Winter 25/26
Quentin Blake Centre
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s only charity solely for championing the art of illustration and making it accessible for everyone. They are looking to expand and open new premises in Clerkenwell. In restoring the site of a former pump station, they are providing a space to host exhibitions, courses, talks, workshops, and as meeting spaces for the local community. I was impressed with how embedded they already are in the community, inviting Hugh Myddelton Primary School to design a sculpture to commemorate the sites former use as a pumping station to provide fresh water to a rapidly expanding 18th Century London.
Barnard Park celebration
This month, I had the pleasure of attending the celebration at Barnard Park to mark the opening of the park’s new community hub, and to support Screamers Alliance FC. The modern facility, which includes a bright community room and kitchen, has been thoughtfully designed to serve as space that brings local residents together. It was a beautiful autumn Saturday, and one of the highlights of the day was undoubtedly the dog fashion show, which brought plenty of laughter. I am deeply grateful to all the local residents, councillors, and partners who have worked so hard to make this transformation possible. Barnard Park now stands as an example of what can be achieved through community investment and deeper engagement.
The Charterhouse
I had the privilege of visiting The Charterhouse, one of Islington’s oldest institutions, having opened in 1348. It was first a monastery, then a Tudor mansion, used by Elizabeth I as a meeting place for her Privy Council, and now serves as an almshouse for residents over 60. During my visit, I joined the Friday coffee morning, where the Brothers open the estate to the public and offer free tea and coffee. I was also shown the plans for the proposed refurbishment of Wash House Court, a 16th century part of the estate. The project aims to provide state of the art accommodation for older residents and increase the community to around 50 people. I also heard about exciting new plans to use the space to host community wellbeing services. It was fascinating to see the famous long corridor which has featured in London Fashion Week, as well as the beautiful courtyard where scenes from Hamnet and Downton Abbey were filmed. I would really encourage everyone to visit during their open coffee mornings, or visit their small but fascinating museum!
Circular economy café
visited Jean’s Circular Economy Café at the Jean Stokes Community Centre. The café uses food waste, and food surplus distributed by local businesses to create nutritious meals for the community at low to no cost. It’s a fantastic initiative and works towards Islington Council’s plan to build a net-zero Islington by 2030. Somali rice and some delicious salads were on the menu the day I visited, but the menu changes week-to-week!