News in Brief - December 2008
Bobbing along
As the temperature drops a call has been issued to residents to help make Hackney’s gardens more wildlife and eco-friendly.
For inspiration, the London Wildlife Trust has created mini ‘future gardens’ around the capital, including at East Reservoir in Stoke Newington.
Elaine Hughes, London Wildlife Trust’s expert gardener, said: “From creating wildlife friendly winter hanging baskets with drought resistant plants, to using mulch, or planting a broad leaved tree – there’s lots you can pledge to do.
“The fact there are over three million gardens in the capital shows just how important a resource they are. London Wildlife Trust has come up with winter gardening actions that would help create a city more resilient to climate change and better for wildlife. We all have the power to make a huge difference.”
To download free ‘how to’ guides, or for more info on the ‘Living London’ campaign, visit: www.wildlondon.org.uk/gardening.
Win 2 for the price of 1 on rent
Beat the post Christmas blues by winning a month’s free rent in January.
Hackney Homes tenants just need to pay December’s rent on time to be entered into a draw to win the top prize.
The give-away is part of a drive to encourage tenants to prioritise paying their rent so that they can have a relaxed festive period and not worry about a mountain of bills in the New Year.
Hackney Homes, Chief Executive, Charlotte Graves said: “With a busy festive period coming up, it is important our tenants stay up to date with their rent. That is why we are giving one lucky tenant this opportunity to get their January rent paid.”
If you would like to speak to someone about your rent, contact your local neighbourhood office. Tenants can pay their rent at the cash payment office in 2 Hillman Street, E8; via Paypoint; direct debit; over the phone on: 020 8356 5050; or online at: www.hackneyhomes.org.uk.
Leisure contract
The not-for-profit company, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), has been recommended to manage Hackney’s leisure centres for the next 15 years, following a rigorous procurement process. The Council’s partnership with GLL would see significant capital investment across the leisure centres. Both organisations will now work together to finalise the details with formal award of the contract being subject to Cabinet approval early in 2009.
Early Xmas present for over 50s
Free sporting and social activities are on offer for Hackney’s over 50s throughout December.
Residents can take advantage of swimming lessons, gym instruction, short tennis, aerobics, badminton, short mat bowls, games and refreshments at Kings Hall Leisure Centre.
Participants will get the chance to improve their fitness levels, try a new activity, make new friends, develop Personal Bests and work towards building sports teams to represent Hackney in the Annual Club Wellness Games, which brings over 50s across London together to enjoy a day of sporting competition.
The Club Wellness day, from 10am to 3pm, every Thursday in December, is part of a drive to develop activity options for older people at the borough’s leisure centres. The sessions will continue in the New Year at an affordable charge.
There is no need to book, just turn up at the leisure centre in Lower Clapton Road, E5. For more info, call: 020 8985 2158.
Back to life
Work has begun on a £8million renovation of the Grade II listed Stoke Newington Assembly Hall and Council Chamber.
Hackney Council is bringing one of the borough’s most significant and much-loved buildings back into public use.
In its heyday, the assembly hall was host to a fantastic line up of entertainment. It attracted performers like Eartha Kit and George Melly, while EastEnders star and local girl, Barbara Windsor learnt to tap dance there as a youngster.
The building’s 1930s Art Deco grandeur will be restored and a modern extension built to ensure it once again lives up to its vibrant past and is available for a wide range of community uses and private hire. The Council Chamber, closed to the public since the amalgamation of Metropolitan Borough of Stoke Newington into the London Borough of Hackney in 1965, will also be transformed into a versatile venue.
The work is due to be completed by January 2010. Keep reading Hackney Today for progress updates.
For more info email: bk2life@hackney.gov.uk.
Winning in the water
The pioneering work of one of Hackney’s most successful youth projects has been recognised with a prestigious national award.
Laburnum Boat Club, based on the Regent’s Canal in Haggerston, has formed a central part of the local community for over 25 years. It offers young people the chance to discover the world of boating, as well as exercise, make new friends and have fun. Its range of activities for young people with disabilities is almost unrivalled in London.
The club offers everything from canoeing, kayaking and narrow boating, to cycling trips and workshops in a supportive, creative and positive environment.
One of its many projects is a pioneering after school club that enables up to 30 local young people with disabilities, ranging from severe autism and cerebral palsy to learning and behavioural problems, to get involved with sport.
Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Laburnum does tremendous work to extend opportunities to all young people in Hackney in a fully inclusive manner.”
The club received a highly commended in the Health and Wellbeing category of the 2008 Children and Young People Service’s Awards on 20 November.
For more info call: 020 7729 2915, or email: laburnumboatclub@tiscali.co.uk.
Sports for all
A free sports club offering disabled and able bodied residents the chance to train and compete together is opening at Clissold Leisure Centre.
The No Limits Sports Club launches on 8 December and will offer adults and children the opportunity to join in with athletics, basketball, cricket, trampolining and Paralympic sport Boccia (below), which is similar to Boules.
It will take place every Monday with sessions for under 16s, from 5-6pm, followed by over 16s sessions from 6-7pm.
The club is run in partnership with the Learning Trust; GLL, the borough’s leisure centre provider; and the Council’s 2012 Unit.
Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: “As a host borough for the 2012 Games, we’re hoping all our residents will be inspired to join in more sports and physical activity to lead a healthier lifestyle. This club is a great initiative which gives everyone a chance to get involved.”
To find out more, call Alan Walsh on: 07974 891 932 or email: awalsh@learningtrust.co.uk.
Support for borough businesses
Small and medium sized businesses in the borough are being offered extra support to win work through a new service that matches them to contracts.
East London Business Place links local suppliers to buyers and arranges face to face business support, events and training. It has already brokered 160 individual contracts ranging from small purchase orders of £100 to contracts of more than £1million.
The service is open to businesses across 10 boroughs in the Thames Gateway area and brings together a range of support initiatives to give local businesses a competitive edge.
Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “Small and medium sized businesses are at the heart of Hackney’s economy. As a host borough for 2012, East London Business
Place will also offer valuable guidance to local businesses competing for Games-related contracts.”
For further details visit: www.elbp.co.uk.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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