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Be Atwell, Musician Five of the Best p8
London Marathon Heroes Meet Lambeth’s Runners p5
Edition 20 FREE
April 2014
Cinema living wage fight Inside: BY NISHA DAMJI
Critically acclaimed English film director, Ken Loach, has defended staff at Ritzy who are in a dispute with bosses at Picturehouses over pay. Union members are being balloted over strike action after Picturehouse Cinemas refused a pay increase for all staff in line with the London Living Wage (LLW), currently £8.80 per hour. Front of house staff are paid £7.24 per hour with supervisors getting an additional 50p. In a letter to the cinema’s owners, Loach said: “Everyone has the right to a living wage. “It is sad and shocking that the Ritzy Cinema, which has an image of being radical and progressive, should fail to do this”. Members of BECTU, the UK’s media and entertainment trade union, have been in long running talks with their employers over the pay rise. The LLW is calculated according to the basic cost of living in London and those in favour of the Living Wage say that it benefits business, the individual and society. Nia Hughes, branch secretary for BECTU, who also works at the cinema, said: “We don’t want to go on strike, we don’t want to be having these meetings but we are left with no choice as the company will not budge”.
LUNCH AT THE LIDO: Food Editor Lindsay Faller takes lunch by the calming waters of Brockwell Lido. Review, p19
The union is looking to secure the LLW as the minimum rate for all workers at the cinema, and for Picturehouse Cinemas to commit to continue paying it going forward. Hughes added: “That ensures people who work here in the future will all earn a reasonable wage.” Staff have also received support from local activists from the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC). A spokesperson for Picturehouse Cinemas said: “We have always tried to be a fair employer that pays fair rates, and we
are one of the highest paying employers in Brixton and in the cinema industry.” “It is important that everyone has their say, but industrial action will not speed up the process towards better pay for everyone – in fact it could well hinder our aims for this.” The ballot closes on Monday March 31 and campaigners urged readers to support them by following @RitzyLivingWage or by visiting www.facebook.com/ RitzyLivingWage RIGHT: Director Ken Loach
HILL MEAD HERALD: Brixton youngsters guest edit their own page to bring us their news. Schools, p15
HOW DO YOU READ YOURS? Tweet us pics of your Bugle in odd places for a chance to win a Brixton Blog bag @brixtonblog
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
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 NEWS newsdesk@brixtonblog.com DEPUTY EDITORS Luke Massey Kaye Wiggins politics@brixtonblog.com
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Barred council hopeful vows to clear her name BY KAYE WIGGINS, POLITICS EDITOR A would-be councillor has said she still hopes to be involved with the Labour Party in future, despite its decision to ban her from standing in May’s local elections. Adeline Aina, who was last week barred from standing as a council candidate for the Labour Party because of “unanswered questions” about a local tenant management organisation she was involved with, has vowed to clear her name and continue to “serve” the party. It comes after a Lambeth council report raised questions about the Patmos Area Community Conservation Association (PACCA), a tenant management organisation in Vassall ward. Aina is the organisation’s estate director and board secretary. According to the Lambeth council report, published in December, an investigation by the auditors PwC found more than £300,000 in cash had been withdrawn from PACCA’s bank accounts. The report
said PwC could not find evidence of how this money had been spent. “The council cannot currently satisfy itself that public funds are being spent appropriately,” it said. In a statement the London Labour Party said stopping Aina from standing in May’s election was “the only realistic outcome in the interests of both Ms Aina and the Labour Party.” However, Aina, who was selected as a council candidate by a local group, beating the senior councillor Pete Robbins, is challenging the findings of the Lambeth report. She told the Bugle: “The body of evidence completely outweighs the allegations. There has been no wrongdoing and I fully expect to serve the party sometime in the future once vindicated. “I’m very disappointed in the action to de-select me based on a report that is being challenged, but I would very much like to thank all those that supported me especially the Labour Black Network, BAME Labour and Operation Black Vote,”
FEATURES Keith John Lewis features@brixtonblog.com CULTURE Barney Evison Ruth Waters arts@brixtonblog.com FOOD Miss South Lindsay Faller food@brixtonblog.com SPORT Laura Dickinson newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
ISSUE TWENTY
Sub-editor: Jamila Omar Design: Claire CranstonSelby Writers: Darwin AguirreTaipe, Phoebe Robertson, Katie Lathan, Nisha Damji, Phoebe Robertson, Brixton Belle, Bill Hicks, Dan Kelly Photography: Alistair Hall, Antonio Sansica, Jeannine Mansell Cartoons / Illustrations: Kaylene Alder, Tim Bird Pam Williams Crossword: Josie Gardiner Proofreading: Kieron Faller Columnists: Ms Bennet, Alison Alexander A massive thank you to everybody involved in making this issue, and the Blog & Bugle project, a success.
COLLISION: Police have released grainy CCTV stills in the hunt for the driver of a car which failed to stop after colliding with a cyclist
Shock theft Sails set for springtime The Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses suffered a shocking theft at the end of March costing them hundreds of pounds in plants and equipment. Volunteers and staff at the Community Greeenhouses were devastated to find that on the night of Wednesday 19 a thief ripped out the cabling for a heated bench in the gardens and stole an entire bed of newly planted soft fruit trees. The Community Greenhouses is a charity run largely by volunteers with very little income. The police have been informed. Head gardener Alison Alexander said: “I am absolutely furious. I can’t believe it. We have lots of children through here every year who we educate about nature in an urban environment. It beggars belief. There was a huge amount of effort to prepare the beds. We’re all really gutted.” To volunteer at the Greenhouses go to www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk
GUNMAN HUNT
Police are hunting a man who walked into an Electric Avenue shop with a gun before threatening to shoot someone. The suspect walked into the premises on January 6 and pointed the gun at a 28-yearold man and told him he was going to kill him. The victim managed to get away and the suspect left. Officers have released a CCTV still of the man they would like to speak to, below, and anyone with information is urged to call 020 8649 2192 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
DISAPPOINTED: Adeline Aina is challenging a council report she added. Aina has been at the centre of a row with the local Labour Party since last summer. In July she and a group of supporters staged a protest on Windrush Square after the local party called her in for a hearing about her candidacy.
Cyclist left for dead in hit and run
A 44-year-old cyclist was left fighting for his life after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run collision outside Brixton Tube. Police have launched a hunt for both the driver and the dark blue or black car following the incident in Brixton Road at 12.15am on March 15. The cyclist was left with “life threatening” injuries, including two broken legs and a fractured neck. Anyone with information is urged to call 020 8941 9011.
The antique sails of Brixton’s very own Victorian windmill are creaking with anticipation as the mill prepares to re-open to visitors. Ashby Mill, in Blenheim Gardens, off Brixton Hill, will be open to the public for tours on April 5 and 6 and again on April 19 and 20. Tours of the inside of the lovingly restored building are free but must be booked in advance via the mill’s website. They last 30-45mins and there will also be a family Easter Egg hunt on April 20. Visit www.brixtonwindmill.org Pic, right, by Nick Weedon
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MOBILE THEFT
March 20 saw cops in Lambeth arrest 42 people during a day of action against mobile phone theft. Europe-wide Operation Big Wing targeted organised criminal networks and others that deal in stolen mobile phones. Many of the arrests were made in Brixton Market, where a number of phones were recovered by police. Commander Watson said: “These efforts should stand as a clear warning to mobile phone criminals that we are narrowing in on criminal activity and the organised networks they may operate in, who will soon have no place to hide within this country or Europe.” A total of 205 people were arrested across south London.
R.I.P BOB CROW
A Brixton-based band have paid tribute to unions heavyweight Bob Crow. Alabama 3 made a touching memorial to the RMT leader on their website after his death was announced on March 11. They were also due to play at his funeral on March 24. A “RIP Bob Crow” banner appeared outside Brixton Jamm - the spiritual home of Alabama 3 - after the RMT leader’s death from a heart attack. The band’s Larry Love said: “From Millwall to Marx, Bob Crow kept us in line.” See Take Five with Alabama 3’s Be Atwell on page 8.
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
News PLAYWRITING
Sixteen Feet Theatre, who produce performances every summer in the Brockwell Park walled garden, are inviting aspiring writers in the borough to submit a short play of 10-20 minutes’ duration with a cast of two to five people. The submission deadline is May 1 and the winning play will be staged on May 30 and 31 at the Library in Clapham. Email info@sixteenfeet.co.uk for details.
PARKING PAIN A wait might be in store for anyone ordering visitor parking permits. Lambeth Council launched an online visitor permit scheme in February but demand has been so high there is now a backlog of applications. A council spokesman said the scheme aimed to make it “easier for customers to apply for the permits without needing to visit the service centre in person.” He said: “We’re working hard to clear the backlog as quickly as possible, and have employed extra staff to meet the additional demand.” Residents should email parkingbusinesssupport@ lambeth.gov.uk or phone 0300 302 0045 for help.
www.brixtonblog.com
Campaign for legal aid for Cherry Groce family
Met’s first public apology 29yrs after shooting that sparked riots
BY TIM DICKENS
The family of Cherry Groce, who was left paralysed when police shot her by mistake, have launched a fight for legal aid to be represented at the inquest into her death. The move comes as the Metropolitan Police apologised publically for the first time for shooting the mother in her bed during a bungled police raid in Brixton in 1985. The shooting, which left her paralysed from the waist down, sparked the 1985 Brixton riots. Cherry went on to spent 26 years in a wheelchair until she died in 2011. Cherry’s son, Lee Lawrence, who was a young child in her bed when his mother was shot, said: “For almost three decades the police have been allowed to get away with shooting my mum. The officer was acquitted and there has never been a full public investigation into what happened.” More than 100,000 people have
now signed a petition calling for the Government to reverse the decision not to award legal aid to Cherry Groce’s family. There will be an inquest into her death in the summer, at which the Met will be represented. Lawrence added: “Without legal aid we can’t afford a lawyer to represent us at the inquest and ask questions of the police. That’s why I’ve started a petition.” Streatham MP Chuka Umunna called for ministers to step in to grant legal aid to the family. He said: “I find the decision of the Legal Aid Agency not to award legal aid in these circumstances perverse. They have never got full and proper justice and got to the bottom of what happened to their mother.” In an interview with Channel 4, Umunna also criticised the Met for waiting 29 years before apologising to the family for shooting Cherry Groce. “This goes to the heart of relations between my community, the
black community in Brixton, and the Met. It demands them to be far more proactive than this. I do believe there are still pockets of institutional racism in the Met,” he said. Cherry was given £500,000 compensation after the incident, but the police have not apologised in pub-
lic for what happened until now, 29 years later. Insp. Douglas Lovelock, who shot Mrs Groce, was cleared of criminal charges in 1987. The family have been refused legal aid to be represented at the inquest on the grounds there are no new issues.
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News
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Raise a glass to Chateau Angell
A bit of give and take Market traders in Brixton are all set to hold their fourth Give and Take Market, which sees people give away unwanted stuff and take home things they want for free. The event, organised by the Brixton Market Traders’ Federation, will see residents flock to the 15 Station Road stalls on Saturday March 29, 12 - 3.30pm, hoping to leave with a true Brixton bonus. Since its conception in 2012, the event has re-homed over 1.5 tonnes of unwanted goods. Donations range from books, children’s
toys, clothes, shoes and a variety of other unwanted household goods. Organiser Rahima Fitzwilliam Hall, who has overseen the previous events, told the Bugle: “I can’t wait to see what treasures are unearthed at this year’s market. To see people’s faces when we tell them they can take something for free is priceless!” Environmental waste contractors Veolia will cover the cost of the pitch fees for the day, and have pledged to support events in the future. www.brixtonmarket.net
Brixton illustrated Violet Szabo, WWII Spy
When gardener John Spicer said he had radical plans for a derelict patch of land on his Brixton estate, he really ‘fer-ment’ it. He turned the Angell Terrace site into a successful vineyard, whose first bottles of Chateau Angell wine are nearly ready to drink. The community garden, just off Brixton Road, also has fruits, vegetables and herbs ready for picking. It saw its first harvest of Black Hamburg grapes in October. John, 65, has been working on the project since 2011. “The idea was to build an edible garden with a small orchard, a small vineyard and herb and vegetable gardens and for the most part it has worked like a dream,” he said. “I have shared the produce with neighbours and I’ve got a demijohn of wine from the grapes ready for tasting in a few weeks.” He said that the garden, which was built on top of rubble from the demolition of housing on the site, could be “a model for estate gardens everywhere.”
BOTTOMS UP: John Spicer with cllr Imogen Walker John was helped by Lambeth Lambeth councillor Imogen council’s Community Freshview Walker visited the garden last week. scheme and by the utilities firm She said: “To walk just off Brixton Veolia, which donated equipment Road and find a little haven like for the project. this takes your breath away. It He plans to organise regular shows what can be done when growing classes, in order to teach the council and residents come others how to create ‘edible gardens’ together and work to improve the in urban spaces. borough’s environment.”
This month’s illustration was suggested by Grace Campbell. Violette Szabo lived in Stockwell and attended school and worked in Brixton before being called to serve as an SEO agent during WWII. She was awarded the George Cross posthumously. Grace will receive a free print of the image. Tweet your suggestions for next month’s notable Brixtonite to @kpictures. See more of Kaylene Alder’s beautiful illustrations at www.kaylenealder.com
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
News
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RUN BRIXTON: Meet the London Marathon heroes
One Sunday this month, as many less energetic Brixtonites will still be reading the The Brixton Bugle in bed, dozens more residents will be lining up at the start of one of the most gruelling challenges of their lives. Motivated by the thought of raising thousands of pounds for charity, just weeks ahead of the Virgin London Marathon 2014, runners said their feelings range from “terrified” to “excited” and “determined”. One such marathon hero, Gower Tan, of Herne Hill Road, Herne Hill, plans to complete the exhausting 26.2 mile run while wearing a 5kg giant running shoe. Tan told the Bugle: “I’ve been training far harder than for all the previous ones. Unfortunately my knees have played havoc in prior years and impacted my finishing times, and that is without a full body costume.” The 44-year-old father of two
added: “This will be my fourth London Marathon, all in support of Cancer Research UK - and I’m hoping to add to the £7,500 I have already raised to get to the £10,000 mark.” The shoe has been nicknamed Shoe Barker. Tan was motivated to run for Cancer Research UK by the death of his father - a heavy smoker - from lung cancer in 2001. His aim is to become the fastest man in the world to run a marathon dressed as a shoe, a title he will scoop if he runs it in less than 4hrs 30mins. Tan is just one of many locals pulling on their trainers for the race through the capital on Sunday, April 13. Some 650,000 people are expected to line the marathon route, with the race broadcast live to hundreds of countries.
PERSONAL TRAINER: Gower Tan, right, is hoping to be the fastest man in the world in a giant shoe. The trainer is bigger than his son, William, below.
Going live in Brixton
A collaborative project that promotes arts and culture in Brixton has been launched. Brixton Live is a collective of local creative organisations working together to highlight arts events in the area. Events are aimed at a cross section of the community and include photography, art, dance and theatre. The brains behind Brixton Live, Tom Bolton, told the Bugle: “We saw a gap in Brixton for information and coordination around all the organisations here that aren’t so visible. “Brixton Live is aiming to pull together the culture that is in Brixton”. Partner organisations include Raw Material, Photofusion, Oval House, Brixton Library, B3 Media, Independance, Kettle Partnership, Lambeth Arts, Lambeth Archives and 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning. The project also aims to help partners work together to get access to vital funding, which can be a challenge when competing against larger organisations. Visit www.brixtonlive.com or Tweet the team @BrixtonLive. Words and pic: Nisha Damji
www.justgiving.com/gowertan2014
Kat Brown
Rory Webster
Lindsay Lovell
Leanne Spencer
Until last year I was your classic unsporty girl who’d rather read - then I read the amazing book Running Like A Girl. It inspired me to train for a 10k, then a half-marathon, and then I thought “Oh, sod it” and signed up to run the marathon for Mind. As a journalist, I volunteer on Mind’s media advisory board. I had depression for years, and I know too many people hurt by mental health problems. Everyone deserves great mental health and somewhere to turn. Running helps me a lot, and when I’m jogging through Brockwell Park - 7.30am Christmas morning? Yep, I was there - I always think how proud I am to be doing this for such a brilliant cause. I’m terrified - but in such a good way. Picture above by dublet0/Flickr. Follow Kat on Twitter @KatBrown82
I am running for The Outward Bound Trust, who change the lives of thousands of disadvantaged young people every year by helping them extend their limits and gain confidence through access to the experiences and challenges found in the wild. Outdoor environments have always been an important part of my life, and this cause seemed a natural choice for my first marathon. I first applied for the London Marathon in 1996 so it has taken some while to get round to actually doing it, but I have really enjoyed the training, extending my own limits and exploring parts of London I’d never seen, though it usually begins and ends at Brockwell Park. I can feel the excitement building and for now at least I’m really looking forward to it.
I’ve ran two half-marathons but the London Marathon is my first. Although it’s double the distance I’ve been finding training is more than double the effort! The training schedule is time-consuming, antisocial, not very fun when it’s raining, and my legs hurt pretty much all the time. It has been a good way to explore London though! I’m running for Alzheimer’s Research UK. My Nan suffers from dementia so I’m experiencing first hand the awful, irreversible effects. Alzheimer’s Research UK rely on donations to fund their pioneering research into causation, prevention, treatment and cure. You can read more about their work via my page and I’d be very grateful for any money you can spare to help this worthwhile cause. Thank you.
I’m running the Marathon to raise funds for the MS Society, which helps improve the quality of sufferers’ lives and also funds research into cures for this awful disease. Training has been a bit on/off due to a calf injury, so I’ve spent quite a bit of time on the turbo trainer instead! It’s a bit like running but with a TV on and walls around you... My feelings about race day oscillate between excitement and trepidation as I know I haven’t been able to put the mileage into training, but I’m hoping a steady head and determination will get me round.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ KatBrown
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ RoryWebster
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ lindsaylovell
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ LeanneSpencer
Do you love catching up with all your news in the Bugle? Or enjoy getting the latest on the Blog? Both are produced by a dedicated team of volunteers who love Brixton as much as you do. But now we need your help to cover our rising costs, as well as to start paying some of our editorial team for their time. If you can spare a couple of quid, head over to
www.brixtonblog.com/support
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
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I want to earn people’s trust says new top cop All hail Bugle’s newest recruits
Brixton’s journalists of the future have been honing their skills - by writing for The Brixton Bugle. Youngsters from Years Three to Six at Hillmead Primary School, Moorland Road, worked on reports from their school life, from theatre reviews to recreatng Roman Britain. Four pupils worked with Bugle co-editor Tim Dickens and teacher Paul Highman to come up with the page, which they named the Hill Mead Herald. Headteacher Richard West said he loved the idea of partnering with
a local newspaper and website: “Working with Brixton Blog is a brilliant way for the pupils to learn to write for an audience, and feel part of their local community.” Children at Hill Mead already have class blogs which are regularly updated by pupils throughout the term. If you are a teacher in a Brixton school and would like to be involved in a future schools page please email tim@brixtonblog.com Read the Hill Mead Herald on p15
BY TIM DICKENS Lambeth’s new police commander says he’ll do ‘everything possible’ to gain the trust of the community in the borough. Richard Wood, who took over from Matt Bell in March, said his top priority is to earn people’s trust, as well as to continue the battle against knife and gun crime. He also hopes to use experience gleaned from his five years in charge of police in Greenwich, where he dealt with unrest, the Olympics and the brutal murder of Lee Rigby. Speaking in his office in Brixton Police Station, Wood told The Bugle: “I appreciate there is distrust from matters dating back many years. “I can’t change history but what I can do is work with people and show them that we have learnt and changed.” A policing operation on Wood’s second day as borough commander, Brixton Unite, was described as heavy-handed and some claimed it had been carried out with little or no consultation.
TOP COP: Richard Wood Wood said he did not want to criticise the event, saying he had nothing to do with its planning. He added: “My view is that I want to police with the community not at the community so I think there might be some learning from the planning of that operation, but it’s hard to comment, being so new.” Wood was on duty in Woolwich
on May 22 last year when fusilier Lee Rigby was hacked to death outside his barracks, a day the officer says he will never forget. “I was on the scene shortly afterwards and it was something that will stay with me for ever. “It was a terrible, terrible time, and an awful and barbaric attack on the poor soldier. “I sat round the table that evening with members of the Muslim community. We put a joint statement out, which worked really well.” In his last week at Greenwich, the two murderers, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, were jailed for life. Wood added: “Having lived through that it was nice to close that door before I left.” On his first Saturday night shift in Lambeth, the borough commander went out on patrol in Brixton. He said: “I thought the place had a real buzz to it, with a nice atmosphere. It’s my job to let people go out there and feel safe.” Editorial: page 9
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Youth grill police on justice system BY DARWIN AGUIRRE-TAIPE Young people got the chance to share their views on the policing system when they visited Brixton Police Station. Young advisors from The Howard League U R Boss scheme toured the station after meeting with senior police officers and community leaders during the two-day event last month. The project helps youngsters in the criminal justice system voice their opinion about changes they want to see made. One of their aims is to encourage communication with the Police Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in order to create better relationships with the police and the community as a whole. Sergeant Jack Rowlands, from Ferndale Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT), said: “My real passion is trying to create best practice, try and improve what we do as a police service.” He discussed how this can be done through events such as such as this one, where the community get in contact with their Safer Neighbourhoods Team. After the Q&A session, the advisors were given a tour around the new custody suite, where an estimated 215 people pass through each week. 30 per cent of them are under the age of 18. In the afternoon, they visited
YOUNG AT HEART: U R Boss advisors at Brixton Police Station with reporter Darwin Aguirre-Taipe (front left) Stockwell Park community centre, you, cross the road, and that’s not where they met director Julie a good way to open the doors of Fawcett. She spoke to them about conversation to anyone.” the progress that the community The discussion with the officers has achieved in the past few years, and the advisors led to a range of the problems facing the area now topics, from ways of improving and what they’re doing to continue relationship with the community, to push forward. to the difficulties with the process In December, 54-year-old of Stop & Search. Donald McNicholl died after The event came just days after being attacked in the community Brixton Unite, a day of action by centre. Two young men have since police that cracked down on youth been charged with his murder. crime in the Brixton area. Fawcett said: “The way that we To find out more about the look at young people, if there’s a project visit www.urboss.org.uk group of them walking towards
Improve your child’s study skills Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to improve your child’s skills, develop their confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor and quote ‘BUGLE’ for a free assessment. Brixton Study Centre Yasmin Fitzpatrick 020 7737 1697 kumon.co.uk
Until 31 April
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
Letters & Views
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YOUR TWEETS
TAKE FIVE
Some of your #Brixton tweets:
Be Atwell
@BlockWorkOut Number Six is looking great inside and out! Excited.. @ BlockWorkOut gym opening 26th April!! With BBQ & Live band @smpbrixton Free #girlsfootball #6aside ages 11-16 Ferndale Sports Centre, Brixton. Every Saturday 10.00-12.00
Co-founder of Brixton Splash Festival, Green Party candidate and part of legendary local band Alabama 3, Be has more of an affinity with Brixton than most. Here he shares five things that come to mind when thinking of his community...
Purpose
Folk have come from the world over as far back as I can remember. They bring cuisine, music, fashion... but most importantly, purpose. Rudimentary values that are shared and respected. When Nelson Mandela came to lend his support it struck a chord of beauty and unity in us all, solidifying the character of our community.
@Badboysbakery We are hiring FT and PT supervisors for a new cafe in HMP Brixton.
Join the conversation in #Brixton by tweeting us @BrixtonBlog or @Brixton_Bugle
Bravo to Bravo Bravo is a true legend. When I lived on Railton Road a few years ago, with a small baby and a broken washing machine, he collected my washing, did it all, dried, folded and brought it back to me the same evening. It meant I didn’t have to sleep on bedlinen covered in baby sick, a massive deal at the time. He has such passion for his customers, community and what he does. I would be very sad if I couldn’t walk down Railton and pop in to say hi again. I hope he stays open. Vicki, online
Unsung heroes
YOUR PICTURES: Stockwell Skate Park by Jason Cobb
newsdesk@brixtonblog.com Housing co-op evictions
Our campaign against housing co-op evictions has seen every trick in the book used to try and stop meaningful negotiations, including the denial of Freedom of Information requests. We have also had a Councillor Call for Action thwarted under mysterious circumstances, ditto a special meeting of the council, plus officers and Lib Peck refuse to answer direct questions Woeful wages on matters that have serious implications for the eviction policy. Been a regular at the Ritzy since Meanwhile, Cllr Robbins, as cabinet 1982. Total disgrace that staff are not paid a decent wage. All staff are member for housing, likes to go around making misleading comments about helpful and make the business. At what is happening with the money the rates that are charged and the raised from this community purge, as number of people that go, there is well as various other statements that do no excuse for poverty wages. Ian Lewis, via Facebook not add up. He has also taken it upon
himself to slag off our higher profile supporters who also happen to be our neighbours. Then there are the categorical statements of support we had from two Labour councillors in particular, Cllr Wellbelove and Cllr Haselden. Their promises to housing co-op communities have counted for nothing as these people are now happy to sit back and watch OAPs being evicted from their homes – despite once vowing to back up these long-established communities. As you may already know Jimmy Rogers is one of the people affected by this policy, further proof that the current Labour administration has no moral compass. Julian Hall, online
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The
by numbers
»£7.24 an hour pay at the Ritzy, a pound below the London Living Wage »30 minutes for a tour of the Brixton Windmill »26 miles for the London Marathon on April 13 »ONE page of brilliant writing from the Hill Mead Primary School kids »EIGHT cherry tomatoes in Lindsay Faller’s fish tacos recipe »67 points for the triumphant Lady Topcats against Solent Suns »29 years since police shot and paralysed Cherry Groce in Brixton »£3 for a Brixton Buzz beer at Kaff Bar, proceeds to Brixton Soup Kitchen
For generations our market traders as a whole have been the unsung heroes of the celebrated Electric Avenue where I believe an annual festive switch-on of the lights would be fitting. By day it’s a place of global adventure, with a pace of swift banter and familiar barter, all blissfully unique and a treasure to behold .
Creativity
Brixton’s creative hub is mulit-faceted, in all aspects of art, with writers, poets, actors, painters and musicians. Both past and current, I can’t start to name them there’s too many ... (I woke up this morning Exiled in Coldharbour Lane, yes I love Acre Lane, so got myself connected so like the man that fell to earth, I can’t get no sleep...)
Quirkiness
Some of the UK’s most quirky bus stops that stand out in in a way beyond belief sit right outside our tube station. When a bus comes it’s like a feeding frenzy, but then everyone is politely involved allowing the elderly, women with children first, then the gallant, followed by the rigid acknowledgers and that’s just the tip of the nice berg...!
Trust
There’s a vein of trust in Brixton that is owned by all. Look at the birth of our festival (Brixton Splash) and its purpose. From the people, for the people, open and giving, that’s what makes here home despite all that life throws at us. The instinctive need to to nurture, protect and grow remains as pure and strong as it ever was. Brixton is a lot more than a name or a place on a map - it’s a family to many who are proud, positive and peace-loving, well-rooted and above all, welcoming. Picture by Jamila Omar
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Comment & Analysis
www.brixtonblog.com
The Brixton Blog and Bugle Est. 2012
This month we’re advocating a bit of Easter loving for some of the groups organizing around town, whether it be the Brixton Soup Kitchen, the Foodbank or the Brockwell Park Community Gardens who shockingly were robbed of plants and equipment in March. One of those groups who need a lot of local support are the Ritzy staff. It has been a real surprise for many people to learn that Picturehouse cinemas still don’t pay their staff a Living Wage, given the reputation the chain has for independent-minded, ‘cuddly’ cinemas. The staff at The Ritzy have never been anything less that supportive of local projects, helpful and creative. It’s shocking that they don’t earn a living wage already - note, they’re not even asking for the most up-to-date London Living Wage - and we urge Picturehouses to follow the lead of the many other companies who’ve signed up in the last year. Another issue never far from the mind of Brixtonites is how we see the police. Lambeth got a new borough commander in Richard Wood last month. It was a baptism of fire, with the heavyhanded Brixton Unite ‘community policing’ Picture by Jason Cobb via Flickr. Upload your photographs at www.flickr.com/groups/brixtonblog/ operation proving a PR disaster for the force. The Met, like Brixton, has moved on a lot since Insp Douglas Lovelock shot and paralysed Cherry Groce in her bed 29 years ago. But there is still an enormous way to go for the police to gain the trust Jacobins, I never looked back. Innon-fiction can make a difference. of many in the community. Mr Wood must work deed, my hunger for narrative almost Doesn’t society need inmates who tirelessly to make this happen locally - he tells us matched my hunger for food. are better read and have an improved he wants to. It was a grave injustice for the Groce When I had served my time I understanding of all kinds of peofamily not to be given the legal aid that would emerged a more educated, articulate ple who populate our society? The allow their voice to be heard, and the Government young man. I had gained knowledge vast majority of those who are now must act to reverse the decision and provide them of Imperial Russia, medieval Scotserving time will be our neighbours with legal aid. land, 1920s Harlem, the ghettoes one day. Alex Wheatle of Victorian London and so much I have no doubt that Chris GrayWe’re also crossing all fingers for the Brixton Author more. ling is playing to his conservative marathon runners this year who are raising money So I am appalled at the latest edict base and his ruling is self-defeating for great causes. We agree with Rory Webster who Following the 1981 Brixton uprising from Justice Secretary, Chris Grayand at best, spiteful. It serves the says his run “usually begins and ends at Brockwell I spent a short spell in prison in the ling, which forbids prisoners to acsocial order no purpose and rePark”, even if our own Brixton Blog running group summer of that year. As I received cept books sent to them from friends stricts personal growth. If the Justice hasn’t even hit the half marathon mark yet... my coarse denim prison jacket and and family. Isn’t the whole point of Secretary is so concerned about the jeans from a warden at Wormwood prison to reform and rehabilitate a contraband that may be hidden in Scrubs, all kinds of bad scenarios character? I know from not just my parcels containing books sent in by were swirling around in my head. experience of being incarcerated but friends and family, may I suggest that What helped me through my senalso by numerous visits I have made he reforms prison post-rooms and tence was fiction. From the moment to prisons and Young Offenders the staff who work in them. I picked up CLR James’ The Black Institutions that reading fiction and
Prison ‘book ban’ is appalling
Police apology is three decades too late Chuka Umunna MP
Cherry Groce suffered for 26 years as a result of the horrific injuries sustained after her shooting by a Metropolitan Police officer - a shooting which ultimately led to her premature death two years ago. This of course had a severe impact on her children, my constituents - some of whom were very young when the shooting happened. The Groce family had received a private apology last year but were entitled to expect a full, formal, public apology from the Police at the outset.
Disgracefully, the Metropolitan Police have not indicated a willingness to give a proper public apology until this week, almost three decades late. It is welcome that they have at last indicated that they will give a full public apology. A lot of progress has been made in terms of police community relations since the 1980s. However, cases such as this and ongoing injustices surrounding issues such as stop and search and deaths in police custody, highlight there is still a long way to go before we reach the levels of trust in the pxolice that we all want to see.
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Features
www.brixtonblog.com
A Possum’s Tail Our Features Editor meets the creators of the just published children’s book ‘A Possum’s Tail’. They show him there’s plenty of Brixton in the London they’ve created for kids…
Sam is only young. Yet he’s walking unaccompanied, dragging his wooden dog (on wheels) through the bustling streets of a quintessential London. As he heads to the zoo, he passes pubs, markets, flat caps and bowler hats. But Sam’s London will be much more familiar to Brixtonites than most. That’s because the character’s creators are both local. In fact, two of the Bugle’s favourite Coldharbour Lane haunts, Phoenix Café and Bookmongers, feature in the book. Some of you might even recognise the corner of Josephine Avenue and Leander Road on the first page. Alex Barrow, the book’s illustrator, says his visual representation was of his ‘dream London’. You only need to look at the clothes to appreciate this vision (as well as his taste for 1940s fashion). As little Sam returns from the zoo though, he fails to notice the cute possums that have attached themselves to his toy dog’s tail. So there is chaos as Sam and his entourage retrace their steps back home. It’s a cute story. My daughter loves it. And, bored of reading her the same old books with liftable flaps, so do I. I ask the books creators to tell me a little about it how it came about. Alex explains that in the process of finding a publisher, there were, of course, a few rejections.
“It’s hard dealing with publisher’s because you’re constantly having to revise your vision. In fact, Gabby and I had our dream version of the book filed away safe…” he says. “Then we found Tate. And they went with this dream version. We couldn’t believe it.” You’ll meet Alex in the book. Look out for him outside the Barrow News stall playing the accordion. In fact, with Alex in front of me I realise this is a good likeness (he also plays in local band, Severed Limb). You’ll also meet Gabby, the poet. She’s enjoying the zoo in a yellow dress. It’s Gabby that explains that since its launch, the two of them have been taking the book into schools, including local Corpus Christi. As long time Brixton residents, they are keen to do more school readings in the area. “It’s quite unusual,” she says about the experience. “To see groups of children enjoying something you’ve created is marvellous.” Alex adds, “The kids ask you things you never think of, put a different perspective on your work. Simple things like ‘how old is Sam… you know, I’d never even thought of it.” Gabby, a mother of three herself, also writes scripts for children’s television. She’s worked with the BBC and when I find out she’d been working on Postman Pat, I become a little nervous. It was like meeting a childhood hero. I ask them about the relationship between writer and illustrator while putting their story together. “I guess the book came about a little differently from many. It was
driven by Alex, something that has been in the back of his mind since finishing art school,” says Gabby. “He showed me some original illustrations, and I knew he was onto something. So I went away and wrote.” Alex’s original idea was going to be based in Louisiana –hence the possum’s. But living in London, specifically Brixton, had inspired Alex to revisit the idea that had been knocking about for around ten years.
Gabby believes that trust between writer and illustrator is crucial in making a book happen. “There’s a skill in marrying the illustration to the writing. You don’t want to repeat what’s being told in the image, but equally the writing must leave something to the image,” she says. The two have been working together at the independent children’s magazine, Okido. So they were familiar with one another’s work. But the author and illustrator are very
keen to differentiate their book from what they do at the magazine. They have another book coming out in June. It’s called ‘London Calls!’ – a reference to The Clash of course. This time though, the book has been done more conventionally, being written by Gabby first, then followed with illustrations by Alex. You can now buy A Possum’s Tale locally in Tales on Moon Lane (where the book’s launch party was held).
FAMILIAR: Readers of Possums Tale from Brixton will recognise Phoenix Cafe, below, and Bookmongers Bookshop, Coldharbour Lane. Alex Barrow can be seen playing the accordion, left.
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Features
www.brixtonblog.com
the faces of
Cressingham
Gardens Part IV: Meet Shaun Part four of a series in which our Features Editor, Keith Lewis, along with Photographer, Jeannine Mansell, meet some of the residents of Cressingham Gardens. I’m sat in Shaun’s kitchen. Three eccentric goldfish are staring at me from a tank the size of a yoga ball. A Staffordshire with one eye jumps up at me playfully. “Riddled with cancer she is,” says Shaun, as I pat the dog. “She seems pretty active,” I say. “Well, the funny thing is, my Dad lost an eye before he died, so did an aunt. And so did one of our canaries,” Shaun says. “What’s her name?” I ask. “Gracey,” says Shaun. “After my mum, seeing as I wasn’t going to have kids or anything. You know, we had Cotton Eared Marmosets years ago. Mum brought the first one back. It hated me to begin with though and we couldn’t put our finger on it.” Shaun lights a cigarette. “But then one day I got out the shower and it came running up to me. Took us ages to work it out… but fluffing out your hair is threatening behaviour to them, you see. And in those days I had it all spiked up.” “You wouldn’t have that problem now,” I joke. Nowadays Shaun’s hair is lightly permed on top. He gets it cut down the hill, at Maggie’s. “Anyhow, we got the monkey a partner and they had two little ones. But they died. So did the mum – stress of losing them they reckon. So we got the father, Dob, another partner. Yoko we called her… she had no teeth. They ended up having six liitl’uns.” “Six,” I say. “Yeh,” laughs Shaun. “Of course, we had to get rid of a few. So we put an ad in Cage and Aviary Magazine. Ended up selling them to Cambridge zoo. The owner said he’d never seen such healthy monkeys.” “So what was the secret?” I ask. “Secret?” says Shaun. “What did you feed them, to make them so healthy?” “Well… Farley’s Rusks with milk, boiled or scrambled eggs and 4 different fruits every day. And nuts, of course. Then a bit of live feed: meal worms and crickets.” “Wow,” I say. “A pretty good diet for the eighties.” “Oh, and those baby vitamins you get,” Shaun adds. I compliment him on his kitchen, particularly the collection of teapots above the cupboards. “They were all my mum’s, he says. “Except this one.” He grabs a teapot which has a balaclava over it, and brings it down. We both laugh. “My friends brought it for me years back. I’m half Irish you see,” says Shaun. “In fact, we were just one three Murphy families along
the way here at one time. But we never knew the truth about which part of Ireland my dad was from. Never did find out. I mean, you try looking up John Murphy, no middle name, on the Irish registry.” Shaun’s Mum died in 1999 and his Dad moved down to Brixton after that. And although he’d been living on Cressingham since the eighties, Shaun and his 7 siblings were all born in the same house in Kennington. He shows me a faded picture of his threeyear old self, dressed in a red velvet suit. “It’s no wonder I ended up the way I did,” he jokes. He looks out of his kitchen window and laughs. “Takes me back,” he says. “Old Jim across the way. His wife would be cleaning the windows at 2am when we got back from a club. She had that OCD.” Shaun also recalls when they used to organise a coach from the estate, most Saturdays, to take the Mums and the kids down to the coast. “We all love it round here. You’ve seen what it’s like. When you’ve got that community spirit that everybody seems to talk about, they seem to want to take it away from you.” We get talking about Shaun’s past. “I started out on the trainee scheme for London Zoo. But I couldn’t afford the wages. So I went into building for a bit. But you can imagine the builders, all wolf whistling me and that.” He rolls his eyes. “Then, I was cleaning over in Bromley. Getting up at 5am for one cleaning job, then working in a curtain shop. It was owned by the guy from ‘Brush Strokes’. “Jacko?” I ask. “If I remember rightly, yeh,” says Shaun. “And when I finished there I was straight off to another cleaning job.” Shaun was also a butcher in Dombey’s for a while. And then he did a stint in Murray’s, another butchers on the corner of Electric Avenue, where Iceland is now. “At 5pm every Saturday, we’d auction off the meat we needed to get rid of. Right outside the number 2 bus stop at the time. They’ve moved it now. But you should have seen some of the fights to get at the deals.” Shaun used to live down on Mayall Road too, before coming up to the estate. “We lived next door to the Pinnock’s, a lovely Caribbean couple. I remember them taking me to my first Caribbean wedding. I was the only white boy there… you should have seen what I was wearing,” he laughs. “There was a pie and mash shop down there too,” Shaun says. “I still love my pie and mash. Anyhow, Mum always sent us down there when she didn’t have anything in the house… you know, she came home with two baby alligators once,” he says. “Where did she get those?” I ask. “The arcade, down behind Somerleyton.” “Granville?”.
“That’s it. There used to be a pet shop down there. Mum kept the alligators in the bathtub, until bath time of course. Then she’d throw them out for a bit. Didn’t last long though, I think we gave them to London Zoo in the end.” “You like your animals,” I say. “Could say that. You know, at one point we owned 2 staffs, a Yorkie, nine cats, two chipmunks, a python and about 80 birds. All in this place.” “And the monkeys?” I add. “Yeh, and the monkeys,” laughs Shaun. To be continued in the next Bugle...
Farewell, Rosa It is with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of Rosa, the subject of part two of this series. She passed away on Saturday 15th March. Her family informed us that they were there with Rosa in her final hours, along with some of her close friends at Cressingham Gardens. The Brixton Bugle would like to offer its condolences.
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What is Future Brixton? Here are some of the projects already happening and how to get involved.
Your New Town Hall We are reducing the number of office buildings we use from 14 to just two and at no cost to Lambeth tax payers. By refurbishing the existing Town Hall and building more efficient new offices we will save at least £4.5 million a year in running costs.
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We are working with Network Rail to develop a masterplan for this area, which includes the mainline station. It will detail the type of buildings and public space people want to see and how they should be delivered. A local reference group has started to meet and will guide a broader discussion in the summer. We’re also exploring the feasibility of a new London Overground station in the town.
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THE IMPACT HUB: We’re opening up the town hall to local businesses so we can create a community enterprise centre. At least 40 desk spaces and meeting areas will offer BAY TRE flexible, affordable facilities on a E membership basis and you can find out more at brixtonimpacthub.net
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OS PULR The project will see up to 275 new homes, new jobs and workspace for businesses and the community. Muse Developments Ltd, our developers, will work with local people later this year on the designs. A planning application will be submitted in autumn 2014, with work starting on site in 2015.
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Wednesday 2 April, 6-8pm at Prince of Wales (upstairs) 16 - 25s event First chance to see shortlisted bidders pitch their ideas for Meanwhile at Pope’s Road Thursday 3 April, 6.30-8.30pm 6 Somerleyton Road Workshop for the Brixton Central masterplan community reference group. Limited space, please register at futurebrixton.org Wednesday 9 April, 6.30-8.30pm 6 Somerleyton Road Shortlisted bidders pitch ideas for Meanwhile at Pope’s Road. Limited space, please register at futurebrixton.org KEEP IN TOUCH visit futurebrixton.org and sign up for the enewsletter. Follow us @FutureBrixton and on Facebook.com/futurebrixton
Somerleyton Road About 300 new homes and a theatre, as well as business and community spaces, are coming soon to Somerleyton Road. The council, Brixton Green and Ovalhouse have come together in an exciting partnership to build homes local people can afford to rent whilst giving the community a greater say.
BRIXTON RECREATION CENTRE: Working closely with the Brixton Rec User Group (BRUG), we’re commissioning additional building survey and capacity work so we can understand the nature and scale of improvements that could be made here. We’re also asking people why and how they use the Rec (or don’t). Make sure you complete your survey now, visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/brixtonrecsurvey or call Freephone 0800 013 1497 or email acs-consultation@lambeth.gov.uk
In the next few weeks we’ll select the team that will work with the local community to design the scheme and submit the planning application. Construction could start before the end of 2015. MEANWHILE AT NUMBER 6: These former kitchens are being run as a venue and community space by Brixton Green until the development takes place. There will be a programme of activities, including a permanent base for Block Workout’s street gym, due to open 26 April.
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MEANWHILE AT POPE’S ROAD: The former ice rink site will be vacant for at least two years, so we’re holding a competition to find a team who can design, build and deliver a range of exciting activities to add to the buzz of Brixton. Come and hear the shortlisted bidders pitch their ideas on 2 or 9 April (see black box to left).
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In FOCUS
www.brixtonblog.com
Have your say on ‘meanwhile’ plans to transform ice rink Grow Brixton
Plate
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Shop Unit Refurbished and provided to Brixton Market Trader’s Federation
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Food Hub Providing access to Lambeth College and local catering businesses
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Co-Working Hub Office units in converted shipping containers
Event Hub A venue for events and local festivals
Toolbox is a consortium of local businesses and community organisations, proposing a new kind of community and business hub in the heart of Brixton.
The site is split into 3 key areas, each containing a new business and offering access and training to the local community. 1. Food Hub 2. Co-working Hub 3. Event Hub
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Plate The Performance Area Barbecue Outdoor cinema Record Pizza Record Shop and stage and Wifi recording studio Mac (Music Box) Wrench Cinema - Summer outdoor cineFilm ma run by Magnificent Wifi Revolution Coffee Soundtable Van - Performance area and Violin Sewingrecording studio open for Machine Record Shop use by locals Sautepan Theater 1 - Music workshops
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The Food Tunnel Cafe,Record plant nursery and greenCoffee houses - Cafe run by Canteen founders Van Mac - Planting implemented and Record maintained by Edible Bus Stop and London Orchard Project Mac - Planting and Gardening CoffeeworkVan shops and courses open - Cookery school Cinema Plate
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The Makerspace Container workshop, apprentice scheme and design offices - Makerspace run and managed by Carl Turner Architects and ‘Maker-in-residence’ - 6 month apprenticeships open to locals to learn how to fit out the Shipping Containers - Sheltered outdoor area for large built projects and container fit-outs
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Residents will get a chance to quiz two teams who hope to transform an empty patch of land in the heart of Brixton. The two shortlisted bids have been selected by Lambeth Council for the 4,000 sq m site left behind by the temporary ice rink in Popes Road. They had launched a competition asking for proposals for use of the former car park land over the next two to four years, until the space is redeveloped as part of Brixton Central plans. Young people can question the two shortlisted bids, summarised on this page, at a youth event at the Prince of Wales on April 2 and a version for all ages in Somerleyton Road on April 9. The winning bids came from two consortia led by Brixton-based designers. The first is The Brixton Toolbox , by CarverHaggard architects and Tall Engineers and the second Grow:Brixton, a collaboration between Carl Turner Architects, Edible Bus Stop & Canteen. To see more on the final bids, and to register for an event, visit futurebrixton.org
Public Space Enlivening Station Road and Popes Road
Working with Lambeth College and our other community partners, we will deliver substantial training opportunities for young people, and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Using low-cost components including shipping containers and scaffolding, we will create an extraordinary space in the heart of Brixton for everyone to use.
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www.brixtonblog.com
A D s ’ R F tH
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0 Brockwell Park Sunday 15 June
Make Father’s Day extra special this year and join us for the Father’s Day Macmillan 10k. Whether you run for your dad, loved ones or anyone affected by cancer, it’s sure to be a special day.
For more information and to join the team Visit macmillan.org.uk/brockwellpark Email macmillan10k@macmillan.org.uk Call 020 7091 2393
Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604).
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HILL MEAD Herald
Fab photos in Year Four
PICTURE THIS: Perfecting the art of a pinhole camera
BY KHALEED, Year Four In Year Four we were lucky enough to take part in a photography workshop. The workshop was based around our numeracy work and we had to measure accurately. We were making a pinhole camera and had to make sure the sides were 14.5cm. The cameras were made out of black card, so that no light would come in. I couldn’t wait to get outside and test my camera. We looked for anything that caught our eyes. To make sure our pictures did not come out blurry, we held the cameras as steady as a rock! In addition I really enjoyed the workshop with Ingrid, who showed me that maths can be really fun. Next week, we will be developing our negatives in a dark room using lots of chemicals. I can’t wait!
Year Six have a blast at ‘mind-blowing’ Duxford BY MUHAMMAD, Year Six
My year group had the privilege of visiting Duxford Aerodrome and seeing its many informative exhibits. Duxford was an airfield that was in use during the Second World War and home to many people who worked there. It was where planes were repaired, loaded and stored. Now it is a museum, still home to the different planes, tanks and the equipment that they used in the war. During our educational visit to Duxford we saw mind-blowing exhibits. There were a variety of planes on show to the public that were used in the Second World War.
One of the biggest planes we saw at the museum was a fighter and bomber, it had a wingspan of 20m, about the same size as three buses, imagine what the entire plane would look like. We also had a workshop where we learnt about the various jobs that were on offer to help Britain win the war. For instance, men that were too old to fight in the war were made Home Guards. The Home Guards were to use their rifles to fend off any invading Germans that had managed to reach Britain. Men and women joined the Navy or Royal Air Force to fight across seas and in the air. However, women weren’t allowed to fight because of the
danger at hand. All the jobs were done by the remaining workers and women to make up for the short staff in the factories. Dogs also helped during the war, some were assigned as guard or watch dogs. In the workshop we found out many different facts such as how to dispose of an unexploded bomb, the different type of shelters that were in use and how to recognise the different types of planes and which side they belonged to. There was also a grenade which people held and tried to unpin it however it wouldn’t have exploded as all the explosives were removed. I really enjoyed visiting the museum and learning more about
BY SAFAYA, Year Three On one cold and wet Wednesday morning, Year Three had a special treat. We were off to see an ancient Roman ruin. All term we have been learning about the Romans and now we can see how they lived. The sky was grey and it was pouring with rain as we hopped onto the coach. Even though it was raining, I was still full of emotion and excitement. Finally, after what seemed like ages, we arrived at the Fishbourne Roman Palace. First we watched a short film about the palace, which was built 2000 years ago. It was amazing to see in real life, especially the colourful mosaic floors. I really enjoyed learning how to write my name and age in Latin and learning about what life was like for ordinary Romans living in Britain. We even dressed up in tunics and togas! At the end of the day, we had a little explore around the palace. Then we got on the coach and went home. Phew! What a day.
DUXFORD: Year 6 pose by a missile at the museum. They got a true tast of wartime life, from the front line to the Home Front
Tunics and togas at Roman ruins
TERRIFIC: Wearing togas
our topic in a fun and exciting way. Our trip to Duxford helped us all with our topic on WW2 and made us appreciate more about what the war meant to us. The conflict helped us to live together and build our society to make sure another war like this doesn’t occur in future. It had also given women more rights and the chance to begin working in a range of jobs. Everybody should get a chance to visit the airfield and see the magnificent exhibits on show. Although it was an upsetting time people should remember these disastrous events so the people who died in the war wouldn’t ever be forgotten.
THEATRE: Emil and the Detectives
BY MIA, Year Five Impressive and witty, Carl Miller amazes me once again with a small ensemble and a huge cast list. You won’t be able to tear your eyes off the stage. Based on Erich Kästners classic text, this National Theatre production revolves around one young schoolboy – Emil Tischbein. He is sent to the bustling business district of Berlin with his mother’s life savings, where he meets the nefarious Mr Snow, who steals every last penny… There were a lot of things that made the play more desirable to watch, especially the set. Made of polished wood, its representation of Berlin was exceptional and is deserving of praise. But there were a heap of hidden aspects, for example the stage, made up of squares within squares, which revealed hidden connections as the play went on. The drama was exceptional, and Daniel Patten (who played Emil) kept me on the edge of my seat. He impressed me with the high energy and so did Georgie Farmer (Toots). I admired the acting delivered by the supporting cast, which was excellent with the props that were used. Mr Snow, played by Stuart McQuarrie, was an amazing villain. I find the play bright, fun and appealing to theatregoers - young (like me) and old - as it won’t fail to please.
WITTY: Year 5 back at school after the ‘bright and fun’ play
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Culture
www.brixtonblog.com
Brixton web series not to miss Missing Something is a new web sitcom which, in the words of its creators, “follows a group of 20-something Londoners facing a quarter-life crisis and was devised, performed and filmed by a group of 20-something Londoners facing a quarter-life crisis.” Think Spaced meets Girls with a bit of Nathan Barley thrown in. The Brixton Bugle Arts Team caught up with director Yaz AlShaater to find out what we’re missing. The web series is something of a new animal in the media landscape. You can watch Missing Something for free on your laptop, phone or tablet, whenever you want, in whatever order you want. “When we told people in the industry what we were doing their ears pricked up, it’s something that a lot of people are interested in,” explains Yaz. With BBC Three soon to become online-only, Yaz and his team are part of a trend, with networks slimming down their broadcast media and moving content online. Missing Something is very much a series about the online world, both in terms of its format and its themes. The characters are always tweeting, texting and Googling and protagonist Rachel (played by Leila Sykes) works for a trendy mobile startup. The show reflects the digital habits of the millennial generation, says Yaz: “we’ve grown up with the Internet but we also grew up a bit without it, and there’s a feeling that we haven’t quite figured out the best way to use it yet.” The show also explores the chaotic experience of being a young person with creative ambitions in London: “They say that the 30s are the new 20s, so where does that leave the 20s?” Brixton features as a recognisable backdrop to the series. “We wanted to include the area as a character,” says Yaz, “it’s so distinctive if you know it, but so visually stimulating if
you don’t.” I wonder if the young characters reflect people of the area. “To an extent,” admits Yaz, “but what we consciously wanted to do is say that this isn’t East London. Creativity and pretension as positive and negative things appear all over London.” The team are hoping to include more local people and businesses in the next series, and they have plans to invite locals to a live event which will be filmed as part of an episode. Season One was funded through a campaign on crowd-funding site Kickstarter, with re-
wards that let backers influence the story, feature their pets, and hide items for viewers as part of a virtual scavenger hunt.
Hitting their £7,500 target was a highlight for Yaz, who was gratified that “the story we wanted to tell was something that people wanted to see”. The production team are now busy getting ready for the second series. The first season has been well received by critics, with The Guardian, Female Arts and Raindance highlighting it as a femalefronted web series to watch. This is part of a wider dialogue that they’re taking part in, explains Yaz, about women in the media: “We got wound up by the fact that there are still so few shows out there with a female lead that aren’t aimed at women. That was something
Meet new band Boy Names
How would you describe your music in a few words? Nudge: On our Tumblr it says ‘soul, pop, love food’ - not sure who wrote that! Your songs have quite an 80s feel to them. How did that come about? Nudge: It’s what we like, it’s what we know. It’s a great decade. Patrick: I think it’s similar to anyone our age. It hasn’t been a conscious thing. Elliot: It’s not really by design, it just happened naturally. Our sound is starting to morph a bit as we do more recording. We might be 90s tomorrow! Nudge: Another great decade... How do you go about creating music together? Elliot: It’s become a lot more collaborative. We used to each turn up with an idea for a song and then work it up. Now we’re doing a lot more stuff together.
Boy Names are a new Brixton band, experimenting with an individual sound combining elements of pop, soul, RnB and electro. Arts co-ed Barney met Patrick (lead singer, middle above), Elliot (drums and guitar, left) and Nudge (keys and vocals, right). Boy Names - the name and the band, how did it come about? Elliot: Patrick and Nudge have been friends
for long time. Nudge introduced me and Patrick about a year and a half ago when we were in New York. We ended up crashing a baby shower, things got a bit messy and we decided we should be in a band together. Nudge: We were thinking of girl names and boy names at the party, and then Boy Names seemed to be a good name for a band. It’s unGoogleable! Patrick: It seemed a good idea at the time, and continued to be in the morning.
Are you doing much recording? Nudge: That’s our focus at the moment. To get more stuff out there, expand our sound. We’re putting songs together for our next EP which should be out early this summer. Your video ‘Slow’ is pretty funky. How did you go about creating your videos? Nudge: The first one we did on our own, in Elliot’s front room with lots of green screen on a budget of £11. The second one for ‘Slow’ was done by our filmmaker friend Wally Jiagoo. He had a vision to recreate this 80s disco. We also did that in Elliot’s front
that we set out wanting to challenge.” What would Yaz tell budding filmmakers in Brixton hoping to get noticed? “I’d definitely recommend a web series,” says Yaz, “creating something that is online and serialised is a great way to express yourself.” People shouldn’t underestimate the work involved, he adds, but it can be a much freer way to create and get your work out there: “You’re free of traditional confines, and it’s a way to get something made that otherwise wouldn’t.” Pictures: main, Yaz and Leila on set; inset, a scene from Missing Something
room, this time with a budget of £100. It was a lot of fun to make. Elliot: We didn’t set out to make something completely professional. We like the fact that it’s slightly amateurish and quite weird. So do you think you’ve found your sound now? Patrick: I think so - that’s the thing that I find really exciting. A lot of it just happens with very little discussion. Elliot: We’ve arrived naturally at a weird intersection between RnB, electro and probably something else. How have you been received? Elliot: I’ve been really pleased with the feedback we’ve had so far. Nudge: French people like us! It would be great to get out there at some point. Patrick: Unless Google Translate is lying... How do you find being a band in Brixton? Nudge: I love this area because it’s got a real creative energy to it. The only thing that upsets me is that it lacks places to play live. You’ve either got the Academy (we’re not U2 yet!) or you’ve got the Windmill and there’s nowhere in between. There’s the Jamm but that’s quite genre-specific. We’re actually organising our own night at Kaff Bar this summer and are planning to try and get some Brixton bands to play with us. Elliot: We do need to get plugged into the scene a bit more. The only way I know Brixton bands is from the staircase in Morley’s! It would be nice to try and focus a few local people together. We need to generate it ourselves. Nudge: I’m surprised it’s not happening already! Read the full interview at brixtonblog.com
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
Culture
www.brixtonblog.com
Building nostalgia
Arts Co Editor Ruth Waters catches up with local artist Lesley Hilling, currently enjoying her first solo exhibition at Brixton’s Knight Webb Gallery.
Pictures: above right, Lesley Hilling in her Brixton workshop; above, Brother John, 2014 and right, detail from her current exhibition
Before I can actually see the “I started making all these number on Lesley Hilling’s wooden things, and was quite door, I can see the beginnings successful at first. I was with of a wooden construction peek- England and Co, and they would ing out from the front window. sell a lot of the work… I was An artist whose work and life always making new work.” are completely inseparable - Although at first Lesley sold her “the only way that makes sense work, increasingly she began usto me” - Lesley’s Brixton co-op ing each piece as a way of getting home is part workshop, part better at her craft. “It wasn’t until museum with panels of the the early 2000s that I started to walls made into intricate cabi- be shown by other galleries” and nets and cases and conventional it’s only now that Lesley is able doors replaced with magnificent to live on the profit of her structures made up out of the artwork, although she attributes lost, found and reborn. her ability to do this to her very Home is very much at the heart frugal lifestyle. of Lesley’s work, with her first Having been exhibited by career as a graphic designer in- Knight Webb gallery previousspired by ly, Lesley is a dislike enjoyI’m so nostalgic for a really of leaving ing working time I never knew the house: with gallery “I didn’t owner Rufus, like gobut his first ing out and going to school and choice of which piece to display I knew you could do [graphic surprised her. “When Rufus came design] freelance… I really don’t round here and said he’d like to like the whole idea of being away display my tower in his front winfrom the house for eight hours.” dow, I was very surprised. I was During her time as a graphic about to burn the piece and film it designer the profession as she’d going up in flames... but looking known it completely changed, back on it I can see why it fitted with drawing boards being re- [with the rest of the abstract explaced by computers. “You just pressionist work].” She is naturalhad so much more time. I did try ly very pleased to now have her animation to fill those hours but own solo show at the gallery. I also started making small box Lesley’s work has a very disconstructions to do something tinctive visual impact, bomwith my hands.” barding the eye with tiny pieces
intricately interwoven into three work and the kind of materials dimensional structures, but she I’m looking to work with.” has no formal artistic training. Telling me about the multitude When Lesley started making box- of ways she finds objects, it’s strikes she “didn’t really know anything ing how rooted Lesley’s work is about arts” and picked up titbits of not only in her own family’s past information and inspiration from - a lot of her artwork is made up her partner Nell who studied art out of old things collected by her as a mature student and is also a parents and grandparents - but practicing artist. “I was very tak- also in London. “I’ve lived here en by the thirty years and work of Jodon’t really Often if I’ve finished Iknow seph Coranything a piece and I’m not nell - the else. The [Brixboxes he ton housing coselling it, I’ll take it made just community] apart and re-use all the op seemed so I live in has a lot similar to different components. of different artthe ones I ists and makers As long as I’ve was makin it and gives photographed it, that’s a lot of opporing”. Lesley’s tunity for cross the main thing. process of fertilisation, as making they say!” things has been a natural evoluGaining artistic inspiration tion, turned off by “art that’s top certainly doesn’t seem to be a heavy with theory”, her pieces problem for Lesley as she tells me are made primarily for her, with “there’s too much [in my head] many never making it out of the and not enough time to do it! I’ve workshop. “I don’t really set out got two or three year’s work of to do anything but if I step away things in my head right now - I from [my work], I can see that it don’t really have a problem findis all about me and my mum and ing inspiration.” Although each a kind of nostalgia that I have for piece can take up to a year to finher past… I’m so nostalgic for a ish working on, Lesley could nevtime I never knew.” er be accused of being precious “I don’t think my Mum was about her work: “Often if I’ve finvery happy in the 60s and 70s and ished a piece and I’m not selling she was often looking back to the it, I’ll take it apart and re-use all war which was her peak. All this the different components. As long [nostalgia for the 30s and 40s] as I’ve photographed it, that’s the feeds into my work... as well as the main thing I think.” fact that I come from a family of Lesley’s pieces, both finished collectors. My family didn’t real- and in process, are a visual feast; ly throw anything away and it all with a multitude of intriguing came to me. I wanted something components, interwoven into a to do with all those pieces.” With mesmeric whole, you have to take a sense of nostalgia driving her your time to work out what you’re work, the objects that Lesley are actually looking at. When I ask drawn to “have to be properly old Lesley about what she wants to and have some sort of resonance. run through people’s minds when And also things which look a bit they see her work, she responds strange.” “that it’s magical. I want to them A regular car boot forager, to sense the magic of art and the Lesley also keeps her eyes peeled evocativeness of the past.” for other urban ephemera at junk Lesley Hilling’s solo exhibishops, in skips and at the end of tion is on display at Knight Webb house clearances. “People bring gallery until April 5. Go if you me stuff or tell me where stuff is can. You can also find out more lying around. People in the com- about Lesley and her work at munity have got to know my www.lesleyhilling.co.uk
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Brixton Bugle Month 2014
Brixton pub low-down
Last month we gave you a sneak preview of our online watering hole guide, for the benefit of locals and visitors alike. Well, the four little reviews proved so popular we’ve gone and printed to you three more. Our contributers have now been to every Boozer in Brixton, poor lambs, and we’ll be uploading all our findings to brixtonblog.com later this month...
Market House The Prince of Wales (POW)
The Punters A mixture of post-work professionals and trendy types in denim turnups. Twenty-somethings to early thirty-somethings.
The Punters During the daytime, it’s mostly thirty-somethings to fifty-somethings having lunch, a quiet drink or a coffee. Evenings are a far more raucous affair though, when the ambience notches up a pace.
The Highlights The extensive cocktail menu and constently Sushi gracious staff make it a laid-back place to have a midweek drink.
The Grub Arno Maarsdrop, of Saltoun Supper Club fame, is the man behind the menu. So the food menu is short and to the point, and changes constantly. The Damage Beers range from £4.50-£6, the
Pizza
Pork
The Highlights The food and its great location in the heart of Brixton. What’s a bit rubbish Little atmosphere during the day. A bit Café-Rouge-y perhaps. Come nighttime though and things get much livelier. What else the got in the bag? Every Wednesday nigh, the pub’s upstairs area offers Salsa and Latin dance classes from 7-8pm, followed by a Latin club night.
To sum it up… Grab a window seat, a good lunch and people watch! Hunt it out at 467-469 Brixton Road Review by Katrin Magnussen
Thai
What’s a bit rubbish? The garden/patio area is very small. An Interesting Fact The building has recently been both a butchers and a fishmongers.
Coffee
Brunch
Burrito
Cake
Fish
Cocktails
Cheese
Burger
Jerk
Pasta
Review by Shelley Phelps
Restaurant owners, sign up for BRIXTONBlog.com‘s new midweek food event now! For more information contact tous@brixtonblog.com brixtonblog.com/tastytuesday
Effra Hall Tavern The Space Bright lighting and furnishings that feel familiar and old fashioned, but not outdated. The Effra is a pub that announces itself boldly at the door. It’s usually easy to find a seat (especially if you’re prepared to share). The Punters The Effra welcomes locals to settle in for the night as well as stop-ins on their way up, or down the road for something a bit livelier. Unpretentious and non-judgmental, there’ll be no airs and graces here. The Booze With a few too many generic lagers and nothing Belgian or micro-brewed on tap, maybe the menu could do with an update. But it’s a simple, straightforward list of wines, beers and spirits – and the best Guinness around - suits its surroundings to a tee.
An Interesting Fact It’s Jessie Ware’s favourite London pub. Felix Buxton of Basement Jaxx is also a fan. The Highlights It really does feel like a Tavern – local but not too local. Its lively atmosphere encourages interaction and behooves you to “get involved” so there’ll be no wallflowers or laptop-gazing here. What else they got in the bag? The live jazz on a Thursday night is probably what makes The Effra that little bit special. You can also catch the football. To sum it up… The most Brixton of boozers. You’ll find the Effra Tavern at 38 Kellett Road Review by Nick Christian
The Grub There aren’t enough pubs serving up honest Caribbean fare. The kitchen is kept busy.
Rubina Pabani
Veggie
To sum itKebabs up… A fun venue with character, in a great location - perfect for casual pubbing or easy cocktails. There is a DJ in the upstairs bar every Saturday night. Find it at 443 Coldharbour Lane
Illustration & Design by @claire_selby
The Grub Traditional pub fair. There are a range of burgers, including falafel ones for vegetarians, costing £7.50 each. They also serve up a roast from on Sundays afternoons.
The Booze A tantalising medley of lager, craft beers, ciders, ales and blondes. There’s also a good selection of wines from Italy, Portugal, France and (yep) even good ol’ Blighty.
An Interesting Fact Filmmaker, Alexander MacKendrick (Ladykillers, The Man in the White Suit) lived here from 196572.
Pic: House of Whatever
The Booze Meantime beers, plus a few friendly lagers on tap. Cocktails are a fiver before 11pm and contain fresh ingredients from Brixton market. The Espresso Martini is ace - patrontequila, sloshnaya vanilla and a shot of espresso. Happy Hour is between 5pm - 9pm.
cheapest wine was £17.50 a bottle and £4 a glass. The set menu is £12.50 for three courses or £10 for two.
House of Whatever
The Space The venue boasts a light and breezy interior, underlined by pale grey and blue walls and large wall mirrors. The POW has recently gone from a slightly grungy, downtrodden pub to gastro – folded cloth napkins and all.
TASTY
The Damage At £3.60 for a Doom Bar, and around the same for a lager, you’re definitely getting one of the least pricy pints in town.
Rubina Pabani
The Space Think vintage lampshades in a light, bright and airy space. This modern pub becomes an upbeat cocktail bar on the weekends. The atmosphere is laidback and there’s a small but popular patio area out front. Also has an upstairs area available for hire.
19
Brixton Bugle Month 2014
Food
www.brixtonblog.com
Recipe: Mexican fish tacos
BY LINDSAY FALLER
Ten years ago, Mexican food in London was normally associated with sub-standard fajitas, served with bland flour tortillas, tasteless salsa, thick sour cream and a version of guacamole. And then Wahaca came into our vernacular, and whilst comment is unnecessary on the state of its current fare, it did inject some life into London’s stagnant interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Masa harina (maize flour) is the backbone of much of Central and South America’s cuisine. From arepas to empanadas, tacos to tamales, it is a staple part of their diet, which is not only versatile, but delicious and healthy. PAN Masa Harina can be found everywhere in Brixton Market, from A&C to the Nour Cash and Carry and Las Americas. I perhaps got a little overexcited when I discovered this (I immediately bought a tortilla press), but the fact of the matter is, once you’ve tried homemade tortillas there is never again an excuse to buy the overly processed, pre-made ones from the supermarket. Of course, the proximity of where I grew up (the United States) means that much of the South American cuisine trickled into my native homeland, and for years I have had a deep love of fish tacos, which are a street food in Baja, California, and by which this recipe is inspired. Whilst fish tacos may sound strange, a sturdy white fish is a marvellous sponge for spice and flavour, and it will retain some heft, making this a filling and tasty snack. These tacos pack a bit of heat, but the freshness of the garnishes counteracts it beautifully. They are best served on a warm day (fingers crossed) with a cold beer.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 2) For the tortillas: (makes about 6 small tortillas) 125g PAN yellow masa harina 165ml hot water
Fish tacos Prepare the tortillas first. Mix the maize flour and hot water thoroughly in a bowl. Cover with cling film and leave to stand for 15 minutes. Whilst the dough is resting, fry off the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened, but not brown, and after a couple of minutes, add the spices and continue to cook for another minute or two. Add the fish and cook for approximately 5-10 minutes until cooked through. Add the chopped tomatoes, a squirt of lemon juice
and the chipotle chillis and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside. Roll the dough into golf-ball sized balls and flatten to approx 3mm thick rounds (if you don’t own a tortilla press, a rolling pin will do nicely). Toast in a dry hot pan for 15 seconds on one side, then flip and toast for another 30 seconds. Flip again for another 15 seconds and continue to do so until lightly coloured on both sides. Wrap in a clean tea towel and place in a low oven to keep warm. Warm the fish and season to taste. Fill the tacos, and garnish with lettuce, spring onions, avocado, cherry tomatoes, coriander
For the filling: Around 250g white fish, skinned and deboned, chopped into 1cm cubes (sustainably-caught cod, hake, or ling cod from Ilias fishmongers in Brixton Village) 8 cherry tomatoes, chopped 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1 small onion, finely sliced 1-2 tablespoons chipotle chilli in adobo, finely chopped (available from Casa Morita in Market Row) 1 teaspoon of ground cumin ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika pinch of chilli flakes Lemon juice Salt and pepper Olive oil To serve: Shredded lettuce, spring onions, sliced avocado, chopped cherry tomatoes, chopped coriander or chives or chives. Knives and forks aren’t necessary – the tortillas are just perfect for eating with your hands. Lindsay blogs at blondevsbland.com
Review: Light lunch at the Lido Cafe BY LINDSAY FALLER Restaurant reviews are a funny thing. If a place serves great food, often little else needs to be said than just that, and a review is more of a means of getting the word out and whetting appetites with descriptions of tastes and textures. And then there are places that almost everyone knows about. Here, the review takes a different path, as a confirmation or denial of generally accepted expectations. As a food writer, I go into these places with the highest hopes but leave feeling perplexed when expectations are only that and the truth of the matter is that instead of thrilled with a meal, I leave underwhelmed. The Brockwell Lido Café opened in 2010 to much excitement. It received great reviews and accolades for its food and unique setting alike, and quickly became an attractive addition to the London dining scene. During the day, it is absolutely a destination for mums and dads with kids which, since the birth of my daughter last July, put it on my radar even more. It serves great coffees and cakes, and decent breakfasts. My other half and I have spent many a late morning there, bleary-eyed, propping ourselves up with sugar and caffeine. It is on these assumptions that my friend, my 8-month-old daughter, and I trundled through the park in the quest for an equally decent lunch. It is a busy time of day for the Lido Café: mums, dads, minders and the odd student
all vying for a handful of waiters’ attention. Though seated quickly, we had to ask for menus after 10 minutes. Whilst we scanned the menu, my friend noted how the setting really allowed for kids but was completely welcoming for those without. A very good point – the Café is light, airy, and modern in feel, yet kids can flick carrot sticks on the floor and no one rolls their eyes. We nabbed a waiter and, despite his leaving us to attend another table midorder, we opted for thyme, lemon and garlic marinated char-grilled chicken, which came with two salads of our choosing: cauliflower, toasted hazelnut and raisins; and puy lentil, feta and roasted peppers. We also went for chips and a couple of small plates to share: salt pollock scotch egg; and Iberico chorizo, piquillo pepper and rocket on toast. The chicken was served over the two salads, and though the thigh meat tasted little of its marinade, it was juicy and had a lovely charred flavour. The cauliflower salad was lacklustre and bland. The puy lentil, feta and roasted peppers was perhaps too safe a choice on our part, the lentils slightly too al dente. The Iberico chorizo was middling in its piquancy and was served as a measly thumb split in two. Whilst the peppers were nicely sweet, the toast was tough and as a whole it was disappointing. The salt pollock scotch egg was a welcome respite with its crunchy outer shell and salty fish wrapped lovingly around a soft-boiled egg. Both were served with garlicky aioli. The chips were good, skin on and nicely fried, and made good dippers for the remaining aioli.
I so desperately wanted to like the lunch at Lido Café. Whilst I was grateful for their welcoming nature towards my daughter and her carrot sticks, the scatty service and the just above-average food left me wanting more. How it could be after I had heard so many good things of their dinners? Perhaps
I should revisit in the evening, perhaps it is the atmosphere that attracts people, or perhaps I should stick to the coffee and cake. Meal for two, including service, £31 Lindsay blogs at blondevsbland.com
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
What's On SAT MAR 29 Gay couples can get married for the first time. You can celebrate down at Station Road, where the Give and Take market takes over the regular stalls for the day. Bring along your unwanted gear and take home something that’s actually useful, without paying a penny. SUN MAR 30 Mothers Day! Treat her to lunch at the Lido Cafe in Brockwell Park? MON MAR 31 Join the London City Reggae Choir down the road at the Lost Theatre, in Wadsworth Road. 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. 7.30pm until 9.30pm TUES APR 1 Queen’s Head open mic night. With the sound quality having vastly improved in recent months and an eclectic bunch of performers this is well worth checking out, and its only five minutes walk from Brixton Academy up Stockwell Road. From 9pm till late. WEDS APR 2 Social Stories oen mic night at the Electric Social. This and every Wednesday head along and support emerging artists or give it a go yourself. House guitar available on request and backing tracks welcomed. Boom! THURS APR 3 Brand New Dogstar Quiz in the Main Bar. Every Thursday. Cash Prizes to be won. 8pm start, £2 entry. FRI APR 4 A great opportunity to head along to the Lesley Hilling’s iconic first exhibition at the Knight Webb Gallery, Atlantic Road. Lesley has woven strands of her life into each one of her sculptures and artworks on display. See our review on page 17. Free. SAT APR 5 The Cambria opens its doors to the Bad Behaviour artists for Food, Glorious Food. 13 artists explore the variety, complexity & intensity of experiences with food. 1-8pm daily. Closed Mon, until Apr 11. SUN APR 6 Hootananny. Cecil Reuben presents his Year to Year Birthday Show featuring, live from Jamaica, the legendary Tinga Stewart. FREE 8pm - 1am MON APR 7 Who needs the London Marathon? The evenings are getter warmer and longer, so pull on your running shoes and join Brixton Blog editor Zoe on a socia-
www.brixtonblog.com ble run around Brockwell Park with the Blog running club. The friendly group meets every Monday in Windrush Square at 7pm. The run is absolutely free and open to all new members, whatever fitness level! TUE APR 8 Get your green on. Brockwell Greenhouses, at the heart of Brockwell Park. It is open to the public on Tuesdays between 1 and 5pm, where you can have a wander around the impressive collection of dedible plants, or even roll your sleeves up and volunteer! www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk WED APR 9 Starting at 6.30pm this evening, the finalists in Lambeth Council’s competition to find the best ideas for the future use of theempty 4000 square metres of space by Popes Rd - right next to the Rec, will pitch their proposals at a public meeting. This event takes place at Number 6 Somerleyton Road: it’s free but you should register your intention to attend at the Future Brixton website, futurebrixton.org THURS APR 10 Alberosie comes to Electric Brixton. The genesis of Sicilian-born Alberto D’Ascola, aka Alborosie, can be blamed on an elixir of fate, talent, technologiy and most of all, determination. Hits like ‘Polizia, Polizia’ and ‘No Cocaine’ have made him a firm favourite with his South London fans. His show is sure to be a hugely popular event so get your tickets fast to avoid disappointment! £18 + BF. 7pm - 11pm FRI APR 11 Brixton Academy. Manic Street Preachers return to Brixton to belt our their classics and some new material. Catch them playing songs from their previous ten albums and previewing some tracks from their incredible new album Futurology. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult and purchase seats in the circle balcony. Under 25s require ID to purchase alcohol. SAT APR 12 How much do you know about Brixton Market’s fascinating and long history? If the answer is “not enough”, then here’s your chance to fill that void, by joining the wonderful Brixton Society’s Brixton Market Heritage Walk. It starts at 2.30 at the corner of Brixton Station Road and Beehive Place and takes about an hour and a half, visiting all the markets, covered and outdoor. Tickets cost £3 per person (including a book) and can be bought from the Brixton Society Market stall in Brixton Station Road on the day from 12 - 2.30. Places can be reserved in advance by e-mailing marketwalks@brixtonsociety.org. uk
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Editor’s Pick: Rebel Bingo, Brixton Electric, April 4 & 5 Bingo: Brixton Rebels, the time is now Bingo comes to Brixton this April… but no, we’re not talking old biddies, a stale atmosphere and a trip to the 1970’s of yester year. This REBEL Bingo. But it’s not just a game anymore. It’s a way of life. It’s hard to explain what happens at Rebel Bingo. It’s a show, and a party, and you play, and you can win things, and it feels like you are part of something more powerful than you ever imagined.If you want to be part of a revolution, but one that’s not too dangerous and more bingo related, then come join them. For tickets please visit www.rebelbingo.com Tickets start at £13, and then go to £16, £19 & £22 - the earlier you buy them the cheaper they are. 18+ SUN APR 13 Hootananny. Bahareque Moviementos Presents: An acoustic ensemble Latin Music from Guantanamera to Romantic Mexican Ballads, Paraguayan Polkas, Andean Huaynos, Venezuelan Joropos, Chilean Cuecas, Cumbias from Colombia in their purest form using traditional instruments. Four different countries (Venezuela,Bolivia,Colombia,UK) are represented in a line-up of musicians playing a variety of instruments including : Guitar, bandola, cuatro, pan-pipes, quena, charango, maracas, Venezuelan & Paraguayan harps plus vocals. FREE 9pm - 3am MON APR 14 The perfect evening to stay in, have a cup of tea, and catch up with Rev, BBC2 at 10pm. TUES APR 15 Which poet was it said April’s the cruellest month? Anyway, if that’s how it turns out, cheer yourself, or at least shock yourself out of it, down at Loughborough Junction’s Whirldart Cinema Alternative Comedy Night. If you think you know stand-up and know it all, think again: tonight’s guests are likely to blow apart any preconceptions. They include award winning Gemma Whelan, Jenny Collier, Amy Wright, Don Tran and Mark Stephen Daniels, all held together (or not) by MC James Shake-
shaft. Tickets six quid, half that for concessions, it kicks off 7pm for 8pm which probably means 8pm, you can find out more at http:// www.comedyknights.co.uk/brixton.html or ring 02077376153. WEDS APR 16 The Windmill presents: Restorations+ The Smith Street Band + Astpai. Equal parts punk rock and polemics, Philadelphia quintet Restorations is a unique group of musicians that’s difficult to categorize and even harder to get out of your head. Doors 7:45pm. £5 THURS APR 17 BATTLEACTS! Comedy just got nasty at The Dogstar. Two teams of intrepid improvisers battle to the death (… well, till the end of the show) proving their worth through a series of punishing impro games. The prize: their audience’s respect! Who will be victorious? who will fall? 8-11 FRI APR 18 Get Diverted Terrace Opening Party. There is no one better to officially open party season than legendary Scottish techno outfit, Slam who are in town. Slam have remixed everyone from Daft Punk to Underworld. Support across the venue including the newly extended Boudoir 5 - 5 | ENTRY: £10-15 ADV
SAT APR 19 Brixton Windmill opens to the public this weekend with the first of a series of tours of one of very few working windmills in the UK. A perfect chance to admire this recently-restored gem of local history, to hear some fascinating stories about its origins and history - and even to learn how to produce stoneground flour. You can’t eat the results yet, but with luck that’s coming soon. The full 40-minute tours are free and are extremely popular, so please book tickets in advance here: http://www. brixtonwindmill.org/visit SUN APR 20 Berlin Philharmonic Easter Festival Concert, live by Satellite at the Ritzy. Overdosed on chocolate eggs? Something a little less sickly-sweet is on offer at the Ritzy, where there’s an amazing musical celebration of Easter with the Berlin Philharmonic, live via satellite from the Baden-Baden Festival. Among highlights, cellist Sol Gabetta will make her debut with this orchestra conducted by Simon Rattle, in a performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85. Also on the bill are György Ligeti’s Atmosphères, the Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin by Wagner, and Stravinsky’s amazing Le Sacre du Printemps. Book online by selecting a time or call 0871 902 5739.
Editor’s Pick: End FGM night at the Ritzy Upstairs, April 12 An estimated 140 million women have undergone female genital mutilation, and each year millions more girls are at risk of the practice worldwide, including right here in London. This fundraising event brings together proactive individuals and organisations working towards eliminating FGM and raising awareness around this issue. Highlights include The Nomadic Reading Room - a “travelling library of artists’ books, art writing and interactive printmaking”, who will present content in response to FGM. DIY posters will be produced on-site as rubbings of slogans spelled out in moveable type, which will be available to make and buy. There will be film screenings curated by DOC CON (a documentary film collective), music from Ravioli Me Away, speakers from leading UK charities such as Forward, Plan UK, The Girl Child Network and Daughters of Eve, and other responses from local businesses and artists. Tickets: £7, book on the Ritzy website: www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse
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What's On MON APR 21 Have you ever planned a surprise, or had one planned for you? Secrets and surprises is the theme for tongights Spark storytelling night Upstairs at the Ritzy. Anyone can get up an have a go at this stand-up style storytelling, which means some of it is a bit rubbish, but its worth sitting through the pants bits for warm, touching and funny gems in between. Entry is four quid, and it kicks of at 7pm. TUES APR 22 A programme of short films at the Ritzy around memory, misfortune and mystery. Join in for the princely sum of $4, and listen to the filmakers shoot the breeze over a beer or two afterwards. 7pm. WED APR 23- Electric Brixton AEG Live Present Ziggy Marley With support from Hollie Cook . Ziggy Marley should need no introduction to likes of us Brixton Folk…His melodic reggae will vibrate you and move you and make you forget the time. His shows are always a must, to avoid disappointment get your tickets fast. £19.50 7pm-11pm 14+ THURS APR 24 Tip-top karaoke mixed by a professional sound engineer at the Queen’s Head. Look out for dreadlocked belter Courage and your rumbunctious compere Simon the Landlord who is always on feisty form. FRI APR 25 Drum n Bass hero Andy C plays a gargantuan SIX hour
www.brixtonblog.com set at Electric Brixton. The founder of Ram records and all-time bass legend Andy with his characteristic fast-mixing over three turntables. This is NOT one to miss. More info at www.electricbrixton.uk.com SAT APR 26 Audio Sushi the Longest running residency in London at the Dogstar brings a wild mix of House, Electro, Indie, Pop, Jungle, Dubstep, Hip Hop, Rock, brand new club hits, bootlegs, mash ups and classics. 8:30-4 Free before 10pm £5 after. ID Required SUN APR 27 The famous Crafty Fox Spring Markets are back at The Dogstar to give Brixton’s style vultures another chnace to hoover up the creations of dozens of leading designers, artists, and craftspeople of all flavours.The fun kicks off at 11am each day , with 45 makers represented on the Saturday and a different 45 on Sunday. So you need to go both days, my dears. Refreshments of both the crafty and alcoholic type will be on sale, of course, and entry is free! There are even going ot be some workshops to show you how to screenprint, sew , and mor e- check it out at the Crafty Fox website, www.craftyfoxmarket. co.uk MON APR 28 Be the king or queen of arts at the Upstairs at the Ritzy Alice in Wonderland crafts special. Nothing to pay on the door just tumble down the rabbit hole into a world of crafty wonders. Be inspired; illustrate, experiment and elaborate on Lewis Carroll’s charac-
WIN: Ziggy Marley tickets For the chance to win two tickets and a round of drinks to the Ziggy Marley gig at Electric Brixton on April 23, answer the following question. what was the name of the family group ziggy marley played with until 2001? a. melody makers b. wailers c. marleys Send your answers to competitions@brixtonblog.com by April 11. ters from this classic story. 7pm. TUE APR 29 Ever fancied learning the guitar, but never got round to to it? Yeah, us too. Lucky the guys from Levilla Music have started these affordable lessons for beginners at Studio B on Brixton Hill. Lessons cost just 10 big ones, and you can take your own guitar or pay a fiver to use one of theirs. Brill. 7.308.30pm facebook.com/levillamusic
WED APR 30 It’s only the blooming John Butler Trio at the Academy tonight. It’s been four years since the release of their last studio album , but they have been focusing on campaigning on environmental issues. They’ll do the later in Brixton tonight. Doors 7pm and tickets still available from 25 quid. www.o2academybrixton.co.uk
THURS MAY 1 You won’t be able to concentrate a thing, as the May edition of the Brixton Bugle is out tomorrow. Get an early night and see us from 7am at the Tube tomorrow! See all our listings and previews online at brixtonblog.com
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
Cartoons
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Brixton Bugle April 2014
Columns
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GREEN FINGERS: What to grow in April ALISON ALEXANDER Brockwell Community Greenhouse This month’s gardening column comes to you from the Sierra Nevada where I’m enjoying a rest before the growing season goes into overdrive back home. Very soon it will be all hands on deck at the Greenhouses - watering seed trays, pricking out seedlings and potting out plants until they’re developed enough to go in the ground. Then they’ll need watering in, weeding and feeding. Come July, we may finally get to sit back and admire our efforts. The small town of Gūejar Sierra where my cousin lives is 20 minutes drive from Grenada, half-way up the mountains. Not far from here a pretty little bulb, Crosus nevadensis, pokes its head through the snowmelt at this time of year. From that altitude you can see acres of plastic polytunnels carpeting the land between the coast and the hills where
tomatoes are grown for export to UK supermarkets. Here in Gūejar, however, growing your own is the norm. Rare pockets of flat land are cultivated for vegetable growing and the hills around are filled with orchards and olive groves. Almonds and peaches are in full blossom now, cherries bloom later. Our cousin’s neighbours’ broad beans are growing strongly. Later there will be peppers, pumpkins, everything needed for the recipe below. Just as in the UK, people here are keen to conserve heritage varieties in danger of dying out. Horticulturists and agriculturists are working together to propagate the local ‘Snowflake’ potato, cucumber and Alhambra tomato. Making preserves is an essential part of the year’s work, providing vegetables to last the harsh winter. in late summer, the squares are filled with weather-beaten ladies of a certain age charcoal grilling peppers for preserving in olive oil while indulging in a good gossip. Back in Brockwell Park, greenhouse volunteers have been pricking out the first seedlings of the year. Pricking out describes the gentle teasing out of seedlings from seed trays for transfer to a small pot of their own. Seedlings are ready when their first true leaves devel-
op or, failing that, when they look sturdy enough to be moved. Only two to three weeks after sowing, tomatoes, Bishop’s flower (Ammi majus), and chillies were almost ready for moving. Catchcropping describes growing a quick crop in an area of ground before planting one that takes longer to mature. For example, in a bed that will be given over to tomato and tomatillo production from June through to the first frosts, we’ve planted spinach and chard that we can harvest continually in the meantime. Intercropping is when you sow mixed crops together. You alternate rows of a later maturing vegetable such as early turnip with quick crops until the turnips grow so large they shade out their neighbours. Soon after that the turnips are ready to harvest too. Another intercropping technique is to grow tall plants interspersed with low ones, peas growing up wigwams for example, with lettuces or herbs covering the ground around. These techniques work just as well in a planter. Try sowing a mixture of lettuce, rocket, pak choi, Chinese cabbage, carrots and peas. You can harvest some pea shoots and cut the other salad vegetables repeatedly 5cm or so above ground for baby leaves. The carrots, some lettuce, pak choi and Chinese cabbage can be left to grow to full maturity and some peas trained up supports to produce pods later on. A recipe for fritillo from the Sierra Nevada, from Teresa’s mum in the corner shop: Ingredients: Bay leaves, oregano, chives, courgette or pumpkin, ripe tomatoes, roasted green or red peppers, potatoes, garlic, a pinch of sugar, salt to taste. Dice floury potatoes and shallow fry. In another pan, soften the chives, garlic, courgette and pepper before adding the tomatoes, herbs and a little sugar. leave to simmer. Add the potatoes to the vegetable mixture and serve with a fried egg on top.
A date with Ms Bennet “I’d never join a club that would allow a person like me to become a member.” And isn’t that the truth. After Mr. Director and the two-hour round trip to north London every week, I finally gave in and said yes to a date with a local boy. He brings me cake at work AND is Brixton-based. Double points there. On our first date he tells me that he doesn’t date English girls and the reason he chose me (how lucky must I be?) is because “I have a fun look in my eyes”. I’m so bored of that. What am I unknowingly putting out there? Do I need my eyes checked? Should I now wear sunglasses at all
times and shield off these eyes that brand me as a ‘fun time girl.’ Also, after a few dates, he now brings me lunch and insists on seeing me a few times every day. It’s too much. Would it have been too much with the French guy? Probably not. But this guy is too into me. This is where - and yes, I know it’s crazy I shut down and become disinterested because he is too interested, clingy even. “What’s wrong with him?” I think, “Why does he like me? Next?” No, no next. Not this time. I need a break. Instead I will indulge in my girl crushes, which in Brixton are abundant. Has anyone seen the sous chef at
Salon? Every time I see her, I want to be cool. Whatever ‘cool’ is. I’m pretty sure every time I do speak to her, I end up saying something about the weather, or worse, I get a little flustered trying to think of something, my voice goes a pitch higher, I inevitably blush and I want to smack myself. So lame. And what about Rosie Lovell and her band of women who work in the deli? If ever I’m not to be found, there’s a huge probability I’m there, gossiping, loudly. And then there are the equally lovely ladies at French and Grace. The list could really go on. And so, with this in mind... men? What men? Who needs them. For now anyway....
Picure of West Norwood Emmaus team, by Mark Burton www.mburtonphoto.
COMMUNITY FOCUS Ross Watkins, Dep community leader, Emmaus Lambeth
We are a local charity which is part of the Emmaus UK federation and Emmaus International. We started in Lambeth six years ago and were set up by local residents wanting to bring the Emmaus ethos to the area. Emmaus was founded by Abbé Pierre in 1940s France as a result of the abject poverty, homelessness and despair after the Second World War. Abbé Pierre was a very forward-thinking Catholic priest whose actions in occupied Paris saved many lives. When Jewish residents were being rounded up for deportation he learnt how to forge passports to get them to safety. After the war he held several government posts, but quickly left to do work he felt was more important. Emmaus really started when Abbé Pierre stopped a man called Georges from killing himself. He realised that he could give him a home, food and money but that what Georges really needed was a reason to live. The reason was helping others in need; this is the core ethos of every Emmaus worldwide. We collect, repair, sell and deliver donated items in our shops. That is where the majority of our money
comes from. Our residents are called Companions and when they move in they stop claiming state benefits and work in the community for room, board and an allowance. We offer educational courses, social activities and the chance to volunteer with Emmaus International in various projects abroad. We encourage socially excluded people to volunteer in our projects to help them find a new place in which make friends and join in with our social activities. Our Brixton store is in Angell Town and serves the community with cheap furniture. It’s the primary location for delivering the Lambeth Emergency Support Scheme, replacing social funds previously delivered by central government.
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Sport
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Crunch time: Lady Topcats mission to get into top flight
BY LAURA DICKINSON
There can be no mistaking the drive of Brixton Lady Topcats to reach Division 1, the top tier of English basketball. They were last in the top flight in 2010 and are determined to get back to where they belong. Unbeaten as champions of South East Division 2 this season and with a 67-46 victory against Solent Suns in the first round of the playoff finals, they’ve put themselves in a strong position to reach the top league in England. The Lady Topcats took on the Solent Suns on 23 March at the Brixton Rec. Despite the final twenty point margin of victory, their playoff match was not always smooth sailing. Defence is usually the Lady Topcats’ strength, but the team were unusually exposed in the first quarter. The Suns capitalised on
large gaps in defence to take an early lead. “We didn’t start off as strong we would want to, especially going into the play-offs,” said Taylor Hilton, the team’s American star, after the match. “But I’m really proud of the way we were able to fight through.” In the third quarter the Topcats squandered a ten-point lead to trail the Suns by a point midway through the quarter. Tension was high. “There came a point near the end of the third quarter when we looked at each other and said we know what we’re supposed to do, we know we can play better, we’ve got to buckle down and go to work,” explains Hilton. And get to work they did. An impressive three-point shot from Charlene St Marthe soon followed by two two-pointers from Rochelle Davids at the end of quarter 3
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SOARING: Brixton Lady Topcats are determined to get back into Division 1. Picture from brixtontopcats.org showed just how much victory 2013-2014 marks Steve’s first game was little reported. meant to the Lady Topcats and put season as coach. He was brought in “It was disappointing for me, them back on track for a convincing specifically to get the Lady Topcats for the players, and for the whole win. back into Division 1 and a flood of women’s game,” says Steve. “It was The team now heads to the semi- new players joined on the basis that the best game on the day and it final of the play-offs for a place in the team would be in the top flight didn’t get a good write-up.” Division 1, a nationwide league next season. The organisers of Division 1 are from which the Lady Topcats Steve’s style of coaching is trying to change things and Brixton feel they have been absent for far too informed by his own time as a player Topcats are determined to be a part long. when he was point-guard, a position of that movement to bring greater “Brixton used to be known as one known for sharing the ball and attention to women’s basketball. of the best basketball programmes running the play. “We play unselfish The Topcats are supported by in the country,” says Lady Topcats basketball. We run a lot. They hate Luol Deng, who grew up in Brixton, coach Steve Vear. “We want to get me for it but we run in practice so trained under legendary Topcats back in the top tier, to be known as much. I refuse to lose if a team is coach Jimmy Rogers, and is now a an elite basketball club and get back fitter than us.” star of major league basketball in on the map like we used to be.” Sevian Witter, 20, a Lady Topcat the USA. Even if the Topcats win the player says that the team has As they train, the Lady Topcats play offs, a place in Division 1 isn’t improved a lot since last season: wear “Deng Girls” T-shirts and guaranteed. Teams are also assessed “We’ve had different training; a new Luol Deng’s foundation helps with on their infrastructure and whether coach and a new system that has finances, kit and a partnership the court they play on is good really worked.” with Nike. It’s a long-term deal that enough. “We’ve got a playbook, we’ve got should do much to help put Brixton With the newly re-laid sports hall structure, we’ve each got a purpose basketball back on the map. floor at Brixton Recreation Centre, on the court and know what we’re As for the journey to Division a winning season under their belt doing with each other,” she adds. 1, what would it mean to get there, and a role in the heart of the Brixton Women’s basketball faces a lot I ask Taylor Hilton? “It means community, the Lady Topcats are of challenges and Steve argues that everything. That’s been the goal putting forward a strong case for a it gets too little coverage. He points right from the get-go and that’s what place in the top tier. to the recent national trophy finals we’re trying to make happen.” “We’ve definitely got the talent where the Lady Topcats lost by just NEXT MATCH: Sunday 30th to compete in the top league,” says 5 points to Leeds Carnegie. Despite March, 2pm at Brixton Rec. Entrance Steve. being the most exciting match, the is free. Follow @BrixtonTopcats.