Cloudesley Association – November 2023 Update
1. Holy Trinity Church
Apparently, the Guardians have left the church and been replaced as “anchor tenants” by The Florence Trust, which offers a 15 month residency for artists. We have asked Kevin at the Diocese for an update on this important development but he has replied that protocols mean they are not able to release the news just yet.
However, Nick has spoken to Steven and Yuka from the Florence Trust who have already started work on tidying up the churchyard and painting the interior. They seem like very nice people and most importantly they are keen to work with the local community “through open studios and workshops”. You can find out more about the Florence Trust from their website at http://www.theflorencetrust.com/ and this interview from 2021 where Steven describes how he managed a similar transformation of a derelict church at St Saviour’s in Highbury: https://creativelandtrust.org/florence-trust-closure/. This could be the start of an important new chapter in the history of the Association’s long association with Holy Trinity and we will keep you updated as we learn more.
Meanwhile, another welcome development is that the trees in the churchyard have finally been pollarded which we are sure members will agree is long overdue.
2. The Crown Pub
Many of our residents had heard that The Crown Pub was due to be sold by the Cloudesley Estate charity and had expressed concerns about possible sale to developers and change of use. We are delighted to report that we have been informed by the Cloudesley Estate that The Crown has indeed been sold but happily to its current inhabitant and long-standing tenant, Fullers.
3. Seasonal Event - LONSDALE SQUARE CAROLS – Tuesday 19th December 7pm
The annual Lonsdale Square carol singing event will be taking place on Tuesday 19th December at 7pm, starting as usual in the North East corner of the square.
For anyone not familiar with the event, we sing 2-3 carols in each corner of the square, including some child friendly carols in the first half of the evening. We will be collecting for St Mungo’s as they work for the homeless locals.
Do come along and join in if you are free.
4. Seasonal Event – Thornhill Gardens – Jingle and Mingle – 11 December 6pm
“Jingle and Mingle” will take place from 6pm in Thornhill Gardens. Bring your favourite nibbles and drinks to share. Join the festive singalong at 6.30pm.
5. Seasonal Event – An evening with The Heathen and The Holy and friends – 11 December 7.30pm
Tom Hobden, our resident rock star from Cloudesley Square, has contacted us to let us know he is playing a Christmas Show at St Pancras Old Church with his seasonal band, The Heathen and The Holy, on the evening of 11th December. The evening will consist of their original music, dotted with carols, poetry readings, festive instrumentals and even a quiz! There will be a brass section and string quartet accompanying, so quite a sonic feast!
Here are links to the ticket website and The Heathen and The Holy mailing list (for people to keep in the loop)!
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-the-heathen-and-the-holy-and-friends-tickets-751748478937?aff=oddtdtcreator
Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/33d0a00224ef/pqhjz4226m
6. Barnard Park – Progress Report
Great progress is being made on the redevelopment of Barnard Park – as you will see from the photo below. Phase 1 of the works in Barnard Park - the building of a new 9 v 9 3G football pitch – is now complete and looks amazing.
Phase 2 of the works, which involves the building of a new community hub building, improved pathways with direct routes through the park and better accessibility, improved biodiversity and habitat for wildlife, a new grass area, new tree planting and a new entrance to Sheen Grove is due to begin in January 2024.
I am sure you will all agree that this will significantly improve the Barnard Park area for all.
7. Barnsbury & Laycock Traffic Plans – Low Traffic Neighbourhood
The Phase 2 consultation on the Barnsbury Liveable Neighbourhood has now ended, but members can still provide feedback to the Council on the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email address. The Council have said they will not publish the results of the Phase 2 consultation (or indeed Phase 1) until the start of Phase 3. We expect no more major developments until the announcement of a final plan as part of Phase 3, expected “early next year”. Note, however, that the Council has started consultations on new neighbouring LTNs (Tufnell Park and Dartmouth Park) which are likely to have impacts on Barnsbury and its surrounding roads. Note also that the Department for Transport (DfT) has started a nationwide review of LTNs and has issued guidance to the effect that, until this review is complete, Councils should consider pausing implementation of LTNs currently being planned.
8. Kings X and Islington Square
A few highlights taking place in Kings Cross over the next few weeks:
• Club Curling: Club Curling is open 7 days a week in Coal Drops Yard until 25 February. Slots last 45 mins, starting at noon, with the last play at 8pm. Tickets cost £8 per person and under 12s play for free (when accompanied by an adult). If you want to book tickets, you can click the link here: https://www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/activity/club-curling-1
• Mexican Christmas Markets: By popular demand, the Mexican Christmas Market returns in Coal Drops Yard from 1-3 December for another year. It is an ideal opportunity to find a Mexican inspired gift for a loved one this Christmas.
• Moonwalkers Art Benches Exhibition – from now until 2 January, discover awe-inspiring, breathtakingly restored images of the Apollo missions to the Moon, taken from Andy Saunders’ book, Apollo Remastered. Photographs will be displayed across Kings Cross to coincide with the launch of the Lightroom’s latest exhibition, The Moonwalkers, an immersive voyage into space narrate by Tom Hanks. The exhibition is free.
• Big Christmas Wind Orchestra and Choir: On Sunday 10 December, come and join one of the season’s biggest outdoor Christmas performances – The Big Christmas Wind Orchestra and Choir takes place from 1pm in Coal Drops Yard next to the giant Christmas tree.
A highlight taking place in Islington Square over the next few weeks:
• Islington Square Winter Lantern Workshop and Lantern Parade: Unleash your creativity and craft personalised light-up lanterns. These workshops, presented by the Little Angel Theatre, will be held every Thursday from November 23rd to December 14th at 4pm at Islington Square. Tickets are priced at £12 per child and £8 for an adult. The seasons festivities culminate in the Islington Square Lantern Parade on the 14th of December with doors opening at 5pm. Immerse yourself in the local sights surrounding Islington Square as you proudly parade with your creations, all soundtracked by a brass band playing beloved Christmas hits. Join in the festivities and indulge in more festive drinks until 9pm. To add to the magic, join the IFMA Christmas carol sing-a-long before the parade sets off.
Get there ahead of the crowd! Entry is first-come, first served, with no guarantee of admission. Tickets for the workshop and Lantern Parade available via the Little Angel Theatre website.
If you are aware of any event, consultation or news item that you would like us to include in our next newsletter, please let us know.
As ever, if you know of any neighbour who is not on the Cloudesley Association email distribution list, please pass this email on and/or ask them to provide us with their contact details (to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) so that they can be kept in the loop.
Amanda and Nick
On behalf of
The Cloudesley Association
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.cloudesleyassociation.org
