NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR PRIMROSE HILL PEOPLE
NOVEMBER 2019 | ONTHEHILL.INFO
COMMUNITY DOGS
DOGS ON PRIMROSE HILL
WORKING DOGS
Bringing joy and supporting local causes through a shared love of dogs
Martin Sheppard talks about our long connection with dogs
Primrose Hill dogs working 9 to 5
Produced by Primrose Hill Community Association
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November 2019 On The Hill On The Go
CONTENTS & PREVIEW
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Keep up with the latest news and happenings on our social media channels.
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Editor’s Letter 05 On The Street 07
@onthehill_mag @onthehillinfo
Community Dogs, Primrose Hill Pets, Haverstock journalists, Primrose Hill Community Association AGM
What’s On 16
Things to do in November
@onthehillinfo
Bye, Bye Big Smoke 18
Matthew Bradfield works to create a cleaner world
onthehill.info
Primrose Hill Pets 19
Working Dogs 26
Proposed Boundary Changes 20
Marketplace 29
Our local pet shop
Have your say
Full Circle 21
Creating support networks
Local Champions 22
Humans, dogs and businesses supporting the community
Primrose Hill dogs working 9 to 5
Contact details for local services
Primrose Hill Eats 30
Dog treats from Collis Bakes
Hello, Primrose Hill! 31
It’s all gone barking mad!
The History of Dogs on Primrose Hill 24 Martin Sheppard talks about our long connection with dogs
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EDITOR’S LETTER
The Team Editor
Maggie Chambers editor@onthehill.info
Editorial Group
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
Cartoonist
Bridget Grosvenor
Design
Luke Skinner agency-black.com
Advertising Sales
Melissa Skinner 07779 252 272 melskin@hotmail.co.uk Special thanks to all our contributors.
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.
Welcome to November If you were to take the word of American authors, the general opinion seems to be that dogs are nicer than humans. “The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog,” wrote Mark Twain. And John Steinbeck, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962, was just as scathing: “I’ve seen a look in dogs’ eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts.” Twain and Steinbeck would have been at home in Primrose Hill which, as local historian Martin Sheppard tells us, has enjoyed a long connection with dogs, especially since its association with 101 Dalmatians. I occasionally look after a friend’s dog – high five, Tilly! – and have briefly glimpsed the camaraderie that dog owners share. It’s a whole new universe with everyone going about their day-to-day doggy business. I recently sat next to a Primrose Hill dog at a play in the Tower of London. Pendleton surely has to be the most cultured dog in London. He’s also a regular mentor at the Haverstock School journalism programme and attends drop-in visits at UCH. It seems that everywhere you turn there are dogs who do such good work in the community. The Community Dogs work as Pets as Therapy dogs, and raise money to provide Christmas lunches for the homeless. Really, if some of these dogs were people, they would be granted OBEs. No wonder Mark Twain thought that dogs were nicer than humans. So as the nights draw in, curl up with a furry friend of whatever species, and read about the inspiring dogs in our neighbourhood. There’s plenty to chew on. Maybe even make some homemade dog treats to thank your dog for being such a good companion. And if you’re a cat lover, apologies. Your day will come. Woof!
www.phca.cc Disclaimer: the views in the magazine are not necessarily the views of the PHCA.
Primrose Hill LAUGHS
This product is made of material from well-managed, FSC® certified forests and other controlled sources
ISSN 20-6175
onthehill.info
Cover PHOTOGRAPH BY Sarah Louise Ramsay
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It's a dog's life by Susan Greenhill
The Hill’s alive with woofing and wagging, here the weather is immaterial. Human companions laughing and chatting, by breeze-blown trees long paths wind lyrical. Whatever season, whatever the hour, leaves crackling in autumn, crisp winter snow, the smell of wet grass, the sweet scent of flowers, up Primrose Hill is the best walk to go. While Gatsby, Rufus and Tito have fun, overlooking windows like watchful eyes see owners jogging behind in the sun, in summer thrown wide, they glint in surprise. At the top all stop to admire the view. And if I had a tail, I’d wag it too. www.soundcloud.com/ susan-greenhill-poetry
SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER
PRIMROSE HILL VILLAGE DISCO DISCO SOUNDS FROM 1960 - 1999 ! d o o h r u o b h ig e N e Come Party witahrt,hpizza, raffle, dancing Cocktails, cheapDisb cotheque. Prizes! Dress : For info/tickets Email: info@phca.cc - Call: 0207 586 8327 - Visit: www.phca.cc/disco Village Disco - November 2019 On The Hill Advert 2.indd 1
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16/10/2019 19:58:47
PRIMROSE HILL NEWS, VIEWS, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE
Community Dogs p8
World Gorilla Day p9
NOVEMBER 2019
PHCA News & Information p 11
Haverstock Journalists p 12 AND MORE
Continued on p 8
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ON THE STREET
Photographs by Jonathan Root Sitting outside Anthony’s Delicatessen – unofficially known as Germano’s or ‘Dog HQ’ – you can often see a group of dog owners and friends who take their dogs and the community very seriously. The dogs are Primrose Hill’s Community Dogs, whose aim is to unite, bring joy and support local causes through their shared love of dogs. Two of the regulars, Oswald (a 10-year-old mini Dachshund who is full of love and wisdom) and Lofty, are best friends. They meet each morning at 8 am for tea and a cuddle – a great way to start the day. Lofty, a lifetime animal lover, lives in social housing and is unable to have a dog of his own due to various health issues. He entertains with his brilliant life stories, including tales of his four Alsatian dogs and how he trained falcons and eagles. He says, “Knowing that the dogs are at the cafe motivates me to get out. They help me forget about my health issues, and are great conversation starters too. I meet lots of new people through the dogs.” One of the dog’s favourite humans is Germano. Known to the dogs as Meat Man, he has worked in Primrose Hill for 32 years – 24 of those as manager at Anthony’s Delicatessen. Loved and valued not only by the dogs but also by the community, he sets a great example. Pet therapy is nothing new: its purpose is to help people recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder. This basic philosophy has been applied in Primrose Hill and tailored towards local needs. Gilbert, the founder, is a fully trained Pets as Therapy dog. Primrose Hill Community Dogs try to make our community a better place through dogs. Funds are raised through the Dog Show at the biannual fairs on Regent’s Park Road, and general donations. The Dog Show this month will be held on Sunday 17 November, aiming to raise funds and awareness for the Foodbank and St Mary’s Youth Centre, and day-to-day activities such as walks, tea and chats with the sick and elderly, and meetand-greets with local children. Other success stories include Mentor Award-winner Camden Women’s Hostel, the Pet Foodbank pop-up at Chalk Farm Foodbank, and teaming up with Primrose Hill Pets to make Primrose Hill a known dog destination; the yellow ‘Dogs Welcome’
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Pet food bank
Germano with Gilbert, Henry, Lofty, Oswald & Linda
stickers in shops work well for both dog owners and local businesses. At one point 85% of Primrose Hill businesses were dog-friendly. Primrose Hill Community Dogs have close ties with both the Chalk Farm Foodbank in Primrose Hill and St Mary’s Youth Centre. Each December they work together to organise a Christmas lunch for a hundred homeless people. Demand is so high this year they are planning two
Jason & Emile, St Mary's youth workers
Bob in the nursing home with Gilbert & Zeus
lunches, one at the Salvation Army and the other at St Mary’s. Before the lunch they run the Trolley Appeal, in which individuals or businesses are invited to fill a trolley with Christmas items such as nonperishable food, clothing, toys and games, and donate it to the Foodbank. The aim is to get at least a hundred full trollies, each of which is gifted to a family who attend the lunch. The afternoon includes a three-course meal, pop-up gifting area, and entertainment provided by Merv De Peyer. Local businesses give their support, with Odette’s donating the soup starter, the Princess of Wales the vegetables and soft drinks, and Gary Ingham providing free haircuts. There are many residents and businesses supporting these initiatives. Everyone wants to get involved, because it’s an idea that works and has a real impact. Come and say hello at the Dog Show! To find out more: Primrose Hill Community Dogs: helensweeney@mac.com Chalk Farm Foodbank: info@chalkfarm.foodbank.org.uk 020 7483 3763 St Mary’s Youth Centre: www.smcct.org.uk
NOVEMBER 2019
World Gorilla Day World Gorilla Day, which this year marked the 50th anniversary of Dian Fossey’s creation of Karisoke research centre in Rwanda, was held on a rainy evening at the Pembroke Castle. Those who attended in spite of the rain enjoyed the event hugely. Actor and comedian Alan Francis also donated his services to the evening, which raised £250. Tom Harrison, Mr Gorilla, is the incredible 43-year-old part-time police officer who raised nearly £50,000 crawling the length of the London marathon in 2017. This year he will be attempting to walk for sixteen hours a day during a week of perpetual motion fundraising for the Gorilla Organization, which is fighting to save gorillas from extinction in Africa. Tom was inspired by the late Sri Chinmoy’s Self-Transcendence ultramarathon around a New York block. In New York, competitors cover between 50 and 77 miles per day between 7am and 11pm. Mr Gorilla will cover the same hours, but due to crowds and his fur-clad body, he may struggle to match New Yorkers’ daily distances. Mr Gorilla will be repeating a mile-long loop along Embankment, Westminster Bridge Road, Parliament St, Whitehall, Whitehall Place and Northumberland Avenue, a route that takes him past numerous corridors of power. However, the zen-primate is unlikely to give them a second glance once he gets into the zone. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ gorillagorilla
Clockwise from top: Mr Gorilla (Tom Harrison), comedian Don Biswas, Alisdair-Beckett King, comedian Celia Delaney, MC Martin Besserman and the front row of the audience.
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ON THE STREET
POSTCARDS FROM PRIMROSE HILL
You might wonder where this image was taken. Sadly, none of these villas survive. All the buildings you see on this postcard were probably the work of architect Henry Bassett. The Italianate pair with twin towers were particularly imposing! They stood at the junction of Regent’s Park Road and Gloucester Road (now Avenue). Today this is the site of Cecil Sharp House, home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, built in 1930. The villas on the right were replaced in 1971 by Darwin Court. @old_primrosehill_postcards
Ethereal opens its doors and James and Dean would like to invite you to a revolutionary new sustainable salon. We have changed the way we do things things for the better. A zen salon experience for complete comfort and relaxation.
Our unique one on one service allows you to feel completely listened to. A pricing system working by time, so that each appointment is tailored on the length of time you are in the salon or the products used. That way you never feel rushed allowing you to completely switch off and relax knowing your in good hands. Our sustainable and conscious hairdressing approach lead us to collaborate with the amazing new product range Oway. A Biodynamic brand who cares just as much as we do about the global effects on our planet. Every bottle is amber glass to preserve the ingredients and is full of pure essential oils. Even our taps are fitted with Eco head to help reduce water wastage and purify our water for cleaner and smoother hair.
Pop in and see James and Dean for a tour and see what they have been working on, you will find them at 107 Regent’s Park Road.
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NOVEMBER 2019
News & Information
from Primrose Hill Community Association
Your regular update from PHCA, publisher of On The Hill along. We have been given a small grant to purchase the equipment and will publicise the start date through phca.cc and the next edition of On the Hill.
Open House
Wednesday 6 November – ‘Art in Spain: Velazquez to Picasso’, illustrated talk by Dr David Morgan. Wednesday 13 November – ‘Art Aiding Politics’ exhibition: Hampstead in the 1930s and 40s. Burgh House, New End Square, NW1 3LT. Transport available from PHCC at 1.30pm Wednesday 20 November – ‘Remembering the Assassination of President Kennedy’ by historian Lester Hillman. Wednesday 27 November – Swing Time, the Rogers and Astaire musical comedy classic. Free events, all at 2pm (unless stated otherwise) including free tea and cake! Sponsored by U3A in London.
AGM Report
The AGM is always an interesting affair, with the 2018–19 one living up to this billing. We started off with drinks and nibbles and caught up with old and new friends. The meeting then opened with the more serious matter of the Chair’s and Treasurer’s reports for Community Centre and Library and the election of trustees. This year was special because we got to thank the outgoing Chair, Maureen Betts, for 13 years’ sterling service. Maureen was handed a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champagne, to thunderous applause from the audience. Amanda Dickins was warmly welcomed as the new Chair. Following the legalities, Andrew O’Hagan, novelist, non-fiction author, and editor at large of London Review of Books and Esquire magazine, spoke to us about his childhood growing up in Scotland, where the library became his second home, and about the cafe culture there. This clearly had a big influence on him as he went into partnership to bring us Sam’s Cafe, soon to find its new home in the L’Absinthe building. It was interesting hearing his plans for this and we look forward to sampling the results shortly after Christmas. We then concluded with the On The Hill celebration; it is hard to believe
that the Association’s neighbourhood magazine has been with us for 5 years. It was celebrated with a huge cake generously donated by Primrose Bakery, and editor Maggie Chambers and her team of volunteers were thanked for doing fantastic work. We look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary!
Proposed Ward Boundary Changes
To find out more visit www.phca.cc/ boundary and p 20 of this issue.
The Village Disco
Come and party to tunes from 1960 to 1999 on Saturday 16 November. The Village Disco runs from 7pm until 10.30pm, and tickets are available at www.phca.cc/disco.
Short Mat Bowls
The regulars who play boules in the park every Monday stop playing in the winter months as the daylight disappears. We are therefore aiming to start an indoor Short Mat Bowls session every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. It will be free for anyone to join and there will be tea and cake aplenty. No need to book; just come
Pre-school Storytelling
Our new Storytelling session takes place on Thursdays from 10.30am to 11am. All welcome and free of charge; no booking required. A drop-in follows at 11.15am.
Primrose Hill Surgery Patient Participation Group Open Meeting Thursday 14 November at 6.30pm Primrose Hill Community Library, Sharpleshall St, NW1 8YN Please join us at the library to hear: Updates from Primrose Hill Surgery and a talk from Dr Adrian Brown, NIHR Fellow and Specialist Dietician at the Centre for Obesity Research, UCL on The Latest Research on Weight Management Free entry – All welcome Contact Sally Mackenzie, primrose.ppg@nhs.net
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ON THE STREET INTERVIEW
Long Shot Summer Children from Haverstock School’s young journalists interview Neil Robinson, the Lord’s cricket ground historian. Lord’s cricket ground is steeped in history. Its library has over 20,000 books, neatly lined up on old bookshelves. Almost everything is related to cricket. Even the curtains have cricketers on them. Their historian is Neil Robinson, and his favourite book is a Wisden – the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has recorded all cricket match details, innings and overs annually since 1865. This copy is currently on display in the Lord’s pavilion exhibition, and originally belonged to RW Swanson, the famous cricket writer and broadcaster. Swanson was captured by the Japanese when Singapore fell in WW2 and he was forced to work on the Burma railway. Prisoners were kept in awful conditions. The prison camp library had just one other book, the Bible, so this Wisden had once had a very different readership. Neil Robinson told us: “For the brief time the prisoners were allowed to hold that book, they were transported back to a much happier time.” We travel past Lord’s cricket ground on the way to school and had no idea what lay behind the tall brick walls. We saw the picturesque pavilion where the members traditionally stand aside to clap and make a pathway for visiting cricket teams, and the huge committee room where the portraits
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of famous cricketers look down. We stood by the seat where the Queen watches matches and could almost see her sipping tea and hear the buzz of the crowd when the ball hits the bat.
We travel past Lord’s cricket ground on the way to school and had no idea what lay behind the tall brick walls. However, even in the cricket world there can be difficulties. Neil Robinson wrote a book called Long Shot Summer, which was inspired by an interview with Peter May. In 1981 he became Chairman of the selectors for the England team and had to pick his first touring side to lead to India in 1981–82. He was asked: “You have just picked Keith Fletcher as captain: he’s 36 years old and hasn’t played Test cricket for seven years. Is he a long-term appointment?” Peter May replied: “Oh yes, I hope so, there’s no point chopping and changing.” And then seven years later, in 1988, May picked four England captains in one year! Neil Robinson thought, “How did he get from that statement to having four different captains in five matches?” And that’s how he came to
write his book, which has the subtitle ‘The Year of Four England Cricket Captains, 1988’. We think the captain changes must have been very disruptive for the players, but no doubt they were necessary! Thank you so much, Neil Robinson, for letting us interview you and giving us such a unique insight into the history of cricket and Lord’s. By Serin and Tiasha (Year 7), Ali (Year 8) and Yousuf (Year 10)
NOVEMBER 2019
Primrose Hill Community Association
Community Centre Over 40 activities and classes each week Lunch club for older people Summer Fair and other community events Responds to community needs
Community Library
On The Hill
Open to the public 4 days a week
Local interest articles
Free computer and internet access
Events listings
Community activities and events Monthly film club Hall hire
Supports local businesses Run by volunteers Advertising opportunities
Hall hire
Your community... Your association... Get involved www.phca.cc
Care Packages Live-in Care Hourly Day Care Hourly Night Care 24 Hour Care
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ON THE STREET
NEWS & VIEWS
The 274 Bus
Primrose Hill Resident Wins National Charity Award Local resident Mark Hamsher has won an award for his dedication to fundraising after raising more than £160,000 over fifteen years for the national disability charity Sense. Mark took part in his fourth Prudential RideLondon event this year; his previous fundraising efforts include running the London Marathon several times, an Oxford to Cambridge bike ride and the London to Brighton Night Ride. Mark is particularly passionate about the Sense Holidays programme and asks that all the money he raises goes specifically to this aspect of the charity’s work. The programme provides holidays for disabled children to have fun and try new things, while parents get a vital break from caring. This year’s Sense Awards were hosted by judo champion and Paralympian Jack Hodgson. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers who support them. For more information please visit www.sense.org.uk.
Primrose Hill Festival and Dog Show The tenth annual Christmas Primrose Hill Festival and Dog Show will be held on Sunday, 17 November on Regent’s Park Road, in partnership with Chalk Farm Foodbank and St Mary’s Youth Centre, championing their impactful work in the community. Karen Santi, organiser of the festival says: “As it’s our tenth anniversary we want to make it as much fun as we can and celebrate everything that is great about Primrose Hill. Please join us in the festive spirit, enjoy some mulled wine, street food pop-ups, a Christmas craft fair, traditional fairground rides, live music and choir and visit Santa’s grotto. The Christmas lights will be switched on by a very special guest.”
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Since the single-decker 274 was replaced with a double-decker, the frequency of buses has deteriorated, with often a wait of up to 35 minutes. At bus stops which are shared with other routes, several other buses will arrive before a lone 274. Clearly we have fewer vehicles on our route. Apparently eighteen single-decker buses have become twelve double-deckers. There are scarcely more seats, just longer, uncertain waits and often almost empty top decks. The 274 is our only bus, and serves the zoo, the mosque, Lord’s, Camden Market, Oxford Street, Primrose Hill School and Oldfield, many of whose residents are dependent on it. The double-decker doesn’t suit the elderly; there are only three banks of seats (not all with priority stickers) before a step. The step deters passengers from moving to seats further back, and the crowded area by the door makes it hard for the less able to hang on to a pole. The 274 is run by Metroline, but they are only contactable through TFL. Please email complaints to support our Councillors, Pat Callaghan and Richard Cotton, who have been most helpful over this. Be specific about the time, the stop, length of wait, the number of buses of other routes arriving and whether the priority seats were full. Email: Customerservices@tfl.gov.uk
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Barked in Regent’s Park Road ‘Til they were hoarse, At Crufts, their supporters out in force. These canines berserk To curtail their green perk, This rumour of Primrose Hill Park Golf Course. Yours faithfully, Howard Richards
NOVEMBER 2019
Knife Crime in Camden
Gloucester Avenue Tree Hacked Down Network Rail have chopped down a beautiful, healthy white cherry tree which they claimed was damaging the railway tunnel at Gloucester Avenue. It was chainsawed during the night, following a week of climate protests. Neighbours are angry about the decision and complaints have been made to Network Rail. A note was fixed to the tree which read ‘Smells of HS2’. The tree was home to many pigeons, which have been left stranded and bewildered.
Christmas Shopping Event in Primrose Hill Get a head start on your Christmas gift shopping by buying locally in Primrose Hill. A selection of shops will be open to offer experiences, discounts and bubbly. . . Head out with your Christmas list on Thursday 28 November, 5–8.30pm.
A service was held at St Mary’s in September to reflect on the increasing levels of knife violence in the borough, at which Rob Wickham, the Bishop of Edmonton, suggested we must all try to be ‘glimmers of light’ in our encounters and conversations. He advised us to speak out about the decline in numbers of police officers and youth workers, to be aware of the impact of adverse childhood experiences and the need for young people to have mentoring and support. He also asked us to consider the impact that illegal drugs make on our society and not condone the different attitudes currently held towards drug use; that of ‘Eton or the Estate’. He suggested that if we want to see change in Camden, it starts close to home. The names of sixteen local lives which had ended violently were read out, and a candle lit in their memory. As the service was being held, two more teenagers were stabbed in Chalk Farm.
Primrose Estates Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill. Tel: 020 76935453 primroseestate@yahoo.com
Specialist Bespoke Kitchens
Extensions
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What’s On November NEW THIS NOVEMBER SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER Concert for the Homeless Vivaldi's Gloria and Four Seasons in aid of Crisis at Christmas and St Mary’s homeless shelter. London Classical Choir and Orchestra. St Mary’s, NW3 3DJ (enter via King Henry’s Road). 7.30pm. £15 cash on the door. Contact Matthew 07817 234 925 Ye Vagabonds Sibling duo bring their unique repertoire of Irish traditional music, Appalachian singing and the 1960s folk revival. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £15, or £10 under 26s. SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER Family Barn Dance Bring all the family and take part in lively dances from Britain and beyond in a supportive and fun environment! CSH. 3–5pm. £8 adult, £6 child, £2 under 2s. Youth Ceilidh A fun, friendly social event for 12–19-year-olds with energetic live music. No experience necessary! CSH. 6–8pm. £6. TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER Film Show at the Library The wall may be down, but keep it secret! Goodbye Lenin, starring Daniel Brühl, Katrin Sass and Maria Simon, directed by Wolfgang Becker. PHCL. 7.15pm. £8, in cash, including a glass of wine, in advance at PHCL or on the door. Hot Club of Cowtown Texas-based trio blends the traditional swing of the American south-west with European hot jazz influences of the same era. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £20, or £10 under 26s. WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER Open House ‘Art in Spain: Velazquez to Picasso’, illustrated talk by Dr David Morgan. PHCC. 2pm. Free. Ben Walker and Rob Harbron An evening of spellbinding music and collaboration from two of folk’s most innovative musicians. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £15, or £10 under 26s. WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER Open House ‘Art Aiding Politics’ exhibition: Hampstead in the 1930s and 40s. Burgh House, New End Square, NW1 3LT. Transport available from PHCC. 1.30pm. Free. Healing Breathwork and Gong Lucyne Jade and Nicole Harvey offer conscious breathwork and restorative gong to release tension and relax deeply. Mats provided, but bring a warm layer and water. St Paul’s Primary School, Elsworthy Rd, NW3 3DS. 7–8.30pm. £20. www.haveyourmagic.com/events. The Local Honeys Kentucky-based duo bring together the rolling hills of the Bluegrass and the foothills of the Appalachian region for a sound which has been described as ‘bluegrass kissing the mountains’. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £14, or £10 under 26s. THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER Primrose Hill Surgery Patient Participation Group Open Meeting Updates from the surgery followed by invited speaker, Dr Adrian Brown, on the latest research on weight management plus practical tips. PHCL. 6.30–8pm. Free, all welcome. Contact Sally Mackenzie, primrose.ppg@nhs.net
AKA Trio A joyful, uplifting and life-affirming musical collaboration between three world-renowned virtuosos: Antonio Forcione, Seckou Keita and Adriano Adewale. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £22.50, or £10 under 26s. FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER A Magical Dinner Renowned magician Christopher Howell showcases his skills over champagne and canapés, followed by a three-course dinner, ending with a full magic show. La Ferme, 154 Regent’s Park Rd. £65 pp, booking either through Facebook or at the restaurant. SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER Primrose Hill Village Disco Come and party with the neighbourhood! PHCC. 7–10.30pm. Dress: discotheque. Prizes! Tickets £8 via Eventbrite, £10 on the night. Visit www.phca.cc/disco. SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER Stepping On Conference Two full days of presentations, discussion and insight into step dancing. Step Ceilidh party with live band on Saturday evening. CSH. Timings and prices vary. SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER Primrose Hill Winter Festival and Dog Show 9.30am–5.30pm. Stalls all along Regent’s Park Road, including craft fair at PHCL (11am–5pm), dog show hosted by Meg Matthews, Christmas lights, traditional fairground rides and pop-up street food of every kind. twitter.com/ phfestivals?lang=en WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER Open House ‘Remembering the Assassination of President Kennedy’ by historian Lester Hillman. PHCC. 2pm. Free. Trad Night: John Kirkpatrick Experience one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene in an intimate, unamplified setting. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £10. THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER Darlingside Boston-based quartet renowned for their signature superpower harmonies, compared to late-60s era groups like Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel and The Byrds. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £18. Champagne Deutz Dinner A sumptuous three-course dinner with paired champagnes throughout, while learning the history of one of the original Grand Marques of Champagne. La Ferme, 154 Regent's Park Road. £70 pp, booking through Facebook or at the restaurant. WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER Open House Swing Time, the Rogers and Astaire musical comedy classic. PHCC. 2pm. Free. Twelfth Day Genre-defying duo explore current issues such as gender roles, the threat of climate change and the struggles of mental health in their adventurous take on folk. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £13, or £10 under 26s. FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER Apéro and Music Join us for aperitifs and live music from friend of the restaurant Vinscat. La Ferme, 154 Regent’s Park Road. 6–8pm. Entry is free, but booking essential either through Facebook or at the restaurant.
SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER St Paul’s CE Primary School Christmas Fair Festive food, mulled wine, Santa’s grotto, children’s activities and donkeys! Elsworthy Road, NW3 3DS. 12–3pm.
Circus Glory Trapeze for ages 3–12. All levels welcome. PHCC. 2.30–6.30pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com
Book and record sale A book and record sale offering folk-related books, pamphlets, magazines, records (including some 78s), cassettes, CDs and vinyl LPs. CSH. 11am–4pm. Free entry.
Primrose Hill Children’s Choir Enjoy fun songs and games, and learn to sing well. Ages 4–11. St Mary’s, NW3 3DJ. 4.10–5.10pm. First time free, then £8 per week. Contact Matthew 07817 234 925, www.primrosehillchoirs.com
Martin Simpson This singer, songwriter and guitar virtuoso returns to support his new album Rooted. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £18, or £10 under 26s.
Homework Club Do your homework in the Library with a qualified teacher. PHCL. 4–6pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY MONDAY 16, TUESDAY 17 AND WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER Circus Glory December workshop PHCC. 10am–3pm. £90 for both days, £50 per day, £28 for morning or afternoon, or £15 per hour. Contact circusglory@gmail.com SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2020 Burns Night Supper Join the community as we celebrate the genius of Robert Burns and evoke the spirit of Caledonia. With special guests and traditional fare; vegan available – and bring your own malt! PHCC. 7–10.30pm. £20. Contact PHCC.
FOR KIDS MONDAY Rhyme Time Library Rhyme Time for under 5s. PHCL. 10.30–11.15am. Suggested £2 donation. Contact 020 7419 6599 Ready Steady Go ABC Exploratory play, singing, dance and stories for babies and toddlers 6–18 months. PHCC. 9.45am–12.30pm. Contact 020 7586 5862 Circus Glory Trapeze for ages 3–12. All levels welcome. PHCC. 3–6.30pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastresse@googlemail.com 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. PHCC. 9.30–11.30am. Contact 020 8438 0189 for a free trial class. Baby Ballet Classes for 2 years +. PHCL. 10–10.45am. From £11. Contact Katie Pick, Primrose Hill Ballet Schools, 07769 353 528, katie@primrosehillballet.co.uk, www.primrosehillballet.co.uk Hartbeeps Multi-Sensory Sound Classes Multi-sensory classes for mums and their little ones. Music, movement and drama for under 5s. PHCC. Baby Bells 2pm; Baby Beeps 3pm; Happy House 4pm. Classes from £9.50. Contact clarelouise@hartbeeps.com WEDNESDAY Les Petits Bellots A new type of childcare, offering a perfect solution for parents who don’t want to commit to long-term nursery care. PHCL. 9–11.30am. Contact 07401 862326, www.lespetitsbellots.com
Chess Club Learn chess at the Library with a trained instructor. PHCL. 6.30–8pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 THURSDAY Mini Mozart Musical story time. PHCL. 9.30am for young children; 10.15am for babies. Contact hello@minimozart.com Pre-school Storytelling NEW. Every Thursday morning. PHCC. 10.30– 11am. Free, no booking required. Contact 020 7586 8327, info@phca.cc Drop-in for under 4s Drop in and take part in a variety of activities. PHCC. 11.15am–1pm. £2.50 to include snack and tea and coffee for mums and carers. Contact 020 7586 8327 Catherine’s Ballet Ballet classes for under 5s. PHCC. 4–5pm. Contact info@chalkfarmschoolofdance.co.uk, www.chalkfarmschoolofdance.co.uk First Class Learning English and Maths tuition. PHCL. 3.30–6.30pm. Contact primrosehill@firstclasslearning.co.uk FRIDAY Mums’ and Dads’ Morning Meet other parents while your children play. PHCL. 10.30–11.30am. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 Circus Glory Trapeze for ages 3–12. All levels welcome. PHCC. 2.30–6.30pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Pitta Patta Funky dance classes, ages 4–16. PHCC. 4–7.15pm. Contact Juliet 07971 916 174, Juliet@pittapattadance.co.uk, www.pittapattadance.co.uk SATURDAY Rhyme Time For all ages, with an adult. 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. PHCL. 10.30–11.15am. Suggested donation £2. Ready Steady Go: Move It Monthly Saturday sessions for 0–1 year-olds with Carol Archer, child movement specialist. Encourage your baby’s movement development. RSG, 12A King Henry’s Road. 10.30am–12pm. Contact 020 7586 5862 SUNDAY Perform A unique mix of drama, dance and singing classes to bring out every child’s true potential. Ages 4–7. PHCC. 10–11.30am and 11.30am–1pm. Try a free class. Contact 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk, www.perform. org.uk
What’s On November FOR ADULTS MONDAY Mary’s Living and Giving for Save the Children Take advantage of 50% off books, movies, pictures, records and CDs, every Monday, 10am–6pm.
WEDNESDAY Mary’s Living and Giving for Save the Children Student Day: 20% off all items with a student ID card, every Wednesday, 10am–6pm.
Mums’ and Dads’ Morning Meet other parents while your children play. PHCL. 10.30–11.30am. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599
Lunch Club Jacqueline House, Oldfield Estate, Fitzroy Road. Freshly cooked lunch at 12.30pm sharp. £5 for 2 courses. More info from PHCC.
Aerial Pilates with Pieta Get stronger and more flexible through moving with the support of an aerial sling. PHCC. 10–11am. Class sizes are limited, so book at 07726 721 791, www.circusbodies.com
Circus Glory Trapeze for adults. All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.15–2.15pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com
Circus Glory Trapeze for adults. All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.30–2.45pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com
Bridge Club (ACOL) PHCC. 1.45–3.45pm. £3. Contact Maureen Betts 07919 444 187
Open House A regular activity (film, talk, performance) followed by tea, cake and chat. PHCC. 2pm. Free.
Yoga for Seniors PHCC. 2.45–3.45pm. Free. Contact 020 7586 8327
Circus Glory Trapeze for adults. All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.30–2.45pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastresse@googlemail.com
Chess Club Learn chess at the Library with a trained instructor. PHCL. 6.30–8.30pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599
Neighbourhood Information Centre Drop-in advice centre. PHCL. 2–4pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 659
Bridge Class Join us in the Library for a game of bridge. Beginners/intermediate. PHCL. 7pm. Contact jojarrold@gmail.com
Lunch Club At Jacqueline House, Oldfield Estate, Fitzroy Road. Freshly cooked lunch served at 12.30pm sharp. £5 for 2 courses. More info from PHCC.
Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) Drop-in class to release chronic tension patterns and return the nervous system to balance. PHCC. 4–5.30pm. £15 per class, or 5 for £50. Contact Tim Kirkpatrick, www.back2base.co.uk Bridge Class Join us in the Library for a game of bridge. Beginners/intermediate. PHCL. 6.30pm. Contact jojarrold@gmail.com 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 Primrose Hill Choir Love to sing? All styles of music, all welcome. PHCC. 7.30–9.30pm. £7. Contact Matthew 07817 234 925, www.primrosehillchoirs.com TUESDAY Mary’s Living and Giving for Save the Children Take advantage of 20% off men’s items every Tuesday, 10am–6pm. Free English Classes Learn English at the Library. PHCL. 12 noon–1pm. Free. Contact jojarrold@gmail.com 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 Lunchtime Laban Workshop for actors, dancers, singers and the rest of us. Explore the where and how of movement with Rudolf Laban’s Scales and Efforts. PHCC. 12–1pm. £10. Contact Jenny 07970 536643, jennyfrankel.laban@gmail.com General Yoga PHCC. 6.30–8pm. Contact Catriona 07958 959816, cat.b1@blueyonder.co.uk Morris Dancing Class Have fun, increase your fitness and improve your dance skills whilst learning Cotswold Morris dances. CSH. 7–9pm. £8, or buy 5 and the 6th is free.
Councillors’ Surgery Third Friday of the month. PHCC. 6.30–7.30pm. SATURDAY Councillors’ Surgery First Saturday of the month. PHCL. 11am–12pm. Primrose Hill Market St Paul’s School playground, Elsworthy Road, NW3 3DS. 10am–3pm. Contact www.primrosehillmarket.com SUNDAY Hopkinson’s Bar Meet for a drink with your neighbours. All welcome. PHCC. 12–3pm.
English Folk Dance Club Fun for dancers of all abilities and none. No partner needed. PHCC. 7.30–10pm. Drop-in charge £6. Contact camdenfolkdance@yahoo.com THURSDAY Mother and Baby Pilates Want to tone your limbs, flatten your tummy and strengthen your pelvic floor? PHCL. 11am–12pm. Contact pilateswithpaulette@gmail.com, facebook.com/pilateswithpaulette 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. Primrose Hill Yoga Slow flow yoga: create space and strength in the body, and quieten and focus the mind. PHCC. 5.30–6.30pm. £11 drop-in, or £50 for 5 classes. Contact Carolineshawyoga@gmail.com, www.carolineshawyoga.com Kriya Yoga Yoga class. PHCL. 7–8pm. This session is not available for drop-in. For cost and further information, contact Hagen, kriyayogauk@btconnect.com English Country Dancing Explore England’s social folk dance heritage (country, ceilidh and barn dancing) in this friendly and inclusive class. CSH. 7.30–9.30pm. £8, or buy 5 and the 6th is free. Life-drawing Beginners to professionals, just drop in! PHCC. 7–9.20pm. £10. Contact 020 7586 8327, phlifedrawing@gmail.com, www.meetup.com/ Primrose-Hill-Life-Drawing-London, Instagram: @lifedrawingph FRIDAY Early Morning Pilates Stretch and strengthen the whole body to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and posture. PHCC. 8–9am. £15 drop-in, £120 for ten sessions. Contact Natalie 07709 543 581, natalienicollfitness@gmail.com
CONTACT DETAILS PHCC Primrose Hill Community Centre 29 Hopkinsons Place (off Fitzroy Road) NW1 8TN Contact: info@phca.cc www.phca.cc 020 7586 8327
CSH Cecil Sharp House 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY Contact: info@efdss.org www.cecilsharphouse.org 020 7485 2206
PHCL Primrose Hill Community Library Sharpleshall Street, NW1 8YN Contact: events@phcl.org www.phcl.org 020 7419 6599
Please submit entries for our December/ January issue by Friday 15 December onthehillwhatson@phca.cc
Bye-bye, Big Smoke By Nadia Crandall
We know it too well: the smog that sits heavy on the city, readily visible from Primrose Hill; the tightness in our throat and lungs; the asthmatic coughs. Air pollution affects us all. And most pollution in London is caused by road traffic. Matthew Bradfield is one man working to create a cleaner world. He is a young entrepreneur with a passion for making positive change. After working in the US on sustainable technologies his new company, Future Mobility Consulting, provides solutions for electric vehicle fleets and clean transport infrastructure. When I met him, he was bouncing out of his seat as he spoke about the huge opportunities in the sustainable transport and mobility sector, and the changes he anticipates within a few years. I asked him why there are still so few electric vehicle charging points in Camden? He tells me it is difficult and expensive to create a charging network. Regulations and revenue models are just beginning to evolve into systems that are fit for purpose. The transport and mobility sector is so dynamic that legislators can’t keep up. Camden, grappling with central government cuts, struggles to balance the budget. It needs to prioritise social welfare and is understandably cautious about committing scarce funds to infrastructure in a rapidly evolving sector. I asked how electric vehicle charging points should best be positioned. Most Camden residents don’t have driveways and our environment is already cluttered with street furniture. Matthew explains that charging point strategy tends to locate them in city centres and in outer boroughs, where there is more space. That way, electric vehicles have sufficient charge for two-way journeys. Inner boroughs like Camden can miss out. Finally I asked why we don’t use more lamp posts to power electric vehicles. Apparently available power from lamp posts is insufficient. Although it can be used for top-ups, a full charge for most electric vehicles would take 12 hours. For a reasonable charging time
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of 5 hours, a much larger power supply would be needed. These problems are already being superseded by rapid advances in technology. Matthew believes that our streetscape will be vastly altered within the next ten years. Advances come from many directions. The costs of vehicle charging infrastructure are being streamlined, as traditional power businesses increasingly turn their attention to clean energy. Shell, BP and EDF are all either in the charging business, or partnering with charging networks. These large power companies are transforming themselves into utilities, overseeing the entire infrastructure of energy supply and storage. New locations are being found for vehicle charging points. Small businesses with spare parking capacity, like pubs, are happy to lease spaces. And in time, charging points will become less obtrusive. There are already popup charge points that operate on a drive-over model and are flush with the pavement when not in use. Revenue models are changing too. Remember the early days when it was free to charge an electric vehicle? Subsidies for charging points are still available through OLEV (the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles), but these are being reined in and will soon disappear. As charging fees become standard, Matthew believes that they may rise to £1 per kilowatt hour, which will still save the electric vehicle user about 70% of conventional fuel cost. Batteries are becoming more efficient. Clean, long-lasting solid state batteries are likely to be in commercial production within the next five years, with Japanese firms like Toshiba and Panasonic leading the way. And we can recycle EV batteries. After their use in electric vehicles has expired, they retain sufficient charge to be deployed in home storage. So we will generate and manage more power locally, reducing the need for expensive grid management from central power stations. Fleet vehicles are switching away from diesel fuel. This is true for
Veolia, our waste collection company in Camden, and also for UPS. About one-third of London buses are either hybrid or fully electric. Under the new ULEZ rules (ultra-low emission zones), fleets that switch their diesel for electric vehicles will save approximately £5,000 per vehicle per year. And each of these electric fleet vehicles removes the equivalent of 33 conventional car emissions from the road. The whole concept of car ownership is undergoing radical change. Many of us choose car-share clubs over car ownership, as a less expensive and greener alternative. Major car companies have taken notice. Daimler, BMW and Avis have all made large investments in this sector. Soon we will see driverless vehicles on our roads. They are technically viable, though regulation may take time. Matthew foresees a radical change in vehicle design, away from an unmanned steering wheel – people find this unnerving – and towards a pod design. We’ll notice this first with commercial and delivery vehicles; and in time autonomous ‘pods’ will become the norm for all of us. London as a National Park City is coming soon. So bye-bye, Big Smoke!
PHOTGRAPH BY Jasmine Boulton
By Nicola Manasseh Gail Levy has been owner and manager of Primrose Hill Pets for almost twenty-seven years, so it’s no surprise that she is passionate about animals, and especially dogs. Gail used to breed, show and judge Dalmatian dogs; today she still lives with one and is a volunteer for the organisation Dalmatian Welfare. It was Gail who organised the first Primrose Hill Dog Show, and for many years she was responsible for managing the prizes for this annual event. I met with Gail at Primrose Hill Pets and we sat on stools in the back room, which for the last twenty-two years has been converted into a space where the confident and competent Antonio and his assistant brother groom dogs. Gail is in awe of Antonio’s ability to calm and relax even those dogs that are reportedly adamant that they don’t want to be groomed. Furthermore, there’s a four-week waiting list to have your dog brushed, bathed and trimmed by the shop’s Brazilian dog whisperer. The grooming service fits with Gail’s aim to be more than just a shopkeeper
selling all the items that dogs and cats need. The first thing she tells me about her business is her wish to give helpful advice to people who have a pet. What she often tells new owners of dogs, especially those still in the first nine months of puppy training, is that it’s important to remember that a dog doesn’t come into your life knowing what you expect of it. As much as a dog is a great companion, it is not a baby. Gail sells practical and lovely coats for dogs, but she doesn’t encourage people to dress up their pets. In fact she thinks that sometimes when a dog becomes aggressive it’s because that dog is not being understood and respected as an animal. “We can’t forget that our values are not the same as dogs’,” says Gail. For instance, she adds, part of the fun of a toy for a dog is to be able to chew it and try to remove the squeak inside, and that’s why most of the toys she sells are not indestructible. Over the years Gail has seen a trend for dogs costing over £1,000 that are commonly known as designer dogs, like Labradoodles (half Labrador, half
Poodle) and Maltipoos (half Maltese, half Poodle). Whilst acknowledging the evolution of cross-breeds, Gail insists that to understand a dog’s behaviour we must remember the essential nature and characteristics of different breeds. Dalmatians, she explains, were originally bred to trot with horses and can easily do so for forty miles; so without the right sort of exercise they can become hyper. Labradors have a basic urge to chase and pick things up; so, being a working breed, they need a fair amount of exercise. Beagles can run off in the park and not come back for a while, because they are scent hounds, bred primarily for hunting, and water dogs will want to dive into ponds. “Originally every dog was bred for a working purpose, and that instinct will and should remain with the dog; it’s up to us to recognise this when choosing a puppy,” Gail explains. Gail often advises people on which breed would suit them and which breeders to contact. This free advisory service is something that would rarely have happened back in the days when pet shops were premises with sawdust on the floor, selling imported food from America, and with puppies being sold in windows. Nowadays the British-made pet food market is booming. Also, this April will see Lucy’s Law being passed in England (it’s already been passed in Scotland) making it illegal for puppies to be sold through third parties like shops and online adverts. As people will only be able to buy puppies through rescue organisations or directly from breeders, this should stop those who, solely for financial gain, bring puppies with false paperwork from across Europe to England in the boots of their cars. Over the years the Primrose Hill dog shows in the park have raised money for PupAid, which helped make Lucy’s Law a reality. It is not just Gail’s knowledge and passion for dogs that have made her and her shop a vital part of the Primrose Hill community. She and her enthusiastic dog-loving staff connect easily with their customers, whom Gail describes as mostly sensible and caring people, who prefer to spend their money on quality items. Also, Gail’s ‘every dog that visits the shop gets a treat’ policy has meant that some dog owners find they can’t pass the shop without their dogs stopping to scratch on the door to be let in. “I think,” says the energetic, youthful, happy lady that is Gail Levy, “the dogs must meet in the park and tell each other about the free treats.” www.primrosehillpets.co.uk
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Proposed Changes to Ward Boundaries for Primrose Hill
Existing ward boundaries
The early stages
• The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) periodically reviews the size and shape of wards for local councils, to make sure that they remain sensible and fair as populations change. • It’s Camden’s turn for a review and LGBCE needs to make changes to respond to population growth as a result of all the developments near Kings Cross. • LGBCE made initial proposals in February and ran a public consultation on these. The initial proposals created a new Chalk Farm ward but kept Primrose Hill joined with Camden Town. • Camden Council officers supported the initial LGBCE proposals, suggesting two small changes to the proposed Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward.
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Amended LGBCE recommendations
Since consultation
• LGBCE received quite a few responses to the consultation on their initial proposals. • After reviewing these responses, they proposed a radically different pattern of wards across Camden. • Under the amended LGBCE proposals, Primrose Hill would be split from Camden Town and joined with an area to the west to form a new ‘Adelaide with Primrose Hill’ ward.
What happens now?
There is a public consultation on the amended recommendations. Everyone can contribute by submitting their views and providing evidence about our community, eg your sense of belonging or identifying with the area, the pattern of your daily life, eg where you shop, where your children attend school, where is your doctor’s surgery, etc. It helps LGBCE if you can be clear what you think the wards should look
like. For example, do you agree with the LGBCE’s original or amended proposal? Or do you like the Council’s recommendation? Or do you have a proposal of your own? The Primrose Hill Community Association is holding a community meeting to discuss how residents feel about the proposals. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion at the Primrose Hill Community Centre, 29 Hopkinson’s Place (off Fitzroy Road), on 30 October at 7pm. The consultation then closes on 11 November. You have three options if you want to contribute to the consultation: • You can make an online submission at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk • You can send your views by email to reviews@lgbce.org.uk • You can write in with your views to: Review Officer (Camden), LGCBE, 1st Floor, Windsor House, 50 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL The consultation closes on 11 November.
Full Circle Creating Support Networks By Tracey Mitchell
A year ago a small group got together for a community breakfast at Skip Garden, the portable garden in the heart of the King’s Cross development area. One of those present was the Head of Service for Family Support and Complex Families with Camden Council, Becca Dove. Full Circle is the new enterprise which grew out of that meeting, with the remit of reaching into all corners of Camden. “I’ve never seen communities as compassionate about each other, who really look after each other, as in Camden,” Becca enthuses. “Am I doing as much as I can to be helpful to those communities and families? Because ideally they’d feel strong in themselves and everyone would have someone to turn to. Full Circle is contributing to alleviate feelings of isolation and disconnection. There are a large group of organisations trying to do something about that. We’re very humble; one voice in a large chorus.” Family Group Conference is a practice widely used in child protection. It originated in New Zealand in the 1980s with extended families, their natural supports, and broader communities contributing to decisions about the welfare of children and young people. It gave children, young people and victims a voice. It works to prevent care admission by finding ways to help families. In ‘early help’ it considers how people who aren’t professional may be able to assist. Full Circle is taking the idea of Family Group Conferencing out into the community. “Can we take what works well in child protection, and move it into a community space? We try to apply the same principles before the service steps in. The traditional way is to involve a care worker, or service, but what can a community do to help?” In Holland hundreds of citizens have joined together to support each other, and families. There it is a paid activity, although at the same time it remains a service of citizens, rather than professionals. Given the cultural differences between Holland and the UK, it is not yet clear whether something that works in Holland will work here. Nationally the funding for ‘early help’
Full Circle volunteer Alice Gray
I’ve never seen communities as compassionate about each other, who really look after each other, as in Camden is decreasing, but Camden Council insists that it is committed to utilising the strengths of communities. There are variations on the Full Circle model up and down the country. Communities look after each other and services step in when families and communities have done as much as they can. They share an aspiration to try out different things and not be dependent on services all the time. In Camden, Full Circle is working to develop a community circle with a Women’s Refuge. “Community is what’s around you and what you feel is around you,” says Becca. “We’re asking what we can do to be helpful in a time of distress.” They’ve worked with Somali families in the borough. Thirty members of a family offered support to an individual in trouble with the criminal justice system. Full Circle championed the young person’s efforts and he progressed into an apprenticeship. Another community of parents were concerned
about drug use and held a meeting “to create a sense of collaboration around a plan. Perhaps they contacted the Police, or Community Safety Officers, but it was an open conversation between people leading to a plan.” Becca adds, “We’re bringing people together to think about stuff. Camden residents can have a strong connection to place, and people want to be involved. Twenty-nine volunteers came along to say they were interested when we expected only six.” Alice Gray is the Full Circle Volunteer Facilitator for Primrose Hill. She has lived here all her life and is a Community Researcher with Camden Council, Trustee of Primrose Hill Community Association, Governor of Primrose Hill Primary School and parent. Alice suggests that people can find themselves in a difficult situation when they’ve lost touch with people, or are living far away from family. One of Full Circle’s aspirations is to share the load: nobody needs to feel burdened or that they are forever helping someone else. “The person asking for help shouldn’t feel that they are a burden if they’re just out of hospital and needing assistance with shopping and cleaning for two weeks. It can be similar to neighbours who water plants, feed cats or collect parcels when someone is away.” She wants to build a pool of volunteers so that those without family or local connections can do whatever they want to do: whether it’s to go for a walk, have coffee at a café, visit a cinema or theatre. The arrangement can be a reciprocal one: “If someone needs a babysitter for the morning to juggle work and nursery, or to have quality time with another child, then that parent might offer something back to the babysitter.” She concludes: “The circle can be used to rebuild or make new friendships. Primrose Hill is often talked about as a village but, being in a city, it’s easy to lose the idea of a village. We want to give back a degree of independence, or sociability, to people who may not have that at the moment.” Find out more about Full Circle by emailing: fullcircle@phca.ccw
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WORDS BY Helen Sweeney PHOTOGRAPHS BY Jonathan Root There are many people working hard for our local community, and they all do a fantastic job. Here is a small selection of local residents and businesses who help the community with a dog in tow. Thank you to them all! Meg Mathews & Ziggy
Meg Mathews
Meg Mathews, a dog lover, ambassador and animal rights activist has always had a dog as a companion in her life. Together with her dogs, Meg has served the local community and championed national animal rights causes. Having recently lost her beloved Oscar, a ten-year-old Boston Terrier, Meg now lives with Ziggy, a three-yearold wire-haired Hungarian Vizsla – a beautiful, gentle, loving dog. Oscar was one of our community dogs. He was a wonderful dog, loved by everyone who knew him and always camera-ready. He brought a sense of joy and was the first to commit to local causes, including popping in to visit the elderly and sick, meeting and greeting with children, walking in the park, championing the Foodbank and St Mary’s Youth Centre, hosting the bi-annual dog show on Regent’s Park Road and being an ambassador of PupAid. With his quirky ways – notably biting noses – Oscar is missed but not forgotten. Meg bought Oscar at eight weeks old from what she thought was a loving home, but was actually a puppy farm. Oscar came with serious health issues. He was treated at the Beaumont Animal Hospital and had life-saving surgery, but was left with long-term complications. Appalled, angry and determined, Meg made it her mission to be vocal, to educate potential owners about the cruel trade and to make sure
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that people only buy from reputable breeders and help rescue dogs. Meg joined forces with vet and founder of PupAid, Marc Abraham. Meg was appointed the Patron of PupAid, which is an annual event to raise awareness about the puppy farming trade in the UK. Meg was one of PupAid’s staunchest supporters from the early days, providing a bigger platform and more awareness by bringing PupAid from Brighton
Paul Karova & Boo
to Primrose Hill in 2013. Oscar was the face of many campaigns. With animal rights a priority, she relentlessly campaigned for Lucy’s Law, new government legislation passed in March 2019 that bans the selling of puppies and kittens by third parties, and puts an end to the horrendous practice of puppy farming. Meg is a driving force behind the community dogs’ winter campaigns. She will host the dog show at the
insurance doesn’t cover the operation. Desperate and determined to let Boo live the rest of her life pain-free, Paul has set up a Facebook fundraising page. He says, “Those of you who know me are aware I would never ask for anything for myself, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for these dogs that I rescue, and unfortunately I just don’t have 16 grand. And help would be greatly appreciated.” Paul is a coach at Thai Boxing in Islington, where he intends to compete in a sponsored ‘sparathon’. His aim is to spar 30 rounds non-stop with 30 different fighters, with all funds raised going to Boo’s appeal. Since the appeal started, Paul has raised £3,266 of the £16,000 needed. Boo has started her treatment; her first hip replacement was a success and the second is scheduled for when funding is secured. To donate to Boo’s second hip replacement and follow her story, go to: www.facebook.com/ donate/522338005191981/ ?fundraiser_source=external_url
Jane Seal, with her beloved Nancy, aged 10, celebrate 50 years in Primrose Hill, loved and valued by the community. Jane is a dog lover, a great neighbour, a library volunteer, a yoga master, a carpenter and bricklayer. She is always busy with something and is an inspiration to us all.
Savills
Savills is known for selling houses; however, Savills in Primrose Hill is also supporting grassroots community initiatives, including partnering with St Mary’s Youth Centre and raising over £1,800 from the Summer Festival and Dog Show. The money paid for a five-day residential trip for young people. The Reverend Prebendary Marjorie Brown said, “St Mary’s Church and the youthwork project we host are delighted to be supported by Savills and the Primrose Hill Festival and Dog Show. It is great that our outreach work to vulnerable people is so much valued by our wonderful local community.”
Jane Seal & Nancy
annual Christmas Festival on Regent’s Park Road on 17 November, with all funds raised donated to Chalk Farm Foodbank and the festive lunch and the Cold Weather Shelter at St Mary’s. This issue of On The Hill is dedicated to Oscar.
Paul Karova
Over the years you may have seen Paul in the park or walking around the village with his gentle giant dogs. Paul is known throughout the dog community for his kindness, compassion and brilliance with the big dogs. He has rescued dogs from the most horrendous heart-breaking conditions, taking in the dogs that no one wants and giving them a good life. After losing Lou-lou and Frankie, he rescued Boo and Milo. Boo is a cross between a Neopolitan Mastiff and Great Dane and came from Rescue Remedies in Gatwick when she was 12 weeks old. She was born at the rescue centre as her mother had been taken there pregnant. Paul had the pick of the litter. Boo’s two brothers were stunning, but Boo was the runt. She was scared of her shadow from day one, which is how she came to be named. Paul didn’t realise at the time that the reason Boo was so timid was because she was in pain, and X-rays revealed that she needed both hips replacing. The cost of this is £16,000 and pet
Elias Raymond from Savills in St Mary's church
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By Martin Sheppard Since Primrose Hill became a public park in 1842 it has been enjoyed by millions of visitors. Some of the most frequent and regular of these have been dogs. While most canine visits have left no record, a number have done so. There are dogs in two early illustrations of Primrose Hill, with a dog on top of the hill in an engraving by Isaac Cruikshank in 1791; and a spaniel anxiously awaiting the result of a duel in DT Egerton’s The Trial of Nerves of 1824. Not all visits by dogs to the hill ended happily. A case was heard at Bow Street in October 1789 of a spaniel stolen for its skin. John Burkett had been arrested after being seen dipping a bundle, in which was a warm dog’s skin, a halter, a bloody knife and a piece of liver, in one of the ponds then on Primrose Hill. Burkett ‘owned that he gained his living by dog-stealing, the skins of which he disposed of to a tanner in Long Lane, who gave him the
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money for them without asking him by what means he came by them; and that for the largest Newfoundland dog he could not get more than three shillings and sixpence’. Dogs were also the cause of the most celebrated duel on Primrose Hill in April 1803. A scuffle in Hyde Park between two Newfoundland dogs belonging to Colonel Robert Montgomery and Captain James Macnamara RN led to a duel on the same day in which Macnamara shot Montgomery dead on the top of Primrose Hill. The earliest set of rules for Primrose Hill Park, dating from 1871, specified that ‘No cattle, sheep or pigs are allowed to enter, except for pasturage’. They also insisted that dogs should be kept on leads, at least some of the time: “The persons in charge of dogs must prevent them from causing annoyance to any person, and from worrying or fighting with other dogs, or injuring
or disturbing any animal in the park. No person shall take into or have in the park any dog not led by a chain or string, or other sufficient fastening, during such time as notices are exhibited, prohibiting the admission of dogs unless led.” These rules also dealt with what was then a current threat: any dog brought into the park which may reasonably be suspected to be in a rabid state will be destroyed. There is a charming vignette of the painter Ford Madox Brown (1821‒–1893), who lived at 1 St Edmund’s Terrace at the end of his life: “He usually wore a shiny top-hat and a black cape, and he used to take my grandmother’s little dog out for a walk on Primrose Hill. He couldn’t walk very fast because he had the gout, but the little dog was very old and couldn’t go fast either, so it didn’t mind. He would stop from time to time to look behind to see if it was coming, and then it used
Martin's dogs Conor and Anna
The Trial of Nerves ET Egerton, 1824 to stop too, and sit down and look up at him, and hang its tongue out and wag its tail, and then they went on again.” Sylvia Ballerini recalls a time in the 1930s when her dog, Bonzo, used to roll on the hill and bring back sheep’s droppings, at a time when sheep were still pastured on Primrose Hill. Now it is the mess left by dogs themselves that causes a problem, partly the result of a national increase in the keeping of dogs as pets. Toxocariasis, spread by roundworms in the faeces of dogs, can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms in humans, particularly children. Dog urine causes grass burns. Primrose Hill is linked by a dog to The Beatles. Paul McCartney wrote ‘The Fool on the Hill’ after climbing Primrose Hill at dawn with his Old English Sheepdog, Martha, and encountering
an uncommunicative ‘middle-aged gentleman, very respectably dressed in a belted raincoat’, who appeared and vanished mysteriously. Fictional dogs have also made their mark on the hill. Paul Charles set a number of his books in the area around Primrose Hill, home of his hero, Detective Inspector Christy Kennedy. In Last Boat to Camden Town (1998), Charles takes a swipe at Primrose Hill’s dogs. Sergeant Irvine reports: “Sorry to be a bit late. I’ve been otherwise engaged up on Primrose Hill this morning … some nutter was sniping at dogs from the high-rise flats. He killed four of the pets before we managed to disarm him … Apparently, he was fed up going out for a walk on the hill every morning and ending up with dog-shit on his shoes.”
Eclipsing all other Primrose Hill dogs are the canine heroes of a famous children’s book which gives both Primrose Hill and dogs an important place in its plot. Dodie Smith, a highly successful playwright, published The Hundred and One Dalmatians in 1956. It tells the harrowing story of fifteen Dalmatian puppies stolen from a house in Regent’s Park to make fur coats for the demonic, and diabolically named, Cruella de Vil. Their rescue (with an additional eighty-three other kidnapped puppies) by Pongo, Missis and Perdita, three Dalmatians belonging to Mr and Mrs Dearly, is made possible by information gleaned from a network of dogs across England, activated by the Twilight Barking on Primrose Hill. Once they realise that the puppies have gone, Pongo and Missis have no hesitation: “From the first, it was quite clear the dogs knew just where they wanted to go. Very firmly, they led the way right across the park, across the road, and to the open space which is called Primrose Hill. This did not surprise the Dearlys as it had always been a favourite walk. What did surprise them was the way Pongo and Missis behaved when they got to the top of the hill. They stood side by side and barked.” Pongo knows that Primrose Hill is the best place to send and receive information, as the reception in the rest of Regent’s Park is poor. The book was made into a film as 101 Dalmatians by Warner Brothers in 1963, although the plot and characters in the film vary from those in the book. Disney has recently announced a prequel to 101 Dalmatians, revealing the early life of Cruella de Vil. It is to be called Cruella and will be released in 2021.
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Meet the Primrose Hill dogs who are working 9 to 5 in our local shops and businesses.
Hina (4), Shiba In security, Nishih u, host/ a hairdressers ra & Co
hound Clara (5 years old), Grseey a Dogs rescued from Batter, St Mary’s Home, youth worker
Pablo (11), Spanish water dog, product designer, Spiral product design
ith the Quigley (2) who helps w Hill advertising for On The 26
n/Spitz, Teddy (11), Pomeraniaales owner, Princess of W
, David Aron (4), rescued from Serbia, receptionist sell/ Birkett Estate Agents. Harley (7), Jack Rus welfare Shih tzu, rescued from Mayhew animal nts charity, bouncer, David Birkett Estate Age
l Vinny (2), Whippet, meet & greeter, Pau ice Lee estate agents. Snoopy (1), Beagle, off nts manager, Jeremy Bass estate age
Bubbles (2), Bichon/Maltese, host, Shampoo hairdressers
Margo (2), Whippet, ies therapy dog, KS Therap
Willow-Beau (12 interior desecra weeks), Irish Terrier, tor, Clifton Inte riors
Alvin (11), Lazy Shih Tzu, graphic designer for On The Hill
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onthehill.info
Beauty & Wellbeing
Specialist
Community
SHAMPOO HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON 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 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 COMMUNITY CENTRE 29 Hopkinson’s Place, Fitzroy Rd, NW1 8TN 020 7586 8327
HACKETTS HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON AND HAIR BY VINNIE 23 Princess Rd, NW1 8JR 020 7586 0969 / 07769 792196 Tu–Sa 09.00–19.00 www.hackettsprimrosehill.com HEADCASE BARBERS 47a Chalcot Road NW1 8LS 020 3601 6106 primrosehill@headcase-barbers.com Tu–W 11.00–19.00 Th–F 11.00–20.0 Sa 10.00–19.00 Su 11.00–18.00 www.headcase-barbers.com/primrose-hill Book online: headcaseprimrosehill.booksy.com
Home CAVE INTERIORS 29 Princess Rd, NW1 8JR 020 7722 9222 georgina@caveinteriors.com M–F 09.30–17.30 www.caveinteriors.com
PRIMROSE HILL BUSINESS CENTRE The First Business Centre in the World 110 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8HX 0207 483 2681 info@phbcoffices.co.uk M–F 09.00–18.00 PILLARCARE The Business Centre, 36 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 7BB 020 7482 2188 enquiries@pillarcare.co.uk M–F 09.00–17.00 Out-of-hours on-call service
Fashion & Jewellery HARRIET KELSALL 69 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 8UY 020 3886 0757 M–Sa 10.00–18.00 Su 11.00–17.00 www.hkjewellery.co.uk
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 CHALK FARM FOODBANK Revelation Church c/o Chalk Farm Baptist Church, Berkley Road, NW1 8YS 0207 483 3763 Th 10.30–12.00 www.chalkfarm.foodbank.org.uk
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Primrose Hill EATS
Dog Treats Here is a recipe for homemade dog treats provided by fourteen-year-old Caia Collis. Please note: the peanut butter must be suitable for dogs (eg Dog for Dog Dogbutter Original Peanut Butter with Flaxseed for Dogs). Caia’s dog Carla highly recommends them! 1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In a bowl mix together the bananas, eggs and peanut butter until smooth. 3. Add the oats, flour, carrot and spinach and mix to form a dough. 4. Roll out the mixture with a rolling pin and cut out shapes using cookie cutters. 5. Place the cookies on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes, then take out and leave to cool.
RECIPE BY Caia Collis PHOTOGRAPH BY Sarah Louise Ramsay
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Ingredients 2 bananas 1 large carrot, grated 330 g wheat flour 2 eggs 110 g oats 60 g peanut butter Finely chopped spinach
Hello, Primrose Hill! It's all gone barking mad!
Frank, Ian & Suki
Diesel
Janet & Pendleton
Shawn & Sugar
Ruth, Vienna & Mutley. Alison & Sassy
Martin, Lucy, Connor & Anna
Alpha
Laura, Stevie, Jane & Tilly
Guy & George
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In a selfie snapping, likeseeking world, there are still those who commission portraits 020 3151 6287 166 Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill, NW1 8XN
johndwood.co.uk 32
good Ra t he r ge n t s e st a te a