Organisers of the inaugural St George’s Community Fun Day declare it a “huge success” after residents turn out to celebrate the community on Saturday.
Hoards of locals descended on Margery Fry Court on Tufnell Park Road to enjoy the free activities and food being offered by a group of volunteers.
The fun-filled afternoon was the brainchild of the St George’s Community First panel, who decided to use part of a £33,000 grant given to the ward four years ago by the Government to host an event to boost community cohesion.
Former St George’s ward councillor, Tracy Ismail, who now sits on the Community First panel, was pleased with the outcome of the event.
“It was a way of trying to bring people together, and it was particularly nice because it was free.
“We were one of only two Islington wards to be given the Community First money four years ago, and the remit was that we had to set up a panel of residents to administer the money. As this is the last year we decided to finish it all off with a fun day,” she said.
She added: “We were hugely disappointed that the weather turned out so bad, but all things considered the people that did come seemed to enjoy themselves.”
The Kindness Offensive, a group of friends that performs random acts of kindness to the public, were the star attraction of the day. The Camden Road-based group exemplified the positive community spirit on display by giving toys to children.
Providing welcome shelter in their hippie-style bus, the team of volunteers brought smiles to the faces of the local children as they handed out rucksacks, sticker boxes and toy cars.
Throughout the afternoon, residents took part in activities including a coconut shy, face-painting and a football challenge hosted by Arsenal FC. Local fire fighters also gave a display of their tree-climbing abilities, and allowed some children to be hoisted up on ropes.
The Kindness Offensive Free Bookshop is open every Saturday from 12-6pm and is located on the corner of Camden Road and Dalmeny Avenue. Come visit us and pick up some free books!