Broadcaster Sir John Tusa pens a tribute to his home patch of Canonbury

Published: 29 April 2011

SIR John Tusa, former TV presenter and Barbican administrator, has waxed lyrical about his beloved Canonbury, where he has lived for many years.

His words are included in the latest newsletter of the campaigning Canonbury Society to celebrate the organisation’s 40th anniversary:

‘Canonbury’

I like looking down and along the gardens of Alwyne Place and Willow Bridge Roads.
The grand old trees of Canonbury Park are a wonderful backdrop to our secluded backyard.
I like New River Walk with its unflappable heron; not long ago it stooped to snap up a minnow just six feet from me.
I like Jack Lambert (veteran committee member) in his waders clearing the water of green algae.

I like the Shriji families in their corner shop, the best of local citizens and neighbours, strong supporters of England except – rightly –when India is involved.
I like Shelley in Mirela Hair Studio who gives up 10 minutes of her time to clean up my virtually hairless dome.
I like the cheek of the fox who strolls across our balcony and scales our walls leaving his muddy claw marks behind.
I like the contrast between Essex Road (Lower Street) and Upper Street. The former is real London – try Raab’s the bakers staffed by and serving real Islington people; the latter is cosmopolitan London – graced by Euphorium calling itself a traditional English baker but staffed entirely by Poles.

I love the huge magnolia tree in the west side of Canonbury Square; when it blossoms, spring is here.
I love the wedding groups who use the square for glamorous wedding pictures.
I like the classic London illogic that puts  numbers 1-7 Canonbury Place in a cul-de-sac and then defeats taxi drivers by putting the rest of us separated by Canonbury Academy around the corner.
I like the grandeur of certain houses, the quiet domestic convenience of most.
I love the Victoria line. When I return to the bustle of Highbury and Islington station, I am coming home.

Radio and TV presenter Sir John Tusa hosted BBC 2’s Newsnight programme and served as managing director of the Barbican Arts Centre and BBC World Service.