News in Brief
Networking nights for SMEs
Small to medium-sized businesses looking to break into new markets can take advantage of a networking event in Dalston. Hackney Enterprise Network, run by HBV Enterprise on behalf of the Council, is offering tailored support designed to help local entrepreneurs make contacts, enter new markets and grow their businesses.
The business-to-business event will include tips on the most effective ways to fill in application forms, marketing and running a business operation.
Steve Douglas, the Council’s Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurship are at the heart of Hackney’s local economy.
“In these tough economic times, the Council is pleased to provide additional support to local businesses through HEN, which offers networking opportunities, funding advice, and a range of other services to increase the competitiveness of local business.”
The networking event takes place from 6-8pm, on 10 May, at HBV Enterprise Centre, 34-38 Dalston Lane, E8.
For more info call: 020 7241 7066; email: hen@hbv.org.uk; or visit: www.hbvonline.org
23 April 2010
Agnes shooting: man charged
A 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Hackney student Agnes Sina-Inakoju.
Leon Dunkley, from E5, appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 21 April, charged with the murder of 16-year-old Agnes who was shot in a Hoxton takeaway.
Dunkley was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and was remanded in custody.
He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 27 April.
A 16-year-old who was also arrested in connection with the shooting has been released on bail until June.
Agnes was shot through the window of Hoxton Chicken and Pizza, in Hoxton Street, on 14 April.
23 April 2010
Take the stage at Lovebox
Young musicians from Hackney could be billed alongside Roxy Music, Grace Jones and Dizzee Rascal at this year’s Lovebox festival.
PTriple, a Dalston-based community project, has secured a 45-minute slot at the July event for young people who attend its new 10-week music production course.
The free course will see young musicians tutored in studio technology and production, as well as providing advice on improving writing and performance skills. Participants will be encouraged to write their own material to perform on stage at the festival in Victoria Park from 16 to 18 July.
The course starts on 4 May, from 5-8pm, at Haggerston Community Centre, 179 Haggerston Road.
No pre-registration is required, but anyone interested in taking part must attend the first session.
For more info, contact Haggerston Community Centre on: 020 7254 2312, or call PTriple on: 07878 555 279.
23 April 2010
Join in the beach frolics
The sun is finally shining and the London Beach Volleyball Club (LBVC) is planning to start a league in Shoreditch Park to take advantage of the balmy evenings.
Registration opened this month on the LBVC website.
The league’s structure will be decided once interest and feedback has been measured.
LBVC was created in 2006 to coordinate the use of the park’s sand volleyball court – the first in London.
The Club is active from around May to September, with regular weeknight and weekend sessions for various skill levels.
Players can e-mail LBVC directly to book the court and club members can hire equipment.
Hackney Council works with LBVC to improve the sport’s facilities in the borough. For more info, visit: www.londonbeachvolleyball.com
23 April 2010
Timely advice for residents
For those of us who have never quite mastered keeping potted plants alive, and others that can’t tell their Firefoxes from their firewalls, help could finally be at hand.
Moreover, it could be by learning from each other.
A ‘Time Bank’ scheme has been launched in Hackney, which allows residents to volunteer their time by sharing their skills with others.
In return, participants receive help in activities they may struggle with, ranging from dog walking and gardening, to English lessons and digital photography.
A launch event at Hackney Wick Community Centre on 27 March, attracted more than 70 people.
Visitors got the chance to learn a new skill at workshops in herb planting, digital photography, bike safety and henna tattoo design.
Steve Thomas, Regional Housing Director at housing association Family Mosaic, which runs the scheme, said:
“We have high hopes for this project creating real opportunities for people to make a difference in their local community and receive much needed help themselves.”
One Family Mosaic tenant, who enjoyed the herb planting, said: “Now I have been taught how to grow herbs properly and I can’t wait to use them in my cooking.”
He added: “The day allowed me to meet new people from my area and I can’t wait to start volunteering.”
For more information on the Family Mosaic Time Bank, email: gemma.mcgrath@familymosaic.co.uk
23 April 2010
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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