What’s happened this fortnight 9th June 2019

The planning application for the redevelopment of 2 to 12 Priory Park Road (19/1279) received 8 comments, 4 Objections, 2 Supports and 2 Neutral comments. This means that it probably will not go to Planning Committee and the future of the application will be decided by Officers. Watch this space for updates!

Hurray! Some progress has been made in the removal of the illegal terrace of the Cock Tavern. But still more to do….

Duck Duck Goose, at 228 Kilburn High Road opened on 28th May, with all the trimmings of an official Chinese opening, involving a dragon, music, incense, suckling pig and more. They’re offering a 20% discount until 28th June.

We went inside the Tin Tabernacle on Cambridge Avenue. One of Kilburn’s gems. There is an event on 27th July. An excuse to peer inside?

Ex Mix store, at 224 Kilburn High Road opened. A mix of second hand clothing and new clothing.

Should the Swiss Cottage Ward in Camden disappear and a new ward, bordering Kilburn, South Hampstead be created? Have your say.

“Wife”, a new play, opened at the Kiln Theatre with very good reviews. Our theatre director even featured on BBC Radio 4 “Women’s Hour”. If you have a chance go and see it and do not forget Camden residents now benefit from the same discount as Brent residents!

A reminder that The Beattles played at the State. And yes, Black Sabbath played there as well.

Ever wondered how Kilburn Grange park got its name?

When will the much loved water feature be switched on in Grange Park?

A lovely new mural has appeared in Webheath Estate. Well done to the Tenants Association trying to beautify their surroundings. Shame that our councillors and Camden Council have failed to sort out the rubbish dumping situation in Palmerston Road, providing pedestrian access to the Estate from Kilburn High Road despite daily reminders. When will serious enforcement take place?

The Granville reopened a year ago. Chance to meet the Trustees on 12th June. And rather puzzled that the development plans for this same site are shortlisted for an architecture award!

We celebrated on 28th May when Thames Water finally left their site outside The State after 6 days of massive disruption. But the celebrations were soon dampened by them coming again on 5th June to dig the same hole they had dug at the end of March in front of 207 Kilburn High Road, a few meters away. Glad to report the the pressure we put on TFL and Thames Water resulted in the work finishing on 9th June rather than 11th June! Posting a daily update on Twitter seems to have helped….

We are still missing the “Kilburn” bit of the signage to Kilburn Station. We have been told for 6 months that the matter had been referred, yet no sign of a sign!

Kilburn Station stairs

Have you read the story about the Casino in Kilburn and Chicago style attack? Or how a man living in West Hampstead was linked to Oscar Wilde? Enjoy courtesy of local historian Dick Weindling.

What’s the best Kilburn Indian takeaway?

Glad to see that Khyber at 223 Kilburn High Road, renewed their signage with a lovely hand painted sign.

We had confirmation that Camden have £500,000 to spend on improving Kilburn High Road, while Brent have a £20 Million budget to redo pavements. The top dogs of Brent and Camden met on the High road on 29th May. We are waiting for the secret plans to be revealed and how that will change our experience of the High Road. In the meantime, pedestrians still trip on badly maintained pavements, are impeded in their movements by illegal pavement parking and intrusive shop displays. Please take 2 mins to send a letter to the leader of your Council to demand pavement repairs. The letter is pre formatted so it’s easy!

Abbey Community Centre are looking for volunteers for their Saturday Cafe, producing moderately priced meals.

BEST residents association are organising a Big Lunch on 23rd June on Charteris Road. All welcome.

Nando’s was closed for more than a week due to technical issues. Wonder what the real reason was!

Want to know why 3000 persons paraded for the funeral of Michael Gaughan in Kilburn?

The Kingsgate artists are busy. Their current exhibitions will finish at the end of next week, they are having an Open Studios week-end on 21st to 23rd of June and then new exhibitions and billboard opening on 12th July. You could also try the pottery classes organised there.

Have you ever visited the Ben Uri Gallery?

Very much enjoyed the history walk today. Alan, our fantastic tour guide and local resident, is trying to organise a walk involving organ playing in the State, so watch this space…Did you know that apparently Kilburn hosted a Roman fort? Have you ever been inside Saint Augustine’s? And yes this mysterious building was a public toilet!

What is happening this fortnight

12th June Granville reopened 1 year ago. Chance to meet the South Kilburn Trust Trustees

13th June Niceboy at the Fiddler

Until 15th June Exhibitions at Kingsgate Exhibition Space

15th June Restart Party at Abbey community centre. A chance to get your electrical/electronics devices fixed!

15th June – Midsummer opera evening at Mapesbury Dell

15th June Maygrove Peace Park clean up.

15th June Caribean Backyard Limes at the Old Bell

15th June Bright Nights music at the Priory Tavern

18th June 7pm at the Granville, Brent Connects Kilburn event

21st to 23rd June Kingsgate workshops Open Studios

23rd June Open Garden Day with 10 gardens in Mapesbury open to view

23rd June BEST Big Lunch 12to 5pm Charteris Road.

What is happening a bit later

27th June Eleanna at the Fiddler.

29th-30th June – Queen’s Park Book Festival

7th July – Family wild day at Mapesbury Dell

11th July The Modern Strangers at the Fiddler.

12th July Opening night for new exhibition and reveal of new billboard at Kingsgate Project Space.

16th July open day at the Netherwood day centre from 4pm to 8pm.

27th July A Night of Pure Moby-Dickery  at The Tin Tabernacle 

11th August a Hampstead to Kilburn walk led by Alan, our local Camden tour guide. “Walk Hope and Charity”

19th September “Abbey Autumn Festival” at Abbey Community Centre.

12th October Heritage Fair at Sidings Community Centre.

Regular Events

Monday Nights: comedy/show nights at the North London Tavern, Open Mic at Sir Colin Campbell

7pm-8:30pm Kingsgate readers group at the Kingsgate Community Centre (not on the 15th or 22nd April or bank holidays). Email for more info

Chess night at the Abbey Community Centre

Tuesday Nights  quiz at the Black Lion Kilburn and at the Priory Tavern. Comedy at the North London Tavern.

Wednesday nights:  open mic  at the Earl of Derby, Swing dance at the North London Tavern

Thursday Day:  Watling Gardens gardening club 10am -11:30amThursday nights: Karaoke at the Earl of Derby

Friday nights:  Live Irish Music at Sir Colin Campbelllive music at the North London Tavern, Karaoke nights at the Cock Tavern, band night at Earl of Derby and Live Music at Maison Vie.

Saturday day from 11am to 1pm Gardening in the St Cuthberts garden

Saturday 1.15pm Free Foodcycle Lunch at St Cuthbert’s Church- All welcome.

Saturday nights: Live Irish Music at Sir Colin Campbell, retro evenings at the North London Tavern, DJ night at Earl of Derby.

Sunday nights:  quiz at the North London Tavern, Live Irish Music at Sir Colin Campbell. Live Irish music at the Black Lion pub 6pm – 8pm

If you have news, an event, some local history or just a favourite corner of Kilburn you’d like to share please email us news@lifeinkilburn.com or tweet to @lifeinkilburn.

Leave a Comment