December 2025
Dear neighbours,
We wanted to share an update on what’s been happening in the area and let you know about our AGM before the new year. Apologies, it’s a long one because we haven’t written to you in a while.
Mildmay Liveable Neighbourhood
Many of the recent changes across the neighbourhood are now bedding in well. We’ve had particularly positive feedback about the new NG Primary School entrance.
That said, the Environment Sub-Committee is continuing to experience some frustration with the project team at Islington Council. A number of smaller but important issues remain unresolved. This includes the changes needed to the traffic calming on the west side of the Green, incomplete planting and delays to agreed remedial works. Clear and timely communication from the council has also been lacking.
If you’d like to be more involved, or help monitor and report issues, please email
environment@newingtongreen.org.
Lizzy’s on the Green
Most of you will already be aware that Lizzy’s on the Green closed last month. As a charity, we feel this loss particularly deeply. Lizzy is our longest-standing trustee, and her warmth and commitment to inclusivity have been key to transforming events on the Green.
For over 12 years, Lizzy’s was much more than a café – it was a real hub of the neighbourhood, and we are incredibly sad to see Lizzy and the café go.
Lizzy shared a message about the closure on Instagram, which you can readhere.
We have had quite a few emails about running the space. We will be involved in the process but Islington Council is the landlord and are managing the procurement exercise. Anyone interested should contact Jerry.Gutwin@islington.gov.uk.
Winter food support
As we weren’t able to host a number of our normal winter events this year, NGAG trustees have decided to support local food projects.
We’ve donated:
• £600 to the Tuesday Food Hub @ St Jude and St Paul’s Church towards food packages
• £400 to the Friday Open Door Community Kitchen@ Our Lady and St Joseph Church towards free lunches
If you would like to add to these donations you can do so on our site and as a registered charity we can claim 25% gift aid and donate that too. Alternatively, you can donate directly here and here.
AGM – save the date / Trustees wanted
Our AGM was delayed earlier in the year and will now take place on:
Wednesday 21st January, 7.30pm
Small Hall, The Mildmay Club
The AGM is a chance to hear what we’ve been working on, discuss priorities for the year ahead, and meet other local residents and business owners.
We’re also looking for new trustees, as we’ll be saying goodbye to Lizzy and David, who are stepping down after many years of support.
We’d particularly love to hear from people who:
are involved in local businesses or organisations
have ideas or energy, but would benefit from the support and structure of an established community charity
In the coming year, we expect to be involved in ensuring the new operator of the cafe on the Green aligns with community needs and pushing for the long-promised traffic and environmental improvements to Green Lanes. And of course, we will continue to organise community events on Newington Green, such as Jazz on the Green, which offer the chance for local residents to come together and enjoy our shared green space.
If you’re curious about what being a trustee could entail please get in touch for an informal chat by responding to this email.
Newington Green Primary School Solar Project
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Newington Green Primary School solar panel project a reality- all of you who donated, Stokey Energy(especially Tom) for their guidance, the NG Primary School community but especially Joe and Sharon, Andrea the architect who helped get planning permission, our structural engineer Simon at Consibee, the contractor SolarTherm and our trustees David and Jenny who led on the project.
The panels are now up and running, making NGPS the first school in Islington to have solar panels. They help the school save on energy costs, reduce its carbon footprint, and invest more in teaching, while also giving pupils real-world lessons in sustainability. This project is a true community achievement, demonstrating what can be accomplished when people come together.
Bus routes consultation
Transport for London (TfL) is consulting on proposed changes to bus routes 19 and 38, including a new route (provisionally numbered 10) running between Dove Road/Mildmay Park and Battersea Bridge.
Find out more, view maps, and share your feedback here. The consultation closes on Friday 23 January 2026.
Seema, Lena Stores
Many of you will remember Seema Patel, who worked at Lena Stores on Ferntower Road for many years and was a familiar face to countless local residents.
Tragically, Seema passed away at the age of 51 following a brief illness with cancer, and her funeral was held on Friday. Lena Stores is a long-standing family-run business and our thoughts are with her family and colleagues.
If you can, please support Lena Stores and other local businesses this holiday season.
Support on Xmas Day
The holidays can be a challenging time, and with many services and businesses closed on Christmas Day, support can feel limited.
Islington Assembly Hall will be offering a free community lunch from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm and Dusty Knuckle will be serving free coffee and pastries from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy some festive food and company when much else is closed.
If you have any questions or need advice, please email community@newingtongreen.org.
TGC Newington Green report
Finally, have you ever wondered about the wildlife on Newington Green?
Ecologist Connor Butler has done a report for The Garden Classroom. In just half a day the survey recorded 43 species of invertebrates, including two that are nationally scarce. It shows how urban spaces can quietly support surprising and important wildlife.
Thank you for reading to the end! We hope you have wonderful holiday period.
In solidarity,
Team NGAG