Diaries at the ready: Events in Hackney, Stoke Newington and Dalston in October

Walking through London Fields the other day it was hard to

deny the charms of autumn (yes, I am one of those who hasn't grown out of

kicking fallen leaves and jumping in puddles. And I am proud to say I never

will). But it's also hard to ignore the feeling of lull between all that summer lovin' and the anticipation of yuletide merriment, especially when it comes to filling the diary. But, beyond the obvious Halloween and Bonfire Night (more of that in a couple weeks), there's actually

loads going on in Hackney this month to help us on our way. Here is a list of

some of the highlights of the Borough this month…

For those who want a party, everyone's favourite basement

dive, The Alibi , is hosting Yeah Maybe for another month. One for the fun

lovers amongst you, on Saturday October 15th there'll be a massive night

of two-step, funk and R 'n' B between 9pm and 3am, with free entry.

Or if you're after something a little more sophisticated then

check out Sarah Jane Morris (Communards) and BBC award-winner Ian Shaw for a

two-night special at the Vortex jazz club. The pair team up their talents to

sing contemporary classics from Tom Waits to Tracy Chapman from 8.30pm on

Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd.

The Tea Rooms on Stoke Newington Church Street is launching

their very own Book Club this month, too. So for anyone who likes tea with

their tomes, get in touch with them before the first session on October 13th

for more information.

If you're looking for something to keep the kids entertained

without costing the earth (or anything, in fact) take them along to Abney Park's

'Draw London' event on the 16th, where they can make rubbings and

sketches of their surroundings, as well as helping to 'geo-map' photos onto a

Google map of the site. Everything done at the Draw London event at Abney will

contribute to an art installation at the Gallery behind Stokey's Library on

Church Street. To find out more, or to RSVP to this event, please contact drawlondon@gmail.com

There will be plenty of loving and giving going on in Hackney this

month too, with the Others hosting a charity gig this Saturday to raise money

for Medical Aid to Palestine. With blues bands up alongside rock and pop

artists, it looks set to be a really fun night. For more information, visit the

Others website. And let's not forget Oxjam who will be shaking up the High

Street big time at the end of the month when they take over five of the biggest

venues on the strip and turn them over to some musical do-gooding. Moustache,

The Nest, Open the Gate, Bar 23 and the Jack in the Box will all be laying on

events on Saturday the 22nd from the afternoon into the wee small

hours; for more details click here.

And our pick of the month has to be N16's new dodgeball

league, kicking off mid-October with the help of the guys behind Hallowed Turf

football league and Dodgeball UK. Anyone who's seen the movie will struggle not

to be tempted by a game of dodgeball to fend off the winter blues. And best of

all, it's held at Stoke Newington School for that gym class vibe (I have been

assured that anyone who forgets their kit will not be forced to play in their

y-fronts, don't panic). There will be a free taster session on October 17th,

for anyone who wants to try out their moves before diving straight in, so

contact info@hallowedturf.net to

book a place. It's hard to find something that hasn't already been done in

Hackney, but I think they might have

managed with this one.

So there are a few things to keep you entertained as we bid

farewell to the dodgiest summer since records began. If you have any more

suggestions the please feel free to list them on our Dalston and Stoke

Newington sites, or pop them in the comments box below.

Photo courtesy of vns2009 at Flickr