Southsayer: Ann-Marie Mularky aka Marrizles

Ann-Marie – known to most people as Marrizles – can usually be found either “shopping for bargains or partying hard with my Deptford Army crew” in my One Girl’s Quest To Rave. She lives and plays in Deptford, and works in a nursing office. A former photographer, in her spare time she’s now busy promoting events, DJing and selling vintage clothes and accessories at Little Nan’s Market and Table Top sale on the last Sunday of every month. And, she says, “I’m a sucker for anything gold, sequinned or with pineapples on.”

When were you happiest?
When I lived on the Crossfields Estate in Deptford. Don’t get me wrong, I love where I live now (just over the road) but I have my fondest party memories living there. I miss having a good old chat with my neighbours and partying with them too. It’s also where I met my boyfriend who was one of my neighbours.

Where would you like to live in south London?
I want to stay in Deptford for as long as possible, I love the area. A lot of my friends live nearby so we are within walking distance.

What is your favourite sound or smell?
The smell of autumn in the air, especially Greenwich Park on a nice autumn evening, nothing can beat it. It’s so romantic, makes me all warm and fuzzy.

Who is your favourite south Londoner?
I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite or I’ll never hear the end of it.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Never take things for granted because you never know what’s around the corner. It sounds so clichéd but it’s true. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and it was such a massive shock and bumpy journey for myself and those around me. So based on that I try to grab life by the balls, so to speak. Appreciate every single day, even if you are having a rubbish one and let people know how much you love and appreciate them too; they’re the ones that will help pull you through your most difficult times.

What is your earliest south London memory?
My earliest memories would be being in my down Woolwich Market and Lewisham Market with my Mum and big sister. Having my special coat that I used to wear when my older brother would take me to Greenwich Park to roll down the hills. And also my Dad taking me to Blackheath funfair and I’d go on the same ride all the time. I’d wave down at him every time I got to the top.

What makes you unhappy?
People who spit, litter bugs, those who take things for granted and bad manners in general. Bad manners can really ruin my day.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Getting my energy levels back up to how they were would do me a massive favour but they seem to be improving greatly so I can’t really complain.

What is your most unappealing habit?
I can be very impatient at times and I worry way too much about things. I’m also fiercely stubborn – an Aries thing.

What is your guilty pleasure (in south London)?
Fried chicken from LFC on the way home from a heavy night of drinking.

Where do you hang out?
You will mostly find me in Little Nan’s Bar and Bunker club Deptford. I usually keep it local.

Who or what do you dislike and why?
The council have taken the anchor away from the end of Deptford High Street, that was a very sad day for many.

Best south London gig or night out?
Most nights in the Bunker club. And a double and mixer will only set you back £2.50. I’ve been going there since I was a teenager and I love it to bits. Love Annie B and Dave, they have run it for over 20 years and it is still going strong. And of course now we have Little Nan’s Bar there for pre drinks, so no more sitting indoors with cans waiting for Bunker to open.

What’s your best experience (in south London)?
Long summer weekends spent lazing away on Hilly Fields with a bunch of mates are always a winner and house parties. This area is perfect for cheap nights out, and they are always the best kind.

Worst? Being refused entry to the Amersham Arms because I was in a wheelchair; the worst thing that’s ever happened to me in this area.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Oh my dayz, wrong question to ask a girl. I do have a few body hang-ups and more than a few extra pounds I’d like to shed but I’m a lot better at trying to push those aside now that I’ve realised it doesn’t matter how you look as long as you have your health. Never ever go down the shop in your pyjamas, that’s well scabby. But on the whole it’s about being happy and healthy. I do have to remind myself of that a lot though ‘cos I do get whingy about things still.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“Sorry, we’ve already called last orders’”. Oh my god, I could cry when I hear that. Other than that, people making nasty personal comments – I’m pretty good at giving as good as I get though and can be a right gobby little ‘mare when people insult me.

Tell us a secret
My parents told me when I was little that Father Christmas lives in the park ranger’s house on Blackheath and that the deers in Greenwich Park are his reindeers.

What has your career taught you?
Working in a nursing environment inspires me greatly and makes me appreciate the amazing skills, determination and energy of healthcare professionals every day. I’ve always had big love for nurses,. They really are my heroes.

The house I live in is…
In a brilliant location, although sometimes living so close to Deptford Market can be a bad thing because I just cannot resist a good bargain and love rummaging through piles of stuff. I’m gonna end up on one of those hoarding programmes in a few years if I’m not careful. Oh dear.

What is your greatest life achievement?
I would say surviving very challenging times when all the odds were against me has been my greatest life achievement so far. Picking up the pieces and getting my life back on track has been very hard but I’m thankful for every part of it as I’ve learnt so much. I was also in the South London Press with Mr. Blobby on my eighth birthday at Surrey Quays shopping Centre…does that count?

Describe yourself as an animal
Hmm, I’d say a flamingo cos I’m a bird that’s well good at standing on one leg…