4 NEWS brixtonblog.com 2018 OCTOBER
SHORTS … Busking winner
Self-taught pianist Tony K is often to be found on the Herne Hill public piano – don’t miss him Six-year-old Hector played recorder like a pro – picture by official festival photographer, 12-year-old Marla
RPM thrash out Anarchy in the UK
This year’s remarkable weather saved one if its best days for a September Sunday to add to the magic of a Brockwell Park music festival with a difference. All the performers were young – some no older than five. But act after act won sincere and enthusiastic applause from an audience outside Brockwell Hall. The festival, featuring local youngsters who have taken part in Junior Open Mic sessions at Off the Cuff in Herne Hill, was organised by volunteers – from its professional-level sound to its smooth organisation.
New call for Brixton local heroes A new call for nominations for Brixton local heroes was made at a public meeting in Brixton Library during Brixton Design Trail Week organised by Friends of Tate Library Brixton and Friends of Windrush Square. Organisers Annick Alet and Marilyn Rogers said: “Brixton local heroes come from all parts of society: creative, cultural,
business, community, social and political. Their impact, for the good of society, goes beyond family and friends. Local heroes nominated last year included community volunteers, gardeners, adult educators, political activists, people like Sam King (Windrush generation), Pegasus Black Opera Choral initiator Lloyd Newton, Harry Jacobs, a local
photographer whose archives are held at Lambeth Archives, performers actors, musicians, scientists, and head teachers. The idea took seed three years ago and nominations for local heroes continue to come in.” Those celebrated this year include: Cherry Groce whose legacy is recognized by Cherry Tree Trust /Foundation, Claudia
Jones, editor of West Indian Gazette and political activist, architect David Marks, youth worker Derrick Accra, and graphic designer Jon Daniel. AA To nominate a local hero drop a postcard to c/o Friends of Tate Library Brixton, Tate Library, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ, or email: foftlbrixton@gmail.com.
Angell Town’s job fair is back Some of the UK’s leading employers will be represented at Angell Town’s jobs fair for young people on 25 October from noon to 5pm at St Johns school (85 Angell Road, SW9 7HH). Thanks to the success of last year’s event, there will be more funding and more on offer. The Futures Festival fair will focus on keeping young people in training, activity and work experience/employment. The community-led event is welcoming contributing organisations that range from the grass roots to global. Each will offer employment, apprenticeships, training, or support. Young visitors will be guided through workshops showcasing six different industries designed to build career insight, provide work experience and develop transferable skills. Organisers are hoping for 300 young attendees and 50 participating organisations. Companies from construction and engineering, creative arts and media, health and social care, tourism and hospitality, business and finance, tech and IT have already signed up. AA To find out more or to register, contact emma@spiralskills.co.uk or joel@spiralskills. co.uk or register online at bit.ly/SJAT-Futures.
Herne Hill musician Laky was crowned the overall champion at Gigs, the Mayor of London’s busking competition. She will be offered a range of performance opportunities. Previous winners of the UK’s biggest busking competition include two-time youth category victor Natalie Shay who has since performed at London venues from The Roundhouse to Ronnie Scott’s and has won The Guardian’s Music Award.
Brixton top of the hops Brixton’s status as a key transport hub was confirmed when Transport for London announced that bus stop P, one of several near the Tube, is used for more of TfL’s “Hopper” journeys than any other in the capital. More than 220 million Hopper journeys have been made since the fare was launched two years ago. It allows passengers to make as many journeys as they like on the bus and tram network for £1.50 within an hour of starting the first. To coincide with the anniversary, TfL mapped the top 20 “hop spots” for Hopper journeys. Bus stop P topped the list with more than 7,800 journeys a week. Serving a total of ten routes – 45; 59; 109; 118; 133; 159; 250; 333; N109; and N133 – the stop had a head start over others serving fewer buses.
Sleep out with Big Issue The Big Issue Foundation is asking Bugle readers to “spend a night under the stars” in solidarity with Big Issue vendors. Its Big Sleep Out is on Friday 16 November at The Kia Oval in Kennington. Registration costs £25 or £20 per person for a team of five or more and a fundraising target of £350 will go towards enabling Big Issue vendors to have more opportunities to take positive steps away from poverty and exclusion. Visit bigissue.org.uk/sleep for more information and to sign up. For questions, you can email events@bigissue.com or call 020 7526 3456. The Big Issue has sold over 200 million copies through more than 100,000 vulnerable people since its launch in 1991.
20 years of celebration Age UK Lambeth is putting on its 20th Celebrating Age Festival in October. The festival kicks off with a launch party on Monday 1 October at The Hideaway in Streatham and closes with a Halloween Party on 31 October. Activities throughout the month will include walks and outings, flamenco dancing and soul nights, a magical mystery tour and meet the bikers with the chance to sit on a Harley Davidson. Ageless Day on 25 October at Pop Brixton will see celebration, learning and engagement. AA For more festival details or to book events visit www.mysocial.london.
Lottery enables Brixton charity to aid jailed women The Brixton-based housing association and charity Housing for Women has relaunched its ReUnite project thanks to a £420,000 funding boost from the Big Lottery Fund. The project provides housing and support to help reunite women released
from prison with their children. Upon release from prison, a woman is usually unable to get her children back from social care or family arrangements unless she has somewhere suitable to live. But she is often not entitled to suitable housing unless her children are
living with her. Chief Executive Zaiba Qureshi said the funding would support initiatives to address this unjust and under-reported issue. About 17,700 children a year are separated from their mother by imprisonment.