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.

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.

Inspired by MapRA member Michael Stuart, MapRA 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. The group is now subsumed within Michael’s Kensal to Kilburn group. Contact: Kensal to Kilburn Fruit Harvesters at: kensaltokilburnharvesters@gmail.com

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.

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. 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 (next in Summer 2025), offering aound 12 open local 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.

ARTISTS, CRAFTSMEN & DESIGNERS

  • Ceramics – David Gee: Collectable bowls, plates, canisters and boxes. Work featured in Morris and Co photoshoots. Viewings by appointment welcomed – gloria.gee2@ntlwrld.com

  • Printmaking, Painting & Ceramics – Anthya Cohen: Artist, author and former concert pianist. Viewings by appointment welcomed – anthyacohen@googlemail.com

  • Oil paintings, Ceramics, Sculpture & bronze – Stephen Frank: Realistic, abstract and mythological themes. Viewings by appointment welcomed – stephen@luizart.net / www.luizart.net

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

  • 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

  • Best Brosted 187 Walm Lane 020 4568 0805.
    “Great sharwarmas”, Member 1978 – 12/10/2024

  • 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

  • The Nest Walm Lane, near Station, Coffee Shop.
    “Next to the station and is a spacious, friendly, comfortable cafe.”, Member Review – 8/2/2011
  • 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

  • Kohinoor (previously Spice 6) 22 Station parade, Indian Restaurant.
    “Very good – Improved with new chef. Nice atmosphere and service.”, Member Review – 20/4/2013

  • Sushi Masa 33b Walm Lane, Japanese. 020 8459 2971
    “recommended”, Member 1978 – 12/10/24