Alexandar Guttridges’ photos from the 1930s by Amir Dotan

Alexandar Guttridge, a local resident whose family ran two shops on Church Street took photos of the street and surrounding area during the 1930s. His 18 photos provide a unique and fascinating view of the area in the 1930s as old small houses were being replaced with new modern blocks of flats. Stoke Newington history enthusiast (StokeNewingtonHistory.com) and organiser of the Stoke Newington History Talks events, Amir will present this special collection of photos, providing context and supporting material to bring them to life.

The History and burials of Abney Park Cemetery by John Baldock 

The first nondenominational cemetery in Europe, Abney Park Cemtery is one of Stoke Newington’s most famous and cherished landmarks. It opened in 1840 as a garden cemetery on the site of a vast 18th century arboretum, and holds many fascinting stories. John Balsock, the Abney Park Trust Office Manager, will share some of these as well as the history of the cemetery. John moved to Stoke Newington in 2008, and started volunteering at Abney Park in Feb 2010. He fell in love with its quirky beauty and the peace and solitude it provided and has been employed by Abney Park Trust in Oct 2010. He’s been the Abney Park Trust Office Manager since.

Jewish Stoke Newington by Rachel Kolsky

Today, the ultra-orthodox community predominates but with its neighbourhood park, numerous synagogues and shops, this tour provides an insight into the early Jewish migration from the East End northwards and community initiatives such as maternity homes, schools and social housing associated with communal leaders such as the Bearsted and Schonfeld families. Engaging, knowledgeable and well-researched Rachel Kolsky is a prize-winning London Blue Badge Tourist Guide (www.golondontours.com) who is passionate about exploring Jewish heritage. She has co-authored two books, ‘Jewish London’ and ‘Whitechapel in 50 Buildings’.