HLAG NEWS 35

AUTUMN 2003

 

Highgate Library, 1 Shepherd’s Hill, London N6 ( 020 8348-3443 )

 

OPENING HOURS

Monday  to Friday 9-7,

Saturday 9-5

 

NEWSLETTER OF THE HIGHGATE LIBRARY ACTION GROUP

 

 

 

TWO STARS FOR HARINGEY LIBRARY SERVICE

 

The inspectors from the Audit Commission returned to the libraries in September for a week-long study of the progress since the last visit and has given a wonderful two stars (out of possible three) to the Service!  This is wonderful news, and warm congratulations must go to Instant Library, the librarians, and all the people who worked so hard to bring us up from the depths of 2001‘s disastrous inspection.

 

Highgate figures prove the point:   Issues:    April 03: 3572               September 03  3806

Overall library visits in Haringey        September 01: 72,540              September  03: 165,669

 

IN MEMORIAM : HELEN WORDSWORTH

 

Helen was such a key member of HLAG from the very first that it is hard to think of meeting without her cheerful face at the table.  She quietly and often firmly gave us the benefit of her long experience with the Council and was enthusiastic about every aspect of our efforts, from letter-writing to preparing the HISTORY.  She was on the original committee as Treasurer, and acted as Chair in 1994. When she stood down last year we refused to allow it –giving her the designation of “sabbatical member” and looking for her return.

 

She was active in all local causes, including the Archway Road campaign (from the earliest days onwards) Her grandson, speaking at the funeral, recalled being taken to a meeting of the Inquiry and seeing her shouting and waving wildly. She kept a vivid interest in Shepherds Hill as a member of the Association and of the Highgate Area Conservation Committee.

We have decided that the best memorial we can offer her is the dedication of THE HISTORY OF HIGHGATE LIBRARY, in which she plays such an important part.

 

 HISTORY OF HIGHGATE LIBRARY

 

Publication of the HISTORY is now scheduled for early December, just in time  for you to order copies for everyone for Christmas!  The booklet will be  packed with stories and  photos from before 1902 to the present day. The price is to be determined but will be under £10. 

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE

 

The HLAG committee has decided to spend some of the money we collected for the Centennial .  A new fence will appear next to the Spinney, finishing off the refurbishment of the front garden.  In the Spring, bulbs will welcome visitors. The old Clock was put into working order and is now in place over the door in the Children’s library. Fine pictures of Old Highgate (discovered for us by Bruce Castle Museum) will soon adorn the walls.

 

BOOKGROUP(S) NEED(S) NEW MEMBERS

 

The Wednesday morning Book Group has lost three members over the summer, and would like to invite some recruits!  We are willing to shift days and times to suit the majority, so please ring Susan Chinn (8348 6883)with your ideas and suggestions.

 

26th November 2003       BESIDE MYSELF by Antony Sher

17th December          BATTLE FOR GOD  by Karen Armstrong

Fundamentalism in Judaism, Christianity & Islam

 

ALSO     Remember the suggestion of a  Re-reading the Classics group?  It  has taken on a new lease of life!!  If you are interested please telephone Rosemary on 8340 9648.

 

EVENING TALKS AT THE LIBRARY

 

6th  November at 6:30

The Ancient Goddess & Modern Life

 

Ann Shearer, author and Jungian analyst will present a view of  Athene.

 

11 December at 6:30

The Gypsy and the Germans

 

Ruth Hazeldine will discuss (with tapes) the famous Django Reinhardt.

 

NOTE: MEMBERSHIP DUE FOR 04

 

                                   H.L.A.G. MEMBERSHIP 2004

 

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RETURN  FORM TO: MR. IAN CARRUTHERS, MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY  

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