What is your connection to Primrose Hill?
I’m a born and bred Primrose Hiller. I was brought up in a house overlooking the Regent’s Canal and attended Primrose Hill Primary School in the days when Mrs Router was headmistress. I now find myself returning to that same school to collect my four-year-old from the lovely nursery. His trapeze lessons are at the Community Centre, where I myself went to nursery with my twin sister. I have ventured south of the river for short bursts, to the bustle of Clapham and Chiswick, but have returned to my roots pretty quickly.
My experience of living in Primrose Hill is fairly unique, in that all my family are living in and around the hill. My twin sister lives a mere three doors away (very handy when it comes to babysitting), although the tables are about to turn as she is expecting her first baby this month! With a young family, the support of having parents five minutes away and the children’s aunts, uncle and cousins so close has been priceless.
What do you most enjoy about living in the area?
I love that Primrose Hill has retained such a village feel and that with no major roads running through the centre we can walk everywhere, while my four-year-old ‘scoots’. We really are spoilt for choice having three parks, Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park and even Hampstead Heath, in such close proximity.
Chalcot Square also proves the perfect gem of a place to hang out in the summer months: a great place for the children to run free, while their parents socialise over a glass of rosé early evening. Having London Zoo just five minutes away has also been fabulous when looking for a last-minute form of outdoor entertainment for the children. The petting zoo, the children’s water fountain and the playground there are where we spend most of our time during the spring and summer months.
There’s also something very special about my son being fortunate enough to be able to play cricket at Lord’s each week too. And for me of course, a lover of fashion, I can ‘hop and skip’ through the park to get to Selfridges.
I understand you have recently undergone a career change: what’s this in, and what inspired you?
With two small children and a husband who has just launched a new business venture QuoinStone Management, I figured that working in the hospitality events and marketing industry was no longer conducive to my lifestyle.
When I first had my eldest I set up ‘Love Letters London’ creating personalised illustrated names for children which has proved very popular. The personalised named frames work as an ideal first gift for a new-born or young child.
Then I recently qualified as a personal trainer and am already really enjoying the challenge and prospects of where my career may take me. I love that I can positively inspire others and make a difference to the lives of fellow locals in their mood, shape and health. Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park act as the perfect ‘playground’ for this.
How can someone find out more about personal training with you?
For more information or to train with me, please find me on Instagram: @camillacaseyhowling. I will be starting a running club at the beginning of April, so anyone looking to get beach-ready before summer, please do join me. Please email me for the days and times we run: [email protected]
Please also take a look at www.loveletterslondon.com