The Woodman on Bourne Hill is to reopen under new management.
Banners went up outside the pub a few days ago. PGJITN hopes that the traditional feel of the pub will be retained, there will be nice beer, a fine Sunday lunch and that the new tenants will be able to develop a positive relationship with owners Marstons.
Welcome back!
Alexandra Palace has come fourth in the the People’s Choice awards for the UK’s favourite green spaces – and no 2 in London.
The accolade was part of the annual Green Flag awards, run by Keep Britain Tidy. Ally Pally received more than 7000 votes, competing with over 1400 parks across the UK .
The park celebrates its 150th anniversary next year.
The Alexandra Trust Board has submitted a bid to Heritage Lottery fund this month for ambitious plans to to develop and restore Alexandra Palace.
The 16.8 million bid focuses on the Victorian Theatre, BBC Studios and restoration of the East Court, as part of wider plans over the coming years o restore the park and buildings.
The Trust say that investment is badly needed because of the palace’s derelict state – currently about 40% of the total area is estimated to be derelict or unusable. A masterplan has been developed by Farrells with the aim of preserving the site and maximising its cultural, community and educational potential.
The palace is considered to be the birthplace of television. On 2 November 1935, the BBC began broadcasting the worlds first regular high definition television service from the converted east wing. The location was chosen because of Ally Pally’s elevated position though by all accounts the building was in a poor state then, with the sky viewable in places through the damaged ceiling. Though television was suspended in the war, the studios had a secret role in jamming radio signals to Germany’s Luftwaffe. The studios continued in use until the 1980s, first as the home of BBC news, and then latterly as the home of Open University broadcasts until the OU’s relocation to Miilton Keynes.
The Victorian theatre was built in 1875 and over the last 137 years has been variously used not only for its original purpose but as a Belgian refugee camp, a German internment facility, cinema and BBC prop store . The theatre includes a projection box at the back is thought to be one of the oldest in London. Those who have visited on open house day will attest to the wonderfulness of the building, and its slight spookiness.
There should be news on whether the bid has been successful in April next year.
24 November Christmas Bazaar at the Ruth Winston Centre from 10 am
23-25 November Hatfield House Christmas Frost Fair
1 December St Monica’s Christmas Fair – from 10 til 4. Meet Father Christmas!
2 December Hazelwood Schools Christmas Fair – the next stop for Father Christmas on his tour of Palmers Green, and a roller disco
1&2 December Alexandra Palace Christmas Fair – Two days of Christmas stuff. I doubt that Father Christmas can also be here, as he has a diary clash
8 December St Nicholas Fair on Winchmore Hill Green – from 2 til 7. Stalls, music, children’s activities, merriment, horses, reindeer, snow and St Nicholas.
now til 11 December Cards for Good causes pop up short at the United Reformed Church, Burford Gardens. This is the 19th year for the annual pop up offering shoppers the chance to buy Christmas cards from more than 25 national and local charities, as well as a variety of Christmas goods. The shop, staffed by local volunteers, is open from 10 am – 4 pm Monday to Saturday until Tuesday 11 December
3-6 January Christmas panto at the Intimate Theatre – the Little Mermaid. Call 0208 807 1810 to book
A fascinating collection of historic photos of Winchmore Hill collected together as part this summer’s N21 festival is now available in book form.
“Journey through Winchmore Hill, Past & Present”, gives a unique pictorial comparison between old and present day images and is accompanied by descriptive text extracts from Henrietta Cresswell’s book, “Memories of a Lost Village”, the full text of which is included. Its also packed full of little known facts about the area – Did you know, for example, that Winchmore Hill could have been a fashionable health spa or that smuggled goods were once sold on The Green?
The hardback book will have a limited edition of 200, and contains 160 full colour pages, with foil blocking on the cover, printed endpapers and two bookmark ribbons.
The book receives its official launch on Tuesday 4 December at the Queens Head, starting from 7 – all are welcome. You can also get your copy at Saturday 8 December’s St Nicholas Fair on Winchmore Hill Green, about which more soon, or order online at www.N21.net/pastandpresent info@N21.net.
Better get yours quickly – before they sell out.
When Grayson Perry produced his colourful and eccentric map of London, he marked Palmers Green with the words’ Joe Strummer lived here’. And indeed he did.
The days as a punk hero were long in the future when Joe Strummer, then simply John Mellor, public school educated diplomat’s son, moved into 18 Ash Grove with his friend Tymon Dogg. They christened the flat ‘vomit heights’ and proceeded to be riotous and not altogether considerate neighbours.
The writer Chris Salewicz knew Joe Strummer for over 25 years before his untimely death at the age of just 50 in 2002 and will be reading from his book Redemption Song, the definitive story of Joe Strummer and The Clash at the Big Green Bookshop next Tuesday, November 20th at 7pm. The event is free but donations are requested for refreshments. It’s a great opportunity to hear their fascinating story, and visit one of the best and most hardworking bookshops in North London.
For more about Joe Strummer in Palmers Green, click here
Also coming soon at the Big Green Bookshop
Gavin Esler 4 December, Peter Serafinowicz 27 November. (we used to live next door to Peter Serafinowicz and can reveal he plays the Beatles and Elvis very loud at 3 in the morning….grrr)