CITY MATTERS
Page 2 | 23-29 November 2016
News Matters On this week down the years 29 November 1956: Panic-buying breaks out at garages across the country as the government gives details of its petrol rationing plans. 26 November 1983: An armed gang carries out Britain’s largestever robbery from the Brinks Mat warehouse at London’s Heathrow Airport. 26 November 1992: The Queen is to become the first British monarch since the 1930s to pay income tax.
history maker: Her Majesty The Queen
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Call for drivers to ditch phones THE City of London Police force has painted a graphic picture in a bid to warn commuters of the dangers of using a phone while behind the wheel. Figures from the Department for Transport show that a driver impaired or distracted by their mobile was a contributory factor in 492 accidents in Britain in 2014, including 21 that were fatal and 84 classed as serious. And in a bid to help drive down traffic collisions locally, the Square Mile’s force has put together a new campaign. It begins: “You’re already running late for an important meeting when you jump in your car. “You intend to drive safely but then, your phone rings. It’s your manager to see where you are. You fight your better instincts and answer. “Those few seconds where your eyes slip from the road to your phone could have fatal, life changing consequences for yourself and others. Don’t be a distracted driver.”
crackdown: City of London Police HQ
Dom goes radio ga ga for award A RADIO presenter has been honoured with the Freedom of the City of London after 20 years in the industry. Wire FM mid-morning host Dominic Walker was recognised at a ceremony at Guildhall. Previous recipients of the historic accolade from the entertainment world include the likes of Hollywood stars Morgan Freeman, Judi Dench and Colin Firth. Barbara Windsor is also a celebrity recipient of the award.
Freeman The ceremony has its origins in the 13th century, and entitled a ‘freeman’ to earn a living within the borders of the City of London and not be subservient to a lord or baron. Former Key 103, Signal 1, 2BR and Bauer Network presenter Dominic started at BBC Radio Lancashire and then moved to Radio Napa in Cyprus. Travelling from the Wigan HQ of Wire FM to collect the award, he said: “It’s an honour to be a freeman of the City, I feel very proud.”
THE City of London Academy trust incurred the scorn of angry Hackney residents when plans for a new school on Haggerston Park, Hackney were signed off by planners. The temporary site will act as a stop gap for students while building work is completed on a new permanent facility in Hyde Road in 2019 – subject to its own application being successful. However, campaigners who opposed the temporary building – which will stand four storeys tall at the current site of the Britannia Leisure Centre – argued that permission to break ground would all but ensure further development on the open space. Hackney BMX club has been forced to relocate as a result of the decision.
Half say Brexit is stuttering
Awareness Studies have found that talking on a handheld mobile phone can impair driving more than doing so above the drink drive limit. And as such the City’s officers were out patrolling the streets last week as part of a concerted crackdown. The operation coincided with the second nationwide awareness raising week of the year. The first week, held in May, resulted in the detection of 2,323 driving offences. Inspector David Aspinall, operational lead for roads policing in the City, said: “We know that the roads within the City are some of the busiest in London, so the need for drivers to stay alert and focused is so important. “This week is just one of the ways we demonstrate how seriously we take road safety. “When it comes to phones and driving our message is clear; Just don’t use it. Those few seconds to check your phone is all the time it
Academy divides the Hackney community
takes to get into a crash. It just isn’t worth it. Technology is ever present in our society and for the most part, that is a great thing; but when it comes to driving, put your phone on silent and focus on the road.” The City of London force is one of few in the country to boast a rise in the number of fixed penalty notices issued, with a 20% increase in 2015/16. National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, said innovative approaches were
required to keep on top of a problem that has taken on greater importance in modern times. She said: “Tackling mobile phone use by drivers requires police enforcement using new technology and tactics to maximise the numbers of people we can stop, combined with strong effective penalties and creative national campaigns to make driving distracted as socially unacceptable as drink driving. “When you’re getting in your car remember; don’t put others at risk – keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.”
CLOSE to 50% of people believe the government are making a mess of Brexit negotiations, a study shows. A survey from Ipsos MORI revealed that 48% of respondents feel the UK has been doing a ‘bad job’ orchestrating the exit deal since Theresa May took over as prime minister. A total of 37% said the new government was doing a ‘good job’ while 15% in a sample of more than 1,000 residents said they ‘did not know’ how they felt about the Brexit process.
Mayor wraps up 2020 price freeze SADIQ KHAN has frozen fares on London’s transport system, just as temperatures prepare to take another tumble. Commuters and visitors to the City of London will be among those breathing a sigh of relief as the Mayor unveiled plans to keep the status quo for costings across Transport for London services until 2020. Pay as you go (PAYG) journeys on the Tube, DLR, Emirates Airline and rail services will all be affected by the decision. “After years of huge fare increases for London passengers, I’m delighted to be formally announcing our plans to freeze TfL fares across
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London’s transport network,” said the Mayor. “Before taking office I was determined to ensure we took significant action to make public transport more affordable and we’ve already taken major steps through the introduction of the ‘Hopper’ ticket that in just two months has saved Londoners money on over 10 million bus journeys. “I’m now demanding that the Government follows my lead and freezes fares on London’s suburban rail routes, where passengers have been hit by unacceptable delays, cancellations and overcrowding.” City Hall estimates that the freeze will put
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£40million back into the pockets of Londoners next year while encouraging more people to use the Capital’s extensive public transport network. Fares have sky rocketed by 42% since 2008, making London one of the most expensive cities in Europe when it comes to public transport affordability. “It’s simply not right that London’s rail passengers face another fares hikes caused by the Government next year - the onus is on the Government to ensure every passenger in London gets the fares freeze they deserve,” added Mr Khan.
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Page 4 | 23-29 November 2016
News Matters London’s foreign population puts the boot into city THE Capital has been slammed by its foreign population, which has labelled the city among the world’s worst to live in. London, which ranked 17th out of 35 global cities in the Internations Expat Insider 2016 survey of 14,000 immigrants, came up short in categories such as quality of life, safety and happiness. Taking top spot was Melbourne, Australia, followed by Houston, US, and the Spanish capital of Madrid.
Plane has close call with drone AN organisation whose objective is to enhance air safety says a drone came close to colliding with a plane over central London last summer. A report from the UK Airprox Board states that a drone flew within 20m of an Airbus A320, which had 165 passengers on board on 18 July. The plane was readying for landing when the drone was spotted. The pilot described the incident as a ‘near miss’.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Trust flexing its financial muscle A SIX figure sum will assist in the development of community services for senior residents. That’s how Age UK Richmond have pledged to spend a £102,000 donation by the City Bridge Trust. Charity chiefs say the grant will help finance the salary of a part-time community services co-ordinator and support the costs of a project working with isolated older people aged 75 and over. “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded this three-year grant towards our Community Services programme,” said chief officer at Age UK Richmond, Sandra Morrison, before outlining her gratitude for the sizeable gift.
language and cultural barriers that can impede engagement with mainstream services and wider society. The organisation also offers social activities to help Asian women live more healthy, active and informed lives. Hinnah Gill, director of Naree Shakti, explained that her organisation proposes to recruit a dedicated part-time member of staff with the funds. “We are very fortunate to have received this grant from City Bridge Trust during this very unstable financial climate,” she added.
Workshops
Accessible “This grant will enable us to deliver even more activities in a range of local venues and locations across the borough to make our activities accessible for even more people over 75 years. We really appreciate the support of City Bridge Trust.” Age UK Richmond supported more than 9,800 older people during 2015/16 on a one-to-one basis, an increase of 28% on the previous year. But the charity was not the only one to benefit from the latest round of funding from the Corporation’s charitable arm. Naree
Towering over London’s Tower THE organisation responsible for maintaining the Tower of London has written to the Corporation to express ‘extreme alarm’ at the wave of tall buildings planned for the Square Mile in the coming years. Historic Royal Palaces has explained that concern has been growing over the future of the City’s skyline, particularly the Leadenhall area close to where the World Heritage Site (WHS) is located. The Tower’s neighbours in the City’s Eastern cluster include Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners’ Cheesegrater and Foster’s Gherkin building, while KPF’s Heron Tower is close by at 110 Bishopsgate. And with a long list of new arrivals in the
under threat: the Tower of London
welcome lift: seniors are being supported
Shakti, a group that supports Asian women living in London to provide more help for female carers and their families, has benefitted to the tune of £18,500. Translating to ‘women’s strength’ in Hindi, Naree Shakti is based in Enfield and was established in 2005 to assist in overcoming
offing, the charity has underlined its fears that vast over development could have a negative impact on the historical icon. Towers being planned for the area include Eric Parry’s 310m tall 1 Undershaft tower – which will be the City’s tallest when built – PLP’s 62-storey scheme at 22 Bishopsgate and a brace of Make schemes at 40 Leadenhall – dubbed Gotham City – and a second at 1 Leadenhall Street which will see a 37-storey tower built. In a letter sent to the City’s authority by heritage consultant Drury McPherson on behalf of Historic Royal Palaces, the organisation said: “[Our] principal concern regarding tall buildings in the vicinity of the Tower of London World Heritage Site is their potential visual impact on the wider setting of the WHS and, particularly, on protected views of the Tower.
Dominant “Historic Royal Palaces is extremely alarmed by the steady build-up in both density and height of the Eastern Quarter to which the proposed development at 1 Leadenhall Street would contribute. “Despite the distance between the The Tower of London and the cluster, the latter is becoming visually dominant in the iconic views of the Tower from the Queen’s Walk and Tower bridge and posing a serious threat to a key attribute of the ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ of the WHS, a matter of considerable concern to us.” Earlier this month Historic Royal Palaces defended the amount of money generated by its ceramic poppy display at the castle in 2014 after it faced criticism for the fact that less than half of the £23million went to charity. Accounts show that £9.5m went to six partner charities – namely Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, Cobseo and Coming Home – while £15m was spent on running costs.
“The needs of the community are increasing but funds to support services are on the decline. “The funds will enable us to continue our work in supporting older Asian carers to gain access to advice and information and help reduce their social isolation. “A series of workshops, support groups and outings are planned in the coming months to identify carers from this community and enable them to gain information, access support and improve their quality of life.” City Bridge Trust is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20million a year to tackle disadvantage across the Capital.
Redevelopment reaches halfway point at airport A MAJOR project to transform the departures area at London City Airport, where 70% of flight gates are housed, is now over halfway complete following the opening of five transformed gates. The modernisation adds significantly more space for passengers, with an open-plan layout offering more places to sit and a bright, modern environment to enjoy, with work spaces and quiet areas. Once fully completed in early 2017, the development will add around 84% more floor space compared to the existing area, with approximately 600 additional seats.
Capital gains in property market SOME of the best London homes have had 10% of their value chopped off because of the cooling market. The chief executive of Barratt Developments, David Thomas, said: “Once you move above £1million the market is clearly slower.”
hats off to them all: the GOSH team are gearing up
Santas ready to cut a Dash IT’S time to get your skates on for Great Ormond Street’s annual Santa Dash and raise a sackful of cash for the children’s hospital. The event will no doubt be lined with men, women and children who have already cemented themselves firmly on the ‘good’ list this year, and race organisers are issuing one last rallying cry to help make 2016’s dash one to remember. Runners can enter either a 5km or 10km route through Clapham Common on Sunday 4 December, with all entrants decked out in their finest Father Christmas finery, of course.
Swapping GOSH’s very own principal dental nurse, Katherine Pearce, is swapping her uniform for a Santa suit this December. She said: “The charity has a huge impact on what we do at the hospital every day. That’s the main reason we’re taking to Clapham Common this December. “I took part in the first London Santa Dash
last year and absolutely loved it. A handful of us ran and had such an amazing day that we’ve got over 20 people (and counting) signed up from our department already!” The event costs £25 for adults and £15 for children aged five to 15. Katherine even offered up some advice for first-time Santa Dashers: “Start small and slowly increase your miles before and after work and make use of any spare time you have at weekends. “Rope your friends and family in too – I took part with my brother last year who’d never really ran before. “Now he runs regularly and absolutely loves it. You never know who in your circle will take to it with you! “It’s such a fun-packed day and really epitomises everything about GOSH. Seeing a swarm of Santas on Clapham Common all running for the same cause generated such an amazing feeling last year.”
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Dr Parmley gets into the zone at new centre A NEW youth zone for the Capital has been given the thumbs up by Dr Andrew Parmley. The City’s new Lord Mayor dropped in on the launch of Onside YouthZone’s London base for Barking and Dagenham on 19 November. He was among the first to sample what was on offer at the £6million facility where young adults can go to engage and socialise with their peers. Around 250 people are believed to attend youth zones around the country every evening.
Participation Admission is 50p with additional prices purposely kept to a minimum to encourage participation and develop a philosophy of personal responsibility. Hot meals – costing just £1 – are one of the many services laid on by the centres. In keeping with the style of his new young associates, Dr Parmley took to Twitter to give his account of the day. He said: “At the launch of OnSide Youth Zone London. They already do great work to engage diverse communities in Manchester, Bolton, Oldham... now London too. “The magic of virtual reality transported me to a snooker table in Wigan YouthZone – a safe, supportive space for all local young people. Brilliant!”
23-29 November 2016 | Page 5
News Matters St Kats Docks does Hollywood
The tales of two tributes
THE story of how injured men learned to embroider a dazzling altar frontal despite the horrors of the First World War is now available in a new book. Convalescing servicemen in Britain’s military hospitals worked on the unique memorial – which at present resides in St Paul’s – as part of their therapy between the summer of 1918 and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The moving work of 138 men is presented, explored and honoured in From the Hands of Heroes – The St Paul’s Cathedral First World War Altar Frontal and Memorial Book.
Restoration The book also details the role of Britain’s military hospitals during and after the war, as well as the St Paul’s broderers who worked on the restoration of the frontal (right), which will be on display in the cathedral until 2018. From the Hands of Heroes is a first step into publishing by Memory Lane Media. Managing director Andrew Humphries said: “We’re honoured to have worked on such a moving project with St Paul’s. The abiding message of the book is how hope can overcome despair and beauty can mitigate tragedy.” The 90-page hard back, which features a pull-out full image of the altar frontal, is on sale at St Paul’s Cathedral Shop. Rev Canon Michael Hampel, precentor, said: “The story
of this altar frontal demonstrates how our creative spirit can be harnessed as a means of rehabilitation.” The launch of the book coincided with the arrival of another historical tribute cut from cloth to the City this week. On 23 November, for the first time in 20 years, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt was placed on public display at St Paul’s. The piece of international social history tells the stories of more than 300 people lost to the early HIV and AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and ’90s. The quilt comprises a total of forty-eight 12ft by 12ft panels, each containing up to eight smaller panels; each is approximately 4m sq and commemorates someone who died of AIDS and has been lovingly made by friends, lovers or family. Many are accompanied by emotive testimonials, photos and personal documents telling the story behind the panel. Amongst the lives remembered are writer Bruce
detail: a page from the book
Chatwin, artist/film-maker Derek Jarman, actor Ian Charleson, and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Designers involved in the creation of the Quilt include Vivienne Westwood and Rifat Ozbek. Revd Canon Philippa Boardman, St Paul’s treasurer, welcomed the addition of the quilt to St Paul’s historical offerings: “Behind each panel is a profoundly moving story of the courage of each person who died in the early years of HIV/AIDS in this country, and the enduring love of partners, families and friends who continue to remember them.
Dignity “As we honour their memory, may we continue to work and pray for those worldwide living with HIV/AIDS today, for their right to treatment and care, dignity and respect.” The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Conservation Partnership are also in the City to raise awareness of a project to conserve the quilt – some of which is in poor condition – aiming to raise funds to fully restore it, find a suitable permanent home for its storage, and display parts of it to educate and inform future generations of its historical importance.
THE silver screen is coming to St Katharine Docks this Christmas. A week-long film festival is scheduled to run from 5 to 11 December on the docks’ floating pontoon. St Kat’s Christmas Cinema will be screening all the classics, including Home Alone, Frozen, Love Actually and The Polar Express. Guests are invited to snuggle down on bean bags and enjoy the films with winter warmers such as hot chocolate, mulled wine and a variety of hot food from the Docks’ on site restaurants and retailers. Screenings start at 7pm during the week while on Saturday and Sunday there will be two screenings at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets can be booked online at skdocks.co.uk. Never miss a beat... Find us online at citymatters.london or search City Matters on Twitter or Facebook.
Music to Lord Mayor’s ears GOVERNMENT has pledged to allocate £300million to fund practical music teaching until 2020 – and it makes sweet listening for the City’s Lord Mayor. Himself a hugely talented organist, Dr Andrew Parmley welcomed investment that will secure 121 educational hubs
in England for the next four years. The financial package will continue to allow children to play instruments, sing in choirs or play in bands; music to the ears of the Lord Mayor, who said: “Music can build skills and help social mobility. This funding is very welcome, but [there is] still work to do to reach young people.”
Class acts take control A-LEVEL students took over an exhibition at the Corporation’s Guildhall Art Gallery as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage young people to visit museums and galleries. Sixth form students from Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford were invited to work at ‘Victorians Decoded: Art and Telegraphy’ on 18 November as part of ‘Takeover Day’, a scheme initiated by the Kids in Museums charity and organised by King’s College London. The students, some of whom have never visited a museum or art gallery previously, acted as guides and spoke to visitors about the historic artefacts and paintings on display. The school’s Year 7 pupils also benefitted
from the day and attend educational activities delivered by their sixth form peers. Katherine Pearce, curator for the Corporation, said: “Our Takeover Day aims to empower students and open their eyes to the world of art, science, and an important period of world history when near-instantaneous communication across continents was made possible for the first time. “The students were key in helping our visitors get to grips with the exhibition.” Running until 22 January, the exhibition is a collaboration between Guildhall Art Gallery, King’s College London, The Courtauld Institute of Art, and University College London’s Institute of Making, and marks the 150th anniversary of the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable to connect Europe and America. The exhibition’s four themed rooms (Distance, Resistance, Transmission and Coding) contain rare and never-seen-before artefacts and paintings. Highlights include original code books, newspapers, a Roald Dahl-inspired messaging machine, telegraphic devices, and telegraph cable samples. Special curator-led talks of the exhibition for members of the public will take place on 15 December and 19 January.
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Page 6 | 23-29 November 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Business Matters
Amazon ‘apps’ the way through the restaurant jungle
Campaign is on the mark
FOODIES in the Capital are ‘primed’ for easy eats after Amazon announced a further rollout of its restaurant delivery service. “London offers some of the best cuisine, and now even more Prime customers can get quality food quickly delivered right to the door in under an hour,” said Al Wilkinson, UK head of Amazon Restaurants.
Expansion “Our team have hand-picked a selection of the best quality local restaurants in London, and with this expansion we’re excited to be helping more small businesses start offering home delivery for the very first time.” Camden’s famous pan-Asian restaurant Gilgamesh and South African specialist Shaka Zulu, Max’s Sandwich Shop in Crouch End, Primrose Hill’s family-run Italian restaurant Pesantissimo, international cuisine restaurant First Edition, and Maroush Lebanese Restaurants are all on the menu for users.
The ‘24-hour city’ LONDON Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s chief executive has hailed the opening of the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line as crucial to helping make the Capital a round the clock city. Colin Stanbridge said: “The steady roll out of the Night Tube has been a tremendous success, not only for revellers, but for staff that work in hospitality and those working shifts. “We have seen the West End and the area surrounding the O2 area opening up for more business and this new service will further enhance London as a 24-hour city.”
Shop ’til they drop BLACK Friday sales will close in on the £2billion mark when the biggest day in the shopping calendar rolls around this week. More than half of all transactions will be made online – according to experts ahead of the 25 November sales – with 14 million people expected to take part in the buying frenzy. It is believed the total spent during the 24-hour window, which originated in America where sales are often associated with violent crowds of people fighting in desperation to bag a bargain, will continue to grow by around 20% year on year. Data from vouchercodes.co.uk also
suggests that those trying to secure presents ahead of 25 December will spend up to 25% of their Christmas budget on Black Friday. However, shoppers have been warned that prices on the day may not reflect best value for money and have been urged to think wisely before parting with their hard earned cash. They have also been advised to only make purchases from trusted websites, with cybercrime prevention company ThreatMetrix predicting 6.5million cyber attacks on the UK this week. But even leading names are at risk this winter. Amazon are just one company to be caught up in widespread
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phishing scams. A statement from its website reads: “From time to time you might receive emails purporting to come from Amazon which do not come from actual Amazon accounts; instead, they are falsified and attempt to convince you to reveal sensitive information. “These false emails, also called ‘spoof emails’ or ‘phishing emails’, look similar to real emails. Often these direct you to a false website that looks similar to an Amazon website, where you might be asked to give your account information and password.” Black Friday approaches Turn to Page 11
THE #LondonIsOpen campaign has been awarded the Best Marketing prize at the International Congress & Convention Association for promoting the city following the vote to leave the European Union. The campaign, which was launched by Mayor Sadiq Khan and supported by London & Partners, the official promotional company and convention bureau for the Capital, aimed to show the world that London remains open, entrepreneurial, international, and full of creativity and possibility, while reassuring more than one million foreign nationals who live in London that they will always be welcome. The campaign helped change the narrative around the referendum, resulting in a 41% increase in convention bureau enquiries between June and September compared to the same period last year.
LCCI following in the steps of the PM NEARLY 25 firms are in the midst of a five-day trip to India as part of a trade mission with a distinctly international feel. Companies from four countries have travelled to the sub continent in the footsteps of the visit of Prime Minister Theresa May and Deputy Mayor of Business for London Rajesh Agrawal. Led by City-based London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), delegates include representatives from a whiskey distillery company, law firm, chartered accountants and Public Health England. The Federation of Northern Greece, Sicindustria; a branch of the leading business federation in Italy; and the Public Institution Lithuanian Innovation Centre are also represented.
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Some are visiting India for the first time, while others are looking to expand existing links. During the trip, delegates will be introduced to key business contacts, distributors, agents, partners, buyers and sellers, and are briefed by government officials and business support organisations. Vijay Goel, mission leaders and chairman of the Asian Business Association (part of LCCI) said: “We hope that this trip can capitalise on the recent visits of Prime Minister May and strengthen trade links between Indian companies and those visiting from the UK and elsewhere in the EU. “Whatever happens politically in the next few years the mission is about building business ties and understanding ways of working for the benefit of all.” The mission will include
meeting: Theresa May and Indian PM Narendra Modi
pre-arranged business-to-business meetings in Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi, organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India. A networking reception with locally invited businesses in Mumbai is also to be hosted by the Bombay Stock Exchange before the expedition’s conclusion.
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23-29 November 2016 | Page 7
Entertainment Matters
Screen scene
animation king: Chris Shepherd
LONDON INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL SHOWCASES BEST IN GENRE featured short: Under Your Fingers
discuss their work and answer questions from the audience. 2 December, 9pm Cinema 1, Barbican Centre
Animated Documentaries
Opening Gala
ANIMATED film has come a long way since the days when Walt Disney ruled the roost. True, Disney and subsidiary Pixar have given us a whole host of lovable characters over the years; from Snow White and her septet of singing dwarfs to Buzz, Woody and Mr Potato Head, and Elsa the ice queen. But if you thought the best of the genre starts with Disney and ends with Pixar, think again. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are currently considering a recordbreaking number of submissions in the animation categories for the 89th Academy Awards, with 27 feature-length films and 70 shorts vying for a nomination, which
What’s on in the City this week
are announced next January. Whether an independent will get a nod remains to be seen, but what is clear that the animation genre in 2016 has never been more diverse, as reflected in the programming of the annual London International Animation Festival (LIAF), which kicks off next week. From more than 2,400 submissions, LIAF organisers have curated a programme of 128 of the latest and greatest animation films from all over the world, spread over nine competition categories. Add in forums, screen talks and the best from the archive and you’ve got a 10-day showcase of the best the genre has to offer. Here are some of the highlights.
festive favourite: The Snowman returns
PLAY / Great Expectations
The Guildhall School takes on Charles Dickens’ beloved coming-of-age tale, which was skilfully adapted for the stage by legendary Cheek by Jowl co-founders Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2005. Here, it is in good hands with Guildhall’s vice principal and director of drama Christian Burgess at the helm. 25 November to 30 November, various times Silk Street Theatre
DANCE / The Snowman
It wouldn’t be Christmas at Sadler’s Wells without The Snowman. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s dance version of Raymond Briggs’ film returns for its 19th consecutive year on the Peacock Theatre stage to take audiences on a magical journey through snow-covered forests to the North Pole. Despite claims in the recent years the production is in need of “a reboot” it remains a perennial favourite at this, the most nostalgic time of year. 23 November to 1 January Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street WC2A 2HT
TALK / S.M.A.S.H comic, graphic and novel talkfest
The London Graphic Novel Network will call upon some of the biggest names in the business to get philosophical about their craft in three panels examining the art of comics. Sara Kenney (Surgeon X), Amber Hsu (Tiny Pencil) and Hannah Berry (Adamtime) are among a huge line-up to lead discussions around
genres, taste and what the future holds for comics and graphic novels. 26 November, 5.30pm-8.30pm Frobisher Rooms, Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
EXHIBITION / Five Roads Back Home
For almost a hundred years, Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought over NagornoKarabakh, a border region with a majority Armenian population. Tensions erupted in 1992, with tens of thousands killed in the conflict, and the Azerbaijani populace driven out into refugee camps where many still remain. In July 2012, Hamburg-based photographer Philipp Rathmer travelled to the region to portray the victims of this unresolved conflict. Solely using his camera and a black background, he captured the scenes he saw and tells the story of these people’s fate. 25-29 November Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL
The opening night gala pays tribute to groundbreaking British animator Chris Shepherd, whose award-winning work combines comedy with commentary on the darker side of human nature to universal acclaim. The gala will include a world premiere of Shepherd’s live-action/animated short film Johnno’s Dead, a sequel to 2003’s awardwinning short Dad’s Dead. Chris will join cast and crew at the screening and stick around for a ‘ScreenTalk’ after the film. 2 December, 6.30pm Cinema 1, Barbican Centre
British Showcase
A comprehensive screening of the very best recently released British animation, including a couple of world premieres. This is your opportunity to see what today’s British animators are doing and how they’re doing it. Many of the filmmakers will be on hand to
From the inner workings of an East German women’s prison to the history of skateboarding, this growing sub-genre is where animation meets actuality. The diverse programme includes three very different stories of computer game addiction in I Was A Winner, a reconstructed vision of the anxieties felt in 1950s Soviet Union in The Empty Space and one girl’s harrowing journey from a troubled adolescence and addiction in Sophie’s Story. 10 December, 1.30pm Cinema 2, Barbican Centre
The Longing of Michael Dudok de Wit
Follow Oscar-winning Dutch animator Michael Dudok de Wit during the making of The Red Turtle, which debuted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, taking home the Special Jury Prize. Perfectionist Dudok de Wit was used to creating his hand-drawn animated films himself but had a team of 30 animators from all over Europe to assist him in the making of his first feature. Maarten Schmidt and Thomas Doebele followed Dudok de Wit over two years during his quest to maintain perfectionism while coaching others in his craft. 11 December, 2pm Cinema 2, Barbican Centre Visit liaf.org.uk for the full programme.
Charterhouse Museum is nearing completion THE historic Charterhouse buildings will open to the public for the first time in its 660-year history in January, as work on its new museum and learning centre finally nears completion. The 14th-century buildings, set deep within stone walls in the heart of Clerkenwell, have remained something of a mystery to the public, serving first as a monastery, then a grand Tudor mansion, a school and – for the last 400 years – an almshouse. The development, which includes a learning centre, exhibition space and museum will chart the history of the buildings through rare artefacts, unique and historically important documents and artworks. Developed in partnership with the Museum of London and with the backing of a Heritage Lottery Grant, the new facilities were scheduled to open this autumn, but building delays have shifted the launch back to the new year. Drawing on artefacts from its own collection, as well as items from the Museum of London, the Charterhouse Museum will detail stories of its time as a dissolved Carthusian monastery whose prior was executed for refusing to recognise Henry VIII as the head of the English Church; as a Tudor mansion which hosted Elizabeth I; as a school with alumni including John Wesley, Thackeray and Robert Baden Powell; and finally as an almshouse for “decrepit” men. The buildings are still home to some 40 ‘Brothers’ – elderly residents in need of financial and social support. The museum, cafe and learning centre will be accessible through Charterhouse Square, the site of a medieval plague pit. The square has been re-designed, inspired by its 18th-century layout,
by Todd Longstaffe-Cowan, who authored The London Square and serves as gardens adviser to Historic Royal Palaces. Entry to the museum will be free, with the option of an additional paid tour of the further buildings. Sir Michael Graydon, chairman of the Charterhouse, said: “My fellow governors and I are custodians of one of the nation’s longest standing and most noble charities, and we look forward to opening our doors and revealing some of the remarkable history to visitors from all corners of our nation and around the world.”
rich history: Charterhouse
Page 8 | 23-29 November 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Community Matters
What’s on when & where in the City TALK / Artists and their Iconic Muses The complex relationship between artist and muse has been the inspiration for some of the most significant works of art of the 19th and 20th centuries. In this free lunchtime talk by Alexandra Epps discover the ‘stunners’ of the Pre Raphaelites; Picasso’s various wives and companions; and the pioneers of modernism Stieglitz and O’Keeffe – muses as different as the artists themselves. No need to book, just turn up. 23 November, 12.30pm Barbican Library, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS PANEL / Death By A Thousand Coughs Up to 10,000 Londoners die from air pollution every year. Researchers say that the Capital regularly breaches legal limits for harmful emissions, causing health problems in adults, developmental problems in children, and costing the taxpayer billions of pounds each year. So what is to be done about it? Friends of The Earth air pollution campaigner Jenny Bates and Greater London Authority air quality
friday feeling: Michael Butten
manager Elliot Treharne are on a King’s Think Tank panel of experts seeking to answer that question. The panel will examine the cause and impact of pollution and what can be done at a local, regional and national level to overcome it. 24 November, 6pm-7pm S-3.20, Strand Campus, King’s College WC2R 2LS MUSIC / Gerald Finley Canadian baritone Gerald Finley is committed to working with the next generation in his field. Witness him share the secrets of his craft with Guildhall singing students in this one-off public masterclass as part of his programme as a Barbican featured artist this winter. Stay tuned for performances throughout December with Sir Antonio Pappano and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. 25 November, 2pm Milton Court Concert Hall, EC2Y 8DS CONCERT / Michael Butten Guitarist Michael Butten kicks off the first of a series of free Friday evening concerts at St Stephen’s Walbrook, a new initiative by the City’s Lord Mayor Dr Andrew Parmley to help workers unwind at the end of a long week. The Berkshire-born musician often draws links between contemporary British guitar and music composed for the lute in the late Renaissance period. He is currently preparing a solo recording devoted to English Renaissance composer John Dowdland, whose music will feature prominently throughout the performance. 25 November, 5.30pm-6.15pm St Stephen’s Walbrook, 39 Walbrook EC4N 8BN ARTS / The Gulch: An Amateur’s Symposium From a pair of singing running shoes to a depressed hypnotist, acclaimed Welsh artist Bedwyr Williams has been taking Barbican audiences on a journey through his weird and wonderful mind with The Gulch, a series of installations currently on display in The
Curve gallery. The exhibition will serve as a jumping off point for an afternoon of talks and performances where you can expect to hear experts reflecting on topics as curious and diverse as taxidermy and hypnotism. The programme will conclude with a performance piece with Bedwyr himself. Book in advance and bring an open mind. 26 November, from 1pm Fountain Room, Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
on display: Palace by Joop Polder
EXHIBITION / Holland Art Expo The Holland Art Exhibition presents work from leading Dutch contemporary artists such as painter Joop Polder, sculptor Judith Wiersema and photographer Jacco Breedveld. The show aims to break down international barriers of communication and facilitate better connections between the art and business worlds. All work in the exhibition is available for sale or lease online at hollandartexhibition.com. Until 28 November, Dutch Centre, 7 Austin Friars EC2N 2HA EXHIBITION / Linnet Dawson Jewellery designer Linnet Dawson draws inspiration from the fascinating random shapes created by melted wax poured on to various surfaces. From these limitless possibilities she creates wax and casts them in silver or gold to be realised as wearable art. Catch the final few days of the exhibition before it wraps up at the end of the month. Until 28 November Barbican Library, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS INFORMATION SESSION / City of London Primary Academy The City of London Primary Academy Islington opens in September 2017. If you’re interested in learning more, newly appointed headteacher Kim Clapham will be hosting a special information evening and Q&A session for prospective parents. No need to book, just turn up. 29 November, 7.30pm Barbican Children’s Library, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS EAT / Bugs and Beers Digging around for a fresh take on the humble pork scratching? Look no further than your garden bed as insects are apparently the new bar snack du jour this party season. And if you don’t believe us, Jimini’s, the French purveyor of edible insects, is hosting a special evening
to demonstrate just how well crickets go with craft brews. Relocate your after work drinks to the Doddle Bar to try out Jimini’s range of grasshoppers, crickets and meal worms over a pint. Bookings essential via Eventbrite. 30 November, 6pm-10pm The Doddle Bar, 60 Druid Street SE1 2EZ
Weekly Planner
Wednesday TALK / Artists and their Iconic Muses Thursday PANEL / Death By A Thousand Coughs Friday CONCERT / Michael Butten Saturday ARTS / The Gulch: An Amateur’s Symposium Sunday EXHIBITION / Linnet Dawson Monday EXHIBITION / Holland Art Expo Tuesday INFORMATION SESSION / City of London Primary Academy
To act as a City Matters Collection Point contact: 020 8640 6015
Find Our Collection Points: Coffee Stall In front of St Mary Abchurch, Abchurch Lane, London EC4N 7BA
Guildhall Library Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH
James Shoe Care 59 Moorgate, London EC2R 6BH
Lord Raglan Pub, St Martins le Grand 61 St Martins le Grand, St Pauls London EC1A 4ER
Jeeves Dry Cleaners 131 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BH
Merchant House Pub London 13 Well Court, London EC4M 9DN
J Rogers & Sons - Shoe repair shop 28 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7PD
Middle Library Middle Temple Ln, London EC4Y 9BT
Protestant Truth Society Inc Book Shop 184 Fleet St, London EC4A 2HJ
Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, Holborn Concourse London EC4M 7RA
Romo Coffee 1 Minster Court, Mincing Ln, London EC3R 7AE
The Old Bank of England Pub 194 Fleet St, London EC4A 2LT
Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, 65 Ludgate Hill London EC4M 7JH
Ye Old Cheshire Cheese 145 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BU
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Page 10 | 23-29 November 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Run together this Christmas and make a difference. Sunday 4 December 2016 Clapham Common
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The Old Bank of England, 194 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2LT 020 7430 2255 | www.oldbankofengland.co.uk
Page 12 | 23-29 November 2016
History Matters
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR NEW PREMISES UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Applicant: JP Morgan Chase Finance Ltd. Premises: JP Morgan Chase Finance Limited, Old School Building, 60 Victoria Embankment, & 4 John Carpenter Street, London, EC4Y 0JP. The application is: to permit the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises Monday to Sunday 1000 to 2300 hours (for business/corporate events/functions for staff and their bona fides guests). Full details of which can be inspected on the application. The licensing register can be inspected at the address noted below during normal business hours. Any representations by a responsible authority or any other person regarding this application can be made to City Of London Licensing Team - Markets And Consumer Protection, PO Box 270, Guildhall, London, EC2P 2EJ website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. This must be received in writing by 14 December 2016 clearly stating the grounds upon which representation is made relevant to the Licensing Act. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000. Blake Morgan LLP Solicitors for Applicant
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Gunners still know how to make a bang AT the end of the Finsbury Street spur off Chiswell Street immediately north of the City, you can often peer through the railings and see a rugby or cricket match taking place. This incongruous green sward, existing amidst a jungle of glass and concrete, belongs to the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), easily the British Army’s most ancient existing regiment, now approaching 500 years old. The Company received its Royal Charter from Henry VIII in 1537. The king recognised the need for ‘better increase of the defence of this our realm and maintenance of the science and feat of shooting in longbows, crossbows and handguns’.
Pikemen Initially based in Spitalfields, the HAC moved to its current home in 1658. Its headquarters, Armoury House, is the second on the site, a handsome early Georgian affair built in the 1730s. Throughout its history the company has had close ties with the City of London. You can’t have missed its pikemen accompanying the new Lord Mayor’s golden carriage through the streets a few weeks ago. In its earliest days, HAC officers were appointed by the City’s Court of Alderman until Charles I took over the role in 1634, no doubt another minor yet contributory irritant leading to the civil war to come the following decade. Appointments remained a Royal prerogative
Appendix 2 Section 34 Licensing Act 2003 Licensing Act 2003 Variation of a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that Widegate Street Bar Limited has applied to the City of London on 16th November 2016 to vary the premises licence in respect of 21 Widegate Street, E1 7HP. The proposed variation is to extend the hours of retail of alcohol, to include off sales and to vary the floor plan. 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 of objection by 14th December 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.
London. 700 of its number were killed in the conflict. In modern times, the HAC has remained on active service in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan but continues its ceremonial role in and around London, notably providing gun salutes at the Tower of London. The HAC usually participates in Open City in September but a far better opportunity to explore its facilities is at its own open day which is after work on the second Tuesday every May.
Museum during the centuries to come, but the company maintained its ties with the City through a training role of the Trained Bands until 1779. Then, the following year, the HAC played a key part in suppressing the Gordon Riots, the worst in London’s history. Strange to relate for such an old regiment, the Honourable Artillery Company didn’t actively participate in external actions until the Second Boer War in 1900. Hardly surprisingly, it then became fully embroiled in the Great War providing troops for both itself and other regiments. It suffered 1,650 casualties from around 17,000 troops serving under the colours or with other regiments. In the Second World War, the Company served abroad, mainly in Italy, but its primary role was anti-aircraft duty protecting
On this occasion you’ll not only get to explore the fabulous rooms, medal collection and museum in Armoury House, but on the field you’ll also enjoy wonderful displays, re-enactments and lots of loud bangs. Weather permitting, you may also witness a Chinook helicopter take off and drop skydivers back on to the playing fields of Finsbury. So don’t forget to put 9 May 2017 in your new year diary. Mike Paterson @londonhistorian
Licensing Act 2003 Notice of Application for grant of Premises Licence NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Nesta Enterprises Limited of 58 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0DS has applied to theCity of London Corporation on 18 November 2016 to grant a premises licence to use the premises Nesta Enterprises Limited of 58 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0DS for the provision of a Premises Licence between the hours of 07.00 and 0.00. The record of this application is held by the Licensing Authority and can be viewed on the website www.cityoflondon.gov.uk or inspected at the offices of the City of London Corporation, Trading Standards (Licensing), Walbrook Wharf, 78-83 Upper Thames Street, London, EC4R 3TD during normal office hours (Ring in advance for appointment) Any person wishing to submit representations to the application must give notice in writing to the Licensing Authority at the address shown above, giving in detail the grounds for objection by 16 December 2016. Representations must be received by the Licensing Authority by the date given above. The Licensing Authority will have regard to any representations made when considering this application. It is an offence under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 for anyone to recklessly or knowingly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application.The maximum fine on conviction is £5,000.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
23-29 November 2016 | Page 13
Wellness Matters
Do you even lift, bro? I thought so City’s top 3 weights classes
Well building
Eight features of healthier office space 1. Indoor air quality and ventilation
HEALTHY IS A SMART BUSINESS
2. Thermal comfort 3. Daylighting and lighting 4. Noise and acoustics 5. Interior layout and active design
Speedflex A new spin on weight training using high-tech machines that adjust to your strength intuitively to challenge your muscles through resistance with minimal post-workout pain. Trainers lead a small group through a high intensity, low impact circuit that targets your shorter muscles to create a leaner, stronger frame. Plough Court, 33-36 Lombard Street EC3V 9BQ BodyPump Les Mills’ son Phillip invented his signature BodyPump class in 1991, back when everybody else was bouncing around in leotards and legwarmers. The class has evolved from a dumbbell class in a basement gym to being rolled out to some of the biggest fitness studios in the world, always with the same formula: 59 minutes, eight tracks targeting different muscle groups, and plenty of sweat. Fitness First, fitnessfirst.co.uk Ripped and Stripped This popular class uses dumbbells, free weights, tempo changes and banging tunes to tone and sculpt your body. Think long sets, non-stop movement and full range of motion with some half-ranges thrown in to keep you on your toes. Gymbox, gymbox.co.uk
6. Biophilia and green views living space: is ‘green’ the way forward
THE business case for investing in sustainable workplaces is gathering momentum, with new research from the World Green Building Council revealing employees in greener buildings are more productive. Improved staff retention, reduced absenteeism and staff working more collaboratively were among the key benefits of a greener, healthier building design according to the report, Building the Business Case: Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Green Offices. The WorldGBC, which is made up of a global network of national green building councils, based its findings on nine features that characterise healthier, greener offices, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics. It also highlighted case studies of buildings around the world that are leading the way in sustainable operation and design, and how it has impacted on their business’ bottom line. For instance, Swedish construction and development company Skanska was able to
reduce sick days by two-thirds in its new Doncaster office by improving indoor air quality, cutting down on noise levels and increasing natural light by installing a central light well. The company was able to save £28,000 in staff costs in 2015, and employee satisfaction grew from 58% to 78%. Beth Ambrose is the director of the Upstream Sustainability Services team at commercial real estate giant Jones Lang LaSalle. She also chairs the WorldGBC Working Offices group, which compiled the report as part of its ‘Better Places for People’ campaign.
Attention Beth says that air quality is a factor of particular concern among companies based in central London due to recent attention on pollution levels in the Capital, flagging “a noted uptick” in the use of pollution mapping equipment, as well as building sensors and personal wearable technology to monitor air
7. Look and feel 8. Location and access to amenities
quality indoors. The World GBC report shone a spotlight on research out of Harvard University linking cognitive performance to building ventilation and indoor air quality. The ‘COGfx Study’ found that occupants of green-certified, high-performing buildings reported 26% higher cognitive function scores, slept better and had fewer health problems. Beth says that businesses overall are placing more importance on sustainable design in their office spaces, and concern for their carbon footprint is not the only driving factor. “Companies are obviously very motivated to ensure the retention, and to support the performance, of their key staff,” she says. “I’m particularly seeing this in technology, pharma and finance firms where the war for talent is fierce. “Providing the right kind of holistic indoor environmental conditions to support optimal health and cognitive performance is already becoming a really important part of their real estate considerations.”
on the move: and coming to the City
It’s Not Magic! Marathon course shows off sights THE Square Mile will be on show during next summer’s World Athletics Championships with organisers unveiling a marathon course that will take in some of the City’s most famous attractions. The best marathon runners in the world will descend on the Capital next August to take on a four-loop course that starts and ends at Tower Bridge, taking in St Paul’s, Guildhall and the Royal Exchange. The International Association of Athletics Foundation has announced that both the men’s and women’s events will be held on 6 August, the first time two marathons have ever been staged back-to-back at a World Championships. The circuit takes runners west along Victoria Embankment past the Houses of Parliament and back along the Thames before circling the Square Mile and returning to Tower Bridge. The route was designed to be as flat as possible to encourage fast times from the likes of
two-times London Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge. Winners will be presented with their medals on a special stage set up in front of the Tower of London. London World Championships director, Niels de Vos, said the route will “showcase the history and beauty of central London.” “The central London routes will attract huge crowds eager to watch the world’s best athletes for free, while the iconic views of Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and more will offer a stunning backdrop to a huge global TV audience.” London 2017 is the first time that the IAAF World Championships and the World ParaAthletics Championships will be held back-to-back in the same city. There will be 3,300 athletes from more than 200 countries competing in 245 events over 20 days of competition.
Can you make the money you spend print work twice? Buy your print from the Social Enterprise Press. The profit from your work will support adults with learning difficulties and ex service personnel requiring a route back to civilian life. Contact SE Press on 020 8640 6014 or Email us at info@sepress.org
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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
Brain bunch only interested in city A REPORT from the Centre for Cities has revealed that nearly a quarter of university graduates end up in London. A total of 24% of grads in 2014 and 2015 were working in the Capital within six months of the conclusion of their studies.
Prosperity Chief executive of the Centre for Cities thinktank, Alexandra Jones, said the plans to extend prosperity across the country will falter if the disproportionate dispersion of graduates continues. “The priority for national and local leaders should be strengthening city region economies, and increasing local demand and opportunities for graduates,” she said.
Something to share? Send your City of London stories to tom@citymatters.london
23-29 November 2016 | Page 15
Ronak rocks his way to world title ‘ATHLETES’ from across the globe descended on a City pub for a sporting championship like no other at the weekend. Three hours of ‘pure excitement, adrenaline and tension’ unfolded at the Green Man in Queen Victoria Street on Saturday when 100 entrants went toe-to-toe – or should that be finger-to-finger – in the 10th annual world-title-deciding rock, paper, scissors showdown. Battling their way through seven knockout rounds, combatants – some in fancy dress – crossed swords until just one remained to etch his into the records books.
Quirky Taking the crown was Ronak ‘Shaggy’ Kansagra, who picked up £100, a commemorative trophy and a bottle of Champagne for his efforts. The event is hosted each year by Wacky Nation, and the organisers were quick to hail the latest instalment of the quirky contest as a massive hit. A statement said: “Thanks to all the contestants at the 10th championships for an incredible night of fun, laughter and complete madness. “Well done to our worthy and highly excited winner Ronak. We hope to see you all, and any newcomers, again in 2017.”
Khan plans £50m bus cash injection THE Capital’s bus services are to receive a £50million injection under plans from Mayor Sadiq Khan. The sum will go towards ‘bus priority schemes’ to help improve the reliability of London’s most popular form of public transport. Almost 2.4billion journeys are made by bus in the Capital each year – half of all bus journeys in England. The pledge comes as part of a grander proposal from the Mayor to tackle growing congestion issues on London’s roads. Plans include collaborating more efficiently with local authorities, utility companies and developers to reduce the impact of planned road works. Mr Khan said: “Ensuring people can get around our city easily and efficiently is vital for London’s future prosperity. We need to be much smarter in how we use our roads and tackle the causes of congestion head on. “I’m setting out practical and immediate steps we can take to reduce disruption, including better prioritising buses on our streets, better information for road users, and substantial improvements in how roadworks are co-ordinated. “It’s now crucial that these changes are implemented alongside our longer-term plans to make cycling and walking more appealing. “Ultimately, while today’s plan sets out some important practical steps, we can only tackle congestion in the long term by making public transport more affordable, and making cycling and walking more appealing choices for all Londoners.”
ticket to ride: bus services will benefit from investment
famous win: Ronak – dressed as Scooby Doo character Shaggy – clinched glory. Below; entrants went all out with their epic costumes
News Matters Professor Jo is on the right path AN honorary consultant at St Barts Health NHS Trust has been elected the next president of The Royal College of Pathologists. Professor Jo Martin was appointed president-elect at the college’s AGM earlier this month. She will take up office from November next year when the current chief, Dr Suzy Lishman, leaves the role. Jo, a professor of pathology at Queen Mary University of London, said: “I am very honoured that college fellows have given me this opportunity. “I will build on the work of my predecessors in raising the profile of the college and of pathology in government, industry and healthcare. “Where there are challenges I also want to make sure that the voice of the profession is heard. I will work to encourage the next generation of medical students to flourish in a career in pathology.”
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CITYMATTERS.LONDON
In Profile
Melvyn Tan explains why Spitalfields Music Festival still hits the right notes JUNE 1976. The iconic Christ Church in Spitalfields was slated for demolition, having fallen into serious disrepair. A group of locals gathered to protest the plans, not on religious grounds, but because East London would lose one of the truly great venues to hear live classical music. Today, Spitalfields Music has become a leading force in ensuring music and community arts still have a home in the East End. The 40th annual Winter Music Festival will bring 16 musical performances into local churches, a Masonic temple and the Tower of London from next week.
Approached Internationally renowned classical pianist Melvyn Tan is one of the top billed artists on the line-up, performing a specially curated programme at Shoreditch Church on 6 December. The Singapore-born Londontrained artist can track his association with Spitalfields Music as far back as the late 1980s, in the midst of his rapid early progression as one of the pioneers of pianoforte. In 2006, following a long absence, he was approached by then festival director Jonathan Dove to play Vingt Regards, a suite of 20 pieces by French composer Olivier Messiaen. “It’s an incredibly difficult work – it lasts about two hours – so I pondered and pondered and eventually decided to bite the bullet and learn it,” Melvyn
play it again, Melvyn: the star in his element at the keys of a piano
The keys to success says. “It took me over a year-and-ahalf to learn, but when I performed it at Spitalfields it was a great success, I’ve played excerpts since but it will always remind me of reconnecting with the festival after so much time away.” It was around the same time that the legendary Judith Serota left Spitalfields Music after 20 years as the festival’s executive director. The then artistic director of the festival, Diana Burrell, came up with an idea for a farewell present: a set of variations on one of her favourite melodies, Bach’s Bist du bei mir, for her to play. Eleven of Britain’s leading composers contributed, all with a
personal or professional connection with Judith, including the seven artistic directors she worked with at Spitalfields. When Judith asked Melvyn if he would premiere Variations for her at Shoreditch Church as part of the Spitalfields Summer Music Festival in 2012, he didn’t hesitate. “Each one of them is a unique gem in a wonderful collection that commemorates Judith’s precious involvement with the organisation,” he says. Variations continues to grow; with Melvyn preparing to premiere the latest contribution – a piece by Rolph Hind – in the same place it all began
on 6 December. He will also perform the London premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Catching Fire, as well as a piece by another former Spitalfields artistic director Judith Weir, and Liszet’s 3 Concert Etudes. The performance marks the end of an exceptionally busy year for Melvyn, who marked his 60th birthday with one of his largest ever tours that took him from Europe to South Africa, Hong Kong and, most recently, Australia. He has performed at Wigmore Hall, Vienna’s Konzerthaus and New York’s Lincoln Centre, so the question is, why does he always make time to return to this little corner of
East London? “I think what attracts a lot of us is the fact that the festival is held in these wonderful old churches; there’s the historical interest of course but the acoustics create a very wellrounded sound,” he says. “There’s also something quite lovely about playing in these old, slightly peeling – though incredibly restored – buildings that create quite a unique atmosphere and I don’t think that any other festival has the venues to do it.” Melvyn Tan performs at Shoreditch Church (St Leonard’s) on 6 December at 7pm. Tickets available from spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk
The Holland Art Expo is an exhibition of paintings, bronze sculptures and photography by Dutch contemporary artists. The 17th century, the Golden Age of the Netherlands, witnessed an explosion of wealth, art and architecture. The Netherlands still benefits from the work by painters like Rembrandt. The paintings and scultpures are for sale. Organised by Artipico Art Gallery in conjunction with Dutch companies, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in London and The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce. Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm Sunday 2 pm - 6 pm Also by appointment
The Dutch Centre 7 Austin Friars London EC2N 2HA
Contact: Edwin Voûte, tel + 31 651 922 582 or info@artipico.com