Our first Community Christmas tree, funded by a non-political donation from a generous benefactor, was inaugurated in Wyndham Place on 3rd December, with H.E. The Ambassador of Sweden turning on the lights, and the Children’s Choir from St. Mary’s Primary School filling Wyndham Place with song, demonstrating our enjoyment of events that bring the community together. 

We were delighted that so many people came out to join in greeting friends, singing carols, and generally celebrating our community. The tree lent a special focus to Wyndham Place throughout the Christmas season, but came down, as is traditional, on Twelfth Night - 6th January.

Our next big Community Event on 23rd February 2020 (noon to 2.30pm) will mark the 200th Anniversary of the 1820 Cato Street Conspiracy. The plot, to murder the Prime Minister and all his Cabinet Ministers, was the culmination of a revolutionary movement that arose from Britain’s shift from agrarian to industrial employment, leaving whole sections of society unable to find a living. It came close to being as big an event as the Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot in 1605, but by mere accident, the plot was foiled by a police informer, and ‘the rule of law’ prevailed. 13 people were arrested, and one person died. 

This commemoration is being organised by the Harrowby Street and District Residents’ Association (HDRA). HDRA has undertaken a re-creation of the 1820s, which will include horse-drawn carriage-rides, street stalls and light refreshments, to re-create the atmosphere of the 1820s. For more information see here. Do come along if you can!