THE ST SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

Autumn 2015 Number 345 www.stmarylebonesociety.or g Registered Charity 274082 TRAFFIC , TOXIC AIR AND TWO -WAY

NMTG members (facing camera) Cynthia Poole, Hugh Small, Sheila D’Souza and Kevin Lee explaining the NO 2 survey to local residents. Poor air quality has been a concern in street, giving valuable insight into how assure themselves and residents that Marylebone long before VW’s diesel much pollution people encounter the two-way scheme will not result in emissions scandal erupted. Worried that insidiously in their daily lives. Fifty NO 2 new exceedances caused by more traffic the Baker Street two-way scheme could diffusion tubes were set up to sample air entering Ivor Place. displace traffic into residential streets, quality during July 2015 – at bus stops, The survey report will be circulated the SMS and North Marylebone Traffic crossings on main roads, busy and quiet widely and its findings publicised to Group (NMTG) asked for an Air Quality side streets, near schools, pavement raise awareness of the risks and help Impact Assessment to be done. A core cafes, and near housing close to the people reduce their cumulative team also decided to do a baseline railway tracks of Marylebone Station. exposure to polluted air. Hopefully, it The results from a reputable laboratory survey of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) levels will spur more people to campaign for with technical help from Mapping for are credible because the “control effective policies to improve our air Change, a social enterprise based at reading” from our tube placed at the quality faster. At a time of austerity, University College , and funding Monitoring Station matches DEFRA’s when London is facing EU fines for from the Dorset Square Trust. reported NO 2 reading from that station toxic air which contributes to 10,000 for July 2015. WCC summarised its Air Quality Impact deaths a year, it is astonishing that TfL Assessment at a meeting with the The survey confirms that kerbside is spending taxpayers’ money on a NMTG; their report is not yet available. levels of NO 2 are high on strategic roads traffic neutral scheme not designed to – being 60-90µg/m 3 on Baker Street and improve air quality. London’s Mayor They envisaged no changes to NO 2 3 levels because the two-way scheme is Gloucester Place and 97-117µg/m on emphasises the benefits of hybrid buses Marylebone Road. NO soars to 134- intended to be traffic neutral and not 2 and the future Ultra-Low Emissions 145µg/m 3 on the central reservation of displace traffic from the main roads into Zone (ULEZ). We now know the new Marylebone Road, which contrasts with buses emit far more than they were side streets. Based on London-wide 3 74 µg/m in the subway. The survey modelled data, all our residential streets supposed to and that the ULEZ clearly shows that residential streets in are expected to have annual mean NO excludes north Marylebone. 2 the Dorset Square Conservation Area 3 We await WCC’s revised proposals for levels of 40-60micrograms per cubic (DSCA), with readings of 35-45µg/m , 3 the 2-Way and its Air Quality Impact metre (µg/m ) i.e. be above the EU limit are on the cusp of being just below and 3 Assessment – literally with bated (40µg/m ) for this pollutant. We were above the EU limit. Cllr Robert Davis’s breath. assured the two-way would not cause assurance that Westminster Council will any new exceedances of this limit. examine how the DSCA can be Sheila D’Souza In this context the NMTG’s protected from more traffic becomes STOP PRESS: Survey results available at: community-led local survey shows how vitally important. To comply with EU https://communitymaps.org.uk/#/project real NO 2 levels vary from street to regulations, the Council and TfL need to /26?center=51.5153:-0.1457:1

Continued overleaf. SPIES IN OUR MIDST

website he was born in a workhouse in Marylebone, but his birth certificate reveals it was actually just outside Marylebone at 285 Harrow Road, which was then the Paddington Workhouse. His interest in literature was cultivated not at St Marylebone Grammar School where he was a pupil, but by reading in Marylebone Library. This was after pressure from his father, Leonard. "One day he said to me, 'I won't punish you for the terrible reports you bring home from school if I see you reading.' That really did push me into reading books. I played truant all the time and I usually went to the Marylebone Reference Library and I would just sit there all day long and read. A terrible kind of 47 Gloucester Place Mews, today. he too was arrested. He decoded sedentary childhood I had, when I think Spy thriller novelist Len Deighton was sensitive and highly secret telegrams about it." Many of the houses in not only born and raised in Marylebone from Winston Churchill to President Gloucester Place Mews had garages – he also witnessed the arrest of a real Roosevelt requesting battleships and which had been converted from stables. spy (his neighbour) there. While he was the replies when America was still Deighton's father was a chauffeur and living at 47 Gloucester Place Mews in officially neutral. These were shown by mechanic in charge of two cars here for May 1940 police came to arrest the Kent to Wolkoff who photographed Campbell Dodgson (1867-1948), who Russian born Anna Wolkoff (1902-73), them and passed them on to the lived in the adjoining street at 22 who lived directly opposite at number Germans. After a secret trial he served . This was revealed by 44. Deighton was aged 11 at the time seven years in jail and was then Deighton on Radio 4's Food Programme and he later recalled: "I heard cars deported to America. What interested on August 9 this year. Dodgson was a arriving in the middle of the night. Deighton many years later was that relative of Lewis Carroll (the pen name Crammed shoulder to shoulder with my Wolkoff's address in Gloucester Place of Charles Dodgson) and curator of parents, I leaned out of the window. Mews was erased from the Special prints and drawings at the British There were two police cars in the mews Branch records, which he was able to Museum. Deighton's mother was a cook and Special Branch officers were see with the help of "a good friend". Also who, because they were relatively poor, banging on her street door. They erased was any mention of her dinner prepared stews and made much use of bundled her into a car and took her parties and her guests. "My mother offal. "To get a chicken already cut up away to face charges of espionage. She (who might have identified some of would have been extraordinary to her," was sentenced to ten years in prison." Anna's guests) was never questioned, said Deighton on the Food Programme. Before her arrest he saw her almost neither were any of the neighbours," he "She would use the carcass for soup and every day and when she joined the recalled. "Unfortunately for the men so on." She also taught him to cook. "A National Fire Service and wore her and women of MI5, who, led by the pork pie was the first thing she taught uniform "everyone noted her volunteer famous Maxwell Knight, had Anna me to cook. My father could not believe service as a sign of wartime patriotism." under surveillance, no one remembered I had cooked it. "He made car parts and Anna was on friendly terms with to falsify the electoral register, which expected me to be more adroit. But my Deighton's mother, Doris, and, being a recorded Wolkoff's address in mother was more tolerant of me spilling milliner, gave her "some remarkable Gloucester Place Mews." She is listed anything, and would laugh if I dropped hats" including "a black velvet fez with there as Anna Dewolkoff. Another of dough. She was Irish (her maiden name coloured ostrich feathers." In return their neighbours was Larry Adler was Fitzgerald) and thought this was par Doris cooked for Anna's "chic dinner (1914-2001), the star harmonica player, for the course. "Rationing did not apply parties" attended by members of the who also lived directly opposite the to offal so brains, kidney and liver were Right Club. One of these club members Deightons. Deighton was born on all bought by my mother, so I saw a wide was a young American Embassy cypher February 18, 1929. His family home variety of cooking." It is no surprise clerk, Tyler Kent (1911-88), who lived shown on his birth certificate was 22 therefore that he has published several just one street away in a second floor Gloucester Place Mews (this became 47 cookery books as well as his best selling apartment at 47 Gloucester Place (now in the street renumbering of 1938). novels. the Opulence Hotel). This was where According to The Deighton Dossier Mike Pentelow 2 WHY WESTMINSTER ROAD CASUALTIES GO UP WHILE TRAFFIC GOES DOWN

Many people will be surprised to learn car occupant casualties are falling[1]. that motor traffic in central London has There are many causes for the shift to fallen by nearly 25 per cent in this cycling and public transport. The cost of century, despite a 15 per cent increase car ownership has risen at nearly double in London’s population. It may seem the rate of inflation since 1995[2], faster even more surprising that Westminster, than urban public transport. This may be the most central borough, has more one reason why the number of 17-20 road casualties than any other London year old males holding a driving licence borough and that the number has risen fell from 51% to 30%. Consumer devices 14 per cent in the last five years. now allow many people to work on Paradoxically, the decline in traffic and public transport while car drivers have the increasing Westminster casualty to pay attention to many hazards, not rate may be linked. least the increased number of pedestrians and cyclists. The quality of public transport services has also Westminster Council's failure to allow improved relative to private vehicles, for this long-standing and continuing particularly buses which have priority decline in motor traffic is the reason why lanes, traffic signals and tracking data I am objecting to the initial 'traffic which is available to travellers for neutral' design for the Baker Street Two- predicting journey times. This quality Way project. By assuming that traffic improvement comes at a price, and for the most cost-conscious cycling is the volumes will remain constant while preferred mode. pavement space is increased, The decline of motor traffic in central Westminster Council has obliged the There are two important future London is not caused by drivers finding designers to route more traffic through developments which will accelerate the other routes. It largely results from residential streets, most obviously ‘mode shift’ as people who drive are trend and free up even more road space York Street. Their plainly mistaken replaced by those who cycle or use that could be reassigned to pedestrians assumption has made it impossible to public transport. The graph above (from and cyclists, particularly in Westminster. introduce the traffic-free streets or TfL's 7th Travel in London Report) •In 2018, the opening of Crossrail will segregated cycle lanes that are needed shows that the mileage decline in increase London’s public transport to reduce road casualties among all user Greater London as a whole is just over capacity by ten percent on a single groups. 10 per cent, which agrees with a day. Westminster has no fewer than measured shift in trips from car to public three of the seven Crossrail stations A design which deliberately limited transport, walking and cycling. which will serve the twelve inner through traffic would probably only keep Public transport is a more efficient user London boroughs. Crossrail will up with the trend already identified of road space but one which puts more cause a significant reduction of above, and should be no more pedestrians on the streets, walking to vehicle traffic into and out of controversial than the introduction of stops and stations. The highway Westminster, and a corresponding bus lanes in 1968. Those who always authorities (Westminster City Council increase in walking and cycling; respond to traffic reduction schemes by and Transport for London) are not •At the end of this year the asking 'Where will the traffic go?' can converting surplus road space to government will produce an answer the question by examining pavements, crossings, and segregated accelerated plan for complying with where so much of it has already gone cycle lanes at a fast enough rate to European pollution law. This is the over the last 15 years. accommodate the mode shift. Result: result of a little-publicised ruling Hugh Small increasing numbers of pedestrians and against the government by the UK Secretary, Westminster Living Streets cyclists are forced to share space with Supreme Court in April this year, the [1] Fatalities and slight injuries have increased while motor vehicles, and casualties among culmination of a long legal battle serious injuries have decreased; my assumption is that these vulnerable users are going up which until then seemed to be going the overall number of injuries is a road danger indicator. even though motor vehicle traffic and the government’s way. [2] The Guardian, 16 September 2014

3 B OOK R EVIEW

residence, to paint engaging pen discoveries in relation to saline drips. portraits of selected Marylebone This latter piece shows that when residents, many of whom are not written by someone with a deep commemorated by plaques of any understanding of a topic, serious description. This is a clever move scientific achievements can be made because it allows for the inclusion of all interesting in their own right. sorts of fascinating extra biographical Notwithstanding this we are told by the details, although in some cases this editors in the introduction to “Science & results in us getting a potted version of Medicine” that they are generally going a whole life, when only a very small to overlook pioneering work by portion of it was spent in Marylebone. “brilliant minds” who have developed In the case of French diplomat, “life-saving” treatments, in favour of Talleyrand, this amounted to a couple of “the charlatans, the renegades and the years; for the American broadcaster, loud-mouths” – because that is what the Edward Murrow, it was only during his Marylebone Journal has preferred to wartime posting to London. Therefore published. An argument which sounds the sense in which these are slightly disingenuous, not to mention “Marylebone Lives” is moot – for many circular, in light of the fact that one of “Marylebone Lives: Rogues, they were Marylebone episodes of lives the editors of Marylebone Lives has also romantics and rebels – Character largely lived elsewhere. been the editor of the Marylebone Journal over the relevant period. studies of locals since the 18th The editors try to bring some coherence century”, Edited by Mark Riddaway to the collection of these independently The rest of the contributions are for the & Carl Upsall, Spiramus Press written pieces by grouping them most part diligently researched Limited (2015), 299pp according to themes, such as: Politicians journalistic pieces, written with a sharp www.spiramus.com & Warriors; Culture & Sport; Love & eye for entertaining details. Only It is not every day a book about Marriage; Science & Medicine; occasionally does their attention- Marylebone is published, so Buildings & Places; Mad, Bad & grabbing prose style stray into silliness Marylebone aficionados may want to Dangerous to Know; and Crimes & – as for example when we are told in consider adding Marylebone Lives to Misdemeanours. The latter category is relation to blue plaques, that Emma their collection. It is actually an largely drawn from celebrated court Cons did not share the “one significant anthology of historical pieces that first cases and the associated newspaper characteristic that almost all of the appeared in the Howard de Walden coverage. area’s celebrated luminaries had in common: they urinated standing up.” Estate’s Marylebone Journal , which Each of the sections is preceded by an explains the disparate nature and short introduction of less than a page, except Reading the pieces together, rather than length of the individual contributions - for “A brief history of Harley Street”, bi-monthly as they appeared, one is typically about three and a half pages. which runs to two and a half pages. In struck by the sheer number of pieces There are 19 “profiles” of people and 60 addition, the whole volume is introduced about aristocrats, many of whom led articles, but since the articles are by a history of Marylebone, which runs fairly unremarkable lives compared mainly about specific people, this to less than four pages. So the book to other Marylebone residents distinction mostly boils down to one of stands or falls on the 79 pieces reprinted conspicuously omitted from these length. The book is in effect a social from the Marylebone Journal, which are pages. To take just two examples: history of Marylebone told primarily written by at least 18 different authors. Charles Wesley who lived just off the through a series of mini-biographies. As you might expect, the quality varies. High Street and Charles Dickens who Carl Upsall is quoted in a review in The Among the best are: a scholarly piece by lived for many years at the High Street’s Portman as being inspired by his Richard Bowden on “The parks and top end. daughter, who suggested he should gardens of Marylebone”; a masterfully Notwithstanding minor reservations publish a book on blue plaques. The compressed piece by Viel Richardson on about editorial choices Marylebone Lives problem he discovered with existing the history of the “The Workhouse of St is to be welcomed as a highly readable guides to such plaques is that they only Marylebone”; a fascinating portrait of collection of tales about Marylebone tell you part of the story. They also tend Wilkie Collins by a biographer of his, residents. It will not replace popular to be high on facts and short on Andrew Lycett; and last but not least a histories of the area but it will certainly readability. By contrast, Marylebone genuinely interesting account by Dr be an entertaining addition to them. Lives goes beyond the mere fact of David Miller of Sydney Ringer’s Mike Wood 4 ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY ANNUAL PLANNING WALK 2015

This year's June Planning Walk looked at the effects of the Baker Street 2-way proposal in the Dorset Square Area. John Walker, North Team Planning and Enforcement officers attended, along with Graham King and Anju Banga of WCC Strategic Planning & Transportation. Penny Alexander of BSQ, Hugh Small of Living Streets, and Cllr Richard Beddoe, also came along. Starting at Marylebone Station, we walked past the restored war memorials to the Harewood Avenue (2) where we discussed the new Paribas pedestrian crossings, the difficulties of servicing the shops in the station, and at a possible increase in traffic in Harewood Avenue from Rossmore Road. In the busy station forecourt (3) we looked at the taxi rank, traffic for the Landmark Hotel, the No.2 bus route, and at the vehicles queuing to turn west into Marylebone Road. An increase in foot traffic between Marylebone and Baker Street stations is expected when configuration of its junction with (eastbound) turn into the Marylebone the new Chiltern Rail line to Oxford Gloucester Place. (6) Passing Linhope Road in the area. TfL has just devised opens on 26th October, and many of us Street we noted the Swan & Edgar/The retail design guidelines for the Baker would like to see this busy pedestrian Feathers pub in its current sad state (7). Street Station frontages, which we link improved. This building has been designated as an looked at, and all new facades will be Going East to Dorset Square, we noted “Asset of Community Value”, and the expected to conform to them in future. the route taken by buses 453 and 205 up “Save our Local” group is talking to a The first test of these will be the new lower Balcombe Street, left into potential publican. We also had a closer Tesco's opening on the Baker Street Melcombe Place and left again into the look at the critical Ivor Place junction side. A proposal to convert Station Bus stand in great Central Street. Other which may have cycle lanes which link Approach to mainly pedestrian use local issues enroute included the to Regent’s Park and turn south here. should improve conditions for station possibility of a loading bay for the Gloucester Place to Rossmore Road (8): users. Tour buses will be moved onto station in Boston Place. (4) in the 2-Way proposal, southbound the Marylebone Road. We discussed the Melcombe vehicles for Marylebone Station will be We crossed Marylebone Road here, Street/Gloucester Place junction and able to turn right into Rossmore Road experiencing its full awfulness at rush the effects of a southbound right turn and a right turn into Taunton Place may hour, and then proceeded back to Baker into Dorset Square at this junction. be allowed, which we are uneasy about. Street station. The subway is now being Going through Dorset Square garden we Moving down Park Road (9) we saw how upgraded by BSQ and TfL. It is already saw the recently restored pavilion, now the cycle route in Regent’s Park might gated at night, which has improved the properly upright. link to Ivor Place – we are very sceptical cleanliness of the tunnel significantly, Walking up Balcombe Street, the about this proposal to close the east end and once repairs are completed, it will discussion was about a possible rat-run of Ivor Place to vehicles and changes to be redecorated. Our thanks especially to if new right turns from two-way the loading and coach arrangements of BSQ for this initiative (13). Gloucester Place are allowed. (5) There Francis Holland School (10). Proposed changes to the Baker Street/ were several suggestions for stopping At the junction of Baker Street and Melcombe Street junction represent an rat-runners without severely Clarence Gate (11) we talked about the improvement (14). The proposals for inconveniencing residents' own vehicles possibility of improving the entrance to and deliveries. the Baker Street and Gloucester Place the park and realigning the Outer Circle junctions with Marylebone Road need to One of the listed houses has a collapsed pedestrian crossing to make it more be viewed together to make sense, but balcony currently awaiting repair. direct. We think the configuration of the the proposals for Gloucester Place with These houses are now 200 years old and right turn out of the park for cyclists is limited turns are contentious (15), several such failures have occurred. We unsafe. especially to those living south of the want to see a solution devised that Allsop Place (12) was proposed as Marylebone Road. preserves the appearance of these another option for a right turn west into historic buildings. The repair to the We finished the walk at Cinnamon Spice the Marylebone Road. But this is not restaurant in Glentworth Street (16). listed pavement further up the street practical, given the very heavy has finally been completed . pedestrian traffic between Baker Street Many thanks to all who attended, We turned into Ivor Place, one of the to Madame Tussauds, and from Baker patiently answered our questions and streets we are most worried about as a Street across the Marylebone Road. discussed local issues with us. potential rat-run, depending on the Allsop Place also provides the only left Cynthia Poole

5 REGENT ’S PARK PROPOSED CYCLE SUPER HIGHWAY 14 existing pedestrian crossing places in the Outer Circle the idea of installing raised surfaces at these was suggested but strongly opposed by the majority at the last CS11 Workshop. The SMS considers raised tables inappropriate physical intervention in the parkland setting. The vistas and views of the sweeping Outer Circle frame the Grade I Listed buildings, and we feel that the historic kerb line should therefore be maintained for heritage reasons. Built up road surfaces introduce changes in materials, additional signage, lighting and street furniture which detracts from the setting and clutters up the highway and paths. The current low level night time lighting contributes to the atmosphere in the park and encourages wildlife. Road humps need constant lighting for safety reasons and this would create light pollution. Many London Boroughs are removing Regent’s Park Outer Circle is proposed to cycle infrastructure and there are different speed humps as the ongoing maintenance be part of the next TfL Cycle Super types of cyclists for whom the CS11 needs they require is practically and financially Highway (CS11) and consultation on this to cater. The raison d’ê tre for CS11 is problematic. On a major cycle route such is scheduled to begin in November 2015. commuter cyclists, the majority of whom as CS11, repairs would need to be The SMS was instrumental in preserving will be proficient, fit, and keen to get to frequent if accidents were to be avoided. the Regent’s Park Nash Terraces on its work as quickly and safely as possible. For vehicles, raised tables are shown to foundation in 1948, campaigning for over a They will be using the park at peak hours encourage speeding up in-between and decade to ensure that these buildings and it is envisaged that in the morning slowing down quickly on approach, were restored properly. We continue to they will enter the park from the north, causing noise nuisance, and especially work closely with Westminster City Avenue Road, and then take a clockwise dangerous for cyclists who are overtaken Council and the Royal Parks today to route around the park to Portland Place. then braked in front of continually. This protect and retain the unique character This avoids any right turns. In the evening would be exacerbated when the CS11 is in and atmosphere of Regent’s Park. they enter from the south, Park Crescent, operation and numbers of cyclists We have been involved in the and also ride clockwise back to Avenue increased. development of the CS11 plan and support Road, again this avoids the need for Cycling is the fastest growing national initiatives that encourage safe cycling and cyclists to cross the oncoming traffic. sport for adults and children and brings believe that these need to be carefully Sports cyclists are a large and growing many health benefits. For sports cyclists balanced with protecting the national group of Regent’s Park Outer Circle raised platforms are dangerous and spoil heritage importance of Regent’s Park. The users who travel in the opposite direction their enjoyment of the park for valid Outer Circle provides the possibility of a to the commuters. We have heard sporting activities. We should also be convenient cycle way for commuters, but representations from their group and are proud that Regent’s Park is host to the first and foremost Regent’s Park is a encouraged by their approach to training of our Para-Olympian cyclists, as much-needed public open space in Central educating fellow cyclists and self- it is the only safe place in Central London London, one that thousands of residents regulation. For example, they have led for this to take place. and visitors rely on for their amenity, a successful campaign this summer Therefore the Society feels that there is health and well-being. Any alterations or ensuring that sports cyclists stop at red some way to go in designing a safe cycle changes to the park's infrastructure lights. We agree with them that they and pedestrian network that does not should take all views on board. should use the park for sports cycling or harm the heritage setting of Regent’s To reduce traffic, the proposal includes training at hours that do not conflict with Park. All stakeholders and park users closing specific park gates to restrict most other park users. This has been should continue to work together to agree vehicular traffic at rush hour and this is suggested at times before 10.30am and codes of conduct which allow everyone's welcome as it will reinforce the parkland after 5pm (that is when the zoo is shut). safe enjoyment of Regent’s Park without character, fewer vehicles equals less They have already appointed a spokesman the need to resort to obtrusive physical pollution, less noise nuisance and safer and working party who have put forward controls which will damage the glorious roads for cyclists and pedestrians. All park drafts of their own regulatory regime, and views and vistas we have worked so hard users will benefit from this: although a code of best practice. The working party to preserve for the past 67 years. some residents and businesses might has already involved other users of the have their access affected. park, and also representatives of the Another suggestion that speed in amenity societies and the Friends of Regent’s Park be restricted to 20mph is Regent’s Park at regular TfL workshops. also welcomed by the SMS planning However, with increased numbers committee because we consider that this of cyclists in both directions the needs will also improve safety. We see this as of pedestrians also need careful part of a London-wide initiative to be consideration. The park is actually a very encouraged, especially on residential and safe place with police notified of only two non-strategic roads. accidents last year involving cyclists and TfL are contributing significant financial pedestrians. In both cases, it was the sums to the Royal Parks for improving pedestrian who caused the accident. With 6 O BITUARIES

g museum and toured the stately home. In p j . 8

3 1992, he gave up the chairmanship of 0 _

u English Heritage, a post he had held for e i l u

a many years with great distinction. As it e B _

f happened, we were looking for a o _

u President and, to our great surprise and g a t

n delight, he agreed to act for three years. o M

_ During that time, he attended every d r

o AGM and often came to the Society’s . L : n e l e i r

F garden parties in the local squares and to r / i a k i

W receptions at the Landmark Hotel. Lord w / n g a r l l Montagu had a residence in Bryanston o . A a i y d Square and at one garden party in the b e p i o Audrey Lewis t k

i square, the owner of the Sherlock o w h . P n Holmes museum turned up with a horse We were sad to learn of the loss of Cllr e / 0 . / : 3 s

p and hansom cab and SMS members, Audrey Lewis who had dedicated t C t C h including Lord Montagu, were treated to herself to ensuring Marylebone was a Lord Montagu at 80. a ride around the square. better place for us all. She had extensive Lord Montagu of Beaulieu In 1999, I remember his satisfaction at knowledge of the Bryanston and Dorset Although he had been ill for quite some being one of the hereditary peers who Square Ward where she lived for many were elected to remain in the House of time, it was sad to hear of the death of years and worked tirelessly on planning, Lords. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. police and licensing issues. Most At the end of his Presidency, the His connections with the St Marylebone recently she had worked closely with Society date from the early 1990s, when Society’s Council decided we should the Society to ensure the whole two visits to Beaulieu were organised for reinstate the position of Patron and, community would benefit from the members. We booked a coach for a perfect without hesitation, Lord Montagu day out in the country and when we accepted our invitation and remained as Baker Street 2-way proposals and her arrived, Lord Montagu was there to greet such to the end. experience in planning matters will be us and members visited the famous motor Gwyneth Hampson greatly missed.

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY The St Marylebone Society THE ST MARYLEBONE 2015 The Society needs a treasurer SOCIETY President: Colin Amery Chair: Gaby Higgs and a bookkeeper. AGM 2015 Vice-Chairman: Mike Wood All the Trustees and Planning Hon. Secretary: Andrew Cooper Monday 9th November Hon. Treasurer: Committee give their time and The Royal Academy of Music Council Members: expertise for free and we always Meeting starts 6.30 Dorian Aroyo (Social Secretary) need more volunteers. Cynthia Poole (Planning Committee Chairman) Chair – Mike Wood Robert McAulay (Newsletter and Membership) Please get in touch if you can 7.30 talk by Richard Bowden: Douglas Temple (Events) help. Fortune’s Wheel: the Portman Mike Wood (Local History) Ian Wylie (Planning) [email protected] family’s London Estate

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

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

7 VISIT TO THE THE ORIENTAL CLUB “W ALKIE TALKIE ”

Coffee Morning at Le Vieux Comptoir, 26 Moxon Street, W1 Saturday 19th September 2015 It was quite a change to have a better than equal complement of Saint Marylebone In June SMS members toured the gentlemen at this event! Hugh Small, our Oriental Club, fortified by coffee served St Marylebone Society members Green Party Candidate, contesting the enjoyed a stunning view of the City of beneath a fine portrait of its first and London from the Sky Garden at the only President, the Duke of Wellington. vacant council position in the Dorset and 'Walkie Talkie'. It has since won the The club, founded in 1824, moved from Bryanston Square ward, kindly joined us 'Carbuncle Cup' having been voted the Hanover Square to its current 1773 and arranged to canvass a part of our area. worst building in London. building in Stratford Place in 1962. Laurent Faure, the owner of Le Vieux Comptoir has recently gained some Brenda Naylor , well known sculptor of concessions for his establishment from dancers, and a longtime member of the St Westminster council, against stout and long Marylebone Society, has won the Armed Forces standing opposition from neighbours, so we Art Society sculpture prize for works in the July were happy to be able to support him. 2015 exhibition at the Mall Galleries with her Our members were also delighted to sculpture of YuanYuan Tan, Principal Dancer in discover the existence of this beautiful but "Magrittomania" San Francisco Ballet. little known local restaurant. The extent of For more information about Brenda's the premises as well as its comforts work : http://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/whats- surprised all of us and many have planned a on/exhibitions/armed-forces-art-society return visit for a slap up meal!

The aim is to hold the first Marylebone T HE Forum AGM on 28th January 2016, at THE ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY M ARYLEBONE which, among other things, the Forum Committee will be elected. Procedures CHRISTMAS PARTY F ORUM GETS for the nomination of Committee 2015 Members and information about the THE GREEN next steps in the development of the 6.30 Saturday 5th December Forum will be posted on the Forum’s at the Sir John Balcombe, LIGHT website over the next couple of months: Balcombe Street www.maryleboneforum.org £30 for a three course meal We are pleased to report that, following including wine extended negotiations, the Marylebone Please send cheques, with names, Forum has finally received official made out to St Marylebone Society to: designation from Westminster City Christmas Dinner, 33 Linhope Street, Council. London NW1 6HU

ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY EVENTS 2015-16 Marylebone Association Coffee Marylebone Association Coffee walk). Meet outside at 1.55 pm. FREE . Morning, Tuesday 13th October, Morning, Wednesday 2nd December The RAF has evolved over the last 10.30am, The Arch Hotel in the 10.30am, Fischer's Restaurant, 50 century from the Royal Flying Corps Martini Room, 50 Great Cumberland Marylebone High Street, WIU 5HN. Place, W1H 7FD. An opportunity to An opportunity to meet new members with wooden and canvas biplanes to meet new members and old friends. and old friends. £5 per person. No need supersonic jets equipped with all the £5 per person. No need to book – to book – everyone welcome. latest technology. An opportunity to see everyone welcome. St Marylebone Society Coffee the famous Spitfires, Hurricanes, St Marylebone Society Coffee Morning, Friday 8th January 2016 Lancasters and other planes, as well as Morning, Wednesday 25th at 10.30 am, Caff e` Saporito, 14 November 2015, at 10.30am, fascinating memorabilia, during the 75th Melcombe Street, London NW1 6AH. Marriott Hotel, 140 Park Lane, London anniversary of the Battle of Britain. No need to book – pay your own way. W1K 7AA Phone: 020 7493 7000. £10 a For more information and late bookings head for tea, coffee and a selection of Thursday 12th November 2015, please contact: St Marylebone Society freshly baked pastries, muffins, 2.00pm. The Royal Airforce croissants and Danish. No need to book, Museum, Grahame Park Way, Events Secretary, Douglas Temple, Flat 1, this is a pre-Christmas treat to be London NW9 5LL (Nearest tube: 23 Seymour Place, Lond on W1H 5BH – relished – all are welcome. Colindale, then 303 bus or 12 minute 020 7723 6417. Published by the St. Marylebone Society, October 2015. © St Marylebone Society.