New signage above the main entrance to the centre has added a lovely additional touch to our recent internal makeover. The sign was very generously donated by local resident Frank Baptiste, director of graphics and display company Colorset Inc. Limited, which fabricated and installed the sign last September.
A small selection of signage designs, all taking inspiration from our fresh forecourt mural by local artist Jo Angell, were created by Jo herself and by former trustee Connor Jenkinson. After much deliberation, the Hornsey Vale Community Association Management Committee agreed on one of Connor’s designs as the perfect accompaniment. Jo designed the mural to reflect our new logo (kindly created by graphic designer Nigel Kellaway) and the “vale” in the Centre’s name, writing on her website: “hilly curves became my starting point for a variety of designs. Colours were chosen to complement the blue window frames and door, and to be uplifting and fun.”
Frank has lived in Hornsey for over 20 years, and his family has been involved in the centre in a number of ways, including enjoying badminton and Zumba classes. He says that donating the sign to the centre was a way of using his skills and resources to the benefit of others in the community (he has also created signage for a number of other local businesses, as well as St. Aidan’s school, for events such as their carnival and celebration of the 2012 Olympics.)
Frank says he prizes the centre “as a hub for group activities, public information, volunteer opportunities [and as] a place for younger people to have as their own.” It plays an important role, he adds, providing “social and mental support, which is so important since the pandemic.”
The Centre is grateful for the kindness and generosity of local supporters like Frank and Nigel, whose work helps contribute to the warm and enthusiastic welcome we hope to extend to members of the community.