November is typically a month filled with Annual General Meetings for various organizations, and this year is no different, with some smaller local charities still finalizing their meetings.
One particular meeting that stood out was the Euston Foodbank meeting, which was not only enjoyable but also informative. The meeting began with contributions from clients who shared their experiences, and ended with a lively discussion led by volunteers on ways to ensure the safety of everyone in the urban environment.
It is astounding to learn that over a thousand people receive support from the foodbank each week. This level of assistance would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors, to whom we are truly grateful. The recent addition of a willow tree in the front quadrangle, funded by Mace and the Treasury, has also helped create a peaceful atmosphere for all who visit the foodbank.
Looking ahead, there is anticipation for Lester Hillman’s talk at the upcoming Camden Civic Society AGM on December 9th. Lester, a respected local historian, will be discussing the history of the locality name ‘Parlez Pancras’, shedding light on its evolution from boxing and poetry to the train stations we see today.
In other news, during the recent budget speech, the Chancellor announced government funding for the tunnelling project from Old Oak Common to Euston. However, this decision has raised concerns among the local community as there has been no consultation or information shared regarding the tunnelling process beneath homes and businesses, through London clay at significant depths.
Moreover, there is a lack of transparency regarding the engineering plan for bringing the track into Euston station, as well as unresolved funding issues for the station rebuild. It is essential to note that the mere presence of tunneling machines does not justify the construction of potentially hazardous tunnels. The protest tunnels created by the tree protection camp remain the only tunnels at Euston to date.
Despite efforts from Stop HS2 protesters and experts to voice their concerns and offer alternative solutions, it seems that the government is not heeding their advice. This is reminiscent of the lack of action taken by governments on critical warnings from scientists regarding climate change and environmental threats, as seen at COP29 in Baku.
Dorothea Hackman, the chair of Camden Civic Society and Euston Foodbank trustees, continues to advocate for the well-being of the local community and the preservation of the environment amidst these ongoing challenges.