This is rapidly turning into a St Mary’s Church In Brief page. Well, it’s Christmas. The building of St Mary’s ‘New’ Church was completed in 1858 and so, in June next year, they’re going to be celebrating its 150th Anniversary. They’re planning a month of events and activities and would love to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved. Ideas include…
Community Theatre Event
Professional and budding actors, writers, directors, designers wanted to create and participate in a promenade performance. The event will take place in Clissold Park, and within the church itself.
Art Competition
They would like to invite local visual artists to display work during in the New Church during June. They’re looking for work inspired by the New Church as a visual reference point for the people of Stoke Newington, and also by the role St Mary’s plays in the wider community. The month-long exhibition will culminate in an auction of the work, the proceeds of which will enable St Mary’s to commission a local artist to create a work specifically for the New Church in celebration of its 150th Anniversary.
Opening the Church
They’d like to hear from anyone who could offer an hour or two to help keep the church open during the month. Other planned activities include a concert, an exhibition and a prayer/reflection space. Please contact 020 7254 6072 to get involved in any of the above, to suggest an idea or for any more information.

So that’s enough on churches. Now for pubs. Congratulations to Maggie, owner of Maggie’s Bar (Stage B, as was) who celebrates the second anniversary of the bar on 1 January. Maggie is keen to maintain the bar’s reputation as one of the best music venues in the area and also as a centre for the arts generally, including drama, poetry and visual arts. So if you’re a thespian/muso/ranter or whatever, give her a ring on Also, The Prince on Kynaston Road has recently changed hands and will be undergoing refurbishment early in the New Year, as will the Royal Sovereign on Northwold Road. The latter development, in particular, will be welcome news for people who live in the area and are keen on the odd bevvy. It’s a desert out there as far as bars are concerned. We’ll be reviewing both pubs in our March issue.

Other local business news. Not a bar, but a welcome addition to Church Street, is the recently opened Tea Rooms, which evokes a 1950s charm and comfort, allied to extremely tasty, home-baked cakes of all descriptions and an extensive coffee and (unsurprisingly) tea menu. Sunstone Women Health & Beauty Club on Northwold Road is celebrating its 15th anniversary this December, and is still going strong. The club owes its success to its loyal members and friendly, professional team. Sunstone will be holding a United Nations party to celebrate its anniversary and inviting all of its members to share in the celebrations in February 2008. Follow their and our websites for details. Location Location estate agent on Church Street is sponsoring Stokey-based kids’ football team Clissold Rangers Under 10s and Under 8s, and providing them with strips carrying the company’s name. The kids train on Saturday morning and play on Sundays. It’s pleasing to see local businesses becoming involved in the local community in this manner.

Finally, N16 Magazine would like to wish our readers, contributors and advertisers all the best for Christmas and the coming year. We appreciate your support. Have fun over the holiday.