SOHO CLARION The free magazine of the Soho Society

Oxford Street Closure Proposals: The road to Nowhere? Soho Square Surgery under threat

Christmas 2017 · Issue 169

SOHO CLARION / 3 IN THIS ISSUE

Soho Square GP Surgery 4 Notices 4 Baseline Collective 6 Development 7 Architecture and Morality 8 We’re Watching 10 Map 11 Soho Neighbourhood Forum 11 Crossword 12 Obituary 13 Review 14

SILVER SUNDAY TEA DANCE Highlights of our annual Silver Sunday Tea Dance 7 at St Anne’s Community Hall. FROM ST. ANNE’S TOWER

David Evans has completed his four years of ple Matthew Bennett has kindly agreed to quickly update and use for more stuff – like thoughtful, kind and generous stewardship step down as a formal board member though surveys and donations. We are also keen to of the Soho Society and has bravely passed he will continue to attend all our meetings return to some of the Society’s old habits like the baton on. David remains a trustee and and continue to chair the planning group. regular socials, having the office regularly the Society will continue to benefit from his Matthew will therefore continue as he cur- staffed by volunteers and Christmas events. wise counsel and participation. We heartily rently has done for decades – at the centre of We have new projects planned such as a thank him for his past work and look forward our community and the Society. Appropriate Loyalty Scheme, greening initiatives and our to continuing to work with him on the Board thanks for Matthew would run to several own manifesto for Soho going into the local and to dine with him at the Academy Club. hundreds of pages and given that he isn’t elections next year which candidates will Margaret Bloomer remains on the com- actually going anywhere, would not be timely. be asked to comment on. We will continue mittee and will continue helping us with the Iona Wolff has resigned as a trustee due with all the planning and licensing work we money but has handed the formal role of to increasing pressure of work but we thank have done for over 40 years – and we will be Treasurer to our new trustee, Lyn Blackman. her for her past contribution to the Society particularly concentrating on preserving and Lyn has a long history with Soho, comes and all her lovely photographs. She has said supporting our independent businesses in from the world of publishing and, is, conven- she is happy to continue to volunteer. food, fabric, music and film. iently, a member of the Groucho Club. She David Gleeson remains our vice-chair My reason for taking on this role at this has already proved herself, amongst other and head of the Licensing Group and Bob time is in part a response to the increasing things, a firm but fair collector of debts to O’Dell remains our secretary. uncertainty in our national and international the Society. We thank Margaret for her We also welcome Baroness Lane-Fox as politics. For me it seemed like a good time hard work as Treasurer in the past and her our patron, a new role which we created for to connect with the community and to try to continued support and good humour as we her so that she can speak up for the Society make it easier for all of us to do so. The last continue to work together. and advise us on new technology. It seems few months have confirmed to me that we We also welcome Rachel Waddell, a resi- right that Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho is are all really lucky to be connected to Soho. dent of Berwick Street, to the committee to now patron of the Soho Society and we can Have a great Christmas, be grateful for all help with our fund-raising work and strategy. ask her to open things and help us get our that we have - and come and volunteer in Rachel has a background in overseas devel- message across to a wide range of audiences. the New Year. opment and fund raising which is proving In summary, we have some new faces but useful. She has quickly fallen in to the habits our old stalwarts are still with us. of being a trustee of the Soho Society. During the past two months we have The Society has a legal limit of fifteen been refreshing our plans. There are some Tim Lord trustees and to make room for our new peo- practical things like having a website we can Chair, The Soho Society 4 / SOHO CLARION THE BATTLE FOR SOHO SQUARE GP SURGERY UPDATE

Three years ago patients, and the local community (for 5,000 patients). So we may lose one of our two long associations from Soho, Covent Garden and Fitzrovia standing and highly respected GPs, one of whom is of together with the support of the Chinese and LGBT Chinese heritage, and the other who took it upon himself communities, fought a successful campaign to keep to learn basic Mandarin. LCMS have said that the hours the Soho Square practice open. Patient numbers have could be shared by two GPs. Our GPs are held in very increased hugely, from just under 4,000 in January high regard by patients, many of whom say that, for the 2016 to over 5,000 patients in September this year. first time, they have confidence in the healthcare they All patients are members of the Patients Participation receive. This is supported by the over 90% of patients Group (PPG). A third of patients are Chinese speaking, who are recorded on the NHS Choices website saying and the LGBT+ community are also strongly represented they would recommend the practice to friends and among the patient body. A PPG meeting is held on the family and the good CQC inspection report received third Wednesday of alternate months which is open to all by the practice in May 2016. patients and attended by senior officers of the Provider. We called an urgent PPG meeting for 2 October, and In August last year the NHS awarded the contract to asked LCMS to present their plans to patients. Some 160 manage the practice to Living Care Medical Services patients came to the meeting, in spite of the short notice Limited (LCMS). A small working group of officers of – we had just one week to get out the information about the PPG meet with one of their senior administrative the meeting to patients. We also invited representatives people every month (as they did with previous provid- of organizations and community groups such as Health- ers). The PPG has supported efforts by LCMS to make watch, a national organization that supports patients. the practice more financially viable, by, for example, Charles Yeung, from Watson’s Pharmacy, Bobby Chan encouraging the employment of senior nurses and from the Central Law Centre, and Christine Yau Healthcare Assistants to take on some of the workload of the Chinese Community Association, all spoke of the as the number of patients increased, and encouraging special needs of the Chinese-speaking Community, who an increase in patient numbers. make up 30% of patients at the practice. On 20 September 2017, at the end of our regular Living Care gave patients a 40 minute lecture about working group monthly meeting, we were informed, the travails and financial difficulties of the NHS at the verbally, of significant changes to the practice. These present time. During the meeting the PPG Chair and changes, we were told, would be brought in in the next others pleaded with LCMS to “get to the point” and three to four months, i.e. December/January. tell patients what they had come to hear. Patients At the time of writing we have not received anything eventually lost patience and we ended up learning little in writing regarding the changes, but LCMS have con- further about the proposed changes to the exceptional firmed verbally that they will be bringing in a remote healthcare patients have hitherto received from the two triage system and will substantially reduce the number doctors and their team. Patients did, however, make it of GP hours at the practice. clear at the meeting on 2 October that they were very Access to all healthcare will in future be by telephon- angry that they stood to lose one of the GPs. Speakers ing a triage team at a call centre. This will be staffed by from the Chinese Community also made it clear that they nurses who will make a decision on what treatment the feared that the triage system could make it difficult for patient requires, including the possibility of seeing a GP the many Chinese patients, who have limited or no Eng- or other clinician at the surgery. Patients who do not lish skills, to access the healthcare they need. The PPG have adequate English to explain their health concerns leadership group will continue to have conversations with (including many of the Chinese speaking community) the Central London Clinical Commissioning Group, who will be linked in to an online translation service. Our very will have the final say in whether the changes go ahead; popular morning clinics, whereby a patient can turn up with Healthwatch, and with others with an interest in and wait to see one of the GPs or the nurse, will cease health care matters in the area, and will continue to to exist, as will the online facility to book an afternoon argue for the best interests of all the patients. appointment with one of the GPs. Based on the premise that the triage system would greatly reduce the number of patients who need to Situation correct at time of writing (end October 2017). Anyone wishing to get in touch with the PPG is welcome see a GP, LCMS say they will reduce the number of GP to contact us through the PPG’s email address: hours from two full time GPs to 40-50 hours per week [email protected] NOTICES / 5 NOTICES

SOHO LOYALTY SCHEME POLICING

Many amenity societies in London run a Since the public meeting held last September scheme whereby local businesses offer a things are much improved on our streets. disount or special offer to members of the This is primarily due to the hard work of relevant society. It creates a link beween the police and our local safer neighbour- the residents and workers and the the retail hood police team in particular, for which businesses and we have decided to do the we thank them. Well known crime hotspots same in Soho. If you have a retail, or indeed such as Tisbury Court, Rupert and Archer any other, business in Soho and would like Streets now see much less drug-related to be included in the Soho Society Loyalty antisocial behaviour than before. However, Scheme please complete the form on our a number of the dealers and users feel Soho website with your contact details. We are is their ‘spiritual’ home and are never far in the process of issuing mewbership cards away. Currently they spend a lot of time on to all our Soho Society members. We will the other side of , but send businesses a window decal once they there are ongoing problems in the Cam- are accepted on to the Scheme. There is no bridge Circus area (i.e. Romilly Street/Moor Martha Lane Fox fee, but we would be keen for businesses to Street) at certain times of the day. On any join the Society as a business member if you relaxing of vigilance they seem to return, want to participate. We can’t guarantee to despite the issuing of Criminal Protection include every business, but the sooner you Notices (CPNs) and Criminal Behaviour apply, the better. It’s up to the business Orders (CBOs). what they offer. Could be a percentage dis- There remain ongoing problems at night SOHO SOCIETY PATRON count, a lunch offer at quieter time of the with gangs who see the area, with its night week, or a particular product or service that time economy, as a potential for quick and MARTHA LANE-FOX might appeal to people that live and work easy rich pickings. People should be vigilant in Soho. Once we have the information we and are advised to keep to main streets will publish the offers on our website and rather than taking short cuts through dimly in the Clarion. lit alleys, and should keep their property safe. The Right Honourable Baroness Lane-Fox Following Westminster City Council’s of Soho, CBE has accepted the position of decision to decommission the CCTV cam- Patron of the Soho Society eras in the area last year, it is understood Baroness Lane-Fox said “I am delighted to that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) accept this honorary position with the Soho are working with the Mayor’s Office and Society and look forward to working with the WCC on a long term solution to enable a dig- Society and its volunteers in future. SOHO SOCIETY ital CCTV system to be implemented across “I chose Soho because all my best nights the Borough. Work is ongoing and locations out were always there – from Bar Italia to CHRISTMAS FAIR for the cameras have been carefully identi- Ronnie Scotts. That’s why I opened Lucky fied based on need, to include areas at the Voice on Poland Street. greatest risk of criminal offences. There is “Although Soho faces a number of chal- no specific date as to when the system will lenges – inappropriate development, loss of Come and join us at our first ever Christmas be operational, but the plan is to get the new live entertainment and LGBT venues, and Fair to be opened by the Mayor of Soho. The cameras up and running as soon as possible. threats to its independent businesses through Fair will be the place to buy your Christmas rent and rate increases, it has a history of gifts with a range of stalls selling handmade Be vigilant: call 999 in an emergency, adapting and surviving. goods from Christmas cards, scarves, beau- 101 if not an emergency. The SNT is also available by email at:- “I’m therefore pleased to support the Soho tiful ceramics to gifts, such as jewellery, [email protected] Society’s continuing work on planning and candles, books and lots more. The local Soho and on 07785 401452 when on duty, licensing in addition to its new projects, such Bakers Club will produce a range of home- and on twitter @mpssoho. as its loyalty card scheme bringing members made cakes, mince pies and mulled wine. There is also a link to Police.UK which gives crime figures (albeit 2 months out of date) and local businesses together.” There will be some classic Soho Fête on our website under ‘resources’. Tim Lord, Chair of the Society said “Soho favourites, Tombola, Raffle prizes and there is a special place at the centre of a great will also be a ‘Guess the weight of the Christ- city. There is no better person that Martha mas cake’ competition, with the cake as the to be the patron of this charity. She is the prize. Not to be missed! most eloquent of advocates and an enabler that can help the Society build further on its Saturday 9 December 2017 12pm – 5pm capabilities. ” 6 / SOHO CLARION THE FUTURE OF OXFORD STREET — PART 1 The meeting with the Council

On 27 November the Board of the Society TFL have finally realised its a problem but to ensure that these problems are addressed received a presentation from Westminster City neither have a solution nor any funding to pay rather than allowing them to impose a scheme Council on the proposed removal of vehicles for any solution they may eventually come up which takes no cognizance of the adverse effect from Oxford Street. The full presentation in with. We think it will end up being colonised by on local businesses and residents whilst they available on the Society’s website. the frontages for late night drinking. strive to pursue the Labour Mayor’s Manifesto They key points are:- As many buses will now stop at either end of commitment to deliver pedestrianisation.” Of itself the closure of Oxford Street won’t Oxford Street and turn round, Marble Arch will Paul Dimoldenburg for Queen’s Park Ward reduce pollution. What pollution there is will become a bus depot as will Cavendish Square. provided the following:- be moved to the residential “The opening of the Eliza- streets north and south of beth Line at the end of 2018 will Oxford Street. Over the last bring millions of new visitors to year the Government has Oxford Street to shop, to work taken on the pollution issue and to visit. The current state and pollution from vehicles of Oxford Street with narrow, has already been signifi- broken and cracked pavements, cantly reduced and will be increasing pollution, a very high reduced yet further by a pedestrian accident record and reduction in bus services an unattractive environment is and people changing mode not acceptable. Doing nothing is, to the underground. So the therefore, not an option. closure is neither necessary But this certainly does not nor particularly helpful from mean that local residents and a pollution perspective. businesses should simply accept

There has already been Diagram from Transport For London’s Oxford Street Transformation presentation. what the Council and TfL pro- a significant reduction in pose without questioning it the east west bus traffic on Oxford Street. It Bus passengers will have to change busses to thoroughly and very carefully. Residents are was 188 busses per hour at its peak (which did get across London, sometimes more than once. those who will be most affected by the changes cause congestion), is now 75 busses per hour Although grateful for the presentation our and so residents need to be put first. Resi- (which seems to be working) and the proposal Board was underwhelmed by the proposals with dents’ concerns about displaced traffic and is for 18 busses per hour along Wigmore Street one board member asking in exasperation why increased pollution on residential streets must (which, in our view, won’t be enough). WCC are doing this. No convincing answer be answered. No ifs, not buts. The Council and Currently, stopping traffic on Oxford Street was forthcoming. TfL must show that these concerns are being is separated from other vehicles that move We have contacted two of our councillors addressed and ensure that the plans do not more quickly on the routes to the north and for a view. Councillor Jonathan Glanz, Member lead to the disruption, congestion, pollution and south of Oxford Street. As evidence we know for West One Ward said as follows:- daily inconvenience that many residents fear. that Oxford Street has 10,000 vehicles per “This is not a Westminster scheme but is It is for that reason that we have met TfL to day whereas Wigmore Street carries 20,000 being imposed on the West End by the Mayor insist that residents’ questions are answered. vehicles per day. Closing Oxford Street will and TfL. We accept there is room for improve- We will keep asking these questions until we move all of the slower traffic on to what were ment in Oxford Street, particularly in relation to get answers. previously the faster routes. Further, the air-quality and traffic fatalities but are also very We have called for a street-by-street plan of of proposal includes a number of new pedestrian concerned that it could make things worse. We the changes so that residents and businesses can crossings on the northern east west route do not believe that the Mayor has sufficiently see how they will be affected. We want a big (13 in total) so, best guess, is that this route addressed the issues of displacement of traffic, reduction in traffic, including buses. We want will be gridlocked. The congested traffic will particularly servicing traffic, and pollution into to see a dedicated transport service for the dis- adversely affect the residents in Marylebone nearby streets to the north and south of Oxford abled and elderly so that they, too, can enjoy the and Fitzrovia who are, predictably, up in arms Street, nor properly addressed the issues of new Oxford Street. And we want to see a plan about it. It is unlikely to help with Soho’s traffic disabled access, north-south connectivity and for Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place which problems either. counter terrorist security requirements. We shows how buses can be accommodated without TFL are very keen on everyone moving to have major concerns about long-term man- causing problems. the underground and believe that this solves agement of the pedestrianised space, especially Our priority is to make the transformation of everything. Residents from Hyde Park, Pad- if it were to be traffic free for 24 hours a day. Oxford Street work for everyone - for residents, dington and beyond are not so happy. There We do not wish to see it become a haven for for businesses, for shoppers and for visitors. We are many people that can’t take the under- buskers, beggars, pickpockets etc, and without also want more public toilets and more use of ground e.g. people with strollers, the elderly proper management and enforcement (for quieter, electric delivery vehicles. As ever, the and the disabled and also people who don’t which the Mayor and TfL have yet to offer ‘devil is in the detail’ and we look forward to want to pay for the tube rather than the bus. financial support) it could easily do so. Simply seeing a practical and common sense plan that These people won’t be able to access Oxford relocating polluting vehicles into parallel and works. Until then, we will keep fighting to get the Street at all. We think its important that a city side streets, hoping to share the limited roadside best deal for local residents and businesses.” works for all its residents - this proposal will space with taxis, presumably pedicabs, and You have until 17 December to comment exclude a significant group of them. servicing, whilst providing adequate disabled on the proposals. If you care about London, The closure is now proposed to be 24 hours. access, is a challenge which we do not feel the the West End and Soho, we strongly suggest There is no plan on how to manage the newly current proposals properly address. We are you do so. created large open spaces at night. WCC and continuing to engage with the Mayor and TfL OXFORD STREET / SILVER SUNDAY TEA DANCE / 7 TFL CONSULTATION — THE TRANSFORMATION OF OXFORD STREET — PART 2 How will pedestrianisation of Oxford Street affect Soho?

Both main candidates to be London Mayor from 50,000 to 120,000 in recent years with the side streets become ever noisier with promised to pedestrianise Oxford Street. the advent of Uber and the like, constantly clanking lorry tail gates and rattling metal roll A popular move perhaps with Londoners circling the streets waiting for their next fare. cages? Won’t 2km of pedestrianised street as a whole and Sadiq Kahn certainly wants But the Mayor wants to forge ahead by the become a magnet for buskers, beggars and to deliver. You can argue that Oxford Street time Crossrail opens next December. anti-social behaviour? Why would a council needs an upgrade because it struggles to Worst of all from the perspective of that clearly hasn’t got enough enforcement be a pleasant place when shoppers are out residents the scheme has morphed from a capacity to streets clear of such activity now in force. For locals north and south of the proposal to pedestrianise during the busy want to take on an even bigger management street is where does all the displaced traffic shopping hours to a proposal to close the task and cost? go – through our areas probably! street every day at all times. For Soho the impacts are uncertain TfL and WCC say they recognise that At present after 7.00pm when other traffic because there are no west to east routes such displacement is unacceptable and that is allowed to use the streets as many as 500 through Soho so there is no obvious alter- they want to look at things on an area basis vehicles an hour from Notting Hill and points native route that traffic will take through the and try to reduce overall traffic. Whilst TfL west head in along Oxford Street to the West area. Much of it will probably take routes to can reduce the number of buses and they End with the heaviest traffic around midnight. the north of Oxford Street itself as will the already have by 40% there are still taxis, There seems no justifiable reason for divert- few remaining bus routes which is really bad private hire vehicles (PHVs)and freight. To ing this much traffic through our residential news for Marylebone and Fitzrovia and we really reduce traffic so that there is no overall areas. The reasoning seems to be that with support their concerns. increase is difficult and will take time. This recent terrorist attacks using vehicles the part of the process should in the opinion street has to be ‘made safe’ and that in doing of the Soho Society have started first so so it would be ‘unsafe’ to let traffic back in at This article was penned before our meeting with that any displaced traffic will not have an night. Besides the obvious question of where WCC on the 27 November (see opposite) which did adverse impact. Things like delivery service do you stop in trying to make all the busy nothing to allay our fears. plans, kerbside management and freight and streets ‘safe’ there are the other issues. How If you have views on all this and want to express your views go to www.tfl.gov.uk/oxford-street waste consolidation are all key, as would be do you deliver stock and maintain the shops where TfL are running a consultation. But act some limit on PHVs which have rocketed and buildings if they can’t be accessed? Will quickly as it is only open until 17th December.

THE SOHO SOCIETY AND ST ANNE’S CHURCH SILVER SUNDAY TEA DANCE

For the fourth year in a row we had a full house at our Silver Sunday tea dance that was held on 1 October in St Anne’s Community Hall. The Mayor of Westminster and Councillor Christabel Flight attended the event with both joining our guests on the dance floor and thoroughly getting into the spirit of this wonderful afternoon. We would like to offer our thanks to the band led by Anthony Winter, the Bees Knees dancers and all our guests who attended the tea dance. We would also like to thank all our volunteers and all of the staff from both St Anne’s Church and The Soho Society. Guests enjoyed the many wonderful cakes that were generously donated by many Soho bakeries and patis- series including Maison Bertaux, The Two Shuks (@ thetwoshuks) and Choccywoccydoodah along with donations from many other friends in Soho. This event was made possible with a grant from Westminster Amalgamated Charities to whom we would like to offer our thanks.

Photography: Richard Piercy 8 / SOHO CLARION

Kettner’s the restaurant and champagne bar at 29 Romilly St. was founded in 1867 by Auguste Kettner. On 30 January 2016, after 149 years Kettner’s closed but is to re-open in January 2018 and renamed, Kettner’s Townhouse after a major rede- velopment by Soho House/Soho Estates. In 1980 entrepreneur, Peter Boizot who founded Pizza Express bought Kettner’s, His first restaurant opened at 29 Wardour St. in 1965.

ARCHITECTURE AND MORALITY

Back in the 1970’s architectural student, Robert Stallard was living in Gerrard Pl. “Living in Soho, a sq mile still barely touched by modern development, one became very aware of its cosmopolitan character, its sizeable community living and working in affordable accommodation, its smells, its network of ancient streets and buildings – everything that was uniquely the ‘village’ of Soho. Robert decided to document Soho for his final dissertation. “In 1972 the area had been described by the Chairman of Westminster Planning Committee as a ‘down-at-heel-ne- on-lit-slum’!” The photographs (over 250) were taken during February 1973. Courtesy of the Mary Evans Picture Library.

www.maryevans.com

The Nosh Bar was a salt beef bar at 42 Gt Windmill St It opened 1944 and closed in the late 1980s. “the other thing my deja vu took me back to was the Nosh Bar on Windmill Street, which sold fantastic pastrami on rye with Dutch pickles and lemon tea. It was staffed by ancient rude men with sad eyes and brillian- tined hair, who wore white coats. The walls had posters for old East End boxers. It was heaven... and it’s gone, along with all edi- ble Jewish food in London. Food critic, AA Gill. Sophie’s Steak- house is due to open at 41–44 Gt Windmill St which was the old Moulin Classic cinema. ARCHITECTURE AND MORALITY / 9

Sid Siger’s Barber Shop at 7 Archer St, opened in 1928 and closed in 1975. It was pop- ular with many of the acts from the Windmill Theatre, regular customers included, Harry Secombe, Arthur English, Dick Emery and Marty Feldman and from the world of sport Jack Solomon. It is now Gelupo a tra- ditional Italian gelateria

Mario and Franco’s trattoria La Terrazza – . ‘In London with a beautiful girl, you must show her to Mario at La Terrazza.’ From the 1961 classic spy novel, The Ipcress File by Len Deighton. “the Trat”, as it was known in the “Swinging 60s” was the place to go. Customers, included the actors Terence Stamp, Albert Finney and Peter O’Toole; and the photographers Terence Donovan, Brian Duffy, David Bailey and Terry O’Neill. It is now Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte at 50 Dean St. The museum of Soho. www.mosoho.org.uk 10 / SOHO CLARION WE’RE WATCHING

Other trends are towards We hope you like our more roof terraces at the rear Christmas nativity scene. PLANNING of premises, many probably just LICENSING It features a true “Sohoite” to allow smoking breaks but with Brooke Bailey (Mary) the potential to increase over- who was born and raised looking into people’s homes in the heart of Soho and but the possible impact of this has lived here for 36 years. Among the more than 160 is very difficult to judge from A recent application by G-A-Y Her parents were both lead- applications seen by the Socie- online plans. to remain open until 4.30am ing lights in the creative ty’s Planning and Environment Another interesting applica- presented us with a dilemma. industries during the 1970’s, Committee over the last four tion is by Land Securities at 4–6 G-A-Y is an iconic venue that has 80’s and 90’s. Brooke studied months a number stand out. One Glasshouse Street. They have maintained Soho’s reputation as at and of the most important ones is the consent for a large development both a home for minorities and now works in the advertising rebuilding at 72 Broadwick Street of the whole block from Picca- a great place for a good time. industry in Golden Square. of the block which includes the dilly Circus to Denman Street. Already licensed until 3.30am, She lives with her partner large Electricity substation with But after that permission was they had been presented with Felix (Joseph), a composer, a rather ugly blank concrete wall granted English Heritage listed a hefty rent increase, like so who works locally in a post fronting Marshall Street. Thank- the old Westminster Bank Build- many commercial premises production house, and their fully it is proposed that this is ing. The solution proposed is to here, and the extra hour would 17 month old son, Rufus (the replaced with a green wall. Less remove the bank stone by stone presumably help them cover this baby Jesus). We are also fea- positively, the existing eleven and store it carefully, allow the extra cost. turing David Gleeson (our residential flats, some with inter- overall scheme to proceed and However, their location in vice-chair), Bob O’Dell (our esting external garden balconies, then reconstruct the bank build- Goslett Yard cul-de-sac means secretary) and Anton Gill (an are to be moved to the first and ing both externally and internally that customers entering and author that lives in Marshall second floors, where there will in its original condition. Not an leaving the premises pass by a Street) - as the three wise be just nine units and they will easy process and perhaps an residential block on the other men. Thanks go to Spencer lose their external balconies and indication of the value that such side of Charing Cross Road. The Harvey at Broadwick Silks be much closer to noises coming huge schemes create if Land noise of patrons leaving would for the loan of fabric, Father up from the street. Above them Securities are prepared to go then be extended later, depriv- Simon Buckley for the use of new 4th, 5th and 6th floors of to these lengths to make it hap- ing these residents of peace for the entrance of St Anne’s, offices are proposed but with pen. Another notable proposal a further hour into the night/ our photographer, Adrian some photovoltaic panels on the is to remodel the façade and early morning. Houston and Javier Omen- new roof. The Society opposed parts of 33 Broadwick Street We therefore objected to the aca who was our stylist. the scheme because of the reduc- from a glaring post-modern later hour for which G-A-Y were tion in amenity for the residential one to something much more applying as per our mandate. But element. restrained and attractive. this was done with a somewhat The Clarion At 23 Meard Street an appli- Finally, at 46 Shaftesbury Ave- heavy heart – we do not wish to be The Free Magazine cation to change the use from nue the entrance to the long seen as threatening the survival of The Soho Society office to retail was granted to established dance club is being by objecting to their licence appli- St Anne’s Tower 55 Dean Street allow the existing Ben and Jer- moved to Rupert Street and will cation. Given that many LGBT London ry’s ice cream shop to extend. be replaced with the entrance venues are closing and the city’s W1D 6AF We had opposed this application to the massive new hotel that is famous commercial gay economy because of the way retail is slowly being built above the Trocadero. is disappearing, G-A-Y had sup- www.thesohosociety.org.uk [email protected] encroaching on this lovely and port from the Mayor of London, Tel: 0300 302 1301 largely listed residential street. Matthew Bennett, Amy Lame (the Mayor’s night- We supported WCC’s opposition Chair of Soho Society Planning time Czar) and Peter Tatchell. Patron: Baroness Lane-Fox and Environment Group to a whole host of new telephone Clearly, the problem here of Soho Honorary President: boxes across the West End which is not the venue wanting later Leslie Hardcastle OBE are simply advertising hoard- operating hours, nor the Soho Chair: Tim Lord ings with a telephone box tacked Society for following policy and Vice Chair: David Gleeson on the other side. The trend to objecting to potential loss of Treasurer: Lyn Blackman Secretary: Bob O’Dell increase the provision of tables residential amenity, but rather Board: David Evans, Margaret and chairs on the pavement landlords aggressively raising Bloomer, Andy Jones, Jane appears to have intensified rents. As this continues, and Doyle, Bonny Porter, Jayne and we wonder what will happen unique commercial premises Gross, Lisa Sheehy, Richard Piercy, William White, Marina when Crossrail opens and the that define Soho are driven Tempia extra thousands of pedestrians out and replaced by rich, bland try to get by. Perhaps the council chains, the things that define Science Adviser: Gary Hayes will then review its policy but at our neighbourhood disappear. present the solution for many Registered Charity Number: at busy times is simply to walk David Gleeson, Chair of the Soho 1146589 in the street! Society Licensing Group Copyright The Soho Society WE’RE WATCHING / CHRISTMAS LIST / MAP / SNF / 11 SOHO SOCIETY’S CHRISTMAS LIST 2017

We thought we would do our Christmas ical care to the community as originally in- residents in advance of events that might List early this year. So we decided to ask tended - in perpetuity. cause a disturbance. Father Christmas for the following:- 5. NHS changes how it manages the pro- 9. A butcher, bakery and fishmongers 1. TFL, Westminster City Council and The curement of GP services so that patients open in Berwick Street, adjacent to the Mayor announce withdrawal of the Oxford are properly consulted and their wishes food market. Shaftesbury plc says they Street pedestrianisation scheme following taken into account. Patients make series are happy to take a lower rent given the consultation with local residents and busi- of suggestions on how new technology and value to the community as a whole (and to nesses. greater community involvement can be their other investments) of having special- used to reduce the costs of providing GP ity food shops in Soho. 2. The Mayor announces an alterna- and hospital care. These initiatives are tive scheme to renew Oxford Street - the quickly and cheerfully adopted. 10. Westminster City Council installs un- planting of 1,000 trees and other green- derground refuse storage units so that ing initiatives, the installation of attended 6. The newly formed Soho Clubs and Res- rubbish is no longer left out on the street. underground public toilet facilities, water taurants Association announces its sum- fountains, mobile phone charging points, mer festival of live music in Soho to include 11. The streets of Soho are closed on the improvements to adjacent parks and all its members’ venues and a number of day of the Royal Wedding and set with ta- squares, seating, clearing of the pavement public locations. bles for a community celebration in which of tables and chairs for better pedestrian all the restaurants, businesses and resi- and wheelchair access, signposted pedes- 7. Westminster City Council introduces a dents of Soho contribute and participate. trian routes, a scheme to improve disabled special policy area in Soho to protect the Nuns in drag roller skate though Soho for access by bus and taxi. historical uses and activities of tailoring, no particular reason. fabric selling, film making, speciality food 3. An anonymous donor contributes a and music equipment and instruments. 12. The Soho Society announces it’s sum to the Soho Parish School so that it 2,000th member who is given the Keys to can pay off it’s deficit in one go. The bells 8. The pubs and clubs in Soho all sign up Soho. Leslie and Wendy Hardcastle gently of Saint Anne’s are rung in celebration. to the Soho Society’s Good Neighbour fall asleep in Great Pulteney Street, their Scheme in which they acknowledge that furrowed brows soothed. 4. The NHS confirms that it will transfer Soho is a residential area, endeavour to the old hospital site in Soho Square to the minimise noise from their premises, from Tim Lord community so that the community can deliveries and customers after 11pm and have no concerns about it being sold off before 7am, provide a 24 hour phone num- and that it can be used for providing med- ber for complaints and promise to tell

SOHO NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM

Plan for Soho, Soho’s Neighbourhood Plan- In April we opened a new public consul- e-newsletter and following us on facebook ning forum, has been gathering speed over tation that gathered over 540 responses on and twitter. the past few months. the aspirations for our developing policies, To sign up as a member, or if you have For all new readers, the goal of neighbour- opening up our ideas to Soho’s community any questions please do email contact@ hood planning is to give more powers to local of workers, residents and visitors. All ques- planforsoho.org. people to help determine what happens, in tions received ‘good’ scoring indicating a We are also looking for volunteers to sup- planning terms, in their local area. strong level of support for each aspiration. port our work. To find out more please email We have been working across the past few Additionally the survey received over 3000 [email protected]. years to develop a Neighbourhood Plan and responses. You can read the full results of importantly, consult with people who live, the consultation on our website (https:// Anna Doyle work and visit Soho. Last year we surveyed planforsoho.org/category/news/). almost 1000 people in Soho, who told us that Currently the Soho Neighbourhood housing, the environment and, heads and Forum’s three policy development teams shoulders above all else, looking after the focusing on Soho’s environment, housing, ‘spirit of Soho’ that makes Soho the special culture, commerce and heritage are develop- place we all love, were the key areas for us ing policies using the feedback from public to work on. Using this feedback, we have consultation. been working on ideas, in Policy Develop- You can read more about our organiza- ment Teams, to draft policies for our final tion, what we do, who we are and how to get plan. Each team focused on a specific area, involved by visiting our website (https:// (Housing, the Environment and Culture, planforsoho.org/) and you can keep up to Heritage and Commerce). date with our work through signing up to our 12 / SOHO CLARION SOHO REVIEW / 12

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Across Down Signed 1. Knock out on this? (6) 1. Lacking depth, demonstrate Date 4. Key to one’s come-down? (6) about everything (7) 9. Everything happens after 2. Turns and takes lead Hamlet’s first entrance (4) from online bullies (5) 10. Strangely enthrone two kings, 3. Incite disorder after a one from Yorkshire perhaps (10) thousand are on the move (7) 11. Shut up near to the beginning (6) 5. Seem confused about 12. Wrongly misspelt the church plot (6) easiest word (8) 6. Transport in case pair 13. Affirmed first of endives plan escape (9) and so on in vegetables (9) 7. Prepares garments? (7) 15. Might generous offer 8. Measure of decay of drinks be a burden? (4) maybe when insect circles 16. Reject dull poet? (4) annoyingly? (13) 17. With small inside, fat is 14. Attention to old currency very apparent (6, 3) journalist noted (9) 21. Chafing underwear worn 16. Monkeys disapprove by a Welsh girl (8) of being held in bars (7) 22. First indication of tobacco 18. Nutter goes crazy about smoke coming back is awful (6) nothing? A lie! (3, 4) 24. Confused bloke’s role 19. Not changing a as a retailer (10) distinctive habit (7) 25. Robin and ducks seen 20. Best get home after in high definition (4) convulsion is cut short (6) 26. Seated haphazardly, but calm (6) 23. Pest took cover after 27. Rarely confused models (6) father came back (5) Answers to issue 168 crossword OBITUARY / 13 OBITUARY

playing his radio shows on Soho Toni left Italy in 1958 when she ories of her life with the man she JOHN EDWARDS Radio in the coming weeks. All was only 18 years old. She went loved. She sadly passed away on by Leslie Hardcastle of his shows are archived onto to Basingstoke where her sister Friday 1st September 2017. Mixcloud if you would like to lis- lived with her English husband. Her daughter Maristella, John Edwards, a leading docu- ten back. She left her daughter in Italy grandson’s Gianpietro and mentary film maker who received Our thoughts are with his with her mother and trained as a Demis and grandchild Valeria the first John Grierson Award friends and family. nurse. After a couple of years she will keep her in their hearts. set up to commemorate the We salute you x moved to London’s Old Compton pioneering Scottish documen- Street. In 1964 she finally had tary filmmakerJohn Grierson, her own flat and was then able the man widely regarded as the to bring her daughter Maristella MICHAEL SIEFERT father of the documentary film, BERNIE KATZ from Italy to live with her. by Leslie Hardcastle has died after a long struggle by Hilary Penn After a year she met her with ill-health. John won this husband, (her real love) Carlo It is with great sadness that prestigious award in 1971 for his Bernie and I were born on the De Marco, and moved to Saint we have to record the death of film The Wind in the Wires (his same day. We met whilstworking James Residences on Brewer Michael Siefert. Lawyer, and film company was Buff Films). in the same place, and then on Street where Maristella grew campaigner against injustice, John was a familiar sight in the same street, doing very sim- up with Toni and Carlo who Michael was a good friend of Soho, always in a hat, black in ilar jobs, his in Grouchos where I although not my real Dad he was Soho and the Soho Society the winter – accompanied by a had worked only a couple of years a gentleman who loved her like and gave wise counsel on many long black coat – and white in the beforehand. But NO ONE could his own daughter. They tried to occasions. In the early 70s he summer, often making his way to ever be even remotely the same have their own children but Toni advised us on how to confront his favourite drinking hole, The as Bernie, he was a total one-off. sadly suffered five miscarriages. the developers who were threat- French, and more recently enjoy- He devoted over twenty She was a very bright and clever ening many of us with eviction, ing watching the world go by at a years of his too short life to woman who enjoyed needlework both residents and small busi- table outside Zedel’s. John had Grouchos, where he lit up and cooking. She was also a very nesses, in order to redevelop lived in Soho for many years and Dean Street like a mirror ball. smart lady who would never go the properties. “Residents have since the early ‘70s as a tenant of He was as naughty as hell, but out until she had done her hair, rights”, he said, “but little money. the Soho Housing Association. possessed a kindness and duty put on a smart dress, lipstick, Businesses have few rights but His long term partner Avie said of care that was exemplary, not earrings and perfume. Toni have the wherewithal to fund a he loved the sense of commu- just to the stars but also to the had a beautiful voice, when my campaign. Together you have nity in Soho, and its diversity. He far less fortunate. On a rare day- Mum used to sing the house the means to fight”. And we did loved that he could one minute light sighting over a decade ago, was always full of joy. At family fight, and we won, as our delaying be quietly watching one of his he told me he was leaving Soho parties in Italy everyone always tactics meant that in the ensuing favourite sports, cricket, on the to take up teaching aerobics to wanted her to sing. property crash the developers television, then step out on to the octogenarians in an old folks The years passed by and in went bust or vanished. street and become part of the home. I think sometimes he may 1974 when I was grown up I went Michael operated on a world hurly burly and bustle of Soho. have got a bit fed up with all the to live in Italy to have my own fam- stage, supporting many causes We will miss him dreadfully, Ashtray yoga in the Alcoholistic ily. Toni and Carlo loved my two he felt were unjustly under attack, and send our thoughts and love Centre, although he never let on. sons so much and they gave them from striking miners to ANC (Afri- to Avie and to his sons (Avie’s And he had always had a thing a reason to come to Italy every can National Congress) leaders stepsons), and grandchildren, about Lycra! year to stay with us. My Mum in exile, to Friends of the Earth who live in America. Bernie, we will all miss your and Dad were the first to help if and many more, giving countless fabulous blend of charm, unique- anybody needed help. They had a hours of his time without charge. ness, nerve and talent. Soho will lot of friends who remember the One of his proudest memories was not be the same without you. big hearts that they had. being invited by Nelson Mandela VIRGIL HOWE Carlo passed away in 2011, to his inauguration as President by Soho Radio for Toni from that moment of South Africa. life didn’t have any meaning. It Michael was a joy to meet, It deeply saddens us to hear the ANTONIETTA was heart breaking to see. Her always witty and outspoken, but tragic news of the passing of our MELCHIORI (TONI) beautiful eyes stopped shining, also with great warmth [and con- brother of funk Virgil Howe. by Maristella Melchiori they would only light up when cern]. Latterly Michael worked at An incredible human being we would speak of her beloved the offices of Simons Muirhead who would always brighten up Toni was born I Fiera di Primero Carlo. & Burton, Frith Street, who have our Sunday’s with his Hidden (Trento, Italy) in a little town with For the last two years I tried followed Michael in supporting the Level radio show. The drum- beautiful mountains and lots of to convince my Mum to come Soho Society and have similarly mer’s drummer, the DJ’s DJ, nature. She was the fifth child and live in Italy but Toni did not embraced our community. His and most of all a brilliant friend. of a big family of six sisters and want to leave London because wise counsel and love of life with Rest in peace Virgil. We will be four brothers. there in that flat were all mem- be sorely missed. 14 / SOHO CLARION

ality Philip Sallon embodies the feel of this particular takeover, REVIEW harkening to the fate of Man- hattan’s once vibrant artistic Page 16 and LGBT communities, now SOHO CLARION expensive and dully commercial. While the visual appeal of street protests is apparent, interviewees’ discussion of what actions actually halt gentrifica- tion was a far more poignant FILM takeaway from this film. From Battle of Soho talking to councillors to getting Directed by Aro Korol a space protected as an asset of Reviewed by Sam Baker community value, I appreciated these suggestions (and their suc- The Battle of Soho is not your cess stories) that stretch beyond ordinary tale of gentrification. the easy-to-ignore clicktivism of From the beginning, this new our internet age. International Wines and Spirits

documentary takes the viewer by The film was not without the hand, as if showing a friend blind spots. One female viewer around the neighbourhood, pointedly remarked on its lack 74 Old Compton Street sparing no Soho flare or glitter of lesbian voices and the loss along the way. of lesbian venues that Soho has London W1D 4UW The voice of the late Soho suffered. These could have easily artist Johnny Deluxe opens the replaced the long and extrane- Telephone film, explaining the area’s glam- ous seaside dance piece towards 020 7734 2053 orously seedy history in the style the film’s end. of an old timer circus ringmaster. On the whole, The Battle of 020 7734 4215 The outsider’s view quickly shifts Soho is one of the more absorb- to an insider’s perspective as the ing accounts of gentrification in upbeat soundtrack accompanies recent memory. I left wonder- If it’s drinkable it’s here the viewer around Soho’s colour- ing if it will be remembered as a ful streets. rallying cry for one of London’s “Everyone has a Soho story,” most eccentric corners or simply says actor Stephen Fry. The become a nostalgic time capsule. film’s interviewees certainly

prove his point. Bohemia invites www.battleofsoho.com you in. The film is also available on For more than 140 years Details of battles over iconic OurScreen which is effectively bars and venues ring familiar. ‘People Powered Cinema’ where audiences can set up their own A. France & Son Funeral Directors The film even ties in similar sto- screenings of films at their local ries of development pushing out cinemas (provided they’re available) An Independent Family Firm locals in Brixton and Camden. They then need to sell a minimum number of tickets for the screening has been connected with Soho and the However, the use of the word to go ahead. https://www.ourscreen. “sanitisation” by Soho person- com/film/battle-of-soho Seven Dials. We are still nearby at 45 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1

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Our Featured Cocktail: The Martinez 35ml King of Soho • 35ml Sweet Vermouth 10ml Maraska Maraschino • 2 Dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters. Stir briskly all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a twist of orange. Check out our website www.thesohosociety.org.uk for our insiders’ guide to Soho — where to eat, drink and be merry and use this map to find what you are looking for.