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Home , Charles Clore, Christine Keeler, Johnny Edgecombe, Lucky Gordon, Peter Rachman, Stephen Ward

THE ST. SOCIETY NEWSLETTER Autumn 2013 Number 339 www.stmarylebonesociety.org Registered Charity 274082 T R Y I N G F O R A C E N T U R Y !

Princess Anne unveiling the Royal Charter for Marylebone Club. Photo: Matt Bright – Copyright MCC. Marylebone Cricket Club has been awareness of the importance of sport for Marylebone Cricket Club since its notified by the Privy Council Office that it health, community, commercial and Foundation in 1787. political reasons, together with the has been granted a Royal Charter by Her St Marylebone is represented by the success of the Olympics possibly Majesty The Queen. Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Holy helped Lord’s achieve its Royal Charter. Child, clad in gold and standing between MCC had previously applied for a Royal The St Marylebone Society were delighted two water lilies. To her right is an English Charter, in 1864 and again in 1929, so it to be invited to take part in the Charter Rose, on which sits the insect Gryllus was third time lucky this year with the Day celebrations which included meeting assimilis – better known as a field cricket. granting of the Charter which came into the Princess Royal, visiting the Museum, effect on 1 July. This altered the Club's hearing fascinating speeches and enjoying Father Time, the weather-vane, is also current status from that of unincorporated a wonderful luncheon in the famous Long represented and depicts the weather-vane association to that of a body incorporated Room. presented to MCC in 1926 as a gift from by Royal Charter. the architect Sir Herbert Baker, who The Royal Charter of MCC is made of designed the Grand Stand. In 1929 the petition was declined because, calfskin. From it hangs the Great Seal, it was explained to MCC Committee, that representing the signature of Her Majesty All countries playing Test Cricket are a Royal Charter had never been granted to Queen Elizabeth II, and it is illuminated represented with symbols including a a body whose objects are the promotion of with symbols in gold leaf and rich colour silver fern for New Zealand, Jasmine for sport and athletics. Today an increased which beautifully illustrate the history of Pakistan, a Palm Tree for the West Indies, Continued overleaf. the Flame Lily of Zimbabwe, the Lotus It is estimated that the entire project will provide a framework within which Ground Flower of India, Blue Water Lily of Sri cost between £180 million – £200 million. development over the next 15 years can Lanka and white water lily for Bangladesh. The Masterplan includes: be set. The phased approach allows room The Ashes Urn represents the friendly for flexibility and evolution. Our key Rebuilt Warner, Tavern, Allen, rivalry between England and Australia, and principles – on the absolute need to retain Compton and Edrich Stands; it was wonderful that the Ashes were won the size of both grounds, on keeping in this Charter Year to remain on display in The resiting of the Nursery Ground Lord’s as a Ground rather than making it a the Lord’s Museum. MCC is an important towards the Wellington Road; stadium, on the importance of green open institution we are proud to have in A new entrance on Grove End Road spaces, and on enhancing the experience Marylebone and its influence and which will be the main point of significance are of global proportions. for every visitor – will underpin all we do. access on non-match days; It is advanced work in progress, but can be MCC has recently announced a new Extensions to the Pavilion to flexed to reflect changing economic Masterplan for the development of Lord's reinstate its symmetry and establish circumstances, technology and research.” Ground with a phased plan which will start more pitch-facing facilities for with the redevelopment of the Warner MCC is not seeking planning permission players and match officials; An Stand in the autumn of 2014 and finish with increase to the capacity of Lord's by for the Masterplan as a whole. Instead the the reconstruction of the Compton and 2,700 to 32,000; Masterplan provides a long-term context Edrich Stands in 2027. The plan was for separate planning applications. It is compiled by MCC's Ground Working Party New buildings at the North, East proposed that the first application – for the (GWP) – under the chairmanship of and Grace Gates incorporating new Warner Stand – will be submitted to architect Colin Maber and has been banqueting facilities, retail space and designed by Populous, a design consortium offices for MCC and ECB staff; Westlminster City Council at the end of with expertise in sports planning. this year. The St Marylebone Society will A new Food "Street" behind the be consulted and is keen to be involved in MCC’s 10-year Strategic Plan commits the Compton and Edrich Stands to this exciting, innovative project. If you Club to ensuring that Lord’s is the finest replace the existing Food Village; and have a specific interest in this project and ground in the world and, aside from New, subterranean car-parking, would like to represent the Society in the improvements to facilities, the Masterplan access routes, waste management, reflects the importance placed on: catering and storage facilities. Lord’s Community Group please contact retaining the size of both the Main and the Society for more information. Colin Maber, the Chairman of MCC’s Nursery Grounds; establishing individual, Ground Working Party and Estates Please see the MCC website for more architecturally-significant stands; and committee explained, information about the club: maintaining the unique character of Lord’s complete with gardens and trees. “The Masterplan has been designed to http://www.lords.org

The Lord’s Masterplan – indicative view. 2 B A K E R S T R E E T Q U A R T E R A M B A S S A D O R S L O O K I N G A F T E R Y O U R Q U A R T E R

Since April this year you may have noticed the eye-catching Actions have been taken to clear the area and ensure that regular uniformed Baker Street Quarter Ambassadors on duty cleaning can be carried out as scheduled. Further improvements across Baker Street and Marylebone. But have you are planned to transform the underpass into a welcoming space - wondered what they do? These full-time Ambassadors are one that’s fit for the area. A little patience is needed however, much more than a friendly face. Welcoming visitors, is just there are quite a few hoops to jump through to make this happen. one aspect of their role, even so with over 30,000 people welcomed since they joined our streets, they’re certainly Another aspect of the Ambassador’s role is to keep a watchful kept busy! eye on people’s safety and help to reduce street crime. Thankfully the area isn’t known for high levels of crime and we Anna-Liisa and Amparo are full-time Ambassadors who would like it to stay that way. Having a uniformed presence on work tirelessly to ensure that the area’s standards of the streets certainly helps to deter crime and also offers a cleanliness and safety are maintained and improved where possible. With their bowler hats on, they monitor our friendly face and assistance to those few unfortunate victims. surroundings, looking out for any issues that need attention. Hopefully if you’ve not met Anna-Liisa and Amparo yet you soon Everything from anti-social behaviour to the amount of will. They’re a real asset to the area and we hope you’ll agree rubbish, graffiti and general wear and tear on our streets is that they’re doing a great job. Next time you pass our bowler monitored and assessed. Any issues are reported directly to hatted friends, do say hi! Westminster City Council, the Police, outreach charities and other partners, to be addressed and resolved. www.bakerstreetquarter.co.uk [email protected] The team is already having a huge impact in many ways with Telephone – 020 3056 5910 over 1,800 issues having been reported so far. Successes include assisting local businesses to comply with their allocated rubbish collection times so that our streets are not littered with unsightly rubbish bags all day, getting repairs to cracked and broken paving stones and arranging for unsightly and unpleasant graffiti to be removed. Progress is also being made to making the Marylebone Underpass more pleasant – something that we’re sure is welcomed by us all.

3 THE PROFUMO SCANDAL – A MARYLEBONE AFFAIR A month later was found guilty of perjury during of ‘Lucky’ Gordon who had been falsely imprisoned for brawling with Keeler at 33 Devonshire Street, where she was staying with a friend. Others who had sex with Keeler and Rice-Davies in Marylebone included (the notorious who employed thugs to intimidate tenants), Emile Savundra (the Sri Lankan insurance swindler), and John Bloom (whose washing machine empire later collapsed). It was in Marylebone Magistrates’ Court that Mandy Rice-Davies came up with her famous retort (when told Lord Astor had denied her claim they had been to bed): “Well, he would, wouldn't Mandy Rice-Davies (left) and Christine Keeler on the way to court on 27 July 1963. Getty Images. he?” According to Davenport-Hines, An English Affair: Sex, Class and secrets were passed from Profumo to however, this was just a "slick evasion", Power in the Age of Profumo. Ivanov. Profumo had to resign after his as Astor had probably not slept with her. By Richard Davenport-Hines, William claim in parliament that he had not slept with Keeler was proved false. MARYLEBONE ADDRESSES where Collins (2013), £9.99. this drama unfolded include: Ward was made the scapegoat and The rocked the 17 , where Stephen Conservative government 50 years ago according to Davenport-Hines was fitted up by Marylebone police, under Ward lived in the first floor flat, and at this year and contributed to it being various times let Christine Keeler and voted out of office in the following year. pressure from above. He was found guilty of living off the immoral earnings Mandy Rice-Davies live there. It was The key figure was , a of Keeler and fellow club hostess, outside here that Marylebone osteopath and socialite, Mandy Rice-Davies, who were coerced fired a gun while looking for Christine who introduced Soho club hostess into giving evidence against him. (The Keeler, on 14 December 1962, which Christine Keeler to both the War only money Keeler gave Ward was less brought her into the headlines. Minister, Jack Profumo, and Soviet naval than £50 which was repayment of a loan, attaché, (suspected of which she received for sex from being a Soviet spy). The allegation that millionaire businessman ). she slept with both of them and may Ward took an overdose of sleeping have passed information from one to the other was blown up into a major scandal. tablets towards the end of the trial on 31 The author of this book surmises that July 1963. While he was in a deep coma Keeler was probably induced by huge the trial macabrely continued, and he newspaper payouts to claim she slept was found guilty just before he died on with Ivanov, and that certainly no August 3.

Stephen Ward getting out of a police van on 1 June 1963. Getty Images. 19 Cavendish Square (1 Harcourt Court), where Ward first set up his practice in 1947. 38 Devonshire Street, where Ward had his consulting rooms during the scandal. 20 Marylebone High Street (Kenya Coffee House at the time), where Ward met MI5 informant, William Shepherd, in October 1961 and asked if he wished A schematic map of Marylebone locations connected with the Profumo scandal. 4 to meet Ivanov. Rice-Davies also claimed to have been introduced here by Ward to Savundra (whom she referred THE NEW YORK GATES to as "the Indian doctor"). are lines of pointed stars. 84a Great Titchfield Street (The At a lunch-time ceremony Sir John Paintbox at the time), a club where Ward Ritblat spoke of the history of Regent's used to paint nude models, posing on a Park, personally recalling the campaign circular stage, in 1960. He had studied to save the Nash terraces in 1947, and at the Slade School of Fine Art in Gower Street in the 1950s. praised Estate Paving Commissioners for their dedicated and 1 Bryanston Mews West, owned by careful management of the park, after Rachman, who moved in both Keeler and Rice-Davies, and installed a two- which Prince Edward officially way mirror, bought from film star Diana opened the gates. Local councillors Doors, for voyeurs to watch couples on joined residents and community a bed. The mirror was smashed by Rice- representatives to celebrate the new Davies. Ward moved into this flat in the gates at a champagne reception, hosted aftermath of the shooting outside by the Royal Academy of Music. The Wimpole Mews. Rice-Davies had to gates are a splendid addition to the move to make room for him, which she resented. streetscape and are closed at midnight and opened at 7am every day, 2-3 Park West Place (Flat 164, Park The gates in their original site. preserving the peace and quiet for West), where Keeler lived just before On 11th June the Society was delighted the scandal. to be invited to the opening of the new Regent's Park's residents at night York Gates into Regent's Park. The 33 Devonshire Street, where Keeler was staying with her friend Paula Crown Estate Paving Commission Hamilton-Marshall on 17 April 1963, received Planning Permission and when Paula’s brother John punched and Conservation Area Consent last year to kicked Keeler. They later lured ‘Lucky’ remove the existing utilitarian steel Gordon there, and then phoned gates and replace them with the Marylebone Police Station accusing him 'Edinburgh Gates' recovered from Hyde of the assault, for which he was jailed. Park, which date from 1958 and were 50 Marylebone Lane (Marylebone created as part of the Bowater House Police Station in 1963), where Ward was office development on originally accused of procuring women (now demolished). for rich patients in 1954 by John Lewis, who resented him putting up his wife Originally the gates were painted green when she fled from his abuse. Police but, in keeping with the other street found no evidence of it, but made use of furniture in Regent's Park, have been it ten years later when told to bring repainted black.The frames for the gate charges against Ward. Keeler and Rice- posts and leaves are hollow steel Davies were both held several times for Cllr Robert Davis and Sir John Ritblat. sections, with openings in the frames of long periods of questioning here and vertical flat bars. Between the fixed bars pressurised to implicate Ward, according to this book. THE ST MARYLEBONE 181 Marylebone Road (Marylebone SOCIETY Magistrates’ Court), where Ward AGM 2013 appeared on 28 June 1963, for the committal proceedings of his trial, Wednesday 6 November charged with eight violations of the The Medical Society of London Sexual Offences Act of 1956. It was also at this court that Keeler was found Chandos Street W1 guilty of perjury and sentenced to nine months in Holloway prison. Chair – Colin Amery 40 Portland Place, where Rachman's from 6.00 – Meeting starts 6.30 solicitor and front man, Abraham Kramer, had an office. 7.30 talk by Andrew Saint

Mike Pentelow Prince Edward with Sir John Ritblat. 5 P L A N N I N G W A L K 2 0 1 3 buses and souvenir shops, is already underway. Another interesting proposal by BSQ is that the current traffic gyratory system, which has motor vehicles going north up Gloucester Place and south down Baker Street, should be done away with, and the pavements along Baker Street widened. This would greatly improve the pedestrian environment, and perhaps encourage more people to linger in Baker Street, which might encourage a greater variety of interesting shops. We crossed the road near Madame Tussauds, and were shown into the University of Westminster, which has recently roofed over its courtyard, creating a very successful meeting space for students. Then we were taken to see the enormous Ambika P3 space beneath this building. It was once used as the machine workshops for Engineering, and is now used for exhibitions such as the annual Kinetica show, always very well attended. Our route then took us east to the Wesley Discussing the planning issues either side of the Marylebone Road. Memorial Garden which we have been Following the discussions about planning petrol station in House, shut down by restoring for the last few years. We thanked boundaries during the neighbourhood the fire brigade after an unrelated fire in the Cllr Davis and the City Council for their planning area application earlier this year we NCP car park in the basement of this strong support, and for helping to fund the decided to focus the planning walk on the building. WCC has noticed the increasing restoration. Marylebone Road and overlapping areas of lack of petrol stations in this area and are We stopped by the site for the proposed new interest on either side of what is perhaps one very reluctant to lose this one, although Marylebone library building in Luxborough of London’s busiest and most prominent residents are increasingly reluctant to live Street. We feel that the proposed building throughfares. above such uses. Passing by Berkeley Court, needs further development, including a more We met planning officers and Councillors we saw that the refurbishment of the facade civic appearance, and await revised designs Sheila D'Souza and Robert Davis at continues, but is mostly complete, and a with interest. The new library is to open Marylebone Station where Cllr D'Souza uniform scheme of restricting shop signs to onto the old burial ground behind, and we described some of the problems with traffic within the boundary of the glass shop fronts detoured into this garden to look at the and pedestrian safety in the area and the and not on the repaired stone fascia is being progress of the new building on the Chiltern proposals for a new pedestrian crossing in established. Street car park site. Our route then returned Harewood Avenue. The narrowness of the The Baker Street Quarter initiative, led by to Baker Street, looked at the pedestrian road by the station is exacerbated by the the Portman Estate, was also considered, underpass which urgently needs upgrading, positioning of a large delivery bay serving and we look forward to some improvements and then we adjourned to Weatherspoons in the station, and the taxi parking area down to the area, not least Baker Street Station. A the Baker Street station for dinner and more the centre. In addition, the limited number project looking at possible upgrades to lively conversation on the future planning of of right turns into the Marylebone Road in Station Place, currently a mess of tourist Marylebone. this stretch, leads to some bad behaviour by impatient motorists. We looked at the Council House and Library in light of the project to link the two buildings with a glass structure, which will start on site very soon. The glass link structure will form the new main entrance for the London Business School, and it provides a rational way of accessing both buildings from one point. The 1960s Council Chamber will be demolished and replaced with stacked lecture theatres, two of which can be converted into a single space which the city council can use for meetings. The registry office will return to the Council House once the work is done. Marylebone Library will move to a site in Luxborough Street, and has found a temporary home in Beaumont Street until the design of the new Marylebone Library can be agreed. We discussed the sudden closure of the 6 Discussing the restoration of the Wesley Memorial Garden. T H E L O N D O N F O R U M ’ S 2 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y – C I T Y H A L L to talk to those already creating their own Neighbourhood Plans. The London Forum connects like-minded people from across Greater London, and it is evident that we all feel lucky to live and work in one of the world’s most fascinating, complex cities. London is a diverse ‘City of villages’, with different social, historical and architectural characters that somehow meld together to create a rich, unique environment and we must be careful to protect this. The London Forum’s Chairman Peter Eversden, coordinates and sends out regular updates on planning policy which help the St Marylebone Society’s planning committee keep abreast of changes and allow sensible, realistic planning comments and objections to be made on planning applications. If you Mayor Boris Johnson addressing the London Forum members. are interested to know more, or would like to The St Marylebone Society is just one of tourists flocking here to enjoy art, culture attend the London Forum’s regular meetings many amenity societies whose remit is to and our wonderful green spaces. The Mayor and talks, please get in touch with Cynthia look after their neighbourhood and together profusely thanked the London Forum and its Poole, Chair of our planning committee, for we make London a better place for member Amenity Societies, admitting that more information. everyone. The London Forum brings he was happy to take the credit for their representatives of all these local community combined voluntary work, protecting and groups together and in July celebrated its enhancing their areas, which contributes to 25th birthday in style with a reception at making London so great. He took time to City Hall, hosted by Mayor Boris Johnson. listen to members’ concerns and ideas with In a characteristically witty and emotional genuine interest and passion. speech the Mayor highlighted the cultural The event provided a fascinating and economic benefits being reaped by opportunity to meet others involved in London following the 2012 Olympics, with neighbourhood planning and it was inspiring

HOW OUR which the police worked with immigration targeting prolific offenders. NEIGHBOURHOODS and other agencies, offering the Roma the Crime figures for the borough are down 15% chance to relocate back to Romania. ARE BEING MADE on last year in May and June mirroring trends A recent new recruit to the team, PC borough-wide in the Met where crime SAFER Walford, is currently working on ASBOs figures are on the decrease. We reprint below a recent update targeted at specific Romanian rough This is a reflection of the efforts we are from one of Marylebone’s Safer sleepers who have been causing disruption putting in every day when on duty to try and Neighbourhoods Teams (Bryanston & on the ward. disrupt the anti-social behaviour that is being Dorset Square Ward), which gives a good There are also concerns about Anti-Social put upon our community. There is also a lot overview of current issues and illustrates Behaviour on the Blanford Estate, this is of background work being done to try and the important work being done on our being addressed by increasing high visibility achieve long-term permanent solutions by behalf. patrols wherever possible and has resulted us, but as you can imagine this is a bigger Our current priorities remain: in disrupting the youths congregating. problem than just Bryanston & Dorset Motor Vehicle crime A motor vehicle crime reduction initiative Square. Burglary along with West End Safer Neighbourhood As always if you have concerns or Anti-social behaviour relating to Teams has been undertaken targeting Motor intelligence that you would like to pass on begging/rough sleeping Vehicle Crime, specifically in the NCP car please do not hesitate to use our email The ASB begging/rough sleeping has been a parks. This has involved plain clothed address below. This is always treated in major cause for concern on the ward and as officers sitting up on the NCP car park on confidence or report it, again anonymously, such has been addressed with a marked Bilton Towers along with an officer in the to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. reduction in the number of Roma bedding CCTV room specifically trying to target down on our ward. The problem seems to those responsible for theft from motor B r y a n s t o n . D o r s e t s q u a r e . S N T @ have shifted to Marble Arch. A major vehicles which has been a major issue on the met.pnn.police.uk operation, which was all over the news, in ward and working along with the council in Always call 999 in an Emergency. 7 T H E O L D P H I L O L O G I A N S A N N U A L L U N C H experiences as young boys and the following excitement watching the reconstruction of modern buildings, such as Woolworth House and Castrol House, from the windows of the Grammar School. The Old Philologians have a wealth of fascinating memories and information about Marylebone and it is a credit to their organisation that they continue to keep in touch and meet annually. The secretary of the Old Philologian Association is Peter Walter and any old boys are invited to join the Association by contacting him at 62 Linden Avenue, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 8BD

Old Philologians at the Saville Club – 2 July 2013 Paul Treadaway: 1946-51 Peter Walter: 1958-66 (Secretary) Bill Cory: 1946-52 In July the SMS Chairwoman was whilst transforming the principal rooms invited to the annual luncheon of the of the old house into suites of elegant Old Philologians which was held in the salons. distinguished surroundings of the After lunch Gaby Higgs gave a short Saville Club. The club was established talk about her ongoing research in 1868 by a group of distinguished concerning 1940s Marylebone and town writers and artists, its home is a fine planning after the devastation of WW2 18th Century house in the heart of bombing. It was an ideal opportunity to Mayfair. It was largely created by May screen the short ‘war films’ the Society created from Reneson Coucher's colour and Walter Burns in the 1890s, who film footage and these engendered a engaged the Parisian architects and lively and thought-provoking discussion decorators, Bouwens Van der Boyer, to about what it was like to live through assist with the demolition and the Blitz in Marylebone. Many could reconstruction of No 71 as a Ballroom, clearly recall their terrible, frightening Saville Club staircase.

L L O Y D S B A N K – B E R K E L E Y C O U R T We are delighted that Lloyds Bank, Baker Street, have renovated their marvellous original Art Deco frontage and wall lights. When an application for alterations was submitted for planning recently the Society and Westminster conservation officers urged Lloyds to consider the host building, Berkeley Court and the fact that, at this busy corner opposite Baker Street Station, their frontage is perhaps one of the first impressions that tourists and visitors see in Marylebone. Berkeley Court itself is also looking resplendent now the scaffolding is down and its Portland stone cleaned and restored. The next improvement will be encouraging leaseholders to upgrade their shop fronts and signage to create a coordinated response to the building structure and fabric. Berkeley Court is just outside the 'Baker Street Quarter Business District', but its prominence has a significant impact on the surrounding townscape and urban realm so we feel it ought to be considered as part of the master-plan for the whole of the Baker Street junction improvements. 8 U N V E I L I N G O F N E W D I C K E N S P L A Q U E the borough. Members may remember my talk to the Society about the discovery that Charles Dickens had lived for nearly five years very close to the Cleveland Street Workhouse – only 9 Georgian doors away in fact. Dickens lived in the house - the address then was known as 10 Norfolk Street – between the ages of 3 and 5, so he probably learned to read there. The family returned to the same address when he was nearly seventeen and stayed until he was nineteen. Dickens worked as a clerk in Gray's Inn while he was living there, and learned the shorthand which would launch his career as a journalist and parliamentary reporter, and then a teller of stories. The plaque was unveiled by Lucinda opposite the Workhouse, where there was After all that awful rain that kept on falling Dickens Hawksley, Dickens's great-great- champagne (courtesy of the house-owner) earlier in the year, the sun shone on the 8th great-granddaughter, and the street was full and lovely food (courtesy of the Worshipful June, for the unveiling of a new blue plaque of well-wishers. After the ceremony, Company of Plumbers). on a house that stands half in and half out of everyone was invited to enjoy the hospitality Marylebone: in the parish but no longer in at the King and Queen public house, Dr Ruth Richardson

T H E C L E V E L A N D S T R E E T W O R K H O U S E voluntary hospital The Middlesex Hospital [which stood diagonally opposite, and to which it was connected by tunnels] and the era of the National Health Service since World War II. The site was an open field when the workhouse was originally built there. The Nightingale Wards are unique in London, in being attached to an 18th century workhouse. The entire site around the workhouse is consecrated, and deeply buried with London poor down to a great depth. The complex palimpsest of buildings on this site is unique in London, and, in addition to its intrinsic importance as a cluster of historic buildings – not least the connection with Charles Dickens – it has . a i extraordinary cultural importance for d e p i Camden, and for London as a whole. k i W

y The planned destruction of the buildings on s e t

r either side of the workhouse would u o irrevocably change the street-setting of the C 5 December 1930 – Cleveland Street showing the workhouse. Listed Workhouse building, and ruin the Dr Ruth Richardson writes to alert the Society Master's House and the Receiving Wards. character of the Workhouse itself from the Marylebone side of Cleveland Street. People to a 'New Threat to the Cleveland Street The design appears to have been slightly coming to see the historic Workhouse which Workhouse' altered following the consultation, but may have inspired Oliver Twist will see the remains substantially the same, and still The owners of the old Outpatients' building rendered completely out of context. involves the destruction of the flanking Department of the Middlesex Hospital in The rather fine front wall erected when the buildings and the fine Nightingale Wards at Cleveland Street want to redevelop the site Middlesex Hospital took over the the rear. to maximise its property value, and seem to workhouse building in the 1920s will also be believe they have carte blanche to destroy This complex of buildings has a very long lost if these plans go ahead. everything except the oldest, Listed part of and important history, both in terms of the If you agree that the setting of the the site. A design was put up for care of the poor of London under the Old workhouse should be preserved and its 'consultation' for two days during this Poor Law (the workhouse was built in the surrounding buildings retained and summer's heat-wave with a high-rise block 1770s) but also under the New Poor Law, the converted rather than demolished, please of flats behind the Workhouse, and an more benign regime of the later Poor Law write to your local Councillor, Camden uninspiring design for new buildings on (when the Nightingale wards were erected) Council Planning Department or English either side of it, in place of the Workhouse as an Annexe to the now demolished Heritage to make your views known. 9 T H E M A R Y L E B O N E V I L L A G E F A Y R E 2 0 1 3

Clare Mullens.

The 2013 Marylebone Village Fayre was show the work of the Wharncliff Art a wonderful community event and the Group. This is a group of local artists SMS stall showcased the renovation of who meet every Wednesday to paint the Memorial Garden with panels and draw together and is part of describing the evolution of the design the Westminster Adult Education and the works on site. The Fayre Department. The artist and teacher, provided us with a great opportunity to Rupert Record, helps the group promote our aims, sell our publications, investigate new techniques and develop talk to local people and introduce new their own particular skills and painting members to the Society. styles. The results are very impressive This year we organised an art exhibition and illustrate the groups diversity, on the Memorial Garden's railings to enjoyment and commitment to art. Rose Hutchison.

T H E N E W T O N C I R C L E P R O J E C T

of Wren, Halley, Addison and his witty actors and directors, the young people niece Catherine Barton. Newton was and adults will create and act in a short never known for his social skills, so the drama that will be performed at Jermyn great man’s awkwardness and Street Theatre. authoritativeness will be part of the fun If you are the least bit interested of this six-month intergenerational or just want to impress me with project. your knowledge, please contact The first half will involve a core group of [email protected]. individuals from local youth groups and adult history groups who will read, OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY discuss and write about the project on a 2013 weekly basis at Westminster City Patron: Lord Montagu of Beaulieu Archives and Westminster Reference President: Colin Amery Library. Beginning with introductory Chair: Gaby Higgs Vice Chairman: Mike Wood talks and a London walk or two, Dr. The Newton Circle Project is designed Hon. Secretary: Andrew Cooper Cindy Lawford of Jermyn Street Hon.Treasurer: Keith Evans to help some of Westminster’s more Theatre will guide everyone through Council Members: disadvantaged young people become the process of research and be available Dorian Aroyo (Social Secretary) excited about the history on their with online assistance throughout. The Cynthia Poole (Planning Committee Chairman) doorstep through the discovery and Robert McAulay (Newsletter) second half will include the core group Douglas Temple (Events) dramatic reimagining of Isaac Newton’s and up to ten more young people Mike Wood (Local History) social life in early eighteenth-century interested in dramatically realising Ian Wylie (Planning) London, when he mixed with the likes Newton’s circle. With the guidance of 10 A R T I N M A R Y L E B O N E 2 0 1 3 Church Street. The judges thought it showed great character, friendship and offered us a glimpse into the lives of people (Martin Parr style) who had perhaps lived in Marylebone for many years. There is a lot going on in this picture. England flags flutter above, and a cacophony of signage and graphics hang from the shop fronts. The composition uses perspective dramatically to frame the subjects and they stare out of the frame, which makes one wonder what is going on out of shot. In the background post-war flats tower over the market stalls and one can see the recently completed Westminster City College in the distance; Mick and Bernie may have seen many changes to this area over the years.

Antoine Thevenet Colin Best Polly Hancock

This year we were delighted to receive In selecting the top 50 images the over 250 entries for the St George’s judges were asked to remember that the Day Photography Competition 2013. shot should be identifiably in The 23rd April fell on a Tuesday so we Marylebone. It is perhaps telling that St included the weekend of 20th-21st to George’s day does not stand out in our allow residents and workers to take shared cultural calendar, as perhaps St part. Patrick’s or St David’s Days do, and The three judges have very different images portraying people celebrating Fr Stephen Evans with the winning photograpgh. backgrounds and look for different our national English culture were few. First prize was unanimous. All are elements in deciding what makes a There are a handful of pubs which dress Welcome by Colin Best captures the great photograph: up and get into the party spirit and we clergy and altar servers at St Marylebone Journal Assistant Editor were fortunate that summer came Marylebone Parish Church awaiting the and photographer, Viel Richardson, fleetingly to join in the fun this year. arrival of the Bishop of London, to looks for effort; an image that suggests The judges selected as 3rd Prize officiate at the annual Confirmation that the photographer has thought about Antoine Thevenet’s House of Four their shot, decided on a view and Doors. This features a straight-on shot ceremony. The black and white perhaps returned for better light. He of colourful doors on De Walden Street, composition, framed by stone steps and rejects snap shots or ‘accidental’ views. W1 and is typical of many post war columns adds gravity and formality to Morley Von Sternberg, internationally buildings in Marylebone. Understated the occasion. The boys are turned away, renowned photographer, stated that he ‘Georgian’ detailing of 1950s austerity which highlights their white collars looked for a story in a picture. Good Britain, entirely suitable for and emphasises the priest’s white framing, composition and lighting go redeveloping bomb sites in vestments, which positively illuminate Marylebone’s gridded streets. The without saying, but an extra dimension, the scene. The narrative is intriguing. a narrative, and something not the judges like the simplicity of the shot There’s an air of anticipation, a sense of obvious, will make the image stand out. with the colour, humour and joy that occasion… but is it slightly menacing? Jonathan Makepeace, of the RIBA emanates from the bright tones. It also Perfectly composed and balanced – it photographic archive, looked for provoked the question, ‘What’s going on even managed to capture a sign on the composition, details, technical ability inside?’ left saying ‘welcome to St Marylebone’. but also thought, evocative mood, Runner up was Polly Hancock’s portrait shadow, texture and atmosphere were of Mick and Bernie, enjoying a drink See all the photos on the Art in Marylebone important. outside the Lord High Admiral Pub on website: www. artinmarylebone.org.uk 11 LETTERS OBITUARY She grew up in Sao Paulo speaking Dear Society, Italian in the home and Portuguese in British Legion Poppy Collection – 2013 the street. University educated, with a Last November the Poppy Collection in successful career in her own right, she Marylebone High Street, which had worked for Sao Paulo's Museum of lapsed for several years, was very Modern Art and rose to deputy director. successful, raising £2,804 for the British She married my father Hugh in 1957 in Legion Appeal supporting needy and Tehran and shared his life as a diplomat injured ex-service personnel and their families. until their retirement in 1985. They This year, Shirley and I are intending to enjoyed many postings around the act as local organisers and headquarters, world. Rosa Maria Carless (1921-2013) but as we are now not fit enough to do In mid-life she became an accomplished pavement collecting ourselves, we need My mother Rosa Maria Carless, who artist. She had many exhibitions additional volunteers in order to do so. was a long-term Marylebone resident, As before, the plan would be to have two worldwide. Her last solo exhibition was hour “watches” outside Tescos and died peacefully at St Clare's Care Home, in Paris 2001. Rosa Maria's art style Waitrose from Saturday 2nd to Friday Sussex, on June 28th, aged 91. evolved from intricate abstract forms by 8th November and at the Farmers’ For many years she and my father felt tip pen to a more confident Market on Sunday 3rd. This would expressiveness through the use of involve collecting the tray of poppies (the explorer and diplomat, Hugh and money tin from here beforehand and Carless, CMG) lived in Bryanston acrylics on canvas. returning them afterwards. Square. My mother, originally from Sao Rosa Maria was a caring and affectionate Please telephone me on 020 7486 5580 Paulo, Brazil, relished living in central mother. She had two sons, Ronald and at 19 de Walden Street to discuss London. Roger (the latter sadly died in 2009 aged availability and make provisional 45). Hugh died in 2011. arrangements. Born on December 8th, 1921, the eldest Roger Button daughter of Martino and Ada Frontini. Ronnie Carless

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

ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY PROGRAMME 2013 Friday 18th October, 10.30 am, Coffee Street, NW1 6AH. 020 7262 3377. Pay your Handel lived and worked from 1723-1759. Visit Morning. London Marriott Hotel, 140 Park own way. includes fine period furniture, paintings and Lane, W1K 7AA. 020 7647 5605. Saint Wednesday 20 November 2013 3.00 pm. musical instruments. Meet outside 2.00 pm. Marylebone Society members have been invited The Florence Nightingale Museum – Price £5.00 (by our new corporate member) for 2 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 (St Wednesday January 29th 2014, 10.30 am, complimentary refreshments and the Thomas’ Hospital), Florence Nightingale lived Coffee Morning. Dorset Square Hotel. 39-40 opportunity to view some proposed from 1820-1910 and did a great deal to reform and Dorset Square NW1 6QN. 020 7723 7874. refurbishments to this Boutique Hotel at Marble improve the standards of nursing and hygiene in A warming return visit, in the depths of winter, to Arch. the 19th century. She is chiefly remembered for our previous hosts and to the comforts of the Thursday 24 October 2013, 11.00 a.m. her work with the wounded soldiers during the Potting Shed restaurant. Pay your own way. Natural History Museum – Cromwell Road, Crimean War – 1853-1855. She has exerted South Kensington, London SW7. Vast numbers considerable influence subsequently. Talk at 3.30 Date for your diary – AGM, 6 November 2013 at The of exhibits telling the story of Evolution and a pm. for about half an hour. Meet outside 3.00 pm. Medical Society of London, Chandos Street, W1. major exhibition of winning wild life photographs. Price £4.80 For more information and late bookings please Meet outside 11 .00 a.m. Price £5.00 Wednesday 11 December 2013 2.00 pm. contact: St Marylebone Society Events Secretary, Wednesday 13th November, 10.30 am, Handel’s House. 25 Brook Street, London W1. Douglas Temple, Flat 1, 23 Seymour Place, London Coffee Morning. Saporito Café, 14 Melcombe The house and contents where George Frederick W1H 5BH – 020 7723 6417. Published by the St. Marylebone Society, October 2013. ©St Marylebone Society.