THE ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER Spring 2014 Number 340 www.stmarylebonesociety.org Registered Charity 274082 W E S T M I N S T E R T R I U M P H I N N E W Y E A R ’S D A Y PA R A D E . d o o W e k i M : e g a t n o m o t o h P Scenes from the 2014 New Year’s Day Parade: (1) Captain Troy Tempest (WCC planner John Walker) photographs the young performers from The Sylvia Young Theatre School. (2) The Middletown High School Cavalier Marching Band from Delaware (3) Gordon Tracy, Tin Tin and Alan Tracy (Marylebone Councillors Robert Rigby, Sheila D’Souza and Iain Bott). (4) and chauffeur Parker (Councillors Angela Harvey and Robert Davis). (5) A high-energy routine by the Universal Cheerleaders Association. (6) Thunderbird 1 fires up for lift-off – Thunderbirds are (almost) Go! The New Year’s parade through central has established a tradition of entering high craft, was manned by councillors, officers London started as a Westminster initiative school marching bands and troupes of and partners of Westminster City Council in 1987, the brainchild of Cllr. Robert Davis. cheerleaders. This year the three-hour as well as young performers from By 1994 it had become a London-wide event parade featured 60 entries including 18 Marylebone’s Sylvia Young Theatre School. with the other London boroughs taking an London boroughs, 17 marching bands and In addition to the float there were separate active role. It has now gone global with a 1,500 cheerleaders. Thunderbird and Stingray vehicles and, of course, a pink Cadillac for Lady Penelope television audience of millions and In keeping with the “Swinging 60s” theme the (a.k.a. Cllr. Angela Harvey – the immediate participants from many countries, including City of Westminster’s entry was inspired by past Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster). such places as Panama and Bolivia. It is the TV series Thunderbirds. Their float, particularly well served by America which which sported a rocket-boosted Thunderbird 1 All this added up to a winning combination Continued overleaf. because Westminster beat a strong field to selected by its Mayor. The charity chosen by made persistent attempts to rain on their win first prize in the “London Boroughs the current City of Westminster Lord Mayor, parade, but this failed to dampen the Competition”. In addition to being presented Cllr. Sarah Richardson, is The Sir Simon enthusiasm of the 5,000 plucky participants with a very fetching trophy, the winning and the tens of thousands who lined the Milton Foundation. borough gets the lion’s share of a prize pot of entire 2.2 mile route from Piccadilly to up to £50,000 which is dedicated to charities The weather was not at its best, indeed it Parliament Square.

F R O M T H E C H A I R - A G M 2 0 1 3

In November we celebrated the rededication Lord’s Royal Charter Day Celebrations and of the Wesley Memorial Garden with a Prince Edward opening the new York Gate ceremony officiated by Rev Stephen Evans, gates into Regent’s Park. and with representatives from the Methodist The Society’s links to the wider community Church and Swedish Church in Marylebone. were evident in our activities at the It was fitting that the garden was officially Marylebone Village Fair, in our collaboration opened by Lord Portman, as his great uncle with local artists from WAES and with had done in 1952 when the garden was photographers at the annual Art in created. Lord Mayor Angela Harvey and Marylebone Exhibition. We also extended Cllr Robert Davis of Westminster Council and reinforced our links to the Royal Parks, and over 150 residents celebrated the restoration of this shared public space, Frieze Art Fair, the Old Philologians and our which represents the birthplace of neighbouring amenity societies. Marylebone. We plan to revise and republish A small group of dedicated trustees and Professor Andrew Saint, Jenny Edwards of Howard de the St Marylebone Society book ‘The Old Walden Estates and Richard Bowden at the AGM. volunteers work hard for the Society and our Church Garden’ in 2014 to commemorate Association. Church Street Ward have role is important as it allows residents and this successful community project. decided to create a separate forum and this local businesses to have a say in planning We were sad to hear of the death of long is sensible as they have a long-term strategy and policy decisions which affect their lives standing member Sam Briddes. Sam was for development already in place with the and livelihoods. It was therefore gratifying to instrumental in the saving of Marylebone Church Street Futures Plan. receive public thanks for our work. In June Westminster’s Lord Mayor hosted a special Station from threatened closure in 1984 and The Society has been involved with the as our transport expert on the SMS planning lunch to thank Westminster’s Amenity Baker Street Quarter and supports their committee his input was invaluable. He also Society’s for their valuable contribution to initiatives to improve the area around Baker started the annual planning walk with planning and democracy, and in July, Mayor Street Station and introduce two-way traffic Westminster Planning Department, which Boris Johnson celebrated 25 years of back to Baker Street and Gloucester Place. this year looked at developments along the community participation by the London Chiltern Court made a significant Marylebone Road, the proposals for London Forum of Amenity Societies and treated us contribution to improving the area with the Business School’s use of the Town Hall and to a champagne reception in City Hall. unveiling of a new English Heritage blue Library and the proposed site for the new plaque to the composer Eric Coates. Blue The 2013 AGM was hosted by the Medical Marylebone Library on Luxborough Street. plaques bring the history of our Society of London and we were most In 2013 the planning committee looked at neighbourhood to life and we were pleased fortunate to enjoy a talk by Professor 200 applications, an increase on previous years, and the chairwoman thanked the to be involved with another blue plaque in Andrew Saint, Editor of the Survey of committee for their diligence and Cleveland Street to identify Charles London, and currently working on the commitment to this vital, consultative role of Dickens’ Marylebone residence. Marylebone East volume. His lively and interesting lecture provided fascinating facts the Society. The Chairwoman was privileged to meet and stimulated many talking points which Neighbourhood Planning Area proposals two members of the royal family in continued afterwards in conversations over have been progressing slowly through the Marylebone this year and took the a glass of wine or two. bureaucratic process of agreement and opportunity to talk to them about the work approval. Our initial submission for two of the Society; recording and protecting The Society relies on volunteers and if you separate areas, North Marylebone and South Marylebone’s rich architectural and social can spare any time please consider helping Marylebone, has been integrated into one heritage. Both occasions themselves with membership, administration, planning ‘Marylebone Forum’, with good cooperation contributed to our local history with matters or the newsletter… your Society between the Society and the Marylebone Princess Anne the guest of honour at the needs you! 2 S W A N & E D G A R that a business in such small premises The Dorset Square area lost The Boston is unviable, yet as a local Arms (to the London Business School) restaurant/bistro the Swan & Edgar, and the Gloucester Arms (to Francis neighbours report it was essential to Holland School). Commercial uses add book for evening dining and always vitality to an area; they keep it busy and seemed busy. therefore safer at all times of the day. Pubs in residential areas can cause The premises have already been noise nuisance, however this appears stripped out and today standing empty it not to have been a problem for residents presents a sorry state in need of in Linhope Street, all of whom moved in restoration. Whether or not change of with knowledge of a pub existing on use is granted will depend on their street, as confirmed by one Westminster policy and the advice of the objector. “It was one of the distinctive Planning and Conservation officers. draws for us to moving into this At the time of writing their decision is street...” still pending and if you have any views in The Dorset Square Conservation Area support or against the proposal please Last summer, without warning, the send them stating reference Swan & Edgar Public House closed and Audit states that the Pub is an ‘unlisted 13/09604/full to was sold by anonymous bids for, it is building of merit’, and that it [email protected] rumoured, over £900,000. It is currently contributes to the townscape. The pub under consideration for change of use is highlighted in a special local view STOP PRESS – We understand that the and an extension to provide a house. (no.9) in the Conservation Area, which application is being considered also notes that public houses at the Planning Applications Sub- When the planning consultation started interspersed with residential is typical Committee on 11th February 2014. the St Marylebone Society was for this area. Officers recommendation is that planning inundated by emails from local residents Conservation guidelines also suggest permission be refused on grounds of loss who were unhappy that the pub had that shopfronts will be protected locally of community pub & impact of loss of pub closed. They are objecting to the for the historical interest that they & physical alterations on the Dorset proposed development because they bring. Ivor Place was once almost all Square Conservation Area. A number of feel that the area has lost something business or retail use and loss of the residents have expressed and interest to unique that was an asset to their Swan & Edgar would contribute to attend the meeting, so we will await the community. this ongoing change of character. verdict and report back. The building is visible in Potter’s 1832 map, when Linhope Street was called Edward Street but not identified as a Public House at that time. The property is possibly is the smallest pub in London (approximately 4x4m in plan) and the reason it was originally called ‘The Feathers’ was, according to a regular in the 1980s, because ‘The Prince of Wales’ was too long to write on its signage fascia. Nationally, pubs are closing every week and this trend reflects our changed social habits and, especially in London, increasing land values, coupled with the housing shortage. It could be argued Ivor Place in the 1950s. Photo: Westminster Archives. C A M P A I G N F O R S A F E R C R O S S I N G Local Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg since reverted back to the original highlighted the problem parents and shorter time. children face crossing the Marylebone Last month Olivia dressed up as a Road to get to and from St Mary’s lollipop lady and assisted children . k

School in a recent news bulletin. The c across the morning rush hour traffic. o c n SMS support this issue and are “I am determined to do something,” she a H y l requesting TfL and Westminster said. “I see so many children running to l o P

Council to make changes to make :

school, often crossing at the corner of o t o crossings safer for pedestrians. h

Lisson Grove to get across the road in P Last year, local resident Olivia Williams one go. I cannot stand by and do Olivia Williams at the crossing. led a successful campaign to get the nothing, as I am extremely worried that Please write to your local councillor or timings altered, and for a while crossing we are waiting for an accident to TfL to demand that they make the time was increased; however this has happen.” Marylebone Road safer for everyone. 3 W E L C O M E T O N E W C O R P O R A T E M E M B E R S older or need help to be independent. In planning consultations in our area. community terms, older people in our Tom Newman, managing director of neighbourhoods add great value and Able Homecare explained, “We are your stability; they are a wonderful link with local Homecare specialist based in the our local history and are often retired and able to spare time to volunteer and heart of Marylebone (but covering all help others. areas of London). Our aim is making you “able” in your own home; providing The St Marylebone Society planning personal, social, and domestic care for committee are always keen to We are delighted to welcome Able the Elderly and Physically Disabled”. Homecare as new corporate members emphasise the need for older people’s to the Society. The ability to stay in housing, for sensible approaches to Please see the enclosed leaflet introducing one's own home is something we would alterations and improved access in the company in more detail for furtherin all hope to be able to do when we get Listed Buildings, when considering formation.

M A R R I O T T P A R K L A N E H O T E L

1921 aerial photograph courtesy of www.britainfromabove.co.uk Members enjoying coffee at the Marriott. Last October members had the in 1919. In 1932 Grosvenor Estates sold comfortable, typically English-style, opportunity to enjoy coffee and pastries the freehold to Town Investments for luxurious spaces for their guests. in stylish surrounds at the 5-star £44,000. The Building was Listed in 2014 sees the latest development at the Marriott Park Lane Hotel. This late 1970 and described as, “Portland stone hotel with the launch of a new Edwardian mansion block was originally ashlar, with rusticated ground floor, on built as luxury flats, (with the Pavilion steel frame, slate roof. Prominent corner restaurant, Lanes of London. With Cinema behind fronting Oxford Street) site with Oxford Street at Marble Arch in renowned chef, Anshu Anghotra, the to the designs of the architect Frank Verity's sophisticated Parisian Beaux Arts menu will celebrate the Capital’s diverse Verity. The Survey of London notes that, Louis XVI manner.” culinary identity, from British classics, “The main stone elevation has long been through Indian, Vietnamese and The Marriott Park Lane Hotel opened in one of the most admired of Verity's large October 2002. Refurbished and Lebanese dishes. Small plates offer a blocks of West End flats, and its clever extended today the hotel is one of the trip around the global scene and are a mixture of Beaux-Arts and Greek motifs best in London with superb meeting, wonderful gastronomique experience for executed in Portland stone make a striking recreational and dining facilities in the lunch or dinner occasions. feature on one of London's most unique setting of Hyde Park, Speakers prominent sites.” We are delighted that the SMS have Corner and Marble Arch. The bedroom been invited back for another social The development was subject to many interiors have recently been event to see the new restaurant and find revisions at the time to satisfy the transformed and Sales Manager Grosvenor Estate Board, who were Stephanie Butler, who helped organise out more about the Marriott’s averse to the original idea of shops along the SMS visit to the Marriott, took time continuing improvements. Members are Park Lane. Work began on the building out to show us the new designs. Original invited to a coffee morning at 10am on in 1915 and due to problems with artwork, one-off pieces of furniture and 5th March for coffee and pastries. Please steelwork and financing, only completed dazzling marble bathrooms create contact Dorian Aroyo to book a place. 4 LETTERS achieving five ASBOs against the most FROM OUR OLD prolific ASB (Anti-social behaviour) FROM OUR NEW offenders and also in gathering evdience COMMUNITY for the impending GDZ (Group COMMUNITY Dispersal Zone). LIAISON OFFICER I would like to thank my PCSOs for the LIAISON OFFICER Dear Colleague/Ward Panel member, tireless work that they have done, Dear St Marylebone Society members, This is my final update to you as I am especially of late, in ensuring that all I am writing to introduce myself, as you transfering in the near future to victims of residential burglary and at community liaison police officer for the Wandsworth, having been with you for least 25 surrounding properties are Bryanston & Dorset Ward. nearly a year. Our current priorities are: cocooned each time an offence has At present my priorities are Anti-Social • Residential Burglary occurred. This work, along with high visibilty patrols by the PCs, has Behaviour/Begging, Robbery and • Anti-social behaviour relating to lead to a very significant reduction in Burglary. begging / rough sleeping residential burglaries on the ward, with The Roma situation on our ward has • Robbery September having none at all recorded. greatly improved over the Xmas/New I would like to thank you all for your Bryanston & Dorset Square ward year period with a rapid reduction in the help and support and also to thank my remains a very safe place in the heart of number of people sleeping and begging on our ward. This is as a result of a joint team for their efforts in supporting our London, a diverse community and a council/police initiative which included community. place I have very much enjoyed securing Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. The team have worked very hard to try policing. Thank you once again. I am and reduce the amount of ASB that was pleased to tell you that a new Sergeant New for January is the ‘Love Your being caused by the Roma rough will be taking over from me in due Phone’ campaign, which is looking sleepers, and in light of the limited course, and as always PC Patrick Brown to increase awareness around mobile amount of legislation that we have at remains your dedicated ward officer. phone theft. Leaflets and posters our disposal, they have achieved a great have been delivered to various If you have concerns or intelligence that deal. We actually saw a period of three establishments in the Ward and have you would like to pass on please do not months with no complaints at all. Sadly, met with a positive response. we have not been able to sustain such an hesitate to use our email address below. This is always treated in confidence or Some good news concerning a recent excellent record, but continue with best robbery on Balcombe Street; two efforts. This has been the single most report it again anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. suspects were caught and arrested for voiced area of concern on the ward in this offence, near to the location, after my time as your Sergeant. Bryanston.Dorsetsquare.SNT@met. assistance from members of the public It is in this area that I would also like to pnn.police.uk who had witnessed the incident. thank colleagues at Westminster City Always call 999 in an Emergency. I look forward to working with you over Council, Claire Hardy and Shaun the coming year. Qureshi in particular, for their support Best Wishes, in examining all possible avenues and in Simon Reason PS 3016CW PC Patrick Brown

has led to a proliferation of rat nests in the communal garden. Rats have been We are delighted that Robert McAulay frequently sited feeding on the food has offered to take on the role of waste left next to the bin or spilling out Membership Secretary and thanks to the stirling work of Cathy Elwall, the from torn plastic bin bags. Dorset membership database is now up to date Square residents are now paying a and brilliantly organised, making the task Westminster pest control team to try much easier. and contain the rat infestation but with a St Marylebone Society always needs free food source nearby this is difficult. more volunteers, so if you have any spare Despite numerous complaints to the time please get in touch. council, including at Cabinet level, We need help with: the fly tipping continues. Infuriated • Corporate Membership, to encourage Dear Editor, residents have filed a petition requesting immediate removal of the more local businesses to join the Rubbish dumping on the streets is a bin. And in addition, the council must society major problem throughout Westminster actively police the widespread dumping • Emailing monthly bulletins to members but particularly in areas demarcated as of rubbish on our streets. Westminster • The planning committee needs new residential. We have a specific problem Council made a profit of £41.6 million members who can attend monthly in Dorset Square. The council emplaced last year from parking fines. If they committee meetings (every second Monday of the month 6.30-8.30pm) to a recycling bin on the road, in a poorly lit were as vigorous in policing littering, the streets would be spotless. look at and comment on developments corner of the square, 3 feet from the in the area communal garden. Ever since it was Yours truly, • Newsletter articles always welcome installed, the bin has been a magnet for The Committee on behalf of • Ideas for visits and social events rubbish dumping and fly tipping and this The Dorset Square Trust 5 R O L L U P A N D S E E THE AVANT-GARDE BRIDGES OF PA Something in the water of Paddington Basin is clearly inspiring architecturally spectacular bridges. THE ROLL-UP BRIDGE Like some medieval watergate there is a narrow channel leading from Paddington Basin to the back entrance of Richard Rogers’s new Marks & Spencer’s HQ building. The channel is crossed by what at first glance is an unassuming looking bridge. But this is no ordinary bridge, it was designed by the architect of the Olympic Cauldron, Thomas Heatherwick, and like the cauldron it is essentially a piece of kinetic sculpture. As the photographs at the bottom of the page show, its hydraulic struts allow the bridge to roll up into a ball, like the protective posture of some giant arthropod. Completed in 2004, the bridge is usually opened at 12.00 noon every Friday; although at the time of writing it was out of operation. THE HELIX BRIDGE The Helix Bridge completed in 2003 was designed by sculptor Marcus Taylor and engineered by the Sheffield-based firm Davy Markham. It is located close to Heatherwick’s bridge towards the end of Paddington Basin – (see Picture 1) showing the bridge in its setting, with a close-up of the bridge inset. It is Picture 1: The soon-to-be-removed Helix Bridge, with close-up inset. essentially a 24-foot-long glazed steel- framed tube incorporating a stainless Architects (see Picture 2). The 3 metre THE PADDINGTON steel helix which rotates to give the wide deck of the bridge consists of five STATION TO PADDINGTON impression that it is being unscrewed separate sections which will be raised in BASIN FOOTBRIDGE across the canal as the bridge is sequence by hydraulic jacks to create an Designed by artists Ben Langlands and retracted on rails to allow boats to pass. effect similar to that of the unfurling of a Nikki Bell, the bridge was engineered As eye-catching as the Helix Bridge is, it traditional Japanese fan. It will be by Atelier One (see Picture 3). It was is soon to be replaced by an even more located near the end of Paddington completed in 2004 and consists of a spectacular bridge – the Fan Bridge. Basin, where there will be a number of large rectangle of fritted glass on a permanently moored business barges, white-painted steel structure, cut out to THE FAN BRIDGE frame views of the canal/Paddington Officially known as the Merchant Square so it will not need to be opened for Basin. It cleverly incorporates a lift at footbridge, the Fan Bridge is due to be through marine traffic. However, like one end and a long ramp at the other, to completed this summer and is pictured the roll-up bridge it will be opened on a enable a step-free crossing of the canal. in a visualisation created by the weekly basis, as well as on special designers, the bridge specialists Knight occasions. Mike Wood

Picture 4: Photographs of Thomas Heatherwick’s “roll-up” bridge in operation.

6 T H E S H O W AWARD FOR OUR DDINGTON BASIN WEBSITE Congratulations is due to all members involved with the creation and design of our website as it has been awarded a

. certificate “highly commended” by the s t c e t

i London Forum of Amenity and Civic h c r

A Societies. t h g i n

K Nadine carefully laid out pages that are © e g

d clear, balanced and easy to use. No i r b t

o website is useful if it is out of date and o f e r

a this is a job that needs to be regularly u q S

t attended to. We have found that more n a h c

r and more people are joining the Society e M via the website and this is encouraging. w e n

e If you have time take a look and if you h t f o have any comments or suggestions for n o i t a

s improvement do let us know. i l a u s i V Picture 2: A visualisation of what the forthcoming “Fan Bridge” will look like.

Dorian and Nadine Aroyo with the award.

Picture 3: The Paddington Station to Paddington Basin footbridge in the shadow of “The Point”, a striking office development in North Wharf Road designed by Farrells.

7 E R I C C O AT E S (1886-1957) B L U E P L A Q U E U N V E I L I N G – C H I LT E R N C O U RT T U E S D AY 15 O C T O B E R 2013

immediate post war period although Coates’s music, spanning five decades, had stirred the war effort as well as reflecting the gentle, optimistic national psyche of 1950s society. Coates was one of Chiltern Court's first residents and he lived there with his family for 9 years enjoying the ‘state of the art’ luxury the block offered, with all mod. cons. and its own restaurant. Chiltern Court was the height of fashion at the time and residing there was emblematic of his status as a successful composer. His top-floor flat offered views over Regent’s Park and he once recalled that he, “went up on the flat roof and saw the vast expanse of the great city spread around me and I realised I had found a new home.”** John Wilson unveiling the blue plaque.

Last October a Blue Plaque was unveiled on (1922), but more popular was the London Chiltern Court for Eric Coates who lived in Suite (1933). The last movement of this, flat 176 from 1930 to 1939. Captain Francis ‘Knightsbridge’, was used by the BBC to Freeman, Coates’s nephew and key supporter introduce their radio programme In Town of this project, together with Howard Spenser Tonight. of English Heritage and Coates’s biographer “Coates's music, with its simple and Michael Payne joined residents and invited memorable melodies, proved particularly guests to commemorate the life of his much effective for theme music. As well as celebrated uncle. ‘Knightsbridge’, the BBC also used Calling Fascinating speeches were given describing All Workers (1940) as the theme for the radio the remarkable life of Coates and his prolific programme Music While You Work, and By Coates on the roof of Chiltern Court. career in music, along with personal the Sleepy Lagoon (1930) is still used to H. G. Wells and Arnold Bennett lived in recollections from his family members. introduce the long-running radio programme Chiltern Court at the same time, with Desert Island Discs. Coates was born in Hucknall, Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears in nearby Nottinghamshire, and privately tutored in Coates’s "Halcyon Days", the first movement Lisson Grove, close to the West End and piano and violin before switching to the viola. of the suite The Three Elizabeths, was used as the BBC. It is therefore fitting that the He enrolled in 1906 at the Royal Academy of the theme to the popular 1967 BBC TV series Eric Coates’ blue plaque will record his Music and from 1910 he played in the The Forsyte Saga. This piece was originally contribution to what must have been a Queen’s Hall orchestra under Henry J Wood, written in the early 1940s and it was later fascinating time of musical creativity in becoming principal violist in 1912. An early used as a celebration of the Coronation of Marylebone. John Wilson, conductor, member of the Performing Rights Society in Queen Elizabeth II.”* arranger and musicologist had the honour of unveiling the plaque and all enjoyed a 1915, and later one of its directors, he was “When Eric Coates died on 21 December superb reception to celebrate Eric Coates’s one of the first composers to understand the 1957, it was rightly commented that life and music at the Sherlock Holmes possibilities of recording media. He suffered perhaps no other composer had ever Hotel. from neuritis in his left hand, which made provided music to suit the public taste so playing the viola painful so he eventually unerringly for so many years. Indeed from *Extracts from: William Coates’s Biography, devoted himself exclusively to composing and his early song successes in Edwardian days Warner/Chappell. For full text see the website: conducting. to those of his last orchestral works www.boosey.com Biography – The Life and music of Eric The years at Chiltern Court, were the most (including The Dam Busters’ March), Eric Coates was recognised as the 'uncrowned Coates, Michael Payne, Ashgate 2012. prolific in Coates’s career and marked his king of light music'.”** rise to international fame. He had an early **EH Listing Press Release 15th October success with the overture The Merrymakers The term, ‘Light Music'’ conjures up the 2013. 8 O B I T U A R I E S Consultant Rheumatologist was divided between St Mary’s and also the Hospital of St John and Elizabeth. In 1980 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. He was President and later, Librarian at the Medical Society of London and he introduced the St Marylebone Society to this historic institution in 2012, giving members a fascinating talk and tour of the premises on Chandos Street. Martin is survived by his wife, Jackie, his daughter Victoria, his son, Benjamin Sam Briddes and his two granddaughters, Rachel and Sam was that rare and too often Ruth. overlooked committee member: well- Ian Wylie prepared, enthusiastic, realistic, concise Martin Howard Seifert, and with a clear focus on the matter in Martin Seifert rheumatologist: born London hand, yet leavened with enough light Martin and Jackie Seifert lived in 16 November 1939; married 1974 humour to make a meeting a potential Balcombe Street for 15 years and were Jacqueline Evelyn Morris (one pleasure. I was saddened to learn of the well known to many residents in the daughter, one son); died London untimely death of this long-standing area. As a couple and as a family, they 14 November 2013. servant of the Society and Marylebone were wonderful neighbours. Always in general. friendly and chatty, Martin was a warm- Andrew Keen hearted man, full of fun and always happy to chat about the latest play, I was sad to hear that Sam Briddes died book, exhibition, concert, film or last year. I had not been in touch other cultural pursuit, that he had with him for some time, but I remember experienced. He was urbane, sociable him as a stalwart member of the and both he and Jackie loved to travel. St Marylebone Society planning On returning from one of their trips to committee in the 1990s. As a patent Japan, India, Turkmenistan or other lawyer, he brought a fine analytical mind unusual destinations, Martin would be to our deliberations and we valued his sporting a brightly coloured new hat or Philip Lancashire died last year. advice. He was also a trustee of the scarf and full of interesting observations During the 1980s Philip chaired the Philological Foundation, the charity that and ‘traveller’s tales’. Society's Planning Sub-Committee, was formed when the St Marylebone He will be much missed by us all. In commenting with Alan Irvine on local Grammar School for Boys was closed in particular, he will be fondly remembered planning applications. They were both 1981. as a wonderful neighbour, a respected physician in the medical profession, a also heavily involved with the 1977 Although he trained as an aeronautical man with wide-ranging interests and Royal Silver Jubilee Appeal to create the engineer, Sam’s particular interest was who was deeply interested in his St Mary’s, Wyndham Place Precinct. railways and, living in Boston Place, he community – and about what made The Precinct was finally opened in 1986 kept up with all the activities people tick. He was generous with his and soon became a much-appreciated in Marylebone Station, frequently time and was always willing to stop and local feature. Richard Bowden, who was reminding us that the station was there talk despite his busy professional and Hon Sec at that time, was delighted to find Philip on the Society's Council – before any of us! Thus, residents’ family life. He was an assiduous they were both Old Canfordians! At a complaints of noise or disturbance collector of interesting books, objects and works of art, sourced from all over difficult period in the Society's history received scant sympathy. At weekends, the world, including the Portobello Road Philip's unfailing cheerfulness and good Sam pursued his hobby in the West Market. His humanity, his discernment spirits were a great tonic. He was a Country, becoming an expert on the and unerringly ‘good eye’ meant that he practising architect but he also loved various aspects of railway operation. His was a man of great culture and depth. skiing and sailing, at which he excelled. great dream was to extend the Bodmin Martin was a greatly admired physician We owe our thanks to Philip for his railway. who became an authority on arthritis. contribution to the Society. Gwyneth Hampson His long and distinguished career as a Richard Bowden 9 A NEW BENCH IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN S T G E O R G E ’ S D A Y P H O T O G R A P H Y C O M P E T I T I O N

Antony Cleminson. Antony Cleminson has dedicated a bench professional violist and violinist, and also in the Memorial Garden to his wife Jan, the musical talent of Nicola, who sadly son Denzil and daughter Nicola. This is died last June. The sailing boat now in place beside the Wesley represents Denzil's career as a sailing The St George’s Day photography Memorial. Jan was a life long instructor and so the pictures were very competition 2014 will once again take Marylebonean and Antony waited in what important to Antony as they were place in Marylebone. Now in its fifth year, the event has grown and has drawn was then Old Church yard whilst Denzil trademarks of their professions. in professional street photographers, was born in the nearby Welbeck Special thanks is due to Garry Wise, local amateurs, tourists and children. Maternity Hospital. at Westminster Parks, for helping Antony Last year the judges had to choose the Antony is an accomplished artist and to commemorate his loved ones and also winning 50 images from over 300 entries. persevered to negotiate with to provide a meaningful, historical Westminster Council and their bench reference in the garden This year St George's Day (23 April) Three bench spaces are still available. falls just after the Easter weekend, so supplier,Branson Leisure, to create a we have extended the time period for beautifully illustrated, engraved plaque. Please contact the Society if you would taking and submitting your photographs This celebrates Jan's career as a like to sponsor one. as many people may be on holiday. Capture your image of Marylebone between 19th and 27th April, and submit W E W I L L R E M E M B E R T H E M it via the website before 30th April. This year we are adding an additional special prize for the best shot in the Baker Street Quarter Area. Put the dates in you diary and the best of luck! All the details are on the website: www.artmarylebone.com

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY 2014 Patron: Lord Montagu of Beaulieu President: Colin Amery Chair: Gaby Higgs Vice-Chairman: Mike Wood Hon. Secretary: Andrew Cooper The Remembrance Day ceremony at Marylebone Station. Hon. Treasurer: Keith Evans We were honoured to be part of the month” was conducted in front of the Council Members: annual wreath-laying ceremony in memorial plaque on Marylebone Dorian Aroyo (Social Secretary) Cynthia Poole (Planning Committee Chairman) remembrance of the railway Station’s Platform 1. Robert McAulay (Newsletter) employees who gave their lives in the The service was led by Andrew Hall of Douglas Temple (Events) two World Wars. The moving the National Rail Chaplaincy and Mike Mike Wood (Local History) ceremony held “at the eleventh hour of Wood laid a wreath on behalf of the Ian Wylie (Planning) the eleventh day of the eleventh St Marylebone Society 10 ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY PROGRAMME 2014 Wednesday 5 March 10.00am. Special View Thursday 27 March 10.00am. Coffee paintings by Hogarth. Meet outside 10.55 am. London Marriott Hotel – 140 Park Lane, W1K Morning, Saporito Café – 14 Melcombe Street Price £5 7AA. Our new corporate member at Marble Arch NW1 6AH. To celebrate their new wine licence Monday 12 May 2.00pm. The Museum of invites you to return for refreshments and for a and refurbished premises, we revisit one of our Brands and Designs – Colville Road, London W11. special view of their redesigned “Lanes of favourite local venues. Phone: 020 7262 3377. A large collection of nostalgic everyday items from London” restaurant. Phone: 020 7647 5605. Pay your own way the past including chocolate bars, soap powders Free Wednesday 9 April – Visit to the Open Air andcigarettes.Meetoutside1.55pm.Price £4.00 Theatre, Regent’s Park 2.00pm. A chance to Tuesday 18 March 2.00 pm. The British Friday 30 May 10.00am. Coffee Morning see the improvements and the new Quince Tree Café at Clifton Gardens Nursery, Dental Association – 64 Wimpole Street, rehearsal/admin buildings. Numbers are limited, 5a Clifton Villas, W9 2PH. Enjoy the added bonus London W1G 8YS. The history and development so first come first served. Meet at Stage Door of the garden centre plants together with this in- of dental pracitice with various items and 1.55pm. Contact Robert McAulay 020 7262 house café’s delights. Phone: 020 7432 1867 equipment relating to dental surgery. Meet 3019. Donation £5.00 Bakerloo line: Warwick Avenue. Bus: 6, 46, 414. outside 1.55 pm. Free Thursday 10 April 11.00am. The Foundling Pay your own way Thursday 20 March, 10.30am. The Regent Hospital – Coram Fields, London WC1. For more information and late bookings please Street Cinema at the University of Established in the mid 18th century by Thomas contact: St Marylebone Society Events Secretary, Westminster – 309, Regent Street, London, Coram, a retired sea captain, as a home for Douglas Temple, Flat 1, 23 Seymour Place, London W1B 2UW. See below. abandoned children. Items of period furniture and W1H 5BH – 020 7723 6417.

Thursday 20th March, 10.30am. 309, Regent Street, London, W1B 2UW Visit The Regent Street Cinema at the University of Westminster. A short talk about the history of the building (considered the birthplace of Cinema in Britain as the site which screened the first moving images by the Lumière brothers in 1896) will be given by a member of the University Archive team. Learn about the plans to restore and reopen the site to the public. FREE We have been offered a special private tour to see the work in progress, followed by coffee in the university café. Places are strictly limited as this is a building site, so please book a place with Douglas Temple.

Bridge Club at Rayne House, Maida Vale, every Tuesday 1.30 – 4.30pm. For more info phone: Lawrence Block 020 7569 2530.

BAKER STREET QUARTER EVENTS Baker Street Quarter Food Market – Enjoy a Wednesday 26 March 1.00pm Alternative Sherlock Holmes, in our extended evening walk. wonderful mix of world cuisines and heart- Lunchtimes – We visit some of the less obvious Whether you’re a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle’s warming dishes to cheer up those winter blues. options for where to spend your lunch break crime sleuth or have a penchant for literary 11am – 3pm. Wednesday 12 March and whether you want to discover somewhere new history come and join us. Lasts 90 minutes.. Wednesday 9 April at the outdoor atrium of 55 to dine or maybe do something a little different. Wednesday 23 April 1.00pm. – Top Secret – Baker Street. Lasts 45 minutes. There are many secrets to be told about the Guided Walks – These are free to attend and no Wednesday 9 April 6.00pm. – Streets of Quarter. From its prominent role during wartime registration is needed. Meet our guide outside 55 Sherlock Evening Walk – Get to know the Britain to the scandals of yesteryear. Our lips are Baker Street. origins of the Quarter’s most famous character, sealed until you join us! Lasts 45 minutes.

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS Abbey National Charitable Trust Limited Dorset Square Hotel Open Air Theatre (Regent’s Park) Able Homecare Dorset Square Trust Opera Rama Alliance Française Fellowship of the School of Economic Peoples Travel Blandford Estate Residents’ Association Science The Portman Estate Bryanston and Dorset Squares Safer Fitzhardinge House Tenants’ Association 15 Portman Square Tenants’ Association Neighbourhoods Team Francis Holland School Queen’s College CAMBARD RTM Ltd Goldschmidt & Howland Regent’s University Camerons Solicitors Howard de Walden Estate Rossmore Court Leaseholding Ltd. Chiltern Court (Baker Street) Hyatt Regency Churchill Hotel Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) Ivor Court Residents’ Association Residents’ Limited St Marylebone Parish Church The Landmark Hotel The Chiltern Railway Co. Ltd. St Marylebone School London Clinic Clarence Gate Gardens Residents’ Mac Services The Seashell Restaurant Association Manchester Square Trust Terry Farrell & Partners Clifton Nurseries Marriott Park Lane Hotel The Tyburn Angling Society The Crown Estate Marylebone Cricket Club University of Westminster Crown Estate Paving Commission Merlin Entertainment Westminster City Council CRTMCL Octavia Housing and Care Wood and Vale Dorset House Tenants’ Association Old Philologians Wyndham Place Management

11 A M A N Z I T E A R O O M S V I S I T

Tunde Suhai, the General Manager of Amanzi area for refreshments but due to fears of the Tea at 24 New Cavendish Street, organised a steep and narrow staircase we happily sumptuous tea-tasting event for us. ensconced ourselves in the upstairs area. This is a venue new to Marylebone and Tunde, all the same, made us both welcome the St Marylebone Society is, as ever, and comfortable and we enjoyed being able keen to try out the new venues that open up to chat, seated together around a large table. locally. The Tea Rooms offer a delicious Our small but select group enjoyed the huge menu of sweet and savoury dishes and show variety of teas that Amanzi offers and we a display of teas that must be the envy of also enjoyed a delicious coffee with their many a trader. good choice of pastries. We were to meet in the spacious downstairs www.amanzitea.co.uk

V I S I T T O T H E R O Y A L P H I L AT E L I C S O C I E T Y services, collecting and exhibitions. The library and archives contain material of worldwide interest. The Society publishes a journal and has a facility for covers and rare stamps to be brought before a committee of experts who determine authenticity.

Our society members were greeted by the President, Mr C. King, and offered coffee in the library. Mark Copley then proceeded to take us on a very interesting tour of this large building and drew our attention to many exhibits and shows of stamps, some extremely rare, as well as printing methods and

Douglas Temple and Mark Copely with other society members. designs and stamps from the famous The Royal Philatelic Society, London – Majesty permits some stamps from the Penny Black of 1840 together with postal scales and other memorabilia. 41 Devonshire Place W.1. – was founded royal collection to be exhibited at the by Sir Donald Cooper in 1869. It has Society. The society is a registered charity and is enjoyed royal patronage ever since. There is a fascinating collection relating open to visitors with prior arrangement from Monday to Friday. Kings George 5th and 6th were keen to the subject of philatley, including stamp collectors. Each year Her philatley and security printing, postal Douglas Temple

T H E C H R I S T M A S D I N N E R The SMS Christmas Dinner was held in the New Cavendish Club.

Over 50 members enjoyed a superb dinner, fine wine and great conversation.

Douglas Temple did a sterling job of organising the event and provided an interesting after dinner talk on the history of the Club. Published by the St. Marylebone Society, March 2014. ©St Marylebone Society.