IslingtonLife magazine, summer 2016

Your local magazine from Islington Council

IslingtonLife Issue 63, Summer 2016

Get set for a summer of fun!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Enjoy a fun-filled summer with Heatwave Government changes to housing Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour

Contents Inside your summer issue

www.islington.gov.uk

3

Welcome

20

Local life Round up of community news

4

News New council homes built

24

Health and wellbeing Love food, hate waste

6

Islington’s housing crisis The impact of government changes to housing

26

Young at heart Care worker Evelyn retires

10

Focus on crime and safety Tackling youth crime

27

What’s on Out and about in the borough

12

Heatwave 2016 Hundreds of summer activities for young people

28

Arsenal in the Community The latest news from Arsenal

16

Working better together Learning the ropes as an apprentice

30

Noticeboard Finsbury Park station update and more

The autumn edition of IslingtonLife will be out in October.

To advertise contact islingtonlife@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 3416.

The housing crisis in Islington, p6

Find out what’s on this summer, p12

Get involved with your local park, p20

Meet Islington’s new mayor, p5

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Welcome

www.islington.gov.uk

Welcome to the latest edition of IslingtonLife, which is packed full of useful information about events and activities to enjoy this summer, as well as all the latest news from the council.

In the following pages you will also find lots of information about one of the most important issues facing local people – housing.

Islington is a fantastic place to live, and I love living here because of the mix of people that call the borough home.

But these mixed communities are increasingly under threat from the rising cost of housing.

You can download this issue and previous issues online, visit www.islington.gov.uk/islington

The council is committed to building more genuinely affordable homes to ensure Islington remains a place where people from all different backgrounds are able to live side-by-side. We have already delivered thousands of new homes in recent years, with over half of those being genuinely affordable homes on sites where we can force developers to build. I’m also very proud that we have built the most council homes in a generation – and we have plans to build at least another 500 more by 2019, along with another 2,000 more genuinely affordable homes.

Be the first to hear about the latest news. Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonLife and @IslingtonBC for council news

However, new government rules mean that providing homes for local people that they can really afford is going to get harder. There are several new measures

Cllr Richard Watts Leader of the Council

that will have a serious impact on the borough, and there is more information inside about what this could mean for you. I want to assure you that the council is on the side of people that may be affected by these new rules, and we are doing all we can to protect residents.

More information can also be found on our website - www.islington.gov.uk/ housingact Recently I was pleased to be able to visit the latest site where we are building new council homes – Dover Court, in Canonbury. 51 new council homes will be built and will be offered through our Local Lettings scheme, which gives local residents the first dibs on them. You can find out more about the development on page 4.

Alongside building more new genuinely affordable homes, the council will continue to work to improve standards for people who rent their homes privately by taking action on rogue landlords. We will also make sure that our repairs service continues to improve.

Everyone in Islington should have a safe, affordable, and well-maintained home – and that’s what we will continue to work towards.

You can also find us on Facebook.

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Other formats If you would like IslingtonLife in large print, audiotape or another format, please call 020 7527 3416

Cllr Richard Watts meets staff from housing developer Lovell at the site where new council houses are being built at Dover Court.

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News

New council homes for south Islington

Islington welcomes a new Mayor

Work on two housing developments will see over 60 new council homes built in the south of the borough.

Councillor Kat Fletcher is settling in to her new role as Islington’s Mayor.

The Councillor for St George’s ward, who lives in Tufnell Park, was sworn in at the Annual Council meeting in May. Cllr Richard Watts meets staff from housing developer Lovell at the Dover Court site

Dover Court

Brunswick Close

Seventy new homes, 51 of them for council tenants, are being built at Dover Court Estate in Canonbury, mostly on the sites of disused garages. One of the new buildings will have 23 homes especially designed for older residents.

13 new houses are also being completed at Brunswick Close in Clerkenwell this summer. 40 garages have been demolished and ten bedsits refurbished to create the properties – a mix of one, two and three bed homes all built to a high standard and some with wheelchair access.

The new affordable homes will be offered through Islington’s Local Lettings scheme, which will give local council residents from the neighbourhood the first chance at the new homes for rent.

The £20m project will also see community improvements including new ball court and play facilities, as part of a revamped Mitchison Baxter Park, as well as a new community centre, built into the ground floor of one of the existing high-rise blocks.

New lighting, paving, trees and planting will make the 250-home estate safer and greener.

The 19 private properties for sale will be offered first to people living and working in Islington, under the council’s Local Sales policy.

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Cllr Fletcher was first elected in March 2013. Last year she became Deputy Mayor and served as Vice Chair of the council’s Planning Committee.

Each Mayor chooses a specific charity to support and raises funds for it throughout their year of office. Cllr Fletcher’s charity is The Ben Kinsella Trust, which was set up by the family of murdered teenager Ben, to tackle knife-crime in London.

Speaking about her new role, Cllr Fletcher said: “I am delighted to be the Mayor of Islington, which really is a tremendous honour.

“Islington is such a great place to live, and the Mayor has a fortunate opportunity to meet so many local people and community groups, seeing first-hand the fantastic contributions they make to our borough.

A range of improvements to external areas have also taken place to transform what was a tired, unloved part of the estate to make it feel safer and more attractive.

Islington is committed to building 2,000 new affordable homes between 2015 and 2019, including 500 new council homes. To find out more about new council housing in Islington, visit www.islington.gov.uk/newbuild

“I am especially pleased that I will be able to help support the Ben Kinsella Trust as the Mayor’s charity this year. Tackling knife crime and keeping our young people safe are massive priorities for the council, and the Ben Kinsella Trust does invaluable work in this area.”

You can follow Kat and her experiences as Mayor on Twitter @IslingtonMayor.

www.islington.gov.uk

Building a better Archway Work is underway to transform Archway, with a new public square at the heart of the town centre. The square will provide a space for alfresco dining, the relocated Archway Market and public events. New trees will be planted to make the area more welcoming and create a pleasant screened space for the public to enjoy.

By summer 2017, the gyratory will have been replaced by more conventional two-way streets, with priority for bus journeys, an improved pedestrian environment and new cycle facilities.

For decades, Archway has been blighted by its gyratory, a remnant of the 1960s.

It cuts the town centre in two and creates a barrier for pedestrians and

Artist’s impression

cyclists. The council and local community have been lobbying for its removal for many years and now it’s happening.

Improving Archway Road Removing the gyratory will also improve the southern part of Archway Road.

With the relocation of the bus stands the existing “motorway” layout will be replaced with a more people-friendly

street with segregated bike lanes and a new street-level pedestrian crossing.

More greenery along the bus stand on Archway Road is also planned.

One southbound traffic lane will be removed to help reduce downhill traffic speeds. A new pedestrian area with trees will also be created on Despard Road, replacing the old underpass ramp.

New heights for Moreland Primary School From September, Moreland will become a two-form entry primary school and will eventually provide 420 places, plus a 52-place nursery and a children’s centre on the same site.

The new school design makes the most of available space and will boast two rooftop play areas, a terrace for the children’s centre and three small classroom terraces. There will also be a multi-use games area, a hall and a studio for the pupils.

The Mayor of Islington joins councillors, staff and pupils at Moreland’s topping out ceremony

An historic high point has been reached in the transformation and expansion of Moreland Primary School in EC1.

The school is being given a

completely new home on its current site in Moreland Street, off Goswell Road, with fantastic new learning facilities helping expand its capacity.

Work began on the site in 2015 and the building has now reached its highest point.

Once it moves into the new buildings during the autumn term, the old 1960s school will be demolished and replaced by new outdoor play areas, with the transformation complete the following spring.

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At home

Islington’s social housing crisis housing social Islington’s

There are around 19,000 applicants on Islington’s housing register, who all want to move into one of our council homes. But last year only 1,172 homes were let by the council.

300 more applicants join the housing register each month. As demand far outweighs supply, we were only able to rehouse six per cent of people on our housing register last year – those who are in the very greatest housing need.

This can include families who live in very overcrowded or unsanitary housing, people who have a serious or life threatening medical condition made

19,000

applicants

on Islington’s housing register

300 more

join every month 6

worse by their home and those who need to give or receive support.

far demand s h outweig supply 19,000 s t applican ree 7 1,1 2 f s ie propert

New homes The council is committed to building 2,000 new affordable homes between 2015 and 2019, including 500 new council homes. We take tough action against tenants found to be illegally sub-letting their properties and depriving those most in need. But we simply cannot build and refurbish enough homes to accommodate everyone who needs one.

we are building In Islington, we also give priority to households who are able to downsize to a smaller home.

2,000 new

affordable homes between 2015 and 2019

www.islington.gov.uk

Government changes to housing laws The social housing crisis in Islington is set to become even more drastic as the government has made some major changes to housing laws – changes that the council has fought against. Although not all details have been finalised yet, these new laws will have a significant impact on some council tenants.

The new laws include: The ‘Tenant Tax’ (pay to stay) The ‘Tenant Tax’ - or pay to stay as the legislation is also known - is the government’s new policy for setting higher rents for those households earning more than £40,000 per year.

It will be introduced from April 2017.

If you live in council housing and have a household income of over £40,000 a year, the government now says you must pay an additional 15p for every £1 earned over £40,000. So for example, a household with an income of £45,000 will have to pay an extra £750 per year (or £14.42 per week).

Fixed-term tenancies

The council will no longer be able to offer homes for life to new tenants.

The government says that households with children can be granted tenancies until the youngest child is 19 years old.

For all other households, in most cases we will probably only be able to offer a tenancy of between five and 10 years.

The council continues to support the principle of lifetime tenancies.

What happens next?

The government will tell councils how to implement the new laws in the coming months and we will be communicating with tenants who are likely to be affected. We will also need to review our housing allocations policy.

Find out more at www.islington.gov.uk/housingact

Lifetime tenancy

The council will no longer be able to offer homes for life to new tenants.

You must pay an additional 15p for every £1 earned over £40,000 The money raised goes to the government.

Households with an annual income of less than £40,000, or tenants receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, will not be affected by the ‘Tenant Tax’.

Selling higher value council housing The council will be forced to sell its higher value homes when they become empty. We estimate that we will have to sell at least 300 properties each year.

This means far fewer properties for people who need genuinely affordable homes to live in. The government has not provided detail yet on when this is likely to start.

SOLD

up to 300 council houses may have to be sold

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Focus on crime and safety

A new approach to tackling youth crime Like other London boroughs, Islington has seen a rise in youth crime over the last few years, particularly violent crime. This has prompted the council, the police, and other partners to find ways to work more closely together to prevent further rises.

Co-ordinating efforts

An important part of the borough’s response to the rise in youth crime is the new Integrated Gangs Team.

The team brings together staff from the police, the council, probation, Job Centre Plus, the NHS, and voluntary sector organisations; an approach that has had a positive impact in other parts of the country. Sharing the same office at Islington Police Station makes it much easier for the different organisations to coordinate their work.

The focus of the Integrated Gangs Team is on ensuring that young people, families and communities are kept safe and that offenders are brought to justice.

However, the team is also working hard to ensure that young people connected to gangs are offered positive alternatives to crime and the chance to turn their lives around.

Helping young women affected by gangs

Abianda is a local voluntary sector organisation and a member of the Integrated Gangs Team. They work with young women affected by gangs in order to help them with the positive changes they decide to make in their lives. Young women are referred because they are either closely connected to someone involved in a gang, they experience sexual violence and exploitation, or because they are directly involved in the violence and criminality associated with gangs.

To find out more about the work of Abianda or refer a young person, contact: www.abianda.com Twitter: @abianda1

Abi Billinghurst is the founder and director of Abianda. She sees the young women as experts of their own lives.

“We work alongside young women to identify and build on their resources, skills and competence, whilst supporting them to think critically about their circumstances”, she explains. This unique 8

approach helps to empower women to move on from their involvement in gangs and to find a positive alternative.

Abianda is working alongside other members of the Integrated Gangs Team to provide intensive support around all areas of a young person’s life: housing, education, training, employment and health.”

Offering an alternative Work is also being done to prevent young people from becoming involved in gangs and criminality in the first place.

Earlier in the year the council dedicated an additional £500,000 to support young people in the borough most at risk of turning to gangs and crime, and to offer them an alternative.

The money is being used to commission work from independent providers with a strong track record of helping turn around the lives of some of London’s most hard-to-reach young people, through mentoring and other proven techniques.

www.islington.gov.uk

Dealing with anti-social behaviour Islington is a vibrant and busy borough, so some disturbance is normal from time to time as people go about their daily lives. If it gets too much and you are unable to resolve it, the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team can help.

ASB officer Mohammed Rahman ready to head out on patrol

The team are on the go seven days a week, responding to your reports. From noisy neighbours, to vandalism and dog fouling – they deal with a huge range of issues. In one case the team even responded to a noise complaint that turned out to be an anti-mosquito plug coming from the complainant’s own bedroom.

How can you help ASB officers get the best response for you?

Call when it is happening – with noise calls in particular we need to legally witness it to be able to do anything about it.

If the noise stops, let us know – this helps us to prioritise the issues happening then and there and stops unnecessary trips.

Give as much information as you can on where, when, who, what, the impact it is having on you and your contact details.

Work with us – answer the door, pick up the phone, respond to our requests for information.

Success is more likely if we work together with you to resolve it.

Reporting ASB www.islington.gov.uk/reportasb 020 7527 7272 Your Area Housing Office or Housing Association (during office hours)

Facts and figures On a Saturday night the team responds to between 60-100 calls.

This is more than the number of ASB calls made to the police 101 number!

Noisy neighbours are the most common report (last year there were almost 7,500 calls), ranging from complaints about hoovering, to all night parties.

Anti-social behaviour still continuing to be a problem?

You can request a review if you believe that no action has been taken in response to your ASB reports to the council, police or your housing provider.

To qualify, you need to have reported it three times in the last six months, but no action has been taken and the case has been closed. If your case is still open you must wait for the outcome.

Visit www.islington.gov.uk/ communitytrigger or call 020 7527 2000

Help put an end to hate crime Islington is one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in London. The vast majority of people treat each other with dignity and respect. However, a small minority of people experience hate crime just because of who they are, or who they are perceived to be.

What is hate crime?

A hate crime or incident takes place when someone is targeted because of their: religion or belief, race or ethnic identity, immigration status or nationality, gender or gender identity, disability or sexual orientation. It counts as a hate crime when the law has been broken, but the police also record any hate incidents even when the law hasn’t been broken.

Examples of hate crimes include: Assault - including pushing, spitting, or pulling at clothes.

Threats, verbal abuse and abusive gestures.

Damage to property.

Offensive letters and graffiti.

Online abuse.

Harassment.

Help us by reporting hate crime

Hate crime can be reported by calling 999 in an emergency. 101 is the police non-emergency number.

Crimestoppers can be called if you would rather report anonymously 0800 555 111. Online reporting is also available www.report-it.org.uk In June, the rainbow flag was flown over Islington Town Hall in support of all those affected by the shooting in Orlando.

If more people reported hate crime we could gain a better understanding of the problem and how to prevent it from happening. Reporting is the first step towards ensuring that the offender is caught and deterred from committing a crime again.

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Focus on crime and safety

Spot, stop and report scams Throughout July’s Scam Awareness Month, consumers are being reminded how they can spot, stop and report scams.

Each year millions of people in the UK fall prey to scams and it is estimated that £5billion is stolen every year by mass-marketed scammers.

In addition to any financial loss, victims of scams also often suffer emotional trauma and a loss of confidence.

Spot Scams –

Find out how to spot scams that affect you and your loved ones.

Stop Scams –

Find out more at www.islington.gov.uk/scams or www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scamsawareness-month

Learn how to protect yourself from being scammed.

Report Scams –

Ring the Scams Doorstep Crime and Distraction Burglary Hotline on 020 7527 7272, or email asbfirstresponse@islington.gov.uk

Top tips for a safe summer We spoke to Islington’s fire chief, Pat Goulbourne to get his advice on how to avoid fire risks in the summer.

Grass fires

Barbecues

Sunlight fires

The warmer weather usually results in a rise in grass fires, which tend to be caused by people throwing cigarettes down. Last year the number of grass fires was up by almost 500 on the previous year.

In 2011 Islington was the first London borough to scrap its ban on barbecuing in parks, so residents without a garden can still enjoy outdoor summer cooking.

If you’re having one, there are some simple safety tips you should follow: Make sure it’s on a stand Light it well away from anything that could catch fire Keep an eye on it and have some water nearby to put it out once finished Never use a barbecue indoors or on a balcony Make sure your barbecue is cool before putting it in a bin If you’re barbecuing in one of Islington’s parks, don’t forget to be considerate of others and take your rubbish home with you afterwards.

With more sunshine hours, comes the increased risk of fires caused by the sun’s rays.

If you smoke and are out and about in the borough’s green spaces, please dispose of your cigarette carefully to prevent grass fires, which can spread very quickly and cause a lot of damage.

Across London in the last five years, there have been: 259 barbecue fires 8595 grass fires 117 fires caused by the sun’s rays

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Many people don’t realise that fires can be caused by glass, mirrors or crystal ornaments being left in direct sunlight.

They can refract the sunlight onto other objects and start a blaze. It’s a good idea to move glass and other shiny objects away from direct sunlight, such as windowsills.

“ If you follow these tips you’ll

help keep yourself, family and friends safe from fire and have an enjoyable summer.

”

www.islington.gov.uk

Supporting Islington’s homeless When you see people begging on the street it’s tempting to give them a few pounds towards a cup of tea or some food. But giving money is often not the best way to help, and can actually harm people’s chances of getting off the streets in the long run.

Instead, you could consider donating to local homeless charities, such as St Mungo’s or CARIS Islington, or buy the Big Issue. These charities have helped many get their lives on track by addressing the things keeping them on the streets, like drug or alcohol addiction, or mental health issues.

Islington resident Anthony, 45, became homeless in 2005 after experiencing mental health issues which left him unable to pay his rent. After attending a local shelter with a friend, he was helped to find more stable accommodation at a nearby hostel.

He says: “I definitely feel like I am in a better place. My wellbeing has improved, I have somewhere safe to stay and I manage my money better, which means I can work towards getting my own flat and improving my life skills to live independently.”

“This is why we encourage people to give their money instead to support agencies, or contact Streetlink if they are concerned about a particular individual.

How can you help?

You can also report anyone being aggressive, or intimidating to our ASB line on 020 7527 7272, or to the Police non-emergency line on 101.

Donating to or volunteering with local charities is always the best way to

Islington outreach teams also work hard to get people off the streets, and most beggars you see will have already been approached by them. Joe Batty, Outreach Services Manager for St Mungo’s says: “Our teams work tirelessly to support Islington’s street population.

Projects like No Second Night Out aim to help those newest to the streets to come in as quickly as possible; we can also help with finding beds at hostels and shelters, and even helping with rental deposits where we can.

“However, begging is still lucrative, and for many people receiving money only prolongs their resistance to other types of support. By staying on the streets, homeless people are at risk of violence, poor health and have a much shorter life expectancy.

He was also supported to reduce his drug and alcohol use, and received treatment for his mental health issues.

If you are concerned about someone begging or sleeping rough, please call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914.

No Second Night Out

help. For more information on how we are helping the street population, including a full list of the charities we work with and how you can volunteer, please visit www.islington.gov.uk/ begging.

If you are homeless or concerned about becoming homeless yourself you can contact the council’s Housing Aid Centre on 020 7527 2000.

“A lot of the people you see begging on Islington’s streets are not homeless – they will have somewhere to stay at night. By looking at alternative ways of giving, you can be sure that your money is going to help those who really need it most.”

For more information please visit www.islington.gov.uk/begging

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6

Make this the best summer holidays ever by taking part in some of the amazing range of activities that are on offer to children and young people. From Summerversity and Safari Pete to festivals, trampolining and tennis clubs, there really is something to suit every age and taste.

Go Islington!

The Go Islington festival is back on Highbury Fields this summer!

Enjoy a day packed full of sports and fun activities. Try out Olympic sports such as boxing, basketball, football and tennis, enjoy tai chi demonstrations, and check out the urban country show with duck herding, birds of prey, BMX bikes, climbing demo, Top Dog and much more!

aby Zumba, b e in d mor ballet an uee the marq Acrobats ,b of prey, ju irds gg and more lers in the arena h hub Lift yout marquee

Where and when: Highbury Fields Saturday 23 July 11am-4pm Find out much more at www.islington.gov.uk/GoIslington

Also on off er a leisure centr t Islington’s es Rookie lifeg this summer… uard courses Penguin Clu b pre-schoo skating for lers Junior squa sh for all abili ties 12

Playday – join in the fun!

Islington Playday is a free fun-packed day that takes place every year to celebrate play! This year’s Playday will be on 3 August at Barnard Park and as always there will be a great range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Check events.islington.gov.uk for the latest info!

Islington’s leisure centres Islington’s Better leisure centres are the ideal place to learn new skills, try a new sport and get fit and healthy! You can swim for just £1 and there will be free swimming lessons – email summer.lessons@gll. org to find out more. There are ice-skating sessions and lessons at the Sobell, as well as great soft play sessions for 0-10 year olds every day, with three floors of fun!

For budding Andy Murrays and Laura Robsons, there are tennis courses and holiday camps, but if football’s more your thing, then head to Whittington Park and Market Road for a range of courses.

Go to events.islington.gov.uk to find out more about the great activities on offer.

Activities for disabled young people Did you know there are trampolining sessions at the Sobell especially for disabled children? There are also swimming sessions at Archway Pool.

Find out more about activities for disabled children and adults in Islington at www.allinislington.org.uk

www.islington.gov.uk

Adventure playgrounds Summer is a great time to get out and explore Islington’s amazing adventure playgrounds. They are completely free and offer children an ideal place to have fun, make friends and get active! As well as being great places to climb, swing, jump and play, there will be other activities on offer such as hula hoops, dressing up, arts and crafts, wood and nails, den building, and much more.

All Islington’s adventure playgrounds are open all summer long and will be running free healthy cooking sessions as well as all the usual great activities.

Hayward will also be open throughout the summer from 10.15am-3.15pm.

The great outdoors We may be in the big city, but Islington has loads of green space to run around, play with friends, have a picnic or just chill out with a book!

Find details of all the activities at events.islington.gov.uk and keep up-to-date with what’s on this summer, and tell us what you’ve been up to, @IslingtonLife on Twitter

There will also be activities taking place in many of our parks and greenspaces, so check out events.islington.gov.uk to find out more.

Freightliners Farm is also open for business throughout the holidays, so get a taste of the farm in the city!

Under 5s If you have under 5s to keep entertained this summer, be sure to check out what’s on at Islington’s children’s centres, as well as other venues that will be catering for younger children too.

Check out the full listings at events.islington.gov.uk

Holiday childcare

If you’re working during the summer months and need help finding childcare, don’t panic! There are many options available to parents in Islington, from childminders to playschemes!

Find out more about what’s on offer at www.islington.gov.uk/childcare 13

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The Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge Champions Aged 13-19? Why not become a Summer Reading Challenge Champion, helping younger children complete their challenge?

For more details go to www. islington.gov.uk/libraries

It’s 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl – the world’s number one storyteller! To celebrate, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – The Big Friendly Read – will be about all the things we associate with Roald Dahl – mischief, invention, champions, adventure, wordplay and friendship.

Collect a special card every time you finish a book and pick up a mini-prize.

Complete all six books and you’ll get a medal, certificate and the chance to win a special prize!

The Big Friendly Read is for all children aged 4-11. Head to your local library and sign up now, and check out events.islington.gov.uk to find out about the Big Friendly Poet Paul Lyall’s visits to our libraries to read poems inspired by Roald Dahl.

For more details go to www.islington.gov.uk/libraries

Win vouchers courtesy of The Richard Reeve’s Foundation!

150 children who complete the Summer Reading Challenge will each win a £5 book token, and 25 young people who complete eight hours as a Reading Challenge Champion will receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher.

Go on a library safari adventure!

Safari Pete is back with his hugely popular live animal shows in libraries this summer.

Get involved with The Challenge Keep up-to-date with all this year’s summer activities at events.islington.gov.uk

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The NCS Challenge

A great way for young people to try new experiences and make great friends – find out more at ncsthechallenge.org.

www.islington.gov.uk

A summer of possibilities…

Teens have no reason to be bored in Islington this summer, with a load of great activities and courses to keep them busy and broaden their horizons…

Summerversity will be better than ever this year with a wide range of activities, with something to interest all young people aged 13-16.

And for 16-19 year olds, check out The Launchpad – a summer programme for young people to learn new skills, get training and support to develop their interest and talents, gain new contacts and new experiences to add to their CV. The Summer5Challenge is back this year! Make sure you get involved – there are great prizes to be won.

“Young people want to relax and enjoy their free time as they have no exams and no pressure! I think Summerversity and The Launchpad are great ways for young people to use their time productively, have fun and make new friends.”

“Summer is an amazing time to rest and enjoy. Most young people like to spend their summer travelling, going to leisure centres, sleeping ... a lot!

They also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, socialising and meeting lots of new people.”

Deputy Young Mayor Diana Gomez

Youth councillor Mohamed

“My advice to young people is to make the most of their summer by trying something new and being more active.

Summerversity and The Launchpad are great opportunities for young people to make new friends, find a new hobby and enjoy the different opportunities available in the borough.”

Youth councillor Iqra

“Summerversity is a great opportunity for young people to spend their free time during the summer holidays learning new life skills. It also gives young people the ability to socialise and make new friends.

Make the most of the summer – take part in every available activity, come out of your comfort zone and meet new people!”

Youth councillor Serkan

g For much more about all the fantastic activities on offer to youn people in the borough this summer, head to izzy-info.com 15

Working better together

www.islington.gov.uk

Learning the ropes 20 year-old Billy Stewart was born and raised in Islington and grew up regularly attending his local adventure playground in Holloway.

After working for a while as a football coach in primary schools, he realised he wanted to build a career working with young people. So when Billy spotted a 12 month playworker apprenticeship opportunity on Islington Council’s website, it seemed the perfect fit for him.

He is now six months into the apprenticeship at Three Corners Adventure Playground in EC1.

“Going to Cornwallis Adventure Playground was a big part of my childhood growing up, so I knew I was interested in working in a playground and giving something back to the local community” explains Billy. “I really enjoy meeting new people as part of this role and seeing how the children benefit from the job we do. It’s interesting to

New generation of repair trainees

see how they learn and have fun at the same time through play.”

As part of his apprenticeship, Billy is responsible for planning and delivering play sessions each afternoon, maintaining the site and carrying out a number of administrative tasks. On completing the apprenticeship, Billy will gain a Level 2 playworker qualification.

Speaking about his future plans, Billy says: “I’m keen to carry on in this area of work once the apprenticeship comes to an end and will be looking out for permanent playworker positions to apply for – hopefully in Islington.”

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities with Islington Council, visit www.islington.gov.uk/ apprenticeships Five young people from Islington are ready to take their career to the next level after successfully completing their traineeships with Islington Council’s Housing Repairs Team.

The trainees, aged 16 to 23, spent 13 weeks working with skilled operatives in the Repairs Team and learning their trade in the council’s new training centre in Station Road, N19.

During their time at the centre they learned hands-on skills including painting, decorating, and carpentry, as well as construction skills and how to write their CV and apply for jobs.

They were referred to the programme through the borough’s Youth Employment Team, as well as a number of youth clubs across Islington.

Islington Council’s director of property services, Simon Kwong, with the new housing repairs trainees.

16

Interested in undertaking a traineeship with us? Email YouthEmploymentTeam @islington.gov.uk

Can you offer a caring home?

Asylum seeking children come into fostering scared and with an uncertain future. They need a caring home, support and stability. Can you help?

• Generous allowances, up to £450 p/w • 24 hour support • Ongoing training Call now for more information /islington.fostering @isfostering

0800 073 0428

fostering@islington.gov.uk 17

angelcentral.co.uk

ANGEL CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE, 18 21 PARKFIELD STREET, ISLINGTON, LONDON, N1 0PS

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Come and enjoy lunchtimes on the lawn.

For full details of these events please visit our website.

Want more IslingtonLife?

Keep up to date with all the news and events happening in your borough on your computer, tablet or mobile.

Follow us: @IslingtonLife /IslingtonLife Email Islingtonlife@islington.gov.uk to sign up to the monthly IslingtonLife ebulletin.

Plus, keep an eye out for the brand new website www.islingtonlife.london launching soon! Packed full of local events, features and community news.

UNION CHAPEL

ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL

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ANGEL STATION

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THEATRE CAFE BAR

Selbys

Selbys

19

Local life

Maria (left) and Meg (right) enjoying the park with regular visitors Laila, Cosmo and Eira

Become a friend and make a real difference…

Would you like to get more involved in your local park? Many of Islington’s parks and green spaces have “Friends of” groups, which are groups of residents that volunteer their time to help make improvements in their local parks. IslingtonLife took a visit to Graham Street Park to find out more about their “Friends of” group…

Graham Street Park has recently had a makeover, and this inspired local residents Meg, Maria and Nikki to do their bit. “They made lots of changes to the park and I heard they wanted to set up a “Friends of” group, and I was really keen to get involved,” said Meg. “What we really wanted to do was set up a kiosk so parents could have hot drinks while their children played, and children could enjoy some cheap drinks and snacks too. Before, the space was just an unused hut in the middle of the park, so it was a bit of a dream of mine to see it up and running.”

With some help from the Local Initiative Fund, the kiosk is now open, and Maria is hoping that more people will now get involved. “The park has a lovely community feel and everyone can access it and get involved if they want 20

to. We want everyone to feel a part of this so we ask them to donate items if they can’t donate time – everything people can do is helpful and worthwhile.

We’re hoping that over time this will continue to grow and all local people will really feel a part of the park and the surrounding community.”

Meg added: “Doing this makes me really happy. It is so nice to do something with a clear purpose, that gives pleasure to people and you can see straight away the advantages. It’s also a great way to meet people, and we are all parents so we can actually bring our children along with us. It’s great for them to see us doing something so positive.”

To find out more about “Friends of” groups and how you can get involved, email greenspace@islington.gov.uk

Fortune Street “Friends of” Fortune Street Park have taken on gate opening and locking duties as part of an agreement with the council.

A team of volunteers works together to secure the park every evening and open it up again in the morning. The council helped the group get up and running, and the group now uses an app to put together a rota, and lets the council know of any issues or concerns.

“Friends of” Fortune Street Park would welcome any interest from potential new members and volunteers to help with this scheme. Please contact david.bamford@islington.gov.uk for more information.

www.islington.gov.uk

George Orwell remembered with new commemorative plaque Orwell and hi Canonbury Sqs son Richard in , Islington 19 46

he began his last and most famous story, Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Orwell, whose many books, poems, and essays include Down and Out in London and Paris and The Road to Wigan Pier, lived at 27b Canonbury Square between 1944 and 1947.

Orwell – whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair – kept the flat as his London base after he started to spend the summers on the Scottish Isle of Jura, where he moved to finish the book in 1947. Nineteen Eighty-Four was published two years later.

During this time, his allegorical novel about the Russian Revolution, Animal Farm, was published, and it was here

His son, Richard Blair, was joined by family, residents, councillors, and members of the Orwell Society in

Vernon Richards

Author and journalist George Orwell has been celebrated with a new commemorative plaque in Canonbury Square.

May, to unveil the new plaque in his father’s memory. It replaces a previous plaque, which was worn and had incorrect dates for when Orwell lived in the area. The event was organised by Islington Council and The Canonbury Society.

Rare orchid blooms on council rooftop A rare orchid has made history by taking root on the green roof of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre in Holloway - the closest the species has ever been seen to central London.

The purple flowers of the tiny green-winged orchid were first spotted by council staff maintaining the green roof.

The rare orchid pictured on the green roof at the Reuse and Recycling Centre, N7

Distinguished by green veins on the outer parts of the flower, the rare, lone orchid requires highly specific conditions to germinate, and could be the first of many to appear on the site.

News of the find sent a buzz through the worlds of amateur and professional

botanists and environmentalists as the orchid survives in only one or two other places in outer London – and nowhere in inner London.

It is thought the tiny dust-like seeds of the flower, which has seen its native hay meadow habitat destroyed over the last 100 years, were blown by the wind onto the green roof, which was installed 12 years ago. They can take several years to flower after germinating.

Islington Council encourages green roofs on new developments and has approved almost 54,000sq m of them since 2006.

21

Local life

Celebrating the wonder of the wild in Islington

Gillespie Park celebrated the 20th anniversary of its official designation as a Nature Reserve in May, with an afternoon of crafts, music, pond dipping and adventure.

Originally railway land, the park was established by Islington Council in 1981 when it took a 10-year lease, and residents and schoolchildren helped with landscaping and planting.

The Ecology Centre inside the park was opened in 1993, the same year a successful community campaign warded off the threat of the entire site being turned into housing.

In 1996 Gillespie Park’s seven-acres was officially designated a nature reserve.

The celebration event was part of the council’s Love Islington Parks campaign, celebrating the borough’s 120 parks and small spaces.

For more information see LIPS2016.eventbrite.com 22

Did you know?

More than 240 species of plants can be found in Gillespie Park, while 94 species of bird have been spotted, including regular visits by herons and woodpeckers. Kingfishers and a rare reed bunting have also been spotted.

Two-dozen species of butterfly have been recorded and 11 species of dragonfly, alongside a roll-call of newts, frogs and toads.

A small community of slow worms is flourishing at the park – the closest point to central London they have ever been recorded.

Gillespie Park is managed entirely by a pool of around 20 volunteers, who between them put 2,000 hours a year of free labour into maintaining the nature reserve.

It is one of three nature reserves in Islington, alongside Barnsbury Wood and Parkland Walk.

www.islington.gov.uk

Community Centre Week Regulars and first time visitors alike are invited to join in the fun at this year’s Community Centre Week, 19-25 July.

The event, which is organised by the Octopus Community Network, is the perfect opportunity to pop along, find out what’s on offer at your local centre and join in the celebrations.

There are lots of activities to choose from, including gardening workshops, bake-off competitions and exhibitions.

“Islington’s community centres are a home from home for many people – a place to learn new things and meet new people. We look forward to welcoming more in 2016!” said event organiser Julie Parish, Octopus Community Network.

Find out more: www.octopuscommunities.org.uk/our-projects/ inspiring-community-centres And remember to tell other people why you love your community centre on Facebook www.facebook.com/ccweekUK and on Twitter @CCWeekUK using #loveyourcc

Take part in the summer learning challenge We are offering free IT courses over the summer, to help you boost your skills and confidence both for work and in your in your personal life.

Choose from Word, PowerPoint and Excel courses, with different levels to suit your needs - plus gain a qualification for your CV at the end of it.

Take the challenge and see how many you can complete!

Courses run from 10am – 3pm, Monday to Friday, from 18 July – 12 August at Arsenal Learning Centre, 56 Benwell Road, N7 7BA. They are open to Islington residents. You must be 19+, unemployed or low-waged and receiving benefits to qualify.

For more information or to book, call 020 7704 4500 or visit adultlearning.islington.gov.uk

INDEPENDENT MIND? INTERESTED IN GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you could be what we are looking for.

For all posts, we are looking for the following qualities: Ability to analyse information and to question effectively We have two vacancies for Tact and good interpersonal skills independent members on our Audit Good communication skills Committee and one vacancy for an Ability and willingness to maintain independent person in relation to our confidentiality Standards Committee.

High standards of personal integrity

The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness the council’s financial and internal control and audit systems. The Standards Committee advises the council on the legal code of conduct for Members and hears cases on potential breaches of the council’s Code of Conduct.

For the Audit Committee you should have experience either within a financial, accounting or audit background, or of governance issues more generally.

How to apply If you would like to apply for any of these vacancies, please download an information pack from www.islington.gov.uk/working which will also give details of eligibility to apply.

Please return your completed application form to: Debra Norman, Assistant Chief Executive, (Governance and HR) Islington Council, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London N1 2UD or email it to democracy@islington.gov.uk The closing date for applications is Friday, 22nd August 2016.

Interviews will take place on Friday, 6th September 2016.

For an information discussion on the role or work of the Committees please contact John Lynch, Head of Democratic Services on 020 7527 3002.

23

Health and wellbeing

www.islington.gov.uk

HIV testing – Do It London Do It London is encouraging more people to get tested for HIV. Testing for the disease is quick and easy and something that over 500,000 people in the capital are already doing every year.

Nearly 34,000 Londoners are living with diagnosed HIV. Many diagnoses are late, which has a direct effect on both the health of the individual and onward transmission of the disease.

Love food, hate waste - and save money!

There are some easy steps you can take to start wasting less food and drink, save money (£200 a year for the average person and up to £700 a year for a family) and help the environment.

1. Check the date.

Find out about and take control of different date labels. Did you know you can freeze food right up to the use-by date? Freezing on the day of purchase is just a myth.

2. Plan your meals.

Check your cupboards, write a list, take it to the shops and stick to it.

Use the love food, hate waste two-week meal planner to make the most of your food.

3. Store your food correctly to keep it fresher for longer.

Apples go in the fridge, potatoes in a cool dark place, and store bread in the cupboard or freezer.

Visit www.doitlondon.org to find free confidential testing locations near to you, frequently asked questions about HIV, quick links to new HIV self-testing kits and more.

4. Get your portions just right.

It’s easy to waste food by making too much.

5. Make the most of leftovers.

Last night’s leftovers and today’s forgotten foods could be tonight’s feast. Check out the recipes on the Love Food Hate Waste website for great ideas to use up any extra food.

Find out more on these tips and other ways to reduce your food waste at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/ london Want to know what food waste can be recycled? Visit www.islington.gov. uk/foodwaste

DisabledGo.com provides free online access information on venues all over Islington and many other London boroughs. From hotels and restaurants, to leisure centres and colleges, the guides contain information on car parks, toilets and entrances from a pan disability perspective.

Rebalance: 12 weeks to a healthier you If you are concerned about your weight and feel ready to make a change, you may be eligible for Rebalance, a free 12week weight and lifestyle programme.

Rebalance includes a range of indoor and outdoor group exercise classes along with one-to-one advice about diet and nutrition. Sessions are held at leisure and community centres across Islington and Camden.

At the end of the 12 week course you 24

can receive nine months of free support to help you stick to your new lifestyle, including monthly catch up sessions and motivational texts. You will also be eligible for more than 50 per cent off gym membership at any of the GLL leisure centres in Islington and Camden.

Claudine, who participated in a similar recent programme feels much healthier and has more energy.

“I liked the fact the classes were in

manageable segments rather than trying to cover everything at once.

“I now have the knowledge and tools to make better choices, not just for me but for my family. My husband has lost a lot of weight too. It has had a domino effect.”

Interested in signing up?

Visit camden.gov.uk/rebalance to find out if you are eligible and to apply or call 020 7974 1741 for more information.

Got 20 minutes to change your life?

A free NHS Health Check can help to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

If you’re aged 40 to 74 and live in Islington you may be eligible for a check.

You can get a check at your GP, at a participating pharmacy or community venue near you.

For details contact your GP or the community team on 0203 282 7886 or book a pharmacy appointment at nhshealthcheck.com/islington Not eligible for NHS Health Check? Our community provider offers Lifestyle Checks.

Book your NHS Health Check today 25

Young at heart

www.islington.gov.uk

Care worker Evelyn bids farewell after 43 years A dedicated Islington care worker who helped to look after older and vulnerable residents in their own homes for more than 40 years, has made her last visit.

Evelyn Martin MBE joined the council’s ‘Reablement and Home Support Service’ 43 years ago, caring for isolated older people with dementia and other complex needs.

Over her long career she looked after hundreds of older residents – one for the last 15 years of the resident’s life – helping them with personal care and other tasks such as shopping.

In April, friends, colleagues, and council staff came together at a special send-

off event for Evelyn at the Daylight day centre in Highbury. Speaking about her role as a carer, Evelyn, now in her seventies, said: “It’s been lovely. I’d do it again, it’s so fulfilling! We learn so much from one another. I think I’m blessed. I’ve had really wonderful managers. They’ve been a source of strength to me.”

Evelyn also worked as a Branch Equalities Advisor with the GMB union and as a school governor at Moreland School in EC1. In 2011 she was awarded an MBE in the

Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Despite over four decades on the job, Evelyn’s dedication to helping people in need – a passion she attributes to her childhood in an impoverished part of rural Jamaica – remains strong.

She sees her ‘retirement’ as a chance to concentrate more on her volunteer work, helping to cook and provide food and clothes to homeless people in Stoke Newington, as she has done for 20 years.

Get Together events in Islington Looking for something new to try over the summer? Check out the huge range of Age UK Islington Get Together events 26

taking place at venues across Islington.

From cookery classes, coffee mornings and book clubs; to theatre trips, table

tennis and line dancing, most activities are low cost or free.

Visit gtislington.com to find out more.

What’s on

www.islington.gov.uk

Concerts and events at Islington Assembly Hall Make sure you’re the first to find out about upcoming shows at Islington Assembly Hall. If you sign up to our mailing list by the end of July, you’ll be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to every single show at Islington Assembly Hall for a year!

Keep up to date on Twitter @Islington_AH and for up-to-date listings visit www.islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk

Some of the highlights this season are: Too Many Zooz Forged in the depths of the NYC subway system by a collaboration of street musicians, Too Many Zooz bring their brass house madness to N1 in August.

When: 3 August 2016

Too Many Zoos

The Jayhawks One of America’s foremost rock bands play two nights at the Assembly Hall, based around leader Gary Louris’ gift for melody that has made them such a respected and seminal group for almost three decades. One not to be missed!

When: 6 September 2016 Swans Swans are releasing their new album, The Glowing Man in June, which Michael Gira says will be the final album by the current version of the band. They are only playing six dates in the UK, so make sure you check them out at the Assembly Hall in October.

When: 13 and 14 October 2016 Tickets are available from ticket agencies, which may add on booking and other fees. The venue does not currently have a box office and does not set ticket prices or fees. For more information about the venue, call 020 7527 8900 or email assemblyhall@islington.gov.uk

The Battle of the Somme: Searching for Hugh Victor Hember

The latest display at Islington Museum focusses on Islington-born Sergeant (Hugh) Victor Hember, who went missing in action on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme in France.

The remarkable story of 26-year-old Victor marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, which lasted over four months until 18 November.

Sgt Hugh Victor Hember. 5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade).

The display is based on personal photographs, artefacts and original letters written by Victor and, later, his family in a desperate effort to find out what happened to him after he was reported missing.

Victor wrote his will to his father on 27 June 1916. His last letter, addressed to his brother Frank, was written on 29 June, just two days before he went missing: “I have heard of our post being stopped and everything is being censored. Don’t be scared or worried if a sentence has

Jayhawks

Swans

had a rubber to wash it out… Tell mother I received Isobel’s letter. I must close now.

Love to you all, Vic.” The display is open to the public until 27 August 2016.

10am-5pm daily (except Wednesdays and Sundays when the museum is closed).

Admission free.

Islington Museum 245 St John Street London EC1V 4NB T: 020 7527 2837 E: Islington.museum@islington.gov.uk W: www.islington.gov.uk/heritage Twitter: @islingtonMuseum Image courtesy of Hugh, Ruth and Chris Garnsworthy.

27

off the pitch Gillespie Primary School does Arsenal proud in Premier League tournament

Walking football at the Arsenal Hub Arsenal in the Community is running a Walking Football programme at the Arsenal Hub on Benwell Road.

The Gunners’ programme sees players aged 45 and over come together for games of football with the focus on having fun and meeting people.

Sessions are held every Sunday morning between 9.45-11.00am. To find out more about the free football sessions and book a place, email afccommunitybookings@arsenal.co.uk

Applications open for the Arsenal Gap year Youngsters from Gillespie Primary School pose with the Premier League trophy.

Youngsters from Gillespie Primary School represented Arsenal in this year’s Premier League Schools Tournament at Everton’s Goodison Park at the end of last season.

Boys and girls from the school took part in a mixed under-11s competition, and did the club proud with some fantastic

performances.

The Premier League Schools Tournament aims to increase participation in football amongst boys and girls, and offers schools nationwide the chance to team up with their local Premier League club.

Arsenal in the Community youngsters perform at The Almeida Called ‘Play On’, the show was the culmination of a six-week theatre workshop delivered by The Almeida and Arsenal in the Community, with funding from The Arsenal Foundation.

Youngsters on stage at The Almeida

Young people from a range of Arsenal in the Community programmes in Islington took to the stage at local theatre The Almeida in May for a special performance.

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Arsenal in the Community is looking for enthusiastic candidates for the 2016/17 Gap Year Programme, with intakes in August and November 2016.

40 young people with limited previous experience of the theatre worked with professional playwrights to develop short plays and monologues based on their own life experiences. The group then performed their work at The Almeida.

Some of the participants also had the chance to perform their monologues at the Arsenal Training Ground, alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal Gappers in South Africa

Running since 2006, the programme sees participants contribute to the club’s community work in north London and overseas.

‘Gappers’ are trained to coach football and teach English in local schools and projects, before being given the opportunity to apply their new skills to community programmes around the world.

Over the past decade, participants have contributed to projects in 22 countries, including Bolivia, India, the Philippines , Australia, Israel, Vietnam and Hong Kong Visit www.Arsenal.com/community for more information and to apply.

off the pitch ‘A Night to Inspire’ raises record total for good causes The Arsenal Foundation’s end of season fundraiser ‘A Night To Inspire’ raised a record total of over £385,000 at Emirates Stadium in May.

Arsenal Ladies captain Alex Scott speaks about her visit to an Arsenal Foundation football project in Iraq earlier this year.

On the pitch Emirates Stadium to host legends match

Thanks to the generosity of Arsène Wenger, the first-team squad and their guests, money was raised to support a wide range of local initiatives – from helping to refurbish football pitches in north London to backing arts and community projects around Emirates Stadium.

The funds were also raised to build three football pitches at community centres in Jakarta, Indonesia. The project, which will be delivered in partnership with global charity partner Save the Children, will help to protect vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation, and provide mentoring support. It follows on from the success of last year’s auction, which raised funds to build pitches for displaced children in Iraq.

Generous bids were made on a variety of lots on the night. A private dinner

‘Arsenal Legends’ will face ‘Milan Glorie’ in a 90-minute exhibition game featuring former players from both clubs. Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Filippo Inzaghi, Cafu and others are planning to take part.

Players visit the club’s old Highbury stadium, on route to the charity ball.

On a special night at Emirates Stadium, guests enjoyed a dinner designed

by Raymond Blanc and an intimate performance from singer Maverick Sabre. The evening was hosted by popular TV presenter Dermot O’Leary.

The match will be played at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, September 3 (kick-off 2pm). Ticket prices start from £20 and £10 for concessions.

All profits from the match will go to The Arsenal Foundation, which funds a great number of projects which use the club’s name and the popularity of the game to reach disadvantaged young people.

No Arsenal Emirates Cup this summer Arsenal will host a legends match at Emirates Stadium in September, with net proceeds donated to The Arsenal Foundation.

with the manager fetched £22,000, a goalkeeping masterclass with Petr Cech raised £4,000, and the opportunity to be in the Arsenal firstteam squad picture next season was bought for £11,000. Arsenal mascot, Gunnersaurus was booked for an upcoming birthday party for a further £1,000.

Arsenal’s pre-season tournament, the Emirates Cup, will not be held this year as a result of the extended European Championship and essential pitch reconstruction works.

Work on the new playing surface began immediately after the club’s final home match of the season, and will continue throughout the summer in order to be ready for the start of the new Premier League season.

MATCHES AT EMIRATES STADIUM Arsenal v Liverpool Saturday 13 August, 3pm Arsenal v Southampton Saturday 10 September, 3pm Arsenal v Chelsea Saturday 24 September, 3pm Please note: all fixtures are subject to change. Visit Arsenal.com for the latest information.

29

Noticeboard St Joseph’s Hospice Bereavement Support Group If someone you loved or cared about has died and you are feeling alone with your grief, the Islington Bereavement Support group can help you. Sharing your experiences in an informal setting with other people in similar situations can help you feel less alone and help you begin the healing process.

The Bereavement group, which meets the first Wednesday of each month from 11 – 1pm, has relocated to the Islington Ecology Centre. Situated within the stunning Gillespie Park Nature Reserve, this green oasis of calm provides a healing place for bereaved people to come together and support each other.

The group is facilitated by trained staff from St Joseph’s Hospice who will be on hand to encourage group members to share and explore their feelings or to just listen if they prefer, whatever feels comfortable.

For further information contact 020 3317 5774 or email islingtonbereavement@stjh.org.uk.

Finsbury Park Wells Terrace entrance closure The Wells Terrace station entrance at Finsbury Park station will be closed permanently from the night of Sunday 17 July 2016. Passengers will be asked to access the station via the Station Place or Seven Sisters station entrances.

The Station Place entrance is a short walk under the bridge on Stroud Green Road.

The Wells Terrace station entrance is being closed to allow for the City North Finsbury Park Ltd development. As part of the development, a new station entrance will be opened in 2019.

The programme to deliver step-free access at Finsbury Park station is on schedule to complete in 2018. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvementsand-projects/finsbury-park for more information.

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The Islington Gazette provides readers with the latest sports and entertainment Visitin usnews, at: www.islingtongazette.co.uk Visit us at: www.islingtongazette.co.uk

www.islingtongazette.co.uk

@islingtongztte @islingtongztte

@islingtongztte

facebook.com/islingtongazette facebook.com/islingtongazette

facebook.com/islingtongazette

From the 19 August the Central and Victoria lines will run through the night on Friday and Saturday nights to Highbury and Islington station and Finsbury Park station.

At Finsbury Park, TfL will also start running night buses on routes W3 and W7 on Friday and Saturday nights, starting on 19 August.

For more information visit www.tfl.gov.uk

Advertising disclaimer: Islington Council does not endorse or warrant any goods, services or organisation advertised in this magazine, and accepts no liability in respect of same. The council reserves the right to decline any advertisement in its sole and absolute discretion.

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Come and enjoy a day packed full of free sports and fun activities as the Olympic Games travel from London to Rio! Try out Olympic sports such as

football, basketball, cycling, handball and tennis, enjoy tai chi and martial arts demonstrations and much, much more!

Urban country show with a global food market, duck herding, birds of prey, BMX stunt show, tree climbing demo, Top Dog and outdoor fun & games

Zumba, baby ballet and singing & dancing in the marquee Acrobats, jugglers and sports displays in the arena Highbury Fields Saturday 23 July 11am-4pm goislington.eventbrite.co.uk

31

Waiting for council housing – what are your options?

We want to be realistic about your chances of being housed/rehoused Many people have told us that if they realised how long the wait for housing would be, they would have considered other options when they first applied – like swapping homes, renting privately, and downsizing.

There is lots of information about your housing options on our website: If you are a council or Housing Association tenant: www.islington.gov.uk/movinghome If you are not a council tenant: www.islington.gov.uk/findingahome If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness: www.islington.gov.uk/homeless

2015/16

All properties that people on the Housing Register bid for were let for 150 points or more. Here are the average number of points, and the lowest number of points that each property size was let for between 1 April-30 September 2015:

162 Studio flat

Average number of points

227 One-bed flat

Average number of points

295 Two-bed flat

255

152 Lowest number of points

Three-bed flat

Average number of points

297

150 Lowest number of points

Average number of points

Four-beds or more

Average number of points

226 Lowest number of points

169 Lowest number of points

215 Lowest number of points