Published: 8 June, 2012

Elvis leads the way in confidence building

Elvis is alive and well and living in Holloway – at least he was spotted there on Saturday fronting the band RoadWorks. Hold on, it’s not Elvis, it’s local legend “Dave Elvis” a member of the 12-strong group who have all had mental health problems. Group founder David Oliver sees public performance as “a sure and proven way to improve the confidence of people with mental health problems”.

“A round of applause is worth one million anti-depressants,” he says.

The band rehearses weekly at the Isledon Road Mental Health Resource centre and gives public shows once a month.

Their next live performance will be at the Stuart Low Trust’s 500th annual celebration and volunteer awards on Friday June 22.

Oliver is currently putting the finishing touches to a RoadWorks CD which will be launched on July 17 at the Assembly Hall in Upper Street.

Reverend to reach out to his flock online

Reverend Andy Pakula from New Unity church has begun to offer online ministerial and pastoral support.

Every Wednesday between 2 and 3pm the reverend is available for private conversations via an instant message service on the website. The church already has both Twitter and Facebook accounts.

“Most of our congregation are young,” Revd Pakula said. “Partly because we’re so connected.” Due to its popularity, he is considering extending the amount of time he is available online.

Chat with Revd Andy Pakula at www.new-unity.org.uk

Time to get planting shrubs and bulbs

Gordon McArthur, chairman of the Arlington Association (AA) invites Tribune readers to join him at monthly gardening mornings at Arlington Square.

In the past year, residents have planted 11,000 bulbs and shrubs.

They have also created a herb and vegetable garden from which people are encouraged to take produce to use in their cooking.

Due to the hardwork of the AA, Arlington Square has changed from a site of anti-social behaviour to a thriving public green space. “We’ve gone from trying to stop bad things happening to now just about making good things happen,” Mr McArthur says.

The next gardening morning takes place on Saturday June 9.

Bravery is key theme to Edinburgh shows

Anthony Alderson, artistic director of the Pleasance Theatre Trust returned to Islington this weekend after launching their programme of 257 shows for Edinburgh Fringe, a three-week long arts festival.

“This year’s theme is ‘bravery’. Talking about different subjects allows us to explore our humanity and look at who we are,” Mr Alderson said.

“It’s like taking a juggernaut to the top of the hill and letting the handbreak off. It’s now in full flight and it’s the bit I love the most.”

Mr Alderson also helped to launch the smaller Holloway Arts Festival on Friday June 1, “Festivals are so important, it’s no accident that there’s an increase in festivals appearing. They are a way for communities to come together and also to build communities.”