Camden magazine June 2017

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | June 2017 | camden.gov.uk

Get moving

Embracing active travel and staying mobile @camdentalking

facebook.com/lbcamden

Argyle Primary School pupils got active on stage with the cast of STOMP, as part of our Camden Walking campaign to encourage people to go for a daily brisk walk. Find out more at oneyoucamden.org/walking.

camden.gov.uk

camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk

The Camden magazine is distributed free to all homes in Camden to give you information about our services.

It costs 15 pence a copy to produce, and is printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources.

Cover image: Karen Lamminen

@camdentalking

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Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 12 June 2017

You can receive your copy of the Camden magazine in large print, on audio tape or in another language by phoning 020 7974 5717.

2

Camden this month Homeless residents who have overcome big challenges received awards at a special event.

Bookings open 15 June for our free summer university courses for 13 to 19 year olds.

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Enjoy a barbecue with friends and family in a Camden park this summer.

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Councillor Richard Cotton has been appointed as our new Mayor for the next year.

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Welcome

We want you to share your views on the future of Euston station.

Features

Recycle right Ask Jenny: collections questions answered Meet a keen recycler

Cover story Making savings with digital technology My Camden – Elle, a dedicated cycler 31 Men’s health week

Tackling air quality around schools News Camden Adult Pathway Awards Camden Business Awards 6 Construction training opportunities New Brexit online discussion hub 6 Euston station: have your say Camden in Bloom 7 Join the conversation about Camden’s future Jazz workshops for young people School food-growing project 7 Journalism project at Haverstock School Stop female genital mutilation 9 Summer university courses Diabetes type 2: knowing your risk 9

12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 30

STEAM report released Using barbecues in our parks Meet your new Mayor

28

Introduction from the Leader of the Council

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10 10 11

Listings Free and low-cost events

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n Set your destinatio for Camden We offer fantastic opportunities to join our Supporting Communities team. From library assistants, to housing officers and senior strategic level roles you could be looking at a long and rewarding career with us.

We welcome people of all abilities to ensure nobody gets left behind. We are the country’s first Timewise council,

championing flexible and part-time working with over 4,000 employees. We also have hundreds of apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

If you are interested in working for a forward-thinking borough, please visit togetherwearecamden.com for all new vacancies.

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4

Welcome

to the June edition of Camden magazine As the new Leader of Camden Council, I’m proud to serve the borough I’ve lived in for most of my life.

Camden has given me a huge amount - my best friends, a brilliant comprehensive education and the chance to live in what I think is the best community in London. I’ve been a ward councillor for Kentish Town for seven years and a Cabinet Member for the past three years. As Leader, I’ll continue to give my all for Camden’s citizens.

22 | Building Futures construction training opportunities

By the time you read this, we’ll know the result of the General Election. Whoever forms the Government, it’s clear there are some big challenges ahead.

National issues such as the housing crisis, a lack of funding for social care and the impact of Brexit will all be keenly felt in Camden.

To meet these challenges, we’ll need to draw on the creativity, energy and experience of Camden’s citizens. We already have a strong tradition of openness, of caring for each other and our environment, and of supporting public services. I am determined that we continue to live up to our values in difficult times.

25 | Join the conversation about Camden’s future

Camden has so much to offer.

We have a family of schools who choose to stay together, mixed communities and a rich tapestry of cultural organisations.

Camden is also a world-leading hub for technology, bio-medical research, cultural institutions and creative industries. I want everyone who lives here to access the very best that Camden can offer. This means ensuring our residents have the skills they need for our modern workplaces, from construction through to our new digital economy – read about our Building Futures programme on pages 22-23.

I hope you share our desire to be part of Camden’s future vision.

I know we have citizens who volunteer; who step up when asked; and who stand together against racism, extremism and hate. I also know how much creativity we have in our communities and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.

Over the next few months, I want to invite everyone who lives or works in Camden to be part of an open conversation about our future – read how this starts with the Camden Commission on page 25.

Camden Council’s motto is ‘Not for self but for all’, and in this borough that really means something. I’m determined it will guide our work over the coming years.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

News Residents enjoy Origin Housing’s monthly cream tea.

Camden Business Awards

2017

Nominations now open Camden Business Awards showcase the best businesses and entrepreneurs in our borough.

Awards are open to all Camdenbased businesses, regardless of size or sector. Nominations close 4 September 2017.

Contributing to the community Origin Housing is a past winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award. Its time-banking scheme has over 150 volunteers, Find out more

and is a way to pay for services with time instead of money. Participants ‘deposit’ time by helping others, and are then able to ‘withdraw’ the same amount of time when they need it.

For example, Karen can teach Peter some computer skills, and then spend that credit with Louis who can fix her bookshelf. The time bank also offers volunteer-run courses that help give people confidence to apply for jobs, as well as running a monthly cream tea for people over 65.

“We applied for an award to celebrate the hard work of our volunteers and encourage even more volunteering,” Origin’s Julie Humphreys said. “We also knew there were many other fantastic Camden projects and we wanted to be associated with all that good work. As a result of the award, we have built more contacts across Camden and been able to show the scheme has public recognition when looking for funding.”

camden.gov.uk/businessawards

New online hub to talk about Brexit in Camden Our Brexit working group is talking to residents, businesses and local organisations to understand the issues people living and working in Camden are most concerned about.

A Camden webpage is now live to help you share your thoughts and find out about Brexit. It has helpful links to information on EU citizens’ Find out more 6

and workers’ rights, as well as reports from leading industry groups.

It’s also a place to tell us about challenges and opportunities that Brexit may bring to Camden.

How will Brexit affect you or your workplace? How can we can work to protect the rights of EU citizens working or living in our borough?

camden.gov.uk/brexit

By telling us your views, you can help us minimise negative impacts and maximise opportunities of a post-Brexit Camden.

News

Get gardening Nominations for Camden in Bloom are now open.

The deadline is midnight, Sunday 9 July.

Passionate about a blooming balcony? Have you turned a neglected area into a lovely garden? Does your company have a beautiful green space? We want to recognise your hard work in making our borough a greener and healthier place to be.

communal or community space in 2016, said: “It’s very encouraging for volunteers who work in the garden to be recognised by such well-loved awards. It has been great for getting the garden talked about.

Winning this award makes us feel that we have done a very good job.”

Roz Perrot from Marchmont Community Garden, the best

Enter your blooming results and encourage others to dig in too.

Find out more

The Highgate Centre Garden Group won the best environmental project in 2016.

Winners will be announced in August, with an award ceremony in September.

camden.gov.uk/camdeninbloom

Know your onions Students at three secondary schools learn how to grow and cook their own food.

A project called Know Your Onions is encouraging schools to develop gardens and show students how to cook what they harvest.

The project is run by charity School Food Matters and it is working with Acland Burghley, La Sainte Union and UCL Academy. TV gardener Chris Collins visited Acland Burghley as part of the project and ran a vegetable planting session.

Leyla Hafezi, Acland Burghley design and technology teacher, said: “A big thank you to Chris Collins and all the student volunteers for working so passionately to create our beautiful vegetable garden.”

They will also get the chance to see food growing on a larger scale with a visit to a market garden in London – planting ideas to improve their own school gardens.

At the end of the school year, students will be encouraged to harvest and sell their produce at local street markets to raise money for more food-education activities.

Find out more

Former Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins digs in with Acland Burghley students.

schoolfoodmatters.org 7

Are you applying for Permanent Residence or Qualified Person status online?

We offer a walk-in European Passport Return Service so you can keep your passport while your application is considered.

Camden Town Hall Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 2.30pm (closes at 1pm on the first Thursday of every month) Drop-in First come, first served From £10, plus special delivery postage Find out more

camden.gov.uk/EPRS

Tie the knot in Camden

Looking for the perfect place for your special day?

Then look no further than Camden.

We have over 45 venues to choose from. So, whether you’re looking for a glamorous hotel, a historic building or something quirky and unusual – you’ll be sure to find your ideal setting.

Book your ceremony using our quick and easy to use online service.

Visit camden.gov.uk/ registrars

camden.gov.uk/registrars

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END FEMALE GEN MUTILA News

Stop female genital mutilation We are supporting a national campaign that aims to end this illegal practice against girls and women.

An estimated 137,000 girls and women are living with the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK, and about 60,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk.

FGM is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls. It is illegal in the UK and leaders of all the main faith groups have spoken out against it. Doctors, nurses, Find out more

midwives and teachers are now legally required to report cases of FGM to the police.

If you suspect that a girl or woman is at risk, or may have undergone FGM, please call Camden’s children and families contact service at 020 7974 3317 or 020 7974 4444 (out of hours). If you think a girl or woman is in immediate danger of FGM, call the police on 999.

gov.uk and nspcc.org.uk (search ‘FGM’) fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk All girls have the right to a life free from pain, menstrual problems 0800 028 3550 (NSPCC helpline) with childbirth that are caused by female genital mutilation (FGM).

Female genital mutilation, female circumcision or ‘cutting’ may caus and emotional consequences that last a lifetime. It’s also illegal und

Getting serious about Type 2 diabetes You can stop it. For advice, support or to report it ca hourthey anonymous FGM helpline.

Nearly 6,000 Camden residents don’t 24 know have diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40, and with south Asian people it often appears from the age of 25. It is also becoming more common in children, adolesce nts and young people of all ethnicities.

If left untreated, Type 2 diabetes can get worse and cause longIn partnershipsuch with theas term health problems, Home Office co-funded by blindness, kidney failure, and loss nspcc.org.uk/fgm the PROGRESS Programme of the European Union of limbs. It also makes it five times more likely that you’ll have a heart attack or a stroke.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 per cent of all people with diabetes. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help manage the condition, but medication and/or insulin are often required.

Even if you don’t have the condition, you may be at risk of getting it. The good news is that there is support available to prevent it, and to prevent it from getting worse in those who already have it.

Find out more

0800 028

Visit the website below to find out your risk.

diabetes.org.uk/knowyourrisk 9

News

Creating 21st century talent Giving Camden young people skills and opportunities in our thriving creative, scientific and digital economy.

A new report, ‘Creating Camden’s 21st Century Talent’ by the Council-led Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) Commission, sets out plans for how our young people can better benefit from the global organisations working in Camden.

World-renowned institutions, including the British Library, the Francis Crick Institute and Central Saint Martins college of art and design, alongside companies such as Google and ASOS, have the potential to inspire and support our young people to aim high and find work in the 21st century economy.

Find out more

The report’s recommendations include developing a new higher level apprenticeship and work experience offer with companies working in Camden’s Knowledge Quarter. Employees will be encouraged to volunteer as school governors or as speakers in schools to make sure young people are informed, inspired and better able to take advantage of these employers on their doorstep.

The report, which you can read in full at the website below, was launched at Google’s offices in King’s Cross.

camden.gov.uk/steamcommission

Have a barbecue in Camden disposable or gas barbeques are not allowed.

• Place your barbeque on level ground, well away from houses, trees, shrubs, park furniture and other people.

You’re invited to bring a barbeque to one of our fantastic parks and open spaces, but we want you to be safe and responsible.

• Use a portable, reusable charcoal barbeque –

Find out more 10

• Take water to put out the barbeque and make sure it’s cool before you move it.

• Never leave the barbeque unattended.

• Keep children, pets, games and sports well away from the cooking area.

camden.gov.uk/bbq

• Empty the cooled charcoal and ash in the charcoal bins provided.

Barbeques not allowed Some spaces are not suitable or managed by Camden Council, including: • Nature reserves, community gardens and cemeteries • Hampstead Heath • Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

News

Meet your new Mayor Camden talking Your comments on social media.

We’ve planted over 3,000 trees in #Camden in the last 2 years! with @OVOEnergy #iDigTrees & hundreds of #volunteers @GreenGymCamden via Twitter

Councillor Richard Cotton has been appointed as the new Mayor of Camden for 2017/18. He succeeds Councillor Nadia Shah.

have completed several longdistance routes, including the Capital Ring, the London Loop and much of the North Downs Way. I’m a keen local historian, and a Spurs fan since 1961.

Tell us about yourself I am a proud Londoner, born in the City within the sound of the Bow Bells, and have lived in Camden for more than 28 years.

What would you like to achieve in your mayoral year?

I will be championing the theme of ‘One Camden’, a borough that celebrates diversity based on engagement not separation.

Diversity is nothing new to Camden. Our community is rooted in almost every country on earth and that is what has made Camden what it is today.

I worked in local government in Camden, Haringey and Brent whilst studying to obtain a Master’s degree in Politics from the University of London.

I live in the vibrant centre of our borough that is Camden Town, and, as a ward councillor, I have worked with my colleagues to improve the quality of life for local residents.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m a volunteer at Primrose Hill Community Library and I organise a pensioners’ walking club. We Find out more

Unfortunately, increasing economic inequality and a shortage of affordable housing has led to increased social exclusion and homelessness. My fundraising efforts will be directed at working with the C4WS Homeless Project, which addresses homelessness in a holistic way, offering pathways into the settled community through employment and housing.

camden.gov.uk/mayor c4wshomelessproject.org

If the thought of attending events or socialising locally overwhelms you #Camden #CommunityConnectors can help @abc_camden via Twitter

Love the idea of a daily mile! As well as some of the other ideas.

We should get this going for health week next week!

Kate Clifton via Facebook

Do you struggle to get a seat on public transport? Apply for a #PleaseOfferMeASeat badge from @TfL #OlderPeople @abc_camden via Twitter

A brilliant bookish time @britishlibrary yesterday- our creative writers perused the library & inspired, penned some extraordinary prose @Acland_Burghley via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden @camdentalking 11

Feature

Recycling for Camden In April we made changes to recycling and rubbish collections. These changes aim to increase recycling rates and will save us £5 million a year. As funding from central government continues to shrink, we need to find new, cheaper ways of doing things.

Recycle right There are lots of things around your home you can recycle. Recycling is better for the environment, helps reduce waste and is cheaper than disposing of rubbish. So, before you throw something in the rubbish, check to see if it can go in your recycling or food waste caddy instead.

To make sure we can process your recycling, it’s important that you only put the correct items into your container. You can find a full list of what can go into your recycling on our website, or if you have a question, please email ‘Ask Jenny’.

All of these items can go into your recycling

Aerosol cans

Fruit punnets

All plastic and foil food trays (remove film lids)

Please don’t put these in your recycling

Crisp packets

Lightbulbs

Polystyrene Wet tissues, paper or card

Plastic carrier bags

Recycling

Rubbish

We also have free collections for your household batteries, textiles and small electrical items. Contact us to find out more.

Camden residents recycled 7% more in the first two weeks of April this year than they did during the same two weeks last year.

Did you know?

Check your collection days, order containers and report a missed collection: 12

Ask

Jenny

Jenny is one of our enforcement officers. Each month she answers your recycling and collection questions.

Feature Will orange bags for rubbish be collected from outdoor bin stores?

No, they won’t. You will need to put your orange bags, recycling containers and food waste caddy within a metre of the pavement, or your property boundary by 7am on your collection day. This will help to make your collections more efficient. Please bring your containers back inside your property boundary within 24 hours of your collection to help keep the streets tidy. See page 4 for information on where to put your containers.

Report flytipping on the go

Can I put my recycling in black plastic bags?

I know that liquids cannot go into food waste caddies.

But do egg yolks and whites, ketchup, pasta sauce, yoghurt and pesto count as liquids?

No, you can’t. Our crews can’t see what is inside black bags so they won’t collect them. Please put all your recycling into your Camden branded recycling box, bag or wheelie bin.

No, they don’t. You can put all of these products into your food waste caddy. Even better though, use up your leftovers instead of throwing them away when you can. You can freeze pasta sauce and egg whites, and ketchup keeps for longer in the fridge. A thin layer of cooking oil added before screwing on the lid helps pesto and spice pastes last longer.

Download our new Clean Camden app to report flytipping, graffiti and dog fouling from your mobile phone. The app is free and easy to use, and you can track how quickly the issue is dealt with. Download it from the website below.

Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to ask Jenny a question about how to recycle right.

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

uk.occamden@veolia.com

020 7974 2202 13

Feature

Camden’s keen recyclers Changes to recycling and rubbish collections began in April to boost recycling rates and save money.

Local resident Luke Pearson tells us how his family makes sure they recycle all they can. His family lives in a terrace house in Kentish Town. They are keen recyclers and happy to have their rubbish collected every two weeks.

How have you managed fortnightly collections?

Our recycling and food waste is still collected every week. Our wheelie bin for rubbish is never more than half full when it’s collected fortnightly because I make sure my family recycles everything we can.

We have a small food waste caddy that we keep in the kitchen for food scraps, but we don’t throw much

Find out more 14

Luke’s top five tips for better recycling

food away because we try to plan our meals. We also have a great book of recipes that use leftovers.

1. Check Camden's website for what you can and can't recycle

I try to think about the environment before I throw anything away. I think about how much it costs for something to go to landfill or the incinerator, when I can just put it in a different container and recycle it.

2. Rinse plastics and glass before you recycle them

What’s one thing everyone should know about the new collections?

You can team up with neighbours to share a garden waste collection.

It makes it cheaper for everyone.

4. Try not to buy pre-packaged fruit and vegetables

Recycling pet peeve?

People who put polystyrene in their recycling bin.

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

3. Be careful not to contaminate your recycling with food or things that can’t be recycled

5. Keep your food waste caddy near your rubbish bin in the kitchen so it’s easy to sort food and rubbish when cleaning up.

Feature

Going digital to tackle our financial challenge The Council is adopting new digital technology to make the services you use more efficient and easier to access.

New technology will make it easier for you to access services.

By 2018/19 our like-for-like funding will have been cut by more than half by the government so we’ve had to find new ways of doing things and rethink how we provide services.

Camden Account More than half of our residents now have an online Camden Account, and the list of things you can do through the account or our website keeps growing.

We are not just using technology in our offices. Our new recycling Your Camden Account is a safe and simple place to: • buy and renew parking permits; • view housing statements, pay bills and apply for housing benefits; • register for council tax, view your council tax bill and apply for a reduction; and • view planning activity in your area and more.

Find out more

See page 29 for a list of free drop-in computer classes so you can learn how to access council services online. and rubbish collection vehicles have in-cab technology that means we can now monitor what is being recycled and track collection rounds in real time.

Open Data Camden This website has a wealth of information about Camden’s people and places. Data can be viewed, re-used and downloaded by anyone. We work with developers, researchers and decision makers to use this data to come up with innovative solutions

camden.gov.uk/camdenaccount

to some of the challenges we face.

Sharing open data helps us spend our money more efficiently by making it easier to analyse information from across the council, and identify opportunities to make living and working in our borough even better.

Open Data Camden can also be viewed as a map, so you can see information about your neighbourhood, such as planning applications, traffic incidents or parking spaces.

opendata.camden.gov.uk 15

Feature

Minding men’s health Men’s Health Week runs from 12 to 18 June. This year’s focus is belly fat because your shape matters as much as your weight when it comes to your health. Our Camden Active team also wants to help you get rid of those extra inches with fun ideas to get you moving, such as walking football.

Belly fat: How do you measure up?

You can find out if you are at increased risk by measuring your waist.

Trouser size is not always a good indication.

Lower risk Below 37˝

Increased risk Above 37˝

Severe risk* Above 40˝

You may be surprised to know that, regardless of your overall weight, belly fat increases your risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

One man who was spurred into taking action against his waistline was Dave from Camden, whose GP told him about Rebalance, the free Camden and Islington weight management programme.

Dave said “I found out very quickly it doesn’t take long to remember how to use the gym machines and before long you’re chatting to the person next to you on the jogging machine or bike. The variety of times and mix of different types of exercise available at various locations in the borough has made it a pleasure (not a pain) to get involved. No one is bothered what you are wearing or what you look like.

Dave shows there are many ways to get moving and stay active.

Find out more 16

“I feel a lot stronger and so much fitter now, so much so that I no longer need to flop down on the

settee for those 40 winks when I get home and I needed to put extra holes in my trouser belt to stop them falling down!”

Since finishing the 12-week programme, Dave has continued to go to the gym, taking advantage of more than 50% off gym membership, and still gets support from Rebalance coaches to stick to the healthy changes he has made.

Apply now for Rebalance, or read about the wide range of health and wellbeing services in Camden on the websites below.

Top tips for reducing belly fat • Drink less alcohol • Eat well – check out oneyoucamden.org for advice and recipes • Be active – find out about free and low cost activities at camden.gov.uk/active

* Severe risk for men from African-Caribbean, South Asian, Black African, Chinese and Middle Eastern ethnic groups is a waist measurement of 35.5” and above.

camden.gov.uk/rebalance

oneyoucamden.org

Feature

It’s the beautiful game – just slower Walking football helps people get fit or maintain an active lifestyle, no matter their age and fitness level. It also supports people to get back into the game if they have given it up due to age or injury.

resulting in a lower heart rate and blood pressure, less fat and more muscle, and better mobility.

Camden has five weekly training sessions to help residents get fit.

Sessions are free or low cost, and social. It’s a great way to meet new people locally and feel part of a team.

“Walking football has made me fitter and happier, and introduced me to new friends.”

Walking football is a great way to get back into the game you love.

Our walking football players say: There are now more than 800 walking football clubs in the UK – twice the number that existed a year ago. The Football Association is even issuing an official rulebook.

Walking football is exactly what it sounds like – a standard game of football where players walk instead of run. This means players moving around the pitch must have one foot in contact with the ground at all times.

This sport isn’t age or gender specific, but it’s been especially beneficial for older people,

“Walking football gets me out of my chair. The body and brain get exercise. Pulling on a football kit in my 70s after years of thinking ‘no more football’ is a really good feeling, plus the camaraderie over tea or coffee afterwards, and the chance to make new friends.”

“I thought playing football again was out of the question at my age; I would never kick a ball again. But now, we play a game, meet new people and have a good laugh.

We really enjoy ourselves.”

Walking football training Saturday 2 to 3pm Talacre Sports Centre Dalby Road NW5 3AF

Find out more

Sunday 11am to 12.30pm Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre Adelaide Road NW3 3NF Free 11.30am to 12.30pm Malden Road MUGA NW5 4QE

camden.gov.uk/active

Tuesday 11am to 12pm Men only Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre 69-75 Stanhope Street NW1 3LD

Thursday 1 to 2pm Rowley Way astro-pitch Alexandra and Ainsworth estate Rowley Way NW8

Turn to page 28 for more free and low-cost sports on offer in Camden.

17

Feature

Action on air quality What we’re doing to help reduce pollution levels around our schools.

Monitor air around schools Helping people understand pollution levels in their area is a great way to encourage action on air pollution. That’s why we’re supporting a group of residents to monitor pollution levels at Camden’s schools. You can apply for monitoring equipment yourself by visiting the resident monitoring fund page on our website.

Earlier this year the Mayor of London announced new funding to help tackle pollution levels at schools across London that experience the worst air quality.

Watch for more information on the Idling Action air quality project later this year.

Pupils from Argyle Primary School with Deputy Mayor of London Shirley Rodrigues at the launch of the London-wide Idling Action air quality project.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/AQ

A healthier way to school Making sure our children and young people have safe and healthy journeys to school in the morning is an important priority in Camden.

We work with many schools in the borough to develop their school travel plans. School travel plans support people in getting children to school without the car, teach pupils about road safety and tackle poor air quality.

Find out more 18

camden.gov.uk/stp

stars.tfl.gov.uk

By introducing a travel plan that addresses these issues, Camden schools can become accredited through Transport for London’s Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe (STARS) scheme. The scheme aims to inspire young Londoners to think differently about travel and its impact on their health, wellbeing and the environment.

Feature

No idling We’re also working with schools to tackle poor air quality as a result of engine idling around school sites.

Engine idling is where drivers leave their engines running while the vehicle isn’t moving, often out of habit. This increases the amount of pollution in the air particularly at the start and the end of the school day.

We run events to promote walking and cycling to school, which is Find out more

healthier than travelling in the car, as well as being better for air pollution levels.

We recommend that all schools and parents sign up to airTEXT, a free email and SMS forecasting service to monitor air quality. This service can help you understand the impacts of different types of pollution, and easy steps to reduce your exposure and contribution, particularly when pollution levels are high.

idlingaction.london

A volunteer educates a driver about the difference switching off can make.

airtext.info

Celebrating sustainable business The recent Camden Business Sustainability Awards recognised the borough’s businesses that are leading the way to achieving environmental sustainability for the good of the borough and wider community. Visit the webpage below for a full list of winners.

The evening also launched the Camden Climate Change Alliance’s (CCCA) ‘Marks of Achievement’ certification scheme.

Encourage your local businesses to join the CCCA by contacting us at the email below.

Find out more

camdencca.org

camdencca@camden.gov.uk

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Feature

Celebrating the achievements of homeless residents Residents in hostels supported by the council who have taken significant steps to rebuild their lives were honoured at the Camden Adult Pathway Awards.

The Camden Adult Pathway Awards (CAPA) celebrate the achievements of single homeless people living in hostels and supported housing who have overcome enormous challenges.

These include dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, getting help with mental health issues, overcoming past domestic violence or sexual abuse, addressing learning challenges, and successfully getting off the streets.

The Camden Adult Pathway plays a key role in the success of preventing homelessness in

Camden. It provides 700 beds and support to single homeless adults across 19 services delivered

by Camden, One Housing Group, the Salvation Army, SHP, Sapphire Independent Housing, Solace Women’s Aid and St Mungo’s.

They support residents to access activities and programmes that open opportunities to improve their circumstances, including employment, training or engaging in creative activities like artwork, to help them achieve their ambitions.

The Pathway includes large hostels, like Arlington in Camden Town and Endell Street near Covent Garden,

which have benefited from recent investment. They now provide open and welcoming reception areas, modern en suite accommodation and better communal facilities.

In 2015/16, 262 homeless people were referred into the Pathway, and 247 people moved on from the Pathway into independent accommodation. If the Pathway didn’t exist, the likely alternative would be rough sleeping or sofa surfing.

The awards evening took place on 27 April. Inspirational stories were shared by the 15 nominees, and some of the entertainment was provided by Pathway residents.

About the Pathway • It has been crucial to Camden’s homelessness prevention programme, which has significantly reduced the number of households in temporary housing. This figure dropped from 1,664 in April 2007 to 425 in April 2016.

• Over 200 people are supported to move from the Pathway into independent accommodation each year.

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Feature

Moving onwards and upwards Ahmed Hussein, from Conway House, won the Taking Responsibility award. Veronica Donohoe, his key worker, said: “Ahmed’s achievement is so inspiring. He’s 67 years old and very motivated to improve his skills and health. He has a support plan in place and he sets goals. For example, he attends courses to improve his English and no longer needs an interpreter. He also gave up smoking on 1 January.”

Ahmed said: “I really enjoyed the event and was happy to

receive the award. I’m also pleased with my achievement.

I’m now studying ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) level 2, and hope to study an IT course so I can access more information.

Eden Testamichael, from Arlington, won the women’s Overall Achievement award.

Before the Pathway, she was in a bad place mentally and physically, but now sees a much brighter future.

“Before joining the Pathway I had health problems and found it hard to travel to attend hospital appointments. I now have a stable home and can plan my life and attend important appointments. I also get to see my family and attend the local Mosque.”

“I am over the moon because I have been in the Pathway quite a while. I feel that I have come a long way and I feel like it’s a great achievement.

Ahmed Hussein won the Taking Responsibility Award.

I now have everything in order and I feel I have a sense of direction. I know where I want to go and what I want to achieve.

I feel normal and I have some stability thanks to the support from Arlington.

“I have had the chance to attend workshops and training. I feel more confident with myself and more comfortable within the community. I have always wanted this; I feel I am ready to move on from the hostel. Before, I didn’t want to leave Arlington without achieving something for myself.

The award made me realise that I have been working really hard. I am happy people recognise the difference that I’ve made.”

Camden Adult Pathway Award winners Positive Change – Gary Walker, Cambria House Taking Responsibility – Ahmed Hussein, Conway House Personal Growth – David Aherne, Camden Housing First Overall Achievement Male – Paul Ringer, SIH Recovery Service Overall Achievement Female – Eden Testamichael, Arlington Find out more

camden.gov.uk/hostelpathways 21

Feature

Kick-starting a career in the building industry Fourteen residents have completed a two-week training programme, thanks to a partnership with Wates Residential and the council’s Community Investment Programme.

Through our Community Investment Programme (CIP),

we’re investing money in schools, homes and community facilities.

We’re also working closely with our contractors on CIP sites, so local people get the opportunity to undertake training and secure good-quality positions. We have secured 193 apprenticeship opportunities and 141 work experience opportunities through CIP so far.

Wates Residential, our contractors for the Abbey area development pledged to create training and employment opportunities for local people as part of their work.

Their two-week Building Futures programme at the King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre gives people looking for work a kick-start into the residential building industry.

During the training, participants worked towards achieving the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which is needed to work in the construction industry, and a Level 1 award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment.

Dione, one of the participants said: “This course has been fantastic. I didn’t realise that I would learn so much. It’s been really fun and I would highly recommend Building Futures to friends and family.”

Marianna Giallouraki was eager to obtain a CSCS card and seized the opportunity to attend the Building Futures programme with Wates.

She passed the course in March and is now working as a Site Technician/Engineer for Mount Anvil under the Contractor J Reddington.

Dione, a Building Futures participant, thinks the programme has been fantastic and would recommend it to others.

22

“Everything is going well... I strongly believe women deserve to be in any field they choose.”

Feature Paul Nicholls, regional managing director of Wates Residential, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of the Abbey development is to be able to

provide the people of Camden and the surrounding areas with an insight into how the house building industry operates, as well as the many employment

Participants celebrate after completing the Building Futures programme.

opportunities it presents. That’s why we’re so pleased to have welcomed members of the local community to take part in our Building Futures programme.

“We hope everyone that took part in this course will have an improved knowledge of how schemes such as the Abbey area regeneration project work, and that it will inspire them to consider taking further steps towards a rewarding career in the residential building industry.”

Abbey area regeneration project Work to build 141 homes at Abbey Road and Belsize Road started earlier this year and is progressing well. The first phase of the development also includes extra retail and commercial spaces, a 52-space underground car park and 75 homes for sale. These homes will fund the development of the affordable homes and business facilities.

The first phase of the Abbey area project will add 141 homes.

After the first phase, more homes will be built in the area, along with community and health facilities, and improved play and open spaces.

Camden’s Community Investment Programme will deliver: 3,050

new homes, including 1,400 affordable homes Find out more

Invest £117 million into schools and children’s centres

9,000 square metres of improved community facilities – the equivalent

of 35 tennis courts

camden.gov.uk/cip camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships www.kingscrossconstruction.co.uk 23

Feature

Have your say on Euston The Euston station area is changing, and we want to know what you think it should look like in the future.

This is your chance to have your say on a list of principles we have drafted to influence development at Euston.

The HS2 Act became law in February, allowing the Government to build the railway. Now the railway is going ahead, we want the Government to fully redevelop Euston to create a new piece of the city with a world-class station.

We want your feedback on the key principles that we think can help to achieve this. These include making best use of space to maximise opportunities for new homes, new jobs and designing an outwardlooking Euston with new routes through and around the station.

Get involved Read more about the principles and give your views at the website below by Monday 3 July.

You can also come along to a drop-in event to learn more and give comments.

We will use your feedback to help shape a draft planning brief for the Euston station area, which we will consult on next year.

The plan will both inform, and be informed by, emerging designs for the HS2, Network Rail, Crossrail 2 and London Underground stations at Euston.

24

Give your views on our principles to guide development at Euston.

Planning brief: draft key principles

Euston planning drop-in sessions

• Best use of space

Tuesday 13 June

• Respecting the history of Euston • Designing for the future • Boosting the economy • Quality open space

12.30 to 7.30pm St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre (Francis Crick Institute) 2 Ossulston Street NW1 1DF

• A new network of streets to link into the surrounding area

Wednesday 14 June

• An outward-looking station, fostering stronger relationships with nearby communities and places

9.30am to 12.30pm Ampthill Square Tenants Hall Barnby Street (opposite Stoutbeck) NW1 2RS Thursday 15 June

HS2 update At the time of writing, HS2 Ltd said that the earliest St James Gardens will close to the public for construction is late June. HS2 Ltd expects to close the west side of Euston Square Gardens (on the left, facing the station) in September. Visit hs2ineuston. commonplace.is for updates.

Find out more

5.45 to 8.15pm HPod, Cumberland Market Regent’s Park Estate NW1 3RH Tuesday 20 June 9am to 12 noon Surma Community Centre 1 Robert Street NW1 3JU

eustonareaplan.info

Feature Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation about Camden’s future.

There’s still time to help shape the future of Camden. We’ve set up an online forum for you to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences of Camden, as well as viewing and rating other people’s comments.

Your comments will be fed back to the Camden Commission, a panel of cross-party councillors and national experts, who we’ve set up to look at some of the challenges facing our borough and how they can be overcome.

The Commission is keen that any recommendations they make are based on local views so, since February, have been speaking with local people, community groups, organisations and businesses about issues surrounding four topics.

Communities “ I’d like more outlets for creativity in the community – art connects people and can help bring communities together.” “ Events such as lunch clubs to make sure young mothers and older residents don’t feel isolated or cut off.”

Camden’s economy We want to know what you love about Camden and how it could be even better.

So, whether you want to share your thoughts, have an idea or just want to tell us about your experience in the borough, visit the online forum by Monday 19 June to join the conversation.

Next steps Based on conversations with our community, along with independent research and data, in July the Commission will make recommendations to us as a council and our partners about some of the areas to focus on over the next five years.

At the heart of this work is making sure Camden remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and nobody gets left behind.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to be involved so far.

Find out more

Your comments

camden.gov.uk/camdencommission

“ Education is important to make sure young people grow up understanding the concept of economy and how they can contribute to their community.” “ Encourage local businesses to invest in community events and spaces.”

Public services “ Homework clubs so kids can get help that they may not be able to get at home.” “ Make more services available online.”

Place and culture “ A way to connect youth and professionals in the community, such as mentoring from local businesses or building more relationships between schools and businesses.” “ Work with neighbouring boroughs to improve town centres like Kilburn, which sit on the border.”

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Feature

The next generation of jazz stars © Carlton Dixon

Young musicians are learning and performing with jazz masters in a project that is nurturing music stars of the future.

Jazz Connect, a 18-month project funded by Arts Council England, aims to encourage aspiring musicians.

There are free workshops for local young players and singers on Saturday, 17 June and Sunday, 18 June, led by acclaimed jazz vocalist Peter Churchill and members of the London-based jazz group Loop Collective.

The free workshops will be followed by an open air Jazz Picnic at 3pm on Sunday, 2 July, celebrating young people and jazz in Camden, in the grounds of Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park.

The free concert, which will be the first Jazz Connect live showcase, will feature groups from the Camden Saturday Music Centre, directed by Jazz FM Instrumentalist of the Year 2017 Nikki Yeoh, as well as young musicians from the Jazz Connect workshops and other local groups, including Young Music Makers and North London Music Academy.

Jazz Connect brings together all Find out more 26

New Camden Jazz Ensemble members (left to right) Hannah Connell, Bryony Jones and Darcey Willing help launch Jazz Connect at a recent concert.

the members of the borough’s partnership body, called Camden Music Hub, which includes the council’s Camden Music Service, North London Music Academy, the Roundhouse, WAC Arts, Young Music Makers and local schools.

trumpeter Mark Crown, of drum and bass act Rudimental, who are previous Brit Award and Music of Black Origin (MOBO) award winners, as well as multiple platinum award winners for music sales in several countries.

Jazz Connect was officially launched by Camden Youth Jazz Band, the borough’s awardwinning big band, and the New Camden Jazz Ensemble, which played alongside other Camden youth groups at St Luke’s Church in east London on 2 April.

Peter West, head of the Camden Music Service, said: “There is a wealth of talented young musicians who live or go to school and college in the borough, several of whom have already gone on to become world famous. Jazz Connect will help us to nurture the next generation of world-leading musicians and singers.”

Former members of the Camden Youth Jazz Band include

camdenmusichub.com

deborah.rees@camden.gov.uk

Feature

Hitting the headlines A journalism project at Haverstock School is helping students to write and pitch attentiongrabbing articles to local newspapers and magazines.

Haverstock students have been flexing their journalistic muscles by interviewing a variety of people in our borough, including human rights campaigners, artists, designers, scientists, charity workers, police officers and many more.

They pitch their finished articles to local newspapers and magazines, and have been published in the Ham & High Young Readers Edition, On The Hill magazine in Primrose Hill, local university newspapers, and their own website.

Recent assignments have included covering the Paddington Bear Two film shoot, and an interview with a clinical psychologist who works with young people who have emotional difficulties. The aspiring journalists also met local people campaigning for the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a West Hampstead mother imprisoned in Iran, and a robotics researcher at Imperial College London.

Haverstock’s young journalists have been active since 2015, when they were involved in the Ham & High’s Young Readers Find out more

Haverstock journalists interview university students from UCL’s Amnesty International group about human rights.

Edition. The school was awarded a grant by John Lyon’s Charity last year, which enabled the school to hire programme leader Danielle Corgan. She helps the students research their subjects, prepare interview questions, organise the interviews at the school or in the community, and write and edit print-quality articles.

Nikki Haydon, community and partnerships co-ordinator at

Haverstock School, said: “The students learn how to structure their articles and are encouraged to develop their own voice. The project offers challenging opportunities when they meet and interview interesting people, and has really developed their confidence.”

The journalism project meets during lunch breaks and after school, and is open to students aged 11 to 13.

Haverstock journalists and project leader Danielle Corgan (second from left) visit Little Hands community fashion and design company in Belsize Park.

haverstockjournalismproject.wordpress.com 27

Listings

All activities are free unless otherwise specified

Family events

Under 5s

Get active

Animate Celtic craft Use stop-motion software to animate Celtic patterns. Age 7+ Saturday 17 June, 11am to 4pm, drop in British Museum, Great Court Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org info@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181

Little feet: animal textures Spot animal textures and make a badge Sunday 18 June, 11am to 4pm, drop in British Museum, Samsung Centre

Ladies dance class Learn new moves, strengthen and stretch your body to music. Age 16+ Mondays, 12 to 1pm Talacre Community Sports Centre Dance Studio, Dalby Street NW5 3AF kirsty.pealling@camden.gov.uk

Mini-beast safari Make a mini-beast hotel and use a wildlife spotter sheet Sunday 18 June, 1 to 4pm Drop in Keats House 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR keatshouse.org.uk keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk 020 7332 3868 Father’s day craft Make your own thank you card Sunday 18 June, 12 to 2pm Burgh House and Hampstead Museum New End Square NW3 1LT burghhouse.org.uk whatson@burghhouse.org.uk 020 7431 0144 Travelling words Creative workshop with writer Jenneba Sie-Jalloh, suitable for ages 5 to 11 40 places per session, first come first served Sunday 25 June 11.30 to 1pm and 2 to 3.30pm Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre British Library 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB bl.uk/events boxoffice@bl.uk 019 3754 6546

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Little feet: go disco dancing Friday 23 June, 10.30 to 12pm, drop in British Museum, Sackler Rooms Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org info@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181 Term-time drop-in sessions Sessions include: arts and crafts, music and rhyme, cookery Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm £3 first child, £1.50 second child Further concessions available Hampstead Community Centre 78 Hampstead High Street NW3 1RE hampsteadcommunitycentre.co.uk hampsteadcommunitycentre@ btconnect.com 020 7794 8313

Children and young people Leighton education project Full-time courses for 16 to 25 year olds with special educational needs and disabilities 2017/18 places available Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 3.30pm Elfrida Rathbone 7 Dowdney Close NW5 2BP elfridacamden.org.uk rosanna@elfridacamden.org.uk 020 7424 1615 Term-time and holiday play centre After-school play centre with pick up and full day holiday centre Concessions available Hampstead Community Centre 78 Hampstead High Street NW3 1RE hampsteadcommunitycentre.co.uk hampsteadcommunitycentre@ btconnect.com 020 7794 8313

Try table tennis Fridays, 2 to 4pm Sidings Community Centre Brassey Road NW6 2BA camden.gov.uk/active Meet the gym instructor Build confidence using outdoor gyms Wednesdays, 10 to 11am Kilburn Grange Park NW6 2JL camden.gov.uk/active Get gardening Free outdoor gardening sessions Training and equipment provided Wednesdays, 10.30am to 2.30pm Castlehaven Community Association 23 Castlehaven Road NW1 8RU giles@castlehaven.org.uk 020 7485 3386

Walks Glad to be gay Walking tour exploring Camden’s LGBTQ+ heritage. Booking essential Saturday 10 June, 11am Thursday 22 June, 6pm Saturday 24 June, 11am Saturday 1 July, 11am Meet outside Goodge Street Station 30 Rathbone Street W1T lovecamden.org/fluxwalks Thames Path Free for age 60+ Bring your freedom pass Thursday 29 June, 10am to 3pm Meet at: The Haven Building 23 Castlehaven Road NW1 8RU castlehaven.org.uk rebecca@castlehaven.org.uk 020 7692 2238

Listings Keats in the city Follow in the footsteps of John Keats Saturday 24 June, 11am to 1.30pm £12, booking essential Meet outside Moorgate Tube station keatshouse.org.uk keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk 020 7332 3868

Wednesdays 10am, Kilburn Library 12-22 Kilburn High Road NW6 5UH

Green gym

10.15am, Kentish Town Library 262-266 Kentish Town Road NW5 2AA

Pond conservation Tuesday 20 June, 10.45am to 2pm Camden Green Gym Waterlow Park N19 5JF tcv.org.uk gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 710 359 Food growing Saturday 1 July, 10.30am to 1.30pm Oasis Green Gym Oasis Sports Centre WC2H 9AG oasisgreengymgardening oasisgreengym@gmail.com Path maintenance Sunday 25 June, 11am to 2pm Belsize and Adelaide Green Gym Adelaide Nature Reserve NW3 3QB belsizeadelaidegg@gmail.com

Computer skills Learn to use a computer Drop-in as often as you need Tuesdays, 7pm Thursdays, 10am and 1pm Fridays, 10am Sidings Community Centre 150 Brassey Road NW6 2BA Computing for those with basic skills Learn how to use council online services, shop and search for jobs, and more Tuesdays 10am, Maiden Lane Community Centre 156 St Paul’s Crescent NW1 9XZ 1pm, Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus, 74 Stanhope Street NW1 3EX

10am, SHELL, Linnell House, Ainsworth Way NW8 0HS Thursdays 10am, Latin American House Priory House, Kingsgate Place NW6 4TA

Thursdays 1.15pm, Richard Cobden Learning Centre, Camden Street NW1 0LJ Fridays 10am, SHELL, Linnell House, Ainsworth Way NW8 0HS 2.30pm, Conway House 18-22 Quex Road NW6 4PL camden.gov.uk/adultlearning

Community events Great Get Together events Neighbourhood celebrations in memory of Jo Cox, 16 to 18 June Stephenson Way NW1 Thursday 15 June, 12 to 2pm Tavistock Square WC1H Friday 16 June, 1 to 4pm Brunswick Square WC1N 1AN Saturday 17 June, 12 to 2pm Antrim Gardens NW3 Sunday 18 June, 3 to 6pm Iverson Road Park NW6 Sunday 18 June, 2 to 6pm LGBT film club Free refreshments from 6pm, film at 7pm All welcome Second Monday of every month Hugh Cubitt Centre 48 Collier Street N1 9QZ

South End Green festival Music, food, drink, craft stalls, children’s fair, dog show and more Saturday 25 June, 11am to 5pm South End Green Hampstead NW3 southendgreenfestival.org seganw3@talktalk.net 07956 168 320

Exhibitions and performances Lost landmarks: old Hampstead rediscovered Sixth in exhibition series of material collected by Camden local studies and archives centre 14 June to 3 September Burgh House and Hampstead Museum New End Square NW3 1LT burghhouse.org.uk whatson@burghhouse.org.uk 020 7431 0144 Open studios weekend Buy art, try new skills and take part in artist-led tours and demonstrations Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June 12 to 6pm Kingsgate Workshops 110 - 116 Kingsgate Road NW6 2JG kingsgateworkshops.org.uk office@kingsgateworkshops.org.uk 020 7328 7878 Garden tour Guided tours of the Keats House garden Saturday 17 June, 2 to 3pm Sunday 18 June, 11am to 12pm Booking recommended Keats House 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR keatshouse.org.uk keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk 020 7332 3868

Event details may change. Check with the organiser before you attend.

Want to have your event listed here? Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to make a request.

Space is limited and we prioritise free and low-cost community events.

29

Feature

Summer of learning and fun Camden Summer University offers fantastic free courses for 13 to 19 year olds (up to 25 for people with learning difficulties or disabilities) hosted by some of London’s biggest names.

At Camden Summer University, you can study drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), drawing at Central Saint Martins college of art and design or have the films you make screened at the British Museum – all for free and on your doorstep.

Many of these courses are accredited, which means that, as

Katherine Devlin, 16, on the life drawing and painting course at Central Saint Martins.

Camden Summer University photography course at the British Museum.

well as having a blast, you’ll have something to put on your CV when applying for work or university.

Hanifa Mohammed, 17, who lives in West Hampstead, is a former Camden Summer University student and worked as a volunteer helper, or ‘peer motivator’, to support other young people on last year’s summer programme.

She will be a peer motivator again this year.

Hanifa said: “I was a student on the fashion, screenprinting and woodworking courses on Camden Summer University in 2015. It’s one of the best ways to spend your summer. You have a great time, meet new people, make lasting friends and gain qualifications that can take you further in the things you love.”

Camden Summer University 24 July to 25 August 2017 70 courses on offer, including: • film-making, animation and TV studio production • painting and pottery • photography, journalism and fashion • drama, dance and music • baking, trampolining and football • motorcycle mechanics and off-road riding.

Bookings open on Thursday, 15 June and fill up fast. Courses are free if you live in Camden, or attend a local secondary school or council youth project. Visit the website now to learn more about the courses.

Find out more 30

camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity

020 7619 3903

My Camden Elle cycles around using her adapted recumbent trike. were fewer vehicles and bikes on London streets.

People are more aware of cyclists and cycle lanes have helped a lot. I see that Camden offers programmes to help people learn how to ride and try a bike for free. I think this is wonderful. I hope people get involved and the council grows these programmes.

Favourite place in Camden?

What’s your Camden connection?

I moved to Camden in 1981. I’ve thought about moving but I work nearby and never wanted a commute.

What’s the story behind your trike?

I’ve always been a cyclist.

I bought my first bike over 30 years ago at a shop in Kentish Town. I have osteoarthritis, which has worsened over time, and could no longer balance

on a regular two-wheeler or trust my knees to hold up if I have to stop in a hurry. I thought my cycling days were over until I tried a recumbent trike. No balancing and just like pedalling an armchair!

What makes your trike special?

My trike gets me to work, but it’s also how I exercise. I often cycle around before and after work. It’s also part of my social life. I’ve done a ride around central London with Breeze, a British

Cycling group for women.

I love the camaraderie between cyclists. Other cyclists say hello or stop to talk about my trike.

Many people have tried it out and are surprised how fast it goes. If I can get one person with mobility issues back into cycling by using a trike, I’ll be very happy.

What’s been your experience cycling in Camden?

I think cycling is safer than 30 years ago when there

Gordon Square. It’s a peaceful part of the neighbourhood early in the morning and later in the evening. I also like to spy the Fitzrovia foxes.

Lovely to watch but very noisy if you are trying to sleep.

Most memorable experience in Camden?

Spotting the area’s famous residents. I’ve seen Anne Reid a few times, and once I literally bumped into Michael Caine. I turned a corner and walked right into him.

Do you know someone who has strong community connections in Camden who you think we should profile? Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to tell us more.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/cycling

letsride.co.uk/breeze 31