Celebrating Your Homes
Cheerleading, mosaic making and even a visit from a fire engine, there was loads to see and do at the first ever Your Homes Festival.
Over 650 people attended the event, which was specifically aimed at council tenants and leaseholders. It was a chance for residents to share their stories, while celebrating their estates and communities with free games and live entertainment.
Christine Hanlon, who has lived in Hackney Wick for over 50 years, said: “I’m enjoying the activities today, I’ve really enjoyed the event, I came along because I went to the Winter Warmer, this is bigger it’s more like a day out.”
Taking place at Hackney Town Hall on 14 March, the Your Homes event featured information sessions on Council services such as repairs, getting online with the One Account and saving energy in the home. There were also interactive art and craft workshops that residents can take part in on estates including the Hackney Mosaic Project which recently unveiled a new work at the Fellows Court Community Centre.
Hardeep Kaur, aged 55, who lives in Newington Green said: “There’s so much to do in Hackney. I have learnt so much and done so many classes from yoga to needle work and even improving my writing skills in a literacy classes, Hackney really has everything to offer.”
There was lots to do for children and young people and alongside a visit from the Playbus, there were demonstrations from BADU sports cheerleading and the Capoeira Palmares club. On the music mainstage there were performances from local up-and-coming musicians Josh Tenor, from Rising Tide, and last year’s Discover Young Hackney Alter Ego winner, Chifa K.
To help keep the borough active, instructors from the One You £1 fitness classes, which take place on estates across the borough, gave demonstrations in boxercise and offered free walking tours.
As well as a complimentary hot food buffet, residents could pick up advice and goodies from more than 50 vendors. One of the most popular stalls was the Foodcycle table who were demonstrating to residents how to make healthy snacks from leftover food.
It was great to see what a success the first ever Your Homes Festival has been, we have had lots of positive feedback about the day from residents. Not only did everyone come away learning something new about what’s on offer in the borough, but people also got to get involved, have their voice heard, meet new people and best of all have fun!
Alongside local charity and voluntary organisations residents also had the chance to speak directly to staff from across the Council including Housing, Public Health and Community Safety. Residents interested in starting or taking part in community projects can visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/housing-get-involved, call 020 8356 7845; or email: get.involved@hackney.gov.uk.
The Council's anti-social behaviour team raffle draw from the day was happy to annouce the winners as:
1st prize - £70 - Mrs S – Trelawney Estate
2nd prize - £50 - Mrs D – Kenworthy Road
3rd prize - £30 – Ms S – Scotney House