in an original early 1950s cocktail dress. It features an off-the-shoulder neckline in velvet, with shoulder ties, jet beading on the bodice, and a stiffened taffeta skirt. Excellent condition; appears unworn. Will fit modern UK 8. £395. www.junosayshello.com

PRIMROSE BAKERY Christmas simply isn’t complete without eggnog! Primrose Bakery’s eggnog cupcake contains a warming and delicious combination of spices and rum in both the sponge and the icing. Cheers! www.primrose-bakery.co.uk

ZOE & MORGAN Be the star on everyone’s Christmas tree with these rising sun earrings which hold the spectrum of the rising sun. The stud set with citrine sits high on the ear to reflect the sun at its highest point. The elegant drop matte disk reveals the cutout detailing of the sun with mismatched citrine, orange sapphire, emerald and ruby stones set within. Made with care in 925 sterling silver with a 22k goldplate. RRP £288. www.zoeandmorgan.com

PRIMROSE HILL BOOKS

GALLERY 196 These lavender bags are made in Primrose Hill out of upcycled vintage Japanese silk kimono fabric.

They’re embellished with cheerful pom-poms and tassels from India and filled with beautifully scented lavender from France. Each one is unique! www.gallery196.com

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Most people love a good book and a signed first addition adds to the Christmas spirit even more. You can choose it and pick it up at the shop, order it online or have it posted to friends and family as the perfect present to spread some smiles! www.primrosehillbooks.com

AESTHETICS LAB Give a gift of healthy skin and body with Aesthetics Lab’s gift vouchers. With treatments ranging from pain-free laser hair removal to anti-ageing and skin rejuvenating procedures, your loved ones are sure to find this the perfect Christmas gift. www.aestheticslab.co.uk

SWEET PEASWEET PEA Get yourself some Christmas brownie points by heading into Sweet Pea. With this fine chain bracelet made from 18ct yellow gold with ruby beads, you really can’t go wrong. £405 www.sweetpeajewellery.com

SYLVESTER FINE ART For an extra special something for art and pottery lovers this Christmas, how about a unique and beautiful hand-thrown jar by leading British potter Nic Collins. It’s created from Meeth clay with a Shino glaze. £750 www.sylvesterfineart.co.uk

PRIMROSE INTERIORS Armchair from £925 plus fabric and delivery.

Primrose Interiors can create bespoke furniture for a tailor-made gift. Our luxuriously upholstered armchairs can be created in a choice of fabrics and finishes. Sink back with a cocktail and enjoy! www.primrose-interiors.com

PRIMROSE HILL CANDLES What better way to light up your Christmas than with a Primrose Hill candle. Local artist Francis Katz designed the packaging to celebrate the iconic London skyline as seen from the top of Primrose Hill. The candles are 100% natural wax and hand-poured in the UK. Choose from Fig Leaf & Tomato, Pomegranate & Chilli, Orange Blossom & Rose or Grapefruit & Basil.

Candles retail for £28 with a 20% special promotion for On The Hill readers and free local delivery. www.primrosehillcandles.com

GARY INGHAM Gary Ingham makes Christmas simple by offering Aveda gift cards (both locations) and Day Spa Retreats (Hampstead only). The gift cards are available to be purchased for a specific service, product or simply topped up with any amount, great for a stocking-filler or a big gift!

The day retreats are: The Big Gift – £210 31/2 hours A gift of pure indulgence from top to toe. Perfect to give, divine to receive. Suitable for all, even as a gift to yourself!

CAVE INTERIORS New in for Christmas is this exclusive collection of ceramics including various sized bowls and vases by super-talented local artist Hannah Bould, who draws inspiration from the works of Matisse, Picasso and brutalist architecture.

Prices vary. www.caveinteriors.com

Mother to Be – £135 2 hours Essential indulgence for expectant mothers; a helping hand to alleviate discomfort, aid relaxation and restore balance.

Stress Fix – £115 13/4 hours A package designed to alleviate the stress and tension from everyday life, leaving you relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to face the world.

Men’s Grooming Experience – £115 13/4 hours An ideal combination of destressing and refocusing treatments, providing relaxation and restoration in record time. www.garyingham.com

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Jon Snow: Colour is my brand L ocal broadcaster Jon Snow has a thing about ties. He’s known for the colourful, patterned ties he wears on air. Each morning he selects his tie depending on his mood, while being conscious that it shouldn’t ‘distract from the news’. Now the Design Museum is holding an exhibition behind the design and creation of the ties, Jon Snow: Colour is My Brand.

The majority of the ties have been created by the south London textile designer and tie-maker Victoria Richards, who reflects on the design process in the exhibition. She is known for her abstract patterns and brush strokes, and works with handprinting techniques where dyes are applied by steam.

Victoria works with Jon to design new colour waves and patterns which will work well on TV. The ideas are drawn up and sent off to Vanners, one of the last silkweaving companies working in the UK. Jon first developed an interest in colourful fabrics as a teenage volunteer in Uganda. Struck by the vibrantly patterned Kitenge fabric worn by Ugandan women, the experience inspired him to revitalise his formerly muted British palette.

Three new ties crafted to Jon Snow’s specifications are available for purchase in the Design Museum Shop.

Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6AG, free and open daily 10am–6pm (last admission 5pm). Exhibition runs till 25 February, curated by Ameena M McConnell

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The science of beauty

Ghosts Of Christmas The New and Original Seasonal Offering from Lanah P

fashionlovesphotos.com​

Veteran of Channel 4’s Comic Strip Presents, local singer Lanah P will be releasing Ghost of Christmas on Monday 4 December.

Written with wellloved entertainer Jason Prince, musical visionary Scott Houzet and ruling producer Nik C, Lanah offers beautiful, distinctive and dramatic vocals and instantly engages us in a haunting story of lost love, bygone relationships and how the ghosts of Christmases past visit us.

The sub-narrative is that warm fireside winter solstice feeling that comes from self-survival, self-nurturing and hope as we are reassured that the future is not yet formed and can bring so many good things.

SEASONS GREETINGS ONE AND ALL!

Primrose Hill Community Association Presents

On YouTube from 10 December Download from iTunes Stream from Spotify Signed CD from www.klubkidzproductions.com

Dance to the sounds of the 60s, 70s & 80s Saturday 3rd February, 7pm til late Primrose Hill Community Centre More info & tickets www.phca.cc/disco 21

It’s a busy Saturday morning in Mary’s Living and Giving shop in Primrose Hill. The manager, Monica Nsue Jurado, is checking the inventory room; volunteer Nada carries downstairs the donation bags that a local resident brought in; and John, a former charity communications manager, is happy he managed to fix the window display.

“The interesting part about volunteering,” Monica says, “is that you get to work with what you are good at; and when you do that for a good cause, the impact is multiplied.”

Monica is the new manager of the shop. She left her job in PR and events for a career aligned with her values and a company that had a positive impact on people’s lives. Mary’s Living and Giving was set up eight years ago by retail expert Mary Portas for the benefit of Save the Children, the non-profit organisation dedicated to changing children’s futures. Following Mary’s own vision, Monica wants to invite local people to become volunteers, in order to continue making the shop a place for the community to come together.

“Why not?” she asks as she files documents and tidies up some clothes on the rack. “There is an opportunity for everybody: if you are a student, a parent, somebody in between jobs, have just retired or are new to the neighbourhood, your skills are needed.” As Monica describes the shop’s layout, she points to the books section. “We have a wonderful woman

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Mary’s Living and Giving: volunteers needed!

WORDS BY Mariana Gutierrez Reyes PHOTOGRAPHS BY Sarah Lousie Ramsay named Nina who used to work in the library at Cambridge University, and all these books have been carefully selected by her. She’s been off on holiday for two weeks, and you can definitely feel her absence. This is like her own curated collection.”

Volunteers need to commit to just four consecutive hours every week. The idea is to work at whatever needs doing: selling, looking after the shop, sorting clothes, engaging with customers or coming up with ideas to increase sales.

This season, for example, Monica has decided on two focus points: items of menswear, and selling products from

companies with a social purpose (eg the soaps and body creams from SoapCo, a bestseller from the summer, which help the blind).

Although it sounds clichéd, every day can bring an opportunity. Monica explains: “We had a customer who tried on a beautiful dress and ripped it. The woman never mentioned it and left it on the rack. We were disappointed when we noticed, because we thought we had missed out on a great sale.

When one of the volunteers spotted what had happened, she took out a needle and thread and managed to fix it. We did not know how talented she

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Would you like to become a volunteer?

was! From then on, she uses her skills to repair and upscale garments.”

Volunteers are the backbone of the work of Save the Children. The organisation started at the beginning of the twentieth century as the joint effort of two sisters who were worried about the living conditions of children in Europe. Their extraordinary efforts led to the growth of what is now one of the most important NGOs for the welfare of children all over the world.

Mary Portas states that “Mary’s Living and Giving isn’t simply a shop name, it’s a philosophy.” There are over a hundred outlets in the UK, and they are treated as boutiques rather than charity shops. Each one is a unique concept with its own particular wall colours, style and original products.

The idea is to give a personality to each branch. This helps volunteers to sort and classify donations, making

sure they are sent to the place where they are most likely to be sold; items of higher quality can obviously be sold for a higher price. The shops have won a place in the high streets of some of the trendiest neighbourhoods in London. Sophie from the Primrose Hill branch says, “I have been volunteering and working in charity shops since I was fourteen, and the donations I see are unbelievable.

Mary’s Living and Giving is the most impressive I have seen.”

It’s true. The stock ranges from high street labels to fashion power houses like Alexander McQueen or Stella McCartney. Coats, dresses, shirts and shoes are carefully selected and arranged to attract savvy costumers.

It’s common to see a great pair of Italian leather boots arrive in the morning and disappear by 2 o’clock the same day.

The purpose of the shops is to provide a space for the community to come together and raise money for different projects in Save the Children. Volunteers are encouraged to join because it’s fun, interesting and for a good cause. They get to participate in events and, if they are interested, go to workshops organised by Save the Children. Some volunteers have taken their commitment so seriously that they have been able to join some of the projects in other parts of the world (currently operating in 120 countries).

The volunteering process is simple, yet is taken seriously by Save the Children. They have a series of guiding principles and ask candidates to abide by them: trust, empowerment, accountability and community are some of the most important. They are looking for committed, engaged and creative individuals who want to find a space to develop their skills and contribute to making a difference to the lives of children in the UK and around the world.

Why not start today?

For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.uk/ volunteer

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MAGENTA LIVES AMONG US PAT QUINN ON THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW WORDS BY DAVID LENNON PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH LOUISE RAMSAY 24

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THE DEMENTED DOMESTIC MAGENTA FROM THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, THE CULT MUSICAL TO END ALL CULT MUSICALS, LIVES IN A QUIET STREET OVERLOOKING PRIMROSE HILL. THERE IS NOTHING QUIET ABOUT MAGENTA’S PROGENITOR, THE EXUBERANT PATRICIA QUINN, ONE OF THE STARS OF THE SEXUALLY LIBERATING 70S ROCK MUSICAL AND ITS 1975 FILM ADAPTATION, WHICH IS STILL DRAWING AUDIENCES AROUND THE WORLD. THERE WAS NO MISTAKING HER AS SHE OPENED THE DOOR OF HER FLAT TO ON THE HILL. The trademark reddish-purple curly hair of Magenta contrasted with her outfit of totally black top and leggings, a brooch of the red lips you’ll see at the beginning of the film, arms loaded with silver, gold and black bangles, a massive pearl ring, glittering golden nails, blue-rimmed glasses ‒ and a dazzling smile.

“I got off the boat from Belfast aged 17 and didn’t go back. I wanted to be an actress.” This was the beginning of two hours of a highly entertaining stream of consciousness description of her career before, during and after Rocky Horror. I was swept along, mesmerised, enchanted.

With her distinctive voice, electric smile and inimitable presence, Patricia Quinn is witty, charming and an unstoppable force of nature. Famous names pour from her bright red lips faster than my pen can record them: Billy Wilder, Jeremy Irons, Mark Kermode, David Bowie, Hugh Heffner, Jean Shrimpton, David Bailey, Vanessa Redgrave, Chris Evans to name a few, and of course the brilliant actor and long-time partner Robert Stephens.

“Robert and I married in 1995 and then he got knighted by the Prince of Wales, so I am Lady Stephens,” she says. “It’s incredibly funny for a Rocky girl and Playboy bunny (that’s another story) to be a lady now.”

The Rocky Horror saga began in June 1973 as a three-week theatrical production at the 60-seat Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court in Sloane Square.

“We were making this up as we were going along, daily. It began with a couple of songs and not many lines, and it still doesn’t have many lines, which is what’s great about it,” Quinn says with a laugh. “Within three weeks, London was buzzing with The Rocky Horror Show. We were the toast of London, and we didn’t know what had hit us.”

The blend of transsexual sci-fi horror, dark comedy and musical numbers was

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“YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE TOLD ME THAT THE FILM HAS CHANGED THEIR LIFE” nothing London had ever seen before (or since, really). “People were queueing down the street, Mick Jagger, Princess Margaret. The Rocky Horror Show quickly gained a reputation as the show to see.”

A film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, went into production in 1975, with Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and Meatloaf added to the original stage players of creator-writer Richard O’Brien, Tim Curry as the transsexual Dr Frank N Furter and of course Patricia Quinn as the sinister, intergalactic maid Magenta.

“I nearly didn’t do the film,” she says, explaining that in the stage show she sang the Usherette’s opening number ‘Science Fiction/Double Feature’. “In the film version the director Jim Sharman decided to give the number to Richard O’Brien, because he thought it would

make the opening stronger. I was furious and said I wasn’t interested. But the director talked me round.”

Just as well, because although O’Brien sang ‘her song’ in the opening title sequence, it is her disembodied lips which are synchronised with the lyrics of the title song and they ended up being arguably the most famous lips in cinema history. “I love it,” she laughs, “other than perhaps Mick Jagger’s mouth.”

One song not altered is ‘The Time Warp’, a parody of the dance song genre in which much of the content of the song is given over to dance step instruction. “Jump to the left, step to the right…” The dance is one of the major audience-participation activities during screenings of the film and performances of the show. It has become a popular song beyond the reaches of the film and show, and is often played at dances and weddings.

Not sure this is recommended for Primrose Hill Library, though.

“It was blood, sweat and tears working on that film, as we had to do it in six weeks. When it opened it was a complete flop, but Fox put it on at midnight

Top left: Patricia with co-stars Richard O’Brien, Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon. Bottom left: with her husband Robert Stephens. Centre: as Magenta in Rocky Horror Picture Show. Above: with Nell Campbell

on campuses across America and the audience began to grow.” Gradually it acquired a worldwide cult following, which today is stronger and bigger than ever.

The world of Rocky Horror has continued to be part of Patricia’s professional career, and she often returns to it, appearing at fan conventions, screenings and live performances around the world. “I’m very proud of Rocky Horror. I think it’s brilliant,” she says. “Extraordinary performance. It never bores. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who have told me that the film has changed their life. People who don’t fit in or are confused about their sexuality can relate to the film, and they find comfort in that.”

The show also gave birth to British punk. “It was Rocky costume designer Sue Blane who created punk,” says Pat, “The costumes were amazingly punk.”

Post-Rocky, Patricia went on to star alongside some of the biggest names

in entertainment on stage, film and in television shows – including Doctor Who, Minder, I, Claudius, The Professionals, Bergerac and Tales of the Unexpected.

After almost two hours of highly entertaining tales from showbiz, I finally get her to focus on Primrose Hill, where she has lived since the 1960s.

“I was a Primrose Hill girl, even before Primrose Hill was invented.

My son Quinn was born in this flat in St George’s Terrace in 1970. The only reason I came to dreary Chalk Farm from the swinging Kings Road in the 1960s was to attend the amazing Drama Centre in Prince of Wales Road.” Other alumni include Colin Firth, Piers Brosnan, Tom Hardy, she adds.

Two years after moving to London she married fellow student drummer Don Hawkins, and their first flat was on Haverstock Hill. “Below us was Ben Kingsley. Then a girlfriend offered us her place in Chalcot Square. Alan Bennett lived across the road.” She pauses. “He never wrote me a part, the

rotter; I’m not posh enough,” she laughs.

“Can I say that?”

The house owner wanted to redevelop. “He offered us £800 to vacate, a huge sum in those days.” Passing a sweet shop she saw a flat for rent in St George’s Terrace. They got the place for £7 a week plus £5.90 for the electricity. “It was a dump, but we had the £800 to do it up. I skipped down the road with delight.”

Some years later, the Euston Trust offered to sell five houses in the terrace. “Thanks to Robert Stephens putting up the deposit, I was able to buy it. Only £14,000. It was worth double, but I wouldn’t sell,” she says looking out the sun-drenched window to the trees and the park. “Primrose Hill is my life. When I thought I might have to leave, I would cry.”

And finally, any tips for aspiring actors or actresses? She quotes the main theme of Rocky which could also be Patricia Quinn’s theme song: ‘Don’t dream it, be it’.

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Primrose Hill LAUGHS

"I’m so sorry, we’re closed – I have flocks to watch. You could try Cowshed, they usually have some space.”

SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 4 PM ADVENT CHORAL PROCESSION SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER A beautiful service by candlelight moving darkness toEVE lightCHILDREN’S 4 PM – ADVENT CHORAL PROCESSION 5 PM –from CHRISTMAS CRIB SERVICE

A beautiful service by candlelight moving from darkness to light

WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER 7 PM COMMUNITY CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 11.30 PM – MIDNIGHT MASS Music provided by the Mass setting: Missa Brevis in D Mozart with Strings 7 PM – COMMUNITY CAROLS BY Primrose Hill School Choir, CANDLELIGHT The Royal Free Music Society

Music provided by the Primrose Hill School Choir, The Royal Free Music Society

All welcome

SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER 4 PM – FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

Mass setting: Communion in F Darke

Led by the Choir of St Mark’s

All Welcome

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MONDAY 25 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DAY 10.30 AM – EUCHARIST OF CHRISTMAS MORNING

Marketplace

Your guide to shopping and eating in Primrose Hill

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SHAMPOO HAIRDRESSERS 63 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XD 020 7722 9594 alinashala@hotmail.co.uk Tu–Sa 09.00–18.00 Su 10.00–16.00

PRIMROSE HILL FRAMING COMPANY 45 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7586 4571 primrosehillframingco@gmail.com M–F 09.30–13.00, 14.00–17.30 Sa 09.30–13.00

L’ABSINTHE (ALL DAY) BRASSERIE 40 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7483 4848 absinthe07@hotmail.co.uk M 08.00–16.00 Tu–F 08.00–22.00 Sa 09.00–22.00 Su 12.00–21.00 www.labsinthe.co.uk LA COLLINA 17 Princess Rd, NW1 8JR 020 7483 0192 info@lacollinarestaurant.co.uk M–Su 12.00–14.30, 18.00–22.15 www.lacollinarestaurant.co.uk

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Eating & Dining

ALBERT TERRACE MEWS

CAVE INTERIORS 29 Princess Rd, NW1 8JR 020 7722 9222 georgina@caveinteriors.com M–F 09.30–17.30 www.caveinteriors.com PRIMROSE INTERIORS 55 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XD 020 7586 6595 info@primrose-interiors.com S–F 10.00–17.00

Specialist PRIMROSE HILL PETS 132 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL 020 7483 2023 gail@primrosehillpets.co.uk M 09.30–18.30, Tu–Sa 09.00–18.00 Su 11.00–17.00 www.primrosehillpets.co.uk

To advertise your business in Marketplace contact ads@onthehill.info

OnThe Hill

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NISHIHARA & CO 42 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 0207 483 2417 nishihara.london@gmail.com Tu–W 09.00–19.00 Th–F 10.00–20.00 Sa–Su 10.00–16.00 (alternative times available upon request) www.nishihara.co.uk

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Thank you to all our contributors!

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PRIMROSE HILL DENTAL 61a Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XD 020 7722 0860 / 07845 0088 240 primrose.dent@gmail.com M, W, F 09.00–17.00 Tu, Th 09.00–20.00 Sa 09.00–13.00 PRIMROSE HILL BUSINESS CENTRE The oldest in the world 110 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8HX 0207 483 2681 M–F 09.00–18.00 info@phbcoffices.co.uk

Fashion GALLERY 196 196 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XP (orange door) 020 7722 0438 info@gallery196.com M–Su 10.00–18.30 www.gallery196.com SWEET PEA 77 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8LD 020 7449 9292 mail@sweetpeajewellery.com M–F 10.00–18.00 Sa 10.30–17.00 www.sweetpeajewellery.com

onthehill.info

Community PRIMROSE HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE 29 Hopkinson’s Place, Fitzroy Rd, NW1 8TN 020 7586 8327 PRIMROSE HILL SURGERY 99 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UR 020 7722 0038 M–W 09.00–18.00 Th 09.00–12.30 F 09.00–18.00 PRIMROSE HILL COMMUNITY LIBRARY Sharples Hall St, NW1 8YN 020 7419 6599 M 10.00–18.00 W 13.00–19.00 F 10.00–18.00 Sa 10.00–16.00 POST OFFICE 91 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UT M–Su 06:00–22:00

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Primrose Hill EATS

FRO

The Cinnamon Hill 1. Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, cover with lots of ice and shake hard.

2. Strain through a tea-strainer into a chilled Martini glass.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and edible flower.

How to make your own cinnamon vodka

Simply infuse a bottle of vodka with cinnamon sticks. It will be ready to drink after a few days, but leaving it longer produces a stronger flavour.

…and the sugar syrup

Combine equal weights of sugar and water in a pan, boil for 5 minutes and allow to cool.

Michael Nadra 42 Gloucester Ave www.restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk/primrose

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Ingredients (serves one) • 37.5 ml cinnamon vodka (see box below) • 12.5 ml fresh lemon juice • 12.5 ml Cointreau • 50 ml cloudy apple juice • 1/2 egg white (lion-stamped) • 6 ml sugar syrup (see box below)

PHOTOGRAPH BY Sarah Louise Ramsay

Get into the Christmas spirit by making your own cinnamon vodka, then treat yourself to this easy seasonal cocktail created especially for On The Hill by Michael Nadra.

MichaM Nadrael

Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill NW1 A 4 bedroom house for sale on Chalcot Crescent, NW1 Regarded as one of the most picturesque roads in Primrose Hill, this 4 bedroom family home is situated moments from Primrose Hill high street and Primrose Hill park. The accommodation comprises 4 bedrooms, family bathroom, 3 reception rooms, kitchen and utility room. With a wealth of period features and natural light throughout from the south facing garden, viewing of this quintessential Primrose Hill house comes highly recommended. EPC:E. Approximately 176 sqm (1,894 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £3,750,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/POD160164

KnightFrank.co.uk/BelsizePark belsizepark@knightfrank.com 020 8022 6087

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Hello, Primrose Hill!

A HUGE thank you to all the families of Primrose Hill for their efforts on Halloween.

We have enjoyed it for several years with our children, and last night was no exception. Thank you so much all, I’m sure it is much appreciated by many.

Deb Thomas on On The Hill’s website

Lizey and Laura

Cecile, Lulu, Alice and Honor

Guy

Antonio

Stewart

Grace and Eva

32 G&H On The Hill Back Page UPDATED V2 (PRINT).indd 1

05/09/2016 09:59:17