West Hampstead Life

Four more men were arrested in connection with the murder of Sabrina Moss; one has been charged.

Mario’s on Broadhurst Gardens is finally set for redevelopment – but the whole block will have to come down first!

A very impressive online historical map of the area reveals all sorts of curiosities, though my favourite part is seeing how Sidings estate got its name (hint, use the horizontal slider).

Flying pig spotted over West Hampstead by Lara Geary

The developers hell bent on building on Gondar Gardens are drawing up a third plan for the site.

Paya look set to re-open as Poco Pizza – clearly some extensive market research there into what people really felt we needed in West Hampstead.

Is a new bench aimed at the elderly becoming a magnet for antisocial behaviour?

Confusion abounds regarding the trees on the Ballymore / Network Rail land, but those freight trains will keep on coming.

A blue plaque has been put up in honour of Sir Bradley Wiggins – sadly not actually in Kilburn, but at Paddington Rec.

Even local celebrity Robert Webb has taken to sticking the boot into the Fortune Green Tesco Express.

Was great to see a healthy turnout of #whampers for last Monday’s comedy night at The Good Ship. Look out for the astonishing Abandoman later this month.

This amazing song by comedian Jay Foreman squeezes in the name of every tube station, but as befits our status in the world, West Hampstead also creeps in as a backdrop to the video. Blink and you’ll miss it.

Tom reports back on Kilburn newbie The Earl Derby.

The Neighbourhood Development Forum garnered some positive press coverage in the Camden New Journal, while the Ham & High reflected on the impact a new Waitrose would have on property prices.

Next Sunday there’s a special charity quiz at The Black Lion in aid of the RNIB’s Reading campaign.

October’s Property of the Month is a 2-bed flat with a garden on West End Lane.

The landscaping of the path behind the new Blackburn Road student block is a marked improvement on its previous state.

Reckon you’re a pool shark? The Railway’s got a competition on Thursday, but you need to sign up before Tuesday.

As the Jewish Community Centre JW3 revs into action, we looked at its range of fitness courses. Meanwhile, there are new over-50s exercise classes at the library on Monday and Wednesday mornings, in conjunction with the West Hampstead Community Centre.

The WHAT 40th anniversary exhibition launches on Monday 7th in the library and runs for six weeks. The Monday event is immediately followed that evening by “Burma Revisited” – a talk by a Crediton Hill resident.

On Friday, there’s a talk on globalisation and power and animated birds (!) at the Tin Tabernacle in Kilburn.

The tannoy at West Hampstead Thameslink has been muffled after long-suffering residents complained.

Thursday was National Poetry Day and Fortune Green’s artist-in-residence penned “Water“. A quick shout on Twitter for some local verse brough forth a wide range of standards. I decree Liam Purcell the winner!

@WHampstead I want to live in Hampstead With the rising middle class And walk across the hallowed heath With a perky local lass
— Liam Purcell (@Dubliner1) October 3, 2013

If you’re interested in opening a new restaurant, the Elephant Walk site is on the market again. Rent is £30,000 a year.

A new exhibition opens at Camden Arts Centre on Thursday that’s perhaps a bit more accessible than usual.

Camden council has to find another £25 million in savings.

West End Lane Books confirmed that Scottish crime writer extraordinaire Ian Rankin will grace the shop on November 5th for a book signing. Expect healthy queues.

The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology is NxNW6’s film of the week. Full local listings here.

The West Hampstead Hockey Club (which actually plays in Brent Cross) now enjoys two new all-weather pitches.

Mill Lane tea-room Bake-a-boo has ditched its trademark pink exterior.

In the never-ending “reimagined” tube maps, West Hampstead has become footballing star Juninho. Finchley Road got to be Matt Busby, though why Stéphane Henchoz wasn’t Swiss Cottage is beyond me.

Oh yes… and keep the evening of Thursday November 14th free in your diaries (and maybe take the 15th off work). #whampgather

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