Keeping it local

The Cally walking route includes businesses that have been in the area for decades and form a vital part of the local economy. Check out some of the goods and services on offer on the Cally Walk:

Sunflour Bakery: a family business offering delicious baked goods and catering services.

Caledonian Pharmacy: independent pharmacy that’s been part of the community for 36 years.

Caledonian Road, also known as ‘the Cally’, was built in 1826 as a toll road to link the New Road (now the A501) to Holloway Road and provide a link to the West End from north London. It was built during a spurt of

Key to the Cally’s colourful character is the range of transport hubs surrounding it, including tube, rail, and bus routes. So, if the thighs are a bit wobbly after a mile and a half walk down the Cally, you can always hop on a bus to get home.

Need a bit more encouragement to get your walking game on? Here’s a few highlights, among many, on the virtual map route:

Edward Square and the Tolpuddle Martyrs

Formerly part of Copenhagen Fields, Edward Square – found just off Regent’s Canal towpath – opened as a public garden in 1888. It features a huge mural, celebrating the 1834 march to support the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were sentenced to transportation to Australia for forming a trade union.

The Trident Pottery: fine ceramics including dishes, plates and teapots.

Islington Glass: glass and mirror specialists for both trade and private customers.

Housmans bookshop: open since 1958, the shop is famous for its progressive politics.

Zac Tailoring: professional and friendly tailoring service at a reasonable price.

Edith Garrud plaque

Edith Garrud, the martial artist, suffragette and playwright, lived at 60 Thornhill Square. She was one of the western world’s first female jujutsu teachers and practised ‘suffrajitsu’, the application of martial arts for self-defence used by suffragettes.

Supawan Thai Food Decorations spill over from the florist next door into this charming, cafestyle Thai restaurant where chef Wichet from Phuket serves up authentic flavours in beautiful surroundings.

Chapel Market

This old school London market has been going since the 1860s. The second-ever branch of Sainsbury’s opened here in 1882. Favourites include English-Italian caff Casa Fabrizi, where locals crowd for huge plates of pasta.

You can find the Footways map online at: footways.london/ caledonian-road

Islington Council is investing £1 million into Chapel Market improvements. To find out what’s happening and have your say, visit: islington.gov.uk/ ChapelMarketProject

Get free childcare help

Don’t let childcare costs prevent you from getting into work or training.

Islington’s childcare bursary is there to help parents who are starting work, a work placement, or short-term training to pay for childcare. It does not need to be paid back. The scheme is part of the council’s ongoing efforts to help people into training and rewarding employment.

To find out more and apply, call 020 7527 5959 or visit: islington.gov.uk/ ChildcareBursary

Switch to e-billing for your council tax to win £3,000

If you pay council tax, you could win £3,000 if you switch to receive your bill by email rather than getting a paper copy through your letterbox.

Going paperless is not only better for the environment, managing your council tax online keeps the council’s print and postage costs down, so we can spend our limited funds in more effective ways to help residents.

It takes 15 minutes to register, and you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £3,000.

To register, visit: islington.gov.uk/SwitchToEbilling