Cllr Paul Smith, Islington Labour Councillor for Holloway and Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, writes about the importance of the renovation works at Cally Clock Tower and the new Tolpuddle Cafe. 

Islington Labour is extremely proud of the new heritage centre and cafe in Caledonian Park that celebrates the rich history of local working people.

The Tolpuddle Cafe is named after the rally to free the Tolpuddle Martyrs held on the site in 1834 and features a mural that connects the struggle for workers’ rights of the past to those of the present day.

We are delighted to invite people from across Islington and beyond to pay a visit to the recently opened and renovated Cally Clock Tower. There people will find fascinating information about the history of the park, including details of:

• the Tolpuddle Martyrs rally
• when the park was home to the Metropolitan Cattle Market
• how the first four and a half minute mile was run in the park

The Cally Clock Tower affords spectacular views across London and you can book a free tour on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to see the view and the historical display inside the clock tower.

Visitors can also listen to the stories of some of the people who feature prominently in the park’s history and explore the park online.

What we are particularly proud of is how the Cally Clock Tower project demonstrates and celebrates the power of local people to achieve change, and to deliver a transformational project for the local neighbourhood.

People achieving change – In Caledonian Park in 1834, 150,000 people rallied to free the six men from the village of Tolpuddle in Dorset who had been transported to Australia for being trade union members. It has been said that the demonstration was the first successful political demonstration in the world, with the sight of so many well organised people forcing the Government of the day to return the six men from Australia.

Changing the local neighbourhood – When I was first elected as a local councillor in 2006, the park was underutilised by the public because of a reputation for anti-social behaviour and having very few facilities. Many people who lived in the surrounding estates had never been to the park and, quite frankly, had no reason to. Holloway’s Labour councillors have worked hard to change this and the project is the final step in achieving change in the neighbourhood.

The park now has a full time ranger and CCTV to provide a feeling of safety for those who want to visit. People are also able to take their children to play knowing there are well maintained toilets. Local people will once again have a reason go in the park with friends and family to enjoy the panoramic views, as well as to see the fascinating interior of the Clock Tower itself. Volunteers are encouraged to become involved in the park through volunteer facilities and programmes supported by a ranger and dedicated staff.

Getting people to enjoy the second largest park in Islington will be transformational to the lives of local people.

The emphasis on the park’s rich local history also includes its role as London’s cattle market, and the place where the world’s first four and half minute mile was run. By helping people to learn that the place where they live is where important things happen, and that it is people like them who make them happen, we are giving people a new sense of pride in their community and demonstrating that they are the people who can achieve change.