Brixton Bugle February 2020

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BRIXTON BUGLE YOUR FREE

No 80 | FEBRUARY 2020

Published monthly in and for Brixton

ISSN 2397-852X

COMMUNITY PAPER

Iconic Nour Cash & Carry launches petition to stay in covered markets as their owner reveals plan for a 21-storey office block in central Brixton

SAVE OUR STORE By Alan Slingsby

This computer-generated image was produced for consultations on plans by Brixton Village owner Hondo Enterprises for a 21-storey office block on the current Pope’s Road site of Sports Direct. The view is from the junction of Valentia Place and Brixton Station Road. STORY page 3

Nour Cash & Carry, for many the beating heart of Brixton’s markets, has launched a petition against the notice to quit it has received from market managers. It has been ordered to leave its Market Row premises in July because the owners say they are needed for a new electricity sub-station but have failed to offer Nour alternative accommodation that is equivalent and economically viable. Hondo Enterprises, which owns Market Row and Brixton Village in partnership with the giant New York based investment fund Angelo Gordon, continues to insist that it wants Nour to stay in the market. But it also insists that

details of the offers that it has made to the Shaheen family over eight months of negotiations must remain secret. Questioned by the Bugle about this stance, a spokesperson for Hondo said: “We are aware that Nour have their own legal advice and we cannot comment on what they are being told by their lawyers. “However, negotiations between the landlord and Nour are ongoing and are confidential, hence we also cannot give full details.” Despite this the spokesperson continued to insist that Hondo is being “very transparent” with Nour, claiming: “We continue to hope that we can come to a resolution in which

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PUT YOUR FEET UP MUM

At a special Brixton library event 3

BON TON ROULET! Nowhere better than Brixton for it 7

☛  continued page 2

Nour’s petition appeals to five decision-makers to stop the store being forced to quit Brixton’s covered markets – Lambeth council, local MP Helen Hayes, London mayor Sadiq Khan, and local councillors Donatus Anyanwu and Scarlett O’Hara. It can be found at http://bit.ly/Nour-petition-2020

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2  NEWS brixtonblog.com 2020 FEBRUARY

BRIXTON BUGLE

SAVE OUR STORE

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Nour remains in a unit within the market.” In a statement, they said: “We would like to make clear that we value Nour as an important part of the market and wish them to stay.” The spokesperson claimed that Nour itself was not willing to negotiate, but the Bugle has seen a detailed account of what has been going on between the two sides prepared by Nour for the local MP and Hondo’s claim would appear to be far from the case. Both Hondo and UK Power Networks (UKPN), which supplies electricity to the markets, say that the current premises of Nour, which include a corridor linking Market Row to Electric Avenue are the only place suitable to provide the power required. In a planning application for the work agreed by Lambeth council in August last year, Hondo’s agents, DP9 planning consultants, said the new sub-station would allow more units in Market Row to instal “three-phase” kitchen equipment. Three-phase power is usual for any premises larger than a house or small office. Cllr Matthew Bennett, Lambeth council cabinet member for planning, investment and new homes, told the Bugle: “Nour Cash & Carry is a hugely valued and important local business. “They are a linchpin tenant in the Market Row covered arcade, and we are urging market owners, Hondo Enterprises, to support them to stay in the market. “Lambeth councillors have met with the owners of this family business to hear their concerns, and will continue to lobby their landlords Hondo Enterprises to ensure the current situation can be resolved in a way that is satisfactory for all parties.” Nour has been in its current location for 20 years and was started by Salam Shaheen who had fled from both Iran and Iraq. It has already survived one crisis. In 2012 the former owners of Market Row demanded a 22% rent increase, that would have made the business uneconomic. But customers and the Brixton community rallied round Nour and the crisis was averted. Salam Sheheen’s daughter Saja said that, like some other Market Row traders, their first dealings with Hondo came in the form of a lawyer’s letter. It claimed Nour had no right to the Electric Avenue link which, it added, was a fire risk. London Fire Brigade later confirmed that, as far as it was concerned, it was safe to trade in the passageway. “Brixton has changed dramatically over the past 10 years but the change cannot be at the expense of the people who have always served the community,” said Saja Shaheen. “Over the past two years, we have seen closures of many long-term and well established retailers in the market. “This has had a dramatic effect on footfall and as a result, many of the remaining retailers are now suffering.”

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 @brixtonblog brixtonblog.com

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07986 035003 advertising@brixtonblog.com Circulation 12,500 copies Readership: circa 15,000 EDITOR Linda Quinn linda@brixtonblog.com NEWS EDITOR Anna McKie newsdesk@brixtonblog.com ARTS Leslie Manasseh arts@brixtonblog.com MUSIC Dave Randall music@brixtonblog.com FOOD Nick Buglione food@brixtonblog.com SPORT Sandra Brobbey sport@brixtonblog.com ISSUE 80 Contributors Jessica Dyer Joel De Mowbray Jack Francklin Ruby Gregory Jamila Omar Dave Randall Simone Richardson Ms South Delores William Sub-editor: Jamila Omar Production: Alan Slingsby Distribution: Philip King 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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Brixton’s Effraspace was packed on Sunday 9 February despite stormy weather, as local families turned out in force for the chance to exchange kids’ clothes and do their bit for the planet at Extinction Rebellion Lambeth’s free Give & Take event. The organisers, a group of local parents, wanted to respond to the shocking carbon footprint of the children’s clothes industry by creating a place for local parents and parents-to-be to exchange much loved outgrown clothes. Some 183 million items of baby clothes are stored in UK homes – far more than enough to clothe every

baby in the country - but on Sunday thousands of them were released and rehomed, saving around 11 kilos of carbon emissions per kilo of clothes passed on instead of buying new. Nancy Inness of XR Lambeth Families said “Research shows that most people in the UK are happy to wear second-hand clothes if they can find good quality ones, so we wanted to make it easy for busy parents to find what they need for their kids.” Julie Hermann of XR Lambeth

Families spoke about the group’s response to the climate crisis, saying “I found that I could not just keep worrying and do nothing. I went to a few XR actions and meetings and it was refreshing to see people who felt the same way, people from different ages and backgrounds but with the same fears and objectives.” A local parent, Catherine, said “What a fantastic event – really great to see so many people bringing and taking things. A lovely atmosphere, and a chance to connect with other parents in the area, whilst learning more about Extinction Rebellion. Looking forward to the next one!”

Closures and queues to return to the Tube Work to refurbish a single escalator at Brixton Tube station is to begin on 14 February with queues and partial closures planned. It comes less than five years after all three escalators at Brixton Tube were declared open in July 2015 after huge queues had developed daily since January that year as two were refurbished. The escalator is due to be closed until early March. Transport for London (TfL) said there would be no entrance to the station between 4.30 and 7.15pm on weekdays. Entry to the station will be

“managed” with a queue between 7 and 10am. TfL advised passengers to use alternative options or to re-time journeys. It said one part of the escalator was found to be wearing more quickly than expected during a recent check. Engineers will work shifts around the clock to bring it back into service as quickly as possible, TfL said. One of the two remaining working escalators will run from platform to ticket hall level throughout the work to make sure that passenger numbers

on platforms remain safe. This means that there will only be one escalator down to the platforms in the morning peak hours. The closure will also mean that the both escalators will be running up from the platforms during the evening peak, hence the closure to anyone wanting to travel from Brixton. Esther Sharples, London Underground director of asset operations, said: “I’m sorry for the disruption that the work to one of the escalators at Brixton Tube station will cause for our customers. The repairs are

essential to ensure that the station can continue to operate safely.” Brixton Tube station is one of the busiest on the network, and the fourth busiest outside central London, with nearly 30 million travellers a year using it. Capacity on the Victoria line was boosted in 2017 when a 36 trains per hour service began operating, helping to fuel a 9% increase in demand at Brixton compared to 2015 figures. There are plans to extend the time during which trains run at 36 an hour.

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com

NEWS  3

Plan for 21-storey office tower in central Brixton Plans for a 21-storey tower in central Brixton have been unveiled by the owners of Brixton Village and Market Row. It would sit on the current site of Sports Direct and Flannels on Pope’s Road and provide an “office eco-system” with 200,000 square feet of space. The recently sold 11-storey Blue Star House, also in central Brixton, has slightly less than 55,000 square feet. Hondo Enterprises, owners of the site in a joint enterprise with the US-based investment giant Angelo Gordon, say 10% of the office space would be “affordable”. Hondo, in a dedicated website which invites comments on the scheme, says the project will: ● Generate 2,000 new jobs in the creative, tech and cultural sectors. ● Raise £2m in business rates for Lambeth council, which is suffering from years of central government austerity ● Lead to an extra spend in the locality of £3.4m a year, enhancing local businesses ● Create “safer neighbourhoods and natural surveillance”.

Fiona Freund’s image of Nadia Bennouna for the exhibition

PUT YOUR FEET UP MUM Computer-generated image of the visual impact of the tower from outside the town hall Plans for the development, which show another, smaller, building behind the tower, are already being discussed with Lambeth council in the run-up to a planning application. The plans would also see changes at ground level. There would be a new public square between the development and Brixton’s overground station and an opening-up of access to Brixton Village. This would involve demolition of the existing public toilets on Pope’s Road. Hondo says the new building would provide double the existing provision and

that they would be free. Also promised is a “publicly accessible rooftop experience for Brixton” and a twostory-high central “market space” in the new building that could be used by community groups for events and exhibitions. The new office development is designed by the acclaimed architecture practice of Sir David Adjaye, OBE – which recently submitted a full planning application for a Windrush Square memorial to Cherry Groce, whose shooting by police sparked the 1985 Brixton riots in which photographer David Hodge died.

#MotherWorks photography exhibition is back in Brixton at the library from 2 March to 4 April. It was first seen in Brixton in 2018, celebrating International Women’s Day in the Brixton Pound Cafe. Part of the Royal Photographic Society’s 100 Heroines exhibition, it is soon to be shown in the House of Commons. #Motherworks is the vision of local photographer Fiona Freund designed to champion and celebrate the lives of Brixton’s working mums.

On International Women’s Day, 8 March, from 12 to 4pm the exhibition will be the backdrop to a community creative event at the library as local artist Claire Dorey hosts a postcard workshop – Past, Present and Future . It will produce cards that can be show in the library as a legacy of the exhibition and event. Mums are invited to put their feet up in the #MotherWorks chair, take a selfie with friends and be celebrated for everything they do.

29-storey bid for Loughborough Junction

Blue Star House sold

Central Brixton is not the only local area where developers are seeking to erect towers. Lambeth council has applications for a 29-storey and a separate 16-storey development near Loughborough Junction station. Local resents say local transport – buses and the overground line to Blackfriars – could not meet the demand that offices in the towers would generate. The 29-storey application, which includes another 20-storey tower, would affect at least two popular local institutions – Whirled Cinema and Miguel’s Gym. The “brownfield” site around Wellfit Street, Hardess Yard and Hinton

Another Brixton landmark looks set to tumble following the sale of Blue Star House opposite the Academy on Stockwell Road. It is, among others, currently home to a Nando’s and the world-leading type design agency Dalton Maag. The new owner, Derwent London plc, believes “vacant possession can be achieved in the next few years and there is scope to redevelop the site with a significantly larger scheme”. Including joint ventures, Derwent owns more than 80 buildings valued at £5.4 billion, mainly in central London. It paid £38.1m for the 0.7acre Brixton site and says that the current average rent of £14.50 per square foot is “low”. Derwent says it has “a long track record of creating value

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Viaduct E-W behind

Hintonl Road.

Viaduct E-W behind

Herne Hill Road

Computer-generated image of the proposed 29 and 20 storey towers at Loughborough Junction

Viaduct N-S

Road would have more than 2,000 square metres of “employment floorspace” and 179 dwellings. The 16-storey plan for the vacant former Higgs industrial estate in Herne Hill Road would see Peabody Housing build 134 flats and create

4,150 square metres of office space. It has already attracted opposition from local residents and Historic England has raised concern about a 16-storey tower dominating the area and changing its character.

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The Brixton Society, Herne Hill Society, Loughborough Junction Action Group and Camberwell Society objected to the plans because of overdevelopment, the impact on views, and pressure on public transport. The Brixton Society said: “The city-bound rail services through Loughborough Junction station are already at full capacity in morning peak hours and even east-west bus services along Coldharbour Lane encounter congestion at each end of this road. “New residents will experience difficulty if they wish to travel to work in Central London at normal hours.”

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4  NEWS brixtonblog.com FEBRUARY 2020

Recycling shop loses rent battle One of the locality’s unique shops – The Society for the Protection of Unwanted Objects on Dulwich Road, is to close. Proprietor James Castle said that “After seven years of joy and mayhem trading, I have reached the inevitable conclusion that I am not running a financially viable service in the trading of vintage or useful unwanted objects. “Taking £11,000 over the counter in a shop rented out at £15,000 per annum is clearly a hobby and an ecological

project in recycling via house-clearing and saving perfectly good things that shouldn’t go to the dump. “It is a losing battle in a town like London, where rents of everything, in other words, land ownership, bear absolutely no relationship to productivity. “In my house-clearing activities I am unconventional. I save all kinds of packaging and I have to defend this policy sometimes against the incredulity of either my grieving clients as they take great handfuls, and bucketloads, of

perfectly serviceable items including household consumables, to the dump at the beginning of a house clearance. “To me, these things are me going shopping, so I save them. “Many times I have found that, in some remote output of a house with services all shut down, all the things we threw away have to be bought again. From corporations like Argos or Asda. What a terrible society we live in.” Castle said many people had expressed sadness and asked why he is closing. “They love the place,” he said. “Every High Street used to have one. A junk shop. Every High Street should still have one. I agree with my customers. The shop is a talking place too, a chatty place. People bond over the objects. Castle, who accused Lambeth council of profligacy and treating creativity and imagination as crimes, said he had spent too long fighting it. But, he went on, “I have made hundreds of friends. The project works and worked in principle, but owning rather than renting the storage places is the only thing that would make it viable. “So next stop somewhere like Stroud in Gloucestershire – which should be twinned with Lambeth.” A SPUO’s last official day of trading will be Sunday 9 October.

Harlem Quartet violinist Melissa White with year 3 violinists from Ashmole primary

From the Obama White House to Kennington Pupils of Ashmole primary school in Kennington were treated to a special musical visit from across the Pond when the Grammy-winning Harlem Quartet dropped in to take part in a London Music Masters creative competition workshop. Workshop leader Fraser Trainer came up with a theme for the compositions, asking students to create music which was inspired by sounds in relation to huge rocks and crashing water. He then

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assembled a few ensembles to compose works which were then performed to the rest of the school by the end of the day. Harlem Quartet’s Felix Umansky said: “I hope these musicians will be able to ­transfer these collaborative skills to other parts of their lives, be it academics, sports, or other extra-curricular activities. I also hope that these workshops help the students realise the seemingly endless possibilities that come with being a musician.

“A large part of Harlem Quartet’s mission is community outreach, and London Music Masters is truly one of the finest youth educational music organisations we have worked with in the world.” The New York based quartet advances diversity in classical music and engages new audiences with a varied repertoire including works by m ­ inority composers. They played at the White House for President Obama.

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FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com COMMUNITY  XX  5

IN BRIEF ‘ARTS RICH’ SCHOOL

Richard Atkins primary school in New Park Road took up a challenge set by the Tate Modern gallery and leading Black film director and Turner Prize winner Sir Steve McQueen to create an “arts rich” school curriculum. The school’s inclusion in Steve McQueen’s epic art project – every Year 3 pupil in London was invited to have their photograph taken by a team of Tate photographers – prompted it to increase young children’s access to culture and arts. It is encouraging pupils to come up with designs to decorate the school gates and walls, creating colourful characters and engaging scenes to stimulate creative faculties.

POETIC UNITY

Brixton-based spoken word charity Poetic Unity celebrates its fifth birthday this month. It runs Poets Corner, the only weekly poetry and spoken word night in South London at the Black Cultural Archives every Wednesday 6.30pm. Poetic Unity founder Rags-CV last year produced a spoken word album Soul Lyrical that touched on topics including mental health, youth violence and identity. He has previously raised over £10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Poetic Unity runs workshops focusing on youth development and mental health for anyone up to 25 years old as well as young offenders institutions, pupil referral units, youth clubs, special needs schools, mainstream schools and specialised performance workshops. A poeticunity.org.uk

BRIXTON £ SURPLUS CANTEEN

The Brixton Pound has opened a Surplus Canteen in Loughborough Junction Community Farm, continuing its “pay what you can” policy so those in need can eat for less. It serves vegan and vegetarian meals using surplus food saved from landfill. It is open every Monday and Tuesday from 12.30 to 7pm. Eat in or take away. Platform Café, 2 Ridgeway Road, SW9 7AH.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Windrush victims are urged to ‘sort status and claim’ By Jack Francklin Victims of the Windrush scandal were urged at a meeting in Brixton not to let negative and tragic media coverage of it put them off claiming compensation. Speaking in Lambeth town hall, Martin Ford QC, Independent Advisor to the Home Office, urged victims to do two things: “sort out your status and claim.” He said: “There are tragic Windrush stories out there, there are no two ways about it, and the promotion of those stories and unfairness now has the effect, in my view, of putting people off claiming.” A panel of speakers lamented the hostile environment that the Windrush scandal continues to create at the public meeting organised by the Black Cultural Archives. Ford, an MP, an independent advisor to the Home Office, a political activist and a Lambeth councillor all spoke passionately about the lack of action since the scandal, which broke in 2018, and offered advice for those seeking compensation. Victims who were wrongly detained and deported by the Home

Office were encouraged to sign up to the Home Office Windrush Compensation Scheme. Ford said the scheme is based on responses from the community and lawyers representing them to the kind of problems people had encountered which they wanted to be compensated for. “It ranged from cases where people were deported, detained, lost jobs, lost status with banks, sometimes pensions, driving licences, access to university, and health care.” Ford dismissed talk of the scheme’s limitations, saying: “There is no £200 million cap on the scheme. The overall cost of the scheme is not capped, it will cost what it costs. “Another myth is you do not get £10,000 for being deported. If you are deported for one day, you get £10,000. If you are out of the country for longer than that, which meant, for example, you lost earnings, you can claim for that as well on top. “For the benefits that you weren’t paid you can claim, the impact of deportation, and that is uncapped, the shock of deportation is uncapped.”

The Brixton Project will celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March with a participatory, collaborative installation from 11am to 4pm at the Greenhouse in POP Brixton. Check the project’s Instagram @brixtonproject for updates Mosaic employment morning

MOSAIC OPEN DAY

Brixton’s Mosaic charity has a living well open morning on Thursday 5 March at 65 Effra Road from 11am to 1pm for people and organisations interested in employment and volunteering opportunities in Lambeth. For more information or to reserve a stall, contact d.mcdonagh@mosaic-clubhouse.org A A place of comfort – page 14

MARKET WALKS

Brixton Society guided walks around local markets continue on the second Saturday of every month, at £3 including an illustrated booklet of the route. Booked in advance via marketwalks@brixtonsociety.org.uk

WRITERS GROUP

Writers Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month starting on 3 March at Brixton Community Base, Talma Road, SW2 1AS. Sessions run from 1-3pm, with soup from 12.30. Shelley Silas will leading sessions with some guest tutors. New participants, and donations, welcome. A brixtoncommunitybase.org

CRAFT WEDNESDAYS …

Friends of Brixton Library Craft Wednesdays run from 1.30 to 3.30 pm, led by Martyn Hines. Activities include sewing, embroidery, beading and macramé. The Brixton Society recently gave a small grant towards materials, but further funding is being sought.

… TAI CHI SATURDAYS

The Friends’ Tai Chi sessions continue on Saturday mornings from 9.30 to 10.30 am and new participants will join well-attended sessions.

Exclusions protest Students from the Brixton-based Advocacy Academy set up a classroom cordoned off by police tape outside Brixton Tube to represent the time excluded students can spend time an isolation booth. They are campaigning to end “internal” exclusion, as well as calling for all local authorities to have targets to limit the number of permanent exclusions. The academy, now recruiting for its 2021 intake, runs a social justice leadership fellowship with over 400 hours of workshops, speakers, debates and real-life scenarios. Students develop the, skills to campaign for change. It is open to students who have an SW or SE postcode and will be in year 12 or 13 this September. A theadvocacyacademy.com

Martin Ford QC, Independent Advisor to the Home Office, addresses the meeting flanked by MP Helen Hayes (right) and Lambeth council cabinet member Sonia Winifred

Ford also said victims can claim if they have suffered anxiety or stress, had to financially support family members or friends who have been deported and if they had missed events such as weddings. Local MP Helen Hayes (Lab, Dulwich and West Norwood) said: “To be in the Commons chamber and have to explain the 1948 British Nationality Act to members of the government who didn’t understand that we were talking not about people who had other nationalities, but people who were British nationals because they had come here under the Act and were being denied these rights was very shocking indeed.” She said she is worried about the lack of joined-upness with other government departments and asked people to get in touch with their MP if in need of advice. Social commentator and Windrush campaigner Patrick

Vernon compared the Home Office to the mafia. “The mafia works on two principles – fear and intimidation, which has a traumatic effect on people’s mental health,” he said. “We need to have a national strategy to support the survivors and their families for their mental health and well-being because of the traumatic effect of the scandal. “It is not different to what happened to people at Hillsborough, to what happened at Grenfell. “It is a community trauma, but the government does not understand that.” Immigration lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie said: “This is a very political issue and it is a very racist issue. “We turned all sections of society into immigration officers. Little shopkeepers could destroy your life if they saw something in your passport they didn’t like.” Councillor Sonia Winifred, council cabinet member for equalities, said the council was committed to keeping alive the history of the Windrush victims “because we want to embed that history across the country and in Lambeth. We have been lobbying the government since the hostile environment.”

6  COMMUNITY brixtonblog.com 2020 FEBRUARY

Landfill inspires new exhibition Brixton designer Isabel Fletcher’s new exhibition Downstairs at The Department Store on Ferndale will feature clothing, textile-installation, dance and film inspired by a Thames Estuary landfill site. Offcut Two, the second part of an exploration of waste, runs from 5 to 8 March, 10am to 5pm. It was conceived during a visit to East Tilbury’s historic landfill site – a 20th century time capsule packed with ceramics, glass and more contemporary plastics and synthetics. Coastal erosion means this waste is being unearthed and swept into the Thames. East Tilbury’s content, which includes asbestos and battery leachates, is beyond use physically so, instead, Offcut Two aims to further its lifespan by observing its weathered shapes and colours to inform contemporary designs. “Through this collection, I want to convey an important message to care for and respect our possessions, while finding beauty and

purpose in the discarded fragments of our lives,” says Fletcher (inset). Every piece in the collection is made using a variety of environmentally conscious fabrics which are gathered, draped and structured, mimicking the patterns seen in Tilbury’s landfill waste. Earthy tones and washed out reds are scattered with small pops of colour referencing the shredded waste strewn across the landfill. This palette has been achieved using food waste and plant dyes applied by hand, with the addition of Global Organic Textile Standard certified digital printing. As with her earlier Offcut One, Fletcher has kept every offcut of fabric left from the collection to feed into further work, including rugs and quilts. Film recorded at the Tilbury landfill acts as a contextual backdrop while a live dance performance makes a connection with viewers. A www.isabelfletcher.com

The NOS Sphere 228 chandelier is part of a range of NOS canister chandeliers

Who’s laughing now? Brixton-based designer Matt Kavanagh has launched a new lighting product using discarded nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) canisters from the streets of South London. “Traditionally used in the catering industry, or more recently as a semi-legal high, they have become a common sight littering urban parks, gutters and pavements

Could you foster?

Pop in for a coffee and find out more about becoming a foster carer The Fostering Team will be holding drop-in information sessions every Wednesday from 10 to 12pm at Café Nero, 1st floor, Morleys, 472–488 Brixton Road, London SW9 8EH. The team will also be hosting evening drop-in sessions at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW, from 5.30 to 7pm on the following Wednesdays: 12th February | 29th April | 24th June 26th August | 28th October | 30th December

Call: 020 7926 8710 Visit: Lambeth.gov.uk/foster Text: 88882 to find out more and receive a call back

outside nightclubs,” he told The Bugle. Each NOS Sphere 228 uses 228 recycled canisters, which are machined, threaded, polished and assembled by hand and given a second life in a chandelier of dancing light – “up-cycled from nightlife to nightclub lighting,” says Kavanagh. A www.diplomatdesign. squarespace.com

Students snap up prizes

Free electric van ‘like a spaceship’

Students of Brixton’s Ark Evelyn Grace Academy won first, second and third places in a photography competition organised by the Institute of Education’s Confucius Institute for Schools. There were 136 individual entries from 90 schools in the UK and abroad. Julian Castro won first prize in the Young China category (under 14s); Kiara Buchanan took second place in the same category and Oliwier Slomsky took third place in the people of China category. The photographs were taken during a visit to China as part of their Mandarin studies. Their winning pictures will be exhibited at University College London.

Businesses are now using the electric van provided free in a joint project by the Cross River Partnership, Lambeth council, Brixton Business Improvement District (BID) and Zipcar. Orsetta Hosquet of Brixton -based Urban Growth said: “It feels great when you are inside. It is so quiet and it feels like you are in a spaceship. I am also happy as I know I am not emitting nasty gases.” “Driving it is smooth and very easy once you overcome the concern of not knowing how to start it and how to charge it.” A Details on how to access the van, which is based at Pulross Road, at http://bit.ly/BBID-van

VOTE WINDMILL IN TESCO

Friends of Windmill Gardens in Brixton are bidding for funding from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme which works with the charity Groundwork to give small grants to community projects. Three groups in each Tesco region, including the Friends, have been shortlisted and shoppers are invited to visit Tesco stores to vote for who they think should get the top grant. To vote, you need to buy something of any value in a participating Tesco store. Voting ends in March. The Friends want money to help furnish and equip the new Brixton Windmill Centre, which is due to open this spring as a social and education hub for residents and visitors. A For more information visit http://bit.ly/BW-Tesco20

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com CREATIVE BRIXTON  7

MUSIC

Music – the life blood of Brixton We owe musicians, promoters, venue owners and their staff our gratitude and support, says Dave Randall

Midwinter it may have been, but the start of the new decade could not have been much hotter for Brixton’s live music scene. Our reputation as the go-to neighbourhood for music lovers has spread far and wide. On 7 January Los Angeles based Grammy award winning artist Thundercat dropped into Pure Vinyl’s Straight Pocket jam session to lay down some serious funk grooves – read more on page 22. Then, just two days later, American blues guitar god Joe Bonamassa was spotted at The Effra Hall Tavern drinking in the sounds of Wednesday night regular Errol Linton. He tweeted: “Some of the most authentic Chicago blues I’ve heard in a long time.

Errol Linton and his band at the Effra Ladies and Gentlemen, Brixton’s own Errol Linton…” before agreeing to join the band for three numbers. So impressed was the American axe-man that he invited Errol to Abbey Road Studios to blow some harmonica on his new record. Congratulations Errol – the recognition is richly deserved. Go see him every Wednesday at the Effra Hall Tavern, where he is usually joined by Petar Zivkovic on piano, Kenrick Rowe on drums, Ritchey Green on guitar and Lance Rose on bass (who we get to know in this month’s Brixton Hi-Five). Next came the raucous re-launch of the recently refurbished Upstairs at the Ritzy. The

venue has long acted as a community hub and with Bectu (trade union) calls for a customer boycott of the Ritzy now lifted, the Bugle is pleased to be able to celebrate the place once again. Yabba Funk got the party started and DJ Aquila kept the dancefloor filled with some sublime afro-house [see more on page 20]. Meanwhile, The Windmill marked Independent Venue Week with a series of gigs from rising stars including local post-punk sensations Goat Girl. As if all that’s not enough, January even saw a turquoisehaired Japanese avatar called Hatsune Miku whip the Brixton Academy into a glow-stick waving frenzy with her virtual brand of J-pop and dance. So let me ask you, what other neighbour­ hood offers such a smorgasbord of musical delights? Where else does a plethora of bustling independent venues bring such pleasure to so many diverse people? Town planners, politicians and other people of influence take note … Music is the life-blood of this unique area. We owe musicians, promoters, venue owners and their staff our gratitude and support. What delights, I hear you ask, are on offer in February? As ever, far too many to cover comprehensively in this short column. Let me choose just two, both of which keep the heat turned up by reminding us that across the world this is carnival time. Movimentos bring Brazilian carnival vibes to the Hootananny on Saturday 22 with sounds ranging from samba of the blocos of Rio to contemporary bass heavy scenes. The headliner is Brazilian singer-songwriter Aleh Ferreira, best known as the frontman of legendary Brazilian funk band Banda Black Rio. The following Saturday, 29, Pop Brixton pays tribute to New Orleans Mardi Gras with a day-long event described on their website as “a full-on immersive New Orleans experience set in old sea containers-turned mini iconic French Quarter”. Headliners The Coalminers bring their funky swamp soul and the excellent DJ Lil’ Koko – London’s only specialist New Orleans vinyl DJ – is sure to keep the party bouncing. Dave Randall is a musician and author of Sound System: The Political Power of Music

BRIXTON

HI-FIVE

Bon Ton Roulet! – Lil Koko

…where we hi-five local musical movers and shakers. We ask five questions to get to know the people who play regularly or contribute in other ways to Brixton’s live music scene. This month it’s the turn of Lance Rose

What do you do and where do you do it? I’m a double bass player. I’ve been gigging in and around London for the last 15 years. I play with various bands. I play mainly jazz, but I also play blues and reggae.

Favourite memories of playing in Brixton?

Got loads of good memories of playing in Brixton. I’ve been playing every Thursday at The Effra Hall Tavern for the past nine years. If you haven’t been there you should go. It’s the best kept secret in London. And it’s free!

What are you listening to at the moment?

Currently listening to an Art Blakey album called Roots and Herbs.

Favourite album of all time and why?

My favourite albums are the first three albums Jazz Jamaica did. They introduced me to jazz music and made me want to explore the genre more. I don’t know if those albums are accessible right now as they were released on a Japanese label. The first album is called Skaravan.

Where can we hear you next?

I’m at the Effra every Wednesday with Errol Linton’s blues band and every Thursday with Jamaican Jazz.

8  CREATIVE BRIXTON brixtonblog.com

FEBRUARY 2020

ARTS MATT MACPAKE

PHOTOFUSION SIXTEEN

Rounded pictures DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY JOURNEYS

Journeys through time “Art can teach us about ourselves and the world.” So said Jennifer Scott, director of Dulwich Picture Gallery, as she launched its new exhibition Journeys. This is not the usual kind of exhibition. Rather it is the result of many months of engagement with immigrant groups – very largely women of colour in South East London – who became community curators. The idea was to explore whether and how paintings from the gallery collection could resonate with the experiences of immigrants to this country in terms of the journeys they had made and issues around identity and belonging. Each group selected a painting – usually after much discussion – which told a story about journeys or in some way shed a light on migration. The result is a fascinating insight

into how paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries can be relevant to the contemporary viewer. For example A Brisk Breeze by Willem van de Velde the younger (above), painted in 1665, highlights the challenges and risks of migration journeys. Nicolas Poussin’s The Return of the Holy Family to Egypt, painted in 1628, reminds us that not all such journeys are voluntary. This is a small, but genuinely interesting show. The gallery is to be congratulated for the innovative way it has engaged with the community to make its collection relevant to today’s Londoners. A The exhibition and a range of associated events run until 24 June – the end of Refugee Week – in Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD. For further information call 020 8693 5254 or go to www. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

9 # LO GO

The new exhibition at Photofusion is a show of many parts. The starting point is SIXTEEN, a touring photographic project using images and the written and spoken word to explore what it’s like to be 16 today world. Photographers worked with 180 16-year-olds across the UK to investigate the hopes and fears of the next generation. Photofusion invited its own youth collective, Sorry 2 Annoy U (S2AU), to curate a special edition of SIXTEEN. The aim is to counter negative and one-dimensional images of young people and to build a more accurate, diverse and rounded picture of 16-year-olds and the challenges they face. They have also included the work of young local photographers. The result is a series of portraits and personal statements which are in turn arresting, charming, and reflective. It is obviously the efforts of young people to represent themselves candidly and honestly rather than through the prism of their parents’ generation or the media. In a sense the process is as interesting as the product. Trusting 16-year-olds is a rare thing. This is an example of how successful it can be. A The exhibition runs until 19 March in Photofusion, accessed via the Brixton Recreation Centre, 6 Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD. For further information call 020 7738 5774 or visit www.photofusion.org or www.sixteentouring.co.uk

SINGING SONGS AND RHYMING RHYMES Singing with your child helps them learn and grow. Just like a house, a child’s brain needs building. When you sing a song together or say a rhyme, you’re helping them build a strong and healthy brain.

These little moments help your child in a big way.

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com CREATIVE BRIXTON  9

ARTS BRIXTON BLOG & BUGLE ART SHOW NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES Are you an artist based in Brixton? Do you want to show your work to the local community? Entry is now open for the 2020 Brixton Blog & Bugle Summer Art Show. After the successful launch of the show last year, we are now planning an even bigger and better one this year. The show is open to any artist

– professional or self-taught – who is at least 16 years old and is based in or around (a short bus ride from) Brixton. You can submit up to two works. To enter, all you have to do is send up to three digital photos of each work to arts@brixtonblog.com. with “Summer Art Show” as the subject. Include your name, address, contact

number, the title and a brief description of the work including its dimensions. The closing date for entries is Friday 3 April. Please do not submit work included in the 2019 show. Shortlisted works will be featured in the Bugle and will be displayed in Brixton library for three weeks. Winners will be decided by a people’s vote.

ADRIAN COLEMAN PORTRAITS OF BRIXTON

There’s a lot going on Leslie Manasseh meets a local artist exploring belonging and identity Brixton is a busy place – full of people, noise and activity. But local artist Adrian Coleman has found an extraordinary stillness and calm amongst the bustle. He paints ordinary street scenes and domestic buildings. But his is a rare and special take on the streets we all know. It is as if a stranger has landed, taken a long hard look at Brixton, reproduced a series of beautiful images, and then moved on. His work is a beguiling mix of intimacy and detachment. As we talk, the reasons for this become clear. The simple truth is that he is something of a stranger. Adrian was born in Britain but moved to the USA when he was three. He started painting when he was seven and later studied art and architecture at Yale University. He returned to the UK three years ago and chose Brixton because of similarities with the area of Brooklyn he had lived in. He explains that his art explores notions of identity and belonging, being both a part of and estranged from a place. This sense of not quite belonging gives his paintings an eerie, reflective quality capturing a less well known side of Brixton. Some of his work can seem quite bleak – but as an observation rather than a judgement. He is inviting you to share his vision. And it’s a very interesting one. The work is unashamedly urban and architectural – and painted with a very disciplined technique which perhaps reflects his training in architecture. It falls into a number of time periods coinciding with

where he was living. So most of his paintings are of America. Fascinating as these are, I want here to focus on his paintings of Brixton. Nothing is obvious about these works – you need to look quite hard to get the full picture. At a simple level they are delicate, very finely rendered celebrations of the everyday. More profoundly they create a sense of place which is different from most perceptions of Brixton. And sometimes there is a more complex narrative at work. For example in Station to Station, the painting becomes the site of intersecting stories between locals and those passing through. But they are subtle paintings as well – with hints and suggestions of urban alienation, deprivation and gentrification. He is also interested in how images of a place can reflect its history and character. So quite often yucca palm trees appear in his work as a neat way to show that Brixton is an immigrant community from different parts of the world. Interestingly Adrian places his work in the tradition of English landscapes. Urban landscapes they may be, but there is a lot going on in these paintings. They invite you to savour the feel of Brixton and its textures and spaces. You can get lost in the loving and painstaking detail of the world as he sees it. And you come away with a sense that you’ve seen something new in your bit of London. These are fine works by an interesting painter with much to say. A See more at colemanadrian.com

Station to Station and, below, English Gardens

KEY DATES

A Friday 3 April – closing date for entries A Friday 24 April – shortlisted artists invited to bring their work to a viewing in the Library A Monday 8 June – show opens A RULES: http://bit.ly/BBBAS20-rules

10  COMMUNITY brixtonblog.com 2020 FEBRUARY BRIXTON BOOKS

Alex Wheatle book on stage Growing Up Last year Incredible Edible Lambeth commissioned the Brixton-based Independent Film Trust to make a short film about four Lambeth schools that have adopted food growing and outdoor learning. We hope it inspires and encourages other schools to take up the challenge. Its launch at Streatham Wells primary (SW2 3NJ) on Thursday 19 March from 4.30pm will be an opportunity for any Lambeth school to see how this one has taken outdoor learning to heart. Teachers, parents and children are invited to watch the film, tour the school and meet key people who are providing support for outdoor learning, nature studies and food growing. There will be a Q&A session.

A year to grow IEL is in the business of growing. We support and encourage food growers and food entrepreneurs who live or work in Lambeth and we would love more to join us in 2020. If you become a member (it’s free!) you will be linked with people throughout the borough involved in changing our food system to be kinder, more caring, more community focused and more local. We can link you to the nearest community garden, or show you how to start small by growing a few herbs on a windowsill. We can also link you to places to learn about food growing. If you are already involved in transforming our food system we would love to hear from you too. A incredibleediblelambeth. org/join

Sugar and Dough – a recipe for success Ruby Gregory meets Carina Lepore, local trader and winner of The Apprentice Carina Lepore, 30, winner of the fifteenth series of The Apprentice in December, is the manager of Dough, an artisan bakery and café next to Herne Hill train station. Carina’s prize is a £250,000 investment in her business plan from Lord Sugar. Originally from Croydon, Carina has always lived and worked in South London. The get-upand-go attitude that won her The Apprentice, was evident early on – from owning a clothing shop in Croydon to an impressive decade of working in retail. She now manages the family business, Dough. Her father Carlo is a baker there and sister Rachelle also helps run it. Carina was an extraordinary candidate, winning nine out of ten challenges in the series. This does not mean that she has not had her fair share of difficulties. Dough has been through some painful and ­challenging times. After fire damaged the premises a few years ago, it was Carina and her sister who took over and put all their efforts into ensuring it is the vibrant bakery of today. Visiting Dough is a must if you are passing through or live near to the area. It is a bubbly place to have a coffee or share a cake in and you will receive a warm welcome from its friendly members of staff. Carina says life has been “insane’’ since

winning The Apprentice. The weeks following the final were a frenzy of old and new customers congratulating her. “I wouldn’t get this sort of exposure from the shop any other way, it’s life changing,’’ she says. And it’s not just customers that have recognised her talents, local schools have asked Carina to talk to their students. Her drive and natural confidence is obvious. She is calm and collected under pressure, and has the same personality off-screen. “I was really true to myself, I wouldn’t want to change the way I was, any decision I made, I would stick by it’’. Carina says her favourite weekly challenge was the rollercoaster (Series 15 Episode 6). This involved designing and marketing a new rollercoaster to industry professionals and a random audience. Her favourite moment was after the penultimate pitch for her business plan: “I felt euphoric, so happy, I thought ‘whoever he picks now, I’ve done my best’.” Carina says the next 12 months will be very exciting in terms of business and for herself. She is in regular communication with Lord Sugar via WhatsApp and email. He has remained supportive of her business plans – perhaps branching out to other South London locations, including Brixton, Dulwich, Streatham and Crystal Palace. The original Dough is still open seven days a week. Dough Artisan Bakehouse 284 Milkwood Road, SE24 0EZ 020 7733 1244, info@doughbakehouse.co.uk

Crongton Knights, the award-winning young adult novel by Alex Wheatle – The Bard of Brixton – has been adapted for the stage by Pilot Theatre and is coming to Theatre Peckham in April. In the adaptation, the pulse of the city (Crongton is a mash-up of Brixton and Croydon) is alive on stage with a soundscape of beatboxing and vocals from the cast, created by acclaimed musician Conrad Murray. Alex Wheatle said the book is a modern quest story where, on their journey, the young, diverse lead characters have to confront debt, poverty, blackmail, loss, fear, the trauma of a flight from a foreign land and the omnipresent threat of gang violence. A Tickets for Crongton Knights at Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street, London, SE5 7SD, are £17/£13 and can be purchased from 020 7708 5401 or theatrepeckham. co.uk

Speaking freely

Brixton poet and author Lucy Thatcher’s book Small Thoughts and Poetry is now available from online retailers. One of six children of a white British mother and a Black father from Barbados, Thatcher often explores themes of race and personal development. “I have written this book which shares my experiences through poetry and prose. I want people to speak freely and write about their fears and emotions and for the world to respond in way that makes them feel beautifully human,” she says.

Folk tales Local author Femi Osewa (above) has published Simi Visits Grandma – Folk tales from Jalingo – about a young girl who visited her grandmother for the first time and inspired by the folk tales of Western Nigeria A www.femiosewa.com

Debut novel Rosanna Amaka, author of The Book of Echoes, launches her debut novel at Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives on 25 February at 6.30pm. Her book is set between Brixton and Nigeria in the 1980s and follows the lives of Michael in Brixton and Ngozi in Nigeria as they battle poverty, injustice and racial tensions which will interlink their lives in ways they never expected. Rosanna Amaka wrote the book over a period of 20 years to give voice to the Brixton community in which she grew up.

This is your chance to nominate a local community hero Delores William on an awards ceremony with a difference Exciting news – you have the chance to nominate a BME person, organisation or business that you think deserves an award for good work in your community. They don’t have to be a celebrity or well known, they could be your next-door neighbour who is looking after their elderly parents, a child looking after a parent, or someone who makes things brighter in their local community. You can even vote for yourself if you want your project or good deed to have a light shone on it. BLAC is a UK awards ceremony

celebrating excellence and paying tribute to grassroots AfricanCaribbean success stories, emphasising inspiring achievements and highlighting inspirational role models. On the BLAC website I found this: “Images of deprivation, crime, disenfranchisement and school exclusion in our communities have been thrust into millions of homes followed by buzz words such as ‘lack of discipline’ ‘mental health issues’, ‘single-parent household’ ‘no father figure’.” BLAC says these statements, coupled with the negative images, can lead to harmful stereotyping, especially for young people in these communities. Imanii Zenawi, founder of Blac,

is hoping to change all this and that her award project will help. It has taken two years of planning and a lot of hard work using contacts built up over the years. The ceremony will take place in London on 30 April. Imanii has ambitious plans that include BLAC becoming a powerful tool she hopes will become a “negotiating table” in relation to issues pertaining to the working class BME community. She is in the process of creating an online portal for many black organisations – a sort of “one stop shop” because she has become aware that many in the community do not know where to go with mental health issues in the family and do not understand

about talking therapies. Imanii was born in Cambridge to a family of academics and had a successful career as an event planner for top reggae stars including Buju Banton, Marcia Griffiths and The Wailers . Setting up this very ambitious plan for a new award ceremony rewarding grassroots heroes has been a challenge, yet the list of judges and presenters who are involved in this scheme is heroic in its own right. Judith Jacobs, a talented actor, will be presenting an award, as will trauma surgeon Duncan Bew, who works on the front line in London A&Es. He helped set up the charity Growing Against Violence. Abdi Omar, who has cerebral

palsy, was born in Somalia and came to England when he was four. He was the most disabled child in his class, but the remembers the words of his father: “You can’t outrun a non-disabled person, but you can outsmart them” he is now a motivational speaker. The Jamaican High Commissioner Seth George Ramocan, David Lammy MP, and the Common Serjeant of London, the honourable Richard Marks QC, will also be presenting awards. Nominate the person who you think deserves recognition. You have until midnight on Sunday the 23 of February to get your nomination in. A blac.org.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com OPINION  11

BRIXTON BUGLE

COMMENT

You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone

There is a certain tragic irony in the fact that two of the first people to leap to the defence of Nour Cash & Carry are local resident Jay Rayner, food critic of The Observer, and Miss South the Bugle’s former food editor, whose books did so much to promote Brixton’s markets and their traders. Irony, because the reason advanced by the management of the market is that the premises of Nour are needed for a new electricity sub-station to supply more food outlets. But the departure of Nour, not to mention the already-gone T&A butchers who supplied caterers, will mean more of the paint-bynumbers burger and chicken joints that come and go from Brixton these days. Don’t get us wrong. We have nothing against them; you will find Bugle people in Honest Burgers. But – as Miss South says more eloquently than us next door – the fusion, the sudden idea for a recipe as you browse Nour will be gone. And Brixton Village and Market Row, home, for now, of Nour, will cease to be a living, growing, changing scene and become a fake imitation of a real market. Irony, because this will inevitably lead – as it did with Borough Market – to its transformation to a tourist “destination” whose merits are judged on TripAdvisor by visitors from, say, Milwaukee (no offence, we hope), rather than the ever-changing kaleidoscope of the Brixton population voting for or against with their feet and wallets. Taylor McWilliams, the ostensible owner of the markets who employs a horde of consultancies to run them for him and his partners, is a noted DJ. We believe that house is his speciality, so he may be too young to know Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi and its perceptive lines: Don’t it always seem to go That you don’t know what you’ve got ’Till it’s gone … Might be worth a listen. If you have a complaint about the Brixton Bugle, see bit.ly/BBB_complaints for how to pursue it Regulated by IMPRESS: The independent monitor for the press 16–18 New Bridge Street EC4V 6AG 020 3325 4288 complaints@impress.press www.impress.press

If Nour can go, what else could we lose? Miss South, whose books, and recipes and reviews for the Bugle and Blog, did so much to put Brixton’s food traders on the map, urges support for the campaign to save Nour Change is not inherently bad. Many changes in our lives are positive such as new babies, partners, jobs or homes. But human nature only copes well with change when we also have stability. There are those people, places and things that give that sense of stability no matter how old you get or how much you change. In Brixton with all the change of the last decade or so it felt like the Nour was and would always be one of those steady stable presences. They have survived every rent hike, management change and trend. They have adapted to each new demographic in Brixton welcoming each new diaspora while accommodating all those double income no kids DINKS that cook Ottolenghi recipes. And they have weathered everyone else’s changes by being utterly themselves. They have genuine authenticity. By doing their thing their way they enable other people to do their thing too. While Brixton Village created polarisation between those who still saw it as Granville Arcade and those who loved each trend making it the toast of Time Out and Brixton Arches seemed to gain a gourmet fried chicken shop for every small trader it lost, the Nour created a place where everyone had their place. Stand in the queue at the Nour (and after 15 years shopping there I have never totally perfected the art of the queuing system there) and you will see all of Brixton shopping, socialising, flirting and feeding their families. Everyone is equal there. Everyone is there for the quality, the service and the sheer range of products, but everyone feels the true essence of a local grocer. It fulfils more than just exchanging money for goods. It’s a place

Hospitality and kindness – Nour’s Saja Shaheen to have your culture respected, your food valued and to engage with your community of all levels. For me the Nour was the first place I felt at home in Brixton. I moved here in 2005 when the council rehoused me when I was homeless. I didn’t know a single person in the area and I had no money. I found the market disorienting with so many stalls and noise and I turned into the small entrance of the Nour from Electric Avenue assuming it would be quieter. And while it’s hardly restful navigating the narrow corridor of their fresh produce, there was something about the Nour that felt like hospitality and kindness. It was a place I could relax and not have to count every single penny. I could buy good food and not feel constrained but that I had choices again. No one ever looked down on me there. The ingredients I bought brought back my love of cooking and my confidence, leading me to food writing and the creation of the Brixton Blog and Bugle. I wrote hundreds of recipes for them and the Nour was at the heart of so many. Sometimes I went specially for a specific African, Caribbean or Middle Eastern item only they stocked to finish an

idea in my head. But equally often as I stepped aside in an aisle to let someone pass, I saw something that made me feel creative. All three of the cookbooks I’ve written were primarily tested with ingredients from the Nour. Shopping there gave me a career in food and freelance writing. I have spent so much time there the staff have asked me where they keep things sometimes. If I worked outside Brixton and took breaks, I’d be welcomed back. In a city the size of London it matters someone notices you existing. I made friends there, found my career, felt part of a community and always ate well. The idea that somewhere so central to that community won’t be there anymore feels like a genuine loss. And not just because it means buying plantain somewhere else or paying extra, but because the families who work there are going to lose so much more. Independent shops bring stability and income to their workers as well as communities. They help shape home lives as much as the regeneration of the area. While there’s a space for the places you pop to for special occasions or the big stores that are everywhere it’s the everyday small shops that are the roots. Closing a place like the Nour cuts off new shoots in a community that is always changing and growing but respecting the elders that nurtured it for more people to come. That change should not overgrow the ground that laid the turf for it. It should be tended but not tamed to the point where it loses its natural features. Those shelves hold much more than the widest range of rice and spices in Brixton. They hold the ingredients that make up thousands of day-to-day lives in the area and support so many of the restaurants that bring people to Brixton for the night time economy. The Nour pays their rent, they pay their taxes and they feed so much more than just Brixton’s bellies. Losing the Nour brings more grief after losing shops like the Continental deli and it brings fear that if the Nour can go, what else will Brixton lose? This is why we need to support their campaign to stay and to make the effort to use all our local shops as much as we can. Put your money where your mouth is, because money talks to people who see our community as income not a human resource. www.miss-south.com

A shout-out for help with our roads crisis Joel De Mowbray, walking and cycling policy lead for Lambeth council, urges you to get involved with plans to make local streets safer

As a community we all have to do our bit to address the climate emergency, deal with London’s air quality crisis, end injuries and deaths in London from road traffic collisions and tackle many other issues that come from the way that streets are used at the moment. Reducing our use of private motor vehicles is fundamental to making our streets healthier and safer places for everyone.

It is all well and good to say that we need to rely less on private vehicles, but without providing alternatives, how do we do what we need to do and get where we need to go? The Brixton Liveable Neighbourhood programme (BLN) is about providing alternatives that are better, quicker, cheaper or more convenient than private vehicles over the next two years, and designing our streets to make them healthier, safer places for people. Lambeth council is sharing ideas for how this can be done in the Ferndale, Loughborough and Railton areas (Brixton town centre will be coming out in May this year).

We want to know what services would help you rely less on motor vehicles – trade-in schemes, shared electric cars, vans and bikes – we need to know what would make the difference. Alongside this we are asking how the local community feel about the ideas for real change to our streets. More than 22,000 letters and flyers are going out to every household in the area. We are visiting every single business in the Railton, Ferndale and Loughborough neighbourhoods, on the school run of every school in the area, going to 88 events in and around these areas (see schedule on link below), we are recruiting

five local people to join the team (including two apprenticeships) and 12 local young people are running a social media campaign as well as featuring on 34 rolling billboards and through local publications (like this article) throughout the areas to help us get the message out. We are shouting as loud as we possibly can to help get people involved. If there is any way you can help us spread the word then we would be really grateful for your help. A Visit www.brixtonstreets. commonplace.is, email brixtonln@lambeth.gov.uk or text 07860180545 to get involved now. This round of engagement closes on 7 March.

Brixton Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening Brixton’s diverse business culture. We represent more than 500 levy‑paying businesses and work to develop new and exciting opportunities for Brixton.

Sustainable Brixton… I

N

Michael Smith, Director of the Brixton Business Improvement District It all depends on how you look at sustainability. You don’t have to erase to go forward and whilst twentytwo storeys may add workspace (not all affordable), will it help to tackle the climate crisis in Brixton, reenergize retail in the area or herald the surge in local economic growth sought after by all businesses in the area? What may look smart is not always sustainable. Businesses coming to Brixton to seek their fame and fortune cannot afford to ignore the needs of the communities in which they are working. Local stakeholders will seek to demand ‘a fair share’ of any economic benefits being accrued. To effect real change and promote growth, these businesses will need to understand local demands and must commit to aligning their strategies to delivering measurable benefits for all. Growth and development not evenly distributed are not beneficial and is inherently not sustainable and will only lead to high levels of marginalization in town centres and their periphery. Smart, even ecological, urban expansions are not always sustainable. Sustainable businesses in Brixton are important to local continuous economic development and prosperity. Sustainable businesses are smart businesses and are important to us all, all local businesses and the Brixton BID. Our own sustainability endeavours have led us to undertaking some important projects of our own in 2020. Brixton Coffee Cup Recycling Campaign Over the next twelve months (Feb 2020 - Feb 2021), the Brixton BID with our key partners, Hubbub, First Mile and Lambeth Council and in conjunction with a number of independent coffee shops across Brixton will attempt to remove from circulation at least 20% of all paper coffee cups used across Brixton each day. Watch out for our distinctive orange recycling bins being used to collect all paper cups. Our specialist recycling coffee cup scheme will turn recyclable paper cups into notebooks. We will also reduce paper cup use by promoting the use of our Brixton branded reusable cups. #ReBrixton Electric Van Use it or Lose it Our free Zipcar Electric Van is available for use by all Brixton businesses. All new Brixton businesses

signing up with Zipcar will be greeted with 60 hours of free use with any Zipcar service. This is a 12 months project with our partners Cross River Partnership and Lambeth Council. Reduce your carbon footprint, reduce your business costs. Businesses must use this free electric van or Brixton will lose this project. #ElectrifyingBrixton Local Authority Sustainability Most local authorities are now dropping into their reserves to top-up day-to-day spending as they struggle to implement savings plans to manage cost. They, at the same time, appear to be boosting commercial investments to generate profits. Rate of profits are however, not always, guaranteed as commercial rents in this still austere climate and retail downturn can sometimes be difficult to collect. The sustainability of many local authorities is coming into question, though there is not always any need to question their sustainability. Our local authorities must reserve funds to deliver compulsory services. They, however, must not resort to the bullying and threatening tactics often synonymous with some rogue landlords to collect rents to maintain profits/funds. Local Authorities represent all businesses from whom they collect business rates. Their sustainability is also about representing all businesses equally and fairly, big or small and supporting their growth and development. Brixton is now as famous for its high rental values as it is famous for its iconic nightlife and long history as a

market town. Landlords will always want to sweat their resources. But current high rental values in Brixton are now driving many businesses to the wall (big and small). More empty commercial spaces are now appearing in and around our high street and markets. Some say our very high rents are also becoming a deterrent to new business ventures in Brixton except for the ‘very foolish or the very wealthy’. There has been a lot of dramatic commercial changes recently, and it is likely that there is more to come–some maybe very good. The current business climate spearheaded by these high rental values could change the Brixton offer and not necessarily for better in all cases. The list of established Brixton businesses both in retail and hospitality ‘throwing in the towel’ or being ‘forced’ out of operation sometimes with blunt Section 25 notices is growing. Joy, Starbucks, SW9 Bar, New Look, Club 414, William Hill and Poundland to name a few. The recent sale of Blue Star House whilst promising is also a little concerning. We still seem to be linking the growth of an area with unlimited expansion and pure profit making. We are Brixton. Not as big, possibly not as valuable as Finsbury Park, nor are we Victoria. We do, however, have something in our Brixton fabric that gives us that distinction over many other UK destinations. We need to preserve that Brixton fabric, without which we would be like any other destination on the Victoria Line. Only a sustainable Brixton will help us to retain that unique Brixton fabric. Only in Brixton

Brixton Coffee Cup Recycling This month Brixton BID launch the first coffee cup recycling scheme in Lambeth, funded by Hubbub. From 22 February you will be able to dispose of your paper take away cups in orange coffee cup bins around Brixton. 8 million coffee cups are thrown away in the U.K every day! Our aim in Brixton is to recycle at least 20% of all coffee cups used with the help of our partners in the project First Mile. Paper cups currently can’t be recycled in mixed recycling bins as they’re made from paper with plastic linings to make the cups waterproof, this is why we are introducing specialist recycling bins for coffee cups only. While reusable cups are the most environmentally friendly choice, we will be recycling the billions of paper cups that are still being used each year. These cups will be collected and made into exciting recycled products such as notebooks and greeting cards.

Use It or Lose It The Electric Revolution – Brixton’s shared electric van hit the road to tackle air pollution. Users of Brixton’s shared electric van (EV) have so far totted up 1,068 miles to date since its launch on 3 December 2019. That’s the equivalent of driving to Paris and back, twice! The EV’s use means less vehicles and traffic on the road, improved air quality in Lambeth, and better health for residents and visitors. 9 local businesses have so far been using the EV for their deliveries and supply runs, with over 40 expressing interest in signing up to use it in the future. And the best part, it’s free and exclusive to businesses in Brixton! Use of the van will be free for the first year and it is very simple to get started:

BID MEMBERS CERTIFIED TRAINING BID members can access free training for their employees, our 2020 training dates are: Tuesday 18th February 2020 Personal Licence – Fully Booked Tuesday 3rd March Health & Safety Level 2 - Fully Booked Wednesday 18th March Conflict Management – Fully Booked Tuesday 7th April Customer Service - Fully Booked Wednesday 6th May Fire Safety – Fully Booked Tuesday 12th & 19th May First Aid Level 3 (Two Day Course) - Fully Booked Tuesday 26th May & 2nd June Food Hygiene Level 3 (Two Day Course) 2 Spaces available Tuesday 9th June Personal Licence - 12 Spaces available Wednesday 24th June Health & Safety Level 2 - 8 Spaces available

SAFER LAMBETH Safer Lambeth would like to remind BID members that operate both day and night that they can attend dedicated secruity briefings. Business Watch meetings take place on the last Wednesday of each month at Marks & Spencer. These meetings provide day-time businesses with information that will assist in the detection and prevention of crime and disorder. They also provide a platform for businesses to share information on offenders / crime affecting their premises. Friday Night Briefings take place at PHONOX bi-weekly. Similar to the Business Watch meetings these briefings provide information to assist the night-time economy and are a platform for businesses to share information on crime affecting their premises. If you or a member of your team would like to attend email: Sina.Moini@saferbusiness.org.uk

1

Contact Kate at Cross River Partnership to register - katefenton@ crossriverpartnership. org or by phone on 020 7641 4448.

2

Sign up with Zipcar (free membership for a year for new users): www. zipcar.com/en-gb/business/ electricbrixton

3

Book your free time slot and pick up the vehicle. at its dedicated parking bay on Pulross Road.

GRAFFITI REMOVAL We are pleased to announce that we now offer graffiti and fly post removal to all BID members. To report graffiti on your business premises email graffiti@ lambeth.gov.uk or call 020 7926 9000.

BRIXTON FOOTFALL BRIXTON BID Room 3C, Floor 3 International House Canterbury Crescent London SW9 7QD

0203 417 7373 BrixtonBID BrixtonBID brixtonbid.co.uk

Footfall for the year to date is 14.4% down on the previous year. The number of visitors counted for month commencing 30 December 2019 was 1,103,902. The busiest day in month commencing 30 December 2019 was Saturday 1 February with 44,011 visitors.

14  MOSAIC CLUBHOUSE brixtonblog.com

Sitting on Effra Road is Mosaic Clubhouse, a mental health service offering a unique approach for individuals who are going through recovery or are yet to reach this stage. It is a place of comfort and encourages its members to build a stable life again, whether this is from the external courses that Mosaic organises, or simply by being part of a community where you are never made to feel alone. I’m sure if you live in Brixton or have passed through, you would have either seen or heard about Mosaic. But, in case you haven’t, Mosaic has been here in Brixton since 1994. It is a charity that is partly funded by Lambeth council and local NHS services. Mosaic works in an extraordinary way. Staff numbers are deliberately kept to a minimum so that Mosaic members help to complete daily and long-term tasks. These working foundations help to encourage a sense of belonging for all. Tasks are divided into three main units. These are business and administration, employment, education and information, and café and garden. In each unit, members build up skills needed for job opportunities, future employers, education and housing. For example, the café and garden unit provides the food for Mosaic’s canteen. Here members can help out in the kitchen, preparing daily food and drink for the café. Members learn how to cook healthy meals for their selves and others. At the annual general meeting in November 2019, Mosaic chairperson Lucy Hastings explained: “We are part of a really effective global movement’’. Mosaic is based on an international model, with the majority of clubhouses located in northern America and Scandinavian countries.

Staff numbers are deliberately kept to a minimum so that Mosaic members help to complete daily and long-term tasks

2020 FEBRUARY

A place of comfort and encouragement Despite being part of a global movement, Brixton’s Mosaic Clubhouse is unique in England. Ruby Gregory investigates Mosaic is a training base for international clubhouse staff with recent visitors from Israel, Sweden and Norway. So it is surprising to learn that there are only two clubhouses in the whole of Britain; Mosaic in Brixton, and Flourish House in Glasgow. Mosaic is a charity and relies on donations from sponsors found in Brixton. It also hosts its own fundraising events and activities. Looking for an explanation as to why only Lambeth hosts the only clubhouse in England, after two visits to Mosaic, I concluded that to open and maintain a clubhouse, there needs to be a combination the right resources, accessibility and exposure. However, I experienced for myself what the brilliant staff and members accomplish in Brixton and believe it can be an example for people in other areas who want to follow in the footsteps of Mosaic. The annual general meeting was a celebration of the past year’s achievements and plans for the year to come. Members of the board provided statistics including the annual recorded attendance of its members, which was 647 members from April 2018 to March 2019, with 80 people visiting daily. Lambeth councillor Ed Davie, cabinet member for health and adult social care, was also there and expressed his appreciation to Mosaic and its community. Staff and members from units and committees presented their yearly findings,

followed by questions. The Evening Sanctuary was also highly praised at the meeting. The Sanctuary is a place where individuals can come for instant support at night, which can be lonely and difficult for some. It is run by volunteers from 6pm to 2am for seven nights a week, with Wednesday, Thursday and Friday being its busiest nights. Currently, an impressive four volunteers keep The Sanctuary running. The meeting demonstrated what a great place Mosaic is. My next visit showed me the dynamic improvements that Mosaic has made to its members lives. Jamille, 25, has been a member for over a year and was initially referred by a mental health team. He explains that on his first day, it was nerve wracking: “When I came here I had confidence issues – a mental health breakdown set me

A friendly welcome at reception

back with confidence issues’’. Fast forward a year and Jamille enjoys coming to Mosaic three to four days a week. It has helped him form a good routine and he has now built up his confidence with public speaking. Jamille has an ongoing short story feature in Mosaic’s fortnightly newsletter In The Mo. He also has a huge interest in radio presenting and podcasts, and frequently reviews musicians and albums on the Mosaic Music Magic Podcast. He wants to be a primary school teacher in the future. He also contributed to Stephen Rudder’s recent Black Men’s Minds exhibition at Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives. Anne, 53, has been a member for seven years, after experiencing mental health problems for three decades. The idea of Mosaic was originally daunting to Anne, but she now attends two to three days a week, spending all day here. Anne says staff “fall over themselves in here to help you, it’s amazing’’. Anne loves to give back to the community, and often takes part in voluntary work. Every Friday,

A progressive outlook on mental health and a positive shift into rehabilitation, demonstrating that life can get better after a downfall she helps people with learning disabilities at The Multi Activity Centre (MAC) in Tulse Hill. She has also advanced her education and completed an ICT course at Lambeth College. “Reach out’’ is a task that Anne likes. She contacts members who have few family or peers around and reminds them about events that are happening at Mosaic. “It’s as important to have members as it is to have members of staff,” she says. Inpatient Outreach is another important responsibility for Anne. It sees staff and members visiting Lambeth Hospital to tell patients about the opportunities at Mosaic. She explained that the clubhouse model is something we need more of in Britain, and hopes that Mosaic will go on to achieve ‘’bigger and better things’’ in the future. Mosaic is a wonderful place where a community is thriving. It promotes a progressive outlook on mental health and a positive shift into rehabilitation, demonstrating that life can get better after a downfall. A Mosaic’s daytime hours operate Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The evening sanctuary is open Monday to Sunday from 6pm to 2am. For more information contact Mosaic directly on 020 7924 9657 or infohub@mosaic-clubhouse.org. A Mosaic Clubhouse, 65 Effra Road, SW2 1BZ,

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com FOOD & DRINK  15

FOOD & DRINK REVIEW: BIRD

Watch the Birdie Nick Buglione discovers fowl play and a lot of waffle Hot on the heels of Other Side Fried, and a while back Thunderbird, another midi-chicken chain has flown into Brixton’s coop. Perched next door to a betting shop in the heart of market Brixton, Bird brings the deep-fried chicken, with a slightly offbeat twist. Waffles. You’ve got to have a USP right? Remember Dip N Flip? Armed with a vegetarian and something of a fried chicken aficionado, we flew into an (other) orange kitsch branded, stripped back, post-hipster minimalist joint, more stripped, more DIY than the Bird I have been to on the way to Arsenal matches, but this is Brixton not Islington. Bigger menu than OSF around the corner, Bird does the whole motherload – nu-wave chicken

burgers in various shapes and sizes, wings, drums, skillets of dirty fries, hot sauces, cocktails, shakes and, of course, waffles. Interestingly their vegan burger is not one of the new-fangled faux-Chicken substitute jobs but beetroot based. So, while watching late afternoon, early evening Brixton wander past the window, still an endearingly eclectic, entertaining vignette of market traders, loafers, the occasional lost soul and busy bees scurrying (it will be a pity if they sanitise this street “life” away), we go for Nashville Hot Chicken and waffles, the Royale chicken burger and the Vegan Beet burger. With fries and chicken gravy dip. You will not be leaving empty. Big. Bird. Clearly it is pricier than Morleys (what isn’t?) and KFC, but this is rebooted, upgraded fried chicken and comes in big packages. Burgers start at £7.50, chicken and waffles £12. So what of chicken and waffles? My Nashville Hot rendition, boneless thigh, a damn hot spicy sauce, buttermilk ranch and pickles atop a griddled savoury waffle is a curious combo. Call me

old fashioned but on return, I’ll probably grab a burger. The chicken is great though, crunchy crispy batter round excellently tender buttermilk chicken, a piquant hot chilli sauce and scattered gherkins.

This is dirty food, napkins and post dining wipes required. The waffle is, for me, just a bit irrelevant although they do a sweet-tinged maple syrup and cheese version that sounds interesting.

34-36 Electric Avenue, SW9 8JT | 020 8194 7054 | birdrestaurants.com | @birdrestaurant

Next door, our vegetarian is pretty impressed with the beet burger, deep-fried beetroot patty with guacamole, chilli slaw and vegan mayo (in vegan bap). The patty is nice and moist, the slaw brings a nice overlay to the deep frying, and it looks nice and colourful for those who dine via their Instagram filters. The Royale is a minor triumph. Big steaming crispy thigh, “Royale” sauce, iceberg, shallots and pickles. In a non-”fancy” brioche bap with fries and dips – Bird do practically every dip and sauce imaginable – from Korean to jerk to BBQ to our old new friend Nashville Hot. Fries are pretty standard and I’m liking the chicken gravy dip. As they know already from their other branches, this is a successful proposition – undemanding, entirely comforting “fast” food upgraded. Grown up, quality fried chicken. For me it’s a toss-up between OSF and Bird, but Bird is more of a restaurant proposition (despite the quasi DIY trimmings) with more to choose from. This Bird will probably fly. If you like waffles, they do them too.

16  FOOD & DRINK brixtonblog.com

2020 FEBRUARY

REVIEW: TED’S BURGERS @ POW

Ted talk Burgers with princely trimmings at POW BRXTN

You’ve heard of Bob’s Burgers. Meet Ted’s Burgers. In POW, aka The Prince of Wales. An interesting pub in that through my late teens and twenties onwards, it was never my go-to pub. Clubby Dogstar, yep, Duke of Edinburgh and its stoner garden yep, after hours at the “Canning”, weekly. POW is definitely still a pub, it has its clubby upstairs, but downstairs its principal raison d’être is the serving of booze to boozers. They have a glimmering pizza oven in the corner, relatively decorative (as in underused) the night we popped in. We have come to meet Ted, erstwhile South London foodie creative and POW pop-up becoming ongoing in-house purveyor of dirty burgers and gastro-pimped, BBQ-infused Americana. Booze and burgers, not particularly groundbreaking in a world of burgers and booze but our Ted has nice little gastro twists to his ostensibly MOR menu. Enter two slightly bruised gentlemen. While I do this by night, by day I work in government

publishing and let’s say an ongoing potential global pandemic has been keeping myself and Sanjay pretty busy. We want comfort food, we need comforting. I want Ted to surprise me a little, but in the end wrap his arms round me and tell me everything will be alright. Draft Corona (no pun intended) and draft craft ales also assist. Ted also does steaming Sunday roasts and weekend brunches but his principal evangelism is the tabernacle of burger. In between downloading the intensity of the work day, we chose Ted’s classic cheeseburger, his pimped-up fish finger sandwich, spicy popcorn chicken and the entirely indulgent sounding BBQ brisket fries. I am hoping some slow cooked development work has gone into the mix. Retro blue-tinged “army” tin crockery arrives. The popcorn chicken could have been a little more “popcorn crisp”, but this is nice seasoned chicken nibbles with chilli kick, mango mayo and chives. The brisket fries? Possibly the star of Ted’s show – 16-hour slow cooked brisket, BBQ sauce, melted cheese and sour cream draped over skin-on fries. Recommended by your heart surgeon? Possibly not, but Sanjay

and I aren’t heart surgeons. Battle of the burgers: cheeseburger versus fish finger sandwich. Ted has put some love into the sandwich. Three chunky homemade white fish “fingers” (more like lower arm size), with a tartare infused “tarslaw”, creamy Emmental and a creamy secret “top” sauce. Not so much of the Birds Eye. The cheese burger does what a good burger should. Nice patty, baby gem, BBQ sauce and scatterings of red onion and pickles in a toasted non-brioche bap. Evolutionary not revolutionary. Comforting David Attenborough hug rather than Che Guevara guerrilla insurgency. And no less for it. The fish finger was a challenge, mostly for size. Ted doesn’t like empty tummies. Pretty good though, not just batter and anonymous fish. On a different night, as mildly gastro diners, we might want a more creative departure but there is creativity in the little touches, the homemade sauces and the rich depth of the brisket. Augmented by Ted’s entrepreneurial foodie enthusiasm. I could get a burger down the road, but not sure where else does such sexy beefy fries and a “filet” at the golden arches may never seem the same again.

POW BRXTN | 467 Brixton Road, SW9 8HH | pow-london.com | tedburgers.co.uk | @pow_london

SMALL PLATES SMOKE & SALT

LIDO CAFÉ/400 RABBITS

Au revoir Smoke & Salt

Pizza in the park

BRIXTON £ SURPLUS CANTEEN

BEAST OF BRIXTON HOP & ROLL

Local heroes

Hop on

Remi & Aaron are closing their wonderful POP Brixton sea container for a trip down to a “grown-up” new home in Tooting. 29 February is your last POP service for arguably the most interesting and innovative dining in Brixton. Bon Voyage guys, you’re only a bus ride away. A smokeandsalt.com

GET A TASTE OF BRIXTON IN OUR NEW TAP ROOM! Super fresh beer right where it’s made. 10 taps, other drinks, merch & more! DRINK IN / TAKE OUT

OPENING HOURS

WED & THURS 5-10PM FRI 5-11PM SAT 12-11PM SUN 2-6PM

ARCH 548, BRIXTON STN RD, SW8 9PF TWITTER @BRIXTONBREWERY INSTAGRAM @BRIXTONBREWERYTAPROOM

Café’s don’t get more ethical than the new Brixton£ Surplus canteen. A social eating space for vegan and vegetarian pay-whatyou-can surplus food dining, grocery market and free events. Or why not volunteer to help address income inequality, tackle food waste and engage socially-isolated locals? A Platform Café, LJ community Farm, 2 Ridgeway Road, SW9 7AH

SARAP

Filo-tasty

Kamusta Budgie. Filipino BBQ and lechon specialist Ferdinand “Budgie” Montoya opens Brixton’s first Filipino restaurant Sarap in Brixton Village. Montaya’s signature cebu lechon – slow roasted pork belly with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chilli, coconut vinegar and soy, alongside ceviche fish and lots of marinated treats on skewers. A saraplondon.com

Boutique South London sourdough pizza micro-chain 400 Rabbits have taken over the café at Brockwell Lido. They are installing a big pizza oven as we speak so expect interestingly offbeat pizza alongside the brunch and brekkie menus. A 400rabbits.co.uk

Beast of Brixton supper club with Sri Lankan street food experts Hop & Roll on 11 March. If you are yet to discover hoppers, Sri Lankan pancakes filled with spicy sambals and curries, alongside mutton, egg and fish rolls, this is a five-course supper co-hosted with Hop & Roll’s Rosheana, with Ceylon Arrack pina coladas to get things going. A thebeastofbrixton.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com WHAT’S ON  17

WHAT’S ON

Take a look at this artist’s impression of the South Cross Route motorway through Brixton – between the motorway and huge tower blocks you can just about make out the towers of the town hall and St Matthew’s. This vision of a future that did not happen is the subject of the first of a series of talks – Histories in Focus – on the area around Peckham’s South London Gallery (SLG). Wayne Asher, author of Rings Around London (Capital Publishing, 2018), will discuss the resistance to

the abandoned South Cross Route of the Ringways orbital motorways project that would have carved through communities in Brixton, Peckham, Camberwell and New Cross, displacing tens of thousands of people. Activist Eileen Conn has lived in Peckham since 1973 and is coordinator of Peckham Vision, a local citizens’ action group. She will introduce the Peckham Action Group and its history. Local resident and shopkeeper Barry Jenkins will join SLG heritage

education manager Ben Messih to look back at the Sink the Link campaign to stop the construction of a high-speed rail link through South London. The campaign against British Rail’s plan ran from 1988 until the project was scrapped in 1991. The presentations will be followed by a panel discussions featuring all speakers. A Histories In Focus: What Could Have Been? Saturday 22 February, 2–4pm, Clore Studio, South London Gallery, 82 Peckham Road, SE15 5LQ. Book at http://bit.ly/SLG-HiF

Dissent and desire As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, Brixton library is hosting Dissent and Desire, an exhibition of photographs exploring gay lives. Leslie Manasseh talks to Sunil Gupta and Charan Singh whose work is on show The photographs for Dissent and Desire were commissioned for a book published in 2016 about the position of LGBT+ people in India, where they face oppression and marginalisation and an insecure position under the law. Entitled Delhi: Communities of Belonging, it is about 17 couples who tell their stories.

H C LUN H T I W E R U T CUL

This exhibition is a selection of the photos which illustrate them. LGBT+ issues in India are highly charged – gay relationships were decriminalised in 2009, then recriminalised in 2013 and then decriminalised again. ■ But this show wants to shift the debate and normalise gay relationships by focusing on ordinary people going about their everyday lives. It makes visible with much charm and humanity lives which are often hidden. While very personal, the photos have a larger purpose; to promote freedom and equality for LGBT+ people across the world. A The exhibition runs until 27 February. For more information call 020 7926 1058 or visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/places/brixton-library

EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE LUNCHTIME EXPERIENCE

TUESDAY- FRIDAY FROM 12:00 - 3:00 GREAT FOOD IN THE HOME OF BLACK BRITISH HISTORY

Sponsored by Healthy Eaters with all proceeds going to support BCA

1 WINDRUSH SQUARE, BRIXTON, SW2 1EF BLACKCULTURALARCHIVES.ORG

18  WHAT’S ON brixtonblog.com 2020 FEBRUARY

Jamila Omar’s selection of gigs and more in Brixton and nearby EVEROL WILSON

FRI 14 @ HOOTANANNY

Celebrate Valentines Day with THE CHURCH OF LOVE, featuring some of their all time favourite acts – Oh My God! It’s The Church (DJ Set), Hippo Sound System, Father Funk, Mr Stabalina, Bear Twists b2b Mista Bare Breeze and, of course, the debaucherous deities that are Rose Rokoko’s Sleazy Sisters. 9pm-3am. Free before 10, £3/£5 after.

Come for a dance at Latino Thursday each week in Brixton Village, where LATIN MUSIC take centre stages. Great Latin DJs, percussionists, dancers and a wide variety of Latino music genres. 7.30 – 11pm. Free.

Gloriously gay VALENTINES SPECIAL from We Party, with gorgeous go-go stage show, spectacular lights and an international DJ line-up. 11pm-6am. From £10 plus booking fee.

FRI 6 @ MARKET HOUSE

SUN 16 @ O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY

Basketmouth, a lead player in the AFRICAN COMEDY scene, brings his new live show The Son Of Peter to the heart of Brixton. 7pm. £40.90.

HOLIDAY CLUB returns to Pop Brixton. During five days of workshops and talks, young people aged 16-25 will learn about the creative industry. This time they will create a marketing campaign (video/photography) to promote and sell a product at the youth market. The sessions will range from immersive career workshops led by seasoned professionals, through to confidence-building and networking. 10am-4pm. Free.

TUE 18 @ WINDMILL

Join Jelly and her jazzy pals in JELLY’S JAMS, an electronic experimental exploration of migrating aliens trying to find the algorithm for joy. With Digital Nomad, Ma.Moro x Marysia and more. 7.30pm. £5.

Lloyd Coxsone is honoured with an International Reggae Day award for his long-standing work as a sound system operator by Kwaku, founder of BritishBlackMusic.com/ Black Music Congress

SUN 23 @ WINDMILL

All musicians and all styles are welcome to The No Frills FOLK CLUB. Expect Irish, Welsh, English and Scottish, American old time, bluegrass and western swing, French, Yiddish, East European, Scandinavian, Greek, Turkish, Balkan and more. Swap styles, share tunes and learn stuff. 7pm. Free.

MON 24 @ ELM PARK TAVERN

Inspired by legends from across the pond, Niall Kelly brings his signature ELECTRIC BLUES sound to Brixton, the perfect vibe for a midweek get down to feel-good fun. Live music from 9.15pm, open til midnight. Free.

Hosted by everyone’s favourite bartender Josh, this PUB QUIZ gives you a chance to use your brain and all of its randomly stored snippets of info to win loads of great prizes such as a bottle of wine, free drinks rounds and of course the mega cash pot. Book a table through hello@elmparktavern.co.uk. 8pm start, £2 per person.

THUR 20 @ RYE WAX

TUE 25 @ POP BRIXTON

WED 19 @ BLUES KITCHEN

Pop over to Peckham for 1Arda collective’s Party Debut, with RARE GARAGE cuts from Highrise, BP and guests. 10pm-2.30am. £3-£7.

FRI 21 @ ELECTRIC BRIXTON

Uniting The Tribes Tour is a series of shows celebrating SOUND SYSTEM CULTURE led by Brixton’s legendary Sir Coxsone, who recently marked his 55th anniversary as one of the world’s leading reggae stars. Other well-known names already confirmed include Mad Professor, Aba Shanti, and King Tubby’s in addition to a growing line-up of singers and deejays. 10pm-4am.From £8 plus BF.

SAT 22 @ OFF THE CUFF

To mark their new single release, dynamic local band HOTMETAL play a showcase at this great Herne Hill venue. Unapologetic and liberating, Brutal Reign tells of world events with unrelenting honesty whilst the forthcoming Not Now Mamma and Gatsby provide further commentary on life, warts and all. Their videos further showcase the band’s humour and sardonic take on life. 8pm.

Phonox continues the celebration of SOUND SYSTEM culture with Glaswegian (?!) selectors, Mungo’s Hi-Fi (Full Sound), with bass-heavy dubs ranging from roots to steppas, dancehall to dub reggae. 9pm – 2am. £5 advance MOTD.

THUR 5 @ SUPERCUTE

SAT 15 @ ELECTRIC BRIXTON

MON 17 @ POP BRIXTON

WED 4 @ PHONOX

Rhythm Sister is a collective supporting womxn, non-binary and the LGBTQA+ community in music through workshops, parties and talks. Learn, meet and practice new skills at this DJ WORKSHOP in an inclusive environment. Part of The Floor is Your’s Winter Series hosting an incredible set of guests, covering different genres, techniques and styles. Limited spaces, book in advance at hello@rythmsister.com. 7pm. Free.

WED 26 @ THE JUNCTION

Junction manager Luke Hand picks some of the best musicians in London for an explosive night of hard bop and tricky time signatures at this regular JAZZ NIGHT. 7-11pm. Free.

THUR 27 @ POW

The Banger Factory is a group of companions intent on bringing people a good time through LIVE JAZZ. The Outfit, lead by young lion Mark Kavuma (trumpet), explores completely original material and features some of the most gifted, engaging and masterful musicians on the London jazz scene today. 10pm-3am. Free.

Sisters of Reggae spin a free set at POP BRIXTON every third Friday of the month (the 21st in February) from 7 to 11.45pm, playing 100% vinyl vintage reggae, ska, rocksteady, roots, lovers, revival, early digi … This month it’s Debbie Golt, Lucky Cat, Naoko the Rock with MC Mad X Heavy. The Sisters return for their monthly residency at UPSTAIRS AT THE RITZY – now every last Sunday of the month (the 23rd in February) – alongside the Outerglobe Female DJ Relay. The night begins at 7pm with the Outerglobe Female DJ Relay giving guest selectors a chance to showcase their skills and collections and is followed by Sisters of Reggae on the decks, this month represented by Debbie Golt, Sweetie and MC Mad X.

YANEVA SANTANA

SISTERS OF REGGAE FREE GIGS

FRI 28 @ LONGFIELD HALL

Head to SE5 for charmingly interactive DRAG KING solo show Behind The Bulge with Luke Warm – full of song, smoulder, and self doubt. Enjoy a tipple from the reasonably priced bar, reserve your ticket for free at eventbrite/ behind-the bulge and pay what you decide after the show. Doors 7pm.

SAT 29 @ POW

Brilliant LIVE COMEDY every Saturday, featuring the best acts on the UK circuit and exciting up-and-coming acts you haven’t heard of (yet). This week it’s David Ward, Juliet Myers and Inder Manocha. Doors 7pm, starts 7.30pm sharp. £9.50 – £14.50.

SUN 1 MARCH @ RAILWAY TAVERN

Every Sunday sees OPEN MIC night at this Tulse Hill venue. Sign up from 8pm, everyone welcome, free drink for all performers. Book a slot by emailing jackfromsouf@gmail.com or just turn up on the night. 8-11.30pm. Free.

MON 2 @ HOOTANANNY

Come on down to the next instalment of BRIXTON BOOKJAM, a free quarterly literary event that is unpredictable, eclectic, and aims to curate the very best in South London writing. From a-listers to talented unknowns, expect an array of talent, including West Camel, Mark Hill, Rosanna Amaka, Annabel Banks, Leo Unadike, Desmond Coy, Yara Rodrigues Fowler, John Delphin and Simon Rumley. 8pm. Free.

TUE 3 @ PRINCE REGENT

The long-running Prince Regent PUB QUIZ is held each and every Tuesday. Big cash prizes, free drinks questions and a rollover jackpot question that grows each week. Come down early because it’s first come, first served and tables get filled quickly. 8-10pm.

Every first Friday and third Saturday of the month sees THROWDOWN at this friendly Coldharbour Lane venue, where you can expect serious crate digging with a bit of scratching and the occasional funk/ disco/ boogie edit from DJs Matt Klemara and Mr Corsini. 9pm – 3am. Free before 10pm, £5 after.

SAT 7 @ HOOTANANNY

Slamboree touch down for their first full live band show in London for over two years. Expect a night of rave, BASS and anarchic spectacles with support from My Bad Sister, Freeman, Fizzy Gillespie and Ed Spinna. 9pm3am. Free before 10, £5/£8 after.

SUN 8 @ QUEENS HEAD

Regular long afternoons and evenings of BOARD/CARD GAMES Geekstraveganza happen at this vegan-friendly Stockwell Road pub. Bring your favourite games or just your inner geek. Arrive whenever you like, stay as long as you want. 1pm – 10pm. Free.

MON 9 @ POP BRIXTON

Each Monday, Neville from Wu Style TAI CHI CHUAN holds a free community class in Brixton. This traditional Chinese martial art has many potential health benefits including improved posture and balance, circulation, flexibility, core strength, joint mobility, focus and concentration. Open to all and suitable for all ages and abilities. 12.30 – 1.30pm. Free.

TUE 10 @ EFFRA SOCIAL

Tuesdays mean nothing other than PUB QUIZ. Tommy McTrivia hosts one of the busiest quizzes in Brixton, with a generous cash prize for first place and boobie prizes for second and second to last place. To book your team in advance email effrasocial@anticlondon. com. Starts at 8pm, £5 per team.

WED 11 @ BRIXTON LIBRARY

Each week Brixton Library hosts CRAFT WEDNESDAY. Sessions will include sewing, embroidery, beading, macrame and many more! Explore and learn crafts old and new. All welcome. 1.30-3.30pm. Free.

THUR 12 @ EFFRA HALL TAVERN

This long-running JAZZ JAM SESSION is still going strong at this much-loved Brixton boozer after many years. Come down early to get a seat as it gets super busy and feel free to get up and dance if the mood takes you. 9pm – midnight. Free.

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com WHAT’S ON  19

What’s on at Whirled Off the Cuff single launch Local band Hotmotel play Herne Hill’s Off the Cuff on 22 February at 8pm to celebrate a new single release. Based in Brixton and Herne Hill, Hotmotel’s new EP is out in March. They are headed by guitarist, writer and producer Donald Ross Skinner, with frontman and writer Rupert Ingham. Brutal Reign tells of world events with unrelenting honesty whilst the forthcoming Not Now Mamma and Gatsby provide commentary on life. Ingham has also been collaborating with Herne Hill artist James Schein to capture the spirit of the band in

weekly drawings (above) on display at band sites. An exhibition of this work is planned for May. “For us, the EP represents the first of a series of releases and is a culmination of the last four years. “We are so excited this work is coming out, We can’t wait for you to hear it and to perform it in front of all our fans all around the area,” said Skinner. If you can’t make Off the Cuff, try the Amersham Arms in New Cross on 18 March. A Keep up at instagram.com/ HOTMOTELBAND

FARMING Monday 17 – Wednesday 19 February | 8pm Sunday 23 February | 6pm In the 60s and 70s thousands of Nigerian children were “farmed out” to white working class families in the UK. One of them was actor/director Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Farming is based on his story. He tries to capture the cultural confusion he felt in his early years and the impact that it had on his own sense of identity. RED JOAN Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 February | 8pm Sunday 1 March | 6pm Based on the real-life case of Melita Norwood, the 80-year old clerk, played by Judi Dench, who had been living out her retirement in Bexleyheath when she was unmasked as a Russian spy, Trevor Nunn’s Red Joan is an adaptation of her story told through a series of flashbacks following her arrest.

THE GOOD LIAR Monday 2 – Wednesday 4 March | 8pm Sunday 8 March | 6pm Starring Sir Ian McKellan and Helen Mirren, Bill Condon’s The Good Liar sees them play cat and mouse in an enjoyable thriller. Con artist Roy Courtnay meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish online. As Betty opens her life and home to him, he finds himself caring about her, turning what should

be a cut-and-dry swindle into a treacherous tightrope walk. MY GENERATION Thursday 5 March | 8pm The 60s also kick-started a cultural revolution the likes of which the world, and definitely London, had never seen. In David Batty’s My Generation, Michael Caine (above, in the 60s and today) explores that revolution, looking at archive footage and interviewing key figures. THE FAREWELL Monday 9 – Wednesday 11 March | 8pm Sunday 15 March | 6pm Awkwafina, the rapper turned actor who plays the lead in The Farewell, directed by Lulu Wang. It tells the story of ChineseAmerican writer Billi who learns her grandmother is dying from terminal lung cancer. While the family do everything in their power to keep this from her, Billi wrestles with having to deceive the beloved matriarch. PAIN AND GLORY Monday 16 – Wednesday 18 March | 8pm Sunday 22 March | 6pm Pain and Glory is a Spanish-language drama written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar, starring Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz and voted Time magazine’s film of the year. A film director reflects on the choices he has made in life as the past and present come crashing down around him.

Whirled Cinema | 259 Hardess Street, SE24 0HN | whirledcinema.com | 020 7737 6153

20  WHAT’S ON brixtonblog.com 2020 FEBRUARY The London African Gospel Choir will perform Paul Simon’s Graceland

SCHOOL GROUND SOUNDS CELEBRATE

School Ground Sounds, the Brixton-based charity that empowers young people through music, is celebrating its fifth birthday at the Hootananny on Tuesday 10 March, from 7 to 10pm. Founding director Tom Scott said: “This is a chance for us to thank all those who have supported us along the way, whilst showcasing some of the hugely talented artists that have come through our programme. It’s going to be a fantastic show and we do hope you can join us.” http://bit.ly/SGS-fifth

CATCH RUBY AT OFF THE CUFF

Local musician Ruby Cross headlines at Herne Hill’s Off the Cuff on 12 March. She is winning plaudits for her vocals and has already packed out Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s. Her next single Caught Me is due to release on 1 March. www.facebook.com/rubycrossmusic

Cross The Tracks announces more acts Cross The Tracks festival returns to Brockwell Park on Sunday 7 June with a day of jazz, funk, disco, soul and R&B, accompanied by food, beer, a record and art fair, talks and workshops. Latest additions to the programme include Madlib, Sadar Bahar, Biig Piig, Charlotte dos Santos, Sasha Keable, NTS’ Charlie Bones, Sudan Archives, Laura Misch, Coops, and the London African Gospel Choir, who will perform Paul Simon’s Graceland. They will join previously announced acts Sister Sledge – including original lead vocalist Kathy Sledge – Norman Jay MBE, Gilles Peterson, Tinariwen, Channel One, Nu Guinea (full live band), Shy One, Tash LC, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Shabaka & The Ancestors, Jaz Karis, Pip Millett, and Lynda Dawn

Madlib, a top man in the hip-hop world, will play a back-to-back set with Gilles Peterson. From recent collaborations with Freddie Gibb to cult albums like Madvillany with MF Doom, to his jazz remixes on Shades of Blue Note, or genre-defining albums like Quasimoto, Madlib has taken hip-hop to the heights. Joining him will be Sudan Archives, the innovative violin player who mixes her playing with melancholic soul and hip-hop based on her African roots. There will also be a show from South London experimentalist Laura Misch, who is defining new sound worlds with her saxophone, synths and vocals. A focus on the r&b and neo-soul scene, will feature Biig Piig, Sasha Keable, Charlotte

Dos Santos and Collard all playing, plus hotly tipped London star Greentea Peng. Contemporary jazz will be represented by Neue Grafik Ensemble and SEED Ensemble, whose live shows are hybrids of house, jazz and hip-hop. Steam Down, a London collective who have picked up two Jazz FM awards, appeared on Jools Holland, headlined their own UK and EU tours, and brought real spontaneity to the jazz scene will also be playing. Hip-hop will come from High Focus star Coops, lo-fi bliss from super smooth Washington D C singer Dreamcast, and disco brilliance from Chicago originator Sadar Bahar. Tickets in the region of £30. A www.xthetracks.com

Upstairs – 10 years old and as good as new Jack Francklin joins the party to celebrate 10 years of Upstairs at the Ritzy Jazz musician Gordon Wedderburn aptly described the new look of Brixton’s Upstairs at the Ritzy bar as an “Afro-centric refurbishment” after it fully reopened its doors with a party. The bar above the Ritzy cinema was also celebrating its 10th birthday and played host to GW Jazz and the Yaaba Funk band. Gordon Wedderburn, who set up GW Jazz with his wife Gillian in 2009, was one of the first musicians to play at the bar when it opened and has retained strong links to it ever since. The event was the first since the start of Upstairs’ refurbishment that all areas of the bar were open and visitors were treated to a beer from Brixton Brewery on arrival. The renewed venue in its prime site on Windrush Square

has a modern feel. While vinyls spin upstairs, vines twist and turn around sofas downstairs and through the staircase in between. Picture discs turned into posters from years gone by line the walls and old brochures advertising Brixton theatre remind visitors of the artistic talent that the district has

nurtured across the decades. The bar is not just a hub for music. As you walk upstairs, you are instantly hit by its warm and friendly atmosphere. Decks for the DJ are next to three big glass doors onto a terrace overlooking St Matthew’s church, helping to create a spacious and

comfortable environment. Gordon Wedderburn – “We are Jazz” was emblazoned on his jumper – started off musical proceedings, drawing people upstairs from the decks before the live acts. Yaaba Funk were formed in Brixton in 2006 and fuse funk, afrobeat and Ghanaian hi-life. Their name originates from the sole album released of Ghana by musician Captain Yaba – Yaba Funk Roots. The eight-piece played for the best part of two hours, engaging with the crowd throughout as they got them to clap, dip and then dive between each beat. The two singers spilled onto the dance floor and carried on the show at full throttle. GW Jazz combine with Upstairs to promote talented young musicians and reminded listeners that Mark Crown, who has played trumpet with Brit and MOBO award winners Rudimental, was given a stage to promote his music at Upstairs.

DJ DEEP AT PHONOX

House and techno music DJ, producer and label boss DJ Deep and Jeremy Underground play Phonox on 28 February. Deep has shared the decks with the likes of Kerri Chandler and Jeff Mills. Jeremy Underground, the French house and disco maestro, was invited to do a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix. His energy and faultless selection have created some of the best atmospheres seen in the club, say Phonox. Tickets: www.phonox.co.uk.

DOUBLE HELPING OF GYPSY JAZZ

One London gypsy jazz festival would be good, but two sounds even better. Toulouse Lautrec jazz bar in Kennington will launch its five-day version – The London Gypsy Jazz Festival – on 25 March. Another, two-week version – The Gypsy Jazz Festival of London – is due to kick off on 3 May and wind up with its closing party at Brixton’s Hootananny on 16 May. Confused? We are. But you can’t have too much of a good thing, can you?. However, one can raise an eyebrow at Toulouse Lautrec’s claim to be South London’s only French jazz club when Battersea’s Quecumbar celebrated its 17th anniversary on 10 February. A london-gypsy-jazz-festival.designmynight.com A facebook.com/events/529097707712120

FREE GUITAR LESSONS

Music Relief Foundation a Croydon-based youth charity works with young people who are classed as disruptive and at risk from disadvantaged background, using the power of music and the arts to help connect them to the issues they care about. For the next few weeks it is offering free guitar lessons on a first come first served basis for 11 to 25 year olds in Brixton at Arch 40, Nursery Road, SW9 8BP from 11am to noon. 020 3633 0560. www.music-relief.org

BASEMENT JAXX FOR PUB IN THE PARK

Tickets are now on sale for Pub in the Park Dulwich, billed as a “three day feast” with music. Brixton’s very own Basement Jaxx are on the bill with a DJ set in Dulwich Park along with Beverley Knight and Roland Gift, and chefs Angela Hartnett and Atul Kochhar. The event runs from Friday 3 to 5 July. pubintheparkuk.com/dulwich

FEBRUARY 2020 brixtonblog.com WHAT’S ON  21

LGBTQ+ history at Brixton library February is LGBTQ+ History Month and Lambeth libraries are celebrating the history and achievement of LGBTQ communities. Events at Brixton library include:

Such a Fun Age with Kiley Reid Monday 24 February, 7pm

Reputedly the “buzziest book of 2020, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid hit the best-sellers on publication in the US and UK. When Emira is apprehended at a supermarket for “kidnapping” the white child she is babysitting, it sets off an explosive chain of events. Join Kiley (right), over from the US for a short time only, in conversation at Brixton library. Free, booking required.

One of Them, with Michael Cashman Wednesday 26 February, 7pm

Michael Cashman has lived many lives – as an actor; as a campaigner for gay rights; as an MEP and as a life peer. He was Colin in Eastenders, making television history as one half of the first gay kiss ever broadcast on a British soap. Join Michael in conversation at the library. Free, booking required.

Homosexuality: Power and Politics – Brixton Radical Reads Friday 14 February, 7pm

Join the Radical Readers reading group to discuss

Homosexuality: power and politics by the Gay Left Collective.

Publishing fair Sunday 16 February, 12pm to 5pm

A zine and small publishing fair of LGBTQ makers, artists and writers. From Holy Titclamps and Homocore, to Red HankyPanky and Nancy, LGBTQ+ zines have been popular since the days of punk. With a burgeoning current scene the library welcomes dozens of zinesters and queer distros. There will be an individual zines stall too for anyone bringing their own, so get out your scissors and glue! And in Lambeth town hall

Our Story – Towards a history of Lambeth’s LGBT+ community Thursday 20 February, 7pm

An introduction to the historical records of LGBT+ held at Lambeth Archives. This will include press cuttings, GLF election literature, personal collections of ephemera, posters for LGBT+ events, programmes and posters for performances by LGBT+ theatre groups such as Gay Sweat Shop at Ovalhouse and material associated with squatting from the 1980s. As a historical record it is far from complete. Part of the discussion will be around how Lambeth Archives can be more effective in collecting the history of the community. A Tickets via Eventbrite

Make the mould Do something different in Brixton Village with women-only body-casting workshops at Studio 73 gallery on 15 February, and 7 and 21 March. Body Casting’s Chloe North says: “Have a laugh moulding your hand, lips, even boob. Everyone makes a cast of themselves to take home. Art formed from you! “Something you’ve never done before and that will give you a lasting piece of art to come away with, and a

Fermenting, compost and a bear hunt Luke Warm – Behind the Bulge Proclaimed (by himself) as the greatest actor of his generation, Luke Warm is here to prove that a fading star can still burn brightly. Join him in his dressing room at Longfield Hall on 28 February as he remembers past performances and prepares for his latest stage spectacular. Learn the tricks of the trade, how an actor really prepares, and the importance of a good bulge. This is a A charmingly interactive Drag King solo show full of song, smoulder and self doubt. Pay what you decide – reserve your ticket for free online and pay what you decide after the show. A Luke Warm – Behind the Bulge, Doors 7pm, Friday 28 February, Longfield Hall, 50 Knatchbull Road, SE5 9QY. Tickets http://bit.ly/LH-BTB

There is, as always, plenty to do and learn at the Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses. How about THREE TYPES OF FERMENTING with Jelena Belgrave on Sunday 29 February from 11am to 1.30pm? If you are curious about fermented foods and would like to learn to make them at home, this is for you. The first workshop of the year will ferment: ● citrus fruit to add to your tagines, stews and sweet treats, ● spicy sauerkraut as a perfect condiment for wintery meals ● kombucha (a slightly alcoholic, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink) to please all your friends and family. There is TAI CHI every Saturday afternoon on the decking in the Lower Garden 2pm to 3pm. Bring cash on the day (£10 full price, £7 concession.) GARDENING WORKSHOPS take place every Sunday and Thursday: Starting with Maintaining a Kitchen Garden from 10am to 1pm on Sunday 9 March, this free workshop will take place on Sundays once per month until August 2020. Learn how to grow salads, vegetables, fruit and edible flowers in your own garden, balcony or allotment mostly grown from seed.

ton of laughs. “We use skin-safe materials to create an exact mould of any body part you choose. “Your hand, lips, boob, anything. We promote body positivity, creating a relaxed and fun vibe. Transgender ladies welcome.” £25 per person. A http://bit.ly/Studio73-bodycast A www.letsgetplastered.co

Life and Mars

Design and Maintain BORDERS IN A GARDEN, starting 10am – 1pm on Sunday 1 March is a free course of workshops is designed to build confidence in a range of gardening jobs and to think about how to make your garden look different. The course takes place one Sunday morning per month from 10.00am until 1.00pm until July 2020.

people who want to work on and learn about garden edibles.

Learn All About COMPOSTING on Sundays 16 February and 15 March from 11am – 1pm. This free workshop is an opportunity to get to know all aspects of composting theory and practice while helping your local community garden over a composting season. You will also learn how to brew compost teas from nettle and comfrey.

STORY STOMPERS is the greenhouses’ weekly pre-school story-telling which continues every Tuesday from 9.15am to 10.30am. Join for storytelling, exploring the gardens and to enjoy natural play and craft – whatever the weather. For HALF TERM, February 17 to 19, go on a bear hunt, explore the garden, and find out what’s living there. A Book in advance for all sessions on www.brockwellgreenhouses.org. uk/events

PRODUCTIVE GARDEN workshops Sunday on 23 February and 22 March from 10am to 1pm are for

PROPAGATION Workshop every Thursday 11am to 1pm. Find out all about the art of growing plants from seeds, cuttings and division. This is a free workshop.

KIDS ACTIVITIES – HALF TERM AND TUESDAYS

MARS & BEYOND at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, from 20 February to 15 March is “a unique, interactive and immersive experience packed with art, talks, film screenings, music, VR, AR and performance” that merges two themes of the 21st century: the catastrophic rise in global warming, deforestation, animal species extinction and plastic pollution in our oceans; and, the revival of the space race. A vast immersive experience, taking place across five floors of Southbank’s Bargehouse, it will explore the human race now and in the future. Examining the science of our planet and presenting imaginative alternative futures, aiming to educate, caution, entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. The brainchild of artist Oskar Krajewski, the show welcomes everyone, from young to old, and collaborates with more than 40 artists and contributors, including Greenpeace, Sci-Fi London and Flux. The experience runs Monday to Thursday 11am – 10pm and Friday to Sunday 11am – 11pm. A More information and tickets (£5-20): art-recyclism.com/shows

Paint at Effra Social PopUp Painting invites you to unleash your creativity – wine glass in one hand, brush in the other – at Effra Social on Sunday 15 March from 3 to 5pm. The theme is Claude Monet’s Yellow Irises. The £27 fee includes all art supplies – paint, brushes, canvas and apron; guidance from a practising artist – but feel free to go off-piste. No experience necessary. A popuppainting.com/event/paint-monet-11

22  MUSIC EXTRA brixtonblog.com 2020 FEBRUARY

As music editor Dave Randall says on page 7, there is nowhere like Brixton right now for music. Simone Richardson takes an in-depth look at two performers and a venue

Teshay Makeda – Queen of Sun Born and raised in Clapham with a musician dad from Jamaica and her mum, a singer from St. Vincent, Teshay Makeda grew up in a very musical household. Both parents are Rastafarians. Teshay means Queen of Sun and

she brings sunshine to everyone that hears her sing. “I discovered I actually could sing when I was about seven years old,” she says. “I was doing shows in the community and would sing songs in the school choir. I knew PICSBYFLITCH

I could do something which I enjoyed and others did too.” Reggae was naturally a big influence for her. “My Dad was one of the music leaders of my youth, with a group of us who were in bands where some sang and others played instruments,” says Teshay. “I was performing reasonably regularly and singing lots of reggae music, which, as I look back, I realise kept me really grounded.” A record that really made an impact on her was one her Dad brought home – Aijuswanaseing (say it out loud) by Musiq Soulchild. “It changed my life and it was soul I had never heard before,” she says of the November 2000 release. Teshay’s inspirations include Bob Marley, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill. Others connected to the “uplift” of her own voice are Chronixx and Janelle Monáe. She says “Using my voice in a way to share messages is MessenJah. I have been so blessed to perform.” Look out for her on listings in the Bugle. Teshay is now referred to as The Empress of Roots Soul and is going to be out there – big time – as her voice is a blessed gift.

MC Brandy – nowhere like Brixton MC Brandy – Afro Chick – was born in Hackney, grew up in Leyton, with a Jamaican mum and a dad from St Vincent, and now calls Brixton her home after living and DJing here for a decade. Brixton is predominantly where she plays. “There’s no other place in London that is as colourful and random as Brixton,” she says. “There’s always something going on, whether it be packed out club nights, lively buskers or market banter. Brixton is fabulously diverse, with a hub of creative minds. I am so happy to be a part of it.” Her favourite place of escape is Fish, Wings & Tings in Brixton Village, where she enjoys curry prawns and rice and peas. She says that growing up with her mum and younger brother was a fantastic childhood and it was her mum that drew her into music. “My fabulous mum is a true steppa’s queen as she had these foot moves that, to this day, I still can’t copy!” Brandy believes she has always had a “real, passionate relationship” with music after starting out as an MC on the LGBTQ scene before moving into professional DJing five years ago. The Prince of Wales gave her the first paid gig. “I haven’t looked back ever since,” she

says. “I managed to gain all my DJ resonances by word of mouth and I’m enjoying every minute.” Born in the late 70s, Brandy feels it was with “music flowing through my veins”. Both her parents did the underground party scene, hosting events across London. “It influenced a very young me with Sunday sounds on vinyl of lovers rock and 80s soul bouncing back.” Inspired by the 80s – sounds like Stevie Wonder, Five Star and Michael Jackson, music became a major part of her life.

A more recent retro backtrack to the 90s is her preference as their jungle, garage and RnB make it her favourite era for music. She says her DJing today is a cross section because “the thing I enjoy most is finding tracks that bridge genres together making sure there is a journey to my whole set.” Brandy, Afrochick DJ, recalls her favourite moment over the years.“In the summer of 2016 I warmed up for Nenah Cheryl. I was so pumped, I started playing for an empty dance floor but eventually the dance floor was full and everyone was moving to my beat. It was such an amazing feeling as I dropped my last track, Nenah Cherry came over and whispered ‘Girl. That set was on fire’.” Her invitations to DJ internationally in the United Emirates and Thailand has, she says, “put the cherry on the cake. Roll on 2020.” But don’t worry, you can still catch her in Brixton at the Prince of Wales, every last Saturday of the month; also at the POW Club Bang City on various Fridays (The next is 6 March). She’s at Market House every second Saturday and third Friday of the month. Her White Horse appearances vary monthly. The next is on 7 March. Go and dance your head off …

Claudia and Renato – promoting young talent Claudia Wilson, owner of Brixton’s Pure Vinyl in the Department Store development on Ferndale Road occasionally DJs herself – a “bit of soul, bit of funk and a bit of jazz” – which she enjoyed doing at The Ritzy on New Year’s Eve. But it seems Claudia’s thoughts are now turning to promoting others’ talents. She helps to promote new young bands on the second Sunday of each month at The Ritzy, saying they are “amazingly talented”. She has also brought in truly talented musicians to play live at Pure Vinyl in an event which began as a jam night on irregular Mondays last May. Now it is regular event. Claudia explains that it happened with the help of Renato Paris (right) the originator of the Straight Pocket jam night. A few other musicians joined with him when it started – including Jonathan Moko on bass and Andrew McLean on drums. Andrew learnt to drum when he was 11 and has worked professionally since 19, backing Grace Jones and the Sugababes, among others. “I just love being able to express myself and being creative on the spot,” he says. “Love the interaction between myself and the crowd at the Pure Vinyl – it’s amazing to do.” Now the number of musicians and audience at Pure Vinyl’s not-so-large shop have grown and grown – but anyone can watch and listen to recordings on the Pure Vinyl website and Facebook page. Straight Pocket is now on in Brixton, free, every single week from 8pm and is well worth a visit. “Watching and hearing the

musicians together it is like they came together as if a single performer,” says Claudia. “It’s as if they have been together for many years. “It is free to enjoy and generates interest in the shop. It will encourage musicians to collaborate and hopefully get recorded on records themselves for me to sell their talent.” South Londoner Renato Paris says he has been singing since he was born and leant the piano towards the end of primary school. “The beauty of the jam session is that there is no regular band each week and no standard songs or tunes to know. Looking back at the sessions since we started shows us that you never know who is going to walk through the door.” That was certainly the case on Monday 6 January this year when bass guitar maestro Thundercat (Stephen Bruner) just came in and played brilliantly. “It was surreal, it being the first Straight Pocket of 2020. There was really a lot of energy in the room and him jumping up too was the cherry on top! I loved the fact that he listened and played with us rather that at us, which gelled with the essence of the night.” As well as playing keyboards and singing, Renato has also played guitar, bass and drums. But his voice is now his favourite instrument. His love of music has taken him to perform all over the world from Rome to LA and back home to Brixton. Now he is looking forward to touring Europe with London jazz scene pioneer Moses Boyd next month – a tour that closes on 12 March at Electric Brixton.

FEBRUARY 2020

Hill Mead HERALD Wolves, pigs and beanstalks This term in Early Years we have been reading traditional tales. One day we had a special visitor in reception. Our visitor came to tell us a story all about a boy called Jack and his gigantic beanstalk. The children have been telling everyone about their adventure.

“The giant was so scary, I ran and ran and ran and he tried to catch me but he was too slow to catch

me” Samuel age 5

The week before we heard a story about three fluffy little wolves and a big, bad, pig. We

were shocked to learn how the big, bad, pig had behaved and went about making wanted posters to try and track him down. Here are some examples of our posters. If you see him be sure to let us know!

“We climbed the beanstalk

and at the top there was a castle and a giant and he had really bad teeth” Sorayah age 4 “We woke up the giant because we took his gold coins and he chased us” Moaad age 5 “We slashed the beanstalk and then giant came tumbling down, down, down into his mum’s garden” Edmond-Kyle age 5

In nursery, the children have been learning all about the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. They have been making props to help them to retell the story. “I drew the straw house, the big bad wolf blew down the straw house, so the little pig ran away to house of sticks … the stick house didn’t stay up, so they ran to house of bricks …. the big bad wolf didn’t blow it down, so he said he was coming down the chimney. “But little pigs had an idea. They put the pan of water on the fire then the wolf fell in it and they closed the lid. That’s the end.” Later, the Big Bad Wolf paid a visit and caused chaos in the Nursery. Children have been busy making songs to stop him from coming back and to warn others about him.

Some of us got to touch a real starfish. Its skin felt a bit prickly and tough not soft like we thought it would be

Wonders in the sea By Kyran, Tariq and Shakai

Oh woe! Oh me! Here I am, caught in the belly of a beast Last term, Year 2 read a story called The Wolf, The Duck and The Mouse by Mac Barnett. It is a surprising tale of a wolf and his unlikely friends, a duck and a mouse. Our topic included a visit to the theatre to see an exciting performance of the story as well as an art workshop and some science experiments about light and dark. After being swallowed by the wolf, the mouse met the duck, who had already made a home in the wolf’s belly! Who would want to live there?

But … although they had both been swallowed, they had no intention of being eaten. They were happy in their new home – dancing and eating – until hunters came searching for a wolf to kill. The duck and the mouse charged out of the wolf’s mouth to save the day. We were very surprised to read that, by the end of the story, the mouse and the duck wanted to stay living inside the wolf. (Raekwon and Anouck)

We had a debate about what we would do if we were the mouse and whether we would want to live inside a wolf. At first we weren’t sure what we would do, but after exploring the story in more detail, we changed our minds. We designed and made the wolf’s belly and thought about what life would be like inside. We realised it wouldn’t be so bad living inside the wolf’s belly if we were happy and with our friends. (Jackson N and Raekwon)

Then we made puppets to make our own stop motion animations to tell the story. We tried our best to draw and trace the shapes of the duck and the mouse to make our puppets. Next, we moved the duck and the mouse slowly and bit by bit and took a picture each time. We had to repeat this lots of time so when we put the pictures together it made it look like they were flying. We even made them do a loop!

In year 1, we have been reading a book called Dougal’s Deep Sea Diary. In the story, the character’s hobby is deep sea diving, he goes on holiday to do this. On one of his dives, he discovers a lost treasure chest, becomes famous for finding it and is given a submarine as his reward. Dougal also finds the lost city of Atlantis, meets some merpeople, and King Neptune, and has to decide whether to stay in Atlantis or go back home. From the book, we learned about the equipment that divers need to go deep down into the ocean and the purpose of it. They would need an oxygen tank, wet suit, goggles, flippers and a breathing regulator. Dougal saw over 100 different types of fish and we learned about some of the creatures that live under the sea. We even watched one of

David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II documentaries and it was so interesting. On Friday 31 January, we went to the London Sea Life Aquarium to see some real sea creatures like Dougal. The trip was amazing! Some of us got to touch a real starfish. Its skin felt a bit prickly and tough not soft like we thought it would be. We saw a man go into one of the tanks and we thought it was actually Dougal from the story, but it was only a man called Alex. We saw so many beautiful sea creatures like jellyfish, sea turtles, seahorses and clownfish. Our favourites were the sharks. One of them swam around showing its sharp teeth. This scared some of us because it stared at us like it wanted to eat us. We have really enjoyed our class book and the work we have done from it. We are close to finishing the story and now have to find out if Dougal stays in Atlantis or goes back home.

BRIXTON

Bugle SPORT

Greeting for guests (l-r) committee member Clifton Oddman, MP Helen Hayes, Cllr Sonia Winifred, Cllr Maria Kay, and club chair Mervin Stewart

COMMUNITY VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT AT THE REC

Lambeth mayor Ibrahim Dogus was on hand at a community volleyball tournament organised by Little Giants Volleyball Club at Brixton Rec. Also there were Sue Storey, CEO of Volleyball England, and Charlie Orton, president of the London Volleyball Association. A www.volleyballevents.org

SWIM YOURSELF FIT WITH BROCKWELL SWIMMERS

Brockwell Swimmers club is looking forward to another aqua-fit 2020, both at Brixton Lido and local indoor pools. The club holds weekly indoor water polo and swim sessions at Alleyns’ School and JAGs sports centre, all led by qualified coaches. A game of water polo can burn over 900 calories and a one-hour swim session more than 400. A Details at www.brockwellswimmers.com

Domino club is a foundation of the community, says MP Brixton Domino Club’s annual awards ceremony took place this year in Lambeth town hall, emphasising its central role in the community. Local MP Helen Hayes, whose Dulwich and West Norwood constituency includes the club’s Coldharbour Lane headquarters, joined Sonia Winifred, Lambeth council cabinet member for equalities and culture, in recognising its historical significance and welcoming its plans for the future. Helen Hayes, who was due to take part in a House of Commons debate on the government’s Windrush Compensation Bill, told club members and supporters that dominoes is “an important and fundamental part of the heritage of this area”. What is so important now, she said, is passing on “that wisdom and those traditions and skills to the next generation, who we know need mentors, and help and support, and who we know face a lot of challenges at the moment. “I really support your aspiration to work with our schools and teach our young people the skills of dominoes.” Referring to the Windrush scandal, Helen Hayes said there were serious problems in the community with “lack of trust in the Home Office from people who have been treated entirely unjustly by this government, not getting the justice and compensation that they need”. On Tuesday government has chartered a flight to deport people to Jamaica in a context in which the conclusions of the “lessons learnt” review from the Windrush scandal had not been published, the MP said. “Trust and confidence in the Home Office and its decision making is at an all-time low. Injustice will be done if they proceed with that flight.

“We are proud in Lambeth and in Brixton of our Windrush heritage and the contribution that people from all over the world have made and continue to make to our community life, our economy and our public services. “The domino club is a foundational part of that community and our heritage and out traditions in this area. “More power to your elbow as you pass on

Donna Brown, manager of the Brixton office of sponsor Victoria Mutual building society, presents an award to Mark Douglas, the evening’s MC

Clifton Oddman thanks Auntie Valerie – known for her work for charity and the Brixton community – who donated the food for the celebration dinner

Sonia Winifred, Lambeth council cabinet member for equalities and culture, recalled her domino experiences those skills and traditions to the next generation so that we keep our young people safe and offer them an ambitious and a hopeful future and keep them safe.” Club chair Mervin Stewart, remembered the club’s founder members – some of them had passed away recently, meaning some members were not present at dinner. The club was formed “way back in the 70s”, he said. Its first base was in Acre Lane at the house of the first female member of the club. Later its headquarters was in the Atlantic pub (now the Dogstar) in the centre of Brixton. Members George Palmer and Lloyd Leon

began to look for a building for a permanent home which was finally established at the present headquarters in Coldharbour Lane. Mervin Stewart paid tribute to people who helped the club with this, especially Lord Scarman, author of the official government report after the riots/uprising of 1981. “It has been a struggle for Brixton and not all smooth sailing. We have been sometimes up and sometimes down. At the moment we are on the up. We are working a lot for the community – if someone passes away the club is available free to mark their passing. The club has also organised activities for young people in summer. Its committee is discussing a new programme to go into the community and help older people. Skilled volunteers will help to fix and replace problems in the home for free. Sonia Winifred said the domino club was part of the history of Brixton. She welcomed its plans to go into schools at a time when there was a problem with exclusions, with young boys in particular, saying that “giving them something that they can be part of” having older men from the community speaking and working with them was important. She recalled working as a librarian in Lambeth and going to the New Testament NonSmoking Church of God on Lambert Road to read to Black elders and hearing their oral histories of the Windrush generation – “In one corner of the room, the old men would be slamming the dominoes,” she recalled. Other guests included members of rival clubs the Soho Jaguars from Birmingham and the Clapham Eagles who last year knocked the Brixton club’s Immortals team from the top of the league for the first time in several years.

CHARITY HALF MARATHON SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

London Landmarks half marathon is looking for volunteers of all ages, to be a part of the action at this year’s event on Sunday 29 March in a variety of essential and fun roles. These could include handing out medals, being a route marshal, or even dressing up as a famous London landmark. Perks and incentives include a London Landmarks volunteer medal. Volunteering is not only a way to support the 14,000 runners taking part, but also a way to contribute to an event that is 100% not-forprofit, with all money going back to 213 charity partners. A See www.llhm.co.uk/volunteer

Club chair Mervin Stewart with Dianne Augustin of sponsors Jamaica National