Special delivery news.fitzrovia.org.uk Fitzrovia News Fitzrovia News is produced by residents and volunteers and distributed free to all businesses and residential addresses in Fitzrovia Issue 128 Spring 2013 We are 40 Hospital charity criticised and still over staff homes sell-off growing - By News Reporters and who can remain in the moved as he listened to the hos - “On the limited evidence avail - with 8,000 UCLH Charity has been criti - blocks in Cleveland Street and pital workers at a meeting in the able the Commission has no cised for the cavalier way it New Cavendish Street face fur - offices of the Fitzrovia clear basis to conclude it has a print run sold off doctors and nurses ther disruption as the flats Neighbourhood Association in regulatory interest in the matter homes to a property developer around them are being gutted to January. He brought with him a or to justify an approach to the who is now evicting dozens of be refurbished for sale as pied-a- housing lawyer who is offering charity.” hospital staff and causing mis - terre and investment properties. the services of the law firm Although the properties are ery for those who remain. One tenant, who is a retired Hodge, Jones & Allen to advise now owned by a company call - As we reported in the last hospital worker, told Fitzrovia the tenants who are facing evic - ing itself Pendragon Properties, issue of Fitzrovia News , UCLH News that the noise from the tion. the company is registered in Charity had quietly sold the 53 refurbishment work is so bad The Fitzrovia Guernsey by two signatories of We are celebrating our 40th flats to an off-shore company that she has to leave her flat and Neighbourhood Association Barclays Corporate Wealth. birthday by increasing our Pendragon Properties. The flats return later in the day after the wrote a complaint to the However, it is believed that the print run to 8,000 for this issue . were quickly marketed in the work has been finished. Charities Commission saying real owners are the Marcus It was in March 1973 that the far-east even before eviction All this is happening after that UCLH Charity was in Cooper Group who are agents Tower community newpaper, notices were sent to the tenants. millions of pounds were spent breach of its charitable aims as it for the properties. Both Barclays forerunner to Fitzrovia News, Frank Dobson, MP for on refurbishing the properties claims to support its staff. Corporate Wealth and the was first published (see page 7), Holborn and St Pancras, told during 2010 and 2011. However, the Commission Marcus Cooper Group declined making us the longest known Fitzrovia News that UCLH Frank Dobson was clearly dismissed the complaint, stating: to comment. community newspaper in the Charity had “acted without any country which is still running. consultation with the staff or Camden Council”, because apart School celebrates the from the misery to hospital staff it was putting pressure on the council’s housing allocation. Back then it was just four Sources have told Fitzrovia Chinese new year pages with no photographs. News that housing managers in Since then we have grown and Camden Council had demanded grown, with one issue reaching an explanation from UCLH 24 pages last year. Charity as to why they had not We are restricted to eight consulted with the housing pages this time because we are department before selling the using Royal Mail to deliver 7,300 hospital staff housing. copies which involves a weight The small number of resi - limitation. The other 700 copies dents who have secure tenancies will be delivered by our team of volunteers to certain places, such as doctor's surgeries, hospitals, clubs, chippies and pubs, which like more than one copy for their cutomers.

A compendium of some of the best articles we have run over the last 40 years is being The Chinese New Year (of the snake) was celebrated last month at All Souls Church in Foley Street with a visit from prepared for publication. Chinese embassy officials. A special assembly was held with examples of Chinese dancing and writing.

GIGS est. 1958 The home of traditional Fish & Chips Fully licensed Greek restaurant Happy 40th birthday Fitzrovia News 12 Tottenham Street 020 7636 1424 2 Comment Fitzrovia News 128, Spring 2013 Fitzrovia News Formerly The Tower established 1973 news.fitzrovia.org.uk Your Letters twitter.com/fitzrovianews facebook.com/fitzrovianews [email protected] Kids treated the blitz like a firework display 020 7580 4576 Your excellent feature about the kitchen, and she just picked Issue 128 Spring 2013 Graham Greene, being injured it up and threw it out. Published March 2013 as an air raid warden in Gower We were targeted because we Street during the blitz (Fitzrovia were close to three railway sta - Fitzrovia News is produced News, Winter 2012), was ruined tions carrying troops. quarterly by the Fitzrovia by one inaccuracy. But, as I say, we kids just Community Newspaper You refer to him drinking in treated it like a firework display. Group, and published by the the Horseshoe "pub" at 264 Gower Street was full of Fitzrovia Neighbourhood . It was holes from fire bombs and incen - Association fitzrovia.org.uk much more than a pub - it was a diaries, but not too much dam - (registered charity no. 1111649) big hotel with several bars. age. 39 Tottenham Street, I know because my parents After the war the bomb sites , W1T 4RX had their wedding reception became our playgrounds and we ISSN: 0967-1404 there in 1933 (the year before I climbed all over them. They was born). My father upset my were very slow rebuilding and Editorial Team mother by leaving the reception took at least five years. Mike Pentelow: for a while to go to White City Sometimes we would find old editor and features editor greyhound racing, but she newspapers there from the 1930s Linus Rees: cheered up when he returned tips, enabling us to tour for ten fear, not really understanding and would read them. assistant editor with substantial winnings. He weeks in Norway - people jok - what was going on. Brian Keats, Pete Whyatt: must have known Graham ing we had the biggest car and My mother said not to shel - Hampstead Road. news and production editor Greene from drinking in the the smallest tent! ter in the tube but to stay in the Clive Jennings: Horseshoe. But going back to the blitz, I house and take our chances Kicking families arts and editor Later in the 1960s it opened a remember it well, being seven there. So when the sirens went Brian Jarman: Norwegian restaurant in the years old at the time, living at 88 we carried on as normal, and I out of area tragic hotel, and was packed every writer and sub-editor Gower Street. went to bed, sleeping through it. Money has pushed people out of night. I went with a Norwegian Barb Jacobson: To me it was just like fire - I don't suppose my mother did. Fitzrovia and they have kicked a waitress there who got lots of associate editor works, and I did not have any One day a bomb landed in lot of good people out. Property Jennifer Kavanagh: values have gone up and fami - associate editor lies can't afford to buy places Jess Owens When Bob Dylan was in pub audience here any more. associate editor The day Bob Dylan sang at the It is a tragedy what hap - King & Queen in Foley Street 50 pened to long time Fitzrovian, Contributors: years ago was recalled by folk Fiona Green, a very close friend Jayne Davis singer Martin Carthy when per - of my mother and me and my Clifford Harper forming there last month. brothers whom we had known Eugene McConville Martin was also playing for 41 years. Hannah Pressman there back in December 1962 Now they are evicting nurses Wesley Skow when he recognised Dylan in the from Howard House. It is not Sunita Soliar audience from a picture on a fair. Chris Tyler magazine cover he had seen ear - Richard Payne Kipper Williams lier in the day. "I asked him if he Send your letters to Fitzrovia Andrew Wyatt wanted to perform, and he said ask again later. Eventually he News, 39 Tottenham Street, Printed by: got up and played three songs, a London W1T 4RX, or email Sharman & Co Ltd, rag time one, Talking' John Birch [email protected] Newark Road, Paranoid Blues, and the Ballad Peterborough PE1 5TD of Hollis Brown." Mail collection centre sharmanandco.co.uk Last month Martin played to a packed house a wide range of Residents will soon be able to Fitzrovia Community Centre love, anti-war, and comic songs pick up their mail from a Royal 2 Foley Street (020 7580 8680) as well as an incredible version Martin Carthy (left) chats to Pete Maynard in the King & Queen. Mail local enquiry office. "This fitzroviacommunitycentre.org of the Harry Lime theme tune years ago. Pete played double Martin, who was in Steeleye will be in New Cavendish Street, Free activities: on acoustic guitar - all inter - bass and washboard in the City Span, also appeared on Desert with an entrance in Hanson West End Children’s Centre spersed with humorous stories. Ramblers skiffle group, who can Island Discs recently and men - Street," spokesperson Sally drop-in sessions (Mon-Thur) He was pleased to meet up be seen in Moscow in 1956 on tioned Dylan at the King & Hopkins told Fitzrovia News . AA – every Thursday and with Pete Maynard, who ran the youtu.be/b2U0Wr6Si4M. It is a Queen (see Word on the Street, "The new premises should be Saturday. pub's club with him over 50 zero not a letter O in the middle. page 6). ready within the next few months. We are in the process of finalising work on the premises Public editorial All Saints Church Margaret Street and making arrangements for the move. Deliveries to cus - meetings are held at tomers in the area will continue Your neighbourhood church as featured in Fitzrovia News, Summer 2010 7 pm, first Tuesday of as usual." But later this year the delivery operations will move every month at A diverse congregation warmly welcomes you to worship with us in the from Rathbone Place to Mount catholic tradition of the Church of England with glorious music in one of Fitzrovia Pleasant. Neighbourhood London's finest church buildings. Centre, Sunday Main Services Pensioners’ lunches 39 Tottenham Street, 11.00am High Mass Sir Robert MacAlpine (the 6.00pm Evensong & Benediction London W1T 4RX Fitzroy Place builders) are spon - soring a series of weekly lunches The church is open throughout the week and there are regular for Fitzrovia pensioners at the services. Subscribe to Fitzrovia George and Dragon in For more details please see www.allsaintsmargaretstreet.org.uk Cleveland Street. Lunches will News for regular or call the parish office 020 7636 1788 start in March. For more details updates: please see the Older Fitzrovia If you come new to All Saints because of this advertisement [email protected] newsletter or contact Barb at the please tell us that you saw it in Fitzrovia News FNA on 020 7580 4576. Fitzrovia News 128, Spring 2013 News 3 Doctor’s surgery to close under News in brief Off-shore company Wainbridge Capital Ltd UCL’s commercialisation plans (Jersey) are planning to rede - velop 31-34 Alfred Place with The doctor’s surgery in Gower said. “It does not wish to pro - space, laboratories, and student more office space and new res - Place, which treats UCL students vide a space for the NHS prac - and staff facilities... and new idential. and local residents, is to be tice on the UCL campus.” space made for commercial proj - Property developer closed next year as part of a It is part of a “masterplan” ects, including shops such as Exemplar is raking it in. Its “horrendous” plan to commer - approved in 2011 by the UCL Starbucks, plus luxury accom - Fitzroy Place scheme is selling cialise the university. council to “enable institutional modation and a “social lounge” for an average of £1,850 per “UCL has informed us that it growth”, in the words of the for VIP visitors. square foot, and topped the has no plans to renew our lease provost, Malcolm Grant, over A senior lecturer stated: “As list of fasted selling property when it expires in 2014,” Dr the next decade. staff we find this whole prospect developments. Fitzroy Place Clare Elliot, a partner at the It involves moving, reducing horrendous.” generated £290 million last practice, is reported to have or losing libraries, teaching year as 175 apartments sold in just eight months, according to real estate firm CBRE . Lucky black cat Competing Forums stake claims for Exemplar are also propos - ing to redevelop 1 Bedford returns home Avenue and 251-258 Fitzrovia as a neighbourhood area Tottenham Court Road , with By HANNAH PRESSMAN new residential accommoda - There was heart warming news tion proposed in Bloomsbury By News Reporters an opportunity for us to step for Fitzrovia residents with the Square . A planning applica - away from town hall politics return of Scala Street’s black cat, tion will be submitted later in Competing proposals to desig - and work together as a local Gungo. the year. nate different parts of Fitzrovia community. Many of you will have seen, Almost all of the 15 refur - as a neighbourhood area under “I think that the essential cri - over the last months, the forlorn bished apartments in three the Localism Act have been teria for defining a neighbour - posters adorning lamp posts and Grade II listed buildings on staked by different forums. hood is the area’s character, trees, in local windows and the corner of Grafton Way and Designating a neighbour - scale, use and function. The use doorways. If you live in a high- Conway Street sold as invest - hood area is the first step in cre - of the local government bound - rise apartment you may be ment properties in southeast ating a neighbourhood plan to ary makes no sense when defin - familiar with the sight of him Asia. devolve planning policies and ing this neighbourhood. stalking the rooftops or ascend - Three contractors are chas - development to local people. “Conversely, the neighbour - ing trees and drainpipes, but for ing the £100m deal to redevel - Last year the Marylebone hood area proposed by the six months he was absent with - op 80 Charlotte Street . Forum applied to Westminster Fitzrovia Forum forms a cohe - out leave, and sorely missed by Developer Derwent London Council for a neighbourhood sive whole and is similar in everyone but the mice. will transform the building area covering the area west of terms of use, character, scale and A ray of hope was given once Saatchi & Saatchi’s lease Cleveland Street as far as function. The area changes dra - when Jack Fawdry, Gungo’s expires in March. The building Edgware Road. The Forum was matically to the west at Portland owner, received a call from an WESLEY SKOW will be part demolished and led by the Marylebone Place and to the east at Gower observant stranger proclaiming rebuilt with 55 new homes Association and supported by – for whatever reason – are Street (the university and British the cat to be in the Marylebone and 323,000 square feet of the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood always difficult, and usually Museum).” area. This led to a surge of new office space. Saatchi & Saatchi Association. contentious. I think one needs to The Fitzrovia posters which luckily caught the are hoping to stay in Fitzrovia. However, in January this be clear about the nature of the Neighbourhood Association has eye of two builders. They BBC Studios and Post year the Fitzrovia Forum sub - area that is being proposed and been asked to support the informed Marylebone resident Production have moved into mitted a new proposal to both the reason for having a bound - Fitzrovia Forum’s proposed area Eddie, whose cat they recog - Charlotte Street . We hope Westminster and Camden coun - ary. and withdraw support for the nised as the much-loved and they are not disturbed by the cils for a cross-boundary neigh - “Some people will no doubt Marylebone Forum. missing pet. Eddie had kindly building works next door to bourhood area. The Fitzrovia say that a neighbourhood area Bloomsbury residents are been caring for Gungo for five them after Derwent London Forum’s proposal overlaps with should follow local government also considering a neighbour - weeks, and quickly arranged for were given planning permis - the Marylebone Forum’s pro - boundaries. The problem here is hood area and some have him to be brought home. sion to demolish the Margaret posed area between Cleveland that those boundaries were expressed interest in including Another local figure who Pyke Centre on the corner of Street and Great Portland Street. designed for very different pur - the area Tottenham Court Road was thrilled at Gungo’s return is Charlotte and Tottenham It is the first cross borough poses, and have been carried and Gower Street, which would Haggis, the west highland terri - Street. application to both councils. forward for historic reasons, and overlap with part of the neigh - er/poodle cross, who you most The Mental Health Wesley Skow, speaking on have no real logic ‘on the bourhood area proposed by the probably will have been greeted Resource Centre in behalf of the Fitzrovia Forum, ground’ in themselves.” Fitzrovia Forum application. by upon entering Pollock’s Toy told Fitzrovia News : “Boundaries “Neighbourhood planning is Tottenham Mews will be Museum. The two animals have demolished and a new 5- been firm friends since Gungo storey building constructed. was a kitten, and some might Active Kids project at centre Chippy champs! Charlotte Mews is having say they are related (both of new cobblestones laid. more healthy with fun activities Congratulations to Fish Bone, 82 their owners being of the Fitzrovia Youth in Action are Do any of our readers and sport. To book please con - Cleveland Street, winners of the Fawdry family). currently running an Active tact Raaj or Marian on 020 7388 Chip Week 2013 London region Many people are to thank for Kids Healthy Living project at continues on page 4 7399 or email [email protected]. Choice Chip Award. this happy reunion, in particular the Fitzrovia Community Centre Eddie, the builders who showed in Foley Street every Monday him the poster, the mysterious from 3.30 to 6 pm during the THE DUKE OF YORK stranger, but also all of the local school year. businesses who kept their The aim of these drop in ses - Opening hours, Mon-Fri, 12-11pm, Sat 1-11pm, Sun closed posters up when hope seemed sions are to encourage children 47 RATHBONE STREET,LONDON W1T 1NW almost lost. aged 9, 10 and 11 to become 020 7636 7065 [email protected] A traditional pub, with a good selection of real ales And varied wine list. Upstairs Bar/Function room available for private parties and Buffets. Check Bondage apartment us out on Facebook!

A fetish apartment with an has atmospheric adjustable “adult play space” in Warren lighting and candles.” THE GRAFTON Street is being advertised for a It is a self contained apart - minimum of £211 a night on the ment with its own entrance, and internet by Wimdu. the bedroom has a very large ARMS “The fetish and BDSM furni - bed with memory mattress and Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-11pm, Sat 5-11pm, Sun closed. ture include a spanking bench, luxurious elegant bedding. 72 GRAFTON WAY, LONDON WIT 5DU sling and stretch rack, fetters In the bathroom are 020 7387 7923 [email protected] with cage, a cross, bondage area, “Cowshed toiletries to delight Newly refurbished heated roof terrace. Food served 12.-3, 6-10 pm throne and electric suspension,” your senses and cleanse your Parties catered for. Range of real ales. Function area. Friendly service! it states. “The adult play room bodies.” Fitzrovia News 128, Spring 2013 News 4 Police officer injured in Margaret Street burglary Emergency ...News in brief continued know anything about the Police are appealing for informa - struck with a heavy tool causing ing in Great Titchfield Street at crews rush to social and architectural history tion and witnesses after an offi - serious head injuries. the junction with Little Titchfield of Berners Street Mansions ? cer sustained serious head One suspect was seriously Street. Goodge Place Residents in the mansion injuries when he disturbed bur - injured when trying to escape. The injured officer was taken block are researching the his - glars in offices in Margaret He was attempting to get down to hospital for treatment to seri - after reports of tory of it. Contact us if you Street. from the rooftop when he ous head injuries. He has now can help them out. At around 11.10 am on slipped and fell, breaking a leg been discharged. meteorite strike Awkward questions were Saturday, January 19, two police and his back. He was arrested Police are seeking any wit - asked at the annual general officers separately started to and taken to hospital. A second nesses who may have been in meeting of the Fitzrovia search the building. suspect was later arrested. the area of Margaret Street or Residents in Goodge Place Neighbourhood Association One of the officers, a male The suspects are believed to Great Titchfield Street between 8 called emergency services on the (FNA) about why the charity police sergeant, disturbed two have been part of a team of at and 11.30 am on that morning. evening of Sunday 27 January were not moving into the new suspects. Following a foot-chase least three people. They had a In particular, they wish to hear after they heard a “loud bang”, Camden-funded Fitzrovia up onto the roof, the officer was VW Golf get-away vehicle wait - from anyone who may have and saw a “red flame coming seen the suspects running off or down from the sky” which they Community Centre . The FNA School football team plays at QPR the VW Golf and its occupants thought was caused by a mete - said offered was too orite. small and expensive. The FNA All Souls school football team The school, in Foley Street, in Great Titchfield Street. Fire engines, police, helicop - is due to move into new prem - represented Fitzrovia in a tour - has also been giving weekly Any witnesses or anyone ter and “special forces” arrived ises in March. nament organised by Queens Spanish lessons to all the chil - with any information should call at the scene where a hole in the The Fitzrovia Trust intends Park Rangers of the Premiership. dren, who celebrated that coun - the Burglary Squad on 020 7321 pavement had appeared. Police to buy 39 Tottenham Street to They did not win overall but try’s culture, songs, and music 6969 or Crimestoppers anony - officers were seen pointing up refurbish it to create a mixed performed very well. throughout a week last month. mously on 0800 555 111. into the night sky. use building including social Even Sky News turned up, housing. Victorian loo now serves sarnies though a little late, said resident People in Ogle Street are Mark Hebblewhite who kept us suffering with “noise levels By BRIAN JARMAN It’s the brainchild of former ers. He wanted to launch a local updated on Twitter. equivalent to an airport run - Gents – and for the first time, PR man Pete Tomlinson and his paper from the premises but it In the air above, the way” from the Peabody ladies – you have the chance to business partner Ben Russell. never took off. Metroplitan Police Service heli - Housing building site in the visit one of Fitzrovia’s historic Like many good ideas, it came The pair are sourcing their copter updated people across street. The new occupants will underground monuments for a to them as they were having a products from family-run busi - London: arrive in “a neighbourhood cup of coffee and a sandwich. At pint after work one night out - nesses and, wherever possible, “We are not treating it as exasperated and traumatised your convenience. side the Crown and Sceptre, local ones, such as Caravan who suspicious. It may be a issue by its construction” said one The Victorian gents’ loos on looking at the chained-up loos roast their coffee in an old gran - with local utility supplies or resident. Foley Street, which have been with a ‘To Let’ sign on the gate. ary in King’s Cross. even a small meteorite strike!”. The ring-scam is happen - derelict for years, are re-opening They had a vision for keep - And for those of you who The London Fire Brigade ing a lot in the neighbour - as a gourmet coffee and New ing the urinals, repairing the may have qualms about eating ended the excitement when they hood, mainly targeting pen - York-style sandwich bar called tiles, restoring the porcelain light your lunch in a lavatory, never reported it was caused by a bro - sioners . The scammers try to The Attendant. Many of the shades, ripping out the cubicles fear. You can press a buzzer at ken electric mains cable under sell you a ‘gold’ ring for £10- original features, such as the and putting in a kitchen. street level, place your order, the pavement. 20 after dropping it on the full-length porcelain urinals and The loos were bought from and it’ll be brought up to you. It Homes and offices nearby ground, pretending they've the attendant’s office, have been Westminster council in the 1980s sounds like they’ll be flushed lost their electrical supply. just found it. Please tell them retained. by the father of the present own - with success. “take a hike!”

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Email: [email protected] Or drop in and see us at: Ground Floor 15 Goodge Place London, W1T 4SQ Fitzrovia News 128, Spring 2013 5 Author Paul Willetts interviewed Pirate film star was New film of driven to acting By MIKE PENTELOW strip king The bushy bearded tavern keep - er in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film, "On Stranger Tides", was played by local actor ‘funny and Richard Payne (pictured right). Richard, who lives off Fitzroy Square, has international film star Terence Stamp to thank touching’ for encouraging him to take up plays Paul Raymond. Revolutionary Films acting. "I was a bus driver when featuring such dubious charac - History and approached his By CLIVE JENNINGS Terence got on the bus and ters as Tommy Yeardye - stunt friend and regular collaborator, dropped his wallet, which my man, boyfriend of Diana Dors film director Michael any local residents and conductor picked up," said workers were surprised and father of Tamara Mellon, Winterbottom. Willetts has a Richard. "I told him of my inter - last year to spot Steve doyenne of the Jimmy Choo small role in the film as anti- M est in the arts and he said to me Coogan sporting an extravagant designer shoe empire – who ran porn campaigner Lord Longford blond bouffant “combover” hair - pursue it and I hope to see your the Paintbox Club, a strip joint and enjoyed working with style as he strutted round the name in lights. Then he added in the basement of what is now Coogan in a scene that recreates streets of with Anna Friel on ‘You won’t let me down’ which his arm. They were portraying Paul Sergio’s restaurant on Great a famous TV debate. The irony is a line from one of his films. It Raymond and his wife Jean for the Titchfield Street, until the local of all Raymond’s legal battles was the final push I needed. I filming of “The Look of Love” the gangsters beat him up and about nudity is that 50 years on, new (“24 have seen him since and he is the mid-1970s. "Friends of mine drove him out of business. most of what was considered Hour Party People”, “The Trip”) not only a internationally said they saw me in it running film about Soho’s notorious Hotfoot from the exclusive salacious on the stage of the acclaimed actor but a wonderful across the road in Charlotte entrepreneur and latterly cast and crew viewing the previ - Revuebar can now be seen on human being." Street in the background." property magnate. ous day, Willetts described to me our TVs most nights. Earlier Richard had per - His mother, Helen Payne, Also featuring Tamsin a scene in the film in which an Willetts remembers filming formed for the Camden People's ran the Salonika Greek restau - Egerton as his protégé and girl - older Paul Raymond slowly at a freezing Brixton Academy Theatre in Hampstead Road, rant in the basement at 69 friend, Fiona Richmond, Imogen glides around Soho in his Rolls, where the iconic Soho landmark, near Warren Street, and trained Charlotte Street from 1970 to Poots as his daughter Debbie, casually pointing out of the win - the Raymond Revuebar had in stage fighting at City Lit, but 1980, and they lived at 8-10 and Stephen Fry, David dow and proclaiming “Mine, been accurately recreated, com - had not taken the plunge to give Tottenham Street from 1971. Walliams and Matt Lucas in sup - mine, mine” as he indicates to plete with working bar for the up his job as a bus driver after "I remember the newscaster porting roles, it promises to be a his daughter, Debbie, that he use of the performers (shivering 12 years to be a full-time actor. Andrew Gardner, and the rest of comprehensive celebration of owns most of the properties in in g-strings and feathers) and Now he has got his Equity the ITN team [based then in Soho sleaze. Due for release here Soho as nonchalantly as a child crew (cosily wrapped up in card, has appeared in the Wells Street] being regular at the end of April, reviewers at saying “gottit, gottit” about a scarves and coats). Every time Cranford television series, sever - patrons of the restaurant, as well the Sundance Film Festival stamp collection. This proved to the camera went by on its track al adverts, and of course the "On as artists Gilbert and George described it as “funny and be a poisonous legacy as a shout of “duck” went up and Stranger Tides" film with Johnny who had a certain style about touching”. Raymond evolves from a jaunty, the drinkers dodged behind the Depp. them. They were eccentric in I spoke to Paul Willetts who pencil moustached spiv, via bar to get out of shot. His only "Johnny Depp was a lovely some ways but very friendly wrote the book “Members showbiz lothario to become a regret is that his suggested title person, as was the director Rob and relaxing and calming. Only”, on which the film is sad old man, bereft at his for the film, “Panties Inferno” Marshall, and the whole crew Nurses and doctors also came in based, and was a consultant on daughter’s early death. (an early Raymond show) was were very nice people," said and we all had a lot of fun until the script, about the project. He Steve Coogan, was the initia - not adopted – I think it catches Richard.” the early hours." explained that the book had an tor of the project. He had long the mood of the period rather interesting genesis that started His first screen appearance But he is angered how the wanted to make a movie about a well. area has changed. See “Your when he accessed a Scotland little known slice of British could have been on the Yard file about a bizarre episode "Sweeney" television show in Letters” on page 3. in Raymond’s life when he was terrorised by a purported IRA plot to extort money from him, and the perpetrator turned out !"#$%&'"()*"+,)(*(-,).(/+)01%2,%3)!!"#"##$$$%%&''"("())**"+,"+, (**((-, )..((/+)01%2,,,%%3 ) to be a chancer painter and dec - orator. The tragi-comedy aspect of this incident, and his life in !"#$%&'$()*+,-./$'0$1,-23)4$567.3#$,*$+/#.*#8$-)$.00)709#$-"#$.33,:./$);$-"#$<0#$5-)+$!"#$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$%&'$()*+,-./ '0 1,-23)4 56567.3# ,* +/#.*#8 -) .00)709# -"# .33,:./ ); -"# <0# 5-)+ general, had Willetts hooked =,8#$>?.@#$(.08$573A#34$B<5=>C$*#3:,9#$,0$1,-23):,.$,0$D#9#EF#3$GHIGJ$$=,8#$$$$>?.@# (.08 573A#34 B<5=>C $*#33.:,9# $$$$$$,0 1,,-23):, ,0 D#9#EF#3 GHIGJ$ and he was drawn into Raymond’s world, from the !!"#$%&'($)#*+,-#$).#-,/0,)#)$,1$',2#$(3/4#$5/12$&6*7#*8$3",-"$#1/90#)$:*#/:;#1:$<=$"#$$%&''(( )#)#)*+,-# $).#-,/0,)#),1 $$$$$',#2 #(3/4 5/12 &6*7#**88 $$3 3""#),-" #1:/90 $:*#/:<=;#1: $$ seedier end of variety in the -"/12-<;.0#>$"/12$)6*7#*8$.*<90#;)$612#*$0<-/0$/1/#):"#),/$3,:"<6:$7#1#*/0$/1/#):"#),/$<;.0#>$$"/12)6*7# *8 $.*<90* 0#;) $612# $$0<-/ 0 /1/#):"#),/ $3,:"/0 "<6: $7#/1/#1#* $/1/#):"#),/ $ 1950s to becoming the richest <*<*$*#7,<1/0$/1/#):"#),/$<*$)#2/:,<1$<*$:<6*1,?6#:)@$$!"#$)#*+,-#$"/)$9##1$:"#$)69A#-:$<=$$$$*#7,<1/ 0 /1/#):"#),/ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ <*) ##<*?2/:,<1 :<6**11,?@#6#:) !",-)#*+,-)# "/19### :")6)699AA#-: <= man in Britain in the 1990s. As author of “Fear and ;;60:,.0#$6,0:,,..0#$$) )-,#1:,=,-$-,<1#1:,,===,-,- . .690,-/:,<1)$690,-/:,<1,1BCDB,)1<) $$$$$$$$$$$ ,1$ BCDB$ ,)$1 1<3$<#3 / /+/,0/90#$+,1E!====!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?@ABCADE@FGEDD?HIJBIKF! Contact 020 7974 3111 or [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Fitzrovia News 128, Spring 2013 7 40 years ago Dancing with dukes and dope dealers Street festival By MIKE PENTELOW and James lived in Hanson future king, black jazz Street (where Fred's uncle had a attracts thousands musicians, Chinese dope butcher's shop). The first issue of Tower (forerun - Apeddlars, "flapper" Frederick and James had ner of Fitzrovia News ) appeared dancers, and good time girls all rubbed shoulders in a Jewish worked at the Argyll Rooms, in March, 1973, which makes us owned Tottenham Court Road Great Windmill Street, a public Britain's oldest surviving com - club in the 1920s. dance hall frequented by prosti - munity newspaper. It ran from 1919 to 1926 at 71 tutes, until it was closed after a It announced plans for a Tottenham Court Road (with an police raid in 1878 making them parade and street festival in entrance at 38-42 Whitfield unemployed. Charlotte Street, south of Street), and changed its name When James Windus accept - Goodge Street, for June 2. This from the Albert Rooms to ed their offer to use his proved a huge success attracting Moody's Dance Club in 1921 Whitfield Street premises they thousands of revellers and the and then to Moody's Vaudeville called it the Albert Rooms and festival continued annually for Cabaret Club the following year. ran their own dancing school some years. The Prince of Wales (who and ballroom there. There were The meeting that started all later became Edward VIII in connecting rooms through to 71 this took place in the Whitfield 1936 briefly before abdicating to Tottenham Court Road where Street Play Centre on March 5 become the Duke of Windsor) there was also an entrance. and was attended by 50 people. was a regular visitor... as was Next door at 73 was a danc - A £475 grant from Camden dancer Freda Kempton, who ing school run by Katti Lanner, Council helped fund the event, died from an overdose of described as "the queen and and Curwen Gallery staged an cocaine in 1922, supposedly sup - mother of London ballet", who exhibition for two weeks show - plied by a Chinese dealer called was a friend of composer Johann ing the history of the district. Brilliant Billy Chang for which Strauss. This building was he was jailed. demolished in 1903 to make way The whole story of the for Goodge Street station. venue, dating back to the 1840s, In 1891 the People's Shiv is told in a booklet called Illustrated Paper published a "Ballrooms, Shadows & Dancing The Albert Rooms pictured in the People’s Illustrated Paper in 1891, since drawing of dancers in the hall, Fred" by Andrew Wyatt, who coloured in by Andrew Wyatt. (see picture, coloured by Pharmacy will soon be looking for a pub - Russian hairdresser, and a regu- Back in 1883 the building Andrew Wyatt) which drew lisher (see panel, below right), lar venue for black bands. They was owned by the piano manu - attention to the ballroom's 70 Great Titchfield Street but has shown it in advance to took over the venue in August facturer and music publisher, impressive new chandelier. London W1W 7QN Fitzrovia News . 1919 and on their opening night James Windus. In that year he Sadly, in 1913 there was a Prescriptions The author describes how had "native Africans, Afro- was approached by two men fire which burned the ballroom, Moody's was publicly men - Americans and young coloured who wished to use it as a danc - severely damaging it. This Multivitamins ing school and hall. They were tioned at the inquest into the men from London" as well as prompted James Arnold to Herbal Medications death of Freda Kempton, who guests from Liberia, South Frederick Wyatt (an ancestor of retire. Fred Wyatt continued as a died in agony after being given Africa, and the West Indies. Andrew Wyatt, author of the dancing instructor at the Albert Natural and cocaine allegedly by Chang. Max Goldberg, who later booklet) and his friend James Rooms when it reopened after Homeopathic Describing it as a "Jewish run became a trumpeter with dance Arnold, who was a professional the war in 1919 and was taken produce night club employing black bands Ambrose and Ted Heath, clown. over by the Schwarcenberg musicians linked to white was part of the resident quartet Frederick lived and worked brothers. He died in 1933, aged females getting cocaine from the at the club in 1925. Other mem- at his father's print shop at 2 81, described as a former Friendly Medical Chinese" he recounts how this bers later joined the Billy Cotton Goodge Place (where Windus Professor of Dancing. Advice band. had his sheet music printed), led to newspapers leading "a Open Monday to Friday crusade against drug taking and 8.30am to 6pm the so called Yellow Peril in Do you have old pictures of dancing teachers? night clubs." Tel/Fax Flappers are depicted danc - Andrew Wyatt, author of "Ballrooms, Shadows & Lanner, Edward and Walter Humphrey, William ing to a jazz band in the club's Dancing Fred", started his research initially to find Jabez Lamb, Francis Piaggio, Henry Robert 020 7580 2393 Morroccan Palace decor in a a photograph or image of his ancestor Frederick G Johnson, and Charles D'Albert. Also anything to do 1923 film called "Moody's Club Wyatt, who died in 1933. Yet he has still to find one with the Fitzrovia based Ballroom Dancing [email protected] Follies", which can be seen on of this popular West End master of ceremonies and Teachers or Professors of Dancing would be fasci - the British Film Institute's web - dancing teacher. nating." site. "Somewhere out there could be a wonderful Anyone with any information or pictures of It was an early jazz club, run scrapbook or album with what I am looking for," these, or who is interested in publishing the by Haimon and Morris he told Fitzrovia News , "and possibly any further booklet, should contact Andrew on Schwarcenberg, sons of a Soho details, or promotional ephemera of him or other [email protected]. early ballroom dancing teachers including Katti The Dining Detective has a taste of the exotic ARCHIPELAGO, with a flower, and the wine list with garlic (£3.50). These were 110 Whitfield Street was in a carved wooden con - truly delicious and highly rec - This is a funny restaurant: it tainer. None of the glasses ommended and I apologise for advertises itself as ‘Exploring matched but they were all big not being more adventurous, the Exotic’ and is decorated with and chunky and nice to hold. and I think I will return. African masks and strange A £2 cover charge includes a The puddings were exotic: at Indian goddesses, and a few little plate of tasty snacks and all around £7. One number paintings and photographs that dips because, the menu explains, called (I think) African Sunset seem to have no connection, and everything is freshly cooked, so vowed to contained champagne a Buddha. All very low lit with be patient. and sprinkled gold leaf. Frozen candles, and furniture that The menu offered fish from berries with hot coconut custard Our new address: might have come from the the Indian ocean with samphire, to unfreeze them, with crushed 179 Tottenham Court

British Raj or Malaysia. kangaroo, bison, alpaca, frogs nuts in the middle, was lovely; t e e r t S d n a l e v e l C 7 4 1 Road, London

When I asked the waiter legs and crocodile (I am not the icecream was – what shall I : R E W S N A E L Z Z U P E R U T C I P W1T 7NZ which ‘archipelago’ they were making this up). say? exotic; and the house wine, thinking of he said ‘the In a cowardly manner per - a Chilean Syrah-temparillo (£20) very good eating experience and tel: (020) 7636 9222 Archipelago of Your Dreams’ haps, my dining companion and was, well, certainly not exotic, a dream. I finally decided that fax: (020) 7637 3553 which was either charming I ordered the vegetarian options: but drinkable. The bill for two the Archipelago had been [email protected] quick thinking, or an answer to delicious curried tofu in coconut with cover charge and service of designed by someone while they www.goodgelaw.com a question he had been asked and lime and chilli sauce, and a 12.5% was £78. listening to one of the Beatles before. milder lentil curry (both round There were lots of people more druggy albums in the late The menu was wrapped £14), with side roast potatoes there and I recommend it as a nineteen sixties. 8 Listings Fitzrovia News 128, Spring 2013 WHAT’S ON AROUND FITZROVIA Email [email protected] by May 19 for the June 2013 issue, and put "Listings" in the subject box.

(galleryat94.com): Murano 1291 jew - ART ellery and collectables. FAMILY CONCERT EXHIBITIONS , Great Russell St Getty Images Gallery , 46 Eastcastle Hansel & GALLERIES St (gettyimagesgallery.com): Slim (britishmuseum.org): In Search of Gretel by Naip Aarons, to Mar 23. Classical Greece, until Apr 28. Ice Puppeteers, Age art, until May 26. Pompeii and 4 Windmill Street , 4 Windmill St Hanmi Gallery , 30 Maple St Saturday April Herculaneium, March 28 to Sept 29. (4windmillstreet.com): Frank (hanmigallery.co.uk): See web. Social Fabric, African Textiles today, Ammerlaan & Nathan Barlex, Feb 20 Haunch of Venison , 51 Eastcastle St 20 at 3pm and until Apr 21. Sowei mask, spirit of to Mar 16. David Quentin (Silt), Mar (haunchofvenison.com): Thomas 6pm at Bolivar Sierra Leone, until Apr 28. 21 to Apr 13. Robin Footitt ( A Town Joshua Cooper (Messages), to Mar Hall, 54 Grafton UCL (ucl.ac.uk) Without Pity), Apr 18 to May 11. 28. Way. Free but Art Museum , Wilkins Building, Alison Jacques Gallery , 18 Berners Gallery Libby Sellers , 41 Berners St book at: Gower St: Plastered, sculptures of St (alisonjacquesgallery.com): (libbysellers.com): Clarke & Reilly (8 contact@ John Flaxman, until Apr 19. Michael Bauer (Slow Future - Chairs), Mar 14 to Apr 26. opusmusica.org Main Library , Wilkins Building, H.S.O.P. – OPUS), Feb 22 to Mar 28. Josh Lilley , 44-46 Riding House St Gower St: Flaxman and His Circle, Fernanda Gomes, Apr 19 to May 18. (joshlilleygallery.com): Belen all year. Arch One , 12 Percy St (archonepic - Rodriguez Gonzalez, to Apr 5. Annie Octagon Gallery , Wilkins Building, tureframing.co.uk): Various artists, Lapin, Apr 12 to May 17. LIVE MUSIC LIVE COMEDY Gower St: Model Translations, until ongoing. Laure Genillard , 2 Hanway Place Apr 30. Art First , 21 Eastcastle St (lauregenillard.com): Check web. The Albany, 240 Great Portland St College Arms , 18 Store St: Mondays Wellcome Library , 183 Euston Road (artfirst.co.uk): Helen MacAlister (At Lazarides Gallery , 11 Rathbone (thealbanyw1w.co.uk): Ukeleles on at 8pm. (wellcomecollection.org): See web. the Foot o’ Yon Excellent Brae), Feb Place (lazinc.com): Check web. Wednesdays. Fitzroy Tavern , 16 Charlotte St: 28 to Apr 6. Helen MacAlister, Margaret Street Gallery , Jet Lag, 125 Cleveland St: Jamming Wednesdays at 7.30pm in basement. William Stein, Feb 27 to Apr 6. 63 Margaret St (margaretstreet - on Mondays 7pm, blues and boogie Wheatsheaf , 25 Rathbone Place: TALKS UCL (ucl.ac.uk/events) Simon Lewty (Absorbtion), Apr 11 to gallery.com): Jim Naughten (Conflict on Thursdays 8pm. Improvisation on Thursdays, Chadwick Lecture Theatre , Gower May 11. and Costume), Mar 5 to Apr 13. King & Queen, 1 Foley St : Folk 8.30pm, and stand-up on Saturdays, St: Soviet Jewry and Bogdan Arup Phase 2 , 8 Fitzroy St Modern Art , 23-25 Eastcastle St once a month on Fridays (visit 7.30pm upstairs. Khmelnitsky, March 20, 6.45 pm. (arup.com/phase 2): Traces of Peter (modernart.net): Check web. mustradclub.co.uk). Darwin Theatre , Gower St, entrance Rice, to Apr 5. Nancy Victor , 6 Charlotte Place Tower Tavern, 21 Clipstone St: Live CINEMA/FILM in Malet Place: Lunch hour lectures Bartha Contemporary , 25 Margaret (nancyvictor.com): Samuel Bassett, music Friday nights 8-11pm. Green Man , 36 Riding House St: (1.15-1.55 pm): Stuff Matters, St (barthacontemporary.com): Mar 8 to Apr 8. Geoff Litherland, The 100 Club, 100 Oxford St London Animation Club, first changes to the material world, Indian Tantric + Western Apr 12-29. (the100club.co.uk): Martin Harley Tuesday of month. March 12. Cigarettes, the most suc - Contemporary, to Mar 23. Stefana Nati Gallery , 22 Warren St Band, March 14. Revere, March 19. Odeon , 30 Tottenham Court Rd: cessful product ever, March 14. McClure (science is FICTION), Mar (natigallery.com): Check web. Stompin', March 25. Blues, March 26. Weekly film details from Grant Museum of Zoology , 21 29 to June 11. National Print Gallery , 56 Maple St Gruhak, March 27. Simon odeon.co.uk or 08712 244007. University St: Darwin in London, Black Arts Company , 73 Great (nationalprintgallery.com): Check Townshend, Apr 6. New SERTUC Film Club , Congress March 20, 6pm. Titchfield St (theblackarts.org): web. Mastersounds, Apr 7. Stompin', Apr House, Great Russell St: Email ser - Gustave Tuck Lecture Theatre , Check web. Nettie Horn , 17A Riding House St 8. Sheepdogs, Apr 9. Limelight, [email protected] for future Wilkins Building, Gower St: Identity Building Centre , Store St (nettiehorn.com): Various artists Thomas Glould, violin, Apr 10. Steve screenings. through difference, Rabbinic (buildingcentre.co.uk): Prototyping (Once upon a time …), to Mar 24. Conte & The Crazy Truth, Apr 13. Screen @ Rada , Malet St, opposite Judaism confronts Christian Architecture, to Mar 20. Paradise Row , 74 Newman St UCL Chamber Music Club, Birkbeck College (rada.org): People, Narrative, March 14, 7pm. The US Caroll / Fletcher , 56-57 Eastcastle St (paradiserow.com): Various artists Haldane Room, Main Campus, a new play by Alan Bennett, Deficit Habit, April 13, 6.30 pm. (carrollfletcher.com): Richard T (Kiss Me Deadly), to Mar 9. Gower St (ucl.ac.uk/chamber- National Theatre screening, Apr 6, Petrie Museum , Malet St: Walker (In Defiance of Being Here), Pilar Corrias , 54 Eastcastle St music): Concert, March 15, 1.10-1.55. 2.30 pm. Get Carter, screening with Timekeeper in Residence, March 21, Mar 1 to Apr 13. (pilarcorrias.com): Shahzia Sikander, director Mike Hodges, Apr 18, 6.45 and 28, 6-8pm. Coningsby Gallery/Debut Art , 30 to Mar 22. pm. This House, a new play by Tottenham St (coningsbygallery.com) The Piper Gallery , 18 Newman St THEATRE James Graham, National Theatre live Guy Reid (Little Me). (thepipergallery.com): Paul de , 15 Gordon St broadcast, May 16, 7 pm. OTHER EVENTS Contemporary Applied Arts , 2 Monchaux, to Mar 15. Neil Stokoe (thebloomsbury.com): Vivian Percy St (caa.org.uk): Hot Glass, (All Things Must Pass), Mar 22 to Stanshall's 70th Birthday Party, WALKS Grant Museum of Zoology , 21 Apr 19 to May 25. Apr 27. March 25. Charity Night with The University St (ucl.ac.uk): Fossil Fitzroy Tavern , 16 Charlotte St: Curwen Gallery , 34 Windmill St Rebecca Hossack Gallery (1) , 2a Legendary Howard Marks, March Forage, keep any fossils you find in London Literary Pub Crawl, every (curwengallery.com): Conway St (r-h-g.co.uk): Garlinda 26. An Acoustic Evening with Ian a bucket of dirt, March 16, and 23, 1- Thursday (6.30) and Saturday (4pm). Kenneth Blackburn & Edward Birkbeck (Antarctica), Mar 6-30. Hunter, March 30. Richard Herring - 5 pm. Murray, Mar 6-28. Rebecca Hossack Gallery (2) 28 Talking Cock, Apr 12-13. Hamlet Gallery Different , 14 Percy St Charlotte St (r-h-g.co.uk): Check (dance drama), May 15-24. (gallerydifferent.co.uk): Various web. Camden People's Theatre , 58-60 6 Fitzroy Square: The Perfect Venue artists (Tender), Apr 19 to May 19. Regina Gallery , 22 Eastcastle St Hampstead Rd (cptheatre.co.uk): See England & Co , 90-92 Great Portland (reginagallery.com): Group Show, to web. The perfect venue for meetings, launches, St (englandgallery.com): See web. Apr 4. , 269 Tottenham Exposure , 22-23 Little Portland St Rollo Gallery , 51 Cleveland St Court Rd (dominiontheatre.co.uk): seminars, dinners, wedding receptions and (exposure.net): Check web. (rolloart.com): Check web. We Will Rock You, ongoing. West other corporate events. Framers Gallery , 36 Windmill St Rook and Raven , 7/8 Rathbone End Eurovision? May 23, 11.30pm. (theframersgallery.co.uk): Check Place (rookandraven.co.uk): Bill , Argyll St (the- web. Wyman Reworked, to Mar 21. london-palladium.com): A Chorus The Georgian Group’s elegant Rose Issa Projects , 82 Great Fred - London , 17 Riding House St: Line, ongoing. John Cooper Clarke, eighteenth-century headquarters Portland St (roseissa.com): Maliheh June 9. (fred-london.com): Anand Zenz – (Is overlooking Fitzroy Square provide Is Not Not?), to Apr 13. Afnan (Speak Memory), Mar 7 to RADA , Malet St, opposite Birkbeck Gallery at 94 , 94 Cleveland St Apr 18. College (rada.org): a unique location for all types of Rosenfeld Porcini , 37 Rathbone St Gielguid Theatre : Mother Teresa is private and corporate events in the (rosenfeldporcini.com): Silvia Hatzl Dead, March 12-23. heart of central London. (A Fragile Existence), to Mar 9. GBS Theatre : Yerma, March 13-23. Advertise in Eduardo Stupia (Reinventing Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre: All's Landscape), Mar 15 to Apr 27. Well That Ends Well, March 14-23. We cordially invite local Richard Saltoun , 111 Great Rada Studio s, 16 : businesses and individuals to visit Fitzrovia News Titchfield St (richardsaltoun.com): BBC Ticket office (bbc.co.uk/shows). Our rates are very Bas Jan Ader + others our building and get a taste of the (Double Dutch), Mar 13 to May 3. PUB QUIZZES authentic Georgian experience… reasonable and we Scream Gallery , 27-28 Eastcastle St distribute copies (whisperfineart.co.uk): Pakboom The Albany , 240 Great Portland St: Silaphan (Empire State), to Apr 6. Every Tuesday. For booking enquiries, throughout Fitzrovia. One Tun , 58 Goodge Street: Every Store Street Gallery , 32 Store St availability and rates please contact: [email protected] (storestreetgallery.com): Check web. Tuesday, 8pm. Tiwani Contemporary , 16 Little Prince of Wales Feathers , 8 Warren Rob Kouyoumdjian on Portland St (tiwani.co.uk): Barbara St: Every Monday, 7pm. 020 7529 8921 or Please mention Walker (As Seen), to Mar 23. [email protected] T J Boulting , 59 Riding House St KARAOKE (tjboulting.com): Dale Adcock Fitzrovia News TCR Bar , 182 Tottenham Court Rd: (Ratio), to Mar 23. Live mike for singers to live backing Woolff Gallery , 89 Charlotte St when replying to band, Thurdays, 7pm. (woolffgallery.co.uk): Check web. One Tun , 58 Goodge St: Last advertisers Saturday of month.