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Splash is back
August 2014
Inside...
Thousands set to descend on south London street festival The Ting bottles are at the ready, food stalls are being prepped, the music tunes lined up: Brixton’s favourite street festival hits the town centre this Sunday, August 3, with a packed line-up of events, soundsystems and family activities. The free festival, now in its eighth year, was launched to showcase Brixton’s diversity and attracts thousands of visitors every year to dance, eat and sing in the Brixton sun. Jo Birch-Phaure, from Brixton Splash, told the Bugle: “The festival is the epitome of cool and is well-loved by the Caribbean diaspora that call Brixton or south London home, as well as hipsters and music fans. It is one day in the summer where all of London’s communities can come together in peace over good music and great food!” Splash experienced major funding cuts this year and organisers launched a crowdfunding initiative in May to encourage the public to donate to the event. At the time of going to press
only £540 out of the £20,000 goal had been raised, which means they will not receive any of the money donated according to the rules of the crowdfunding site. But despite the financial challenges Splash organisers have succeeded in getting together a stellar line up for the day. Musicians playing on the main stage include Endurance Steel Band, Hya P, Queen Addi and Shumba Youth. Soundsystems on Coldharbour Lane and Atlantic Road will host RnB, reggae, house and world music DJs. In St Matthews Peace Garden, a craft market and ‘family village’ will be set up with arts activities for kids and adults alike. If your feet aren’t too weary after all that partying and eating, then get along to the official after party at Prince of Wales Brixton, which includes a three-hour set by Norman Jay and DJing from Don Letts, Wrongtom and Count Skylarkin. www.brixtonsplash.org
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BCA LAUNCH: Brixton hits Windrush Square for the longawaited launch of the £7million Black Cultural Archives. News, p5
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SUNSHINE AND SHOWERS: Some 100,000 of us revelled in the July heat of Lambeth Country Show - until that summer storm. We’ve got two pages crammed with your pictures. In Pictures, p6-7
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Brixton Bugle August 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 DEPUTY EDITORS Keith Lewis Lindsay Faller Sub-editor: Jamila Omar Designer: Agnes Graves NEWS newsdesk@brixtonblog.com FEATURES Katrin Magnussen features@brixtonblog.com ARTS Barney Evison Ruth Waters arts@brixtonblog.com MUSIC & LISTINGS Phoebe Robertson Phoebe@Brixtonblog.com FOOD Miss South food@brixtonblog.com SPORT Laura Dickinson newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
ISSUE 24 Writers: Alistair Quaile, Ashley Moore, Tom Lowenstein, Khai BaileySmith Pictures: Alistair Hall, Owen Llewellyn, Martha Love, Coconino Cartoons / Illustrations: Kaylene Alder, Tim Bird Pam Williams, Mike Rourke Crossword: Josie Gardiner Columnists: Ms Bennet, Alison Alexander A massive thank you to everybody involved in making this issue, and the Blog & Bugle project, a success.
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Play it again, Sam
A pair of filmakers have launched a crowdfunding project to make a feature-length film about how street pianos can transform city life. Inspired by the much-loved Herne Hill street piano, which recently turned two-years old, Maureen Ni Fiann and Tom Rochester want to raise £6,500 to sing the praises of the community instruments all over london. The duo made a short film called The People’s Piano - about the Herne Hill installation - and were so overwhelmed by the response they decided to make a full film. Ni Fiann said: “Around the Herne Hill piano people from every corner of our diverse city connect and interact - they play the same piano and because of the music, they connect. “Unemployed, retired, toddlers, homeless, traffic wardens, journalists, wealthy or poor, successful or struggling.”
IN KEY: Ruby Rhymes and friend enjoy the piano at its second birthday party. Picture by Tom Rochester So far £1,156 has been donated The pair are also looking for towards the film’s costs through the Brixton sites or community groups website Kickstarter, and it is hoped to host their very own piano in the that other residents who enjoy the future. piano will chip in. hernehillpiano.co.uk.
There’s been more high-profile support for Ritzy staff last month, as they continue to strike in protest against the Picture House Cinema’s refusal to pay the living wage. It came from Monty Python’s Terry Jones, after the cinema chain controversially decided to open and screen a live streaming of Monty Python’s O2 Arena performance. Despite the strike on July 20, metal barricades were erected to usher cinemagoers in through the friendly protests outside in Windrush Square. As a consequence, Jones suggested over Twitter that cinemagoers boycott the screening and request a refund from the cinema, in support of the staff. And that appears to be exactly what some customers did. Bosses from the union Bectu were due meet with Picturehouse
on Thursday (July 31) for the latest round talks. Jones is the latest high-profile voice to support Ritzy staff, joining Eric Cantona, Ken Loach and Russell Brand, who have all signed the petition. Writing in The Brixton Bugle this month, Ritzy striker Robert Lugg said: “For us this is now about much more than workers at The Ritzy. “This has grown into something much bigger, we have even been described as part of ‘the new face of trade unionism in the 21st century’.” He added: “We ask our community, whose support been incredible support so far, to boycott all Picturehouse Cinemas until our fight is won.” Lyn Goleby, Picturehouses managing director, did not respond to a request from The Bugle. She
Python star backs strike
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told The Independent newspaper, however: “We are one of the highestpaying cinema operators in London. Only about 250-odd companies signed up for the London Living Wage, and you won’t find many cinemas and retailers among them. It’s not viable for these kinds of businesses.” According to Goleby, only four people cancelled their tickets for the screening, and, she added, “only one specifically said it was in support of the strike”. In other protest action, Ritzy staff also joined a march from the BFI to City Hall (via Leicester Square and the offices of Picture House Cinema). At City Hall, Ken Loach delivered a speech praising the determination of Ritzy staff. Ritzy pay struggle goes beyond Brixton. Comment, p9.
Grow Brixton plans The corner of Pope’s Rd and Brixton Station Rd was first a car park at the heart of the market, then it became a home for the ice rink temporarily displaced from Streatham. And now it’s about to become a garden-cumretail-arts space in the heart of Brixton. Residents have until mid-August to comment on the planning application submitted this summer by Grow Brixton, who won the council’s competition for partners on the project. Grow Brixton, the team behind the Edible Bus Stop on
Landor Rd, want to build a series of poly-tunnels for plants, fruit and veg alongside a set of shipping containers for small businesses. Apprentices and locals will be brought on to make and serve food from the gardens. There are also plans for a space for arts and music events. Residents can comment on the plans until August 13. The application can be found by searching the Lambeth Planning Database at www.planning. lambeth.gov.uk.
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Station stopped?
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has said a new station on the Overground line in Brixton would cost £80-£120million and is ‘unlikely to be affordable’. In a reply to a question by Assembly Member Val Shawcross, published today, Johnson went on to say that a new station down the line at East Brixton would cost up to £50million, but that benefits would be “much lower” due to its distance from the town centre. Earlier this year, Lambeth Council commissioned a £25,000 feasibility study into the opportunities for a new stop on the line from from Clapham Junction to east and north London. Transport for London have previously said that a stop at Brixton would be too expensive as the line is “elevated, curved and on a gradient.”
Police manhunt
Two brothers convicted for manslaughter are being hunted by police after failing to turn up at court for their sentencing. Jurius Tarasov (pictured above), 33, of Howard House, Barrington Road, Brixton and his brother Vadolia, 35, from Norbury, were found guilty of manslaughter after a man they had beaten up fell to his death from a Streatham window as he tried to escape them. They were convicted of manslaughter at the Old Bailey on July 24, but failed to appear for their sentencing the next day.
Green Flag Brockwell Park is one of eleven Lambeth green spaces to be awarded ‘green flag’ status by Keep Britain Tidy.’ Milkwood Park, Myatt’s Fields Park and Ruskin Park are also on the clean list, announced last week. Brockwell Park Community Greenhouse was also handed the community award for being brilliant. Cllr Jane Edbrooke said: “We have some amazing green and open spaces across Lambeth I’m delighted that we’ve successfully retained all of our Green Flags.”
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
News
Return of the Joy A new Joy store is set to open in Brixton next month, six months after the retailer’s popular Coldharbour Lane branch closed. The successful chain will make a return in August when its new store opens at 518 Brixton Road. Joy launched its first outlet on the former Woolworths site in 1999, before success saw it grow to 25 stores nationwide. However, with the unit scheduled for redevelopment it was forced to look for a new location when the lease expired inJanuary 2014. The Coldharbour Lane premises, which sits next door to the POW pub, is being converted into a new £4.5million hotel.
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Homes ‘putting lives at risk’ say residents Dozens of angry residents marched from their Brixton estate to Lambeth Town Hall last month to demand that the council reviews a contract for a £150million regeneration of their close-knit community. They claim lives are being put at risk by safety lapses during the building of 808 new homes, and the refurbishment of 172 more on the Myatts Field North estate. The regeneration – lauded by Lambeth Council – is being carried out by a consortium of companies – called Regenter Myatts Field North – under a 25-year private finance initiative (PFI) contract. The area has been rebranded as the “Oval Quarter” for the development, which includes 357 homes sold at market value and 146 for shared ownership. The estate is currently in the middle of the five-year construction project. Of the 305 properties being demolished, 247 are social rented homes, which will all re-provided as new-build social rented properties. The remaining 58 demolition properties are owned by leaseholders and are also being reprovided. One resident and council tenant, Stephen Hack, told The Brixton Bugle: “There are numerous issues over health and safety. There is a a very poor standard in both the new homes and the refurbished ones. We have one
Rush hour car flip drama
SMASH: The Vauxhall Corsa flipped onto its roof. Pic: @Brixtondawg A woman in her 30s got a lucky escape after a dramatic collision on Brixton Road. Bystanders reported seeing the driver walk away from this flipped car, near the junction with Gresham Road, at about 7.45 am on July 28. The smash closed Brixton Road southbound until 9.30am, causing a traffic jam the length of Brixton Hill. The driver was taken to King’s College Hospital with minor injuries, but a cyclist and pedestrian involved did not need treatment. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
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vulnerable neighbour on the estate who have been without hot water for three months. “Some leaseholders are being forced out as they can’t afford the new homes, and we’re all paying for it with higher rents. This is about our homes, our families and our health.” Hack demanded that the council reexamine the contract with consortium. He added: “Action has to be taken now for our safety and the safety of our
children – and we want guarantees of no evictions of leaseholders or tenants on the estate.” The Regenter consortium revealed to The Bugle that since May 2012 there have been seven “low-level” health and safety incidents. Lambeth Council declined to comment on the protests, referring The Bugle to a PR company for the Regenter consortium. A spokesman for Regenter claimed it was working
closely with the residents of the estate. “Carrying out a large scale project in a live residential area inevitably incurs some level of disruption for the community,” he said. “Any health and safety incidents are reported immediately to the Local Authority and, if applicable, to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).” An unannounced visit by the HSE noted only minor observations.”
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
News
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Brixton Cycles scoops award
BY ALISTAIR QUAILE
Brixton Cycles has been voted Best Small Retailer at the London Cycling Campaign’s annual London Cycling Awards. The event, held on July 16 in central London, commended organisations, brands and retailers for their promotion of cycling over the last 12 months. Hosted by journalist and keen cyclist Jeremy Vine, the awards were separated into two parts: Consumer Awards, which were nominated by London Cycling Campaign members and voted for by the public; and Project Awards, which were nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of independent cycling experts. Brixton Cycles was started in 1983 as a workers’ cooperative on Coldharbour Lane, before relocating to its current location next to Stockwell Skatepark in
2001. Opening in the wake of the 1981 riots, it has gained a notable reputation due to its long-standing staff, who ensure a level of expertise that is not seen in many other bike shops. On receiving the award, Lincoln Romain, one of the longest serving co-op directors at Brixton Cycles, said: “We are eternally grateful, it is a great honour and we are ecstatic to win the award. It is because we have put in a lot over the years. There appears to have been a lot of nepotism in the past, but the fact the awards were voted for by actual cyclists throughout London means a lot.” Speaking on behalf of the local London Cycling Campaign group, Lambeth Cyclists, Luke Evans said: “We congratulate Brixton Cycles, one of the best bike shops in South London, on winning this well-
deserved award. This recognises the key role that Brixton Cycles have played in keeping Lambeth’s cyclists on the road and promoting cycling
Missing
Police are appealing for information after a vulnerable 23-year-old man went missing from Camberwell. Thomas David Knox, from Thamesmead, was last seen in Camberwell Green on Thursday July 27 at about 5pm. He is described as white, 6ft tall, medium build with blonde hair. The last time he was seen he was wearing a white Nike t-shirt, black trousers and a grey, green and blue sweater. Anyone with information should call DC Rhianne Trill from the Greenwich Missing Person unit on 0208 284 7712 or Police on 101.
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Greens ‘gagged’
Brixton Cycles is one of over 125 cycle shops across London which offer discounts to London Cycling Campaign members.
BY ASHLEY MOORE
SMILES: Soup Kitchen founder Solomon Smith with Sol Campbell
Soup Kitchen party at new help centre BY Tom Lowenstein
this is a
over the past 30 years. “This shop has played a big part in making Lambeth one of the most cycle-friendly boroughs in London.”
Brixton Soup Kitchen celebrated the launch of a brand new headquarters with a mega family fun day. The party on July 26 saw all ages come together at the new centre, which is at Brixton Domino and Social Club, Coldharbour Lane. Founded in 2013 by lifelong Brixton resident and Lambeth youth worker Solomon Smith, the volunteer-run service provides hot food, and companionship to around 50 people daily. 29-year-old Smith told Brixton Bugle: “We’re just letting everyone know that this is where the new centre is and what sorts of services we’re going to be providing.” Having begun life at Southwyck House Community Centre, the generous support of Brixton residents and local businesses has now enabled the organisation to relocate to larger,
more suitable premises. High street names like Nando’s, Greggs and Pret A Manger have also lent their support, providing free food which can then be served to visitors and distributed to London families living on the breadline. The soup kitchen played host to a variety of food stalls for the launch event, with entertainment coming from live musicians and performers. Local businesses and organisations have pitched in to help with the relaunch, providing their services and donating raffle prizes to help raise as much money as possible. “Our main ethos is about bringing different communities together who can work with us,” Smith added. “So we’ve got a lot of organisations in Brixton who are getting involved too.” For more information or to get involved, find Brixton Soup Kitchen on Facebook.
The Green Party claims it is being silenced in town hall debates by constitutional changes forced through by Lambeth’s Labour council. Following the local elections in May, there are now only three Conservative representatives, and one Green Party councillor, to hold 59 Labour members to account in the borough. According to the Green Party, the new amendments were carried out without consultation and presented at full council at a meeting on July 23. Allegations include Lambeth creating a regular one-hour, showcase ‘themed’ debate, while limiting the Greens to only “one question and proposing one motion at each full council meeting.” The Green Party’s sole elected member in the borough, Cllr Scott Ainslie, said: “Almost half the votes in the recent council elections went to opposition parties. But opposition groups will have no chance to initiate debates on any subject under Labour’s changes. Instead of giving local residents a voice, Labour is further centralising power and control, and removing accountability.” He claimed the new arrangements were a way of dictating “who attends, who speaks” and “who controls the subjects being debated.” He added that the council “faces the bizarre prospect of debates on the environment without a Green voice.” Deputy leader of Lambeth council, Cllr Paul McGlone, said: “Like most Green claims, these do not stand
up to scrutiny - as in fact the new arrangements make council more open, more relevant and improve scrutiny.” He explained, “members of the public for the first time could question the councillors direct,” while opening up full council so “local organisations, experts and community groups could have their say.” He said a third of oral questions were allocated to opposition parties, despite them only making up six per cent of total councillors. The Green Party have now tabled an amendment to a motion at full council, putting forward that time spent in full council, as well as, “meetings and subjects for debate” can be delegated fairly to the share of the vote granted at the recent council elections. They are rallying for more “wideranging involvement of local residents in council business,” with the opportunity to decide on the subject of council debates, rather than a “party-political selection.”
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
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Open doors at the BCA
Black celebrities and dignitaries joined hundreds of others from the community for the moving launch of the Black Cultural Archives centre, in Windrush Square on July 24 The sun shone down on the new £7million headquarters, as guests came together to celebrate thousands
of years of black history in Britain. Among the famous faces at the launch were the footballer Sol Campbell, author Zadie Smith, Baroness Floella Benjamin and poet Benjamin Zephaniah. Chairperson of the Black Cultural Archives Dawn Hill told guests in the new courtyard: “It has taken a prolific and talented combination of people with unflinching determination and belief in the aspiration and vision of Len Garrison – co-founder of the BCA – to build a 21st century archive to collect, preserve and celebrate the history of black communities in Brixton.”. Director Paul Reid told the audience that the first statue unveiled in the new centre was of Mr Garrison. Reid also thanked the Heritage Lottery fund, which provided some £4million for the project, and Lambeth council who have provided funding and handing the BCA a 99-year lease for the Raleigh Hall. Poet Benjamin Zepheniah who also attended– told the Bugle: “One of
the most important things for me is this is something really good for the community. “I remember when it was just an idea. Len Garrison sat down in 1979 and said he had an idea. He started out with one folder and it has grown from there. Management has come and gone but there has always been perseverance.” Zepheniah said that he hoped the Brixton HQ would be the first of many outposts of the Black Cultural Archives around the country. But he added: “For this location in London, you couldn’t have written the script. This is the heart of one part of the black community – from my mother’s generation.” Floella Benjamin, former television presenter made a life peer in 2010, said: “It is great to see that the past is being recognised to include in all British history. Parts of black history have been excluded for far too long. “This will let all children see that they can be anything they want if they put their minds to it.”
A younger point of view... BY KHAI BAILEY SMITH, AGE 13 The day of the opening had such a positive atmosphere as people across London came to have a look at the long-awaited Black Cultural Archives in Windrush Square. The queue to enter grew longer and longer as many more people came to witness the opening ceremony. Author and poet Benjamin Zephaniah also came down to have a look, and meeting him in person was a great experience. Furthermore, on stage many performed outstandingly; and I was able to speak to Poet Michael Groce and he said the following: “The importance of the BCA to me is that we have our own Archives that we can go to that belongs to black people, and looked after by black people. I will definitely be using the BCA fully functionally, as I will be doing partnerships with them and within
Clockwise from above: Benjamin Zepheniah, Linton Kwesi-Johnson, Sol Campell, Windrush Square, Floella Benjamin, Dawn Hill
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my work as a source of research. I will constantly promote them!” He added: “I would advise young people that knowing their culture is important and the BCA is a place where you can enhance your knowledge on that. It was a great experience to be a part of it all, it was humbling.” The BCA will offer workshops and
will hold exhibitions which will change every six months showing different aspects of black culture. Many will cost a small amount but will benefit you. In my opinion the BCA will be a great place for me to enhance my and many other young people’s knowledge on their cultural heritage. I myself will be using it for research and applying my findings to my school work.
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In pictures
Brixton Bugle August 2014
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It was fun in the sun at the Lambeth
As these colourful pictures show, the 40th Lambeth Country Show was celebrated in typical Brixton style. Highlights over the weekend included camel racing, a dog and duck show, and a special guest appearance by Joey from War Horse. Things hotted up on the Saturday, culminating in a rousing performance by Saturday’s headliner Jocelyn Brown. Elsewhere there was a strong showing from favourites uch as the vegetable sculptures and scarecrow competition. Young and old alike got up close and personal with bees, millipedes and birds of prey. On the second day even weather on a biblical scale failed to dampen the spirits of the hundreds of thousands of Londoners who flocked to our corner for the unique mix of rosettes, reggae, jousting and jerk.. The heavens opened just before 5pm, with an impressive thunderstorm leading to an early end to the event. The much-hyped headliners Aswad were cancelled for safety reasons. In a twist of soggy irony, the reggae and R&B group are perhaps best known for their 1988 hit “Shine”. Sheltering wherever they could, revelllers shared smiles and cider before staff cleared the park. This stunning gallery is courtesy of photographers Martha Love and Coco Nino, as well as Ren Forrest, Paul Quezada-Nemain and Deborah C Fletcher.
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
In pictures
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Country Show then rain stopped play
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
Your view
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YOUR TWEETS
My Secret Brixton
Some of your #Brixton tweets:
@annadunphy: Anybody else notice these bike racks popping up on your road? 2 have appeared on mine #brixton #lambeth @Thefacepicher: #Brixton #sunset #London
ROWENA PARSONS
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YOUR PICTURES: Juevenile heron in Brockwell Park on July 20. Thanks again to photographer Owen Llewellyn, who said: “I’ve seen lots of herons in the pond, often hunting- i.e. standing stock still. But I’ve never seen a catch there. I think it caught a perch. There were lots of fish visible in the pond. I think the recent renovations have done wonders for the wildlife. There were lots of damselflies and a few dragonflies zipping about.” Keep them coming to our Flickr group www.flickr.com/groups/brixtonblog
Parking chagrin continues
Station stop
Last month Lambeth decided not to send me a permit renewal reminder. It’s a very useful service, especially for infrequent drivers like myself, and maybe can be a bit better by ditching the usual post and sending e-mails instead. But unfortunately they neither sent me a letter nor an e-mail. And when one day I decided to drive somewhere I realised I had three PCNs were neatly placed under my windscreen wipers. One of them was badly wet but it’d been raining that morning. I realised my permit expired 7 days ago but thought it was unfair that I’m penalised for trusting the Lambeth council’s renewal reminders so I challenged them. What happened? They suggest I am responsible for my parking permit and should pay more attention and also apparently there’s a huge demand for parking permits in Lambeth so I should renew it as soon as possible.
Brixton east and Loughborough junction are the obvious options and anyone that is from or lives in and around the area would know that it is NOT too far away from the town centre and definitely a huge benefit Louise Harris, Facebook
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Little did they know, I already had and it was just a few clicks. Needless to say, the actual printed permits arrived a week later. I said permits because they sent two. What am i going to do? I think I’ll pay £120 for three tickets and go have a dump in front of the town hall maybe that way I can go to sleep without thinking about this. Vedat, online
East Brixton would be good for Loughborough Junction residents too. If the station were in central Brixton, the quarter-hourly service of 4 (soon to be 5) carriage trains wouldn’t cope with overcrowding from interchange passengers – they are already pretty full up from Clapham High Street towards Docklands in the morning, and there is no room for increased frequency. East Brixton would also help spread more commercial activity up towards the ‘other end’ of Station Road. Nicholas Weedon, online
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The
Goldilocks
Rowena is a long-time Brixton resident and is chair of the St Matthews Estate Tenants and Resident Association (TRA). Here she shares her five favourite things about Brixton... 1. Yoga Point Tucked away behind busy Effra Road is a haven for yoga fans. As you lie on the smooth wooden floor and gaze up at the skylights, say ‘namaste’ to founder Vacassin who used his decades of teaching experience to create the perfect yoga studio. 2. Brixton Cinema Group
Just to clarify that the Goldilocks event is funded by the Arts Council, and not MADD for Brockwell Park. As with the Lambeth Country Show, we have included the event on the MADD for Brockwell Park calendar as it is of interest to park users but the funding, insurance and logistics is the responsibility of Sixteen Feet Productions. Matthew Allgood, Treasurer, Brockwell Park Community Partners
t:020 3730 1312
by numbers
»40 years of the Lambeth Country Show celebrated last month »one massive downpour at the Lambeth Country Show »TWO YEARS of The Brixton Bugle this summer »£8.80 London Living Wage that Ritzy staff should be paid »FOUR corn on the cob in Miss South’s corn and peach salsa »336 name of the latest new cocktail bar named after the number on its door »1979 year Len Garrison came up with the idea for the Black Cultural Archives
On the last Thursday of the month, cinema lovers meet in Effra Social’s Committee Room to discuss a current film. Friendly but intense, the references fly thick and fast as Ritzy staff, movie buffs and people in the biz share opinions and debate what to watch next. 3. St Matthews Project Ever wondered who runs those boys soccer games in Brockwell Park on Saturday mornings? It’s a fantastic grass roots success story - google the inspiring 2010 video by Anorak Films. Ten years on, the project is still strong and now the girls have their own game too. 4. 1-107 Crownstone Road Landscaping architect Julia Hilton worked closely with residents to create a quality shared outdoor space that’s beautifully detailed and really works for the block dwellers young and old. Now the only thing looking shady about this corner of the St Matthews Estate are the 4 massive silver birch trees that enhance the seating area. 5. Bingo at the Tenants Hall Fancy a truly retro flutter? On Wednesday lunchtimes and Friday evenings the faithful gather at the Tenants Hall on St Matthews Road for probably the best bingo game in Brixton. Join them if you dare.
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
Comment & Analysis
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The Brixton Blog and Bugle Est. 2012
Extraordinarily, the Picturehouses company is still holding out against Ritzy staff in their campaign for a London Living Wage, despite support from luminaries such as Ken Loach, local boycotts and repeated strikes. We are in full support of the campaign and, if you think staff at your local cinema should be paid fairly, we encourage you to boycott the Ritzy, write to the management and, of course, shout about the campaign as much as you can. On this page, we have an opinion piece from one of the strikers. Lyn Goleby, Picturehouses Director, failed to respond to our request for her side of the story. You can make up your own mind. It’s been 33 years in the making and now, finally, Brixton is the home of Britain’s Black Cultural Archives. As poet Benjamin Zepheniah told to us in our story on page five “this is something really good for the community” and we can’t wait to start diving into the collections, attending all those lunchtime lectures, and seeing all the new exhibitions. This has been a busy, busy summer and it’s with a sigh of relief that we’re getting to the party times now – we’ve just had the Lambeth Country Show (see pages 6 and 7) and as we go to print we’re limbering up for Brixton Splash on August 3. And, in Brixton Bugle HQ, we are celebrating two full years in print. We started off by handing out 5,000 copies at eight pages long every month outside the tube. Now, we print 10,000 copies at a whopping 28 pages. It couldn’t have been done without you, the reader, and all our volunteers who write, edit and subedit the Bugle every month. Here’s to growing successfully in the future!
Ritzy pay struggle goes beyond Brixton BY ROBERT LUGG, Ritzy employee
are not asking for a life of luxury but just enough to live and not merely exist. For us this is now about much more As Brixtonites cannot fail to have noticed than workers at The Ritzy though. This we, the workers at The Ritzy, have been has grown into something much bigger, engaged in a series of strikes recently in our we have even been described as part of struggle for a Living Wage. ‘the new face of trade unionism in the 21st The London Living Wage (LLW) is set century’. We have organised ourselves, led by the Greater London Authority and the our own campaign (with fantastic support Living Wage Foundation and is based on from our union BECTU) and refused to an objective analysis of the minimum level give up, with members recently voting by of earnings at which people can maintain 95.3% to continue striking. This kind of a basic, ‘decent’ standard of living. It is strike is something new in this country. currently £8.80 per hour or about £18,000 a Brixton, indeed London, is experiencing year for a 40 hour week. social change and “We are not profound Most staff at The Ritzy many local people are finding asking for a life it harder and harder to get currently earn £7.53 per hour after the company broke off Our struggle not only of luxury but by. negotiations with us at the reflects that reality, it is also just enough to key to turning the tide against beginning of June and imposed a 4% pay rise. This is still below and what many live and not inequality the London Poverty Threshold see as social cleansing in our merely exist.” communities and to giving of £7.65 per hour. We are very much aware that young people a future. many Londoners, particularly We want other cinema, retail and hospitality workers, will earn retail and hospitality workers to see: you considerably less than this. Indeed don’t have to simply feel helpless or put our colleagues at other, un-unionised up with what your boss dishes out, be it Picturehouse Cinemas still do. The low pay, bullying or unfair treatment. You company repeatedly trots out this lame can unionise your workplace and use your excuse, claiming to be the highest paying collective strength to fight for your rights cinema chain and among the highest and your future. We hope people will come employer in Brixton. We believe that this and find out how on 14th August from race to the bottom must be rejected, we 7pm at The Vida Walsh Centre.
www.brixtonblog.com
t:020 3730 1312
We ask our community, whose support been incredible support so far, to boycott all Picturehouse Cinemas until our fight is won. Not just for us but for all low-paid workers. www.ritzylivingwage.org The Brixton Bugle invited Lyn Goleby, director of Picturehouse Cinemas, to write a comment piece. She failed to respond to our request.
@brixtonblog
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
FEATURES
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How do you read yours?
Brixton illustrated Max Wall, Comedian 1908 - 1990
Left: Massimo Bonini at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Below: Dave Barry in Scarborough Right: Vanessa Gilpin, a Virgin Media Race Bolt Angel at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. All three win a Brixton Blog tote bag! Email your pic to info@brixtonblog.com
This month’s illustration was suggested via Twitter by a few folks but Dave Barnard got there first, saying ‘ How about comedian Max Wall? He was from Brixton wasn’t he? He doesn’t get too much publicity these days! He cuts a dashing figure.’ A free print of the illo will soon be flying through the post to Dave. Tweet your suggestions for anotable Brixtonite to @kpictures and win a print of your own. See more of Kaylene Alder’s beautiful illustrations at www.kaylenealder.com
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
FEATURES
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the faces of
BRIXTON Part I: George, hair stylist BY KATHRYN AEDY PICTURES BY ALEX WAESPY George’s Gents Hair Stylists is part of Brixton’s living history. Entering the space, it feels as though time has slowed down, or maybe even reversed. Not in an intentional, trendsetting way, but rather in the sense that this is how it’s always been. The wooden-panelled walls have gone in and out and back into ‘style’ since George first installed them, and have absorbed 28 years of cigarette smoke and friendly conversation. The interior – electric razors, barber chairs, painted window signage, black-and-white posters of men’s hairstyles, and George – have remained true since the day he first opened up shop. Time slows down at George’s, because George isn’t the kind of person you can just shout or wave hello to on your way past. Instead he reminds you to, “sit down darling,” and have a proper chat. He has no agenda, and just like the shop’s hours and prices, he is reliable and consistent. “It was 53 years ago, yeah. At age 12 I learned to be a barber. I didn’t like school. I used to go around instead. Because so many young people they don’t like school, do they? Sometimes they have to go. I used to sell ice cream in Brixton. I used to go around with a
van for seven years and then I became a barber. My first customer - well, he came in. He said he wanted me to cut his hair… My oldest customer has been coming for 26 or 27 years. He comes every week! I shave his head every week, every week, every week. We don’t talk much…We say ‘Hello, how are you? You okay?’ He sits in the chair, that’s it. I have two sons, one daughter and 9 grandchildren. All in London. Very busy. Very busy. My grandchildren: They’re troublemakers. What don’t they do!? …One wants to fight with me, the other wants to play cards with me, the other one wants to talk to me about football – everything! In Cyprus the weather is better, everybody is close, everybody knows each other. I have friends here yeah, but I don’t know friends like I go to their houses, it’s not like that. For me, sometimes I feel 100, sometimes I feel 25! Depends on the day, innit? Sometimes we have too much grey hair and we’re tired, and sometimes we’re 25!” George’s Gents Hair Stylists is located at 340 Coldharbour Lane.
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
Guide
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Brixton Splash 2014 - Your handy map
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
Calling all Brixton businesses: Get involved!
Run a local business and want to improve Brixton’s environment? Join the September BID theme group meeting. Turn over for more details...
Promote your business for FREE next month. Let everyone in Brixton know about your latest details or upcoming event. Details inside...
Get • • •
involved and reap the benefits... Lower cost waste collections with First Mile Free training for your employees Theme group meetings to have your say on BID projects and how the budget is spent
Plus – London Design Festival is coming to Brixton and YOUR business can be the host!
Own a restaurant, shop or food business? FREE FOOD SAFETY TRAINING for your staff. See page 3 and sign up today.
The Brixton BID was voted in by local businesses, for local business, and its work is funded by your BID levy bills. This is why it is important for you to get involved and have your say, to help shape the future of your local economy. We warmly invite you to our upcoming meetings in September. For more details see below. These meetings are not a place for simply talking – we have a budget and plans to make Brixton an even better place to do business, and we want you to help.
Spotlight on... San Marino
To register your attendance or find out how you can get involved contact us: info@thebrixtonbid.co.uk
Meetings Have your say... MARKETING: The marketing group will be responsible for overseeing targeted campaigns and high energy-events to create a buzz in Brixton, attracting more people to the area and encouraging business opportunities with both customer spending and B2B. Our next meeting will be joint with the partnership group on Thursday 11 September, at midday at the Brixton BID office - 30a Acre Lane.
PARTNERSHIPS: This group creates and funds area-based projects that benefit the commercial environment and the area as a whole. The next Partnerships Theme Group meeting will be on Thursday 11 September, 12 noon, Brixton BID office – 30a Acre Lane (see our training partnership with Lambeth College below). ENVIRONMENT: This team works to make the area more appealing to visitors and residents, with a focus on safety, cleaning and dealing with waste. the next Brixton BID environment theme group meeting will be 11:30am Tuesday 2 September, at the BID office 30a Acre Lane.
FREE TRAINING We are working with Lambeth College to provide FREE training courses to Brixton BID levy payers. The training can take place either at the college or your premises. Courses currently on offer: Food Hygiene, Customer Service, First Aid, Health and Safety. We would like to extend the types of course on offer, so please let us know what type of training would benefit your employees. To register your interest or sign your employees up for an existing course contact the BID team: admin@brixtonbid.co.uk.
20th – 28th SEPTEMBER 2014
STILL / MOVING DSLR FILM FESTIVAL BROUGHT TO YOU BY PHOTOFUSION
48 Hour Film Challenge 29th - 31st August ‘14 / in collaboration with IdeasTap Join in a wild and sleepless weekend - devise, shoot, edit and score a film - in just 48 hours. Get your film screened and win great prizes, awarded by industry judges. Start planning and get updates at www.stillmovingfilm.org
Interview with Mario Schifano, owner of San Marino on Brixton Road and Brixton BID board member want to see Brixton stay unique and be a destination for people. There are 721 businesses who are eligible to pay the levy, which gives us a strong voice on important issues that impact our businesses, such as car parking. Although I originally joined the Brixton BID board, my wife has been the one to take a more active role in attending the meetings. Why did you choose to start a business I do think the BID needs to demonin Brixton? strate its value I am a local and to local businessgrew up in Brixton es because not and love the area. all people can I’ve seen a lot of see the benefits “ I’ve seen a lot of changes in the yet. I want to see last few years every business changes in the last few so as a business in Brixton be a years so as a business it is important success, but to be to always be successful busiit is important to adapting in order nesses need to always be adapting.” to keep up with have a vision for the trends and the future and not customer needs. just concentrate We try to change on the problems and improve one thing about our they have today. business almost every week to stay ahead of the competition! Before What makes Brixton special in your we set up San Marino I worked in opinion? the fashion industry which is also very Originally my favourite thing about fast moving. Brixton was the fact that it has always been very multicultural. I used to love Why did you initially get involved with the rich variety of smells from different the Brixton Business Improvement foods as you walk through the marDistrict? ket. Although Brixton has a lot of big I originally saw the BID as a way for brand chains, it really is the independent businesses to make improvements businesses that make Brixton unique to Brixton that will benefit everyone. and those are the businesses we should Because I grew up in Brixton, I genuinely be promoting. Tell us a bit about your business: San Marino is a family run business, we’ve been here since 1993 and have 14 staff. We are one of London’s oldest barristas and we can’t be beaten on quality and on speed of service! Our staff have been with us for many years; Rabah has been with us 19 years and Dorina has been working with us for 15 years.
WE LOVE BRIXTON NEEDS LOCAL DESIGNERS, BUSINESSES AND ORGANISATIONS…
Save money You could lower the cost of your business waste and recycling by up to 40%! The Brixton BID are partnered with the award winning recycling company First Mile Ltd. First Mile Ltd can collect 24 hours a day 7 days a week to suit your business needs. They make the whole process of recycling and waste collection simple and easy for you, helping you to save money and reduce your environmental impact. They also offer a FREE waste transfer note and recycling report. Let’s do our part to make Brixton Greener! To sign up for this service call First Mile on 0800 612 9894 or email them at customers@thefirstmile.co.uk. For more information you can visit thefirstmile.co.uk
This year Brixton is launching as a design district as part of the London Design Festival 13-21 September 2014. We want businesses and organisations to get involved in a transformation of Brixton that highlights the unique design talent, innovation and creativity in our community. We want YOUR BUSINESS to be involved in this fantastic opportunity to market to local residents and a design focussed audience visiting this renowned festival from all over the world. The aim is to highlight the unique creativity in the area and attract a fresh focus to what we have to offer both as a business community and a cultural destination.
• Invite a team of designers to tackle a specific design related issue service design, digital, advertising, customer relations. • Get yourself on the app map and printed guides for the week • Become a partner
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
• Open your studio or organisation • Exhibit your work • Be a designer in residence • Work on a collaborative project in a public space
Businesses and organisations • Host a designer in residence- be paired with a designer and work on a project to transform your space or window display for the week or longer depending on your budget • Sponsor a project in a public space
DESIGNERS We have the opportunity to transform Brixton for one week! We want ideas from all sectors of design from the practical to the weird and wonderful – GET INVOLVED and be part of this unique showcase.
Send us: 1) A brief biog 100 words 2) Relevant images 3) Your project idea in 100 words 4) Your ideal business partner
EMAIL US AT: brixtondesigndistrict@gmail.com DEADLINE 25th AUGUST JOIN THE CONVERSATION TWEET @BrixtonDD #bdd FACEBOOK Brixton Design District
HIGH STREET Newby Fashions, Station Road Newby Fashions is a clothing stall on Brixton Station Road. The owner Stacey chose Brixton as her first ever business location because of the friendly vibe of the market and the proximity to where she lives. The stall came about when Stacey was searching for employment and decided to create her own job. The inspiration for the business came from a love for experimenting with her own clothing and appearance, so this was a product line she felt confident she could succeed with and be passionate about.
Often customers make suggestions for items they would like to see for sale on the stall, such as outfits for formal occasions like a wedding. Stacey takes these suggestions on board, asks customers for their opinion and does research to ensure she can source good quality items whilst keeping prices affordable. She tries to make sure her clothing is unique and different to what is on offer at other market stalls, as she knows that nobody wants to see everybody else in town wearing their favourite outfit! Stacey has aspirations to one day open a retail outlet. In preparation for this she plans to continue gaining valuable experience in buying and managing stock, and continuing to enjoy providing a good offering to Brixton shoppers. Newby Fashions is the first market stall in Brixton to accept card payments as well as cash.
www.newbysfashion.com
Hootananny
NIGHT TIME
NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY FORUM: Do you run a late-night business? Please join the next Brixton Night Time Economy Forum meeting, where businesses will be working on challenges such as security, licensing and community relations as well as a new radio scheme being introduced by the police.
YOU! Come and enjoy your summer with Hootananny Brixton. Winners of the London Lifestyle Awards Best Live Music Venue 2011, we have a fantastic musical line up for you this August. The Hootananny Kitchen also boasts really good food from around the world, which you can savour while taking in the warm vibe and beats.
FREE ADVERTISING: If you’re a BID levy payer, promote your business in the Brixton BID section of next month’s Brixton Bugle for free. Let people know about a summer deal, an upcoming don’t-miss event or just information about what makes your company special. First come first served. Please contact Susie at admin@brixtonbid.co.uk.
Wednesday 20 August 2014 ZULU UNIVERSAL FUNK & HIP-HOP JAM Price: FREE • Time: 9pm - 12 midnight A live cosmic jam session open to all musicians and vocalists. Exploring innovations in our funky diaspora. Open floor for dancers. Hip-Hop social. Hosted by the vocal pugilist DAVID J alongside DJ SNUFF and our Zulu Nation house band. Sunday 24 August 2014 After Carnival Special Price: FREE • Time: 8pm - 2am After Carnival Bank Holiday Special with REGGAE ICONS BAND dub ska roots reggae summer skank! + JAMATONE BAND + JahRevelationMuzik Sunday 31 August 2014 ROOTMASTER: KIHAYA BLUES Price: FREE • Time: 8PM - MIDNIGHT Kihaya Blues is a very fresh musical project lead by Tanzanian singer, guitarist and songwriter Kyazi Lugangira. Their captivating musical pieces transport you to the Eastern side of Africa, to discover a little known subgenre of Blues sang in Kihaya the language spoken in North East Tanzania by the Bahaya tribe. With influences in Soul, Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Funk and traditional African music, their music brings a message of peace to the world, rejoicing in the gift of love, and to educate the young about what is sacred in humanity. Please visit our website for more information and a full list of our summer events hootanannybrixton.co.uk Hootananny Kitchen Mexican: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun • Pizza: Fri, Sat • Jerk Chicken: Thurs, Fri, Sat
PROMOTION
VENUE
ROOM TO GROW: Looking for meeting or event space in central Brixton? Our BID office at 30a Acre Lane includes a large space available for hire soon for events, meetings and workshops. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements: admin@brixtonbid.co.uk.
BRIXTON BUSINESSES Come along to the next theme group meeting and get involved in how your BID levy is spent. Get in touch with news or offers from your business that you’d like us to include in these pages – FREE! E: admin@brixtonbid.co.uk | T: 020 3417 7373
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
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By Mike Rourke mikerouke.net
Feature
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
YOUNG BRIXTON
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Food, fun and fame The Bugle recently ran a writing competition for some of the attendees of the Baytree Centre – a Brixtonbased charity that runs activities for girls and women. Congratulations to 11 year-old Natalia Saavedra Ortiz on a great winning entry (printed below). I grew up in Brixton, basically my whole life. So did many famous people. That’s why I’m going to talk about them and about stuff that attracts people to Brixton like lots of well-known shops
and markets. I hope you like it. My friend is thinking about moving here and I hope this essay will make her come. My friend told me she might move here because there are shops, markets and people. The most common shops and restaurants that people love and I love are: mobile shops, Creams, Morley’s. We have no Primark but I want one where the skating rink used to be. Also, you can normally find people at lots of different shops and places, including: swimming lessons at Brixton Rec Centre, restaurants, Mothercare for mums, babies and newborns. The oldest shop around Brixton is the Barnardo’s which was made in 1866. It is a charity which has helped children for a very long time. The man who made it is called Dr Thomas John Barnardo. The best market we have in Brixton is Brixton Market. It is normally busy in the market, where you can buy food. At the market there is tropical fruit and veg. It tastes nice and makes me think I’m in another tropical country, such as Jamaica and reminds me of Jamaica’s wonderful smell and colour. One day, for example, they were giving stuff out for free after 12 at Brixton
Market. My family and I went early. They counted down and we got bags and shoes for free. I loved it! Anyways, lots of famous people are from here. Adele grew up in South London, partly in Brixton but also other places such as West Norwood, which is not far from Brixton and not far from Tulse Hill, where I was born! Some other famous people are: Robbie Williams who sings about Brixton in ‘Candy,’ Sharon Osbourne who is a judge on X Factor and America’s Got Talent, Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London and Charlie Chaplin, comedian/actor who grew up in Kennington. All these have lived or spent time in Brixton. My idea of Brixton isn’t always great. Brixton can be bad, such as when there is always chewing gum around and some bottles and cans everywhere but other than that, Brixton is the best. I have written about Brixton and its good and bad sides, and lots of great information and facts that I hope you have enjoyed. Brixton has a lot of interesting history and reasons why people visit and live here. I hope I can convince my friend that it is a good place to live, for all these reasons. By Natalia Saavedra Ortiz, age 11
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE BAYTREE CENTRE Volunteers support The Baytree in a number of ways: offering classroom support and extra learning opportunities (one-to-one reading, conversation groups, IT sessions) to students, running and supporting after-school youth activities such as cookery, science, maths and art clubs for local girls aged 8 – 18 and organising fundraising events
“The Volunteer Service Team team have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and supported at every stage.” Linda Stevens
For more information visit www.baytreecentre.org
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
HILL MEAD Herald Music matters
BY ASHRAF, Year 4
The end of an era
BY PEYO PEEV, Year 6
This was the final sports day at primary school for the children in Year 6 and we were determined to enjoy ourselves. In the morning were the field events such as javelin, shot putt and long jump and in the afternoon the track events. That meant sprints and we all wanted to be the next Usain Bolt. First was a penalty shoot-out. There were some scorching goals and outstanding saves. Next was the javelin. It was hard to master the technique, but those who could almost threw the javelin out of the
park. As we moved around the events the tension started growing as each team began to win more points. It was so close. The afternoon began with the obstacle races. From the start the atmosphere was electric and the constant cheering and encouragement from the crowd made it extra special. The obstacle races also brought some unexpected moments of comedy, as children stumbled to the finishing line in sacks, through hoops and holding eggs and spoons. The relay races and of course the sprints followed. In Year 6 the boys final was so close, Kayde only won by a whisker
BY AARON, Year 3 We have been learning all about light and shadows in our science lessons. We learnt that the Earth and moon are always moving around the sun. There are lots of different kinds of light sources such as the sun, torches, lamps, candle flames and matches. Light travels very fast, around 300 million metres a second. However, the moon does not make its own light. We can see it because light from the sun bounces off it back to the Earth. If you block the light source it creates a dark area or shape called a shadow. This shadow is a similar shape to the object and copies the movements it
makes. An opaque object blocks the light and causes shadows, such as wood, metal and stone. Transparent objects let light through. Translucent objects, like tissue paper, block some light. We designed and made our own puppets to make a shadow puppet show. First we made different shadow shapes with our hands like butterflies, snails and aliens. Then we made up a story and chose our main characters, this time creating our shadow puppets and props using black card, split pins and lollypop sticks. Finally, we practiced it and decided on the background for the shadow puppet show. We had a great time watching each other’s performances.
Soon the hall began to fill with friends and parents, you could feel the buzz in the crowd. We had to be on our best behaviour. Finally we played and we were exceptional! There was even a special organ playing in the background. I will never forget playing at The Royal Festival Hall and one day I hope to be back.
because he leaned like a professional at the finishing line. But the highlight was the teacher and parent races. Miss Annie came a close second in the ladies’ race, only beaten by a particularly nippy parent. The final race was the men, won by our undefeated sports coach Mr Wright. No one even got close to him. To sum up, a great day was had by all. Next year it will be completely different for me and my friends. We will be the youngest, surrounded by pupils who are almost adults, but I will never forget the joy of my primary school sports days.
Manor from heaven BY MIA, Year 5
Shadow playing
Year 4 went to the Royal Festival Hall for the Lambeth Music Festival. It was such an amazing opportunity to play my trombone with my friends in a proper concert hall. After practicing all year now it was our moment to shine. When we arrived my tummy was full of butterflies, but luckily there was a practice session to calm our nerves. We all played really well and I could feel my confidence growing inside.
We’re off to The National Trust’s Hughden Manor! The birds were singing, the sun was shining, and the cars were driving. Honestly, the traffic was ridiculous. All driving aside, the landscape was absolutely beautiful as we left the city, and went head-first into the suburbs. It was quiet, it was beautiful, and we were slowly falling asleep, after an hour of being active. As we woke up, the houses were smaller, and more squished together. I slowly began to understand – we were in a small village! It was quaint and tiny, and oddly inviting. Passing through it was a diamond in the rough. As the coach finally drew to a close we saw a small band of cows. We smiled and joked, but quickly became quiet. Oh no, we were to walk up a hill. (Let me tell you, it is not easy, at all.) We moaned, as we’d probably just woken up. But it was forestry and relaxing, even if my legs were succumbing to a laborious task. Finally, we could eat! Resting in the orchard, we reclined before venturing to the walled garden. It was gigantic, and I had never seen such a large garden. We started off with doing a bit of gardening ourselves, weeding and preparing the soil. We then demonstrated what a gardener would do if the ground was frozen
solid and were looking for work. We ran around, brandishing cabbages and shouting, “ALL FROZE OUT!” We then went into the manor, which was a lovely looking place, and explored. The ceilings, which were adorned with patterns resembling Tudor roses, were made of papiermâché! We learned of the secrets of the houses, with hidden doors for the servants to exit and enter, and a lot more. We found out about household items, which suggested what the inhabitants who had once lived in this residence did in their everyday lives. We then thought and
portrayed what happened through short dramas, using preserved (or perhaps replica) objects. Chamber pots, bed warmers, and tea sets aside, what truly made me tick was the session after that. We had activities with the items, with several tables representing the rooms the objects belonged to. I enjoyed arranging Victorian cutlery, playing with the toys, looking in the kitchen, writing with real quills, and using the mangle, which was an object used to wring out water from clothes. Shortly after, we went onto the coach and back to school.
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
Arts
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New label is in its element Olivia Atkins meets with Trudi Veremu to discuss the future of music and her latest endeavour that encourages a future generation of star musicians in Brixton…
Dolly Parton took to the stage at this year’s Glastonbury and proved her worth aged 68, when a majority of over 80,000 revellers saw her perform. In an era of fast-paced technology and increased competition, new musicians are finding it difficult to kickstart a career, while the golden oldies thrive after years of developing their musical style. Trudi Veremu is answering this modern day dilemma with the creation of new Brixton-based record label Element79. Acting part-matriarch and part-manager, Trudi helps to artistically develop local emerging artists. She says: “We are trying to evolve artists into iconic gold acts. We want to return to the time when artists were allowed to evolve. We’re all for expression. Our musicians join a community when they come to us.” Element79 is a far cry from the culture surrounding today’s music industry. Trudi began the initiative following her personal experiences in the business. Signed at 19, she became a successful jazz and soul singer/songwriter throughout the late 90s, even playing Glastonbury in 2004, which she admits: “was an amazing experience for an upcoming artist.” But after having two children and attempting to return to the industry, Trudi struggled to pick up where she left off. She says: “The industry didn’t see me in the same way as they did before, and to be honest, neither did I. I had to reassess; I wasn’t getting any younger.” Luckily, she still had friends in the business and had been approached by emerging artists for help during her time off. Trudi considered management as her ticket back in. She questioned herself as an artist and her abilities as a manager, but decided to enrol in an artist development programme. Element79 was born soon after. Inspiration for the name came from the periodic table, as 79 is the atomic number for gold and is also a metaphor for how Trudi sees her artists. The label also shares a historical link with Trudi’s birth year, 1977; “The year that the astronomer Carl Sagan and his wife Ann sent golden gramophone records to space to try and communicate with aliens. Element79 is about communicating through music and sending music out into the universe,” she said. Currently, 14 acts are signed and nine artists recently performed at the label’s launch. The company is expanding; Trudi has amassed a strong team and earned support from Brixton hotspots enabling her to parade her golden stars.
The Br i xton L I F E S T Y L E | L I S T I N G S | C U LT U R E Coming Soon.... @the_brixton_mag
Pictures by Charlotte Davidson, www.frame57.co.uk
Element79 promises to work from the artists’ perspective, with no set style for artists to conform to. Senior members of the music industry support Element79 and see Trudi’s approach to management as a breath of fresh air, away from the competitive and monotonous culture that currently surrounds the business. Trudi also encourages her musicians to try songwriting, realising that in a fluctuating market, musicians should experience the full creative process. She says: “All of my artists have written songs themselves. I’m a songwriter and hands down, it’s the biggest experience you can have with yourself.” Despite some scepticism along the way, Trudi is determined that the label and its musicians succeed. She enjoys nurturing individual talent and providing a platform for musicians to launch themselves from. The label is Brixton-focused, with offices set up in the recently opened Impact Hub and all its artists currently live in the surrounding area. “People in Brixton are really up for Element79. I don’t think any place in London represents us better than here. We are both so diverse,” she said. Element79 involves artists with different nationalities and promotes their work through various mediums. They are working on a music documentary called ‘This is Europe’, which focuses on reconnecting Eastern Europe back to Europe through music. But the true skill lies with the artists, as Trudi confides: “I’m so fortunate; I have such an amazing team.” Element79 officially launched on June 21 Their first event was at Kaff Bar in Brixton, where artists were presented to potential booking agents. “Kaff really surprised us. We were so full that there was no space for newcomers; people had to look in from the street! It was like a concert!” Then a week later they took Plan B by storm and wowed a similar crowd. Trudi explains that the intention of the evening was to convey the authenticity and passion behind the artists. She wanted first-time listeners to connect with the musicians on a personal level, which they did. Trudi confesses that their only battle is finances, as the label relies greatly on the help, support and time of friends. But many are happy to lend their services, like Charlotte Davidson, fast-becoming a gig photographer in her own right, and who documented their recent success at Plan B because she believes in the artists’ potential and backs the project. Like Trudi, Charlotte sees the musicians for the gold stars that they are, as Element79 provides them with the environment and opportunity to excel. For more information about the acts under the label, to listen to new releases, watch videos and see more photos go to www.element79management.com/
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
Music
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Kristy Clark gets real BY JAMILA OMAR
There’s a world of difference between Brixton’s buzz and chaos and the far flung climes of Australia, yet the sultry Antipodean tones of Kristy Clark seem to reach directly to your heart and soul without being affected. After building her first guitar at the tender age of seven in her dad’s garage, she moved on to real, grown-up versions, spent many years bashing away in rock bands and now considers herself primarily a singer/songwriter. It is as if the wistfulness and poignancy for her distant home has found its way into her current material. Her debut release as a solo artist sees her swapping the electric guitar and taking a bold leap into the honest world of acoustic music. With it she offers her own brand of handcrafted acoustic pop – mixing jazz, blues, folk & Brazilian sounds. Her musical style has a timeless charm that draws its roots from her collection of Billie Holiday, Astrud Gilberto, Stevie Wonder and Fleetwood Mac albums. Her intimate voice has been compared to that of Eva Cassidy and Canadian chanteuse Feist. This is Real
is a haunting collection where she has enjoyed collaborating with an impressive bunch of musicians, who she met through her connections with local hub for upcoming artists Artspace Studio on Brixton Hill. “It happened organically” explains Kristy, as she name-drops her way through some of the A-listers her co-collaborators have worked with (including, Prince, Tina Turner, Beth Rowley, Mumford & Sons and Beyonce to name but a few). The inspiration for the music and lyrics came from new relationships and being in a new part of the world with all its changing seasons. Her song Snowflakes, a sultry and jazzy waltz, was penned while gazing out her window at Brixton Windmill witnessing her first ever snowfall. A romantic experience for anyone but especially for an Aussie who rarely even had the need for a jacket while growing up. “The EP was fun to make, I was able to capture the songs in a honest and natural way and add all the extra layers I’d been dreaming about like strings and horns. I was lucky to have the
freedom to experiment in the studio. Don’t Look Down and Snowflakes Acoustic were recorded directly to analogue tape, a new experience for me that captured the songs in a very endearing way that I’m proud to share.” Interest continues to grow around the release, Giles Peterson played Snowflakes Acoustic on his BBC Radio 6 show earlier this year and the EP was recently selected by Bandcamp to feature on their weekly promotional show. Kristy arrived in London back in 2008 in leafy Barnes gravitating inexorably towards Brixton in stages. She has always felt the pull of South London, embracing its laid-back vibe. Since calling Brixton her home she has played at The Jamm,,Brixton Splash and Upstairs at The Ritzy as well as at various impromptu roof parties and Islington’s Union Chapel. Let’s hope she’s here to stay. This Is Real EP is out now through Bandcamp http://kristyclarkmusic. bandcamp.com. For information about Artspace Studio visit artspacestudio.co.uk
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Brixton Bugle August 2014
Food
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Recipe: Blackened corn and peach salsa INGREDIENTS (serves 4 as a side dish) 4 corn on the cob 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper 4 flat peaches or 2 round peaches, diced 1 small red onion, finely diced 1 small red chilli, finely diced half bunch of fresh coriander juice of 1 lime salt and pepper BY MISS SOUTH At this time of year, it seems like Brixton Market is groaning under an abundance of wonderful fruit and vegetables and it’s hard to know what to eat next. Seasonal shopping means you eat something constantly for a week or two and then it’s gone til next year. However both peaches
and corn on the cob will be around for the rest of the summer and in the case of corn, improving constantly as well. I’ve blackened the ears of corn by barbecuing them to bring out a smoky flavour, but if you don’t have access to charcoal, simply use a well-heated grill or the gas flame on your cooker to add the flavour and colour required. I used those little flat peaches with their rose white flesh, but the forthcoming large round yellow ones will be great too. Choose ears of corn that are well wrapped in their papery green husks. These should be soft to the touch and look fresh. The corn should have lots of tendrils at the tip and shouldn’t be exposed to the light. Remove the tendrils and husks and rub each ear with some of the olive oil and the smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper. Grill over charcoal, turning every 3-4 minutes until parts of it are blistered and blackened but not carbonised. Use tongs to hold them in the gas flame for half that time or grill as hot as possible for about 15 minutes turning well. The blackening adds a wonderful smoky flavour. Set the corn aside to cool and turn your attention to the peaches. If they are very ripe and soft, you need to
skin them before chopping. Make two small slits top and bottom and pour boiling water over them. Leave for 45 seconds and lift out with a slotted spoon. Use your finger and thumb to peel them. Cut the flesh away from the stone and dice it into 1.5cm pieces. Place the peaches in a large bowl and add the chopped red onion and chilli. Take the cooled corn and hold it upright in one hand on a board
and cut the kernels away by running a sharp knife down each side. Add these into the chopped peach and onions. Season well with salt and pepper and squeeze the lime juice over it all. Leave to sit for 15 minutes to allow the lime juice to soften the rawness of the onion and scatter with the fresh coriander before serving. The salsa is excellent as a side dish to any main. I brushed a cut avocado or two with oil and gave them 2
minutes face down on the barbecue. There were also crisp skinned grilled sardines and some naan breads from the Nour Cash and Carry. You’ll be corn crazy the rest of the summer with this salsa. I used a whole jar in two days and used it as an excuse to get takeaway from Miss P’s Barbecue pop-up at Market House between 5 and 10pm on weekdays. They made pulled pork interesting again!
Foodie news
As we all know, Brixton is ever-changing but each month we bring you a round up of what’s happening to keep you in the loop: Sean’s Bar at Rosie’s Deli has its final night on August 2. Sean is taking some well-deserved time off and concentrating on his new collaboration with Yum-D with Sean’s Bar Thai at Krua, 90 Bedford Hill, Balham. Rosie will be keeping evening events going so drop in and find out what her plans are. Seven at Brixton has a new little brother! Three Eight Four can be found at 384 Coldharbour Lane in the old Bombay Kitchen site. Expect small plates and cocktails. Hopefully less tricky stairs to navigate after a few drinks. We’ll be reviewing soon.
Etta’s Seafood Kitchen, 6th Avenue, Brixton Village, will be getting a sparkly new alcohol licence to accompany the food in the next few weeks once paperwork is finalised by the council. And finally, rumour reaches us of another new cocktail bar on Coldharbour Lane in the next few weeks from the guys at Salts of the Earth. This one will be called 336. I hope I’m not the only person who will find this number as name thing confusing after a few drinks.
Brixton Bugle August 2014
Food
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Review: Asparagasm at Vozars BY LINDSAY FALLER Confession: I am not a vegan. I am as far removed from veganism as one can be. I believe humans should use animals for food (sustainably and ethically, of course), and I believe that eating meat in moderation is healthy. I also believe that veganism is a wholly modern (and Western) phenomenon; cultures that have known famine are not known to be so choosy. I will avoid an ethical debate about the motivations behind veganism - we all know the many valid reasons - but suffice to say for me, eating is an actively omnivorous venture. Brixtonites know Vozars as the newest incarnation of WAGfree in Brixton Village. And, when given the task of reviewing it for its glutenfree goodness, I had no idea that Asparagasm in all its euphemistic glory had taken over the space. Asparagasm is “aspirational vegan fine dining for vegans, vegetarians and anyone.” In partnership with Disappearing Dining Club, Asparagasms (!) are meat- and wheat-free monthly “dining extravaganzas.” I admittedly take issue with such description. “Dining extravaganza” suggests dinner theatre and perhaps dancing girls, though with a name like Asparagasm, presumably the folks behind it expect the average punter to attend such an event, leave hugely satisfied, and in need of a very large cigarette. And while I didn’t want a smoke afterward, I did enjoy it. Delightfully decorated, and definitely buzzing, Vozars was transformed into a sort of urban-garden-cum-bistro complete with a cocktail bar and several lovely little tables spilling down 3rd Avenue. The menu is simple and relatively seasonal. We chose the Prix Fixe menu and for starters ate smoked gazpacho, and avocado, black bean and sweet corn ceviche. The gazpacho was delicately smoky, and dare I say it, rather creamy. Made purely of yellow fruit and vegetables, it was refreshing and beautifully seasoned. It came with little squares of callaloo fritters, oilier than I’d have liked, but with a nice little crunch that offset the cool soup. The ceviche was equally as wonderful. Creamy avocado was paired with slightly smoky black beans and crisp sweet corn in a zingy marinade. Despite being served with an unnecessary papaya jelly in the base of the serving glass, the combination of flavours and textures were so pleasant, I could have eaten much more. For mains, we had a jerk sweet potato and vegetable curry with brown “party” rice and petit pois, and English asparagus with polenta chips and smoked tomato BBQ salsa. The asparagus was well seasoned, if slightly overcooked; the chunky polenta chips added texture, BBQ salsa added flavour, and on the whole it was a filling and pleasing dish. The curry was perhaps an easy choice but was tasty all the same. The sweet potatoes were nicely cooked and the curry had a lovely subtle heat. Finishing with a fantastic take on knickerbocker glory with gluten-free cookies and dairy-free ice cream, and an apparently “very vegan” but rather bizarre version of chocolate mousse made from avocado, chilli and bitter chocolate, we left happily sated. Am I converted to veganism after dining at Asparagasm? No. Am I impressed with vegan eating? Absolutely. Ethics aside, for me eating vegan is about using the best quality fruit and vegetables as an opportunity to show off some dazzling tastes. At Asparagasm, meat was not missed. Instead flavour, freshness and a few smoked pulses, this time, hit the v-spot. £58 for two, including drinks and service Lindsay blogs at blondevsbland.com
Above: Avocado, black bean and sweetcorn ceviche. Far left: Asparagus with polenta chips. Left: Smoked gazpacho with callaloo fritters
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What’s On Who needs to go away this August when there’s so much happening here? For your full guide to what’s on in and around Brixton and Lambeth please go to www. brixtonblog.com FRI 1 @ ELECTRIC BRIXTON Return to the Source has had an unusual journey that started as a tiny party, involved an Indian jail and has now become the number one night for Goa trance music. They celebrate 21 years at Electric Brixton and it promises to be a magical indoor festival. 10pm-7am, £15. FRI 1 @ MARKET HOUSE The Simply Salacious family return for their monthly residency at Market House and this month they have invited DJ/ Producer Aaron Ross to play alongside residents Peter Borg and Chris Fearon. Underground house will be in full swing. 9pm-3am, £5 after 11pm. SAT 2 @ RITZY UPSTAIRS Calling all dastardly masterminds and monstrous men! Ritzy invites you its evil upstairs lair for a boozemusic- and game-filled shindig, all in aid of the charity Plan UK. Get your fancies and most villainous togs on because they want to see costumes that look like ‘one million dollars’, laughs so diabolic they chill the very bones and quotes so passionately recited we’ll have to check Bateman isn’t behind us. 8pm till late, £4. SAT 2 @ DEE DEE’S & THE FUNK If you love live percussion,
www.brixtonblog.com psychedelic funk and afro beat you need to check out Future Groove. Expects raw grooves, reggae vibes and a floor to dance on. 7pm, FREE SUN 3 @ BRIXTON Brixton Splash is back this year with a bang and will be spicing up your Sunday the best way Brixton knows. Music, food, dance and so much more entertainment will be spread out all over Brixton streets in South London carnival style. Make sure you’re part of this annual Brixton party. ALL DAY FREE. . SUN 3 @ MARKET HOUSE A special party to celebrate life and our wonderful town of Brixton. Go and chill out, catch up with friends and nibble on some fabulous foods from the pop-up kitchen or venture upstairs and dance to deeper house grooves from Simply Salacious residents Peter Borg and Chris Fearon. It’s summer time so is an excuse really needed for a Sunday party? 6pm, FREE. MON 4 @ BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES Explore making natural music with the kids by composing your own musical score. Vegetable instruments and creative experimentation will open your minds. 10:30am - 12:30pm £5 per child, booking essential. TUES 5 @ TURPENTINE Give life-drawing a go at Turpentine where you can have fun, relax and be creative. Every Tuesday you will be guided by the in-house art teacher through different materials and poses. All materials are provided so
Editor’s Pick: Sound It Out at Six Brixton, from Aug 11 Most people complain about sound pollution, but when three musicians learnt they all lived in Coldharbour, they realised making some noise could help bring the neighbourhood together. Bryony Beynon, Zoe Kone and Will Connor (pictured right) on discovering they were neighbours with a shared passion for music and community, decided to create something for young people in Brixton. Sound It Out, an intensive week of free music workshops for 13 to 18 year olds. Participants will experiment with different instruments, share skills, create and collaborate to write original music of any genre, supported by professional musicians and facilitators. At the end of the week there will be a performance in Myatt’s Fields Park of this fresh local talent. 11am-5:30pm Every day for this week. FREE no need to splash out on kit before you come. Be prepared for nudity. 7-8:30pm, £20. WEDS 6 @ BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES Design a garden diorama, possibly your dream garden, and take home a 3D picture of what it would look like. 10:30am-12:30pm, £5, booking essential. THURS 7 @ RITZY UPSTAIRS Take a walk down roots alley with Hubert Murray, featuring some of the best folk, blues and bluegrass acts London has to offer. London- based duet Hallelujah Trails play eclectic, harmony-driven Americana. This is a great way to spend a Thursday relaxing after a hard day’s work. 8pm, FREE.
FRI 8 @ PLAN B Renegade Hardware, the ultimate dark drum and bass night, brings its old skool sessions to Brixton with beats from 1998 to 2005. If you’re an old skool raver this is the night to be at. With Loxy & Ink, Stapleton, Optical, Bad Company and more on the line-up, you don’t want to miss it. 10pm-7am, £10. SAT 9 @ JAMM Continuing the weekend of drum and bass and jungle, Fizzy are celebrating their ninth birthday at Jamm and have a jungle extravaganza to treat you to those scatty beats and deep bass. 10pm6am, £10.
the Windmill presents Cosmic Carnage. Offering up DJs ’til late and a free BBQ (veggie option available) for an awesomely insane day of boundary- pushing rock music and burgers, get down and smash it out. See you in the pit! 4-11pm, £10. SUN 10 @ DEE DEE’S AND THE FUNK Empanadas and tapas will be on the menu for Latino Sunday’s at Dee Dee’s. With various guest bands coming down each week to make it that little more special this is certainly the way to end your week with exotic sensations. 12am-11pm, FREE.
SAT 9 @ WINDMILL BRIXTON Serving up what they do best,
Meet the two to four-hour party people BY TOM O’NEILL
Brixtonite Hannah Saunders seems like exactly the kind of person who would run a rave: An idealistic, kind-hearted hippy with an impressive clubbing CV. She was there at Shoom, Megatripolis and Whirl-y-gig, and we also shared some common ground on having witnessed the last nights of London’s bastion of noughties-clubbing – The End. Then I find out that before her ‘baby-rave’ venture kicked off, Hannah was the Deputy Director of Policing for the Home Office. Eh?
Some things in life just go together in a way that you would not expect. It is almost… an analogy… for ‘Big Fish Little Fish’ – which is a rave for children. Another two things that don’t go together normally. See. Wow. Founded at Effra Social and a huge success, ‘Big Fish Little Fish’ is Hannah’s ‘family friendly’ night in the most literal sense. This idiom is most often associated with a chuckly old geezer running a mobile disco playing ‘Agadou’ – but this sounds way more fun than that. “We didn’t want to do something which was family friendly in the sense that it was actually fun for the children and rubbish for the grownups. We wanted something that gave mutual enjoyment for everyone there. It’s a musical, colourful and genuinely social environment where we play proper dance music which everyone enjoys,” explains Hannah. “But, what about the poor little tykes’ ears?” I ask, not using those words. “We turn it up pretty loud actually. That surprises a lot of people when they come, but the audio levels are very safe for the kids whilst being a bit like a real dance floor. And the adults can also have a couple of drinks. Everyone has fun.” Hannah goes on to tell me about the kids dancing on stage, the glitter cannons, the glow sticks, the parachute dance made famous by Whirl-y-gig and I start to feel a slight twinge of jealousy. It sounds like a really good club. In fact, I feel slightly annoyed that I don’t have some children to drag along and dance to Nihal with whilst going mental on orange squash. BFLF has also seen Si Begg, Robin from Hexstatic and Hatcha play. Big sounds for little people.
Pics by Steve Gibert Scott But, like all good raves, what really makes it shine is the ephemera that swirl all around it. There are giant murals, arts and craft areas, fancy dress themes and even Korg coming down to do workshops and product development. They have also had installation artists Hellicar and Lewis pay a visit and Goldsmiths University have dropped by to create animated screens which kids (and grown-ups) can activate through their shape-throwing. Most importantly though, BFLF has soul.
Hannah tells me about a mother whose young autistic boy held her hand for the first time on the walk home from a BFLF party. Then in a moment of lucidity right at the end of our chat, gives me this little beauty: “It’s about being in a non-judgmental environment where we can offer each other our help and support. It’s about unity.” The rave spirit. Bring your children to this night and dance to loud music. If I had some I would. bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk
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What's On SUN 10 @ QUEENS HEAD If you’re nursing a hangover why not treat yourself to a fresh and tasty summer barbecue in the QH’s flower-filled courtyard with its comfy sofas, prepared by Chef Alexis using delicious ingredients from the Farmer’s Market. Each and every Sunday. TUES 12 @ RITZY UPSTAIRS Ritzy. Platform. Open. Mic. Featuring the loopadee-loopdeeloop talents of singer/songwriter Sophia Amato. Join in for a funfilled evening, whether you decide to take to the stage or listen to the ramblings of inebriated host Sai Choo. Sign up from 7pm. FREE. WEDS 13 @ HOOTANANNY Get your folk and indie fix at Hootananny as Singers and Songwriters presents Joe Innes and the Cavalcade as well as music from Loyle Carner and Simmeon Hammond Dallas. 8pm-12am, FREE. THURS 14 @ RITZY UPSTAIRS Folk Modern presents Welsh-born singer/songwriter Jack Harris alongside Our Man In The Field, Nine Waves and Half Beak. Get your folk on and jam to some quality songs. 8pm, FREE. FRI 15 @ JAMM The Correspondents return to Jamm with their original mix of dance, jazz, soul and indie and will blow your socks off if you haven’t experienced their charm before.
www.brixtonblog.com Other acts on the night include Karl Phillips, Beats in Abundance and Sir Funk. 10pm-4am, £10. SAT 16 @ ADULIS OVAL This is a ladies only night full of fashion, food and music. Butterflies Boutiques present a night with comedy, a fashion show, buffet and party games and all in the name of supporting Breast Cancer UK. 8:30pm-2am, £10. SAT 16 @ SPORTS PITCH, ANGELL TOWN ESTATE Get yourself down to the Craft & Food Fair and make a day of it with street food from different cuisines including East African, West Indian & South Asian. Treat yourself to organic, natural body scrubs, facials and exotic oils. There are stalls selling one-off hand crafted jewellery pieces, scarves and perfumes. Don’t forget to enter the cake competition! 11am-4:30pm. SUN 17 @ HOOTANANNY Rootmaster presents Kakatsitsi. Expect all sorts of African rhythms and traditional drumming grooves played on a wide variety of West African drums with traditional chants sung in five part harmony, the quality of which sets them above most dance-led traditional African groups. 8pm-12am, FREE. MON 18 @ RITZY UPSTAIRS Spark London Story-telling return with the theme ‘Crossing the Line’. Have you ever crossed the line? Some lines are invisible, others are
clearly marked. What does it take to break a barrier or a border? These will be some of the questions asked. Hear and tell true stories about crossing those lines. Sit back and listen, or tell your own true story. 7:30pm, £4. TUES 19 @ BRIXTON STREET GYM Get your muscles pumping with a session at Block Work Out. Try the bars or the boxing. There is always someone at hand to give you guidance. Get your body fit for summer any day of the week with the guys and gals down at Brixton Street Gym. FREE. WEDS 20 @ ELECTRIC SOCIAL Join in at Electric Social’s Open Mic Night and flaunt your talent. Spoken word, singing, comedy... whatever your speciality is let Brixton hear it. Every Wednesday night. 8pm, FREE. THURS 21 @ BRIXTON LIBRARY Do you love legendary tales and mythical creatures? Then you’d better get the whole family down to the library for an interactive roleplay session where the participants go on a storytelling journey of myths and legends. For ages 4 to 11 years. 2:304pm, FREE. FRI 22 @ JAMM House Fest 5 present Summer Slam 2014. House and techno will ensure your Friday musical quest is over with live music from Little Nikki and many more with the old skool
Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards @ Splash Jamaican native Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards has been playing reggae for years and will grace the stage at Brixton Splash this year with all those dub, roots and reggae vibes Brixton loves. We caught up with him to find out what we can expect from his stage... Why did you decide to play at Splash this year? Because of the unity it brings by putting together a wide range of musicians from different genres. What makes Brixton different? Brixton is different to me because I always hear about the large number of black people living here, especially the Jamaicans. What music makes you move? I am moved by artists that sing or perform with passion, even on the street corner. I like music that stirs up a positive emotion in me. How did you start making music? When I was at university, I met some Rastafarians who always talked about the wrongs of society. Music was the way I saw to express myself. How does your background influence your music? Because I studied Political Science it made me write more meaningful lyrics which had a worldwide appeal.
What artists do you like to listen to on your days off? These days I listen to Chronixx, Bob Marley and even Coldplay. What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday morning? I like to do some physical activity such as ride a bicycle or go for a run. What three things most inspire you?
Nature, everyday experiences and sports. What makes you laugh? Whenever I am around children and their innocence I have genuine laughter. What can we expect from you at Splash this year? You can expect a fun-filled, exciting performance that will stimulate the mind to think.
classics getting drawn until dawn. 9pm-6am, £5-£15. SAT 23 @ POW We in Brixton love our Wray & Nephew and that’s why they decide to throw us a summer party at POW. Jamaica Rum Tings - Carnival Warmup Party 2014 will ensure you get into the full swing of carni vibes with Fabio, Reggae Soundclash hosted by Normski with Rompa’s Reggae Shack, Skitz & Rodney P and many more on the decks all night. 2pm-3am, £5. SUN 24 @ STUDIO B If you want to dance and give something new a try why not give Afro Xplo dance classes a go. Fresh Xplorations of Pan African dance includes live drumming. Influences are from ‘Sabar’ and other West African dance forms. Improve mobility, strength, coordination and sense of rhythm. Beginners welcome. 12:15-1:45pm, £9. WEDS 27 @ TURPENTINE Get your craft on with a beginners’ jewellery-making class. This evening course runs over five weeks and covers the basic techniques of making jewellery from traditional methods. Techniques covered include sawing, soldering, annealing, sanding and polishing, working with silver, as well as adding texture to metal, tools and resources. 7:30pm THURS 28 @ EFFRA SOCIAL Pub Quiz in the summer heat. Get a cold pint down your throat and get
What’s On is edited by Phoebe Robertson. If you’d like to join the What’s On team, either to review, preview or interview, please contact: Phoebe@ brixtonblog.com
that noggin working. Every Tuesday from 8pm, £5 per team, winner takes all! Prizes for second place and second to last! 8-11pm. SAT 30 @ DEE DEE’S JAZZ AND THE FUNK Dee Dee’s comedy club will get you chuckling on a Saturday afternoon with drinks, laughs and a special guest each week. 3-7pm, FREE.
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Columns
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GREEN FINGERS: Tidying up the herbs ALISON ALEXANDER Brockwell Community Greenhouses
Now that the lazy hazy days of summer have reduced the need to dash about so much in the garden we can turn our attention to some essential maintenance. Our Herb Garden has been neglected in the past year as we dealt with other more pressing matters like overgrown Forest Garden paths and crumbling raised beds. Being able to leave it as long as we have is largely due to the excellent job done by the people who planted it before our time. Even though it is looking too wild, it still is a charming, pretty garden – a treat to look at from the shade of the covered bench on a hot day. Bringing some semblance of order is no easy task. The big challenge is knowing where to start. Weeding any garden requires good plant identification skills. A herb garden presents another level of knowledge. The garden is divided into beds of culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and British native herbs. So before you even pick up your hand fork, there are questions to answer. Can I cook with this plant? Does it have medicinal properties? Is it native here? The native category is itself tricky.
Technically, native plants are those existing in the wild without the intervention of mankind. So herbs brought here all those years ago from Rome and Ancient Greece do not count as native: that includes sage (Salvia officinalis), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). All of these occur in the British countryside however. In many cases the answer to the questions is yes more than once. Sage is an example. If the scientific name of the plant includes the word officinalis, you know straight away it is a medicinal plant. Officinalis describes plants that were kept in the monastery’s office of healing herbs. Sage is thought to improve a huge range of illnesses: common uses are as a gargle for sore throats and an infusion for colds. As we know, it’s a favourite in the kitchen too: sage and onion stuffing, a flavouring for lamb and the main herbal ingredient in Cumberland sausages. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is another example. A tall plant, you may have noticed its cupshaped, golden flowers from the train window – it’s a regular on railway sidings. All parts are edible. Jekka McVicar, owner of a herboretum (a living library of herbs) near Bristol, likens the boiled roots to sweet parsnips. Extract of evening primrose is used to treat premenstrual syndrome
and eczema, among many other uses. So where do we start with our herb garden tidying? We have a plan of most of the area when it was first planted, so we know what was intended to be there. Last summer we managed to label at least half of the plants. Now we need to label the rest to make it clear to anyone gardening what should definitely be kept. Some useful wild plants have self-seeded so these too can be labelled and kept. We can immediately pull out pernicious weeds. the main culprits are the climbing hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepia) and couch grass (Elymus repens), both of which have fleshy white roots that propagate with astounding ease. Don’t put them on your compost heap! The next stage is to remove annual weeds that have no culinary or medicinal value before selectively thinning what it left. Lastly, we need to propagate the remaining herbs. We’ll take cuttings of bay (Laurus nobilis), thyme (Thymus – multiple species), lavender (Lavandula – multiple species), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and scented geraniums (Pelargonium species). In the greenhouse, we’ll sow more seed of coriander, dill and parsley to provide leaves for cooking into the autumn and winter months.
The Herb Garden in spring (above) and burgeoning in summer (below)
www.brockwellgreenhouses.org
A date with Ms Bennet
Public notice LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENSE Black Cultural Archives
It’s coming up to four months and here we are, still with the boy, and in one crazy month, it seems to have all fallen into place. At least I think it has. I hope it has. If I get told one more time that it was all in my head and I’ve made something out of nothing, then shoot me. (Two years of I love you, let’s move in together, you’re all I need, only to end with, “I gave you that impression? Really?”) I spent a whole month, obsessing about what it all meant, and what it was all worth, and if it was enough. Then a few things happened. Some pretty rubbish things, and I realised, it’s more than enough. Why obsess over the labels, when you can enjoy the real thing. It’s not easy though. You can still sense and feel the hesitation on both of our parts. He’s recently come out of a long term relationship and I have a fear of being in a relationship. It’s probably not the best combination. But at some point, you just have to go with it. And if I end up getting hurt and disappointed,
then actually, that’s ok. And I’m not going to be an idiot for believing him, or trusting him. He will be. At least that’s what I tell myself. That’s what I tell myself when he tells me he loves me. Because as hard as it is for me to believe him, I do. He first did it by text. And for the longest time, I sat there with my friends, debating whether or not it counts. It doesn’t. Complete case of message delivery failed. Then he said it again, sitting there in Three Eight Four, after I broke a glass (sorry boys). But then I thought he means it in the same way someone would say “I love sausages”. That same week, in front of his best friend. And then again. And again. So why not believe him? Or trust him? What do I have to lose? Nothing. What I have with him, it’s enough. Now I just need to work on embracing that and letting him in. I have to learn to be vulnerable, because really, there is no shame in vulnerability.
has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: 1 Windrush Square Brixton London SW2 1EF which would authorise the following licensable activities: Supply of alcohol, plays, films, live music and recorded music, performances of dance. All days between the hours of 10.00 and 22.00 The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth, 5th Floor, Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Road, London, SW9 9SP, or via the licensing authority's website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application. Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address,or by email to licensing@ lambeth.gov.ukand must be received no later than 18/08/2014. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for that offence shall not exceed level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000).
27
Brixton Bugle August 2014
Sport
www.brixtonblog.com
Cycling event is on the right track
BY LAURA DICKINSON Brixton Cycles Club showcase event of the year at Herne Hill Velodrome drew bigger crowds than ever before and saw some exciting track cycling races. The annual Brixton Super Madison attracts big names from track cycling in Europe and this year’s saw Dutch cyclist Michael Veen and Paralympic medallist Jody Cundy compete. The aim of the event is to bring great track racing to Brixton. “The value for us is that we love cycling, we love racing and we want to see good cycling here,” says organiser Richard St Pierre. “There aren’t many events like this. There aren’t many places like this.” The Madison is a team event in track
cycling where two cyclists take it in turns to cycle around the track, resting while their partner takes over and then swapping to return to the race. Team members change over by grabbing their partner by the hand and slinging them into the next lap of the track. More than a dozen teams from around the country took part, with strong representation from Brixton Cycles Club. Husband and wife partnership James and Sarah Connell from Brixton Cycles took home the mixed doubles Madison pursuit title. In one of the most dramatic races of the day, Brixton’s Matthew Roper raced a bold final lap in the men’s Keirin, only to be pushed into second by a wheel’s length on the
finishing line. Brixton’s Niki Kovacs rode impressively to take second in both the women’s 10 and 12 lap events. The Brixton Super Madison is held annually in memory of Rob Jefferies, a stalwart on the British cycling scene who was killed in 2011 when he was hit by a car while riding his bike. Rob helped to coordinate volunteers at British Cycling and did much to support grassroots cycling in the UK, especially in Brixton where he was a keen member of the Brixton Cycles Club. Brixton Cycles Club members contribute to the prize pot. They want to see good cycling here in Brixton and so have decided to put money into prizes in order to draw top racers.
Across
Down
1. Effect of LSD (11)
2. Semi-precious stone (8)
8. Hold on to (4)
3. Flowering legume (5)
9. Eye doctor (8)
4. Dresses (7)
10. South American fluffy rodent 5. Region of South Africa (5) (10) 6. Brand of two-calorie mints (7) 12. Consider (6) 7. Cricket ground (4) 14. Semi-precious stone (6) 11. Tall and skinny (8) 15. Codifying (10) 13. 90s girl group: everlasting (7) 19. Haddock’s expletive: sticky 14. White-haired NBC host (3,4) mollusc (8) 20. Block (4) 21. e.g. Space Mountain (13)
16. Chickpea plant (5)
17. Mexican flatbreads (5) 18. Angelic headgear (4)
“We put the money in because we’re not like a normal cycling club. We don’t have expenses. We don’t have a clubhouse. We don’t put money into anything else. This is our event,” explains Richard. The self-proclaimed ‘London’s friendliest cycle club’ has been going for some 35 years, started by friends who worked at the Brixton Cycles shop. It’s been many different kinds of club and every five years or so its focus changes. Currently there’s a lot of focus on track cycling, capitalising on the popularity of the sport following Team GB’s multiple successes at recent Olympics. Last year there were just four track riders, now there are at
least 15. The club also benefits from the growing popularity of cycling generally and counts 120 road riders among its members. Their road rides can be 40 strong. Brixton Cycles Club is the biggest it has ever been and the Brixton Super Madison 2014 was a standout success. Only problem? It drew such a crowd that they ran out of beer. Find out more about Brixton Cycles Club at www.brixtoncycles.co.uk/club or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BrixtonCyclesCC Pictures by Tom Simpson and Chris Lucas
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