On 20th June 2015, the Muswellites (www.muswellites.com) will host Muswell Hill's first major event.

The transformation of the area surrounding the Muswell Hill Odeon has been long overdue. The new village square outside Planet Organic is just part of the revamp and even while the works continue around the back of the cinema, a newly formed group the Muswellites has seized the moment to shout about the new space.
Determined to make the square the focus of the community the Muswellites are planning a big opening event for 20th June. Called Midsummer Muswell the event will showcase the best of all things local including song, dance, a fashion show, pop up arts and crafts stalls as well as food & drinks. The event will also act as a fundraiser for Wave is based on the strong belief that We’re All Valued Equally, and is a charitable organisation that wants to see our local community - individuals with and without learning disabilities - comfortably socialising, working and living together.

All the Muswellites have strong links with the community. Spokesperson Becky Beach said "Whether we live or run a business here all our focus is about community. Up until now Muswell Hill has not had a pivotal point allowing events to be staged. The new village square gives the area a place to meet friends, family and welcome visitors to the area. The Muswellites have joined hands and started the ball rolling. There's no doubt that we have taken inspiration from other local events such as Fair in the Square and the Crouch End Festival; this is our first event as a collective and we have been lucky to learn from local events organised with great success by colleagues and friends so we are confident of providing Muswell Hill with the start of a regular event that will nurture closer connections with the community."
Becky mentioned “We have run a competition in the area’s local magazines – the Muswell Flyer, Highgate Handbook and Crouch End Connection - to encourage the locals to come up with a moniker. The author of the winning name will have a bench dedicated to them in the new square.”

Deanna Bogdanovic from Bona Fide Studio continued "Our aim is to bring the community together, celebrate and recognise our unique character. And what better way is there than by giving our Muswell Hill the most amazing party with something for all."

Emma Vincent from PQA added "We are so excited. We have hit the ground running with so many local businesses keen to be involved and locals asking how they can help."

Jo Michaels from Beyond Social Buzz said "Muswell Hill is blessed with residents who really want to keep the community experience rolling through the generations and this event, the start of many, will allow that to happen."

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that this will be a star studded affair. Two of the organisers – Emma Vincent of the Pauline Quirke Academy and Deanna Bogdanovic of Bona Fide Studios - are closely entwined in the world of entertainment. Everyone has sealed lips at the moment so it’s watch this space.

We still need help on a number of levels including volunteers and first aiders, raffle prizes, cash sponsorship. If you would like to be involved please get in touch with Becky Beach 07976 869435 or [email protected]

Social media links:
Twitter @Muswellites
Website muswellites.com
Facebook facebook.com/Muswellites
Notes to editor:
The Muswellites have been involved with a number of other local events – please visit http://muswellites.com/past-events/ for more information
The Muswellites are an eclectic bunch with a broad range of backgrounds and include:
Deanna Bogdanovic – Bona Fide Studios www.bonafidestudio.co.uk; recording, postproduction and rehearsal studio
Emma Vincent – Pauline Quirke Academy pqacademy.com art performance academy for children aged 4-18
Becky Beach – founder and editor of Muswell Flyer, Highgate Handbook & Crouch End Connection and beckybeach.net
Jo Michaels - Beyond Social Buzz Digital Marketing, social media, promotion (events and sponsors)
Nadine Welter –Muswell Hill Mums www.muswellhillmums.com sourcing child-friendly businesses for parents’ peace of mind
Mel Pretorius – Red Desk VA www.reddesk.co.uk helping businesses with their admin so owners can concentrate on their business
Peter Thompson - St James’ Legal Advice Centre
Cat Haigh - Sorting Self www.facebook.com/Sortingself expert talks for busy mums
Cara Jenkinson - Muswell Hill Sustainability Group mhsgroup.org/ helping homeowners to keep their houses ‘green’ and save them money
WAVE: Was set up by a lady in Muswell Hill whose daughter has learning difficulties. Whilst she could find things for her daughter to do as a child, it became increasingly difficult as her daughter started to grow into a young adult. The charity was born at St James’ church where they have regular gatherings involving song, drama and pictures to learn and communicate. WAVE have a cafe which helps fund the project and they will be serving afternoon teas in the church hall on the day).
Photo opportunities are available; please call 07976 869435
Photo Attached:
L-R: Becky Beach, Nadine Welter, Emma Vincent, Catherine Haigh, Deanna Bogdanovic, Jane Davidson, Joanna Michaels
Centre: Peter Thompson
Photographer accreditation: Yvonne Maxwell