COMMUNITY NEWS FROM THE HIGHBURY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Opposition Grows To Possible Highbury Barn Takeover By Supermarket

William Willoughby opened The community. If you look through this Highbury Barn in 1770 as a place of and back numbers of this newsletter, entertainment and it flourished for you’ll see that the local shops have more than a century. The present placed adverts which have sustained Highbury Barn Tavern was built on this, our community newsletter. the same site in the 1860s and At a Hustings meeting on May continued the tradition of hospitality. 3rd, representatives of all the It’s fair to say that Highbury has parties contesting the local grown up around this landmark elections, including the leaders of owards the end of April it leaked building. A pub on this site defines both the Labour Party and the Lib Tout that Punch Taverns had put Highbury Barn. We can argue about Dems, declared that they would the Highbury Barn Tavern up for sale. what sort of pub it should be, but we strongly resist any change of use to Then the rumours started flying. must keep a pub on the site. Nobody the Highbury Barn Tavern and that It was revealed that Sainsbury’s refers to this little stretch of road as they would all be prepared to “man wanted to convert it into a local Highbury Park – though that’s its the barricades”. supermarket. When an article proper name. We all know it as So any prospective purchaser appeared in the Gazette, Highbury Barn. should be aware that the Highbury Sainsbury’s backed off, but admitted One of the good things about Barn Tavern has a special place in they were “still looking for living in Highbury is the feeling that the geography, the history and the opportunities” to find premises in you are living in a village. At the affections of our community. the Barn. At the time of writing, the heart of a village are the village We will not take kindly to any rumour is that a property company shops. Highbury Barn is mostly developer’s attempt to turn is doing a deal to redevelop the composed of owner run, Highbury Barn into a carbon copy of Tavern. They might create a retail independent shops. We know the every other high street. We will outlet, giving outside interests an owners – and they know us, their resist that……. most strongly. “opportunity” to move in. customers. We are all part of the TONY MILLER

community – who we are, covered – or if you would to gain access once Message what we are, why we are, like to write something for proceedings had started. as well as the difference the next issue (due out at We are very grateful to our From The and contribution we want the beginning of Septem ber), speaker, celebrated local to make as a community. I do get in touch with me by historian Mary Cosh, for New Editor hope the articles in this email or post (see details her excellent talk on Welcome to the latest issue will continue to help at foot of page). Islington Greens. We would edition of HCN, my first as enhance our community We had a very like to thank everyone who the new editor. It’s very and its cohesion. successful AGM again this attended, participated and important that we have a If you have any topics year. We apologise to contributed. strong sense of you would like to see those who were not able GRAHAM COULT

The HCA represents over 900 residents and businesses on all aspects of living and working in Highbury, Lower Holloway and Park.

Membership is free. Members receive bi-monthly newsletters like this one. New members will receive the newsletter by email (unless you don’t have email). To join or talk to us about anything Highbury-related, please email [email protected] or write to PO Box 43396, N5 9AD.

June 2010 • Issue 67 1 Pilates Classes Views From A Pear Tree: Life

Mondays 9.15 am In Highbury Quadrant St Johns School Hall Conewood St N5 When residents of the Highbury Quadrant estate realised that so many of their neighbours had been living there since it was built Chloe’s classes focus on improving posture by in the late 1950s, they wished that their key memories and releasing tight muscles and breathing correctly. A great stories could somehow be collected. Now their dream has way to strengthen core muscles and release stress too. become reality. They formed the Highbury Quadrant Oral History group and made a film, titled ‘Views from a Pear Tree’. The film www.chloepaterson.com weaves the everyday stories of life at Highbury Quadrant Member of the Body Control Pilates Association together with a history of how the estate came into being. 07771 848 553 The project enabled the residents to rediscover their own history and hopefully has inspired a new generation of residents to get involved in local community activities. As the project coordinator, Ronit Dassa, puts it, “We had such fun putting this film together. It gave us a chance to talk to our neighbours, especially the many older folk who have lived here for over 50 years who told us what their experiences were like. Younger people found it fascinating.” HARDWARE FOR THE HOME & GARDEN - “Making the film got us researching into Islington and KEYS CUT - LOCKS SUPPLIED & FITTED - archives” says Ronit, “we found some amazing HOUSEWARES - LIGHT BULBS - TOOLS - photographs, news articles and many interesting facts about our PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL GOODS estate. For example, we realised that a statue on the estate that LOCKSMITH SERVICES AVAILABLE we take for 20 Highbury Park N5 2AB granted is Tel: 7354 5029 Fax: 7354 5034 actually a grade II Email: [email protected] listed work of art.” Through work on the film, the For help with all your group was able to accounting and tax needs. secure Fixed fees agreed in advance. renewed Free initial consultation. interest in the statue – 020 7354 2661 or called The Neighbours - which has led to it being renovated. [email protected] The project group also found out a lot about how the Office 111, Aberdeen House, Highbury Quadrant estate was designed as model ‘modern’ 22-24 Highbury Grove, N5 2EA. social housing by a leading architect, whose aim was “to create www.taxassist.co.uk/garybarham a place even the queen would be happy to call home.” They learned how the ideas and values of the post-war generation meant that Highbury Quadrant was developed with a real passion for social justice. It included a community hall as well as play facilities for children. The old back gardens on which Highbury Quadrant was built were retained and there are now over 1,000 trees on the estate, with generous spaces between the blocks. Highburyvintners Early tenants formed the Quadrant Community Association Independent wine store (QCA), which has voluntarily organised social events and community services since the 1950’s and still does so. Today, New extended shop there are many ideas for improving Highbury Quadrant; and Wine club & tasting events continuing to celebrate its rich and important history. The Over 900 wines & specialist beers interviews that provide the basis of ‘Views from a Pear Tree’, Top quality service & advice and the film itself, are all part of this process. Free delivery to N4, N5 & N16 To find out more contact Ronit Dassa on telephone: 07530981012, or email: 71 Highbury Park, N5 1UA [email protected]. To purchase 020 7226 1347 ‘Views from a pear tree’ on DVD (£5 plus £1.50p&p), send a www.highburyvintners.co.uk cheque payable to Highbury Quadrant TRA to Birchmore Hall Community Centre, Highbury Quadrant, London N5 2AU.

2 Swimming at Her Majesty’s Pleasure? CALIGARI CABINETS Bespoke fitted furniture Aqua Aerobics, in Holloway Prison’s reputedly fantastic pool, is one of the many activities on offer to both male and female Tailored to your taste members of the Sotheby Mews Day Centre. These joint sessions and interior with prison inmates are very popular. There is plenty more besides to entice over-60s in Highbury to join the Day Centre’s www.caligaricabinets.co.uk 500 members. I asked Jacky Mariner of Islington Age Concern (which has managed the Centre on behalf of Islington Council 07976 417 227 since 1997) what is special about the Centre. She said ‘It’s ‘lively’. When I visited on a Monday afternoon floating through the corridors was music from the line dancing class (this very class having recently been featured on BBC’s the ‘One Show’). On the walls were watercolours and other paintings about to go on display in a new art exhibition. Apart from dancing and art, members may participate in creative writing, bowls, keep-fit, pilates, bingo, use the computers (with broadband access and Skype) and attend a carers’ group. They may even have their hair cut! Most classes are free. Members who want to stay for Drug & Health Food Store lunch can have a two-course meal for £3. 17 Highbury Park, N5 1QJ. Each day 50-60 people visit the Centre which is conveniently Tel 020 7359 3623 close to the junction between Blackstock Rd and Sotheby Rd. Organic & Non-Organic • Food • Baby Products Members tend to be fairly fit, although there are those who need Toiletries • Household Products help - they arrive by Day Centre transport. Some just sign up for Aromatherapy • Homeopathy one class but others use it like a club. Jacky suggests Herbal Remedies • Eco Friendly Products newcomers might like to come and sit in the garden to get a feel Organic Fresh Fruit and Vegetables for the Centre before deciding how to join in. The garden is an Body Building Products oasis of peace and quiet with lavender bushes and flowering shrubs as well as now, (with new ‘Capital Growth’ funding), beds of vegetables – some grown communally and some by individual members. There is even a Smokers’ Corner well away from the MAC McCABER main garden so that everyone is catered for. The whole Centre is accessible for the disabled, with plenty of parking spaces. handyman and window-cleaner Roy Hidson is a current member and a keen attender of the mobile: 07960 037 485 keep-fit classes. He remembers that in his mother’s day the waiting list for the Sotheby Road Day Centre was so long that his Hard-working and trustworthy, living locally. mother died still waiting. These days you don’t have to go on a Recommended by several HCA members - waiting list but the activities are as many and varied as they ever references on request. used to be. Use it or lose it! I do painting, decorating, small electrical and Sotheby Mews Day Centre, Sotheby Mews, N5 2UT, plumbing jobs and gardening at £120 a day Tel: 020 7226 1421 pro rata. I also clean windows inside and out - CEINWEN JONES £80-90 for a 3-storey Victorian house.

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3 Trustees wanted for Eco House Weekend local youth charity Saturday, 12 June 2010 - Sunday, 13 June 2010 10am - 5pm Eleven Victorian houses in Islington, Hackney, Camden, and Elizabeth House, this year’s chosen charity for Haringey open their doors to show the best in recent eco- the HCA AGM, is looking for new trustees. We are renovation practice. Weekend passes to all houses cost £10 a local youth and community centre off the for homeowners, £20 for professionals. Passes cannot be Blackstock Road. We provide training, recreation bought at houses. Book online at and education for people aged 5 to 16 in the http://www.victeri.co.uk/default.aspx?page=25510. Highbury area. We also hire our building and If no online access call 07732 628174. facilities to other organisations and individuals with objectives similar to our own. You can read more at our website: www.elizabeth-house.org Elizabeth House is owned and run by a charitable trust (Highbury Vale Blackstock Do you have a garage soon not be available any Trust). The trustees are all local people, and we or shed you do not longer, because it is needed are looking to recruit more members for our need? for something else. Please board of trustees. The trustees’ role is to help help. A free recycled bike Local bike project urgently plan the strategic future of the charity and its can be offered in return. needs free space to store work, ensuring accountability to our Contact Priti Norfall and maybe repair recycled beneficiaries, to the wider population, and to Pedersen Tel: 020 bikes. This is a non-profit, the Charity Commission. 7226 323, email: non-funded venture that has We need people with commitment and [email protected]; been going for years. The energy who seek a rewarding volunteer role. or Paul Standeven: space currently used will You’ll be joining a team of eight trustees and [email protected] becoming part of a great community service. We are particularly keen to recruit members of the local community who have skills and experience in one or more of the following Highbury Artist At Tate areas: finance, business management, human resources, education, and play and youth Modern services. Applications will be welcomed from all sections of the community. For more Highbury resident Katie information please email or call Clare Cooper was invited with her Kinnersley at: [email protected] or colleagues to exhibit in the 07745296039. Turbine Hall during the tenth anniversary Latest News from the celebrations of Tate Modern. Bryantwood Road Front Line Katie is a member of a In accordance with the planning conditions and group of modern artists as promised at previous meetings the who went to Art School developers of the Queensland Road have together. They run a not- conducted a consultation with residents of the for-profit art exhibition north side of Bryantwood Road about the space called Auto Italia, boundary wall between the flats and our houses. located in Peckham, with Plans were previously circulated, a mock-up of premises generously the proposed wall has been available for viewing provided by a sponsor. and a meeting was held for residents of The Tate Gallery curators Bryantwood Road to communicate views to the visited Auto Italia, and council and the developers. The meeting was invited the group to exhibit attended by our 3 ward councillors, LBI planning during the tenth anniversary officers and representatives of the developers. celebrations. Katie says: Residents stressed that despite improvements “We’re quite a young group – most exhibitors at Tate Modern are to details the proposed height of the wall is still already well established, so it is quite an achievement for Auto not satisfactory to ensure adequate security Italia to be given a space. We have been running an email group and privacy. The developers responded that encouraging people to meet up at the exhibition.” they will refine and submit details to the The ceiling for the stand, which was suspended from the roof officers, who will report to a future planning of the Turbine Room, was taken from the Peckham Gallery. committee. Residents will be kept informed of Exhibits from the Gallery, which can be created in all types of this procedure and demand and expect further media including performance art, featured a multi-media library improve ments to the proposals to allay their fears. fretted from wood, John Hill’s light box (displaying a different Ed Allen, Tel: 020 7607 4772 poster each day) and various other items of Modern Art.

4 Early in their relationship Highbury resident. I could But this book is very N5 memoir Pete follows Nicola to the just imagine Pete arriving relevant to today, especially Solomon Islands where she on Nicola's ancient bike at for those who wince at the on being a is working on a planet- ' recycling prospect of having to turn saving project. Three weeks' bins with their old the heating down and put reluctant holiday is quite enough for newspapers. It is such a on an extra jumper. Pete's him: 'Being hunted by local issues book that hilarious way of describing Green mosquitoes and sea snakes Nicola and Pete even his resistance to such has left me desiring nothing manage to have the changes and his eventual He helps by making me more than the iffy cigarette common Highbury problem acceptance of them could laugh every day' is what sellers and gridlocked sprawl of subsidence not once but make a few more unlikely Nicola says of her other of the snake-free Holloway TWICE. The vicar from St converts to the Green half Pete on their wedding Road...I need my urban Thomas' Church makes a cause. But it's also highly day at the end of his space, my consumer couple of cameo entertaining for Highbury memoir There’s a Hippo in durables and an open pub.' appearences as does the residents who just want to my Cistern. With this book Yet by the end of the book Ecology Centre in Drayton read about some of the Pete makes us want to Pete is happily ensconced in Park, where the Green places and characters in our laugh, too. It starts in 1993 an N5 garden protecting his wedding is finally held. local neighbourhood and with Pete in his bachelor's and Nicola's breakfast-egg- Since 1993 it has have a good chuckle. flat in Elephant and Castle, laying chickens from foxes - become easier and more There’s a Hippo in My a football-loving, lager- a far cry from his takeaway- socially acceptable to be Cistern: One Man’s drinking ‘lad’. Then he pizza-eating days of old. Green. The hippo of the title Misadventures on the Eco- meets Nicola of Highbury, a The chickens are (a water-saving device for Frontline – By Pete May. committed 'eco-bunny.' bought from Freightliners the loo not a beast in Published by Collins in And so begins Pete’s Farm to which they return Africa) is no longer needed paperback June 2008 journey from on a B&B basis when by the end of the book. In Available on Amazon, unreconstructed macho Nicola and Pete go on Nicola's and Pete's third or contact Pete direct for male to deep Green activist holiday. The references to Highbury abode they have a a discounted copy - and N5 resident with many Freightliners Farm and new loo of the type that [email protected] misadventures and other local landmarks saves water automatically or 0771 558 7338. rebellions along the way. make it fun reading for a and is now sold everywhere. CEINWEN JONES

Highbury Fields Events: Council Officers Please Note

In the last Newsletter, HCA of a dozen or more. When asked, questioned the proposal by Islington they all said they liked the overall council’s Events officers to host an friendliness of the park. They were “In the Night Garden” production on packing out the Fields from Highbury Fields, fencing off half the Highbury Corner up to the top of the main field for a whole month. The park. application for the event was An Events Policy for Highbury withdrawn and booking is now open Fields is being produced by council for the show at its new, more officers: we urge the council to keep suitable location in the grounds of Highbury Fields as free as possible The O2. Our concerns were the for such open public use and to commercialisation of the Fields and support small scale, one-day events, the need we see to keep the Fields open to all, that involve the diverse open and accessible for people communities in Islington. making their own entertainment. Commercial events can be costly to The pictures here, taken 22nd-23rd attend and, by their size and May, show some of the hundreds of duration, displace informal use, Highbury Fields is heavily used by people who came from Angel, particularly in the summer months. residents from all over Islington and Archway, Holloway, Highbury Fields is a small area even beyond. It is already very crowded and is too small to become a 'venue'. and, indeed, all over Islington and if it is Islington’s largest park. Set in beyond, to enjoy the park in a host the centre of the borough, it is of ways be it picnic, barbecue, ideally placed for all residents to use sprinkling of events would be birthday celebration, bat and ball, as they choose – and the population welcome but Highbury Fields is too and as singles or couples or groups of the borough is growing. A small to become a “venue”.

5 HIGHBURY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

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sauce and a good 2005 and the high Local portion of clams. I had standard has been Cinquecento a Sardinian special with maintained. The menu eateries sausage, chilli, pasta caters for all tastes and A week's notice needs to be and a delicious tomato all prices. Pizzas and given for weekday evenings, two Having a new kitchen sauce. We had a bottle pastas are prepared weeks for weekends; not unusual installed means that of house wine which while you eat one of perhaps for an establishment run for several days you was cool and crisp. the many starters. by a TV chef – but at Archway !? have the chance to eat There were several nice Meat and fish dishes all Such is Cinquecento, aka 500 at some of the many touches including a have a hint of Italy. Italian Restaurant, and you can local restaurants or bowl of olives placed on On the night that Google its reviews at leisure. cafés. We had evening the table as we sat Arsenal were playing at Fourteen tables for two, pushed meals at the following: down and a small glass home searching for a together for foursomes, all wines of Amaretto to restaurant that was not available by the glass, a dozen or IL BACIO accompany our coffee. overflowing with so at £2.30-£4.50 per glass of 178–184 Blackstock Good value so we shall customers proved the smaller kind of which I tried a Road, N5 1HA return. impossible. However couple, supporting a smallish 020 7226 3339 They have another there were not too menu of home cooking; and it's in The restaurant is branch in Stoke many people in. that that lay the reason, I simply furnished but Newington. suspect, for the feeding frenzy functional with the THE KEBAB CORNER that obviously has hit Archway. kitchen in full view; STRINGRAY HOUSE I'm writing this just after a lunch there is also a 36 Highbury Park N5 4 Highbury Park I turned up late for so as to be Television which shows 020 7354 9309 We ordered fish and Copyright HCA 2010. Printed and published by HCA, PO Box 43396, N5 9AD sure to get in. Well satisfied I sporting events but We had eaten here chips and a soft drink would be if my own home seems to be on all the before but not for some to “eat in”. There were cooking could live up to this day- time. I hear it is very years. Nothing had three tables to the rear by-day. I ate the Italian busy on match days. changed and the food and we seemed to equivalent of a whole Downstairs is a private is very good value. The receive special smorgasbord as an antipasto – function room. pasta dishes and the treatment - no plastic fish, fowl, cured meats, leaves It is run by Pizzas are excellent cutlery but proper and cheese, a dish, or rather Sardinians and there and the portions are knives and forks. The plank, advised as appropriate for appeared to be little large. The house wine fish and the chips were two, sharing – and a starter-sized pandering to the is reasonably priced. excellent and the total tagliatelli with wild garlic pesto UK/Italian diluted The staff are helpful cost only £8.40 for the and air dried eggs of some fish versions of the dishes. and the surroundings two meals! who's name I have now They specialise in pleasant. forgotten. Utterly delicious. Pizzas – more than Finally having the Room left only for espresso and twenty varieties - thin SAN DANIELE DEL new kitchen also meant an eyeing-up of the puddings and crisp. As it was our FRIULI new floor covering. On being consumed by others, first visit we shared a 72 Highbury Park N5 the recommendation in leaving them for another day. £25. simple tomato and 020 7226 1609 an earlier HC News we 500 Italian Restaurant, 782 mozarella pizza which We eat here went to Sultan Flooring, Holloway Road, N19 3JH. 020 was delicious. Derek frequently and the food 146 Blackstock Road. 7272 3406. had the Spaghetti is always good and Excellent service and www.500restaurant.co.uk . Vongole which was sometimes exceptional. prompt delivery and ROBIN HULL spaghettini, with a I reviewed the fitting. delicious light tomato restaurant in June DAVID FENTON

6 The opinions expressed in HCN are not necessarily those of the Highbury Community Association and its committee members.