News in Brief January to March 2011
Golden opportunities
The Council is giving 100 Olympic Games tickets to young people in the borough.
The Council confirmed it will purchase its allocation of tickets offered by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) to all 33 local authorities in the capital, and will distribute them to a selection of local young people who excel in sport. The tickets will be for a range of sporting events.
A Council spokesperson said: "We have always made it clear that we will do all we can to help our younger residents realise a once in a lifetime opportunity of participating in the Games. The cost of these tickets will be met from money already identified for increasing resident participation and access to the Games and so will not be at the expense of other services.
"Ensuring our residents get the maximum benefit possible from the Games is a priority for the Council and we're very pleased that LOCOG will help us realise the dreams of some of our young people, to see their sporting heroes in action, and give them more inspiration to do even better in the future."
The selection process will be confirmed in the near future.
21 March 2011
The ears have it
Whether it's listening to Lord Sugar on a local street; an ode to the number 38 bus; or a secret underground river; the borough's colourful history is to be showcased with the launch of a new museum-style audio tour.
Created by the team behind the Hackney Podcast, 'Hackney Hear' is a free smartphone app that plays a mix of location-specific interviews, features, poetry, music and new writing.
Movements recorded by GPS will trigger audio clips allowing users to hear insights into Hackney's myriad communities and hotspots, changing according to the software user's location. Around 400 unique audio pieces on the borough will be on offer.
Hackney Podcast said it launched the service this month as the London 2012 build up 'becomes feverish' and hopes the service continues to grow after the Games are over.
Hackney Hear is designed for use on iPhone and Android handsets. For more info visit: www.hackneyhear.com/
21 March 2011
Apprenctice contestant helps Woodberry Down residents set up their own businesses
A former 'The Apprentice' contestant has helped to launch a project to help Woodberry Down residents set up their own businesses at an event at Skinners Academy on 3 March.
Having faced the ire of Lord Sugar on the BBC show, Joanna Riley revealed her experiences at the sharp end, as well as recounting how she set up her own cleaning firm.
The event launched the 'Four Steps to Starting Your Own Business' programme, to encourage enterprise in the area by helping residents start business or build-up existing companies. It also featured presentations from other entrepreneurs including Renata - a catering firm founded by three single mothers who employ hard to reach people, vulnerable women and the long time unemployed.
The free programme, delivered by Genesis Housing Group, will provide advice, education and training on how to set up a firm and access financial support. For more information please call 07717 692 817 or email paula.hines@ghg.org.uk.
7 March 2011
Hackney Homes stars
Two Hackney Homes' staff members have been short listed for the Women in Construction Awards.
Plumber Daisy Clarke, up for Best Apprentice, and electrical services manager Denise Hill, nominated in the personal achievement in the construction industry category, were selected for their dedication to providing high quality services and paving the way for women in their sectors.
Charlotte Graves, Hackney Homes Chief Executive, said: "This is a fantastic achievement by both Denise and Daisy. We are proud to have such a diverse and skilled workforce who are absolutely committed to providing excellent services to Hackney Homes residents."
The winners will be announced on 17 March.
7 March 2011
Want to show off your borough?
The Council is recruiting volunteers to show small groups of visitors to the borough the places they know and love.
Based on New York City's programme, the Big Apple Greeters, The London Greeters will operate in all 2012 host boroughs. Volunteers are needed now in preparation for the thousands of visitors who will be passing through Hackney at Games-time. Greeters will devise their own free tours, and will be needed for a minimum of two hours a month for at least one year. Applicants must be Hackney residents, aged 18-plus. They will need to have a friendly and welcoming manner; be a confident public speaker; and knowledgeable about their area.
For info and to register call: 020 8356 2211; or email: helen.goodsell@hackney.gov.uk; or: anne.malcolm@hackney.gov.uk
21 February 2011
'Ave a Fairtrade banana
Fairtrade Fortnight is nearly here and residents are encouraged to 'show off your label' from 28 February to 13 March. Events kick off with a taster session on 1 March at Hackney Central Library, from 10.30am-12noon, where visitors can browse everything Fairtrade, from the familiar coffee, chocolate and bananas, to sheets and clothes.
People who work with farmers to source Fairtrade products from overseas will come together at a forum at Hackney Town Hall on 5 March, from 12.30-2pm.
Also attending will be a celebrity resident who is well-known to television viewers, but less so for their interest in Fairtrade.
For info about both events, call: 020 8356 4079; email: dinah-mary.allotey@hackney.gov.uk or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/greenerliving-fairtrade
21 February 2011
UK voting referendum
Households in Hackney are being asked to make sure everyone who is eligible to vote is on the electoral register in time for a referendum on the UK voting system.
The referendum will decide whether the first-past-the-post system for electing MPs should be replaced with the alternative vote. It takes place on 5 May and you must be registered if you wish to vote.
Every household will receive a confirmation form by post. If the information is correct, no action is needed. If the information is wrong, or names are missing, make the changes and return the form.
If you are on the register, you can apply for an absent vote - to vote by post or nominate someone to vote for you - but the application must be received by the Council at least 11 days before polling day. For a form call: 020 8356 3000; or download one at: www.hackney.gov.uk/elections-voting
21 February 2011
Sex establishments policy
A policy to control the operation of businesses like strip clubs in the borough has been approved by the Council.
Following a 12-week public consultation, the 'sex establishments' policy was amended so that existing businesses could continue to trade under certain conditions.
The new rules voted in by Full Council on 26 January include a 'nil policy' which prohibits the opening of any further sex entertainment venues in the borough.
This covers places like strip clubs; lap dancing clubs; sex shops and sex cinemas.
During the consultation, which ran from 20 September to 13 December, residents were asked to comment on draft proposals.
Results revealed that 65.8 per cent of respondents disagreed with a nil policy on sex cinemas; 74.7 per cent disagreed with a nil policy on sex shops, and 66.3 per cent disagreed with a nil policy on sex entertainment venues.
Following this feedback, the policy was amended to grant an exception for five existing businesses - all in the Haggerston area - provided they can demonstrate they are long-standing, well run and do not raise significant concerns for the community and statutory authorities when applying to renew their licences.
7 February 2011
Jail for Godwin Lawson's killer
A man has been found guilty of murdering promising young footballer Godwin Lawson in Hackney last March.
Moise Avorgah, 20, of Tottenham, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years by a judge at the Old Bailey on 2 February.
Godwin, 17, had moved from Enfield to Oxford to play football for the Oxford United Academy. He was in London to meet his friends, brothers Daniel and Julian Borja. The exact motive is not known, but all three were attacked as they walked through Amhurst Park, N16 . Godwin died from a stab wound to the chest. The Borja brothers were taken to hospital suffering life-threatening stab wounds but survived.
Following the incident, three other people were charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and two counts of GBH. Koffi Osimeh, 20, Daniel Riley, 22, and Matthew Lanihun, 21, were cleared of all charges. Avorgah was found guilty of two counts of GBH and sentenced to 12 years to run concurrently.
Detective Inspector Andy Manning, who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased with the verdicts and pleased that Godwin's family has got justice for him.
"This conviction sends out a clear message - the police and the local community will not tolerate such acts of violence."
Godwin's mother Yvonne added: "Losing Godwin feels like we have lost our future hopes and dreams. We feel like we are embarking on a long painful journey that will never end.
"Whilst I am very satisfied that someone has been brought to justice, It will never bring him back to us. It will however stop him (Avorgah) taking the life of someone else's child."
7 February 2011
Top-five employer
Hackney has been ranked as one of the top five gay-friendly councils in the country by lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) charity Stonewall.
Its 2011 Index, which showcases Britain's top 100 employers of LGB people, ranks the Council 23rd - the 3rd highest rating for a London authority and fifth highest of all councils. Hackney's position at number 23 represents a significant move up of 20 places from last year.
Cllr Karen Alcock, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Equalities, said: "We know that Hackney is a diverse borough, and being recognised in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index is a clear demonstration of the Council's commitment to promoting equality for all."
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, added the index had received more applications than in any previous year. To read more visit: www.stonewall.org.uk/at_work.
24 January 2011
Millions for Diamond Jubilee
Voluntary and community organisations, schools, local authorities and health bodies can make a bid for a share in the Jubilee People's Millions worth up to £60,000.
The Big Lottery Fund and ITV, with the approval of Buckingham Palace, will be helping to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 - with a £3.6million fund.
They are looking for new projects that will improve local places and people's lives. In June 2011, ITV regional news will feature six project ideas in each region, competing for viewers' phone votes. To have a chance of winning, projects will need to inspire local people to get involved.
The deadline for entries is 4 February. To enter call: 0845 010 1112; or visit: www.peoplesmillions.org.uk
24 January 2011
Volunteer year
More than 90 million volunteers from across the continent will be celebrated as part of the European Year of Volunteering 2011.
A tour will visit every capital city, starting in Budapest this month and finishing in Malta in November. A London visit is scheduled to tie-in with National Volunteers Week, from 1-6 June.
A team of 27 'relay' reporters will compile stories on volunteering in each member country.
The reporter for Britain will be Slovenian cameraman, Jure Rejec. Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet member with responsibility for the voluntary sector, said: "Hackney would welcome Jure to the borough to record some of the great work happening here."
For info about the tour and to get involved visit: www.europa.eu/volunteering
10 January 2011
Census jobs
The Office for National Statistics is looking for people to work in Hackney during the 2011 census.
It is particularly keen to hear from people who could work as census collectors in the south of the borough.
This would involve visiting households to talk with people who have not returned their census questionnaires, and explaining the importance of the census in order to encourage completion and return of the forms.
All roles are paid and will last approximately six weeks from 21 March. Hours are flexible but you must be able to work during the evening and weekends. For info call: 0845 304 0960; or visit: http://www.censusjobs.co.uk/
10 January 2011
Page updated: 14 Apr 2011
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