It wasn’t as barking mad as last week’s episode but more sense is quite right. And with that, we were rewarded with a far more lively episode 2.
The reason for the shift in gear? It has to be the show stealing shenanigans of Jamie, Mark Francis and diamond lord Francis. I mean seriously, only those three can come up with classic TV lines such as this.
Made in Chelsea upped its game this week in the form of wardrobe foray’s at Glamour Magazine, a lesson in “sweat-working” and a doggie bash with more bitches present than at the Birmingham NEC in March. Yes, Cheska’s bid for a storyline of her own finally materialised this week as she hosted a fundraiser in aid of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Yup, that was my first thought when I was invited to Bikeminded’s Film Tour. But knowing Bikeminded, I knew they weren’t going to pull a fast one. Instead, they took us cyclists on a revealing journey of film locations in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).
Starting from the beautiful Albert Bridge (my favourite bridge in London), Jamie, our guide, revealed that the scene where tramps get their revenge on protagonist Alex from the acclaimed A Clockwork Orange was filmed there. For those unaware of the plot, A Clockwork Orange centres around Alex and his gang of friends who cause chaos in the city through their hunger for violence. A must see film, if you haven’t seen it.
Weaving through the backstreets of SW3 and King’s Road, we arrived at another local fav of mine, Brompton Cemetery. The latest Sherlock Holmes and Johnny English are just a few films that were recorded here. The latter wasn’t mentioned on the tour but I found this particular scene quite amusing:
Jamie also informed us that the many characters from Peter Rabbit are named after people who were buried in Brompton Cemetery.
Whilst heading north of RBKC we cycled up Notting Hill. The steep climb was much needed after consuming these little treats (thanks to the person who brought them!). Once the hill was tackled, we bumped into the hordes of tourists. Not particularly a great idea considering it was market day on Portobello Road.
We finished up near Latimer Road and learnt about how the borough isn’t just filled with your Made In Chelsea posh types. The borough is mixed with people from different backgrounds, cultures and countries – symbolised by the film Kidulthood, directed by Ladbroke Grove’s very own Noel Clarke (also known as Doctor Who’s Mickey Smith).
RBKC is a joyous borough to cycle through and oozes in history. It certainly one of the most beautiful areas to cycle through whether or not you tag along with one of the tours.
But if you do want to book for one of the tours, visit their website.
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FEATURED PIC FROM BEINGBIKEMINDED.TUMBLR.COM
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#CYCLINGONTWITTER
Fiona Wood, one of the cyclists on the Film Tour, blogs about her experience too.
If Bikeminded’s tours aren’t enough to reel you in, then why not enter their film competition, Cycle Shorts. All you have to do is produce a 90 second film of any genre as long as you feature cycling and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in a creative way. Upload it onto Youtube or Vimeo along with the online application form. Simples!
Need inspiration? Here’s a lovely little clip from Bikeminded themselves.
Happy and safe cycling!
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Bikeminded is a 3 year cycling initiative that is raising awareness about the benefits of cycling and encourage more people to swap four wheels for two. Follow the hashtag, #bikeminded, to follow the campaign and other Bike Heroes.
So it’s finally Easter and I’m guessing many of you are procrastinating to escape from exams and assessments, ‘revising’, finished uni like I have or well, procrastinating some more. Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to take a breather from academic or work life and refresh your head.
For me, trips to the cinema is an obvious move. A good ol’ Hollywood blockbuster or mainstream British film can do the job in getting our movie fixes. However, sometimes we need to step back from the bombast and dive into the world of independent films. Gate Cinema is just one of many independent cinemas in London. Its facade and interior feels as if you stepped back in time to watch a play, offering a refreshing feel to those used to the modern venues (and wallet busting prices) such as Vue and Odeon.
As for the films they’re showing this Easter, they’ve got a variety of genres that’ll attract film goers of all ages:
A Cat In Paris
The French animated A Cat In Parisfollows Dino, a mischievous cat who leaves his house and owner, Zoé, during the night to help and carry out daring burglaries with a burglar named Nico. Of course, Zoé begins to notice Dino’s nightly exploits and soon tails her beloved pet to unveil a shocking discovery.
Don’t be fooled by the title. This comedy stars three woman hoping to help students at a local college who are on the brink of suicide and swimming in depression through dance and healthy living. Of course, not everything goes as planned as romances spring that threatens their friendship. As an added bonus, director Whit Stillman will be at Gate Cinema for a Q&A session so it’ll be definitely worth booking for!
We turn things up to 11 with drama This Must Be the Place, tells the story of a down-and-out rock star forced to hunt down a Nazi after an unexpected turn of events. Rock ‘n’ roll trainspotters will notice the references embedded in the film and even co-stars Bono’s (U2) daughter, Eve Hewson.
They’re back! Our favourite posh socialites from West London are kicking off a ‘pardy’ once again to bring you drama, pointless ventures and the silly game of will they, won’t they? from Caggie and Spencer. Bless.
We start from the skies in some place that isn’t Chelsea and, unsurprisingly, everything nosedived from there. Union Jack cars, Sunday church services (what?!) and a boob party (double what?!) – not even those managed to get the ball rolling. Or egg rolling:
Don’t fret, though. Rachael is also back to give you the lowdown on the rest of the series.
And oh, watch out for me next week as I live tweet on kingsroad.co.uk too. I will not be merciful.
Here’s an excerpt:
Jamie left church singing “God is greaaat” much to Proudlocks amusement. “It makes you feel good and fresh” the words reeling off his tongue, particularly as new comer Kimberley totted out of church wearing a fur and heels combo. In Chelsea, church just got sexy.
Guest blogger Claire Lawson recounts her experience in the Chelsea Day Spa for kingsroad.co.uk; very Made In Chelsea!
Here’s an excerpt:
I yearned for a haven on the KR that I could call a second home; I did try the King’s Road Sporting Club (KRSC) for a short period, but it was quite obvious I wasn’t there to buy a pair of trainers or a tennis racket.
Six years after my sojourn to King’s Road and I’ve found my much coveted sanctuary; The Chelsea Day Spa.
London 2012? Oh please, it’s all about the street parties in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Applications for the parties are now open and all bets will be placed on SW6 for the best street party!
Here’s an excerpt:
2012 is going to be a busy year folks. Yes, we’ve got both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics both approaching. And as we all like a good party in Fulham, Hammersmith and Fulham council has announced its plans to make it easier for you to organise a street party this year – without all that red tape.
It’s January and I’m guessing anyone wants nothing more than to stay home in bed all snuggly and warm. If that’s the case, take the opportunity to try your luck and spoil yourself by entering our competition to win a weekend away in Wales.
Here’s an excerpt:
With Sheepskin you can enjoy sumptuously comfortable places that blend contemporary style with rustic charm. Relax in private spaces that give you freedom to do what you want when you want, a true antidote to city life but also home from home.
Those stuck in the morning commute caused by the closure of the Hammersmith Flyover can breathe a brief sigh of relief as it partially reopens to traffic.
Here’s an excerpt:
The re-opening comes following confirmation from Transport for London’s (TfL) engineers and experts that the flyover is now safe to take light traffic, while work by TfL continues to strengthen key sections of the road….
Christmas is finally over and the new year has begun and the main signifier of the start of the new year is not the fireworks or the rising of public transport fares, but the chucking of that messy, withering Christmas tree*. If you’re unsure where to dump the prickly health-hazard, you know where to find the link: below.
Here’s an excerpt:
So if you’re having trouble finding a place to dispose your tree, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council (RBKC) has set-up its Christmas tree recyling scheme
*If you have a artificial tree, leave this page and take a look at my Flickr page instead.
What better way to kick off 2012 than to offer you the chance to win a free one year membership – usually £400 – to Beaufort House, an exclusive club for the affluent located on the King’s Road, Chelsea. It is a favourite with many locals, footballers and celebrities (yes, it includes the Made In Chelsea cast). So why not take the chance?
Please do take the chance for my sake. I can’t enter for obvious reasons *sad face*.
Here’s an excerpt:
Spread across three floors, each bar has its own atmosphere to suit your mood. There’s the stunning champagne penthouse, the members’ bar and restaurant, and the club room that can be used for private dining, screenings, presentations and meetings.
Welcome to my blog, where I'll be posting the latest local news - which I've written unless stated - from the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) and Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) via Media Street websites kingsroad.co.uk, nottinghillgate.co.uk. and fulhamroad.co.uk.
You can also expect other London-y things too as well as posts from other students who want to have a crack at blogging.