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So I've been thinking that Stoke Newington should have a signature
tune, you know like a National Anthem. Everyone who lives here says 'there's nowhere like
Stokey', so let's put our feelings into a song and call it the Official Anthem of Stoke
Newington or the 'S****y Ditty', for short. We could make sure it gets taught at school
and it could be played at closing time in all the pubs across the area. Everyone has to
stand up and sing it and, if you don't, you don't get last orders.
Once we get the anthem established, then we can apply for independence from the UK. 'So
what right do you have to claim independence from the sovereignty of the United Kingdom
and set yourselves up as The People's Republic of the Independent State of Newington
Stoke?' 'Well, we've got our own song.' 'Ohright'. It will be the tune played at every
main Stoke Newington event, like the grand state opening of the new Clissold Café in 2005
and the beginning and end of the Stoke Newington festivaldoh.
Basically we need YOU, the potential citizens of The People's Republic of the Independent
State of Newington Stoke (PRISONS) to come up with ideas on how it will work. So I took to
the streets, I came amongst you, to see what inspiration there was knocking about. Also
for any Christmas messages in this season of good will. Also to sign a few autographs and
kiss a few babies.
Andy, a musician, had this great lyric:
'Send it victorious, Stokey my Stokey,
Spent 200 grand on a flat that's very pokey'.
Good will message? 'Always buy batteries, 'cuz they're never included, are they?'.
Nice touch, Andy.
Bob, a civil servant, thought that it should sound strident and bombastic like a Benjamin
Britten tune, to make us feel patriotic towards the PRISONS. Geoff, a student, said that
it should definitely be produced by Missy Elliot. Good will message? 'Yeah, be nice to
each other, man'. (I've earmarked him as Home Secretary for our new state, by the way.)
Errol, seller of quality flowers and plants, thought that independence was a great idea,
as long as we don't use fences for borders, as there is an aromatic border of coffee and
dope that already exists.
Good will message? 'I discovered David Gray, you know. He used to come in my shop' !
Thanks, Errol.
Carla Nine, who works 'with computers', kinda hit the nail on the head with these genius
few lines:
'People round here, drink lots of beer,
I like Stokey, It's very folky'
And she said it should sound like The Smiths.
Esther, mother of James, reckons we should adapt the old Brotherhood of Man classic 'Tie a
Yellow Ribbon Round the Old STOKE Tree', with the rather poignant lyrics, 'get on the bus,
forget about us, don't put the blame on me'. Very sharp, Esther, like it. James favoured
'Tinkle tinkle likkul staar'. Bless.
And finally, Mags at Clissold Wines liked the idea of the Peoples Republic and said she
should be our leader because her initials are M.A.O. Well, I reckon that's a good enough
reason, unless anyone's got any objections.
She wrote some great lyrics as well:
'On Islington's doorstep Stoke Newington stands
The people who live here create their own land
We want Independence from Hackney and Ken
We had our own borough, we'll have it again.'
Wonderful, revolutionary stuff, there.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this. It looks like it might run and run, so send
all your ideas into N16 and before you know it, we might be saluting the PRISONS flag.
There has been a slight delay to the opening of the new venue I told you about in the last
edition of N16. Donagh told me that it is now scheduled to open at the start of the New
Year. Asked what plans he had for the opening party, he replied 'Party? Parties. We're
gonna have a month of 'em.' Well, that's my planned month of abstinence in January out the
window, then.
'Stokey, my Stokey'
A New Home for the Vortex
by Philippa Jones
Airports, Duke Ellington, the Babel label, and a rush to find a new building all add up
to the Vortex Jazz Foundation, and its members' zeal to promote one of Stokey's favourite
art forms in the world at large.
The airport connection comes from Tim Ward, a founder of the VJF, whose day job sees him
travelling the globe advising on airport systems. His passion for contemporary jazz has
him working with Oliver Weindling (owner of the Babel label), lawyer Melanie Weigang,
designer Kathy Ward, and ex-BBC radio producer Derek Drescher to secure a new future for
the Vortex in new premises.
The music at the Vortex is wonderful, says Tim, but, meet producers and broadcasters, and
mix with audiences. This informality and creativity has inspired the VJF to expand the
club's activities. The VJF have already set up high-profile jam sessions on Sundays
featuring the likes of Hans Koller and Gene Caldarazzo and drawing in brilliant unknowns
from London music colleges. They've also launched the Vortex Foundation Big Band with
trombonist Annie Whitehead leading some of Britain's best female jazz musicians.
'what's unique is the space it provides for musicians to develop
their talents'
Until March 2004 the club can stay in its existing premises. Thereafter
its new owner will re-develop the site. While the VJF are hunting for any suitable new
building, they particularly fancy the potential of a listed one. Somewhere like the old
fire station, or the gallery in Edward's Lane could embrace an arts venture, similar to
Lauderdale House in Highgate, that captures the spirit of the original building. A new
Vortex could offer a club programme, commission new work, award prizes and bursaries, and
provide teaching facilities, a studio, rehearsal rooms. It would be a jazz centre of
national significance.
If you know of likely buildings in the Stoke Newington and Hackney areas, then tell the
VJF. Any help lobbying Hackney Councillors would be welcome. Contributions to the VJF's
running costs can be sent to PO Box 25879, London, N5 2WJ. And do visit the web site: www.palay.ndirect.co.uk/vortex.jazz
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