Éminence
Grise
Belgravia’s straight-talking local oracle Sue Liberman gives Tom Hardman a unique insight into how the Motcomb Street Party is run, what it has achieved this year and what Belgravia means to her... What is the Motcomb Street party and how are you involved? A committee within the Motcomb Street Traders Association (MSTA), of which I am Secretary, runs an annual street party that looks to support small local charities. I’ve been involved with the MTSA for seven years and the Street Party Committee for the last five years, mostly fundraising and marketing. This year’s party was our 26th. How much did you raise this year? £51,750. We have given approximately £1.25 million over the years. The cheque presentation ceremony falls on the 5 September and is kindly hosted by our Chairman Philip Lawless, owner of Motcombs restaurant and Motcombs Townhouse. An incredible sum. Which charities will receive a donation? The Household Cavalry, the Chelsea Community Hospital Schools and the Intermission Youth Theatre. Are there any particular reasons for these choices? Well, they are all small local charities that often lack the attention and therefore the money that larger charities attract. Can you tell us a bit about their work? The money raised for The Household Cavalry Foundation will help wounded soldiers, their families and also their horses. They offer care not only while they are actively serving in the Cavalry but also once they retire from their duties. Every Household Cavalryman is a fighting soldier first. The troops participating in ceremonial parades are fully trained operational troops, who may only recently have been in armoured vehicles in the harsh terrain of Afghanistan. No soldier or horse is ever forgotten by The Household Cavalry. The Chelsea Community Hospital Schools do great work for local children who can’t attend school because of their medical conditions.
As for Intermission, well, the Reverend Rob Gillion takes troubled young people off the streets by involving them in theatre. Performing plays such as modern interpretations of Shakespeare. The endeavour has proved hugely successful: the youths love it. The public’s perception of Belgravia can be a little muddled. What is your experience of the area? I have lived here for twenty years now. Few people know that last year Belgravia featured in a top ten countdown as one of the friendliest places in the UK. Parts of the media indulge in a little inverted snobbery when talking about Belgravia but locals tend to be very charming and grounded. There is an intimacy you just can’t find elsewhere. Have you seen any changes in the last twenty years? Well, I think everybody here is very careful to tread a line. There is a tension between the money Belgravia attracts and the soul that sustains that attention. Belgravia is full of artisanal stores run by locals and this is something that should certainly be encouraged. Would you say there was a community here? Absolutely. We work closely with the Belgravia Residents Association. We all form a part of the same community and seek to support one another. We’re very fortunate in this area. Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to say thanks to all the traders and residents who supported our event because we could never have done it without them. Christmas is another big time for Motcomb Street isn’t it? What do you have up your sleeve? Holland Park Opera singers were a huge hit last year and are keen to be involved once again. Nothing has been finalised as yet and we have September meetings to organise all of the details. I’ve already had a chat with Father Christmas to see if he can squeeze us in. We’ll have to wait and see...
Paul Cullinan and Sue Liberman
n W01 Royal Cavalryman Danny Robso and colleagues with Sue Liberman