News Archive
13 July 2023
Win a free group ticket to A Midsummer Night’s Dream this Sunday!
Thanks to a very kind donor we have a free group / family ticket available for Shake-scene Shakespeare’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hilldrop this Sunday!
The ticket is valid for 4 people (must include at least one adult over 18) and the performance is suitable for children aged 8 and above.
For a chance to receive this free ticket please send an email entitled ‘free ticket’ with your name and contact details to office@hilldrop.org.uk, or text same to 07495 518 306 by 5pm on Thursday 13th July.
Entries will be drawn from a hat and one lucky winner notified!
09 June 2023
Drop in for an afternoon Garden Party!
Thursday 6th July 12pm - 3pm
Drop in for afternoon tea and scones in our beautiful community garden!
Join us as we say thank you to our gardening volunteers for their amazing work and celebrate the creation of our wildlife garden on Community Lane.
Find out more about our centre and how you can get involved in gardening for the community!
All welcome!
8 May 2023
The Hilldrop Spring Coronation Fair
Our annual family open day was scheduled a little earlier this year to coincide with Coronation day on May 6th 2023.
Thank you to everyone who came along to join us for activities, stalls, music and some delicious celebratory food!
View our gallery from the day.
17 April 2023
Important: Community Lane Roadworks & Centre Renovations
Due to road re-surfacing works on Community Lane there will be no access to traffic during the week commencing Monday 24th April. Pedestrian access may be granted via Hilldrop Road, but we would advise visitors to use the footpath from Community Lane to access the centre during this period.
In addition, Islington Council have scheduled renovation works to our Main Hall and attached lobby and rooms, due to commence on Monday 5th June 2023 and estimated to take 2-4 weeks. While these works are carried out there will be no access to that side of the building and activities that cannot be relocated will be cancelled.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works. Please visit our information page for further details.
17 April 2023
Ivinghoe House Tenants & Residents Association meeting.
If you live in or close to Ivinghoe House (Hilldrop Estate) and would like to join the Tenants & Residents Association, please come along to the inaugural meeting at Hilldrop Community Centre this Tuesday 28th February.
Tuesday 2nd May from 7.00 - 8.00pm. Main Hall.
14 April 2023
Join us for a Spring Walk on Sunday 23rd April.
On Sunday 23 April, we’ll be embarking on a spring walk to explore some of our local green spaces!
Our volunteer gardeners have been developing our own Hilldrop Wildlife Garden to share with residents, and there are many other spaces in development around Islington. To celebrate we're meeting at Hilldrop Community Centre at 11.00am on Sunday 23rd April, where we'll set off on a gentle-paced 5K circular walk taking in a variety of local green areas of interest.
Our 'Greening the Grey' project is still a work in progress and we welcome donations to help us continue the planting and aftercare. If you'd like to encourage people to sponsor you, you can direct sponsors to our donate page.
The walk will begin and end at Hilldrop Community Centre,
Community Lane, Hilldrop Road, N7 0JE
Sunday 23rd April 2023 at 11.00am
Contact: secretary@hilldrop.org.uk for more information and to register your interest.
11 April 2023
Tufnell Park Police Ward Panel Meeting - Wednesday 26th April.
Tufnell Park Ward Police will hold a panel meeting on Wednesday 26th April from 6 - 7pm in the Small Hall.
Visit their website to see information on their current local priorities. If you have a concern you'd like to raise you may bring it to the panel, or you can comment on the Twitter account at @MPSStGeorges.
06 March 2023
Penderyn Way Tenants & Residents Association meeting.
If you live in or close to Penderyn Way and would like to join the Tenants & Residents Association, please come along to their meeting at Hilldrop Community Centre on Tuesday 25th April.
Tuesday 25th April from 6.30 - 8.00pm. Main Hall.
31 March 2023
Vacancy: Fundraising Trustee
We are looking for a someone to join our Board of Trustees who has professional experience of fundraising and
can help us form a vision for the future!
Head over to our Work With Us page for more information and details of how to apply.
20th March 2023
New: Walking Art Workshops
Four week pilot course starting 26th April 2023
Do you enjoy creative activities while getting out and about? Come along to our Walking Art Workshops with Cut Moose.
Free to Camden & Islington residents. Beginners (new to walking and/or art activities) are welcome.
Each week there will be a different theme attached to the walk, and activities will include observation, discussion sketching & collage (no experience necessary). You can download the schedule here.
Wednesdays from 12.15 - 2.30pm from 26th April to 17th May. Free.
Please arrive promptly to take part in planned walks.
For more information and to register contact Helen on 07773 760 594 or helen@cutmoose.com
27 February 2023
Ivinghoe House Tenants & Residents Association meeting.
If you live in or close to Ivinghoe House (Hilldrop Estate) and would like to join the Tenants & Residents Association, please come along to the inaugural meeting at Hilldrop Community Centre this Tuesday 28th February.
Tuesday 28th February from 6.30 - 8.00pm. Main Hall.
20 February 2023
New for March: Creative Dinners!
Starts Wednesday 1st March 2023
Cut Moose invite Islington & Camden families to Creative Dinners! Come and make a meal with the family, play some arty games, and enjoy a free sit down dinner together. Ingredients & refreshments provided.
Wednesdays from 3.30 - 5.30pm (term-time). Free.
Register by contacting Helen on 07773 760 594 or helen@cutmoose.com
15 February 2023
New Event: Common Ground - Saturday 25th March
Join us for stories, songs & memories celebrating Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp!
A day of free family-friendly activities with refreshments including a hot vegan soup!
There will be an exhibition, book readings, talks on local causes, information stands, craft activities, willow den building, and an opportunity to share your own stories of resistance. Everyone is welcome.
Brought to you by Scary Little Girls & Greenham Women Everywhere.
Saturday 25th March 2023 12pm - 5pm (Willow Den Workshop from 2-4pm). Free.
Fully accessible. There will be a BSL Interpreter and an Audio Describer.
Contact: elaine@hilldrop.org.uk
7th February 2023
Bumps and Babies Meet-up 29th April
Bumps and Babies is a small friendly meet-up for parents-to-be and carers of young children, crawlers and new walkers who'd like to socialise, make new friends and share experiences over coffee and cake.
Entrance fee is £2 per family with tea, coffee and cake provided.
Register here. Brought to you by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).
Saturday 29th April 2pm - 4pm, Small Hall
20 January 2023
Developing the Food Hub for 2023
We’re delighted to be in receipt of a grant from The London Community Foundation’s Together for London fund which will allow us to expand our Food Hub and open our Warm Rooms for two days a week during 2023.
The grant will help cover extra food provision, additional activities and overhead costs, and allow us to welcome more residents to the centre and provide more support, advice and resources for those who need them.
Our Tuesday drop-in currently runs from 10am until 4pm during term time and residents are welcome to join us for free activities, a warm hearty lunch, and a space to stay warm, make friends and ask for advice.
20 January 2023
Christmas Appeal & Celebration Day: Thank You
We'd like to say thank you to everyone who donated to our 2022 Christmas Appeal enabling us to provide food and essentials to people in need over the Christmas period. We'd also like to thank The East London Business Alliance (ELBA) again for their kind donation of toys which were distributed to local families with children.
Thanks also to our donors, volunteers, Islington Council and Howden Group Holdings for enabling us to host our Christmas Celebration Day and Dinner for the community on the 20th December. It was lovely to see so many of our neighbours, and a few new faces, getting together for a day of fun & games and enjoying a hearty Christmas Dinner cooked by our Food Hub Coordinator Robin and volunteers Saada and Alison.
View our gallery of photos from this special day!
18 January 2023
Bumps and Babies comes to Hilldrop
Bumps and Babies is a small friendly group for parents-to-be and carers of young babies, crawlers and new walkers to socialise, make new friends and share experiences over coffee and cake.
Entrance fee is £2 per family with tea, coffee and cake provided.
Register via Eventbrite
Brought to you by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).
NEW DATES: Saturdays 18th March & 29th April 2pm - 4pm, Small Hall
13 January 2023
Upcoming Meetings
The Met Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team for St George's Tufnell Park will be holding a Police Ward Panel Meeting at Hilldrop to discuss local concerns and set priorities for the local Police team.
Monday 23rd January 2023 6.15 - 7.15pm, Main Hall
Islington's Tufnell Park Ward Partnership, chaired by Cllr Tricia Clarke & Cllr Satnam Gill, will meet at Hilldrop to discuss local issues and priorities for the neighbourhood. Local residents, community groups and business representatives are invited to share their views and concerns with the panel.
Tuesday 24th January 6.30 - 8.30pm, Main Hall
02 December 2022
Announcing our 2022 Christmas Card Competition Winner!
Congratulations to Brody, aged 6, for this wonderful snowman design which now graces this year's official Hilldrop Christmas Card!
We'd like to thank everyone who took part, especially the children from our After School Club, who submitted such an impressive selection of designs we have created a gallery so their amazing work can be viewed by all!
1 December 2022
Christmas Events at Hilldrop
Head to our Events page for full details of our upcoming Christmas Family Activity Day on Saturday 10th December, and our Christmas Dinner & Celebration Day on Tuesday 20th December!
Our free Family Activity Day includes craft activities, baby soft play, a bric-a-brac sale and a Wreath Making Workshop, plus hot soup and refreshments form the Food Hub. Please arrive by 12pm if you'd like to join the Wreath Making Workshop.
Our Christmas Celebration Day includes quizzes, games, bingo, a Christmas Dinner/Vegetarian Buffet and evening carols. If you'd like to reserve a place at Christmas Dinner please RSVP to elaine@hilldrop.org.uk or leave a voicemail on 0207 627 9453 so we know numbers!
29 November 2022
Donate to our Christmas Appeal!
For our 2022 Christmas Appeal we're focusing on supporting those feeling especially vulnerable due to the cost of living crisis. Can you help us provide a hamper of ‘really useful things’ and a few treats to help someone this Christmas?
Donations can be brought to the centre Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm up until Monday 19th December, or if you’d like to make an online donation to help us purchase goods you can do so by visiting our donate page up until Friday 16th December.
01 November 2022
Enter our Christmas Card Competition!
Our annual in-house Christmas Card competition is open to children and adults and we've extended the deadline to this Sunday 6th November. The winning design will receive a £10 book token, an advent calendar and 10 printed copies of their card! To enter download and print our template, add your design and:
a) bring it in to the centre during office hours (Mon-Fri 10-5), or
b) scan and email it to office@hilldrop.org.uk by the end of Sunday 6th November.
12 October 2022
Shakespeare at Hilldrop: Thank You!
We'd like to thank everyone who joined us in September for Shake-Scene Shakespeare's special fundraising performance of Romeo & Juliet, helping to raise nearly £600 for our charitable activities!
We're especially grateful to our amazing performers for giving their time & talent and creating such a fantastic atmosphere!
You can view photos and read all about this very special event here.
10 October 2022
Have Your Say on Estate Improvements
Closes 31st October 2022
Do you feel your estate could benefit from new/improved facilities like better access & security, or improvements to bike parking, playgrounds or recycling facilities?
Islington want your suggestions for the Thriving Neighbourhoods investment programme. You can submit your suggestions via the online form, or you can complete a paper form here at Hilldrop and we'll send it on for you. Please make sure forms are returned by 31st October.
31 August 2022
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 4th October 2022 from 7pm
Our first in-person Annual General Meeting since 2019 will be held here at the centre on Tuesday 4th October from 7pm.
If you would like to join the meeting please RSVP to office@hilldrop.org.uk.
04 August 2022
'Romeo & Juliet' at Hilldrop
Sunday 4th September 2022 3pm - 6pm (doors 2.30pm)
Join us on the 4th September for Shake-Scene Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet!
Enjoy a street theatre style performance of the classic play in our community gardens with refreshments provided and an opportunity to meet the actors.
Expect lots of fun and some stirring sword fights!
Tickets for this fundraiser start at £4 (concs/low-incomes). Full price tickets are £10, or £20 for a family ticket. As it’s a fundraiser, please consider paying full price if you can.
Book at Eventbrite.com or drop into the centre.
07 July 2022
St George's Police Ward Panel Meeting - Friday 15th July.
The St George's Ward Police Panel Meeting has been postponed to Friday 15th July from 6 - 7pm in the Main Hall.
Follow their Twitter account at @MPSStGeorges or visit their website for info on future meetings, or if you have a concern you'd like to raise.
29 June 2022
Vacancy: After School Club Play Worker (part-time)
We are seeking an experienced Play Worker to join our Play Project team in managing our After School Club collections and play activities.
Please visit our Work With Us page to download a full Job Description and Application Form
Closing date for applications: 19th July 2022
Interviews will be held between the 25th July and 4th August
22 June 2022
Thank You!
We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to our Jubilations Summer Fair & Parade on 1st June and made it such a lovely day!
Special props to our amazing volunteers, caterers, entertainers, decorators and everyone who helped us prepare, and especially the children for the amazing effort and imagination they put in to their spectacular costumes!
View our Jubilations gallery!
21 June 2022
Events: Health & Wellbeing Fair and Shakespeare at Hilldrop!
Head over to our Events page to find out more about our upcoming free Health & Wellbeing Fair on Saturday July 2nd.
We're also delighted to tell you all about our very special fundraising event on Sunday 4th September when we'll be hosting Shake-Scene Shakespeare's open-air performance of Romeo & Juliet in our community garden!
20 June 2022
School Summer Holidays & Centre Closure
The following activities will be taking a break while the Summer Holiday Playscheme runs in our Main Hall from 25th July to 19th August: Stay & Play, Sewing & Craft, Lunch Club, Artistic Takeover, Bengali women's meetings, Ukulele practice and Choir Practice.
The centre will then close to the public for 2 weeks from the 20th August to 3rd September. Only the following member-only activities will be running during this time: Little Kickers, Olokoro group, AA meetings and the Kingsley organisation's disability support group.
18 May 2022
Join our Jubilee Summer Fair & Parade on Wednesday 1st June!
Join us for a Jubilee Parade on Hilldrop Road, a Tea Party on Community Lane & an International Supper in our lovely gardens!
We’re inviting kids & families to wear crowns & fancy dress for our Jubilee Parade and bring decorated hobby-horses, trikes & scooters!
We'll be holding a Family Craft Day on Saturday 28th May for anyone who wants to join us in making crowns, hobby-horses, costumes and decorations!
Find out more or our Events page and get involved!
Wednesday 1st June 2022 from 3pm to 8.30pm
14 April 2022
New Gardening Workshops!
Check out our Gardening page to find out more about our programme of workshops taking place over the summer term, including our upcoming Soil Health session on Thursday 21st April and our Urban Bees talk on Saturday 30th April!
Our gardening workshops are free to attend and open to all. Beginners welcome!
29 March 2022
Easter Update
The following activities at Hilldrop will break for the Easter School Holidays:
Stay & Play, Sewing & Craft, Lunch Club, Artistic Takeover, Ukulele practice & the
Camden Harmony Singers choir. Little Kickers sessions will take place in the nearby MUGA court, weather permitting.
The Easter Holiday Playscheme will run in the Main Hall from Monday 4th April to Thursday 14th April. The centre will then close from Good Friday 15th April to Easter Monday 18th April.
Note: Our Monday Surplus Food Stall has now closed.
28 March 2022
Goodbye Humpty (for now)!
We say a sad but temporary goodbye to Debs and the Humpty Dumpty Singalong as she takes a break from her Friday sessions to focus on other commitments.
Debs will continue to plan sessions as time and venue availability allow, and we recommend following her Facebook page for news on future activities!
14 March 2022
Summer Events - Save the dates!
Jubilations - Our Summer Fair celebrates Jubilee week!
This year we plan to host our biggest annual Summer Fair yet during Jubilee week! On Wednesday 1st June we're planning a children's Parade on Wheels on Community Lane and we'll be opening up our grounds for all to join us for music, stalls, street food, prizes and kid’s activities!
Wednesday 1st June from 3pm to 8.30pm
Summer Health & Wellbeing Fair 2022
We're also planning another Health & Wellbeing Fair on Saturday 2nd July, where we'll be offering therapeutic activities, advice on healthy living, workshops, arts & crafts and delicious healthy foods to sample!
Saturday 2nd July from 12pm to 4pm
If you'd like to be involved in either event please contact elaine@hilldrop.org.uk.
Visit our Events page for more info, or download our guide to Spring & Summer activities from our What's On page.
10 February 2022
Celebrating the life of Ann Mbachu
It was with enormous sadness that we learned of the passing last November of our much loved friend and colleague, Ann Mbachu. Ann had a long association with Hilldrop Community Centre, as a playworker, volunteer, fundraiser and founder of our long running Ukulele group. She cared deeply for the community she was at the heart of and we will miss the warmth, wit and energy she brought to the centre and all those who knew her.
On Saturday 19th February Ann’s family and friends will host a celebration of her life here at Hilldrop Community Centre after her memorial service. Those of you who knew her and would like to pay your respects are welcome to join us at the centre from 2pm onwards to share memories and toast her inspirational life.
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1 February 2022
Stay & Play: Speech and Language Therapy Special
On Monday 7th March Seema Acharaya from Bright Start’s Speech & Language Therapy team will join our Stay & Play group to share advice on supporting good communication development in children. Seema will also be sharing her expertise in identifying specific speech, language and communication needs, and how parents can find the right support for their children.
Our Stay & Play sessions are free and run on Mondays & Wednesdays between 9.45 and 11.15am. Parents may register on arrival, however if you would like to attend this special session please let us know by emailing office@hilldrop.org.uk so we can have an idea of numbers in advance.
14 January 2022
New Online Workshops: Quilting for Radical Change
Online presentations on Quilting and the stories of resistance and resilience that are sewn into them. Find out about its history and uses in keeping us warm and preserving our memories and culture. Be inspired to join us in creating our own community quilt!
These free online classes will take place from 6 - 7.30pm on Thursdays 27th January, 10th February & 10th March 2022.
14 January 2022
New Events: Super Soup Week & The Common Thread
Check out our new Events page and join us for our free Soup Week event on Tuesday 25th January.
Then on Saturday 29th January our friends from St George's Mutual Aid group will be hosting a free social event at the centre celebrating our community bonds and the wonderful work of our local volunteers.
All are welcome!
14 January 2022
Gardening: Greening the Grey for 2022!
We're excited to announce that we've successfully secured funding from the Mayor of London's Grow Back Greener Fund & Islington Council to 'Green the Grey' on Community Lane! During 2022 we're transforming the end of the old car park into a wildlife friendly green space with fruit trees, hedgerows and raised beds for community growing.
Watch this space to find out how you can get involved and join our team of volunteers in Greening the Grey!
Our weekly Gardening session returns on 27th January 2022.
Thursdays 12 - 2pm (term-time). Free.
Contact: elaine@hilldrop.org.uk
October 27, 2021
New! Mend & Make Workshops with Relish Embellish Café
The Relish Embellish Café presents a series of free workshops tackling fast fashion and its environmental impact. We'll give you the practical skills to repair, alter and transform clothes & textiles, giving them new life and reducing waste. From shopping smarter and re-using what’s in your wardrobe to buying and selling pre-owned goods, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need. Suitable for all skill levels with equipment provided.
No need to book, just come along. Our Lunch Club immediately follows the session and participants are welcome to stay for a free healthy cooked lunch!
Tuesdays (term-time) from Autumn 2021 through Spring 2022
10.00am to 12.15pm. Small Hall. Free
Contact: elaine@hilldrop.org.uk
October 7, 2021
Stay & Play: Speech & Language Therapy Special
We’re delighted to have Seema Acharaya from Bright Start’s Speech & Language Therapy team join our
Stay & Play group on 13th October to share advice on supporting good speech, language and communication development in children. She will also be sharing her expertise in identifying specific speech, language and communication needs, and how parents can find the right support for their children.
If you would like to attend this free session please let us know by emailing office@hilldrop.org.uk so we can know numbers in advance.
Wednesday 13th October 9.45 - 11.15am, Large Hall
Sept 6, 2021
The Artistic Takeover returns!
We're delighted welcome Cut Moose back to the centre with a series of brand new free multimedia workshops for young creatives aged 10-12yrs!
The workshops will cover film making, video editing, theatre and performance making, collaborative games, photography, puppetry, storytelling and creative writing. Activities will be designed in collaboration with participants.
Wednesdays from 4.30 to 6pm.
Autumn 2021 through Spring 2022. Free.
Please note that parental consent is required for participants.
Contact: info@cutmoose.com
July 26, 2021
Thank you!
We'd like to thank everyone who took part in our Summer Fair on Saturday 24th July. The day was about celebrating our amazing neighbourhood and the wonderful new friends we've made over the past year, and thanking them for their tremendous support for each other and the wider community. The generosity of our donors, volunteers, partners and local businesses played a vital part in adapting our Food Hub service to help as many people as possible during the COVID crisis.
A special thanks to our wonderful volunteers, cooks, stall holders, crafters, performers and activity co-ordinators for giving their time and enthusiasm for this event, and to everyone who came along and contributed. We couldn't be more proud of our community and we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
View our gallery
May 21, 2021
The Knitter Knatter Knitting Club
Our new knitting club is for beginners and old hands alike! Set in a relaxed atmosphere where people can share a cup of tea, make friends and learn a new skill, the group will allow space for social distancing while COVID restrictions are still in place. It starts on Tuesday 8th June and will run for 6 weekly sessions between 10.30am and 12pm.
Enquiries: elaine@hilldrop.org.uk
6 weekly sessions starting Tuesday 8th June from 10.30am to 12pm. Free.
We're also running an online knitting course with Islington council - there will be six weekly sessions running from Friday 28th May (10.30am - 12pm). People are welcome to sign up to both courses.
Enquiries: hcdt@islington.gov.uk
June 7, 2021
Stay & Play re-opens
Our Stay & Play sessions are now open again offering free play for Under 5's led by a Level-3 Childcare worker. Parents may register on arrival, but please respect any queuing or hygiene measures we have in place. Our Toy Library is also open and families can borrow from a variety of toys & books for up to two weeks.
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9.45 - 11.15am, Large Hall (term time only)
May 10, 2021
The Wishing Tree Family Workshop
Little Angel Theatre have created an exciting project for families to help develop a new show! 'The Wishing Tree' is an interactive exhibition of 6 trees that will visit community centres & schools. We’re inviting families with children aged 5-11 to a FREE workshop here at Hilldrop to help develop the show’s content – from character design & creative writing to arts & crafts. Participants will get free tickets to the show this summer!
Workshops run on Saturday 22nd May at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 4pm– book your place here.
Enquiries: LauraH@littleangeltheatre.com
Saturday 22nd May. Free.
April 24, 2021
Elaine Maffrett receives Mayor's Civic Award
Congratulations to our Centre Manager Elaine on receiving a Mayor's Civic Award in recognition of her outstanding work in transforming our centre and developing the Food Hub to meet the changing needs of our community. The Awards, presented by Mayor Cllr. Janet Burgess, honour Islington's unsung community heroes and volunteers for their hard work and dedication during what has been a difficult year for many.
We're incredibly proud of what Elaine's achieved and we'd like to thank everyone who's supported us on this journey, from volunteers (including our tireless mutual aid colleagues), donors & partners, to staff, trustees, and of course, our amazing community for making it all possible!
