Blog

This year, we’re collecting people’s memories of Jacksons Lane as part of the 50^th anniversary to celebrate all that makes this place special to our communities.

We’re sharing highlights of these memories over the course of the year with a series of themed articles. Seeing as it’s February, and we are a particularly beautiful wedding venue, we thought we’d start with ‘Celebrating Love at Jacksons Lane’ because who doesn’t love a love story – here’s a couple of valentine’s specials.

Cade and Mars’s story

Meet Cade, one of the artists who delivers our free circus activities around the borough. They first got involved in Jacksons Lane aged 11 when they attended a JL Circus group in Tottenham. Years later, they couldn’t think of a better place to propose to their partner, Mars, than our beautiful Studio One. In true Jacksons Lane style, a couple of staff pitched in to bring the idea to life. They sneakily decorated the room and hid in the wings to take pictures of the big moment.

Cade told us: “Jacksons Lane has always been a huge part of my life. When me and my fiancé were still getting to know each other, they came to help out with some events and to see shows Jacksons Lane; we both feel really connected in that building. So, it felt like the right move to ask Mars there; it was just an added extra that Studio One is so beautiful. It felt special and like it was always meant to be in that room. It’s a moment I’m sure we’ll both fondly look back on for many happy years!”

Freda’s story

Many years earlier our dear friend Freda, who lives locally, was having her wedding reception at Jacksons Lane. Freda has been a regular attendee of many classes, events and Christmas Day for decades – but when they had their reception here it was her late husband Steve’s first ever visit. This was particularly surprising as Steve’s best friend is one of the legendary founders of Jacksons Lane, Paul Brooker.

After the ceremony at St Michaels, Freda changed out of her white dress and put on a stylish grey suit ready to party.

To add to the entertainment, a running group called The Hash House Harriers crashed the reception, which took place in the old hall downstairs. Freda turned around to see the strange crowd wearing running shorts, but thought it was all fun and games and welcomed them with open arms.

“There’s something special about Jacksons Lane.” – Freda

You heard it here first, folks — next time you drop in for coffee, a show, or a class, you might just leave with the love of your life.