Another fantastic Notting Hill Carnival
I believe that all residents of Kensington were extremely happy that the biggest London event of the year, the Notting Hill Carnival, occurred without any serious incidents. The local police reported only 29 arrests, with most for disorderly behaviour (drunkenness) and petty theft. This is remarkable as almost 1 million people attended the Carnival, held on the last weekend of August, and all had a brilliant time. The Carnival is a great opportunity to enjoy Caribbean music, a wonderful atmosphere and scrumptious food.

Princess Di Anniversary 
On the same weekend (or on Monday, 31^st August to be precise) it was the first anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. Crowds gathered once more at Kensington Palace to leave flowers and messages, and pay their respects. For local residents, thankfully, numbers were far fewer than last year, when you could barely walk in High St. Kensington or use the Underground station. At that time, both were so crowded that the police were brought in to control the flow of people. It also seems that plans for a memorial garden to be created in front of the palace have been shelved for the moment, due to objections by local residents. This is not definite, however.

Around Ken. & Chelsea
Other local news: well-known actress Liz Hurley, a South Kensington resident, had her beautiful Mercedes vandalised, together with some other cars in the area. Poor Liz. As if going out with Hugh Grant wasn't enough. She had also hoped to feature in the sequel to Austin Powers but was rejected for the role.

The first case of road rage amongst those who are supposed to keep law and order in our beautiful borough has been reported. Some cynics may say where else BUT in Kensington. A traffic warden called Terry Darius was trying to ticket an unmarked police car parked in front of Chelsea police station. The driver, Police Constable David Hull was rightfully enraged, but the traffic warden would not back down. PC Hull therefore then ticketed the warden's nearby scooter, which was parked on a yellow line. The case went to court, where it was established that PC Hull was in the right and the traffic warden in the wrong. But in the end, the judge resolved that the whole case was trivial and should not have been brought in front of his Honour.

One of the hottest restaurants in London is that co-owned by controversial artist Damien Hirst. Pharmacy in Notting Hill Gate is a regular spot visited by famous people, including Rod Stewart and footballer Paul Gascoigne (N.B. this was before he was dropped from the England squad...). The window display is that of a proper pharmacy, filled with assorted pill boxes and medicines. This apparently confused some, who brought their prescriptions to be processed there. The British Pharmaceutical Society waved a big stick at the restaurant and demanded they change their name. The ever resourceful Mr. Hirst rearranged the letters from the old sign, and the restaurant now has the name Achy Ramp. What's wrong with Hacy Pram? Or what about Army Chap? Or has anyone got a better idea?