CLUBS / GROUPS

We are proud of the development of our Community Link project, whereby people are brought together variety of interests in common. Our overall aims are to encourage more members to join the activities to enhance community spirit. If you wish to start a new group contact us and we will help you initiate it.

Two book groups in the area are up and reading. Both have around 10 members. Successfully running since 2003 is coordinated by Anne Aiken. The club meets every 4 weeks on Wednesday at 8pm. The groups recent reads include The Salt Path and the Reader on the 6.27. There are occasionally spaces for new members.  Contact MapRA for details. The second book group is co-ordinated by Jenny Thomas. Their book choices are equally varied. Some of their recent reads are The Wide Sargasso Sea, Exposure, Monsieur Linh And His Child. There are occasionally spaces for new members.  Contact MapRA for details.

Members meet on each Monday to play gentle rubber bridge; Normally 3 tables. New people welcome. Coordinated by John Mann. Contact MapRA for details.

Inspired by footpath improvements carried out by Brent Council in Blenheim Gardens in late 2010, local residents got together, in agreement with the Council to enhance this tree-lined street still further by creating tree-pit gardens. It has improved the look of the street, thanks to volunteers led by Claudia Kerner. All summer the street’s tree pits have been filled with colourful plants which have brightened the day of passers-by. Volunteers since added 2,500 bulbs, from snowdrops and to bluebells and tulips.

MapRA’s Gardening Club traditionally meets in the evening on a monthly basis, at members’ homes. Sometimes during winter months there are talks by experts on subjects in which the group is interested, but overall it provides an opportunity to exchange ideas (and plants) and discuss individual garden problems or issues that may have arisen. In the summer, members visit each other’s gardens to admire what has been achieved and enjoy tea and cakes. Garden-themed outings are often arranged to places such as Kew Gardens, Stanmore Country Park, Burnham Beeches, Manor Farm Herbs in Oxfordshire and Perivale Wood (for its annual bluebell display). Club members are also involved in organising the Open Gardens Day, which sees around a dozen beautiful local gardens open for charity, along with a tea garden and plant sale. Held in June, usually every second year, it’s one of MapRA’s community highlights.

Back in Autumn 2009 MapRA member Michael Stuart organised volunteers to pick apples for owners who were unable to pick their own, and shared the proceeds between the owner, volunteers, and local schools. With Brent’s help and MapRA support, he set up pruning training in the surrounding area.

Our fruit harvesting group annually pick over 500 kg of plums, pears and apples. After some for owners and pickers we have donated the fruits to places such as Ashford Place, Anson school and Pakistan Community Centre. Get in touch for ways to participate.

The Film club is a recent addition, coordinated by Susie Songhurst. As they’ve been, for many months, restrictions on new films being released over many months and with no cinemas open, Susie circulates each week a list of a few films which appear on terrestrial channels with one ‘film of the week’ which can be streamed. She chooses a wide cross section of films – young and old.  There are approximately 35 members at present, who dip in now again – obviously they can’t watch everything! They have a discussion on Zoom, about the Film of the Week recommendation from the previous week’s listings, with 8 members – many more and it would be too chaotic! If you are interested please contact MapRA.

Every month members of the Theatregoers Group go to a play in the afternoon.  Visiting a very wide range of off-West End theatres as long as they can be reached easily by public transport from NW2 (Jubilee or Overground and connections ).  After the performance we meet in a cafe near the theatre and have a discussion about the play and its production. We always try to get tickets fairly close to the front to see and hear well.

We also go to dance and musical events.

Cost: Ticket prices vary according to venue, mostly £15 to £40. Timing is mostly Weds, Thurs, Sat or Sun. If you would like to join please let us know by contacting MapRA.

This small group is responsible for the rejuvenation and regular upkeep of the 4 triangle areas: Dawlish Rd/Teignmouth Rd, Dawlish Rd/Dartmouth Rd, Exeter Rd/St Gabriel’s Rd, Chartsworth Rd/Lydford Rd.  If you are interested in getting involved in the regular gardening or wish to donate plants please contact MapRA.

The group meets about every 2 months in members’ houses for lectures and discussions on various topics related to history and architecture of the Mapesbury area. Meetings open to all. No need to book but helpful to know if you hope to come. Call 0208 459 5419 or email john.f.mann@btinternet.com

A small group led by Jill Rixon do some essential maintenance work on the wonderful Mapesbury Dell. Normally on Monday mornings

Ashford Place are running two melodious days each week

A music session every Monday 10:30-12:30 where you can: Learn to play an instrument (guitar, bass, keyboard), Learn song writing, Sing soul tingling and uplifting songs. No previous experience needed

Ashford place Jammers Singing Group: Tuesdays 10:30-12:30 – No auditions, no need to read music. Everything taught by ear.

Every Tuesday 7-8:30pm, in term time. Now with over 50 people. Held in Emmanuel Church, Lyncroft Gardens, West Hampstead. All abilities welcome; no auditions. three or four-part harmony. £6 per evening (£4 if pay for whole term). Your first session is free.

A very successful biennial event, offering 12 open gardens. Pick up a bargain at the plant sale and refresh yourselves in the Old Vicarage Tea Garden (tea and cake included in ticket price). Buses will give you a free lift and there is also a children’s trail. Contact us for details of upcoming meetings.

The group is organised and led by John Mann. The group walk monthly and has completed the Thames walk from Thames Barrier to its source, various sections of the Capital ring and crossed London from Pole to Pole.  It is fairly gently sociable walking with a break for lunch. The group walking varies from being a small group of about 6 to a larger group of around 20.  Anyone interested in joining please contact John Mann: john.f.mann@btinternet.com

ARTISTS, CRAFTSMEN & DESIGNERS

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

  • Botega di Anna 25a Walm Lane, Italian cafe.
    “Food, coffee and ice cream are all excellent”, Member Review – 30/07/2018

  • Beer + Burger 88 Walm Lane, 3019 7575, Burger Bar.
    “I love this burger joint. The burgers and the veggie burger are amazing, as are the fries. The selection of beer on offer is staggering”, Member Review – 15/06/2017
  • Canaletes 51 Willesden Lane, Tapas/Wine Bar.
    “Delicious Spanish cooking, with fresh ingredients, generous portions, and great value, with accompanying wines.”, Member Review – 29/6/2016

  • Kadiri’s 26 High Road, Willesden, Indian Restaurant.
    “Their Tandoori chicken is one of my favourites. It also provides a home delivery service.”, Member Reviw – 10/3/2011

  • Mandalin 65 Walm Lane, Italian cafe/Deli. (Previously Mezzorama)
    “A deli/café with a small covered garden space at the back – Wow”, Member Review – 15/7/2014
  • The Nest Walm Lane, near Station, Coffee Shop.
    “Next to the station and is a spacious, friendly, comfortable cafe.”, Member Review – 8/2/2011
  • Queensbury Pub 110 Walm Lane, Pub & Deli.
    “Great for Sunday lunch, and I was also well looked after when I was in there on my own.”, Member Review – 16/1/2011
  • Sanzio 26 Station Parade, Italian Restaurant.
    “The new look Sanzio (ex Little Star) up market eatery, is a very good addition”, Member Review – 8/2/2011
  • Spice 6 22 Station parade, Indian Restaurant.
    “Very good – Improved with new chef. Nice atmosphere and service.”, Member Review – 20/4/2013