Author: chiefknowitall

Betty Auger, American artist and wife of now deceased, Major Hugh Auger, passed away 3rd July 2020.  At 99, she was Ashworth Mansions oldest resident and having moved into Ashworth Mansions in 1947, she was AM’s longest time resident as well.  She came over from Chicago to London during the war to work as a secretary, where she met and married Major Hugh.  Together, they moved into the newly rebuilt blocks of Ashworth Mansions, which had previously destroyed by a German V1 bomb during the Blitz.  

As a couple, they were active residents, where Major Hugh was the residents’ representative to help oversee the major works to ensure that the freeholder did a good job. They also let their flat, with its 3rd floor vantage point, to be used by the Police for the occasional stakeout!  When her husband passed away, Betty provided a bench to the AM central garden with a plaque dedicated to him.

A local photographer, Russ McClintock, took these photos he took of Betty in 2012, which he passed onto Councillor Geoffrey Barraclough.  He remembers her as a sweet and stylish lady.  Rest in peace Betty — we will miss you.

On 25th November 2019, Westminster City Council refused Waldon Telecom’s proposals to locate  intrusive 6m high telecom masts and other equipment on the rooftop of Ashworth Mansions at the corner of Ashworth Road and Elgin Avenue. Thanks very much to everyone who raised an objection with the Council — a tremendous response from Ashworth Mansions and others in the neighbourhood, who were equally keen to ensure that the Maida Vale Conservation Area and its important buildings including Ashworth Mansions are protected from crass and inappropriate development proposals.  Waldon has a right to appeal the Council’s decision to the Secretary of State for the Environment which must be done within 6 months of the Council’s decision date and we will update this notice as and when further information becomes available.

Please see ‘pages/downloads/other’ section for refusal letter from the Council..