Project Updates!

We hope you are enjoying the sunshine. Below you can find updates from our working groups, with lots of opportunities to get involved.
 

Project Update: Improving the local area 

Most of you will have noticed that the grass around the Mary Wollstonecraft memorial has been reseeded and is bedding in well.

After a couple of years of delay we’re delighted to let you know that the water fountain on Newington Green is due to be installed within the next few weeks.  

Project Update: Events

Very excitingly, Jazz on the Green 2021 has been green lit by the council! Please put July 17th in your diaries, from 12 noon - 6pm.  

If you are able to volunteer as a steward on the day or if have any ideas for retail or charity stalls please reply to this email with ‘FAO Lizzy’ in the subject line.

For food and drink stalls, NGAG trustees have decided to prioritise local businesses that fall into the following categories:

• Newly opened (since 2019 because there was no Jazz last year)

• Owned by people of colour

• Slightly further from the Green and without outside space (thus less able to benefit from the extra festival footfall)

• Regularly supported the Newington Green Food Hub at The Mildmay Club 

Full covid risk assessments will, of course, be carried out.  

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone! 

Project Update: Environment

We're very excited to announce that we will be working with The Garden Classroom to develop 'Garden on the Green', a community wellbeing garden on Newington Green.  

We plan to create a child-friendly space with new trees, lots of additional planting and a central seating area. If you'd like to get involved with the project, please email environment@newingtongreen.org to attend future meetings.

Project Update: Community support

Next week there is pop up vaccination clinic in our area, as there has been relatively low take-up of the vaccine in some parts of Mildmay ward. 

A group of volunteers from NGAG and St Jude and St Paul's Church are going to leaflet tomorrow (Saturday) from noon and Sunday from 1pm. We will also be running an information stand on Sunday 12.30 - 3 pm. 

If you would like to join us either doorknocking or on the information stand then please email Jenny on jk@newingtongreen.org for more details.

In solidarity, 

Team NGAG

8th March 2021

Projects are go!

We hope that everyone is looking forward to lockdown rules easing and to the spring coming! 
 
If you are 55+ years old and have not yet had a vaccination, you can apply here for an appointment. On the topic of vaccines, Islington Council have produced a video on why getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID. Please do share the video if you like it.
 
Below you can find updates from our working groups, with lots of opportunities to get involved.
 
Project Update: Improving the local area
 
NGAG are continuing to support Islington Council’s project to improve the area where Ferntower Road meets Newington Green - and we’re really excited by the progress that’s been made so far!
 
The Council has commissioned a landscape architecture practice and the first site visit was last week. Council officers from a range of departments attended, along with one of our local councillors and representatives from NGAG and The Garden Classroom. We fed back what we have heard from residents and businesses so far.
 
The architects and the council will now go away and draw up some ideas. As part of that process, they are also making sure that all the people who live in the flats overlooking the site are given a chance to input their ideas. So far, there is wide agreement about the desire to green the site and make it a more pleasant place.
 
Calling all local historians, artists, and creative people!
 
As part of the efforts to make the space nicer and to recognise Newington Green’s past, present, and future we are hoping to have some art work on the white wall next to the Paradise Fish Bar. The owner has kindly agreed in principle and we hope it will be a good way to engage the local community.
 
If you’d like to help shape this project, or if you can share any local historical facts, then please reply to this email with ‘Art’ in the subject line.
 
Project Update: Food Justice
 
We have been successful in securing some seed funding for a couple of pilot projects that address food insecurity in the Mildmay and Newington Green area. The first pilot project is an estate-based food co-op project that is starting this week. 
 
The co-op model is different from the model from the Newington Green Food Hub that we ran at the Mildmay Club last year. The food co-op will be owned and organised by its members, which means that there isn’t as much of a need for extra volunteers. However, the space we’re using for the project could use some improvements, so if you have any spare shelves or some DIY skills you would like to put to use, please email us at food@newingtongreen.org.
 
We don’t need any extra funds (at the moment!) but there’s a project a few miles away, on the Kingsmead Estate in Homerton that does. Please donate to them here if you can. 
 
Project Update: Environment
 
Many thanks to all those who attended our February meeting. We are in the process of turning the inspirational ideas that were shared during the meeting into projects, and will be in touch again soon about getting involved. 
 
If you would like to join the environment group, please contact us at environment@newingtongreen.org 
 
Project Update: Community support:

We are continuing to facilitate support between community members. Examples of how people can help include running errands, speaking to a neighbour on the phone, or giving career advice to young people. To facilitate this, we continue to pair up volunteers with those who need assistance, either on a one-off or ongoing basis. Please help us spread the message and let people know they can contact us for support. 
 
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact us here: 

• Phone: 03330509318

• Email: community@newingtongreen.org

• Website: www.newingtongreen.org

24th January 2021

January Update

With the current lockdown and the high numbers of coronavirus cases in London, many of us are feeling worried and might need some additional support, and/or are looking for ways to help their neighbours. 
 
You can find updates from our working groups below, including an update on community support during the current lockdown. 
 

Project Update: Community support
 
Thank you to the twenty volunteers who went around on Christmas to drop off treats and to those of you who nominated neighbours to receive them. We have had some really nice feedback and it definitely brightened up the holidays for us.
 
We are continuing to facilitate support between community members. Examples of how people can help include running errands, speaking to a neighbour on the phone or giving career advice to young people. To facilitate this, we continue to pair up volunteers with those who need support, either on a one-off or ongoing basis. Please help us spread the message and let people know they can contact us for support. 
 
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact us here: 
 

• Phone: 03330509318

• Email: community@newingtongreen.org

• Website: www.newingtongreen.org

 
Support for parents:
 
We are also exploring some additional ways to support parents. We’re currently pulling together a range of information and resources for parents that we’ll soon share on our website. This can include learning resources or information on local playgrounds and walks. 
 
If you’d like to explore a new local walking spot yourself, the following currently feature on our list: Butterfield Green, Gillespie Park, St. Paul's Shrubbery, Abney Park, Woodberry Wetlands, Parkland Walk. 
 
Please get in touch if you know of any local walks or playgrounds that we could add to our list, so that parents and their kids can discover new spots on their daily walk. Equally, if you have discovered any resources for parents and children that you’ve found useful during the lockdown, please let us know. You can send any tips to community@newingtongreen.org with the subject line “Information for parents”. 
 
Online learning resource:
 
Until we share this information on our website soon, we wanted to let parents know about the Oak National Academy. This is an online classroom made by teachers, for teachers and pupils. Their free high-quality video lessons and resources are available throughout 2020/21.
 

Project Update; Events
 
With winter set in and a third lockdown to contend with, we are hearing it is affecting many of our more vulnerable in the community in regard to feeling isolated, anxious and lonely.
 
We are encouraging that before Valentine's Day (14th Feb) you take a moment to write a letter to a neighbour. It might be someone you know who lives alone or is elderly or someone who lives on your street that you've never spoken to before - just post it through their letterbox (no need for a stamp!)
 
It could be a simple note saying what you have been doing to keep positive during lockdown, for them to know you are thinking of them and perhaps saying what you are looking forward to most once things become more normal. 
 
A simple gesture like this might really brighten someone's day. And you never know - you may get a letter back in return! If you would like a suggestion of who to write to please reply to this email.
 

Project Update: Environment
 
Happy New Year from the independent Newington Green Environment Group!
 
We will be holding a zoom meeting on Tuesday, February 16th from 7.30 - 9 pm. 
The meeting will focus upon ideas for positive environmental improvements and the planning of projects to benefit our local environment. 
 
Thanks to all of you who have already expressed an interest in joining us, we look forward to seeing you there. 
 
All local residents are welcome to join the online meeting. If you would like to attend, please email environment@newingtongreen.org with the subject line “Meeting” and we will send you a Zoom link to the meeting. 
 
 
Project Update: Improving the local area
 
NGAG is still supporting Islington Council’s project to enhance the area at the end of Ferntower Road where it meets Newington Green. We’ll keep you updated. 
 
In solidarity, 
Team NGAG

14th December 2020

Last message of 2020

 
It's a busy time so we'll keep this note short… firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their tremendous support this year. The world has changed and NGAG has changed with it. It’s been incredible to see the Newington Green community pulling together to help each other, and we’re delighted that so many of you are still contributing as our projects become longer term. There’s lots to do and we look forward to being in touch again in January; in the meantime we sincerely wish you a well-earned break and all the best for the festive season.
 
Our project updates are below:
 
Project Update: Community support: 
 
You may have seen on our posters and leaflets around the neighbourhood that we are continuing to facilitate support between community members. It would be great if you could spread the word and let your neighbours know that they can reach out to us if they need any help - with shopping, collecting prescriptions or just a friendly chat. We know that the holidays are a particularly challenging time for many so please do check in on your neighbours if you are able to.
 
If you would like to offer support and be paired with someone who asked for support, please go through our sign-up form here. Our apologies if you have done this already but we haven’t yet followed up. We are a small group of organisers and it takes some time to go through the large number of signups. If you signed up a while ago but are still eager to help, please feel free to send a reminder to community@newingtongreen.org with the subject line “Providing support”.
 
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact us here: 

• Phone: 03330509318

• Email: community@newingtongreen.org

• Website: www.newingtongreen.org

 
Project Update: Environment
 
Thank you to all who have expressed an interest in working with us. We are still looking for members, so contact us at environment@newingtongreen.org if you'd like to help. We will hold a meeting in January to discuss local issues and upcoming projects.
 
Thanks to the many people who have completed our traffic survey. If you have not yet done this yet, the survey can be accessed here or on our website.
 
Project Update: Improving the local area
The project to enhance and green the public space at the end of Ferntower Road where it meets Newington Green is headed by Islington Council and is progressing. We met 10 days ago: LBI are looking to have a couple of designs pulled together that we’ll share and ask for your views about. In the new year we’ll also be working together to apply for further funding so more can be done in that area. We look forward to getting back to you!

In solidarity, 
Team NGAG

8th November 2020

Update from 2nd Lockdown

With the tighter national coronavirus restrictions now in place, many of us are feeling worried and might need some additional support, and/or are looking for ways to help their neighbours.

You can find updates from our working groups below, including an update on community support during this second lockdown. We also have the details for the virtual unveiling of Maggi Hambling's ‘A Sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft’ this Tuesday. The Mary on the Green team would love it if as many people as possible could join in - albeit virtually.


NGAG Project update: Community Support

To help each other during (and after) this second lockdown, we are continuing to facilitate support between community members, which we started during the first lockdown. Examples of how people can help include running errands, speaking to an isolated neighbour on the phone, or giving career advice to young people. To facilitate this, we continue to pair up volunteers with those who need support, either on a one-off or ongoing basis.

To get the message out there, we are currently working on getting new flyers and posters designed and printed and will be distributing these in the neighbourhood.

We have a few asks for you:

• Please help us spread the word and let your neighbours know that they can reach out to us if they need support. Our contact details are below.

• If you would like to help us distribute leaflets once they are ready, please email community@newingtongreen.org with the subject line “Leaflets”.

• If you would like to offer support and be paired with someone who asked for support, please go through our signup form here (you may have done so already, in which case you don’t need to do this again). We hope to be in touch soon.

• If you would like to be more involved in the organisational side of things and would like to join our committee for the community support project, please email community@newingtongreen.org with the subject line “Committee”.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact us here:

• Phone: 03330509318

• Email: community@newingtongreen.org

• Website: www.newingtongreen.org

NGAG Project update: Environment

Thanks to all those who have already offered to get involved with our environmental group. We'll be holding an online meeting and sending out details soon.

As a group, we’ll address key areas such as:

• Measures to reduce air pollution and the impact of motor traffic

• Renewable/sustainable energy and materials

• Recycling

• Planting and biodiversity

We are still looking for members, so contact us at environment@newingtongreen.org if you'd like to help. We are looking for a genuinely diverse group of people interested in green issues and making a difference. In particular, we want to hear from you if you live on a main road, in social housing, or have children/teenagers.

In the meantime, if you haven't already please complete our Newington Green traffic survey and send it to friends in the area.


NGAG Project update: Improving the Local Area

As previously described, we started working on a project with Islington Council to enhance the public space, including the trees, at the end of Ferntower Road where it meets Newington Green.

We’re currently waiting to hear back from Islington Council as they engage other colleagues.

If you’d like to get involved please email us info@newingtongreen.org with ‘Ferntower’ in the subject line.


NGAG Project update: Local History, Stories and Events

As we mentioned in the last newsletter, when Jenny Littlewood was Chair of Newington Green Action Group (2005 - 2015) we planted an oak tree for the Diamond Jubilee, on Newington Green, the first oak tree in a park for many years.

Organised by Jenny, a plaque has now been returned next to the oak tree and was celebrated on Wednesday 28th October with a small group of 6 people. The Woodland Trust donated hazel, blackthorn and crab apple whips and some heritage daffodils were given to children to take home and plant in pots. Lizzy’s On The Green provided cupcakes decorated in oak trees and acorns for the occasion.

We have plans for some online festive activity so watch this space!


Mary on the Green update: Unveiling of Maggi Hambling's ‘A Sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft’

Maggi Hambling's memorial sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft will be revealed to Newington Green’s residents and the world on Tuesday, 10th of November.

A short film of the installation will be premiering on Tuesday, November 10th 7 pm UK time on the MOTG Facebook page.

The film will be visible for the foreseeable future - but Mary On The Green team would love to have you there as it goes live, so we can all raise a glass to the foremother of feminism.

At 6.55 pm, you can join at https://www.facebook.com/MaryWOnTheGreen.

You'll see a countdown to the premiere, and the short film will go live at 7 pm. You'll be able to watch it as many times as you like after that.

Send a celebratory selfie or message, or ask a question, using the hashtag #VindicationForMary. The Mary on the Green team will be hanging around on Facebook and Twitter until at least 8 pm.

You can also post a short video explaining what Mary means to you: check the hashtag #MinuteForMary for examples of what others have done.


Supporting local businesses

If you are able to please shop locally over these next months. Pubs and restaurants have had to close but some have switched to a takeaway model. You can find more details on our Supporting local businesses page. Please comment on the page if anything is inaccurate so that we’re up to date.

27th October 2020

Free half-term meals

Most of you will be aware of the government’s refusal to supply food assistance over half-term as well as Marcus Rashford’s brilliant campaign on this. Our community, like so many others across the country, has stepped up to help.

Islington Council have committed to providing retrospective vouchers to all children eligible for free school meals through schools. Hackney Council have said that families whose child is normally eligible for free school meals and who are struggling this half-term should contact the Early Help team on 020 8356 3000 or (when calling out of hours) on 020 8356 2710.

A number of local businesses have successfully fundraised to provide free meals this week and their info is below.

We sent this information out to local schools yesterday. Still, it would be fantastic if you can forward it to any parents or Food Hub recipients you know, even if they’re not themselves people that might need it, and ask them to send it on further.

Flying Frenchman:
11 Albion Road, N16 9PS
12 pm, call 0207 923 9828

Lizzy’s on the Green:
Newington Green Park, N16 9PX
9 am - 3 pm, Monday - Sunday

The Sauce:
65 Highbury Park N5 1UA
Call ahead on 0207 683 1419

The Duke of Richmond:
316 Queensbridge Road, E8 3NH
12-1pm, Monday - Friday. Pick up in front of the pub.

Studio Kitchen:
49-50 Eagle Wharf Road, N1 7ED
11 - 12 pm, Monday - Friday

Spence Bakery:
161 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0UH
Tuesday- Friday, ask for a ‘kids lunch bag’

Traffic survey

The NGAG Environment Committee have begun meeting and have put together an initial survey. They would be very grateful if you could complete the survey here and send it to your friends in the area. If you have any questions please contact environment@newingtongreen.org.

Oak tree plaque

In 2012, NGAG planted an oak tree in the southwest corner of Newington Green to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. It has flourished and a plaque will be put up at 10:30 am tomorrow, 28th October by former chair of NGAG Jenny Littlewood along with the kids who were also present at the planting.

It can’t be a public event but do have a look next time you pass by and enjoy one of the commemorative tree cookies Lizzy’s on the Green is making tomorrow.

Improving the end of Ferntower Road area

We had our first project meeting with the Council last week and discussed lots of ideas on improving the end of the Ferntower Road area. It’s not a big budget, but we’ll aim to get a design developed which can be implemented in stages. We’ll get back to you as we progress, however, if you’d like to get involved or if you know a landscape gardener who may be able to help then contact us info@newingtongreen.org with ‘Ferntower' in the heading.

Recycling update

Islington Council have responded to our concerns about removing recycling facilities from the park and have temporarily postponed the bin removal. We will continue working with them on a long-term solution.

28th September 2020

AGM

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s AGM. Doing these meetings virtually is quite a challenge but we’re slowly learning and we appreciate the feedback some of you have given us. 

In this newsletter, we’re introducing our new Executive Committee and are sharing exciting projects for you to get involved in over the next year. 
 
Trustee changes
 
NGAG’s new trustees for the year 2020-2021 have now been elected and we had our first meeting last week. Four trustees from last year stood again and we've been delighted that five new trustees have taken positions. The amended constitution and trustee declarations are on their way to the Charity Commision and we will share the link with you once the changes appear in the register of charities.
 
Trustees 2020-2021

• Co-chair: Dianne Stewart

• Co-chair: Jenny Kay

• Secretary: Jessica Littlewood

• Treasurer: Waleed Fawzi

• Trustee: Alison Ball 

• Trustee: David Adams

• Trustee: Diane Marshall (Membership)

• Trustee: Lizzy Bassham

• Trustee: Lynn Pasterny

You can read more about each of our trustees here. 
 
We would also like to send a huge thank you to our former Chair Susie Burrow’s and former Trustee Roger Simmons, who stepped down from the Executive Committee at this year’s AGM. As long-term residents of the area, Susie and Roger have been members of NGAG’s Executive Committee for many years and they have had a huge positive impact.  Both were instrumental in efforts to revitalise the area while conserving its character and supporting the Mary on the Green initiative. 

They will remain NGAG members and continue to play an active role in the community. Roger will advise on planning issues and continue to help sell NGAG postcards and the book "The Village That Changed the World" by former NGAG chair Alex Allardyce:  you can purchase it here.  

Our new projects - get involved
 
During the AGM, our members discussed some specific areas of work for NGAG to focus on in the next year. These topics initially came out of discussions we held during our NGAG Community Call in July during which community members reflected on NGAG’s community response to coronavirus and identified work for NGAG to focus on going forward. 
 
We are now in the process of setting up project groups for six areas of work in which NGAG members can get involved. We’re planning that each working group will be co-chaired by a trustee and an NGAG member. 
 
Currently, the six identified topics are: 
 

1. Mutual support (focussing on social isolation, young people, and welcoming migrants)

2. Local history, stories and events

3. Food justice

4. Improving the local area and conservation 

5. Traffic and air quality

6. Plastic reduction 

 
In terms of these topics, nothing is set in stone and we want NGAG members to be able to shape the work we do. 
 
In the next newsletter we will get back to you with further details about these projects and how you can get involved in one (or more!) of them. We will also clarify some logistics, time commitments, etc. 
 
Mildmay Club Public Artwork
 
Newington Green has a new public artwork memorialising BAME victims of Covid-19. It is the work of local artist Henny Beaumont and can be found on the side of the Mildmay Club at 33-34 Newington Green. 
 
It was commissioned by @MajonziFund who are supporting families who have experienced bereavement due to the virus. Donate to help them with this important work here. 
 
Everyday Bikes
 
A Newington Green local has started a new subscription cycle company. You can find out more at www.everydaybikes.co.uk and the first 50 signups get 25% off.
 

August 27th 2020

AGM and membership

A reminder that our AGM will be on September 17th at 7pm. A Zoom link and dial-in options will be sent out in next week’s newsletter. At the AGM, along with voting in trustees, members are also asked to consider some amendments to NGAG’s constitution. There will also be fun things, including some great speakers. More details on that next week.
 
NGAG was set up as a membership organisation, where each person pays a small annual fee (currently £10 per person, £3 concession rate, or £25 for a business). As we have repeatedly said, during the recent crisis we have been awed by how the community has pulled together and supported each other. Our mailing list has expanded considerably and we took the decision early on to send all information to everyone.
 
We appreciate this all sounds a bit confusing and procedural. Please bear with us - many hours have been spent on hold with the Charity Commission to get the following paragraphs together.
 
At the AGM, only members will be able to vote. The current trustees have decided that the fairest (and also, coincidentally, least administratively burdensome) thing to do would be to offer one year of free membership (up until May 2021) to everyone on this mailing list. You don't need to do anything to accept - you will have full voting rights at our upcoming AGM and we will continue to send you newsletters. If you do not wish to be a member and/or you would like us to remove your details from our system, then email us with 'membership' in the subject line.  
 
If you feel inclined to pay the equivalent (or more) of the membership fees as a donation then we'd obviously be extremely grateful. The membership fees do add up and without the reserves from last year we wouldn’t have been able to get going so quickly in March. You can donate here.
 
Welcome to our new members!!
 
Constitution 
 
The NGAG constitution hasn’t been updated since 2006. After the community call the trustees came together to propose some amendments. These include a change to the charity’s objects, the inclusion of an equality clause and a clearer structure for sub-committees. The proposed changes are here and the current constitution is here. There will be a formal vote at the AGM but please feel free to email us with any suggestions by replying to this email with ‘constitution’ in the subject line.
 
Food Hub update
 
The Food Hub had its 4-month birthday last week and will be open as usual from 12pm-7pm this Friday. We especially need tuna, other tinned fish and flour. Alternatively, you can pop a few quid into our GoFundMe here. 
 
This Friday and next Friday we are collecting stationery supplies too and hope to be giving out back to school packs.
 
The Food Hub will not be open next Tuesday (September 1st) because there is some filming happening at The Mildmay Club. It will be open again on Friday, September 4th. More details about the next steps of a food justice project will be sent to volunteers and recipients over the next few days and there will be more details in the next newsletter.
 
In solidarity,
 
Team NGAG

August 13th 2020

Join us at the upcoming AGM - and perhaps on the NGAG executive committee?

As we mentioned in the last update, we’re now significantly overdue for our AGM. Because holding it in person is not possible during the pandemic, we will do it over Zoom in September. We’d love to ‘see’ as many of you as possible! 

Date: 17 September 2020
Time: 7pm
Location: Zoom - we will send you dial-in details ahead of the AGM (there will also be the option to dial in via phone)

 
During the AGM, we will elect the NGAG trustees for the next year (2020-2021). 
 
The charity has developed a lot during the past few months, and in this week’s newsletter we’d like to tell everyone a little bit more about becoming a trustee. We encourage everyone to think about whether they would be interested in becoming a trustee and to reach out by email if you are. You can also email us if you have any questions and you’d like one of us to give you a call.
 
During the NGAG community call last month, many of us spoke about the value of diverse backgrounds and experiences in community work. We were challenged on whether the current and historic leadership of the charity was diverse. The truth is that it isn’t and we are determined to make sure that the NGAG and its trustees are more representative of the community going forward. 
 
In particular, we would welcome trustee applications from people from groups that are marginalised in society or under-represented on our committee. This includes people of colour, LGBTQIA+ people, social housing and private tenants, and disabled people. You don’t need previous trustee experience but you do need to be someone who likes to ‘get things done’. We’re also short of people with an accounting or legal background. 
 
You can read about the current trustees and lead volunteers on our website here.
 
Usually, the NGAG trustees meet once every month to plan our work. We don’t have any staff or premises so trustees play a big role in carrying out these activities alongside other volunteers. During the coronavirus pandemic, many of the board members are meeting virtually on a more regular basis to organise our community response, but we are always clear that no one is expected to volunteer more time than they would like or have time for. 
 
If you have any questions or are considering putting yourself forward, please reply to this email with “trustee” in the subject line.
 

Food Hub update
 
We would like to send out a massive thank you to everyone who has helped to keep the Food Hub running during this hot weather. You may have seen on social media that this week we were so desperate for volunteers we had to call in the local MP. If you are around tomorrow, Tuesday or next Friday please assume we need your help and either reply to this email for more details or, if you’ve done it before, come to help with deliveries after 3.30 pm.
 
If you would like to make a donation to the Food Hub you can drop off any items on Tuesdays and Fridays between 12-7 pm at The Mildmay Club. This week, we particularly need flour, washing up liquid, and tinned fish.
 
Alternatively, you can make a financial donation (which increases in value by 25% through gift aid) here.
 

A-level results
 
If you know anyone who got their A-level results today we suggest you give them a call. They may need help negotiating with universities or with their school, or just need someone to talk to. We can also help: some of your fellow NGAG-ers are school governors, teachers and work at universities. Please email us with the subject line ‘results’ so that we can connect you with someone local who can help.
 
During the community call the other week, one of the volunteers suggested that we do more in terms of extending the community network pairing project to young people. The news today underlines the importance of that. Newington Green is a very mixed area and those who have wealth, knowledge, and social capital have an opportunity to share it with those growing up here who may be disadvantaged by the system.  
 

Islington Caretaker of the year award
 
If you live on a block or estate in Islington (apologies Hackney people) you can nominate your caretaker or concierge for an award. Check out the details here.
 

Eat Out to Help Out in Newington Green
 
Until 31 August, you can use Eat Out to Help Out Scheme at participating restaurants in Newington Green. They get all of the money and you get a 50% discount on Monday - Wednesday.

People do have to eat at the restaurant to receive the discount, so it is not accessible to those shielding. 

The following local restaurants are participating in the scheme in Newington Green: 

• The Lady Mildmay (Newington Green)

• Acoustic Cafe (Newington Green)

• Trattoria N16 (Newington Green)

• Yield N16 (Newington Green)

• Belle Epoque Patisserie (Newington Green)

• Perilla Dining (Newington Green)

• Oi Vita (Newington Green Road)

• La Canteen - Flying Frenchman (Newington Green)

• Khas Tandoori (Newington Green Road)

• Passenger Cafe (Green Lanes)

• Good Belly Vegan Pizzeria @ The Railway Tavern (King Henry’s Walk)

• KHP Coffee House (Newington Green Road)

• The Snooty Fox  (Grosvenor Avenue)

• Emy’s Kitchen (Green Lanes)

• Vins (Grosvenor Avenue)

• Farewell Cafe & Kitchen (Green Lanes)

You can find details about these local businesses on our page here.
You can follow us on Instagram if you use it.
 
 

July 30th 2020

Community call feedback

 
On 20 July, NGAG held its first community call. During the call, we heard from community members about our shared response to coronavirus and its effects.
 
We also discussed what we have learned about our community during the past few months and how this has shaped the projects we as NGAG might want to focus on in the future. 
 
A lot of participants raised that they would like to continue to work on inequality, including racial inequality, issues in Newington Green, as well as on connecting members in the community to build social capital and on environmental issues. A number of participants further raised that they would like to learn more about the radical history of Newington Green and how it relates to Newington Green today. We will be sending you more detailed notes next week. 
 

What’s next?  
We’re now discussing these ideas and planning next steps. In the coming weeks and months we will keep everyone updated on ways to contribute ideas, to be part of these discussions and to get involved. In the meantime, please feel free to email in with any thoughts or feedback you might have.
 
We are now significantly overdue for our AGM and as holding it in person won’t be possible we will do it over Zoom in September:  you will get an invite and more information on this soon. 
 
We’re in the Trib!
 
The Islington Tribune unexpectedly popped down to see us last week and wrote a piece about us, which you can read here. You can also see it on twitter and in our post on instagram - please feel free to share it widely!
 
Food Hub
 
As always, thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, donors and supporters who make it possible to deliver food and other essential items twice a week to those needing support.
 
Some of our regular volunteers are currently on holiday or are self-isolating after holidaying with Grant Shapps, and we’re looking for additional volunteers who can do deliveries. If you are a verified volunteer then please just show up between 3.30 pm and 6.15 pm on Tuesday and Friday to help with deliveries. If you are not verified but think you can help please send us an email with the subject line “Food Hub deliveries”.
 
If you would like to volunteer inside the Hub with packing and sorting then please reply with “Food Hub packing”. The Mildmay Club is always temperate, even when it’s over 30 degrees outside.
 
If you would like to make a donation to the Food Hub you can drop off any items on Tuesdays and Fridays between 12-7 pm at The Mildmay Club. This week, we particularly need tinned tomatoes, cereal and cleaning spray.  
 
Alternatively, you can make a financial donation (which increases in value by 25% through gift aid) here.
 
Sewing Club
 
As we’re sure you all know face-coverings are now required in shops and on public transport. 
 
Our sewing club continues to produce dozens a week so please come by and pick up a cloth mask. They are free and available at The Mildmay Club when the Food Hub is open.
 
Newington Green 2020 
 
We have a new project with local photographer Diane Bielik. We are aiming to tell the story of today’s Newington Green through 20 portraits. The first photo features Tefvik and Erkin Kamil, who have taken over High Class Shoes since the passing of both their father and grandfather from Covid-19. It’s here, and we will put these portraits on our website once there are a few more. 
 
If you would like to nominate someone for us to approach please DM us on instagram or email us with the subject line “2020” if you don’t use instagram. We’re looking to feature people from all walks of life, particularly those that aren’t usually recognised for their contribution. 

Tuesday 9th June 2020

In Solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement

We wanted to send a message of solidarity in light of the protests demanding an end to state violence and systemic racism against black people in the US, the UK and around the world.

As NGAG, we want to say it loud and clear: Black Lives Matter.

 Of course, systemic racism and police violence is not only a problem in the US, but also in the UK, including in our local area.
We often talk about the history of dissent in Newington Green. In Mary Wollstonecraft’s time, this was an area where people came to escape religious persecution and campaign for social reform. But Newington Green also has a darker recent history that we are often guilty of skipping over when we speak about how much we love where we live: The National Front had an office on King Henry’s Walk and more recently, racist graffiti appeared frequently on the Green in the weeks after the EU referendum. There is a real risk that we forget about the problems that still exist when we focus on Newington Green’s past.

 We know that people belonging to ethnic minorities are more likely to contract, fall seriously ill, and die from coronavirus than white people. People belonging to ethnic minorities make up 32% of coronavirus related deaths in Islington, and 45% in Hackney.

 This crisis has shown us who benefits and who loses out in our current system, and has laid bare the systemic racism in our country. 

What is NGAG doing?

In recent months, NGAG has transformed in order to respond to the coronavirus crisis. We changed from a local group that focused on creating community events, such as Jazz on the Green, and improving the local area to a group that organises to support our community members to get through these challenging times, including through our Food Hub. We continue to be amazed by the community spirit that we have witnessed and been part of over the last few months. 

This time has helped us better understand the needs of our community and the inequality that exists.

We want to take this moment in time seriously, and reflect on the work NGAG is doing. We're aware that NGAG leadership and membership doesn't represent and engage the whole Newington Green community and we need to do better. We also know that we need to reevaluate our mission so that it also takes into account racial inequalities that exist in our neighbourhood. 

In the next few months we want to reflect on all this and more, and think about what we can do better going forward. We’re currently planning an online meeting for NGAG members, volunteers and community members where we will also be able to listen to and hear from all of you (more on this soon). 

We welcome feedback. Please get in touch if there is anything you want to share. 

 In the past months, we have encouraged our members and volunteers to support local businesses and have sent you updates when they have reopened. We also want to specifically encourage you to support and shop at black-owned businesses. Below are a few of the food businesses we know of, but please tell us if you know of any others and we will include them in the next email.

• Blue Nile Restaurant

• Peppers and Spice

• La’za Eritrean Restaurant

• Little Baobab’s owners are NG locals and organised last year’s Newington Green Meets West Africa festival. They aren’t able to run their pop-ups at the moment but they are selling their chilli sauce online.

We also want to share a reading list on race issues in Britian (which some of you might find a helpful tool to learn more about racism in this country), as well as an anti-racist reading list for children. You can buy most of these at the black-owned New Beacon Books and our local independent Ink 84 Bookshop.

Celebrating #volunteersweek

We want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers at the Newington Green Action Group. We have 120 active volunteers, 55 of which keep the Food Hub going by doing phone calls, packing, and delivering food parcels. Thank you volunteers!

Getting face masks to the community

So far, we’ve distributed more than 450 cloth masks made by the amazing Stitch by Stitch and members of the community who answered the call to join the community wide Sewing Club. We’ve also donated 200 disposable masks to the Whittington Hospital. 

Free cloth masks are available to collect from the Food Hub on Tuesdays and Fridays, 12pm-7pm.  If you are self-isolating and would like us to deliver one to you, please email us at info@newingtongreen.org.uk.

Incredible support for Newington Green Food Hub continues

We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the residents and local businesses who are providing the Food Hub with supplies! In the past week supporting businesses included:

• Albion Food and Wine

• Belle Epoque

• Bodega 50

• Castle Food Service

• Costcutter

• Dusty Knuckle

• Ege Supermarket

• Gallo Nero

• Morrisons Stamford Hill

• Newington Green Fruit & Veg

• Polka Deli

And a special shout out to Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara, an incredible initiative from the largest Gurdwara in the UK. They donated so much fruit and veg earlier this week that our food parcels doubled in size! 

The number of people needing the Food Hub is increasing on a daily basis, and we currently deliver to 75 households. We expect this to increase next week because Newington Green Primary are having to cease their food hamper programme. As one volunteer pointed out, ‘one day you may be helping but the next you may need this service’. 

Thank you to everyone who has been involved: the Mildmay Club have been incredibly kind in letting us use their building, and we wouldn’t be able to operate without the time that so many volunteers spend answering phones, packing bags and delivering the food: Thank you!!

Remembering Anna Berent

A few weeks ago, Anna Berent, one of the founding members of the Newington Green Action Group, an ex-Mildmay Councillor and a former Mayor of Islington passed away. 

Those of you who knew her, know the pivotal role she played in transforming the area. She was a committed local activist and great fun to be around. The campaign that Anna, our current Chair Susie Burrows and Jeremy Corbyn led back in the early 90s to stop the Channel Tunnel High Speed Rail Link following the North London Rail line resulted in a rare change in government policy. Her obituary includes some great photos and is well worth a read. Rest in power, Anna. 

12th May 2020

We continue to be blown away by the amazing community spirit in our neighbourhood. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with us and each other over the past two months. 

Please find an exciting update on past and upcoming activities below. 
 

Newington Green Food Hub

Newington Green Food Hub is NGAG’s initiative coordinating food donations during the coronavirus outbreak. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this initiative, particularly the Mildmay Club who are letting us use their building. More than fifty of you have been helping to coordinate, pack, obtain donations and deliver parcels. Thank you also to those who have made a financial contribution: together we’ve already raised over £1,400! 

In our first week of the Food Hub, we made over 100 deliveries and we think our processes are now robust enough to do 150 deliveries per week if we are successful with our fundraising. 

If you or someone you know is able to make a financial contribution, please donate here and share the link as far as you can.

You can also support the food hub by displaying a poster in your window. Collect posters at the Mildmay Club between 12pm-7pm on Tuesdays or Fridays, or email food@newingtongreen.org with “Poster” to get a poster delivered. 
 

Food Hub suppliers and business donations

A huge thank you to the many individuals and local businesses who are supporting the NG Food Hub with supplies, enabling all of these deliveries to happen each week!

Local businesses who have already donated include: 

• Belle Epoque

• Costcutter

• Ege Supermarket

• Gallo Nero

• Kind & Dental Dental Practice 

• Fruit & Veg Mildmay Local 

We’re working hard to secure more donations and need to make use of any connections you may have to local businesses or to bigger food or consumer goods companies. We’re looking for any tips - this could be through a friend, family member, colleague, neighbour, etc. Businesses can help in a variety of ways, including financial donations or donations in kind. Please let us know if you can help by replying to this email with the subject line “Businesses”.

We also continue to look for donations from individuals. If you’re able to donate any food, toiletries and/or cleaning products, please drop them off at the Mildmay Club between 12pm-7pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. Everything fresh and unopened is welcome, we especially need fruit and veg, tinned fish, and kids cereals! And of course your used carrier bags - we are going through hundreds of them.
 

Laptop donations

With schools closed, much of the learning has moved online. However, many young people do not have access to computers, tablets or reliable internet. Government help is only available for a fraction of pupils. We asked local schools and we estimate that we need at least 200 devices if we are to make sure every child in just two of our primaries has access to vital resources. 

Do you have a laptop or tablet you are not using? Is your workplace discarding old computers? Do you work for a technology company that might consider donating? Please reply to this email with the subject line “Laptop”. Mer-IT will perform secure data sanitisation, refurbish, repair and upgrade services on any device that is donated. We will then distribute them to local kids, working with local schools and with families the Food Hub is helping. 
 

Masks 

We have hundreds and hundreds of cloth masks made by the amazing Stitch by Stitch and those of you who answered the call to join the Sewing Club in our last email. 

We give them out with Food Hub parcels but because of the stellar efforts of some local sewists (yes, it’s a real word!) we now have enough for every NGAG member and volunteer. If you would like to receive a set of cloth masks for yourself and your family please collect them at the Mildmay Club between 12pm-7pm on Tuesdays or Fridays, or reply to this email with “Masks” to organise some being dropped to you (we have kids sizes too).
 

Returning to unsafe workplaces?

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday, some of us may feel unsafe about returning to our workplaces. We have a number of volunteers who are specialists in employment law and even more who are trade union reps. If you would like some informal advice about your rights, please reply to this email with the subject line “Workplace advice” and we’ll connect you with someone who should be able to help. 
 

Supporting local businesses

Please keep checking our supporting businesses page and sending us your tips. Two more favourites - Micky’s Chippy and KHP Coffee House have reopened!
 

Cakes for Carers

A big thank you to our group of bakers. We’ve been dropping round tasty treats for over two weeks and have had a lovely card from the care home. They’re very grateful and really appreciate the community thinking about them. 
 

Social media and comms 

Our comms team is up and running so please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date and spread the word. 

In solidarity,

Team NGAG

“It is Justice not charity that is wanting in the world.”

—Mary Wollstonecraft