Herne Hill #126 (Spring 2014) by The Herne Hill Society

HERNE HILL THE MAG A ZINE OF THE HERNE HILL SOCIET Y❧ ISSUE 126❧ SPRING❧ 2014

❧£2

THE BEST SELLER IS BACK! ▶ New, revised and updated edition of the Society’s Herne Hill Heritage Trail is now out, with 37 new entries and more illustrations, including 28 in colour, and six specially drawn maps - Turn to Page 3

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SOCIETY WINS NEW AWARD

A MUSICAL PIONEER

▶ Website scoops Walter Bor honour - Turn to Page 7

▶ Madame Angless and her orchestra - Turn to Page 19

Sry U HERNE HILL KILLER MYSTERY PFLull dviaents THE ▶ The curious case of the Milkwood Road murderer - Turn to Page 14 of

THE HERNE HILL SOCIETY THE COMMITTEE President Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer

Bill Kirby Colin Wight chair@hernehillsociety.org.uk Laurence Marsh vicechair@hernehillsociety.org.uk Jeff Doorn secretary@hernehillsociety.org.uk Rosalind Glover treasurer@hernehillsociety.org.uk

Committee

Cynthia Anderson John Brunton Ian McInnes Sheila Northover Elizabeth Ochagavia Jackie Plumridge

Magazine

Mike Richards

CONTENTS

COMMENTS & ENQUIRIES To advertise in the Magazine advertising@hernehillsociety.org.uk To contribute to or comment on the Magazine editor@hernehillsociety.org.uk To comment on planning or licensing issues environmental@hernehillsociety.org.uk To order a publication publications@hernehillsociety.org.uk Membership enquiries membership@hernehillsociety.org.uk Local history enquiries localhistory@hernehillsociety.org.uk Herne Hill notice boards noticeboard@hernehillsociety.org.uk Website webeditor@hernehillsociety.org.uk Other issues enquiries@hernehillsociety.org.uk Postal and online addresses The Herne Hill Society PO Box 27845 LONDON SE24 9XA hernehillsociety.org.uk facebook.com/hernehillsociety Twitter @hernehillsoc Copy deadline for the Summer issue is 22 April, 2014. Opinions expressed in the Magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Herne Hill Society Committee, which likewise does not approve or endorse the quality or suitability of any goods or services advertised in the Magazine.

ADVERTISING Advertising space is available in this Magazine for local businesses.. Contact Liz Ochagavia by e-mail on: advertising@hernehillsociety.org.uk

News Brockwell Passage upgrade View from the Chair Wings over Herne Hill updated Traffic hit by bridge build The Society is a winner again Burglars beware! Brockwell Park clocktower appeal Drying out after the flood Fresh chance to preserve our park St Paul’s conversion

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Planning & Licensing

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Features The Horniman uncovered Herne Hill murder mystery Doubts over Carnegie Library’s future Hockney’s prints at DPG Glimpse of a winter visitor Bristowe’s bust is back A musical pioneer Winter quiz winner

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Diary of Events Herne Hill Society and other events

Councillors List of contacts

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

NEWS

Get on the trail! Our best-selling 2003 book Herne Hill Heritage Trail has been out of print for many years. Since 2011 the Society’s Local History Group has been researching and writing a new edition - just published. As well as revising and updating the original book, this edition includes 37 new entries and 51 more illustrations – 28 in colour – some produced specially for this edition and some never before published. A particular feature of the new book is six maps in full colour showing the location of each entry. These were specially drawn by Rebecca Lea Williams, who also designed the very attractive and original cover. There is a comprehensive and detailed index. As in the 2003 edition, the oldest entry is an ancient elm tree that stood for over four centuries on a site in Half Moon Lane until its demolition in the early 1980s. Bringing us right up to date we have the Evelyn Grace Academy in Shakespeare Road. Opened in 2010, this was designed by the award-winning architect Dame This year’s AGM is on Wednesday 12 March. The Chair will give a round-up of the Society’s year and achievements and will look forward to everything we hope to achieve in the coming year. The Treasurer will then present the accounts. There will also be short reports by the Secretary and Membership Secretary. Our President will then conduct the election of Officers and Committee members for 2014/15. Nominations, proposed and seconded, must be received by the Secretary before the AGM – see page 2 for contact details. Please consider joining the Committee and helping with our work. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the United Church’s

From the ancient elm to a Hollywood film star, via pubs, schools and an underground river... our updated book Zaha Hadid, who received the RIBA’s 2011 Stirling Prize for her Academy design. In between there are 33 nationally and locally listed buildings and structures; three English Heritage Blue Plaques and eight other plaques, each commemorating an illustrious former Herne Hill resident; 11 public houses of which five are sadly no longer with us; 11 churches; 11 schools; four parks; two cinemas; an award-winning Hollywood film star and director; a motor-car manufacturer; a stench pipe; an

underground river and much more. All of this makes up the exciting and varied mix that is Herne Hill. The new edition of Herne Hill Heritage Trail, price £8, is available from the Society, either at our monthly meetings, by post (see our address on page 2), or at www.hernehillsociety.org.uk/bookstall. Trade terms are available. It is also stocked by Herne Hill Books, 289 Railton Road, along with other Society publications.

AGM 2014 The date for your diary: 12 March Fellowship Room. The more Committee members we have, the more we can achieve. If this appeals to you please submit a nomination. If you would like more information or have any questions, Colin, our Chair, will be delighted to help. We are always looking for new Committee members and would love to hear from you. After a tea break,

we celebrate International Women’s Week and commemorate the centenary of World War I with a talk “Suffragettes and the Striking Women of South London” by Katherine Connelly. All the Society’s meetings are at the United Church Hall at the junction of Red Post Hill and Herne Hill. Doors open 7.30 for a 7.45pm start. Jeffrey Doorn

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR See Page 5 Herne Hill-Spring 2014

Welcome to New Members The following have recently joined the Society: Fiona Bell Currie, Mark Cruttenden, William Davies, Rosie & Neil Dugard, David Dutnall, Nick Edwards, Derek Gibson, Lesley Heming, Kate Hobbs, Judy Holman, Roger Humbles, Christopher Idle, Michael Kenny, Jonathan Pickstone, Adam Pope, Edwin Roberson, Jonnie Scarlett, Anne Spence, Duncan Stacey and Vikki Thompson, Fred Taggart, Christina Wakefield, Leigh Whittingham. Welcome to new articles Please send your contribution either to The Editor, Herne Hill, or by email. Addresses on Page 2. Please note that all contributions are subject to editing by the Editorial Group.

NEWS

Brockwell passage upgrade The main part of the Herne Hill Regeneration Project was completed just over three years ago with an inauguration ceremony held in Railton Road on 4 December 2010. The final segment of the project – upgrading Brockwell Passage – has still not been carried out, despite continued pressure on Lambeth from the Society and others to complete the job. Brockwell Passage is an important link between Railton and Dulwich Roads; and provides an easy route for passengers arriving at the station to access the buses on Dulwich Road. The upgrade is planned to widen, repave and relight the passage; and remove an unpleasant corner at the north end. Before any work could start, there were a number of legal issues to be resolved. These related in particular

to the transfer of ownership of the strip of land needed to widen the passage, and some alterations to adjoining properties. It’s hard to see why this took so long. We understand that nearly everything has now been resolved. However, there still remains a problem over the transfer of that tiny (3.4 square metres) triangle of land at the northern end. Over the past three years Lambeth has given us many assurances that, despite the delays in starting work, the necessary funding to complete Brockwell Passage was still in place. However, at a long-overdue Project Board meeting held last November, we were very disappointed to be told that there was in fact no money to pay for the project. The departure of key staff makes it difficult to get

an explanation as to how any misunderstandings could have arisen. Thankfully this has now been resolved. Following the

November meeting, Lambeth made an approach to Transport for London (Tf L) asking for financial support. The good news is that Tf L has agreed to provide the £115,000 needed to complete the project. At the time of writing, we do not know when it will happen. But once the transfer of the small land triangle has been resolved, there seem to be no further barriers to starting work. We can only hope that any further delay will not compromise the funding position, particularly if the all the money allocated for the current financial year has not been spent by the end of March. The Society, with our community colleagues on the Project Board, will continue to monitor the position and take any action necessary to ensure the project is finally completed. John Brunton

Tunnel vision of coffee for commuters Mustafa makes superb coffee and knows it. “Do one good thing at a time,” he tells me to explain how he builds up clientele. His environment is unusual. His 20-year-old son is not going to go into the business. He does not have the back for it, for a start. Being taller than his father he has to curve his spine while still standing up to fit the space. It is in the passage running under Herne Hill Station as we are reminded by the rumble and intermittent hoards. “The merchandise trains really make the tunnel vibrate,” he laughs. Mustafa — I do ask him his surname but he chooses to be known by just his first name, like Madonna — lives in Nunhead with his Algerian wife. He originated in Morocco and worked in hotels there but

Railway cafe: Mustafa in position in his café in the passage under Herne Hill Station has lived in Britain longer. He heard about the vacant premises via Network Rail as he ran a café by the railway in Blackheath. He opened up on 1 August and, having lured customers in with his coffee-making,

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

he now serves egg rolls and omelettes. Mustafa generously demonstrates his technique of coffee-making but he’s an expert; the touch is more subtle than it looks. Becca Thackray

NEWS

e are starting to plan for the 2014 AGM, which means that I have been Chair for nearly a year already. Whether or not I continue depends on you, the members. Although I was reluctant to stand, saying (correctly as it turned it!) that I had neither the time nor the experience, I have really enjoyed it. I have a lot of people to thank − first and foremost my predecessor Sheila Northover − for their help and guidance. Our commiserations go to those still affected by this summer’s flood, especially the traders who are still struggling to get back on their feet. In other respects, Herne Hill has gone from strength to strength. The year began with the announcement that Thameslink trains calling at Herne Hill will run north of Blackfriars post-2018. Our Sunday market is now well established, while several new businesses (and a new primary school) have opened.

he Velodrome benefited from infrastructure improvements. The Lambeth Country Show was held in fine weather and attracted a huge crowd. Brockwell Park has been beautifully renovated, with the Bristowe bust installed in the Hall. And the Clock-tower Appeal reached its target quickly, owing to the generosity of local people. It has also been a busy and successful year for the Society, not least because we welcomed a considerable number of new members. I hope

View from the Chair

With Colin Wight

to see as many of you as possible at the AGM. We have also repeated past years’ successes in the Walter Bor Media Awards. Thanks to the members of our Planning and Licensing group, we have given priority to responding to planning and licensing applications, and supporting local residents and businesses concerned about the impact of certain proposals. Through our Transport Correspondent, Bil Harrison, we have monitored transport development proposals and put forward our views. Our lively publications programme has continued with The Story of Sir Henry Bessemer; and we have put a lot of effort into making Herne Hill magazine more engaging. Feedback on the last edition tells us it was the best ever! You are welcome to send your ideas to chair@hernehillsociety.org.uk or by post to The Herne Hill Society, PO Box 27845, London SE24 9XA.

Win a prize in Colin’s Challenge! In Colin’s Challenge last time we asked about a certain Eustace H. Plimsoll and an address in West Dulwich. The answer was ‘Bertie Wooster’ and the book in question was, of course, Right Ho, Jeeves (Thank You, Jeeves would also have qualified as correct). The quickest off the mark, and worthy winner of a bottle of Pineau des Charentes, was Hilary Haydon. Mr Haydon’s son, Peter, operates the small brewery in the Florence – which, on my doctor’s instructions, will be missing my custom for a while longer at least.

Here’s a big clue: A photograph of the author This time we thought we would challenge you with a question that would not be searchable on Google (or is it …?).

The Question In which work of fiction, first published in the 1890 and still in print as a Penguin Classic, does E, a middle-aged resident of Herne Hill, marry the much younger M, a decision both come to regret? The Answer Please email chair@ hernehillsociety.org.uk with your answer – the first (paid-up) Society member will receive a bottle of Grand Cru Pfersigberg Gewürztraminer 2009, generously provided by John Brunton. Answer and the winner in the next edition of Herne Hill.

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

Wings over Herne Hill: An update Following the article about airport proposals for London in the last magazine, the Davies Airports Commission issued its Interim Report in December 2013. Its conclusions are as follows: The official air passenger growth forecasts were accepted, and so further airport expansion will be planned for. The roles of “hub” interchange airports and “point-to-point” airports for London were both accepted. Several medium-term suggestions were made for improving surface access to

all London’s airports. At Gatwick the option for a second independent runway to the south was shortlisted. Two options for the north westwards expansion of Heathrow were shortlisted. The Thames Estuary options were played down and are likely to be ruled out in 2014. Stansted was not shortlisted for expansion planning. There are also some worrying suggestions for further short-term tweaking of Heathrow early morning flights. A final report is planned for 2015, after the General Election, and Gatwick expansion could follow after 2019. Bil Harrison

NEWS

Traffic problems expected for new work on bridges... After the road closures in January and February necessary to replace railway over-bridges in Croxted Road, Rosendale Road, and Village Way, more serious traffic disruption will inevitably result from further work planned by Network Rail for summer 2014. The bridge over the main Herne Hill junction is overdue for repair and long-term maintenance. This will (hopefully) include painting, waterproofing, anti-pigeon barriers, improved lighting and even Herne Hill ‘branding’ on the sides of the bridge, provided funding can be found. It will involve restrictions to traffic while work is done from scaffolding underneath. The road beneath the bridge will not be closed and bus routes should not be affected. However, lane closures will be necessary. So delays are expected and drivers will be encouraged to use diversions. The work is planned to start in August and could take up to 10 weeks to complete. The Society has already had a meeting with Network Rail to discuss their proposals and we will be consulted as plans develop. We are also seeking to work with Lambeth and Southwark to design the necessary traffic management and diversions in order to minimise disruption. Bil Harrison

13 January: Croxted Road bridge in the process of being demolished, while (below) the plaques back in place on their new pilasters

...but the plaques are back in Croxted and Rosendale after renovations The steel railway bridges in Croxted Road, Rosendale Road and Village Way were built in 1865. Recent Network Rail surveys showed that all three structures were no longer strong enough to carry the loads imposed by modern trains. They therefore needed to be replaced. As planned, the bridges in Croxted and Rosendale Roads have been replaced successfully and the roads reopened to traffic. The third bridge due to be replaced as part of

Network Rail’s current programme is in Village Way. Work is planned to start there soon. There has been considerable disruption locally with the roads closed and all traffic being directed on diversions round West Norwood and the residential streets of Dulwich. The large colourful

Alleyn’s College plaques on the Croxted and Rosendale Road bridges have been re-cast and repositioned. They look very handsome indeed and enhance the new bridges. For further information, comment and photos see our blog at http:// hernehillsociety.typepad. com/blog/

New Thameslink trains revealed

How the new trains should look

Following the confirmation of the contract in June 2013 (see Herne Hill magazine issue 124), a mock-up of the layout for the new trains being built for the Thameslink routes has been unveiled. They look a bit like the London Overground

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

carriages, with a walk-through layout. Features include more luggage space, improved access for people with reduced mobility, and air-conditioning. And there is more standing room for peak hours. Advanced technology will deliver faster,

real-time updates and travel information. These new trains will be brought into service between 2016 and 2018. The mock-up is being shown at some stations (including City Thameslink, St Pancras International and King’s Cross) in February and March.

NEWS

Society is a winner again The Society was, once again, a winner at the Walter Bor awards, named after the founding president of the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies. The London Forum represents the views and interests of over 150 local societies in London on issues such as town planning, heritage and transport. The awards are held every two years. The Story of Sir Henry Bessemer was “commended”, while our website was the outright winner in its category, being praised for its currency and lively use of imagery. I won’t claim that these are “the Oscars of the local society world”. Heaven forfend! However, the judges do receive many entries, and they have consistently rewarded us over the years. In 2011, A Short History of Herne Hill was also “commended”, while Herne Hill magazine, then designed by Nick Baker, was “highly commended”. The original Herne

Hill Heritage Trail book, published in 2003, was another winner in its time, and we are confident that the new edition (see page 3) will do just as well. The website is dear to me personally, as I had been working on a new site for long

before I became Chair. But I wonder if members know how much is on it these days. As well as information on our activities and about Herne Hill in general there are, for example, online page-turning versions of two out-of-print titles: The Milkwood Estate and A Brockwell Boy. You can also read some editions of this magazine, using the search box to find any word or phrase. And you can purchase books and membership online too, through PayPal. Whether online or in print, we try to reach a professional standard – with our limited skills and budget. It is gratifying when our efforts are appreciated and recognised. We know we can do even better in future, but we need to expand the team. Please consider standing for the Committee in March — even if you can’t spare a lot of time now, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Your time, ideas and skills will be welcome. Colin Wight

Burglars beware! Recent research into insurance claims for losses through burglary places London SE24 at No. 2 in the list of Britain’s top 10 burglary hotspots. Figures for Herne Hill show that, last year, 41.8 claims per thousand residents were made. We came just behind Chorlton in Greater Manchester, with 45.2 claims. And this was in a year when overall crime figures continued to fall from their 1995 peak. Over the past year there has been a 10 per cent nationwide reduction in household crime, including burglary. Perhaps we are paying the price for being, in the Daily Mail’s words, a “well-heeled suburb of London”. As a consequence we attract villains as well as enthusiastic house-buyers. This year hasn’t got off to a

good start either. Within the first two weeks there were three burglaries reported on one street alone. But maybe we have an answer. The 21 January edition of Metro carries the story of BBC presenter Simon King setting up a sensor-activated camera in a Herne Hill garden to obtain pictures of the night-life. But rather than the odd fox or owl, he unmasked another type of night-time visitor – all too

human. This gentleman had just popped into the back garden over next door’s fence. His expression of surprise at being caught by the flash may raise a smile. He is reported as fleeing empty-handed after being disturbed on 12 January at around 3.45am. The police are keen to have a chat. So if you think you recognise him, do let them know on 020 7273 7060. More positively, Southwark Police report that between

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

10 and 23 January they have arrested five burglars in Village Ward. Investigations are ongoing. And there are still some honest folk about. Our evergenerous Chair lost his wallet one evening in Milkwood Road and a young gentleman returned it to him within the hour − cards, cash and driving licence intact. Thank you Steve, if you are reading this. John Brunton

Planning & Licensing

However, the Society’s Planning Group is not persuaded by this argument and feels that the decision was taken for reasons of expediency. We have challenged it and asked for a formal legal opinion from the Council.

Planning

128 Herne Hill – Tesco and student housing Building work on this new development has continued. Tesco has been granted permission for new shop fronts and other works such as an ATM, bollards and cycle stands. It appears that part of ‘Academic House’ is occupied and the promised traffic plan has not been submitted for approval. As this plan has to be approved before any part of the building can be occupied, this could technically be unlawful. Planning enforcement has been informed. Pavement outside 294 Croxted Road Following the refusal of an earlier scheme, a fresh application has been submitted with a lower height phone mast. However, there is still a new cabinet which will add to the clutter and visually impact adversely on the area. 84 Railton Road Lambeth has finally responded to our concerns about this development by letting us see earlier reports from independent inspectors and planning officers. Although the scheme that the Council approved has an adverse impact on the area and in some ways is worse than proposals previously turned down, it appears that because of the Government’s changes to planning policy, specifically the National Planning Policy Framework, there is nothing unlawful about the decision to approve the development.

S106 agreements The Society has been in consultation with the Forum about continuing to press for meaningful local involvement in any proposed allocation of funds for local improvements. The response from the Council has so far been disappointing. 167 Herne Hill Road The Society objected to an application for a large dormer extension, as reported last time. The application was withdrawn and replaced by an application for a lawful development certificate for what seemed to us an identical scheme. We pointed out that there were errors in the original calculations and that, when revised figures were submitted, the application was approved within two days. The Society has been working in support of neighbours on this and has pointed out that there are doubts about the accuracy of the drawings. 40 Fawnbrake Avenue The Society objected to an application for a large roof extension at this address. The applicant complained to us about our stance. In reply we pointed out that we objected to very few domestic extensions. However this one, by virtue of its size and position, appeared to us to be contrary to Council policy. Lambeth has turned down the application. 11 Holmdene Avenue There is a proposal to demolish this 1950s house and replace it with a much bigger development of possibly five flats. There is no application yet, but we have been working with local residents in looking to oppose what would be a gross overdevelopment of the site. 135 Dulwich Road There is an application to change the use of this flower shop to a restaurant. It would be a shame to lose a shop such as this and the Society wondered whether the area needs another such use. However, we concluded there is no policy reason to oppose the change of use. We have drawn the Council’s attention to the fact that the use should be as a restaurant as proposed and not become a take-away with the risk of rubbish and disturbance. 184 Milkwood Road Arch An application has been received to change the approved use from retail to restaurant. Although there are now some shops established in the arches, restaurant use may not be very viable - though that may change with an influx of students to the new flats opposite. Our guess is that Network Rail’s agents want more flexibility in letting the remaining empty arch. 67 Hinton Road An application was received for a loft extension. But the drawings were so poor the Society objected that the application should not have been validated. This was accepted. Lambeth have since turned down the application on grounds of adverse visual impact on the rest of the terrace.

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

Sunray Estate There have been a large number of applications for window replacements for Council-owned properties in this Conservation Area. This is to be welcomed, as not only will the new windows be more efficient they will all be in wood, which is more in keeping with the character of the area than UPVC replacements. David Taylor

Licensing

The Hypnotik, 75-79 Norwood Road At a hearing on 23 September, Southwark Licensing Sub-Committee revoked Hypnotik’s licence. The following month a Premises Licence application was submitted to Southwark Licensing. Were this application to be granted, the establishment would have been allowed to open until 01.30 Monday to Wednesday, 04.00 Thursday to Saturday, and 00.30 Sunday, with live and recorded music, dancing, sale of alcohol etc. up to 30 minutes before closing time. Because of the premises’ past history of disturbance to the local community, the Society objected to this application. Following a hearing in November, Southwark Licensing Sub-Committee agreed to grant a Premises Licence. But this was subject to a number of conditions designed to protect the amenity of local residents and traders and to stop any repetition of the premises being used as a nightclub. These conditions included closing at midnight (23.00 on Sundays) and restrictions on the times allowed for music and dancing (permitted on Thursday to Saturday only) and on the sale of alcohol. Tasko Kitchen, 49-51 Norwood Road These premises were formerly known as Sebastian’s, whose Premises Licence had been revoked following a review. In November a Premises Licence application was submitted by Tasko Kitchen for supply of alcohol between 09.00 and midnight. Following a meeting with the new owner, we accepted that his intention was to run a family-friendly restaurant. We did not therefore formally object to the application. However, responding to a number of concerns about previous activities, we proposed a number of conditions that should be attached to any licence granted (designed to stop the premises being used as a night club). The applicant agreed to accept these conditions and also conditions proposed in a submission from the police. The licence has subsequently been granted. Temple Bowling Club, 1A Sunset Road, SE5 The Club has applied for a premises licence that, if granted, would permit the supply of alcohol, live and recorded music, dancing etc. between the hours of 10.00 and 23.00 Sunday to Thursday and 10.00 to 24.00 Friday and Saturday. We have had a number of reports of late-night disturbances to nearby residents and of possible breaches of existing licence conditions. We have therefore made a submission to Lambeth Licensing raising these and a number of other concerns, and suggesting ways in which the Club could continue to operate but without resulting nuisance to people living in the area. We understand that Lambeth has also received a number of objections to this application. A date for a meeting of Lambeth’s Licensing Sub-Committee to consider this application has yet to be set. John Brunton

Work under way: The clock tower gets a facelift

Mission accomplished on Clocktower target In only a few months the £20,000 target to repair and restore the clock with its tower in Brockwell Park has been reached – a huge “thank you” from the Project Team to everyone who has contributed. This Grade II-listed ornamental cast-iron clock and tower were gifted to the Park by Charles Ernest Tritton and inaugurated on 27 June 1897. Tritton was MP for Norwood from 1892 to 1906. He is commemorated by a small plaque on the side of the tower. The clock worked for a century but has been sadly out of action for the past two decades. The restoration work will be carried out by Gillett & Johnston, the original manufacturers. After erecting scaffolding and a protective cover, the first job will be to remove the

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

clock faces and dials for repair and restoration. This will be followed by sandblasting the tower, repainting it a bottle-green colour with some gilded detail, in keeping with the original design. The dials and faces must then be returned to the clock and the mechanism serviced and started. The clock will be hand-wound each week. As I write, work is due to start in February and is expected to take about four weeks. When the clock and tower have been repaired and restored, the Project Team would also like to replace the small garden and fencing that used to be around the base. This will need additional funding. So keep a good look out for further appeals for your money! Rosalind Glover

www.bokishair.com

020 8678 6646

HAIR HAIR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

020 8678 6646 61 NORWOOD ROAD HERNE HILL SE24 9AA www.bokishair.com

Herne Hill-Spring 2014

OPENING HOURS MON-FRI 8AM-9PM SAT 8AM-6.30PM SUN CLOSED

NEWS

DRYING

Badly affected: Café Provençal

OUT

Liz Ochagavia takes a personal look at how Herne Hill businesses have been recovering from August’s flood Wandering along Half Moon Lane doing my research for this article proved to be an uplifting and inspiring experience. Most businesses have not only reopened after the nightmare flood of 6 August, but have been restocked and refurbished to become even better than before. This has not been achieved without a tremendous amount of determination, time, effort and emotion including, I suspect, periods of frustration and despondency. I understand that either Thames Water or insurers might compensate for some loss of earnings as well as the cost of refitting. But the businesses need us to return to using them as much if not more than we did before to enable them to return to full strength. Some businesses have found it more difficult than others to overcome the obstacles in their way. One or two may not reopen under the same ownership, which makes the resilience of the majority all the more impressive. And sadly, Merry go Round may be closed forever.

You can keep up to date with their status on www.hernehillsociety.org.uk . Duo Dance is a dancewear shop whose clients come from far and wide. Not wanting to disappoint their customers, they managed to keep trading through the crisis, despite being severely affected by the water. The main shop is still out of action as I write, but a procession of loyal customers follows the clear yellow signs round Carver Road into the former back office. l Within a few days of the water main bursting, Southwark made available £100,000 to help businesses affected by the flooding. By mid-January £88,250 had been spent on assistance to 17 businesses, including a £5,000 contribution to the Herne Hill Christmas Fair. Thames Water has also provided a further £100,000 to support businesses affected by the flood. This money will be used to help restore footfall and improve trade.

This has been converted into a temporary emporium of cross-over cardigans, pink tights and that essential leotard or shoe needed for a specific show or dance class. Oliver Burn, the estate agents and one of our regular advertisers, has been operating from their Clapham offices until the Herne Hill branch is back in business. Number 22 is providing a catering service until the restaurant proper reopens. We still await the re-emergence of Café Provençal and, as mentioned in our winter edition, the Half Moon pub is aiming to re-open in the spring. Its Grade II-listed status brings extra complications and delays. As I called into various establishments I had no problems finding the special light bulbs I needed at the recently reopened RJ Electrical Supplies, booking a dental appointment at Half Moon Dental Practice, buying a second-hand book at Oxfam, a bicycle bell at Bon Vélo and vitamin pills at Brockwell Pharmacy. So please show your support for the heroic Herne Hill traders by making them your first port of call.

FROM THE ARCHIVES... DAILY GRAPHIC, 16 SEPT, 1890 To the Editor, The Daily Graphic I send a sketch of a balloon ascent which took place at Brockwell Park on Saturday afternoon. At five o’clock the public were awaiting the appearance of Captain Dale, who was advertised to descend from a parachute at that hour, when out stepped from a little tent, not Captain Dale, but a young lady dressed in a purple velvet

costume. The parachute was thereupon attached to her person by means of a ring passing under her arms. She then took her seat on the edge of the car, waving a pocket-handkerchief, her feet resting on a pendant board. On the signal to let go being given, the balloon appeared to rise but slowly, and was seen to be making for a clump of trees. In spite of the throwing out of ballast by the aeronaut, he was not in

time to save the balloon and car from brushing over the top of the trees. It continued to rise but slowly, and drifted away for miles. All eyes were strained to see the young lady descend, but she had not loosed her hold when the balloon sailed finally out of sight. Doubtless, a sufficient altitude was attained at no period of the ascent. Yours obediently, A.B. Denmark Hill, S.E.

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l We are grateful to Kevin Kelly for spotting this.

NEWS The builders are in at St Paul’s Church on Herne Hill. After a decade of fund-raising and planning a major internal modernisation has begun — the biggest change to the building since it was constructed over 150 years ago. Work started on site at the beginning of September 2013 and is due to be completed in time for the Easter services. The new facilities include: a substantial welcome and meeting area, a large (and sound-proofed) crèche, accessible toilets, a kitchen and a smaller meeting room. A new glass-entrance lobby will enable people to see into the church during most weekdays. All these areas will have modern heating and lighting. A major

St Paul’s Conversion under way

feature is a 40-foot-high floor to ceiling screen which separates the new areas from the worship area. The screen will comprise large glass panels within a wood-clad steel structure. The exit from the main body of the church will be framed

by the fine carved wood First World War memorial screen, which is being relocated from the other end of the church. Relocating the memorial screen means that, for the first time in over 90 years, there will be an unencumbered view of the fine

stained-glass window at the east end of the church. Most of the £450,000 cost of the project has come from donations from the congregation and fund-raising events. St Paul’s Church is one of the two churches that make up the Parish of Herne Hill (the other being St Saviour’s on Herne Hill Road).The modernisation will enable St Paul’s to be put to greater use in serving the wider community of Herne Hill. As the Vicar, Cameron Barker, says, “that is exactly what this church is always aiming to do and to be, and you are very warmly invited to come and be part of the action, then!”. Leigh Whittingham

A fresh chance to pRESERVE OUR PARK

n December 2013, Lambeth’s Cabinet approved the Cooperative Parks Programme, giving the users and lovers of the Borough’s 60 parks and open spaces a real opportunity to be involved in their management. Departments will be reorganised to be more responsive to local voices. Some local Community Trusts will take over the entire management of their open space — Myatt’s Fields is one possibility. Stewardship of all our parks will remain with the Borough. Much of this welcome change results from dramatically reduced budgets. However, the Cooperative Parks Programme can bring new vigour to parks groups and offer a way of preserving and enhancing our open spaces. In Brockwell Park, experience of innovative working with Lambeth and their consultants on landscape restoration has shown that we are well placed to take advantage of shared management through a Partnership Board. The key to this development is the highly successful Brockwell Park Community Partners (BPCP), a stakeholder group of more than

30 volunteer groups, local societies and residents organisations from around the Park, as well as individual members. BPCP was first set up in 1995 at the time of the first bid for Lottery funding for the Park. The aim was to enlarge the scope of consultation with the Park’s communities and to try to encourage voices that might not otherwise be heard. The first bid was unsuccessful but the MAC, as it was then known, was re-launched in 2004 to act as Lambeth’s Community Partner in the (ultimately successful) second bid for funds.

revised constitution, approved at the 19 January 2014 AGM, will ensure that the BPCP is well placed to work alongside Lambeth officers and councillors on the Partnership Board. At present four members of the Executive Committee attend Board meetings, but this will be increased to six later this year. The Partnership Board is a strategic body with the power, through elected councillors, to approve spending. Below that there will be working groups to deal with the many

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management issues that will face the Park. These include the future of Brockwell Hall and the need for improved sports facilities. The BPCP holds four open meetings a year to discuss Park issues. Stakeholder group representatives attend as well as individuals with an interest in the Park. For more, BPCP has a website at www. brockwellparkcommunitypartners.org.uk, a Facebook page and several hundred Twitter followers. Over the last few years, working with other groups, the BPCP has run MAD for Brockwell Park, a successful summer programme of community events funded by grants, local fundraising and the Lottery. The Biodiversity Group has raised £20,000 for a native hedge along the western boundary of the Park to encourage wildlife. These, and successful fundraising for the repair of the clock-tower and the wonderful wildflower area by the Lido, are examples of how much can be achieved for our Park by cooperation between groups. The Cooperative Parks Programme is an opportunity to take the principle further. Ann Kingsbury, BPCP Chair

Finbarr Whooley, Assistant Director of the Horniman Museum, gave a talk full of detail and interest to the Society’s November meeting. Frederick John Horniman (1835–1906), the museum’s founder, was born to a Quaker family, originally grocers from the West Country. Horniman Tea became one of the biggest brands of the 19th century. Consequently the family were among the wealthiest in Victorian Britain. Frederick himself was a collector from an early age, though he continued to work hard in the business until his retirement. Over the years his collection grew, and eventually his family were squeezed out of Surrey House, their home at Forest Hill, and the house was opened three days a week to the public free of charge. The family moved to a new house adjacent to the old one. Frederick was interested in almost everything. His collection consisted of ethnography from the world and from the British Isles, with a focus on social and natural history. Following his retirement he travelled extensively, visiting many countries, including

NO ONE EXPECTs THE SPANISH INQUISITION CHAIR AT THE HORNIMAN Egypt, Sri Lanka, Burma, China and the United States. Although it was his private passion, he also was very generous in spirit. He wanted to share his knowledge and open up his collection to all. The main part of the museum was constructed for Victoria’s

1897 Jubilee, on the site of Surrey House, which was demolished. It was designed by Charles Harrison Townsend, an architect associated with the Arts and Crafts revival. In 1901, Frederick handed over his museum to the London County Council,

though he continued to remain closely involved until his death. Subsequent directors have continued to develop the collections, according to their own particular interests. It now possesses a huge range of varied pieces, including objects from Eastern Europe acquired until well into the 1960s. Members of the audience recalled fond memories of objects such as the Spanish Inquisition chair, the indoor beehive and the aquarium. Val Suebsaeng Frederick Horniman (second left) with his wife and Museum staff in Surrey House, 1891. Above, the new Museum and clock tower c. 1901

A new, grandly designed, landmark for the Hill A local story not covered in the last issue of the Magazine was a programme on Channel 4 shown last October in the Grand Designs series presented by Kevin McCloud. It traced the creation of a landmark structure in Herne Hill — not that anyone unfamiliar with our part of the world would have had a clear idea where the building could be found. The name Herne Hill was never mentioned during the programme and, as I recall, although there were plenty of references to “the park”, its identity as Brockwell Park was mentioned but once.

So where is this building? If one walks through the park past the Lido towards the Brixton Water Lane entrance, it is, now that the trees are bare, hard to overlook. At the same time its subdued tones blending in with the ragstone and grey slates of the former St Jude’s church and the simple massing give the building a surprisingly unobtrusive presence. In the 1950s an undistinguished red-brick box was built on the site, the vicarage for the church. In 1980 the church became disused and the vicarage

redundant. Grand Designs followed the ups and downs of the project. Though in this case the couple undertaking it, Ben and Rachel Hammond, seemed more than capable of dealing with the many headaches that arose during construction. Central to the project was the inspiration of their architect, the Brixtonbased Zac Monro. The contemporary idiom of the structure, which intriguingly encases much of the carcass of the original building, may not please those with more traditional tastes. But to my

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mind it is an example of how good design and materials, combined with high quality workmanship can create something of real distinction. Particularly important, given that the building is sited in the park, is that it co-exist in harmony with the park. To achieve this may take a little time, but its near neighbour the Lido, also built into the park, must have appeared uncompromisingly modern in its time, yet today it feels an integral part of Brockwell Park, and hence of Herne Hill. Laurence Marsh

Mystery of the Herne Hill KILLER LIVES ON...

n 10 March 1931, Alfred Arthur Rouse, having been found guilty of murder, was hanged at Bedford Prison. Rouse was born in 1894 at 242 Milkwood Road, Herne Hill. In 1914 he enlisted in the army. But he was discharged two years later as a result of a head wound. He then went through a variety of jobs before becoming a commercial traveller for a firm of braces and garters manufacturers. This gave him plenty of opportunity to exploit his plausible tongue and ingratiating manners. Despite being married, he is said to have had affairs with over 80 women and fathered six children. By 1930 the cost of keeping his own home as well as paying child maintenance orders meant that his debts were out of control. So he devised a plan to escape by faking his own death. On 6 November 1930, parked by a road just east of Northampton with a man to whom he had given a lift, Rouse carried out the murder, probably with a mallet later found nearby. He then set fire to the car. The body was burnt beyond recognition. Unfortunately for Rouse he was spotted leaving the scene. His photograph was widely published in the press. The following day he was spotted in Wales then arrested in London later the same evening. His trial at Northampton Assizes in January 1931 took six days. But the Jury took only 75 minutes to return a guilty verdict. The identity of the victim was never

Restless (2005)

From the Daily Mirror, 2 February 1931

established. For many years the family of William Briggs have wondered whether he was the murder victim. The timing looked right – William had left his home in London for a doctor’s appointment in November 1930. But he was never seen again. And hair and clothing samples seemed to match William with the victim. However, there

Richard Deacon is the leading British sculptor of his generation. A retrospective of his work is now on show at Tate Britain and runs until 12 April. In 1991 Deacon moved from shared studio space in Brixton to a two-storey unit on the Milkwood Road Industrial Estate, Herne Hill. The building is as much store-room as conventional studio, since it is stacked with

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seemed no way of proving it until the case was taken up by BBC1’s The One Show in a programme transmitted on 21 January. Fortunately police records of the murder still held tissue samples taken from the victim from which DNA samples could be obtained. Scientists from Leicester and Northumbria Universities carried out a comparison between the victim’s DNA and that of William Briggs’ living relatives. It would have been a nice end to this story to have been able to say that the DNA samples matched. Unfortunately they didn’t. So, after 83 years, the mystery of Rouse’s victim remains unsolved. You can read more about Rouse in two Herne Hill Society books: Milkwood Estate, the story of a Lambeth community; and Herne Hill Personalities.

almost every conceivable material or object that the artist uses or draws on in some shape or form in his highly inventive and diverse sculptures, or “fabrications” as he likes to call them. For a glimpse of the studio interior and a foretaste of the Tate exhibition go to http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/ video/tateshots-richard-deacon

While statistics show a steady increase in visits and issues, the future of Carnegie Library is by no means guaranteed. Despite Lambeth’s current policy not to close libraries, pressure on budgets, combined with Lambeth’s desire to divest itself of buildings by asset transfer to local communities, presents huge challenges. Carnegie’s space hire charges for community and commercial booking have been agreed — check Lambeth’s website and that of the Friends for details. We expect hire income to be ring-fenced. Meanwhile, an annual rent for the upstairs former lecture theatre has been agreed for up to two years with the managers of Whirled Cinema. The space will be available for hot-desk use by artists and designers. This involves a temporary change of

The future of Carnegie Library is still in doubt Use Class to permit business activity. As other areas become available, further decisions on appropriate use will need to be made. The Carnegie Library Project Group commissioned a conservation statement for the building. This has now been drafted and will inform the options appraisal for future development. The original mission was to create a library community hub that opens the library for wider community use, with further income generated by compatible organisations to link with and support the core function.

We would expect this to happen with the maximum flexibility and minimum intervention. A firm of architects has prepared initial outline options. However, these are more concerned with maximising income than developing the library as a learning, arts and cultural centre. There will be public consultation once the proposed options are further developed. Hopefully this will result in something acceptable to all, offering a means to sustain our Grade II listed public building without marginalising or diminishing the library service. The Friends of Carnegie Library AGM will be held on 20 March, 6.30 for 7pm, in the library. If you care about our library and our heritage building, join or renew your Friends membership, and do come along. Jeffrey Doorn

HOCKNEY’S PRINTS IMPRESS David Hockney is one of the most famous British artists of our time. Perhaps best known for his paintings of California swimming pools, he has also produced a vast range of work, including drawings, graphics, stage designs and photocollages. But it is his output as a printmaker which Dulwich Picture Gallery celebrates in an exhibition until 11 May. The 76-year-old from Bradford produced his first print 60 years ago, and it is on display with works illustrating his evolving styles and techniques, up to his last print in 1998. Later works include computer drawings, which herald his recent iPad offerings. Lithographs and etchings are a particular focus in separate sections, giving an insight into Hockney’s development and perfection of method. Graphic representations of sitters include Celia Birtwell. Her image appears in many guises throughout his artworks. Most of us are familiar with the large painting of her with husband and cat in Tate Britain. Here in a 1973 lithograph she sits on a simple chair,

looking down at the floor off to her right. Dating from about the same time is an etching, “Artist and Model” presenting an imaginary scene of himself sitting across a table from Pablo Picasso. Opening in LGBT History Month, the show abounds with echoes of the artist’s homosexuality, from brave early references to Cavafy inspired images. There are also a number of pictures featuring water, from pools to puddles to splashing to the streaking and drops of “Rain on the Studio Window”. David Hockney continues to work, experimenting with new ways to make art, using both traditional methods and the latest technology. In Dulwich for the next few months we have the chance to see and appreciate a comprehensive survey of one major aspect of his remarkable career. Open Tuesday–Friday 10am–5pm; weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am– 5pm. Gallery and exhibition £11, seniors £10, cons £6; Friends and children free. Jeffrey Doorn

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A GLIMPSE OF A WINTER VISITOR Did you see the redwings this year? Every winter I look out for these handsome thrushes, which are attracted to berries on a large cotoneaster tree in the garden next to mine. They are winter visitors to this country, spending most of the year in Russia and Scandinavia, only coming to southern England when their food sources are used up and it gets too cold in the north. A few nest in the north of Scotland, but along with the larger and greyer fieldfare, they are a thrilling sight when they come south in winter, often seen on playing fields and parks. In the autumn they love hedgerow berries and fallen apples in orchards in the country, and then when that store is used up, move into urban areas for warmth and even garden berries.

Redwing (turdus iliacus), a fleeting sighting in any winter

How do I know they are not song thrushes? Well, song thrushes are resident birds but are, sadly, increasingly unusual in South London and are usually seen singly or in a pair, but never in a group of 10 or more. The redwing has a distinct pale eye-stripe and a large red patch under its wings, whereas the song thrush has slightly bolder spots and is missing the eye-stripe and red

patch. Resident mistle thrushes — larger with a noisy alarm call — are more often seen locally, especially in the parks. I also notice every year the arrival of migrant blackbirds to my garden as, instead of the usual resident pair, there are often eight of them chasing each other through the tree tops and in the garden. In fact, the bolder blackbirds kept the shy redwings at bay for quite

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a while when the cotoneaster berries were ripe. But then the redwings found a way to be brave and share, and within a week all the berries had gone. Why did I start by saying “Did you see them?”? Once all the berries had been eaten, the flock moved on to look for food elsewhere. I don’t expect to see them again here this year. I will instead enjoy the greater-spotted woodpecker in the bare chestnut tree, the regular goldfinches, blue and great tits and of course the robin, who is singing loudly. One last thing: on Christmas Day I had a treat as I had an unusual visitor on my back lawn, a handsome green woodpecker. My bird records, which date back to 1996, confirm I have only seen one in my garden once before. Sheila Northover

TH IS FR OM

! IS TH

Peter Bradley, chair of the Friends of Brockwell Park, with TLB in Brockwell Hall

BRISTOWE’S BUST IS BACK! O

ur December meetings usually take the form of an end of year celebration; and the final meeting of 2013 was no exception. Peter Bradley, Chair of the Friends of Brockwell Park, gave an entertaining and informative illustrated talk on “Thomas Lynn Bristowe and the Return of his Bust to Brockwell Park”. He began with the tripartite partnership of the Friends, Herne Hill Society and London Borough of Lambeth, which formed in 2009 to set up a project group. Six dedicated people, Peter, Sheila, Robert, Rosalind, Lara and Paul, began work in January 2010; their aim “to retrieve the bust of Thomas Lynn Bristowe and erect it in Brockwell Hall in June 2012, to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the opening of Brockwell Park (6 June 1892)”. Bristowe collapsed on the steps during the opening and died. A memorial was raised the following year, but demolished by Lambeth 60 years later. The bust and plinth were given to his family and placed in their garden in Cambridgeshire. Issues faced by the project group included: negotiating with the descendants,

restoration of the bust, transport, costs and fundraising. It was a painstaking task, with “many a slip between cup and lip”, and undoubtedly presented a steep learning curve. But perseverance resulted in the goal being achieved. The second part of the talk gave a flavour of Bristowe himself. As no biography exists, Peter had to rely on accounts in The Times, Hansard, Debretts and other sources. His delving revealed much about TLB’s life and career.

e learned that Lynn was one example of the strange middle names of which his family was fond. Born 31 March 1833, third son of a Camberwell doctor, Thomas was educated privately and became a stockbroker before being elected MP (Con.) for Norwood Division in 1885. He was the first for that newly-set-up constituency. As readers of Herne Hill Personalities will know, he lived at Dulwich Hill House, Denmark Hill. We were treated to images of Bristowe’s crest and motto, Vigilantibus non dormientibus, and a survey of his elections

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and position in the governments of the day. Most important for us, of course, was his campaign to create Brockwell Park, including appeals for funding. Despite some setbacks and disappointments, such as rejection of a suggested one-penny rail fare for children coming to the Park, he lived to see his efforts crowned with success. A remarkable image from Punch two months after his death showed TLB as one of 12 “Members we shall miss”, the other 11 having been defeated in the July 1892 election. The final part of Peter’s presentation was a film showing how the Bristowe Bust project team searched, found and collected the bust and plinth, had them restored in Leatherhead and brought to the Park, culminating in the unveiling exactly on schedule, with a stirring speech by the Mayor of Lambeth. The bust now proudly rests in the foyer of Brockwell Hall; the original plinth is in the walled garden. We all enjoyed Peter’s enthusiastic, spirited presentation and his deft fielding of the many questions put after a sociable interval with seasonal refreshments. Jeffrey Doorn

DIARY OF EVENTS HERNE HILL SOCIETY — SPRING/SUMMER Wednesday 12 March Annual General Meeting, followed by “Suffragettes and the Striking Women of South London” by Katherine Connelly Edwardian Britain was characterised by a rising tide of unrest, with militant campaigns against poverty wages, and for Irish freedom and votes for women. In 1911, hundreds of women workers in South London stopped work and demonstrated in the streets. Find out how the suffragettes responded to the strike and what the women workers taught the suffragettes. Katherine Connelly is a writer, historian and activist. In 2013 she published her first book, Sylvia Pankhurst: Suffragette, Socialist and Scourge of Empire, and co-ordinated the Emily Wilding Davison Memorial Campaign. She is currently a PhD student at Queen Mary, University of London. Wednesday 9 April “Peabody and the Housing Revolution” by Jack Yeomanson There are some 17,000–20,000 homes owned by the Peabody Trust around London, but who was the man behind them? George Peabody was one of the most extraordinary men in Victorian England. This talk will uncover both the man and the trust he founded, from his birth in the USA through his career and death in Britain, together with his legacy which endures to the present day. Local Government Officer Jack Yeomanson is a historian and one of the youngest members of the City of London Guide Lecturers’ Association. While training to become a Tour Guide he became fascinated by George Peabody, having been asked to research the

topic for a presentation. Jack is also a Freeman of the City of London and lectures on a range of topics. Wednesday 14 May “Elephant and Castle: A History” by Stephen Humphrey The Newington/Walworth area boasted a range of landmarks from circa 1850 to 1940, including dance, theatre and music hall entertainments. Illustrated with an array of images, the talk will bring the rich history of this south London crossroads to life. Stephen Humphrey is a lecturer, writer and tour guide in historical subjects, including local and architectural history. His recently-published book contains much new material about this fascinating part of Southwark. Wednesday 11 June: “Dr John Hayball Paul and Camberwell House Asylum” by Dr Fiona Subotsky In the 19th century, Dr John Hayball Paul was the medical proprietor of the financially very successful Camberwell House Asylum, located each side of Peckham Road. How did he gain this position? And what do we know about him and his patients? Fiona Subotsky is a retired child psychiatrist, honorary archivist at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and long-term local resident. Posters for forthcoming events can be downloaded from www.hernehillsociety.org.uk/society_meeting l Unless otherwise stated, Herne Hill Society meetings will be at Herne Hill United Church Hall, at 7:30 (doors open) for 7:45pm. To avoid disturbance to others, please try to arrive before the speaker is introduced.

OTHER SOCIETIES — FOR MORE, SEE hernehillsociety.org.uk/EVENTS Sunday 23 February at 11:00 – 3:00pm Friends of Brockwell Park Dig the Park! Help conserve and beautify the park by cutting back brambles and overgrown shrubs. Hot soup and biscuits provided. Meet between Pond 1 and Pond 2. Saturday 8 March at 2:30 – 4:00pm Friends of Carnegie Library Poetry reading with Wendy French and Jane Kirwan from the book Born in the NHS and short play, “The Furry Dance”,

presented by Southwark Stanza, followed by open discussion on the NHS. Free Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road Thursday 20 March at 6:30 for 7:00pm Friends of Carnegie Library ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Join or renew your membership and help determine the future of your local library. Consider standing for the Committee or getting more involved to ensure the library is not marginalised or diminished and

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our public building is fully open for wider community use, supported by compatible income generation. Free refreshments Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road Sunday 23 March at 11:00 – 3:00pm Friends of Brockwell Park Dig the Park! Further conservation work: tree pit improvements; seed sowing on wildflower slope. Hot soup and biscuits. Meet on park side of Lido car park

he all-female band was not invented in the era portrayed in Some Like It Hot – though “hot” might not be what leaps to mind to describe Madame Angless’s Ladies’ Pompadour Orchestra, whose address in this postcard, dating from the first decade of the last century, is given as 78 Norwood Road, Herne Hill. Angless had been married to a professor of music, but after the birth of their sixth child the professor abandoned his wife and family. The resourceful lady was herself an accomplished performer on the piano and double bass, and lost no time in creating her own all-female orchestra – in time changing her name from Mrs to Madame Angless. Up to this time the genteel surroundings of the home were generally regarded as the proper place for women with musical talent. They were considered too frail for the sustained physical exertion and concentration required in orchestral performance. They might also look “unladylike”. And of course a female player in an orchestra meant one fewer job for a man. But increasingly women sought to challenge the status quo, here as in so many other areas. It seems that the first all-female orchestra of full symphonic size was the Los Angeles Women’s Orchestra, founded in 1893. Madame Angless was not far behind. Indeed, she must have been among the very first in this

A Musical pionEER country to promote the cause of women’s independence in music. The group in the picture is not full symphonic size, but an article in The Era on 22 September 1900 refers to Mrs Angless (she had not adopted Madame at this point) conducting two all-women bands, one in naval uniform and the other dressed as Swedish Hussars, and together numbering no fewer than 100 members. They were performing at The Woman’s Exhibition at Earl’s Court. The Era’s

reviewer was very impressed, though the attractiveness of the performers’ costumes seems to have played a part. Clearly how the women appeared played an important role in Madame Angless and her musicians finding work, and explains their splendid Pompadour attire. Much has changed over the last 100 years but, rightly or wrongly, the personal appearance of female musicians is an issue that has not gone away. Laurence Marsh

Winter Quiz — And the winner is... Congratulations to our winner Christine Bleathman, who was the first with all the answers correct to the Winter Quix. Her prize is copies of A Short History of Herne Hill and the new edition of Herne Hill Heritage Trail, just published. The answers: Q1. Whose 200th birthday was celebrated on 19 January 2013? Sir Henry Bessemer Q2. What musical instrument did Anna Storace’s father, Stefano, play? Double bass Q3. Who was brought “home” to Brockwell Hall on 6 June 2012? (The bust of) Thomas Lynn Bristowe Q4. In what type of conveyance was Stanley Lupino born in 1893? A hansom cab Q5. Who played Cornelius, the wise simian in Planet of the Apes? Roddy McDowall

Q6. Whose catch-phrase was: “I’m not well ... in fact, I’m proper poorly”? George Williams, comedian Q7. Who played Scrooge, Mr Micawber, Peggotty, Uriah Heap, Fagin and Bill Sikes? Bransby Williams Q8. Which murder victim was likely to have had “foul-smelling breath” and why? Edwin Bartlett: he had had all his teeth sawn off at the gums, which must have resulted in serious decay. Q9. Who said “he was flinging a pot of paint in the public’s face”? and to what (and by whom) was he referring? John Ruskin said it of James NcNeill Whistler’s picture Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket Q10. Who played Private Godfrey’s sister “Cissy”? Kathleen Saintsbury Q11. Who, in 1884, began to argue for the creation of a national organisation to acquire land and

buildings and to hold them for the benefit of the nation? He later went on to outline the guiding principles of what was to become the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or National Beauty. Sir Robert Hunter Q12. Who wrote of his house in Warmington Road: “A row of aspens ran … to the top of the hill”, beyond which “a few acres of meadow land,with a real hedge and derelict farm buildings, stretched as far as Herne Hill station. An old horse brooded by a pond … it was half-way to paradise.”? Richard Church Q13. Who was played by Ian Holm in a well-known film(1981) and what was the name of the film? Sam Mussabini; Chariots of Fire Q14. Who wrote Studies in the Psychology of Sex, published between 1897 and 1910, with a further volume in 1928? Henry Havelock Ellis

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Q15. Who, in April 1915, presented Lambeth with 54 pieces of Doulton? Charles Woolley Q.16. Who, in November 1930, faked his own death but was later caught and charged with murder? What was his fate? Alfred Arthur Rouse; he was hanged. Q.17. Robert Eric Mortimer were the first names of which famous archaeologist? Sir Mortimer Wheeler Q.18. Whose work was called “fresh, challenging, sometimes irreverent”? Rotimi Fani-Kayode Q.19. What was Mrs Patrick Campbell’s name at birth and in which year was she born? Beatrice Rose Stella Tanner; 1865 Q.20. Who laid claim to being the last artist to have painted the Crystal Palace from life? Gabriel White Rosalind Glover

Opportunity Knocks With the continued lack of properties on the market and the Government ‘s ‘Help To Buy’ scheme, our local market has seen unprecedented price rises, often well in excess of the asking price! The lettings market also continues to be buoyant, a great opportunity for investors with interest rates at a historic low! Diana Burn, Founder

Thinking of selling? At Oliver Burn we pride ourselves on our ability to complete the sale. It is not just about getting an offer, this can often be the easy bit. The hard work is to ensure the whole process thereafter moves as swiftly and efficiently as possible towards a successful completion.

she e and my home and that m t ou ab d re ca e sh at ocess Diana I knew th d the team made the pr an n ‘From the moment I met re ar W le. sa e th r fo ve no portant to me ibly stressful. I would ha ed understood what was im cr in en be ve ha d ul t important enges that co d feel that I was the mos di very easy in spite of chall y all re I as , rn Bu r ive mending Ol hesitation at all in recom ess.’ factor in the whole proc Steven Coates Norwood Road, SE24

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OUR COUNCILLORS Herne Hill Ward, Lambeth Carol Boucher (Lab.) cboucher@lambeth.gov.uk 07814 567 914 Jim Dickson (Lab.) jdickson@lambeth.gov.uk 020 3149 6657 Leanne Targett-Parker (Lab.) ltargett-parker@lambeth.gov.uk 07805 942 796 Thurlow Park Ward, Lambeth Ann Kingsbury (Lab.) akingsbury@lambeth.gov.uk 07814 567 594 Clare Whelan (Con.) cwhelan@lambeth.gov.uk 07946 218 525 John Whelan (Con.) jwhelan@lambeth.gov.uk 07802 412 761 Village Ward, Southwark Robin Crookshank Hilton (Lib-Dem) robin.crookshank.hilton@southwark.gov.uk 020 8613 6046 Toby Eckersley (Con.) toby.eckersley@southwark.gov.uk 020 7701 3112 Michael Mitchell (Con.) michael.mitchell@southwark.gov.uk 07535 932 326 Your MP Tessa Jowell MP (Lab.) jowellt@parliament.uk House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. 020 8333 1372

Your GLA Member Valerie Shawcross AM (Lab.)

valerie.shawcross@london.gov.uk GLA, City Hall, Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA 020 7983 4407

Environmental Contacts Lambeth Streetscene: Cleansing, rubbish removal, pot holes, abandoned vehicles, graffiti removal etc: Southwark Streetscene (as above):

020 7926 9000 020 7525 2000

Advertising space is available in this Magazine for local businesses at the following rates: Full page £60 Half page £30 Quarter page £15 Eighth page £9 Classified £6 Full page advertisements are available at a cost of £60, limited to two per issue, with a premium of £80 for an advertisement on the back cover. Four insertions for the price of three. Full page is standard A4 (297 x 210mm). Either provide your own artwork, or we can help with typesetting, artwork and logo, all free of charge. Copy deadline for the Summer issue is 22 April 2014. Contact Liz Ochagavia at advertising@hernehillsociety.org.uk

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