Born & bred Islington

Everyone has a story. Dressing up one day a week since the start of the 2020 lockdown – and then for the next 100 weeks – has given Nadine Mellor the chance to review her life via the memories triggered by what she wore. Here she talks about the joys…
Nicky Ludgate is a pro at bringing neighbours together. Here she explains how this happens on the New River estate and across Canonbury at Yeate Street, Elmore Street, Elizabeth Avenue and Halliford Street. Interview by Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill It takes a lot of courage to upturn your…
Everybody has a story. New Islington Faces trustee Michael Keshani shares the places he loves in the borough. Q&A with Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill. Q: What’s your connection to Islington? I was born and raised here and am deeply attached to the place, particularly Highbury (helped by being…
Everyone has a story. Here’s how you can take a free tour of Islington’s N7 landmark – the Caledonian Clock Tower, a Grade II* listed building recently restored with Heritage Lottery funding. It’s a chance to explore the history of this dominating tower and Cally Park, one-time home to London’s…
Everyone has a story. As the weather gets colder and the winter shelters open Rosie Roksoph talks about her time spent homeless, the healing power of paint and her plans to make a documentary about London’s most diverse and creative people. Interview by Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill. “It’s…
Everyone has a story. Mick Fitzgerald was just five-years-old when he was sent from Limerick to join his parents in London. His new home was 34 White Lion Street and he wasn’t impressed. Now 66, and living in Essex, he’s enjoying recalling the old days. Follow this short circular walk…
Everyone has a story. If your dream is to do a PhD and become a professor, but no one in your family has ever gone to university, then meeting Michelle Obama while at EGA Secondary School, and being given a scholarship to do a Masters at Kings College London are…
Everyone has a story. During February 2017 Islington Faces instagram account @islingtonfaces shares the story of David Hammond who lived at 212 Liverpool Road until he was 13 years old (from 1949-1961) until his family moved to a new house in Essex – with an indoor bathroom. Interview by Nicola…
Everyone has a story. Here longtime Islington resident, Joe Hagland talks about pubs, railways, film stars and family life on Caledonian Road back in the 1950s. Interview by Nicola Baird Joe Hagland has been a regular at Age UK Islington events for years initially as a volunteer. The Hagland family…
Everyone has a story. Not a lot of people know that during World War Two Arsenal was used as an ARP centre and underneath the West Stand local residents had a safe shelter. That’s where Gladys Muchamore (nee Newman) and her family spent most nights during the war. Gladys’ family have always…