Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Haringay Stadium/Arena
I am wondering whether anyone has any history on the Haringay Stadium or Arena - if there is anything you could let me have, I would be really grateful to receive it.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Hugh on
-
I’ve written a couple of properly researched articles on Wikipedia (They should both come up at the top of any Google search) and there’s lots scattered around this site (look in the History Group, the history section of the forum and in historical photos.
If you want something you can hold, the Hornsey Historical Society published a book many years ago.
-
Permalink Reply by Judi on
-
Hello Hugh, thank you for your quick response. My particular interest is because my father worked as an Accountant at the stadium/arena. He took his own life in 1953 and I believe that this may have had a connection to his work. I would really like to find out what I can about this and if you can help that would be most appreciated.
Kind regards,
Judi
-
-
Hi Judi, That sounds like a very personal quest. I’d hesitate to speculate as to events at the Arena and Stadium that may have had an impact on your dad. The Arena closed in 1958 and it’s likely that the pressure was already on in 1953, but I have no idea how that may have impacted on your dad or his work environment.
You never know someone else whose family worked alongside your dad may read this and offer some insights.
-
-
Hi Judi,
In the 1960s the Harringay Sports Finals were held just where the Sainsbury's car park is now. This was a competition amongst all the Harringay primary schools. I competed in the 100 yards race a few times, but unfortunately never got a placing. The children would be sitting in the seats surrounding the greyhound/stock-car track. In fact I can still hear them screaming for their school to win. I lived round the corner to the stadium (and still do) and when I went to bed at night, I could hear the music very loudly played as the dogs came out. The announcer on the Tannoy was also very loud and kept me awake. I also remember hundreds of people streaming out of the stadium into Hermitage Road, and I believe the concrete steps to go up to the stadium from Hermitage Road are still there.
-
-
Hi Judi
The Gardens Community Garden (GRA) in Doncaster Gardens off Stanhope Gardens land, was one of the back door entrances to the Stadium. Apparently the dogs would be walked through the pedestrian walkway / railway archway as this was the closest entrance to the dog kennels on the site. At the end of the events at the stadium the large blue gate would be flung open and thousands of people would flood into the Gardens through the private roadway. The Stadium land was bought in 1926 by the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA) and sold in 1986 when the land was split in half and purchased by Sainsburys supermarket on one side and London Quadrant Housing the other. The backdoor entranceway /Railway arch (north the Railwayline) fell into disrepair from 1986 with dumping, trespassing on the railway line, ASB, fires, vandalism, prostitution, stone throwing, etc with continuous flooding issues under the arch. Further to this, the site became an escape route for crime from Sainsbury's, as people would get mugged at the cashpoint machine and escape through and over the railway arch into the Gardens Estate and vice- versa. The Gardens Residents Assoc (GRA) formed in 1999 campaigned for, gained a licence for the land, designed, fundraised and built the Community Garden which opened in 2002 stopping this sort of crime.
The project was funded by various sources, but mainly through the Finsbury Park Partnership Regen (FPP) with great support from Haringey Councils Regen and Environmental Health Depts. The Community Garden was a crime and safety initiative project designed and built by and for the community. The Gardens Residents Assoc (GRA) run many annual events, residents hire the space for birthday parties etc and is known in the area as the 'Oasis in the Gardens' or 'The Community Centre without a Roof' -
Our next event is the Seed Planting and Easter Egg Hunt on Sat 7th April 3pm to 4pm. May I wish you all the best of luck with your research
Andy - Community Garden Co-ordinator (GRA)
-
Permalink Reply by StephenBln on
-
Hey Kevin, you were in my year (or one above) at Woodlands.. and were you at Tottenham School Sports 1964..? I was there too, a very sunny and exciting day.
-
-
The book is, 'The Story of Harringay Stadium and Arena, by Mike Ticher. Published in 2002 by Hornsey Historical Society.
It's still listed on their site as being available to purchase.
-
-
Thank you very much - I will be getting a copy! Interestingly Mike Ticher is now in Australia, where I live.
-
-
Yes thank you Hugh - I did follow your link and have been in contact with the Hornsey Historical Society - they have the book in stock and have advised how much it will cost to post it to me in Australia. Just need to organise some pounds sterling to send to them!
Regards,
Judi
-
-
I used to go to Hornsey County School between Pemberton and Mattison Road and we held our Sports' Day and students v Parents and Teachers Cricket Match at the Arena. Still have the photos and film of one year. If there are any old students out there that are not already Members of the Old Hornseyans' Assn please get in touch.
-
-
Hi Eileen, you should put the film and photos on You Tube.
© 2024 Created by Hugh.
Powered by
