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Post by Stephen Moore on Feb 26, 2007 11:10:07 GMT -5
Hello everyone. Excuse my bursting on here unannounced, but I'm a journalist trying to get in touch with Bill Orton or anyone on the committee for a comment on a story I'm writing. We go to press on Tuesday evening (Feb 27) and would need to speak to someone before then. I write for the Muswell Hill Journal in north London. The Clissold Arms, closed since late last year, has been taken over by new tenants who are keen to distance themselves from the pub's association with The Kinks, and turn it into a gastropub. Their license was granted last week and they are keen to open their new version of The Clissold Arms by the summer. This means the memorabilia - signed copy of The Kinks' debut single, various photos through the years, a plaque commemorating the venue as the first appearance of Ray and Dave Davies - could be taken down for good and auctioned off. As it is, the guitar that used to be displayed on the wall went "missing" with the last tenant, who went bankrupt last year. I would have thought someone on the committee would want to comment on these developments, and their thoughts on the future of the pub as a Kinks attraction. Could someone help to put me in touch with Bill or one of the committee members ASAP? I need to speak to them on the phone ideally. My office number is 020 8342 5777 but I would be happy to call anyone back. Thanks in advance, Stephen Moore Senior reporter Muswell Hill Journal www.muswellhilljournal.com
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Post by guest on Feb 26, 2007 11:49:05 GMT -5
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Post by Stephen Moore on Feb 26, 2007 12:33:03 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice, have taken all of it.
Still, if anyone is reading this who is a Kinks authority, get in touch! Particularly if they know the background of the guitar that used to be on display...
Best,
Stephen
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Post by Sean Anderson on Feb 26, 2007 13:29:18 GMT -5
I'm not a Kinks authority, but I believe that the Clissold Arms should be proud of its Kinks history and should do its very best to preserve it. The pub's history is a great attraction for Kinks fans and anyone who has a spark of interest. I think that if the memorabilia is removed, the popularity of the Clissold Arms could even decrease.
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Post by Guest on Mar 1, 2007 6:31:21 GMT -5
www.muswellhilljournal24.co.uk/content/haringey/muswellhilljournal/default/
www.muswellhilljournal24.co.uk/content/haringey/muswellhilljournal/news/story.aspx?brand=MHJOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsmhj&itemid=WeED28%20Feb%202007%2014%3A15%3A45%3A867
Kinks 'shrine' set to be dumped nlnews@archant.co.uk 01 March 2007
THE pub that hosted the first performance by Ray and Dave Davies - founders of legendary rock band The Kinks - could be stripped of its shrine to the band.
The new tenants of the Clissold Arms, in Fortis Green, Muswell Hill want to turn it into a fashionable gastropub when it re-opens in the summer.
And the tenants aim to distance themselves from the pub's rock 'n' roll history - perhaps even auctioning off the "museum" of Kinks memorabilia that has been displayed there for years.
The collection - including vinyl record and photographs donated by fans - is unlikely to fit the image they plan to cultivate for the pub.
The news has shocked and saddened Kinks fans across the world, some of whom make annual pilgrimages to the drinking hole.
Last year the Clissold Arms was named one of Britain's historic Pubs In Time, and even features in the lyrics of The Kinks' song Fortis Green.
The Davies brothers were raised in Muswell Hill, close to them pub. Ray Davies now lives in Highgate.
Kai Armann, co-editor of Norwegian fan website WhyKinks, who travels to the pub every year, said: "We don't understand why it is impossible to make good food in the current surroundings.
"We are shocked. This can't be true. Somebody has to stop them!"
Bill Orton, secretary of The Official Kinks Fan Club, said: "There will be a tinge of sadness to lose that link, and obviously there will be some interest in getting the memorabilia.
"Over the years the Davies brothers have still held family parties and birthday parties there, and they both think fondly of that place from their youth. The fact is that it is The Clissold Arms, and people will still go in and soak up the vibe."
The collection, worth around £1,000, includes a signed copy of Long Tall Sally, The Kinks' debut single, various Kinks records and sleeves, record company and press photos of the band, and a brass plaque etched with the words: "Site of 1957 performing debut of Ray and Dave Davies, founding members of The Kinks."
New licensee Caroline Jones, who outlined plans for "a quality, food-led establishment" to Haringey councillors at a licensing sub-committee meeting, said: "We haven't made a decision yet, to be perfectly honest. We have inherited it. It [the new pub] will be quite different, and it won't be the kind of place you would expect to see it. If it [getting rid of the memorabilia] is the case then an auction is the kind of thing we would do."
John Cryne, chairman of CAMRA's North London branch, which supported the Pubs In Time scheme, said: "To scatter it in the eBay environment and sell it around the world would be a bit sad."
Ray Davies, who visited the pub during his birthday in 2005, is in the United States and was unavailable for comment.
RAY DAVIES, leader of the legendary Muswell Hill band, The Kinks
THE Clissold Arms: has become a ""shrine"" for Kinks fans
HAVE YOUR SAY! Click the link to comment on this story;
www.muswellhilljournal24.co.uk/content/feed/commentOnArticle.aspx?brand=MHJOnline&category=news&itemid=WeED28+Feb+2007+14%3a15%3a45%3a867
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Post by Kai on Mar 4, 2007 14:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by Guest on Mar 21, 2007 16:00:44 GMT -5
www.muswellhilljournal24.co.uk/content/haringey/muswellhilljournal/news/story.aspx?brand=HCEJOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsmhj&itemid=WeED21%20Mar%202007%2015%3A58%3A48%3A523
Kinks brothers blast plans to strip pub of band's 'shrine' nlnews@archant.co.uk 21 March 2007
KINKS line-up (from left) Mick Avory, Dave Davies, Peter Quaife and Ray Davies
THE founding brothers of British guitar legends The Kinks have both spoken out against any move to strip the pub they first performed in of its shrine to the band.
In a world exclusive, Ray Davies told the Journal he was "genuinely disappointed" to read the so-called "Kinks Corner" in The Clissold Arms pub could be auctioned off when it gets turned into an upmarket gastro-pub.
THE CLISSOLD ARMS – home to the ""Kinks Corner
Brother Dave Davies asked: "Have they [the tenants] lost their dignity, sense of local history and English heritage?"
Both musicians got in touch with the Journal separately to oppose the loss.
The pub, on Fortis Green, Muswell Hill, has been closed since last year, but the Kinks Corner has attracted fans from around the world, who have been devastated by the news and bombarded the Journal with letters.
In an unprecedented move, Ray wrote an open plea to the pub's new tenant Caroline Jones, director of Jobo Developments Ltd, urging her "to retain some sort of reference to The Kinks" where so much of their history is rooted.
Ray says when he first heard of the Kinks Corner he was "touched and very proud".
He wrote: "My brother and I grew up literally yards away in Denmark Terrace, and while much of our early music symbolised the revolutionary spirit of the 60s, we always referenced our community in albums such as Muswell Hillbillies and The Village Green Preservation Society.
"Many of my songs were drawn from characters I observed in the area."
Ray pledged to "do all I can to help" if the memorabilia, including rare signed vinyl and photographs donated by fans, gets the boot.
He added: "Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain; the Kinks and their music will always be inextricably linked with north London and the Fortis Green area in particular. Long after gastronomic styles have come and gone."
Ray's brother Dave had a dig at the "gastro-pub" image the new tenants say isn't compatible with its rock'n'roll history, adopting a mock-French accent at one point.
He added: "Why on Earth can't they have their posh gastro grub and still keep a part of it for tourists, Kinks fans and the curious?"
Last month Caroline Jones, director of Jobo Developments, said: "We haven't made a decision yet to be honest. We have inherited it. I have no idea if we can trace it back.
"It [the new pub] will be quite different, and it won't be the kind of place you would expect to see it.
"If [getting rid of the memorabilia] is the case then an auction is the kind of thing we would do."
Despite repeated efforts by the Journal, no-one at Jobo Developments has returned our calls since.
HAVE YOUR SAY - Should the new tenants keep the Kinks Corner? Email us nlnews@archant.co.uk
THE STARS SPEAK OUT...
RAY SAYS:
"I was genuinely disappointed to read that the new owners of The Clissold Arms in Fortis Green were not going to continue displaying any reference of the Kinks when the pub is refurbished.
"It's a pity there will be no local evidence or mention of the group who played in the old back room of The Clissold Arms.
"From what I understand, none of The Kinks were involved in putting up the original display.
"It was something that was put together by Kinks fans, interested locals and supportive landlords who managed the pub over the years.
"When I first heard about the 'Kinks Corner' in the pub I was touched and proud.
"My brother and I grew up yards away in Denmark Terrace, and while much of our early music symbolised the revolutionary spirit of the 60s, we always referenced our community in albums such as Muswell Hillbillies and The Village Green Preservation Society.
"Many of my songs were drawn from characters I observed in the area. I have to this day kept my connections in Fortis Green, East Finchley Muswell Hill and Highgate.
"I would urge whoever has bought the pub to retain some sort of reference to The Kinks in the premises so that Kinks fans from all over the world can retain it as a sense of 'place'.
"My family used the pub, and in many respects Kinks fans are a family and would hopefully continue to patronise the pub in its new form.
"The memorabilia itself deserves to be seen. It celebrates not just the Kinks but serves as a reminder of the community we came from.
"A few years ago when I was in New Orleans, I visited what used to be [famed 1950s-60s R&B recording engineer] Cosimo Matassa's studio in the French quarter.
"The premises is now a launderette, but there is an area dedicated to Cosimo and many of the blues and early rock acts he produced there.
"I'm sure if an historic reference can be displayed in a launderette in New Orleans it can be achieved in a gastropub in north London.
"If this small exhibit does not continue then I hope that interested parties find another location for it.
"I will do all I can to help. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain; the Kinks and their music will always be linked with north London and the Fortis Green. Long after gastronomic styles have come and gone."
DAVE SAYS:
"Yes, it is upsetting. Why on Earth can't they have their posh gastro grub and still keep a part of it for tourists, Kinks fans and the curious?
"Surely it would help bring people into the area as well as the 'gastro' posh people. Pardon moi monsewer my French is non trei bonne...
"I know my ole man always said they used to water down the beer, but this is going too far.
"I am sure if this had been The Cavern and The Beatles' history being disturbed/got rid of, it would have been brought to the attention of the House of Commons, the Lords and the Queen herself.
"Just wanted add my fuel, and disdain, to the argument. What's the matter with these people? Have they lost their dignity, sense of local history and English heritage?
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Post by ilee on Mar 21, 2007 16:30:02 GMT -5
Thanks for posting this - much appreciated. Hopefully Ray and Dave's input may help sway things
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Post by nicola6 on Mar 21, 2007 17:44:28 GMT -5
I'm hoping the same thing, ILEE. Their names will certainly bring more attention to the matter. Fingers crossed.
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Post by demonbowler on Mar 21, 2007 18:13:48 GMT -5
i think this is really positive news great that they have both spoken up, here's hoping
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Post by ilesofsmiles on Mar 21, 2007 19:09:08 GMT -5
I agree ladies I was lucky enough to visit the Clisshold in August of 05. It was one of the highlights of my trip to Muswell Hill with my Son. I would hope they could at least see fit to transfer the memorabilia to another location (as Olga suggested the Alexandria) than auction it off for THEIR Profit. -smiley ;D let us hope this does not become a reality! Better Things just popped up in my iTunes-- a good Omen!
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Post by rose on Mar 21, 2007 19:30:21 GMT -5
HAVE YOUR SAY - Should the new tenants keep the Kinks Corner? Email us nlnews@archant.co.ukSOOOO....LET'S ALL KEEP UP THE PRESSURE!
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Post by rose on Mar 21, 2007 20:11:51 GMT -5
Thank you, Stephen!
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Post by HollyH on Mar 21, 2007 20:43:07 GMT -5
Looks like it could still be saved, if we just keep on being vocal!
Good for Ray and Dave, both of them speaking up in their own distinctive ways. (Loved Dave's comment about the watered-down beer!)
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Post by complicatedlife on Mar 22, 2007 0:10:53 GMT -5
It's also nice to see Ray and Dave agree on something.
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