Your memories

In its post-war heyday, the Assembly Hall played host to stars of the silver screen. Actress and singer Diana Dors and ukulele-toting George Formby played in the grand hall as part of variety shows. It was also a popular venue for jazz bands and ballroom dance exhibitions.

As well as the famous faces that have appeared in the hall, we have been asking you to send us your memories. We have received some great stories and want share two such stories with you.

To find out more about the history of the hall, you can visit the 'About the Hall' page on the Assembly Hall's website http://assemblyhall.islington.gov.uk

Garry's story

Garry, now 6I years old, was born in Wakelin House on Sebbon Street in Islington back in 1948. He attended St Mary's Primary School but because of bomb damage it was housed in William Tyndale School – at the back of the Town Hall.

His presentation ceremony for O levels and RSA certificates was held with some grandeur at the Assembly Hall around 1963, with the awards being presented by the great prima ballerina Beryl Grey.

Garry was lucky enough to received his O level certificate for Art and English from this very beautiful woman. As she shook his hand and said, 'So – are you are an artist?' all Garry could stammered was 'Yes mam' before he staggered off stage.

It could be said that this moment helped shape and inspire him from time to time, as his future path lead him to become an artist, writer, lecturer and a festival director. Not only does art play a huge role in Garry’s life he has also lead his own mountaineering expeditions to remote parts of the Himalaya and lived in a remote village in the Corbieres Hills of southern France.

After all these adventures Garry has recently come back to live in Islington and we can’t wait for him to see the hall once it is complete in December. Thank you for sharing your story with us Gary and we can tell that this moment in the hall, although short, has stayed with you.

A hop, skip and dance down memory lane

Another great story we have received was from the Blackstock Road Secondary Modern School. In late 1945 the girls from Miss Jones’ class were invited to a country dance celebration at the Assembly Hall.

The girls were thrilled to be invited but faced the problem of what to wear, as clothing was rationed at the time. Luckily, Miss Jones had an idea.

Black out curtains had recently been taken down and were set to be thrown out until they were salvaged and girls transformed them into circular skirts. Each girl was then allowed to sew on two rows of coloured ric-rac trim to decorate the hem.

Each girl wore a plain or coloured blouse to the dance and the class was the only coordinated group there. Everyone had a brilliant time and the needle work that Miss Jones had taught the girls was admired by many.

We have also received an old newspaper clipping from July 1968. It captures an awards ceremony at the Assembly Hall, with a group of young cyclists who had just received their proficiency certificate from the Mayor. This ceremony was part of a variety show, which marked the start of Islington Council’s road safety fortnight.

Thank you to everyone for sending in your memories and old photos, we look forward to seeing more in the lead up to the Assembly Hall being reopened.

Do you remember?

If you remember the Assembly Hall from years gone past we’d love to hear from you. And if you have any photos, all the better! Email your memories to assemblyhall@islington.gov.uk, call us on 020 7527 3263 or write to Assembly Hall, G11 Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD.