For Jake
August 4, 2008
Seven years ago, I entered the offices of Angel magazine (there was only one magazine then) as a fresh-faced journalism graduate. I was petrified, but luckily a day later, I was joined by a fresh-faced sales rep who would head up the Archant chain alongside me. We had plenty of banter along the way - chips on a Friday, crazy festival experiences, football small-talk (degenerating into arguments after a few beers), he even convinced me to play for his team when I was certain that it wasn't for me. And, this weekend, he lost his battle against a brain tumour aged just 28.
It's remarkable how fragile life can be. Despite knowing his predicament, my friend lived on through it with a brave face and cheeky quip. I haven't got the words to do him justice. Jake, I won't forget you.
New dawn
July 26, 2008
Phew... It was pay day yesterday and I certainly enjoyed the odd few pints to mark the occasion. Since I returned from Turkey, it has been a whirlwind - with some good and some bad moments. Those who know me well will also know that I have taken on a new role within Archant and it has been an interesting introduction to management.
That said, there's a lot to be positive about. The north London office continues to thrive and I expect that to continue. Look out next month for new look magazines, but in the meantime the August issue is out on Monday - a music special that was a bundle of fun putting together. The summer also seems to have arrived, so let the good times roll.
Pure Bliss
June 21, 2008
I'm writing this with a sore head. These blogs are making me out to sound like a party animal, but trust me I am anything but... It was an Archant leaving do this time round, always a laugh and always copious amounts of alcohol. Phenomenal leaving speech too Jennifer - we shall miss you.
The morning was pretty good too as Sister Bliss, one part of Faithless, popped to our office for a photo shoot and chat. She's a proper north Londoner for us, and no ego either, just one tired lady (thanks to her 22-month old son). It's all part of August's music special, but you have another month to wait for that - July is still to come, out on Monday!
Beer and 'Enders
I seem to be the complete opposite of every other editor I know, in the fact that I can't take my alcohol. What happened to the glorious student days when I could drink for 23 hours, catch an hour's kip and then head to lectures? OK, I didn't quite manage to make the early morning lectures, but I was still up watching cartoons.
Anyway, a weekend of fun ended with a major hangover on Sunday, the perfect time for an all-day power cut in my hometown. It's amazing how much you rely on electricity and there's only so many times you can wander around the local park until people start getting suspicious.
I didn't need an interview first thing on Monday, but luckily it was with Michelle Collins. It's the second time I've spoken to the Muswell Hill resident and both times she's been a gas to chat to. This time round, the main topic of conversation was charity TreeHouse and not, surprisingly, anything to do with EastEnders. This is one actress that has moved on...
Little Miss Jocelyn, Bolt Burdon and the weather
June 06 2008
When the British summer starts to get you down – and let’s face it, things aren’t looking good – you need to meet up with people like Jocelyn Jee Esien. The comedienne was one part of 3 Non-Blondes and also brought us Little Miss Jocelyn, and she’s just as hyper in reality. She will be on Angel’s cover next month, so look out for it.
Popped along to local solicitor Bolt Burdon’s office launch party last night. Great company and even better offices, and the free alcohol was gratefully lapped up. Although I still don’t get the point of the human statues – there were two at this party and I just feel sorry for them, especially for the one facing Upper Street. I imagine as the evening progressed, she got some attention from night-time revellers…
Welcome
June 02 2008
Hello and welcome to the editor’s blog! Someone out there thought it would be a great idea to get me to jot down the life and times of the Angel and North editor, so here I am. Of course, you always get to see the fruits of our labour here at the north London HQ when you lovingly worked on magazine plops through the letterbox, but a lot more goes on behind the scenes that never makes it into print.
Last Friday, we attended the opening night of the Albert & Pearl on Upper Street, taking the place of the ever-popular Medicine Bar. They started on the right note and, we have to admit it, we took a little more Champers than we were meant to. Celebrity spotting was difficult thanks to the effects of that, but Sean Pertwee [who stars in Angel’s June issue] and Jonny Lee Miller made an appearance, looking effortlessly cool besides a slightly less so editor. We will look forward to seeing how the Albert & Pearl does.
The July issues are in full swing and North’s big interview this month will be Feeder’s lead singer, Grant Nicholas. We went to his Crouch End house for an exclusive chat and shoot – nothing will be given away here, but I can guarantee you it will be a good read. Hopefully like this blog will once I get it up and running!