Lynne's Parliament and Haringey diary

Carols in Pond Square (Highgate), followed by Archway Road Residents' Association Christmas party at the Red Hedgehog (255 - 257 Archway Road). Paul McLean-Thorne has really driven this residents and trader group to begin to form a real community on a stretch of road that has had too little love and attention in the past.

Now, thanks to his and the group’s efforts, there are flower tubs, a fight to mitigate the ugly fence in front of the railway embankment, a competition for the best shop front - and close working with the local police Safer Neighbourhood team, who were also at the party.

But I confess: I hadn't been to The Red Hedgehog before - and talking to Claire (Clare?), one of the owners, was thrilled to bits that we have such a venue come to Hornsey & Wood Green. The Red Hedgehog titles itself as: 'Music, Cafe & Gallery'. The party was in the cafe bit - and I didn't see the performance space -so am going back to have proper look round and proper discussion with her.

What is astonishing is that to this new venue come world-class performance artists - from James Gilchrist to Jack Liebeck. And to add to that – they are absolutely committed to encouraging those who come to the Red Hedgehog to travel sustainably - and if they do, their reward is a discount. And I sense a campaigner here - so we agree that I will come back and we will have a chin wag, for we agree - climate change is the big threat!

For more information, you can visit www.theredhedgehog.co.uk