Xmas Social, Holy Trinity School, Dalston Futures

A big ‘Thank You!’ to everyone who voted in our poll to decide what to do for our Christmas social this year. The winning option, with 70.59% of the vote was (imagine a drum roll)…….. The Cafe Route option. Therefore, without further ado, I am very pleased to announce we are going to do something completely different. 😯 😆

So, set for Friday 20th December, from 6pm to 8pm (although you are welcome to stay for extra merriment if you wish), the event will be held in the cosy ‘winter quarters’ of the Eastern Curve Garden (namely the large main greenhouse complete with it’s, when lit, crackling glowing wood burning stove). Mulled wine and toasted chestnuts (fresh from the aforementioned stove) will be available for purchase (all funds go to the garden), and everyone is encouraged to bring a mince pie or three (or something similar) to share with your neighbours.  Poster coming soon.

Next up, news from the recent public hearing regarding the development of Holy Trinity School. After excellent presentations from both Hackney Council and local residents explaining their support for the school expansion, while still very much against the 7 storeys of flats proposed to sit atop it, Mayor Boris Johnson decided to overrule Hackney Council’s decision of earlier in the year and allow the development to go ahead. The 36 meter high (equal to 12 storeys) concrete mass will be taller than all it’s neighbours and will put many existing properties, to it’s West, North, and East, into shadow. Anyone interested in viewing a webcast of the proceedings (where the full picture of the arguments against the structure can be heard) can do so HERE.

Next, Dalston Futures. 45 local residents attended their second meeting recently (much better than the 10 for the first), so momentum is building. THIS from them regarding that meeting, their call for financial assistance through donations, and the next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday 10th December from 6:30pm to 8pm (again in the Trinity Centre on Beechwood Road). The online magazine East London Lines is currently carrying a video recorded at the last meeting which you can view HERE.

One last thing before I finish, many thanks to those who answered our Twitter call for pics of the Christmas Market held in the Square on Sunday. If you missed it yourself, you can see how successful it was by checking our Twitter feed @DalstonSquareRA.