Real life ‘girl from Clapham’ releases feminist reworking of the Squeeze classic

I, Doris release debut single ‘The Girl From Clapham’ – a feminist reworking of Squeeze’s ‘Up the Junction’ – on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2019

Ever wondered what the story of Squeeze‘s classic ‘Up the Junction’ might look like from her point of view? London’s I, Doris are here to tell you.

The band are releasing, this Friday 8 March 2019 (fittingly, International Women’s Day) their debut single, ‘The Girl From Clapham’ – a loving, fuzzed-up tribute to the original song, with a poignant reminder that women’s experiences are all too often erased from history.

The new song lyrics were written by punk poet Janine Booth, and published in her brilliant anthology ‘Disaffected Middle Aged Women‘. Squeeze’s Chris Difford has given the new lyrics – and the I, Doris version of the song – his personal seal of approval. All profits from the sale of the track on Bandcamp are being donated to domestic violence charity Women’s Aid.

I, Doris are a self-proclaimed “kitchenpunk mummycore” band, consisting four 40-something women, dressed in dinnerlady-esque tabards, and answering to the name of Doris (that’s Doris on guitar, Doris on bass, Doris on drums, and Doris on – wait for it – keytar). Audience members are sworn in to the Doris collective with a group pledge at the start of each gig. Their live set is 60s girl-group style pop with lashings of fuzzy punk and plenty of good-humoured swipes at the patriarchy. At least, we think they’re good-humoured.

Bassist Doris (AKA Cassie Fox, previously of Guttfull and Thee Faction, and founder of the Loud Women festival) takes the lead vocals on ‘The Girl From Clapham’.

“I’ve always loved the song, and feel so honoured to get to sing this version” she says, “I am, legit, a girl from Clapham though. My childhood and teens were spent by/on Clapham Common, mostly trying to stay out of the way of my drunk and violent father. The song strikes a big power chord for me. That feeling at the end – of being trapped in a hopeless situation – it’s painfully familiar to a lot of people I’m sure, particularly women. This is the reason I was keen for the profits from the track to go to Women’s Aid.”

I, Doris are currently blazing a gloriously happy trail through the DIY gigs circuit, and beyond – they’ve played with Mekons in Leeds, the launch of Loud Women NYC in Brooklyn, they’re playing the Royal Albert Hall on 17 March, and Rebellion Festival on 2 August. Keep an eye on the I, Doris Facebook page for news of their continued adventures.
‘The Girl From Clapham’ by I, Doris is out 8 March 2019, available to download from Bandcamp for £1 or more, which will be donated to Women’s Aid.

 

I, Doris gigs coming up:
10 March – SheFest in Walthamstow
17 March – The Royal Albert Hall, with ILL, Nun Habit and Lilith Ai
11 May – The Hope and Anchor, Islington, with Miss Eaves
16 May – Paper Dress Vintage, with HAVVK, Charmpit and Scrounge
7 June – The Bird’s Nest, Deptford
14 June – The Finsbury, with CLT DRP
15 June – Sistafest in Oxfordshire
2 August – Rebellion Festival, Introducing Stage

Links:
I, Doris on Bandcamp – https://idoris.bandcamp.com/track/the-girl-from-clapham
I, Doris on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IDoris/

Chef Mark Hix becomes pizza delivery boy

Chef Mark Hix becomes pizza delivery boy for one night only, as he joins forces with Clapham Junctions’s coolest pizza take-away joint, Manifesto, on Thursday 29th November.

Ever wished you could have chef Mark Hix turn up at your door on a Vespa with your pizza order in hand? Of course you have. The British chef has joined forces with organic, ingredient-led pizzeria Manifesto on Northcote Road, Clapham Junction, to create two Hix-inspired pizzas for their seasonal menu. Launched by former Natoora Director Vittorio Maschio earlier this year, the no-frills pizzeria has quickly become of London’s coolest take-away spots, serving the slow-proved, biga-style pizza at affordable prices.

pizzeria Manifesto

pizzeria Manifesto

To celebrate his two guest pizzas, Mark will don his leathers and personally deliver the first ten pizzas ordered from 1pm on Thursday 29th November. Open to lucky Battersea/Clapham residents living within a one mile radius of Manifesto, those first off the mark will see Hix delivering his creations in person, as they enjoy his very British take on pizzas in the comfort of their own homes.

Gymnastic Summer School: 13 – 17th August

Location: St Marys RC Primary School, Lockington Road, SW8 4BE

9am – 12pm, new places just released. You do not have to be a member of Precision to attend!
A week filled with skills routines, floor, bars, beam, vault, games and making friends.
There will be video analysis in the classes also which you are welcome to have for free at the end of the course and we have a display day on the Friday where you can see everything that we have done!

For more info and to book please see: http://www.precisiongymclub.com/

webuyanycar celebrates milestone in Clapham

webuyanycar.com is celebrating a milestone at its branch in Clapham.

The branch, situated on in the ShopStop Clapham Junction Car Park, Junction Approach, Clapham Junction, this week acquired its 5,000th car, making it one of the company’s top performing sites.

The Clapham branch is celebrating a successful year and is one of 13 branches in London.

Richard Evans, Head of Technical Services, said: “This latest milestone is a huge achievement for our Clapham team and is a demonstration that webuyanycar.com continues to be the preferred choice for thousands of car owners.”

The milestone for webuyanycar follows the automotive firm’s announcement of its millionth customer last year.

Wash Doctors launches in Wandsworth

This service is an on demand car washing app. It is a simple and efficient idea, all you do is drop a pin on a map where you car is approximately parked, put in your registration and they will come and clean it. They therefore provide a considerably more convenient service than waiting in a long line at your local car wash!

They also feel they are much more environmentally friendly than any current car washing service! They are using new solution technology to clean a car with less that 1 litre of fluid with no run off into the water supply.

Wash Doctors, a group of 5 under-25s, was formed in 2017 and have so far had a great response from the local residents for the service.

Grand Sandwich

The energetic covers band Jam Sandwich will play a concert in memory of local man Ed Fisk at the Clapham Grand on the 16th of June. Featuring a set list of songs that should have something for everyone, it should be a great evening for anyone who loves music and enjoys a cracking night out. Bring your singing voices and dancing shoes!!

Doors open at 6pm.

Tickets are available here: https://www.designmynight.com/london/clubs/clapham/the-clapham-grand/grand-sandwich

Keep up to date with Jam Sandwich at www.facebook.com/jamsandwichband

The Food Assembly Comes to Clapham Common

A new way of buying food is coming to Clapham Common.

As seen in the BBC and The Guardian, The Food Assembly is a local initiative that brings people together to buy fresh food directly from local farmers and foodmakers.

Every week Food Assembly customers in Clapham can order food online from local food producers before picking it up weekly at a local venue. All the food comes from an average distance of 28 miles, compared to the 600 miles with a supermarket.

Community is at the heart of The Food Assembly – it connects neighbours to farmers, neighbours to each other, and everyone to their food. By choosing to buy local, shoppers can support the community of Clapham, as for every £1 spent through Clapham Common Food Assembly, 90p stays in the local economy.

It also ensures your money reaches the right people; food producers keep over 80% of sales for every product sold, compared to 15%-25% through supermarkets. Also, there is less food waste as all the food is ordered in advance.

Whether from their iPhone app or laptop, weekly shoppers can choose from unique local products, such as artisan bread from The Hill Bakery; cured meats from London Smoke and Cure; and yummy jams from Single Variety Co. Not to forget plenty of fresh local vegetables and cheeses.

The Clapham Assembly is organised by local residents Alex, Mathieu, Thea and Loren who love to share their passion for food with others.

RuTC Open Events this Autumn

Follow in the footsteps of thousands of Richmond upon Thames College students who secured university places or employment over the past year.
It is important that students make an informed decision about their study and training options in years 12 and 13. At Richmond upon Thames College, we want all students to make the right choice as we know from experience that students who are happy with their chosen study or training programme are much more likely to succeed and do well in the future.

Throughout the year we offer prospective students and parents lots of opportunities to find out more about life at RuTC and the courses we offer. Come along to an Open Event and experience first-hand our successful and vibrant college community and discover how one of London’s best performing colleges can help you achieve your ambitions.

Our events give you the opportunity to find out more about our wide range of courses and training programmes including A levels, vocational and technical qualifications and apprenticeships. You can also talk to our specialist staff about how we can support you in your studies and how our excellent links with employers and work experience opportunities can help you successfully achieve your ambitions.
Want to join us and find out more about your exciting opportunities at a leading college? Please book your place using this link: https://www.rutc.ac.uk/key-information/16-18/open-day-and-evenings/open-day-and-evenings-registration-form.html

Battersea Spanish

Autumn is here and Battersea Spanish is kicking it all off with a fun-packed term, bigger and better than ever! From Spanish for adults and kids, dances courses in Flamenco, Tango and Salsa, to a series of great social events exploring Spanish and Latin American culture, there is definitely something for everyone! To find out more, why not check out our website www.batterseaspanish.com

Is this London’s toughest gym?

A former contestant from BBC’s Ultimate Hell Week has opened a gym in Clapham Junction based on his training with the World’s Toughest Special Forces.

crossfit shapemsmiths wall ball (Large)

Co-Owner of CrossFit Shapesmiths, Lee Steggles was a favourite to win the BBC TV show Ultimate Hell Week last year, and his early departure mid-way through the series left viewers shocked and outraged.

Speaking about his time on the show, Lee Steggles said “Ultimate Hell Week was a great experience. I was able to train with some of the best special forces in the world: Navy Seals, the Israeli Special Forces and NAVSOG, the Philippines Special Forces. I had to push my body beyond all mental and physical limits by battle-hardened veterans. The fact I can now share these skills and experience with local people is very exciting. Opening CrossFit Shapesmiths is the culmination of a lot of hard work and investment, so cutting the ribbon on Saturday will be a very proud moment indeed.”
Newly opened CrossFit Shapesmiths, located just 30 seconds from Clapham Junction station, is not a traditional gym. In fact, as soon as you walk through the doors you will not see the machines that fill typical gyms. This is an open space with gymnastic rings, pull-up racks and other associated fitness gear hanging from the ceiling.

The word ‘Shapesmiths’ was plucked from 1755, A Dictionary of the English Language: n. One who undertakes to improve the form of the body. They were hired, way back when, to assist folks that needed to forge a new body shape. Now days, CrossFit Shapesmiths, can be hired to forge elite fitness.

CrossFit combines Olympic weightlifting, cardiovascular conditioning, and gymnastics for all skill levels and ages. It is a method used frequently by military, firefighters and police forces worldwide but can be adapted to any fitness level.

CrossFit members perform a timed Workout of the Day (WOD), competing against fellow CrossFitters for the best time while attempting to break their own personal records. Typical workouts average 10 to 15 minutes of nonstop movement. It is a workout that includes constantly varied functional movements that aim to increase muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.

IMG_7677 (Large)

Who does CrossFit target? “It seems to attract people who aren’t happy with the mentality of big box gyms,” says co-owner Richard Dean. “If you’re afraid of sweating, then Crossfit isn’t for you. You have to come ready to push yourself every day, and it is very addictive. People who stick with it generally make it a lifestyle. The first session is always free. It doesn’t require a certain level of fitness, it only requires commitment.”
CrossFit Shapesmiths’ official Launch day is on Saturday 23rd April 2016. The day will involve

– Workout demos, try a class and meet the Shapesmiths Team throughout the day.
– Whatever it Takes Fitness Apparel. Win a skipping rope.
– Q&A with Buff Box Meals Nutritionist and CEO Matt Hodges. 3.30pm-4pm
– Q&A with Rosie Scott, Black Swan Osteopathy 4pm-430pm.
– Free ‘Turbo Yoga’ class with Natalie and Amanda. 4.45pm-5.45pm.
– Meet the team at Whole Foods Clapham Junction for free goodies.
– Neat Nutrition will be bringing some samples of their range of products.
– Witness an Olympic Lifting Competition 1-3pm.
– BBQ and Drinks from 1pm supplied by Devon Rose Meats.

If you would like to attend then please contact hello@crossfitshapesmiths.co.uk or contact Lee Steggles on 07950804276

Website: http://www.crossfitshapesmiths.co.uk
Telephone number: (+44) 07950 804 276
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrossFitShapesmiths