WHO'S WHO: Angela Humphery, animal rights campaigner
Angela Humphery lives in Willoughby Road, Hampstead. On May 17 she is organising a walk on the Heath to raise awareness of endangered North Asian Moon Bears, one of the many animal charities she supports.
How long have you lived in Hampstead?
Since I married, 52 years ago last month. My grandfather had a garage on Haverstock Hill, Vandervell's, which he started in 1929 and my father worked there, so I'd always been familiar with Hampstead and Belsize Park. We have been in this house for 37 years - we bought it without even going inside.
Where else have you lived?
I went to South Africa for two years from 1952-3, and had to work my passage back because I loaned my return sea fare to a boyfriend's brother. I was fortunate enough to see an advertisement for a stewardess to sign on in South Africa and sign off in Amsterdam.
What's your favourite thing about Hampstead?
It's still a village and there's a wonderful community spirit. It's just wonderful that you can walk out of your door and meet so many people you know. I could not live anywhere else because I'd feel I'd lost all my contacts.
What is the worst thing?
Litter. But that's everywhere, isn't it? It's not as bad here as in other areas. I fully support Bill Bryson's Stop the Drop anti-litter campaign with the Council for the Protection of Rural England. He's a very avuncular figure, you just want to hug him to death.
WhICH IS your favourite local building?
Burgh House. My husband is a trustee and we go to many functions there. We recently organised a concert with guitarists John Williams and John Etheridge, a fundraiser for our local shelter, the Mayhew Animal Home, raising £2,000.
How long have you lived in Hampstead?
Since I married, 52 years ago last month. My grandfather had a garage on Haverstock Hill, Vandervell's, which he started in 1929 and my father worked there, so I'd always been familiar with Hampstead and Belsize Park. We have been in this house for 37 years - we bought it without even going inside.
Where else have you lived?
I went to South Africa for two years from 1952-3, and had to work my passage back because I loaned my return sea fare to a boyfriend's brother. I was fortunate enough to see an advertisement for a stewardess to sign on in South Africa and sign off in Amsterdam.
What's your favourite thing about Hampstead?
It's still a village and there's a wonderful community spirit. It's just wonderful that you can walk out of your door and meet so many people you know. I could not live anywhere else because I'd feel I'd lost all my contacts.
What is the worst thing?
Litter. But that's everywhere, isn't it? It's not as bad here as in other areas. I fully support Bill Bryson's Stop the Drop anti-litter campaign with the Council for the Protection of Rural England. He's a very avuncular figure, you just want to hug him to death.
Which is your favourite local building?
Burgh House. My husband is a trustee and we go to many functions there. We recently organised a concert with guitarists John Williams and John Etheridge, a fundraiser for our local shelter, the Mayhew Animal Home, raising £2,000.
If you were Mayor for a day, what would you do?
Make the Heath walk a London-wide walk for the bears which are the victims of torture in China.
If you had to spend £1m in a day, what would you spend it on?
I would give it all to my animal charities. I'd split it between Animals Asia, Greyhounds in Need, the Mayhew Animal Home and the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, which does a lot of work with donkeys in the developing world, where people depend on them for their livelihoods.
What do you think is missing from Hampstead?
I'd like to see more amenities and small shops instead of so many phone shops, estate agents and dress shops, but those are the only ones who can afford the rent. We used to have dear old Gaze's, but that had to move to Brent Cross.
What tips would you offer someone moving to Hampstead?
Use the Heath, one of London's green lungs. I know people in Hampstead who have never set foot on the Heath! There's a whole life out there. Simon Lee, who is superintendent of Hampstead Heath, is doing a splendid job.
If you had to spend £1m in a day, what would you spend it on?
I would give it all to my animal charities. I'd split it between Animals Asia, Greyhounds in Need, the Mayhew Animal Home and the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, which does a lot of work with donkeys in the developing world, where people depend on them for their livelihoods.
What do you think is missing from Hampstead?
I'd like to see more amenities and small shops instead of so many phone shops, estate agents and dress shops, but those are the only ones who can afford the rent.
What tips would you offer someone moving to Hampstead?
Use the Heath, one of London's green lungs. I know people in Hampstead who have never set foot on the Heath! There's a whole life out there. Simon Lee, who is superintendent of Hampstead Heath, is doing a splendid job.
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