July 2022

Dear neighbours,
 
Firstly, a big welcome to those of you new to NGAG. 
 
Project update: events
Not Just Jazz on the Green 2022
 
A massive thank you to Local and Live in Hackney for partnering with us this year as we celebrated another fantastic day of live music, brilliant local stalls and family fun. You can check out some of the pics and videos from the day in the highlights reel of our instagram.
 
All proceeds from the event, including your donations, are going towards our fundraising to resettle a refugee family in our area. If you attended the event but didn't have a chance to donate there is still time to do so here.
 
We’d love to hear your feedback in advance of next year's event. Feel free to message us by replying to this email.
 
We met many of you on Saturday and you were very nice about this newsletter. We’re keen to expand our mailing list so please encourage any of your friends and family who live in the area to sign up here.
 
Project update: food justice
 
The food hub at St Jude and St Paul’s Church will be continuing over the summer every Tuesday between 1-3pm. We know that the summer can be an especially hard time for families, when there is no support from schools. Please spread the word to anyone local who may be interested.
 
Other news:
Bus cuts update
 
As most of you are probably aware TfL has a huge hole in their finances after the reduced usage over the pandemic. The latest funding support package from the Government runs out on the 28th July. 
 
In response to government demands that TfL cut expenditure they are proposing further bus cuts. This is a summary of the latest proposals that affect Newington Green. The consultation runs until 7th August and you can respond to it here. (This doesn't include the loss of the 21 that was in the previous tranche of cuts.)
 
The removal of the 4 route and the suggestion to extend the 236 to Whittington Hospital without adding any extra capacity is most worrying. 

We encourage you to reply to the consultation if you have 15 minutes to spare. You can also sign the petitions local political parties have started (we’ve tried to find all of them).  
 
Islington Labour petition
Islington Green petition
Islington Lib Dems petition
Islington Conservatives petition
 
Mildmay Liveable Neighbourhood meeting

A reminder about tomorrow’s public meeting at the Mildmay Community Centre. We have been pushing for measures to make Newington Green healthier and greener for many years and we aim to be a key stakeholder as these plans develop. We will be hosting opportunities for future discussion. If you would like to be involved please contact environment@newingtongreen.org.

As long time NGAG members and newsletter readers know we have been clear about the need for traffic changes and environmental improvements to be designed with all parts of the community involved, especially those who don't normally get involved in council consultations.

 
Kyrö Distillery fundraising tasting event
 
If a meeting on traffic isn't the way you want to spend your Wednesday evening then there is a tasting event with Kyrö Distillery (who make a very delicious gin) and local businesses on Stoke Newington Church Street. All proceeds will be going to support the NGAG refugee project. Please go along tomorrow if you’re free and send to your friends.

Lizzy’s On The Green
 
You may see some signs up around Newington Green in the next few weeks in relation to the concession kiosk in the park. Lizzy’s On The Green have a ten year license which ends on March 31st 2023. In line with their standard processes Islington Council will be advertising for proposals. Lizzy’s have let us know that they want to stay and are reapplying for a new five year license. 
 
The cafe is also recruiting! More details here.

In solidarity,

Team NGAG