Camden Mayor Jonathan Simpson’s unsung musical heroes are worth making song and dance about

Published: 31st March, 2011
by PAVAN AMARA

HERE are the unsung heroes who have helped make Camden the capital of Britain’s musical map.

At a glittering awards ceremony at the Roundhouse on Monday night, they were recognised with awards from Camden Mayor Jonathan Simpson.

In a scheme supported by the New Journal, Councillor Simpson – better known as the “Rock ’n’ Roll Mayor” as he has dedicated his year as the borough’s first ­citizen to protecting Camden’s rich musical heritage – handed framed discs to those nominated for their often unrecognised hard work. They included promoters, musicians and teachers.

Among the winners were Pam Gilby, founder of the Fleet Singers Choir, and members of the English Folk and Dance Society who Councillor Theo Blackwell described as “a wonderful part of society and long may it thrive”.

Karen Ryan, who each year delights music lovers with the Return to Camden Town Festival, received an award presented by Lyn Boorer, wife of Morrissey bassist Boz. 

Dot and Noel Fraser, of Dot’s Music Shop in Camden Town, and Harriet Powell, who provides music therapy to the elderly and those suffering from dementia, and recently featured in the New Journal, were given gongs.

The Fiddler’s Elbow pub, which showcases new bands, Camden Council’s much-loved Music Service, Tony Elliott from listings bible Time Out, and Rob Inglis, who was recognised for producing performances at the Shaw Theatre, were also proud winners.

Lifetime achievement awards went to Peggy Conlon from live music institution the Dublin Castle and Lisa Paulon, the hard-working organiser behind the Camden Crawl music festival. Cllr Simpson described her as “the star of Camden”.

He said: “I wanted to honour the music industry itself for what it brings to Camden’s economy. 

“The borough’s reputation has thrived thanks to live music venues, and so many jobs have been created through music in Camden. We received so many nominations. It goes to show how important music is to all of us in the borough.”

But the awards did not stop there. At the end of the ceremony, a surprise gold disc was handed to Cllr Simpson himself. Several readers nominated him for an award. “For once, I’m speechless,” he said.

Although organised by the Mayor’s office, the event did not cost Camden a penny in public money. The New Journal provided the publicity and the prize scheme was sponsored by Apollo, Jasper Cuppaidge at the Camden Town Brewery, Bulldog Gin, Pago Fruit Juices, the Roundhouse and King’s Cross Central.

Musician Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of UK Music said: “Music is incredibly important to the UK, and Camden has long been the epicentre of London’s music economy. That success would not be possible without the dedication and work of countless individuals, such as Peggy Conlon at the Dublin Castle. It is fantastic the Mayor is doing so much to recognise these unsung heroes.”