NEWS IN BRIEF
Black History Month is widely recognised again in October, with a series of events, exhibitions, entertainments, performances, film, theatre and talks at venues across the borough. Of particular local interest: displays and dance demonstrations by Carnival troupe Tropical Isles at Stoke Newington Library (October 4 and 11, 6pm), whose Gallery features ’The Black History Kidz Variety Show,’ written and directed by Judd Batchelor (Oct 26, 6.30pm). Abney Park Cemetery hosts the BHM walk on Oct 14, 2pm – part of Hackney Museum’s celebrated Abolition ’07 – visiting the grave of Joanna Vassa, daughter of abolitionist Olaudah Equiano, with a talk by a member of the Equiano Society. Most events are free, and a full programme of events at the Museum, Sutton House, Hackney Libraries and other participating sites is available from libraries and at www.hackney.gov.uk/black-history-month.
Hackney Council has assured us that the Clissold Leisure Centre (remember that, all you Rip Van Winkles?) is finally about to re-open! Apparently, work will finish on the building in mid-October and, after a settling-in period for the new management, the Centre will open to the public in early December this year. So we have a Christmas present which is now six years overdue, and according to certain sources, delivered at a final cost of £44 million. The Council dispute this figure but have not given us their version. Let’s hope it works this time. Please.
‘A monumental fiction,’ is how Hackney was described by author Iain Sinclair in opening remarks at a discussion at Stoke Newington Library Gallery on 11 September. Joined by Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, academic Barbara Taylor and poet Roddy Lumsden, he continued, ‘a place without borders, where the past overwhelms you constantly.’ The panel and a substantial audience engaged in a lively debate on books set in or featuring the borough and its history. The previous week, poet John Hegley entertained a capacity crowd of all ages with whimsy, poem and song. Both events were part of Write To Ignite, Hackney’s literary festival, and took place amid the artworks of a popular group exhibition, ‘Where Has All the Birdsong Gone?’, being shown due respect by all – especially Kate Bradbury’s wine cork birds, which flocked across the floor, between seats, and perched on every available surface.
We understand that TfL are expected to finish their business case for converting the Stoke Newington One-Way system to two-way working by the end of this year. Ken Livingstone's office has stated that once the business case is complete it will be considered for funding. Both Jennette Arnold (Lab) and Jenny Jones (Green), GLA Members, have been pressing the Mayor on progress. Residents who want to be kept informed of progress can join a local email circulation list by sending an email to davidvail@blueyonder.co.uk.
‘The prettiest star’ – as friend and sometime rival David Bowie described Marc Bolan – was remembered on September 16 by a stalwart group gathered on Stoke Newington Common, site of his childhood home. An occasion made more poignant by its marking the 30th anniversary of the bopping imp’s tragic death in a car accident in Barnes. At this remove, it’s hard to imagine the rebirth of teen hysteria and pop triumphalism Bolan engendered with his switch from acoustic hippy dippiness to electric glam boogie, but nevertheless worth celebrating. Rock on. Visit our website n16mag.com and read about young Bolan’s formative years in Issue 6.
Was it mere prescience on behalf of the compiler of the Guardian's cryptic
crossword of Saturday, September 15, that the 27 Across clue – Spurs Misery at the finish (8) – predicted their loss at the North London derby on the same day? Who knows the answer?
Finsbury Park Homeless Families Project are looking for volunteers to join their Management Committee. For nearly twenty years, they’ve been offering desperately needed practical and emotional support to homeless families and children across three boroughs in North London. They provide advice on housing, health, immigration and benefits, ESOL and computer classes, a drop-in, playgroup and summer play scheme, keep fit and cooking classes. The Management Committee meets once every six weeks, and they’re particularly looking for people with financial, fundraising, human resources/employment and community/social work experience. Your chance to give something back! Phone Susie on 020 2754 6072 for more details.
The Auld Shillelagh held a Charity Run in Clissold Park at the end of July over a 10 kilometre circuit, with the participants ranging from fitness freaks to those who can’t even run for a bus. But they all completed the course, although their times varied somewhat. The event raised £2000 for local charities. Well done, that pub. While on the subject of the Shillelagh, don’t miss their themed evening on 18 October celebrating the music of Neil Young and friends. Only Love Can Break Your Heart. So true. Finally, David Knight, local entrepreneur, is preparing plans to hire a Routemaster plastered with Carry On Smoking posters, which will leave the Shillelagh, pick up people from other local bars and drive down to the West End to visit the only night club in Britain which is defying the law and allowing people to smoke. A true Che Guevara for our times. Date to be announced.
Just across the road, Stage B is confirming its reputation as one of Stokey’s leading venues, not only in music but also in poetry, art, drama and a variety of other performing arts. Maggie, who runs the bar, is looking for artists of all types to perform there. For an idea of what’s happening over the autumn, visit www.stageb.co.uk.
Congratulations to Stoke Newington’s only internationally famous supermodel. Renee Sinclair – one of the faces behind the Dove soap advertising campaign a couple of years ago, and the lead story in Issue 25 of this magazine – celebrated her 99th birthday on 23 September. Who else do you know round here who had her image projected onto Milan Cathedral as well as in some of the world’s glitziest and mega-selling magazines (including this one)? Happy birthday, Renee. See you at the party.
On what would have been Graham Greene's 103rd birthday, this October 2nd, the British Library is bringing out a CD of Greene's radio interviews and talks from 1954 until his death in 1991. It comes with an introductory essay by local author Nigel Lewis, who in 1982 did the longest tape interview Greene ever gave. Lewis is also the author of the English-language libretto to the early Mozart opera The First Commandment, first staged in 1767 and was staged again from 26 to 28 September at the world's oldest surviving music hall, Wilton's, down Hoxton way just behind Cable Street.Bookings from the Classical Opera Company, which commissioned the Lewis version.
Local restaurants Yum Yum and Mercado are participating in the Restaurants Against Hunger initiative between 1 and 31 October. Organised by humanitarian charity Action Against Hunger, RAH raises funds for families living in the world’s poorest charities so that they can feed themselves. During October both restaurants will donate part of the takings from a selected dish or ask you to make a donation. For more information visit www.restaurantsagainsthunger.com |
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