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BRIXTON BUGLE YOUR FREE
No 42 | APRIL 2016
Published monthly in and for Brixton
ISSN 2397-852X
COMMUNITY PAPER
HONOUR FOR LEVI
98 not out – and a good neighbour
8
BACKING THE THIRST
We want them at No 1. You can help! 16
‘THIS IS NOT COUNCIL’S LIBRARY TO CLOSE’ By Angus Peters
A CANDLELIGHT vigil to mourn the passing of the Carnegie Library by campaigners and residents turned into an occupation of the building, just moments before it was due to shut its doors for the last time. A spokesperson for the stay-in protesters said “This is not Lambeth Council’s library to close after 110 years, it belongs to the locality. “We are staying here to publicise just what Lambeth’s Labour council is doing to our local libraries – ripping the heart out of them to turn them into unwanted gyms.”
Protesters have already festooned the Carnegie library with posters and banners and aim to turn the user controlled Carnegie library into a beacon of resistance to library cuts and closures across Lambeth and the country. The Grade 2-listed Carnegie Library in Herne Hill is being shut by Lambeth Council, and large parts of building will be repurposed as a gym. Meanwhile Minet Library near Myatt’s Fields will close today, with similar plans for gym conversion in the pipeline. Further closures are planned for Waterloo and Upper Norwood libraries in the
coming months. All of the libraries affected will retain a small number of books, but will not employ library staff. The plans, part of Lambeth Council’s Culture 20/20 project, have met resolute opposition across the local community, with local celebs Jay Rayner and Will Self recently lending their support to campaigns. Chair of the Friends of Carnegie Library, Jeff Doorn, said: “Far from this vigil marking the end of the campaign to keep the library open, we intend to step up the fight to reopen this and other libraries closed by the council.”
SCENE OF CRIME
Hill Mead pupils are on the case
23
IT’S A DEAL
Brixton market traders and advice centre link up
3
2 NEWS
BRIXTON BUGLE brixtonblog.com Proudly edited in Brixton
Both website and newspaper are published by a not-for-profit community organisation run by a committed team of people from Brixton » 020 3730 1312 » @brixtonblog » @brixton_bugle » brixtonblog.com ADVERTISING Jenny Shramenko 07811 878394 jenny@brixtonblog.com Circulation 10,000 copies Readership: circa 15,000 EDITOR Linda Quinn linda@brixtonblog.com MANAGING EDITOR Lindsay Faller lindsay@brixtonblog.com NEWS EDITOR Anna McKie newsdesk@brixtonblog.com ARTS & FEATURES Barney Evison, Ruth Waters arts@brixtonblog.com FOOD Miss South food@brixtonblog.com SPORT Sandra Brobbey sport@brixtonblog.com David Gibson ISSUE 42 Writers: Celia Buzuk Dee Byrne Rob Goacher Nikki Griffiths Charlene Hutsebaut Mamusu Kallon Chidi Ogundu Angus Peters Leonie Rousham Sue Sheehan Photography: Lawrence Lazar Sub-editor: Jamila Omar Production: Alan Slingsby Crossword: Josie Gardiner A massive thank you to everybody involved in making this issue, and the Blog & Bugle project, a success If you would like to be a Bugle stockist please email distribution@brixtonblog.com
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April 2016
Now council looks at plan for Cressingham campaign a basement gym in library demands public inquiry A new twist to one aspect of the story of Lambeth’s libraries appeared as the council’s plans took effect at the end of March. A small group of Herne Hill residents said it had been invited by the council to submit a business plan to take the local Carnegie library into community ownership. Even if successful, this bid would not prevent the creation of a “healthy living centre” – or gym – in the library. The group – The Carnegie Community Trust – set up a skeleton organisation three years ago to try to safeguard the future of the Carnegie when the council first indicated that government cuts would mean radical change for the library service. It applied to take ownership of the library last October and passed stage 1 of the council procedure for this. The council intends to decide on such asset transfers by June this year. The trust proposal is to adapt the library building to create a “community hub” to include an enterprise library in line with the Carnegie UK Trust’s ideas, a café, art gallery, community meeting rooms and multi-purpose performance hall. “These would accommodate a range
of new educational, youth, artistic and cultural activities,” it says. Resigned to the fact that the “healthy living centre” must also be there, it proposed the the library’s currently unusable basement be adapted to be the gym. The trust said its application and business plan were developed with no knowledge of the council’s discussions with its leisure provider Greenwich Leisure Ltd which is set to take over the Carnegie and the Minet library in Myatt’s Fields to be “healthy living centres”. It did not include a gym in its plans “as this option had been rejected in our public consultation”. It added “The trust remains implacably opposed to any decision to hand over the Carnegie building to a commercial entity so that it ceases to be a public and community asset open to all.” The trust said that it was “delighted” that the council’s preferred option now is to excavate and locate the gym in the basement. It went on: “We will argue that the rest of the building should be a community hub in line with our plans. Lambeth is currently obtaining a technical assessment to determine the feasibility and cost of this proposal.”
Campaigners against the demolition of Lambeth council’s Cressingham Gardens estate have called for a public inquiry, citing the rejection of the “People’s Plan” for the estate and their claim that it would cost less than the council’s plan. Unable to build new homes itself because of government legislation, the council created Homes for Lambeth a “special vehicle” company to develop the Cressingham estate and possibly others. A spokesman for the council rejected claims that Savills – one of the UK’s top three real estate companies – had been engaged to run subsidiaries of Homes for Lambeth. Savills itself said that after a competitive tender it had been instructed by Lambeth council to advise and support it in the registration of two new companies with the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The companies, which would become registered
Twenty to be plenty for Lambeth Lambeth will officially be a 20mph borough from 4 April. All council-controlled roads are to be covered by the limit. Driving slower on residential roads has been proven to reduce accidents, creating a safer environment for drivers – as well as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who make up 80 per cent of serious and fatal collisions. Cllr Jennifer Brathwaite, Lambeth cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “It is widely known that the difference between 30mph and
providers of social housing, would be owned by Homes for Lambeth. “Savills is appointed by Lambeth in an advisory capacity only to support the registration of these companies with the HCA. It has no involvement in management of any of the housing,” the company said. Campaigners also questioned the role of Savills employee Melissa Madjitey, a Lambeth resident and formerly chair of the council’s Brixton Area Leaseholder Forum. Savills said she had been a member of its housing consultancy team since late 2011.“She is also a resident of Brixton and was involved in the Brixton Area Leaseholder Forum in a personal capacity. “She resigned recently, in the interests of total transparency, to avoid any conflict of interest, and Lambeth council were informed at the outset of her involvement in the forum.”
Gallery display will test your musical memory
20mph can be someone’s life. By driving at a more steady speed we can all feel safer.” Lambeth council is in charge of the majority of roads in the borough, apart from the major routes into and around London,
which are controlled by Transport for London. TfL plans to introduce the same limit on roads it manages in the borough from April, including Brixton town centre, Clapham High Street and Stamford Street.
Brixton’s own magical musical mystery show is on at Studio 73. Artists taking part in the Cover Version show were asked to create a poster for a favourite musical moment, but without mentioning the name of the artist or the title of the song or tour. Brixton Blog and Bugle’s own Kaylene Alder is one of the 22 artists contributing. The screen-printed posters challenge the viewer to recognise the song or artist. All of the work is new. The prints are a limited run of 50 and available to buy at Studio 73, Brixton Village, SW9 8PS. The show runs until 17 April. For more information contact Adrian Flower on 020 7274 7773 or by email info@studio73art.com
April 2016
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NEWS 3
Brixton to be London’s newest design district Brixton is to become the London Design Festival’s newest design district, giving it the same status as established hotspots Shoreditch, Clerkenwell and Bankside in showcasing homegrown talent. The Design Festival takes place in September and planning begins later this month. Organisers want to share plans for a week of spectacular transformations of Brixton’s streets and public places with the wider community. To find out how you can get involved, join the team on 27 April at a free event at Brixton East 1871 (100 Barrington Road, SW9 7JF). “Rebel Rebel”, this year’s theme, is designed to engage the
community with installations, exhibitions and events by resident artists, designers and creative organisations in public spaces and businesses in the town centre. The Brixton design trail youth team will design their own programme of activity, giving young people a platform to express their ideas and talent. The emerging programme includes events at Black Cultural Archives, Pop Brixton, Windrush Square and Brixton Village. The 27 April event starts at 6pm with a short presentation, followed by drinks until 9pm. Brixton BID director Michael Smith said the plans were “an opportunity for Brixton to open up
to the world with the Rebel Rebel 2016 Design Trail. Brixton has the potential to be the most creative design district ever”. The London Design Festival (#LDF16) is a key part of London’s autumn creative season, alongside London Fashion Week, the Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival. Established in 2003, its role is to celebrate and promote London as the world’s design capital and gateway to the international design community. Brixton will be officially announced as the newest Design District during a media launch at the Victoria and Albert Museum in early May.
Bowie bids top a cool grand Bidding for a piece of Bowie and Brixton memorabilia being auctioned by Brixton Pound had already gone over £1,000 as the Bugle went to press. The auction is for a limited edition A3 print of the Pound’s famous £10 note featuring David Bowie. The print (numbered #001) is published by This Ain’t Rock’n’Roll, who originally designed the award-winning note. The top bidder will win the first of a 300 limited edition print. All proceeds will go to the Brixton Fund, the Pound’s community grant scheme. Online auction house Paddle8 conducted the bidding as part of its Legendary sale. The edition of 300 – of which 250 will eventually be offered for sale – went into production in December. The print is produced on the same diamond-patterned security paper as the circulation notes, and features several of their original features such as orange fluorescent ink and die-cut
metallic and holographic foiling. Both sides of the note are displayed, featuring David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust guise from the cover of Aladdin Sane, as well as a detail from the Nuclear Dawn mural on Brixton’s Coldharbour Lane. The print is titled ( –2016) in pencil, numbered in both black and metallic ink, and blind-stamped by the designers. The print will also be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Brixton Pound. B£ note designer Charlie at This Ain’t Rock’n’Roll said: “The print looks absolutely stunning. The fluorescent ink leaps off the page and the foiling has been die-cut to incredible detail. “We’re quite emotional about it. The Aladdin Sane cover image has always been melancholy, but to see it now in conjunction with the ascending dove from Nuclear Dawn is incredibly poignant. We got Bowie’s permission to use the image for this print in December. It’s as if it’s his parting gift to Brixton.”
Founder Jan Kirk with some of the children she has cared for
Lilford Daycare celebrates fortieth birthday Lilford Daycare Centre in Loughborough Junction celebrated its 40th anniversary in style. The centre was transformed into an exotic cinema and story tent, with cakes, crafts and prizes. Local Senegalese drummer Dia Gomis gave a workshop; and author Margaret Bateson-Hill and Whirled
Kids Cinema enthralled the children in the specially constructed story tent. Tina Fellows of Lambeth Libraries put on her unique Wriggle and Rhyme song session. Manager Susan Kirk, whose mother Jan set up the nursery in response the need for childcare she saw on the Lilford estate in 1975, said: “Lilford Community
Traders link up with advice centre The Brixton Market Traders Federation has hooked up with Brixton Advice Centre. Both are community interest companies (CiC) and the Market Traders Federation have nominated the Advice Centre as the beneficiary of its assets in the event of it ceasing to trade. Stuart Horwood, CEO of the Federation (left), said: “The advice centre was the obvious choice. It has its roots in the
local community and many of our customers need the support it offers.” Fred Taggart (right), honorary secretary of the Brixton Advice Centre for 25 years said: “I’m absolutely delighted. “Given the economic changes, it’s critical the community sector has a strong voice. The traders’ role is vital, they are part of the fabric of Brixton.”
The Advice Centre is one of the few community organisations to own the freehand of its building. Fred said: “We have an open door policy, we share it with local groups who are welcome to hold their meetings here.” Presenting a cheque for £100 to the Advice Centre, Stuart said: “We wanted to mark the solidarity shown by making a small donation to this fine Brixton establishment.”
Daycare has always been family to the children and parents we serve. “We’ve welcomed back children we’ve cared for as work experience students and regular visitors, and then welcomed their children into the nursery.” Lilford Daycare, which is not for profit, puts an emphasis on social and emotional development
as well as physical development and learning. Creative activities include outdoor play; storytelling, problem solving and imaginative play. ■■ For more information about nursery or after-school places contact Susan Kirk on 020 7738 7889 or visit www. lilforddaycare.co.uk.
4 NEWS
brixtonblog.com
April 2016
Protesters warm up Brixton library
Brixton Come Together event in Windrush Square last September
Celebrate community diversity … It’s Your Local Market and Brixton Come Together are collaborating to organise an event – Bringing our Community Together in Diversity – in Windrush Square on Saturday 16 April. It will have music,
film, photo g raphy, natural body healing, literature and gastronomy as well as energetic sounds and live music with a Brazilian carnival theme. Local musicians and artists and performers will perform.
“Warm homes are a right, here to stay, here to fight” declared local activists who occupied the foyer of Brixton’s Tate Library for an hour in protest against fuel poverty. The protesters said Lambeth’s libraries are a lifeline for many people, providing warmth, community and access to vital services. Ellen Lebethe of Lambeth Pensions Action Group (LAMPAG) said the closure of day centres for old people is leading to increased isolation. Pensioners were forced to “choose between heating and eating”, leading to the death of 43,000 people last year which is “a scandal in one of the richest economies in the world”.
But she emphasised that fuel poverty was “a people problem” not “a pensioner problem” as it puts a further strain on the NHS. The campaign says there is an alternative to fuel poverty: well insulated homes that are powered by democratically and community-owned renewable energy sources. “Until then, we’ll continue to reclaim our public spaces in the face of privatisation and ideological austerity.” Ruth London from Fuel Poverty Action said: “If we can’t afford to heat our own homes, we have a right to warm up in any public space we choose. We will not be made invisible.”
The organisers say there are several ways to get involved, be inspired and have fun. Simply come along – or book a stall. ■■ More information: info@itsyourlocalmarket.co.uk
… and meet the neighbours Friends of Windrush Square and Friends of Tate Library – together with the Brixton Society – invite you to come and meet neighbours and friends at a Windrush Square Community Day on Saturday 2 April from 11am till 4pm. Local community groups will be running workshops and performances. Participating groups include: Bling Ya Bike; Brixton Society; Dwaynamics;
Friends of Windmill Gardens; Friends of Tate Library (hosting author Ravinder Randhawa); Joy of Sound; Lambeth Health Watch; Lambeth Young Co-op; Age UK and Vida Walsh Centre. You can discover local projects or try a taster workshop on gardening, drawing, T-shirt painting or a qui gong session. ■■ Find out more from info@windrushsquare.org
Pop Brixton hosts young entrepreneurs Young artists and entrepreneurs took over Pop Brixton for an evening last month to develop ideas, swap experience and listen to advice from experts. Hatch a Plan was organised by the organisation somewhereto. Co-ordinator Leke Oso Alabi said: “Many young people find it hard to get their idea off the ground and develop their business. Sometimes they might
not even know their idea has business potential. somewhereto can connect 16 to 25-year-olds with local business owners, entrepreneurs and like-minded peers and help with unlocking free space to work from.” ■■ somewhereto_Hatch A Plan is a programme that unlocks free space for 16 to 25-year-old creatives and entrepreneurs. It is funded by a £7 million Big Lottery Fund grant.
DO YOU LIKE TALKING ABOUT TELEVISION? Fancy chatting about your favourite TV shows and getting paid for it? Creative agency The Outfit is looking for families to feature in a commercial to be shown on Channel 4. They are looking for warm characters who will appeal to a wide audience and are comfortable chatting openly with their families. “The roles are all paid and it should be a fun experience for a family to take part in together,” says the agency. ■■ To take part or to nominate someone you know, email casting@theoutfit.com or call 020 3696 4061.
Cold Homes Kill: Lucy Williams, Chair of Myatt’s Field South Tenants and Residents Association and Ellen Lebethe of LAMPA, with the “Cold Homes Kill” placard
Get switched on in Myatt’s Fields The Switched On London campaign will this month launch its drive for a 100 per cent people-owned energy company for London at the community centre in Myatt’s Field North housing estate. The campaign demands the provision of energy at fair prices, eradication of fuel poverty and investment in clean, renewable energy and is calling on the Greater London Authority and mayoral candidates to set up a peopleowned energy company.
Tenants on the estate are opposed to council plans to replace communal boilers with what they say is an expensive new heating system. The launch is on Saturday 23 April from 11.30am till 5pm. Workshops will explore what a people’s energy company would look like; your rights in challenging energy suppliers; and learning from other cities that are creating alternative energy sources. ■■ Find out more at www. switchedonlondon.org.uk.
Foodbank appeals for tampons and toiletries Brixton and Norwood foodbank is calling for much needed donations of sanitary towels, tampons and toiletries like shampoo, deodorant and toilet rolls. Elizabeth Maytom, foodbank project leader, said: “It’s natural that the first thing people think to donate to us is food, but we see a huge need for sanitary products and things like toilet roll and shampoo. “As if not having enough money to put food on the family table isn’t bad enough, mums and teenage daughters have to face an extra, humiliating loss of dignity on top of that, just because it’s the wrong time of the month.
“Whenever we give out sanitary products, women are visibly relieved and their faces light up. “It’s heartbreaking to see, but also so important that we recognise this stark need, and work together to help women and girls to feel human again when they’ve hit rock bottom.” Drop off donations at: ●● St Paul’s Church – Brixton ●● St Luke’s Church – West Norwood ●● St Margaret’s Church – Streatham ●● Tesco – Streatham, Brixton ●● Sainsbury’s – Brixton ■■ Check norwoodbrixton.foodbank. org.uk for donation opening times.
April 2016
NEWS 5
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Free bike mechanic training scheme for young unemployed
Pop Fields to help residents watch and play during this year’s summer of sport Pop Brixton is launching a new temporary project, Pop Fields. Empty land next to its site will be transformed to create a place for Brixton residents to celebrate this summer’s sporting highlights including the Rio Olympics, European football championships, Wimbledon and the Tour de France. The project will also create a facility that local schools, sporting academies and community groups can use. Subject to planning approval, the project will open its doors towards the end of May offering free use of a multi-purpose playing field, sporting facilities, outdoor space and viewing platforms, allowing schools and groups to host sports days, tournaments, exercise classes and public events. Peter Armstrong, manager of local football and boxing charity Afewee, said: “Afewee is a neighbour of Pop Brixton and is delighted that Pop Fields will be opening up just across the road from our current base of operations
in Brixton Recreation Centre. “Pop Fields will allow us to showcase what we do and engage with the wider community in promoting healthy activities that exist on their doorstep.” Sporting events will be screened, with summer food and drink provided by Pop Brixton’s community of traders and a partnership between Brixton Brewery and a local publican. Sports groups, schools, potential partners and local people are invited to attend a series of workshops starting on 13 April to see how they can get involved with the project. Designed by Carl Turner Architects with Lifeboat Studios, the project is a partnership between Pop Brixton and the landowners May Developments, that are funding the project, with 10 per cent of profits being distributed through the Pop Brixton Community Investment Scheme. ■■ Find out more at www.popbrixton.org
Your chance to speak up for Brixton The next round of conversations between Brixton residents about its past and present will take place on 23 April. Anchor & Magnet, the company behind the film Brixton Conversations, is organising The Brixton Exchange 2 – a day of workshops and exchanges to give Brixton’s community, past and present a voice. The first Exchange in 2013 (above) brought together more than 100 residents, community activists, artists, academics and others to discuss urban regeneration
and community ownership. The day sets out to explore different kinds of memory; sharing of stories; the meeting of “old” and “new” Brixton; contested notions of heritage starting from the context of central Brixton; the commodification of ideas of heritage as a tool to brand Brixton, while parts of the community are edged out; the politics of preservation and impermanence, objects and the idea of the community museum. Speakers and facilitators will include artists, historians, architects, activists
and academics. Workshops and exchanges include mapping contested spaces in Brixton; decolonising heritage; using objects to tell and record personal memories; a food treasure hunt; cooking; and more. Katy Beinart of Anchor & Magnet said: “Come prepared to speak up, and contribute your voice and your hands.” ■■ Tickets are free but space is limited so make sure you book through eventbrite.co.uk. ■■ More: anchorandmagnet@ gmail.com.
Funding from Lambeth council will enable 24 unemployed local young people to train and seek work as bike mechanics. BikeMechanix, run by training company Cycle Confident with funding from the council, will train 16 to 24 year-olds and support them to find work placements. The programme is offering up to £1,500 of free training to 24 young people to help them qualify as professional bike mechanics. There are also training workshops for those who don’t want a career, but are interested in basic repair skills. This programme runs from now until September. BikeMechanix project coordinator Hilary Harvey said: “Applications are now open. All you need is to be passionate about bikes and want to develop new skills.” Three levels of training are on offer: ●● A foundation day introducing basic maintenance.
●● Advanced training (two days) that gives a taster of different bikes, how to change a wheel, replace brake pads and cables and adjust gears. The second day covers personal development. ●● Level 2 City and Guilds certificate in cycle mechanics (17 days). 15 days are spent on hands-on training in a fully equipped workshop with two days of personal development. The personal development components of courses will be delivered by the social business Kaizen Partner ship. There will be three City and Guilds training groups – in May, July and August. Foundation and advanced training will take place regularly between April and August. Go to www.bikemechanix.com for details. ■■ Apply online at http://bit.ly/BM-form, or on paper or by phone. Call 020 8133 3728 or text 07800 005 606. To find out more about the programme email training@bikemechanix.com
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17 Electric Avenue Brixton SW9 8JP Tel. 020 7274 4521 www.healthyeaters.co.uk
Coming soon: the B£ cash machine Very soon you will be able to withdraw Brixton Pounds from
a cash machine! As far as we know, it’s the first ever cash machine
Get your applications in to the Brixton Fund!
for a local currency, anywhere in the world. Once again, Brixton
is making history! Check our social media for updates.
BOWIE’S PARTING GIFT TO BRIXTON
Our unique David Bowie print auction is raising money for local projects
Running a local project that needs a financial boost? Got a new idea for Brixton that needs funding to get started? Know of someone who could use funding to continue their valuable local work? Well – the Brixton Fund is now open for applications. We’re inviting everyone based or working in Brixton and who focus on any of the following to apply:
The Brixton Pound has published an A3 print featuring the iconic Bowie B£10 note. The limited edition of 300 – of which 250 will eventually be offered for sale – went into production in December 2015, with David Bowie’s full approval – and all proceeds will go directly into the Brixton Fund, our community grant scheme.
Strengthening communities
B£ note designer Charlie of This Ain’t Rock’n’Roll said: “We’re quite emotional about it. The Aladdin Sane cover image has always been melancholy, but to see it now in conjunction with the ascending dove from Nuclear Dawn is incredibly poignant. We got Bowie’s permission to use the image for this print in December. It’s as if it’s his parting gift to Brixton.”
Taking action for social justice Increasing local employment opportunities The Fund is aimed at groups that are seeking between £250 and £2,000, who may not have applied for funding before – or for whom a more traditional application process is too time consuming. Visit www.brixtonpound.org/fund to find out more and download an application form. The deadline for applications is 29th April.
The auction is live on online auction house Paddle8, as part of their Legendary sale. When the auction is concluded, the limited run of prints will be made available for sale, all to raise money for the Brixton Fund. A unique piece of Brixton history!
■■ We’re holding two Meet The Funders events where you can speak to us face to face and receive advice about making an application. You’re welcome on 14th or 21st April, between 6 and 8pm, in the Brixton Pound Shop (3 Atlantic Road).
■■ For more information about the print, and for updates about future sales, please visit brixtonpound.org/bowie
Brixton Bonus Brixton Bonus is B£’s lottery with tickets costing just £1 a pop, and a B£1,000 jackpot every month! And while you get a chance to become a Brixton Thousandaire, all revenue from the Bonus goes into the Brixton Fund, from which we give grants to local organisations of community benefit. So you can support your local area and win money in the process – pretty good deal, wouldn’t you say?
She said she was delighted to win, and that the first thing she was going to do with her prize was make a donation to Brixton Soup Kitchen and the Brixton Fund. Amazing generosity, thank you!
To enter, go to brixtonpound.org/brixtonbonus. If you’re already a B£ member, you can play-by-text: simply text ‘pay bonus [amount between 1-10]’ to the B£ number (07754832867).
See all Bonus winners in our Winners Gallery: brixtonpound.org/winners. To join their ranks, get your tickets to the next draw! Or, like a good few winners, you could help your luck a little and set up a recurring entry for anywhere from 1 to 10 tickets – and get some very special rewards as a thank you from us. More details on brixtonpound.org/brixton-bonus – and good luck!
In February the B£1,000 jackpot winner was Ashleigh Gill, congratulations!
Next draw: Friday 29 April – get your tickets now!
3 Atlantic Rd | brixtonpound.org | @brixtonpound | info@brixtonpound.org
April 2016
NEWS 7
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If uni’s not for you … By Chidi Ogundu Some 150 pupils from 15 Lambeth schools were in Parliament last month to take part in a conference to promote apprenticeships. The Lambeth apprenticeship ambassadors prog ramme (LAAP) and Lambeth council organised the conference at Portcullis House on 17 March during National Apprenticeship Week. It was a chance for the pupils to hear from “ambassadors” about how they have benefited from their apprenticeships. When you leave college
you are expected to go to university and study for a degree with the hope of landing your dream job, but what if there was another way to achieve that goal? The ambassadors took part in a panel discussion alongside local MP Chuka Umunna and local business representatives. Coaches Bianca Miller (BBC’s The Apprentice runner-up 2014) and Shabazz Nelson worked with the ambassadors over five weeks to enhance their motivational and presentation skills. Reece Simwogerere, 20,
At the conference (l-r): Chuka Ummuna MP, Bianca Miller, Carolyn Savage from the National Apprenticeship Service, apprentice ambassador Megan Charles and Jeff Joseph from Higgins Construction
from Tulse Hill, is doing a business administration apprenticeship at Brixton BID (Business Improvement District). Learning how to communicate in front of an audience gave Reece a new perspective. “Uni was not for me. I needed the qualifications and the experience to get a job,” he said. “Apprenticeships are a really good way to work and get that experience.” Apprenticeships are a way for people to “earn and learn” while working alongside more experienced people. Mark Silverman, principal of Lambeth College, said: “I think it is a fantastic programme which is enabling Lambeth council and college to really promote apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional school or college and progress into careers and employment.” The apprentice ambassadors will be participating in a roadshow from April to June, promoting the apprenticeship option in schools, post-16 and adult education centres. ■■ To find out more visit apprenticeships.gov.uk.
Church members at the launch
Brixton churches launch ‘life-changing’ service for people stuck in the debt trap A group of local Brixton churches has launched a new counselling service to help people stuck in the “debt trap”. “Churches Together Brixton and Stockwell” have joined with charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to bring its award-winning service to the area. Debt centre manager Jon Taylor said: “The Church has always been about offering hope and we’re really pleased to be able to give a tried-and-tested route out of debt alongside other great free debt advice available from the Brixton Advice Centre. “We’ve always had a passion to help the poorest in Brixton. This is why we launched the foodbank and why the same people have been working hard to open a CAP centre to help get people back on track.”
CAP offers an in-depth, caring service to people with spiralling personal debt regardless of their age, gender, faith or background. Every client is visited in their own home. The charity does all the negotiating with creditors, and local volunteers offer support to each person face-to-face until the day they are debt-free. Jon said: “Debts can build up when a relationship breaks down, someone loses their job, or through bereavement – so often when people are least able to cope with a financial headache. “We’re just so pleased to be able to offer this life-changing service to people in Brixton.” ■■ The centre is now open to receive clients. www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006
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April 2016
The good neighbours honour a good friend It started as an ordinary day for Levi Hamilton, 98. A member of Stockwell Good Neighbours, he planned to pop into the club for a chat with mates and maybe a game of dominoes. But a surprise was in store. The Bugle’s Mamusu Kallon went along to find out what it was As soon as Levi Hamilton got in the door of the Stockwell Good Neighbours club, it was apparent this was no ordinary gathering of pals. Attendance was larger than usual and the Mayor had popped in. They were there to honour Levi, who has attended the club since it started 38 years ago. He was about to be made an honorary member. Club organiser Lesley Allen presented Levi, who at 98 is partially sighted, with a plaque and medal from Stockwell Good Neighbours “in recognition of his contribution as figurehead to our wonderful club full of vibrant active elders”. Members belted out their version of the song Downtown (Brixton) to welcome the mayor (right) before he presented Levi with the Lambeth badge and community champion recognition. Levi told the Bugle: “I’ve been coming since the beginning and I will never leave it. I can do all kind of things: play dominoes, talk to my friends and go on lots of outings. “Some of the group take part in tai chi and aerobics. The outings are particularly important because they are proper trips that go on for a few days and take me somewhere new. Lesley, the organiser, is very important to me enjoying the club.” Levi said: “I have worked for the public for many years. I used to go and visit inmates in Brixton Prison, and I worked for the Houses of Parliament as a guard and guarded Winston Churchill’s
CAN THE BRIXTON FUND HELP YOUR LOCAL GROUP? The Brixton Fund is open for applications until 29 April. Run by Brixton Pound, it offers grants up to £2,000 to groups working in and around Brixton on the following themes: community benefit; social justice; and local employment. Visit brixtonpound.org/fund to find out more and download an application form. There are two Meet the Funders events – on 14 and 21 April, 6-8pm – in the Brixton Pound shop at 3 Atlantic Road, where you can discuss your idea, get assistance and meet other local funders like the Edge Fund and the Walcott Foundation to find out about other local opportunities.
body before his funeral! “At Stockwell Good Neighbours I lead a prayer with the group and get everyone to join in if the occasion arises. I have lots of friends in the group who I have known for many years.” One of Levi’s most memorable club outings was with club organiser Lesley Allen who took him to Lambeth Palace to visit Rowan Williams, the Archbishop
of Canterbury, when he retired. “I met the Mayor of London and the Archbishop himself – we even shared a psalm where I remembered all of the words!” The Mayor of Lambeth, Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, paid tribute to Levi and the club: “Stockwell Good Neighbours is keeping the spirit of Lambeth alive. “It is a fantastic way to keep people healthy, through conversations with their peers and activities. One member is 102 and
Brixton Live women’s day project starts to fill the gaps in the archives By Celia Buzuk There was no shortage of contenders for the title: “Great Women of Brixton”, a project created to celebrate International Women’s Day. Brixton Live is a partnership of local creative organisations working in Brixton. Photofusion, 198 Gallery and the Kettle Partnership, led by Leah Whittingham of Kettle, filmed members of the public making nominations. Some nominated their mum while others backed historical legends like Claudia Jones who, in 1958, founded Britain’s first major black newspaper,
The West Indian Gazette. Images from the day will form an online gallery. If you search in the “women” section of Lambeth’s archives, it is completely empty, says Lizzy King, of Photofusion. “Brixton’s history is filled with great and inspiring women, but the Lambeth archives are completely empty of any record of them.” The project will continue to collect stories of the women who have made and continue to make great contributions to Brixton’s community and history. ■■ To see the online gallery, visit brixtonlive.com.
still dancing and smiling! There is also an intergenerational link, as they can share experiences and educate younger people with their history.” Lesley Allen said: “I have been coordinating the club now for 16 years and it has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience, helping to lighten people’s days and connect them to new friends and their wider community.” After the ceremony, the group sat down to a West Indian lunch, with bun and cheese. And as the rum punch lubricated the joints, dancing got under way to music DJd by the son of a member. The final word went to Levi: “I am so pleased as I have never received anything like this in all my long life.” He thanked the Mayor and the club for this “great honour”. Stockwell Good Neighbours is a registered charity that provides social activities for older, mainly West Indian elders from Lambeth but it is inclusive to everyone. Members meet and socialise, make new friends and look out for each other as good neighbours should. The group aims to reduce isolation and loneliness and has 75 members. Activities are designed to keep minds and bodies active, and include a new aerobics class, tai chi, outings, singing workshops and shows, health promotional talks and projects, a reading group, dominoes as well as a good old game of bingo. What’s not to like about being a good neighbour?
April 2016
BRIXTON BUGLE
COMMENT A date to remember
OPINION 9
Documenting protest helps to keep the dialogue of change open, argues Leonie Rousham who calls on others to come together to create symbols that represent community struggle
A paper sculpture covers the exterior of buildings on the Cressingham Estate known as The Voids
Excuse us while we are being changed My title is based on the signs sometimes seen in shop windows when the display is being changed for the new season’s trendiest collection. I feel this process bears many similarities to the council’s approach to its Cressingham Gardens’ tenants. It feels as though we have become mere walking pound signs. Our voices have been shouting loud, clear and unrelenting on different platforms. But, despite this, the council has rejected our concerns as witnessed in their dismissive verdict on the “People’s Plan”. The battle to reclaim Brixton continues and documenting our protest along the way is a means of carrying on this dialogue as change happens around us; leaving our mark for future generations. My proposal this month is to turn the current “void” houses into something that will be emblematic of the struggle, and, something new and subversive that will remain in our consciousness. In 1993 Artangel commissioned a vastly important art project; Rachel Whiteread’s famous House (inset) in Bow. Whiteread’s sculpture had a powerful impact in the context of the London housing crisis and its destabilising effects. House (a
life-size concrete replica of the interior of a condemned terraced house in London’s East End) only lasted for 80 days before it was taken down by the council. But its impact changed the dialogue of contemporary art in Britain and it became one of the most important public sculptures to date. A local resident speaking of the sculpture said: “It should stay for the future MATTHEW CALDWELL
As always, the Bugle and Brixton Blog are packed with stories that have politics at their heart. You don’t have to be true blue or righteous red to see that the choices politicians make have a big impact on our lives. Whether it’s single parents being forced into work and poverty, the demolition of people’s homes or the closure of much-loved libraries, politics matters. So there is a very important date coming up. And, for many, it’s not 5 May, when London will elect a new mayor and London Assembly members. It is 18 April – just a fortnight or so away. That is the date by which you must be registered to vote in the election. Green, blue, red or just the opportunity to spoil your voting paper – you won’t have the chance to do anything if you are not registered. So if you, or anyone you know, is not registered, put aside a couple of minutes to get yourself or them on the register. You can register to vote online in a few minutes using a simple form. All you will need is your National Insurance number, your date of birth and your address. Go to www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote. We all know that, whoever you vote for, the government – or council – always gets in and that “none of the above” is a tempting thought. But with striking doctors outside Lambeth Hospital, libraries becoming gyms, a housing crisis worsening by the day and local traders being forced from their shops, a shrug of the shoulders is not on. And if you care about the EU referendum, you have until 7 June to register to be able to vote in that.
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generations to remember what it was like here”. Another thanked Whiteread for “making her memories real”. My point, however, is not to celebrate Whiteread’s work but to reinforce the notion that we should never underestimate the power of our visual demonstrations. Although we are increasingly being refused a valid voice, we can articulate our concerns through alternative means.
Whatever Lambeth’s verdict is on Cressingham Gardens, the struggle against gentrification over these past years needs to be marked and remembered, so it will continue to resonate in our minds as we attempt to reclaim a Brixton that we are proud of. The picture above is of a paper sculpture work, which covers the exterior of a building on Cressingham Gardens estate. These houses are referred to as The Voids, as the interior has, for years, been filled with concrete. This is a call out to all of those who are interested in trying to come up with a symbol, sculpture, painting, banner, that could encompass all of the protests and struggle of the past two years. This symbol or sculptural work could exist as another forum of resistance, to refuse in every way possible the redevelopment and gentrify-cleansing of Cressingham Gardens. Whiteread’s House helped to revitalise the memories and represented the community surrounding it. Our artwork would visually document the estate and the actions of Lambeth council, for future generations. ■■ Email: leonie.e.roush@gmail.com with your ideas.
A campaigner sees hope for Windrush Square toilets Rob Goacher, organiser of the ‘Take_The_P_Out_Of_Brixton’ campaign and a Lambeth Community Award winner in 2015, on hopes for the re-opening of the Windrush Square public toilets Members of “Take_The_P_ Out_Of_Brixton” campaign are happy to report that, after many meetings, hard work and huge local support since 2013 – there is finally some good news. On 17 March campaigners met Cllr Jennifer Brathwaite, Lambeth council cabinet member for environment and sustainability, at Windrush
Square for a viewing of the historic underground toilets. They were built in 1929 and have been closed for around 20 years. Ideas and options were suggested to Cllr Brathwaite in a bid to have them re-opened as soon as possible and to show the derelict facilities that are currently wasted. With a clean up and refurbishment they would be an obvious way to ease the constant problem of street urination, in and around the area. Cllr Brathwaite and campaigners were excited to see the overall condition of
the local facilities and failed to see how they could remain unused while people urinate/ defecate on the streets in Brixton. The facilities are in amazing condition considering the length of time they have been left unused. It was suggested that local businesses could donate time, money and/ or materials to make this possible and to bring the community together in supporting this local issue to provide something that we all desperately need. Campaigners explained this was only the beginning
of an end to the horrendous problem, and that there is still an urgent need for toilets open day and night in central Brixton. With the tube station soon to be open 24 hours a day, campaigners suggested to Cllr Brathwaite that either Transport For London should build toilets in or around the tube station, or that Network Rail should incorporate toilets into one of the Atlantic Road arches in their refurbishment plans. ■■ To join the campaign or if you have any ideas email: take_the_p_out_of_ brixton2014@yahoo.com.
10 INCREDIBLE EDIBLE
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April 2016
Grow your own leaders By Sue Sheehan Incredible Edible Lambeth (IEL) has partnered with Lambeth Food Partnership and Impact Hub Brixton to deliver a collaboration and leadership development programme for food activists. IEL, like many community organisations, has often found itself with too few people, too little time and good people suffering from burnout. So it was with great interest we heard about the ULab programme, developed by researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, that was being pioneered locally by Impact Hub Brixton. We took part in the first programme and went on to co-create a version focused on food. We called the ULab food programme Grow Your Own Leaders. It launched on 9 March, with 68 people expressing an interest in the course. Through a mutual agreement 25 people have signed up to work together over the next six weeks so that we really can see Lambeth become a more healthy and sustainable borough.
Full house at ULabFood launch “If you put all these minds together, imagine the change that can happen”, said one participant
But the aim is to involve many more people. After a few weeks on the course, we hope the newly invigorated “leaders” will be collaborating with lots more people. Already we have mapped the Lambeth food system and visited a
couple of food projects, including Crystal Palace Food Market, nominated for a national BBC Good Food award last year. The visit included some time for listening and comparing thoughts and ideas over coffee – not just going to see what it is all about, but to think a bit more deeply about what it might mean for creating a better future. ■■ For more information about the course and to follow its progress visit ulablambeth.blogspot.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @ulablambeth. Sue Sheehan is director of Incredible Edible Lambeth
IEL backs ‘Blue Plates’ campaign to aid dementia sufferers Incredible Edible Lambeth is supporting a new campaign called On Blue Plates (@onblueplates on Twitter). It is looking for 50 restaurants, pubs or cafés to donate one meal a year (£140) to the
members of the Healthy Living Club at Lingham Court – Lambeth’s own dementia charity. Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen is the first restaurant to donate. We will report on other supporters next month. The project’s name
comes from the fact that those with dementia benefit from food served on brightly coloured plates because they help make the food more visible. Without such visual prompts, those with dementia may struggle to
Basket weavers in Malawi who supply Okapi Home
Award for Brixton entrepreneur Claire Arnott was named one of the UK’s top young female entrepreneurs in About Time magazine to mark International Women’s Day last month. Claire, from Brixton, and her brother Rob (right) are the founders of Okapi Home, an African-inspired homeware and gift online business. They set up the company after working and travelling in Africa over the past decade. The idea behind Okapi Home is to provide quality products to the European market from smallscale artisans in east and southern
Africa. According to the Arnotts the aim is to help these businesses thrive and develop, provide employment and become an integral part of their local economy. They work with small enterprises that have a clear social impact, many of which are women’s co-operatives. Rob says: “Every pound we receive helps to strengthen those businesses, allowing them to grow, hire more staff and train the master craftsmen of tomorrow. All of our products are produced in an ethical manner and we pay a fair price to all of our partners.”
eat and go on to suffer from malnutrition. A grant from Brixton Pound is helping Healthy Living Club train volunteers so that they can learn how to approach businesses.
Open Orchard fruit trees are all over Lambeth The Open Orchard project has come to central Brixton, joining forces with residents of the Canterbury Gardens estate (above) to plant nine gorgeous fruit trees. Launched in West Norwood in 2014, the project – supported by Lambeth council through its Open Works programme – has planted 67 trees in nine mini-orchards, all of which had existing community groups who look after the trees. Excited by the community’s enthusiasm, a group of the volunteers decided to make it official. Co-founder and chair IEL director Wayne Trevor picks up the story: “I was amazed at how people from all backgrounds would come together over the simple act of planting a fruit tree – and then return to water it, watch it flower, leaf and fruit. They are so easy to plant, and grow well in urban areas – and you get free food after just a few years. It’s a no-brainer!” Canterbury Gardens estate was the first of six orchards planted this year – by the end of March the project had planted 72 trees. Volunteers from the estate’s gardening group joined with residents who had never gardened before, with Lambeth estate management staff, maintenance contractors Pinnacle, Impact Hub Brixton and
Open Orchard volunteers. Heritage varieties of quince and gage were planted along with the stalwarts Bramley apples and Williams pears. ■■ Open Orchard is funded by Incredible Edible Lambeth, Participatory City, Hawkes Cider and the people of Lambeth who donated over £750 through the Gift a Tree scheme.
Can you help?
■■ Do you know of a public place like a housing estate or park that could be a home to five or more fruit trees? If so we would love to hear from you. We are looking for locations for our mini-orchards for planting from November to March 2017. Email us at openorchard. westnorwood@gmail.com ■■ Do you know the location of a fruit tree in Lambeth, either public or in your own garden? Do you see the fruit go to waste? Later this year we are launching a project to map all the fruit trees in the borough, so no fruit need go to waste. Get in touch and let’s start a conversation. ■■ Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ openorchardproject ■■ Tweet us: @OpenOrchardProj ■■ Gift a Tree: www. openorchard.weebly.com
April 2016
COMMUNITY 11
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Brixton’s best kept secret looks forward to its next 200 years By Dee Byrne Despite having over 4,000 visitors since it reopened to the public in 2011, you will still hear people say: “I didn’t know there was a windmill in Brixton.” Anyone who does discover Brixton Windmill, also known as Ashby’s Mill, marvels at how this amazing building is still standing after 200 years – and is now milling flour again. Brixton Windmill kicked off its bicentenary celebrations at Easter, with tours of the windmill, a treasure hunt, Easter egg hunt and guided walk. Other special events planned for 2016 include a Beer and Bread Festival in May and an outdoor cinema and light show in June, as well as annual favourites such as Art in the Park in August and spooky storytelling at Halloween. Brixton-based fashion and design company Eley Kishimoto are also on board as creative ambassadors for the bicentenary year – they will be focusing on creating sound and visual installations around the windmill. Since it was built in 1816 in open farmland on Brixton Hill, the windmill has withstood two world wars, dereliction and vandalism. Three restorations later, it is the only remaining windmill out of 12 that once existed in Lambeth.
It was operated by three generations of the same family, from John Ashby who signed a 99-year lease in 1817 to Joshua John Ashby, his grandson, who finally closed the mill in 1934. In 1951, having survived World War II and the bombings that devastated many areas of Brixton, the windmill was listed as Grade II*. In 1957 London County Council bought the site and began working on laying out gardens around the mill
‘We are negotiating with Lambeth council about a new education centre’ known today as Windmill Gardens. After two restorations in the 1960s and 1980s, the mill once again fell into decline and was placed on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register in 2002. A year later the Friends of Windmill Gardens (FoWG) was formed – a group of local people focused on restoring and reopening Brixton Windmill, improving Windmill Gardens and opening an education centre. An extremely active group, it began a programme of annual free festivals and other community events. A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2010, along with money from
Lambeth council and FoWG, funded the most recent restoration along with a five-year education programme. Brixton Windmill reopened to the public in 2011 and has since been visited by more than 4,000 people on its open days and more than 2,800 children on school trips. Jean Kerrigan, Chair of FoWG, says: “The Friends are passionate and motivated about ensuring that Brixton Windmill is around for future generations, not only for local people but visitors from around the world. “People are fascinated, not just that we have a windmill but also about how it works. “We are very proud to have been able to get the windmill milling flour again and are wholly supported by the people of Brixton. “In the year of Brixton Windmill’s 200th anniversary, we are negotiating with Lambeth council about a new education centre. “We hope that this will allow us to expand our education programme and develop new sources of income, such as regularly grinding and selling flour. “Our aim is to ensure Brixton Windmill’s survival for the next 200 years!” ■■ For further information on the windmill, to find out about events and to book the free tours visit www.brixtonwindmill.org.
What’s Our Story? Everyone loses out By Celia Buzuk Many women work and live in poverty in south London. The Skills Network, a woman’s charity and social action project based in Lambeth, trained ten local women over three months to interview others who are employed but struggling to make ends meet. Their What’s Our Story? report was launched at the Brixton Pound shop last month with Victoria Fantodji and Iedo Hirsere, two of the ten. Victoria said: “It was our job to look into the complex reasons behind in-work poverty for women in Lambeth.” Many of the women interviewed worked as care workers, childminders, catering assistants and cleaners. At the launch, many women said that government “back to work” schemes had pressurised them to return to jobs which left them worse off when the cost of child care and travel was factored in. “The government scream and shout at you about going back to work, but I have been in more debt since I have been at work than I was before,” said one. One reason for this is the increase in zero-hour contracts. Of people working on zero-hour contracts, 65 per cent are in low-paid sectors like hospitality and
55 per cent are women. “Zero-hour contracts should be renamed ‘flexible’ contracts, as they help people get a better work-life balance,” now resigned Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith claimed last year. But the women surveyed found that, far from being a choice, many single parents are being forced into zero-hour contracts, because their benefits are being removed and there is no secure work available
for them. Very few do well and many are earning well below the minimum wage. Twenty per cent of single parents surveyed were on zero-hour contracts and 32 per cent of these had moved onto these contracts in the past two years. Grace Ngecha, 27, a south London mother and one of the women interviewed, said childcare is the most important thing. “Childcare cost is absolutely
phenomenal. It’s outrageous. It’s like having a mortgage around your neck.” Yet child benefits remain at just £50-100 per month for women in work. London mayor Boris Johnson confirmed at his final London Assembly meeting before next month’s elections that more than 24 per cent of women in London are being paid below the London Living Wage. The Daycare Trust charity says that average weekly nursery costs are between £110 and £120 in the capital, around 30 per cent higher than the rest of the country. It is no surprise that in-work poverty is a growing problem in London. Many women find themselves working flat out only to pay the bills for someone else to take care of their own children. “It ends up being a revolving door of care and wages where everyone loses out,” said one woman interviewed. Childcare costs and poor pay make it impossible for women to have equal opportunities to work in London, despite legislation. Louise Robinson from Brixton, who helped run some of the workshops, found that there were many other challenges facing south London women including mental health, austerity cuts and housing.
FROM THE REPORT … ●● The number of people experiencing in-work poverty in London has risen by 440,000 in the last ten years. ●● 21% of London workers and 24% of women are paid below the London Living Wage. ●● This is not a brief or temporary experience: people get stuck. Research has found that 75% of people regularly in work do not escape from low pay over a ten-year period. ●● Work is increasingly insecure: there were 1.6 million people working on temporary contracts in the UK at the end of 2015. ●● Self-employment is higher than at any point over past 40 years – but income from self-employment has fallen by 22% since 2008—09. ■■ For more information visit theskillsnetwork.org. For the full report go to inworkpoverty. wordpress. com.
Brixton BID is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening Brixton’s diverse business culture. We represent over 650 levy-paying businesses in the local area and work to develop new and exciting opportunities for Brixton.
Upcoming meetings… ENVIRONMENTAL DATE: 10:30am–11:30 am Tuesday, April 26, 2016 LOCATION: The Courtesan, Atlantic Road Open forum for businesses to input on issues such as waste, cleaning, public realm and cost saving. Current projects include a joint procurement program and commissioning of a Green Infrastructure Audit to identify opportunities for greening in Brixton’s town centre.
MARKETING & PARTNERSHIP DATE: 11:30 am–12:30 pm Tuesday, May 17, 2016 LOCATION: Impact HUB, Pop Brixton Eight weekly meeting on projects to better market Brixton to consumers, and set up mutually beneficial partnerships between businesses. Current projects include planning for Brixton Design Trail and Christmas 2016, as well as improving creative way-finding for different users of the town centre. The Brixton BID board is made up of local business owners and managers who volunteer their time to help improve the area, and determine how the BID budget is used. If you would like to be involved please get in touch with the BID team. admin@brixtonbid.co.uk www.brixtonbid.co.uk | @BrixtonBID 020 3417 7373
TEN THINGS – Pivot Brixton retail event A fast-paced and highly relevant ‘business day’ took place on 21 March, organised by Pivot Brixton for independent retailers and other small businesses working in Brixton. The information-packed day included business advice delivered by industry experts on finance and increasing profit; visual merchandising to enhance the look and feel of your retail space; social media training; HR and dealing with employees as well as an illuminating presentation of highlights from detailed local consumer research that has been commissioned by the Pivot Brixton project on behalf of local businesses. Pivot Brixton describes itself as “a can-do business support programme that believes in Brixton and listens to its many authentic voices”. The final Pivot Brixton event will see the culmination of over twelve months of work providing local businesses with one-on-one coaching, invaluable market intelligence and an opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow Brixton businesses. You can see more information about Pivot Brixton on the website: www.pivotbrixton.com.
DISCOVER THE TALENT ON YOUR DOORSTEP THROUGH TIMEWISE Rochelle Jones has lived in south London for six years and has worked in the retail sector for three and a half years. Until recently she worked at a betting shop, on a pattern adding up to 33–35 hours a week. Some of her shifts meant working until 10.00pm and, as a manager, she was often on call – which made arranging childcare for her two children very difficult. It was a role Rochelle loved but found difficult to sustain. While on maternity leave with her third child, she contacted the flexible work specialists Timewise, who helped her find a role as an administrator at a local Lambeth surgery, and supported her with her with her application.
Rochelle now has a role with a pattern that fits with her childcare needs, at a higher hourly rate. She says: “I’m delighted to have been able to make this positive career change. I worried so much about moving jobs and assumed I would have to take a pay cut – but
Timewise helped me to find a better quality role that fits with family. I work ten minutes from home and prefer the job, it feels structured and professional and I feel I have a career I am developing.” Timewise has been funded by Lambeth Council to connect local employers to the talent on their doorstep – talent like Rochelle. Timewise advocates that by making a role a little flexible you can attract incredible candidates. Contact Clare at Timewise to find out how your business could benefit. Website: www.timewisefoundation.org.uk Twitter: @TimewiseJobs Email: clare.ludlow@timewisefoundation.org.uk Telephone: 020 7633 4561
GET INVOLVED IN BRIXTON DESIGN TRAIL 2016! Building on the huge success of Brixton Design Trail in 2014/2015, Brixton is set to launch as London Design Festival’s newest Design District in 2016. Under the theme of ‘Rebel Rebel’, Brixton Design Trail will engage the local community with a series of installations, exhibitions and events by resident artists, designers and creative organisations, located in public spaces and businesses throughout the town centre. As part of our distinct approach, a Brixton Design Trail Youth Team will curate their own programme of activity, giving our passionate young creatives a platform to express their ideas and talent through a range of creative disciplines. The emerging programme includes events at Black Cultural Archives, Pop Brixton, Windrush Square and Brixton Village Market, and excitement is already building. Whether you’re a market trader, shop, restaurant, cafe, bar, gallery, social enterprise, charity, freelancer, designer, artist, writer, photographer, musician or performer – we would love to discuss ways in which Brixton Design Trail can benefit you.
Brixton BID Director Michael Smith described the ambitious plans as “an opportunity for Brixton to open up to the world with the Rebel Rebel Design Trail. Brixton has the potential to be the most creative design district ever”. To get the creative juices flowing, the Brixton Design Trail team are hosting a free event on Wednesday 27 April at Brixton East 1871 (100 Barrington Road, SW9 7JF). Come along to find out how to get involved and share your ideas! We start at 6.00pm with a short presentation on our vision, followed by drinks until 9.00pm. Please RSVP via Eventbrite http://bdt16launchrsvp.eventbrite.com or email us hello@brixtondesigntrail.com
Adornment 407 Salon
HOW DO NEW-COMERS TO BRIXTON KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? Communicate directly with over 9,000 local potential customers by advertising in the Bugle! If you are a Brixton BID member the BID will pay for your first ad in the Brixt on Bugle (eighth of a page size) Contact admin@brixtonbid.co.uk to register your interest.
Afterwork Beauty! Brixton’s newest beauty boutique responds to local demand for afterwork threading and waxing appointments in the heart of the town centre. A three-minute walk from Brixton Underground, the town’s newest onestop beauty boutique, Adornment407, offers speedy browshapes, intimate waxing, shellac manicures/pedicures and expert cuts/blowdrys. The Coldharbour Lane boutique uses a unique eyebrow threading method which anchors the thread around the beautician’s neck – Iranian-style, ensuring a hygienic approach with sharp results. The Adornment407 team have been winning customers with a special mix of professionalism, customer care, industry leading brands and speed. Appointments can be conveniently booked from your mobile or laptop 24 hours a day. Adornment407 407 Coldharbour Lane SW9 8LQ 020 7924 0740 www.adornment407.com Twitter: @adornment407 Instagram: @adornment407
020 3417 7373 admin@brixtonbid.co.uk
PERSONAL LICENCE TRAINING The BID is currently offering personal licence training to member businesses, in partnership with Lambeth College. To sign up you or one of your employees for the training please contact the BID admin@brixtonbid.co.uk.
ZIP CAR
OPEN TIMES Tuesday-Thursday: 12pm – 9pm Friday: 9am – 9pm Saturday: 9.30am – 7pm Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Business Owners! Did you know that as a member of the Brixton BID you are eligible for a free business account and two hour drive? Zipcar is the world’s largest car club network with over 1,500 vehicles in London alone. Brixton BID and Zipcar have teamed up to offer you access to over 1,500 vehicles across London, ready and waiting for when you want to use them. Book cars or vans by the hour or day on the app, online or by calling the dedicated member services team. Best of all, fuel, insurance and the Congestion Charge is included so you won’t get any nasty surprises. For details on how to sign up go to www. brixtonbid.co.uk.
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14 COMMUNITY
www.brixtonblog.com
April 2016
Get involved and change the vibe of your neighbourhood Brixton resident Charlene Hutsebaut won a community volunteer award – here’s how it happened In October 2010 my husband and I moved into a flat on the border of Stockwell and Brixton. Little did I know that in five years I would become so involved in my local community. I’m from a small mid-western town in Canada, so relocating to London 15 years ago was a bit of a shock. So many people! What I have discovered is that with a little bravery and willingness to get involved you can change the vibe of your neighbourhood for the better. There are many ways to get to know people and make a difference. I work with adults helping them to live healthy lifestyles. One of my neighbours picked up on my love of inspiring others and asked me to stand for chair of our residents’ association and I have been in the role for five years. I still have a love of galvanising children into action, so when the opportunity to apply for a Big Lottery Fund grant for a gardening project popped up we jumped at the chance. We won that grant and, as 2012 unfolded, we hosted five gardening days with parents and children coming Build relationships out to lift, move, bend and where you can, ask for stretch as they beautified our courtyards at Oak Square. what you need, help The amazing secondary a neighbour, be kind, effect of these days was contribute. Forge your the free play the children own path and choose naturally engaged in when the roles that you feel the gardening was finished. This same unguided comfortable with movement happened when we organised street parties. Once children get outside they will want to move, the trick is getting them there in the first place. Another way to get involved in your community is to attend neighbouring residents’ association meetings. I have done this with the Stockwell Village Association across the road and have made some wonderful friends, as well as tailoring some shared parties and community days. Visiting your Safer Neighbourhood Team meetings to meet your ward police team is invaluable. Our amazing police team really listen and care about us. Get to know your housing association reps. At Oak Square we have worked hard to develop a reciprocal relationship with our housing manager and officers at Notting Hill Housing. This has paid off because, as residents, we now work as a cohesive unit with our staff. Last year I was gobsmacked to learn I had won a Mayor of London Community Volunteer Award – all because of my work to bring members of our community together. Here is my one valuable nugget to leave you with: It is not only you as a resident who is part of your community. Your police team, housing association officers, local ward councillors, church, corner shop employees and gym staff are all part of the daily enjoyment of life. Build relationships where you can, ask for what you need, help a neighbour, be kind, contribute. Forge your own path and choose the roles that you feel comfortable with … Yikes! I got a bit mushy Canadian on you there. But it all really works!
Art along the line Young people from both ends of the Victoria Line – Brixton and Walthamstow – have produced a magazine, Object Exchange. It was commissioned by Art on the Underground in collaboration with Black Cultural Archives and Walthamstow’s William Morris Gallery. Led by artist Ania Bas, a group of young people aged from 16 to 22 went behind the scenes at the archives and gallery in a week-long workshop which introduced them to their collections and histories. Workshops in traditional and contemporary printing techniques, alongside meetings with professionals from graphic design and journalism,
(including the Brixton Bugle) led to the creation of the magazine Object Exchange: More Than A Copy. You can get yours from this weekend at the Tube. If you miss it, you can see how it was produced at the BCA later this month when each location will exhibit the mock-ups and plans for the publication. One participant, Flourish Igwe, says: “We were invited to make this magazine, inspired by the museums’ collections and the many figures they celebrate, in order to form our own editorial group to share stories about being a young person in London. “Both museums tell a story about people who played a significant part
in history. We should talk about and celebrate them in order to ensure that great people like them are not forgotten. We should endeavour to emulate their characteristics and attributes. “The opportunity to work in two such great museums gave us a chance to write this magazine which will hopefully inspire the young generation and encourage the older generation to keep investing in the youth, supporting them to be all that they can be. Great people of the past can’t speak to us directly but we guess that given the opportunity they would want to tell us who they were and what they did.”
KULA ROOTS HAS YOGA FOR EVERYBODY “Yoga should be available for everybody, and this belief has driven me to set up community yoga classes in the heart of Brixton”, says Saara Jaffery-Roberts who runs the Kula Roots SW9 community classes. The classes are funded by the London Community Foundation and offer healing yoga spaces in low income areas. Says Saara: “Physically, yoga greatly builds strength, flexibility and stamina. Mentally, yoga allows us to push ourselves, it teaches us how to let go, relax and flow.” Kula Roots SW9 provides classes on the Loughborough Estate, Angell Town and at Baytree Centre, accessible to everybody, and all levels of ability and experience are welcome. Class times are: Tuesdays: ANGELL TOWN RMO (Housing Office) 7-8pm Wednesdays: BAYTREE CENTRE (ladies only class) 10-11am Fridays: LOUGHBOROUGH CENTRE 7-8pm ■■ Contact Saara at kularoots@gmail.com
Found Festival 2016
Saturday 11th June | Brockwell Park, London.
Derrick May / Dyed Soundorom Kerri Chandler / Kassem Mosse Live Legowelt Live / Leon Vynehall / Marcellus Pittman Maurice Fulton / Midland / Mood II Swing Paranoid London Live / Pender Street Steppers Petre Inspirescu / Rødhåd / Ron Morelli Ron Trent / Session Victim Live / Theo Parrish Trade Live (Surgeon & Blawan) Asquith / Beautiful Swimmers / Binh / Courtesy / Daniel Wang Dream 2 Science Live / Feelings / Francesco Del Garda / Kasra V Mara Trax (Maayan Nidam & Vera) / Mr Beatnick / Route 8 The Menendez Brothers / Secretsundaze / Wamdue Kids Live Willow / Zenker Brothers
+ many more across 6 stages
tickets from £20
foundfestival.com
16 ARTS & CULTURE
Let’s back The Thirst and give Brixton something to smile about Arts co-editor Barney Evison speaks to The Thirst, an independent Brixton band aiming to take on the UK chart with their new single True, released ahead of their biggest headline show yet at Electric Brixton on 29 May. Funk-rock four-piece The Thirst are familiar faces around Brixton – they’ve played every music venue going, performed at Splash and even busked on the streets outside the station at times. Their music has taken them further afield too, with sell-out shows at the O2 Academy Islington, 100 Club and abroad. So it’s with much excitement that the young band prepare to launch an attack on the UK Official Singles Chart with the upcoming release of their track True on 13 May. It’s an upbeat, catchy tune, bursting with The Thirst’s signature brand of sunny indie-funk – surely destined to become a Brixton summer anthem. The Thirst is formed of brothers Mensah and Kwame Cofi-Agyeman (lead vocals and bass respectively), Mark (guitar) and Marcus (drums). The road up to this point hasn’t been straightforward for the band – they’ve worked with the Rolling Stones and Libertines producer Jake Fior but wrangling with record companies led them to decide to strike out on their own. They’re dedicated to their art. For the last year they’ve been out on the streets of London, Thursday to Sunday every week, busking to raise money for their single and album. It’s been a memorable experience for them, and they sold upwards of 8,000 CDs in the process. “It was amazing – once you got warmed up!” laughs Kwame. “We met a lot of people out there, made some new fans, who we then saw at our shows.” Like any sensible band, The Thirst treasure every fan, and are appealing to their ever-increasing following to support their single campaign: “All the old fans, all the new fans – we can’t do it without them,” said Mark. To support the single campaign they’re hitting the streets again, busking in Brixton and speaking to locals – their single-minded focus for the next few weeks is to get people to order this single. “You can get four singles for the price of one coffee,” says Mensah, “so I don’t want to see you in Starbucks unless you’ve bought the single!” They’re all Brixton born and bred and have watched the changes around them with bemusement. “We’ve been here since day one,” says Kwame, “Now you’ve got shops where you can pay £10 for chicken and chips but you can still go to Morleys and get it for a pound – and it’ll probably taste better!” While laughing about a particular champagne bar in the Granville Arcade, Marcus adds a serious note: “Some of those people that are being pushed out of their businesses are people who built the foundations that made Brixton what it is today – it’s only a matter of time before it loses its ‘coolness’.” The cultural scene in Brixton hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns recently, what with the council’s culture cuts, the death of Bowie and the closure of local venues such as the Canterbury Arms and Mango Landin’. With this single and their campaign, The Thirst want to “give Brixton something to smile about again” their manager Kevin told me. I’ll certainly be pre-ordering the single before Friday 13 May. ■■ You can do the same by searching ‘the thirst true’ on iTunes, Google Play or Amazon, or texting THIRST to 85888.
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April 2016
Have your own voice – and let Soothsayers help get it heard Youthsayers is an Arts Council funded project to support young musicians, spearheaded by Brixton reggae band Soothsayers and local music charity Raw Material. We caught up with Robin Hopcraft and Idris Rahman from Soothsayers to find out more The team behind Youthsayers are calling on all interested young musicians to take part in free workshops where they can jam with like-minded musical folk and learn more about making music as a band. The aim of the project is to construct a performing group of young musicians aged between 11 and 18. “It’s about learning how to run a band in a social way, and also how to direct a band in practical sense,” says Robin, a trumpeter himself. Running the sessions are Robin, Idris and other members from reggae
and Afrobeat band Soothsayers, an internationally recognised group based in Lambeth whose members have played with everyone from Adele to The Specials. They’ve also played Tuesday nights at the Effra for more than a decade. The Youthsayers project will provide budding musicians with a chance to gain experience of working in a band alongside professional musicians playing Afrobeat, funk, dub and jazz. They’re open sessions – as long as you’re a Lambeth musician with a little bit of experience with an instrument you’re welcome to attend. “We can accommodate most instruments,” says Robin, “an alpenhorn might be tricky though. A bugle might be tricky too, as you can only play certain notes.” If you’re thinking of going along, or suggesting it to someone who should, it’s worth noting that if you play wind or brass you need to take your
own instrument. There’s also the chance to gain Arts Awards that credit towards entry into higher education. It can be hard to get support for music in schools now – there are orchestras, but they only encourage a certain type of music and performance. “If you’re in an orchestra you can’t perform in a pub with your mates,” says Robin. Youthsayers is about the social side of music too. Being a young musician is certainly not easy, so what tips do seasoned professional artists Idris and Robin have for people just starting out? “Concentrate on the music and stay focused,” advises Idris. Robin insists it’s all about having your own voice: “be creative – write your own music.” ■■ Find out more about the project by heading to www.youthsayers.net or head along to the next session 5-7pm at Raw Material, 2 Robsart St, SW9 0DG on Wednesday 13 April.
Recognition for The South London Gallery in Camberwell is presenting In Fine Style: The Dancehall Art of Wilfred Limonious, the first major retrospective of one of Jamaica’s most prolific graphic artists. The exhibition includes reproductions of Wilfred Limonious’ work from the early 1970s through to the mid 1990s, spanning three key phases in his career: his newspaper comic strips, illustrations for the publications of the Jamaican Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL), and his distinctive artwork for the burgeoning dancehall scene coming out of 1980s Jamaica. Limonious (1949–99) began his career producing comic strips for the Jamaican daily newspaper, The Star, with cartoon characters such as Amos and Chicken becoming particularly popular. During the 1970s he worked as in-house illustrator for
April 2016
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ARTS & CULTURE 17 MIKE STONE
Arts co-editor Ruth Waters meets rock duo, married couple and busking sensation Tommy and Mary Local loved-up musicians Tommy and Mary didn’t just start off busking, it’s their preferred way to share their music. Post-punk, loud and angry, they find their sound works best against London’s default chaos with preferred busking spots including Charing Cross Station, Oxford Circus and Brixton Road. “You get to feel the audience’s reaction and they’re part of the gig and the sound,” says Tommy, the duo’s guitarist and singer. “I began busking in Brixton before I met Mary and the audience is mental compared to anywhere else in London.” But Lambeth council are unfortunately not part of the supportive and “mental” audience, threatening the duo with court action if they busk again outside Iceland on Brixton Road. “We last played a month ago to our best audience. Brixton doesn’t earn us that much money but it’s coming home” says Mary, the duo’s bleach-blonde Belarusian drummer. With wide-ranging influences from dubstep to The Clash, The Strokes and Brixton’s own David Bowie, their musical ambitions are modest and unpretentious. “I just want to write something that’s catchy and real, that’s easy to relate to rather than being too poetic,” Tommy tells me, shrugging without concern as we chat about that need to grab people’s attention in a few bars as a busking band. Tourists are a great audience and regularly start singing along to their songs as they perform. Tommy and Mary stick to their original songs, despite constant requests to play Oasis’s Wonderwall and other well-known tunes. “We didn’t write all these songs just so that we could stand on Oxford Circus and play fucking Adele!” Tommy laughs. “Tommy writes the guitar and lyrics and I write the drums,” Mary tells me, but the two are constantly re-working their music collaboratively, preferring to live on a shoestring and support themselves through their music alone. “If we had day jobs we wouldn’t get to actually work on our music.” With so much of their lyrical direction springing from a hatred of a system which ties citizens into relentless and unrewarding patterns of work and wages, they are living London life in a style which fulfils them but they “don’t eat a lot”.
Brixton’s loved-up buskers hit it big The duo were married two years ago at Lambeth Town Hall. Self-styled through and through, their vows had an added artistic dimension. “Our marriage was based on a promise that we would never play music with anyone else.” Although this added layer of fidelity did give Tommy a sleepless night or two, he proudly confirms that he came to his senses – “this is my dream, to be married to someone who I love and make music with them everyday. Why not go for it?”. Now the pair are inseparable. “Playing in Brixton actually just got us our biggest gig,” says Mary. They were approached by a member of their audience who had seen them play in the same spot several times and invited them to open The Secret Garden Party this July. The pair were also approached to have a documentary made about them by French filmmaker Luis Murrighile, as part of his series which takes the viewer through “24 hours with” musicians. Brilliant subject matter for the brief, Tommy and Mary’s featured 24 hours are packed with journeys, gigs and different audiences, including bundling a full drum kit on and off the bus.
father of dancehall art Jamaica’s national literacy programme JAMAL, before going on to produce a huge body of work for the Jamaican music industry, illustrating hundreds of LP jackets and record centres for labels such as Jammy’s, Power House, Studio One, Techniques, Ujama and Midnight Rock. Despite being widely recognised among reggae and dancehall circles, Limonious’ illustrations are relatively unknown in the wider art world. Exhibition curator Al ‘Fingers’ Newman describes the role that the exhibition plays in remembering Limonious’ legacy: “Wilfred Limonious is an important part of Jamaica’s cartooning tradition, and
the father of what has become known as dancehall art. “His seminal work, particularly for the island’s music industry, continues to be relevant today and deserves far wider recognition.” The exhibition is curated by Newman and Christopher Bateman and is produced by One Love Books alongside a book on Limonious’ life and work, due for release in August 2016. ■■ In Fine Style: The Dancehall Art of Wilfred Limonious is at The South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Rd, SE5 8UH until Sunday 3 April. Ruth Waters
Looking forward to their first festival, the release of the 24 Hours with Tommy and Mary documentary as well as plenty more busking, Tommy and Mary are currently
working on their second album. ■■ Find out more about Tommy and Mary on Facebook, Instagram or visit www.tommyandmary.co.uk
18 FOOD & DRINK
brixtonblog.com
April 2016
FOOD NEWS Brixton is springing changes on us left, right and centre this month
NNThe Fruit Garden in Herne Hill has moved into new premises on Milkwood Road for your seasonal fruit and veg needs.
NNAlso offering your five-a-day is En Root on Dulwich Road, serving juices, smoothies and vegetarian snacks and meals – perfect for when you visit the Lido or Brockwell Park.
NNThere’s rumour of another
R ECI PE • PI R I PI R I SALT FISH QU ESADI LLAS
A level of cultural blending that only Brixton could do in style Miss South gets multicultural in the kitchen Living in Lambeth tends to give you a taste for piri piri sauce. Traditionally associated with chicken, this sauce, with its roots in Portugal via Africa, adds flavour and punch to any dish. Here I’ve combined it with salt cod which is popular in Portugal around Easter time and in the Caribbean all year round and then given it a Mexican twist by putting it all inside two tortillas and adding cheese to make a quesadilla. That’s a level of cultural blending only Brixton can do in style. Salting cod has been used as a way to preserve fish for centuries throughout the world and even now it makes an excellent store cupboard staple that is easier and quicker to prepare than you might think. It can be soaked overnight if you have time and then gently simmered until tender and flaky or you can speed it all up by rinsing it twice in boiling water and then cooking at a rolling boil for 30 minutes and you’re ready to use it. The recipe for the piri piri sauce makes enough for a whole jarful as you’re likely to want to go back to it again and again and it’s so much better than many bought versions. I get the dried piri piri chillies in O Talho in Atlantic Road and the Wing Tai in Electric Avenue often stocks fresh ones along with their Thai selection. The rule tends to be that the smaller the chilli, the bigger the kick, so don’t be tempted to add extra unless you like serious heat. Peel the garlic and cut each clove into a small dice and place in a saucepan. Add the chillies, leaving the scotch bonnet whole but removing the stalk, along with the olive oil, vinegar, juice of both lemons and the zest of one. Simmer it all on a low heat
new fish and chip place opening on Brixton Hill in the old Chinese takeaway soon. It’s like buses clearly. You wait ages and three turn up at once.
PIRI PIRI SALT FISH QUESADILLAS (SERVES 4) For the piri piri sauce (makes about 220ml) ¡¡6 cloves garlic ¡¡1 scotch bonnet pepper ¡¡6-8 dried or fresh piri piri chillies (also known as birds eye chillies) ¡¡1 teaspoon sea salt ¡¡50ml olive oil ¡¡2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ¡¡2 lemons ¡¡1 teaspoon smoked paprika ¡¡2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme for about 10 minutes until the garlic is softened. Add the dried herbs and paprika, allow to cool for 10 minutes and blitz in a blender or pound in a pestle and mortar. Sterilise a clean glass jar in the oven at 160° for 10 minutes or boil in a pot of water for the same amount of time and add the piri piri sauce while the jar is still hot. It’ll keep for up to a month in the fridge. I bought my salt cod at Ilias’s in Brixton Village as they sell beautiful fillets by weight, but the packets you see round Brixton will do just as well. If you’re soaking it overnight, don’t remove the skin or bones first. Depending on whether you buy the fillets or the packet version, cook as above. I find the packet version better for cooking quickly (and for having in the cupboard.) Drain the cooked salt fish well and rinse once more with boiling water before allowing to drain again for five minutes and cool slightly. Flake
¡¡1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the quesadillas ¡¡250g salt cod ¡¡1 tablespoon piri piri sauce (see above) ¡¡1 lime, juiced ¡¡4 spring onions, sliced ¡¡8 medium sized flour tortillas ¡¡250g mozzarella, grated ¡¡salsa, guacamole or sour cream to serve
it well with your fingers and put in a large bowl. Juice the lime over it and add the spring onions and the piri piri sauce. Mix it all well with a spoon and not your fingers. You can use the mix immediately or leave it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours to marinate. When you are ready to make the quesadillas, grate the mozzarella if you bought it as balls, wrap it in a clean cloth or tea towel and squeeze the extra liquid out of it. Heat a dry frying pan on high heat and scatter about a quarter of the mozzarella and a quarter of the salt fish mixture over one tortilla and place the second one on top like a sandwich. Repeat with each. Fry each one separately for two minutes each side in the hot pan and leave to cool for two minutes before slicing into quarters and serving with your choice of salsa, guacamole, sour cream or salad. These are spicy and filling and make an incredibly tasty lunch.
NNThe new McDonald’s refit has caused some annoyance with the use of fake tagging as decoration for an “urban” feel that some found patronising. No news on whether late night service is less fraught …
NNYou may end up calling in at Barrio on Acre Lane which finally opened rather behind schedule. Their meat on sticks varies from other meat on sticks by being Peruvian-inspired, in case you wondered.
NNAlso bringing more meat to Brixton is the news that the old Kaff Bar on Atlantic Road is to become the fourth branch of Dip & Flip Burgers in south London. Their burgers vary from other burgers in Brixton by coming with gravy to dip them in by the way.
NNPromising chicken wings, the newly opened BXT Frat House in the old Dahlak bar on Brixton Road offers them with cheerleader-themed waitresses and beer. There’s a rumour of sports as well, but doubt there’s any fruit and veg on offer there …
April 2016
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FOOD & DRINK 19
Beer, bruschetta, burgers and a boho vibe Brrr-uschetta it isn’t, whatever the weather at the Trinity Arms, reports Nikki Griffiths It’s a bit of a roller-coaster out there at the moment – one day you excitedly pack away your “big coat” as you see the bright spring sunshine peeking into your life, the next you realise you’ve been conned while you shiver your way to the bus stop. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’ve done a little research and unfortunately it looks like we’re stuck with this can’t-make-up-its-mind climate for a little while longer. Not only is that a problem for wardrobe rotations around the country, but also for social planning. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for somewhere with both an indoor and an outdoor. One such place just happens to be one of my favourite pubs in Brixton – the Trinity Arms. I’d lived in Brixton for quite some time before I happened upon this hidden gem. To find it, take the road between NatWest and Brixton Town Store and head to the far corner of Trinity Gardens. This pub is one of over 150 managed by the Young’s chain throughout London and the South East. Young’s has a knack of making each of their venues feel individual and that’s largely down to the fact that they entrust the pub manager with running it as they want, though they do all retain a sense of the classic public house. This particular pub, built in 1850, was named after the Trinity Asylum in Acre Lane which was founded for poor, elderly women with a strong belief in the Holy Trinity. Through the doors, you’ll find a horseshoe bar with plenty of seating round the edges. The dark wood, cast-iron fireplace and wall lighting make it feel like the ultimate modern British pub. It’s full of knick-knacks and there are a couple of board games to keep you occupied. The real value of the Trinity Arms, though, is that it has two outdoor spaces – a courtyard at the front and a ‘secret garden’ out the back which has a bit of a bohemian vibe. So, if there is a sun to chase, you’ll find it somewhere here. A further plus point is that the square the pub sits on is gated, so if you’ve a couple of kids who want to run wild then you can send them in there where you know they’ll be safe and can keep an eye on them.
The bar stocks a selection of Young’s own beers, plus a New World IPA called DNA on tap, which is the product of a collaboration with Dogfish Head brewery. The wine list is, happily, more gastro-pub than pub and has a number of good options whichever your colour of choice. On the food menu, you’ll find a sturdy list of pub classics including fish and chips, sausage and mash and battered onion rings. Basically, anything that goes well with a pint. Hungry, we ordered a bruschetta to put us on. This is one of the few places I’ve seen which serves bruschetta warm. I’d got so used to it being served cold that I’d started to think that was the norm. It was a handsome and generous plate of tumbling fresh tomatoes, red onion and garlicky pesto. It did lack seasoning, though, and in my eyes a tomato without salt is a big no-no. On Mondays the Trinity Arms hands out two burgers for just £12, which is quite startling when you consider the menu price is just a pound less. Our medium-rare burger was definitely more of the former than the latter and in honesty, at the full price, wouldn’t have been good value. Better burgers for lower prices are easily come by in Brixton. But a hefty portion of chips went some way towards making up for it. Thankfully, we’d also ordered their pie – this week’s special was chicken, broccoli and Stilton but it changes regularly. Ignoring the bland boiled veggies on the side, this was wonderful. The chicken was plentiful and tender and the creamy Stilton gravy was seriously punchy. Plus – it was a proper pie with golden flaky pastry on all sides; not one of those fancy ones with just a sliver of it on top, which leaves you wanting more. This was true pub grub with positives and negatives, and that fell a fraction short of what the rest of this wonderful pub has to offer. But there’s good news just around the corner, as the chef is currently busy planning a menu-makeover. It will arrive in April, just in time for sunshine and when this pub really comes into its own. The new menu will take the focus away from the pub classics and onto a mixture of meat, fish and vegetable small plates for people to graze on, rather than tuck into. Personally I think this is a smart move from the cute pub and I’m very much looking forward to sampling the new menu – all in the name of research, of course.
Above: A proper pie Right: Warm bruschetta Inset: Burger more medium than rare
KHAMSA an intimate neighbourhood restaurant offering delicious Algerian home cooking in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The simple aim of our family run business is to introduce our guests to the best of Algerian and Berber food — at affordable prices. We are unlicensed but you are welcome to bring your own wine, beer or champagne, with no corkage fees. But please remember we only accept CASH P.S. Our cakes have won Best Vegan Cakes award at the Brixton Bakeoff. We will make them to order for you as gifts and for special occasions.
F I N A L I S T
KHAMSA, 140 Acre LAne, brixton SW2 5Ut
Reser vations 0207 733 3150 / 07795 286 146
20 WHAT’S ON
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FRI 1 @ BLOCK 336
WEDS 6 @ S LONDON BOTANICAL INST
SAT 2 @ BRIXTON JAMM
THURS 7 @ BRIXTON REC
Your very last chance to catch Painting by Numbers, a first solo exhibition by Block 336 studio artist Georgia Sowerby. Her LARGE-SCALE PAINTINGS on show in the entrance space at 336 Brixton Road, are made according to a set of self-imposed rules that are broken and changed.
MUSIC NEWS Co arts editor Barney Evison rounds up the latest music news from our corner of south London
THE THIRST TARGET SINGLES CHART Brixton indie-funk band are hoping to break into the UK Singles Chart with their new track True, for which they have also released a new video. Help these Brixton boys (above) make number one! Just text THIRST to 85888 to pre-order their single.
BARNARDO’S BRINGS THE BASS, BRASS AND BEBOP The Brixton Barnardo’s charity shop has become the first in the UK to specialise in music following a makeover. The charity hopes the new format will satisfy the strong local demand for music and tap into Brixton’s rich musical heritage, helping to raise more funds to support its work with the most vulnerable children, young people and families.
birthday. Based off Brixton Hill, they work with musicians in London, Milwaukee, Hastings, New Zealand, Detroit and New York and their releases have been supported by Record Store Day, Gilles Peterson and BBC Radio 3.
ROCK FOR NEPAL FUNDRAISER AT THE WINDMILL On Saturday 23 April Windmill Brixton are holding a fundraiser for Nepal, on the anniversary of the terrible earthquake that tore the country apart in 2015. Funds are still much needed in the rural communities. “We have a Nepalese metal band (metal is huge in Nepal!) based in London playing,” says band booker Tim, “there’ll be food and some wicked raffle prizes!”
Garage Juice host another night with acts including Artful Dodger, DJ Luck and MC Neat as well as a guest appearance from Hatcha, playing some all-time OLDSKOOL favourites in an exclusive UK garage set. £6 to £15. 10pm to 5am.
PINK LIZARD MUSIC CELEBRATES 2ND BIRTHDAY Brixton-based music publisher Pink Lizard Music is celebrating its second
During the Easter holidays the SLBI is offering two sessions of plant-based ARTS AND CRAFTS in the house and garden for kids. Refreshments £2 per child. £5 for 3 children. Places limited, booking recommended via info@slbi.org.uk or 020 8674 5787. 10am to 4pm. Try your hand at INDOOR BOWLS at the Rec. Find out more from Eric Gallacher ericgal@blueyonder.co.uk Free. 4 to 7pm.
FRI 8 @ BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES
Comedic beatbox genius Beardyman performs live with his supergroup of musicians and freestyle MCs. He will be making a LIVE ALBUM from the show, inspired by the audience’s dreamt-up song titles under the banner, Improvisation. Telepathy. Imagination. Beat Boxing. One Album. One Hour. 7–10.30pm. £16.67–£20.12.
Historian and curator of current exhibition Black Georgians, S I Martin explores the untold stories of the black sailor communities that settled in towns and cities around England. From the 16th to the early 20th century sailors of African origin were a principal element of the Royal Navy and central to the development of BLACK COMMUNITIES and black political thought in Britain. £7. 7pm to 9pm.
SUN 3 @ POP BRIXTON
FRI 8 @ CHOCOLATE MUSEUM
SAT 2 @ ELECTRIC RIXTON
Love alternative cinema? Join Block Party Cinema who are celebrating two CLASSIC FILMS alongside two jamming block parties. First is Love Jones, a romantic comedy full of passion and poetry. The second screening of the day is House Party. After each screening get down on it for the party, where DJs will be spinning rnb, hiphop and neo soul. From £13.85. 2pm onwards.
SUN 3 @ DOGSTAR
Rambling Vegan Fox presents Brixton’s first VEGAN FAYRE with more than 20 stalls of vegan delights including drinks, street food, decadent cakes, raw treats, plus
Bring your children to learn how to make their own CHOCOLATES during the Easter holidays, such as lollipops, moulding, tempering and shaping their chocolates by hand. The Chocolate Museum, Ferndale Road, will provide you with different fillings, decorations and lolly sticks to make beautiful and delicious creations. £9.50 per child. 3pm to 4pm.
SAT 9 @ RITZY
Upstairs at the Ritzy presents BRIXTON YOUTH OPEN MIC : Dancers, comedians, poets, singers, musicians and actors all welcome to join the friendly, welcoming and non-competitive environment. They’re even going to try and get some bands together ... so if you play guitar, bass, drums or any other instruments, bring them along and they will try and hook you up to form a band in the near future. This is a family and community event. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Sign-up: 1.30pm. Event: 2pm to 4.30pm
SAT 9 @ JAMM
ALL SAINTS ANNOUNCE BRIXTON ACADEMY DATE Iconic 90s girl group All Saints are back! The band that brought us Pure Shores and Never Ever have announced details of their first UK tour in 15 years – and it includes a date at Brixton Academy on 13 October 2016. Go on, relive your adolescence...
April 2016
Electronic Sessions hits its 10-year birthday in April and, to celebrate, Brixton Jamm has invited them to do what they do best – party. They’ve hand-picked some of their all time FAVOURITE DJs , some newer kids on the block and some well known backto-back pairings, with Guy J on hand for a five-hour set. £12.50 to £20. 10pm to 6am.
ELEONORA CLAPS LAUNCHES ALBUM Brixton-based singer songwriter Eleonora Claps launched her debut album Stars at Cable Cafe Bar at 8 Brixton Road last month. The record includes original songs by Eleonora, as well as rearranged versions of her favourite songs by Sting, Cyndi Lauper, Prefab Sprout and Dvořák. You can find her music on Bandcamp.
SUN 10 @HOOTANANNY
vegan charities, books, greetings cards, T-shirts and more. After the fayre, enjoy a vegan pizza in the bar, featuring violife cheese and vbites deli slices. 1pm to 7pm.
MON 4 @ IMPACT HUB
Join life coach Naomi Jane at Impact Hub Brixton for a Goal Setting Masterclass. Learn tips and strategies on how to turn your hopes and dreams into achievable goals so that you can take POSITIVE ACTION . £57, or save £10 per ticket when you book with a friend from eventbrite. co.uk. 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
TUES 5 @ BRIXTON LIBRARY Brixton Barnardo’s manager Russell Lewendon channelling the music
Join the Brixton Library book group with fellow BOOK LOVERS and chat about good books. Free. 7pm to 9pm.
Rootmaster presents the James Lascelles Quartet: world music, folk, jazz and AngloCaribbean grooves from a talented and experienced quintet. Look forward to an evening of blissful, RELAXING SOUNDS . Free. 8pm to midnight.
MON 11 @ EFFRA SOCIAL
Comedy/improv collective Duck Duck Goose host their IMPROV jams in the Churchill Lounge every Monday from 7.30pm. All welcome.
TUES 12 @ BRIXTON EAST
A COMEDY NIGHT to raise money for the refugee camp in Calais, with performances from top comedians Jeremy Hardy, Josie Long, Andy Zaltzman, Kate Lucas and Johnny Cochrane. Plus live music from The Brixton 49ers and DJ Prince Jimmy and a cheap bar. £10 / £8 concessions. 7pm to 11.59pm.
April 2016
brixtonblog.com
WEDS 13 @ BLUES KITCHEN
FRI 22 @ O2 ACADEMY
THURS 14 @ DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
SAT 23 @ THE WINDMILL
FRI 15 @ PHONOX
SUN 24 @ POP BRIXTON
Swing the night away or just sit back and listen to BIG BAND CLASSICS performed by Old Hat Jazz Band and the Basin Street Brawlers. Free. Until 12am. Gallery curator Xavier Bray and contemporary artist Mark Wallinger explore the relationship between Wallinger’s artworks and Old Master Van Dyck’s last self-portrait. This event takes place alongside a SPECIAL VIEWING of the artist’s work. £12, £10 Friends. 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Livity Sound is back for another explosive face-off, and this time joining them for the ride will be New York LO-FI HOUSE producer Anthony Naples. Expect a night of dub, techno, jungle and electro. £5 adv, £10 on the door. 6pm to 4am.
SAT 16 @ POP BRIXTON
Fancy splashing out at the Lido? See Saturday 30.
Brixton has been home to a vinyl resurgence in the last few years. With three new record stores opening their doors, it’s fast becoming the go-to destination for London’s record hunters. Pop Brixton is home to Container Records, so is teaming up with a number of other independent labels, record stores and artists to transform the site into a music lovers’ paradise for RECORD STORE DAY . With a daytime record market featuring some of London’s freshest labels, a stellar vinyl-only line up of DJ talent will transform the site into a late-night party, all with free entry.
SUN 17 @ RITZY
Relax and enjoy your Sunday afternoon Upstairs at the Ritzy at Cool Struttin’: Blue Note, bebop and hard-swinging JAZZ provided by some of south London’s best young and old musicians. Hosted by Christian Miller with special guests and musicians’ jam session. Third Sunday of every month. Free. From 2pm.
MON 18@ POP BRIXTON
PAST REFLECTIONS — THE AFRICAN IMPRESSION ON THE WORLD Black Cultural Archives, Windrush Square, Tuesday 19 April, 6.30 to 9pm Narrative Eye, in collaboration with Black Cultural Archives, uncovers the early migrations of African people across the globe spreading traditions and knowledge that were adopted by many European nations. From the vast libraries of Timbuktu, the gold-rich city states of Mali and Songhai, to the settlements of African people in Europe and beyond prior to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the Past Reflections series endeavours to highlight the importance of history and its significance today. Historians Onyeka Nubia and Robin Walker unravel the important links between African civilisations and
the settlements in early European history. Onyeka is the author of Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England, their Presence, Status and Origins. His work challenges the common notion of the African presence in early Europe as that of servitude and proves that Africans were an integral part of the civilisations we know today. Robin Walker, the author of When We Ruled, looks at Black British cultural life and its influence on the wider understanding of British culture. ■■ For more information visit www.narrative-eye.org.uk
WHAT’S ON 21
Leave your inhibitions at home and find your inner laughter. The Laughter Club is a free session of LAUGHTER YOGA where you will practise laughter as an exercise combined with deep breathing. 5–6pm. Free entry.
TUES 19 @ BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES
Past Reflections – The African Impression On The World. See story, left.
TUES 19 @ THE WINDMILL
Lady Skins, Meat Candy and Bo Gritz are live at the Windmill. £2. 7pm.
WED 20@ HOOTANANNY
The Floor Rippers’s Element Jam supported by Universal Zulu Nation is a glimpse into HIP HOP culture with music, dance and word play. Musicians, dancers, MCs and fans to get together, battle and jam in a melting pot of talent and culture. There’s a call out to musicians, dancers, rappers, MCs and poets to sign up and jam. Hosted by: R-QI-TEK. 9pm–12am. Free.
THURS 21 @ THE WINDMILL
Gabriel Bruce performs a one-off gig after announcing details of his comeback album Come All Sufferers and new single Freedom. They were delayed after Bruce’s hand was crushed by a dinosaur fossil in his day job as a fossil dealer, he told NME. 7.30pm £6 advance.
Kygo returns to the UK in 2016 to take it to the next level as he embarks on his CLOUD NINE worldwide tour, playing his debut headline show the Academy. £20. 7pm. Following on from a successful fundraiser last year, The Windmill is holding another ROCK FOR NEPAL on the anniversary of the huge earthquake that tore apart many communities in the small Himalyan country. Nine live bands will play including London-based Nepali metalloids Symbol of Orion. £5. 4pm onwards. London Beatbox Battles will be at Pop Brixton with LIVE ART and music. 1-6pm. Free.
MON 25 @ HORNIMAN MUSEUM
Here, Now is a collaborative project delivered in partnership with photographer Nana Varveropoulou and Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers. The project illustrates individuals’ experiences of MIGRATION to London. Nana worked with ten newly arrived migrants over four months to produce a series of portraits. The work offers a glimpse into life for new arrivals, their challenges, the ups and downs and the experiences we all share as Londoners. Until 16 June. Free.
TUES 26 @ ST MATTHEW’S TENANTS HALL Dsantos Dance UK has a fantastic weekly night of SALSA classes, whether you are brand new or already an avid dancer. Fun and professionally run lessons, great people to meet and of course lots of great salsa. £8. 8–11.30pm.
WED 27 @ EFFRA SOCIAL
Join Brixton Knitting Group AKA “Stitch and Bitch” who have a gathering every Wednesday at Effra Social, starting around 7pm. Bring your own needles and wool, drink a beer, munch some food and have a good ’ole natter. Beginners welcome.
THURS 28 @ HOOTANANNY
Cecil Reuben presents a ROOTS ROCK REGGAE special, Shining Stars showcase featuring Mandee, Jay Jay and Subujah Band. £3. 9pm to 2am.
FRI 29 @ O2 ACADEMY
Hospitality returns to O2 Academy Brixton – the venue they call their “South-London rave emporium” – and will be blasting out high-energy DRUM’N’BASS into the early hours. Featuring Camo & Krooked, Maduk, London Elektricity, S.P.Y, Keeno, Breakage, Ulterior Motive, Hugh Hardie, Krakota, FD, Bcee, Total Recall and Tyke. £26+. 9pm.
SAT 30 @ BROCKWELL LIDO
Back for its ninth year, The Modern Movement, south London’s free festival celebrating 20TH CENTURY DESIGN , takes place today and Sunday. 10am to 4.30pm.
SAT 30 @ WHIRLED CINEMA
Groove School Secret Saturday: An intimate evening with DJ and artist Jon Marsh for a night of top quality music – a FUNDRAISER to help out the non-profit organisation that helps to drive projects that help young people’s engagement, creativity and inventive minds. Supporting are Jon Riche Littler, Ollie Drummond and D-A-M-O with visuals by Gadgets and decoration by Bubbleworks. £10, tickets from residentadvisor.net. 10pm.
22 COLUMNS
brixtonblog.com
April 2016
GEMMA SINCLAIR
FRANKIE HOLAH
Time for some spring cleaning
My ode to Brockwell Park
Even though it hasn’t quite sprung, spring is very much in the air. The clocks have just gone forward which means we are all starting to venture into our great outdoors, after months of lack of attention and neglect. We’re all jammed together in this wonderful city, but whatever outdoor space you have – it really is a crime not to make the most of it. Our outdoors comes in many shapes and sizes – private or communal garden, balcony, terrace, roof garden or simply a good old-fashioned doorstep. With a little investment and some love we can all enjoy the summer months near the comfort of our own home. During the many months of neglect the space has probably become cluttered with unwanted debris, broken pots and rusty old BBQs. So first things first … spring clean – out with the old – locate your local recycling centre and have a good old clear out. Take stock of your hanging baskets, window boxes and herb gardens and remove anything that is dead – making room for new planting this year. If a plant is still hanging on for dear life, try trimming it carefully and nurturing back to its former glory. Get creative with your pots – why not paint or mosaic them? You can now see what space you have to plant and what gaps need filling, then the fun part – going to the garden centre! Buy some long-lasting colourful shrubs
Brockwell Park is basically my office. How lucky am I! As well as getting to spend my time training myself and my clients there, by being a regular in this gorgeous park, I get to meet some inspiring people, many of whom are there day in, day out, all year round working to get stronger, fitter, and faster whether that’s through running, flipping logs or cycling laps and bossing out pull-ups on the monkey bars on their way round (Mike manages it at 74, so we really don’t have an excuse). Coming into spring, you may be looking to start your training journey and need a little inspiration or support ... On the other hand you may be well into your flow but simply want to shake up the routine in a new setting. If you’re local (well you are reading the local paper) I can’t encourage you enough to throw on your kit, embrace the longer,
and bedding plants and bring your space back to life with some bright new plants. Don’t be scared to fill window boxes to the brim – but also be prepared to give them a refresh seasonally to keep them looking fresh and exciting. If you are hanging onto your old BBQ, garden furniture or hammock from previous years, make sure you give it a good clean. Why not breathe new life into old furniture with a lick of paint? Add some lighting to your space with some solar lights or something as simple as tea lights in clear or coloured jam jars, this will add a magical feel to any garden. Gather your friends together to help, and launch your great Outdoors 2016 with the first BBQ of the summer … always an occasion to celebrate. Whatever your scenario, you can transform your space with a little time, some great ideas and a minimal investment. Enjoy! And Good Luck. Of course, if this all seems a little daunting and you simply don’t have time, feel free to call me on 07826 551 353 and I can help give your garden that spring makeover. øøthegardeninggirlat82@gmail.com
lighter and warmer days and get yourself to Brockwell Park. From a regular weekend Park Run, to the over-40s circuits session, bootcamps, PTs, team sports, and some great trail equipment, there is definitely something that will inspire you to get moving into the new season. Spring is on its way … Let’s get moving!! øøFor enquiries about training sessions and upcoming outdoor bootcamp sessions, please contact frankie@frankieholah.com
Quick Crossword Across 1. Cornish town (2,4) 4. Blob (6) 8. Poke; printer (5) 9. Wet slightly (7) 10. Made possible (7) II. Stadium (5) 12. Cruella de Vil’s prey (9) 17. Indicate (5) 19. War and Peace author (7) 21. Type of penguin (7) 22. Pulse (5) 23. Baby’s toy (6) 24. Elephant who packed her trunk (6)
DOWN 1. Evening meal (6) 2. Volcanic island (7) 3. Artist’s stand (5) 5. Art of paper folding (7) 6. Slender and flexible (5) 7. Correspondent (3,3) 9. March Hare’s tea party guest (3,6) 13. Sideways (7) 14. Not man-made (7) 15. Come into sight (6) 16. Cheerio (3-3) 18. Putin (anag) (5) 20. Wood turner (5)
Hill Mead HERALD APRIL 2016
Budding scientists probe our school’s crime scene By Sekeriye and Selena (Year 6)
Miss Walters, our assistant head teacher, made a shocking discovery when she found body remains and blood in the playground! The police decided that as the following week was National Science Week we should use our science knowledge to try to solve the mystery. Our reception class (4-5) and other pupils from each year group were quickly on the scene wearing white forensic suits. Miss Brotherton (reception teacher) assured us that they took some excellent photos using the iPads, but were careful to leave the crime scene untouched. Pupils in Year 2 studied fur found at the scene. “After studying the thick fur under our new electronic microscopes it appears that it was, mysteriously, a wild animal whose habitat is cold, such as a polar bear or an arctic fox,” announced Miss Davies. This was different to what Year 3 thought. “We believe it was a farm animal because hay was also found,” they said.
In Year 6 we discovered that the bone found at the scene seemed to belong to a human, as it matched the radius bone on our class skeleton. We measured pupils’ and teachers’ arms, where the radius bone is found, and used our maths skills to find the average mean lengths. We worked out that the victim must have been an adult. Miss Blair (Science Leader) reassured us that the crime scene had actually been set up by teachers on the science working group so that the whole school could use their science skills to work on the same mystery. “I am very pleased with how Science Week went,” she said. “The whole school got involved in trying to solve the mystery. I can see we have lots of budding scientists at our school who loved using the new science lab. “Thank you to local businesses who supplied us with many useful props to explore and even some to dissect, including lambs’ hearts, live crickets and fake eyeballs!”
Refugees: There’s a lot to think about By Bernadette and Labiba Last term we focused our work on the subject of migration and refugees as we have heard a lot about them in the news lately. Around school we interviewed pupils from other year groups to find out about their ideas and opinions. Many of us at school thought refugees were anybody who moved to another country. But our research showed us that there was a lot more to the topic that we thought. Someone is called a refugee if they have had to flee their country because of war, persecution or natural disasters and been able to claim asylum in a new country. But while they are waiting to settle again many refugees have to live in refugee camps. There is a big refugee camp close to us, at the French border in Calais. One of our Year 6 teachers, Miss Diss, travelled there with donations
from staff and pupils and spent her half term teaching refugee children in a small school the refugees had set up. She told us about her experience: “The children I taught were between the ages of three and 12. They were so keen to learn and start school again. They’d missed so much of their education since leaving their countries. “It was freezing cold in the camp
and we didn’t have many resources, but we made the most of what we had. The children and their families were so grateful for the generous donations. I hope to return to Calais soon with more.” Our English text, Goodnight Mr Tom, linked to our topic too, as the main character was evacuated from London during World War Two. We enjoyed researching and listening to interviews with real-life evacuees and we wrote arguments for and against evacuation. We enjoyed two museum visits. At the Imperial War Museum we found out more interesting information about the lives of evacuees. At the Museum of Childhood we were shocked that over 100,000 children were sent to Australia and other countries because of poverty in the UK between 1869 and 1970. Some children were sent away for just misbehaving! One child was sent to New Zealand for accidentally burning his kitchen!
Year 1 learns about David Bowie and the Brixton Pound By Ashraf and Erica
We interviewed Year 1 children about their project on the Brixton Pound. They thought it was a great idea to encourage people to shop more in Brixton and support local businesses and charities. When Year 1 walked down Atlantic Road, they took lots of photos of local Brixton landmarks and shops on the iPads. In the Brixton Pound shop they interviewed Tom, who runs it, and found out all about how the Brixton Pound works. They did lots of learning on David Bowie. The Brixton pound notes have David Bowie, John Major and other famous people who are connected with Brixton Akram (5), told us he had loved visiting the Brixton Pound shop and the year group enjoyed exploring the market and other parts of their local community. “We got to see a mural of the Star Man, David Bowie, and all the flowers people left for him when he died,” said Ryan (5). They were later pleased to see his face again on a new Brixton Pound. They made David Bowie masks and Akram made a Ziggy Stardust mask and they performed Ziggy Stardust while wearing the masks.
Fun-filled charity run raises £300 Friday 18 March was a special day for the whole school because we raised money for Sport Relief. We ran 1km around the school and Somerleyton Road to the finish line in the playground where everyone had a rest and a slice of orange. Richie from Year 4 was surprised to come first in his race and run the 1km in only 4.32 minutes, even though he started later than others. Maher in Year 1 ran 1km in an incredible six minutes despite the fact he’s so young!
Teachers also enjoyed the day. Mr Highman (Year 3) told us: “I loved being able to do exercise with the children in my class and I would love to do it again!” Mr Wright, one of our sports coaches, thought it was great to raise money for charity through exercise. Miss Brown, one of our teaching assistants who directed children along the route, said she had been impressed by the children’s support for each other. “It was wonderful to see the
teamwork within the year groups,” she told us. Miss Nichols, a year 1 teacher who organised the run, told us she was “very pleased with how the event went. It was great to see the whole school running for charity”. Some lucky Year 6s got the chance to try capoeira, a Brazilian mixture of dance and martial arts. They are looking forward to taking part in a new school capoeira club. We managed to raise over £300! A big thanks to everyone who took part!
BRIXTON
Bugle
Dipo Akinyemi gave Dulwich Hamlet a welcome boost up front helping the Pink and Blues gain four points from two games over the Easter weekend. The talented 18-year-old forward played 16 times in his debut season at parent club Stevenage, after impressing former boss Teddy Sheringham. He scored on his debut for Dulwich in their one-all draw against Enfield Town and claimed a brace in their 2-1 victory over Tonbridge Angels. Akinyemi, on loan at Dulwich, is one of three new signings brought in by boss Gavin Rose. Kenny Beaney
has re-joined Dulwich after a stint at Grays Athletic. Former Spurs youngster and fullback Roman MichaelPercil will bolster the midfield and defence. Dulwich, who are pushing for promotion, decided to strengthen their playing personnel following a severe dip in form, which saw them draw and lose six league games from February to mid-March. Their recent three-nil loss to Tooting and Mitcham in the London Senior Cup, prompted a chorus of boos from disgruntled Dulwich fans and a post-match dressing-down from manager Gavin Rose.
With rivals Kingstonian and Bognor having games in hand, Dulwich hope to go on a winning run in the Ryman Premier Division in April. The south Londoners are currently fifth in the table, six points behind Tonbridge in third place. Tomorrow Dulwich will take on Bognor Regis at Champion Hill. The Seasiders, who are currently fourth in the Ryman Premier Division, are also battling for a play-off spot. Gavin Rose’s side will then face Leiston away next weekend before taking on Brentwood Town on Tuesday 12 April. AFEWEE
SPORT
DIPO DOUBLE GIVES DULWICH A BOOST
Afewee Boxing head coach Bobby Miltiadous with club members
Brixton’s Afewee gears up for renovation campaign A Brixton sports club has launched a campaign to fund the transformation of a leisure centre storage space into a state of the art boxing gym. Afewee Boxing Club, which became an affiliated member of the London Amateur Boxing
Association last year, hopes to raise £30,000 towards refurbishment cost. Funds raised will be spent on the £60,000 renovation of an unused Brixton Rec storage area that has been designated as the club’s permanent home.
Afewee, which runs boxing classes for children and adults in the community, had initially been hosting sessions at the Rec on a temporary basis. This year Lambeth council and its leisure provider, the social enterprise Greenwich Leisure
Limited, agreed to permanently host the boxing club at the Rec. Afewee, which recently celebrated wins for two members in their junior and senior ranks, secured their new home following a hard-fought campaign to get their club up and running.
In 2014 more than 900 Brixton Rec Users Group members backed a petition that called for the club to be established at the Centre. Afewee hope to drum up support for their refurbishment project via fundraising events to be held later this year.
Evelyn Grace hosts basketball finals Brixton’s Evelyn Grace Academy hosted the finals of the second Junior NBA Basketball England League last month. St. Bonaventure’s (Forest Gate, Newham) and the Harris Academy South Norwood respectively won the mixed and girlsonly leagues. The two winning teams, representing the NBA franchises, the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls, were crowned champions by Women’s NBA legend Allison Feaster. The NBA – National Basketball
Association – is the pre-eminent men’s professional basketball league in north America. Before the two finals, Feaster hosted a clinic session, teaching basketball fundamentals and the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. The event also included a shooting contest presented by Spalding, which was won by Tishanie Simpson and Chanel Babb, two young students aged 12 and 11 years old from Greig City Academy in Haringey. Each received a trophy and a Spalding
basketball for their efforts. The tournament is a secondary school basketball programme for boys and girls aged 11 to 12. It was organised by the NBA in association with Basketball England. Thirty London-based secondary schools took part in an eightgame season followed by playoffs and the league championship in Brixton. Each school represented one of the 30 NBA teams and received corresponding NBA team-branded T-shirts for their games.
The girls-only final
Picture: Lawrence Lazar