Sunday, 27th April — By Tom Foot One of the dinners served up to Alice Talbot A DISABLED woman has been told she will be evicted from the council’s flagship “extra care” housing project after she refused to pay bills for food she has never eaten Alice Talbot has been allowed to rack up a £6,000 debt after a three-and-a-half year dispute with Camden Council about compulsory charges at Charlie Ratchford Court She said she did not realise when moving in that a £4.50 cost of a daily hot meal was hidden in the small print of her tenancy agreement – arguing she would rather spend the money on better quality fresh food that she could cook herself The council says the daily meal has to be provided to all tenants to ensure they have a healthy and balanced diet and that this is part of the service agreement Last night (Wednesday) a council spokesman said talks were still ongoing in the hope of preventing a court action and to secure alternative accommodation for Ms Talbot who has worked in sheltered housing for 35 years How could they let this go on for three-and-a-half years How could they let her bill get up to £6,000 She has what they call learning disabilities and they have been sending her threatening letters “It has been a disaster from start to finish The service there has not been up to the standards we had expected “And now they are going to evict a disabled woman who is registered disabled with learning difficulties received an intimidating legal letter this week saying the council was proceeding with a notice to quit on Monday – and she had four weeks to find new accommodation It is likely she will be rehoused in sheltered accommodation in Camden – a kind of housing that does not have the same community ethos as is supposed to be provided at Charlie Ratchford Court Charlie Ratchford was said to be the standard bearer of modern-day “extra care” facilities Tenants living in the 38 flats with a range of conditions and needs were hoped to socialise together in “café-style space” and courtyard gardens The New Journal first reported on Ms Talbot’s case in December 2021 when she criticised the “disgusting” food that “was hard to digest” after the project first opened The food originally came from off-site in foam boxes in the style of “ready meals” After a proper kitchen opened at the housing project months later But Ms Talbot said she did not want to pay the compulsory £4.50 charge from the disabled rights campaign group Winvisible said: “Alice has been put under a huge amount of stress from this At one point she was worried about being street homeless “Camden should have been offering her a choice from the beginning – they have a duty to provide choice under her disability rights But instead they are treating her like a cash cow.” Winvisible also won a victory for Ms Talbot overturning thousands of pounds of unfair care charges that she was wrongly being charged by Camden each year This week the Council said the notice to quit has not yet been served and they were hoping to avoid any court action adding: “We are working closely with them to address their concerns and are exploring other care accommodation options that may be preferable Their wellbeing and independence is our priority and we want to find a solution that best supports them.” Maslow Capital's loan will support the delivery of Regal's Chalk Farm Road scheme in the heart of Camden Maslow Capital has successfully closed a £115m development loan with residential-led mixed-use developer Regal for the Chalk Farm Road purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), which secured planning permission in September 2024 The funding will support the delivery of the 264-bedroom PBSA bedroom scheme alongside 30 affordable residential units and 8,935 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of Camden The project will comprise four blocks reaching up to twelve storeys Occupying a prime location on Chalk Farm Road adjacent to the Grade II-listed Roundhouse the development will enhance both student and residential living in one of London’s most vibrant cultural districts Designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality PBSA housing and affordable homes the scheme will feature state-of-the-art amenities with over 2.06 sqm of internal amenity space per room The Chalk Farm Road scheme is targeting BREEAM Outstanding WELL Platinum and WiredScore Platinum certifications “The partnership with Maslow Capital underscores Regal’s commitment to delivering high-quality institutionally backed PBSA and mixed-use developments in prime London locations “This scheme exemplifies our strategy of integrating best-in-class design and connectivity to meet the evolving demands of students and residents “The speed and efficiency of this funding process reflects Maslow’s execution expertise and our shared focus on delivering high-yielding resilient assets in structurally undersupplied markets.” The development also benefits from exceptional connectivity with Chalk Farm Underground Station a two-minute walk away and other key university campuses across central London The location is further enhanced by its proximity to Primrose Hill and Camden’s renowned entertainment and cultural hotspots making it an attractive proposition for students and residents alike “Maslow is delighted to support another best-in-class developer in delivering what is set to become an iconic landmark in Camden “Both parties brought extensive experience and expertise ensuring a seamless funding process after agreeing terms “We remain committed to addressing the UK and Europe’s housing shortage and this project is a prime example of the impact strong partnerships can have in delivering much-needed living spaces.” The UK student population has witnessed significant growth over the past five years driven by rising domestic and international enrolments home to four of the world’s top 100 universities remains one of the most structurally undersupplied student housing markets with demand for PBSA far exceeding available supply Sarah Cunningham was hit by Northern line Night Tube train after taking cocktail of recreational drugs News | Transport A young artist was killed by a Night Tube train after entering a tunnel having taken a cocktail of recreational drugs and alcohol on a night out in Camden was hit by a northbound Northern line train after stepping down onto the track at Chalk Farm station at around 3.30am on Saturday November 2 and walking south about 75m into the tunnel Coroner Mary Hassell struggled to continue and fought back tears as she determined that Ms Cunningham’s death was accidental by that point she didn’t know what she was doing - she didn’t know where she was going.” challenged a Transport for London manager about the failure to spot that Ms Cunningham had entered the tunnel and to halt the next train She asked Northern line boss Dale Smith: “There was a window of opportunity of some 18 minutes That is plenty of time to switch off the power and stop the train said there was an opportunity of “less than 20 seconds” for station staff to have spotted Ms Cunningham step down from the platform and enter the tunnel - had they been watching the correct CCTV images at the time Ms Cunningham had been waiting alone at the station for a train to arrive but the doors closed just before she could board Police had been investigating her disappearance at the time Her friends called 999 after being alarmed at the way she left an Air BnB flat they had hired in Camden after she returned from a night out at the Jazz Café in Camden Town CCTV footage of Ms Cunningham entering the tracks was played during the inquest at Poplar coroner’s court Ed Atkins at Tate Britain review: welcome to a video horror show Inquest of brilliant young artist found dead at Tube station due to open Artist Oliver Lee Jackson: 'Right now humans are in a desperate spiritual place' Enter the AXA Startup Angel competition to win £25,000 Written evidence from her friends and boyfriend Jack Brown that was read in court said they believed Ms Cunningham had taken magic mushrooms She had also been drinking alcohol and was jet-lagged having been unable to sleep much after returning the previous morning from Korea Ms Cunningham had returned to the Air BnB with a friend after she was denied re-entry to the Jazz Café by security staff because she was intoxicated Her body was found in a Tube tunnel two days after she had been reported missing Her death provoked an outpouring of grief from the art world. Ms Cunningham was a resident artist at the Lisson Gallery near Marylebone was told that Ms Cunningham had a history of taking recreational drugs on nights out all her friends said that she was “not drug-dependent” The court was told that Ms Cunningham had taken a “hallucinogenic Her flatmate Kalasia Senicio said in written evidence: “I know the circumstances now and I really do not believe that Sarah intended to take her own life.” Friends described her as “full of fierce love” “warm and compassionate” and “living and breathing her dream” One said: “She was like seeing the sunshine on a crisp winter morning in London.” Her family – parents Eddie and Sue Cunningham and her brother Anthony Cunningham – were not in court but her father tuned into the proceedings remotely said his daughter had twice attempted suicide in her teens But he insisted she was not suicidal at the time of her death “She told me she had only slept for two hours,” he said “She had been awake from 3am and was extremely jet-lagged “She told me she didn’t want to go out but had promised Jack that she would.” Mr Brown’s statement said that Ms Cunningham became “drunk” after drinking before the Jazz Café and while in the venue “She wasn’t making much sense and was wobbling on her feet,” he said Her friend Rachael Bullivant returned with her to the nearby Air BnB around 2am Ms Cunningham became “quite upset and frustrated” She said Jack had abandoned her and she was shouting “She felt that Jack had left her in a vulnerable state Some of the things she was saying were just not rational “I pleaded with her not to go but I just couldn’t reason with her CCTV footage from the Tube station showed Ms Cunningham “scrabbling around” on the floor in the entrance hall apparently to find a ticket to get through the ticket barrier There was no station staff member on the “gate-line” though this was not in breach of TfL rules A man who was exiting the station used his pass to open the ticket barrier for Ms Cunningham A TfL customer services supervisor on duty at the time spotted her on CCTV acting in an “upset” manner on the platform and went to investigate By the time he had arrived two to three minutes later “I checked everywhere but I couldn’t see her,” he told the inquest “I presumed she was on that northbound train.” Mr Boztepe came under questioning at the inquest from Ms Bradley about whether he should have tried to intervene sooner Ms Cunningham is thought to have been struck by a northbound train that arrived in the station about 18 minutes after she entered the tunnel Ms Bradley said the station supervisor should have done more to help a passenger in an “apparently intoxicated state” and should have checked the CCTV footage after being unable to find her “It was an option to find out whether she had got on the train by reviewing the CCTV centrally or locally However it would have taken about five minutes or more to log into the CCTV system and review the images Mr Boztepe was one of two station staff on duty at Chalk Farm station at the time TfL’s head of customer operations for the Northern line “I don’t think there was any reason for him to think that Sarah would have walked off down the tunnel,” Mr Smith told the coroner he may have come back and played that [CCTV footage] back.” Two voice notes sent by Ms Cunningham to a friend before her last night out did not contain any indications of “suicidal intent” A pathologist gave her cause of death as multiple injuries A toxicology report detected traces of cocaine and ketamine Ms Cunningham had previously discussed suicide with friends She said “never in her life would I ever do that” TfL published a report 10 days ago following an internal investigation into Ms Cunningham’s death including prioritising the “safeguarding risk” on the Night Tube Ms Hassell asked Mr Smith on several occasions what TfL was doing to address the “missed opportunity” of helping Ms Cunningham at the gateline and to reduce the risk of a similar incident in future the opportunity to prevent it was very small “I don’t think Sarah presented ‘out of the ordinary’ for someone travelling late at night through the gateline and down to the platform the actions the staff took were appropriate “A person walking into a tunnel at a Tube station is a highly unusual event.” TfL has faced a growing number of questions over the way it responds to deaths and serious injuries on London’s public transport network mayor Sir Sadiq Khan made a public apology to a woman whose fiancé was killed in a car collision as he walked across the road TfL’s chief operating officer said outside the court: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Sarah Cunningham who tragically died at Chalk Farm Tube station on 2 November 2024 “We are supporting the coroner in relation to the inquest into this incident and we have carried out our own internal investigation “We recognise the important role our staff play in protecting customers from harm and we will always take action to learn from incidents and improve operational safety.” Ms Hassell said she planned to issue a prevention of future deaths notice to TfL to ensure the greater protection of intoxicated passengers VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just 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You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports On Saturday 18 February 2023 at around 15:50 hrs a passenger became trapped in the door of a Northern line train at Archway station The passenger was exiting the train using a single leaf door at the rear of the fifth car when the door began to close on them The train departed and the passenger was dragged for approximately 2 metres along the platform before falling to the ground and the coat became free of the door The train travelled approximately 20 metres until it stopped after the train operator became aware of the passenger being dragged and applied the brakes The passenger sustained serious injuries and their companion was uninjured The accident occurred because the passenger’s coat had become trapped in the door as the passenger alighted and because the train’s door control system did not detect the presence of the coat trapped in the door Although the train operator was aware of the passenger and their companion they were not aware that the passenger’s coat was trapped before they initiated the train’s departure The train operator was not aware that the pilot light which indicates that the train’s doors are closed could still illuminate with something trapped in closed doors On Thursday 20 April 2023 at around 23:03 hrs a passenger’s coat became trapped in the doors of a Northern line service at Chalk Farm station The passenger had attempted to board the train but stopped as the doors began to close The doors closed while the passenger was still close to the train The train travelled for approximately 20 metres until the coat became free and the passenger fell to the ground The train operator was unaware of the accident and continued the journey The passenger sustained minor physical injuries to their left elbow and both knees and psychological distress This accident also occurred because the passenger’s coat became trapped in the train doors as they boarded the train and because the train’s door control system did not detect the presence of the trapped coat the train operator was not aware of the passenger nor that their coat was trapped in the doors before initiating the train’s departure They were also unaware that the passenger was subsequently being dragged along by the train The investigation identified underlying factors associated with both accidents It is possible that the train operators’ actions may have been affected by the automatic train operation system in use on the Northern line the methods for managing the safety of the platform-train interface were not sufficiently effective at controlling the risks to passengers by getting their clothing trapped in closing doors RAIB has made four recommendations addressed to London Underground Limited and made three learning points The recommendations concern the understanding of risk arising from trap and drag events the minimum station dwell times and how the design of the task and the cab environment can influence train operators’ attention and awareness The first learning point concerns the importance of documenting action plans in accordance with company procedures and recording when safety briefings have been undertaken The second learning point concerns the importance of promptly reporting notifiable accidents to RAIB The third concerns the importance of trainers and managers ensuring the risks of relying on the pilot light when deciding whether it is safe to start the train from platforms are completely understood by train operators The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible and certainly long before publication of our final report Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details Regal secures planning to deliver purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) at Chalk Farm Road in Camden Following the submission of a planning application in February 2024 Regal has secured planning permission from Camden Council for the redevelopment of 100 Chalk Farm Road into PBSA Regal acquired the sites at 100 and 100a Chalk Farm Road in 2022 The project forms part of Regal Students – the business’s PBSA development division Construction is likely to start at Chalk Farm Road in late 2024 The scheme will deliver 264 student bedrooms nearly 11,000 sq ft of ground floor commercial space A shared residents garden with a play area will be provided at podium level and is available to both residents and students the four buildings that make up the scheme will reach 12 storeys at its highest point The buildings will feature three drum-shaped elements featuring a striking facade adorned with horizontal bands and fluted panels paying homage to the historical context of the area As part of the Chalk Farm Road redevelopment public realm improvements will be made as the current pedestrian experience at this section of Chalk Farm Road is unsatisfactory Improvements also include a new public space adjacent to Roundhouse and the general widening and improvement of the pavement outside the site with new retail and commercial premises all adding to the betterment of the area “Our approved design for 100 Chalk Farm ensures that the neighbouring Roundhouse and the industrial heritage of the Regent’s Canal Conservation Area will be both celebrated and respected We’re pleased to be providing an enhanced public realm In line with Regal’s wider sustainability strategy the project will target BREEAM Outstanding and aims to be one of the first UK PBSA projects to be accredited WELL Platinum The Chalk Farm Road development is located adjacent to the Grade II-listed Roundhouse – a renowned live performance venue The overall design of the scheme will enhance the setting and appreciation of Roundhouse including the listed building works that will repair the building’s original fabric  “We have worked hard to strike the right chord on this special site next to such an iconic performance venue and are very proud to be able to bring forward proposals that reflect the spirited history of Camden town we are particularly excited that our newest PBSA project is in our home borough and we look forward to bringing our proposals to life.” Sarah Cunningham’s death aged 31 led to outpouring of grief from art world News | London The family of a brilliant young artist found dead at a Tube station are hoping that an inquest into her death will “leave no stone unturned” in addressing their concerns about safety on the London Underground Sarah Cunningham, 31, died at Chalk Farm station last November Her death provoked an outpouring of grief from the art world. Ms Cunningham Colleagues described her as “a supremely talented” and a “force of nature” Her work had been included in exhibitions in Berlin The inquest into her death is due to be held at Poplar coroner’s court on Wednesday Her family – parents Eddie and Sue Cunningham and her brother Anthony Cunningham – say the “have questions regarding the safety of TfL's platforms and stations” They have launched an online CrowdJustice fundraising campaign to raise £50,000 to fund specialist legal representation in a bid to maximise the opportunity for the inquest to answer as many questions as possible about Ms Cunningham’s death they tell how they have been left “devastated by Sarah’s untimely death” She had wanted to be an artist since the age of six She “lived and breathed her art” and received an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art in 2022 She had recently returned from South Korea where her work was being exhibited at the Burberry store “She was on the rise to stardom exhibiting in Berlin and with solo shows at the internationally renowned Lisson Galleries in Los Angeles “Sarah’s work had been exhibited across the world sincere and original artist’ with her work depicting abstract nature which Sarah always felt deeply connected to “Sarah had incredible plans for her future She was planning to visit her parents the following day Africa and Beijing next year to exhibit her art no accolade given to Sarah would ever make up for how immensely proud we were of her for just being her – humble The family said it was the “absolute worst time” as they searched for her after she went missing They said: “We were heartbroken when Sarah was found on the tracks at Chalk Farm station 48 hours after she went missing we have questions regarding the safety of TfL’s platforms and stations We do not feel that anyone has investigated our daughter’s death properly Our only hope for answers will be the inquest proceedings “No family should have to lose someone in these circumstances no parent should have to lose a child in these circumstances and no brother should have to lose his sister in these circumstances we want to make sure that they are highlighted so that no other families are affected this way “We want to make sure every stone is unturned in our search for the truth about what happened to Sarah “The little we have been told so far has been totally shocking As a family we ask how this could have been allowed to happen at a major Tube station on the London Underground and we want her death to be thoroughly investigated she would want to form part of a solution to this problem and we cannot tell you how much she is missed.” Representatives from TfL are among those due to give evidence to coroner Mary Hassell TfL has faced a growing number of questions over the way it responds to deaths and serious injuries on London’s public transport network In February, mayor Sir Sadiq Khan made a public apology to a woman whose fiancé was killed in a car collision as he walked home across a road said she painted “soaring abstractions suffused with feeling and life” It said: “Her paintings are intuitive and pure with the raw power to immediately foster connections with others – qualities reflected in the artist’s own indomitable character “She worked in a searching and experimental manner often turning them upside down or re-stretching sections to create new conjunctions and multiple viewpoints “Cunningham leaves behind a body of paintings that continues to morph and grow in front of our eyes notes and sketches that accompanied each research project and every new show oil and the handmade tools she created to extend her reach across her vast canvases strewn as they were on the floor of the studio amid a sea of materials and references sincere and original artist and our thoughts and prayers are with her family friends and those loved ones she left behind far too soon.” Sarah Cunningham: the art world grieves one of the most compelling new voices in British painting Tributes flood in for 'immensely talented' artist Sarah Cunningham after police searching for her find body The missing 31-year-old artist was last seen in Camden Town Monday, 4th November 2024 — By Caitlin Maskell WATCH OUR POLITICS CHANNEL ‘PEEPS’ ON YOUTUBE POLICE have discovered a body in the search for a missing woman who was last seen in the early hours of Saturday morning in Camden Town was last seen in Jamestown Road at about 3am emergency services were called to reports of a casualty on the tracks at Chalk Farm Underground Station.​ A police spokesperson said: “​While we await formal identification Sarah’s family have been informed of this development They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.​ “Officers from the Met are working with colleagues in the British Transport Police to look into the circumstances.​ “​The death is being treated as unexpected but at this time it is not thought to be suspicious.​” The Lisson Gallery where Ms Cunningham has exhibited also expressed their concerns about her whereabouts in a post on Instagram Police appealed for anyone with information to call 101 and quote CAD 2349/02Nov Camden Council’s planning officers recommend Regal London’s Chalk Farm Road purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development Acquiring the site in 2022 and following the submission of a planning application in February 2024 Regal London’s plans for the redevelopment of 100 Chalk Farm Road into a new PBSA scheme in Camden A final decision will be made at Camden Council’s planning committee meeting next Thursday (12 September 2024) however planning officers recommend granting conditional planning permission subject to a s106 agreement the Chalk Farm Road PBSA scheme will deliver 265 student bedrooms and 24 affordable homes across four blocks ranging from six to 12 storeys Designed in collaboration with DSDHA and landscape architects BBUK Studio the scheme will also include 455 sqm of commercial space and new public realm and landscaping The 0.75 acre Chalk Farm Road site sits adjacent to the Grade II-listed Roundhouse a renowned live performance venue in the Regents Canal Conservation Area Dubbed to be one of the first PBSA projects in the UK to be accredited WELL Platinum developer Regal is aiming to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating whilst targeting BREEAM Outstanding David Ellis uncovers a North London bookshop with a ‘strange kind of distinction’ Going Out | Events and Things To Do Sign up for our expert view on everything that’s worth eating I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice Left long enough and I’ve found most ambitions wane The amps in my mind roaring rock star dreams were flicked to standby years ago But I’ve never quite given up on wanting a library I’d like the whole shebang: floor-to-ceiling walnut; ladder on a track; the ex libris stamp I’d like the kids to ask if I’ve read a book and me to portentously tell them everything is alphabetised next door Having a one-bed flat with the square footage of a cracker is getting in the way of this A bookshop is built on brand-new copies, but a library is not. A library takes time trawling through junk shops and antique shops, and crucially, proper second-hand bookshops, like those lining the Charing Cross Road and Cecil Court. Like one that’s on Harmood Street, which sits about halfway between the underground stops for Chalk Farm and Camden There is nothing remarkable about Harmood Street; you might reasonably end up on it having taken a wrong turning in search of a nearby bronze said to be a likeness of Amy Winehouse It is a street of pretty Victorian and Georgian terraces with its ivy-covered wall and horse chestnut tree first put up in 1979 and seemingly not touched since: on fading yellow Walden Books holds a strange kind of distinction. Looking as it does, being where it is — appearing, really, from nowhere — it is not famous, not that many bookshops make it on to the A-list. But it is known worldwide among booksellers and collectors, among those with libraries and the strange sorts who dream of them which are rolled down too from Monday to Wednesday but Walden’s reputation comes from its stock Before the sign and the door is a courtyard that shouldn’t be rushed past filled with weather-beaten bookcases on wheels lined close beside each other (larger readers may want to take skinnier pals to do their searching) Paper signs held on with brown tape distinguish what each offers: poetry Russian literature and royalty from all times and places Afternoons browsing these can become meditative; there is something soothing about running a thumb over pages of ideas you might never have considered that theories long forgotten are resurrected through reading There can be a sense of uncovering artefacts Perhaps that’s the scent of book-binding glue addling the mind every now and again there’s something not magic but bafflingly obscure You think: who convinced the publisher to print this David Tobin began Walden Books, and still runs it now. Before Walden opened, he ran a book stall at Hampstead Community Centre and made a living gardening. He was 26 at the time. That it is not called Tobin Books is elucidative of Tobin; his shop is not an ego trip. It is unsurprising that it was not him but Jeff Bezos who made billions selling books online (though Walden has sold online for almost 25 years) His shop is named after Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden It is about the two years Thoreau spent in a cabin in Massachusetts Ask Tobin and he might say Thoreau is a reminder about the importance of ensuring work does not define a life There are other things to be concerned with But it is worth asking Tobin; he is a man who seems to enjoy pithily talking through titles Some book dealers are imperious gatekeepers Tobin is the sort to usher anyone over the threshold you might find sorts with furrowed brows and fierce determination running their fingers along spines in search of who-knows-what But on the weekends the shop is a beacon for others — the young in their year-round corduroy but those too who come just to walk among the floor-to-ceiling shelves And beside the oddities are racks and rows of fiction paperbacks starting at barely any money at all alongside out-of-print hardbacks and first editions These start at perhaps 50p and never seem to get much above £50; £100 goes a long way here In a glass cabinet sit the rarities — not just the big names in old dust jackets but treasures from another time Books not just from the 20th century but the 17th too On its shelves are bound countless records of feelings and theories These books record history and are history themselves Walden Books, 38 Harmood Street, NW1 8DP, waldenbooks.co.uk Recreation Services Superintendent with Cedar Rapids joined Iowa's News Now to discuss the opening of Old MacDonald's Farm for the 2025 season for the "Chalk the Farm" Celebration in Bever Park The event is open to people of all ages to help decorate the farm’s sidewalks with creative chalk art and visitors are encouraged to make their mark as part of this festive opening day tradition Admission is free, but a minimum donation of $1 is appreciated. To learn more about Old MacDonald's Farm, click here. DSDHA has won approval for a student housing-led scheme Backed by developer Regal the redevelopment of 100 Chalk Farm Road in north London will provide 265 student bedrooms 24 affordable homes and nearly 900m² of ground-floor commercial space have been designed to pay ‘homage to the historical context of the area’ The 1846 Grade II*-listed Roundhouse is a former railway turntable shed-turned-venue which was overhauled by John McAslan + Partners in 2006 The 0.3ha site currently houses three empty 1970s office blocks which are linked but neither owned nor run by the Roundhouse The proposed scheme will be set back from Chalk Farm Road ‘creating more footpath space for pedestrians and improving crowd management for the Roundhouse’ The team claims the scheme will be one of the first UK purpose-built student accommodation projects to achieve WELL Platinum accreditation planning director at Camden-based developer Regal said: ‘We've worked hard to strike the right chord on this special site next to such an iconic performance venue and are very proud to be able to bring forward proposals that reflect the spirited history of Camden town.’ ongoing redevelopment projects in the area A stone’s throw from the Chalk Farm Road site, work is underway on the major Camden Goods Yard scheme masterplanned by Allies and Morrison with buildings by Piercy & Company and Níall McLaughlin Architects The 600-home development replaces a Morrisons supermarket and petrol filling station Construction on 100 Chalk Farm Road is due to start next year Tags Tokyo-based architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA chatted to the… Skyscraper expert SimpsonHaugh has submitted plans for a 50-storey and a 25-storey… MVRDV and Mecanoo are among five finalists vying to design… Squire & Partners has finally won planning Installation shows how non-human animal farming exploits female reproductive organs Friday, 30th August 2024 — By Caitlin Maskell A metal farming crate will be set up by Stephanie Lane  A CAGE is being set up in Chalk Farm so people can get in and experience what it is like to be a pig held in a claustrophobic metal farming crate The farrowing crate exhibition created by artist Stephanie Lane is being held at the Koppel Collective in Adelaide Road There will also be examples of tools used in pig farming at the exhibi- tion and audio from an actual pig farm to convey what it would be like if humans were held in these conditions The idea is to raise awareness of the terrible treatment of sows in UK farms Ms Lane said: “I have found that with all non-human animal farming through all the different ways their reproductive systems are exploited and I find that there is a correlation between non-human females and human females in that sense particularly when the mothers are kept in the crates unable to move just imagining a human mother experiencing that would be unacceptable “There will be a woman in the crate the entire time and then there will be a window of time for guests and members of the public to take part where each per- son can get in the crate and experience it “A lot of people who are coming have never heard of this or of pig farming so it will be a really powerful way for them to experience that.” Ms Lane has a back- ground in photography and film directing and has worked on projects with Unicef and the UN drawing attention to the brutalities of the fish trade She said the aim of the exhibition was to shock the public with the hope that they think twice about what goes on their plates and the bigger picture of the pig farming industry She said: “It shocks me that this is happening in real life “I’m an advocate for animal rights but also an advocate for human rights To be honest there are things happening to humans that aren’t so far away from this already and even the humans that are working in this industry are suffering in their own ways as well “So it’s not just a plea for what’s happening to non-humans but for people to consider the whole picture of what we’re supporting I think it’s crucial that we take a minute to learn about it and understand it on a deeper level “We’re so used to just consuming pigs and seeing them on our plate we don’t really relate to them or understand them as being sentient beings so I think for humans to be able to experience even a tiny amount of this is probably the most profound way they will be able to consider what happens.” a ticketed event in Chalk Farm on Saturday evening will go on a tour of the UK from September to December to Birmingham and Bristol before returning to London Sarah died in November last year at Chalk Farm underground station we are devastated about Sarah’s untimely death Sarah told her Dad that she wanted to be an artist Most children would give up on these dreams worked hard and attended Loughborough University and the Royal College of Art She was an internationally recognised artist and had just returned from South Korea where her work was being exhibited at the Burberry store She was on the rise to stardom exhibiting in Berlin Sarah’s work had been exhibited across the world and she was described as a “talented sincere and original artist” with her work depicting abstract nature no accolade given to Sarah would ever make up for how immensely proud we were of her for just being her – humble It took 2 days for Sarah to be found after she was reported missing This was the absolute worst time for our family as we searched for Sarah We were heartbroken when Sarah was found on the tracks at Chalk Farm station 48 hours after she went missing we have questions regarding the safety of TfL’s platforms and stations We do not feel that anyone has investigated our daughter’s death properly No family should have to lose someone in these circumstances This will aim to identify the medical cause of Sarah’s death and hopefully answer when Transport for London are a very large organisation who have their own legal representation as we have never had to go through anything like this before The first Pre-Inquest Review will be held on 11 February 2025 This is a court hearing that will deal with the next steps to ensure that the ultimate inquest is managed effectively We need specialist legal representation in order to make the most of the opportunity to find out what happened to Sarah In order to fund the specialist legal representation at the inquest We want to make sure every stone is unturned in our search for the truth about what happened to Sarah The little we have been told so far has been totally shocking As a family we ask how this could have been allowed to happen at a major tube station on the London Underground We ask you to share this campaign with your networks This may increase as the inquest progresses and we cannot tell you how much she is missed There are no public comments on this case page Family says more could have been done to prevent Sarah Cunningham's death in Northern Line tunnel Thursday, 10th April — By Caitlin Maskell THE family of a woman who died on the tube tracks called on Transport for London for “swift and strong action” to improve the safety of those travelling on their network was a talented artist who was found in Chalk Farm tube three days after being reported missing on November 1 An inquest into Ms Cunningham’s death was held at Poplar Coroner’s Court yesterday (Wednesday) After coroner Mary Hassell determined the death to be accidental read a statement on behalf of the family outside the court She said: “The family appreciates that Sarah made decisions that left her in a vulnerable situation that night This does not take away from how badly she was let down by the people and procedures that should have been there to help her We believe that there were multiple chances that night for interventions which could have saved Sarah’s life The family’s solicitor Leigh Day partner Thomas Jervis added: “Sarah’s family believe she was seriously let down by Transport for London should be able to expect their safety as a bare minimum when travelling on the TfL network “Sarah’s family are calling on TfL to take swift and strong action to ensure that what happened to Sarah could not happen to anyone else.” outside the coroner’s court in Poplar During the conclusion of the inquest Ms Hassell said: “She had become so terribly intoxicated she jumped onto the tracks and did not intend to take her life She didn’t know what she was doing or where she was going.” The court heard TfL had recently released a report with recommendations on how they will be reviewing safety on the tube network after Ms Cunningham’s death Ms Hassell felt that the report “seemed aspirational and lacking in concrete plans” The New Journal reported concerns about the lack of safety barriers in tube stations following the artist’s death Ms Hassell read a written statement from Ms Cunningham’s father Edward describing her as “friendly adding: “When she was in primary school she said she would be a famous artist – the proudest moment was at her Master’s graduation ceremony I thought about all the studying she had done and all she had achieved Posters were distributed across Camden after Ms Cunningham could not be traced last November The inquest heard that before her death Ms Cunningham had just returned home from a trip to South Korea and had complained of being jet lagged to friends on November 1 at King’s Cross Station at 8pm before the group travelled to an Airbnb booking they were staying at in Jamestown Road Ms Cunningham went back to the flat with one friend where they had another drink until around 2.45am But Ms Cunningham’s mood then dramatically changed and she left the apartment CCTV seen at the inquest showed Ms Cunningham at Chalk Farm Tube station on the southbound platform before walking through a passage to the northbound platform where a train had just left She was then seen lowering herself onto the tracks before disappearing into the tunnel heading south Police Inspector Mark Summerfield said that Ms Cunningham’s death was classified as “unexpected but not suspicious” It was approximately 15 minutes until the next train was due on that platform had a master’s degree from The Royal College of Art in 2022 where she won the Ali H Alkazzi Scholarship Award Her work had been exhibited all over the world and she had recently returned to London from an exhibition in Seoul TfL’s chief operating officer said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Sarah Cunningham We recognise the important role our staff play in protecting customers from harm and we will always take action to learn from incidents and improve operational safety.” Watch our online politics channel, Peeps, on YouTube Investigation will look at whether she was able to walk into underground train tunnel Thursday, 7th November 2024 — By Caitlin Maskell FLOWERS were laid at Chalk Farm tube station this week after a talented artist was discovered on the tracks at the end of a tragic missing persons search an internationally recognised artist who police said had links to Camden and Wandsworth was described as a “force of nature” by her friends The New Journal understands from sources close to the investigation that the 31-year-old was seen on CCTV possibly walking into the tunnel southbound towards Camden Town after missing a train One potential line of the investigation is that she may have become disorientated and fallen in the tunnel before being hit by an oncoming train Her death comes at a time when campaigners are calling for better safety measures to be put in place on the tube network to protect passengers from injuring themselves on the tracks an artist and close friend who met Ms Cunningham at the Royal College of Arts whilst they were both doing their master’s degree there told the New Journal: “She was sweet and generous She is known for her paintings but she also wrote a lot of gorgeous poems I’m so glad of the time I got to spend in her excellent company many a time at the pub talking about life and art.” added: “She was a force of nature who cared deeply and was a really attentive friend who gave her time to you SEE ALSO ‘UNDERGROUND PLATFORMS MUST BE MADE SAFER’, SAYS WOMAN WHO LOST LIMBS IN TRACKS CRUSH had a degree from Loughborough University and a master’s degree from The Royal College of Art in 2022 where she won the Ali H Alkazzi Scholarship Award Her work had been exhibited all over the world Vancouver and she had recently returned to London from an exhibition in Seoul where Ms Cunningham had seen her work displayed for her first solo exhibition in London said in a statement: “Sarah was an incredibly talented intelligent and original artist who we all called a friend intuitive and pure with the raw power to immediately foster connections with others – qualities reflected in Sarah’s own indomitable character.” It added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah’s family We ask that everyone respect their privacy and allow them to mourn and celebrate her life Ms Cunningham was last seen in Jamestown Road A missing persons inquiry was launched by police and friends stuck up posters across Camden Town and beyond Appeals for sightings were also shared widely across social media Hope that she had been seen in Islington appeared to be a case of mistaken identity Appeal posters appeared all over Camden  Town Emergency services were called to Chalk Farm underground station shortly after 1am on Monday and police later confirmed a body had been recovered Officers said Ms Cunningham’s death is being treated as unexpected Campaigners have called for better safety measures to be introduced on the tube network including the kind of screens in place in some Jubilee Line stations in central London and which restrict access onto the track Costs are said to be the main factor for these not being introduced across the network A legal case is ongoing between Sarah de Lagarde a woman from Camden Town who survived after falling onto the Northern line tracks but lost two limbs over safety A TfL statement said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who died at Chalk Farm Underground station on November 4 The safety of our customers is our top priority and we continue to assist the police with their investigation.” A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: “The death is being treated as unexpected but at this time it is not thought to be suspicious.” A British Transport Police statement added: that “a file will be prepared for the coroner.” An inquest at St Pancras Coroner’s Court is expected Enquiries to establish his identity are ongoing Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories The body of a man has been pulled from Regent’s Canal in central London Emergency service crews recovered his remains in a stretch of water near London Zoo The Metropolitan Police said officers attended the canal in Chalk Farm at around 10am on Sunday They are trying to find out who the man is but are not treating his death as suspicious A force spokesman added: “Police were called at approximately 10am on Sunday, December 15 to reports of a body of a man found in Regent's Canal in Chalk Farm “Enquiries to establish the identity of the man are ongoing “At this early stage the incident is not being treated as suspicious.” Costs stand in way of getting Jubilee line station screens installed across the network Thursday, 7th November 2024 — By Tom Foot Sarah de Lagarde has launched a legal case A TUBE safety campaigner who lost her leg and arm after being hit by tube trains says AI tech announcements platform guards and protective screens should be installed in underground stations to stop people getting injured on the tracks Sarah de Lagarde, who lives in Camden Town, was speaking to the New Journal following the “unexpected” death of a talented painter Sarah Cunningham in Chalk Farm tube station in the early hours of Monday morning The circumstances are under investigation but the inquiry will look at whether she fell onto the tracks or walked into the tunnel who is in a legal battle with Transport for London over liability for her shocking life-changing injuries on the Northern Line said this week: “I’m totally heartbroken that these incidents keep happening In the US this would be classified as corporate manslaughter.” She said she had been contacted by hundreds of people who had suffered severe injuries on the tube tracks as part of her campaign to make the network a safer place for all Last month she held a press conference about what she described as a “TfL safety scandal” revealing statistics showing 22 people each month suffer life-altering injuries or die from accidents on the London Underground The New Journal has followed Ms de Lagarde’s story since the night in September 2022 when she injured herself after falling onto the tracks at High Barnet She has miraculously survived and – after being fitted with a futuristic bionic arm with AI tech and a prothetic leg – described herself as “80 percent human She fought back to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa her legal claim accuses TfL of a series of failings and calls for the authority to improve safety for all passengers who use the network SEE ALSO TRIBUTES TO ARTIST SARAH CUNNINGHAM AFTER TRAGIC END TO SEARCH Ms de Lagarde said: “In my view TfL needs to be held accountable ⁠TfL needs to admit these incidents are too frequent and wholly avoidable “⁠TfL needs to create platform guard jobs to help passengers at all stations ⁠TfL needs to employ AI alerts to protect commuters when in danger TfL needs to close the gap at all stations or put up screens/barriers Central government needs to step in to ensure all steps are implemented and give execution power to regulators to ensure punitive measures are taken ⁠Victims should be apologised to and compensated There should be ⁠mandatory safety training for all staff every six months.” She added: “Those safety changes would also prevent suicides There’s a company that offers AI-supported solutions to detect commuters in difficulty including audio and visual sensors that alert staff It’s an easy and cost-effective solution.” She said cost of bringing required safety changes on the tube should not be heaped on passengers through ticket price increases adding: “TfL need to provide tangible evidence that its culture is changed to be commuter-centric rather than focused on profit.” Responding to Ms de Lagarde’s safety campaign launch last month TfL’s chief safety officer Lilli Matson said: “We are committed to learning from every incident and use a rigorous evidence-based approach to this using data and incident reports to put in place changes through targeted programmes that make the transport network safer for everyone “Accurate reporting and transparency are a vital part of our industry-leading approach to safety and we are committed to making data publicly available Welcome to housingtoday.co.uk. This site uses cookies. Read our policy Trusted media brand of the Chartered Institute of Housing By 2024-09-12T10:32:00+01:00 Camden Council has unanimously approved Regal’s student accommodation-led residential development next to the iconic Roundhouse music venue in north London The redevelopment of 100 Chalk Farm Road will see four new blocks varying in height from 6 to 12 storeys built on the 0.3ha site opposite the Grade-II listed venue View of the planned development at Chalk Farm Road 30 affordable homes and nearly 11,000 sq ft of ground floor commercial space will be delivered as part of the scheme which was designed in collaboration with DSDHA planning director at Regal: “We have worked hard to strike the right chord on this special site next to such an iconic performance venue and are very proud to be able to bring forward proposals that reflect the spirited history of Camden town.  and we look forward to bringing our proposals to life.” The building will feature three drum-shaped elements featuring a striking facade adorned with horizontal bands and fluted panels.  director at DSDHA: “Our approved design for 100 Chalk Farm ensures that the neighbouring Roundhouse and the industrial heritage of the Regent’s Canal Conservation Area will be both celebrated and respected.  >>See also: Regal files plans for 1,600-home tower scheme on Thames “We’re pleased to be providing an enhanced public realm A shared residents garden with play space will be built at podium level The project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and the WELL Platinum ratings.  Construction is expected to commence later this year The student housing developer has received planning permission to deliver a 36-storey Student accommodation developer’s share prices drop as it says it is unlikely to close any further deals before the end of September Student housing and BTR specialist upbeat about future Changes such as lower costs to businesses and increased certainty around planning may incentivise further investment over next decade  Body calls for support for first time buyers New social homes and targeted supports help Greenwich make progress  Site powered by Webvision Cloud Friday, 16th August 2024 — By Dan Carrier A DEVELOPER hoping to build four tower blocks in Chalk Farm has been accused of using “sneaky” tactics to make it appear the scheme has widespread support Property group Regal has applied for permission to demolish the former offices of One Housing in Chalk Farm Road and replace it with four round towers up to 12 storeys high The homes will be used for students with a separate block designated for affordable housing But campaigners against the scheme say the scheme will radically alter Chalk Farm a series of letters responding to the developers consultation survey appear with an identical opening sentence expressing support A closer look at the letters show that many of them are actually messages of opposition who lives opposite and is representing leaseholders in the Chalk House block opposite said: “Adverts posted by Regal on social media had a series of leading titles like  ‘Support improved public realm at the Roundhouse’ or ‘Support new high-quality affordable homes on Chalk Farm Road.’ “These ads then lead you to a website which contains a survey asking why you support the plans This survey then sends your response to Camden’s planning department as a letter of support That shows a real disregard for the process and the people whose lives this project will affect significantly.” Developers Regal updated their application in May but residents say the changes are minor at best and ignore every important point raised Mr Mason added: “They have made one of the blocks taller and wider to squeeze in more flats They did some work on the facade and materials but the real problems – the overcrowding of the site and the excessive height – are still there.” Regal’s planning director Steve Harrington told the New Journal that the system that sent consultation responses to Camden automatically as letters of support was an error that had been fixed He added: “We felt having an online survey would generate more interest We did see a big response from people objecting but were registered at first as being supporters We held our hands up and put a stop to it when we realised.” Mr Harrington said the project had gone through numerous consultations including public meetings and conversations would continue as the scheme heads to Camden’s planning committee He added the height of 12 storeys had been designed to ensure the scheme was economically viable Mr Harrington added: “We decided on student homes as there is a huge shortage across London and that would make it less suitable for family homes They contribute to the area’s economy and release pressure locally on houses of multiple occupation.” He defended the unique design of the cylinder blocks adding: “It has allowed us to set the design back from the street Student housing has allowed us to be a little freer with the brief We have had a lot of discussion with Camden about what Chalk Farm needs – and we feel it needs a boost This gives us an opportunity to improve the public realm Couple say cycle lane outside the shop lost them customers Tuesday, 17th December 2024 — By Dan Carrier Michael and Thara Kenney have decided it’s time to retire WATCH OUR ONLINE POLITICS CHANNEL, PEEPS FOR many years a full-sized stuffed bison stood guard in Chalk Farm Road – advertising the renowned Reject Pot Shop The bison is sadly no longer there and the pot shop Owners Michael and Thara Kenney have decided it’s time to retire ending the four- decade-old business of providing usable seconds sourced from factories in the Potteries though Michael had used the store since 1976 He was working for a firm that sold high-end gifts like cigarette lighters cast in onyx and his business partner decided if they were going to be a nationwide distribution firm they should be based in the middle of the country – hence the choice of Stoke on Trent And it was while Michael worked in the traditional heart of Britain’s china industry he noted the amount of seconds available that were perfectly usable but being sold at knockdown prices When the late 1970s recession put paid to a business based on selling luxury lighters “The 750 shops we supplied stopped selling things Michael had made contacts with a firm who bulk sold his goods while he noted how Wedgewood had a successful factory seconds store When we first took on the space it was basically to store products to sell in London,” he explained “Chalk Farm Road wasn’t a shopping street back then and the store we took on was a motorbike repair garage.” with customers heading from Primrose Hill and Hampstead Michael enjoyed sourcing stock and would make a weekly trip to the Midlands look round the warehouses with seconds and pick out what we wanted When Michael got together with his wife Thara the shop’s range expanded to include all manner of kitchen must-haves Thara said: “It seemed crazy for people to come in and buy their china and then ask for other catering equipment and we just sent them elsewhere.” The shop has been closed over the past year while Michael It is open from Friday to Sunday – and the couple want to reduce their stock over Christmas before closing for good in January Michael added: “Trade recovered quite quickly after Covid but a new cycle lane right outside our shop has really affected us “People do not want to carry china home in bags on a bus or bike We have had customers from right across London in the past restaurants – the plates at Marine Ices were all provided by us for example.” The couple say they will miss the stock-buying trips and chatting with customers We had things people wanted so it was never a case of having to try and sell things People came in because they wanted something they knew we stocked.” And when the shutters come down for the last time the couple plan to embark on seeing the world something as self-employed shop-keepers they haven’t been able to indulge in as much as they would like Thara said: “We have family in Malaysia and the US who we want to visit – we will be doing a lot more travelling.” Ms Cunningham was last seen in Camden around 3am on Saturday A body has been found in the search for missing artist Sarah Cunningham Police had appealed for sightings or information about the 31-year-old who was reported missing after she was last seen around 3am on Saturday in Jamestown Road, Camden.​ emergency services were called to reports of a casualty on the tracks at Chalk Farm Underground Station “While we await formal identification, Sarah's family have been informed of this development,” said a Met police spokesperson “They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.​ “Officers from the Met are working with colleagues in the British Transport Police to look into the circumstances.​” The death is being treated as “unexpected” but is not currently thought to be suspicious London Ambulance Service spokesperson said it sent a number of resources to Chalk Farm Tube station around 1.10am “The first of our crews arrived in three minutes,” said a spokesperson “Our crews assisted our emergency services partners at the scene despite the best efforts of first responders Earlier unconfirmed reports suggested Ms Cunningham had been seen getting into a dark-coloured car shortly before she went missing Following Ms Cunningham’s disappearance her brother and members of the art community issued appeals on social media urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward Friends have paid tribute to the artist after the police discovery said on Facebook he was “completely shocked and heartbroken” and had known Sarah since they were “about 6” funny and a fantastically talented person.” Another wrote: “It was an honour to be able to be a part of the same art studio as her at Bohunk/Fishergate in Nottingham the contemporary art gallery in Edgware Road which represents Ms Cunningham paid tribute to her on Instagram as “an incredibly talented intelligent and original artist who we all called a friend” Hero off-duty Met officer injured after intervening in Luton shopping centre robbery Met Police prepare for busy weekend of protests 'I escaped prison to be upgraded to high security section' Take control of your wellbeing with these great products and services intuitive and pure with the raw power to immediately foster connections with others – qualities reflected in Sarah’s own indomitable character,” said the gallery “Our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah’s family an artist who has worked alongside Ms Cunningham “You will always be loved by so many that you touched through your creativity and kindness.” The Met police had previously issued a missing persons appeal on X including one of her in the black outfit she was last seen wearing also posted an urgent appeal on social media on Saturday “My sister Sarah Cunningham has been missing since 0230am in Camden Last seen leaving apartment building on Jamestown Road,” he wrote on X If you have any information please let me or the police know she has been officially reported as missing.” urging: “If anyone has any information on her whereabouts or has seen or heard anything then please let myself or the police know.” Lisson Gallery says on its website Ms Cunningham was born in Nottingham in 1993 and went on to receive a masters in painting from the Royal College of Art in 2022 Her work has since been exhibited in Berlin, Los Angeles, Aspen, and Vancouver. Her most recent Instagram post was made on October 26 when she posted photos of her visiting the Burberry store in Seoul where her work was exhibited alongside that of two other contemporary British artists and concerned members of the public had posted messages hoping for her safe return “There is a world of people that you don’t know nor they you “We’re all rooting for your safe return,” wrote another. Thursday, 27th March — By Dan Carrier  FREE, SIMPLE-TO CANCEL  30-DAY TRIAL OF AUDIBLE PONDERING his future in his Swiss Cottage garden Sir Torquil Norman came up with a new idea: a toy called The Big Yellow Teapot is known for buying the derelict Roundhouse in Chalk Farm and creating a globally renowned creative arts charity that hosts established stars and provides training for tens of thousands of young people worked in banking and then joined a toy manufacturer he stepped aside and pottered in his Avenue Road backyard while he decided what came next He loved the idea but he knew he couldn’t set up a firm with just one product He recalled: “Margaret Thatcher had hugely increased the price of school lunches More and more children were taking their lunch into school in plastic bags I thought they would much prefer something with a great character like Superman on it than a plastic bag.” and he would go on to design the celebrated Polly Pocket dolls while in the bath that he came up with the idea of buying the Roundhouse He had read an article in the New Journal about the uncertain future the railway shed faced A cash offer of £3million was hungrily accepted “I did it without any form of due diligence beyond my wandering around the smelly He found a further £30m to convert the building into the perform­ing arts centre it is today His father Henry was an Air Commodore who died in a plane crash while helping plan the invasion of Sicily in World War Two He recalled his father flying him aged five to Austria in a Leopard Moth aeroplane to help him recover from TB: a keen pilot sent Torquil and his brother Desmond to stay with cousins in the USA during the war He returned at the end of the war and studied at Eton Torquil joined the Fleet Air Arm as a National Serviceman He had to rely on friendly officers to gain admission – he was three inches taller than the 6ft 2 maximum He would later cheat death when forced into a crash-landing on the deck of HMS Illustrious He recalled a summer working as a logger and pipeline layer in Canada He took part in the famous Oxford-Cambridge boat race – and won He continued to own aeroplanes and recalled flying to pre-Castro Cuba on breaks It was while learning to parachute in Massachusetts that he met an English woman called Anne He would say: “She was without doubt the most beautiful woman I had ever seen I fell in love with her instantly but it took many nights dancing and generally having a wonderful time to persuade her to marry me.” The couple moved back to London and set up home in Avenue Road but wasn’t ready to spend his days flying vintage planes Torquil and Anne had put a third of their shares in Bluebird into a charitable trust he saw The Roundhouse as a vehicle for change “We felt young people had received a lousy deal,” he recalled “I remember as a young man after the war thinking the country could only get better It was clear my life had been especially privileged “During the intervening years the gap between the rich and poor has grown ever wider and all around us so many young people with so much potential have been poorly educated remained in poverty  and suffer all the problems related to that.” responsibility and the feeling of belonging in generous ways,” he would say “We have to inspire young people to become creative: rather than watching their pop idols on TV playing computer games and feeling excluded We know this because we have done it over and over again.” Roundhouse chief executive Marcus Davey recalls a man who was inspirational to many and a man who never took anything at face value He said: “He was determined and persistent He had a huge heart that radiated goodness He had a vision to support young people who had not been given the opportunity to develop their skills “He saw that the government had been selling off playing fields and the opportunities for creativity on the curriculum were diminishing.” Mr Davey added: “He saw it as a situation he just had to do something about.” Check if you already have access from your company or university With a MRW subscription you’ll get access to: 10 Feb 2025 By Already registered? please Log in to continue Try Property Week For Free to finish this article To access this article TRY FOR FREE NOW Don't want full access? 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SIGN IN here to continue Property Week’s 2025 Power of Proptech survey seeks to explore the robustness of this digital infrastructure and how prepared businesses are to meet the technological challenges facing the property sector Two ‘trap and drag’ incidents linked to automatic train system on Northern Line A 101-year-old Tube passenger required hospital treatment for serious injuries suffered when her coat became trapped in train doors that closed as she attempted to get off a Northern line service The incident, which happened at Archway station in February last year, was followed two months later by a similar incident at Chalk Farm station Full details emerged on Thursday when the Rail Accident Investigation Branch issued a report and made four recommendations to London Underground to improve safety the elderly passenger suffered “serious injuries” after being dragged for 2m along the platform had to be put on a stretcher to be taken to the ticket hall and was then taken by ambulance to hospital The so-called “trap and drag” incidents happened in February 18 and April 20 last year The RAIB said the Northern line’s automatic train operating system – which just requires the driver to open and close the doors but which “drives” the train via a computer programme – may have been a factor The Archway incident happened around 3.50pm when the elderly passenger was exiting the fifth carriage of the northbound train via a single door causing the coat to break free of the door The train travelled 20m before the driver became aware of the situation and slammed on the brakes The report said: “The passenger was still alighting from the train when the door closed on them They managed to pull themselves free but the coat they were wearing became trapped in the door “The passenger and their companion both realised that the coat was trapped and tried to pull it free but were unable to do so They both believed that the train operator would be able to see them and would open the doors to release the coat.” Driver did not realise Flying Scotsman was about to crash – report Contactless train ticketing is expanding to 45 more London commuter stations in 2025 Meet the triathlete breaking new ground for Deaf athletes The report said the incident happened “because the train’s door control system did not detect the presence of the coat trapped in the door” It said: “Although the train operator was aware of the passenger and their companion “The train operator was not aware that the pilot light could still illuminate with something trapped in closed doors.” The Archway train driver had previously been involved in a safety-related incident in 2021 when a passenger was momentarily caught in the doors while trying to board their train the passenger was dragged along the platform for 20m before falling to the ground when the coat became free The passenger suffered minor injuries and psychological distress The train driver was unaware what was happening and did not stop The Northern line trains are built and maintained for London Underground by Alstom Both were six-carriage trains from the line’s 1995 stock The Chalk Farm incident happened just after 11pm when a passenger was attempting to board the rear carriage of a southbound train The passenger stopped as the doors were closing but their coat became trapped in the doors The driver “had also experienced a previous platform-train interface (PTI) incident in 2019” It said: “The train travelled for approximately 20m until the coat became free and the passenger fell to the ground “The train operator was unaware of the accident and continued the journey The passenger sustained minor physical injuries to their left elbow and both knees and psychological distress.” the train’s door control system did not detect the presence of the trapped coat The RAIB said the systems for managing the safety of passengers moving between train and platform were “not sufficiently effective at controlling the risks to passengers by getting their clothing trapped in closing doors” such incidents are rare - occurring about once every four million journeys The watchdog made four recommendations and thee “learning points”, including ensuring drivers are aware that the “pilot light” on doors may not alert them to trapped clothing London Underground is required to review its understanding of the risk posed in such situations consider whether there should be a minimum amount of time for trains to “dwell” in stations and whether the environment in the driver’s cab influences attention and awareness London Underground was also castigated for not alerting the RAIB to the incidents The RAIB, which only found out in May last year, said the Archway incident should have been flagged immediately as it involved a serious injury. London Underground had only alerted the Office of Rail and Road London Underground’s director of customer operations said: “The safety of our customers and staff is at the heart of everything we do and we were extremely concerned that two customers were injured at Archway and Chalk Farm last year “London Underground is consistently recognised as one of the safest metro systems in the world “However we are not complacent and we welcome the recommendations from the RAIB’s report and we are in the process of implementing them.” The Farrier in Camden closed late last year but it hasn't taken long for another new pub to spring up in its place The Dark Horse takes over the site in the old Camden stable area and also happens to come from the same people as Le Bab.  The food won't be a repeat of Le Bab or Kebab Queen as it'll instead focus on traditional pub classics So you can expect their own take on fish & chips they'll have a full English breakfast on the menu and will Starting off 2025 with a trend that's bound to continue it's also being billed as a "listening pub" that means they'll have live music performances and will go big on supporting newer artists.  Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @darkhorsecamden Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy View on Google maps About us  |  Contact Us  |  RSS Feed  |  Site directory  |  Privacy policy  |  Log in/out Join 50,000 other Londoners getting exclusive news and restaurant offers from Hot Dinners. Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy See our previous newsletters here THE last known movements of a missing artist have been revealed as her body was found hours after a 'woman in a black Vauxhall' was spotted Cops confirmed Sarah Cunningham's body was discovered at Chalk Farm Underground Station, near Camden Town, London The 31-year-old disappeared on Jamestown Road in Camden, North London She was last seen leaving a block of flats wearing a black outfit Emergency services were called out to reports of a casualty at the London Underground station in the early hours of this morning The Metropolitan Police said her death is being treated as "unexpected" but is "not thought to be suspicious." Jamie Klingler, co-founder of the Reclaim These Streets group said: "She was last seen in Camden around 3am getting into a dark Vauxhall with a male with long dark hair and heading to Islington. "Were you the driver? Did you see them? Did you see them get out of the vehicle in Islington?" But, the Met Police confirmed they do not believe this woman was Sarah. and wrote: "Thank you to everyone that helped spread the word Please respect her family’s privacy at this time." A spokesperson for the force said: "Police had appealed for sightings or information about Sarah Cunningham who was reported missing after she was last seen at around 03:00hrs on Saturday November 4 emergency services were called to reports of a casualty on the tracks at Chalk Farm Underground Station "While we await formal identification Sarah's family have been informed of this development "They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time "Officers from the Met are working with colleagues in the British Transport Police to look into the circumstances "The death is being treated as unexpected but at this time it is not thought to be suspicious." Sarah's work has been included in exhibitions in Germany, Canada the US The 5ft 3in painter had an exhibition at the Lisson Gallery between June and July Several celebrities have appealed for help including comedian Noel Fielding who shared a picture of Sarah on Instagram Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ The Sunday TimesHope dwindled in the hours that crept by after Sarah Cunningham went missing Her anguished family and friends kept looking for almost two days she received a message confirming that Sarah had been found dead on the northbound Northern Line track about 250ft beyond Chalk Farm Tube station entered the tunnel and was killed by the next About 700 trains passed through before her body was retrieved in the early hours of November 4 “The first thing you feel is complete disbelief,” says Beccy About us | Advertise with us | Contact us Posted: 28 June 2024 | | No comments yet The RAIB report highlights critical safety failures on the Northern line after two ‘trap and drag’ incidents at Archway and Chalk Farm stations urging London Underground Limited to enhance risk mitigation and operator training The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has announced that it has released a report on two ‘trap and drag’ incidents at Archway and Chalk Farm stations on the Northern line earlier in 2024 The first incident occurred on 18 February 2023 at 15:50 at Archway station A passenger exiting a Northern line train had their coat trapped in the door resulting in the passenger being dragged for about 2m before falling The train travelled another 20m before stopping RAIB found that the door control system failed to detect the trapped coat and the train operator did not realize it before departure The second incident happened on 20 April 2023 at 23:03 at Chalk Farm station Another passenger’s coat became trapped as they attempted to board and they were dragged for 20 meters before falling the train operator was unaware of the accident and continued the journey The passenger sustained minor injuries and psychological distress Key findings from the RAIB investigation include: GTR invests £2.5 million to combat rising antisocial behaviour towards staff RAIB issued four recommendations to London Underground Limited: Additionally, RAIB emphasised three key learning points: These recommendations and learning points highlight the need for immediate action by London Underground Limited to enhance passenger safety and prevent future incidents , By No comments yet All subscriptions include online membership giving you access to the journal and exclusive content By By Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a7d2dcd5bcf00c66895e22b6dc85b982" );document.getElementById("j0f0bb4fb4").setAttribute( "id" Write for us | Advertise with us Global Railway Review is published by: Russell Publishing Ltd.Court LodgeHogtrough HillBrasted © Russell Publishing Limited Website development by e-Motive Media Limited Worker killed on Goods Yard redevelopment project Friday, 31st May 2024 — By Tom Foot CAMPAIGNERS are holding a vigil today(Friday) for a man killed while working on one of Camden’s biggest construction sites The Health and Safety Executive said it had launched a full probe with the Met Police following the tragedy at the Camden Goods Yard site in Juniper Crescent The New Journal understands the man was working for a grounds maintenance company sub-contracted by lead construction firm St George to Tarmac roads when he was crushed by a hydraulic machine next to an open public footpath Distraught colleagues watching on as a horrific scene played out behind a police cordon on Friday around 4.30pm described him as an experienced worker who was looking forward to playing football with his work pals at the weekend secretary of the London Hazards Centre constructions safety campaign group said: “This wider picture with construction safety at the moment is absolutely desperate “We have organised so many vigils in recent years it has become painfully routine And the thing that really wears people down is there is no prospect of things getting better Emergency vehicles on the day of the tragedy Mr Ballard added: “The HSE consistently reported that a third of all workplace fatalities are construction workers It is fairly rare for construction death on a site with union representation although this is not always the case when it comes to sub-­contractors.” Unite said it was too early to comment on the specifics of the case but the union is understood to be sending a representative or statement to the vigil at midday on Friday had been set up in the freshly laid road between the Berkeley Homes’ “sales and marketing suite” and the Juniper Crescent housing estate The massive project – an overhaul of land once home to Morrison’s supermarket – includes more than 400 private new- builds targeted at affluent home-owners and renters and another 203 homes classed as “affordable” Tenants warned that the death happened on a footpath widely used by hundreds of people living in the neighbouring estate which is facing a separate regeneration scheme led by Riverside who has lived in Juniper Crescent for 30 years said: “Someone has died and I’m really sad for the person You can’t imagine what they are feeling after seeing that The bigger question is: why is this heavy machinery being brought into the public area while the footpath is open “That could have been any of us coming out of the estate “Where is the council in this in the development Are they checking that all regulations are being met Do they care what Camden Goods Yard is doing The Camden Goods Yard scheme includes 644 homes of which 203 will be affordable office and workspace for start-ups and light industrial workshops There will also be a “new urban rooftop farm and restaurant” The scheme has contributed more than £10m towards community projects including the Pirate Castle and Castlehaven Community Association Three hundred trees are being planted and three acres of public space is being including in the final plans The New Journal contacted the grounds works maintenance firm contracted by St George on the site for comment but did not receive a response as of yesterday (Wednesday) a company with machines at the site that day said it was “supporting the Health and Safety Executive to help establish the circumstances of this incident” They added: “We will make no further comment while the investigation is ongoing Our thoughts and sympathies are with the friends and family of the deceased.” A St George spokesperson said: “A fatal accident occurred outside our site on May 24 Staff onsite rushed to help the victim but were unable to do so Our deepest condolences go to the victim’s family and friends We are assisting the police with their enquiries into the accident.” A HSE spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident and are jointly undertaking enquiries with the Metropolitan Police Service.” The Met Police said: “Police and ambulance service were called at around 4.30pm on May 24 to Juniper Crescent following an accident on a construction site A man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene Investigations are ongoing and the relevant authorities informed A Camden Council spokesperson said: “This is a very sad incident and our thoughts go out to all those that knew this person The Health and Safety Executive are currently leading on investigations and we will continue to support them with this.” How the Age of Steam informed our neck of the woods is the subject of a new book Thursday, 19th September 2024 — By Dan Carrier SPARE a thought for the nightwatch-man on the London-to-Birmingham line The job meant being stationed at the Chalk Farm goods depots and keeping a sharp eye With thousands of pounds of goods stored in bonded sheds it offered tempting rich pickings to the desperate But it wasn’t just light-fingered locals the nightwatchman was looking out for Livestock were a vital part of the freight brought in on the new line and included cattle landings at Camden Town A new book by historian Peter Darley outlines the incredible story of Camden’s railways – and describes how a part of our neighbourhood was built and the impact it had He explains how the London-to-Birmingham railway line was built and came into Camden Town “The animals in their excitement often escaped onto the main line charging the trains,” he quotes a contemporary report from 1839 as saying And it wasn’t just cows the unfortunate nightwatchman had to worry about: “A sharp watchman once found a bear that had escaped from Euston Peter is the founder of the Camden Town Railway Heritage Society and has surveyed and researched the infrastructure around us that has been in place long enough to feel as old the hills He had recently stepped back from full-time work and instead was enjoying freelance jobs and taking the time to explore a neighbourhood he had lived in for may years but had always been too busy to fully get to know “I live very close to the Primrose Hill portal I came across and immediately thought: why is the finest structure in the area so hidden and so little known?” Peter’s career as a surveyor and engineer took him to Aberdeen and the North Sea oil industry after graduating regarding the future of a canalside warehouse once used by Muppets creator Jim Henson It led to the heritage trust forming with the aim of documenting the industrial history and opening it up Peter has created a complete study of the history of the railways in Camden Town and is the basis of the new book It begins in 1830 with the formation of the London and Birmingham Railway Company: 20 years earlier The Regent’s Canal had opened and goods were making stately journeys along it But the Age of Steam was rapidly catching up The Stockton-to-Darlington railway had opened and tracks were being laid across the country – and London and the UK’s second city required a link George Stephenson and son were appointed as civil engineers and Peter walks the reader through the options they considered the surveys they did and the painful obstacles they needed to overcome – often financial and legal as well as in the construction with muscle power being as important as steam Up to 12,000 men were employed to build the L&BR at its peak and it was dark “Yet navvies could be highly disciplined and relished the challenge of hard and difficult work the work was dangerous and injuries and fatalities were accepted as inevitable Every mile of the L&BR cost an average of three lives with a far higher toll when it came to tunnels and cuttings.” The stretch of line that first caught Peter’s attention was notorious Great Wall of Camden from ‘Bison at Chalk Farm’ “The treacherous nature of the land around Primrose Hill saw the tunnel there lead to many deaths – and the Chalk Farm Tavern was where the bodies of unfortunate navvies would be taken,” he adds It took 21 days to recover the final body.” The railways brought along with them a raft of new technologies going to be welcomed into Euston station with a steam-producing engine at the helm a winding house was built that would take the carriages down the slope to the new station and up again without covering the well-heeled land owner’s homes in soot This in itself was a sign of their problem-solving approach The issue of how operators at both ends of the line could talk to each other was approached by inventors Fothergill Cooke and Professor Wheatstone They hit upon an idea that was a rudimentary intercom system “The device had been patented the previous month and on June 25 1837 Professor Wheatstone sat in a small room in Euston station and Robert Stephenson and Fothergill Cooke sat in Camden Town “Two copper wires were laid between Euston and Camden and the two quiet inventors placed themselves at either end and conversed.” Peter’s work reveals everything from the fact they used hemp ropes imported from Russia to pull the locomotives to the vital economic role of horses – and how they were cared for stabling was crucial and across Camden Lock and the markets are the signs of their original purpose And the decline of horsepower is a recent scandal: as recently as 1948 200,000 horses in London were put down – 40 per cent of them under three years old is told: “Created in 1857 as an importer of inexpensive wine it established warehouses and businesses in the West End,” Peter reveals They soon outgrew their central HQ and struck a deal to take on the Roundhouse and the Pickfords shed They would stay in the area for the next 100 years Business was such that Gilbeys stored four million litres of alcoholic drinks on site – and their international reputation saw thousands of gallons of their gin smuggled into Prohibition America It gave them a leading market share when the booze ban was finally lifted Peter’s history has the level of detailed research an academic or researcher would require combined with the human stories that make his work both informative A fulsome history of a world hidden by the passing years • Chalk Farm Railway Lands: A Guided Tour 1830 to 2030 Look out for your first newsletter 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London this adventure game spin-off of the beloved computer game series is a not dissimilar idea to ‘The Crystal Maze’ albeit with a pretty distinct identity of its own. Teams of two to eight begin the show as archaeology students in Finland minding your own business digging stuff up Then you receive a message from the actual Lara Croft (ie a pre-recorded Alicia Vikander) asking you to help save the world by solving a lot of puzzles in a lot of mocked-up exotic locations but you probably won't get to shoot anyone dead with one pistol Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us A MAN'S body has been pulled from a canal near to a popular park today Police and emergency services recovered the body from Regent's Canal in Chalk Farm Cops attended the stretch of water just north of central London at around 10am The force said they are trying to find out who the man is and aren't treating the death as suspicious A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at approximately 10:00hrs on Sunday 15 December to reports of a body of a man found in Regent's Canal in Chalk Farm "Enquiries to establish the identity of the man are ongoing the Metropolitan Police confirmed on November 4th Cunningham went missing in the early hours of November 2nd in north London and her family contacted the police regarding her whereabouts later that day the Metropolitan Police informed the Cunningham’s that they had discovered a body in the search at the Chalk Farm Tube station the body discovered by authorities is yet to be confirmed as Cunningham The artist had been on a night out with friends on the evening before she went missing On November 2nd, Cunningham’s brother, Anthony Cunningham, shared an appeal online at 5:31pm, which read, “My sister Sarah Cunningham has been missing since 2.30am in Camden Last seen leaving apartment building on Jamestown Road she has been officially reported as missing.” The post by Anthony Cunningham has been seen more than half a million times on X with people encouraged to share any relevant information the Metropolitan Police have shared an update on the search after discovering a body at Chalk Farm Sarah’s family have been informed of this development.” The Metropolitan Police continued: “They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time Officers from the Met are working with colleagues in the British Transport Police to look into the circumstances The death is being treated as unexpected but at this time it is not thought to be suspicious.” Cunningham’s art is internationally renowned, having been exhibited everywhere in major cities across the globe. The artist had recently returned from South Korea due to her work being showcased by leading luxury fashion house Burberry in Seoul has just concluded a run at the Lisson Gallery in Los Angeles the Nottingham-born artist explained the message behind the exhibition “I imagine myself in flight when I am painting The paintings are journeys between the space of my body and the space of the outside.” Cunningham’s I will look into the earth won the Djanogly Art Award and the Ali H which provided her with a platform to complete her studying Cunningham graduated from the Masters from the Royal College of Art in 2022 took place at the Lisson Gallery in London last year