Your only free community newspaper
Soup kitchen at Christmas How YOU can help p9
Shop local this festive season Illustrated guide, p12-13
Edition 17 FREE
Christmas 2013
No need for new ‘Brixton Yard’ market say traders BY TIM DICKENS
Market traders have spoken out against plans for a new market made up of disused shipping containers in central Brixton. Developers want to turn a small patch of land behind the former Brady’s Pub in Atlantic Road, Brixton into a retail space with 13 containers. Guarav Mohindra, from Iridium Assets Ltd, has applied to Lambeth to build the site, which would be known as “Brixton Yard”. The developers claim the market would include goods like fashion and jewellery, but not food. It will include 30 units based in metal shipping containers, varying between 8ft and 40ft in length. But current market traders have disputed the need for more market space. CEO of Brixton Market Trader’s Federation, Stuart Horwood, told The Brixton Bugle: “This is simply something that Brixton doesn’t need and I’d urge Lambeth not to grant change of use.” He added: “The covered market may be full but the demand there is for restaurants and food. These guys want to have a trinkets and
jewellery market – and the fact is there is already the outdoor market around the corner which is running at only 80% capacity. So there just isn’t the demand for this new market.” The scheme echoes a retail development called Boxpark in Shoreditch, east London. It has an entrance gate next to the railway bridge on Atlantic Road, and another on Electric Lane. In a supporting statement to Lambeth council, a spokesman for Iridium Assets Ltd wrote: “The site is currently derelict. The immediately surrounding areas offer a
STALLS: Sign in Atlantic Rd
diverse selection of shops and market stalls, which give this particular part of Brixton its unique and colourful character.” They added: “The Yard would provide much needed extra space to the neighbouring Brixton Market, which is currently running to its full capacity.” The land was formerly owned by Transport for London, as it includes an air vent for the Tube station below, but The Bugle understands it has since been bought by Iridium Assets Ltd. The historic Brady’s pub is currently being developed into flats on the upper floors and the restaurant chain Wahaca is set to open on the ground floor. The development of the pub, once called the Railway Hotel, came despite a long-running campaign by locals who wanted to take ownership from Lambeth council and run it as a community space. Residents have until December 3 to give their comments on the scheme, and Lambeth council are set to make a decision over the change of land use to retail by January 7. For more detail and reaction visit www.brixtonblog.com
Stars are born
These angelic youngsters, from Corpus Christi school, Trent Road, are among the Brixton schoolchildren getting ready for the Christmas play season. Read more inside our bumper festive edition!
2
Brixton Bugle December 2013
News The Brixton Bugle & BrixtonBlog.com are edited in Brixton by Zoe Jewell and Tim Dickens. Both the website and newspaper are published by a not-for-profit community organisation. It’s run by a committed team of people from Brixton. Brixton Blog and Bugle The Piano Club 9 Brighton Terrace SW9 8DJ » Tel 020 3730 1312 » @brixtonblog » @brixton_bugle » www.brixtonblog.com Circulation: 10,000 copies Readership: circa 15,000 For advertising enquiries contact Tous Davy: ads @brixtonblog.com Tel: 07507 150 701 NEWS newsdesk@brixtonblog.com DEPUTY EDITORS Luke Massey Kaye Wiggins politics@brixtonblog.com FEATURES Keith John Lewis features@brixtonblog.com CULTURE Barney Evison / Ruth Waters arts@brixtonblog.com listings@brixtonblog.com FOOD Miss South food@brixtonblog.com SPORT Laura Dickinson newsdesk@brixtonblog.com A massive thank you to everybody involved in making this issue, and the Blog & Bugle project, a success.
ROLL OF HONOUR ISSUE SIXTEEN
Josie Gardiner Jeannine Mansell Antonio Sansica Alistair Hall Tim Bird Pam Williams Kaylene Alder Fiona Law Ms Bennet Laura Spargo Julia Robinson Amna Ahmad Katrin Magnussen Ilse Bruijn Laurice Laird Rory Grieve Rahima Fitzwilliam-Hall Kitty Walker Sam Le Mort Antonella Pilato Jack Burt Katrin Magnussen Claire Cranston-Selby
www.brixtonblog.com
Blog and Bugle shortlisted for national press award The Brixton Blog and Bugle were shortlisted for a prestigious journalism award earlier this month. The editors of the Bugle attended the awards ceremony on December 2 for the British Journalism of the Year awards run by industry website the Press Gazette. The Blog & Bugle were runners up in the Journalism Innovation of the Year category and were nominated alongside The Sun+ website, the Independent’s Voices in Danger, 360 degree camera, the Ooh-Ar augmented reality platform and Guardian Witness.
Guardian Witness picked up the award for their user-generated content app. Zoe Jewell, co-editor of the Brixton Blog and The Brixton Bugle said: “We are unbelievably proud that we’ve been nominated, especially alongside such eminent journalists from established national newspapers.” Co-editor Tim Dickens added: “Our volunteer editors and contributors have also worked an enormous amount to help make this happen and, of course, ultimately it’s all down to the support of the Brixton readers.”
One eyewitness, who posted a picture of what he saw on Twitter as @Mr_Guwu, said he saw a woman being struck by a car and then a lorry, before the lorry stopped. Gavin Springett saw the air ambulance land near the scene, at
Stockwell Skate Park. He Tweeted: “Just another day in #Brixton air ambulance by work.” Road closures have led to heavy delays in the the area as rush hour approaches. There was confusion after police initially reported the woman’s age as 73-years-old. They later said she was in fact 99-years-old. The fatal collision came in the same week that hundreds of police are stopping lorry drivers, cyclists and other road users to talk about road safety as part of Operation Safeway. Pic: Twitter/@BlueStarHouse
Labour win by-election The Labour party’s Paul Gadsby has been elected as a councillor for Vassall ward, winning 60% of the vote in a local by-election. Gadsby received 1,319 votes in yesterday’s poll, nearly three times as many as second-place candidate Colette Thomas (Liberal Democrat). He will replace the Labour councillor Kingsley Abrams, who resigned to stand as a prospective Parliamentary candidate in Brent Central. Turnout in the ward, which lies to the north of Brixton station and includes the Myatts Field and Cowley estates, was 19.1%. After the result was announced, Gadsby tweeted: “Very happy to have been elected as the new councillor for Vassall with a big Labour swing and majority. Thank you supporters and residents!”
A 26-year old man has been arrested after a shot was fired at police at approximately midday on December 2. The officers, who were investigating a burglary, had a shot fired at their marked police car in Knatchbull Road, SE5 but sustained no injuries. Roads were closed off in the area and the man was taken at a South London police station.
POWER TO PARK
Woman, 99, killed on road A woman aged 99-years-old was killed as she crossed a busy road in central Brixton. A lorry driver was arrested by police after the incident, which happened in Stockwell Park Walk near Brixton Academy on November 27. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor from the air ambulance. A police spokesperson said: “Police and London Ambulance Service attended where the female pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The male lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.”
SHOT FIRED AT POLICE CAR
A report which advocates awarding more power to park groups and communities as part of the ‘Cooperative Parks Programme’ will be discussed by Lambeth council. The programme aims to inspire the design of and improve parks and open spaces in Lambeth. The meeting will take place on December 9 at Lambeth Town Hall.
NIGHT MARKET A new night market is to be trialled in Windrush Square in the run up to Christmas. The first market will take place on Friday December 6 from 5pm until 10pm.
CODER KIDS The first south London Coder Dojo will be coming to Brixton in January. The event is a free mentor-led coding club to teach children aged 7-17 computer programming skills. Once accustomed to the art of coding, they will be given the opportunity to start a project and mentor other children. Anyone interested in attending should fill out an online survey at zen.coderdojo.com/dojo/455
DRONING ON
WINNER: Paul Gadsby with Lambeth’s Labour leader Lib Peck In an article for the Brixton Blog next priority will be to protect vibefore his victory, Gadsby wrote tal community assets like our local that if elected: “My first priority parks and the Minet library, which will be to help residents struggling are threatened by savage Lib Dem with the rising cost of living…My Tory cuts.”
ADVERTISE HERE! 020 3730 1312 ads@brixtonblog.com
A life size outline of a Reaper drone was drawn on the ground in Windrush Square to promote a new film about the aircraft. James Brindle drew the outline on the day that documentary Dirty Wars permiered at the Ritzy cinema.
3
Brixton Bugle December 2013
News STAYING WARM In a bid to help older residents remain warm and well this winter, Lambeth council have joined forces with Age Concern Lambeth and NHS Lambeth to host a series of events, to give advice on staying warm during the cold period, and about the available local services. For further details and more information about keeping warm in winter contact Age UK Lambeth on 020 7733 0528.
DRAGONS DEN
Budding entrepreneurs presented their best business ideas to Brixton’s own Dragons’ Den style panel, to win a £1000 investment and business mentor support. The event, held on November 21, saw people aged between 17 and 27 present ideas to the experts. The winners were Decordeva Dixon, Monique Grant, Ashana Green and Naomi Simpson. Among the judges were Cllr Jackie Medrum and social entrepreneur Colin Crooks.
www.brixtonblog.com
Chef fears for business after council BBQ ban
BY ILSE BRUIJN & RORY GRIEVE
A chef fears he will have to close his popular jerk chicken food stall after council officers banned the use of barbecues in Brixton Market. Jeffery Cooper, who owns “Jeff the Chef ” stall in Station Road, has started a petition to get his famous grill relit after outdoor grilling was banned by the Lambeth council. Cooper says he has lost at least 60 per cent of his business since outdoor grills in the market were outlawed in June following complaints from some other traders. Now he cooks his chicken at home and then reheats it at his stall but he says it is not the same. He said: “I am really thinking of closing the business because I’m not making any money. The smell of the chicken on the barbecue attracts people. The barbecue draws people in. If they don’t see it, they don’t come. “Brixton market would lose something valuable if I had to close down. Jeff the chef brings business to Brixton. People come from all over the country, even from France, Holland for my stall.”
Relocating is not an option for Mr Cooper. He said: “Brixton is my home, I don’t know where I would go. I have been here for eight years, it’s hard to go and start somewhere else.” John Gordon, operations manager of the Brixton Market Traders Federation, said: “The issue is smoke. We have traders who do not want to work anywhere near a barbecue with jerk chicken because it makes their clothes smell, it makes everything smell. “There is a solution, there is always a solution, so what it needs is for Lambeth council to sit down and work out a solution. And once that is solved, everyone will live happily ever after.” Mr Cooper hopes to get a couple thousand signatures on his petition before he hands it into the council. Cllr Jack Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Neighbourhoods, said: “I love jerk chicken and we are certainly not banning it. These BBQ drums are great when used properly and in plenty of space, but don’t work well in the street. We’re more than happy to help advise these traders on getting gas versions which produce far less smoke.”
ANGRY: Jeff the Chef says his trade has fallen by 60% since ban
4
Brixton Bugle December 2013
News
www.brixtonblog.com
Next step for £50M Somerleyton plans
BY ZOE JEWELL
Lambeth council’s decision to take on the development of Somerleyton Road itself, instead of contracting it out to a developer, was in response to demands from the community, according to a senior council officer. Neil Vokes, regeneration project manager at Lambeth, told The Brixton Bugle that the decision “completely changes the dynamic” of the project to redevelop Somerleyton Road into a housing and community ‘hub’. “The decision…was really to acknowledge the messages we’d been getting from the community that people didn’t want us selling the site.” Bill Linksey, chair of the Brixton Society, said the decision “is very welcome. It would be good if they adopted the same policy for all the land they own in Brixton.” Lambeth plans to take out what is essentially a giant mortgage to pay for Somerleyton, a loan either with a pension scheme or the government’s Public Works Loan Board. “We are looking to borrow about £50 million and take about 35-45 years to pay it back”, said Vokes. This means Lambeth can now start to pin down the details of the financing of the project and most importantly how much of the housing will be socially rented.
RUNDOWN: Somerleyton Road as it looks today and, right, Brad Carroll from Brixton Green In consultations many locals prefer to explore introducing some Green, said: “When I first started stressed the importance of having intermediate rents instead. We don’t this I used to get really, really frussocial rented flats, rather than high want to prejudge decisions like this trated with how the council dealt private rents. until we have explored them with with it. After where we’ve come Cllr Pete Robbins, cabinet mem- the community.” from, I think it’s phenomenal. We’ve ber for regeneration said: “We’ve However Lambeth Housing Ac- got transparency in the financial made a commitment that there is a tivists have called for 100% council model – if we see the numbers, then minimum of 40% of homes that will housing and say the council needs we can make really informed decibe let at council rent levels – which to borrow over a longer period of sions. are at about 40% of market rates – as time. “Obviously we’ve got a lot of difour initial financial study suggests The council is working on So- ferent types of developments comthat can be supported. merleyton with community group ing up in Brixton at the moment, “If it looks like a higher propor- Brixton Green and the Oval House but on this (Somerleyton) I think tion can be supported then of course Theatre, both of whom have a vote they’re very much doing a real partwe’re keen to explore that – but in all final decisions. nership.” it may be that local people would Brad Carroll, director of Brixton Robbins said: “I think that this
project shows that it is possible to carry out positive development and regeneration hand in hand with the community – but that it takes time, effort and commitment.” However, others were not so enamoured of the council. One person who attended the consultations earlier in the year said: “The Council say only 40% will be at Council target rents. Which is about the same as to be expected from a private development. The length of the loan is an issue. I do not understand why it has to be 30 years. Some Councils are doing it for a longer time.” Brad Carroll also said that the timeframe to get planning permission – the council is aiming to do it by late 2014 - was a challenge: “I think the opportunity is enormous and the timeframe is very small. It’s like the door has suddenly opened and then you start to see all the other possibilities.” Cllr Robbins, however, insisted that there is “a clear timetable in place”. The council has now asked for tenders for contracts to design and build Somerleyton and a ‘bidders’ day for all those interested will take place on December 4. The residents of Carlton Mansions, which will be retained on the new Somerleyton development, are still under threat of eviction by the council. More at brixtonblog.com
5
Brixton Bugle December 2013
News
www.brixtonblog.com
Massive ‘yes’ vote to improvement district scheme
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: Youngsters from Corpus Christi school rehearsing for their nativity play. Send your nativity pics to newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
Brixton businesses have voted in favour of setting up a new Business Improvement District (BID) to support local trade and drive footfall to the town centre. Results of the ballot over the BID were announced at Lambeth Town Hall on November 13, with 83% of respondents voting yes to the scheme. The new BID, which will become incorporated on January 1 2014, will have a budget of about £435,000 to spend on boosting Brixton trade. It will be funded by an additional levy of 1.5% on all businesses with a rateable value above £5,000. Chairperson of Brixton BID, Elly Foster, told The Bugle: “We are grateful that people have voted in favour and we’re looking forward to getting started in Jan-
Brixton illustrated Dan Leno
uary and doing some really great things in Brixton town centre.” Brixton market stallholder and chair of the Market Trader’s Federation, Stuart Horwood, said the news was an “absolute joy”. He added: “In 2006 I came across the Waterloo Quarter and I thought that Brixton really needs a BID. It makes me really happy to be able to give businesses a help through HAPPY: Brixton BID team the BID.” Some 31.5% of eligible prove footfall. businesses turned out in the ballot. The Including apprentices and part-time new BID will be overseen by a board of roles the BID says it will will create 15 18 local business owners, and money will new jobs in Brixton. be spent on marketing, signage and imwww.brixtonbid.co.uk
This month’s illustration was suggested by Rebecca Scroggs who Tweeted “For Brixton Illustrated, what about Dan Leno, legendary 19th century music hall performer? Lived on Ackerman Rd.” He performed at the now demolished Empress Theatre on Brighton Terrace. Rebecca will receive a free print of the illustration. Tweet your suggestions to @kpictures for next month’s notable Brixtonite.
6
Brixton Bugle December 2013
News
www.brixtonblog.com
HELLO! Is it me you’re looking for? BY LAURICE LAIRD
A sociable new singles event has been launched at Market House in Brixton. The evening aims to be a fun event for single and outgoing individuals in their twenties. There will be cocktail prize giveaways, and DJ’s on the night who will be playing 70’s/80’s disco music, along with some Lionel Richie classics. Event organiser, Chloe Mcdonald, said: “I basically decided to put on this night because I thought there was a gap in the market. Since graduating uni lots of my friends say they’re too busy with work to meet anyone new and are bored of the tragic state of their love lives. So I thought I would create an event, it’s not necessarily a night for singles, just an event where there is great music, some games, you meet new people and have lots of fun.” There is promotional video for the event which is based in Brixton Village, and features actors wearing
Mary Christmas!
A syrup company has recruited a top Brixton baker, Mary Clare, as part of their national campaign to encourage people to make traditional Christmas puddings. The nationwide campaign from Tate and Lyle, named Bake, Eat and Be Mary, has recruited 100 women across Britain, including Brixton’s answer to Mary Berry – Mary Clare! See our Christmas pudding recipe on p18.
Lionel Richie masks She added: “The Lionel Ritchie thing came when I had to come up with a name, I was looking at cheesy song names and “Hello..? Is it me you’re looking for?” was a clear winner. The promo videos are also inspired by the video for “Hello”. I’m starring in the videos with a friend wearing a Lionel Ritchie mask
around various Brixton locations.” The event has not been advertised as a speed dating event, and bears no similarity to a conventional singles night. The first event will be on December 12, from 9pm – 1am at the Market House, Brixton. Tickets are £7 and must be purchased in advance.
Volunteers needed to support families Community Service Volunteers (CSV) is recruiting for volunteers in Lambeth to assist in its Volunteers supporting Families (VsF) project. The project, funded by the Department for Education, matches trained volunteers to families that
are in need of additional support. There are currently two schemes accepting applications; Volunteers in child protection and parent mentoring. VsF project coordinator, Katie Grammer, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for anyone that wants
to volunteer to make a positive difference to families across Lambeth. “The skills and knowledge you will gain while volunteering with CSV are boundless. No matter what your level of experience or skill set, we would love to hear from you.” www.csv.org.uk
7
Brixton Bugle December 2013
News
www.brixtonblog.com
Icy plunge for charity
Statue to remember black soldiers in Windrush Sq The West Indian Association of Service Personnel (WASP) is looking to raise £100,000 to erect a statue in Windrush Square, Brixton in memory of African and Caribbean soldiers. Vince McBean, chairman of WASP, has condemned the lack of recognition for black soldiers. McBean told the Voice last month that the lack of recognition for soldiers from the West Indies and Africa who fought for Britain was “inadequate and not acceptable”. He said that one veteran pointed out that even the dogs had been recognised.
The charity behind a midwinter swim has appealed for brave Brixtonites to take the plunge at Brockwell Lido on December 14. The event will see swimmers dive into the icy waters for a good cause, in a bid to help the homeless in this cold winter. This is the second year that the homeless charity Crisis has organised the Midwinter Swim. In 2012 raised £16,000, and is looking to raise more for the sake of those in need. Leslie Morphy, Crisis chief executive, said: “Last year’s Midwinter Swim raised a significant amount of money and we now need more people to sign up to make the
The Voice reported that Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, the Jamaican High Comissioner, supports the campaign. In a letter supporting the campaign Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, the Jamaican High Comissioner, said: “The Jamaican High Commission is pleased to support the initiative of the West Indian Association of Service Personnel to erect a statue to be a monument to the bravery and sacrifice of servicemen and women from the Caribbean who answered the call of the Motherland.”
Award for Steadman
Parade on Windrush Square. Pic: Facebook/WASP
A leading Brixton sports coach was a runner up at the Team London awards. Steadman Scott, who runs the Afewee football club at Brixton Recreation Centre (Rec), was one of the five nominees for a community volunteering prize for over-25 year olds in London. The awards ceremony took place last month at City Hall, with prizes presented by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson. A petition was launched last month to get the management of the Rec and the council to give space to Afewee to set up a Brixton boxing club at the centre.
THE
COPYSHO COPYSHOP
45 Knights Hill, West Norwood, London SE27 0HS
OPENING HOURS: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm
email: paul@thecopyshop.org.uk Digital Colour and Black & White Photocopying Photos printed/copied and enlarged/reduced or enhanced if required Printing up to A0 Posters Banners Raffle Tickets Newsletters Flyers Leaflets Booklets Cards Invitations Wedding Stationery Order of Service Booklets Binding Laminating Scanning Business Stationery – Letterheads, Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Invoice/Receipt Pads Typing, Mailing & Fax Service
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE
FROM DESIGN TO THE FINISHED PRODUCT
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE
(subject to availability) YOUR LOCAL COPYING & PRINTING SERVICE
TULSE HILL
KNIGHTS HILL
Tel: 020 8766 6688 W
re ea
re
he
KNIGHTS HILL SQ Entrance in Knights Hill Sq
CROWN
POINT
STREATHAM
CRYSTAL PALACE
The Copyshop is part of SRA, a Limited Company, Registered Charity and non-profit making organisation providing employment training
2013 event even more successful. With homelessness rising, the money raised is more vital than ever.” Crisis is hoping for a turnout of 250 people to take part in their event, providing each swimmer with a special Crisis swimming cap for the occasion and be able to enjoy a warm shower after they have braved the cold waters of Lido. Hot drinks and food are also provided from the nearby Lido Cafe, and spectators are welcome to come and watch. Registration opens for the event at 11am, and swimmers are asked to arrive no later than 11.30am.
8
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Features
www.brixtonblog.com
the faces of Cressingham
Gardens
Part I: Meet David The first of a series in which our Features Editor, Keith Lewis, along with photographer, Jeannine Mansell, meet some of the residents of Cressingham Gardens. ‘The Old Curiosity Shop. That’s what my sisters call it,’ says David from his easy chair. He’s surveying his own living room in his one bedroom council flat on Bodley Manor Walk. His sisters had all moved down to Devon years back so he was on his own up here. ‘They’re into this, what do you call it… minim… min..?’ ‘Minimalism?’ I interject. ‘Yeh, that’s the one,’ he says. ‘Minimalism.’ But in David’s flat you can barely see the wallpaper for paraphernalia. And a large veneer dresser covers half of the back wall. On top of it sits a replica of a dark green LNER steam engine, plus a model Laurel and Hardy. I ask David how long he’s been here. “Let me see… since nineteen-eighty,’ he says. ‘Before that, I was in the old tenement building up by Lambeth North station, before it was pulled down. Of course, I’m from Lancashire originally.’ That seems to explain the steam engine. ‘Been married and what have you. Got divorced. And Lancashire was too small for all that,’ he laughs. I notice two model barges on top of a pine bookshelf. ‘I used to run the canals,’ he tells me, and invites me out into the hallway to investigate. There’s a tea towel hanging on the wall with a map of the UK’s canal network on it. His finger follows the Grand Union, which David recalls with enthusiastic energy. As we sit back down I notice a telephone, which has it’s own fabric cover in the form of Disney’s goofy. I ask David why he didn’t follow his sisters. ‘Could have got a place down there I guess, if I’d registered myself disabled. But I didn’t want to do that’ he says. ‘Anyway, I’ve always liked it here. I’m lucky with my neighbours.’ David explains to me that he used to run an over fifties club sown at the Rotunda. That’s the name of the community hall. ‘There had been a few issues though,’ he explains. ‘We were harassed by the new tenants association.’ Turns out it was something to do with his over-fifties club having too much kitchen cupboard space. Besides, the association wanted more money if David were to continue
using it every week. Cressingham Gardens sits between Tulse Hill and Brockwell Park. David is on the park side of the estate. It’s peaceful, and I feel the need to point it out. ‘Of a night-time you can’t hear a thing,’ he nods. Just then a clock chimes loudly. I look about, waiting for it to finish, and notice a digital calendar sat on a side cabinet. It was stuck on December 25th. ‘In fact, if you have a look in the A-Z, we’re not even in it – Bodley Manor isn’t on the map, so to speak. Only Hardel Walk, down the way there. A real rabbit warren this place – until they put a nice new map up out front I never even got my parcels.’ David and I both laugh. I ask him if he’s a big animal fan, pointing to the wall behind his TV. ‘Oh, the plates. Yeh,’ he says. The wall is covered in them and each one has a different painted image of a Staffordshire dog. ‘Owned Staffs all my life, but the last one died three months ago. Shan’t be getting anymore though, on account of my health.’ David has heart problems, you see. He’s also recently had an operation on one knee and that’s made mobility difficult. The glass front of his dresser has loads of old theatre tickets stuck to it. I notice King Lear. ‘I used to go all the time, with a friend,’ he tells me. ‘Unfortunately she passed away a while back so I don’t really go anymore… here, did you see those buildings all bricked up down the bottom end of the estate? Subsidence that is. You could shake somebody’s hand through the crack in the wall, it’s that bad.’ David speculates. Maybe the developers of the private estate next door had their eyes on it. He feels that there is uncertainty about his future at Cressingham. ‘Where are we all going to be rehoused?’ he says. ‘Truth is, nobody really knows what’s happening. We are kept in the dark really. There are lots of rumours. There are lots of people worried and what have you.’ He stops for a minute. And then he says ‘I tell you what, there is one person you should talk to if you want to know more about this estate.’ He picks up Goofy and dials a number that he has committed to memory. ‘Hello. It’s David,’ he says. ‘I’ve got a guy over here from the Brixton Bugle. I mentioned that my good friend Rosa might be interested in chatting to him, seeing as you’ve been here since day one and everything.’ To be continued in the next Bugle…
9
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Features
www.brixtonblog.com
A festive feast awaits at Brixton Soup Kitchen
FEAST: Solomon Smith, above (Pic Alistair Hall) and the team, below (Pic Ilse Bruijn) Top right: Clint Capell
For most of us, Christmas is a time we spend with family, food, drinks, presents and warmth. The cold outside makes it all the more comfortable inside and the company of others, even if it is that one uncle who always falls asleep during the Christmas dinner, makes it a jolly time indeed. Sadly, this does not apply to everyone. In England alone, more than 113,000 households have applied for homelessness assistance to their local authority in the last year. This signifies an 11 per cent increase in the last two years, according to figures from Crisis. And it is just the start. There are many more people out there who are dealing with homelessness issues and who might not have a place to be for Christmas and are instead wandering the streets outside. Fortunately there are people in London who are willing to make Christmas a special time for them too. Enter the Brixton Soup Kitchen. They plan to throw their visitors an amazing Christmas party. Solomon Smith, who set up the soup kitchen in January, said: “We want to have that Christmas feeling. We are going to put up Christmas decorations and we are planning to have a turkey. What we have in our vision is to have a long table, Christmas trees everywhere. “I don’t really celebrate Christmas – I still eat rice and peas on Christmas day – but I will do my research when it comes to Christmas dinners.” One of the volunteers, Mahamed Hashi, added to that: “I am a Muslim so I don’t celebrate Christmas but I understand the need for food and I understand that on Christmas day, everything will be closed so they cannot rely on any donations.” “Most people are going to be nice and warm, with their families, enjoying themselves. We are trying to create that family feel for them. Hopefully that will encourage them to come back
and that will give us the ability to help them to come out of the situation that they’re in.” The soup kitchen aims to be a very inclusive charity and the same will go for the festive bash. “We are not a religious charity,” says another volunteer, Micah Lammie. “We have people that come from all different walks of life and religious beliefs, so we accept people from any faith. They don’t have to pray before they get a meal, like at some other soup kitchens.” The Brixton kitchen will rely on donations from local businesses to make the party happen. Nando’s has already committed to provide them with chicken and Refill and Satay Bar will donate food as well. Clint Capell, 53, (pictured right) is one of the regular visitors of the soup kitchen. Like many of the guests, he does not have any family in London to be with for Christmas. When asked about his plans for the holiday period, he said: “I don’t really plan that far ahead. Christmas is just like any other day for me.” Clint was made homeless last year and lived on the street for a while. He was then put in the system and ended up at a place called the Hub, in Islington, where he slept on the floor with many other people left without their own roof. Eventually he was sent to the Lambeth Assesment Centre in Vauxhall for six weeks, where he was put in touch with a charity called Look Ahead. They provided him housing in Brixton, where he is currently sharing a house with three others. Things are looking up for Clint, but he is still struggling to provide for himself. He said: “I have been coming to the Brixton Soup Kitchen for about six weeks now. I have been on benefits for the last two years.
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
BY ILSE BRUIJN
“I have a mother in Australia who is struggling at the moment so I am sending her half my benefits. I come on Tuesday to Thursday when they are open and on the Thursday I take a little bit extra to get me through the weekend.” Clint is now doing a lot of volunteering within the homelessness sector and hopes to make his job out of it one day. He works in the kitchens of the Lambeth Assesment Centre, helps Streetrisk get people of the street during the weekend and is waiting for an apprenticeship at Thames Reach, where he will receive a year of training to work in the field. He is already volunteering with them to help people with drug and alcohol problems do their daily tasks, like shopping and paying for their light and water bills. When told the soup kitchen was throwing a Christmas party he responded: “Really? Brilliant! Well, I will definitely be attending that.” Readers can donate food, money and a helping hand by emailing soupkitchensupport@hotmail.co.uk.
10
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Your views
www.brixtonblog.com
YOUR TWEETS
TAKE FIVE: Places to hide from the cold
Some of your #Brixton tweets:
@emma_j_davis: The wonderful @BrixtonBlog is nominated at @ pressgazette’s #BJA2013 tonight. Feeling rather unashamedly full of #local pride. Good luck all!
Arts co editor Ruth Waters, right, seeks respite from the winter in Brixton.
@lovelynotebooks: Enjoying listening to authors @BlackBookSwap event today @RitzyCinema @BrixtonBlog. @crisis_UK: People of #London - are YOU up for a freezing cold dip for charity? Sign up for the Crisis #MidwinterSwim #Brixton
Join the conversation in #Brixton by Tweeting us @BrixtonBlog or @Brixton_Bugle
Give market a chance
More variety, a new venture, more choice for Brixton customers; of course this is a good thing. It seems to me that the existing market traders think of themselves only and not the customer. Traders appear to be trying to hang on to something which is relevant for some, but not for others. This is not their choice. Brixton is a town, full of varying people who have different needs. Some want the older style things on offer, some want the more modern type of farmers market, others the food stalls ( getting massively overpriced), others want to try out new things. Now I may not be interested in trinkets and things of that ilk, but there are others who are. So in the spirit of free enterprise and invention let this go ahead. lets not keep our minds closed as to what Brixton market should be and let it at least have the chance to evolve into something less predictable. Mark
YOUR PICTURES: Light stream picture taken outside Brixton Tube by Michael Edema Leary, who we also spoke to about cycle safety. Follow him @mikeel88
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
www.brixtonblog.com
A lot more can be done to prevent road accidents Condolences to the elderly lady who was fatally injured. I am an HGV driver myself, working in and around Brixton re-paving the footpaths. I drove past the incident not long after it happened. I believe a lot more can be done to prevent incidents like this in and near busy town centres. For example, there used to be barriers in the central reservation of Brixton Road outside Brixton underground station. These are now gone! It allows anyone and
everyone to cross between the stationary buses at the bus stops and the slow moving traffic beside them. I am forever looking in my front and side mirrors when passing this area as so many people walk out from behind buses without even looking, when there is a crossing not even 30 yards away. I drive a 32 ton 12-wheeler so when negotiating my way past the parked buses while having cyclists passing on one side and motorcycles on the other, pedestrians crossing throughout that whole
stretch just makes things harder than they need be! This is just one example but it is endless! More needs to be done in places like this to prevent pedestrians from J-walking freely when there are so many large vehicles (buses and lorries) trying to get through. Once again RIP to the lady. Unfortunately things need changing. Brixton HGV driver
Tweet us @brixtonblog Facebook ‘Brixton Blog’
The
by numbers
»40% of the homes in the Somerleyton development will be rented at council rates »1,319 votes for Paul Gadsby from Labour in the Vassal ward by-election »30 units planned for the ‘Brixton Yard’ market if it goes ahead »7 to 17-year-olds will get the chance to learn coding at the Coder Dojo » £7 for a night of singles fun at the Market House at Hello, is it me you’re looking for? »120,000 page views on Brixton Blog in November »FIVE parties at New Years Eve in our NYE in Brixton guide »ONE quince in Miss South’s Christmas pudding recipe »11 Brixton Bugles published this year
Sauna at Brixton Rec For a burst of heat, there’s nowhere better than the sauna in Brixton Rec. At only a fiver a pop, this must be the cheapest warmth around, pound per degree. Not only a great place to warm through, the sauna is the source of all the hottest local gossip. Keep your ears open while you sweat out that winter cold and you might just hear some juicy titbits. Brixton Library Save on the central heating and spend some winter days buried in a good book at Brixton Library. Free for Lambeth residents, our local library has an excellent collection and plenty of places to sit. While you’re there, you might want to dip into work by a local author, like Alex Wheatle, Howard Cunnell or Courttia Newland. The Lido Cafe For that warm smug feeling, nowhere’s better than the cosy surroundings of the Lido Cafe. Watch foolhardy swimmers in their wetsuits brave the outdoor pool as you sip a flat white or chow down on a full English. If winter swimming’s your bag, the pool will be open all through the Christmas season, with a bonus swim session on Christmas Eve. Fish Wings and Tings Warm up from the inside out with a plate of Brian’s mouth-puckeringly hot jerk chicken and a shot of spiced rum at Bugle favourite, Fish Wings and Tings. This small restaurant at the edge of Granville Arcade provides blankets for people sitting outside and serves some of the best Caribbean food to be found in London. The codfish fritters have been described as “a high five from Jesus” by one reviewer - perfect for Christmas surely? C.A.F.E. Find the heat of carnival at C.A.F.E (Carnival Arts Food Empowerment), a quirky community endeavour tucked beneath one of Loughborough Junction’s railway arches, at 209A Coldharbour Lane. Part carnival workshop, part art and craft space, part cafe and part community space, C.A.F.E. is a great place to pick up handmade Christmas cards and gifts.
11
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Comment & Analysis
www.brixtonblog.com
The Brixton Blog and Bugle Est. 2012
Welcome to our Christmas Bugle special. At 24 pages, it’s a bumper edition, double the size of the paper we started with in 2012. We’ve put together a guide to Christmas shopping in Brixton this year to ensure you don’t have to make the trek up to Oxford Street, and Miss South has given us her tips for getting your Christmas food locally too. If you’re worried about what to do for New Year, then Laurice Laird might have the answer to your prayers with her guide to NYE in Brixton. The news this month also gives us an idea of the talking points for 2014 - housing in Somerleyton Road (page 5), Jeff the Chef ’s jerk barbecue (page 3 ), plans for a new market (cover story), and the ongoing gentrification of Brixton. Carlton Mansions residents remain under threat of eviction; despite this they have put a lot of hard work into the consultations for Somerleyton. And the letter from an HGV driver on these pages is part of a London-wide debate about the safety of our roads. It’s not about getting involved in a mass blame game, but about improving the infrastructure so that no more cyclists are killed in road accidents. We’d like to thank all those who have contributed to the Bugle, tweeted us, written to us and, mainly, taken the time to read the paper this year - it’s that support which meant we were nominated for the British Journalism of the Year awards, rather a nice surprise for us to end the year with. Not everyone has had a fantastic year and as you mull your wine, grab your goose at Dombeys or your buy your sherry from Market Row Wines, spare a thought for those who will be visiting the Foodbank over the holiday. You can donate non-perishable food to St Paul’s in Ferndale Road or at Nour Cash & Carry. Wishing you all a very happy Brixton Christmas!
It’s not just Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim who will be hungry Jon Taylor
Brixton Foodbank Manager I have so many “favourite” Christmas films at this time of year, but I have to confess it is a guilty pleasure of mine to watch “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. I know it is really aimed at kids, but I just love Michael Caine playing Scrooge, the commentary from “Rizzo the Rat” and Kermit the Frog’s moving portrayal of Bob Cratchit surely deserved an Oscar nomination! I jest a little, but the songs, the snow, and the feel good-factor always put me in a Christmas mood. The scenario painted in London in the 1800 is a bleak one. People’s spirits don’t seem to be dampened at Christmas, but food poverty is clearly an issue. Bob Cratchit earns 15 shillings a week which is around three pounds in today’s money, and was probably the equivalent of about thirty three pounds by today’s standards. With the ill health of Tiny Tim, and medical bills to pay, Bob Cratchit would have been a likely candidate to be referred to the Foodbank if there had been any back then. Most of you will be familiar with the story, as Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a character transformation and realises the error of his ways. He becomes Tiny Tim’s Foodbank, sending a prize Turkey for him on Christmas day! As a Christian celebrating Christmas, I enjoy another story that is often only heard when you are a child. It is the story of the birth of Jesus, in a stable, with no bed, no facilities, and probably very little food (although I suspect those shepherds may have helped him). In the bible it says “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son”. This
was God’s gift to us, and why I love the Christmas story. This year, Norwood and Brixton Foodbank has given more food to help those in crisis than ever before. We have fed over 10,000 people since we were established and with almost sixty thousand people on the edge of poverty in Lambeth, we expect that number to rise fast. Words can’t express the generosity of the local schools, churches, and many individuals that have enabled us to meet people’s needs thus far. This Christmas, there will be people in Lambeth who will be hungry like
Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. I know Christmas is an expensive time of year, but giving an item of food to Foodbank this Christmas could be the equivalent of giving a “prize turkey”. Just as God was separated from his son at Christmas because he loved us, can we also show love by making a small sacrifice? For details of how to donate please see http://norwoodbrixton.foodbank. org.uk/ A very happy Christmas from all the Foodbank team and thanks for all your support this year. Illustration by Kaylene Alder
Brixton Station Road
Brixton Station Road’s Saturday markets handmade pressies and affordable xmas mincepies at the Baker & Flea market on good bet for those thoughtful, handmade stall if you’re looking for luxurious natura a good selection of knitwear to be found days in December. Friday Christmas Markets: 6th, 13th & Bakers & Flea Market, Mince pie specia Christmas Makers Market Sat 14th of D Christmas Retro & Vintage Market Sat SPECIAL Christmas Eve Market, Tuesd
Morleys If you’re buying for someone who loves to cook, pop into the Morleys kitchenware section where you can everything from pointless (but fun) kitchen gadgets to good quality pots and pans. The haberdashery department is also a must for beautiful wools and silly nick nacks, while the selection of children’s toys and games is unrivalled in Brixton. On the ground floor is a vast array make-up and perfume for trendy young teen girls. If nothing else, just walk past and admire their oh-so-festive window display!
Ritzy Cinema A superb option for any film lovers, membership to the Ritzy Cinema gets you three free film tickets, £2 other tickets throughout the year, a cinema programme to your door and 10% off all food and drink. All for £38.
Bookmongers There is nowhere better than Bookmongers to shelter from the manic crush of Christmas shopping. Pick up a book and curl up on the sofa at the back, holding the book in one hand so the other is free to stroke Rosa, the resident pooch. When fully restored you can buy book tokens for the shop on the way out. Owner Patrick will do any value you like, perfect for those fussy family members!
a magic s e v a w s a “Christm , and d l r o w s i h t wand over softer s i g n i h t y er behold, ev autiful.” e b e r o m and
d
are a great place to head for unique, treats. Treat yourself to homemade n the 7th and the Makers Market is a e gifts – Check out the Fresh & Pure al beauty products and there’s usually d! Lots of traders are also out on Fri-
20th December. al! Saturday 7th December. December. 21st December day 24th December.
Brixton Village
Granville Arcade, or Brixton Village, is an obvious starting point for finding the perfect gift for someone special. For something personalised head to Studio 73 for picture framing and prints. If it’s unique jewellery you’re after there’s plenty of option in Brixton Village - both Circus and Brixi have a great range from independent makers. The blue and white enamel crockery sets and mugs sold by Kem’s Ventures make a lovely (and very affordable) gift and If you’re shopping for a discerning food lover head to Brixton Cornercopia who have a great selection of foodie gifts, and all locally produced.
Why shop loca l in
Brixton?
It’s a great paradox that at Christmas those creations of convenience, the supermarket and online shopping, are capable of bringing such inconvenience to our lives. We’ve all experienced the mayhem that occurs as a result of people buying trolleys’ worth of goods in one swoop. Similarly we have endured our own versions of ‘will they/won’t they’ regarding the arrival of presents bought online. Another way exists and it’s right under our noses. Brixton has an incredible range of local businesses that cater to every Christmas need and budget, it’s just that unlike the big shops they don’t have the marketing resources to remind us what they offer at this time of year. Our markets are easily capable of providing all the ingredients necessary for a classic Christmas dinner, while personal, thoughtful and creative gifts lie on the shelves of Brixton’s fantastic independent shops. Personal service, friendly, stress-free environments, original and often cheaper, shopping locally is a Christmas treat in itself – and one that is perfectly acceptable to spoil yourself on. By Tom Shakhli, Brixton Pound
Market Row
We did most of our Christmas shopping in just this part of the market last year. Rosie’s Deli has beautifully illustrated and informative tea towels for £10, based on themes such as seasonal vegetables or different cuts of meat. If you’re looking for something for your brother or boyfriend the printed jumpers at 20 Storey are a good bet, while next door you can get healing candles. Casa Morita sells cute Mexican jewellery as well as Mexican foodie gifts. And we often buy unusual spices at Nour Cash & Carry for stocking fillers.
Your shout
“I like to do my shopping locally. It’s more relaxed, it’s more chilled and there is good stuff. There are cool little unique shops in the market. I prefer it to Oxford street hell.” Jonny
Diverse Gifts Diverse Gifts is packed full of, well, gifts! Wonderfully, hand-crafted, design-led gifts that are sure to put a smile on most people’s faces. There is a good range from jewelry to fabric accessories, prints to soaps and candles and they even stock traditional childrens toys.
I live in Herne Hill and if I don’t feel like travelling too far I’ll come to Brixton for my shopping. It’s got a nice vibe. I go into H&M or one of the clothing shops, Top Shop, MAC, all of them places. Jazzmin
14
Brixton Bugle December 2013
What’s On December 6 Get down to Photofusion if you don’t want to miss the final day of Nicholas Smith: Reflections on Authority. Smith’s debut London exhibition features multi-media pieces that document ‘designated areas of cultural display.’ December 7 The Crafty Fox Market returns to the Dogstar with a stellar three whole floors of arts & craft stalls. Together with workshops, tea & cakes, the Dogstar bar & DJ’s spinning eclectic music throughout the day. 11am-5pm. Website: http:// craftyfoxmarket.blogspot.co.uk December 8 The Friends of Brockwell Park bring a little festive spirit to Brixton today with a
www.brixtonblog.com winter fair featuring crafty cards, art, clothes and plants. Perfect for a spot of gift shopping. The fair runs from 11am until 3pm at Brockwell Hall. December 9 Join a community of singers and celebrate Jamaica’s musical contribution to London’s culture. As part of the London City Reggae Choir you will sing ska, reggae, and dancehall classics and work towards paid performance. Bring your voice and love of this music and meet friendly like minded people. A warm welcome will be given to professional and amateur singers alike. Every Monday. 7:309:30 at The Lost Theatre.
Editor’s Pick: December 10 The Prince of Wales hosts a ping pong party, providing wall-to wall ping pong tables set against a backdrop of live visuals, DJs, creative themes, social tournament play, exhibition games, pro-tips and even ping pong robots! 5pm-11pm.
December 11 Learn the martial art of Tai Chi with Wu Style Brixton. Beginners classes are at 7.30pm every Wednesday and cost £10 on the door (no booking necessary). http://www.wustylebrixton.co.uk/index.html
Editor’s Pick: December 21 The Windmill hosts the final ever gig of ‘junk-pop juggernauts’ and radio favourites Stagecoach. Watch them go out with a bang for just £7. For tickets see windmillbrixton.co.uk/
December 12 The excellent pub quiz at The Trinity Arms runs every Thursday night at 8:30pm. Simon is the regular host with prizes to pass out to 1st & 2nd placers, plus free drinks can be won during the quiz too! December 13 Photofusion’s SALON/13, opening today, is an annual exhibition of the gallery’s talented members. It showcases the talent and artistic quality produced by photographers across a broad range of disciplines. December 14 Get the authentic ‘homemade’ look for your crimbo decorations by letting your little elves make them! A christmas craft workshop for children runs at from 10am-12pm at Brockwell Community Greenhouses, costing £5 with discounts for the unwaged. Phone 07427 685714 or contact Beth for more information or to book your place. December 15 Enjoy some Creole cuisine down at Kaff Bar, where New Orleans-born chef Myers is cooking up a storm to a soundtrack of blues, gospel, swing and old-time jazz. The Creole Crawfish Bowl happens every 2nd Sunday of the month. December 16 Diamond Jive is a community of dancers from London dedicated to bringing back to life the jive/rock’n’roll clubs of the fifties. You can attend one of their weekly drop-in jive classes at 8pm in the Prince Regent, and even better - prices start at just £5. diamondjive.com
December 17 Multi-million-record-selling giants of music Placebo are playing the Academy. Info and tickets here: www.o2academybrixton.co.uk/ event/55173/placebo-tickets December 18 The weekly Open Mic Night at Electric Social throws the stage open to anyone who wants to test their talent in front of a friendly Brixton crowd. 9pm-12am, free entry. December 19 Every week Thursday night is acoustic night at the wonderful Joiners Arms. Expect a great evening of local bands and songwriters alike, and it’s all for free. It all kicks off at 8pm. December 22 Enjoy reggae vibes all day at Dee Dees with Reggae Sunday. It’s the perfect way to get that Sunday feeling. December 23 Shake it down at a Zumba, where you get fit the fun way - dancing to Latin beats. Every Monday 7.30 - 8.30pm at Moorlands Community Centre.
December 24 Check out the excellent Christmas Eve market on Station Road for all those last minute presents that you’ve been putting off all month! December 25 MERRY XMAS! December 26 Detox hasn;t started yet - and The Click outfit is taking advantage with a their Boxing Day Special at Brixton Jamm tonight. Expect dirty drum ‘n bass, house and garage, plus a bit of jungle for good measure. Two rooms of bass, With Paleman and Palace headlining the main room. Tickets £8 early bird / £10. December 27 If you’re not wiped out from festive overindulgence you can get your wiggle on at the newly refurbished Fridge Bar. Their ICE night every Friday promises the coolest cuts of R&B, hip hop and bashment. 10pm - 4.30am.
View The Brix Hub Affordable offices and hot desks for charities & small enterprises
The Avocado Cafe provides catering services for parties, meetings and a range of events. With an exciting Avocado dip range, speak to Louise about something new this Christmas www.theavocadocafe.co.uk Louise@theavocadocafe.co.uk The Avocado Cafe provides catering services for parties, meetings and a range of events. With an exciting avocado dip range, speak to Louise about trying something new this Christmas.
Co-sponsored by Lambeth Council Central location, all amenities. enquiries@thebrix.org
020 7738 6604
15
Brixton Bugle December 2013
What’s On
www.brixtonblog.com
TOP FIVE: New Years Eve parties Thinking about that New Years’ trip? Not sure what to do or where to go? Well check out Laurice Laird’s suggestions of five ways to exit this year in style!
Electric Social, 40 Acre Ln Offering a complimentary glass of Moet & Chandon, this party will be sure to light up your New Year’s with Dj’s including Brxtnfnk, Foreign Boy and Curtis Chip playing the best in Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Breaks, Dub, Disco & Bass. Tickets are £25. Party starts from 9pm
02 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road Lock N Load events present ‘Last Night on Earth’. With almost 5,000 people set to attend, Sasha has sealed his place in one of the greatest lineups of house and techno with his first London NYE performance in over a decade. With a Mixmag front cover and weekly residence at Ushuaia Ibiza under his belt, it is an event not to be missed for this global icon. Other dj’s on the night include: Hot Since 82, Guy Gerber, Nic Fanciulli, Deetron and ThermalBear plus many more. Cost: £30 - £45. Doors open 9pm – 6am.
They promise pints of Champagne, stage invasions, dancing on tables and glitter cannons, to make this a truly renowned new year. Music on the night ranges from Hip Hop to House, Funky and Soul to Rock n Roll and many more. 9pm – 5am. Tickets range from £8 - £18. ID required.
Brixton Jamm, 261 Brixton Road Gold Teeth Ltd, who will be hosting the night, formally invite you to welcome in 2014 in a ‘suitably drunk and irresponsible fashion’.
Hootananny Brixton, Effra Road This venue promises an epic New Year’s Eve party, with a huge indoor / outdoor NYE festival. If you’d like to experience the beer garden,
food stalls, confetti and cannons, then get yourself down to Hootananny which will be playing the latest in gypsy, electronics, reggae, dancehall, hiphop, jungle and breaks. Time: 9pm – 5am. Price: £12/£15/£20. Plan B – Reggae Roast New Year’s Eve special, 418 Brixton Road In the mood for to add a little tropical spritz to your evening then look no further! With the Congo Natty Family and Skitz & Rodney P, Plan B promises the ‘Biggest Line-up Ever’ with music ranging from Reggae to Jungle, Dancehall to Hip Hop. Doors open from 10pm – Late. Price £15 – Early bird tickets on sale now! By Laurice Laird
16
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Culture
www.brixtonblog.com
became a TV presenter in the UK,” explains than berets and guns; they Paul, “so it was a case of travelling both to the would be policing the police Caribbean and the US for the research to find and help advice those haout about the movements he was part of.” rassed by the police on their Tracking Darcus’ life in this manner made rights.” the authors greatly appreciate his contribuThe authors feel that the tion to the black British history and in awe of demise of the Black Power A Political Biography his many achievements. Movement left a big void “We found a story of someone who was in the UK and attribute the always on the side of the angels,” says Robin. progressions within race Robin Bunce and Pa “So many parts of his life would make a good relations on its presence. ul Field movie – a revolution in Trinidad, the Black “The Black Power Rise Campaign in America, representing movement provided rehimself (and getting acquitted) in the UK’s ally great role models for biggest ever black trial (the Mangrove trials).” young black people who And if there is a film made of his life? suffered racism,” says “I’d want Idris Elba to play him,” laughs Paul. “The Black Panthers Paul. ceased to exist a little too Paul and Robin started their research in the soon; society changed UK’s National Archives, before being granted somewhat, but not as unprecedented access to Special Branch files. much as it should have “Our initial Freedom of Information re- done.” quests were turned down, but we lobbied and Paul hopes the book got a lot declassified,” says Robin. Many of will appeal to future revRobinfindings Bunce is Director the surprised the authors, such as olutionaries and young of Studies for Poli tics at Homerton Col at St Edmund’s Col lege and a Bye-Fellow lege, University of that existed the special connection between black “I want in Historymen. Cambridge, UK. Paul Field worked as a journaliSpecial the Home Office, Branch and senior our readers to want to st for many yea rs during which he policing and asylum covered issues incl , before qualifying uding as a law yer practicing judges. change the world,“ he and employment in the fields of disc . ination “We found evidence that the rim smiles, adding “I hope Home Secretary was involved in that young black people getting illegal strategies against will be inspired by this POLITICS Darcus Howe. The racism goes to book and see the need Cover image: © Ross Parry Agenc y the top - all the way to the Home www to.bloo getmsbback ury.com into politics Office,” reveals Robin. and completing the Paul concurs. “The British Black struggle that the genPower movement was deemed so eration before them dangerous that there was a blespecial began.” Also availa from Bloomsbury desk within Special Branch called Robin’s dream the Black Power Unit, which was readership is Obama feeding information directly to the and Russell Brand. “I Home Office.” think there’s a lot in However, the notion that the this book that Russell movement was a danger was in- would find inspiring,” he leased on correct, explains Paul. “The Black says enthusiastically. Panthers carried law books rather ‘Darcus Howe: A Political Biography’ is re- 11th December by Bloomsbury.
Darcus Howe
A Political Biograph y
Robin Bunce and Pa ul
Ahead of its launch, Katrin Magnussen meets the authors of ‘Darcus Howe: A Political Biography’. “Every part of his life is exciting,” exclaims Robin Bunce, from a well-worn sofa in Brixton’s Dogstar. “Imagine writing about Clegg or Cameron. It would be so boring in comparison!” he laughs. The book charts the life of political activist, columnist and TV presenter, Darcus Howe. It is his life seen through the history of the British Black Power movement. A history which, according to authors Robin, and his close friend Paul Field, has never before been committed to a book. “We pretend that there was no black struggle in Britain, but of course, this is not true. But, there are no books on it and that was one of the reasons we wanted to do this project, as a historical document.” Persuading Darcus to be part of the project was easier than anticipated. Once he’d agreed, a global hunt for information on the Black Power and the British Black Panther Movements ensued. “Darcus had such an amazing life and did so many different things before he even
‘This is a deeply info rmative and significa nt biographical stud in the fight for race y of a hugely importa equality in Britain. nt figure Bunce and Field set campaigner and inte their account of the llectual, Darcus How life and work of e, with in the larger context and anti-racist organiz of anti-colonial struggl ing in the Caribbean es and in Britain. Esse an interest in both ntial reading for any black history and peo one with ple’s resistance mo vements.’ Priyamvada Gopal, Department of Eng lish, University of Cam bridge, UK ‘This riveting study illuminates the com plexity of Darcus How politics. Diligently e’s lifelong dedicat researched and eng ion to radical agingly written, this salutes a unique pre remarkable book arti sence in modern Brit culates and ish history; an activist oppression remains who se stance against raci undiminished, una pologetic and uncom al world too -often dom pro mis ing inated by the shape, in a contemporary shif ting of spin and Deirdre Osborne, Dep short-term reactive thinking.’ artment of Theatre and Performance, Gol dsmiths, University of London, UK ‘This biography of Darcus Howe serves as an exposition of significant dimension an unexplored tho of contemporary Brit ugh centrally ish history.’ Farrukh Dhondy, aut hor of C.L.R. James: Cricket, The Caribbe an and World Revolut ion Darcus Howe: A Poli tical Biography examin es the struggle for through the lens of racial justice in Brit one of Britain’s mo ain, st prominent and con campaigners. troversial black jour nalists and Born in Trinidad dur ing the dying days of Brit ish colonialism, Howe champion of racial became an uncompro justice. The book exa mising mines how Howe’s inspired by the exa unique political out mple of his mentor look was and great uncle C.L. of the American civi R. James, and forged l rights movement, in the heat as well as Trinidad’s Black Power Revolut The book sheds new ion. light on Howe’s lead ing role in the defining institutional racism struggles in Britain in the police, the cou against rts and the media. defendant in the tria It focuses on his par l of the Mangrove Nin t as a e, the high point of in conceiving and org Blac k Power in Britain; his anizing the Black Peo role ple’s Day of Action, by the black commu the largest ever dem nity in Britain; and onstration his later work as one journalists and pol of Britain’s most pro itical commentators. minent
Darcus Howe
The amazing life of Darcus Howe
Field
9781849664950_co
v_app.indd All Page s
South London’s landmarks in print
Brixton Academy as depicted by a South London Print
Local designers Ed Povey & Martin Ivatt are passionate about South London, particularly Brixton and its iconic buildings. They are so passionate about it that when they set up their arts business last year, South London was the obvious choice of subject. Their business South London Prints creates beautiful, simple limited edition artwork, posters and prints of local landmarks and scenes. Business is booming and the designers are an inspirational example of how to turn your passion for your neighbourhood into a thriving business. Before setting up the business, South London Prints’ founders Ed and Martin worked in design. The idea for the business came up as they discussed the potential in the high street revival, the passion that people have for their neighbourhoods and the great architecture in South London. “We wanted to find a way to create something that would help people to express and share that passion”, said Ed. The idea for South London Prints was born and they opened their studio in August 2012. This passion for the neighbourhood and its landmarks is apparent if you speak to Ed and Martin about how they pick the subjects of their prints. From their portfolio, Brixton residents will instantly recognise the Ritzy, two or three views of the Brockwell Lido and Brixton Academy. We always knew that local residents were passionate about the area but we didn’t realise quite how much until Ed told us about a commis-
15/10/2013 17:49
sion that he had been delighted to produce: “A couple asked us to feature our print of the Lido on their wedding invitations – they were very pleased with the end result!” It’s not just the buildings that they are proud of. They are also very interested in the recent history and how local business owners like them can make a difference. “The underlying demographic shifts that are driving Brixton’s transformation are also the most likely to negatively change the character that makes the area so appealing and it will be interesting to see what direction the area goes in” he added. With recent developments in the area, this is a debate that is raging amongst many local residents. Brixton Village is one of Ed’s favourite places to visit as there is “always somewhere new to explore.” What’s next for the business? Ed has recently set up a new company ‘Place in Print’ which aims to bring together different artists who specialise in creating locally themed art and design products. Looking for a uniquely local Christmas gift? You can get your very own South London Print from www.southlondonprints.com or if you’d rather buy in person then find out which markets they’ll be at via their Facebook page. A selection of prints is also available for sale at Studio 73 in Brixton Village and Diverse on Coldharbour Lane. Perfect Christmas present? Definitely. See more at www.placeinprint.com. By Amna Ahmad
17
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Culture
www.brixtonblog.com
INTERVIEW: Michael Kiwanuka Michael Kiwanuka’s first album, Home Again, won him the BBC Sound of 2012 award and a Mercury Prize nomination. Born in Muswell Hill to Ugandan parents, the 26 year old’s route to success included an early detour as a session guitarist for artists such as Chipmunk before he found critical and commercial success with his own personal brand of soulful folk. Arts contributor, Julia Robinson, caught up with him ahead of his sold out show at Effra Social on 5 December: You’ve recently announced that you’re launching a record label, Movement Records. I think it’s a great name. What’s your involvement going to be? Yeah I’m really excited about the label. The name basically means a group of people (a movement) that goes against the grain. My involvement is going to be to work with the artists, finding talent that would otherwise be overlooked by major record labels because of the narrow margin for commerciality we can have. Movement will be a place for them. Has the idea for your label been influenced by other artist-led labels and, if so, which ones? Yes. One in particular for me is Third Man Records run by Jack White. I think that’s a great label and very unique. Of course Communion Records are an inspiration too but also labels like XL and some interesting independents in the US
like Anti Records.
Is being home important for you creatively or are you more inspired when you’re on the road? Being in a place that feels like home is very important for creativity I think. That could be anywhere as long as you feel comfortable. The studio belongs to my friend Miles James, who comes on the road with me and plays guitar. He’s a phenomenal guitar player and a fantastic producer. I’ve known him since I was about 14 years old. He has a great studio that is dedicated to recording in a way we believe captures the performance element in music well, and also sonically showcases an alternative to the sometimes heavy handed radio driven production style. It certainly makes it easier for me too being local.
on the layout of the rooms so that when people walk in they immediately feel like they’re at my house. It’s been so fun so far. Can we expect a second album in 2014? Yes. I can’t wait to put out another record. A lot of the songs I’m playing haven’t been recorded yet though so people coming to the gigs will get to hear them in their infancy. Interview by Julia Robinson. Find more at michaelkiwanuka.com
On this mini tour you’ve deliberately chosen to play small, intimate London venues like the Effra Social, very different from the bigger stages you’re used to. What are you most enjoying about these shows? The intimacy is my favourite thing about them. You can bring people into your own world a little easier too. We’ve spent a lot of time
SPIRIT OF BRIXTON:Foodbank Christmas Special bit to help. If things weren’t so tough at the moment, most of the people who come to the foodbank wouldn’t need to. I think the Prime Minister and his Cabinet should spend some time at Brixton foodbank - and have a long hard think about their priorities.
With Christmas fast approaching, we asked volunteers at Brixton Foodbank what it all means for them... Becky Blackwell: Saturday Stockroom Volunteer I joined the Brixton foodbank about three months ago. My sister and brother in-law had been serving with their two children and had had to stop so I knew there was a need for more hands. I think it can be easy to get compassion fatigue when you see how much need there is in the world, you can feel overwhelmed and not really know how to help, or be unsure that your money really does make a difference. It is different with foodbank. I love knowing that when I help out I am immediately sure of the impact and know that people might feel a bit better and hopefully know that their community really does care for them. Even just donating food or money to it, you know it is helping people who could live next door to you. I work in the stock room and try to keep it really quick and efficient, putting what are hopefully nice options together, or if people have
donated treats I always try to make sure families with children get some sweets or biscuits as well as the basics that we provide. I find it one of the most rewarding things I do, and seeing the generosity of people in West Norwood and Brixton is really encouraging. Charlie Cooper: Saturday Stockroom Volunteer I volunteer at the Brixton foodbank one Saturday out of three. It’s not much, but it means a lot to me
to help neighbours who have fallen on difficult times, if only in a small way. I load up the food packages and keep the shelves stocked. It’s cheering to be able to hand over something that’s going to make a big difference to someone, but it’s a simple thing really - I see it as a favour for a neighbour. I came across the food bank network through my work as a journalist for The Independent. Having reported on a hunger crisis on my own doorstep, I felt I had to do my
Beth Langham: Tuesday Welcome Team I see my role volunteering for the foodbank as a great opportunity to engage with my local community. Essentially I work to make each client feel welcomed and hope that I can get an insight into their lives, through this I am getting to know the issues that our local community are facing. I have the opportunity to help where I can through suggesting other local agencies or charities that can help, and as a Christian I can also offer prayer, which I believe is meaningful and powerful. I have learnt so much through working at the foodbank, and I feel privileged to come into contact with so many amazing people because of it.
Jon Taylor: Brixton Foodbank Manager I first joined as a volunteer for the foodbank eighteen months ago, when “Brixton Churches Together” established a local distribution point. I couldn’t quite believe there was a need for one in 21st-Century Britain, but any misconceptions soon vanished as I listened to countless stories of hopelessness and despair. It’s hard not to have compassion when you are confronted with such hardship, and the words of Jesus “Love one another. As I have loved you” encourage me further to serve those in need. Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, drinking mulled wine, spending time with old friends and family, exchanging presents, or watching James Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life”. That film poignantly reminds me that Christmas is also about helping the community with the hero, George Bailey, giving all his own money to those in crisis. How can we “love one another” in our community this Christmas? This is the challenge to us all. Read Jon Taylor’s Christmas comment piece on p
18
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Food
www.brixtonblog.com
Brixton Christmas Pudding BY MISS SOUTH
The last weekend of November was Stir Up Sunday, which is the day in Britain when traditionally the Christmas cakes, puddings and mincemeat are made. This allows time for the flavours to mature and everything to be especially delicious for the Big Day. However, I am not usually organised enough to do my pudding then so here's one that can be made up to three days before Christmas. Lighter than most shop-bought puddings, this one is full of apples and quince along with plump dried fruit and some dark sticky treacle. I got the quinces from the A&C Deli on Atlantic Road and you'll need a trip to the Nour Cash and Carry for the dried goods. Don't be scared by the ingredient list. It makes two 1.2 litre puddings. Remember if you have other people in the house, start with the youngest and get everyone to stir anti-clockwise, making a wish as they go. This is a lovely old tradition and allows you share the love and the hard work involved in pudding making.
MAKES TWO PUDDINGS: 500g mixed dried fruit 100g candied peel 75g glace cherries 75g almonds, pistachios or pecans 500ml stout or black tea 1 heaped tablespoon treacle 2 medium cooking apples, peeled & grated 1 quince, peeled and grated 200g plain flour 100g breadcrumbs 100g suet (or 100g melted butter) 115g brown sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons treacle 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 large eggs, beaten 100ml stout or tea, kept from above
Before you start making the pudding, you need to soak your dried fruit. Put it all, except the cherries and peel into a jar or airtight container. Drizzle the fruit with the first tablespoon of treacle. Then pour the stout or tea over it all. Leave overnight at least or up to 5 days if you have time. When you are ready to start making the pudding, use 1.2 litre pudding basins. Grease them well with butter and dust well with flour. If you can get a plastic one with a lid, don't forget to grease the lid too. Peel and grate your apples and quince. It doesn't matter if they oxidise a bit and go brown when you set them aside in this recipe. Place
them in a large bowl. Drain the soaked dried fruit, retaining the lovely treacley stout. Place the soaked dried fruit in the same large bowl as the apples. Start adding all the other ingredients. I do it in order as above. Once you have all the ingredients in the bowl, start stirring. The mixture will become wetter and looser and a chestnutty brown colour. It smells amazing. Once it is evenly mixed right to the bottom, pour the batter into the basins, leaving about 2.5 inches of space for the pudding to rise. Now cover the basins. Take a large piece of
tinfoil. Lay an equal sized piece of greaseproof paper on top of the foil. Now fold the foil and paper together so that they have a pleat down the middle from top to bottom. This gives the pudding room to expand. Brush the paper with melted butter and then wrap the foil and paper round the basin. Tuck it round the lip of the basin and then secure it here with string. Proper basins instead of bowls can be bought in Morleys. If you have a cotton string bag around, slip the basin into it. If not, make a handle with more string, checking it will take the weight of the basin. Lower the basin into a large pan. Pour
boiling water into the pan so it comes half way up the basin and then steam the pudding for 3-4 hours. Check the pan doesn't boil dry. I cook each pudding separately. Take it out of the water when cooked and leave it sealed until needed. It will keep safely for several months if unopened. Reheat the pudding on the day by repeating the steaming as above for another three hours. Remove the foil and carefully upend the pudding onto a serving platter. If you are less vain about your eyebrows than me, douse it in booze and and flambĂŠ it. Otherwise, serve with cream or brandy butter and enjoy. The leftovers are amazing fried in butter on Boxing Day...
19
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Food
www.brixtonblog.com
Raid our local larder for Christmas BY MISS SOUTH
I usually spend Christmas back in Ireland with family, but I think I’m going to start a campaign to get them to come to SW9 in future and I’ve got lots of things on my Brixton Christmas wish list this year. Brixmas Shopping is an event run in conjunction with the Brixton Pound, celebrating the local and independent shops in the area and offering late night shopping every Thursday night in December. You’ll be able to pay with Brixton Pounds and if you pay by text every £10 becomes £11 so you can be more generous. Here’s some of what I’m buying with mine: Hampers at Cornercopia: or as I call it ‘my cold cuts kit’. I’m stocking up on hamper of Brixton grown and made preserves and pickles, including the classic plantain chutney that launched Cornercopia. There’s also a full selection of Brixton Brewery beers to accompany the wide variety of goods. Prices start from £9 and there’s the added lure of mulled wine and handmade pork pies to buy to sustain you on a long shopping trip. I’m also a fan of the stylish homewares and the local honey. Perfect shopping for foodie friends. The Brixton Bugle is offering you the chance to win one for free simply anser the question on this page. Cookbooks at 20 Storey: Joe Storey Scott does a lovely range of books in this great shop. I bought myself several gifts here last year while buying cards, but this year, I’m eyeing up the new Franco Manca book for a real Brixton gift. Pizza box optional.
WIN a hamper! Cornercopia, Granville Arcade, is offering one lucky reader an Edible Brixton Christmas hamper. It’s filled with local foodie goodies, from honey made by Brixton bees to a green tomato chutney from the Edible Bus Stop on Landor Road. Answer the following question set by local beekeeper Jon Harris for a chance to get your hands on the hamper: Approximately how many plants would a Brixton bee need to visit in order to make 1lb of Brixton honey?
Cheese from Cannon & Cannon: who could resist having something on the Christmas cheeseboard called Dutch Mistress? It’s a creamy goat’s cheese as well sounding rather amusing. The Cannon brothers (pictured above) have a vast selection of other cheeses if you fancy trying something new this season. Check their website or pop in to hear about forthcoming cheese tastings too. I’ll be stocking up on jerky and mini salamis as stocking fillers and to snack on while I wrap presents. Goose from Dombey’s Meats: I love the dark fatty meat of goose for Christmas Dinner and I’m delighted to see that Dombey’s are stocking them this year alongside turkeys and rib of beef. You can order your bird or beast from the second week of December and the staff will give you tips on cooking, preparing and storing your centrepiece. No wonder they came in the Top 10 of London butchers as suggested by the Metro.
A small sherry for Santa at Market Row Wines: I don’t mind whether my sherry is sweet or dry as a bone, it’s an underrated drink as well suited to a fireside drink as a summer’s evening. Dave will sell you the bottle you and Father Christmas need to get the presents under the tree. Knowing someone else is eating well thanks to Brixton Foodbank: a few years ago I was homeless at Christmas. Leaving the hostel to spend it with family and friends was a relief and a joy. Everyone deserves a day off their worries and woes and you can help that by donating something luxe this Christmas. Leave mince pies, cake, chocolate, selection boxes, tinned chicken in white wine, pressed ham or chicken and nuts at the food bank at St Paul’s on Ferndale Road or at the drop off points at Tesco Acre Lane or the Nour Cash and Carry. Try and leave the best you can afford but remember they can’t accept perishables. Enjoy Brixton’s best this December!
Warmest welcome Review: Sean’s Bar BY ZOE JEWELL Pics by Jeannine Mansell
At the end of a night, with half a bottle of prosecco left over, Sean filled up a glass for every customer in his bar and handed them out on the house. I was there with a friend for a late night cocktail after dinner. The act said a lot about his eponymous bar – it’s wondefully welcoming because Sean himself makes it so; and there weren’t that many people there that night, because on most nights the bar isn’t that full. It’s a travesty, really, because his cocktails are by far the best I’ve tried so far in Brixton.
Sean’s Bar is the late night version of Rosie’s Deli, serving drinks and food every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. It’s transformed from the daytime deli by moody lighting, a cover over the counter and sexy music. Crucially in these winter months, it’s warm. The cocktails are clever, never too sweet and very sophisticated. Sean serves classics, from a negroni to an old-fashioned, as well as some inventive specials. He is currently doing a cold mulled wine and a cold ‘hot’ buttered rum for the seasonal drinkers among us, what he dubs “Australian Christmas cocktails”. Cold mulled wine doesn’t sound appetizing exactly, but in Sean’s hands it becomes a delicious, spiced whisky sour with a chilled mulled wine float (see pic). If you don’t like cocktails then there’s a selection of beers and wines on offer too, but Sean’s Bar doesn’t just do drinks. Aperitif hour is from 6-7pm and in true Italian style, you get a free crostini, bowl of olives or bowl of home-made pickles with your cocktail for £6. And the main courses, which change seasonally, are classic Rosie’s Deli - simple and homely, from salads to macoroni cheese and a croque monsieur. We have to admit to hoping Sean’s Bar doesn’t become so popular that it turns into an unbearable hipster-fest, but whether for a date or quiet drink with friends, it is the perfect place to be. Sean’s Bar, 14e Market Row, SW9 8LD. Open Thurs-Sat, 6-11pm. Follow @seans_bar.
a) 60,000 b) 500,000 c) 4,000,000 Send your answers to competitions@ brixtonblog.com by December 14. You can pre-order hampers at www.cornercopia.co.uk
20
Brixton Bugle December 2013
2013 review: In pics
www.brixtonblog.com
Pictures by: Mike Delaney Jeannine Mansell Tim Dickens Laura Spargo Antonio Sansica Alistair Hall
21
Brixton Bugle December 2013
2013 review
www.brixtonblog.com Your only free community newspaper
Your only free community newspaper
ICE HOCKEY LATEST SPORT REPORTS Page 12 Edition 6
WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE HOBBIT AT RITZY Page 8
FREE
Massive rent hike threatens business
INSIDE...
Cash and carry will fight shock 22% increase on new lease By Zoe Jewell, Editor
The popular Nour Cash & Carry grocers in Brixton Market, ten years old this year, is facing massive rent hikes which could threaten their business. The management of the market, InShops Retail, have served Nour, in Market Row, with an order to end their tenancy agreement and start a new one with a massive 22% rent increase. The family originally opened a bargain food store in the market in 1997. They opened Nour Cash & Carry a decade ago in 2002 and have seen the market through both good and bad times. Nour had a ten-year lease of the shop which they renewed last year. However, the new contract is on “a rolling basis” and In Shops have taken advantage of that flexibility to start up another lease under stringent terms. Nour have been given until May 23 to renew the lease. Saja Shaheen, whose family own the middle eastern grocers, said: “In the past, we’ve been so complacent and said ‘yes’ when they backdated the rent. Six months ago, they backdated the service charge. I thought this time we have to go in strong.” Saja also described the conditions under InShops, who took control of the market in May 2010, as difficult. “The old management walked around the market and you could approach them. At least they were there and you could make an appointment with them. With InShops, it’s ‘you go to our lawyers’. We’ve gone to our lawyers and we’re going to try to negotiate. If we give
Mighty market
We go behind the scenes at Station Road market as the traders prepare for a bumper Christmas. Including a recipe for a delicious Ethiopean chicken stew, tea with the Traders’ Federation chair, and some ace pictures too. In Focus, pages 4 & 5
AT RISK: Saja Shaheen, left, and her father, centre, are fighting a 22% rent hike. Pic by Jeannine Mansell in, then what chances do the small- is thriving at the moment - and It’s not vested in the future, in that er shops have? I really do think that’s great and I it’s interested in bringing the mon“I think because our shop is love that - but I think our shop is ey in.” quite big, it’s ideal to get us out and so community based. People don’t Matt Steele, operations manager maybe split the shop up into differ- come from north London to buy at InShops, responded to the notion ent units”, said Shaheen. “Brixton our groceries, they come from that InShops is not invested enough the way it is now, I wouldn’t be sur- north London to eat food and to see in the community saying: “I would prised at all. It’s just not feasible for ‘Brixton Village’. We need to reflect like to dispel that rumour”. us - 22%! We don’t want to leave. that and I can’t justify saying to our He said Ms Shaheen’s comments We will fight.” customers ‘we’re going to increase were “inaccurate” but would give The rent hike comes amid fears the prices because the rent has gone no further detail or comment. from many of the older traders up’. We don’t want to compromise Nour are now negotiating with that their position is threatened as price or quality, which is what we’re InShops’ lawyers to fight the rent new restaurants come in prepared about at the end of the day. I think increase. to pay higher prices and now often the management is not looking afTo comment on the rent rise go backed by bigger chains. “Brixton ter who it should be looking after. to www.brixtonblog.com.
Tropical brekkie Lyndsey Faller has been to Negril, Brixton Hill for a Carribean breakfast. Find out what she made of jerk sausage and callaloo. Food, page 11
Big Society award for Livity
DEDICATED: Livity youngsters Sean Mahoney, Ayesha Badat, Bridget Minamore and Deanna Rodger at 10 Downing Street
A Brixton-based youth engagement agency has been awarded the Prime Minister’s ‘Big Society’ Award for its outstanding work improving the lives of young people. Livity, found in Piano House, Brighton Terrace, scooped the award for their scheme “somewhereto_” which finds spaces for young people to carry out creative projects. The agency also publishes Live Magazine, written and edited by young people. It is read by 15% of youngsters aged 16 to 24-years-old. The Prime Minister David Cameron said: “My warmest congratu-
lations to all the dedicated Livity employees and all the young people who have got involved in their inspirational campaigns and projects.” A film the group shot in Downing Street also won a DADI industry award for best use of video.
GET FIT FOR SUMMER Win fitness sessions p20
Like us on Facebook “Brixton Blog”
JUNE 2013
INSIDE...
Brix and Mortar
The Bugle Arts Team explore the stories behind Brixton’s unique landmarks to celebrate the 2013 London Festival of Architecture. Feature, p12-13
Alt-J at the academy Residents, politicians and union members in Brixton have stepped up the battle to save Clapham Fire Station, claiming that increased response times will cost lives across Lambeth. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is consulting on proposals to close Clapham Fire Station, as well as 11
others across London, under plans approved by the mayor Boris Johnson. Dozens of firefighters, councillors and unionists marched from Brixton Fire Station to a packed Lambeth Town Hall, Acre Lane, for the first of the London Fire Brigade’s public consultation meet-
ings. Demonstrators were joined by a decommissioned fire engine, playing Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash through speakers, before union representatives and community leaders addressed the crowd. Writing in The Brixton Bugle this week, Streatham MP Chuka
Brixton Blog has been awarded funding after winning a competition for local news projects. The Carnegie UK Trust announced in May that Brixton Blog would receive £10,000 over the duration of a year to accept trainees on a work placement programme in Brixton. The project will welcome young people to the Brixton Blog for highly-structured work placements which will see them gaining vi-
tal experience in the journalism industry, while learning skills including media law, ethics and story-writing. Zoe Jewell, co-editor of the Brixton Blog and Brixton Bugle said: “We are so pleased to hear about the funding from the Carnegie Trust. We have grown rapidly over the past year and for a newspaper run by volunteers, this will be a massive help on the road to making hyperlocal news in Brixton truly
sustainable. “We’ll be able to carry out a project which we have long wanted to do – training young people from Lambeth in journalism which will bring new perspectives to the site and provide our trainees with new opportunities.” The Carnegie UK Trust revealed five winning projects of its £50,000 ‘Neighbourhood News’ initiative, set up to develop innovative ways of producing news.
Funding win for Blog
Umunna said: “I am determined to fight as hard as possible against this cut. I would urge everyone living locally to respond to the consultation, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and Boris Johnson, so we can force them to change course so that Clapham Fire Station is saved.” Cont. on p2
We were there as the band du jour played to a sell-out O2 Academy, plus we look around the Brixton studio where they made their debut Mercury-winning album. Culture p14
Glorious Food
Miss South cooks squid with callaloo and sips botanical cocktails, while Lindsay heads to Courtesan to try jerk chicken dim sum and parcels galore. Food , p17
If you are aged 18-25 and interested in taking part in the placement, please email the team at training@brixtonblog.com
Your only free community newspaper
SW9 SKATEBOARDING Dean Clarke p6
WHAT’S ON GUIDE The best July events p10-11
Edition 12 FREE
JULY 2013
Country Show line-up announced
INSIDE...
BY ZOE JEWELL
The Duke returns
More than 66 years after he was born in a terraced house in Stansfield Road, David Bowie returns to Brixton in the form of a giant mural on the side of a department store. News, p2 PARTY ON: The main stage of the Country Show. Right, Max Romeo will play the show on the Sunday afternoon grounds, young and old, come together to enjoy all sights and sounds of the town and country.” The council almost cancelled the show last year due to the Olympics, but after a Brixton Blog campaign it was eventually saved and took place in September. It’s now back to
it’s usual July slot. As well as music, there will be Caribbean cuisine, farm animals, vegetable competitions, and arts and crafts. Full Country Show round-up and colour map on page 17.
Memories of Nelson Mandela
As The Bugle went to press, former South African leader Nelson Mandela was in a critical condition in a Pretoria Hospital, aged 94. As the revered statesman approaches the end of his life, Brixton Bugle editor Zoe Jewell and readers have remembered the momentous day on July 12 1996 that Mandela came to Brixton Recreation Centre at his own request. More than 12,000 people lined the streets and chanted his name, bringing peace and unity to a Brixton that ten years before had been torn apart by rioting. According to newspaper reports at the time, children danced and some people burst into tears when the former president arrived wearing African dress. As market trader Stuart Horwood recalls: “Brixton chooses people and I think Brixton actually chose Nelson Mandela to come here, so it was a match made in heaven. “For Brixton’s history it’s a major event - I can’t really think of anything that’s been more significant as far as positive things go.” For more memories and tributes turn to page 5.
STATESMAN: Nelson Mandela arrives at Brixton Rec, accompanied by Prince Charles. Picture by Evening Standard / Jeremy Selwyn
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com Tel: 020 3730 1312
Overgrown area ‘transformed’ into edible community space Hundreds of Brixtonites got together this month to celebrate the completion of a scheme to “transform” Loughborough Park. The community project, organised by the Friends of Loughborough Park group and the national charity Groundwork, has brought new trees, plants, paths and seating to the park – as well as an “edible hedge” of fruit and nuts that locals can pick from. There will also be a gardening area for schools and community groups. To mark its launch, Groundwork and the Friends group held a community event with face-painting, seed-planting and a gardening tips, as well as free bike maintenance and free micro-chipping for dogs. One resident, Danny, said at the event: “The park is so much better now! I’ve lived here since I moved from Jamaica in 1965 when I was nine - so I’ve seen it change. “It didn’t use to be somewhere very welcoming. It used to be a mess, overgrown and unsafe, but now it’s a really nice local park!” The improvements to the park have been funded with £75,000 in grants from Groundwork and its partner, the Western Riverside waste authority, which runs a community grants scheme. A Groundwork spokeswoman
The Orb
We catch up with Alex Patterson from The Orb about the Barrier Block, Brixton and taking the Bugle around the world. Culture, p13
Summer grub In her last gastronomic outing
for BB for a while, Lindsay heads to Rancho de Lalo in Granville Arcade. While Nichols Balfe gets in the summer spirit despite the weather with Elderflower Polenta Cake. Food, p15
Edition 14 FREE
‘Beds in Sheds’ homes fear BY KAYE WIGGINS
Brixton faces the worrying prospect of a rise in substandard “beds in sheds” housing, one of the council’s top planning officials has warned. David Joyce, assistant director of planning at Lambeth council, told the Bugle a change in national rules would allow unscrupulous landlords to rent former office buildings out as housing with no checks being made on quality or affordability. “I worry we will end up with beds in sheds arrangements, substandard accommodation that is let out as bedsits,” he said. “They will be expensive units but they will also be of poor quality.” Brixton town centre and Brixton Hill were the areas at particular risk, he said. The term “beds in sheds” refers to the practice by rogue landlords of renting out poor quality housing, often in cramped conditions in garages and outbuildings, at extortionate rates and usually to vulnerable migrants. Last year, the then-housing minister Grant Shapps said it was “simply not acceptable that people should be forced to live in such squalid and unsanitary conditions” and gave nine councils, which did not include Lambeth, a share of a £1.8m pot to address the problem. Lambeth’s new concerns have arisen because under government plans,
landlords who own office space will be able to convert it to housing without planning permission from the council. The government claims the policy will bring underused buildings back into use and create much-needed new homes. However, the council has complained that it cannot raise questions about the standard of the housing or its amenities and has no power to require the landlord to rent out some of the housing at ‘affordable’ rates – a power that it does have with other housing developments. It can only object to the conversions if there is a flood risk, evidence of ground contamination or a bad impact on local traffic. “We have no say whatsoever on the quality of the housing in these conversions,” Joyce said. “That is what worries me - it’s the prospect of a return to the dark ages.” He said it could also lead to a reduction in affordable housing, “because if a developer can buy an office building and turn it into housing without needing any of it to be affordable, why would they bother taking on other projects in which the council would tell them to include affordable housing?” “I think the policy was designed for a places outside London where there might be empty office units that need to be used. But it’s a one size fits Continued on page 6
INSIDE...
Uncle Steadman
We catch up with the director of the new Brixton documentary film, which follows football coach Steadman Scott (below) and boxer AJ Carter on their parallel lives. Culture, p14
Shop challenge A big Sainsbury’s has opened on Brixton Water Lane, while Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Metros are popping up all over the place. We compare little and big Sainsburys, and take a trip down the market too. Feature, p7
HOUSING THREAT: Town centre. Pic by Alistair Hall
Brixton at Carnival
South Londoners made their own unique mark on Notting Hill Carnival last week, showing north Londoners how it’s done. Ray Mahabir of Sunshine C.A.F.E, Coldharbour Ln, (right) helped to prepare dozens of colourful costumes for revellers at the event. Another Brixton resident, Ella Buckton, 19, took part in the festivities with South London Connections Band. She told The Bugle: “Notting Hill was amazing this year. It was a great atmosphere. I was very proud of the band - all the costumes looked very good together , they were designed really well.” The festival, thought to be Europe’s biggest, was mostly peaceful with some police officers joining in the fun. One video of three cops dancing in the crowds received 100,000 hits on YouTube.
Human Rights
The Ritzy Cinema launches the Human Rights Watch Film Festival this month. We’ve got more on this and their photo competition Film, p12
said the edible hedge had replaced an “unsightly” area that was previously the site of anti-social behaviour. She said the new hedge would encourage “urban foraging” – where city-dwellers pick edible wild fruits and nuts.
GREEN FINGERS: youngsters get a helping hand at the park and, right, Friends secretary Dorothy Bell OBE (left) with Nicky.
Streatham Cllr Judy has now pledged to get the film Divided By Race United in War and Peace shown in every school in Lambeth following a Leicester Square premiere last month.
WIN A MASSAGE Competition p14 Edition 9
Social housing lost
We bring you two new comic strips for your visual pleasure. Check out the Tim Bird’s amusing Effra Tales and Pigeons, by Bobby Groves. Analysis, p7
by a registered social landlord. The move comes as the Government introduces savage cuts on housing benefit and as consultation begins on another crucial town centre development. Workshops are underway to hear locals’ ideas for the strip of land on Somerleyton Road. The extent of affordable or social
Homes does not signal a commitment on behalf of the council to conserving social housing in the area. There will be workshops specifically about housing and communal space at the Lambeth Volunteer Centre, Brixton Station Road, at 7pm on Tuesday April 16. Analysis, p9
Brixton schoolgirls couldn’t believe their eyes last month when Hollywood actor Will Smith visited their assembly. Smith, who was accompanied on the visit by Streatham MP Chuka Umunna, visited St Martin in the Fields School, Tulse Hill, last month after going on a walkabout
through Brixton Market and stopping at Federation Coffee, Granville Arcade for a cuppa with Paul Reid from the Black Cultural Archives. Krishnan Guru-Murphy, the Channel 4 news presenter, tweeted a picture with the words: “What is Will Smith doing in Brixton?” Full report on p5
Fresh Prince of Brixton
PAY & DISMAY • £Millions in ‘unfair’ fines BY ZOE JEWELL & KAYE WIGGINS
Motoring fines worth millions of pounds are wrongly issued to drivers in Lambeth every year, the Brixton Bugle can reveal. Figures from Lambeth council show it has been forced to cancel tens of thousands of fines in each of the last three years after drivers appealed against them. The cancelled fines - issued for breaking parking rules and for driving in bus lanes - add up to millions of pounds every year. The news comes as the BBC reported that enforcement officers in Camden and Ealing have claimed they are giving out “dodgy” parking tickets to fulfil quotas set by councils. Like Camden and Ealing, Lambeth also has a contract for parking enforcement with NSL, the UK’s biggest parking contractor. The Parking Management Act prohibits councils from setting targets for the number of tickets they issue. However, Lambeth council’s contract with NSL sets out expected issue rates at 218,000 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) a year. Phillip Brown’s ticket was issued on New Years’ Eve last year. “We contested a fine we received after parking in Bernay’s Grove in one of the pay and display bays. I put the ticket on the dashboard and when
• Drivers left baffled by tickets • 43,700 fines wiped last year Our culture team have been busy profiling Brixton’s pubs and the people who run them. Pubs special, p10-11
DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION: Lambeth cancelled £2million of ‘unfair’ fines I got back to the car I’d got a ticket said. “So we challenged it. When because the ticket was the wrong we did that, the council showed us way up.” The fine was waivered pictures of our vehicle – and the when he contested it online. pictures proved there had been a Another Brixton visitor who was valid ticket on show!” He added 2 2 % . wrongly issued with an £80 parking that the council had since cancelled The number was fine this year told the Bugle he had the charge and issued an apology. even higher in the two previous parked on a residential street and Data released to the Bugle under years: in 2011 it cancelled 24% of put a pay and display ticket on the the Freedom of Information Act all fines and in 2010 it cancelled dashboard. shows that in 2012 the council can- 26%. So far this year the number “We were baffled to find a park- celled 43,723 of the 195,705 penal- has fallen: 12% of Cont. on p2... ing fine when we came back,” he ty charge notices that it issued – or
Come Together
Wheelchair Bball Sports Editor Laura Dickinson tries out some wheelchair basketball - and speaks to the adults and children who play in Brixton Sport, p20
Organisers celebrate a triumphant Come Together Festival in St Matthews Gardens, on September 21 & 22. Pic: Pablo Casas
What’s On?
The lowdown on what’s hot, and what’s not, in Brixton thoroughout October. Listings, p17
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com Tel: 020 3730 1312
and safety regulations regardless of their age. The council has a duty of care to residents and we cannot ignore such a clear recommendation from a fire risk assessment.” Ward councillor Rachel Heywood said: “I have to be clear that we cannot allow anybody to continue to live in a building…that has been judged to be ‘intolerable’ in terms of fire risk. So soon after the inquest into Lakanal House…we are only too aware of the responsibility of local authorities to ensure the safety of citizens to the greatest possible degree. “We are doing everything we can to support them. This includes the possibility of temporarily rehousing everybody into a single building”, she said. CMHC had not been informed of this possibility when asked by The Bugle. The fire risk assessment identifies lack of ‘compartmentalisation’ – to stop a fire spreading from flat to flat - as one problem in the mansion blocks. The Co-operative has offered to do all it can to fulfil safety standards but the council states this will not be enough. CMHC also pointed out that the floors are solid timber and that the walls between the flats are thick brick. The building has never been damaged by fire. CMHC is now seeking independent advice. The Co-op started life 32 years ago on a temporary agreement with the council as short life housing. A member said: “This was an experi-
Baking for Brixton
A bake-off is one of dozens of offbeat events covered in our double page listings pullout, we’ve sorted your entertainment for May What’s On p10-11
FIRE RISK: Residents have been ordered to leave immediately. Inset, ward councillor Rachel Heywood called the fire risk ‘intolerable’ ment in using what would be con- have allowed for historic buildings sidered small amounts of money to in Brixton to be maintained. One make a place habitable, rather than member said: “When we put our totally refurbishing a place.” heating on it keeps the buildings “It was done on the self-help warm…We’ve kept the heritage and basis which means that the people then they can sell it off.” who were going to live there did The Co-operative was also remost of the work themselves.” At sponsible for the painting of the one stage, the Co-operative gave Nuclear Dawn mural, now a celethe council 50% of allocation to brated Brixton landmark. people on the housing list. More recently, the residents and The short life arrangements Continued on p6
Great adventure Luke Massey looks at the history of London’s oldest adventure playground, Triangle, as spring approaches. Features, p7
Mural project climax
Marathon heroes
The finishing touches are being put on an inspirational community mural in the shadow of Brixton Windmill. Work began on the artwork on April 10, with artist and designer Camila Cardenosa working with local residents, friends and and inmates from Brixton Prison.
Meet Brixton’s delegation to the Virgin London Marathon this month. Local runners tell us all about ice baths, sore knees and snowy runs. News, p7
Locals are invited to lend a hand painting on April 27 and 28, before the final unveiling of the mural at Windmill Gardens on May 6. The party will include music and activities suitable for all the family. Brixton Windmill will be open for free guided tours.
Market proposal
Resident and neighbour of Market Row, Richard Pope, gives his three point plan for the future of Brixton’s covered markets. Analysis, p7
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
www.brixtonblog.com
Picture: Nick Weedon
Your only free community newspaper
SUMMER PARTY GUIDE What’s On p12-13
COUNTRY SHOW Picture special p10-11
Edition 13 FREE
AUGUST 2013
College campus for sale INSIDE...
BY ZOE JEWELL & LAURICE LAIRD
Lambeth College’s Brixton Hill campus could be sold and redeveloped as housing, the institution has revealed. The higher education centre plans to attract investment from a developer which would allow it to create a new, modern teaching facility in Brixton. There are currently two options on the table for the site, which a ollege spokesperson has described as “dated and underused”. In the first scenario, the college would remain on the site in a new development which would also include residential units. The second option would see the college relocate to an entirely new facility, with the Brixton Hill space given over to housing. Mark Silverman, principle and chief executive of Lambeth College, said: “Against a backdrop of public spending reductions, the redevelopment of our Brixton campus offers us a great opportunity to generate the necessary resources to maintain our presence in Brixton and secure the long-term future of Lambeth College as a whole. “With the proceeds of the sale,
we can build a new, fit-for-purpose facility in Brixton as well as invest further in the delivery of first-class education, learning and skills for local people across the Borough. “This approach will meet the needs of the community, improve the quality of our offer and secure the long-term sustainability of the college.” While he said that no provision will be lost by the development, some courses currently taught at Brixton will be moved elsewhere in the borough. The college has said that it has 20% more space than it needs across its three sites in Vauxhall, Clapham and Brixton, but has committed to keeping a strong presence in the centre of Brixton. It hopes to appoint a development partner by September. Commenting on an article about the college’s plans on brixtonblog. com, one reader said: “There used to be a range of exciting courses for people of all ages to learn new skills or develop interests, it was a great atmosphere in there, but gradually the college has cut back on these despite them improving the lives of many people who live and work locally. “Give us a great college which
OxJam Calling
Faithless frontman Maxi Jazz will headline the launch party for the Brixton OxJam festival at The Lambeth. Picture by Damon Hope. What’s On, p12
OUTDATED: Campus could be redeveloped as housing. Right, principal Mark Silverman provides a beating heart for the t i n u e people who come here, with ex- until 2014, citing regenerative life-enhancing with any disruption after that “kept courses that improve our lives.” to a minimum”. The new Brixton facility will Lambeth College is reeling from focus on teaching employability a cut in government funding of courses, as well as maths and En- about £3.5million and in May anglish as a second language. nounced planned redundancies of Courses at the campus will con- “30 to 40” staff members.
Standby for Splash There’s hardly time to draw breath after Lambeth Country Show as we move swiftly on to the next big event in the Brixton year - the Splash, right in the heart of town, on Sunday August 4. Organisers have announced the line-up in what will be a bigger party than ever before, as the Splash extends this year to cover Pope’s Road. It will include some of the new food stalls from the Brixton Market Food Corner too. There will be music from
young and old on the Main Stage at Windrush Square, with rap, R&B, reggae, basement and spoken word performers all featuring. And, of course, crowds will head to Coldharbour Lane and Atlantic Road for the legendary sound systems. The event, sponsored by Digicel and SuperMalt, will also have lots of activities for kids, including ‘Bling Ya Bike’ and storytelling workshops. Full guide to Splash on page 5
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com Tel: 020 3730 1312
MEET ROOF PUP Your pictures, p8
make a real difference in Brixton, increase our footfall and profile. “A ‘yes’ vote for the Brixton BID will mean that hundreds of thousands of pounds can be spent supporting our business people through training, improvements to our environment, safety, marketing and lowering business costs to name but a few.” Under government legislation, if more than 50% of respondents vote yes to the BID, it will go ahead. It will be run by a board of 18 local business owners. But not all businesses support the idea. Patrick Kelly, who has owned Bookmonger’s, on Coldharbour Lane, for over 20 years, said he would vote against the scheme. He told The Bugle he
felt that improvements already made to Brixton in recent years made investment in things like marketing “obsolete”. He added: “If they had done this five years ago it would have made sense.” Mr Kelly also had an issue with a voting system that also gives voting rights to traders with who won’t be liable to pay the levy, but will reap any benefits. Consultations carried out earlier this year by the BID development group identified that traders wanted better communication and an improved environment from a business partnership. Three BIDs already exist in Lambeth in Vauxhall, Waterloo and Streatham. The deputy leader of Lambeth council, Jackie Meldrum, said the
Right royal riding club
INSIDE...
The Queen came to Brixton on Tuesday (October 29) to visit a rather special inner-city riding club. The monarch, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, dropped in on Ebony Horse Club, Millbrook Road to meet riders and horses of the organisation. She met the riding club’s founder, Ros Spearing, before being given a tour of the stables. Pic: PA
What’s On?
The lowdown on what’s hot, and what’s not, in Brixton thoroughout November. Listings, p12-13
What’s cooking?
Make your very own Brixton Bugle guava Jammy Dodgers thanks to a recipe from the tireless Miss South. Plus exciting news about her new book, Recipes from Brixton Village
Tweet us @brixtonblog Facebook ‘Brixton Blog’
Louisiana Lambeth
Miss South takes her appetite to Kaff Bar to sample Chef Myers’ tast of the deep south, from crunchy softshell crab to shrimp po’ boys, before whipping up her very own guava banana trifle Food, p17
Shop local this Christmas Brixmas Guide, p20
Food, p17
Christmas 2013
‘Brixton Yard’ not welcome say traders BY TIM DICKENS
Turin Brakes
We catch up with them ahead of their UK tour, and discover the influence Brixton has had on their lives and music. Culture, p11
BID would give businesses a stronger voice. She added: “Brixton is a very special place, dynamic and diverse , and there is always something new going on. “It’s a great place to do business with its busy town centre and superb public transport connections.” If Brixton votes yes to the BID, the full organisation will formally launch on January 1 2014. Over the next five years it will raise an estimated £2.3million in investment from the levy and outside grants. Visit www.brixtonbid.co.uk
bronze statues, waiting for a train since 1986. Pictures by Damon Hope. Culture, p13
Edition 17 FREE
November 2013
Traders to vote on Brixton ‘BID’ levy
Brixton businesses are to decide whether or not they want to create a Business Improvement District (BID) this month. All traders are being balloted on the idea, which would create a budget of about £435,000 to be spent on boosting local business, and they have until November 12 to respond. If the vote is successful, each business over a certain size will pay a 1.5% levy on top of their business rates, which will go straight into the fund. Chairman of the Brixton BID, Elly Foster (right), said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us as business people to
Lovely jubbly Your pictures, p8
BRIXTON BMX TEAM Sport, p20
Edition 16 FREE
Frozen in time The secret life of Brixton station’s
Your only free community newspaper
Your only free community newspaper
BY TIM DICKENS
Fancy a pint?
Residents of 16 flats in a long-term housing co-operative in central Brixton are to be forced from their homes following a surprise fire inspection. Members of the Carlton Mansions Housing Co-operative (CMHC), founded in 1979, have been told to leave the 122-yearold building immediately, after a fire report advised the building was unsafe. The council demanded “residents vacate the building as a priority.” But residents have hit back at the council saying the fire risk assessment states it “is subjective and for guidance only.” They say they were told on the phone prior to the visit that it “would be advisory only.” Shocked cooperative members met with The Bugle last week. One member who has lived in Carlton Mansions for 29 years said: “How can anyone decamp so quickly when they’re a long-term resident? You’ve got everything registered at that address, you’re in London so storage space is at a premium. How is it actually practically possible?” Another member spoke of the severe emotional stress caused by the council’s actions and has now been referred to the Mental Health Team as a result. A spokesperson from Lambeth Housing department said: “the council is obliged to ensure its buildings meet relevant health
www.brixtonblog.com
STRICTLY SALON Miss South on Food p17
INSIDE...
Council claims block poses ‘intolerable’ fire safety risk
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
Your only free community newspaper
October 2013
Editor Zoe Jewell chats to AJ Carter at Brixton Recreation Centre ahead of his first pro fight. Sport, p20
MAY 2013
Residents forced from homes INSIDE...
BY ZOE JEWELL, EDITOR
Brixton boxer in the second half of last year, and is selling 2-bed flats at Brixton Square for £500,000, applied for the change of housing provision despite having nearly finished building the development. Phil Davidson, from Barratt Homes, said his company had started building at the site with a commitment to the council to deliver.
Year in review
Edition 15 FREE
INSIDE...
A poignant and touching interview with Patrick Kelly of Bookmongers, reflecting on Brixton past, present and future. Brixton People, p7
LUXURY: The Brixton Square site will no longer have ‘social’ homes. Cllr Pete Robbins, inset. Barratt Homes, which made a In a concession to the objectors, the housing is as yet uncertain, howpre-tax profit of about £45million new affordable homes will be run ever, and the decision on Barratt
HEAVYWEIGHTS Miguel’s Gym p20
Edition 10 FREE
World of words
www.brixtonblog.com
BLACK PANTHERS UK Exhibition p6
STAR WARS TICKETS Competition p14
April 2013
Homes set aside for social tenants reclassified as ‘affordable’
By Tim Dickens and Zoe Jewell Flats in a town centre development set aside for social housing will cost tenants 20 per cent more after Lambeth council passed a controversial planning amendment. Senior Labour councillors have defended the move to approve plans from Barratt Homes to change the provision of 48 homes at their Coldharbour Lane development from “social” housing provision to “affordable”. The flats will now cost Lambeth’s poorest residents about 20 per cent more. A four bed flat will go from £166.39 to £202.70 per week, for instance. The decision was taken despite a joint campaign by Brixton-based news sites Brixton Blog, Brixton Buzz and Urban 75. In the comment pages of The Bugle this month, Cllr Pete Robbins defended the decision, blaming the coalition government instead: “Until 2011, central government subsidised the cost of building homes for social rent to make them financially viable – but this subsidy has been abolished by the coalition government.” Speaking against the changes at the Town Hall meeting, local resident Matthew Clarke said: “As gentrification continues apace in Brixton this will make it increasingly difficult for low income tenants to live in the town centre. It is extremely important to conserve social rented properties at the heart of Brixton.”
Rayner revenge
We are about to end our first full year of producing Brixton Bugles every month and, wow, what a year it has been for Brixton. We ended 2012 with the news that the family who own the much-loved Nour Cash & Carry were facing huge rent hikes in Brixton Market. They later won their negotiations and their rent was not increased. Then in the early year we interviewed the wonderful Brenda Last, a principal ballerina who grew up in Brixton during the war and was awarded an OBE last year. Tim Bird started his comic strip with us - you can see it on page 22 - and the Blog won funding for volunteer trainees whose reporting you can now read in this issue. Sadly the council tried to evict the community at Carlton Mansions in spring (it’s still ongoing) and at around the same time consultations for Somerleyton Rd re-developments started up. Then, in July, the council also tried to evict the legendary basketball coach Jimmy Rogers from his short-life home of 30 years. He’ll still be there in 2014. The summer was a glorious Brixton classic - Lambeth Country Show, Splash 2013, roses in bloom and lots of rum ‘n Ting. By autumn, though, benefits cuts were starting to bite and residents got the chance to confront the council about it at our benefits cuts event. It was the year of the supermarket (too many of them, everywhere); the year of short-life housing evictions; and the year of the ‘Arty-choke’ veg sculpture at the Country Show. Happy NEW Year.
Your only free community newspaper
BUDDHIST BRIXTON... Author Stella Duffy p12
FREE
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
FISH, WINGS N TINGS p17 SEPTEMBER 2013
Effra Jazz
Arts editor Barney Evison meets leading Effra Jazzist Alan Weekes, who has played at the pub for years. Culture, p11
A new film looking at the role of black serviceman during WW2 is to be shown at the Ritzy Cinema and at schools and colleges around the borough, thanks to a former deputy Lambeth mayor.
Your only free community newspaper
LAMBETH HERITAGE SPECIAL p11-12
March 2013
Eco park celebrates INSIDE... £75k funding boost
‘Tis the season
GRILLING LEVI ROOTS Reggae Roasting p14
Save Our Station!
WIN RITZY TICKETS See Robot & Frank free! p12
FREE
With Christmas fast approaching, Reverend Ben Goodyear, from Brixton Foodbank, writes about the importance of giving in the festive season, and we introduce our new illustrator Kaylene Alder. Analysis, page 7
Follow us on Twitter @brixtonblog
Edition 11 FREE
Edition 8
United in war and peace
Your only free community newspaper
The posters are up in the street, the chicken is being jerked and the cider is brewing for the annual Lambeth jolly, the Lambeth Country Show, which will be held on July 20 and 21 this year. The line-up has been announced for the main stage and includes kings of Afro-pop Osibisa, roots reggae master Max Romeo and Madness man Lee Thompson with his Ska Orchestra. One of our favourite Brixton bands, the Soothsayers, will be playing with falsetto singer Cornel Campbell. It’s the event when the countryside comes to the city, but really it’s all about the urban community we have here. Merlene Anderson, who runs the Caribbean Cuisine stall, said: “For me it’s a nice community thing. The stall is something me and my kids put together because we live in the borough. We have no shop and we are not business people. It’s not always something you get money from but I enjoy doing it.” Sally Prentice, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “It’s a place where people of all back-
GREATEST DANCER The Brixton Ballerina p10
December 2012
Your only free community newspaper
Market traders have spoken out against plans for a new market made up of disused shipping containers in central Brixton. Developers want to turn a small patch of land behind the former Brady’s Pub in Atlantic Road, Brixton into a retail space with 13 containers. Guarav Mohindra, from Iridium Assets Ltd, has applied to Lambeth to build the site, which would be known as “Brixton Yard”. The developers claim the market would include goods like fashion and jewellery, but not food. It will include 30 units based in metal shipping containers, varying between 8ft and 40ft in length. But current market traders have disputed the need for more market space. CEO of Brixton Market Trader’s Federation, Stuart Horwood, told The Brixton Bugle: “This is simply something that Brixton doesn’t need and I’d urge Lambeth not to grant change of use.” He added: “The covered market may be full but the demand there
is for restaurants and food. These guys want to have a trinkets and jewellery market – and the fact is there is already the outdoor market around the corner which is running at only 80% capacity. So there just isn’t the demand for this new market.” The scheme echoes a retail development called Boxpark in Shoreditch, east London. It has an entrance gate next to the railway bridge on Atlantic Road, and another on Electric Lane. In a supporting statement to Lambeth council, a spokesman for Iridium Assets Ltd wrote: “The site is currently derelict. The immediately surrounding areas offer a
STALLS: Sign in Atlantic Rd
diverse selection of shops and market stalls, which give this particular part of Brixton its unique and colourful character.” They added: “The Yard would provide much needed extra space to the neighbouring Brixton Market, which is currently running to its full capacity.” The land was formerly owned by Transport for London, as it includes an air vent for the Tube station below, but The Bugle understands it has since been bought by Iridium Assets Ltd. The historic Brady’s pub is currently being developed into flats on the upper floors and the restaurant chain Wahaca is set to open on the ground floor. The development of the pub, once called the Railway Hotel, came despite a long-running campaign by locals who wanted to take ownership from Lambeth council and run it as a community space. Residents have until December 3 to give their comments on the scheme, and Lambeth council are set to make a decision over the change of land use to retail by January 7.
Stars are born
These angelic youngsters, from Corpus Christi school, Trent Road, are among the Brixton schoolchildren getting ready for the Christmas play season. Read more inside our bumper festive edition!
22
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Cartoons
www.brixtonblog.com
To advertise here email ads@brixtonblog.com
Or call Tous on 07507 150 701
23
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Columns
www.brixtonblog.com
GREEN FINGERS: What to grow in December BY FIONA LAW Sprouting seeds, beans, grains and lentils is a quick and easy way to have something fresh to eat You need very little space and it can be done all year round. Sprouting beans, for instance, makes them easy to digest and more nutritious. Sprouting reduces the starch, increases the protein and makes many of the nutrients more bio-available than they would be. Plus it’s an inspiring sight: the joy of germination! Mung, aduki and other members of the bean family like lentils, peas and even peanuts are good, as are seeds like sesame, pumpkin, flax and alfalfa, though sunflower seeds don’t sprout very well. Seeds like fenugreek, onion, basil and mustard make great flavourings. Rinse thoroughly twice a day and keep in a jar in not to cold a place. Light isn’t necessary. Once germinated – typically five days or so – you can keep them in the fridge. Always rinse before serving raw or added to a stir-fry to avoid all chance of listeria. Look after your Christmas cyclamen and Poinsettia by watering from below so that the surface is just moist to the touch. A good soak every three or four days is better than dribbles daily in this case. Keep the pots out of direct sunlight and draughts. Check your pots and other outside containers haven’t dried out. Though trees and shrubs go into
dormancy, they will die if they don’t have some water around the roots. Water on mild days, when there’s likely to be cloud cover at night and little risk of frost.
Fiona Law is a garden designer and horticulturalist, also working on community growing projects in Lambeth. www.vivekagardens.com Follow @vivekagardens, @bandstandbeds, and @southlondonMGs
Join Mike, brilliant leader of the Brixton Blog Running Club, in a weekly run around the park (once or twice, your choice!) Meet at 7pm every Monday outside the library on Windrush Square. Free.
QUICK CROSSWORD Across 1. Fruit (4) 3. Warm climate (8) 9. From which a horse might eat (7) 10. Drape (anag) (5) 11. Digs of twigs (5) 12. Shelled reptile(6) 14. Chorus of the 6 involving leaping 21s, dancing 7s, swimming 18s, 19 23, 12 doves and a 1 tree (4, 4, 5) 16. Dwarfish creature (6) 19. Hissing birds (5) 22. Church pipes (5) 23. What 19 across are doing in a 6 (1-6) 24. Rude moos (anag) (8) 25. Questions (4)
Down 1. Small, folding blade (8) 2. Long-eared members of the horse family (5) 4. Correct (5) 5. A travelling musician (5) 6. Christmas song (7) 7. Genteel woman (4) 13. Autistic syndrome (8) 15. Condiment for pickling (7) 17. Fruit (5) 18. Long-necked birds (5) 19. Billy or nanny (4) 20. Leaves (5) 21. Husband of a 7 down (4)
Ms Bennet in Brixton
Our new dating columnist tries out Tinder and takes her date to Sean’s Bar (see p.19 for our review by another writer!)
BY MS BENNET Dating is getting easier, so I’ve heard. It’s not. In a bid to get out there after a long and draining failed relationship, I (along with some friends) decided it was time to get on tinder. After many, many “nopes” (don’t like his teeth/name/dog, clearly has a girlfriend/wife, snow pictures), I got matched with a fit French guy, and after a week of talking, we went on a date. Of course before the date, I freaked out and, much to their amusement, asked most of my friends whether a) I looked like my pictures and b) they would be disappointed if I turned up on a date. It turns out neither of us were disappointed. We went to Sean’s Bar in Rosie’s Deli Market Row, the perfect place for a first date. Great menu - I particularly loved the fig mule (please bring it back) and the sours - great tunes, music not so loud that you have to shout, and lovely staff. In fact, I had briefed them beforehand. It was my first internet date and I needed to be able to give someone a “he is a bloody weirdo, get me out of here” look if needed. It was a perfect first date. I was massively interested and so was he. We met up the next day and let’s just say things moved quickly. Things also ended pretty quickly. Four weeks of a whirlwind tinder romance ended with him either changing his number or switching off his dummy phone. I feel like I’m owed an explanation. I can deal with “I’m just not interested”, even “actually I’m seeing someone”. I would be relieved and feel very sorry for the ‘lucky’ girl, but don’t just fall off the face of the earth!! Why do men think we are going to cry at them if they tell us they are not interested? We
will not! At least not to your face. Nor will we swear or shout. Man up and be honest. So here’s what I learnt: 1. If you think he has a girlfriend, he probably has. I didn’t really catch on too quickly. “I don’t really like taking girls back to mine and meeting my flatmates.” “Why? Because you have a girlfriend?” “No I just don’t want to awkwardness” No, because you have a girlfriend!!! 2. It’s never too early to ask where things are going. Especially if like me you lie to yourself about being ok with the whole casual thing, but you find yourself taking a picture of said person’s post while they brush their teeth, so that you can find out their surname and learn more about them. Not one of my proudest moments. But it turns out I’m not so cool with the casual thing and actually I do want to know more than the first name of someone I’m seeing! 3. When a guy is sending you pictures of his penis, you’re probably not the only one. He has pics of dicks on tap. Fact. Also, when will guys learn that the pictures will be shown to my girlfriends! Stop sending them. The ‘great’ thing about tinder, is that you get to meet people you would never normally get to meet. Where else would a Brixton girl meet a guy with a sexy accent who works in Canary Wharf and lives in a gated community? Urgh, who am I kidding, of course it was never going to work out, he works in finance! I should have known at the point when I rolled my eyes after he said he’d only ever driven through Brixton. Once. In a cab. Maybe I’m messing with some cosmic order or something. Maybe I’m not meant to meet these people, maybe technology is messing with what is supposed to happen naturally.
Brixton Foodbank wishlist The Brixton Foodbank is located at St Pauls Church, Ferndale Road. The recent benefit cuts have seen a spike in clients and so their shelves are looking pretty empty. And at Christmas especially it’s important that there’s enough for all those who can’t afford food this year. Donations can be made during a Foodbank session on Tuesdays and Saturdays or can be done online with St Paul’s as the delivery address. You can also drop off donations to Nour Cash & Carry in Market Row. Please feel free to pop in to say hello and have chat, it’s not all about donations! These are the items that are dan-
gerously low or have completely run out: Long life milk Tinned Fruit Tinned meat Sugar Custard Cereal Rice Pudding Coffee Christmas items (such as pressed chicken, pressed ham, chicken in white wine sauce, mince pies, cakes) www.norwood.foodbank.org.uk @foodbankNorwood
24
Brixton Bugle December 2013
Sport
www.brixtonblog.com
Meet former gang member at the helm of urban fitness movement
WORDS BY LAURA DICKINSON PICTURES BY ALISTAIR HALL
From gang member to personal trainer with his own television show, with a spell in Belmarsh prison along the way, it’s little surprise that people are starting to take notice of Terroll Lewis. He’s the founder of Block Workout and at the forefront of a growing urban fitness movement. Block Workout is a group training session that takes place in Brockwell Park every Saturday at a cost of £1 per person. It has grown fast, attracting as many as 50 people every weekend with numbers regularly topping 100 in the summer. Groups are being set up in Birmingham and other UK cities too. Those you meet at training will tell you that Block Workout is ‘a movement’ or ‘a lifestyle’. They see it as much more than a gruelling two-hour session to tone up and get fit. It’s certainly ensured that Terroll has managed to build a brighter future for himself than when he went by his gang name, ‘Boost’. “My Dad wasn’t around so I looked up to the older guys around the estate,” explains Terroll who grew up in the Myatts Field area.
“What they were doing was nothing positive but they looked like they were living the life: the cars, the girls, the money. They looked like they were on a high and I wanted that.” Terroll’s descent into gang trouble was steep and he regularly got into fights. He lists the friends he lost: “One of my mates got shot in his head twice. Another mate was stabbed in the heart. He died too. About four or five of my friends went to prison for life.” Things changed for Terroll when he started to do fitness exercises around Myatts Field and when he began to attend church. He credits his pastor, Pastor Mimi, for her guidance and helping him to establish what he wanted out of life. He became determined to leave his gang past behind him and find a future in fitness. Terroll had previously tried to sign up to a gym, Fitness First, but was confused when he was told he couldn’t pay for his membership in cash. “I was told I had to pay by direct debit but I was like, what’s that? Is that a new cash? I was completely confused,” he recounts. “I didn’t understand what direct debit was. I never had a bank account. I used to keep money under my pillow. I come from the streets, I never knew nothing about that.” There wasn’t a cheap way for young people from his area to get fit and build up their strength, so in 2009 Terroll set up Block Workout. Its growth was stalled that same year, however, when he was sent to Belmarsh prison on remand. But, surprisingly, Terroll credits prison with helping him to crystallise his future plans and maintain the peace of mind that he’d managed to find through attending church. “Prison was one of the best times in my life. I wouldn’t want to go back there and I wouldn’t say anyone should go there, but it gave me the chance to understand who I
was,” explains Terroll. “I wasn’t as angry as I was before. I was more humbled, more relaxed, had more peace of mind. I was in that cell by myself and I wasn’t unhappy.” After 11 months, Terroll was found not guilty and released. He got Block Workout back up and running and it has now grown to such an extent that Terroll is now raising money to turn half of the current gravel football pitch in Brockwell Park into a workout park. “Brockwell Park is behind us all the way. They love the idea and have said they will match whatever we raise.” In 2014 he’s also hoping to take his training model to 100 schools around London. He also has a new fitness television show on DSTv, a satellite channel. Frankie, a 27 year-old Block Workout regular, started ating sessions in January this year and has since begun a course to become a personal trainer. Beyond the fitness she’s gained, she says the Block Workout “has made Brixton feel more like home.” “I think we all move in parallel ways,” says Frankie. But Block Workout “makes you cross in the middle… it becomes more than just a workout… Everyone comes together in a neutral space and we all come together because we love training.” In Frankie’s view, Block Workout’s success lies in the opportunity that it presents: “When you’re 16 years old and you don’t have an income, and you haven’t got that opportunity like this to get fit, you’re just not going to do it.” “That opportunity is here; it’s local, it’s grassroots, it’s genius,” she emphasises. “Whatever the situations that people are in they can come and pay a pound and get fit.” blockworkout.co.uk
BLOCK WORKOUT: From Top, Terrol Lewis, the line-up and Frankie does press-ups