Getting to know the locals

Juliet Matthews,53, has lived in Ealing since 1983.
She's married with 2 children aged 21 and 18 and has a cat called Millie. She plays tennis at Ealing Lawn Tennis Club and is Captain of the Middlesex 50 County Team. Juliet runs JPSM Management, managing musicians

Where do you live/when and why did you move there?

I’ve lived in Culmington Road since 1998. This is our 3rd house in Ealing and we moved here because of the garden and proximity to Walpole Park.

What attracted you to the area?

We were attracted to Ealing because of the Parks and its brilliant location to get into Central London and out into the country.

What do you enjoy most about living here?

We have the most wonderful neighbours and I love the village atmosphere. I also love to cycle everywhere and I feel very safe in Ealing. The parks are fabulous and I’m really looking forward to seeing Walpole Park and Pitshanger Manor when the restoration is completed.

And what gripes do you have?

Lack of cinema. I’m so disappointed with the shell that’s been left for so many years.

Where are your favourite places to eat?

Our favourite restaurant for special occasions is Charlotte’s Place. We’ve recently discovered the fabulous Pillars restaurant in TVU. What a great place and a fabulous course. The food is delicious and all the staff are so friendly and keen. My two favourite pubs are The Kent and The Rose & Crown. The best Tapas restaurant in the area is La Mancha in Chiswick.

Do you have favourite clothes shops or hair/beauty salons?

Gerry at Visage by Ealing Broadway Station is fabulous.

Are there any hidden gems that don't get enough recognition that you'd like to share?

I’ve been a member of Ealing Lawn Tennis Club since 1986. It’s hidden away and has 3 indoor courts, 3 all weather courts, 1 artificial grass and 8 brilliantly maintained grass courts. It’s a great place socially too.

What does your job involve?

I’ve been in the Music Business for over 30 years, and set up my own Management Company when I had my children. I represent Sarah Jane Morris , Joe Cang and Romeos Daughter
I also do Press & PR for Ruby Turner.
My job involves organizing tours, overseeing recording and generally managing every area of their careers.

Who are you excited to be promoting currently?

I’m very excited about Sarah Jane Morris’ brand new album “Bloody Rain”. We’ve raised money for this project through Pledge Music and we have a special Pledgers Concert at the Hippodrome, Leicester Square, this Saturday 14th June.

This is an ambitious new collection of love-songs, tributes, warnings and protests that she regards as the best album of her life. Devoted to the people of Africa, and the music of that continent that has inspired so many artists for so long, Bloody Rain brings together a stunningly diverse group of performers. Among a raft of guests are the Soweto Gospel Choir, Zimbabwe-born singer Eska, Senegal’s Seckou Keita on kora, UK-Caribbean saxophonist Courtney Pine, American/Israeli jazz trumpeter Avishai Cohen, former James Brown arranger Pee Wee Ellis, Sting’s sideman Dominic Miller, and guitarist Tony Remy, co-writer of many of the new songs. 

Who are the most famous groups/singers you have dealt with?

I’ve worked with quite a cross section of artists such as Billy Ocean, Ruby Turner, Tom Jones, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Samantha Fox, Stone Roses, Buddy Guy, Take That, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Millie Jackson, Annie Lennox, Bryan Adams etc…….

Do you think Ealing has a good music scene?

There are some incredible musicians who all live in the Borough of Ealing, but the live music scene in could be improved. There are lots of Pubs that have jamming sessions and open mic nights which is great for new talent.

The Ealing Blues and Jazz Festival in Walpole Park should be a fabulous opportunity to showcase the talent we have in West London and to put on some big names, but the line-up rarely changes. This year, the Ealing Blues Festival you can vote in the Blues Awards for the Ealing Blues Festival and put it on the map.

The Ealing Club are doing a great job promoting the history of music in Ealing -  http://www.ealingclub.com/ealingclubhistory/.

In 2013 they launched the West Ealing SoundBite Festival which will continue into 2014. The Rolling Stones, The Who, John Mayall, Tom Robinson and many others have helped to promote Ealing’s music potential since they all played at the Ealing Club in the 60s.

If you could promote Ealing in a short sentence or few words what would it be?

Friendly, Welcoming, Green, Community!

Would you like to take part in My Ealing? Please email editor@ealingtoday.co.uk

12th June 2014