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 groups in the area are up and reading. Both have around seven members:

  1. Successfully running since 2003 is coordinated by Therese Erskine. The club meets every 4 weeks on Wednesday at 8pm. The group’s recent reads include The Help and The Girl in a Blue Dress – Vacancy for another member, contact us for details.
  2. The second book group’s choices are equally varied. Members have covered The Leopard, Excellent Women and the Canadian Stone Carvers. many more are planned for the coming months – New members are welcome, contact us 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.

The beautification of Blenheim Gardens is progressing, thanks a team of volunteers led by Claudia Kerner and Mary Alpert. 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. Their efforts have paid dividends.

The MapRA Gardening Club has now expanded due to popular demand. While the original club continues under convener Margaret Mann – Gardening Club B has been started by Elizabeth Proud. Ten new members met for the initial get-together, all keen to share ideas, tips, and of course, plants.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month in members’ homes. The two clubs will come together for lectures and outings. If you are interested please contact MapRa.

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.

Every couple of months members of the Theatregoers Group go to a play, evening or matinees. Often Tricycle, Hampstead theatre or National Theatres. Ticket prices can vary from £15 to £30. A day or so later we meet in the evening and have a discussion about the play and its production.

Members of the group are alerted to the theatre visits by e-mail and tickets are allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would like to join please let us know by contacting 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

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 MapRA walking group started around 2002 with the aim of modest but interesting and social walks. They have completed the Thames walk from Thames Barrier to its source; 2010 crossed London from Pole to Pole (from Hertfordshire to Surrey). 2011/12 various sections of the Capital ring. John Mann, 0208 459 5419; john.f.mann@btinternet.com.

ARTISTS, CRAFTSMEN & DESIGNERS

RESTAURANTS & CAFES

  • Adora 61 Walm Lane, Turkish cafe.
    “Very friendly and helpful welcome and service. Our (vegetarian) meal was generous and delicious. Plus cake for birthday!”, Member Reviw – 23/12/2018

  • 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
  • Dempsey’s Cafe 16 High Road (Opposite Sainsbury’s), Cafe.
    “Owner/Chef is welcoming and extremely accommodating, All food is cooked fresh – quickly and efficiently.”, Member Review – 31/5/2019
  • 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