City Matters Edition 004 13-19 October 2016

SHOP FOR GOOD Spitalfields’ latest retail addition has a strong social conscience; find out how two brothers are turning profit into progress Page 11

COOKING WITH GAS Town Gas is a new project combining studio space with community resource to bring arts back to the City Page 5

CITY MATTERS 13-19 October 2016

Incorporating the City of London & Dockland Times

Edition 004

Campaign calls for ban on the big top

ACTIVISTS PETITION CORPORATION TO OUTLAW ANIMAL SHOWS AN animal rights group that picketed a Zippos Circus performance at Hampstead Heath earlier this month says it will continue to fight until the City of London Corporation bans all circuses featuring animals in its parks.

Members of the Surge activist group gathered near the entrance to the

circus’ big top last week, protesting Zippos’ use of cats, dogs, horses and budgerigars to entertain the crowds.

Police were called to the Heath, which is managed by the Corporation, on 6 October after activists began chalking the pavement, a violation of the park’s byelaws. A video posted

online shows protesters arguing with police, though no arrests were made.

Surge spokesperson Jane Frampton said the group would be petitioning the Corporation to introduce a blanket ban on wild and domestic animals performing on councilowned land.

The Performing Animals (Regulation) Act of 1925 requires anybody training or exhibiting any performing animal to be registered with a local authority.

“We have collected quite a number of signatures from members of the public during our protests; all are in favour of banning circuses with animals in London,” Ms Frampton said.

“Some members of the public changed their mind about going in to the show while others left early or came out afterwards saying they had witnessed how unhappy the animals were and would not visit circuses with animals again.”

Enforced

big stop: Surge wants a ban on all wild and domestic animals performing in public spaces. Photo by Piet-Hein Out

Around 500 signatures have been collected so far, and a number of protesters also posted messages on the Corporation’s Facebook page.

Hackney and Croydon are among several London boroughs to have enforced a total ban on circuses with performing animals in public spaces.

Zippos founder Martin Burton described Surge as “a small vocal minority” more concerned with the liberation of animals, rather than their welfare.

“They believe animals need to be emancipated in the same way that slaves needed to be emancipated – they are against any kind of animal ownership whatsoever,” he said of the group’s broader agenda.

“I myself am an animal ‘welfare-ist’, I have never abused an animal in my life.”

Mr Burton described regulations introduced in 2012 to govern the welfare of animals in travelling circuses in Britain as “the most

Residents vow to continue fighting City Airport flight paths PAGE 3 National Theatre’s new musical isn’t afraid to drop ‘the C word’ PAGE 7 Office Christmas parties to get Grinches into the spirit PAGES 14&15 modern and the most comprehensive set of rules concerning animal welfare in the world.”

Dublin City Council has just prohibited all wild animals in circuses, while New York City Council is currently considering a similar ban. Some countries, like Austria and the Netherlands, have enforced nationwide restrictions.

PETA is currently petitioning the government to enact similar laws in the UK. Mr Burton said that while Zippos has never used wild animals, he believes there should be a place for domestic animals in his circus.

Conduct “Our animal husbandry is excellent, indeed we advised DEFRA [Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs] on a voluntary code of conduct for circuses with animals. Our circus includes horses, a dog, budgies and, for the first time this year, domestic cats.”

A separate online petition demanding DEFRA ban Zippos from

using cats for entertainment has attracted more than 9,000 signatures.

“The cats are all rescue animals, rescued in France, where their owners the Borisnov family come from; they were found on motorways and around shopping centres,” Mr Burton said.

“They are trained through reward (treats), not punishment as many animal rights people would have one believe. We work with excellent vets, all the cats are neutered and we are regularly inspected, often weekly, by local councils.”

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation would not comment on whether it would consider a ban on performing animal circuses.

The spokesperson said: “Zippos Circus has been subject to the relevant animal husbandry and veterinary checks by the local authority and animal welfare experts.”

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Page 2 | 13-19 October 2016

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

News Matters On this week down the years

leading light: St Paul’s Cathedral is part of a global movement

17 October 1346: King David II of Scotland is captured by Edward III in the Battle of Neville’s Cross and imprisoned in the Tower of London 20 October 1632: Architect Charles Wren is born. Wren was responsible for rebuilding St Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London.

13 October 1923: Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is born.

first female PM: Margaret Thatcher

Corrections & clarifications The editorial team at City Matters strives to ensure all information printed is true and correct at the time of publication.

If you notice a story has been printed with an error or omission, please contact us through the website and we will be happy to amend as appropriate.

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Delays due: vote set for Underground festive strikes IT may seem too early to be talking about Christmas – but with a London Underground strike on the cards City commuters could be forgiven for planning ahead.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union will vote on whether to launch industrial action during the festive period in the coming weeks.

Walkouts could begin as early as next month and run into December.

A row over the closure of Tube ticket offices and the ongoing battle over jobs have been named in as driving forces behind the proposed strike.

Cathedral is at the heart of global bid ST Paul’s can raise a glass having taken a central role in a global bid to provide clean water to all four corners of the world.

Following a collaboration with counterparts at St George’s (Cape Town, South Africa), St Paul’s (Melbourne, Australia), and Trinity Church Wall Street (New York, US), major events have been penned into the diary to support social justice efforts on water issues.

Coinciding with UN World Water Day on 22 March, which next year takes place during Lent, the programme aims to ‘bring people together and encourage action on local needs and concerns’, whether these are flooding, drought, rising tides or access to fresh water and sanitation.

Details of the campaign can be found at

Crackdown on hate offences

THE London community has been standing up to hate crime.

More than 50 preventative and educational events will have taken place across the Capital when National Hate Crime Awareness Week comes to a conclusion on 14 October.

With prejudice an element in 5% of all reported crimes that take place on London’s public transport network, TfL has been working with British Transport Police, The Met and City of London Police to host a series of joint engagement events.

Diverse One key supporter of the high-profile campaign is Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said: “London today is more diverse than ever and I am incredibly proud that we don’t just accept our differences, but celebrate them.

“There is simply no place in our Capital for hate crimes of any form, and we will not tolerate them. We must stand together, and anyone who witnesses or experiences abusive behaviour should report it to the police immediately.”

justwater2017.org; a website launched by the collaboration to help spread their message.

The Very Reverend David Ison, Dean of the London St Paul’s, said: “How we deal with water shows how much we value one another.

Heritage “The church working around the world in partnership, to share resources and raise awareness of water-related issues, is a sign of how humanity can achieve together for the benefit of all what we cannot do on our own.”

Meanwhile, St Paul’s Cathedral has appointed a successful development professional with extensive experience of culture and heritage to lead its campaign to

Donate time to organ recitals this month

deliver a vibrant cathedral for present and future generations.

The Cathedral Chapter has announced Andrew Edwards as executive director of global partnerships and he will take up the role in January 2017.

Andrew is currently the Chief Executive of the Canterbury Cathedral Trust where over the last five years more than £32million has been raised from a range of funders, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, charitable trusts and individuals both in the UK and US. He has also led change as chief executive of the National Churches Trust and has worked at high profile organisations including freelance roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Wales Millennium Centre.

THE Eric Thompson Trust has been delighting music lovers with regular organ recitals throughout October; and there is still time to catch a concert at St Lawrence Jewry.

With the objective of providing financial support to organists, the trust was established to commemorate the life and work of its namesake.

Showcases are a chance to highlight the trust’s work while appealing for more charitable backing.

Travis Baker is the next man in the hotseat on 18 October, followed by Joseph Beech who will star on 25 October.

Both shows are scheduled to take place at 1pm.

‘Tusk’ approach to the ban on ivory products CITY of London Police has launched an ivory amnesty.

Items made of raw or ‘unworked’ ivory – currently banned in the UK and illegal to sell – can be handed in at two of the force’s police counters in Wood Street and Bishopsgate throughout October.

Endangered The drive is part of a show of support to highlight the plight of endangered species in this country and worldwide.

The announcement of the campaign last week coincided with World Animal Day on

CITY MATTERS

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4 October. Tracy Alexander, director of forensic services at the City of London Police, who has carried out research to retrieve finger marks from ivory in a bid to bring people to justice, said: “It is a sad fact that the African elephant will be extinct in the wild within 20 years if the current figures continue – but people are able to make a difference.

“Sometimes people come home from holidays with a piece of ivory, or receive a gift, without realising that this is in fact perpetuating the trade, and animals may have been killed in the process.

“You may see a sculpture or souvenir in your

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office or reception area and it’s never crossed your mind.

“We are asking people to check – do you know where it came from?

Protection “Now is your chance to hand it in – if someone donates their piece to the City of London Police amnesty, we will ensure it does not end up on the market again, thereby making a positive contribution to elephant protection.”

Items can be turned over to the authorities at any time this month without the fear of prosecution.

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13-19 October 2016 | Page 3

News Matters Birthday blues for £1.1m con AN accounts manager in the City who defrauded a travel company he worked for out of £1.1million was last week jailed on his birthday.

Jonathan Nash, 44, of Nordmann Place, South Ockendon, Essex, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 7 October to four years behind bars.

Nash previously pleaded guilty on 9 September to fraud by abuse of position following an investigation into his misdemeanours.

On 19 October 2015, Nash, who was a senior accounts manager at Miki Travel Limited, advised the company that he had stolen around £1.1m over a nine-year period.

Nash confessed as it emerged the company was about to change its auditing process and he realised he could no longer hide his deception. Nash was arrested three days later.

When detectives interviewed him he explained how he systematically stole money from company accounts, which he then said he gifted to a female work colleague he claimed to be in a relationship with.

Nash told officers how he transferred money out of company accounts, falsified ledgers and forged other colleagues’ signatures to withdraw cash.

The amounts started off as a few hundred pounds a month, but eventually rose to around £8,000 per month, which he was then giving to the colleague he’d become infatuated with.

Although officers initially suspected the colleague to have been part of the fraud, Nash insisted that he told her the money was from inheritance.

His colleague was also arrested by police on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud but after further enquiries was released without charge.

After further enquiries, Nash was charged on 9 August 2016 with fraud by abused of position and subsequently sentenced.

Trellis skyscraper is scaled back

far from blue skies: but residents are fighting back

Airport turbulence ROW OVER CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS RENEWED RESIDENTS have renewed their efforts to get a decision to allow concentrated flight paths in and out of London City Airport overturned.

The international transport link implemented controversial changes to the routes of arriving and departing jets in February this year after the Civil Aviation Authority gave it permission to do so just before Christmas 2015.

The alterations mean that planes are confined to certain corridors of airspace, subjecting some households to unabating disturbances.

Campaigners from HACAN East – a residents’ group set up in 2011 to represent

LCCI: no time to stand still “NO room for complacency” was the stark message that emerged from the largest post-referendum survey of London’s economy.

Businesses across the City and the wider Capital require solid reassurance from the Government following the Brexit vote, a new economic report by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and ComRes shows.

The Capital 500 – London’s largest regular business survey – found that in line with decreases seen in all indicators of companies’ performance over the last two quarters, expectations for the next 12 months continued to deteriorate to record lows.

On balance, 9% of London businesses expected their overall company prospects to decline, moving into negative territory for the first time and down a record 22 points on last quarter.

To bolster business confidence in a time of uncertainty, LCCI has called for immediate and

the views of people affected by both noise and pollution from the airport – want chiefs to reverse their new policy following “deep anger” in the local community.

In a letter to the Hackney Citizen, Chairman John Stewart said: “Since the decision was taken, complaints to London City Airport have shot up. It not surprising. The noise for some people has become unbearable.”

Mr Stewart said dialogue had been opened with the airport but stressed that increased action is on the way.

“The good news is that City Airport might look again at its concentrated flight paths,” he said.

“At a recent meeting we had with them,

direct investment in strategic infrastructure, as well as the addressing ongoing domestic issues, including the impact of the forthcoming business rates revaluation and introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy.

Chief executive of LCCI Colin Stanbridge said: “London businesses are taking a pragmatic and level-headed approach to the referendum outcome. The result may have been unsettling for some, but we are not seeing any sense of panic.

“There is clearly no room for complacency as we take the first steps towards post-Brexit.”

A key recommendation from the LCCI is the Mayor of London working to assess the potential impacts of significant new ratings on businesses across differing boroughs and sectors.

Mr Stanbridge added: “It is of vital importance that government takes steps to reduce uncertainty, and boost business confidence in the short term.

“For London, that means investing in infrastructure and addressing issues such as recruiting and retaining skilled staff in a post Brexit-era.”

Time up for accused thief A MAN alleged to have lifted £47,000 worth of designer watches from gyms across the City has appeared in court.

John William Francis Fletcher, 43, of Church Road, St Leonardson-Sea, was arrested in Scotland

on 4 October by City officers in connection with separate 12 offences.

The accused is due to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on 4 November, where the case has been committed for sentencing.

key managers said they had ‘not closed their minds’ to reassessing the flight paths, but it would not happen for another year.

“Meanwhile, the pressure is likely to increase. Meetings are planned in a number of areas. MPs, London Assembly members and leading councillors have joined the campaign.”

A £344million expansion programme at the airport was signed off in July. A new terminal, aircraft taxiway and improved public transport links were all promised as part of a package that will deliver 2,000 jobs.

The project will increase the number of arrivals and departures at the airport from 70,000 per year to 111,000.

DESIGNERS of the City’s tallest proposed skyscraper have been forced back to the drawing board after being told their building could pose a danger aircraft.

The height for the ‘Trellis’ skyscraper, formally known as 1 Undershaft, has been cut by nearly 5m to alleviate concerns.

The structure, which will go before planners later this year with a planning decision due before Christmas, will stand at 304.9m upon completion. It will be the tallest landmark in the Square Mile, subject to approval.

The building would rise from the site of the Aviva Tower, which was purchased in the name of Singaporean property company Aroland five years ago.

Aroland recently announced it is in talks with the Museum of London about creating a free public viewing gallery on floors 71 and 72 of the structure.

If a deal is struck the exhibition space would become the Capital’s highest such offering.

Page 4 | 13-19 October 2016

News Matters

Benefit from being social SOCIAL Saturday will take hold of the City this weekend.

The annual event, this year being held on 15 October, gives social enterprises a national platform from which they can highlight their products, services and ambitions to change the way businesses operate.

“These are the businesses that exist to tackle some of the biggest social and environmental challenges we face here in Britain,” explained CEO of Social Enterprise UK Peter Holbrook.

“There are more than 70,000 social enterprises in the UK contributing £24billion to the economy and employing nearly a million people. Like traditional businesses they make a profit, but it’s what they do with that profit that sets them apart – reinvesting or donating their profit in order to deliver on their social or environmental mission.”

Social Saturday will be popping up at Borough Market with plenty on offer for guests.

Find out more at socialsaturday.org.uk.

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

Wrap up warm & support charities Guest comment with Salina Janzan

ON Monday this week, The Campaign for Wool launched its seventh annual UK Wool Week.

A celebration of all things woolly is indeed timely, with decreasing temperatures and a cold wind sending us rummaging for our winter gloves.

A collaboration between several industry bodies, brought together by the campaign’s patron HRH The Prince of Wales, The Campaign for Wool works globally to engage and educate consumers on the benefits of wool, to support the growth of the wool industry.

They answer the simple question of “Why wool?” with some impressive credentials: natural, renewable, biodegradable, breathable and temperature regulating, odour resistant, flame-retardant... to name just a few.

Events around the city this week have seen leading UK retailers and brands celebrate these properties.

The week kicked off with John Smedley highlighting the biodegradability of wool and its sustainable properties, screening a new documentary presented by Alex James (of Blur fame) entitled Slowing Down Fast Fashion, in which James takes a deeper look at global

woolly good show: Alex James shows off the biodegradability of wool: two jumpers were buried at Clarence House, one Merino wool and the other of man-made fibres

production issues and the growing landfill problem. His findings? Apparently, wool is a rather good solution to save the world.

Wool has certainly played a key role in British history, and is no stranger to the City of London.

For many years the fibre was the backbone of the English economy, brought to London

Opera hits the heights

and weighed prior to export on a Great Beam, which stood close to where Mansion House stands today. Wool taxes contributed to the City’s architectural development, most notably supporting the building of Old London Bridge.

Today, London Bridge retains its woolly links and celebrates this history with an annual event: hundreds of the City of London’s Freeman gather each October to exercise their right to drive sheep over the bridge, hosted by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen.

Together they raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes, and appear to have a jolly good time enjoying this unique privilege.

Speaking of charitable causes, The Campaign for Wool has also teamed up with City-based charity Mission to Seafarers to raise awareness of and fundraise for their international work caring for seafarers in times of trouble.

They are encouraging wool fans throughout the UK to participate in Woolly Hat Day on 14 October. Donations can be made by texting WOOL11 to 70070, and you can show off your woolly wear using #WoollyHatDay. So if you’re up for supporting Wool Week (and reaping the benefits of that temperature regulation and anti-odour magic on the morning tube), here are a few suggestions we’ve pulled together to get you started on stocking your woolly wardrobe. See below >>

PHILIP VENABLES’ 4.48 Psychosis, a co-commission between the Guildhall School and The Royal Opera in association with The Lyric Hammersmith, has landed the Achievement in Opera accolade at the UK Theatre Awards.

The opera received its world premiere on 24 May to critical acclaim.

The show is the culmination of Venables’ position as inaugural doctoral composerin-residence at the Guildhall School and The Royal Opera.

The City is Transformed

OPTIMUS Prime, Bumblebee and Mark Wahlberg have been making themselves at home in the City – screeching through the streets on the set of the newest Transformers film.

The latest movie in the blockbuster series, The Last Knight, is out in 2017.

Listen, where there’s wool there’s a way...

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For him

>> As GQ has previously said of bomber jackets: “for whatever reason, they make you look instantly more handsome.” Who can say no to that? This season we rather like the boiled wool zip up from Jaeger (£150).

If you enjoy the philanthropic feel of supporting the Campaign for Wool, you can feel even more pleased with yourself by supporting British-made through Marks & Spencer’s Best of British Range. A pure wool shirt collar coat goes for £299.

and even with the touted benefits of wool for all seasons, it is hard to keep up. Stay flexible by layering up with a boiled wool gilet from Jaeger (£299).

Who says your clothes need to get darker when the days do? We’re bringing the sunshine wherever we go in this orange funnel neck from Oliver Bonas (below, £35).

Not a fan of the beanie or bobble hat? Support in your own style with a pure wool hat, £14 from Marks & Spencer.

If you’re really committed to a head-to-toe look, Jigsaw have you covered. But you don’t worry, you won’t have to compromise on style, the look has paid close attention to the season’s catwalk favourites: shearling, rib knits, and wide leg trousers. Some notable must-haves include a reversible hooded jacket, £995; Merino wool rib, £98; and a wool/cashmere wide leg trouser, £119.

For her

Get bright and bobbly, ready for Woolly Hat Day tomorrow at Accessorize where Fairisle gloves and beanie are priced at £12 and £17.50.

Wool Week partners Marks & Spencer will launch their new autumn/winter campaign ‘the Art of Wool’ next week. Get on trend with their belted wool mac at £79.

Hot, cold, warm, wet, windy, or all of the above?

The British weather never knows what it wants,

jumpers for joy: Oliver Bonas

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

Land the job of a lifetime A DREAM part-time job for City-based students and graduates is the grand prize in a new competition.

One lucky Londoner aged 16 to 25 could pocket £10,000 and free to travel to the country’s top destinations in a role being dubbed Chief Adventure Officer.

The winning travel seeker will be tasked with vlogging their way around Great Britain.

Daniela Maki, railcards product manager from National Rail, the company behind the contest, said: “Whether you’re heading to university or not, the 16-25 railcard saves you cash, helps you visit interesting places and spend money on the things you enjoy the most, so we thought why not take that to the next level for one lucky candidate?

Adventure “Our new officer will get the chance to visit some really amazing locations and inspire us all by showing the exciting places Great Britain has on offer. So if your suitcase is always by the door, just in case, and you are looking for your next adventure this is the perfect new job for you.”

Entries should be made in the form of a video of a recent trip.

Candidates should also include a brief summary of why they should be considered.

Find out more at 16-25railcard.co.uk/cao.

13-19 October 2016 | Page 5

Gas earner opens up career routes CREATE’S NEW MOULD FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH AMIDST growing concerns that shrinking space and skyrocketing rents are pricing London’s creative community out of the Capital, one brand new project is a step towards restoring some of the balance.

Town Gas is a brand new arts facility on the edge of the City that combines studio space for celebrated ceramist Aaron Angell and creative resources for artists, schools and community groups.

The project was conceived by Create London, a social enterprise organisation that tries to find new ways for artists to make meaningful contributions to the lives of people in urban environments.

creative flair: the Town Gas studio

Connect

Soaring Positioned in the heart of Hoxton, Town Gas is a unique prospect for this development hotspot, where soaring rents have seen artists departing in their droves in recent years.

As a trade-off for use of the space, Angell, who has exhibited internationally as Troy Town Pottery, has been working with a group of unemployed young people, to train them up in ceramics and the use of the studio’s kiln, the only publicly accessible gas kiln in London.

The aim is to employ several from the group

the school system in the East End, so what Aaron is doing is actually give them a great deal of employable skills,” he said.

“Town Gas has supported Aaron to find a new studio, but also to embed himself in the community, ensuring his work has a positive and lasting impact on the people around him.”

It’s this medley of benefits that attracted Bank of America Merrill Lynch to the project, having partnered with Create on various activations over the last eight years.

as apprentice studio assistants to further develop their skills in administration and management.

Create’s director Hadrian Garrard said the transactional element of the project is what makes it sustainable in the long term.

“These are roles that would go to arts graduates, not kids that have been through

hands on approach: Photos by Emil Charlaff

Help comes from above THE City Bridge Trust has done its bit to help support London Air Ambulance (LAA) – and now the backing is plain for all to see.

The charitable fund, whose aim it is to tackle disadvantage in London through social giving, has had its crest emblazoned on the wing of the service’s helicopter. Emergency crews have treated in excess of 35,000 people since the LAA formed.

Something to share?

Justice serves up awards

Send your City of London stories to jo@citymatters.london

THE Lord Chief Justice has recognised two City sixth formers after they impressed in a law essay-writing contest.

Aakash Mohindra and Darwin Kim drew praise from Sir John Thomas – with the former also

securing himself work experience in the comptroller and City solicitor’s department as part of his prize. Entrants were charged with exploring the principles of the Magna Carta in modern judicial philosophy.

BAML’s arts and culture manager Emma Balfour said Create’s remit of not only supporting artists, but providing them with opportunities to give back to connect the City and its fringes was particularly appealing.

“I think there are still a lot of people out there who don’t understand what the point of art and artists are in our society,” she said.

“Art is a big educator and a big connector, and artists like Aaron are feeling the need to connect with their audiences and prove their value in different ways, which is why an initiative like this is so important.”

News Matters

Corporation in landmark appointment THE Corporation has appointed Alison Hewitt as senior coroner for the City of London – the first time a woman has taken the role.

Ms Hewitt said: “I am delighted to accept this appointment and it will be a privilege to lead the team providing the coroner service for the City.

“I will endeavour to maintain the excellent standards of service which I have inherited.”

Ms Hewitt, who takes over from professor Paul Matthews, took office on 12 October.

The senior City coroner’s role is to investigate certain deaths within the Square Mile. If a death is suspected to have been either violent or unnatural, or the cause is unknown, the coroner will decide whether to hold a post-mortem examination and, if necessary, an inquest.

Page 6 | 13-19 October 2016

Business Matters

Investors’ chance to explore non-EU trade at Africa Expo AN exhibition to promote business, social enterprise and entrepreneurial opportunities in Africa is coming to London.

The Africa Expo aims to reveal the possibilities that are open to City-based entrepreneurs and new start-ups, and will roll into the Capital on 22 October.

With concerns of post-Brexit trade still very much at the forefront of international thought, the expo is a chance for entrepreneurs, start-ups and new initiatives to explore new trade and enterprise with a non-EU partner, say organisers.

Lucy Bostock, of The PR Lab, the company helping take the expo to market, said: “As one of the world’s most multicultural and diverse cities, London is the perfect platform from which the UK can secure its competitive edge.

“The Africa Expo is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to see what can be achieved and will help connect the next generation of business people with a rapidly developing trade partner.”

The show runs from 11am until 5.30pm at the Islington Assembly Halls, Upper Street. For ticket information search The Africa Expo 2016 on eventbrite.co.uk.

Jubilee on the night shift THE Jubilee Line rolled out its 24-hour weekend service on Friday, prompting a round of applause from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chief executive Colin Stanbridge said: “The Night Tube is particularly significant for the Jubilee line because of all the major employers and venues along the line.

“Concert-goers at late running shows at the O2 will no longer have a mad dash for the last Tube home and it could present at opportunity for sites such as the Westfield and Wembley to explore alternative opening hours.”

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

Women and men united WOMEN in the City will mark another year of success with their Annual Celebration Lunch next month – but the lavish bash at Drapers’ Hall is not a women-only affair.

Founded in 2003, Women in the City is a dynamic, highly respected, award-winning organisation that promotes, recognises and rewards female talent.

But that does not mean the door is shut to the City’s male contingent, in fact quite the opposite is true.

Founder and CEO Gwen Rhys explained: “Our mission can only

be achieved if we bring men into the conversation. It’s not about us and them.

“At last year’s lunch I set a challenge to have 50:50 women:men in the room.

Let’s make that a reality.”

The gathering on 10 November features a two-course meal, drinks and canapes, guest speakers, and the opportunity to network at one of the City’s signature events. Tickets are on sale now.

Women in the City is offering City Matters readers a special buy-oneget-a-second-half-price ticket offer – quote CM250 when booking online.

LCCI unveil new appointment

on the central London market, is a vocal expert in several important areas, including advocating the benefits of building private sector housing to rent as a means of getting people into homes quickly, and agreed that Build to Rent schemes have been a catalyst for regeneration across the Capital.

After 34 years in property, he has a reputation as a leading figure in London residential, with a wealth of experience and contacts Prior to joining CBRE, Mr Collins was managing director at Harrod’s Estates property business, focusing on the top end of the London Residential

MARK COLLINS of CBRE has been named the new chairman of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s property and construction committee.

The committee acts as an advisory panel, influencing policy as the Citybased organisation puts forward views and lobbies to the mayor and central government for the best interests of businesses.

Mr Collins, who has a specific focus

City is most connected

looking forward: Women in the City founder and CEO Gwen Rhys

market. Mr Collins explained: “This committee addresses the most pressing issue in London today and it is an honour to chair it.

“Affordability in the housing market is a very real concern to many Londoners who see becoming a homeowner a diminishing reality.

“Over the last decade the population has increased by a million, yet we have only built around 200,000 new homes. The new mayor will need to find some innovative ways to bring forward housing supply in a way his predecessor couldn’t and we hope to be able to help him towards a solution.”

rising worry: the lettings business has concerns

MORE than a third of landlords (35%) think that leaving the EU will have a negative impact on their ability to attract tenants in the future, according to the latest findings from the National Landlords Association (NLA).

Data also shows that 39% believe that Brexit will have no significant impact on their business; 21% are unsure; while 5% believe it will have a

THE City is better than the rest when it comes to access to 4G data services, according to a report.

Statistics from mobile coverage company OpenSignal and consumer watchdog Which? show that Londoners can tap into 4G nearly 70% of the time.

“Finding a 4G signal outside of London can still be a bit tricky,” said Brendan Gill, co-founder of OpenSignal.

An earlier report found that users across the UK were able to access 4G about half of the time, on average.

At the wrong end of the scale Welsh mobiles can connect only 35% of the time.

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Send your City of London stories to tom@citymatters.london

London lets rip over Brexit impact for landlords positive impact. The greatest fear comes from central London where 55% of landlords fear a detrimental effect on lettings.

The research follows Prime Minister Teresa May’s announcement at the Conservative Party Conference that the process of the UK leaving the EU will be triggered by March 2017.

Just over a fifth of landlords in the North East (22%) think Brexit will have a negative impact – the lowest proportion compared to other regions of the UK. The findings also come as the NLA launches its new podcast series: Inside Property.

The first 30-minute podcast, which is presented by NLA representative Richard Blanco, focuses on what life after Brexit will look like for landlords, and features guests Richard Bowser, editor of Property Investor News, Chris Norris, head of policy at the NLA, and Richard Donnell, director of research and insight at Hometrack.

Mr Blanco said: “These findings clearly show that a significant proportion of landlords are concerned about what Brexit will mean for their lettings business so we wanted to try to understand and make sense of the situation.

“We now know that Article 50 will be triggered soon, but landlords still have lots of questions, like what will happen to rental demand as a consequence of Brexit, will house prices fall, or should I rethink my investment strategy?

“The first episode of Inside Property will address all these questions and more.”

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

13-19 October 2016 | Page 7

Entertainment Matters

What’s on in the City this week THEATRE / THE CRUCIBLE Guildhall’s final-year acting students will bring Arthur Miller’s disturbing and thrilling take on the Salem witch hunts of 1692 to life.

Gossip quickly turns into rumours that become accusations that transform into hysteria and ultimately legal judgment.

Miller’s allegory of Macarthyism and the persecution of communists during the House Un-American Activities Committee trials has an uncomfortable timelessness reflected today’s society.

Milton Court Theatre, 1 Milton Street EC2Y 9BH 17-22 October

family fun: Bloomsbury Festival Photo by Stuart Keegan

the ‘C’ word: Photo by Mark Douet

FILM / NowhereSomewhere Visitors to the Barbican Foyers will need to put the pedal to the metal to bring Rosalind Fowler’s new exhibition to life.

The bicycles on display power a two-screen projection of Fowler’s film, which looks at the politics and poetics of Organiclea, a London based food-growing co-operative, and empowers gardeners to imagine their own version of utopian London.

Weaving together hand-pressed 16mm and digital footage, NowhereSomewhere draws similarities between this small gardening community in Waltham Forest and William Morris’ vision for a future London in his novel News from Nowhere.

Barbican Foyers, Silk Street Until 9 November DANCE / Fire In The Ballroom It’s hard to believe next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the international ballroom smash hit Burn The Floor.

Conceived at Elton John’s 50th birthday party, the show has toured more than 130 countries, including successful runs on Broadway and the West End’s Shaftsbury Theatre in 2010 and 2013.

Now it’s back in the UK to breathe new life into your favourite ballroom dances with a live band, sassy costuming and, of course, 14 of the best ensemble dancers you’ll see on any stage.

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street WC2A 2HT 18 October to 5 November

Cancer comedy hits deeper notes EVERY two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. Almost every one of us will be affected by the disease at some point in our lives, but cancer, or ‘the C word’, remains something of a conversation stopper.

Performance artist and writer Bryony Kimmings is aiming to change all that with A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer, the new all-singing, all-dancing examination of life with a cancer diagnosis premiering at the Dorfmann this week.

Produced in collaboration with theatre company Complicite, the musical promises a “look behind the poster campaigns and pink ribbons at the reality of cancer: waiting rooms and chemo suites, changed bodies, family pressures and financial worries.”

The National Theatre’s artistic director Rufus Norris is no stranger to darker territories, having helped drive a new wave of musicals that hit a deeper note with 2011’s London Road, which chronicled the 2006 murder of five Ipswich prostitutes.

Gamble And it appears his gamble on Kimmings has paid off with rave reviews for the show on debut in Manchester and subsequent stint at Exeter Northcott Theatre before its arrival in London this week.

The performance artist, comedian and writer is known for staging ‘social experiments’.

Her previous works include Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model, where she chronicles the road to becoming a popstar invented by a nineyear-old; retracing an STI to its source in Sex Idiot, and spending a week in a constant state of intoxication for 7 Day Drunk.

A Pacifist’s Guide was inspired by Complicite producer Judith Dimant, who contacted Kimmings for a meeting after seeing Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model.

In the three weeks between the phone call and the meeting, Dimant was herself diagnosed with cancer, prompting Kimmings to suggest that the subject inspire their new project.

Another key player in the creation of Pacifist’s Guide is Brian Lobel, a New Yorkborn performer who has established himself as a critical voice in cancer care, much of it based on his own diagnosis with testicular

cancer. The result of all this personal experience with ‘the C word’ is a show full of big anthems, shiny costumes, blood, glitter and real cancer patients to deliver a refreshingly honest look behind the battle metaphors that surround cancer to reveal “what really lies beneath”.

Laugh, cry, talk about it.

FESTIVAL / Bloomsbury Festival Between the British Library, the Museum of Comedy, Pushkin House and the Wellcome Collection, Bloomsbury has some serious cultural cache year-round. But this little pocket of London turns the dial up to 11 every October for the annual Bloomsbury Festival.

Now in its 10th year, Bloomsbury’s streets, parks, museums, galleries, laboratories and public and private buildings will play host to an explosion of arts, culture and science with 130 events over five days.

Highlights include street party Step Out Store Street, global beats on the SOAS World Music State, and the event’s first ever pop-up literary festival.

Various locations, Bloomsbury 19-23 October

A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer opens at the Dorfman Theatre on 14 October and runs until 29 November.

Page 8 | 13-19 October 2016

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

Community Matters vulgarity at the Barbican: Eighteenth Century Court Mantua: 1748-1750

What’s on when & where in the City touch with his faith, and his powerful choral music is the focus of this day-long exploration.

Ex Cathedra pairs Copland’s In the Beginning with MacMillan’s compelling Seven Angels – a journey from a world’s beginning to its apocalyptic end. In the evening, The Sixteen presents the world premiere of MacMillan’s Stabat Mater.

St Giles Cripplegate and Barbican Hall, Silk St EC2Y 8DS 15 October, 3pm and 7.30pm

EAT / Guildhall Lunch Market Ditch the meal deal and head to Guildhall Yard for the monthly lunch market. More than 20 stalls will dish up mouthwatering international cuisine, from Greek wraps to Jamaican jerk chicken, Korean dumplings and more. Just make sure you save room for dessert with brownies, doughnuts and all manner of sweet treats on offer to get you through the afternoon slog.

Guildhall Yard, EC2V 7HH 13 October, from noon FASHION / Good Look Fashion Show Sartorially depressed now that all the fashion weeks have come to an end? Join the British Red Cross in celebrating the best and brightest of London’s emerging design talent and established fashion brands. Models will hit the catwalk for Topshop Unique, Edeline Lee, Samuel Dougal, Sadie Williams, Wåven, Kelly Simpkin, Angel Chen, Nocturne and more, including cutting edge designer wearable technology pieces by Vinaya. Make sure you to check out the Good Look boutique featuring leading designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Matthew Williamson and Hunter to grab a designer bargain and help the Red Cross.

Boiler House, Brick Lane E1 6QL 13 October, 6.30pm

EXHIBITION / The Vulgar: Fashion Redefined The Barbican’s hotly anticipated autumn/ winter exhibition puts the notion of taste (good and bad) under the microscope. Conceived by leading fashion curator Judith Clark and psychoanalyst writer Adam Philips, ‘The Vulgar’ tracks the relationship between fashion and vulgarity over 500 years, from its Renaissance origins through to the present day. The show weaves together more than 120 objects to illustrate the elastic nature of ‘taste’, from 18th-century ostentation to 1980s exhibitionism.

Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 13 October to 5 February CONCERT / BBC Symphony Orchestra: Robin Hood A new score from Neil Brand brings this silent classic back to life. As Douglas Fairbanks’ swashbuckling Robin Hood battles for the oppressed with impressive stunts and a charming humour, the BBC Symphony Orchestra narrates the building tension of this groundbreaking film, an early blockbuster.

Barbican, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 14 October, 8pm CONCERT / MacMillan Choral Music James MacMillan is a composer deeply in

LECTURE / The Growth of London as a Port from Roman to Medieval Times From Gresham College’s One Maritime London series, learn about the dramatic differences between the Roman, Saxon and medieval ports of London, and how they reflected the equally dramatic changes taking place in society at the time. Dr Gustav Milne, senior lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology at University College London will look at how the study of the first 1,500 years of port history could help us make predictions for the future.

Museum of London EC2Y 5HN 17 October, 1pm-2pm TALK / Art in the Lyons Teashops In the post-war years, catering giant J Lyons & Co commissioned three series of lithograph prints from thirty of Britain’s popular artists including: Edward Bawden, Duncan Grant, John Nash, David Gentleman and LS Lowry. The project made the cream of modern British art accessible to the wider public for the first time.

Join Neville Lyons, a relative of J Lyons & Co’s co-founder, as he chronicles how the project was conceived and gives an insight into the personalities of the artists.

London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road EC1R 0HB 18 October, 2pm-3pm FITNESS / Yoga in the Walkways at Tower Bridge Where better in the City to salute the sun than 42 metres above the River Thames? Kickstart your working day with a sunrise yoga class in

the walkways at Tower Bridge. London-based yogi Billie Woodcraft will lead an energetic vinyasa-flow class where the humble downward dog becomes infinitely more daring on the glass floor with a suspended view of road and pedestrian life.

Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP 19 October, 7.30am-8.20am EXHIBITION / SLLA Annual Calligraphy Exhibition South London Lettering Association is celebrating all things inky with their annual calligraphy exhibition, showcasing the work of some of the most talented people to hold a pen license. Members will bring along artwork for sale, inspired by this year’s theme ‘Festivities & Celebrations’, but the real highlight will be a magnificent traditional illuminated manuscript by Italian calligrapher Ivano Ziggiotti.

St Bride Foundation, Fleet Street EC4Y 8EQ Until 21 October

Weekly Planner

Thursday FASHION / Good Look Fashion Show Friday EXHIBITION / The Vulgar: Fashion Redefined Saturday CONCERT / MacMillan Choral Music Sunday EXHIBITION / SLLA Annual Calligraphy Exhibition Monday LECTURE / The Growth of London as a Port from Roman to Medieval Times Tuesday TALK / Art in the Lyons Teashops Wednesday FITNESS / Yoga in the Walkways at Tower Bridge

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

13-19 October 2016 | Page 9

Food Matters

Tongue tied but satisfied GOING Greek on a Friday night is a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, the traditional mezedes spares the embarrassment of having to tell your waitress her highly recommended manouri and ladotyri cheese balls failed to satisfy; regrettably not enough distinction in a cheeseheavy opening round of dishes at the Hungry Donkey.

tasty treat: but save room after for something sweet

Accompanying But when the accompanying soutzoukakia (cumin and paprikainfused lamb meatballs cooked in tomato sauce with metsovone cheese) is mouthwateringly good, it leaves you guzzling the lot at the expense of your dining partner.

It’s a dicey game but probably the safest way to get a proper taste of a country steeped in rich culinary traditions and powerful flavours.

The Wentworth Street eatery is

Truly an app worth Trying A NEW community-based food delivery app has launched in London to help connect enthusiastic home cooks with their hungry neighbours.

From Caribbean to Japanese, Trybe makes it possible for anyone to set up a restaurant in their own kitchen by creating a menu which changes daily.

It’s an ideal way to try delicious authentic craft meals not currently available anywhere else, whether from traditional eateries or other food apps.

Convenience The new app uses a postcode-based delivery service in a growing number of areas within London, providing the convenience expected by many busy professionals.

However, a growing number of people now prefer to collect the meal themselves, allowing them to hear the story behind the food they eat and

LET’S DO...

to establish a connection with their neighbours. Food is usually delivered within one hour or ready for collection after 45 minutes with the Trybe app keeping customers updated along the way.

For those who like to plan ahead a pre-order option is also available. With the average meal costing £6, the app is set to be a smash hit with students and anyone on a budget.

Meeting the demand for convenient real food, Trybe is resonating well in vegan, gluten-free and health conscious communities too, with dozens of passionate speciality cooks and tasty recipes to choose from.

The Trybe community is also helping to support micro entrepreneurs such as food bloggers, street food vendors and culinary students by allowing them to earn extra income from doing what they love.

Each cook is assessed and approved by the Trybe team, ensuring their

SOMETHING FROM THE SEA / Angler This seafood joint at the top of D&D South Place Hotel was recently recognised by Michelin inspectors in a new category for restaurants that hold on to their stars despite the departure of a head chef. But with Gary Foulkes, formerly of The Square, taking over the reins in June, there was probably not much chance of a slip up anyway. The restaurant serves up sustainable seafood from British waters paired with seasonal sides.

South Place Hotel, 3 South Place EC2M 2AF

mightily authentic, and despite an early reservation people were in the door in a steady stream, an unmistakable salute to the restaurant’s ability to produce a menu that suits all comers.

Guests going down the mezedes route should kick off simple; don’t underestimate the appeal of pita bread before – and during – an absolute storm of combinations.

Tzatziki, htipiti and melitazanosalata dips – seasoned yoghurt, roasted red pepper and feta (more cheese!), and eggplant – provide the foil for the array of dishes that follow from the kitchen, the first two hitting the mark with the eggplant pushed around the plate before the fun really starts.

Roasted aubergine, rich tomato sauce and, you guessed it, more feta make up the papoutsakia; a light contrast to the out of place spanakopita (in English a spinach pie with that secret ingredient feta); pastry just too heavy in this

exercise of micro portions. But by the beard of Zeus the plaudits must go to the chef for the lamb meatballs. There are no words, just try them for yourself.

Galaktoboureko, aka a fluffy custard cream filo pastry soaked in syrup, followed for dessert; not quite plate-smashing material, but the accompanying scoop of kaimaki ice cream won the nod of approval.

Blemish Meanwhile, pita wraps and kebab skewers supply more hearty meals for those wanting to really get their teeth stuck in. And when stomachs had filled the take-away bags came out – a touch for diners on the dash.

The only real blemish on the Hungry Donkey’s resume is its Wentworth Street address; meaning a notable schlep for diners from City central wanting to avoid an after dinner hike home.

BRINGING THE FOOD FAMILY TOGETHER ONE MEAL AT A TIME quality and freshness is verified.

Co-founder Ilkka Salo said: “Many health conscious people want to avoid takeaways or ready meals but don’t always have time to cook from scratch.

“The Trybe app changes this by delivering authentic home cooking to hungry people, helping to form new connections within the community as a result.”

Preferences Trybe matches hungry customers to their neighbourhood cooks by using proprietary technology based on proximity, past orders and set preferences.

The concept started in east London but has now ventured into the north of the Capital with further expansion due.

With a delivery area covering most of central London Trybe is set to reach Greater London and other major UK cities by the new year.

POSH KEBABS / Berber & Q Shawarma Bar For the uninformed, shawarma is a hunk of slow-roasted meat thrown into a pita with veggies, spices and sauces. But if you’re thinking that sounds like your average post-pint grub, you obviously haven’t set foot in Haggerston hotspot Berber & Q, or its new sibling in Exmouth Market. The latter makes a stellar meal out of this middle-eastern method of meat preparation, roasting lamb and rotisserie chicken slowly and serving it up with lentils or rice, grilled pita and sides like confit potatoes and blackened aubergine. Much more than a 2am kebab.

46 Exmouth Market EC1R 4QE

HEALTHY FAST FOOD/ Farmer J “Think about what you bought for lunch yesterday, and then think about flank steak with spiced roast sweet potatoes and honey-charred broccoli on a bed of freekeh for £7.50.” That’s the tempting offer from Farmer J, the Leadenhall eatery flogging fast food that’s actually good for you. Select from the ‘Forkin Fast’ menu of healthy breakfast options (granola, chia, Bircher etc), protein snacks, salads and sandwiches or design your own ‘Field Tray’ of a main, a grain and two warm or cold sides. You’ll find it almost impossible to go back to the humble meal deal.

107 Leadenhall Street EC3A 4AA

Page 10 | 13-19 October 2016

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

Pay for a Day at Maggie’s We are calling on businesses and their employees to help fund a day at their Maggie’s Centre. All the money raised will go directly to providing practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer in your community.

On average a Maggie’s Centre sees up to 100 people a day, providing support to anyone affected by cancer through a team of trained professionals in a warm and welcoming environment.

It costs £2,400 a day to run a Centre and we are only able to keep our doors open, free of charge thanks to the support we receive from organisations and individuals.

To find out more about supporting your local London Centre contact Ali Orr at ali.orr@maggiescentres.org or on 020 7386 3523 www.maggiescentres.org/payforaday

Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust (Maggie’s) is a registered charity, No.SC024414

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

13-19 October 2016 | Page 11

Shopping Matters

Shop the City

Read up on bookshops

Daunt Books The interiors of Daunt’s Cheapside offshoot might not be as spectacular as the Edwardian digs of its Marylebone flagship, but it still holds the same great selection of books, which organised principally by country, rather than category. Billed as the bookshop for travellers, the arrangement means you end up with pasta cookbooks next to Italian road maps and romance novels set in Tuscany; a surefire way to find 10 books you didn’t even know you were looking for.

61 Cheapside EC2V 6AX Persephone Books Writer and publisher Nicola Beauman founded Persephone Books in 1999 to promote neglected fiction and non-fiction by women, for women and about women. The iconic Bloomsbury bookshop is piled high with copies of over 100 “forgotten” books, mostly early 20th-century novels that went out of print, republished in elegant grey jackets.

Many of Persephone’s books have gone on to enjoy a second wind; Beauman and her team ‘rediscovered’ Winifred Watson’s Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day, which was made into a film in 2014.

59 Lamb’s Conduit Street WC1N 3NB

Feel good fashion triumph over tragedy: Gandys is making a difference across the globe

IT has been almost 12 years since brothers Rob and Paul Forkan lost their parents in the Boxing Day tsunami that hit South East Asia.

In that time, they’ve managed to set up an international charity for orphaned children, establish a popular clothing and footwear brand to help fund it, travel the world, write a book and build a children’s home Sri Lanka.

Now they can add a brand new flagship store to their impressive list of achievements following the official launch of Gandys in Spitalfields last week.

What started as a line of ethically sourced flip flops to help support their charity Orphans for Orphans has evolved into a wide range of apparel and accessories for men and women

Some of the world’s best talent honoured at Goldsmiths’ Fair one of the fair’s 10 graduate bursary recipients, which entitles him to a free stand at this year’s fair, a bursary of £1,500, a bullion loan of up to £3,000, and a personalised business and technical mentoring programme managed by the Goldsmiths’ Centre.

He trained as a fine jeweller at Jacob Enghave Gold, a traditional goldsmith in Copenhagen, and has an MA in Fine Jewellery and Metalwork from the Royal College of Art, London.

His work can be found in private collections worldwide.

Davison, also one of the fair’s graduate bursary recipients, said the award was “a real privilege”.

“It’s great to have the work understood, including the amount of time it’s taken to create and the process involved.”

Davison studied at the Glasgow School of Art and at Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence. He was awarded a silver medal at the 2010 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards in 2010 and his work has been shown at Design Miami/Basel.

London-based jewellers Zoe Arnold, Romilly Saumarez Smith and Scottish designer Andrew Lamb were named runners-up for the prize.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has also thrown his support behind the brand.

“Gandys have had such an inspiring journey so far and it is nothing short of amazing what they have achieved,” he said in a statement.

“Their enterprise was born out of grief and it has yielded a legacy that will likely outlast them.

“Rob and Paul should be so proud of this milestone in their journey.

“I know that they will reach many milestones in the months and years to come and that people, home and abroad, will benefit from their dedication, vision and hard work.”

Gandys is at 105c Commercial Street E1 6BG or available online at gandyslondon.com

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A DANISH jeweller with a penchant for bees and a Kent-based designer specialising in mixed metals have been named best new designers at the 34th annual Goldsmiths’ Fair.

London-based designer Max Danger won the fair’s week one Best New Design Award for his piece Honey Bee Cluster Ring, which was inspired by the formations of bees in hives. Patrick Davidson received the week two award for his work ‘Box’, constructed of silver, brass, copper, bronze and nickel silver.

Danger said the award was “the cherry on top” of a successful week at the fair, which concluded on Sunday.

More than 9,000 people attended the fair, which is held over two weeks in Goldsmiths’ Hall. It is one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary designer jewellery in the UK, showcasing the design talent and craftsmanship of 150 emerging and established goldsmiths and silversmiths.

Both designers were commended on the intricacy and craftsmanship of their pieces and awarded a £1,000 cash prize. Danger is

with a huge celebrity fan base. Gandys’ flip flops have been spotted the famous feet of Richard Branson, Jamie Oliver, One Direction’s Niall Horan and Stephen Fry. It has been a huge couple of months for the brothers, who opened their first ever bricks and mortar retail space in Cornwall in June.

The Spitalfields flagship is the brand’s first standalone store in London, having previously sold its range online and through various stockists.

“We realised that by building a brand we can make more of a difference,” Rob says.

“We are looking to open more stores in the South East over the coming months, the next being in Tunbridge Wells,” Paul added. London

Page 12 | 13-19 October 2016

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

History Matters

Towering above in splendour

timeless icon: All Hallows by the Tower

IT’S QUITE THE SURVIVOR: THE OLDEST CHURCH IN THE CITY UNLIKE the royal palace and fortress nearby, All Hallows by the Tower is actually within the City of London. As we know, there are dozens of truly remarkable churches in the Square Mile, but none more so than this.

Founded in 675, it’s the oldest church in the City. A lone, timeworn Saxon arch at the rear of the nave reminds us of its great age. This ancient building survived the Great Fire.

Indeed, Samuel Pepys used its tower to observe the conflagration and its aftermath.

However, in the Blitz it was hideously damaged, not reopening until 1957.

During that period – indeed since 1922 – its vicar was the legendary Tubby Clayton whose

memorial in bronze is situated left of the nave and includes at his feet his favourite terrier.

Tubby was the founder of the global Christian friendship network Toc H, which has its origins on the Western Front where Clayton had been an army padre in the First World War.

Significant We rewind a few centuries to discover an even more grisly aspect of the old church’s past. Being close-by the historic execution site at Tower Hill, All Hallows was the first port of call of the decapitated bodies of the condemned.

The most significant of these include Thomas More, Bishop John Fisher and Archbishop Laud.

The church is very much on the rota of weird

PUBLIC NOTICES Section 17 Licensing Act 2003 Licensing Act 2003 Application for a new Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that Conilon Ltd has applied to the City of London on 4th October 2016 for a new premises licence to use 35 Coleman Street, London EC2R For the provision of Licensable Activities namely:The Supply of Alcohol Monday to Friday between 0700-2200 A record of this application is held by the City of London and can be viewed by members of the public online by visiting www.cityoflondon.gov.uk or by appointment at the offices of City of London licensing authority, Walbrook Wharf, 78-83 Upper Thames Street, London. EC4R 3TD. Any person wishing to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing to the licensing authority at the address shown above, giving in detail the grounds for objection by 2nd November 2016.

The licensing authority must receive representations by the date given above.

The licensing authority will have regard to any such representation when considering the application.

It is an offence under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application for premises licence and the maximum fine on being convicted of such an offence is £5000.

City ritual, including Beating the Bounds on Ascension Day. More specifically though, is an event unique to All Hallows: the Knollys Rose Ceremony, conducted every June in conjunction with the Company of Watermen.

Owing to an offence in 1381 by the wife of a local knight – Sir Robert Knollys – to this day a requirement remains to pay an annual fine to the City in the form of a rose (in consideration of Knollys’ high status).

At the head of a bizarre procession, it is carried on an All Hallows cushion from Seething Lane to Mansion House, home of the Lord Mayor.

Both the main church and its crypt museum are dripping with an eclectic collection of historic artefacts.

Because of its proximity to Trinity Square and maritime matters in war and peace, beautiful model ships abound; a pair of superb sword rests for the convenience of the most worthy of the congregation; a carved font cover by Grinling Gibbons, the most talented wood carver ever to hold a chisel (right).

Down some very narrow steps to the crypt museum guest will find second-century Roman pavement and a scale model of Roman London; the baptism record of William Penn; and the marriage record of US President John Quincy Adams who married Londoner Louisa Johnson in 1797.

But the most spectacular object, I feel, is a crow’s nest from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Quest. It’s a not very large barrel with only a flimsy rope hand rail. Terrifying! So next time

you’re near the Tower, do enjoy the grandeur of that gnarly old fortress and the majesty of Tower Bridge beyond.

But then turn your back on all that and treat yourself to the timeless wonders of All Hallows by the Tower.

It’s free and, by the way, has an excellent and friendly restaurant where you can choose a full meal or just a cup of coffee, as you fancy.

MIKE PATERSON @LondonHistorians

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

13-19 October 2016 | Page 13

Wellness Matters

Run this City

De-stressing life in the Square Mile

City’s top 3 running clubs London City Runners London City Runners hit the pavements three times a week and you can join them Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays free of charge. The group starts at Southwark Brewery, near Tower Bridge, then takes a 5km route along the Thames, alternating with interval and circuit training on Thursdays and stretching things out to 11km on Sundays. They also hosts plenty of social events, and with five City Runner weddings since 2010, you may even meet your soulmate.

Meet at Southwark Brewery, 46 Druid Street SE1 2EZ

INNER SPACE OFFERS FREE GUIDED MEDITATION SESSIONS FOR STRESSED OUT CITY WORKERS Adidas 26ers The ‘Home of Marathon Training’ tagline would probably have most beginners sprinting in the opposite direction, but while the 26ers do aim to help you train for a marathon (26 miles, hence the name) they’re certainly not exclusive. There are beginner 5km runs on Wednesday lunchtimes and evenings. The Adidas sponsorship also comes with some sweet perks including swanky changing rooms at the London Marathon Store and new Adidas Boost trainers to try out if you forget your own.

Meet at London Marathon Store, 1-3 Norton Folgate, London E1 6DB Nike+ Run Club Whether you prefer women-only social runs, sprints or High Intensity Interval Training, Nike’s run clubs offer pretty much everything so there are no excuses – just do it. Sessions leave from Nike stores across London, but best to reserve a spot in advance as places are limited and often book up quickly.

Meet at Nike Covent Garden, 14-16 Neal Street WC2H 9LY

BETWEEN high-profile positions, long hours and pressure to succeed, there’s little doubt that the Square Mile contains a high concentration of very stressed out people.

A 2013 study from Bank Workers Charity found that the wellbeing of employees in the finance sector was significantly poorer than that of the general working population.

Around 65% of employees in the finance industry put in up to 30 hours more than they are contractually obligated to. Meanwhile, more than 40% of workers say they have trouble relaxing and 60% admit to having poor quality of sleep.

That’s why it’s promising to see an increase in the number of workers enlisting in lunchtime or post-work meditation classes like those offered by Inner Space, a mediation and personal development centre based in the City and Covent Garden.

and insight”, Inner Space offers free, guided creative and practical meditation classes, as well as courses in relaxation, positive thinking, time management and self esteem.

Lunchtime meditation sessions are just 30 minutes long, and promise an increased sense of wellbeing, and a more peaceful state of mind for your return to the office.

What is it?

Why all the fuss?

Billed as “London’s oasis of calm

How does it work?

An Inner Space volunteer guides participants through a series of relaxation and creative visualisation exercises.

Practical sessions are slightly longer and equip participants with new meditation techniques to help them get the most out of their sessions.

Inner Space also has a designated Quiet Room at their Covent Garden studio, where anybody can practice their own meditation sessions.

Meditation has been shown to reduce

the stress hormone cortisol and improve productivity by increasing activity in the brain regions associated with learning and memory processes, emotion regulation and perspective taking.

Inner Space teacher Amisha Bhavsar says that most participants walk away with a far clearer mind than the one they walked in with.

“I find that a clear mind leads to clearer thinking; you’re better able to process information, interact with others and respond to stress or anxiety in a positive way.”

How much?

Completely free.

Where can I try it?

Inner Space runs classes in Covent Garden and the City, with additional sessions and seminars in Moorgate, Clerkenwell, West End and Angel on an ad-hoc basis when space is available. Check innerspace.org.uk for sessions and times.

Office workers still skipping lunch hour THE average British lunch ‘hour’ has shrunk to just 34 minutes, new research from Compass Group UK & Ireland has revealed.

The study, released last week, found that more than half of UK office-based workers eat lunch alone at their desks.

The findings are in-line with those of a similar study by MasterCard released last month that suggested the average lunch break could actually be as little as 28 minutes.

Experts agree that sitting for long periods is bad for your health.

Studies have found links between excessive sitting and increased risk of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The UK Department of Health advises people who spend a lot of time sitting to get up from their desk every 30 minutes.

Workers who do leave their desks report feeling happier and more productive.

Compass Group said that 48% of workers reported that they work better when leaving their workspace and 60% said engaging with colleagues over break periods boosted their energy levels.

Introductory Offer

Join us for a regular yoga practice at Barbican Yoga Cave

“let the light of yoga be with you!”

As a social enterprise City Matters is dedicated to having a positive impact on the City of London Once you’ve finished scouring our packed news and lifestyle pages, please pass this edition on to a friend, neighbour or colleague before recycling.

TRY US OUT FOR 30 DAYS FOR £30 This Introductory offer gives you full access to all daily classes.

Join us to experience the diversity of yoga styles we offer including Vinyasa Flow, Flow & Yin, Rocket Yoga, Restorative, Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga.

To book your introductory offer call us on 0207 374 6056 or go to http://barbicanyogacave.com/30-days-of-yoga-for-30/

Don’t forget: you can pick up the latest copy of City Matters at a number of Tube and Overground stations in the Square Mile, and from numerous offices, hotels and local meeting places – among them the Guildhall.

To act as a City Matters distribution hub contact: 020 8640 6015 See our website for our list of distribution hubs

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www.barbicanyogacave.com 0207 374 6056

Page 14 | 13-19 October 2016

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

Alternative Christmas parties

It’s beginning to Feast like medieval Kings and Queens

AN immersive theatrical production with all the trimmings awaits those bold enough to sign-off on a Christmas dinner like no other this year.

Set in a land of archaic culture where winter reigns, The Medieval Banquet London will take diners on a journey encompassing the lives of those from noble houses more than a thousand years old.

Come ready to eat a five-course banquet with wine and ale – served up to honourable guests by period-dressed wenches – before finishing your party by dancing until late.

Court entertainment – including skilful fighting knights, glamorous aerial acrobats and contortionists, jugglers and hand balancers – promises to mystify the dinner hall; which will no doubt be raising a goblet in appreciation of the night’s entertainment at its conclusion.

The Medieval Banquet is hosted at the Ivory Vaults; an exclusive location situated within the historic vaulted cellars of the Grade II listed Ivory House at St Katharine Docks.

The 10,000 sq ft venue 450 seat venue is devised of nine intimate vaulted private dining areas, interlinked by a vast open passageway.

The 200 year old structure exudes charm and individuality, perfect for both a bespoke and shared event for your company.

It is billed as a battle of the brave and bold with torturous consequences. But whatever you

do, ensure you are in the right house, as there will be no mercy for those found to be deserting their coat of arms!

7-12 Tavistock Square WC1H 9BQ fitting the bill: smiling wenches

Office party nightmares are never too far away, particularly as December draws in. So to help avoid disaster this upcoming party season, City Matters has compiled a list of alternative festive feasts that’ll have staff rockin’ around the Christmas tree instead of balling up underneath it... to planning to execution Game Wagon delivers memorable team-building exercises, incentives, rewards and entertainment that people love.

“No two events are the same so we’ve put together an arsenal of unique solutions, backed by a knowledgeable and passionate team.”

Order in the Christmas dinner and save a packet; more in the kitty for secret Santa that way. gamewagon.co.uk

Life’s a game, so keep on playing

DOES your office have egos clashing at the watercooler over who is most skilled with a controller in hand?

Put the debate over who rules the gaming roost to bed once and for all this winter with Game Wagon; a company that specialises in bringing immersive gaming into the office environment.

Chiefs at Game Wagon insist that office venues of any size and function make perfect playing arenas. A spokesman said: “From conception

new arena: get your game on

Spend some time volunteering

CHRISTMAS is a time to take stock and consider those less fortunate than ourselves.

How about going one step further and giving up some of your company’s valuable time to actively help those who need an arm around their shoulder this winter?

Charities are desperate for volunteers in the build up to the winter break, and TimeBank can help connect firms with organisations out making a difference.

“We do it ourselves,” say TimeBank, “packing crates to be sent to homeless shelters one year and serving lunch at an older people’s centre another. It’s great fun, a classic team-building exercise, and after our volunteering we all go out to the pub or a local restaurant to unwind and share our stories.

“We head home for Christmas feeling we’ve made a real difference to someone less fortunate than ourselves.”

Staff could even donate their party budget to a good cause to make it an extra merry Christmas. timebank.org.uk

Want a Christmas party with a difference?

Get volunteering

Organise a day of corporate volunteering on the same day as your Christmas do and you’ll have a real reason to celebrate.

Spend the day making mince pies with lonely older

people or wrapping presents for children … you get the celebration in the evening but the day has been spent putting the goodwill back into Christmas, doing something amazing and really getting to know your colleagues.

TimeBank makes it easy by taking care of all the

arrangements and making sure everything runs smoothly.

TAKE A LOOK AT

http://timebank.org.uk/employeevolunteering/christmas-volunteering or call us on 0203 111 0721

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

13-19 October 2016 | Page 15

Alternative Christmas parties

look a lot like...

‘Tis the season to be crafty

HIT two birds with one stone this winter by raising morale while creating last-minute gifts to stuff down the stockings.

There is no better way to show your friends and family that you have been thinking of them than with a home-made present.

So by organising an office crafts party the scene is already set for a bit of creativity that’ll have your gift recipients gushing.

Homemade London’s team of experienced designers offer a range of creative experiences for team building, client entertainment and public events.

The company opened in August 2010 with a mission to celebrate the best of London’s craft designers and introduce new products and techniques to the Capital.

Their central London space can host events but they’re also happy to come to a venue of your choice.

“Many of our clients ask us to tailor our events to their requirements but we’re happy to offer a list of suggestions of tried and tested options,” they say.

“Popular events include perfumery workshops for men and women, lampshade making, book binding, jewellery making, printmaking and Christmas crafts, plus many more.

“We also offer venue hire for press launches, parties and other special events.”

21 Seymour Place W1H 58H

Silver screen’s Hollywood appeal craft capers: make your own gifts

Play it again, Sam!

MUSIVATE is what you get when you cross painting by numbers with musical instruments.

No prior musical experience is necessary to take part in this mass ukulele phenomenon, which bodes well for office types more accustomed to the tune of inbox alerts and phone messages.

“We can bring some ukulele fun to any event,” say Musivate’s maestros. “Whether you have

10 or 100 people, we’ll have you all playing a popular song or three on the ukulele.

“This can be used as a warm-up activity, a team building activity, a conference ice-breaker, or an away day. If you have a special song or activity request, drop us a line and we’ll make it happen.”

Be it a battle of the bands or a music video, it doesn’t matter as long as everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet come the party’s end. musivate.co.uk

THERE is but one independent movie house still operating in London’s cine-famous West End, and for those wanting to kick their feet up this Yuletide season it could be the perfect venue to beat the cold snap.

Towers of warm popcorn are never far away at The Prince Charles Cinema, and with the option to hire out an entire screen, an office evening in the dark is very enticing.

To the uninitiated it would be easy to believe that Back To The Future and Indiana Jones are the only movies to reach the screen, but that’s merely the tip of the cinematic iceberg, in their words.

The cinema say: “In the past we’ve seen seasons dedicated to Paul Thomas Anderson run in the same month as an all-nighter dedicated to the Jurassic Park series (yes, even the bad ones).

“We’ve had Jacques Rivette & Ingmar Bergman ‘sampler’ seasons run alongside those for 007 and Studio Ghibli. Epic 70mm presentations of 2001: A Space Odyssey in one screen whilst people ‘aca-alonged’ to Pitch Perfect in the other. To put it plainly; we screen everything!”

Love Actually, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life are all on the bill for December, as is a sing-along version of the ever-popular Frozen. But don’t let that sway you.

Prince Charles Cinema 7 Leicester Place WC2H 7BY

Now offering 20% off selected dates*

*

Page 16 | 13-19 October 2016

CITYMATTERS.LONDON

In Profile

Theatre from the Third Age

at the frontier: Harry Burton is helping to change views

HARRY BURTON’S PROUD TO LEAD FRONTIER THEATRE’S LATEST OFFERINGS TO HELP HIGHLIGHT THE TALENT OF OLDER ACTORS ACTOR and director Harry Burton is yet another voice in the chorus of commentators lamenting over society’s obsession with the young.

But instead of shaking his head, shrugging his shoulders and moving on to the next problem, Burton is part of a new group trying to do something about it.

Frontier Theatre Productions is a Citybased theatre company that aims to create opportunities for experienced actors who are overlooked by casting directors because of their age.

Veteran director and Hampstead Theatre founder James Roose-Evans launched the company in 2015 as a way of re-establishing performers who have “disappeared” from the stage or screen as they age, and unearthing new talent in the over-60 set.

The project has the backing of some big name actors, writers and directors, with Judi Dench,

Vanessa Redgrave, Ian McKellan and Mike Leigh throwing their support behind RooseEvans and his team.

One year down the track and Frontier is set to stage its second ever production; a double bill of Spring by award-winning writer Susan Hill and Mitch Hooper’s The Last Dance.

Mythical At the helm of the production is Burton, something of a veteran of the stage and screen himself with more than 30 years’ experience under his belt.

He says he jumped at the opportunity to work with Frontier and its founder whom he describes as “a mythical figure of London theatre”.

He explained: “Hampstead Theatre is a huge part of James’ legacy, and I think Frontier came from him asking himself: ‘what else can I leave behind me?’”

“As much as we’re trying to create roles for older actors, we’re also trying to tell stories that

are inspirational and insightful for people in the last third of their lives. Older people are just as hungry for stories so we’re trying to feed that appetite.”

In Spring we meet a young woman who finds herself at a crossroads and contemplating her future aloud to an older woman.

The Last Dance follows an older couple who are reaching the end of their lives and are thus getting all grievances out in the open.

Sally Faulkner plays the central character in both productions, connecting the plays thematically as the older woman. She is joined in Spring by Portia Van de Braam playing the young woman, in her first role out of drama school.

Burton says this relationship between the two actors – in character and off stage – illustrates what young people stand to gain from recognising the value of older people.

“These are people who can reach back into their youth and share their own perspectives

that we can learn from,” he says. “Rather than talking down to young people, I think stories are a much more effective way of framing any sort of advice.”

While Spring/The Last Dance is Burton’s first formal involvement with Frontier, he is hoping the relationship will continue.

Blessed “I’m 54, so I guess I’m technically entering the third age too,” he says.

“I’ve spent my whole live in theatre and storytelling, and you do get to a point where you’re starting to ponder your value.

“If [Frontier Theatre] grows the way it could grow then it could turn into something really significant, and I would feel incredibly blessed to be a part of that.”

Frontier Theatre Productions’ Spring and The Last Dance opens 18 October and runs until 5 November at The Theatre Room, 9 Fredericks Place EC2R 8AB

ROYAL ALBERT HALL PRESENTS

WAR HORSE THE STORY IN CONCERT THURSDAY 27 OCT, 7.30PM READ LIVE BY

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MUSIC BY

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ROYAL PHILHARMONIC CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Call: 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com

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