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The
community centre where I work was opened in November 1952 by the actress Annette
Mills (who, I'm told by those of a certain age, was the creator of 'Muffin
The Mule'). I've worked there on a fairly regular part-time basis, since
November 1997. Here's the pics I took (plus three by a more senior colleague)
one late afternoon/early evening in October '99 for the prizegiving ceremony
of the 'Summer Reading Safari' (a scheme forming part of the National Year
Of Reading). We were all rushing around, getting the centre ready, when
who should turn up, but our guest of honour, the M.P. for Islington North,
the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Corbyn. He'd cycled along to the library and chained
his bike outside on some railings (very unusual for an M.P. - they turn
up for civic events in chauffeur-driven cars, don't they?). Having seen
that I'd recognised him, he came up to me and shook my hand. I went off
to get S.G. (the h.c.w. or head community worker), and the awards
ceremony began.
Here's
S.G officially opening the prizegiving and introducing Jeremy Corbyn
to the local children, their parents and council dignitaries who'd gathered
in the centre. Note the "Roll of Honour behind the two of them - this
was basically a wallchart with the names of all the children who'd successfully
read six books, had been tested by the staff to see that they had read
them, and on completing the challenge set were given a free ticket entitling
them to free entry at any 'Sealife' marine park in the U.K. (accompanied
by a parent). Of all the centres in the borough to take part, ours
had thirty-three kids complete the scheme - more than any one else. Not
bad for one of London's smallest community centres, eh?
Here's
Jeremy Corbyn addressing everyone on the importance of places like where I work for children's
learning (he spoke of the pleasure he took as a child from reading, and
how he'd done his best to pass on that self same enthusiasm on to his own
kids).
This
is Roxann Desir, aged 13. As well as being amongst the first to complete
"the six-book challenge", she read a total of THIRTY-SIX books during the
course of the summer, for which she received a special prize of achievement,
on top of her first prize. Good on her!
Here's
Khadijah Ismailjee, aged 6, receiving her award from Mr. Corbyn (her pic
took pride of place with others selected at a council promotion for community
services just over a week later down the town hall, Upper Street).
Here's
Jackie, DeDe and Samantha Massaya with S.G. and Jeremy (standing behind
them is Tessa Burgess, aged 12).
This
pic's my favourite of the one's I took, and features Amy Huhyn, aged 6,
alongside her cousins Tracy & Jonathan Chau (aged 12 and 9). Jonathan's
a little bit pleased at getting his prize (note big sister Tracy's expression!).
Oh, and there's Tessa again.
