Still on bars (and why not?), The Eye has a new manager. Welcome back, Tony Collins.
Tony is intending to change the layout and furniture of the bar, start a second-hand bookshop and introduce theatre, poetry and World music, as well as retaining the Eye's reputation for being the leading local venue for rock music. Tony is also looking for artists who would like to exhibit at the Eye. Phone him on 020 7923 7781 for details.

And continuing the music theme, Stoke Newington resident Tjinder Singh and his band Cornershop had a massive hit back in 1997 with 'Brimful of Asha'. It looks like he's going to repeat the success with Cornershop's latest single, 'To pknot' , selected by The Observer Music Monthly as Song of the Month.

The mag labelled them 'one of England's greatest bands' and described the single as 'a genuinely beautiful take on Punjabi folk, backdropped by a loping funk beat and breathtakingly lovely guitar... the perfect sonic antidote to a summer dominated by the fat meatheads waving the flag of St George and the sad jingoistic success of Ukip.' It's
just been released on Rough Trade and there's no excuse for not buying it.

Celebrated local artist Peter Kennard has opened a new exhibition entitled 'Decoration'. It consists of a series of large paintings and prints meditating on the current war in Iraq, juxtaposing notions of military commemoration - war medals - with the real victims of the war. These are powerful and gripping works from Peter, who has been described as 'one of the very few artists who has had a direct effect on recent British politics'. The exhibition runs until 27 August at Gimpel Fils, 30 Davies Street, W1 (020 7493 2488). Don't miss it.

In our last issue we announced the formation of the N16 Walking Group and the first walk - featuring a redoubtable collection of locals - took place in May. The next walk will take
place in early August, leaving the Rose & Crown on a Sunday morning and wending its way through Hackney Downs, Victoria Park and along the Union Canal to the Angel, a total of just over eight miles. Ring expedition leader Nick Oliver on 07870 701255 for details. You owe it to yourself.

Messing about on the Reservoir. The Castle Canoe Club which is based at the West Reservoir Centre (on Green Lanes, behind the Castle) is keen to attract new members. During the summer they meet on Tuesday evenings from 6.30-8 pm and Sunday mornings 10.30am-1pm. Membership is cheap at just £36 per year, which includes use of boats and equipment on the reservoir. Find out more by visiting www.castlecanoeclub.org 

The Hackney Schools Mentoring Programme has been matching Year 10 students to mentors in the business and community sectors since 1996 and they now hope to expand into the Stoke Newington area. From September this year they are aiming to have at least 15 local, creative mentors who would be willing to volunteer approximately an hour a fortnight to spend with a student. The aim of their programme is to look at future career and study options, help with CVs and work experience and have an adult friend to talk to. If you are interested in helping, then phone Deryl Walsh on 020 8820 7435 (www.hsmp.org.uk).

The third European Social Forum is taking place in London in October. Warm up for the occasion by attending the European Creative Forum on 14 August with its programme of live music, DJs, workshops, art, photography, films, healing and more. The event is being held at Project 142, Lea Bridge Road, E5 (between the Ship Aground and Princess of Wales pubs on the River Lee) between 1pm and 1am. Find out more about this event on www.EuropeanCreativeForum.org.

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