EC1 ECHO NOV/DEC 2019 N 1 FREE

NEWS CULTURE EVENTS EC1Echo.co.uk Come and join The rediscovered Things to do @EC1Echo the ‘Clerkenwell old masters in EC1 this Commons’ of Farringdon November /EC1Echo P 3 P 8–9 P 15 [email protected] Run for your life ollowing a grant to upgrade Islington’s parks and green Fspaces to improve health for the whole community, King Square Gardens has opened a new cycling and walking route. The route itself is made of mark- ers on the ground. It is the third such route in Islington and the first in the EC1 area. It has been funded by a Parks For Health Project grant of £667,700 to both Islington and Camden: part of the Future Parks initiative, which aims to deliver on the prom- ise of the first London parks which hoped to improve public health. Without recourse to an expen- sive gym, EC1 residents can now take exercise – with their GP’s recommendations. “This money will help us to put our green spaces at the heart of the healthcare toolkit,” said Cllr Janet Burgess, Islington Council’s exec- utive member for health and social care. “We need to connect our least active residents with our parks and Jewel Heritage: Summer’s pop-up park in Hatton Garden green spaces and all the activities that take place within them. O p en in g t h e t r a

Hatton Garden faces the future c The BID acknowledges that the famous street is changing k atton Garden – District (BID) is shortly to publish cies.” Developers see the area as in the last few years than in the London’s jewellery its annual report for 2018–19. Since a central honeypot for offices and previous 50 years.” centre for hundreds it began in 2016, the BID – which housing – while the recent film According to Karter, there has of years – is rapidly is supported by local businesses about the “heist” increased the been a move away from the Hchanging. With Crossrail on its – has addressed these issues, in notoriety of Hatton Garden in a older kind of jeweller, catering “The physical and mental bene- way in 2021, rents are increasing, the hope that the area can move way that some found unwelcome. to browsing couples, towards a fits of getting out there – whether while globalisation and internet with the times while retaining These circumstances have more crafts-based approach. “The that’s walking the dog, going for a shopping have cut margins for its historic profile as London’s changed the district, says jeweller internet has had a huge effect on jog or breaking a sweat at an out- many of the businesses. Visitors pre-eminent jewellery district. Karl Karter of London Rocks on the industry,” he says. “The retail door gym – are well known, and are expected to triple but the “The commercial mix has Leather Lane, close to Hatton shops are struggling against Indian there are few other community increased footfall is likely to changed dramatically,” says a Garden. “The BID has been and Chinese competition.” facilities that have such universal favour different businesses. spokeswoman for the Hatton controversial in certain areas,” Instead, some newer jewellers appeal at low or no cost.” With that in mind, the Hatton Garden BID. “There has been says Karter. “But the fact is there’s are targeting the “artisanal” Garden Business Improvement an influx of new creative agen- been a lot of change – more so Continued on Page-4 Visit islington.gov.uk/sportinparks EC1 ECHO NO.1 November/December 2019 N 1 NEWS 2 NOV / Our ever- DEC changing 2019 district

1st Nov 31st Dec Thomas Neumark, CEO of The Peel Waxing Waxing Crescent Crescent he first impression that 22% / 0.51 26% / 0.49 Tone gets on arriving in Clerkenwell is the general look of monotony in the place: the apparent sameness of one street EC1 Echo is the area's with its neighbour, and the ever- free community lasting grimness and grayness of newspaper. We publish the houses, wherever one goes”. bi-monthly and Those were the “impressions of distribute 5,000 free a visitor in Clerkenwell” written copies door-to-door in 1934 by “an Oxford Graduate in Clerkenwell as well who spent a week at The Peel”. as 500 copies to cafes, How would that same person pubs, community react if a time machine brought centres, libraries and them to EC1 in 2019? Safe to other venues say that they wouldn’t notice a Out To Lunch: The market’s food stalls are too dominating Credit Bruno Healy “general look of monotony”, from Sadler's Wells to Exmouth Mar- Publisher David Floyd ket to Amwell Street to the Spa Green Estate, a five-minute walk Editor Hemingway’s reveals architectural marvels. Oliver Bennett The faces you see are more mixed than the buildings. There Designer Jonathan Duncan are households whose families have Leather Lane lived in EC1 for five generations and Project Manager people who moved in two minutes Anna Merryfield ago, interacting with the people Contributors Call for market layout to change who work, travel or study here. Bruno Healy, David This diversity and variety makes Blazquez, Ross Willoughby- report from Cam- number of non-food applications each other, enjoy more trade Clerkenwell a great place to live Young, Dominika Langova, den Council and and may have become over- throughout the day and attract or work. Luigi Indri, Kate Coombs, Hemingway Design dependent on the lunchtime trade a more diverse clientele – most

T Matt Nathan, Tim Jones, has recommended a during the hours of 11am–2pm. notably serving local people o m

Cass Horowitz, Meg rethink of Leather Lane market. Even other caterers on the doing high street shopping on N A e

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Chapman, Thomas Neumark in the borough of Camden – “…the buffet food has got so far lunch hour. T

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including the famous Camden out of control that my restau- Practical suggestions for the P

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Market, where Wayne Hem- rant has been completely market included the provision l ingway of Hemingway Design of different sized stalls from CONTACT began his career in fashion small carts to large, semi- Email and design – Camden Markets "There is a permanent lockups; better It also presents challenges. Peo- [email protected] Vision & Recommendations storage, so that dismantled ple do not always feel like they Post 2019 cites particular flashpoints fundamental stalls and vans don't clutter the belong or are able to participate. 7 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HA facing Leather Lane, which has need to consider streets, and different zones for They may think that certain places become a destination for lunch different types of merchandise. or activities are “not for them”. time food stalls and buffets. the needs of the It also proposed that as Leather That’s why The Peel, a charity ADVERTISING As the report notes, Leather Lane is only busy on weekdays, that has been working in Clerken- well since 1898, is looking at how Contact David Floyd: Lane is a financial success. entire street” it could be bought back to life Across Camden market trad- as a flea market or community we can build a more connected Call 020 8521 7956 ing generates around £964,000 blocked off so customers can market at weekends. Local community where everyone ben- Email per year [a figure from 2016–17] no longer get through the stalls traders could be encouraged, efits from living here. [email protected] with 38 per cent of that income into my restaurant”. in order to provide greater It’s also why we are supporting from Leather Lane alone. The recommendations from neighbourhood benefit from the launch of EC1 Echo, a paper But it also found a degree of con- Hemingway Design are for the market. that can tell the stories of this flict between shop owners and the market’s layout to change, “There is a fundamental need remarkable part of the world and newer food and drink outlets that so that stalls don’t block out for the layout plan to consider hopefully bring us a bit closer

EC1 Echo is a member of IMPRESS: populate the famous market in the shop-fronts. It also sug- the needs of the entire street and together. I hope you enjoy the The Independent Monitor of The EC1. As well as complaints about gested that a wider “traders all who reside and trade there,” paper and are inspired to tell Press. For more information on the EC1 Echo’s complaints policy and how to waste disposal, noise, and the res- community” should emerge, suggested Wayne Hemingway. your story. make a complaint visit: idues of food and oil on the road, where the stalls and shops EC1Echo.co.uk/complaints To download the report: Tell us what's on your mind: Leather Lane now only has a small become more considerate of Visit camden.gov.uk/documents Email [email protected] November/December 2019 EC1 ECHO NO.1 NEWS 3 Two EC1 residents call for interest in the ‘Clerkenwell Commons’

wo EC1 residents St James’s Church, as seen in a digital ‘flyover’ Credit Daniel J Wilcox people together, and that con- are enlisting people vivial environments encourage interested in devel- people to talk to each other. We oping the idea of a will use David’s digital networks TClerkenwell Commons – an for the stories and public space environment for conversation, for the conversations.“ collaboration and action. David David has developed demon- Wilcox and Mike Franks first stration maps that show how developed the idea in the mid- the digital side of the Com- 1970s, and almost 50 years on, mons might develop. “The Peel their vision was revived by The provided me and collaborator Peel's initiative called Connect- Drew Mackie with funding to ing Clerkenwell. The first result explore how mapping might of their renewed collaboration is support their programme – and a set of online maps and photos, I remembered the work done based on Mike’s 1977 Historic with Mike,” he says. “It’s been Trail, which will develop into a great fun developing the first framework for the Commons. demonstration maps, including Mike first met David in 1970 a Google Earth flyover created when he was an architect- by my son Dan.” planner on the GLC Covent We will “We hope to work with London Garden team and David was use David's Metropolitan Archive and local planning correspondent for the historians to improve on our Evening Standard. digital first efforts. “In 1975 I founded the award- “We’ve also started to develop winning social enterprise known networks for a lot more ideas: to do audio and as the Clerkenwell Workshops the stories video interviews and embed and slowly we began taking those in the maps and recruit local an active interest in the wider and public media professionals who can help neighbourhood,” says Mike. “In people record and tell their stories 1977 David was instrumental in space for in various ways. This way we can securing funding for my Trust "conversations make the discovery trail a place from the Queen’s Silver Jubilee for conversations in the street.” Celebration Committee. The result was Clerkenwell’s first descriptions of 27 places. It was The pair then met 40 years mons has been part of my work David and Mike are hoping to organise Historic Trail – at a time when followed up in 1998 by a major on at the launch of The Peel’s since the beginning,” says Mike. some meetings to generate more ideas, Clerkenwell was an unknown, revision, that laid 90 pavement Connecting Communities pro- “Projects exploring common and plan how to put these ideas into practice. If you’re interested email semi-derelict victim of plan- markers and 30 lamppost signs gramme and their collaboration ground have come and gone but Mike ([email protected]), or David ning blight and failed property to direct people around the area. is now taking shape both in two approaches are constant: ([email protected]) speculation.” The 1977 Trail Proposals are underway to bring digital and public space. “The that story-telling about past, The Clerkenwell Commons site can be was a large poster with short them back next year. idea of Clerkenwell as a Com- present and future can bring found at: clerkenwell.commons.london

NEWS IN BRIEF Think seasonal safety Polyamorous ith the party sea- harassment – and to promote the new coffee cup loan son on its way, the “Ask for Angela” scheme, which scheme is currently WGreater London allows customers to alert staff by Abeing tested in Exmouth Authority’s night czar Amy Lamé discreetly asking “for Angela” at Market. Called PolyCup, the (right, with Cllr Una O'Hallo- the bar. Cllr Kadeema Woodby- scheme has partnered with ran) visited Islington to lend the rne, Islington’s women’s and girl’s cafes to reduce waste by offering council support in its campaign champion, said: “It’s unaccept- takeaway coffee cups with a to encourage businesses to make able that 79 per cent of women deposit, redeemable on return borough safer for women at night. aged 18–24 said they expected to participating outlets including Amy’s visit follows the Mayor of inappropriate comments, touch- Sweet, Brill and Briki on Exmouth London’s Women’s Night Safety ing and behaviour on a night out Market itself. The scheme aims Charter, which enables women towards them or their friends. We to encourage people to avoid to feel more confident at night, will be promoting this Charter to single-use coffee cups, of which and offers guidance for busi- all our night-time businesses to PolyCup says there are about nesses, charities and councils make Islington the safest night- six million thown away a day. for staff training in how to spot time destination we can.” See www.polycup.co EC1 ECHO NO.1 November/December 2019 NEWS 4 "While most Pub faces food waste opposition comes from households, Complaints may lead to closure, says local landlord business Clerkenwell publi- with his proceeds. “I am proud waste makes can has offered to that we are have been a truly pay Hugh Myddle- sustainable business with most of up for 13 ton School £30,000 our heating and cooling coming insteadA of paying his court costs from the water beneath the pub,” per cent” of £21,600 to Islington Council he says. “The Sekforde opened – but has been rebuffed by the in 1829 and it may now close food in rickshaws, electric vans council. Following complaints for good at the end of this year. and cars. According to Andrew about noise that led him to court, I think that is a terrible shame." Faris, the founder of Rhythms of David Lonsdale, the landlord Another pub facing a clash with Life, some businesses reach out to of the Sekforde Arms in Sek- residents is the Wilmington Arms the charities by themselves, while forde Street in Rosebery Ave- others need to be asked for their EC1, received "We cannot nue, which hopes surplus food to be donated. a judgement to renovate an Very often, volunteers then cook against the pub accept that the upper floor to meals from the ingredients and which imposed host music and together with other food serve several condi- noise made by film evenings. it to the homeless or simply any- tions to be met. our customers Nine neighbours one in need. People queue every "The staff and I have objected to day at places including Trafalgar at the Sekforde is excessive or the plan. Square to get one of the thou- were extremely The problems Let’s feed people sands of meals the charities give disappointed by the restrictions facing pubs are away for free. District Judge imposed on manifold, includ- with Clerkenwell’s Nevertheless, there are still a large Newton's deci- ing changing number of businesses in Clerken- sion,” says Mr our licence are social patterns, well throwing food away, and there Lonsdale. “We the business deci- surplus food are coordination issues for chari- just cannot acc- reasonable” sions of pub com- ties who, says Robert Edwards, ept that the noise made by our panies or ‘Pubcos’, and the high BY DOMINIKA LANGOVÁ The issue of food wastage has administrator of Food For All, only customers is excessive or the costs of evenings out – which are been noted, and some chain have limited resources in terms of restrictions imposed on our easier to bear for big companies. even million tonnes. That’s cafes and restaurants are trying staff and vehicles. licence are reasonable and we “Large pubs are fine,” says Mr how much food was wasted to tackle the problem by collect- Sometimes, when a charity misses know that is the view of the great Lonsdale. “It’s the smaller side- in the UK in 2015. While ing food. The Pret Foundation, the pick-up in Gail’s bakery on majority of local residents.” street pubs with lower margins Smost food waste comes from house- founded in 1995, gives surplus Exmouth Market, a local comes Mr Lonsdale provides schol- that are experiencing difficulties holds, business waste still makes up food to charities who then donate to take the wasted food to those arships for Islington students and often closing.” to 13 per cent of this load, which it to the homeless. Other restau- in need. According to Michael, includes the food stalls throwing rants use apps like Too Good the assistant manager, she comes away unsold portions on Exmouth To Go or Olio to enable custom- a couple times a week to ask for and Leather Lane markets, Clerken- ers to buy food before use-by what has been left behind. well’s hotels throwing away the rest dates with a discount, thereby There are plenty of ways to help. of their bespoke afternoon tea, and avoiding wastage. If you don’t have the time to pick up and distribute or to volunteer, you can restaurants getting rid of uneaten But there are also charities that make a donation to one of the charities brunches. Add all the rest of the collect food directly from busi- to help with the costs. This way you can food businesses in the district – as nesses. In Clerkenwell, Rhythms of help people and the environment: Visit rhythmsoflife.org.uk well as all its supermarkets – and Life, Food For All and Feast are all Visit foodforall.com that’s a lot of surplus food. active, with volunteers collecting Visit feastwithus.org.uk

Continued from Page 1 to offer low-cost workspace in card called The Garden Card consumer. Adds Karter: “The new developments, and the and has installed flower plant- bespoke market is doing well, Hatton Garden Conservation ers and heritage signage. This with independent designer- Area Appraisal and Management Christmas it will be hosting fes- makers who know how to use Plan has taken on the concerns. tive activities across Hatton Gar- social media to publicise their As the spokeswoman says, the den, including a Christmas Fair work.” Names include Hannah BID wants Hatton Garden to which will involve closing Hat- Martin, Ruth Tomlinson and be better connected, with an ton Garden to traffic for three Emmet Smith of Rebus, and improved environment, and days. “Hatton Garden is still the part of their attraction to Hatton a raised profile. To that end it heart of the jewellery industry,” Garden is its heritage. has hosted workshops and pro- says the spokeswoman for the Camden Council has worked file-raising events like a Pop Up BID. “Although it must adapt, with the BID to get developers Park, has created a special loyalty we want it to stay that way.” November/December 2019 EC1 ECHO NO.1 FEATURE 5 COLUMN In our first councillor's column, Cllr Matt Nathan explains why Join the City’s he believes in the democratic power of the local press

cultural initiative an was el h e Nat cte tt d a a s M a co u n Tim Jones, Culture Mile’s manager, c il lo r f o explains what it’s bringing to the area, r

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t’s been a real joy to see EC1 Echo grow from the seed of an idea hatched at The Peel into a living breathing platform for community Inews you can hold in your hand and share with your neighbours. Local news has always been close to my heart. I started my career in local press at the Yorkshire Evening Post where I ran a small part of the classified section. It was a time when the Internet was a new

Culture Mile hopes to strange thing that hadn’t yet reshaped engage the community almost every part of our lives and large with vibrant events offices still had indoor smoking rooms. Credit Mark Allan Local press to me is fundamentally about community, our shared interests and struggles and the things that bind ulture Mile is the name ments including the new Museum Community Day which brought over us together. I can’t think of a richer soil given to the cultural district of London and the proposed new 730 people into LSO St Luke’s to than Clerkenwell in which to plant the launched in 2017 by the City Centre for Music, and the connec- enjoy a range of workshops and seed of such a publication. Cof London Corporation. In partner- tions provided by Crossrail. And the share their ideas for the future of It’s a privilege to serve a community ship with the Barbican Centre, the talent, for Culture Mile, together the area, and this autumn Culture with such a rich depth of stories; Wat Guildhall School of Music & Drama, with Foundation for FutureLondon Mile is working with over 20 local Tyler, Thomas Paine and Valda James, the London Symphony Orchestra with East Bank, is bringing on the groups to deliver a storytelling proj- clockmakers, printers and brewers, Lol- and the Museum of London, we’re new Fusion Prize: a £50,000 prize ect called You, Me, The World and lards, Chartists and transforming the north-west section fund to find the most innovative Culture Mile. This takes the form Communists, Italian of the Square Mile – close to where and impactful ideas for equipping of a structured conversation, where Local press migrants who made it meets Clerkenwell – and helping young Londoners of all backgrounds people share their thoughts, feelings is about Clerkenwell their to make the City of London a global with the skills they need to meet the and experiences of the area, making “spiritual home”, leader in culture. needs of today’s employers. meaningful connections and uncov- community, our architect Berthold There’s long been a major cluster ering hidden stories. It’ll culminate shared interests Lubetkin shaping of cultural organisations here and Think local in a large performance and commu- “homes for heroes” Culture Mile represents the inten- The community must remain at the nity meal in mid-December. Please and struggles and the beginnings tion to make the most of them. heart of the area and we’ve been come along. and the things of our celebrated We want to develop this cluster working hard on Culture Mile’s offer that bind NHS, crafters, and the opportunities that come to local people. In July we held a Visit culturemile.london dreamers and build- from it – and share the benefits as us together ers one and all. widely as we can. We think there’s Standing on the an opportunity to create a unique shoulders of these giants, it’s the stories place in the heart of London, we’ll tell about our shared future that with culture at its heart, which interests me the most. The pressures will deliver huge benefits for local and stresses of the modern world, the residents, workers and visitors. It’s longest working hours in Europe, the supported by a growing network rising cost of living and exorbitantly of over 40 organisations from aca- high rents do much to isolate us and demia to finance, property, health I think even the humblest of efforts to and hospitality companies. bring us together are to be celebrated. With its mix of culture, technology, Community lies at the heart of my values commerce and education, Culture and the core of my politics. To borrow Mile aims to deliver economic from Arthur Miller, a good newspaper is a growth and social mobility to the community talking to itself and I look for- area, helped by the new develop- Having fun at a Culture Mile event Credit Mark Allan ward to sharing this conversation with you. EC1 ECHO NO.1 November/December 2019 FEATURE 6

Winners of the first FA Cup A tour of the Charterhouse is a source of historical wonder

BY OLIVER BENNETT tour around the be disrupted. sional history lesson. It became a ing footie in a cloister. “In 1881 Charterhouse is not a Opening up the Charterhouse Carthusian monastery after the the Old Carthusians were the raucous affair. As a was a sound commercial idea as Black Death, then became a perk first club to win the FA cup,” said building where retired its tours are very popular. Some bequeathed by Henry VIII to his Jiff. “And they’re responsible for monasticA 'brothers' live in seren- of the visitors are keen histori- nobles after the brutal Dissolution one of the more controversial ity, questions are kept to the ans, others are lured by the fact of the Monasteries. Later, in 1611, rules of the game”. end and guests are invited not it starred in the Downton Abbey Thomas Sutton established it as As part of its opening up, the to take photos of the residents. TV series – now a blockbuster an almshouse and school to house Charterhouse has a Community “You have to remember that it is film – and as a location for other 80 brothers and 40 students – and Partnerships Programme, a living institution,” says Charter- films and programmes includ- their early graffiti can still be seen. extending the philanthropic house tour guide, Jiff. ing Taboo with Tom Hardy, The Marks of its importance are every- work of Thomas Sutton, whose In a way this adds to Guernsey Potato Peel Pie and where in EC1 from the nearby motto ‘Deo Dante Dedi’ means You have to the special atmosphere Literary Society, the series Sutton Arms to White Conduit ‘God having given, I gave’. With at Charterhouse, Pennyworth and the forthcom- Street near Angel, named after local schools and community remember which in 2017 opened ing film Misbehaviour. the white-robed monks. Charter- action, the institution is keen to the public for the The advent of Crossrail, which house School survived here until to reach out and share its his- that it is first time, with a new is to have an entrance at the 1872. It’s now in Surrey. tory, its glorious spaces, and museum and access eastern end of Smithfield Mar- While there is no evidence of especially its tranquillity with a living to the splendid series ket, is likely to increase the traf- them making Chartreuse, the audiences across the borough. of old quadrangles fic further. Thereby hangs a tale, sickly green liquor for which and historic rooms of as many skeletons were found the Carthusians were famous, the institution The Charterhouse Christmas Fair is the old monastery and during Crossrail’s excavations – Charterhouse has other import- 11am–8pm on Tuesday 12 November, and is going to be formally opened by Tudor mansion. Over 40 brothers including one that can be seen ant things to be proud of – it the Mayor of Islington live here now – and for a few years here, killed by the Black Death. claims to be where the ‘throw in’ · Guided tours £15 per person, they have included women – and Like everything at the Charter- and the offside rule was invented · Brothers’ Tours £20 per person their peace in later life should not house, it’s part of a three-dimen- – a result of the hazards of play- Visit thecharterhouse.org November/December 2019 EC1 ECHO NO.1 PHOTOGRAPHY 7

These contrasting views of the area Towers on City Road are by Spanish photographer David Blazquez, who has made his home in the EC1 area since 2011. He showed in the photography exhibition Human Furniture earlier this year and can be found at: www.davidblazquez.com

2 3 Feature Volunteers are working together to P.5 NEWS No.1 OCTOBER 2018 ENFIELD DISPATCH NEWS No.1 OCTOBER 2018 ENFIELD DISPATCH improve a local stream – and boost wildlife

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“We need to make the area con- Local Tories nected,” Cllr Caliskan explained. Labour divided over leadership “We need to look at the whole in racism row ED. project and show the market we Complaints about selection process, but action against local party unlikely have a plan and that we will deliver BY JAMES CRACKNELL Cllr William Coleshill has it. We will have a phase-by-phaseADVERTISE been suspended following o approach, giving many more com- omplaints by Labour coun- N .1 panies a chance to bid for sites, and cillors in Enfield about the comments made at a also generating greater financial selection process during this recent council meeting OCTOBER 2018 returns for the council.” Cyear's local election are unlikely to Cllr Caliskan dismissed sugges- lead to disciplinary action being he local Conservative Party Enfield Dispatch is the tions that suddenly ditching talks taken, the Dispatch understands. became embroiled in a borough's free community to find a Meridian WaterWITH master- Several sitting councillors were racism row after two Enfield newspaper. We publish planner, which had lasted several deselected prior to May's election, Tcouncillors in as many months were monthly and distribute 10,000 years, meant starting from scratch. in what some in the local party suspended over comments made free copies of each issue Opposition Conservative council- claim was a co-ordinated move to about people of Turkish origin.

to cafés, pubs, community lors claimed £3m was “wasted” on enable Councillor Nesil Caliskan100 Councillor William Coleshill brought centres, libraries, GP surgeries, legal fees and advice during the to become the new leader. chaotic scenes to the council chamber schools, hair salons, and failed procurement process. But Just two weeks after former leader last month when, in a debate about outside railway stations. 75 the council leader pointedEC1 to prog- ECHO Councillor Doug Taylor won an in- school spending, he asked if the Publisher ress made with land acquisition creased majority on the council, a Turkish family of a Labour council- David Floyd and said: “We have done a lot of leadership ballot was held that re50 - lor had “brought a classroom with the foundation work, building sulted in Cllr Taylor being ousted them” – prompting howls of protest.

Editor 25 up knowledge of the sites, clean- Original plans for the Meridian Water project, which may now change as the council seeks to work with new developers and Cllr Caliskan taking his place. The furore came a few weeks after James Cracknell Are you a business who wants to reach Several councillors – including another Conservative councillor was

Designer “They talked ing up the land – these are things industries to provide employment housing, and Cllr Caliskan says this some who continue to serve in the0 suspended over an anti-Turkish post Jonathan Duncan we would have to pay for anyway.” at Meridian Water during the early also applies to Meridian Water. “My council's cabinet – made complaints Enfield Council's cabinet, including new leader Councillor on social media. Nesil Caliskan (fifth from right) Credit Enfield Council local Since 2014people the council has acquired inphase of Clerkenwell?works. “We could just rent number one priority Reachfor the borough themto the Labour Party's National Execu- In September's full council meeting Project Manager about building 35 hectares at Meridian Water, at a cost it out to a chicken factory and make is reducing inequality, and Meridian tive Committee (NEC) and called for at Enfield Civic Centre, Cllr Coleshill Anna Merryfield luxury homes of £157m, and now owns 64 percent of some money, but we are trying to get Water will play a part in that.” an investigation into the selection tion process, which she was direct- with constituency party members In response to the vote, Ms Ryan was responding to a motion put Contributors andthe landat earmarked the for development. samepeople to live here.time We will get it right.”support local mediaprocess amid claims that “signifi100 - ly involved in, saying all candidates claiming the Labour MP played a pointed to the ongoing anti-Semi- forward by Councillor Susan Erbil Stephen Cox – I didn't think Cllr Caliskan also said the council The council's aim for any new Find out more about the cant irregularities” had occurred. were “interviewed by completely role in the ousting of Cllr Taylor. tism row in the party and manoeu- calling for the government to reverse Claire Fisher was exploring the potential for key housing development in Enfield is plans for Meridian Water: A leaked letter also showed that75 independent panels comprised of The no confidence motion was vres being made by “hard left” ac- spending cuts affecting local schools. Frances Dismore it was okay” players from the film and music to provide 50 percent 'affordable' Visit meridianwater.co.uk some members were upset at the three Labour members from outside agreed in a narrow vote of 94 to 92. tivists, citing her position as chair of After claiming migrants had contri- Alison Archer by advertising with us! We are not-for- number of sitting black councillors Enfield”. The council leader declined It stated that members believed the Labour Friends of Israel group buted to the pressure placed on edu- Ciara McNulty 50 who had been de-selected. to comment further for this article. Joan had “publicly undermined the as a decisive factor. cation funding, he asked: “When the Basil Clarke Chris Byrne However, the Dispatch has been told Councillor Joanna Laban, the Tory Labour Party in a manner that did She said: “This was about anti-Semi- Erbil family entered this country, did profit, all income is reinvested in thethat Labour's NEC is not currently25 group leader, said: “People deserve not seek a constructive way forward”. tism in the Labour Party and those of they bring a classroom with them?” Jason McKenna Margaret Green conducting a formal investigation to know the truth and for any nec- Much of the anger against Joan us who have stood by the Jewish com- Loud cries of “racist” and “shame”

Jo Johnson Borough prepares for Brexit into the selection process. While 0 it essary action to be taken.” stems from the 2017 General Elec- munity and said 'enough is enough'. erupted from the Labour benches in Sharlene Gandhi continuing success of the paper. is unlikely any disciplinary action The ongoing row over the circum- tion, when the Enfield North MP I will continue to speak out against the council chamber, with many coun- Dana Burstow Fears over impact on local services and construction projects after UK leaves European Union will be taken over the matter, the stances that led to the change at the openly disparaged the Labour Party's anti-Semitism, against the campaign cillors visibly angry and upset. The Garry Humphreys party has not denied the possibili- helm of the council last May has also leadership and claimed voters have to demonise and delegitimise the situation threatened to escalate before Regan O’Mahony BY STEPHEN COX service arrangements will need to new and untried ‘settled status’. Cllr Caliskan said: “As with the ty that rules were broken. been cited as a contributory factor in “more confidence in Theresa May world's only Jewish state, and for a Councillor Saray Karakus, who as Mayor Marianna Michael 100 be reviewed”. Enfield’s flagship £6billion Meridi- majority of local councils across In an email to party members last month's vote of no confidence as prime minister than they would Labour Party which is true to its values of Enfield was chairing the meeting, David Williamson Arthur Salisbury ix months before Brexit, Councillor Nesil Caliskan, the an Water development is intended the country, we are very keen that Cllr Caliskan defended the selec- against Enfield North MP Joan Ryan, have in Jeremy Corbyn”. of anti-racism, respect and decency.” intervened and appealed for calm. bosses at Enfield ContactCouncil council leader, has called our for new to bringadvertising thousands of jobs and new government shouldsalesperson: announce a 75 Cllr Coleshill said that he withdrew CONTACT say they need urgent clarity funding streams to cover the loss housing, but could become one of fund to replace the EU structur- the remark and apologised, but after

Son the final deal to be able to of EU regeneration funding. She many projects that struggles to find al funding that will no longer be 50 ewly-rebuilt Chase Farm founded in 1948 – the same year people of Enfield, as well as the a ten-minute break, did not return to Call 020 8521 7956 manage the effects on its services. said: “Enfield Council continues qualified workers, with the council open to us. New £200m Hospital has welcomed its as the National Health Service. wider population we serve, a bril- his seat. The meeting subsequently Email EnfieldDispatch@ The council's leadership has to be concerned as to the poten- warning that Brexit “may have a “We hope to see decisive lead- first patients. There is a hospital concierge service liant environment to deliver the resumed with a motion, already sched-

Call 020 8521 7956 25 socialspider.com N highlighted the potential eco- tial impact Brexit or a ‘no deal negative impact on [the] construc- ership from government soon hospital The £200million hospital build- situated in the main lobby and very best of modern healthcare.” uled, stating the council “condemns Post Salisbury House, Bury nomic impact and uncertainty Brexit’ may have on our commu- tion industry, which is reliant on as the deadline draws closer. ing is described as being “equipped volunteers will help patients and While Chase Farm's accident and and stands against racism, xenopho- Street West, Enfield N9 9LA for the 23,000 non-BritishEmail EU nities and our [email protected] to continue EU nationals”. We cannot firm-up plans of building opens0 for the digital age” and features an visitors find their way around. emergency department was closed bia and hate crimes”. citizens currently residing in to deliver high-quality services Last month the council’s cabinet action until more detail is made urgent care centre, older person’s In addition, the hospital is testing five years ago, the new urgent care Councillor Joanne Laban, the Tory ADVERTISING the borough. when we leave the EU. available to us The new Chase Farm Hospital building is assessment unit, and eight “state- new technologies to improve centre (UCC) can treat minor illness leader, said: “Cllr Coleshill has had set to host 10,000 operations each year Contact Ben Cawthra: Earlier this year a council paper “We continue to await on the final of-the-art” operating theatres. patient experience and safety. This or injury that isn’t life-threaten- his party membership and the Con- assessing risks to service deliv- firm direction from “Regeneration programmes settlement.” Chase Farm will now be the includes patients having greater ing, including sprains, strains and servative group whip suspended. He Call 020 3892 0061 100 Email ben.cawthra@ ery gave an 'Amber' rating for government and in the The council primary location for planned control and involvement in their broken bones; minor burns and is sitting as an independent member.” hackneycitizen.co.uk Brexit, meaning it has potential interim are developing could be placed at risk” leader has also surgery within the Royal Free own care through a ‘patient portal’. scalds; minor head and eye injuries; The member for Bush Hill Park is now to cause disruption. contingency plans and joined those 75 London NHS Foundation Trust, They will be able to view their and bites and stings. No appoint- the second newly-elected councillor to The report stated that, depend- gaining a better understanding of discussed a projected gap in calling for a 'popular vote' on the which also runs the Barnet and medical history, test results, and ments are needed and the UCC is be suspended by the local party, after

ing on the outcome of negotia- potential impacts on our residents funding over spending of more final proposals – a second Brexit 50 Royal Free hospitals – delivering upcoming appointments. open every day from 8am to 10pm. Councillor Stephanos Ioannou, who tions, “regeneration programmes and on service provision.” than £9million, which may be met referendum. an expected 10,000 operations Natalie Forrest, chief executive of The old hospital buildings, includ- represents Southgate, shared a tabloid

could be placed at risk; housing A third of all London’s construc- from reserves. Any economic She added: “I support the People’s 25 each year. Chase Farm Hospital, said: “It’s ex- ing some structures that are more front page from the 1970s with a head- supply may come under further tion workers come from the rest downturn caused by Brexit could Vote and believe that Enfield resi- Accessibility has also been greatly citing to welcome patients into our than 130 years old, are now being line describing Turks as 'Barbarians'. We are grateful to Love Your Doorstep pressure; business rate income of the EU and, after Brexit, such impact further on income and in- dents deserve a say over what the improved at the hospital in The brand new hospital. We are very redeveloped for housing and Cllr Laban added: “The Conserva-

for their ongoing support 0 could fall, and environmental workers will need to apply for a crease demand for services. deal is – if there is one.” Ridgeway, which was originally proud and know it will offer the education. tive Party takes this sort of matter Evening sun at Exmouth Market very seriously and on both occasions acted quickly.” 8 WORDS OLIVER BENNETT EC1 ECHO NO.1 East London’s Nov/Dec 2019 rediscovered masterpieces The pre-war paintings f you follow Twitter, you Steggles’ Smithfield Spires (1931) may have seen the art of and Osborne’s Farringdon Road of Clerkenwell by the East London Group – of 1929 show almost unchanged including a small handful views, bringing out the unex- the East London of paintings of Clerkenwell. pected peacefulness of the area. Group have been I In particular, Sunday Morning, A Farringdon Road by Cecil Osborne The story of the ELG is remark- rediscovered in recent of 1929, attracts interest for a able because it had almost been years. Here's the streetscape that transforms the forgotten until the publication busy thoroughfare into a scene of David Buckman’s book From R fascinating history from a British answer to the US Bow to Biennale: Artists of the artist Edward Hopper, while East London Group, published in of the ELG – and Warner Street by Harold Steg- 2012 when retired engineer Alan how one man on gles, from 1935, is an elegiac Waltham and his wife Janeta view of how this Clerkenwell started to research the group. T Twitter has helped a street once looked; with historic Janeta’s mother had been the new generation to housing either side of the road sister of key ELG artists Harold where offices and an electricity and Walter Steggles (she is still discover them substation now sit. Conversely, around at 102 years old) and they

S

& C U L T U R Warner Street by Harold Steggles (1935) Reproduced by kind permission of the E Artist’s Estate Farringdon Road by became fascinated by the ELG, Institute and, subsequently under of the exterior depicted in the Cecil Osborne (1929) with Alan starting the Twitter John Cooper’s tutelage, at the Bow painting which Cecil Osborne Reproduced by kind permission account (@EastLondonGroup). and Bromley Evening Institute. observed from his window at 221 of the Osborne Family Alan found out that the ELG had a Farringdon Buildings which was Digging into their history, he big exhibition at the Whitechapel on the other side of the road.” found that in the Interwar period, Gallery in 1928, which had been Steggles’ Smithfield Spires was the ELG had in fact been a big reviewed nationally and was sup- painted from Holborn Viaduct. force in British art. They were ported by patrons like Sir Joseph shown at the Alex Reid & Lefevre Duveen and Samuel Courtauld. Tantalisingly, there are Steggles Gallery – the leading British art paintings of Clerkenwell that gallery at the time. “We had no Rediscovered thanks to David haven’t been found. “I’ve seen idea of the context of the gallery,” Buckman’s book and the Twit- catalogue entries for works by says Alan. Here, ELG members ter account, the ELG has more Steggles of Eyre Street Hill and exhibited annually from 1929 to recently had exhibitions in three Little Italy,” says Alan. “Pictures 1936 and in 1935, their work was galleries including The Nunnery are still coming out of the wood- shown in a British and French Gallery, Bow, the Beecroft Gallery work but I haven’t seen these Artists exhibition of 64 paintings in Southend and Southampton yet.” Keep your eyes open at which included eight paintings City Art Gallery. Alan recognises antique dealers and salerooms – by ELG members as well as work that his advocacy may have put they may still exist. by Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, prices up, as the ELG artists are Paul Cezanne and Picasso. A year becoming collectable. “An upside later in 1936, Elwin Hawthorne of the ELG’s exposure on Twitter and Walter Steggles were among has been an increase in interest in 27 artists to represent Great Brit- their work, which has manifested ain at Venice Biennale. itself in more competition when Alan found that in the pictures come up for sale.” As Alan recalls, “My question was Interwar period, the and remains: if they were good He says that the Farringdon paint- enough then, why aren’t they good ings are among the most popular ELG had in fact been a enough now?” Tweeting about the of the ELG’s work and have led ELG from his Dorset home, he to much discussion: “Contacts via big force in British art began to gain a lot of attention for Twitter have described the poor the loose-knit group – numbering living conditions inside Corpora-

Warner Street by about 35 in total – many of whom tion Buildings (which features in Harold Steggles (1935) had begun their artistic lives at the Sunday Morning, Farringdon Road– Reproduced by kind evening art classes that were first see page 13) which is decidedly permission of the Artist’s Estate held at the Bethnal Green Men’s at odds with the attractive nature " EC1 ECHO NO.1 November/December 2019

FEATURES 10 Nothing

like a hound dog

he Greyhound on the Green " café, run by Ross Willough- Tby-Young and Rebecca Serra at St James Churchyard in EC1, is a much-loved coffee spot. But as Ross explains below, it also raises aware- ness of the plight of greyhounds.

“Gosh I bet he needs a lot of exercise!” It’s the most common comment when someone walks into our little café in St James Churchyard’s park hut and spots Sullivan, our resident greyhound, snoozing in the corner. If they become a regular they soon ask if he’s ever awake. Because despite the greyhound being one of the fastest animals on earth, there’s little they enjoy more than a nap. It is a charming picture. But sadly, Locally sourced: Bernadette tending to St Bart’s edible garden the plight of the greyhound is his- torically messy and distressing. In Ireland they’re bred to support A short while the racing industry both there and The secret garden in the UK. In Australia activists ago, you could stop them being flown over to hardly move China for the meat trade, in Spain the galgo is used for hunting small behind St Bart’s for nettles, prey like rabbits. Ever wondered why you never normally see a brambles greyhound puppy? It’s because Finding solace in the city they’re set to work until they can’t and weeds work anymore, and then it’s off to any of us will know 900th anniversary in 2023.” which rehomes plants after And the garden has another liv- the rescue centre. the church of St Now, with terraces making the fairs like Chelsea Flower Show ing use. Against the ancient brick Bartholomew the most of the garden’s gradients, to community groups. and flintwork of St Bart’s sits an Great in Smith- a century-old mulberry tree and Passers by often stop and chat organic edible garden used daily Mfield – London’s oldest parish several planted areas and pots to the volunteers – recently local by chefs from the nearby Miche- church and a historic gem. made from recycled tyres, it’s a resident and author Shane Spall lin-starred Smithfield restaurant Fewer know that the vener- treat to behold. Sadly there’s no and her friend, Hollywood Club Gascon, whose chef-patron able church has an exquisite public access due to all sorts of actor Sam Neill popped in for Pascal Aussignac has planted n

a secret garden at the back: one reasons including public liabil- a garden tour. “Sam owns Two herbs for culinary purposes – as v i l l that until recently a pedes- ity, uneven walkways and steep Paddocks Wine in New Zea- well as fruit and edible flowers. u S trian might have passed with- drops, but as Skehan says, “We land,” says Bernadette. “He Pascal also gleans honey from h it w out a murmur, but which is have opened up the view from was full of good suggestions.” several hives he introduced into ss now flourishing. the street and the garden has a [pictured below] the garden this year. Bernadette Ro The person behind the garden’s huge sensory footprint to the has planted lots of herbs close There are a few who have found revival is retired accountant thousands of residents, workers to the railings at street level and their homes in EC1 – Parker, Una and local resident Bernadette and tourists who pass by: the she encourages neighbours and and Hummus to name a few – as Skehan. “The garden that I sight, the smell, the colours.” passers by to reach through and well as our cafe hound Sullivan see from my flat and walk The garden has been a labour help themselves for home use. himself, who we adopted from past every day was completely of love but Bernadette has been It’s much as it might have been the Greyhound Trust’s Whitting- neglected,” says Bernadette, helped by other volunteer resi- when St Bart’s was home to a ham Kennels. They’re the poster who has tended it for more than dents and by donations of labour monastic order – as well as a treat boys and girls of the greyhound a year. “A short while ago, you and material from construction for the eyes. community in Clerkenwell, edu-

could hardly move for nettles, firms working on local projects To see the garden at the back of St cating people on what makes brambles and weeds all hidden – Mace, Coffey and McLaren. Bartholomew the Great, walk to the them such excellent city pets. So end of the church on Cloth Fair and behind Virginia Creeper. So I She has also used all the gifts of turn right along Bartholomew Passage. if you see a greyhound, consider persuaded the people at the the impecunious planter: cut- The Autumn Fete at The Church of the journey this beleaguered Church to let me have a go at tings, donations and “plant St Bartholomew the Great in West breed has made and if you want Smithfield. is Saturday 9 November tidying it up and making it look adoption”, a scheme run by the 12pm–5pm and the same day as to help, consider a rescue dog. lovely ahead of their upcoming organisation Wayward Plants The Lord Mayor’s Parade. Visit greyhoundtrust.org.uk November/December 2019 EC1 ECHO NO.1

Submit your letter Got an opinion on something in Clerkenwell? We accept letters of up to 200 words from people and organisations in the area. FEATURES Email [email protected] before the next deadline 12th December. 11 LETTER Can Clerkenwell’s workshops Meet our featured and small companies survive? EC1 local Don’t drive out the creativity from EC1 Luigi Indri BY CASS HOROWITZ It really has everything you need in one place: printers and media buyers, plenty was born in Finsbury EC1 in lerkenwell has long been of clients, an endless supply of coffee January 1940, and despite the a hub for some of Britain’s shops and, of course, some of the love- new postcodes lived in EC1 best creative businesses. liest locations for shoots in London. most of my life – although I’ve been lucky enough That said, it shouldn’t be taken for it’s now in Islington. C to live in the area for over granted. We’re searching for new I I was very pleased to read about ten years and four years ago, I set up office space and it seems, sadly, that and see the possibility of the new a company here too. I say “set up”: our time in Clerkenwell may be up. local paper EC1 Echo because perhaps I should mention that it was Projects like Crossrail bring many I'm old enough to remember The entirely unintentional. positives to the area but also drive up Finsbury Gazette when Finsbury My brother (a freelance videographer the prices. This, and a steep rise in was a London Borough. ahmalekpur a Sh at the time) and I saw an opportunity business rates, are putting the pres- im N it to help some of the many independent sure on small businesses like ours. d re C i bars, restaurants and shops here by As some of the bigger players move r d n I

making videos that helped them stand in (hello, LinkedIn and Airbnb) we’re i g i u out. Calling ourselves The Clerken- slowly seeing the squeeze on the L well Brothers we went door to door smaller businesses. offering our services to anyone who There are now three branches of Pret would listen. With him filming and A Manger on my road and each time me acting we started working on the a multiple moves in we lose a little bit weekends for anyone from bike shop of the area’s character. and café Look Mum No Hands to It would be great to see more being tech company Aircharge. Clerkenwell done to get the community working was perfect for what we were doing, "Each time in tandem with the local authority to I was lucky enough to pass my 11 crammed full of independent busi- ensure this area’s creative heart isn’t plus – although my little brother nesses each keen to do something a multiple lost. The EC1 local card was a great, says it's because I was clever – different. Demand grew, we quit our if short-lived, loyalty scheme and and I went to Highbury County jobs and started our agency from the moves in we this paper is hopefully a great sign of Grammar School up at Highbury meeting room of a local production things to come. In the meantime I fear Grove so grew up to be an Arsenal company. Three years on we have a lose a little bit the Clerkenwell days for our business supporter and still am. I stayed team of 13 and are still based in the of the area's may be coming to an end. That said – at school till I was 18 with GCE area, on Clerkenwell Road. we’ll never change our name. ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels then started a It’s obvious to see why so many cre- character" For more information: five-year Student Apprenticeship ative businesses flourish in Clerkenwell. Visit theclerkenwellbrothers.com with Thorn Electrical Industries and ended up with a Bsc(Hons), and worked at the TV Company Ferguson at Enfield until 1990 Come all and find peace and stillness, when it closed down having been sold to the French firm Thomson. For the next 15 years I worked for says Meditatio manager Kate Coombs smaller electrical companies at Wembley, Ware and Roydon and editation is a universal wis- all each weekday from 1–1.30pm. Lots of ended up designing satellite receiv- dom. Here at The Meditatio people fit it into their lunch hours from ers and terrestrial set-top boxes Centre in Myddelton Square work. Although it is Christian in basis, you which we manufactured in Shen- you will meet it through the do not need to be religious to join us here zen and Dong Guang China with MChristian tradition of the “prayer of the and it is free of charge. We welcome every- the Taiwanese company Shardin. heart”. But it is the same principle as any one – those of other traditions and none. I'm afraid I never got married form of meditation or mindfulness: to find We believe in sharing the fruits of medita- and stayed with my parents all the still point that lies within us, with all tion with all and directing the wisdom of their lives and now live alone but the benefits that brings. meditation towards the crises of our time. am lucky enough to have found The Meditatio Centre at St Mark’s is part Alongside the meditation, we also have and got involved with the St of The World Community for Christian a programme of events, talks and work- Luke’s Community Centre and Meditation. It was inspired by the vision shops engaging the areas of education, more recently with PAL the “Pets of John Main, a Benedictine monk, to business, leadership, interfaith, health, Beginning' sessions on the first Thursday Against Loneliness” charity which teach meditation as a way to help restore addiction, mental health and other social of every month from 6.30–8pm. So please does a lovely job bringing older the contemplative dimension of life. Its justice issues. All are welcome to attend, drop in and join us in our beautiful room people and lovely friendly dogs spiritual foundation is the daily practice of and again, it does not matter which tra- on the first floor in St Mark’s Church. together. Hopefully for the rest of meditation and the local meditation group. dition you are from. We also offer film You are most welcome. my life, another 20-plus years, I will At The Meditatio Centre we offer 20 min- showings, art exhibitions and days on For more information: still live in EC1 and be able to read utes of silent, eyes-closed meditation to poetry, yoga, science and silence and 'On Visit themeditatiocentre.org local news in the new EC1 Echo. EC1 ECHO NO.1 November/December 2019 HISTORY 12

Clerkenwell Fire Station, Rosebery Avenue, as seen in 1921 Credit Islington Local Blazing the History Centre trail in EC1 The closure of Clerkenwell Fire Station is still lamented, but this fine building has found an important temporary role, says Mark Aston of Islington Local History Centre

ntil its closure in 2014, for engine drivers. Clerkenwell Fire Sta- It was to become one of the tion stood watch on brigade’s most important the corner of Rose- stations and was extended in Ubery Avenue and Farringdon 1895–97, which demanded the Road for almost 150 years. The demolition of three old houses. oldest operating fire station in The extension featured exits to The station played a vital role backing of Islington Council, Britain, it was axed by the then Rosebery Avenue, less crowded during World War II. The area to operate as a refuge for one London Mayor Boris Johnson as and dangerous than the previ- suffered extensive damage from year. Grassroots outreach group part of a widespread cost-cutting ous exit in Farringdon Road. enemy attacks, especially during Streets Kitchen works alongside exercise, along with nine other The station became unfit for the London Blitz of 1940-1941, other agencies, such as Stonewall bases across the capital. service and a decision was made with an adjacent building suffer- Housing, to run an advice centre The large site on Rosebery Ave- to replace it. An extension was ing a serious fire. The damage in the former station. nue was once occupied by the built in 1912–14, after which the was enough to sever Clerkenwell Clerkenwell Fire Station’s lon- Cobham's Head public house. old building was demolished Fire Station’s links with other sta- ger-term future remains uncertain. In December 1866, having sur- and rebuilt in tions and damage Islington Council has been in talks vived years of emptiness and 1914–17 to plans water mains, with City Hall to secure Greater "Clerkenwell Corporation Buildings, near collapse, this old pub was by architect but the station London Authority funding to pur- Farringdon Road in 1865 destroyed by fire. Liquor stored HFT Cooper Fire Station's survived the chase the site, in the anticipation Credit British Museum for a planned Christmas reopen- of the Fire Bri- conflict. A new that this historic and well-loved ing contributed to what an gade Branch longer-term drill-tower, drill- building can be converted into observer called the “pyrotechnic of the London yard and garage genuinely affordable homes. splendour” and ferocity of the County Coun- future remains were added after blaze – an omen, perhaps, for the cil Architects' the war. For more local interest visit Islington building that was to replace it. Department. To uncertain” The building has Local History Centre: The first Clerkenwell Fire Sta- achieve the right proportions, the since been designated Grade-II* Phone 020 7527 7988 Email [email protected] tion was constructed on this site new and old sections at either listed status for its architectural between 1871–73 and designed end were given identical façades importance. After lying empty for by Edward Cresy, architect to and the central building retained five years the building became a the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. its original proportions. Quar- homelessness shelter for Lon- A tall, red brick building with ters for the superintendent and don’s LGBTQ+ community in four floors of living accommo- district officer were provided on May. It is being run by the Out- dation above the appliance room the second floor, married men side Project organisation, follow- and watch-room; a shed in the on the upper floors and the full ing a £50,000 grant awarded by yard with stables and rooms complement was about 33 men. the Mayor of London, with the November/December 2019 EC1 ECHO NO.1 FEATURE 13 Behind the façade at 119 Farringdon Road By Meg Howarth ormerly HQ to The Guardian and Observer newspapers, 119 Far- ringdon Road is now Fthe site of a nine-storey office block, The Ray, completed at the end of 2018. In the opinion of one residential neighbour, the multi-coloured brick building “could be worse”. A distinct improvement on its immediate predecessor, it is now home to online, social-networking service, LinkedIn. But fewer people know that this address has an interest- ing history. It was the site of the first “council housing” in England – Corporation Build- ings, built by the then City Cor- poration. Erected in 1864–5, the development was a pioneer- ing venture for the Corporation, namely the provision of housing for (some of) the area's working people. A decade earlier, the 1851 Clerkenwell Improvement Act had authorised the body to build homes for the poor, either Garden gongs for St Luke’s on the land cleared for the con- struction of Farringdon Road itself or on other nearby sites, Edible Yard shows that there’s an but progress was slow. The archive drawing below appetite for urban gardening in EC1 gives a clear impression of the style of dwellings, and a vibrant he phenomenon of “urban tives: Gold Award in the Islington in Bloom painting of it, Sunday Morning, gardening” is growing across Competition; Gold Award for London "Come along and Farringdon Road, can be seen the world – and it’s taking off in Bloom 2019 and Outstanding in Britain enjoy the benefits on the Instagram page of the in EC1. St Luke’s Commu- in Bloom – It’s Your Neighbourhood. East London Group (see the Tnity Centre on Central Street has the “We’re thrilled, and it’s thanks to our of gardening all EC1 Echo’s piece on the ELG on innovative Edible Yard – until recently a volunteer gardening groups that keep year round” pages 8–9.) It was the first plot dead concrete space and now a thriving our green areas thriving,” says Poppy of land to be built on along the culinary garden where fresh fruit, vege- Fishman, community gardening man- and shrubs are maintained while on new Farringdon Road, seen under tables and herbs are grown, and where ager at the centre. “They’re friendly, Thursdays the group work in the Edible construction in the drawing. eggs are laid by five resident hens and social groups, and we always welcome Yard, growing the organic produce. Corporation Build- then supplied to service users, volun- new faces. We have indoor space in our They produce supplies of fresh food ings was demolished teers and community members. large greenhouse to garden during the from the Edible Yard for our com- in the 1970s, to be The Yard is maintained using organic winter months.” munity classes in St Luke’s Cookery replaced by the methods by St Luke’s own team, If you’re interested in helping, St School – and St Luke’s hopes to extend building that became helped by volunteers, and the food is Luke’s garden group at Edible Yard the growing band of urban gardeners The Guardian’s head- grown in containers. It aims to encour- meet twice a week on Tuesday and by showing how easy and satisfying it is. quarters, which was age other urban gardeners, emphasis- Thursday afternoons from 2-4pm all “You don’t need any experience,” says in turn demolished ing that even in urban environments year round: as Poppy says, “There’s still Poppy. “Just come along and enjoy the three years ago to food can be grown anywhere from lots to do in the colder weather.” benefits of gardening all year round.” make way for The Ray. gardens and back yards to windowsills The tasks include nurturing the green St Luke's Community Centre, 90 Central Surely it’s time for a and balconies. spaces at St Luke’s, including the Street EC1V 8AJ from 9am–9pm, Monday to plaque commemorat- The message is getting through, as the Edible Yard food growing area, the Friday and 9am–4pm, Saturday to Sunday. ing the history of this Centre recently won no fewer than three woodland garden and the terrace gar- Tel 020 7549 8181 Email [email protected] historic site? awards for its community gardening initia- den. On Tuesdays, the potted flowers EC1 ECHO NO.1 November/December 2019 FEATURES 14

and events for those people who are lonely or alone. It may even Branching out provide office space as part of its experimental remit. Currently, because of its loca- tion, the Apple Tree has all The Apple Tree is breaking manner of visitors from office workers to passers-by and its tra- the mould for local pubs ditional clientele: postal workers from the Mount Pleasant depot here must only be a few Lon- wider community in the area as well as across the road. But because of don pubs that host a therapy do a lot of local outreach,” says Lucy. “At its ethos it has also become a room, a monthly Queer the Apple Tree we’re particularly keen destination, for those attracted Clothes Swap, discussions to invite people from more marginal by events such as a ‘Kink-friendly Ton subjects such as What Turns You On areas of society, including the LGBTQ+ Intersectional Feminists play by Dr Emily Grossman, and a karaoke community.” But the Apple Tree is Ukulele’ group meeting, drag room as well as a bar. But the Apple Tree not an exclusive “gay pub” as such – nights and its (mostly) vegetarian is one such pub. When Lucy Fenton and although a lot of those kinds of venues and vegan menu. Lucy, who is Phil Hunt bought have closed. “It’s bisexual, has played her part in

L y the 19th-century primarily a place helping to position the pub as u f "We wanted to create c i tavern on the to go and a jump- a place where the margins can y n C U corner of Mount the sense of a wider ing off point for meet the mainstream. As an actor h m ap m m Co Pleasant and all kinds of peo- and film producer respectively, an f community in the , founder o Warner Street ple,” says Lucy. Lucy and Phil have a sense of last year – it had area as well as do a “We don’t want theatrics: it was her choice, for previously been lot of local outreach" to judge anyone. example, to paint the interior in a hardworking We follow [the an almost Cuban-style mix of but un-modernised Greene King philosopher] Karl Popper: “In order to bright colours. “We’re different house – they refreshed it, with the aim maintain a tolerant society, the society from the others,” says Lucy. of bringing a new kind of community must be intolerant of intolerance.” resource to Clerkenwell. In the near future, for example, the pair JUMPING OFF: Lucy Fenton wants the For more information: Apple Tree to be a community resource “We wanted to create the sense of a are hoping to include more outreach Visit theappletreelondon.com

nyone who knows to develop treasure hunts where Clerkenwell can attest teams follow clues to meet local that it is a great area characters and gather information Take a hike with Karen for walking. But fewer from them to find the “treasure”. knowA that the borough of Islington The guides regularly work Lansdown and Islington has a large and very knowledgeable in partnership with Islington group of official tour guides, who Museum and Islington Libraries offer tours and insights into the in Clerkenwell, and recent walks Guided Walks neighbourhood. From Old Street have complemented exhibitions and Clerkenwell – and through the at the museum about Islington’s rest of Islington to Angel, High- Music Halls, The First World War bury and Canonbury right up to and Islington’s LGBT history. Archway – their walks cover an One of four local London Guid- extremely diverse range of subjects ing associations, Islington Guided such as architecture, radical poli- Walks meets up every autumn with tics, black history, entertainment, colleagues in Camden, Westmin- inspirational women and street art. ster and the City of London for As guide Karen Lansdown says, Local London Guiding Day when “There are several local favourites they lead free guided walks every that go inside landmarks includ- hour on the hour throughout the ing St John's Gate – built in 1504 day. This year’s theme was 'What as the entrance to the Priory of St did the Victorians do for us?' Here John – and The Charterhouse in the Islington guides focused on the Smithfield[see our story, page 6].” EC1 area featuring sights such as It’s not just tourists that take the Farringdon station, terminus of the walks, though. As well as sched- world’s first underground railway. uled walks led by members, All the guides at Islington Guided Karen says that local businesses, Walks have completed a course of community groups and families study based at the University of often book the guides for private Westminster and passed exams in walks. “They offer a great way local history and tour guiding skills to build teams and deepen peo- in order to become one of the May- ple’s appreciation of their local or's official tour guides. Put your area while having fun,” she says. comfy shoes on, and join them.

For example, Islington Guided For more information: STEPPING OUT: Mayor Rakhia Ismail and Bob Atkinson with the chair of Islington Guided Walks Oonagh Gay Walks’ latest venture has been Visit islingtonguides.com November/December 2019 EC1 ECHO NO.1

Submit your listing We can include low-cost community events taking place in EC1. For the next issue, email the details of 15 LISTINGS your event to [email protected] by 12th December New organisation HALF-TERM ARTS ONGOING

gives free legal advice The Big Draw at the Bank The Clash: London Calling Craft Club at St Luke's of England Museum 15 Nov–19 April 2020 Community Centre for social tenants Mon 28 Oct–Fri 1 Nov Museum of London, Tuesdays, 4–5.30pm 10am–4:30pm 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN 90 Central St EC1V 8AJ Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH Lucy Chapman’s start-up CommUnify Exclusive showcase of a collection of Get crafty with Maria and enjoy This October half-term, our younger items from The Clash’s personal archive painting, drawing, animation and loads will shed light on unsolved problems visitors are invited to visit the museum including notes, clothing, images and more. Suitable for ages 7-11. with their families take part in the music, many previously unseen. and other concerns are raised and nationwide Campaign for Drawing Free Free followed up, so they can be dealt festival. Climb aboard the boat in the Phone 020 7549 8181 Phone 020 7001 9844 with by service providers. Cur- museum Stock Office for inspiration Visit slpt.org.uk Visit museumoflondon.org.uk rently, there’s little redress for and design a boat fit to sail the seven seas. Your imagination is the limit! Family Cook and Eat tenants when they face problems Beautiful Books: Dickens & Central Street Cookery School with services, and little infor- Free The Business of Christmas 90 Central St EC1V 8AJ mation about the other advice Phone 020 3461 5545 Wed 20 Nov–Sun 19 April 2020 Visit bankofengland.co.uk Dickens House Museum, 48-49 services available. Cookery classes for children with Doughty St, Holborn WC1N 2LX parents or carers. Have fun with your “We provide a link that’s missing. child while you both learn how to make L y Exhibition that charts the birth of the u f Libraries can’t offer the service delicious dishes, and eat together at the c i modern idea of Christmas against a y n we do, and services like Citizens LGBTQ+ end. See the website for more details. C U backdrop of change in British society. h m Advice Bureaux are oversub- ap m Concessionary rate for m Co Queer Queries: GFEST 2019 an f scribed. As an ex-public library Phone 020 7405 2127 members and EC1 residents , founder o Fri 1 Nov, Museum of London Visit dickensmuseum.com Phone 020 7549 8176 worker and trade union represen- 150 London Wall, Barbican

ucy, a barrister and for- tative, I know from experience EC2Y 5HN Visit centralstreet.org mer law student at City, that many people struggle due Learn English in Islington (ESOL) University of London, to cuts to public services and Join arts charity Wise Thoughts at the museum for the launch of GFEST WALK Fridays 10am was inspired to set up digitalisation – the latter has in Finsbury Library, – Gaywise FESTival, a groundbreaking 245 St John Street EC1V 4NB LCommUnify after her own expe- particular had a negative effect cross-arts LGBTQI+ festival. Workshops Cool Clerkenwell riences as a council tenant in the on those who are vulnerable or from: Mud Howard, Krishna Istha, Thursday 21 November Do you want to learn to speak English? Niranjan Kamatker, Sara Wajid. area. “There’s very little legal aid socially isolated, without English To join an English class, come to one available for social tenants,” she language, IT or literacy skills, Clocks and Crusaders, Gin and Jerusalem, Free Huguenots, Radicals and Criminals – of the free ESOL advice Weekly advice says, adding that CommUnify is those with disabilities or health Phone 020 7001 9844 Explore the narrow streets of Clerkenwell sessions. Advice sessions run from particularly aimed at the vulner- issues, and those with caring or Visit museumoflondon.org.uk bursting with colourful characters, September to July each academic able, including elderly residents, other responsibilities. fascinating stories, hidden gems and year. There are no advice sessions during school holidays. non-English speakers and those “CommUnify can help these controversial architecture. Includes a visit with limited digital skills. After people, but is for anyone living in to the well that gives the area its name. Concessionary rate for members ACTIVISM and EC1 residents it rolls out in Clerkenwell, Lucy social housing. Having no water, For joining information: Phone 020 7527 7960 hopes to roll it out across the heating or other basic services Email [email protected] Islington People’s Rights – Visit islingtonguidedwalks.com country. The Peel will provide is incredibly stressful, especially Fifty years of tackling Sadler's Wells Family Fridays marketing assistance and a space when it feels there is no recourse poverty in the borough Last Friday of the month for the clinics when the project when the problem persists and Sat 2 Nov–21 Jan 2020. until 31 July 2020 Islington Museum, Mezzanine level, Sadler's Wells begins in November. has to be chased multiple times. 245 St John Street EC1V 4NB KIDS Theatre, Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN Says Lucy: “CommUnify is a free It was my aim with CommUnify to advice and support get problems dealt This exhibition charts IPR’s development Kids in Museums Takeover Day Inspired by our ever-changing artistic 22 November clinic for social with sooner and over the past 50 years, from its response programme, Family Fridays is a new to welfare reform to its continued Museum of Methodism, monthly workshop that encourages housing residents. more effectively, 49 City Road EC1Y 1AU "We provide endeavour to meet the changing needs young children aged 2-4 and their carers It is staffed by vol- by someone who of local residents. to dance together and have fun here Bring your children to run the Mini- unteer law students will listen and act at Sadler’s Wells. Led by professional a link that's Free Museum of Methodism for the morning dancers, come along to this unique and graduates, and on concerns. We Phone 020 7527 2837 Phone 020 7253 2262 opportunity designed to start you and confidentially feeds help people in a Email islington.museum@ missing” Visit wesleysheritage.org.uk the little ones on a dance journey. These islington.gov.uk back on issues variety of ways, sessions will cover a range of dance with safety and service delivery in including research, writing letters styles and will encourage co-ordination, properties to tenant groups and and communicating on resident’s ARTS creative thinking and social interaction. landlords locally so that they can behalves, and making referrals to HISTORY Suitable for all abilities be improved. other services. Phone 020 7527 7960 “I started CommUnify in 2018 “I’m currently training as a bar- Ronnie Scott's 1959–69: Visit sadlerswells.com The Knights Hospitaller in Photography by Freddy Warren after my own experience as a coun- rister and view CommUnify as a the British Isles from the Sat 12 Oct–19 Jan 2020 cil housing tenant – and of those in skills swap – that is, the skills of 12th Century to 1540 Barbican Art Gallery, the wider social housing commu- legal students can be used for the Thurs 14 Nov, Museum of the Silk Street EC2Y 8DS nity. I am chair of my estate’s TMO local community, and in turn our Order of St John, John’s Gate, LAUNCH St John’s Lane EC1M 4DA To celebrate the work of Freddy Warren, a (Tenant Management Organisa- volunteers can learn about their selection of photographs are showcased in EC1 Echo Launch tion) and an executive member of issues and gain valuable experience. Michael Hodges will talk about the this exhibition that captures the atmosphere 19 Nov, 6.30–9pm, The Apple Tree, NFTMO, which represent social This training starts this month, with survey of the Houses and Churches and movement of jazz. His photographs 45 Mount Pleasant WC1X 0AE housing tenants’ needs nationally. help from The Peel. Our clinics are of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, include performance and off-stage shots “It should not have taken the currently scheduled in the evenings including those earlier belonging to of Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Stan Getz, Duke Readers, contributors, friends and the Knights Templar. Ellington, Nina Simone and more. supporters, join us to help us launch the Grenfell Tower disaster for those so volunteers can balance volun- 020 7324 4005 first issue of EC1 Echo! in social housing to be made visi- teering with studying and work.” Phone For joining information: Email museumstjohn.org. Phone 020 7638 8891 For directions: ble. CommUnify is about making For more information: ukislington.gov.uk Visit barbican.org.uk Visit theappletreelondon.com our voices heard, ensuring safety Visit communify.org.uk 16 EC1 ECHO NO.1 November/December 2019

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