Next time you pop to the Co-op on the New North Road, you might like to take a minute or two to consider the history of this part of the canal.

How many plants, shrubs, bulbs and trees do you think have been planted in Arlington Square over the last two years? A few hundred? A few thousand?

It’s hard to believe that this time last year our community garden in the south corner of Arlington Square was an overgrown rubbish dump.

Congratulations to all our volunteer gardeners who have scooped some impressive awards for their work in Arlington Square and nearby streets this year.

This year’s Summer Fete on 1 September was a record-breaking affair.

Some of our older readers may recall that the pub on the corner of Arlington Avenue and Bevan Street was called the Clothworkers’ Arms.

The Arlington Project provides residential accommodation and care for six adults with learning disabilities. Based in two adjacent houses on Arlington Square, it is at the heart of our community.

We recently came across this aerial photograph dating from the 1940s showing Arlington Square as it was shortly after World War Two.

Our new Community Garden in the corner of Arlington Square was officially opened on 21 April.

2012 is the Year of Music at St James’s in Prebend Street.

About 18 months ago, Arlington Square was looking rather neglected and run-down. Keen gardener Gordon McArthur and his partner Paul Thompson decided to do something about it.

We are proud to announce that the Mayor of London’s Team London award for individual excellence in Building Stronger Neighbourhoods has been won by our new chair Gordon McArthur.

Welcome to the first community newsletter from the Arlington Association. We hope to publish these four times a year.