Reasons to be cheerful

Published: 7 May, 2010

• HERE are some more reasons for being happy living in Islington – the increasing number of street parties and fetes planned for the summer. Most are free to attend, organised by a group of neighbours and a lot of fun.
Last weekend I was at the newly-planted-up Monsell Road street party – run by St Thomas’ Church congregation and thus a neighbourly way to spend May Bank Holiday. Still to come is the Chatterton Road street party on Saturday, July 3, and my favourite N4 event, the Plimsoll Road street party on Saturday, July 17.
Another good way to meet local friends and get to sample a tasty English breakfast is at Drayton Park School car boot sale, back again after the winter, on Sunday, May 16. Gates open at 10am. Sellers need to arrive at 9am and pay a small fee for a pitch.
And if you want a spring clean out there’s a new trend for organised swaps. The next one is at The Chestnuts community space and garden, off Highbury Park (just behind The Chestnuts bus stop) tomorrow (Saturday). Give your unwanted items from 2pm to 3pm, then return between 3.30pm and 5.30pm to take something new-to-you away (for free). There will also be cakes for sale and a chance to chat to people about growing your own veg and herbs (even if you only have a window sill).
 All these fetes, parties and swaps could make you think you were living in the countryside – if it wasn’t for the way we Londoners pack our Oyster card on every urban Good Life adventure.
NICOLA BAIR
Prah Road, N4