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Nicola Baird

Diye Wariebi: manager Bright Sparks Re-use Project

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Bright Sparks was originally an Islington council project. “It was Cllr Katie Dawson’s idea, if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here,” says manager Diye Wariebi.” (c) Kimi Gill for Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. It’s nearly 10 years since Islington’s pioneering reuse and repair shop opened on Seven Sisters Road bringing new life to unwanted and broken items. Manager Diye Wariebi explains how the Bright Sparks concept has led to more re-use shops opening in Waltham Forest and Newham. From…

Mike Priaulx: Islington Swifts champion

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Mike Priaulx from Islington Swifts. His swift PR has led to dozens of swift boxes being installed around the borough. Will they be used in 2020? (c) Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. Mike Priaulx, 46, who lives by Green Lanes on the Islington & Hackney border is helping summer bird visitors – swifts – find homes under the eaves locally. In this Q&A Nicola Baird finds out the secrets to a happy swift and how Islingtonians can help Q:…

Michael Keshani: Islington Faces trustee

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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…

Richard Smith: 70-year-old author

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Richard Smith (c) Kimi Gill for Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. Are you determined to have a more purposeful new year? For Richard Smith, January 2020 sees the launch of his first novel, Homeward Bound, which has been living in his head for more than 20 years. Interview by Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill Richard Smith…

Mojo: disco barber

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Mojo cuts the hair of people who need a barber and don't have money. Find him wherever you see Groove Groom & Grub (c) Kimi Gill for Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. Meet the children’s entertainer, Mojo, who uses his spare time to offer a Goove Groom & Grub haircutting service for people who are homeless around Islington and Stratford. Interview by Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill. Mojo is grooving under Finsbury Park bridge, just by the…

Cally Clock Tower: 46 metres of history

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Islington Guided Walks' Karen Lansdown explains all about the Caledonian Clock Tower and massive Metropolitan Market which used to be held where Caledonian Park is now (c) Islington Faces
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…

Andrew Wilson: songs of place

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Andrew Wilson uses music to introduce Islington school students to the history of the area. (c) Kimi Gill for Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. A professional writer, editor and translator, Andrew Wilson – originally from Canada – has settled in N19. In between work gigs he is sharing his love of history and theatre with Islingtonians of all ages. Interview by Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill.  “I love to…

Talal Karim: Finsbury Park Trust

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Talal Karim was a Labour councillor for Junction ward for 20 years (1982-2002) and since July 2009 has been Executive Director of Finsbury Park Trust. (c). Kimi Gill for Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. After 10 years running the Finsbury Park Trust, Talal Karim, shares his favourite parts of this colourful area. Interview by Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill  Despite being super busy – his phone rings constantly and he needs to rejig our meeting time twice – Talal…

Eddie K: security team leader

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Eddie K: “I love to put on a show for Whittington Hospital staff during Black History Month.” This year it’s on Friday 25 October from 5-8pm (c) Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. Meet Eddie K from Whittington Hospital who is the force behind the annual get-together celebration event – mixing music, inspirational talks and the best Afro-Caribbean food – run during Black History Month. Interview by Nicola Baird Walking from reception past the cafĂ© at Whittington Hospital can…

Hannah Staab and Jen Cronin: climate change campaigners

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Hannah Staab and Jen Cronin (c) Kimi Gill for Islington Faces
Everybody has a story. Although Hannah Staab and Jen Cronin now live in Haringey their campaigning work with Fossil Free Islington has had a massive impact on changing council policy – and led to the council divesting its pension fund. Interview by Nicola Baird. Photos by Kimi Gill  Hannah Staab…