Herne Hill #128 (Autumn 2014) by The Herne Hill Society

HERNE HILL THE MAG A ZINE OF THE HERNE HILL SOCIET Y❧ ISSUE 128❧ AU TUMN

❧2014 ❧£2

t Ge ur yo py co day to

HALF MOON on THE WANE? ▶ The future of a Herne Hill landmark - For full details, turn to Page 3

TRAFFIC TROUBLE

A CURATE’S DUCK

▶ Railway bridge renovations - Turn to Pages 6-7

▶ The strange case of the Rev. Wills - Turn to Page 17

Sry DRAMA AT THE FIRE HOUSE U PFLull dviaents ▶ The ₤2million plan to return the home of South London of

Theatre to its former glory - Turn to Pages 12-13

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 Community safety publicsafety@hernehillsociety.org.uk. Other issues enquiries@hernehillsociety.org.uk Postal and online addresses The Herne Hill Society PO Box 27845 LONDON SE24 9XA

View from the Chair 5 Planning & Licensing

hernehillsociety.org.uk facebook.com/hernehillsociety Twitter @hernehillsoc Copy deadline for the Winter issue is 22 October, 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 The future of the Half Moon pub 3 Herne Hill Music Festival 4 Lambeth Heritage Festival 4 Brockwell Park Dog Show 4 Artists’ Open House 5 How to improve road safety in Herne Hill 6 The summer quiz — The answers 6 History in the Gardens 6 Brockwell Passage updated 7 Railway bridge and traffic problems 7 Dr Tibbles’ Cocoa 7 History of Elephant and Castle 9 University of the Third Age 9 Future of Carnegie Library 14 Community Safety Initiative 14-15 Summer at Dulwich Picture Gallery 15

Features South London Theatre Camberwell House, the lost hospital A Curate’s Duck Book on the Hill

12-13 15 17 19

Diary of Events Herne Hill Society and other events

Councillors List of contacts

Herne Hill-Autumn 2014

NEWS

The FUTURE OF THE HALF MOON Flats? Hotel? A pub? Now squatters have moved in, what will happen to landmark?

Designed and built between 1894 and 1896 in the ‘Jacobeathan Revival’ style by James W. Brooker FRIBA (1853-1904), the Half Moon Hotel is Grade II* listed - which very few pubs are. The National Inventory of Pub Interiors describes it as “a tremendously exuberant piece of pub architecture with some marvellous fittings to match”. Its pièce de résistance is the six fabulous back-painted mirrors in the old snug bar, depicting a variety of birds in watery surroundings, the work of famous Victorian glass decorators W. Gibbs & Sons. The building has been closed since last August as the result of the floods caused by the burst water main in Half Moon Lane. The basement was completely flooded and the ground floor panelling badly damaged – hopefully the unique ornate glass has not been affected. Initially we were told that English Heritage had insisted that the panelling be left to dry out naturally, but repeatedly missed dates for any re-opening suggested that there may be something else affecting it. It has now been confirmed that the Dulwich Estate, the freeholder, is in the process of taking back the lease from the tenant and is keen to start on the proposed conversion of the upper floors into apartments. A limited public consultation was held in April 2013. The Estate plans to create five self-contained apartments on the first and second floors and convert the old garage block at the rear of the garden into a single house. Local residents were concerned over the loss of the function rooms on the upper floors and, particularly, the potential impact on the viability of live music performances, an important tradition at

Flood victims: The Half Moon Pub was badly affected last August the Half Moon – would they be compatible with residential units? The Estate has had formal pre-application discussions with Southwark Council planners about the scheme, but it seems that the planners took a long time to respond and, it is rumoured, are now suggesting that a hotel might be a better option. Meanwhile, the Dulwich Estate is on record as saying it is their intention to maintain a pub on the site. But the assumption at this stage must be that it will remain closed until the new residential

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scheme has progressed. With the Crown and Greyhound in Dulwich Village to close soon for 12 months while it is converted into a hotel, and the loss of the Grove Tavern on Dulwich Common (closed for the last 18 months), half the pubs on the Dulwich Estate will be shut. To find a drink on the Estate you will need to travel a long way north or south to the Alleyn’s Head, Dulwich Wood House or Fox on the Hill. Luckily for the Herne Hill resident, however, there are a number of excellent pubs just around the corner that will make such a trip unnecessary. There has now come the news that around mid-August and despite the Dulwich Estate having secured the building and closed off the utilities, squatters have taken up residence. They are only occupying the ground floor as the law making squatting illegal does not apply to commercial premises. So they must know what they are doing. The Estate is taking action through the courts to regain possession. Ian McInnes

NEWS

The Festival offers the people of South London: “Jazz, Classical, Folk/Blues - and much more”. We serve a diverse community, so we offer a wide range of music, with each performances devoted to one genre. Highlights this year include: Friday, 10 October: Loving the Lyric, poetry to music, with Little Machine topping the bill — classic poems as you’ve never heard them before. The Prince Regent, Dulwich Road. Saturday, 11 October: free music from Opal Flute Choir at the Carnegie Library in the morning, and a Youth Jazz Concert at St Saviour’s Hall in the afternoon. In the evening we join with charity Practical Action to raise funds for their work. The performers will be the Belvil Trio, and the venue is St Faith’s Church, Red Post Hill. Sunday, 12 October: Music in the Park, a series of performance in Brockwell Park — a choir in the Hall, then bandstand music outside, and then Greenhouse Jazz. In the evening, the combined choirs of south London parishes will perform a Choral Evensong at the newlyrefurbished St Paul’s, Herne Hill. Jazz events this year are at Island Arts Studio, Milkwood l A beautiful summer’s day, a large and enthusiastic crowd, and lots of entries meant another success for Brockwell Park’s annual Dog Show, held on 13 July. Here’s Bruno, the ‘Best in Show’, an 18-month old female Bernese Mountain Dog owned by John Barton. Picking one out of so many high-quality entrants must have been a near impossible task for the four judges.

Tim Richards Trio RETURN TO FESTIVAL

Jazz, classical, blues and more all on offer again The Tim Richards Trio (left), Little Machine and Haruko Sak

Road. On 14 October, we have the Green River Rock Band and Ukairo3, and on 17 October The Tim Richards Trio, the top hit of our 2011 Festival. Blues and Folk are represented on 15 October with Blues and Balkan — Robin Bibi and Tony Marten, plus Yendva Yendva — and on 16 October with Klezmer and Slide Guitar — Balabustah plus Mark Harrison. Also on 16 October we

have the Gelachter Wind Trio, playing classics from the genre, with the final of our composition competition, at 198 Gallery, Railton Road. Saturday, 18 October: in the morning we have our collaborative project with the Tippett Music Centre in Milkwood Road. Sarah Lianne Lewis is writing a new piece of music for the pupils, which they will rehearse and perform to parents.

That evening we have a piano recital by virtuoso Haruko Seki, at Herne Hill United Church. Sunday, 19 October: we perform Britten’s community opera, Noye’s Fludde, the story of the biblical flood as told in a 13th-century Mystery Play, with local children and amateurs and professionals soloists at St Faith’s Church. Tickets and full details of the programme: www. hernehillfestival.org

Lambeth Heritage Festival 2014 Following last year’s success, the Lambeth Heritage Festival is being held again throughout September. It is organised by Lambeth Archives and the Lambeth Local History Forum, with help from many organisations, including the Herne Hill Society. The Festival is made up of some 60 events, many linked to this year’s World War One centenary. They include guided walks, talks, exhibitions, workshops and films – culminating with Lambeth Archives Open Day on 27 September. All events are free and, for most, no advance booking is necessary. You can get further information from the well-produced, colourful and informative brochure. Available from Lambeth libraries or download from www.lambeth.gov.uk/heritagefestival.

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NEWS

early 70 people attended July’s public meeting of the Herne Hill Forum at St Paul’s Church, Herne Hill. It was encouraging to be joined by six out of our nine newly-elected Councillors, as well as some local traders – although we would have liked to have seen more. The business side of the AGM was swiftly dealt with – I was one of a number of people re-elected to the committee. Chair Giles Gibson summarised some of the good work undertaken during the past year. In the wake – almost literally – of the Great Flood, markets, free films and street parties really help to bring the community together and support our shops, cafes and restaurants. While there are many ambitious projects on the go, including a new website, and funds to spend, such as £100,000 from Thames Water and the £93,000 High Street Renewal award, we have been short of people to help steer them through – especially since Charlotte Ashworth left. At last we have a new administrator, Tricia Keracher. I am sometimes asked ‘what’s the difference between the Society and the

View from the Chair

With Colin Wight Forum?’ While we are quite different types of organisation, we share the aim of making Herne Hill a better place.

he Forum is funded by Lambeth Council, and brings together all interested parties: voluntary organisations, residents, traders, councillors, police etc. And it’s been a great success, with the Sunday Market, the People’s Piano, community events, bringing back into use empty shops, and more. We are closely involved with the Forum’s work, but we can do things that they don’t do – see this magazine for examples! Soapbox presentations on the Lost Effra Project, the University of the Third Age and Wheels for Wellbeing were followed

by an impassioned plea for support from Natasha of Boki’s Hair in Norwood Road. Traders and residents alike are frustrated by having to suffer unlicensed night-time events, drug-dealing, and criminal and anti-social behaviour of many kinds. The Society has worked hard to help combat the worst effects of the ‘night-time economy’, but it is a time-consuming task that never ends. What else do people feel strongly about? Empty shops. The noise, flytipping and squalid appearance generated by certain establishments – especially along Milkwood and Dulwich Roads (as well as Norwood Road). And the widespread lack of respect for traffic regulations. Another issue is the dearth of affordable housing in the area. It is perhaps ironic, as Giles said, that we have worked hard to improve the area – to the extent that fewer people can now afford to move into it! Yes, Herne Hill is a great place to live, and I have no doubt that it has got better over the last decade or so. But of course there is still room for improvement. For information, visit the Forum website http://www.hernehillforum.org.uk/

Meet my neighbour, an artist For 21 years now, the Dulwich Festival has provided an array of entertainment and cultural activity every May. A major feature for the past 10 of those years has been Artists’ Open House. Local painters, sculptors, photographers and other creative types invite the public in to see, and perhaps buy, their works. The event has expanded enormously, and now includes over 200 participants in eight postcodes. This year Herne Hill presented no fewer than 40 artists in 28 venues. Even spread over two weekends, it was impossible to visit more than a fraction; but it was inspiring to see the wealth of talent in a variety of media. In my

Fareena Hussain, Frankfurt Road street alone, eight artists exhibited in three houses: Anne Marie Mbondo, joined by Fareena, Nokie and Robert ‘Ninebobrob’, showed photographs of industrial spaces, south London portraits and pop art. Sally Ashworth displayed her

glass jewellery with visiting icon-painter Siobhan Fraser and young illustrator Eleanor Winter; Susanna hosted a Margate-based painter. Everywhere I went I was struck by the dedication and enthusiasm shown in welcoming visitors and

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discussing their work, which ranged from trompe l’oeil to prints, to ceramics and sculpture. Local scenes also inspire artists: e.g. Lucy Duke and Toni de Bromhead with paintings of Brockwell Park. Part of the fun is meeting neighbours and seeing a range of living spaces and studios, some in back gardens. Whether they have lived here only a few months or for many years, all expressed enthusiasm for the area. One couple moved to Herne Hill because friends spoke highly of it: “I never heard a bad word about it; and now I tell everyone how happy we are living here.” Jeff Doorn

NEWS

How to improve road safety in Herne Hill? The Herne Hill area has suffered from traffic safety problems for many years, mainly caused by through-traffic on the busy A and B roads that cross the area. The A215 (Herne Hill/ Denmark Hill) in particular is notorious as the most crashprone A road in the UK (2,836 crashes between 1999 and 2010), with an average traffic speed over 30mph. Areas and junctions with safety problems can be seen on www.crashmap.co.uk. Residents of Milkwood Road and Herne Hill Road have been blighted by speeding throughtraffic for years and there have also been significant problems on Shakespeare Road and Rosendale Road. The introduction of 20mph speed limits on many residential roads certainly is to be welcomed. But the usual expectation of councils has been that, due to resource constraints, 20mph zones should be ‘self-enforcing’: drivers should be prevented from speeding by means of humps, chicanes or other road alterations. Various forms of humps have been tried; the traditional full-width humps are probably the most effective, but obstruct cyclists as well as drivers, while cycle-friendly part humps can lead to cars swerving to cross them at speed, causing further safety problems. Chicanes are also unpopular with cyclists. Despite various measures, the speeding and safety problems on Milkwood Road and Herne Hill Road remain. Speed monitors have now been introduced on

these roads, to encourage drivers to slow down, but again the effect has been limited. Observation of the Herne Hill monitor revealed many cars breaking the 20mph limit, with several over 30mph. Further road configuration changes are being considered. Milkwood Road will possibly become part of a planned cycle ‘Quietway’. So funds could be available to introduce segregated cycle lanes along the road. This would reduce the traffic lane widths and hence (perhaps) reduce traffic speeds. Greening of the street with more trees and plants could also have an effect. Southwark Council is carrying out works to introduce cycle lanes and additional light-controlled crossings of the A215 Denmark Hill, as part of a ‘Greenway’. It is as yet not known if the Greenway will also be implemented on the Lambeth side. Legal enforcement of speed limits is, however, the best deterrent against speeding traffic, by means either of speed cameras or policing. I recently submitted a Freedom of Information request asking how many penalty notices or court summons had been issued in the last year (since May 2013) for speeding on Milkwood or Herne Hill Roads. The response was that there had been none at all. Until there is a real possibility of being penalised for speeding, reckless drivers will continue to do so regardless of road modification measures. Nicholas Edwards

The summer quiz There were no correct answers submitted to the quiz in the last Magazine. Perhaps everyone found the anagrams too difficult, even though all the answers were in the pictures. 1. Junk rhinos John Ruskin

2. Womanly birthstones Thomas Lynn Bristowe 3. Hotel Manhof The Half Moon 4. Dancing mare Cinema Grand 5. Mortmains health The Hamilton Arms 6. Unstarch challis All Saints Church

History in the Gardens

With help from the Herne Hill and Dulwich Societies, Southwark has installed a panel in Sunray Gardens, giving the history of the Gardens and of the adjoining Sunray Estate. Both were built on the sites of large late 18th- and early 19th-century mansions that used to line Herne Hill. Nearly all these have been demolished and replaced by more modest housing. The Gardens are on the site of the former lake in the estate of Casino House, once the home of wealthy solicitor Richard Shawe (c1765-1816). The Sunray Estate of ‘Homes Fit for Heroes’ occupies part of what was Shawe’s estate together with part of the estate surrounding the former home of Thomas Lynn Bristowe, to whom we owe the enormous debt as the founder of Brockwell Park. Ian McInnes will be giving a talk to the Herne Hill Society on ‘The Sunray Estate – homes fit for heroes’: Wednesday 10 September (7:30pm for 7:45pm start). Ian will also be leading a walk, ‘St Saviour’s Church via Sunray Estate’, on Sunday 14 September, 2:30pm. Meet at the ‘Red Post’.

Herne Hill-Autumn 2014

NEWS Work on the last phase of the Herne Hill Regeneration scheme — upgrading Brockwell Passage to provide an attractive and safe pedestrian link between Railton and Dulwich Roads — moves gradually towards a start. Some land ownership transfer

Brockwell Passage... almost there issues still need to be sorted out. And, because the long delays in the project have meant that the original planning approval lapsed, another application has had to be submitted to Lambeth. We expect

a decision in early September. Once these issues are out of the way, work can start. However, a number of alterations have to be made to the building at the north end of the Passage that houses the betting shop,

with a flat above. The betting shop owners have decided they wish to organise this themselves rather than rely on Lambeth’s contractors. Under the terms of their contract with Lambeth, the owners

can do this and have six months to complete the work. Then the main work to widen the Passage can begin. We hope they will get this done much more quickly, otherwise completion may well not happen until next summer; and we’ve already waited long enough.

THE RAILWAY BRIDGE AND Trouble FOR traffic As reported in the Spring issue of the Magazine, Network Rail (NR) have been planning to restrict severely traffic through the main Herne Hill junction while they undertake overdue maintenance to the railway bridge. Despite doubts raised by many local interests since January 2014, NR have been pushing for a scheme which would have each of the five roads approaching the junction taking it in turns to use a single lane under the bridge, while maintenance work (including the removal of lead-based paint within enclosed scaffolding) takes place. While no local traffic management (such as used for the Lambeth Country Show) was proposed, a signed diversion route was suggested by NR, to go through Brixton, Camberwell, East Dulwich, and Tulse Hill. Initially both Southwark and Lambeth transport officers said they were unable to change NR’s sketchy plan. Other options for carrying out the works were ignored, even though they could have less impact on the local businesses, residents and the travelling public. Consultation was promised, but not properly advertised. Work was due to start on 28 July and continue for seven weeks. Finally, however, helped by pressure from both Lambeth and Southwark councillors, NR met with Tf L and the bus operators, who have insisted that a broader range of

l Dr Tibbles’ Vi-Cocoa was made at a factory in Watford established in 1899. The company survived two disastrous fires, in 1903 and

in 1917. However, despite the endorsements from Mr Larkin of Herne Hill and the many other workers featured in its advertisements, over-ambitious

options be properly considered for their impact on buses and other traffic. This will delay the work at least until October — when schools will be back. NR concedes that it may take longer to commission and undertake the traffic analysis and negotiate on the results. So it may be better to postpone the work until August 2015. Some of the maintenance work on top of the bridge may still go ahead this summer during already programmed track weekend closures. The bridge work needs to be

Herne Hill-Autumn 2014

expansion plans led to the company going bankrupt in 1922. The benefits of Dr Tibbles’ wondrous elixir are lost for ever.

done. All the options for traffic restrictions will cause considerable disruption, but it is now hoped that NR will take into account the cost of delays to travellers, disruption to the local residents and the impact on the Herne Hill businesses – and not just look to minimise their own contractors’ costs. Options are still being examined by NR, but hopefully will include consideration of full closure for a short period; one lane with suitable local management; and two lanes with height restrictions. Bil Harrison

Planning & Licensing Judith Kerr School The Society has responded in detail to the application for prior approval for the permanent use of the premises at 62-68 Half Moon Lane for a 350-place school. While not objecting to such use, we felt that the traffic studies carried out underestimated the potential impact on safety and parking in the area and have asked that a number of conditions be placed on any permission. Prior approval has been granted, with no conditions. Off the Cuff, arch 645, 301-303 Railton Road We have brought the attention of Lambeth’s enforcement section to the use of the former wood yard as a bar and private club as there is no application for change of use. Lambeth is looking into the planning issues. We were also concerned that the proposed opening hours, the timings of alcohol sales and recorded and live music etc. contained in a Premises Licence application did not adequately address the need to ensure that local residents were unaffected by noise. We therefore objected to the application. The applicants proposed revised conditions that we thought acceptable, and we withdrew our objection. Lambeth has subsequently granted a licence with conditions designed to avoid any noise nuisance. Plot rear of 135 Dulwich Road The Society supported an application for a two-storey development of flats on this small site off Brockwell Passage. Lambeth has now granted planning permission for the work.

DULWICH POT & PLANT GARDEN

12B Red Post Hill, SE21 7BX. 020 7733 3697 www.dulwichpots.co.uk POTS Traditional and Contemporary Exterior and Interior Terracotta, Glazed, Polystone, Metal, Ceramic, Terrazzo, Fibreglass. PLANTS Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Grasses, Herbaceous, Perennials, Annuals and Herbs. COMPOSTS Multipurpose, Peat Free, John Innes, Ericaceous, Pebbles, Slate, Gravel, Grit. SHOP House Plants, Indoor pots, Tools, Seeds, Bulbs and horticultural supplies. Local delivery available. Free parking outside North Dulwich Station 8

41-43 Herne Place The Society welcomed an application for houses and office use on this former industrial site. However, it was turned down by Lambeth on grounds of loss of employment space. There has since been a further application relocating the employment use. 9-11 Holmdene Avenue An application for redeveloping this 1950s house was withdrawn. The Society had drawn attention to the over-development of the site. We have now been informed that the owner intends to resubmit a scheme which still seems too high a density. 42 Danecroft Road We were contacted by neighbours affected by a proposal for prior approval (what used to be called lawful development) for a six-metre rear extension. This is the first example of which we are aware, of using the legislation passed last year to extend permitted development rights. Such an extension into a small garden can have a serious impact on neighbours. In this case the neighbours had been told by Southwark and the architect that they could not object. We did not believe this was correct and advised the neighbours to go ahead with their objection. Southwark has now granted prior approval. S106 funds After what seemed like the end of a long but successful campaign to get section 106 funds used for extending the Yorkstone paving to outside Sainsbury’s and the new Tesco, we noted that the footway was being repaved using standard concrete slabs. This has been raised with Lambeth. We are awaiting a response. Railway bridge advertisement hoardings We reported in the last issue about Network Rail’s intention to replace the previous two hoardings with a single hoarding, but only after the planned repairs to the bridge works had been done. Network Rail has now replaced the old hoardings with one panel that appears to be of a different size. However, this has been done before any works on the bridge have been carried out. We have written to Southwark Planning Enforcement asking for this to be investigated. It is the Society’s view that replacement with a panel of a different size requires consent. In view of the possible risk to traffic created by the advertising hoardings and the area’s improved appearance after they had been removed, we have asked that action be taken to remove the new structure. Railton Road/Station Square Lambeth has submitted an application to change the use of the roadway currently used for the Sunday market and other events, to include Saturday. This is intended to enable events to take place on a Saturday without having to seek a new approval each time. It is understood some of the traders object to the extension of the market to a Saturday as well as Sunday. However, as that is not the intention, the Society has not opposed the application. Dee Dee’s, 77 Herne Hill The Society has received complaints about possible breaches of planning conditions, and has asked Southwark Planning Enforcement to investigate and take appropriate action. We have also received complaints from a number of local residents about late-night disturbance from music and other noise coming from the premises. We have referred these to Southwark Licensing asking for an investigation of possible breaches.

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NEWS

History of London’s elephant

The Elephant and Castle Public House, circa 1910, looked very different from the area a century before Local historian Stephen Humphrey spoke to our May meeting on the history of the Elephant and Castle, the subject of his latest book. The area had its heyday from 1840 until the Blitz 100 years later, as one of the capital’s liveliest and most important economic centres. The original village of Newington was “new” in the early 1200s, when it developed as a stopping point on the road to Portsmouth. From 1765, there is evidence of a pub called the Elephant and Castle on the Butts (wasteland adjoining the Manor of Newington). Contrary to popular belief, this is probably the mundane origin of the area’s name. In 1818, the pub was rebuilt as a large Georgian mansion. In 1898, this was

replaced by a magnificent and massive building with a pub on the ground floor and shops and a hotel above. It was demolished in 1959. The streets adjoining the central island of the Butts formed a thriving commercial and manufacturing district. There were shops, factories, eateries, places of entertainment and Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, the façade of which is still standing today. Rabbit and Sons Ltd, a shoe factory and shop, was huge and employed many local people. William Tarn & Co was another enormous department store, whose staff lived in a hostel on the site. The South London Music Hall, later to become the South London Palace of Varieties, hosted famous artists such

as George Leybourne, the original “Champagne Charlie”, and Albert Chevalier, the singer of coster songs such as “Knocked ‘em in the Old Kent Road”. Sadly the area suffered severe bomb damage in the Second World War, after which the London County Council decided to pull down the remaining buildings and start again. Never again was the Elephant and Castle to be such a thriving area to live, work and shop. Stephen’s book Elephant and Castle: A History is well worth buying for its contemporary illustrations and detailed history. It is available, price £14.99, from Herne Hill Books or from Stephen himself, email stephenhumphrey456@ btinternet.com. Val Suebsaeng

Still love to learn and teach? Then try the University of the Third Age A prospective member phoned to express interest in the U3A. “I love to learn and I love to teach and don’t really mind what,” he said. He articulated the thoughts of many of the retired and semi-retired who have come to meetings in Dulwich to get a local U3A branch set up. The vision of the U3A, founded in the UK in 1982, is to recognise older people as active citizens with expertise, talents and skills to share, through an organisation that

they control themselves. U3A groups now flourish throughout the country. We intend to hold regular meetings, usually on a weekday, to share information, socialise and hear an interesting speaker. The first few have raised awareness of our locality, on Street Art in East Dulwich, Herne Hill Developments and The Future of the Carnegie Library. There is evidently an abundance of talented and

motivated teachers and learners in our local area and convenors have offered a variety of activities. Many of these Interest Groups are organised in people’s homes on subjects such as languages, art and music, politics, philosophy, poetry, creative writing, crafts, play reading, computers and much more. Some groups meet to go on walks or visit museums and galleries. The Dulwich and District branch is run by a volunteer

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committee who aim to put interested parties in touch with each other. Then it is up to you to develop a successful self-help organisation. We are learning as we go. Come to an open meeting, become a member and join or start up Interest Groups of your choice. Information and contact website: u3asites.org.uk/ Dulwich, or phone the Membership Secretary, 020 7274 2443 Liz Day, Chair D&D U3A

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Herne Hill-Autumn 2014

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

NEWS

The Stable Block, courtesy FoRP Stable Block Working Group

From the late 18th century, villas for London’s merchant and professional classes began to line Denmark Hill and Herne Hill. Away from the smoke and grime of the city one can imagine the attraction of what remained for some 100 years a semi-rural setting. One is reminded of the words in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury (1875) “Camberwell became a bower, Peckham an Arcadian vale”. Until the arrival of the railways in South East London in the 1860s horses were the means of transport for the owners of these villas when travelling to work in the City. And that is the origin of the stable block in Ruskin Park, the two-storey building close to the junction of Denmark Hill and Ferndene Road that dates from the first half of the 19th century. It belonged to the house at No. 172 Denmark Hill, though it was closer to the neighbouring house at No.174. The leases of these and other neighbouring houses with their extensive gardens came to an end in the first decade of the last century. The question then arose as to whether there would be the sort of denser housing development of the

IS THERE a new future fOR The Old Stable Block in Ruskin Park? sort that characterises suburban London as we know it today. Fortunately, led by a local resident Frank Trier, the idea of establishing a public park found wide support and funding from the London County Council. Nos. 172, 174 and six other houses were demolished. In their place Ruskin Place was laid out, opening to the public in 1907. The stable block was retained for park maintenance purposes. Ladies’ and gentlemen’s toilets were also provided, either built at the time or possibly adapted from older outbuildings linked to the stable block. The toilets closed several years ago. The stable

block itself has, more recently, become disused, following local authority expenditure cuts and outsourcing of park maintenance. The old stable block is locally listed by Lambeth and is an attractive building of character, whose exterior retains all its essential historic features. It is a rare survivor in this part of London, a telling reminder of a lost world and definitely worth preserving. It is therefore encouraging that the Friends of Ruskin Park were successful in securing Heritage Lottery funding for a detailed appraisal of the building and its future. The appraisal is being carried out by architects Edwards

Peter Reeve We have learned of the recent death of long-time Society member Peter Reeve. Peter was a regular attender at our Wednesday meetings and his friendly smile will be missed. An obituary will be in the next edition.

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Rensen on behalf of the Friends to whom the Herne Hill Society provided a report on its research into the stable block’s history. As part of the appraisal the Friends organised a consultation exercise through which Park users were asked for their views on the future of the stable block. There were 134 responses, resulting in a wide range of suggestions for use. The clear front runners were a café, followed by a community space for small classes. The next step is to work with architects to find out the costs of renovating the Stable Block. The Friends will then need to identify sources of funding to enable the renovation to happen. For further information contact the Friends of Ruskin Park and watch out for notices on the park railings. Laurence Marsh & Sheila Northover

DRAMA AT THE FIRE H A

t a quick glance, as one trundles through West Norwood on the bus, it would seem that the large old fire station building just behind St Luke’s Church is derelict. Not so. That old fire station has had many incarnations, but for the past 46 years it has been the home to the South London Theatre, one of the country’s biggest and busiest amateur theatre companies. Some of you may well have visited and seen how this once magnificent Victorian building is in desperate need of repair and refurbishment. Plans are well under way to try to make this happen. The SLT itself has raised more than £300,000, and we are keeping our fingers firmly crossed that our recent application to the Heritage Lottery Fund will make up the £1.8 million needed to see through our plans for the building. These plans include some that are obvious, such as ensuring that the

Helen Chadney on South London’s busy theatre and the efforts to raise more than £2million to restore its old fire station home to its former glory roof does not leak and our audiences, as well as cast and crew, don’t get wet when it rains. We are also well aware that access for those with disabilities is not good – there are many stairs to navigate just to get to the toilets, let alone to buy an interval drink. The refurbishment plans include levelling out much of the public area, as well as providing a lift to the bar and backstage areas, such as wardrobe and props stores. The main change that a visitor will see is the opening-up of the main fire doors to the street, to provide a bright welcoming foyer with a café on the ground-floor level. There will also be displays, not just from the theatre’s history, but from the beginnings of the

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building’s life as a home for horsedrawn fire appliances. A major aim of the project is for the building to be open during the daytime, ensuring that other local groups can also benefit from this wonderful space and being able to enjoy a refreshing cuppa. The building has had a chequered past. It was first opened in 1881. But soon after motorised fire appliances replaced those drawn by horses and it was discovered that the doors could not accommodate them. It is possible that we have the earliest still intact watchtower, though at the moment it is not in a condition to allow people to visit. Between its life as a fire station and its role as a theatre, the building was,

at various times, a hall fo church and an illegal bar boxing venue. The design for the con a theatre was by Owen L to become President of t Institute of British Arch October 1967, after muc by group of people from Proscenium Players and Players, the South Lond was launched with a pro Alchemist by Ben Jonso

ince then the t gone from stre strength. It no on more than a year in its two differen spaces. If you would like acting skills, there are no auditions to face — just any Wednesday evening around, and chat in the b Membership Officer. And we are always look

Herne Hill in Literature – George Gissing’s The Odd Women

South London Theatre in its old fire station venue (right) and some of its recent plays

HOUSE

hall for the local al bare-knuckle

e conversion to wen Luder, later nt of the Royal Architects. In r much hard work from Sydenham’s s and the Lambeth London Theatre a production of The onson.

the theatre has m strength to It now aims to put than 20 productions fferent theatre d like to try your are no intimidating — just turn up on ening, have a look n the bar with the er. s looking for people

to work on the technical and design sides, front of house, running the bar or selling tickets. The whole company ethos is “get involved”. Everyone can contribute something useful! SLT also runs a youth theatre, with classes every Saturday during termtime. This has proved so successful that it now has quite a waiting list of children wanting to enrol. The classes are designed to teach confidence and self-expression, script-reading, improvisation, scripted works and devised pieces. Once a year the children put on a production in the main theatre and often get involved with the adult shows too. Theatre is all about expression, and the South London Theatre embodies the ethos that all of us should be able to express ourselves in a creative and fulfilling way. Everyone needs a bit of theatre in their life, from whichever perspective you like the most. For some it is a seat in a darkened auditorium, waiting

in anticipation for the show to start. For others it is strutting their stuff on the stage or directing those doing the strutting. Others prefer to channel their creativity into lighting, sound, set design or costumes and make-up. Yet more people simply offer their time to run box office, front of house or serve behind the bar. For anyone wishing to know more, or who already knows that they would like to get involved, the theatre has open evenings every Wednesday from 8pm, when one of the membership team will be ready and waiting to show people around, answer questions, and maybe even share a drink at the bar. It is all very informal. By the time this goes to press, we should have had a decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund about whether it is going to help South London Theatre rescue and transform the Old Fire Station. Typing with fingers permanently crossed ain’t easy, you know.

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George Gissing (1857–1903) was the subject of the quiz in a recent issue of this Magazine. Gissing lived a colourful private life. In his 20s and 30s he published several novels on aspects of contemporary life in London. The Odd Women, published in 1893 when he was 36, is not an easy read. It deals with the dilemmas and troubles of unmarried middle-class women in Victorian patriarchal society – “odd”, it seems, because the number of marriageable women exceeded the number of available men, leaving many odd ones out. Gissing shows remarkable insight into their financial and emotional challenges, and the issues of equality of opportunity, contrasting strong-willed free thinking independent women with those weaker and less fortunate. One such young woman working in a shop on the Walworth Road is drawn into a loveless marriage with an older man of independent means who lives in Herne Hill. Over a dozen mentions of Herne Hill are made, and the Herne Hill to Victoria Station railway figures in several chapters. No background to Herne Hill is given; the contemporary reader is expected to know that it is an average middle-class suburb, with modest houses (with a couple of servants and a small carriage) and easy access to the West End. Bil Harrison

NEWS People keep asking what is happening with the Carnegie Library. Though there have been many meetings of the Project Group, action learning sets with other designated community hubs and advice sessions with Lambeth Voluntary Action Council and Community Matters, there has not been much publicly available information, apart from the ‘Conservation Statement’ and the ‘Options Appraisal’. Butler Hegarty, Architects, appointed by the Project Group (PG) to develop proposals, have presented a revised ‘Options Report’. Consultation with Library staff was set for 30 July, prior to an open meeting with the Friends’ membership to examine the current proposed options for the building’s development. Six options were outlined, though one had been deemed not viable, while another was judged incompatible with the nature of a community building. All six are being shown, so that people can see how the architects’ thinking has developed. Comments from the meeting with the Friends will be fed into the final report, which will then be published; and an exhibition will be staged in the library to inform people in advance of a public consultation meeting at the end of September. Meanwhile, the Project Group has prepared a Newsletter, Carnegie Library – The Next Chapter, to inform local people of prospects and possibilities, inviting involvement. This is being distributed to every address in the Herne Hill area. Anyone able to take an active role setting up or running ‘hub’ activities should

Carnegie LIBRARY — THE FUTURE IS COMING

Carnegie Library circa 1916, very similar to how it sits today in Herne Hill respond. The PG has also appointed a Project Co-ordinator, Nicola Kelly, to engage with local groups and residents as well as investigating funding sources. She is very experienced in outreach work, organising events and activities, running taster sessions and networking. It is vital to get the right mix of compatible uses to support the core function of the library and to have a strong business case to assure Lambeth the plans are viable and sustainable, with a Trust ready to take an asset transfer of the building. Jeff Doorn

A CuRATE’S DUCK ▶Turn to Page 17

DIARY OF EVENTS

▶Turn to Page 18

BOOK ON THE HILL ▶Turn to Page 19

Society’s new initiative to combat

For some time the Society has felt that it does not give sufficient resource to the important matter of community safety – including policing and combating crime. Earlier this year we were very struck by the results of investigations into local crime rates for the article ‘Burglars Beware’ in the

Spring 2014 issue of the Magazine. Alarmingly, London SE24 sits at No2 in the list of Britain’s top 10 burglary hot spots. For several years we have been formally represented on the Village Ward Safer Neighbourhood Panel (for Southwark) and, on the Lambeth side, the Herne Hill Safer Neighbourhood Panel.

We are very grateful to our representatives for all they have done over the years. However, other pressures and demands on their time have meant that they have been able to devote only a limited amount of energy to this work. Both have agreed to stand down from their representational role, and we

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have been fortunate to find two others who may have the resources to put more time into dealing with policing and crime issues on our behalf. We have not had any simple and convenient means for our members, as well as other local residents and traders, to express their concerns about policing and crime issues. We have therefore set up the

NEWS

Summer at Dulwich Picture Gallery ‘Art and Life’, previewed in our last issue, continues to 21 September. It showcases works by Ben and Winifred Nicholson alongside friends and contemporaries during the 1920s, with many works rarely or never seen publicly before. Arranged by location, we begin with Lugano and London, where Ben’s humour comes to the fore, playfully juxtaposing images. Winifred felt free to experiment with a quick, loose technique and colour application, using magenta as highlight. Her flower paintings are delightful. Cumberland inspired landscapes, Winifred citing “glittering sunshine and limpid rain in the sky... the wind blows right through your body”. The couple were joined by William Staite Murray, whose stoneware ceramics are shown. Christopher Wood also joined them, often working side by side interpreting the same view. Wood later appears in Cornwall, where they also met Alfred Wallis, whose intriguing seascapes are on display. The exhibition concludes as the artists’ paths diverge. Wood produced striking pictures before his suicide in 1930. Winifred and Ben continued to meet and share ideas after their marriage ended. Ben rekindled an earlier interest in abstraction; there are examples of the geometric style by which he is best known. There is a small archival display of letters and a postcard from the Gallery.

A bouquet by Jan van Huysum, the Dutch still-life painter Elsewhere in the gallery, a special collection of works by an 18th-century Dutch artist widely regarded as the greatest still-life painter of his time is on display until 28 September. 'An Impossible Bouquet, Four Masterpieces by Jan van Huysum' places beautiful works from private collections alongside Dulwich’s own painting to illustrate his ingenuity and great skill in painting flowers, fruit and insects in minute detail. Working over two years on one picture, he developed amazing compositions depicting over 35 different types of flowers, which could never have been seen together

crime and help policing email address publicsafety@ hernehillsociety.org.uk to which anyone can report problems. For now, this initiative is an experiment, but we hope that it will become a permanent feature of our activities. If you witness any criminal or suspicious behaviour, then do let us know so that we can pass on the information.

For example, a member who lives in Hollingbourne Road tells us how thieves may be able to get your car without signs of forced entry. Apparently there is a device that can clone your security code when you lock your car using the electronic key. The thieves sit a distance away and intercept the code when you lock the doors. People

at the same time of year. Popular with collectors of his time, including the Gallery’s founders, Sir Francis Bourgeois and Noël Desenfans, he continued in favour well beyond his lifetime. Compare his precise, if artificially assembled, floral displays with the softer, freer observations by Winifred Nicholson and Christopher Wood. Dulwich Picture Gallery Open Tuesday – Friday 10am-5pm; weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am-5pm. Gallery and exhibition £11, seniors £10, cons £6; Friends and children free. Jeff Doorn

may not report these crimes, assuming they had forgotten to lock their car. Some people advise manually locking your car door by using the device button inside (which does not transmit the security code), or, of course, turn the key in the lock, in the old fashioned way.

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Are you concerned about policing and crime in your area? Report any problems to publicsafety@ hernehillsociety. org.uk 15

Camberwell House, THE lost hospital

r Fiona Subotsky, a local resident and retired child psychiatrist, came to the Society’s June meeting to talk about the history of the “Camberwell House Lunatic Asylum”. This institution was based at 30–35 Peckham Road. The Asylum was founded in 1846 by three men, linked through marriage, one of whom was Mr John Hayball Paul, a psychiatrist and the Medical Superintendent. He died in 1899 and is buried in West Norwood Cemetery. The 1845 Lunacy Act was promoted by Lord Shaftesbury, and brought in reforming legislation that required local authorities to make provision for the mentally ill. The Act aimed to establish the principle of looking after the insane in a humane way outside the workhouse. This led to the establishment of the large psychiatric hospitals, such as Cane Hill in Coulsdon. All of these hospitals were closed in the 1980s as a result of changing views about institutional care and the promotion of care of the mentally ill in the community. The Camberwell Asylum was set up just before the 1845 legislation was enacted and was the last of the huge pauper Licensed Houses in London. It consisted of three substantial houses, plus grounds of 20 acres laid out like a park. Unusually for the time, both sexes were allowed to mix

The former hospital buildings on the south side of Peckham Road together in the gardens. In March 1846 there were 47 patients in residence. But by 1878 it had grown to become the second largest asylum in London, licensed to accommodate 362 inmates. In the days before the Welfare State, such institutions were run as businesses. There would have been private patients, admitted and paid for by their families, plus those funded by their local parish. The institution would receive 4/6d (22.5p) per week for

an insane person, compared with 2/6d (12.5p) per week paid to the workhouse for a pauper. Camberwell House (as it came to be known) did not join the NHS in 1948, but remained independent until its closure on 1955. The original beautiful 18th-century buildings still remain. Now listed, they form part of the Camberwell Campus of London’s University of the Arts. Val Suebsaeng

Greening up in the name of the lost Effra The Lost Effra programme has now been running for almost two years. Funded until December 2014 by a grant from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the scheme is managed by London Wildlife Trust (LWT). It covers the Dulwich, Loughborough Junction and Herne Hill areas, with the aim of encouraging community groups to become involved in setting up and implementing water-management

strategies. Current projects in the programme include: • Rain garden at Cressingham Estate, Lambeth; • De-paving Southwell Road and the Rosendale Road Community Gardens; • Water awareness and efficiency workshops in schools; • Rainwater harvesting; • Green roofs; • Education and awareness activities; • Skills workshops; • Rosendale and Ruskin Park

Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) projects; • A wider community water efficiency campaign. The most eye-catching scheme is the Herne Hill Highline. Promoted by local group Urban Wild (www. theurbanwildproject.org) it will create a stretch of wildlife-friendly green roofs on about 30 premises along Norwood and Railton Roads. The first green roof should be installed by the end of this year. When complete, the

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scheme will help enhance the views of commuters from passing trains, cool the buildings beneath, absorb rain water run-off to reduce the chance of flooding in the area, and provide a biodiversity hotspot along a major road in South London. Tom Bolton, author of London’s Lost Rivers, A Walker’s Guide, will be giving a talk on the Effra at the Belair Park Community Centre, Gallery Road, on 23 October. Ian McInnes

Herne Hill’s earliest mention It is said that the first reference to Herne Hill was in 1789, but this has never been substantiated. Until now, the first proven reference was in Holden’s Directory of London in 1802. However, we have recently discovered the following announcement in the 13 April 1801 issue of a publication with

the wonderful title of The Ladies Magazine or Entertaining Companion for the Fair Sex appropriated solely to their Use and Amusement: April 2. At St. Peter’s Lapoor, Broad-street, Thomas Reeves, esq. Merchant, of New Court, Broad-street, to Mrs. Bradstreet, of Hern Hill, in the County of Surrey.

Further research reveals that Mrs Frances Bradstreet was a widow, and her husband (Thomas Reeves) is described as a merchant. There is also a reference to their having had a daughter who was baptised 1803. It seems that the child died soon afterwards. Laurence Marsh

l We have come across an article in The Times of 24 March 1914 on the use of the squares, parks and open spaces of Central London for drilling troops and members of the Volunteer Training Corps. At the end of the piece the reporter adds this: ‘In Brockwell Park there is said to be a field kitchen in full working order and brick and clay

ovens, fires that glow romantically underground and a dug-out 10ft. deep. ‘But Brockwell Park is somewhere remote and suburban, where all sorts of odd things might happen, and the middle of London has never heard of it.’ Clearly a reporter who never ventured more than a stone’s throw from Berkeley Square!

A CURATE’S DUCK The strange tale of the Rev Wills and the struggle for the women’s vote

he Reverend C.A. Wills, curate at St John the Evangelist, Angell Town in Brixton, was clearly not the sort of man to ingratiate himself with his superiors with behaviour of the sort that gave us the proverbial “curate’s egg”. The Rev. Wills’s brief moments of fame 100 years ago could, however, be described as a “curate’s duck”. On Saturday 20 June 1914, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, David Lloyd George, arrived in South London for a public meeting. The chosen place was in the grounds of the estate on Denmark Hill that had been Sir Henry Bessemer’s and was now the home of Sir William Vestey, shipping and meat-packing magnate. The Chancellor was introduced by Thomas Macnamara, the local Liberal MP — and resident of Rollscourt Avenue — and his speech (which was due to be on the vexed subject of Irish home rule as well as the recent Budget) was immediately interrupted by a woman shouting “Give votes to women!”. The Daily Mirror, at that time a paper that saw the issue of women’s suffrage as an excuse for sensational stories often painting suffragists in a bad light rather than for serious coverage, describes how the large crowd turned on the woman. She was escorted from the grounds by stewards, followed by about “1,000 angry people”, women and girls striking at her “with parasols and umbrellas”. Her clothes were torn. The suffragette’s cry was then

taken up by a young man. He was seized by the crowd, hurried down the hill and, the stewards being unable to save him, hurled into the nearby lake. (The site of the lake is today occupied by Bessemer Grange Primary School.) The Rev. C.A. Wills chose to make his interruption at this point. The Evening Telegraph and Post describes him as a “dark, curly-haired clergyman, stated to be a prominent supporter of the East End suffragists … powerfully built and dressed in the conventional clerical attire”. “Into the pond”, shouted the crowd. Struggling violently, Wills was hurried to the lake and thrown in. “Duck him again”, said another clergyman, who had asked whether the man “really was of the cloth” and had been told that he was. Wills’s tribulations were not over, for a man jumped into the lake and endeavoured to do so. A violent scuffle ensued, captured on camera and reproduced in both the Daily Mirror and Daily Express. But not in The Times – a paper that carried no news photographs at all at this time – which went on, after briefly reporting the disturbances, to give a detailed report of Lloyd George’s speech. Not so the popular Press which no

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doubt felt it had the story that mattered. And there the Rev. Wills’s story would end, but for a couple of subsequent reports in the local Press. The South London Press of 31 July 1914 reported a lively public meeting in support of the curate held at the Raleigh Hall, Brixton (after years of dereliction now well on its way to restoration as the home of the Black Cultural Archives). Wills (inset right) had, since the ducking, been sacked by the vicar of St John’s for preaching a sermon against the forcible feeding of imprisoned suffragettes. His bishop was unsympathetic, suggesting he emigrate to Australia and undertake missionary work. The meeting adopted a resolution condemning the dismissal and decided to send a copy to the Bishop of Southwark and the vicar of St John’s. The Brixton Free Press, in its report of the same meeting, leaves one in no doubt of its political sympathies, sneeringly referring to Wills as “quite the curly-headed favourite of Suffragettes and Socialists … He talks with a strong Irish brogue and likes to impress on everyone the fact that he is not English and that he does not think much of that slow and servile nation”. Within a week the nation was at war, and the Rev. Wills’s fate was forgotten. Laurence Marsh

DIARY OF EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER Wednesday 10 September: “The Sunray Estate – Homes for Heroes” by Ian McInnes The Sunray Estate was one of the first ‘Homes fit for Heroes’ estates built immediately after WW1 to house returning soldiers. While the Borough of Camberwell and the Office of Works took the credit, the original idea had come from the Dulwich Estate. Dulwich expert Ian McInnes’s talk will examine both its convoluted history and its importance in the application of garden city principles to working-class housing. Sunday 14 September at 2:30pm: “St Saviour’s via Sunray” a walk led by Ian McInnes From the ‘red post’ at the top of Red Post Hill (junction Denmark Hill/Herne Hill) via the Sunray Estate to St Saviour’s Parish Hall, which celebrated its centenary this year. 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.

Wednesday 8 October: “A Walk Through West Norwood Cemetery” by Colin Fenn, Vice-Chairman, Friends of West Norwood Cemetery, author and illustrator An introduction to the Cemetery, its 69 listed buildings and its personalities. The background behind the extra-mural cemeteries, history of the cemetery, its Chapels, Greek necropolis, famous names, notable memorials, including some notable tombs of characters from Herne Hill. Wednesday 12 November: “The Lupinos of Herne Hill” by Martin Humphries, Director, the Cinema Museum Musical stage and screen star Stanley Lupino and his wife, dancer Connie Emerald, lived in Ardbeg Road, where their daughters, screen star & director Ida and dancer Rita were born. The talk will outline their careers, illustrated with clips. Wednesday 10 December: “Memorabilia” A seasonal celebration; theme and format to be confirmed.

OTHER SOCIETIES — FOR MORE, SEE hernehillsociety.org.uk/EVENTS Mon 1 to Mon 29 September Friends of Carnegie Library Art Exhibition of works by Julia Tant. Herne Hill artist Julia is a founder member of the Friends and ardent supporter of the library. Gallery, Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road SE24 Sat 6 September at 3:00pm Friends of Ruskin Park South London Jazz Orchestra in a musical entertainment; Dancing with Slightly Ballroom. Further concerts are 13 (Bromley Concert Band) and 20 September (Incredible Sax Band). The bandstand, Ruskin Park Sun 7 September – Sun 19 October Herne Hill Music Festival Full programme details and booking information on hernehillfestival.org Thu 18 September at 2:00 – 4:00pm Lambeth Archives/Black Cultural Archives “Tracing your First World War military ancestors” Practical workshop will explore online services

available. Places are limited; booking is essential with archives@lambeth.gov.uk or 020 7926 6076. Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road Sat 20 & Sun 21 September Open House London Hundreds of buildings and sites across the capital offer free visits, including areas not normally open to the public. Pick up a brochure in the library and explore. Thu 25 September at 7:30pm The Lambethans Brain of Lambeth. This Society will, as usual, be fielding a team or two. Come and join a team, or cheer us on. Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill Sat 27 September at 10:00 – 5:00pm Lambeth Archives Open Day “It’ll all be over by Christmas – Lambeth and the Great War” Society stalls, exhibition displays and talks to round off Lambeth Heritage Month. Longfield Hall, Minet Library and Michael Church, Knatchbull Road SE5

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Sat 4 October at 2:00pm Friends of Carnegie Library National Poetry Day readings by Southwark Stanza. The focus, linked with the NPD theme, ‘Remembering’, will be women poets of World War I. Sun 5 October at 11:00am – 6:00pm “Fun Palace” Lots of free activities for children: art meets science Brockwell Lido Sun 5 October at 2:00pm Friends of Brockwell Park Autumn Walk. See the park in its seasonal glory. Meet at the Clock Tower. Sat 11 October “Herbs for Health” – Safe, practical knowledge of traditional remedies Details from Nell info@slbi.org,uk Further sessions on 18 and 25 October and 1 November South London Botanical Institute, 323 Norwood Road SE24

BOOK

Deans in Herne Hill Books (below)

on the

HILL Oli Deans talks about his life running our local book shop

erne Hill Books lies in the pedestrianised shopping area of Railton Road. Its previous incarnation was as a Lettings Office called Millie’s. There is a metal advertising sign on the wall outside saying “CIGARS”, suggesting it was once a tobacconist. Last year we sold somewhere in the region of 150 copies of A Short History of Herne Hill; the previous year about 200; and in 2011 around 175. This year we are already on course to keep up this level of sales. It is our best seller by a country mile. However, the Herne Hill Heritage Trail is a strong contender with 100 sales or more already since its re-issue late last year. Other currently popular books — from outside the Herne Hill bubble — are Stoner by John Williams (that’s the character’s name; it’s nothing to do with drugs); Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche; Life After Life by Kate Atkinson; The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton; and Live At The Brixton Academy by Simon Parkes. Good times and bad times come in waves. There haven’t been any massive disasters for us so far (touch wood!). Although we weren’t directly affected by last year’s flood, there was a very clear dip in sales over the recovery period. But things for us are now getting back to normal. We have noticed a steady decline in sales as the Kindle has become more and more popular. Amazon now dominates the market in bookselling. As a small independent bookshop it is very hard to compete, though we hold many more titles in our online shop than we can on our shelves – see http://www.hive.co.uk/

shop/london/herne-hill-books/. Running a bookshop can be a difficult balancing act. However, in Herne Hill and in Clapham, where our larger shop is, there are many people who support us because they want to keep an independent bookshop nearby (and because we provide a very good service, of course!). Thanks to the market, Sundays are a lot busier than they used to be; more people see the shop and come in to look around. We are also planning more events. Although the shop is very small, we’re thinking about having readings here – something we haven’t really done before. Our first event of 2014 was with Miss South, the author of the cookbook Recipes from Brixton Village. This was a huge success and we sold out. We also host events at our sister shop in Clapham (Clapham Books) and have had readings at the Lido Café.

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Herne Hill Books isn’t my shop. The owners are Nikki and Ed, who also own the one in Clapham where they worked for a previous owner, taking it on themselves about seven years ago. They then decided to expand to Herne Hill where I got a job when the shop opened in 2009 and have been manager since 2011. I have always been interested in writing and I did a creative writing degree, so working with books is a perfect job for me. Running a bookshop is a kind of romantic dream that a lot of people have, and it’s a job I really love. There is the added bonus that I live almost next door. We offer 10 per cent discount to Ritzy members on production of their membership card. Book Groups get a 15 per cent discount if they buy five books or more in one order. We are happy to give recommendations to book groups. We have a 24-hour ordering service; so as long as the book is still in print, we will be able to get it the following day (excluding Sundays and bank holidays). We have an American supplier, so we can source books that are exclusive to the US and we also seek out rare and out-of-print books. In my spare time, I teach swing dance and perform with a group called Swingland; as well as just dance for fun. I’ve been dancing lindy hop for about six years now. For the past two years I’ve been teaching it at the Electric Social in Brixton and at the Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec in Kennington.

MSC “Olley’s Fish Experience in Herne Hill has become the

first in the UK to add a total of eight MSC certified species of fish to their menu. The fish and chip shop now offers its customers the widest choice of MSC certified fish in the country.”

Norwo od Ro ad

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65 - 69 Norwood Road, Herne Hill, London, SE24 9AA 0208 671 8259 (Takeaway)

0208 671 5665 (Restaurant)

Why not have fish & chips at your next event weddings, birthdays & anniversaries We can cater at your event “Mobile Fish & Chips”

Herne Hill-Autumn 2014

OUR COUNCILLORS Herne Hill Ward Lambeth Michelle Agdomar (Lab.) MAgdomar@lambeth.gov.uk @MichelleAgdomar Jim Dickson (Lab.) JDickson@lambeth.gov.uk @JimDicksLambeth 020 3149 6657 Jack Holborn (Lab.) JHolborn@lambeth.gov.uk @jack_holborn Thurlow Park Ward Lambeth Anna Birley (Lab.) ABirley@lambeth.gov.uk @annamayb Fred Cowell (Lab.) FCowell@lambeth.gov.uk @fredacowell Max Deckers Dowber (Lab.) MDeckersDowber@lambeth.gov.uk Village Ward Southwark Anne Kirby (Lab.) Jane Lyons (Con.) Michael Mitchell (Con.)

annagrace.kirby@southwark.gov.uk jane.lyons@southwark.gov.uk 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 Advertising space is available in this Magazine for local businesses at the following rates: Full page £70 Half page £35 Quarter page £18 Four issues for the price of three. There is a premium for a full-page advertisement on the back cover. Please provide your own artwork. Copy deadline for the Autumn issue is 22 October 2014. Contact advertising@hernehillsociety.org.uk.

Herne Hill-Autumn 2014

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.

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

Herne Hill-Autumn 2014