Sunday 29th January 2012
last updated
28th January
we have had 32454 visitors
| how to contact us: | |
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(020) 7586 8327 |
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(020) 7586 0043 |
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primrose_hill@
btopenworld.com |
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29 Hopkinson's Place Fitzroy Road London NW1 8TN |
| PHCA registered charity no. 298215 | |
Community Centre Funding
PHCA has lost its £22,000 grant from Camden Council, despite being recognised as being one of the most modestly funded and best managed of the Camden centres.
We are naturally very disappointed at this decision, but want to assure everyone that the Primrose Hill Community Centre is not about to close because of this lack of funding.
Over the years we have built up a contingency fund which we can fall back on for at least three years and are confident that with cost cutting and fundraising we should be able to operate indefinitely.
But we will need help from members of the Association, the local community, organisations, individuals and companies to support us in order to make up the grant shortfall.
In the meantime rest assured that it is business as usual at the Primrose Hill Community Centre.
We would be grateful for suggestions for fund raising and other initiatives to help improve and develop our activities and facilities.
This site now provides a Community Noticeboard for your ideas; click the Noticeboard link at the top of this page.
In celebration of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 28th, Edis Street held a lavish street party.
Not only did they show that they know how to party but they also showed their generosity and community spirit by raising £1197 which they donated to PHCA.
A huge thanks to all involved.
l'Absinthe offers to help
Jean-Christophe at l'Absinthe has made a generous offer to help with our fundraising.
"For any member of the Community Centre that books a table at L'Absinthe restaurant [in Chalcot Road] we will donate £5.00 per table booked to the Centre.
"Please let me know, best regards, JC."
So if you do go to l'Absinthe please mention the offer.
Good News for the New Year
We have received a one-off grant from Camden Council which will help cushion us for the coming year and allow us time to identify and approach funding bodies and organisations with a view to helping to cover the costs of the various activities and classes that we run at the Centre.
Saving & Transforming Chalk Farm Library
On 20th December Camden Council officially named Primrose Hill Community Association (PHCA)/Friends of Chalk Farm Library as preferred bidders for managing and developing the use of the local Library building in Sharpleshall Street Primrose Hill.
Maureen Betts, Chair of PHCA, commented: “We are very pleased that our project has been evaluated positively by the Council and we are ready to work with the officers in order to further explore how to make it viable and sustainable. Only at the end of January we will be able to say that our efforts have paid off. For us, this is not the end of a process but the beginning of a new exciting challenge. We intend not just to save the Library but to transform it. But we will be able to go ahead with our project only if we manage to raise the money we need to build, according to our financial plan, an endowment fund. Under its new management we aim to have the library and its facilities available to the Primrose Hill community for up to 7 days a week.”
Dick Bird, who is coordinating fund-raising for the project added: “The local community has been very committed and very generous, showing there is local support for our plan. We have more than 110 volunteers offering their time to a community library, and have raised pledges of almost £350,000 so far. Today’s news will boost our campaign and we will now try even harder to reach the level which will secure the project. But more pledges of money, large or small, are needed so we encourage all those in the community who haven’t yet made a pledge to do so as soon as possible.”
We need to at least double this amount. Pledge forms can be downloaded from here.
The PHCA Library Steering Committee, welcoming the news, has agreed on a series of fundraising events and activities to further develop the campaign, reaching out to parts of the community and local businesses we have not been able to contact so far.
For further information please contact:
Go Karting Fundraiser
We have arranged a fun Go karting, fundraising event on February 5th, with free transport from the Library.
Please see attached poster here for details.
To sign up, go to www.kartingonline.co.uk and enter Letchworth as circuit and 5-02-2012 as date and you can book online.
Hope you can make it, or send a representative in your place.
HS2 Pan-Camden Alliance
The HS2 Pan-Camden Alliance have a new web site.
You can find it at: http://pancamdenhs2alliance.org.
Camden Needs Volunteers
Camden needs volunteers who would like the opportunity to meet new people, develop skills and give something back to the community during the 2012 games by welcoming the thousands of visitors we are going to have to the borough.
Volunteers are needed to provide tourists with information, give directions, be in contact with emergency services and be a welcoming face to the borough. Full training and volunteer expenses will be provided.
You can download an information sheet and application form from here.
More information can be found at www.camden.gov.uk/welcometheworld.
Applications must be received by 20th February 2012.
Primrose Hill Summit Works
The number of people who stand or sit on the top of Primrose Hill especially at weekends has increased enormously and this wear and tear as well as poor drainage have damaged the summit.
We won't know until the current works are complete whether they will improve the hilltop or make it too municipal and manicured.
There will be a raised kerb round the edge and a new solid gravel base in an attempt to protect the surface. The Royal Parks are also trying to restore the grass on the front of the Hill which had been carved into a deep and unsightly track by runners and walkers.
There is a fence surrounding the area but a new track is already beginning to appear alongside it.
Primrose Hill Mums
Several Primrose Hill Mums got together to put on a Halloween party fundraiser, with proceeds going to PHCA.
The mums got donations from L’Absinthe, the Lansdowne, the Albert, the Princess of Wales and Anthony’s Delicatessen which went for raffle prizes.
They raised £580 which is absolutely tremendous, so we would like to sincerely thank them for all their efforts and generosity and the local businesses that supported them.
Friends of Chalcot Square Gardens
The Friends of Chalcot Square Gardens held a Carol Singing evening in the Square just before Christmas with mulled wine and mince pies keeping the singers fuelled.
They also collected £218 with half of that total being donated to the PHCA which will help towards costs associated with the library.
Many thanks to the Friends for their kind donation.
You can find more about the Friends of Chalcot Square Gardens on their website: www.friendsofchalcotsquare.org.uk.
Over-55s Afternoons at the British Museum
The British Museum will be running the popular and enjoyable monthly Over-55s Afternoons throughout 2012.
These informal sessions are held from 2.00pm - 4.00pm with the aim of supporting groups working with elderly visitors in using the Museum.
The sessions start with warm refreshments and a unique opportunity to handle objects from the Museum’s teaching collection. Volunteer staff support visitors in exploring the galleries of their choice at a pace that suits them.
The sessions can cater for up to 15 people and are booked on a first come first served basis. If you and your group are interested, please contact Jim Mulligan with the date you are interested in attending and whether you have any particular requirements or requests.
Available sessions for the first half of next year are as follows;
There is access to wheelchairs which can be used inside the museum and also disabled parking on the museum grounds if requested in advance.
Booking in advance is essential, one session per group, available on a first come, first served basis.
Spring Coach Outing
On Wednesday 18th April 2012 we will be having a coach outing.
The destination will be chosen by you - ideas so far include Hatfield House, Down House (Charles Darwin House), Leeds Castle, Ely Cathedral, Cambridge, the Rowing Museum at Maidenhead, Winchester etc.
Please let us know where you would like to go and we will choose the most popular suggestion.
Tai Chi for over-50s
We currently run Tai Chi sessions for anyone aged 50 or over.
Numbers have tailed off for this activity, so if you know anyone who may be interested in this gentle exercise please let them know about the group.
The sessions take place on Wednesdays from 12.15pm to 1.00pm and costs £1.00, there is no need to book a place, you can just turn up.
Keep Fit for over-60s
This class takes place every Tuesday from 4.00pm to 5.00pm and is free for over 60’s.
Thew classes are run by our very good and very patient tutor, Lorraine.
There is no need to book just turn up, it’s a very friendly group that will make you very welcome.
Details of all the Centre's activities can be found on our Activities Page.
Afternoon Talks Programme
Ikebana
On Wednesday 21st March Sue Pryke will talk about Ikebana, (Japanese flower arranging), with slides, followed by 1 or 2 arrangements.
Pub Signs and their Stories
On Wednesday 16th May David Roe will talk about many famous pub signs and the stories attached to them .
Admission is free and is open to all. Talks start at 2.30pm and are followed by tea and biscuits.
We are still looking for speakers for the February 15th afternoon talk. If you know of anyone suitable who would be willing to give a talk on these days please let us know.
Evening Talks Programme
Abram Games - Poster Designer
On Tuesday 14th February Naomi Games will talk about the distinctive work of her father, the famous designer of posters, who produced around 100 posters during World War II as the official War Artist.
Sir Terry Farrell
On Tuesday 17th April Sir Terry Farrell will discuss his life, his buildings and town planning.
Welcome and wine at 7.00pm; talks start at 7.30pm. Admission is £4.00 (£3.00 for members) to include a glass of wine or a soft drink.
Jumble Sale
On Saturday 24th March we shall be having a jumble sale at the Centre.
The funds raised will go towards the costs of the Summer Fair and it will also help us get in some wares to sell at the Summer Fair, (which this year will be held on Saturday 16th June 2012).
We will be looking for people to help sort the jumble on Friday 23rd March from 6.15pm and to help on the Saturday between 11.00am and 2.00pm.
Please contact Mick or Margaret in the office if you can help on either or both days.
We are also looking for donations, so if you have any bric-a-brac, dvds, cds, clothes, toys, games, books, or anything else, (except electricals), please drop them in to the PHCA office any time.
National Libraries Day
Friends of Chalk Farm Library invite you to Meet the Author celebrating National Libraries Day with Jonny Zucker who will discuss his book Turbo Drive.
There will be 5 free kids’ go-karting places up for grabs, (see Library update above for details).
The talk will take place on Saturday 4th February at Chalk Farm Library, Sharpleshall St NW1 between 2.30 and 4.00pm.
Transition Primrose Hill
Film - The Crisis of Civilisation
This award winning film is described as 'A powerful critique of a failed global system and a manifesto for constructive social change'.
See crisisofcivilization.com for more information on the film.
7.30pm Thursday 2nd February upstairs at The Pembrook Castle, 150 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 8JA.
The screening will be followed by Q & A with Nafeez Ahmed and Dean Puckett.
This palatable movie is based on the book - A User's Guide to the Crisis of Civilisation: And How to Save It, by author Dr Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed.
Director Dean Puckett has turned this well researched piece of work into an entertaining description of the world's problems using old footage and cartoon.
Go to the TPH website at www.transitionprimrosehill.org for further details.
Green Subsidies
Green Subsidies – Making Money while the Sun Shines on Tuesday 7th from February 7.30 to 8.45pm at Chalk Farm Library, Sharpleshall Street, with food and wine.
Having a fuel efficient house and using renewable energies like solar can save a fortune and make a big dent in your carbon footprint.
On top of this there are big Government incentives to help us get our houses up to 21st Century standards. Clever improvements can also be big earners for home-owners.
Transition Primrose Hill is co operating with local firm Joju on this event to familiarise people with some of the opportunities available to them, in particular, the chance to take advantage of the main solar subsidy before it changes in March.
There will be informal talks and Q and A's and you’ll have an opportunity to meet local people who have already started on the journey.
An Introduction to Permaculture
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th March.
Permaculture is the answer ... what's the question?
Climate change, Peak Oil, Economic turmoil ... are you worried?
If the world is starting to look increasingly crazy to you then permaculture is probably what you are looking for. Permaculture is an ingenious design system based on observations of natural systems, it is adaptable, versatile and can be applied in almost any context.
If you are worried about the world’s problems, and want to be part of the solution then permaculture is a very positive and empowering step in the right direction.
This lively introductory course is suitable for anyone with an active interest, requires no prior knowledge and for many participants is the first step on a new and positive route.
Steve Jones, who will be leading the course is a highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable permaculture teacher and facilitator with 20 year’s experience in the field, including work with housing cooperatives, environmental projects, community gardens, training and personal development. Steve is part of the Sector39 permaculture partnership based in the Welsh borders, a group of people working for positive change, stronger local economies and other community based initiatives, such as Transition.
The weekend course fee is £50, an early booking fee applies (£40) before February 1st.
We have a small amount of concessions available on request.
Please e-mail info@transitionprimrosehill.org to book.
Monday Book Evenings at the Library
On Monday 6th February Christopher Simon Sykes talks about the early years of the artist David Hockney, from his new biography.
The talks are held at Chalk Farm Library in Sharpleshall Street NW1 between 7.00 and 8.00pm. Admission is free.
The talks are organised by The Friends of Chalk Farm Library. More details can be ontained from Philippa Jackson on (020) 7722 1083 or e-mail philippa.e.jackson@googlemail.com.
Saturday Afternoon Events at Haverstock School
Kajima Community and Haverstock School are hosting events on Saturday afternoons for senior citizens.
Bingo and films run from 2.00pm – 4.00pm, refreshments included. There is a charge of £1.00 entry for films and 20p per game for Bingo (six games each session).
There will be a raffle at each event.
The programme is as follows:
Please contact Nikki Haydon at Haverstock School on 07967 583 548 if you would like to come to any of these afternoon events.
Wi-Fi at the Centre
We are looking into setting up wi-fi at the Centre.
If we decide to go ahead with this it will be free of charge to users and we should know whether this is feasible in the next couple of months, so watch this space.
Bicycle Loan Scheme
Why pay for a ‘Boris’ bike when you can loan one of our bikes for free?
They are available to members of the Association at no cost and you may borrow a bike for up to a week at a time.
They come with locks, helmets, reflective wear and even lights should you need them.
Call the Centre on (020) 7586 8327 to find out more.
Electronic Newsletter
The hard copy version of the newsletter gets delivered locally by a team of volunteers.
Addresses further afield get sent by post and the remainder are sent by e-mail, which of course is the cheapest and easiest way of doing it.
If you would prefer an e-Newsletter rather than a hard copy please send an email letting us know to: primrose_hill@btopenworld.com.
Please also note that this site is updated as information comes to hand.
Ballroom and Latin Dance Classes
Every Wednesday evening we host Ballroom and Latin American Dance Classes at the Centre.
Dancing with a partner is back in fashion, with plenty of opportunities to dance socially during the daytime, evenings, and on holidays.
The PHCA Ballroom and Latin class is very popular and has been running for over three years. Nick, the teacher, is qualified with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). He says: “Dancing is a skill, and like any other skill you’ll need to learn it in order to be able to do it. If you think you have 'two left feet' it just means that you haven’t started learning yet. Walk in – dance out!”
At the PHCA class you’ll learn not only steps but also posture, balance, coordination and timing. Learning to dance is not as repetitive as other forms of exercise and it’s a workout for the mind as well as the body.
Classes are sociable too, so while you’re acquiring your 'right foot', you’ll make new friends as well as becoming fitter, more relaxed, and more confident.
The PHCA class is suitable for absolute beginners, those who’ve danced before, and those who know some basics but want to improve their repertoire and technique. You can bring a partner or come on your own - you'll have the opportunity to dance with everybody. You can dress up or down but we don't wear lycra, rhinestones, or tailcoats! The only requirements are basic levels of fitness and mobility, and the understanding that: "the only thing you have to fear is fear itself".
So, start dancing and start living!
Every Wednesday at the Centre from 7.30 until 9.00pm. Admission is £3.00 for members, £5.00 others.
For more information call Nick on 07941 560 154. You can also visit www.goballroom.co.uk.
Online Forms
We have recently added online forms for Membership Applications and Renewals; Centre Bookings and our Community Noticeboard.
The Bookings facility is intended for single lets; should you wish to start a regular activity please contact the Centre at primrose_hill@btopenworld.com or phone (020) 7586 8327.
The Noticeboard can be used for "Goods Offered or Wanted". These transactions are strictly cash-free. You can also use the Noticeboard to submit ideas on how the Association can improve and enhance our Activities and also how we might raise extra funding in the light of the impending Council cuts.
A security code check has been added to the forms; this is to block spam, (electronic junk mail), sent by individuals who would wish to exploit our site.
The forms will be submited to the Centre office by e-mail and an acknowledgement will be sent to you provided you have included your e-mail address.
The relevant pages can be accessed from the menu at the top of this page under "Membership", "Bookings" and "Noticeboard".
No details posted on these forms are stored in an online database — all transactions are processed manually and data are held at the Centre. In addition this site does not use cookies to gather other information about you.
Primrose Hill Station Sign
Thanks to the generosity of Graham Larkby, the Camden Railway Heritage Trust acquired a station sign that was originally mounted at Primrose Hill station which closed on 22 September 1992.
The Trust has, in turn, offered the sign to Primrose Hill Community Association and it has been mounted in the Community Centre where it can be displayed to a wider public and provide a reminder of what has been lost.
Burglaries in Primrose Hill
From the Camden Town with Primrose Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team:
Please be advised that over the last week there have been 3 residential burglaries overnight at addresses in St Marks Crescent, Oppidans Road and Kingstown Street NW1.
In each case entry was gained via an unlocked door or patio door at the rear of the premises.
Please can you ensure that your members are made aware of the need to lock premises securely at night or when going out.
Photovoltaic Panels
From Transition Primrose Hill:
North London Energy Transition member Paul Allen told us at a recent meeting that one of the reliable installers may give up to a 20% reduction on costs if we can get 8 installations in the same area.
The cost is around £10,000 (so £8,000 with the reduction) and the return over 25 years is over 5% from the feed-in tariff, plus you get the electricity generated. The tariff reduces at the end of March 2012, so now is the time!
If you have a south/southwest/southeast facing roof and are interested in finding out more, e-mail Paul at paul_t_allen@yahoo.com.
Note: Technical advances mean that some shading from chimney stacks etc. can now be coped with.
Primrose Hill Neighbours Help
Do you know any isolated elderly people who live around Primrose Hill who might like a regular weekly visit from a friendly volunteer? Perhaps the person could do with a bit of help to get them out and about?
Are you elderly yourself, feel a bit lonely sometimes, and would like a friendly face popping by to see you each week or to help you get out?
Primrose Hill Neighbours Help befriending scheme has volunteers who would like to spend an hour or two each week helping isolated elderly people in these ways.
If you would like more information please phone (020) 7586 3627, (24 hour answering service), or e-mail phnhelp@yahoo.co.uk.
The Primrose Hill Neighbours Help befriending service covers what was the Chalk Farm voting ward.
Additionally, on Mondays between 2.00pm and 4.00pm in Chalk Farm library we have a drop-in information service for over 55s.
Disclaimer
Primrose Hill Community Association (PHCA) cannot accept responsibility for the content of external websites.
PHCA does not accept any payment for the inclusion of these sites.
The inclusion of a link in these web pages to an external web site should not imply any endorsement by PHCA of the web site, the site's owners, products, goods or services, or any opinions expressed within it.
© Primrose Hill Community Association 2012