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ISSN 1465 - 9425 Autumn 2003 news The Journal of the ISLINGTON SOCIETY incorporating FOIL folio

Orbirail - A step closer?

Belated government support for an Olympic bid in 2012, the realization that transport infrastructure would be key to the bid, and that no other new infrastructure could meet such a deadline, has introduced a new sense of urgency in the East Line Project writes Andrew Bosi

In the early 1990s, a relatively small scale more fanfare than frenetic activity. Work has improvement to railway infrastructure saw progressed in the Glynebourne tradition, with a Smethwick West station replaced by Smethwick long interval in the middle. Galton Bridge. The new station provided an However, the belated government support for an interchange between two major commuter lines out Olympic bid in 2012, the realization that transport of , obviating the need to go into the infrastructure would be key to the bid, and that no congested New Street station. A similar scheme in London, measured in terms of £'s per head of population, was to link the Line with the East London Line and in time, the South London lines as well. There is already a link between the North London Line and the west London line. Its effect is to open up journeys outside the highly congested zone 1. This scheme involved relaying track on redundant track bed and creating a very short stretch of new line at . The land was mostly owned by Hackney Council, a strong supporter of the scheme willing to donate its land to bring it about. The cost in 1996 would have been less than was spent renovating the existing East London Line. That renovation cost was inflated by a dispute between London Underground and English Heritage. EH thought LUL over- secretive in its plans, LUL thought EH over- concerned about a tunnel (Brunel’s: the first sub- river crossing of the Thames) no-one could see. The result was that a late but (in the eyes of those who matter) justified objection from EH extended the period of line closure and the cost beyond what it would have been had LUL been more compliant. The scheme finally received approval in March 1997 after procedural delays longer than those which had beset the repair of the existing East London Line. Under planning law, building it had to commence within five years, i.e. by March 2002. For 4¾ years, nothing happened, then a perfunctory turning of the sod was accompanied by 2 Islington news Autumn 2003

the Islington Society

continued from front page OFFICERS OF THE John Huntley ISLINGTON SOCIETY other new infrastructure could be contemplated by such a deadline, Members will be saddened to learn President – Harley Sherlock has introduced a new sense of of the death on August 7th of John urgency in the East London Line Frederick Huntley, writer, film Vice President – Mary Cosh Project, as the ELL Extension historian and archivist, at the age (ELLX) is now to be known. It is of 82. Chairman – Andrew Bosi certainly true that as well as John's film industry career The Croft, Wall Street, opening up orbital links around began as a tea boy at Denham London N1 3NB London, the new line would studios in the late 1930s. He t.: 020 7354 8514 considerably improve access to the served in the RAF from 1940, e.: [email protected] planned Olympic site near to where he also staged lectures and Stratford. film shows. After the war John Vice-chairman – David Gibson The new line reconnects returned to the film industry, 35 Britannia Row, & to becoming Head of the Regional London N1 8QH Junction and the line towards Unit of the British Film Institute. t.: 020 7226 2207 Broad Street, with a short new He wrote many books, including e.: [email protected] section to Bishopsgate Goods Yard Railways in the Cinema, presented and on to . Stations at over 4,000 film shows and festivals Joint Secretaries – and , closed by and made many appearances on Frances Balfour war-time damage, will be radio and television. To support 26 Allingham Street reopened after more than sixty these activities, John and his London N1 8NY years. daughter Amanda set up Huntley t.: 020 7226 5795 That new short section has Film Archives in 1985, initially e.: [email protected] though been the source of more with a bias towards transport David Peel rancour involving English subjects. The continuing demand 67 Hemmingford Road Heritage. Some time after the for material provides a lasting and London N1 1BY “final” authorisation in 1997, the appropriate tribute. t.: 020 7607 6387 project team decided it was Some of those film shows were e.: [email protected] necessary to demolish an unlisted to the Islington Society, most viaduct next to the listed recently in May 2000 when his Treasurer – Donald Mitchell Braithwaite viaduct and to evict entertaining talk on Islington Film 63 Cloudesley Road, tenants of properties under the Studios was timed to coincide with London N1 0EL arches. EH were unhappy at the the then imminent redevelopment t.: 020 7278 6573 late notification once again, but of the Gainsborough Studios site e.: [email protected] after legal action by an individual across the canal in Hackney. The failed to save the second viaduct, nineteenth century films he Development co-ordinator – the project team report that EH are showed then were notable for the Bob O'Dell, now satisfied that adequate speed at which the action seemed 35 Britannia Row, measures are being taken to to take place; John's enthusiasm London N1 8QH protect the listed viaduct. for films was only matched by that t.: 020 7434 2494 Demolition has begun; trains of the horses as they hauled their e.: [email protected] should be running in 2010. AB trams down Holloway Road. AB

ISLINGTON news Suggestions for topics to be covered and articles to be considered may be sent to the Society at this address. The Journal of the Islington Society Award winning Local organisations are asked to send notification of incorporating FOIL Folio activities and events they would like to be listed.

35 Britannia Row, London N1 8QH Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily t.: 020 7226 3377 e.: [email protected] reflect the views of the Society. Autumn 2003 Islington news 3

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line The Return of the Almeida Times New Roman 12pt Section Break In May the re-opened after its two-year closure, with a splendid production of Ibsen’s “The Lady from the Sea”. Regular audiences have been overjoyed by its re-emergence in a very much improved building, writes Alan Turner

Since 1978 when the theatre opened it has won an vehicles. The concrete has been taken up some of international reputation and a loyal band of the walls and a minor criticism is that the exposed supporters who have come to regard the shabby surfaces are very uneven and discoloured. Where and poorly serviced premises with affection. What concrete is exposed, the formwork, the concrete has taken place during the period of darkness is a mixes and the workmanship need to be carefully truly remarkable transformation. The architects, controlled, such as at the National Theatre. At the Burrell Foley Fischer, have achieved a high degree Almeida the effect is not great, but it is a small of improvement in the public spaces such as the bar point, given the quality of the whole work. and foyer. The character of the auditorium itself Improvements to the non-public areas include remains very much the same, but there have been a new dressing rooms, a green room, offices, whole series of changes, including new seating, new workshops and better storage space. Excavation lighting and sound equipment and a new below the stage gives greater head-room and ventilation system incorporating comfort cooling. flexibility, important in a situation where there are The most noticeable changes have been to the no wings or space behind the stage. The Almeida entrance foyer, the bar and the toilets (which many site is enclosed by other buildings and there is no will recall as a couple of portaloos). These public space for lateral expansion which has forced the spaces have been handled with great skill, given the designers to make the most efficient use of every limited space available, and what was once a available square foot. draughty and rather damp yard between two The theatre staff seem to be very pleased with the buildings is now a light and pleasant space in which result but I have not been able to ask any of the to gather before the performance. The ingenious actors for their opinion. (I would guess that they design enables the foyer to serve a double purpose too will be appreciative.) All in all it is a very as an entrance for trucks delivering scenery. This satisfactory project and to my mind this must explains the industrial nature of the concrete floor represent a good client choosing good architects and the large glazed opening which can be slid and working intelligently with them. These factors away completely to allow access for delivery are usually present in any good building.

Islington is fortunate in having such an innovative theatre within its boundaries. The combination of the new artistic director, Michael Attenborough, and the refurbished premises will surely mean that the Almeida will go from strength to strength and consolidate its already substantial reputation.

The Almeida in the evening photo by Mark Foley 4 Islington news Autumn 2003

The changing face of

Stan Westwood. the owner of photographs of famous boxers in was disastrous for small Preposterous Presents reflects on the action, pubs whose interiors and established leaseholders who were changes he has seen to shopping names had not changed in living now being asked at rent reviews to frontage in Upper Street. memory. equal rents being paid by their In the 1860’s Upper Street Throughout the 70’s there were new A3 usage neighbours, often Islington was considered a strong a few attempts at more resulting in being asked for rival to as adventurous shop uses such as the increases in excess of 100%. a fashionable street for clothing excellent Ablebest gift shop started More recently the opening of the shops and people would dress up up by Nick Morris at No.296 but new shopping centre at the Angel to be seen window shopping in generally Upper Street remained a has pushed up Upper Street Upper Street on Sunday street of established traders with a commercial property prices even afternoons. few accountants, solicitors and further. However by the end of the l9th other professionals taking With the rapid growth in century Upper Street had lost its advantage of the lower rents on internet trading it may be fashionable reputation partly due the east side and using a shop as inevitable that small specialist to the road widening of l886-1888 an office, sometimes with a shops, being forced to pay the which involved substantial sideline such as photocopying to same rentals as restaurant and rebuilding especially on the east give the shop a retail usage. In coffee shop chains, will be forced side which caused severe 1978 I moved from offices above out of city High Street locations. disruption to the existing shops. the Islington South & The return of fashionable The west side of Upper Street Labour Party at No.295 to shop clothing shops to Upper Street has has always been considered to premises at No.262 and the begun and, judging by the large have the most passing trade and neighbouring shops were very crowds of customers spilling out has been more sought after by different to what they are today. over the pavements from new bars traders. (You will never see a Ageing Mrs. Schmeltz was still and restaurants, it would seem beggar on the east side.) running her ladies hairdressers at that the area has turned full circle The reason for more passing No.194/195 (now Gill Wing), Dan and after 140 years is once again trade on the west side is probably Davies menswear was at No.196 the fashionable place to be seen. due to the less interrupted run of (now Sefton) and Cooksey & Sons However my most enduring shops but could also be due to the undertakers were at No.266. memory will be of the run down there being eight pubs between (now the Canonbury Artshop), Upper Street of the late 70’s where Highbury Corner and Islington Opposite my shop was the I could just cross the road and see Green on the west side compared Popular Book Centre at No.203, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, The to a mere two on the east side. Smokes started by Pete Platt at Damned, Madness, The Specials, When I first moved to Upper No.204, the Friar Tuck fish and Bad Manners and many more in Street in 1973 Dan Crawford had chip shop was at No.205 and the basement of John & Sue already established his famous Malcolm Hall menswear was at Eichler's legendary Hope & Anchor Kings Head Theatre at No.116, but No.206. at No.207. SW what is now the equally famous During the 80's there was a big Almeida Theatre was still a derelict increase in the number of estate disused factory. agents and fast food outlets. The There were many useful shops arrival of the Business Design serving everyday needs such as Centre in 1986 began to make a D.I.Y shops at No.120 and 283-284 difference and by the mid 90’s and there was even a B.I.Y shop Upper Street had undergone (brew it yourself) at Nos.135-136. dramatic changes partly due to A visit to the pub usually meant extensive publicity surrounding the either going to the Royal Mail at growing number of high profile No.153, the Kings Head at No.115 residents. Find out more about this area from Jim or The Mitre at No.130, run by Restaurant and coffee shop Connell's excellent two-volume history of former boxer Jimmy Wheeler chains started moving in, causing Upper Street where the walls were covered with an explosion in commercial 58pp. 210x296 ISBN 0-9518683-0-6 framed black and white property prices and rentals. This Available from Libraries and bookshops Autumn 2003 Islington news 5

What do we mean by higher densities?

Harley Sherlock argues in favour of possible ways of creating compact tended to turn their backs on compact communities planned at higher communities in the future. In existing street patterns. Surface densities Islington most of Claremont car parking is available only for Few people dispute the theory that Square’s Georgian houses were visitors – with residents car higher density, mixed-use converted into two family parking provided under some of communities would reduce the maisonettes: the lower dwelling the terraces. (See illustrations) need to travel. If food shops, having the garden, and its own Back in Islington, we have an primary schools, children’s sport, front door opening off the excellent example of similar new doctors’ surgeries, pubs etc were basement area, while the upper high density housing at Old Royal within walking distance, cars dwelling uses the original front Free Square in , would be unnecessary for most door at ground-floor level, but is which is a combination of local journeys; and, if the otherwise on the upper three rehabilitation and new-build. It concentration of people made floors, with the rear attic room too consists of four storey terraces frequent public transport services removed to provide a roof terrace surrounding a green. But in this possible, cars would also be less opening off the kitchen-cum- case the front doors are necessary for longer distances, family room. The accommodation approached from the green such as the journey to work. is more generous than that usually whereas, at White City, they are But whenever planners, provided in modern housing, but approached from the surrounding councillors or developers suggest the density achieved is 80 roads, with the backs of the higher densities in a local context, dwellings per hectare (32 per dwellings looking onto the green. they are, even now, often accused acre) or 360 habitable rooms per The object of these examples is of “town-cramming” and of hectare (145 per acre). This is to demonstrate that raising wanting to put people back into actually slightly in excess of the densities does not necessarily tower blocks. It seems that many typical density achieved in the mean reducing standards, and that of us still don’t realise that the 1960s tower-block estates. we can have our sustainable, tower block housing of the 1960s The idea of housing to a close-knit communities and still and 1970s owed more to similarly high density, and with live in the sort of housing that architectural fashion than to a every dwelling having its own most people aspire to. What is the wish to raise densities. In fact the front door, was applied point of living in towns, as most of tower block estates were usually particularly successfully in the us do, if we can’t have the built to no higher density than the 1980s to new housing at White necessities and pleasures of life four storey Georgian terraces of City. It consists of four storey close at hand? But, if we can London, most of which now form terraces with family maisonettes make compact communities work much-loved conservation areas. on the lower floors, which have and reduce our dependence on During the 1980s and most of their own private gardens opening cars (even environmentally the 1990s very little urban housing onto a large well-treed green in friendly ones), our urban streets was built, but there are the centre of the estate. The could eventually become, once nevertheless some examples of development also relates very well again, places where people meet high density, low rise housing to the streets surrounding it, and children play – rather than (including the conservation of unlike many council developments mere thoroughfares to somewhere existing buildings) which suggest in the 1960s and 1970s which else. HS

Terrace house conversion, Royal Free Square, Liverpool Road

New housing at White City 6 Islington news Autumn 2003

Balancing act required

Alison Carmichael of the shopping elsewhere. Although Transport planners are Highbury Community Association this is undoubtedly unwelcome addressing by enforcing the ban reports on the impact of parking to planners trying to reduce on parking. By solving one controls at Highbury Barn traffic journeys, the shops problem many locals believe they Islington Parking Services naturally rely on this amount of are creating others. However, (IPS) sparked a debate at custom, and fear losing it to the the solution to the survival of the Highbury Barn shopping parade, larger stores or centres providing shops and the management of following its effective car parks or parking bays. The the through traffic may be implementation of ‘yellow line’ very effective ticketing and simple. parking controls earlier this year. clamping of these customers’ When ‘car-driving shoppers’ The issue is not that shopkeepers cars also results in traffic moving park where one sided parking want ‘free for all’ parking for dangerously fast through the cannot cause congestion, at the their customers, nor that cleared street. Northern and Eastern side of the residents are critical of the The Highbury Community street, and at specific known council’s policy for traffic Association (HCA) is interested points in the centre of the reduction in Islington. It is in the issues since two–thirds of parade, the traffic is slowed, but simply that the enforcement of the shopkeepers at the Barn are not stopped, by the increased parking restrictions here is business members and many of narrowing of the road. This observably not the solution for the Association’s 730 resident happens throughout the day. either the safety of pedestrians members value it as their local Pedestrians are able to cross and and road users, or for the shopping centre. The road re-cross the road easily and survival of these shops. connects Islington with other safely, at any point along the Spending large sums of money boroughs. It is much used as a parade, to access all the shops. on ‘traffic calming and through route for all traffic, In addition to the pleasure of environmental improvements’ including buses, and as a local using independent, family run may not be the answer either. route for residents who cycle or shops, this makes it possible to Local shopkeepers report that drive, hence the need to keep the shop very quickly at Highbury a high proportion of their trade traffic flowing. Barn. Thus a shopping (up to twenty percent) is with Previous to the parking ban experience akin to the locals who occasionally shop by implementation, some shoppers ‘convenience’ shopping offered car, or with visitors driving from driving to the Barn stopped by supermarkets and purpose other boroughs. The loss of this where they liked, frequently built centres, but much more significant amount of turnover is causing serious, temporary rewarding, is available close to worrying for small shops faced traffic jams with resulting people’s homes. The speed with with competition from larger pollution, frustration for road which one can shop here for a stores. Usually, these customers users, obstruction to delivery great variety of goods and stop at the Barn for a short time, lorries and possible delay to services is undoubtedly a major up to fifteen minutes, before emergency services. This is the plus for busy people. moving off to complete their well-reported problem Islington Evidence that the shops are Autumn 2003 Islington news 7

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line School Opera Library Art Times New Roman 12pt Section Break

Continued from previous page Kathleen Frenchman tells a story of Art was the name of the game at valued is that 1500 people Death and Seduction in Islington West Library this summer. A signed a petition, started by a Schools. project in King's Cross was resident with the aim of saving centred on drawing, painting, the shops, which was presented Inner-city 10 year-olds sitting on reading, and joining the library. to the council by Councillor the floor silent and enthralled by The participants were children Laura Willoughby in May. Her a performance of Lucia di and young people from the advice was that provision of Lammermoor seems an unlikely Killick Street Estate and short-term parking bays in the concept, but this has occurred in Crumbles Castle Adventure area will be considered during Islington four times during the Playground. In the West Library, the current east Highbury CPZ summer term. What is more, the they explored the shelves in consultation. The HCA shop- opera was sung in the original groups for images they could use keeper members also want Italian. in designing a poster. carefully located service bays, in The four performances were This helped youngsters who order to stagger the sites chosen given at different Islington were not regular users to find by the delivery lorries. Shop- primary schools by the Pavilion their way around the books, keepers hope that they will be Opera Educational Trust (POET) discover what they wanted and included in the consultation and were supported by a number make use of the available stock. process. of charitable trusts. The twelve They also found they could use If short-term parking bays and singers in full costume were the PCs to access the internet suitable service bays for the accompanied by a pianist who and play computer games. shops are provided, a solution to managed to make himself sound There were also art workshops slow the traffic sufficiently, like a small orchestra. Each on the Killick Street estate which without the need for expensive school hosted classes from two used photographs to feature the crossings, traffic calming and the other local schools striking architectural currently fashionable ‘build- The success of the event was characteristics of Beresford Pite's outs’, is possible, which also due not only to the high quality Edwardian library building. allows free passage to through of the production but also to the All the paintings and drawings traffic. Recent events at High- extensive preparatory work done that had been produced were bury Barn seem to demonstrate in class. One example of this was exhibited in the library, that a lack of balance in the way the display of drawings and including a final poster made of traffic management policies are paintings covering the assembly a collage of images. The launch implemented could cause a loss hall walls of St Andrew’s School, of the exhibition was attended of sustainable shopping, which . by young people and parents, would eventually impact most At the end of the afternoon youth and community workers, severely on those who walk to the children had tea with the library staff and the Head of their local shops. AC cast, asked for autographs and Islington's Library and Cultural asked questions. The next step is Services, Rosemary Doyle. Highbury Barn : shops and traffic class discussions and writing A number of young people comments to the sponsoring joined the library and have charity. become regular users and plans The Pavilion Opera have been made for co-operation Educational Trust was set up in between library staff and local 1991: its aim is to stimulate youth and community workers, interest and understanding of with a particular scheme for the classical arts among children at library to support the education an early age. It stages operas in work of the Copenhagen Youth state schools around the country, Project. giving children aged ten the The project was led at the chance to see a live professional library by Islington artist, Janey performance. KF Hagger. KF 8 Islington news Autumn 2003

At

Bob O'Dell reports on our enjoyable conservation and community Mission headquarters to provide and interesting first joint meeting representatives, and subsequently modern student housing. with the Hackney Society produced sketch plans and models Alas, such funds were not of possible traffic flows and available to the properties on the The success of six years of landscaping redesigns. The ideas Hackney side, as Cal Courtney grassroots campaigning was the were taken up by Islington Council pointed out speaking for the North theme of the first joint meeting of as a Special Project and a Newington Green Society. the Islington Society and the document, “Vision for Newington Nonetheless, improvements have Hackney Society. The September Green”, was produced to direct, been made, along with the 23rd meeting took place on the guide and co-ordinate. NGAG also development of working Hackney side of Newington Green obtained a Millennium Lottery relationships with NGAG and the at the 1707 Unitarian Chapel, Grant that enabled a survey on the two councils. which itself was in the process of practicalities and implications of Dougal List from Islington’s getting a fresh coat of paint and the traffic proposals. There Planning Projects Team brought shiny red doors. That was just one followed major public the story up to date, presenting sign of change on the Green. consultations. the plans for landscaping, new Following introductions from By early 2002 the Council’s crossings and wider footways. Islington Society Chairman final recommendation was to Works began in November for Andrew Bosi and Hackney Society retain the existing roundabout completion by May 2004. BO'D Director Kevin Moore, and a brief system, but to widen the introduction to the chapel from pavements and reduce the minister, Cal Courtney, Nicky the traffic lanes from four Southin spoke about the campaign to two, with new of the Newington Green Action crossings and entrances Group (NGAG). Seeing a gradual to the Green. This meant decline in what had been a more compromises on the part pleasant and safer neighbourhood, of those who wanted an local residents formed the action end to the roundabout, group in 1997 to restore the but clearly it was a move neglected Green as a natural focus in the right direction. for popular use. By then the Regeneration funds Green had become a roundabout became available for surrounded by four lanes of traffic. building works on the Starting first with an audit tapping Islington sides of the local memories and views, NGAG Green. The most notable went on to analyse what needed to consequence may be the be done and the options. restoration of the four Firstly, and at NGAG’s request, houses of the 1658 brick the Islington Parks Department terrace on the west side. carried out minor works. NGAG Work is also proceeding Newington Green Landscape Plan also began meeting with planning, at the former China Inland From Islington's "Streets for People"

The Society submitted its recent publications to the London Forum of Amenity Societies' annual Media Awards and WON two awards! Our Spring 2003 Journal was the winner of the "Newsletter" category. The Six Walking Trails, which are available free of charge from the society (see page 10), received a commendation in the "Brochures and Promotions" category.

Marion Harvey's report on the awards is on Page 11 Autumn 2003 Islington news 9

Islington's King’s Cross Team

The last issue of islington news planning opportunities in ‘the new Neighbourhood Management had a couple of articles about King’s Cross’. It’s part of a wider King’s Cross has also seen the developments at King's Cross. Here, regeneration framework for the launch of the North King’s Cross we report on the Council's King's council through the emerging ‘arc Neighbourhood Management Cross Team initiatives. of regeneration’ from King’s Cross project in Islington. This project to . The main project aims to facilitate joined-up focus will be the unique new urban working with agencies and engage quarter ‘King’s Cross Central’ that local residents and businesses in will be developed around the order to improve service delivery international travel hub of King’s and reduce deprivation in the area. Cross St Pancras. The King's Cross team will seek The King’s Cross team will work to work closely with the with local communities to make neighbourhood management sure that benefits arising from the project to ensure that our work King’s Cross Central and other adds value and is complementary. developments are maximised for You can contact the Neighbour- local communities. hood Management project for We intend to have close more information.

collaboration and consultation [email protected] with anyone who wants to be Tel: 020 7527 8031 Who are we? involved. This will give us a better The new King’s Cross Team is understanding of what is needed in dedicated to working for the the area and how the current and physical, economic and social future developments can best regeneration of communities in the contribute to positive changes in area. These regeneration the area. opportunities are related to the King’s Cross is split in two by current large-scale developments the borough boundary which runs at the King’s Cross Station and St down York Way and Kings Cross Pancras. We are based in the Road, so a ‘joined up’ approach to Islington Council Planning the regeneration of the area is Division’s Policy and Projects needed. The councils have co- Service section. The team is funded operated before, for instance in the by the Islington Strategic King’s Cross Partnership, and will Partnership and has guaranteed continue to make the most of joint funding until March 2004. efforts. Camden organises a King’s What do we do? Cross Development Forum for local Our mission is to “Manage communities which provides a

Change and Maximise the regular opportunity for anyone Benefits” that will come from the with an interest in King’s Cross to Visit the Website on: ongoing development and have their say. www.islington.gov.uk/kingscrossteam

Who can get involved? If you want to be involved, contact Anyone with an interest in the King’s Cross area – residents, businesses, the King’s Cross Team: visitors, workers etc. You will be asked for your ideas on both how the Lucy Shomali - Policy and Projects consultation process could best suit local communities, as well as what Mark Hammill - Principal Planner benefits you want to see in the area. The full details of the consultation Susanna Strandell – Alan Mace process are to be set out in a ‘Community Engagement Statement’. The Assistant Planners (King's Cross) end product will be the Area Action Plans, which will cover each sub area. How to get involved Islington Planning Division The Team is keeping a consultation data base and anyone on it will be 222 Upper Street, London N1 1YA invited to the consultation events. A quarterly newsletter will be available tel: 020 7527 2297/3505/2381 on the website alongside consultation documents and the team's reports. e-mail: [email protected] 10 Islington news Autumn 2003

Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line Summer Evening Surprises Times New Roman 12pt Section Break The prevailing view of declining church life took a bit of a Woodford Green, the building became home to the knock on the Society’s visit to five churches on 23 July. There Polish mission. The main feature is the stained glass were some other surprises too behind the often familiar of the windows, designed by a soldier/artist in the facades, writes Bob O'Dell 1940s during the war and illustrating the Polish We started at St Mary’s Upper Street, whose parish struggle for sovereignty. The walk ended at St John boundaries once reached north as far as the Archway. the Evangelist Church in Duncan Terrace. This was The tower and steeple of the 1750s (as well as the built in the 1840s and has the first bell cast for a 1903 porch) were all that remained after wartime Roman Catholic church after the Catholic bombing. Behind that now is a fine, light interior of Emancipation, as well as fine modern pipe organ. the 1950s with tall, well proportioned windows and But it wasn’t just these building features and bits of engraved glass screens. history that impressed us. In all of the churches we Neighbouring Cross Street Baptist Church was also heard about work being done with young people, with rebuilt after the war, but the surprise there was the seniors, with homeless people, or being a home away nearly hidden church hall that still remains from from home. Work was underway or planned to make 1856. Crossing Essex Road we came to St James’ the buildings more accessible. Restoration work was Church in Prebend Street. This was built in the1870s being done; contemporary art was incorporated. by the Clothworkers’ guild to replace a church in the Space has been made available for a fair trade café, City. Looking at the modern cross atop the spire and for an Ethiopian Christian group, for support for at the colours of the interior, it was hard to realise people with mental health problems, for childcare, that this church was threatened with closure thirty Buddhist meditation, dance lessons, Narcotics years ago. Anonymous meetings, and for still more. Three of the From there we went to the Polish Catholic Church churches – Baptist, Anglican & Catholic – have in Devonia Road, which was probably the main developed strong links to worship and go on surprise of the evening. The building dates from the pilgrimage together. All of the congregations are very 1850s-70s when it was the Swedenborgian national much part of the fabric of the community and seminary. In 1930, when the seminary moved to contributing to the life and well-being of Islington. Times New Roman 12pt fill line Times New Roman 12pt fill line - what next? Times New Roman 12pt Section Break For some time the Museum Trust to the former public hall on the were clarified. and the Friends of the Museum ground floor of Finsbury Library. 1. Whatever the Council’s have been troubled about the Most museum people thought the proposals for the Upper Street doubt over the museum’s Finsbury accommodation and premises, they were not well whereabouts in years to come. The location were unacceptable. advanced: planning permission Council has indicated that it has A meeting of people interested had not been sought, nor had the other plans for its present home in the museum called in June to Head of Conservation been beside the Town Hall and would discuss the situation was well consulted, both essential like the museum to move attended, and a number of points preliminaries. It therefore seems

THANK YOU! A big thank you to members who have responded to the earlier mailing about renewal of subscriptions. Your response has helpfully boosted the bank account, and the increased number of standing orders helps assure the Society's future work. Thank you too for the corrections and changes in addresses, as well as the additions to the e- mail list. All of this information is, of course, solely for the use of the Islington Society; we do not make our members' details available to any other group, company or organisation. Our next effort will be a drive to increase the number of members and the areas - location and interest - represented by the membership. If you know anybody who might want to join the Society, please pass the enclosed membership form on to them. Autumn 2003 Islington news 11

Awards to the Islington Society

Marion Harvey, a former Chairman of the Society, reports and George Parish the Forum’s assistant editor. on the Islington Society's success at the London Forum Media Awards went to the Islington Society for its Awards Newsletter, praised for the lively newsworthy content, The London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies the clear layout and inexpensive production - an held its biennial competition to promote and exemplar; to the Chelsea Society for its splendid 75th encourage the high standard and rich variety of media Anniversary Issue of the Annual Report; to the Harrow productions - from the essential bread-and-butter Hill Trust for its informative brochure ‘Harrow on the newsletters to brochures, guides, books, videos and Hill’; to the Enfield Preservation Society for its book web sites - at The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street on ‘Treasures of Enfield’ and to the Bedford Park Society 5 June with a strong Islington Society contingent in for its listed building logbook, an innovative approach the audience. to recording and developing more regard for the The Forum has a membership of over 100 Societies quality of the conservation area itself. covering the area with a head count A number of commendations were made under the of more than 100,000 volunteers concerned at grass five categories, including one to the Society for its roots, with protecting and improving their local excellent Islington Trails (see below). environment. The Society was a founder member. At the event Peter Murray urged members to The Award was named after the late Walter Bor, embrace the electronic age, develop good Society web- founder President of the Forum and internationally site, use e-mail with its time and cost-saving renowned planner and architect. He would have been advantage (to those 50% with access). Kathie Bor proud of the range and quality of the entries and the stressed the appeal to young people by involving first to recognise the hours of struggle to impact on schools, which the Chelsea Society, with its first Local local indifference or lack of vision. History Schools Competition, was doing. Paul Finch, deputy commissioner of the Commission The overall assessment was that the submissions for Architecture and the Built Environment - CABE - represented a prodigious effort, all voluntarily and chaired the panel of assessors which included Walter’s enthusiastically given, and a fantastic range of daughter Kathie Bor, an art teacher; Peter Murray material showing a strong groundswell of interest communications consultant; Judy Hillman, Forum across London in improving and safeguarding the Vice-President, journalist and town planning advisor, environment and quality of life. MH

ISLINGTON MUSEUM - what next? (continued from page 10) likely that the museum could stay location was preferred most people Chairman Bruce Tattersall and where it is for some time. agreed if a move was necessary a co-ordinator Jim Lagden both 2. Very recently it has been very good showing could be made thought the evening had been well learned that the basement of at Finsbury. The basement offered spent in that it restored the Finsbury Library might become additional space for educational enthusiasm of supporters and available, offering much more and other activities, and there is volunteers and dispelled the space than the public hall and a the advantage of being close to the despondency of recent months. In separate very visible entrance at London Metropolitan Archives, the fact morale is high enough for a the front of the library. Family Records Centre, and the new project to be under 3. While the Upper Street Society of Genealogists. discussion. Watch this space .... KF

Six neighbourhood walking trails have been produced by the Society. Exploration, awareness, and pride of place are three of the purposes behind the trails. Each trail is printed on a handy, pocket-sized sheet with a map, a The Odeon Cinema opened as suggested route with annotation and with room to make the Gaumont on 5th September your own variations. They are intended for residents, for 1938 with a sell-out concert, braodcast by the BBC. The foyer people who work in Islington and or visitors. rose the full height of the building and a café terrace extended over Six Islington Neighbourhood Walking Trails the shops in Holloway Road. Angel TO Essex Road : Archway TO Whitehall Park : Highbury Corner TO Finsbury Park The 3,003 seat cinema was hit Canonbury TO Newington Green : TO Nags Head : Finsbury Park TO Crouch Hill by a V1 rocket in 1944 and was reopened only in 1958 available FREE from Libraries and from the Islington Society 12 Islington news Autumn 2003

Coming Events

17 December 2003 What do we offer Members? Christmas Social With Archaeology and History Society The Islington Society

6.00 Islington Museum • supports conservation planning work to preserve

the borough's historic fabric and individual

10 January 2004 buildings of distinction Visit to Garage Tour of a working bus garage and talk by • campaigns for a high standard of design in new Mark Yexley buildings

9.30am Tottenham Garage (tube to Seven Sisters) • organises a varied programme of events including (buses 73, 476, 41, 279, 257, 341, 76) talks, walks and site visits

• campaigns for better public transport and for 4 March 2004 priority for people on foot, bike & public transport The famous Islington Society Annual Dinner With the Mayor • produces publications that celebrate Islington's

7.30 (Venue to be announced) architectural history and its social & cultural diversity

17 March 2004 • publishes neighbourhood walking trails to Kathleen Frenchman encourage exploration, awareness and pride of Joint meeting with Archaeology and History Soc. place 8.00 Islington Museum • builds links between residents, officials and

councillors Events Planned • publishes a newsletter three times a year Dates to be confirmed : Watch for announcements

April What else do we do? The Annual General Meeting With Dave Wetzel explaining Land Value Tax The Islington Society

June • sends representatives to advise the Council groups The second Annual Church Crawl that deal with development, the environment and

transport July The Perennial Bill Manley Pub Crawl • encourages best practice through awards for the best architecture in the borough in new or Other Events refurbished buildings

Don't forget the regular, informal • is represented on the London Forum of Civic & "Meet the President" evenings at the Marquess Tavern Amenity Societies, which takes up cross-borough 9 pm on the first Tuesday of every month; issues of concern, and which is a member of the 6 January, 3 February, 2 March, 1 April, 5 May, 7 June, 5 July etc. Civic Trust

35 Britannia Row, London N1 8QH t.: 020 7226 3377 e.: [email protected]