4 APRIL 2011 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk Academic sheds light Phoenix on sacred texts becomes This year is the 400th anniversary of the publication in 1611 of the King James Bible, the most widely read translation of the Bible ever made. To mark this event, a 2012 Professor Bob Owens of the English Department at The Open University, was invited by Oxford University Press to edit the 1611 text of The Gospels for the paperback Olympics series Oxford World’s Classics. The Gospels icon of Matthew, By David Tupman Mark, Luke, and It is a great coup for THE John are regarded ARCHER to be the first of David Evans (left) presenting his first book to Alan Whitewright. by Christians the the UK print media to Photo by Diana Cormack. world over as their reveal that East Finchley’s most precious and favourite cinema will play sacred writings. Two for a million They provide a big part in ’s cul- By Daphne Chamberlain the fullest and tural Olympics. At least two East Finchley people took part in World most memorable Fresh from its own centenary accounts of the life success, the Phoenix will join Book Night on 5 March. Sponsored by booksellers and the 112-metre-tall sculpture - the publishers, and backed by authors and librarians, a mil- and teachings of Jesus Christ, and ArcelorMittal Orbit - as part of an lion books were given away. Each of 20,000 volunteers artistic centrepiece for the Olympic chose one title from a list of 25 and was sent 48 copies of scenes from them have provided park in Stratford. Costing £19 mil- that title to distribute. subject matter lion, the twisting tower has been Paula Dozie heard about it Paula told us: “It was really for innumerable designed by winning on BBC Breakfast News, and something different. Nelson’s works of art, litera- artist incorporating thought it sounded fun. She Column was lit up, and the first ture, and music. the five Olympic rings and will chose Half of a Yellow Sun, by 1,000 volunteers in an online offer visitors panoramic views of Nigerian author Chimamanda ballot were given places round Bob, who lives in Church Lane, places the Gospels in the London. The Orbit will stand 22 Ngozi Adichie. Trudging the stage. Graham Norton, the context of the development of early Christianity as it separated metres higher than the Statue of around streets on the night, host, interviewed a couple of vol- itself from Judaism, highlighting how each one offers its own Liberty. particularly with a toddler to unteers, and authors and celeb- distinctive portrait of Jesus. He also describes how the translators In contrast, a 10-metre look after and her husband rities read aloud from books of of the King James Bible went about their task, and gives examples replica of the Phoenix Cinema away for the weekend, would their choice and (in one case) a of the extraordinary influence of this book on the development of will be placed between the Orbit not have been ideal. So she got Cole Porter song lyric.” the English language as well as English literature. and the Olympic stadium and round that by giving copies to Author Margaret Atwood His edition provides very full explanatory notes, elucidating will shine across the park with friends, family, the Library, read at the launch and her own aspects of life in first-century Palestine and clarifying obscuri- brilliant Technicolor-inspired Black Gull Bookshop, the book Blind Assassin was the ties in 17th century language and phraseology. Bob says his aim light effects. Phoenix, and members of East one given away by our other was to make the Gospels accessible to modern readers, while The Olympic organisers will Finchley Natural Childbirth East Finchleyan David Evans. preserving the splendour, the music and the rhythms of the King undertake the necessary works Trust. Where books went can be He learned about the scheme James text. to take full-sized plastic replica tracked by a unique ID number on the internet, and chose that The Gospels: Authorized King James Version is published by moulds of the cinema’s exterior issued to every giver. book because he really loves OUP on 10 March 2011. It is available from all good bookshops, and interior features. Such is the The launch on 4 March it and wanted other people to at £8.99. ISBN 978-0-19-954117-1. technical wizardry of the process, in , attended enjoy it too. customers will experience abso- by , was billed Did any more of you take lutely no disruption to the film as “the biggest single literary part? We’d love to know. Our Stolen number plates schedule at the Phoenix itself. Barnet Boroughwatch has issued a warning to residents event in history”. contact details are on page 2. Paul Homer’s film choices about a series of number plate thefts in the borough in The revolutionary plasticisa- recent months. tion techniques mean that instal- THE WELLBEING COACH “This type of crime is often not reported to the police,” said lation of the life-size cinema at Based in East Finchley, Dan Roberts offers coaching Paul Hammond, the coordinator. “But if your plate is cloned Stratford should be completed for stress, anxiety, career, relationships, weight loss and the bandit vehicle is used by criminals, the police will come by March 2012. When fully and all-round mental and physical wellbeing. knocking at your door. Don’t forget to cover your back: report operational, The Phoenix at Experienced, professional and effective. your stolen plate to the police.” the Park, as this temporary Call 07766 704210 or visit www.danroberts.com structure will be known, will be offering a rich programme YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS! of British films. This will start West End quality, competitive prices, close to home...... with Tony Richardson’s gem from 1962 The Loneliness of the A Cut and finish with Long Distance Runner and will Jo Sutherland from £45 alternate with Chariots of Fire all inclusive. from 1981. In case of the inevi- table summer British downpour, (West End salons from £85* Séance on a Wet Afternoon, a +Travel+parking+hassle) hit in 1964, will be a top draw a 25% introductory for film buffs. And of course, if offer on all services** the medal tally is looking glum, visitors can sit back and watch Dennis Price and George Cole in the neglected classic of 1959 EXPERIENCE | TECHNOLOGY | PASSION Don’t Panic, Chaps! * Examples on request 119 East End Road, London N2. **conditions apply 020 8444 9440 Work on this exciting project is scheduled to begin on 1 April. East Finchley Baptist Church Just off the High Road in Creighton Avenue N2 Do you have a Sunday Mornings at 10.30 am story for us? You can send your stories, let- For more information ters, and photos by email to the- please contact the Church Office [email protected] or by post to Tel: 8883 1544 (Minister: Simon Dyke) The Archer, PO Box 3699, London N2 8JA. You can find out more about contributing and advertis- Visitors always welcome ing at www.the-archer.co.uk