Oh my. Getting ahead of myself. Two hearts today and no days to make up means only one thing: pre-emptive Lenten discipline.
Actually managed to do one outside Hackney Town Hall today (if previous yarn bomb efforts there are anything to go by it won't be there still by the morning!) so another in the same evening was a little unnecessary.
I went to a meeting called Hackney - a better place for all. Convened by Hackney council, but with their involvement slightly down played, it sounded like a great Question Time type debate with an opportunity for a cross section if the diverse Hackney community to peel back some of the complex layers of the changes in the borough over the last 5-10 years.
It was mostly a chance for Hackney Council to launch their next 4 year strategic plan, of the same name, and pat themselves on the back for 'community consultations' at the same time. TBH the panel were v impressive and said lots of sound things (including the mayor, whom I've never seen 'in action' before) but it did turn out to be a bit of an agreement fest. Lots of people of 'good will' there - all with jobs or trusteeships in the social/community sector - doing what they can to make Hackney a better place. But big, big fundamental challenges like housing, employment, and youth disaffection continue to raise their ugly heads and they all need London- and country-wide solutions and won't be ever fixed by a small group of Hackney-philes such as those gathered tonight.
Anyway, couldn't resist a little act of community resistance by putting up a heart in the toilets of City Academy where the panel met. Might even go back tomorrow for a school meeting on 'educating the whole child' something I think City hasn't quite nailed yet. I wonder if it'll still be there??
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