Each Monday we cook extra food with people in the neighbourhood and eat together. For some it’s a bit weird being in another home, for others used to the routine they roll in bringing or preparing food. Numbers vary from half a dozen to 25 or more. People muck in. Somehow we all eat together. A recent Monday meal and I’m looking round the room. Times are tough and everyone is looking weighed down. Read more »
Living in Hackney - one of the poorest boroughs in the country - since the early 90’s, it’s easy to reflect on incredible change in the area. I’ll be using this blog in part to do just that. From shifting attitudes to the ‘feckless’ unemployed, the impact of welfare reform and housing benefit changes alongside gentrification and an increase in a wealthier professional population. It comes at you large.