When the Highgate Society was formed in 1966, a slim black and white newsletter circulated news and events to members.
This gradually expanded until editor Brendan Nolan (father of film director Christopher Nolan) introduced advertising to cover the cost of printing a magazine.
Tamar Karet was our stalwart editor for a decade until her untimely death in 2020, since when Catherine Budgett-Meakin and myself have shared this role.
We have built up a growing editorial team of volunteers to tackle the challenge of producing four magazines a year. Working in pairs on each issue has proved to be fun and rewarding. Why not join us? Contact: buzz@highgatesociety.com for more information.
Apart from being entertaining and informative, nearly 60 years of buzz, 242 issues and counting, buzz provides a unique social history of wider Highgate with back copies held for reference in the HLSI archives.
Our spring issue, free to members, is out on March 11 and available from Brooksby, 70 Highgate High Street – a bargain at £1.50 (commendations to design and typesetting wizard Jim Woods).
We aim to reflect the amazing depth of interests in Highgate and the huge number of activities and events on offer throughout the year. Lauderdale House, Jackson’s Lane and Upstairs at the Gatehouse all feature, not forgetting our neighbour the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution. All these, including Highgate Cemetery, Waterlow Park, Highgate Woods, local churches and Highgate Choral Society enrich our community lives.
‘buzz’ covers them all and more, including our own activities, in reviews, with photos and information about upcoming events alongside useful advertisements for local shops and services. This symbiotic relationship between businesses, the Highgate Society and buzz enhances the magazine and broadens its appeal.
The cover illustrates a particular aspect of Highgate, with paintings or photos by local artists, while the centre spread highlights recent events: Carols in Pond Square, the Fair in the Square or the Highgate Festival. Photos complement the issue’s theme - this time it’s Spring.
We also explore Highgate’s history and how this can inform the present and enlighten the future.
Michael Hammerson’s invaluable report from our planning group is often the first article members read - a longer report is available at HighgateSociety.com.
‘buzz’ also promotes local initiatives such as 'Ring for the King' - bell ringing at St Anne’s and highlights challenges of local and national concern - including climate change and sustainability.
Do read a copy and send us your articles, comments or photos.
Tessa Henghes is a Highgate Society council member and ‘buzz’ co-editor.
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