News in Brief
A Hackney hallelujah
Community choir the Hackney Singers have led a 1,000-strong performance of the popular hymn ‘Hallelujah’ on national radio.
They took to the stage at the London Coliseum – home of the English National Opera (ENO) – for the Sing Hallelujah project, a nationwide initiative to encourage more people to sing. The performance was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 programme ‘The Choir’ on 6 December.
The BBC said the Hackney choir was chosen because it wanted a large, non-audition, London choir and had heard very positive things about the group.
Choir member Andy Brown said: “It was a privilege to be asked to perform at the historic home of the ENO. Many of us have been here before, but in the audience. It was an amazing experience to sing on that huge stage.”
Hear the Hackney Singers at their Christmas Concert at St Peter de Beauvoir, De Beauvoir Road, N1, at 7.30pm on 19 December.
14 December 2009
Sugar stirs the Lords
Lord Alan Sugar told the House of Lords he is prepared to ‘not always be popular’, during his first speech in Parliament as a newly appointed member.
Hackney-born Lord Sugar joined the second house after being appointed the Government’s adviser on enterprise issues by Prime Minister Gordon Brown earlier this year. ‘The Apprentice’ judge told the House of Lords that he is straight-talking and direct and promised he would help young people and small businesses.
He said: “I am the new boy on the block; in your Lordships’ House, I am certainly the apprentice.”
Taking about his title of Lord Sugar of Clapton, he spoke about his Hackney roots, commenting: “Clapton is where I was born, where I was educated and where I started my first business venture. I was born into a low-income working-class family; we lived on a council estate and I was the youngest of four children.”
On the topic of enterprise he added: “I will always be honest and passionate about assisting small and medium-sized enterprises and getting our young people to think about business as an opportunity.”
He also mentioned his The Apprentice TV show, saying that he was ‘proud and glad’ to have inspired millions of entrepreneurial young people.
30 November 2009
Controlled Drinking Area Consultation
This month also sees the end of a survey on proposals to tackle anti-social drinking in the borough. One suggestion being considered is a borough-wide controlled drinking area.
It will give police powers to confiscate alcohol or issue fixed penalty fines to those drinking and causing disorder or threatening behaviour in streets, parks and open spaces.
Have your say by 24 December, by visiting the Controlled Drinking Area Consultation page or call: 020 8356 3137, or email: barry.scales@hackney.gov.uk
30 November 2009
Get creative with free courses
A programme of free, creative courses for Hackney Homes and housing association residents is being offered in London Fields.
Hothouse is currently looking for participants for art courses in landscape drawing and painting, and ‘moving’ sculpture, with more courses to be confirmed in the new year.
An exhibition of all the work created is set to take place in spring, when all participants can return to get involved in the showcase.
For info call: 020 7241 3394; or email: contact@freeform.org.uk
30 November 2009
Fast justice for victims
A new fast track court system is set to boost the level of support available to domestic violence victims.
The Specialist Domestic Violence Court, which also aims to bring violent offenders to justice with greater speed and efficiency, will deal with risk assessment, as well as offer other services to support victims.
The new courts are run by district judges and magistrates trained in domestic violence cases, and victims and witnesses will benefit from independent advisors offering free emotional and practical support.
In addition, new safety and support measures have been introduced to help victims and witnesses of domestic violence in court, such as separate entrances and waiting rooms. To contact the Council’s Domestic Violence Team call: 0800 056 090; or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline Number: 0808 2000247.
30 November 2009
Adoption explained
An event highlighting the benefits of adoption – while debunking some of its myths – has taken place in Stoke Newington.
Members from Hackney’s Adoption Team were on hand to answer questions about adoption, children and the level of support available to anyone thinking of adopting at Yum Yum restaurant, N16.
The event formed part of National Adoption Week, from 9 to15 November, which aimed to encourage more people to think about welcoming a child into their family.
According to the British Association of Adoption and Fostering an estimated 4,000 children across the UK are in need of adoption or long-term fostering.
For more information call: 080 0073 0418; email: adoption@hackney.gov.uk, or visit: www.hackneykids.org.uk
30 November 2009
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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