Somers Town the "reality"

[somerstownboy]

Dear Shane and everyone here,

I live in Somers town and to my surprise heard about this film. I've been a fan of Shanes films for years especially his recent one "This is England". I was shock to hear that the funding for the new film "Somers Town" was from Eurostar?! No doubt to promote what a wonderful job they've done of our area! Can I tell you that the majority working class population in Somers Town have a life expectancy 10 years less that those rich up in Hampstead. That the polution is so bad from the Eurostar that it is effecting the kids when they play by the park. Also nothing has been given back to the local community - nothing! Its funny seeing all the photos of the film as I live at Oakshott Court!

I haven't seen the film yet but wondered if you Shane would want to come down to screen it in Somers Town proper. We will host it at the local community centre and get all the locals down - and maybe we can talk about what we face in Somers Town.

All the best for the BFI thing and all that

cheers

Al
drop us an email at: [e-mail]

[Tom]

May 13, 2008 0:00:39 GMT somerstownboy said:

Can I tell you that the majority working class population in Somers Town have a life expectancy 10 years less that those rich up in Hampstead. That the polution is so bad from the Eurostar that it is effecting the kids when they play by the park. Also nothing has been given back to the local community - nothing!

I'm not disputing facts of course, but the three main railway lines in that part of london have been going since the early reign of Queen Victoria. The Eurostar has only been running there since, what, November 07? Without trying to bully on the side of Eurostar, they should at least be given a chance to develop bonds and invest in the area. I think the impact of the railways industry has has had a positive and a negative impact on the folks of railway towns all over the UK for nearly 200 years.

Of course, I am aware that there is a widespread feeling of being left behind, ever since the British Library was developed and brought relatively little for those living in the area. I've spent much of my time in and around North London, and lived in South London for countless years. The jarring of rich and poor living side by side happens all over (I grew up in a high-rise near the Docks in the East End, and that's totally a bankers paradise now).

Obviously, as a political statement, I don't know if Somers Town qualifies (I've not seen it of course), but Shane's films do tend to draw strongly from the well-heeled people and places that we all recognise.

A Somers Town screening in Somers Town would be a great idea, but if the problems are deep rooted, I think it'll take more than this film to turn the tide.

[somerstownboy]

Cheers for the response. Their is a disatification amongst people in Somers Town that there has been billion pound investments in the area for the chunnel tunnel, now the land they promised us for social housing has just been sold to the Wellcome trust for £££ by the government. why? to pay for the olympics. Now we have the redevelopment of Euston Station with the same promises of local investment in youth facilities. There were two school kids stabbed a couple of months ago just by the Cock Tavern pub. Eurostar has been going on since 2000 by the way, ample time to throw a couple £100,000 for more youth facilities..

Anyhow, I'm up for organising a screening of Somers Town in Somers Town and I would love for Shane and crew/cast to come down - there are a lot of sound people in the area who will support this and also perhaps add a few words about our struggle down here.

All the best

Al

p.s. could this request be passed on to shane? My email is [e-mail]. Thanks!

[Morell™]

I'm sure the Lark in the Park would host it.

Film four and Stella Artois usually do that thing in summer where they show films where they were made. I saw 'Quadrophenia' on Brighton Beach last summer. (and 'This is England' in England).

[shindig]

They premiered Get Carter in Newcastle, so it's not without precedent.