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BRIXTON BUGLE YOUR FREE
No 45 | JULY/AUGUST 2016
Published monthly in and for Brixton
BUSINESSES BUY BOBBIES FOR BRIXTON
ISSN 2397-852X
COMMUNITY PAPER
PETAL POWER!
Going to the Lambeth Country Show? The organisers are encouraging visitors to go by bike and are organising two floral rides. Local cycling instructors and campaigners as well as gardeners are joining in Story, page 2
BARRIER BLOCK TO GLA Meet Florence Eshalomi
11
by Linda Quinn
Brixton will get an extra two police officers from next week that are paid for by local businesses and the council. Constables Richard Weaver and Ian Nicholls will work with local businesses and provide an increased police presence around the town centre. The two Metropolitan Police Officers will be funded by Brixton BID (Business Improvement District) and will work with local businesses to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. Working with Lambeth council, the BID has taken advantage of the London mayor’s Met Patrol Plus scheme. The scheme previously known as BOGOF – Buy One Get One Free, allows local authorities to purchase additional constables. Michael Smith, Director of Brixton BID said: “Businesses have identified policing as a key priority relating to both the night time and daytime economies in Brixton. “The introduction of the officers will mean Brixton has a dedicated police resource to focus on business-related concerns, such as antisocial behaviour, begging and shoplifting.” Each business will be able to contact the dedicated officers direct, rather than having to make an emergency call. The officers will work shifts that enable them to cover the night time economy. Cllr Mohammed Seedat, council cabinet member for healthier and stronger communities, said: “I welcome this commitment by the Brixton BID. We have seen in other parts of the borough how effective dedicated officers can be in boosting local policing. “Brixton has a thriving economy and these new officers will have an important role in supporting the area as a great place to work, shop and play.” The scheme is already in operation in three other BID areas, Streatham, Vauxhall and the Southbank.
A BOUQUET FOR HER MAJ
… and Chelsea for Angell Town 10
URBAN ART
Coming to Brixton once more 21
FROM SYRIA TO BRIXTON
How to help others like Ahmad 9
2 NEWS
BRIXTON BUGLE brixtonblog.com Proudly edited in Brixton
Both website and newspaper are published by a not-for-profit community organisation run by a committed team of people from Brixton » 020 3730 1312 » @brixtonblog » @brixton_bugle » brixtonblog.com ADVERTISING Jenny Shramenko 07811 878394 jenny@brixtonblog.com Circulation 10,000 copies Readership: circa 15,000 EDITOR Linda Quinn linda@brixtonblog.com MANAGING EDITOR Simon Still simon@brixtonblog.com NEWS EDITOR Anna McKie newsdesk@brixtonblog.com ARTS & FEATURES Barney Evison, Ruth Waters arts@brixtonblog.com FOOD Miss South food@brixtonblog.com SPORT Sandra Brobbey sport@brixtonblog.com David Gibson ISSUE 45 Writers:
Nick Buglione Celia Buzuk David Child Kate Crawford Nikki Griffiths Olivia Haughton Nicola Jones David Moftakhar Chidi Ogundu Leonie Rousham Annabel Sampson Ellie Scofield Susan Sheehan Sub-editor: Jamila Omar Production: Alan Slingsby Crossword: Josie Gardiner A massive thank you to everybody involved in making this issue, and the Blog & Bugle project, a success If you would like to be a Bugle stockist please email distribution@brixtonblog.com
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Worry and anger in Lambeth – most pro-remain borough Lambeth council leader Lib Peck has reassured the diverse communities of European citizens in the borough that “they are always welcome here” But, in a message to local Labour party members, she also warned that the referendum vote to leave the European Union means more uncertainty for the borough in relation both to direct EU funding and to the indirect effects of the possible decline in investment in London. Peck said the borough faced “further austerity for years to come which has already been profoundly unfair and damaging to local services”. While the specific impact of leaving the EU would not be clear for some time, “we have to be clear that Thursday’s decision could have a detrimental impact on investment in areas like housing in Lambeth”. Lambeth was beaten only by Gibraltar as the electoral
district most in favour of staying in the EU. People in Lambeth voted to remain by 111,584 to 30,340 votes – 78.6% to 21.4%. A total of 141,924 people voted, a 67.34% turnout of an electorate of 210,766. That vote brought media
from across the world to Brixton. The Los Angeles Times reported the Sunday sermon of Rev Stephen Sichel, vicar of St Matthews. Peck said the vote gave her a sense of “worry and despair”, while the vicar said: “There is a deep sense of shock, anger, and
foreboding for many about how events will unfold in the coming weeks and months In a message to the Bugle, Florence Eshalomi, the Greater London Assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark, said emotions would be riding high as people considered the implications of Brexit for themselves, their families, our city and our country. “Let’s be in no doubt, this decision will have significant consequences for the lives of people to live and work in London,” she said. “During this time, as we fight for the best deal for our city, we must also maintain our unity. The organisers of this week’s non-partisan London Stays rally in Trafalgar Square rightly said that “division got us into this, and it probably won’t help get us out of it. “London has always pulled together when times have been tough, let’s not stop now.”
Use petal power for the show Two floral rides will pedal their way to the Lambeth Country Show on Sunday 17 July. Ride coordinator Leena Khatri said: “Look out for the moving garden or, better still, decorate your bike and join in.” One ride sets off from Lower Marsh, Waterloo at 11.30am via Myatt’s Fields and Loughborough Junction. The second ride will start at the same time from the Rookery Café, Streatham Common and travel via West Norwood and Rosendale Road. The rides will be led by instructors Cycle Confident and families are welcome. Wheels for Wellbeing, the Brixton based inclusive cycling charity, is also participating. WfW community engagement officer Abigail Tripp, said: “This event has been planned so it is accessible to disabled and older residents. tThe route is step-free and we will have tandems (and pilots if needed), hand cycles, side by side companion cycles,
tricycles and more available at the start points for those who have reserved one. If you are a disabled person and want to borrow a cycle, book ahead so we can be sure to bring the right cycle.” Contact abs@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk, Text 07588 50 26 15 or phone 020 7346 8482. Floristry students from Kennington’s vocational training charity Roots and Shoots are decorating Wheels for Wellbeing’s cycles. Lambeth Cyclists said: “Cycling is already a popular and environmentally friendly way for people to travel to the show. “It’s more fun to cycle with others and a floral ride is a lovely way to brighten up the borough.” Both the rides and Lambeth Country Show are free, and secure cycle parking is available at the show. ■■ For more information and to sign up for the rides see www.lambethcountryshow. co.uk/getinvolved.
2016 JULY/AUGUST
Archives are important – so have your say Bill Linskey, chair of The Lambeth Local History Forum and Brixton Society urges all borough residents to take part in consultations on the Lambeth Archives Lambeth Archives and the local studies library are housed in the Minet library close to Myatt’s Fields Park. Sadly, the lending library in the same building closed on 31 March. However, readers should be aware that the archives and local studies library are still there and are still open and staffed. Their opening hours have not changed. Lambeth Archives is the collective memory of the area. It holds the records of the borough and its predecessor bodies as well as records from independent organisations associated with Lambeth. Lambeth council has engaged a consultancy to look into the long-term future of the archives, especially its location. All options are on the table including remaining at the Minet. As part of a consultation, an online survey has been created. It is not just aimed at users of the archives. They would also like to
hear from people who do not currently use the archives why they do not do so. Please help secure the future of this vital resource by taking part in the survey. Go to: https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ YSGWVDR The Lambeth Local (LLHF) History Forum brings together groups including the Brixton Society, the Black Cultural Archives, the Friends of Windmill Gardens, the Friends of Brockwell Park and other groups from all over Lambeth who have an interest in local history and support the archives. Lambeth Archives and the LLHF are again organising the Lambeth Heritage Festival with events being held throughout the borough during September. The event brochure is due to be published this month and will be available from libraries, members of the LLHF, at Lambeth Country Show and at www.llhf.org.uk.
Lambeth library campaigners protested outside a rainy Brixton Rec last month as they kept up demands for more information on the future of borough libraries from both Lambeth council and its leisure provider GLL. They were joined by Rachel Heywood, the Coldharbour Ward councillor suspended by the ruling Lambeth council Labour group for six months after voicing concern about its policy on libraries and other issues.
JULY/AUGUST 2016
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NEWS 3
You what? It’s Loowatt Look carefully when you use the loos at the Lambeth Country Show. They may be from Loowatt, a Brixtonbased technology company, that has now developed a waste-to-energy toilet. The brainchild of CEO Virginia Gardiner, she developed the idea as part of her design degree at the Royal College of Art in 2009. Her brief: “To create a waterless, urban toilet system that turns sh*t into money.” She questioned the current practice of flushing the toilet with drinking water and looked at other ways to turn excrement into a useful commodity. Last year Loowatt provided toilets at Lambeth Country Show at the eco-zone and the Mainstage. This year they will be returning to the eco-zone with new toilets, and featuring extra educational material about their work in Madagascar. “We had a great time last year,” says Gardiner, “serving the picnickers and cider
drinkers at the top of the hill. LCS is a uniquely cheerful and upbeat community event, and we love to serve our neighbours in Brixton.” One customer said: “It was very clean, and there’s no smell. I would recommend it to everyone.” When you buy a Loowatt wristband at the show this year, you’re not just spending a penny but helping the project to provide sanitation for families in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. The Madagascar project, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is especially suited to rapidly growing urban areas with an urgent need for sanitation. Over 100 households will have the energy-generating system by the end of 2016. Loowatt’s technology seals human waste into biodegradable polymer film for anaerobic digestion (the natural breakdown of organic materials into methane and carbon dioxide gas and fertilizer).
HONOURS FOR LOCAL CHARITY WORK Fred Taggart, (right) honorary secretary of the Brixton Advice Centre on Railton Road for 25 years, was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for services to regeneration and charity. “It reflects well on the standing of the centre that our contribution to Lambeth is recognised through this honour to me,” he said. Fred was also a trustee of South London Family Housing Association; a Lambeth councillor and has held several voluntary posts
in education, including chair of school governing bodies. Local author and activist Stella Duffy was awarded an
OBE in the same honours list. Many Fun Palaces (an organisation she runs) happen across the world each year in October, including at Brockwell Lido and in Lambeth libraries. She is a patron of Diversity Role Models which works to end bullying of LGBTQ young people and a founding member of the Women’s Equality Party. “I hope that this unexpected honour will help us push open some doors, have vital conversations and make the difference we need,” she said.
Could your parenting experience help a family? Home-Start Lambeth is looking for volunteers. The charity trains people to work with families with young children and give practical and emotional support to manage and resolve problems. The Bugle went along to an induction session in Angell Town and spoke to the trainers and volunteers. Home-Start’s Liz Ranger explains how it works: “Volunteers visit families for two to three hours a week, using their own parenting and grandparenting experiences to find solutions to family problems. This might be through listening to the parent, reading with the children or helping the family go out to the park.” Volunteers receive a free training course to develop their skills and prepare them for the things they may encounter with their family. “They make new friends, obtain good experience to add to their CV and have a lot of fun too,”says Ranger. “Training and
volunteering happens during school hours and not during school holidays and it would suit anyone who might be looking for a new challenge, wanting to do something for themselves or at that point of wondering what next?” Volunteer Helen agreed: “I got involved because it was a good thing to do, I wish it had been around when mine were growing up.” Deneze added: “Being listened to is one of the most important things.” The volunteers are from a variety of backgrounds, men as well as women, but what they have in common is parenting experience and a desire to put that to good use helping others. ■■ The next volunteer training course takes place in the autumn. For more information, contact Home-Start Lambeth on 020 7924 9292 or info@homestartlambeth.co.uk or visit www.homestartlambeth.co.uk. All volunteers will have a DBS check.
A princess in the market Princess Alexandra visited Brixton Market and the Maytree children’s centre last month to see how the Alexander Rose charity’s voucher scheme for fruit and veg is helping families. Families swap the vouchers for fresh fruit and veg at participating market stalls. At the Maytree centre she heard from mums and children how the Rose vouchers had improved their diet and made them more adventurous in their choice of food. Mike Morris, the chair of the charity, said. “With the help of our Rose Vouchers, families can afford to include more fresh fruit and veg in their diets and they are
reaping the health benefits as a result. That is, quite simply, life-changing” Market traders’ CEO Stuart Horwood said: “It’s all about getting more families into the market buying good quality fruit and vegetables.” The Rose Voucher is a partnership with the not-for-profit food policy organisation Food Matters. It is being delivered at seven local children’s centres in Lambeth, with funding from the council’s Food Flagship initiative and support from the mayor of London and the Department for Education. The Market Traders Federation oversees the collection of vouchers from traders.
4 NEWS
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By Chidi Ogundu More than 550 prospective apprentices last month joined their parents at Lambeth College’s “Big Apprenticeship Conference” which it organised with Lambeth council. Seventeen employers were there from health, IT and media, hospitality and construction, looking for enthusiastic young people with a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Apprenticeship ambassadors were also on hand to talk about their experiences. Chas Daly, 18 is doing a sports coach education apprenticeship. He said: “An apprenticeship gives you more experience than a university could. It felt like
a better route to my career, apprenticeship is safer than getting into debt.” Simon Bailey, 24, planning to do an apprenticeship in journalism said: “There are so many people who pay a huge amount in tuition fees and do not get a job.” Apprenticeships are a way to “earn and learn” while working alongside more experienced people and gain valuable skills when they enter the work place. Sandra Ullah from Stockwell, mother of apprenticeship ambassador Alexz Ullah, who is a youth worker said: “I think it is a really good and creditable option for young children.” ■■ For more information about apprenticeships, visit www.lambethcollege.ac.uk.
Brixton remembers Brixton remembered some of its pioneers and notable people in two moving ceremonies last month. The annual two-minute silence to remember the Windrush generation took place in the square named after them outside the Black Cultural Archives last month. Windrush pioneers such as Sam King, co-founder of the Windrush Foundation, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on 17 June at the age of 90 in Brixton, were commemorated, along with women and men from the different migrant communities who gave their lives and made a contribution in two world wars. Sam King was also a founder member of the West Indian Ex-Serviceman’s Association and an associate of pioneering journalist and campaigner Claudia Jones. Rev Kumar Rajagopalan gave an address before the silence was observed. The event on Windrush Day – 22 June – also recognised the achievements of black and minority ethnic communities in the reconstruction of Britain after WW2 in key roles in the public sector, NHS, industry, faith, business, construction and public life generally. Musician Alexander D Great (pictured, right) told their stories in a calypso. Earlier in the month, some of Brixton’s best known faces were among the people who planted memorial trees at the annual Friends of Brockwell
DAVID WILCOCK.
Apprenticeships the big thing at open day
2016 JULY/AUGUST
Park ceremony which was attended by the mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Saleha Jaffer. Pastor Lorraine Jones (pictured, left) opened the ceremony and planted a Turkey oak to mark the second anniversary of the death of her son Dwayne Simpson. He is also remembered in Dwaynamics, the boxing club (see page 7). Devon Thomas and Jim Davidson planted an American oak to mark 60 years since the opening of (now
demolished) Tulse Hill school and to celebrate the Windrush generation and the local schools and clubs its members attended. The tree also celebrates the life of Devon’s mother Gladys and father Joshua. Another giant of the Brixton community, Colin Marriott, who supervised Dexter Road playground for a generation, has also passed away. Hundreds of young people from the neighbourhood turned out for his funeral.
Children’s Story Teller • Music • Zumbini • Face Painting • Raffle • Free BBQ Children & Dad Musical Workshop
Treat yourself to a hand & head massage – or some nail art!
Come and join the fun at Lark Hall Park One O’Clock Club
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Closest tube: Stockwell Closest bus routes: from Brixton: 196 or P5
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Phone: 020 7582 4182
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At: Lark Hall Park One O’Clock Club, Priory Grove, London SW8 2PD
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The Family Fun Day is for parents with children under 4 years old but older siblings and the rest of the family are also welcome.
To find out about how the LEAP programme is working with families in Lambeth to give all children and babies A Better Start in life go to: www.leaplambeth.org.uk
Saturday 2 July 2016, 12 noon to 4pm Lambeth Early Action Partnership
LEAP Family fun day Lark Hall ad.indd 1
20/6/16 12:53:17
JULY/AUGUST 2016
NEWS/FUNDRAISING 5
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Myatt’s Field Big Park Sleepover appeals for funds Father Nature, a Brixtonbased community gardening enterprise, is teaming up with the Myatt’s Field Park Project and together they hope to raise £18,000 by 1 August to run a “Big Park Sleepover”. The event would be an overnight camping mini- festival, for local low income families in Myatt’s Fields Park, due to be held on 28 and 29 August. The campaign has so far attracted 95 backers and raised £2,009 of a £18,947 total. London mayor Sadiq Khan has chosen the project
as one of 20 he will support. Father Nature says the Sleepover would provide up to 100 local low income families with a chance to have some respite from the hectic nature of city life,. Father Nature seeks to connect inner city folk with nature and one another.” Contact them at hello@ fathernature.org.uk. ■■ The charity is appealing for support through crowdfunding as well as sponsorship from local businesses. Find out more www.spacehive.com/ big-park-sleepover-2016.
Lambeth children enjoy last year’s Notting Hill Carnival
CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S DAY CARNIVAL EXPERIENCE Arts charity Sunshine International has launched a crowdfunding campaign to take 35 local disadvantaged children to Notting Hill Carnival.
The charity says it sees the event as an opportunity to inspire children, to express themselves, to engage with craft and to be the centre of attention,
who otherwise would not be able to afford to go. ■■ visit https://www.gofundme.com/ siacarnival.
Brixton will provide home for London’s first community fridge by Olivia Haughton Brixton is going to be home to London’s first community fridge. In response to the need for solutions to food waste and food poverty, volunteers have come together to do something about it. The People’s Fridge is a public fridge where local businesses and residents can leave spare food for those in need. The project aims to cut food waste, encourage food sharing and help tackle food poverty. Once installed, the fridge will offer a secure, managed place for retailers, restaurants and individuals to share fresh food. “We will make sure that the food in the fridge is within date and safe to eat. The fridge is open for all to contribute to and take from but we will keep an eye on it,” say the organisers. The People’s Fridge reached its crowdfunding target of £1,000 in just three days.
Pupils from Sudbourne School paid tribute to David Bowie in the school’s annual musical extravaganza. The Sudbourne summer fair takes place at the school on Hayter Road on Sunday 3 July from 12.30 to 3pm. Adults £1, children free. PICTURE: David Wilcock
Now, with a stretched fundraising goal of £3,000, the team will be able to provide better support for food sharing in Brixton and hopes to launch more fridges in the future. Inspired by community fridges in India, Spain, Germany and Frome in Somerset, The project developed out of U.Lab Grow Your Own Leaders (see page 10), a programme at Impact Hub Brixton earlier in the year. Residents have shown an overwhelming response, many of them taking to Twitter to show their support using the #itscooltobekind hashtag. Stuart Horwood, CEO of Brixton Market Traders’ Federation, said “the fridge will be an interesting addition to Brixton’s market life. I know it’s going to be a success!” ■■ The campaign is open until the 13 July and donations can be made via crowdfunder.co.uk/peoples-fridge. Follow @PeoplesFridge on Twitter to find out how the campaign is progressing.
Long-established and family-run, we provide the finest meat to Brixton’s best and award-winning restaurants. Enjoy our quality meat at home, Jones the Butcher now open to the public. We make our own sausages. Retail • Wholesale • Catering Orders Butchery Masterclasses 1 Dulwich Road London SE24 0NT T: 020 7274 4629 Monday to Wednesday: 5am to 12.30pm Thursday and Friday: 5am to 1.00pm Saturday: 9am to 1pm
Meat, the way it’s meant to be
Brixton Fund gives out grants for the second time! MIKE URBAN/BRIXTON BUZZ
The Brixton Fund is the Brixton Pound’s local grants scheme, introduced last year to increase the resources available for community and socially-minded activities in the area. On 7th June we held our first public Fund event, and together with those in attendance made the final decisions for this round of grants, out of a desire to make the process more transparent, participatory, and democratic. Thank you to everyone who came along, supported the event, spread the word, or got involved in any other way. Out of all 60 applicants to this round of funding, with the help of our Fund Panel, we shortlisted nine. Representatives of these were present at the event and everyone had a chance to speak to them about their project.
We are looking for people who would like to join the Fund Panel which scores applications to the Brixton Fund. It would require scoring up to 10 applications (two–four pages long) twice a year. If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in this way, please email us on info@brixtonpound.org
A youth-led careers event with Speech Inspired £573.50 An exhibition exploring the changing social landscape of Brixton with WANT/Xavier de Sousa £573.50 For more information about the Brixton Fund go to brixtonpound.org/ fund. MIKE URBAN/BRIXTON BUZZ
Join the Brixton Fund Panel
Then, each person was given 10 chickpeas with which they could vote for the projects – all were guaranteed some amount of funding, but the public vote helped decide on its distribution between the projects. After we counted up the chickpeas, the final results were: A four-day residential programme for young leaders with The Advocacy Academy £2000 A festival celebrating age with Age UK Lambeth £530 Promoting cycling and design with Bling Ya Bike £573.5 Refurbishing the kitchen at Brixton Community Base £1000 Supporting long-term unemployed into work with The Cornerstone Church Group £500 Feel Good Friday activities with Lambeth Elfrida Rathbone Society £1000
the WANT exhibition: “We had a wonderful time at the Brixton Fund event. The way it was run opened the possibilities to directly engage with people and to talk about possibilities of collaboration for our project on local levels. It also made the whole process more democratic and fair.”
A community gardening project with Sccoop £750
Amelia Viney, founder of The Advocacy Academy: “The Advocacy Academy is all about building powerful communities. We are so grateful to all the locals who came out to support us! You are helping a generation of ambitious but underprivileged young Londoners to be heard.” Xavier de Sousa, coordinator of
Tom Stannard, Community Development Worker at Age UK Lambeth: “The way the grants were allocated was brilliant – it reduced the sense of competition with other worthy causes by ensuring no one went home empty-handed. Best of all, the voting system meant the money got allocated in accordance with what Brixton chooses instead of what it is told will be good for it!” Leon Jackson, founder of Speech Inspired: “I have never applied for funding in the past, as I always assumed it would be a long drawn out process. The Brixton Fund appealed to me because of the funding themes that were being considered, I feel are some of the most important areas of focus within our community – so I went for it. It has been a very seamless, fluid and enjoyable process.”
How you can support the Brixton Fund The next round of funding is planned for autumn, and we’d like to make it even bigger than this one! If you’d like to support the Brixton Fund, you can do so in a number of ways: Play the Brixton Bonus! Every month you have a chance to win B£1,000 to spend in Brixton’s independent businesses, or runner-up prizes. Tickets are just £1, and if you sign up for
a recurring entry, you’ll get some sweet rewards from us too! Spend electronic Brixton Pounds: 1.5% of every pay-by-text transaction goes straight into the Fund. Treat yourself to a Bowie tribute cocktail, the Ziggy Stardust, at Three Eight Four – served with B£1 note. Every sale supports the Brixton Fund!
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JULY/AUGUST 2016
NEWS 7
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Community unites to honour pride, passion and confidence by Sandra Brobbey Young members of a boxing project that began life on Brixton’s Angell Town estate were honoured at an awards ceremony led by a local church minister, Lambeth police and a two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion. Tim Witherspoon, a former WBC and WBA champion and sparring partner to Muhammad Ali, joined Pastor Lorraine Jones and local boxing coaches presenting medals to 30 boys and girls at the Lambeth Boxing Awards. Local MP Helen Hayes and Lambeth’s first black mayor, Lloyd Leon MBE, were there at the Loughborough Junction railway arch now used as a base for non-contact boxing and fitness classes attended by children and adults from across south London. The Dwaynamics project was established in memory of Dwayne Simpson, a 20-year-old former Lambeth college student who was stabbed to death in 2014 after coming to the aid of a friend being chased on Brixton Road. He had set up a boxing club in Angell Town with the aim of
turning young people away from gang culture and helping them to learn new skills. Simpson’s friends and his mother Pastor Lorraine Jones (right) were inspired to create Dwaynamics to continue his work. The project led to the creation of the Lambeth Boxing Awards. “These awards are a joint community and police project. On the community side we have got local coaches and trainers putting so much energy into the work we do,” said Pastor Jones. “We also have some humble and inspirational police officers who come here every week to train our young people. “It all started off with Angell Delight which was the first premises Dwayne was given to set up his boxing project. When Lambeth police commander Richard Wood came to my home to pass on his condolences after Dwayne died, he asked to see the premises, based two minutes away from my home. “When I brought him to Angell Delight, which is a run down community centre, he looked at the space and told me he was going to
help me to keep a legacy for my son. “Commander Wood’s deputy, superintendent Sean Oxley, led a team who have worked with us and supported us when we registered Dwaynamics. “We want to grow bigger which is why we created these boxing awards and I am so proud of all the young people who received their awards. They are an important part of our community.” Superintendent Oxley joined Pastor Jones in paying tribute to the young award winners and the local coaches who train them. “Dwaynamics and the Lambeth Boxing Awards are not just about boxing,” he said. What we have here is people working together in a positive environment. My passion is boxing. Aside from my police work I boxed for Lambeth borough
from 1989 to 1992. “I had 43 fights and learned all the things that you can from boxing and the benefits that it can provide to young people. We have had 30 boys and girls come through. I’m very proud of them and I’m also proud of the work our coaches and police officers do together on a weekly basis.” Youngsters living with disabilities are among the dozens of children who have joined the project’s classes in recent months. Among them is nine-year-old Shanakaye (above with Tim Wither spoon, centre, and Dwaynamics coaches) who has attended sessions for 12 weeks. Her mother, Patricia Broderick, says the project has given her daughter a confidence boost. “Shanakaye has cerebral
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palsy. When I started going to Dwaynamics boxing sessions she kept asking me if they had a class that she could do. At the time they were not running classes for young people with disabilities but Richard Davis (Dwaynamics head coach) was keen to do it but didn’t know where to begin. “I introduced him to the people at the Mary Sheridan Centre, part of the Evelina Hospital. They have physiotherapists and occupational therapists that help children with disabilities. “Shanakaye was the first person with a disability to attend the non-contact boxing sessions they run here. She used to walk with a twist and before she came here she couldn’t skip. Now she can and it’s really helped her physically. She is more confident in herself.”
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2016 JULY/AUGUST
BooHoo Brixton: buy a carpet or stop carping Gentrification is inevitable, remorseless and devoid of conscience – and won’t be stopped by shaming pop-ups, says Nick Buglione
rose-tinted spectacles. All nighters and carrot cake at the (single screen) Ritzy, Soul II Soul’s residency at The Fridge, the hedonistic early golden days of The Dogstar, warehouse raves at CoolTan, Alabama 3 at Mass, the day Mandela came. Gentrification. Brixton. Hot topic. But we also had riots, racial tensions, Everyone’s fave family-run Portuguese run-down arcades, and the jaunt that delicatessen closes under the weight of new is today’s Coldharbour Lane was only rents, Brindisa arrives. Chicken Liquor is undertaken at night with trepidation and/ selling ironic coals to Newcastle, Foxtons or the desire to be sold oregano. agents are the disciples of Satan, house Brixton was a dark, occasionally desolate, prices have departed the earth’s atmosphere frayed and intimidating place. Which and we’ve been colonised by internaI loved. tional bright young things with tattoos, Gentrification, technically speaking, mortgages, hipster beards and disposable is “the buying and renovation of houses incomes. They’re flooding in. and stores in deteriorated urban neighWe are at breaking point. bourhoods by upper or middle Today’s Brixton is the go-toincome families or individuals, Unfortunately just-enough-edgy social soft-play improving property values but we can’t get off ground for a new population often displacing low-income of boho south Londoners. If the gentrification families and small businesses”. only we could introduce a In many ways, that is bus at our own points-based entry system or Brixton’s last decade or so in a personal stop have them all encamped on the nutshell … a slightly messier borders of Stockwell. yellow brick road to one day Meanwhile, old and slightly bitter becoming south London’s Notting Hill (with Brixton scowls in the shadows muttering a dash of Shoreditch). gentrification, social cleansing and houseWhether this is a good thing or price apartheid at the new bohemians as (apparently) the end of civilisation is they obliviously queue up for sourdough not remotely the point. It is inevitable, pizza, streety-snacks and dirty cocktails. remorseless and devoid of conscience. Oh the horror. When I was their age, And certainly isn’t going to be halted Brixton was a different type of playground by curiously devised protests such as that I suspect I remember with distinctly “shaming” the bemused proprietors of a
champagne and cheese bar by the mass brandishing of Dairylea triangles. We can’t say we like the Village and having some really good places to eat and drink, but we don’t want chains such as Wahaca. All roads lead to Brindisa and then on to Petit Bateau and Jack Wills. Unfortunately we can’t get off the gentrification bus at our own personal stop. Mine would be circa mid to late 90s. A slightly scary five minutes on Reclaim Brixton’s Facebook page reveals a curious cast of people who think they can, for whom the new Brixtonians are a class war issue, for whom every new bar or sea container encased pop-up is a crime against humanity. There are some interestingly engaged people on there, but also a healthy slice of the troll-a-sphere with too much time on their hands. And underneath the arches, it appears a luxurious position to bemoan the death of The Baron or the carpet shop, or the wig shop, while never ever having shopped in them. Doesn’t that just make them cultural window dressing? Without getting all Milton Friedman, sometimes the market decides what lives or dies.
And how many of the processed cheese waving soldiers for social democracy (or their armchair sympathisers) are complaining about their house skyrocketing in value, or that the streets are relatively safer, or that there is more than just Speedy Noodle to eat out in? And what do we do with Mama Lan, Honest and (even) Franco Manca that started out as little poppy-uppy independents, and are now bona fide chains themselves. Disown them? I’m absolutely all for keeping libraries open, shopping local and making sure the council does its share to give existing businesses a fair chance, but daubing Foxtons’ window with crude slogans and waving Dairylea triangles at a pop-up champagne bar is strategically dubious and obvious, let alone trivial. I bought a house here as this is the place I grew up in, where I want my children to grow up, and yes, be aware of its history and heritage. And if that is a Brixton without a carpet shop under the arches, I am just going to have to live with it. And if I really wanted to do something about it, I would buy a carpet. ■■ nickbuglione.com
Calais and the crisis of solidarity How ridiculous our borders and boundaries are – Leonie Rousham reflects on a visit the Jungle refugee camp in Calais The refugee crisis is both real and personal and its existence demands that we start thinking of ourselves as a world rather than an island. I recently visited the Calais refugee camp known as The Jungle, volunteering to teach English for a couple of days. What struck me about the camp, and its school in particular, was its resilience – regularly visited by teachers volunteering from Lambeth NUT and the Brixtonbased group Stand up to Racism. The drive within the camp to learn French or English is astounding. Despite long, gruelling nights, scaling fences, dodging traffic, tear gas and rubber bullets – all ages walk through the doors at 11 in the morning. One child who I taught had picked up four languages on her journey to France. Being part of a classroom of mixed ages, abilities and most importantly languages,
made me realise how ridiculous our borders and boundaries are. Calais camp is not just the product of a refugee crisis – but of a crisis of solidarity. The racism which was terrifyingly legitimised by the referendum vote is only further evidence of a widespread drought of compassion. The convoy to Calais on 18 June was a significant humanitarian response, yet the French government stopped most of the 250 plus vehicles and the aid they carried from crossing its borders. Despite this, we still have to
retain faith in the power of direct action to combat fear-mongering and scapegoating. Street art and narratives can continue our protests. The convoy may have been physically repelled, but Apple founder Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian migrant, creeps into the Jungle, sprayed onto the wall by Banksy. In the artwork, Jobs embodies the thousands of exiles fleeing war zones and desperate situations, who represent so much potential. Banksy’s recent artworks are an example of the impact artistic
activism can have in raising awareness and encouraging direct action. They have been shared all over the mainstream media and made it into a list of the top French tourist attractions; whereas the stories of those actually living in exile have mostly been ignored by the same media. The efforts of the convey were not wasted, they will continue to spread through these artistic platforms, until heard and felt. A teary figure from Les Miserables trapped in a cloud of CS gas has been sprayed onto the French Embassy in London – a critique of the use of tear gas and pellets on Calais refugees. An interactive barcode below the graffiti takes the viewer to a video of the French police invading the camp on 5 January 2016 – providing a platform to expose an otherwise completely hidden attempt to evict around 1,500 refugees. Some may be angry that Britain has left the EU, but rather than turning against our neighbours whose injustices and pains have been channelled into the wrong
firing line, we need to continue to campaign. The fight for an alternative Europe is where our efforts should turn. There is a silence at the moment surrounding the Calais camp that demands a wave of insurgence to slice through it. Using immigration as a scapegoat for problems caused by a corrupt elite is not sustainable and through our voice and narrative, let’s hope that we can encourage a swift realisation of this. ■■ Look on the websites Care4Calais or Save the Children for more information on how YOU can take action.
JULY/AUGUST 2016
OPINION 9
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BRIXTON BUGLE
COMMENT Do we know something that the rest of Britain does not? The European Union referendum result was a shock for many Brixton people. Its effects go from placing a big question mark over the already fraught economic prospects for boroughs like Lambeth to the grim realisation that racism – casual and much worse – is still a fact of life in 21st century Britain. We can take some small comfort from the fact that Lambeth was, apart from Gibraltar, the electoral district that was the most opposed to lurching backwards to an imaginary England that never existed. But even in Brixton, as we read or heard from the avalanche of media coverage, there are people who voted to leave the EU for fear of their job, or in the hope of getting one. No point now in heaping blame on the media or the “leave” campaign for a series of outright lies about the economy and employment that, even now, they are desperately trying to pretend were never uttered. Perhaps one reason Lambeth voted as it did is that it is home to so many people – or their descendants – who came here to make a new life and succeeded. They, and the existing residents who welcomed them, know that the world will not stop so that we can get off. Syrian refugee children, the tens of thousands of people from abroad without whom the NHS would collapse in an instant and the Windrush generation, now sadly passing away, are all aspects of one fact that cannot be ignored. The world is shrinking at an unprecedented rate. The effects for millions of people range from minor inconvenience to exile and death. Did Lambeth vote as it did because, in some ways, we are that world in miniature; because, living in Brixton, we know that not only do we have to get along, but that life is so much richer when we do?
Ellie Scofield with Syrian refugee Ahmad at the Ritzy after the screening of This is Exile
Are you interested in making a difference? Brixton resident Ellie Scofield, a Save the Children community champion, explains why she campaigns for Syrian refugee children and how anyone can get involved The number of refugees is at its highest level since the end of World War II, with the number of people forcibly displaced by violence and conflict nearly 60 million. Half of those are children. A third of the 10 million stateless people worldwide are children, who are unable to claim rights, protection, education and healthcare. With this issue likely to remain one of the top global issues in years to come, we need to urge world leaders to commit to long-term solutions to support vulnerable child refugees. More than 6,600 people have died on the journey by sea or land to Europe. Children fleeing bombs, bullets and torture in war zones like Syria end up living in desperate and inhumane conditions without access to protection, education or basic rights. Meeting Ahmad, a refugee who fled the conflict in Syria, and hearing what he has experienced first hand in war zones was utterly shocking and has motivated me further to get involved with Save the Children’s campaign. Save the Children works along the whole route that refugees take in Europe, ensuring that children are protected wherever possible. Alongside distribution of essentials such as food, tents and clothing, the charity also organises spaces where children can play, feel safe and engage in activities that may help them forget the stress and trauma that they have experienced. Save the Children relies on essential donations to continue its work in the field. We need to urge the people of Europe, one of the wealthiest regions in the world, to push themselves further to help people in such desperate need. One Saturday last month, I and a couple of other Save the Children Volunteers screened the award-winning film This is Exile at the Ritzy to raise awareness in the
local community. It documents what life is like for a child in exile. To see their entire world utterly destroyed; their homes, their schools, their friends and families killed, is devastating. Perhaps even more disturbing was to hear their shattered hopes for the future, and their bitterness and anger towards life. These children will grow up lacking education and a proper future. They have experienced unimaginable trauma and witnessed atrocities they can never forget. To refuse such children entry into
‘They have experienced unimaginable trauma and witnessed atrocities they can never forget. To refuse such children entry is not acceptable’ the UK and other European countries is not acceptable. Aside from negotiating a peace agreement in Syria, we want EU member states to tackle the refugee crisis by adopting a five-point plan focused on maintaining search operations to save lives in the Mediterranean; provide safe and legal routes to Europe; provide suitable reception facilities; provide resettlement programmes
with special priority for children; and provide regional plans including sufficient aid for the countries that refugees are fleeing from. We are calling for: ●● Measures to keep children safe ●● Ensure all displaced children get an education ●● Special measures for unaccompanied children ●● Safe and legal routes for the most vulnerable children. As a volunteer for Save the Children I have really enjoyed getting involved with campaigning for children both in the UK and abroad. I have met some fantastic people, met my local MP Chuka Umunna and had the chance to go to 10 Downing Street. If you are interested in getting involved with volunteering with Save the Children more details can be found at http://bit.ly/STC-volunteer. If you are interested in campaigning through social media, local media, organising events or contacting your MP to try and implement change, STC’s community champion role may be for you. We have many other opportunities including fundraising, reading with children, speaking roles, helping at local events and opportunities in our local charity shops. Please get in touch with Save the Children if you are interested in making a difference. ■■ More about the film This is Exile: http://bit.ly/STC-TIE.
TWO WELCOMES – TO HELP AND TO DISCOVER Friends Bashar, Sawsan, Fadi, Bela, Khairun, Eddie and Manar are hosting Marhabtayn – a Syrian Supper Club – at their home in Brixton to raise funds for refugees. Marhabtayn, a traditional Syrian greeting, means “two welcomes” in Arabic. The friends say the club
will be “a night of fabulous Syrian food and music in a South London home and garden and a chance to find out about Syrian culture and society and to show solidarity with the Syrian people”. The first event is on Friday 15 July from 7pm. All money raised will go to individual Syrians who are still in Syria,
or in the host countries of Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, who are in need of medical care, assistance to re-start their lives, or for legal costs. The friends hope to host a bigger event in October. ■■ Tickets from: http://bit.ly/MSSC-1507. ■■ Facebook: http://bit.ly/29rw9ec.
10 INCREDIBLE EDIBLE
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2016 JULY/AUGUST
Made in Chelsea – growing in Angell Town By Susan Sheehan Last month I was fortunate enough to spend an afternoon in Angell Town with Simon Ghartey and some local and not-so-local volunteers installing a genuine Royal Horticultural Society garden, direct from the Chelsea Flower Show, on a green patch at the heart of estate. Residents from the estate were buzzing with excitement. Antoinella Prempeh, who lives opposite the garden, was beaming. “It is such a positive change for us. This is a ‘top notch’ garden – something that you would normally only see in Kensington or Chelsea – here on my doorstep”. Every plant from the Chelsea show garden has been saved. The vegetable patch, a short walk away from the flower garden, is filled with tomatoes, chillies and much more. Jasmine and Jada Atiemo said “with the help of neighbours and other volunteers we managed to transform a weedy tangled mess into a lovely vegetable patch.” The only part of the garden that did not come was the potting shed made out of an old container, because the residents didn’t want it, says the RHS. Simon Ghartey, founder of the social enterprise Progress, will continue to run gardening clubs as he has done in the area for nine years, building communities around gardens as they take responsibility for tending plants and open spaces. Local vicar Rosemarie Mallett said: “The garden is a symbol of the community
creating a better environment for themselves through engaging with organisations like the RHS. It wouldn’t be here if people didn’t say they wanted it and if people hadn’t got involved, with Simon’s help.” For Simon, life has been extremely busy and exciting over the last few weeks. He and some of the residents helped install the show garden at Chelsea, and then attended the show itself where they found themselves posing for lots of photos. “We were the celebrities,” said Simon. Perhaps the biggest celebrities were Tavesha Steele, who got to present flowers to the Queen and Joshua Homiah, who will help maintain the garden, and was featured on BBC TV’s Gardeners’ World. After all the excitement, Simon worked with residents and volunteers to bring the garden back to Angell Town. Around 100 residents from the estate were involved and got their hands dirty! Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist of the RHS, was visiting at the same time as me. He has some horticultural tips that include “editing” the planting scheme. Most of the plants are perennial but it is worth collecting seeds and adding fresh plants in from time to time, he said, and he recommended adding in some popular herbs such as rosemary and thyme to complement the lavender. The garden will continue to be supported by the RHS through their “It’s Your Neighbourhood” scheme that provides support from RHS garden
Simon Ghartey leading the way installing the show garden at Chelsea
Tavesha Steele presenting flowers to the Queen at Chelsea
Residents turned out for a visit to the garden from London mayor Sadiq Khan immediately after its installation at the beginning of June advisors. This scheme is available to all community gardens. A final word from another resident and member of the resident management board, Christine Porter: “The garden is very inspirational. Lots of residents are already involved in the vegetable growing and the
new flower garden has brought out people I haven’t seen for a while – so it makes me feel that it’s really worthwhile.” ■■ You can find out more about Progress at www.thisisprogress.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @progresslondon
Simon with Rosemarie Mallett and Angell Town residents – ‘we were the celebrities’
Grow your own way – and let inspiration bear fruit
Olivia Haughton, who took part in the Incredible Edible course that helped to give rise to the Brixton People’s Fridge, explains how she benefited from it In the last few months you may have read in the Bugle and elsewhere about the U.Lab “Grow
Your Own Leaders” programme run in the spring by Incredible Edible Lambeth and Impact Hub Brixton. The premise of the course may seem foreign to many but the experience can benefit everyone. It’s quite hard to describe what U.Lab is. Even now, having gone through the process, I struggle to condense the theory into a tidy sentence to relay to friends the journey I’ve been on.
The theoretical grounding of the course seemed a little daunting at first and I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for. In practice what I gained was a network of supportive people who all want to make a difference and together we were equipped with the tools to do so. It’s been over a month since U.Lab finished and I’m still reaping the benefits with a feeling of greater community connection and personal development.
U.Lab teaches active listening, empathetic interaction and creative development – skills I hadn’t considered drawing on to enhance my career and community, and yet in practising them have begun to see shifts. My biggest take-away has been a sense of possibility and progression; the idea of “iterate, iterate, iterate” translates into a practical tool for turning talk and plans into action. Essentially, fail fast in order
to succeed. The first tangible outcome is the prototype for a Brixton Community Fridge to tackle food waste and poverty in one go. While our recent course focused on food, the applications for U.Lab are endless and can benefit whole communities. The conscious and conscientious process of generating change together creates a platform upon which sparks of inspiration and whispered hopes can bear fruit.
JULY/AUGUST 2016
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BRIXTON PEOPLE 11
Breaking through barriers
Florence Eshalomi grew up in the ‘barrier block’ on Brixton’s Somerleyton estate. Today she represents the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark on the Greater London Assembly. On the day after the biggest political upheaval in Britain for years, she spoke to Bugle reporter David Child and editor Linda Quinn Florence Eshalomi meets us in the Brixton enough mixed housing,” she says. Pound Shop on Atlantic Road looking Eshalomi was brought up on the very together for someone who has been Somerleyton estate in where her family still up half the night watching referendum live. She says: “Living in Southwyck House, results come in. Despite the Brexit shock, my mum would contact the council about she is upbeat that Londoners overwhelmleaks, and get a letter back about something ingly rejected what she calls the Tories’ different. A simple problem but the council “nasty” campaign. seemed unable to help us.” On the London Assembly, she has taken Frustration with the way the council over from Val Shawcross, who stepped treated its tenants, a growing belief that down in May after 16 years as Labour you need to be in power to change things, member for Lambeth and Southwark. and that you need role models who reflect Eshalomi is an all too rare example of a their community – people who look and local girl from a BME (black and minority sound like you – were all factors that ethnic) community who has made it in influenced her. She says many young people see change politics. And, as the new Assembly spokesShe was one of a group of young Labour as something that goes on without them person for transport, she has a big remit. activists who went to the key swing state having a part in. They are not consulted, “Transport links so many things.” She of Ohio in the US and worked on the 2008 or lack skills and money. She is also says. “Regeneration, housing, schools – all Obama campaign, where she met Michelle concerned about the breakdown of family are affected by transport, and it affects how Obama. It was this, plus a spell at Utrecht units and mental health issues in the people feel about an area. university in the Netherlands studying BME community. “From the top of Brixton Hill to the politics, gender and ethnicity where she For Eshalomi, her faith “is really Tube station is one of the worst in London became active in student politics, that important”. She says: “In the church for pollution and air quality.” Congestion cemented her belief that young people need halls on Sundays at any given time there is another big problem for commuters. to be active in politics if they want change. will be 500 young people. Why can’t we, Buses disgorge people at the Tube which is It’s for this reason that she championed as the council or the police, reach those regularly over-crowded. the Lambeth Youth Mayor scheme when young people?” She wants the infrastructure improved she was first elected as a councillor. She Although she understands what draws and an increase in capacity. She is also keen sees the scheme’s success in the range young people towards gang culture, she on encouraging cycling and walking as alter- of backgrounds the youth mayors come also thinks society needs to be a lot tougher natives and is hoping to from, including a former on perpetrators of violent crime. “We see the appointment of a gang member and need to show them we will not tolerate She thinks that politicians “walking tsar”. another from a youth violence on our streets. It affects the Outside her immediate have to be more honest referral unit. whole community.” responsibility of Role models are and admit when they make transport, she says that: important in encouraging mistakes and apologise “A key thing is making others to be active. She sure investment comes cites Black Labour MP into Lambeth and Southwark”. Diane Abbott – elected in 1987 for Hackney On housing, a hot topic in Brixton, North and Stoke Newington and currently Eshalomi believes that “The mayor needs to Labour’s shadow health secretary – as work with London councils to get the right someone who led the way. “She speaks her type of housing mix. I would like to see mind and you have to respect her for that,” regulation of the private sector, with longer she says. tenancies and security and a reduction in She also thinks that politicians have to the fees private landlords charge.” be more honest and admit when they make She is an enthusiast for mayor Sadiq mistakes and apologise. Khan’s plan for a London-wide not-forEshalomi is clear that her home town has profit letting agency. “Being an Assembly changed for the better. People are no longer member gives me the opportunity to work scared to come to the area. “When I went to with the mayor, to influence and make sure school in Streatham, friends wouldn’t come developers build housing that suits local to see me in Brixton, have to go Brixton, London, SW9 8LD 2BI would Market Row, people,” she says. to them.” T:MP 020 3583 Chuka 8020 But, like so many Brixton residents, she But, like her local colleague is also concerned about the pace of change. Umunna, who told E: themissdbrixton@outlook.com Bugle that some local “Residents and businesses are worried youth are living in a “parallel universe”, about rents going through the roof, our she is worried by youth disengagement and schools are over-subscribed and there’s not violence among young people.
Dionne Ruddock Director
For youngsters interested in being a future Florence Eshalomi, she recommends shadowing a local councillor or chief executive for a couple of weeks. But she stresses that interns who work for longer should be paid. Eshalomi says people should feel confident they are being listened to, and elected representatives should reflect the make-up of the local community while at the same time representing everyone. When she first stood as a Lambeth councillor for Brixton Hill 10 years ago, there were only three non-white councillors out of 63, despite a 45 per cent BME electorate. “If somewhere like Lambeth isn’t diverse, what does it say about the rest of the country,” she says. “That 2006 election took the number of BME councillors to 12 and I’m proud to have been one of those.”
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Brixton BID is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening Brixton’s diverse business culture. We represent over 650 levy‑paying businesses in the local area and work to develop new and exciting opportunities for Brixton. Night time Tube to Brixton London Underground’s long-awaited Night Tube will be launched on 19 August. The Victoria Line will be one of the first to go live, starting and ending at Brixton Station. The Night Tube will bring the opportunity for later opening of many of Brixton’s restaurant venues. It is also hoped that the later trains will enable crowds from gigs and night time venues to be dispersed more gradually with staggered closing times. Brixton BID facilitates the Brixton Night Time Economy forum which enables leaders of our many evening venues to come together quarterly to discuss issues and work collaboratively with the local authority, helping build a safe and fun night time offering that brings great economic value to the area.
Additional cleaning for the town centre Brixton BID has commissioned additional weekly cleaning throughout the year of pavements in Brixton town centre on top of services provided by Lambeth Council. Look out for the Brixton BID-branded scrubbers every Saturday from 6am until 3pm on pavements all around the BID area. The service is paid for by some of the BID levy collected from businesses in Brixton. Businesses are convinced that improving the public realm will increase footfall in Brixton. Improving our pavements by removing the smell of urine, litter and unsightly stains will help to make Brixton more welcoming to all. AA If a business would like the a specific pavement area cleaned, they can book a slot by calling 020 3417 7373 or emailing admin@brixtonbid.co.uk. Tweet @BrixtonBID if you see the cleaning in progress or wish to nominate an area!
BID funds dedicated police officers Two police officers dedicated to the Brixton BID area will begin working on Monday 4 July. They will serve the business community, working on priorities set by the BID and its members and provide an increased police presence in and across the town centre areas. The aim is for the officers to build relationships with local businesses, working with them to tackle crime issues. The two Metropolitan Police Officers will be funded from the budget raised by Brixton BID. Working with the local authority, the BID has taken advantage of the London Mayor’s Met Patrol Plus scheme, which provides the services of two officers for the price of one. Michael Smith, Director of Brixton BID said: “Businesses have identified policing as a key priority relating to both the night time and daytime economies in Brixton. The introduction of the officers will mean Brixton has a dedicated police resource to focus on business-related concerns, such as antisocial behaviour, begging and shoplifting.”
020 3417 7373 admin@brixtonbid.co.uk
@BrixtonBID brixtonbid.co.uk
Book an appointment now to reduce your businesses costs
Neter Vital – Mind, body and soul Neter Vital, also known as Brixton Mind, Body and Soul, is a health centre, focusing on overall wellness. The store has occupied a space on Brixton Station Road since 1994 and provides a range of products and services supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community. Daniel Solomon, manager of the centre since 2012 and known to regulars as “Neb”, takes great pride in the centre’s role as a local community hub. Neter Vital specialises in health, cultural and spiritual products. These include an impressive array of natural health and beauty products, such as moisturisers, soaps and lotions. The centre also offers high quality wholefoods and nutritional products for people seeking a balanced and healthy diet. Neter Vital provides health seminars, meditation lessons and nutritional consultations. All are welcome to its free spiritual and cultural classes to learn as well as ask any questions. Daniel says: “We work to support the community by helping them through circumstances they find themselves going through.” AA For Bugle readers interested in the products and services on offer, Neter Vital offers them a 5% discount on any purchase – quote the code NV2511.
Want to save money on your business costs? The BID has teamed up with Meercat Associates and their BID buying group which can identify savings of up to £1,000 per year on core business costs including energy; telecoms (including broadband and mobiles) pest control; handyman and testing; merchant fees; insurance; stationery; and printing. Meercat Associates are also able to help with waste and recycling through their dedicated BID partnership with First Mile. Susana Crespo is our dedicated Brixton account manager, look out for an email or call from her soon! She is available for face to face meetings at your place of business on Tuesdays. AA If you want to save money by reducing your business costs sooner rather than later, call 01444 416529 to book an appointment.
Glory Glamour offers affordable one‑stop beauty shop space for professionals in heart of Brixton Glory Glamour is a new business solution in the heart of Brixton offering shared salon and workspace for hair stylists, barbers, beauticians and dressmakers – all under one roof. Sisters Henrietta Kyeremaa and Mawushie Agbleze saw that the rising cost of Brixton retail space was preventing professionals in beauty and grooming from setting up on their own. To reduce the massive overheads, they have created a shared workspace and turned it into a fun and bustling one-stop beauty shop where you can have your hair, eyelashes and nails done, and men can go for a shave and cut. AA There are still chairs available for barbers and hairdressers so call Henrietta on 07984 321841 or Mawushie on 07401 012 758 or drop by 28 Electric Avenue Brixton SW9 8JR for the glamour treatment.
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14 COMMUNITY
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2016 JULY/AUGUST PICTURES ©KAYLA PENNELL
A big idea that was born in Brixton Kate Crawford, a director of Transition Town Brixton’s buildings and energy group, traces the development of an award-winning and game-changing approach to generating energy that began here Brixton Energy grew out of a meeting called by Transition Town Brixton in 2008. Duncan Law, TT’s founder, recalls that a group of a dozen people met regularly in the Trinity Arms for several years. That group morphed into Brixton Energy. Under the banner “Power to, for and by the People”, it set up a series of not-for-profit cooperative societies. These coops now operate solar panel projects on two buildings in the Loughborough Estate, Elmore House, which drew in £58,000 from local investors through a community share offer, and Styles Gardens, with an investment of £61,500, and homes on the Roupell Park Estate, with an investment of £64,500. The Greater London Authority estimates that the city has enough roof space suitable for solar panels to generate electricity equivalent to the consumption of nearly 2 million homes. Repowering London is a development of Brixton Energy, created to replicate the model across the city. The most recent example of this is the Banister House community benefit society in Hackney, which issued shares to raise £149,500. Transition Town Brixton put a lot of effort into setting up Brixton Energy. Two of the original founders, Afsheen Rashid and Agamemnon Otero, Repowering’s CEO, have been awarded MBEs for services to the community energy sector. Earlier this year Repowering won the Ashden Award for sustainable communities in recognition of its leadership in sustainable energy. Transition Town Brixton is very proud of them, and would like anyone who has Repowering London is organising a free workshop for Loughborough Estate residents on how to make portable solar panels to charge phones or tablets on Saturday 9 July from 10am to 4pm at Woolley House undercroft. Details from luke.jones@repowering.org.uk or 020 3674 7519. £75 for non-residents. a near impossible ambition to change the world to be encouraged by them. What were the ingredients at the start? Afsheen Rashid, the co-founder and director of Repowering London, points to a thread that runs through the organisation’s work: mutual respect and listening. Gently, the group assembled a shared commitment and found that they could call on a pool of people behind the scenes – mentors, enthusiasts, wise advisors and advocates. That initial “learning to listen” became critical. “Allowing others to take ownership and remembering that every new place is different and tends to take the same generous amount of time at the start to build trust,” is one of the lessons that has propelled Repowering London and continues to inspire its founders. ■■ More at www.repowering.org.uk
Grit school takes music out of the classroom Fast-rhyming lyrics, soulful melodies and hip-popping tunes are in the air as Pop Brixton plays host to young performers from The Grit School Live, writes Annabel Sampson Foot-tappingly catchy and highly watchable – it’s not often that you get to hear such raw talent. The Grit School Live at Pop Brixton was an opportunity for people to catch an early glimpse of local aspiring artists and musicians as they finished a course with the charity School Ground Sounds (SGS). It was the concluding performance of the six-week intensive course on the ins and outs of the music business, led by music industry professionals for aspiring musicians aged 16 to 24. It is the latest addition to the free programme offered by SGS, which was founded by 25-year-old Tom Scott. Despite not being musical himself, Scott was well qualified to start the charity. At university, he and a friend set up Bristol Couch, a project that filmed unsigned musicians on a red inflatable sofa that popped up in and around Bristol, from rooftops to record shops. Fortunate timing led to the pair capturing a young George Ezra, shortly before he ricocheted to super stardom. The online platform has since attracted
over a million views. In 2012 Scott joined the Teach First charity’s programme to end inequality in education by building exceptional leaders and was placed in a school near Brixton to teach maths. As if by fate, there he discovered a pristine, practically untouched recording studio, the ideal place for the sessions. Scott describes how they strung up fairy lights transforming the classroom into a ritzier studio space. 15-year-old Sitey was the first student to be filmed covering Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come, a song that became the anthem for the civil rights movement. “It was moving to hear her singing so perfectly into the microphone from behind the camera.” Scott describes this as his “light bulb” moment. “There’s so much talent in these schools. Voices that have been completely untrained but are completely perfect.” A few weeks later, Sitey’s recording was played to the school assembly. “You could hear a pin drop in the room, nobody could believe how good she was.”Scott recalls how students craned their necks to catch sight of her. “It was one of those powerful moments, when you think OK, she’ll remember that for the rest of her life – that’s the kind of stuff we’re trying to do here.” Although Scott left teaching, School Ground Sounds, based at Impact Hub in Pop Brixton, serves as a way to combine his interests in education and music, while countering the
failure of the British music industry to develop young musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds. Impact Hub is a great place to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and freelancers. The charity has worked with about 150 students from different musical disciplines and levels of ability Scott’s colleague Kayleigh is the charity’s programme director and a professional drummer. Projects in the mix include song-writing competitions and professional mentoring sessions. Students are being recognised on the streets and the YouTube channel is attracting more visitors. Major TV players, such as The Voice, have been in touch. SGS aims to make young people’s experience of music education more stimulating and relevant, dare I say “cooler”. Scott explains: “One thing I noticed while teaching is that students were coming into school with their headphones listening to music and loving it, but when seeing that they have music ‘period five’ that day, they would groan. There’s a strange disconnect there and that’s where we can hopefully fit in.” Following The Grit School Live, from atop the stage, he says: “It’s times like this when I feel I have the best job in the world. I’ve sort of created a job that combines everything I enjoy.” ■■ School Ground Sounds works with secondary schools in London to provide additional music opportunities. It uses high quality studios to record and develop young musicians, showcase their work and kick-start their musical journeys. See http://schoolgroundsounds.org.
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BRIXTON PEOPLE 15
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A journey from devastation to salvation Yvonne Ellis, founder of the community support group Daughter Arise, tells Celia Buzuk how being abused as a child made her determined to help others recognise and overcome the trauma of child abuse Yvonne Ellis’ father had begun to sexually abuse her when she was just nine-years-old. Now 39, she speaks of a culture of inertia and denial in her family that allowed the abuse to continue for over half a decade, motivating her to found the Brixton support group, Daughter Arise. The group helps survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and get the support they need. “Every Friday and Saturday night, when my father used to sexually abuse me, he would take me across the estate to my nan’s house. He used to get me up out of my bed, put on my coat over my night dress and tell me to go and wait under the stairs in our
living room.” She discovered years later that her father had been her grandmother’s partner first (a year separated them in age) before moving on to her mother who was only 12 or 13 at the time. “He used to come into the bathroom every night and assault me. Years later, when I asked my mother about this, she said it was normal for Jamaican fathers to come into the bathroom and do that with their daughters.” Yvonne Ellis only found the words to describe what had happened to three generations of women in her family when Childline visited her school in 1988 to educate pupils about sexual abuse. But when Yvonne reported the abuse to Childline, the family closed ranks to protect her father from prosecution: “The police took me to hospital where I was examined and they confirmed my physical scarring. “During this time, my mother and grandmother stripped bare the room that I was abused in every night for five years to remove any evidence, and he walked free.” Yvonne was taken into the care system where she describes grieving for the loss of her family and her childhood. At her lowest point, she suffered depression, two nervous breakdowns and
suicidal thoughts. “I ended up in a clinic in Chelsea. I was broken. I was very destructive. I smoked weed. I drank alcohol. I went through a stage of promiscuity. I was a reckless person and I did anything I could to avoid facing up to it.” Despite the enormous personal and emotional cost of coming forward, Yvonne wants to encourage others to do the same. “If you asked me if I would do it again, I would in a heartbeat, because I couldn’t go on. I am not going to live my life in secret. “I want people to find the courage to come forward and get the support that they need.
“While I won’t be able to forget, I will move on and use all that energy to help other people and take some good out of that.” Yvonne formed Daughter Arise in 2011. It holds a support group in Brixton once a month and provides a helpline on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm. The first point of contact is to email info@daughterarise.org.uk. “A lot of people come to me through my Daughter Arise Facebook page. If I have given talks, they will contact me through the literature that I have left behind. “Me and a couple of girls go to Brixton and Peckham and speak to people in the street. You will be surprised how many people come and talk to me and say, ‘I was sexually abused’,” Yvonne found that, while organisations such as NSPCC exist to help younger people, there is little support once survivors reach their late teens. “That was the age when the care system pushed me out and that was the gap that needed to be filled.” Her group offers practical help and emotional support for those going through the legal process as well as mentoring and befriending workshops. “I’m a Christian, so my faith in Jesus has helped me to talk about it, but also know that I have done nothing wrong. “The workshops that I have created are about looking at things that can help you start facing what has happened to you and move on to have a more hopeful future.” ■■ Yvonne has written a book Daughter Arise: A Journey from Devastation to Restoration. You can find out more information about Daughter Arise at www.daughterarise.org.uk or visit the Daughter Arise Facebook page.
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2016 JULY/AUGUST
My Brixton take away
As Ruth Waters and her arts co-editor Barney Evison prepare to step down, Ruth looks back over five years of writing about culture in Brixton Five years since I timidly introduced myself to the founding editors of the Brixton Blog in Mango Landin’ and began writing about local arts and artists. So much has changed. For a start that pub has closed, been demolished, and replaced with a brand new block of flats. But that’s a very negative place to start. As I look back over five years of cultural coverage in Brixton there are some brilliant highlights. The opening of the Black Cultural Archives, the beginning of the Brixton Design Trail, the Brixton Book Jam and Brixton-based Lambeth Heritage Festival, not to mention the rise and rise of the Lambeth Country Show, Open House and Open Studios in the borough and of course the much-anticipated move of the Ovalhouse to Brixton. In the near future Brixton will be the proud owner of a cinema, theatre, library, two archives and several gallery spaces. A cultural trail is not far away, and if you haven’t checked any of these out locally you must. Strange pop-up spaces have come and gone, but the saddest loss for the community has been the plethora of small venues which haven’t been able to keep pace with the rising rents. Where in Brixton will there now be a burlesque and comedy evening rolled into one as there used to be at Kaff bar? Without pubs like Mango Landin’, George IV and The Canterbury Arms, gig venues for musicians starting out are getting few and far between and it takes a lot to fill the O2 Academy. The loss of two neighbourhood libraries, Minet and Carnegie, has also been a real punch in the stomach for Brixton’s writers, readers and learners. But with what I’ve come to recognise as the Brixton fighting spirit, I don’t think anyone is taking this lying down. Interviewing and profiling local artists, writers, comedians, musicians and actors has been a privilege and a pleasure over
the past five years. From actress Adjoa Andoh shovelling jollof into my mouth on a break between a matinee and an evening performance of the RSC’s seminal all black Julius Caesar, to sculptor Lesley Hilling showing me her intricate door sculpture, encasing found and family treasure whilst her dog barked itself hoarse. Writers and local historians have inspired me with their miscellaneous facts (I have found out things about Speedy Noodle which no one should know) and musicians have wowed me with their cool (although also found out how they only drink Baileys or Rum when I’m buying the round). I’ve met people relying on their creativity to pay the bills, people juggling three jobs to afford their creativity and creative lifers who couldn’t live any other way, but everyone I’ve met has eulogised Brixton. Whatever their practice, and however long they have lived here, artists love Brixton. Even if they love arguing about it and being inspired by it in equal turns. The talent in the area is astounding. We have authors writing critically acclaimed first novels, children’s books about Brockwell Park, painters who have been commissioned by the Queen, actors from the national stage – and that’s before we even start thinking about musicians, from up-and-coming indie sensation Childhood to viral busking duo Tommy and Mary. Brixton is not far from the South Bank and we’re in the country’s culture capital, but my Brixton take away is this – if we want to foster creativity, to have artists here who don’t bus in from Croydon or Mitcham, we have to create and maintain spaces where they can afford to live, and cheap spaces where people can go and see them and their work. I strongly believe it will take more than gentrification to kill creativity in Brixton, but that isn’t to say it’s not getting seriously bruised along the way.
Last year 198 hosted ‘PUKIJAM’, an exhibition of videos, photographs, paintings and sculptural costumes by artist Jennifer Allen aka Quilla Constance (QC). QC’s multidisciplinary works transformed the gallery at 198 into a space where notions of cultural authenticity and taboo were challenged via a series of unexpected visual and aural combinations
198 – A safe space that is now in danger itself One-of-a-kind Brixton arts and community space 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning is under threat of closure. Having served the community since the Eighties, the organisation based on Railton Road must now raise funds to survive. Ruth Waters reports Nicola Cuvelier, Trustee at 198 and daughter of the space’s founder, Zoe Linsley-Thomas, who set up 198 in to serve the community in the wake of the riots, told the Brixton Bugle: “198 has survived for almost 30 years, through all sorts of politics, crises and funding issues, yet the current situation is different. “It is virtually impossible to get funding for core costs. This is what is killing us. No organisation can run without an overhead for premises and core staff.” Famed for creating a safe space where people can explore themselves, differences and dilemmas through art, a reliance on private donations sits uncomfortably with the ethos central to 198. “Because we serve the disadvantaged in our community, we’re not surrounded by wealthy people,” Nicola explains. But she is hopeful that, despite the government agenda to cut public funding, people will see that “if we are not careful there won’t be any more community organisations or community services for arts, culture and vulnerable youth. “Young people come to us as teenagers after getting in trouble or being excluded from school, and we provide them with a safe
space to learn new skills and express themselves. “Despite all the odds, with the right support, many of these young people have gone on to University or their own businesses and often stay involved with the organisation.” Through painting, sculpture, photography, video and performance the space has fearlessly addressed society’s big issues – poverty, inequality, racism, debt, crime – from the perspective of the people experiencing and being governed by them. A champion of BAME artists from the off, 198 runs exhibitions, workshops and tutorials throughout the year, reaching many who would never consider themselves gallery goers or arts consumers. But perhaps the organisation’s day has passed? Director Lucy Davies, who has led the organisation for the past 16 years, is adamant it continues to serve an important purpose. “With the recent hypergentrification in the area, our communities are becoming displaced,” Lucy says. “Our asset is a community legacy, and this is a pivotal time. We still occupy a position on the fringes, and too often we are used to tick diversity boxes, yet left scratching around on
the outskirts. We have a strong vision now and we need the community to get involved to make it happen.” With innovative schemes to get young people into work, matching creativity to employability, 198 is unafraid of change. Social enterprise Hustlebucks (with a shop in Granville Arcade/Brixton Village) and The Factory Project, train and mentor young entrepreneurs, matching them with businesses for professional contracts and with funding, the gallery would like to expand to have space for more projects, hot desking and commercial endeavours. For now, the organisation is working to generate revenue by offering the gallery for private hire and providing print services to local businesses. “We absolutely need to raise funds right now if we are to survive. We are appealing to the community to donate through our text to donate” Director Lucy urges. To make a donation text 70070 with the message CAAL98 £20 – or your chosen amount. You can also help by spreading the word about 198 and considering it for private hire or as a print supplier. ■■ Find out more online at www.198.org.uk and share your story on 198’s Facebook page.
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Now in its 42nd year, Lambeth Country Show returns to Brockwell Park on 16–17 July with eclectic outdoor pursuits and a stonking musical lineup of old and new school big hitters. Every year Lambeth Country Show attracts over 100,000 visitors to Brockwell Park for a free open-air celebration of city and country. A slightly bonkers mix of traditional country fair and urban music festival, this year’s event promises horticultural shows, sheep dog and owl displays, vegetable and flower competitions, and numerous craft and food stalls – not forgetting the Chucklehead Cider tent. Music is, of course, the main attraction for many and this year won’t disappoint, with a discerning selection of reggae, folk, ska and soul on offer. We caught up with Main Stage producer Nicky Ezer from Culture Productions to find out more about this year’s lineup. “We stay old school and bring in the new school,” she said, “with Incognito and their full band headlining Saturday, the park will be alive and dancing.” “The fresh vibes of (Mobo Award winning reggae artist) Stylo G alongside Jamaican legends on Roots Reggae Day on Sunday, plus a tribute to the amazing Rico Rodriguez, will as usual bring Caribbean sunshine to Brockwell Park,” she added. Locals can expect classic tunes from Brixton resident and reggae veteran Little Roy (right) on the Sunday. “I’m celebrating my 50th year in the business this year,” he told the Brixton Bugle, “I always look forward to my shows … I’ll be playing some of my famous songs.” Which means we’re likely to hear his acclaimed Nirvana covers
from 2011 album Battle for Seattle. Headlining on Saturday are acid jazz legends Incognito, following the release of their latest album In Search Of Better Days last month. Famous for hit cover tracks such as Always There and Don’t you worry ’bout a thing this is an exciting opportunity to catch these seminal performers onstage with a full 10-piece band. Founding member Bluey has fond memories of Brixton: “It’s where I spent a lot of my youth, where I learnt the ways of London,” he told us when we called him ahead of the event, “I feel like celebrating life whenever I’m in Brixton.” From recording early Incognito music in local studios in the 70s and 80s, to regularly playing the Fridge Bar in the early 90s, the band have some serious Brixton heritage. Other Main Stage acts include Jamaican reggae star Johnny Clarke, Mancunian hip-hoppers the Mouse Outfit, top UK saxophonist YolanDa Brown, and high-energy South London ska rockers Chainska Brassika. Head to the Village Green Stage for a range of local bands as Oxjam Clapham take over, with music from Brixton on the Saturday and Clapham on the Sunday. With local councils cutting cultural services left, right and centre, it’s heartening to see big local events such as Lambeth Country Show retain funding in this harsh economic climate. Opportunities for locals from all parts of our community to come together and have fun without having to spend money are becoming increasingly rare. “Long may Lambeth continue to fund such an event,” says Nicky from Culture Productions. Amen to that.
What does Rastafari mean to you? The Black Cultural Archives in Windrush Square is home to the Rastafari in Motion exhibition until 10 September. It tells the story of Emperor Haile Selassie and the Rastafari movement in the UK. Delores William spoke to members of the public who came along. “It struck me that the exhibition meant a lot of different things and brought back memories to people in many ways, which was touching,” she says. A broadcast journalist, she recorded some of her conversations. You can hear them on the Brixton Blog at http://bit.ly/BB-rastafari.
BRIAN JORDAN/ALAMY
The Lambeth Country Show: a people’s party for party people
ARTS & CULTURE 17
18 FOOD & DRINK
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2016 JULY/AUGUST
RECIPE • NO CHURN ICE CREAM AND CHOCOLATE MAGIC TOPPING
A crisp cold contrast for the weather we should be having Miss South shows you how to make ice cream that’s as good indoors as it is in the sun
You never know, the sun might shine this summer and what could work better then than ice cream? Luckily it also improves hiding indoors in the rain watching box sets moaning and about the weather. I’ve made a simple no churn ice cream with three base ingredients and added almond butter for a nutty, salty moreish flavour, and then topped it all with a surprisingly simple chocolate topping that freezes to a crisp shell on the soft ice cream for a gorgeous contrast. Also made with just three ingredients, it’s the perfect retro way to perk up any ice cream this summer and impress anyone with your magic skills with dessert. You can adapt the ice cream to any flavour you fancy. I’ve made it before with coffee or lemon or fresh mango puree and even stirred some crushed honeycomb into it. You are only limited by imagination. Start by making your ice cream as it
NO CHURN ICE CREAM ¡¡ 600ml double cream ¡¡ 397g tin of condensed milk ¡¡ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¡¡ 250g almond butter
Chocolate magic topping ¡¡ 100g dark chocolate ¡¡ 100g milk chocolate ¡¡ 100g golden syrup ¡¡ 200g coconut oil (refined, not extra virgin) takes about six hours to freeze (or can be left overnight). Make sure you have a tupperware container big enough to fit it all and allow two or three inches of space for it all to expand as it freezes. Pour the cream and condensed milk into a large bowl and beat for about 3-4 minutes with an electric whisk. It will thicken and look bubbly and almost like clotted cream in texture. Add the almond butter and vanilla and beat for another minute to combine it all. This
is the stage to add two heaped tablespoons of instant coffee or any other ingredients you like such as fruit or other flavourings you fancy. Put it all in your tupperware and freeze it. It will set but be soft enough to scoop straight from the freezer. While it chills, make your magic topping. It will keep for up to three months in a sterilised jar outside the fridge ready to use any time. To make sure it doesn’t taste too coconutty, use the cheap refined coconut oil that is yellowy and soft in texture such as KTC brand. This is easily available in Brixton. Put a large bowl over a saucepan of simmering water on the stove, making sure the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Break the chocolate into the bowl and add the coconut oil and golden syrup and melt it all together, stirring gently. It will make a thin glossy liquid which you can pour into a jar easily. Simply spoon over your ice cream when needed and allow about 30 seconds for it to harden and turn opaque and then enjoy the crisp cold contrast with the soft smooth ice cream. Warm weather optional.
FOOD NEWS
Take a deep breath Brixtonites, we’ve got so much food news this month you might need to take notes to keep up
Here at Healthy Eaters we combine great tasting food with quick and friendly customer service. Every meal is as healthy as can be thanks to our low fat cooking techniques which lock in our uniquely succulent flavours.
NNIn the creep of the chains, Dip n’Flip
is now open in the old Kaff bar site after it’s been empty for almost a whole year.
updated cocktail list. They’ve also got a new early bird breakfast deal. Your choice if you combine the two …
NNThe Rum Kitchen saga continues.
NNAnd speaking of cocktails, don’t miss
Almost three years after first announcing their intention to open in Brixton, they’ve finally painted their name outside their premises. At this rate, expect first orders next decade.
the chance to check out the new Brixton Market Bar in Brixton Village. Perfectly located for the Honest Burger queue, they will be serving cocktails from ingredients bought in season in the Village. The team behind The Courtesan are involved, so those drinks are going to be excellent!
NNSadly you can no longer get your rum fix at Sovereign Loss at the Prince of Wales. This speakeasy style cocktail bar is lost to become a new upstairs bar as part of the club.
NNBut if your tastes run to the less boozy Drop in for take-away or eat in. We are open lunchtime until early evening.
17 Electric Avenue Brixton SW9 8JP Tel. 020 7274 4521
www.healthyeaters.co.uk
there you’re in luck with a new venture from The Duck Egg at POW who will be doing rooftop breakfasts and brunches from 27 June with customised salads, juices, smoothies and gluten-free options.
NNWorth checking them out if you’re pining for the loss of Pullens in Herne Hill. Part of the fabric of the community, the owners have retired and we’ve heard rumour it’ll be another cafe.
NNStill going strong is Lounge Brixton with its lovely new decor and rather good
NNIf you like your drinks more sparkling don’t miss the new Prosecco Wednesdays at The Lido Cafe. Just £3 a glass, it goes beautifully with their new modern British dinner menu and cocktail list by the pool.
NNSummoning up the ghosts of old Lido changing room memories is the new Brixton Beach Boulevard on Valentia Place if you want to get sand beneath your toes this summer and still catch the nightbus home.
NNI don’t know about you all, but I need a jolt of coffee after all that so might head back to Brockwell Blend just opposite Sainsbury’s on Tulse Hill for a Volcano coffee and a rather good custard tart to energise me!
JULY/AUGUST 2016
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REVIEW • FIRST AID BOX
Stunning menu stands out from the crowd Nikki Griffiths visits a Pop Brixton start-up that got away to Herne Hill Themes are like Marmite – usually you love or you hate them. But I fail to see how anyone could not love the medicinal theming of cafe-cum-bar-cum-restaurant First Aid Box, up in Herne Hill. According to its owners the idea was born out of plans to have their next venture inside Pop Brixton, hence the box reference. Their Pop-plans didn’t materialise, but since they already had a brand they were proud of and growing support, they kept it. The concept carries through into the food, which is made with health and nutrition in mind. In a town being taken over by burgers, this fresh and health conscious food provides a welcome detox. Of course, I’ll take that detox with a side of boozy cocktail. Behind the small shopfront on Dulwich Road, opposite Brockwell Park, is a space filled with medical paraphernalia such as conical vases, pipettes and the odd IV drip
on wheels. Thankfully it’s much more cosy apothecary than stark pharmacy and the dim lighting on an evening, with the large windows out the front, give it an alluring den vibe. The owners, Chris Edwards and Dave Tregenza, also own a drinks consultancy, so, as you can imagine, their cocktails are better than most. You’ll find similar creativity in their sister bar/ restaurant, the Shrub and Shutter on Coldharbour Lane. The cocktail menu makes for great reading and I will definitely be going back to try the mo-pea-to (if you didn’t get it, that’s a mojito made with pea-infused vodka). Tonight, I opted for a long version of their Conscious Pilot – a take on the classic Aviation – and my accomplice picked a cherry version of a Paloma. Both
were totally refreshing and we could have drunk them into the wee hours. Through into the small kitchen, Chef Joe Knowlden runs the show and has put together a stunning menu that changes regularly. To pull it off, he uses local suppliers such as Pished Fish, Jones the Butcher, Flying Fish and Harvey & Brockless. The menu is made up of small plates and the recommended dose for two people is between four and six. We went for five mains followed by two desserts. The first to arrive was the sea bream ceviche (top), which actually turned out to be my favourite. The dressing was an earthy mix of soy and sesame and the chunks of fish came flecked with chilli and some super-powerful coriander. It was served with crispbreads which
really helped with scooping. We were shortly joined by the two specials of the day – mackerel topped with a pickled-tasting wasabi cucumber salad and then chorizo and potatoes (left) with hay-smoked mayonnaise, which we learned had been freshly smoked that morning. It’s touches like this – the commitment to creating something individual and surprising – which make First Aid Box stand out from the crowd. The two meat dishes were the last to arrive. The bavette steak – which came served with Café de Paris butter (butter made better with numerous herbs and spices) and a zingy chimichurri green sauce – was juicy, tender and blushingly pink. And finally the smoked duck breast and soft
rhubarb contrasted texturally and in flavour with the crunchy and salty black pudding crumb. Such pleasing combinations. We also tasted a couple of desserts and boy, were we glad we did. Their vanilla ice cream was so velvety and creamy that it would have been just fine without the strawberries and lavender. But the buttermilk … Oh, the buttermilk! Creamy and almost panna cotta-like in texture and richness, it was the perfect end to a wonderful evening of food and drink. If you haven’t guessed yet, I’m a huge fan of First Aid Box and will definitely be heading back there. It’s so nice to see a couple of guys, totally into what they do, and doing a bloody great job of it.
20 WHAT’S ON
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2016 JULY/AUGUST Arms are hosting a PLUG AND PLAY extravaganza. There will be a Female DJ relay, open mic showcase, and giiirllll power anthems all night. Free. 8pm – Midnight.
FRI 1 @ KNIGHT WEBB GALLERY
The Knight Webb Gallery, 54 Atlantic Road, will be showcasing works by Glaswegian artist DOUGLAS McDOUGALL, who works exclusively in graphite and charcoal on paper. It will be one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of his work for many years. He produces a relatively small number of large-scale drawings each year, which may take months to complete. Until 30 July. 10am to 6pm.
SAT 16 & SUN 17 @ BROCKWELL PARK
LAMBETH COUNTRY SHOW returns for another weekend full of music, food, falconry, sheep shearing, kids fun and, of course, Chucklehead Cider. Free entry. 12pm to 8pm. Read more about what to expect on page 17.
SAT 2 @ MAX ROACH PARK
SAT 16 & SUN 17 @ BRIXTON JAMM
IT’S YOUR LOCAL MARKET presents Families in the Park with arts and crafts, family workshops, music, traders and sport. Free. 11am to 5pm. Also at Rush Common on 14 August.
Are you a gin lover? BRIXTON GIN FEST offers attendees a wide variety of “all things gin”. There will be 50+ gins to taste, a huge selection of gin cocktails, street food vendors serving a variety of worldly cuisine, trade stands selling gin goodies and live DJs all day and night. £10 to £17. 4pm to 8pm in three sittings across the weekend.
SUN 3 @ APPACH GALLERY
The Insideout ART EXHIBITION at 49 Appach Road features work in oil, watercolour and print from exhibitors Mary Cairns, Frances May and Jane Cannon. Free. Until 8 July. 10am to 4pm.
SAT 16 & SUN 17 @ LOWIE
MUSIC NEWS
MON 4 @ WHIRLED CINEMA
MAPPLETHORPE IN PICTURES is an examination of the life and work of the revered and controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. 8.30pm. £5 members.
TUES 5 @ DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
For the first time in over 350 years, two of GERRIT DOU’s (1613-1675) finest paintings, Woman playing a Clavichord and Lady Playing a Virginal will be displayed together. Dou in Harmony (5 July – 6 November), the latest instalment in the Making Discoveries series, will highlight how the Dutch Master interpreted the same subject but with varying changes to its mood and meaning. Adults £6. Concessions and Friends, free.
WEDS 6 @ SHAKESPEARE BUSINESS CTR Aged 16 to 24 and looking for work? Try an all-day taster session organised by LionHeart in The Community, to learn about how you can get help FINDING A JOB or training. You’ll be playing some basketball, casual 5-a-side football, korfball and netball. 245a Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8RR. Details at litc.org.
THURS 7 @ BCA
Breaking the Mould and CHALLENGING BLACK MATHEMATICAL STEREOTYPES with Dr Nira Chamberlain. A Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and named by the Science Council as one of Britain’s top 100 scientists, Dr Chamberlain will be discussing his experience in this field as well as his recent donation to the BCA. Free, priority booking to Friends of Black Cultural Archives. 6pm to 7.30pm.
FRI 8 @ RITZY UPSTAIRS
On the Corner Records team up with JUJU! crew for a night of tropical grooves with critically acclaimed Afro-Colombian band PENYA performing LIVE. 8.30pm – 1am. £5 advance. More on the door. Over 18s only.
SAT 9 & SUN 10 @ JOSEPHINE AVE
Urban Art 2016 is London’s largest annual open-air CONTEMPORARY ARTS FAIR and takes place along the railings of Josephine Avenue. More than 2,000 pieces from over 200 artists ranging from the novice to the established will be on show, and with prices to match this is an event for all art lovers, whatever the budget. Free. 10am to 6pm.
Co Arts Editor Barney Evison rounds up the latest music news from our corner of south London
WINDMILL TO CURATE PORTRAIT GALLERY SHOWS
The National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square asked Windmill Brixton to curate two shows to tie in with their Creative Commons exhibition which focuses on South London. The first is on 1 July with One Man Destruction Show (Adam from Fat White Family) and the second is on Friday 19 August with Meatraffle.
AFRO-BEAT AND REGGAE AT THE SHOW
This year’s Main Stage at the Lambeth Country Show (16-17 July) has a pretty banging lineup in store, with Saturday featuring an eclectic mix of afro-beat, drum and bass and soul, and Sunday promising a reggae spectacular for Roots Reggae Day. Check out p7 for more info.
LGBT FUNDRAISER WITH MR TIES AT PHONOX
In light of the recent tragedy at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Brixton club Phonox has decided to host an LGBT fundraiser on Friday 22 July with Mr Ties, cult icon and creative force behind one of Berlin’s most revered gay parties, Homopatik. They will be donating 50% of the ticket revenue from the event to LGBT charities.
HACKNEY COLLIERY BAND AT JAMM
An exciting new band is trekking all the way over from east London (boo, hiss) to play the Brixton Jamm on 1 July. Lauded by The Times as “reinventing the brass-band format for the 21st century”, the Hackney Colliery Band release their new LP Sharpener on 15 July.
SUN 10 @ BAR 414
Opening night for Grass Roots Live Music that will continue every Sunday with JAZZ blues, jazz funk and jazz reggae. 6pm to 1am. Free.
SUN 10 @ S L BOTANICAL INSTITUTE
The South London Botanical Institute hosts a PRINTING WORKSHOP from the designer of its new wallpaper (based on designs from its herbarium plant specimens). It’s a chance to learn printing techniques you can do at home. £12 SLBI members/£15 non-members. 10am to 1pm.
MON 11@ POW
ZUMBA classes with Polly Colville at the Prince of Wales are fun and could help you to burn up to 1,000 calories an hour. From £4, first class free. 7.30pm. For details: www.pollycfitness.com.
SKUNK ANANSIE, NOEL GALLAGHER AT ACADEMY
Two massive names of ’90s music have announced dates at the O2 Academy Brixton. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will wrap up their 2016 tour in Brixton on Tuesday 6 September, marking an end to over 18 months on the road. Early next year, British alt-rock quartet Skunk Anansie (above) are playing 4 February 2017 to promote their new album Anarchytecture.
TOM ODELL ADDS SECOND DATE AT ACADEMY
Singer-songwriter Tom Odell has added an extra date at the Academy on Monday 14 November. Supporting his album, Wrong Crowd, Tom embarks on a new European tour in November this year.
TUES 12 @ THE PRINCE REGENT
The Prince Regent QUIZ starts at 8pm sharp each Tuesday. Big cash prizes, free drinks questions and a rollover jackpot question that grows each week.
WEDS 13 @ TURPENTINE
Want to get into DRAWING but find life drawing and naked people a bit too daunting? Or want to learn something new as you relax with friends over a drink? Then join Turpentine’s alternative drawing class: Drink and Draw. For anyone of any ability. 433 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LN. BYOB. £15. 7.30pm to 8pm.
THURS 14 @ RITZY
To celebrate Hollywood getting its act together and casting an all female super crew in the new Ghostbusters, Massive
Lowie, the ethical knitwear boutique, is having a SAMPLE SALE in its shop at 115 Dulwich Road, SE24 0NG.
TUES 19 @ THE WINDMILL
Can you tell your Starks from your Greyjoys or your Martells from your Tullys? Then, fear not, this is the quiz for you ... on all six seasons of the ever popular Game of Thrones (the TV series rather than the books). £100 cash is up for grabs, as well as other prizes. £20 per team or £5.50 for solo players. 8pm.
WED 20@ JEANNIE AVENT GALLERY
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION by Alessandro Camaioni at this East Dulwich gallery. Left Behind is an introspective journey into the meaning of solitude, abandon and alienation in contemporary society. Free.
THUR 21 @ WHIRLED CINEMA
Charlie Kaufman makes a STOP MOTION film for adults. Anomalisa tells the tale of a man crippled by the mundanity of his life who transforms his experiences into something out of the ordinary. 8:30pm.
FRI 22 @ PHONOX
Mr Ties, the main resident and creative force behind one of Berlin’s most revered gay parties, HOMOPATIK, is hosting a fundraiser at Phonox with the proceeds going towards making a positive change for the LGBT community after the recent tragedy at Pulse night club in Orlando. 6pm to 4am. £5 to £10. 50% of the ticket revenue will go to LGBT charities.
SAT 23 @ POP BRIXTON
Urban Growth Learning Gardens host weekly WORKSHOPS teaching how to grow food and ornamental plants. Suitable for people with any level of experience, and of all ages. Explore the gardens at PopBrixton, with a focus on PopFarm. Each session will include making something to take home with you such as a windowsill salad pot, tomato seedling or jar of chutney according to season. Free. 10am to 1pm.
SAT 23 @ ELECTRIC BRIXTON
Jungle Fever returns with a massive line up for the ultimate JUNGLE/DRUM & BASS summer party. The night promises to be “just like it was Jungle Fever at the Astoria in the 90s”. £19.66 to £22.29. 10pm to 6am.
JULY/AUGUST 2016
LISTINGS 21
brixtonblog.com
FRI 29 & SAT 30 @ WINDRUSH SQUARE
Brixton NIGHT MARKET returns: created to support local traders and street traders, in particular food stalls, who are finding it difficult to get a pitch in Lambeth. With street food, drinks, arts and crafts, it helps support the local economy, promotes culturally diverse food products to all the community and wraps it up with some homegrown entertainment. 5pm to 11pm.
SAT 30 @ JAMM
Nine-piece brass band RIOT JAZZ come to Brixton for a live twisted mix of funk, soul,
hiphop and aggressive jazz. From £10. 7pm to 5am.
SUN 31 @ UPSTAIRS AT THE RITZY
Join Olivia in making some PAPIER MÂCHÉ gems. She will be experimenting with jewellery design in a very raw and recycled fashion – think asymmetric earrings, tribal pendants, Celtic cuffs and bangles. Add in a splash of colour with finely painted silver and gold acrylic accents. Family friendly. Free, donations welcome. 2pm – 6pm. ■■Listings by Anna McKie and Jamila Omar
THE HARD STOP: Director George Amponsah will be at the Ritzy on 16 July
RITZY ROUNDUP
As the summer continues to elude many of us, there is always the option of hiding out in the cinema until the sun comes back out to play. July is at least heating up with some varied options for film lovers. Nicola Jones picks the hottest.
ALIENS ARE COMING – AGAIN!
American holiday-themed sequel INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE (from 1 July) has director Roland Emmerich returning to his alien invasion story 20 years later. Bill Pullman is also back as the former President – let the speeches commence!
BOLLY FOR BRUNCH AT THE RITZY Another spawn of an original idea hitting screens is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE. (from 1 July). The big screen story is written by one of its stars, the darling of the darlings – Jennifer Saunders. Fans of the television series can rejoin the cantankerous duo of Edwina and Patsy as they get into even bigger sozzled scraps in the fashion world. Feel like adding some bubbly to the mix? The Ritzy is also doing three brunch time boozy screenings with Bollinger. Isn’t that fabulous?
ANGEL IN A DEMONIC MOVIE From the independent film world arrives NEON
DEMON (from 8 July) from Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn. Starring the elfin angel actress Elle Fanning, the film has enjoyed tremendous buzz after the Cannes Film Festival. Fanning finds herself in the treacherous world of modelling in Los Angeles. MAGGIE’S PLAN (from 8 July) stars a stellar indie cast, with Greta Gerwig playing a young woman having an affair with a married man played by Ethan Hawke, whose wife is none other than Julianne Moore. From director Rebecca Miller, this snarky anti-rom com might just be the thing for a date night.
WHO YOU GONNA CALL A FLOP?
This month is also privy to some big booming movies! The all-female GHOSTBUSTERS (from 15 July) from Bridesmaids director Paul Fieg is finally here. Now we can all take a break from judging the trailers and get down to brass tacks on the film. Then comes Steven Spielberg’s adaptation
of Roald Dahl’s THE BFG and the next instalment of Trekkie time with STAR TREK: BEYOND (both from 22 July). Bridge of Spies Oscar winner Mark Rylance plays the gentle giant in a film that is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts. And finally FINDING DORY (from 29 Jul) comes across the pond, as the Disney/Pixar sequel to Finding Nemo as already been well released and reviewed in the US.
Q&A WITH DUGGAN FILM DIRECTOR Other options this month include the documentary THE HARD STOP about the police shooting of Mark Duggan (from 15 July) that will feature a special Q&A screening on 16 July with director George Amponsah. The animated SECRET LIFE OF PETS (from 1 Jul) is a family flick to whet the palate before the fishes sequel arrives. Rachel Tunnard’s ADULT LIFE SKILLS (from 1 July) and documentary WEINER (from 8 July) are also on. The Ritzy’s ongoing Studio Ghibli Season continues.
Nicola Jones is a new writer for the Brixton Blog and Bugle. Read more from her at asophisticatednoise.com or find her tweeting @MzJones
SUN 24 @ HOOTANANNY
Rootmaster presents Senegalese KORA master Sadio Cissokho and his Golden Kora Band. He delivers his music straight from the Casamance region of Senegal – exporting fierce sabar drum patterns and the national dance style of mbalax as well as diambadong, eekon kon and manding afrobeat. Free. 8pm to midnight.
TUES 26@ BROCKWELL LIDO
One-hour coached WATER POLO session for all ages and abilities. £8 for members, £10 for non-members (membership is free) payable in advance or on the night.
WED 27@ WHIRLED CINEMA
Life for the residents of a tower block begins to run out of control as JG Ballard’s book on class and social structures is brought to the screen in the form of film High Rise. 8.30pm.
THUR 28@ HOOTANANNY
Cecil Reuben presents a ROOTS ROCK REGGAE special with Tasha T, a reggae songstress from Canada with a big voice and distinctive vocal style plus Jamaican artist Zeena Banks, who moved to the UK in 2002. £3. 9pm – 2am.
THE URBAN ART FAIR: London’s largest annual open‑air art fair, now in its fifteenth year, is at Josephine Avenue on 9 and 10 July
For August listings, see brixtonblog.com
22 COLUMNS
brixtonblog.com
2016 JULY
GEMMA SINCLAIR
FRANKIE HOLAH
Don’t miss your watering
Summer lovin’
Late spring and early summer are very important times in the garden. It’s when all the plants, and weeds, are growing at their fastest. With our recent warm and very wet weather it feels like we can almost see the plants grow in front of our very eyes. So we need to play close attention to not let our garden/outdoor space get out of hand … A few words about watering the garden – which seems preposterous as the heavens seem to be doing a very good job of that at the moment. But it is a good idea to have an idea of the do’s and dont’s. It is best to water the garden at dusk or after the sun has gone down for the day. The reason for this is the water can reflect on the leaves and actually scorch them and damage the plant. So wait til the end of the day before getting the hose out. Pots, hanging baskets and window boxes need a lot of watering as they are not getting any moisture from the dampness of the ground. And even in rain, if window boxes or pots are sheltered you can find they get very dry. If you have an irrigation system the worst thing you can do is over-water. Ten minutes every other day should be ample and if you need to top it up then you can do manually. But you don’t want permanently sodden soil or grass. This is as bad for a plant as not watering it. So be careful.
In two weeks I’ll be on a mini-break in the sunshine, which inevitably means that bikini shopping is in full swing and, like anyone else, I want to feel great when I step on to the beach. However, I’ve not trained purely for aesthetics in a very long time and here’s why I won’t be starting now … Working towards a summer holiday can be great motivation for getting in your training and eating a lean and clean diet, but what I don’t like is the amount of body pressure there is surrounding this time of year. Not only are people at different stages of their fitness journey, but there most definitely isn’t a cookie cutter look – strong, fit, healthy and happy comes in many different sizes to what is portrayed in adverts, articles and images and I want more women to celebrate that when they
If you are a little bit forgetful … don’t worry – there are all sorts of gadgets available designed to be self-watering for pots and baskets. In a bid to make the most of your garden, one small job you can do is dead-heading. This is most commonly known for roses, but can also be done for other plants such as dahlias and geraniums. Simply cut off the flower head once it has died. This encourages new buds to flourish and will ensure you get a nice long display over the summer and autumn. And keep pruning. You will notice that some plants are getting far more out of control than others. Keep unruly plants cut back and under control. If you don’t, they will soon begin to take over. Apart from that … enjoy your garden and don’t be afraid to have a go at these tasks yourself. Plants are far more resilient than you think. ■■If you do need some extra help then please feel free to call Gemma, The Gardening Girl, on 07826 551 353 or email thegardeninggirlat82@gmail.com
Quick Crossword
An exercise in creativity When the Brixton Rec Users Group urged supporters of the Rec to tell Historic England why it is important to them and the community, they got a response that was a lot more than expected. Avid Rec user Sandra Brown Springer (right), who has been writing poetry, stories and essays since she was a teenager, put her feelings into verse. Historic England is considering an application to list the Rec because of its architectural, social
don their swimwear this summer. Please don’t be sucked into detoxes, lotions, potions and shakes which promise you super health and abs on abs in a matter of days, as the big catch is that they won’t help you long term … Stay on your grind, train hard and fuel your body with nourishing food. What you achieve will feel so much sweeter … and last well past the summer months. LOVE your body… all year round! ■■For training enquiries, please contact frankie@frankieholah.com
and community significance. Lambeth council has guaranteed its life until 2022, after which its future is not certain. Sandra grew up on the old Angell Town Estate and now lives on Loughborough Estate. She has three children, works full time and swims daily at the Rec. She also runs Afro Hair Care workshops when she has time. A bookworm, she reads voraciously, recording favourite reads on her blog: textualgluttony.wordpress.com.
The Rec and I I love this place Where I rush to meet Myself every day, Where I learned how to Defeat myself Love myself… Carving out this fit future From that fat past She has aided me in Discovering a different life – Abetted the development of Old muscles and new abilities, In her depths I’ve Reclaimed childlike agility, I love this place... The exterior seems blockish and brutal But the interior is graced With so much light and space that It’s as if all the Gods Smile upon me Down through the atrium
And then through the glass roof Of the jewelled pool Concentrating the distilled Benevolence from above So as to pass it on to users Spreading the love Here in this water is my Favourite place of all to be Fast … free … graceful … strong … I can’t stay away too long She pulls me back Magnetically and I’m always ready to be Dazzled by her glittering beauty … I enter reverently
Her level playing field indiscriminately A space that’s worth more than money I pay the toll gladly I revel in this therapy As she bleeds My sweat and tension, My anxiety my pains My roaring rage to tame My shame my guilt my blame She heals me … And releases me into the world Shower fresh and baggage free Feeling lighter righteous hungry
and she is faithful, she
For the day that will build tensions anew
Always accepts me
But I know that early each morning
She carries me
I will pilgrimage to the Rec
Covers me embraces me
The magic’s always here –
She heals me
She hasn’t failed me yet.
And envelopes all into
© Sandra Brown Springer, 2016
ACROSS 1. Collective noun for peacocks; showiness (11) 9. Nonagonal (4-5) 10. Hot drink (3) 11. Tusk (5) 13. Set in place (7) 14. Finely chopped (5) 15. Canadian province, Nova — (6) 18. Put to death (7) 20. Top of a long hill (5) 21. Badger home (3) 22. Athletic event (4,5) 24. Collective noun for parrots; chaos (11)
DOWN 2. Vice (3) 3. Tried (7) 4. A small piece of tasty food (6) 5. Oceanic movements (5) 6. Lived longer than (9) 7. Collective noun for ravens; cruelty (10) 8. Collective noun for owls; Westminster (10) 12. Group of musicians (9) 16. Collective noun for camels; mobile home (7) 17. Mayhem (6) 19. Increased (5)
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Hill Mead HERALD
Love books? Love the Book Cafe By Mariham and Emmanuel
On 16 June we had a visit from the founders of the website Love My Books. This is an inspiring website that encourages parents to help their children read and it also has fun activities associated with reading. Sue McGonigle, the creator of the website, came to our school to introduce a very exciting launch of the Book Cafe. Read on to hear our exclusive behind-the-scenes
interview at Hillmead’s first reading cafe … So “What is a reading cafe?” we hear you ask. The Book Cafe is a reading club which encourages parents and family members to help their children gain confidence in their reading. There are different activities on each table which are associated with reading and books. For example, on one of the tables there was face-painting of children’s favourite book characters.
On another table, children and parents could make their own books to take home and read. The aim of these fun activities is to get children excited about reading and to get their parents and guardians involved. We interviewed some of the parents attending the Book Cafe and they all had very positive comments about the idea and also the Love My Books website. One dad, James, said: “It makes reading seem fun for the kids and
helps us communicate with each other better”. Another parent, Sarah, said: “It’s a great way for the children to discover new books and to become more confident with their reading and actually want to read books.’ Moyo from Year 1 read everyone his favourite book Beegu. Shortly after, we interviewed his mum, who was very proud: “Moyo’s confidence at reading has improved so much and it is lovely to hear him read aloud in
front of everyone. I believe that kids will follow in our footsteps so it’s important to encourage them to read and let them know how important it is.” We feel very lucky to have taken part in the Book Cafe and it appears that it is very popular amongst both children and parents. ■■If you would like to find out more information about upcoming Book Cafes and the brilliant website, see www.lovemybooks.co.uk
Learning about Electric Avenue by Maya, Aaliyah Emmanuel and Ibrahim
Girls cricket triumph by Madison
Winning the Lambeth girls cricket tournament was a triumph as we were the first girls team from Hill Mead to succeed. The success was made even sweeter for the Year 6s because it is our last year and this helped to make it a memorable one. We had a long day of five tough matches at Kennington Park, but this didn’t stop us and we managed to pull through and win our way to the finals. The final (against Hitherfield Primary) was challenging but we played to the best of our abilities and managed to achieve our goal – WE WON!!!
Our winning streak began when we won the coin toss to decide whether to bat or field first – we decided to field first because that is our biggest strength as a team. Our bowling was very good and we got six people out; our best bowler was Labiba. In our batting, only one person got out and our overall best batter was Adeline. Our sports coach Mr Wright was very proud and surprisingly so were the umpires, who awarded us with a dab. We are now looking forward to our next tournament in Surrey at Epsom College, where we are going to play against other teams who won in their borough. Wish us luck!
Hill Mead is working with Brixton Townscape Heritage Initiative and Our Hut architecture education, learning about the regeneration of Electric Avenue. Year 5 learnt about Brixton in 1961. We have been working in groups and each has a main topic such as the daily market or shop signs. Our Hut brought in old apple crates so that each group could design its own miniature village. One group was focusing on stuff such as finding out about daily market life in the past – a busy place where people were buying and selling fish, fruit and vegetables. Not very different to the market these days, except the streets are cleaner! Another group investigated street signs and began to create their own, telling people where to go and how long it would take to get there. The most fascinating fact we discovered was that the very first electric street light was installed there and that is how it got its name. When projects finish, we will place all the crates together to create a mini Electric Avenue for our exhibition at Evelyn Grace Academy.
We are the champions by Deborah As soon as our teachers announced the beginning of the latest Lambeth Sumdog competition, my class was determined to win. Sumdog is an online game that makes maths really fun. That afternoon we went to the ICT suite, logged on and began to answer the questions as quickly as possible. Our teacher gave us an important tip. We had to go slow and be accurate to win. We played every day and logged in at all times. We took it in turns and made sure nobody was left out. It was amazing that we were the winners after so much hard work. We won because we acted like a team and helped each other. I was proud to get a certificate and I was one of the top ten students in the whole of Lambeth. I came seventh.
BRIXTON
WORLD CHAMPION PRESENTS LAMBETH BOXING AWARDS
Bugle
Two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion Tim Witherspoon, once a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, presented the prizes at the Lambeth Boxing Awards – see page 7
SPORT
Miguel’s boxer triumphs by David Moftakhar Adeshina James of Miguel’s Boxing Gym took gold in the senior B light heavyweight division as six local fighters competed in the Haringey Box Cup at Alexandra Palace in June. The Box Cup is Europe’s largest amateur boxing event and previous winners include Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams. James has now won all four of his fights this season – two coming by way of stoppages. “I knew it was going to happen,” said the 29-year-old. “I’ve been working for this for three months – training hard, balancing with work. I’m very happy. Thanks to God.” Others fighters competing over the weekend included Sammy McKay, Alexandra Williams and Ryan Kettle who all exited in the semi-finals, with Yusuf
Winners:
Daniju and Brahima Kpowswowa going out in Friday’s quarter-finals. Miguel’s head amateur coach Mike Burton spoke of the challenges of maintaining the sharpness of his charges for whom boxing is a part-time, unpaid pursuit. “It’s like a cup of tea,” said Burton. “No one likes lukewarm tea, you like it hot, and to do that you’ve got to keep
Read David Moftakhar’s full report on the Brixton Blog the kettle boiling. If they’re not fighting enough the guys lose their sharpness and you’ve got to boil the kettle again.” There was nothing tepid about James’s opening bout on Friday night. Up against Delroy Dapaah of Neasden Boxing Club, the Brixton man floored his opponent within a minute of the first round with a crushing
overhand right before forcing a standing eight count before the bell rang. The second round started in much the same way as the first, with the referee stopping the fight shortly after. In his semi-final on Saturday, James faced Aiden Cassidy of Repton Boxing Club – the east London gym where the Krays trained during their fledgling boxing careers. A scrappy affair saw James win a split decision before being awarded the title on Sunday after his opponent, Andrew Knight of Sevenoaks ABC, was forced to withdraw due to an eye injury sustained in his semi-final. Miguel’s coaches Granville Williams and Chris Lodge were in attendance alongside Mike Burton on all three days. Arriving with their boxers for the 9am weigh-in and preparing for bouts throughout the day, they left Alexandra Palace late into the night.
(l to r) Granville Williams, Adeshina James, Mike Burton and Chris Lodge
Medals for South London BMX riders Young riders from Brixton, Merton and Peckham won a clutch of medals in a BMX competition at this year’s London Youth Games. A strong team of 16 from the three clubs headed to the Olympic Park to ride for a Lambeth team last month. Emily Orena (above, centre) won the gold medal for female riders in Group 3 and Xander Mavolane-Wright won gold for males in Group 1. Xander’s sister Skye won bronze for female Group 2 riders. The borough group event was won by Lambeth’s closest rivals Southwark, with Hillingdon in second place and Hackney in third. The racing was intense at the Olympic Park track, a highly demanding circuit that many of the riders were competing on for the first time. The London Youth BMX event has grown in size – this year attracting the strongest turn out so far. Despite the tough track (and the high pollen count) London’s young BMXers enjoyed a fiercely competitive ride out, with Lambeth scoring many points. MORE RESULTS: In male Group 1 Neo Epps and Kacper Mazur rode against each other in the B final, scoring a second and fifth place respectively. Max Epps and Dexter Duncan raced in the males Group 1 D final, crossing the line in first and third places respectively. In Group 2, Miguel Brown took seventh in the A final, with Harrison Bakowski and Jan Hartwich in fifth and sixth places in the C final. Although in the female Group 3 category, Emily Orena was overall winner, Taylor Leigh-Mohan came sixth, despite only having started BMX two months ago. In the male Group 3 category, Otis Miller was sixth in the B final, with Max Allfrey fifth in the C final. Tien Albert was second in the F final followed closely by Kieran Benochrist also in the F final. In the para games group, Toby Braverman came fourth. In male Group 4 category, Tom Schwimmbeck was fifth in the B final while Leon Bickelmann rode up an age group and competed hard against older riders to collect a first place in the D final. In the male Group 6 category, Cassius Bart came seventh in the A final with Johnny Jenner in fourth in the B final.
Afewee footballers and Silverfit cheerleaders are first onto Pop Fields by David Moftakhar
Pop Fields – the multi-purpose space next to Pop Brixton that opened last month – will help to make local young people feel part of the new developments in Brixton, Afewee boxing and football club secretary Peter Armstrong believes. As well as screening sporting events, Pop Fields will be available for free use by local schools and community groups. It will be open until the end of
September. The space features a 16x10ft screen and an Astroturf pitch. During evenings and at weekends it will have live coverage of Euro 2016, the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Tour de France. Daytime will see the venue reserved for local schools and groups. Several groups have already signed up to use the facilities, including Afewee, Better Multisport and Cage Cricket. Local schools St Jude’s, Hill Mead, Clapham Manor and
Jessops will also use the venue and organisers remain open to further enquiries. Players from Afewee’s football academy were some of the first to step out on the Astroturf, along with a cheerleading troupe from over-45s wellbeing and fitness charity, Silverfit. Afewee secretary Peter Armstrong was clear on the benefits Pop Fields will bring for young people in the area: “It’s convenient being so
close to Brixton Rec – we’ll be running a five-week summer programme and using the space for fundraising activities. “What’s most important, though, is that it makes kids feel part of this. Local kids born and brought up in Brixton walk past a place like Pop Brixton and think ‘That isn’t for us’. This changes that.” Evenings will see the appearance of benches seating more than 200 people out of a total capacity of 600. They
will be flanked by two bars, the Spectator and Freight and Narrow – a collaboration between Brixton Brewery and the Landor in Clapham. The site is owned by May Developments which has allowed free use of the land and funded the project build. Pop Fields was designed and developed by Lifeboat Studio, a local creative build start-up founded by Leo Boscherini and Mark Torrens and based at the Pop Brixton.