I enjoyed taking part in the inaugural Hackney History Festival, where I gave a talk at the historic Sutton House on Sunday, May 12th about the 1930s and the significant transformation Stoke Newington underwent during that decade, from the rise of council housing to road widening, street renaming, and much more. Having a local history festival felt long overdue, and it was great that Janet Chapman took it upon herself to form a festival team and organise an impressive 3-day event, which included walks and talks taking place in three locations.