COMMUNITY NEWS FROM THE HIGHBURY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Highbury Fields New Projects Cut, BBQ Ban Upheld

schools and churches to advertise their activities. The council’s Greenspace department will pay for one notice-board, at the children’s playground at the lower end of Highbury Crescent, and Councillor Stacy will seek money for the other two. Probably a good way to deal with this is not to create new sites for notice-boards but to redesign three of the eleven recently installed ‘Highbury Fields’ signs to combine their information with each notice-board so that the park does not become cluttered with As expected, the May elections toilet building at the top of the main unnecessary structures taking too were the starting gun for cuts field at Highbury Crescent and much attention from the grass and and changes in direction. The covering the area with grass – for trees that bring us into contact with obvious difficulties in public me, this opening up of a large, nature. finances have meant withdrawal of sweeping view across and between In mid-July, new notices made funding for new projects on the top and bottom fields is the best us aware that barbecues are not Highbury Fields; there is no longer thing that’s happened to Highbury permitted in council parks for the money for the planned Fields in the thirty-odd years I have reasons of safety and protecting wholesale repair of the paths, the known the park – with further the grass, which is killed in many refurbishment of litter bins, the landscaping there, in the autumn, instances and costly to replace installation of stone aprons for together with the corner beside successfully. But also, the comfort benches, or repairs to the café or Framfield Road where redundant of those not using the Fields for bandstand buildings or, indeed, to depot buildings and changing rooms cooking has become an issue in pursue plans for changing the have been demolished as well. recent times; on any sunny landscaping around the swimming There may be sufficient money to weekend clouds of smoke have pool and War Memorial. set up three new notice-boards to been drifting over everyone Good news is that projects advertise events the council present. The restriction may have already started are being organises on the Fields and to give come as a surprise but, equally, completed: the painting of railings; a space for community-based other kinds of picnic can be the removal of the eyesore, former groups such as HCA and local prepared and enjoyed on the Fields.

The HCA represents over 900 residents and businesses on all aspects of living and working in Highbury, 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. The opinions expressed in HCN are not necessarily those of the Highbury Community Association and its committee members.

September 2010 • Issue 68 1 Pilates Classes HCA at the Gillespie Mondays 9.15 am St Johns School Hall Festival Conewood St N5 HCA is having a stall at the Gillespie Festival on 12th September Chloe’s classes focus on improving posture by in the afternoon. We will be selling books and a few choice items, releasing tight muscles and breathing correctly. A great as well as signing up new email members. Do come along and way to strengthen core muscles and release stress too. support us and other stallholders if you can. Further information about the Festival: www.chloepaterson.com http://events.islington.gov.uk/Booking/Programme/Session/Def Member of the Body Control Pilates Association ault.aspx?BookingProgrammeUid=7d58e9c2-295c-4226-9b7a- 07771 848 553 13496cd8bc7c&BookingSessionUid=b5d124fd-a285-493d-b628 -0f23ba0768d6 Save our centre The Council are thinking of making cuts by closing our local day HARDWARE FOR THE HOME & GARDEN - centre for senior citizens, Sotheby Mews Centre, which is KEYS CUT - LOCKS SUPPLIED & FITTED - currently managed by Age Concern (see last issue of HOUSEWARES - LIGHT BULBS - TOOLS - PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL GOODS HCAN, ed.). This will have a devastating effect on older Highbury LOCKSMITH SERVICES AVAILABLE residents who go to Sotheby Mews, not to mention those who will want to come in the future. Those who come to Sotheby’s rely 20 Highbury Park N5 2AB heavily on the daily hot lunches, the warmth and Tel: 7354 5029 Fax: 7354 5034 companionship and activities that keep them fit Email: [email protected] longer, in mind and body. For about 28 years the Centre has been open 5 days a week, catering for the needs of senior citizens in the Highbury area, in some cases through two generations. On average 65 For help with all your people now attend during the course of each day. accounting and tax needs. If the Centre was forced to close through Fixed fees agreed in advance. lack of funding many members would be housebound. Many Free initial consultation. others would fall into ill health through sickness and depression which occurs when there is a lack of companionship and 020 7354 2661 or activities which keep people healthy and happy. [email protected] Office 111, Aberdeen House, How can you help? 22-24 Highbury Grove, N5 2EA. * Sign our petition www.taxassist.co.uk/garybarham * Come into Sotheby Mews and see what’s going on * Lobby your local councillor and MP

HENRY BOURNER, Chair, Sotheby Mews Centre Members’ Committee

Highburyvintners NEW: Independent wine store 11+ Classes in Highbury, N5

New extended shop Saturday morning & after-school, 11+ classes in Wine club & tasting events (1) English, (2) Maths and (3) Verbal & Non-Verbal Over 900 wines & specialist beers Reasoning, starting September 2010. Max class size: 6. Top quality service & advice All 11+ topics covered. Choose from 1-3 classes on Free delivery to N4, N5 & N16 either day. 12 week courses, one a term. Run by local, prep school teacher with 17 years’ tutoring experience. 71 Highbury Park, N5 1UA 020 7226 1347 Contact Denise Byrne on 020 7 226 6753. www.highburyvintners.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]

2 Skills Sharing: Time Bank launches in Highbury CALIGARI CABINETS Bespoke fitted furniture "I'd like to learn a new skill, but I can't afford to pay for lessons." Tailored to your taste "I'd like to know my neighbours better." ”We need to share resources to look after the environment” and interior "When I need help around the house I don’t know www.caligaricabinets.co.uk who to ask." 07976 417 227 Does this sound like you? In which case you might want to consider joining a new initiative that has just started up in Highbury: Highbury Time Bank. A Time Bank is an exciting – and free – way for people to come together to help others, help themselves and help the environment at the same time. Participants 'deposit' their time in Drug & Health Food Store the bank by giving practical help 17 Highbury Park, N5 1QJ. and support to others and are able to 'withdraw' their time Tel 020 7359 3623 when they need something done themselves. In a Time Bank people exchange time on an equal basis: 1 Organic & Non-Organic • Food • Baby Products hour of my time = 1 hour of yours, whatever the skills involved. Toiletries • Household Products So for example you could spend an hour putting up a shelf for a Aromatherapy • Homeopathy neighbour and they could help you with your garden, get you Herbal Remedies • Eco Friendly Products started with setting up a website or put together a newsletter. Organic Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Everyone who has some time can get involved; even people who Body Building Products don't think they have many 'skills' can help by volunteering to wait in for a delivery for a busy person or return someone's books to the library, for example. There are many benefits to a Time Bank: saving money, MAC McCABER reducing isolation, and creating a friendlier, safer and more handyman and window-cleaner sustainable neighbourhood. mobile: 07960 037 485 Highbury Time Bank has been set up by Mary Stevens and Priti Pedersen, who met through Transition Highbury. Time Banks support the exchange of all skills, but they hope that in Hard-working and trustworthy, living locally. the future Highbury Time Bank will have an important role to Recommended by several HCA members - play in supporting the spread of skills that are particularly references on request. important in a low-carbon society (such as repairs and I do painting, decorating, small electrical and maintenance and food-growing). plumbing jobs and gardening at £120 a day If you would like to join the Time Bank please email Priti at pro rata. I also clean windows inside and out - [email protected] or call on . You can also visit the website £80-90 for a 3-storey Victorian house. at http://www.projectdirt.com/group/highburytimebank. Once you’re a member you will receive a regular newsletter with information about the skills on offer and if you’re looking for help with something that’s not listed then all you need to do is call or FARM- DIRECT email and the Time Bank team will try to find someone to help. Groceries delivered Mary and Priti are also very keen to hear from anyone who direct from the farm: would like to get more involved, so if you are one of those people who likes to chat and knows all their neighbours they would love wonderfully fresh & great value. to hear from you! There are lots of other ways to get involved 30 participating farmers & food producers bring too, for example with fundraising or publicity or developing the you over 600 products, which you can order at the website. And any time you spend can be banked as ‘time credits’ click of a button! to be spent on all the wonderful services other members have to Two ways to receive your order: offer. Time to get involved! Home delivery or collection from our depot: 11 Ronalds Road, N5 1XL. PRITI See what’s in season at [email protected] www.farm-direct.com 020 7226 3323 More questions? Call 0845 519 2415 www.istime.org www.timebanking.org

3 Businesses we love: Alternative Time Out guide to Highbury

Below is the third instalment of NICOLETTE JONES’ Woodland Hardware -- On Nicola's compilation of neighbours’ recommended local 20 Highbury Park Couldn't-Do-Without 7354 5029 list shops/cafes/restaurants… Note: these are the personal -- Kind, friendly and opinions of the individuals named. usually have what you C & H Chemist 179 want where others fail! Blackstock Rd 7226 (Liz) 2500 (opposite the Golden Loaf the Dickensian interior -- Because the owner end of Gillespie Rd) Part 3: (formerly Pain d'Or) can find anything you and his assistant are -- They greet you with café and bakery, 136 can draw, even if you not just helpful but so friendly personal Blackstock Rd don’t know what it’s charming and service and advice, CAFES (between Monsell and called. (Nicolette) handsome as well (are rather than with a Chatterton Rds) -- Absolutely not a barcode reader (Ian) Good for Food, we allowed to say -- Freshly baked place where you buy -- Knowledgeable and Café/deli 16 that?) (Lindy) bread; we waited long shrinkwrap goods; polite (Nicolette) Blackstock Rd -- Favourite of enough for a baker’s totally bespoke; the (between Rock St and Angela’s in this area; use it or epitome of a proper Raymond's News - the Library) lose it! (Ian) shop (Ian) agents 9 Highbury -- Organic soups and -- I like the people, the Park 72261361. lunches, friendly CLEANERS Cinnamon Village stock is amazing and -- They are service (especially café/deli 108 Highbury the way the shop is fantastically obliging from Helena, the Quality Dry Cleaners Park laid out is a piece of with unusual requests. proprietor); note on 23 Blackstock Rd, -- Lovely art (Natalie) (Maya) Thursdays and 7359 2895 (near the coffee/atmosphere/so -- Any strange nut or Fridays their special bus stop) many lovely fresh bolt - any DIY query, The Barn Post Office Portuguese custard -- Steve is friendly and cakes to choose from an amazing selection 10-12 Highbury Park tarts (so delicious it thorough. He also cuts (Jacqueline) of useful bits and -- Favourite of would be too much to keys and has a sewing -- Pastries as good as pieces - will help solve Angela’s have them every day). service for repairs and they are in France any DIY problem Has an outdoor space, alterations. Open daily (Becca) (Caroline) and wifi has just 8am-6.30pm EXCEPT -- Simple, great food, arrived, so a place to Thursday pm after 1, RESTAURANTS at a good price. Soup Rae Electrical work with a coffee, J K shuts 6pm Saturdays AND PUBS at lunch times is a Services 116A and closed Sundays. Rowling-style. I have Blackstock Rd treat, though closed at The frontage could do Dotori, all my business 72262962 lunch Mon to with a lick of paint, Korean/Japanese meetings here. -- Incredibly helpful - Wednesday. Delivery though! (Nicolette) restaurant (Nicolette) will give advice and 3 Stroud service ideal for when Green Rd 7263 3562 you want to be lazy help fix - however in (Also a favourite of C & A Dry Cleaners, (also at beginning of and healthy. (Adam) danger of being taken Christine's and 115 Highbury Park. Stroud Green Rd, just -- Takeaways are over by his stock! Eco dry cleaning Nicola's) (Caroline) across Seven Sisters heavenly (Becca) -- Knows his stuff, on that island triangle). La Princesse ‘Salon friendly and fair -- Set Japanese meal The Clock Café 73 ABSL Print shop de Tea’ 86 Blackstock (Jacqueline) is pretty good value Highbury Park 127 Blackstock Rd, Rd (near the corner (about £25 for 2 from -- Lovely coffee, comfy 7704 1949 (near with Ambler Rd) (Also a favourite of memory). (Christine) seats and friendly staff junction with -- Excellent croissants Sue's and Becca's) -- Superb. We took a (the name apparently Brownswood Rd) (Nick) -- Invaluable to have Korean friend who relates to the Clock said it was the best end of the old Arsenal a local place where Heathville Scott, Korean food she'd had stadium). (Lindy) they will print photos MISCELLANEOUS café and estate agents from cameras/disks/ in London. Booking is Seven Heavens 129 Blackstock Rd phones/memory essential, because it's Clinic, Top Flat, 20 7226 1100 sticks. (Nicolette) small. (Henry) -- How amazing is it to HARDWARE, Blackstock Rd, 7704 find a café in an estate ELECTRICAL & First Choice 2777 (between Rock The Kings Head pub St and Library) agents' office? Hardware 156 26 Blackstock Rd PRINT -- massage, cupping, Surprise your friends. Blackstock Rd (near (corner of Monsell Rd) acupuncture. Faisal Very good baked Mix Hardware, corner with Gillespie Rd) -- Safe drinking and Awais are very sweet potatoes. Have Ironmongers, 51 -- They always know environment in prime caring (Nicolette) never bought a house Blackstock Rd 7226 what I want -- and spot (Ian) from them, though. 6415 (across and a bit have it (Jacqueline) (Nicolette) down from Library) Second Chance Bookshop 161 -- Because the (Also a favourite of Blackstock Rd continued on page 5 (Also a favourite of Sue's) proprietor, Maria, in Henry’s)

4 BOOK REVIEW What price a liberal culture?

Economic Reform and a much larger economic assets reflected and powered the changing Liberal Culture is a new than the other? philosophical debate of the last 150 collection of short essays For those who are years. from long-term Highbury interested in hard-core resident Tom Rubens philosophy Tom compares How to obtain a copy written from a secular and contrasts the thinking Economic Reform and a Liberal humanist viewpoint. The of major philosophers Culture And Other Essays on Social whole book is only 150 since Darwin. For and Cultural Issues pages long and yet the example, he surprisingly RRP = £8.95 But available from topics covered are vast: finds common ground between www.imprint-academic.com at £7.16 ; ranging from multi-culturalism in John Stuart Mill and Nietzsche. www.amazon.co.uk or from Tom English society to eugenics. This book is indeed food for himself – call 020 7690 9896 or The book is divided into three thought. I am now inspired to read or email [email protected] sections so you can easily dip in and reread some of the works of out of the parts that most appeal to literature cited by Tom as having REVIEW BY CEINWEN JONES you – whether it be social, economic and cultural issues; or pure philosophy; or literary themes. Tom’s aim is to raise subjects in brief to stimulate debate. He amply Businesses we love: succeeded in this at the launch event organised by the South Place Alternative Time Out guide to Ethical Society at Conway Hall in Holborn in July, sparking a lively Highbury discussion among his fellow continued from page 4 humanists. What appeals to me most about Pizzadelique, 1-3 Organica Pizza, 4B -- Reasonably priced the book is not only its broad scope Chatterton Rd Gillespie Rd 7226 food in relaxed setting, connecting philosophical thought 72263838 6007 (for takeaways) service is rarely with wider trends in society, culture -- All my housemates -- Excellent pizzas delayed, not too and science, but specifically the love it (Jacqueline) (Henry) crowded or cramped (Ian) many tie-ins with English literature. -- Friendly atmosphere, and the nicest (Also a favourite of This is to be expected since Tom, Il Bacio pizzeria 178 banoffee pie in the Nicola’s) Blackstock Rd 7226 now 65, has for many years taught world (Becca) 3339 (on corner with English literature both here and Yildiz, 163 Blackstock Hurlock St) abroad. Organica Pizza, 4B Rd -- Thoroughly reliable For example, there is a chapter in Gillespie Rd 7226 -- Good takeaway and restaurant that his book on ‘The Princess 6007 (for takeaways) eat-in ocakbasi welcomes families and restaurant. (Adam) Casamassima Problem’, Princess -- Excellent pizzas children (Henry) (Henry) Casamassima being the title of a Little Sardegna 170 Song Sushi 204a novel by Henry James. In this Blackstock Rd 7354 Blackstock Rd 7226 chapter Tom explores how the main (Also a favourite of 4500 4225 Nicola’s) -- A fantastic place to characters in the novel are on -- Good takeaway opposite sides of a philosophical eat, whether it's a quiet Dilara Restaurant 27 Sushi (Henry) debate about whether material meal for two, or a large Blackstock Rd, 7226 group of friends - inequality in society is necessary 2446 (by the bus stop) delicious food, great The Woodbine pub for great wonders of art to exist – -- As good as any atmosphere 215 Blackstock Rd works of art that nourish the human Turkish Restaurant in (Seb) -- Great Thai food, spirit. He gives the examples of Green Lanes good real ales, beaten Versailles, the Vatican and the (Jacqueline) Small & Beautiful up leather sofas (Jacqueline) Palace of Westminster. He asks restaurant, 171 would such beautiful buildings have Blackstock Rd, 7359 9068 been created in a society where no one individual or group possessed

5 HIGHBURY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Address label space www.highburycommunity.org

Please let us know if you move… To stop receiving newsletters write unsubscribe in the title of an email to [email protected] HC News • No 68 • September 2010 with your name and address in the body of the email. TACKLING CRIME: The Brownswood Safer Neighbourhood Team

HCA member Tom Rubens recently interviewed Sgt. supervision. This approach has been working well; for example, youths who Keith McMaster, head of the Safe Neighbourhood Team were creating problems at Amwell (SNT) for Brownswood Ward. Court have been included in our programme, and the problems have decreased. Also, we are keen to have Tom Rubens (TR): What were the of crime living in the ward. We youth representatives at the C.A.P. main problems that led to the introduce our team to the public and meetings. We attend focus group formation of the Brownswood SNT? relay messages to other police units meetings and give talks to youths. SM: Previously, local police teams investigating crimes. Our fourth priority is had only responded to phone calls On specific issues: in the prostitution. We recently conducted about problems from the members summertime, we are tackling an a four-night vice operation against of the public, and it was felt that a increase in burglary, and motor- kerb crawlers. This resulted in 27 more extensive response was vehicle theft by residents of local arrests, 22 cautionings for needed. The last Police hostels and bed-and-breakfast prostitutes, 21 Acceptable Behaviour Commissioner therefore decided to establishments. Prostitution is also Contracts signed, and the seizure of set up personal teams for every an issue we are addressing through 2 vehicles without insurance. The ward in every London borough, each regular vice operations. cautions of the prostitutes will be Copyright HCA 2010. Printed and published by HCA, PO Box 43396, N5 9AD to be long-term and consistent, and followed up, and may lead to arrests. each to spend more time on TR: What are your chief priorities at Furthermore, we have a partnership individual calls and complaints, and present and in the immediate with 'Open Doors', an NHS agency offer additional services as well. future? which helps vulnerable females who These units are known as Safer SM: These priorities were set at the are addicted to Class A drugs and Neighbourhoods Teams. They deal last C.A.P. meeting on July 8th. Our we are arranging for the Council to with crimes of concern to local first priority is theft from motor board up premises used by residents, and work with partners vehicles. We plan to do a leaflet drop, prostitutes and their clients. such as the local council and and employ a decoy police vehicle, Our final priority is youth gangs. housing associations to deal with as well as visit various hostels and Because of an increase in gang anti-social behaviour and issues bed-and-breakfast establishments. tensions during school holidays, a which may need a long-term Secondly, anti-social behaviour, in monitoring initiative for the approach. King's Crescent, Woodberry Down Woodberry Down / Manor House and Manor House: we are organising area has begun, in conjunction with TR: What is the position now in high-visibilty patrols, estate-sweeps, New River SNT. In addition to relation to these problems? and introducing our summer bus, attending focus group meetings, we SM: Police services have greatly which carries 12 officers. are currently discussing setting up a improved for local residents. The Our third priority is youth dispersal zone area. A mobile police SNT has conversations with the diversion. We work in partnership station has been arranged for the community. We run three surgeries with outreach workers to identify summer months, and there is cross- per month, and hold Community troublesome youths and get them border (Hackney/Haringey) work Action Panel meetings every three involved with various programmes with the Safer Transport Police and months. Also, we visit every victim and schemes, under police the British Transport Police.

6