Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Association Update – news from your local residents’ association
O.R. Tambo
Those of you who follow our Facebook page will have seen an item about the renaming of the Albert Road Recreation Ground to ‘O. R. Tambo Recreation Ground’. This is in memory of Oliver Reginald Tambo (known to his friends as ‘O. R.’), the late South African activist and long-time president of the African National Congress. He was close friends with Nelson Mandela and lived in Haringey in exile for over two decades, settling with his family in Muswell Hill, and frequently visiting the Rec with his family. His former home on Alexandra Park Road also bears a plaque.
The role O. R. played as the ANC’s figurehead in Europe was vital in publicising the plight of black South Africans and canvassing international support for the fight against the apartheid government. The renaming is part of Haringey Council’s work to ensure that the names of our monuments, buildings, places and streets reflect the values and diversity of the borough.
Queens Avenue Update
For many years Queens Avenue has been a local hotspot for inappropriate waste disposal. Abandoned white goods and sofas are a common sight, building waste is often left in front gardens, and overflowing rubbish bins are the norm for many properties. With the help of our members living on Queens Avenue, the Association has for some time now been working with Haringey Council to tackle these issues with mixed success. I am pleased to report that the Council have apologised for being unable to resolve the problem thus far and have come up with a new plan of action. The Enforcement department has promised to identify all the problematic addresses and reach out to them, determine whether they require alternative or extra facilities, and take action against repeat offenders. We will be keeping a very close eye to ensure that these promises are upheld.
AGM
In normal times, the Association holds an AGM in May where all members are invited to get together and discuss what the committee has achieved over the last 12 months. Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, we have not been able to do this. However, your committee has been as active as ever. We have held our full complement of six meetings, all via Zoom. Each committee member’s report is available to view on our website, at www.mhfga.org/agm-2021 – and a summary has been sent via email to all of our members.
MHFGA is your local residents’ association (since 1948!) We produce six bi-monthly Newsletters per year, which are distributed to over 770 members. Membership for households is just £10 per year and gives you the chance to attend our special events, such as our guided tour of Lauderdale House last year. We have hosted the popular ‘Odd One Out’ competition three times, and our Christmas Charity Tombola has raised almost £800 for local causes. To join MHFGA and be kept up to date on local issues and our planned activities, visit www.mhfga.org/membership or email our Membership Secretary on [email protected]