It was a full-house of ninety for the launch of the HHS’s new book Abyssinia : Hornsey’s Lost Village by Hugh Flouch at Hornsey School for Girls on Thursday 27th June.
Abyssinia (the original name for the development that became known as Hornsey Vale) is a lavishly illustrated study of the development and social history of the small enclave of six residential roads that were demolished in 1968 to make way for the building of the school.
HHS President Peter Barber introduced the evening with a contribution from Deborah Hedgecock who spoke about Bruce Castle.
Author Hugh Flouch offered a highly entertaining and informative account of the history of the area, how he researched the subject and the contacts he made. This was followed by many contributions and questions from the audience
Guests of Honour included prospective parliamentary candidate (and long time HHS supporter) Catherine West as well as Haringey’s new Mayor Cllr Sue Jameson.
We were also lucky enough to have a couple of former residents of the Vale. Mrs Andrews attended with her daughter and Alan Blunden (88 years old) came along with his brother. Both held the appreciative audience spellbound as they described the Vale and its residents.
The evening was rounded off with a tour round the school where Hugh pointed out where the Abyssinia public house, the houses and the shops once stood and where the roads were aid out.
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