THAT’S GOOD BUSINESS Unique ‘supper club’ venture is getting people out of temporary homes and on the path to permanent accommodation Page 6
PEDAL OF HONOUR Cycling stakeholders from far and wide rally round to explore ways we can all stay safe on the City’s roads Pages 14&15
CITY MATTERS 30 Nov - 06 Dec 2016
The City of London’s FREE hyperlocal newspaper
Edition 011
Gang’s scam blows up in fiends’ faces BOILER ROOM SCAM ENDS IN SENTENCES TOTALLING 35 YEARS A GANG of crooks behind a boiler room operation that ripped off 193 victims for £7.5million have been jailed for a total of 35-and-a-half years. The quartet – comprising James Byrne, Sam Exhall, Max Jefferys and Michael Foran – were sentenced separately in hearings throughout August, October and November; details of the case have only just been released after reporting restrictions were lifted at Southwark Crown Court. Byrne set up the boiler room in 2008. Initially named ‘Paramount Land’ the name changed several times during its three-year existence. The defendants subsequently set up numerous umbrella companies in order to move money around. Fellow directors Exall and Foran assisted with the running of the operation while Jefferys was a prolific salesman, making calls to victims. The boiler room typically targeted vulnerable and elderly victims by cold-calling them and used a variety of lies, aggression and pressure to convince them to make investments in land at a grossly inflated cost. Paramount Land bought agricultural land for low prices and then sold it for far more than it could ever be worth, and did this by making false guarantees as to the future value. They also sold land that they did not own. They then convinced investors that the only way they could get their money back was to invest more money so that their portfolio could be bought out by a nameless conglomerate that never existed. In November 2010, City of London Police became aware of a suspected con operation taking place
How the sentences break down
guilty: (from top left) Byrne, Exhall, Jeffreys and Foran
in rented office accommodation in Dowgate Hill. Officers from the City’s fraud teams started to investigate and Byrne was arrested on 2 February 2011. However, the boiler room continued to function from a secret location. This was identified in March of the same year whereupon the operation was shut down and further arrests made. Computer evidence and documents were seized from the rented offices and the defendants’ addresses. Telephone recordings showed that Byrne and Exall made several phone calls during which they spoke about criminal activity, while Jefferys was found to have spoken using a pseudonym.
Byrne, aged 30, of Seven Sea Gardens E3, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday 2 August and was sentenced to five years. He was also sentenced to six years’ consecutive jail time for a subsequent fraud investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service. Exall, 31, of Orpington, Kent, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud at Southwark Crown Court on 12 October and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. Jefferys, 31, of Woodford Green, pleaded guilty to fraud charges and was sentenced to 18 months on 2 October. He also received a four-year consecutive sentence for similar offences investigated by the Met. Foran, aged 27, of Whitton Walk E3, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and was sentenced to 18 months on 21 November. He also received four-and-a-half year consecutive sentence for subsequent charges relating to a different case.
Detective Sergeant Marcus McInerney, officer in charge of the case, said he was glad that justice could be served on this occasion: “These defendants caused intense misery for their victims. They used the money to enjoy lavish and extravagant lifestyles leaving their victims destitute. “Through the asset recovery procedure, we will work to recover as much of their ill-gotten gains as possible to ensure they do not benefit from their offending, and in order to compensate victims.” The investigation into accomplices in the scam continues.
Corporation’s policy chief wants to see ‘spades in the ground’ PAGE 3
Timely tale will explore darkest fears for the festive period PAGE 7 Olympic gold medalist James Cracknell has the Midas Touch PAGE 12
Page 2 | 30 November - 06 December 2016
News Matters On this week down the years 30 November 1982: A letter bomb explodes inside the Prime Minister’s London residence, injuring a member of staff. 3 December 1989: The leaders of two world superpowers declare an end to the Cold War after two days of stormlashed talks at the Malta summit. 2 December 1995: Nick Leeson is sentenced for financial dealings which contributed to the fall of Britain’s oldest merchant bank.
bomb: the PM’s home was subjected to attack
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. Alternatively, to speak to a member of the news team, please contact us on the number below.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Doing a Great job for the kids GENEROUS benefactors dropped into Great Ormond Street to toast the success of the children’s hospital’s third Tick Tock Club appeal and witness a new chairman take the reins for the fourth edition of the fundraiser. The club, chaired for the third appeal by Grahame Chilton, the chief executive of brokerage firm Arthur J. Gallagher, comprises a philanthropic group of individuals, trusts, foundations and companies who pledge significant donations to help fund the facility’s most urgent needs. Since it was established in 2006, the club has raised more than £30million for the hospital across three appeals. The Tick Tock Club (named after the clock swallowed by the crocodile in JM Barrie’s Peter Pan) aims to raise money by asking for a pledge of £75,000 over three years.
US ambassador give his thanks THE American influence could be felt at St Paul’s recently when US Ambassador Matthew Barzun attended his fourth Thanksgiving Day Service at the cathedral. Delivering a President’s Proclamation, Mr Barzun described his joy at being able to address the congregation on such an important day in his country’s calendar before explaining that this appearance would be his last. His speech focussed on the divisions caused by Brexit and the recent US Presidential election, and called for unity in the coming months. He said: “As we sit around our thanksgiving tables, as we consider our uncertain future and our role as citizens in shaping it, let’s do just that. “Let’s each of us first take stock of ourselves. What we are thinking, how we are feeling, and why. That’s the first step. “Then, let’s look across the divide. And let’s see ourselves in them. And look back at us through their eyes.”
GREAT Ormond Street supporters will paint the town red on Sunday when the second Santa Dash gets underway at Clapham Common. Some 3,000 runners in red and white Father Christmas costumes will be taking on the annual 10km or 5km races to help fill the coffers of the hospital.
Comfort A spokesman said: “Everyone wants to spend Christmas at home. That’s not always possible for the patients and families of Great Ormond Street Hospital. “By taking part and fundraising, you’ll help our families stay together over the festive period and enjoy Christmas away from the comfort of home.”
Raising a pint in support of QEF
Transformational A portion of the latest donation has been used to finance a new surgery centre, which is due to open next year and will be named The Dorfman Surgery Centre in recognition of a transformational £2m gift from The Dorfman Foundation. It will consist of two new integrated operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms (enabling parents to stay with their child until they are asleep), and a 48-bed surgical inpatient ward in the Mittal Children’s Medical Centre, due to be completed next autumn. The foundation’s Lloyd Dorfman CBE said: “We have had personal experience of using the hospital and could not be more grateful for everything they did for us. “The hospital is a world-class institution and the surgery centre will enable more children to receive the best possible treatment.” Tim Johnson, chief executive of Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity, hailed the vital role of Grahame and the rest of the club’s members in helping to generate funding. He
Runners ready for Santa Dash
handover: Rosemary Squire and Grahame Chilton
added: “Thanks to their dedication we have been able to raise £30m for the hospital, helping to make a huge difference to the lives of patients and families treated at the hospital.” Meanwhile, Rosemary Squire OBE, who is also founder of The Ambassador Theatre Group, will lead a new board of volunteers, including celebrity hair colourist Louise Galvin, for the fourth Tick Tock Club appeal. They seek to raise £10m towards the cost of an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging suite at the hospital. This facility will enable neurosurgeons to
conduct scans mid-operation for the first time, without taking the child away from the operating table. It will transform brain surgery by giving surgeons real time data to ensure they can deliver the best outcome for each patient as well as limiting the need for further surgery. Rosemary’s appointment as Tick Tock Club chair follows years of support for Great Ormond Street, including leading the ‘Theatres for Theatres’ appeal from 2010-2014, which saw the London theatre community come together to help to raise funds towards new operating theatres at the hospital.
MANSION House was the setting for the 51st Guinness & Oyster Luncheon on 24 November. The Lord Mayor presided over the annual bash, which this year was held in aid of Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF).
Independence QEF works with people who have physical and learning disabilities, or acquired brain injuries, to gain new skills and increase independence. Special guest speaker on the day was England rugby star Jeff Probyn, who entertained the crowds with tales from the world of international rugby.
Square Mile to reach new heights THE City will soon have a new tallest peak after the Corporation rubberstamped plans for the 1 Undershaft development. Also known as the Trellis tower, the 304.94m structure will be second in stature in London only to the Shard – the highest peak in Western Europe – when complete. The City’s planning and transportation committee voted 19-2 in favour of Aroland Holding’s proposals, which will involve the demolition of the existing Aviva Tower. Chris Hayward, chairman of the planning and transportation committee, said: “Over the next 30 years I expect that we will need to deliver
CITY MATTERS
Editorial Director: Tom Oxtoby Deputy Editor: Jo Davy Publisher: Roy Court editorial@citymatters.london 020 8766 0500
office space for more than 50,000 extra workers within the Square Mile, and this development is important in reaching that end goal. “This development shows the high levels of investor confidence in London’s status as a global city following our decision to leave the European Union.” The new 73-storey facility will provide 130,000sqm of office accommodation, as well as more than 2,000sqm of retail space. An estimated 10,000 workers will be stationed in the complex. At the top of the building will be a free public viewing gallery, which will be served by
Commercial Director: Nick Chapman Media Executive: Laura May Woodley Advertising Design Manager: Serena Newbury advertising@citymatters.london 020 8766 0500
dedicated lifts. The gallery will host London’s highest restaurant and have interactive learning spaces where schools and other groups can discover more about the Capital. The Museum of London has already held discussions with the developer over a dedicated exhibition space, utilising 1 Undershaft’s height to show London’s development. At the base, a new larger public square will be created. The building has plans for an elevated reception, allowing pedestrians to walk freely beneath the building, and the project includes more than 1,600 cycle spaces and 150 showers with changing rooms.
Production: Steve Muscroft, Michael Obaowo, Robert Money, Social Enterprise Press Ltd
We at City Matters are committed to reducing the City of London’s carbon footprint – please pass this newspaper on before recycling.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Spree ends in jail for thief A PICKPOCKET who stole around £3,000 from City diners during a three-month spree has been jailed for 15 months. Croydon man Rocky Abrams, 40, admitted to lifting wallets from patrons of various bars and restaurants around St Mary’s Axe and Leadenhall between July and September. He pleaded guilty to 11 counts of theft and a further five counts of fraud by false representation. City of London Police caught Abrams on CCTV at several cash points attempting to withdraw cash from stolen cards, managing to deduce one victim’s PIN code using date of birth information from an ID card in the wallet. One victim, after realising his wallet was gone, checked his online bank account and saw that already, within a matter of minutes of his card being stolen, there were already a number of fraudulent transactions appearing. Abrams told officers that he specifically targeted the area during the busy lunch rush, swiping wallets from jackets hung on the back of chairs. Detective Constable Richard Butcher said Abrams was “an accomplished pickpocket”. “He dressed smartly in a suit jacket to ‘blend in’ with the crowd around him. Whilst seated behind his victims he would place his jacket on, running his arm down his sleeve, whilst leaning back on his chair – dipping the victim’s jacket in one swift slick action.” Abrams was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for each theft and eight months imprisonment for each fraud charge, all to run concurrently. He was also handed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order.
King is crowned in Queenhithe THE Ward of Queenhithe has a new representative after Alastair Naisbett King was elected alderman in a landslide victory over Patrick Streeter on 21 November. City Matters will catch up with Alastair next week to find out about his first orders of business.
30 November - 06 December 2016 | Page 3
Get spades in the ground, and quick ONE of the men responsible for addressing the Capital’s housing crisis says plans outlined in the Autumn Statement are a great step forward. Chancellor Philip Hammond last week pledged £3.15billion over the next five years to help finance 90,000 London homes. But policy chairman for the Corporation, Mark Boleat (inset), who earlier this month helped deliver 18 new flats at Avondale Square in Southwark as part of a drive to provide 3,700 city homes by 2025, concedes people won’t find promises helpful until “spades are in the ground.”
Problem “A commitment to increase the amount of affordable housing in the Capital is a great step forward,” he said. “The £3.15bn will go some way in alleviating a problem which seriously undermines our position as a leading global city. “Too many workers in London face problems in finding affordable and suitable housing. Unless we take steps to tackle this problem then it simply drives workers away from London and benefits other leading financial centres, particularly those across Europe. “The Housing White Paper and a promise to unlock more land to build on are a good start,
but Londoners won’t find this helpful until we have spades in the ground, and affordable really meaning affordable.” Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed Mr Boleat’s view that there is still a long way to go in the implementation of last week’s promises. He added: “The record-breaking affordable housing settlement means we can get on with the hard slog of building new, genuinely affordable homes, but it won’t happen overnight – fixing the housing crisis will be a marathon and not a sprint.” Primary to Chancellor Hammond’s statement was the devolution of power to London’s authorities, meaning that more of the money generated within the city’s borders
Stationers make a digital movement THOUSANDS of records of apprentice liverymen and Freemen from one of London’s largest liveries can now be traced online. More than 75,000 names of Stationers going back centuries are now available at the click of a button to anyone researching the history of those who made their living in the paper, publishing and communications trades. In September, the Worshipful Company of Stationers added their archive to those available at Rollco – the Records of London’s Livery Companies Online.
Addition Organised by the Institute of Historical Research, Rollco is open to any member of the public who wants to trace the important role played throughout the centuries by London’s ancient trade guilds, most of which date back to medieval times. With the addition of 76,433 apprentices and freeman of the Stationers’ Company, Rollco now comprises 11 liveries. Many company records are full of the kind of biographical detail that researchers crave – places, occupations and career information is available for a high proportion of individuals mentioned in the registers. Many
inter-generational and family connections can be traced in the records. A Stationers spokesman said: “Over the course of the centuries – for some earlier, others later – the role of most companies became detached from their original craft foundations, and instead shifted their energies into the realm of charitable and educational endeavour. “This development is clearly evident in the changing nature of their membership over time. “The Stationers are confident that their company has one of the most comprehensive archives of all its freemen and apprentices; only around 300 names are incomplete.
Strength “But what the records do show is the impressive strength of the Stationers’ Company in the 19th century, a time when many of the other ancient livery companies were in the doldrums as they lost immediate contact with the trades on which they were based.” Of those companies taking part in the Rollco project, the Clothworkers have the largest number of names with more than 140,000 entries. The Musicians have the fewest at 6,828.
can be kept for local growth and development. London currently controls only 7% of funds raised in the city, compared to 50% in New York and 70% in Tokyo. The Capital had come in for criticism in the build up to the statement for demanding more control over its own processes, but the Corporation were keen to underline the importance of self-governance across the country. “It was good to see the government acknowledge the growth of the regions outside of London and the South East,” said Mr Boleat. “London is all too well aware that its growth requires support from strong, vibrant and successful regions outside of London. Indeed, two thirds of financial and professional services jobs – some 1.4million – are found outside of London. “With regions right across the UK contributing to the services sector, it is important government engages with these areas to better understand how they can help provide jobs and economic growth.” Mr Boleat finished by welcoming the move to end the Autumn Statement. He explained: “The move to one fiscal statement each year will be welcomed by City firms. At a time of great uncertainty they will now be able to better respond to and plan for forthcoming tax changes each year.”
News Matters Staff say they are staying put IT seems that despite the majority (68%) of City professionals believing that the outcome of the EU Referendum was the wrong decision for the UK, the mass speculation surrounding firms relocating their operations doesn’t seem to have caused anxiety on the shop floor. Of 5,000 professionals surveyed by Morgan McKinley, nearly half (48%) categorically stated that there were no plans to move business, partially or entirely, away from London.
Mapping out bus route future TRANSPORT for London (TfL) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to 23 central London bus routes to better match services with demand. TfL hopes to improve the reliability of a number of routes that currently get caught up in congestion while also improving air quality and safety on the street. The consultation will close on 29 January ahead of potential implementation of changes in the summer.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
30 November - 06 December 2016 | Page 5
Page 6 | 30 November - 06 December 2016
Business Matters
Imbalance of staff affecting pay gap THE gender pay gap in the UK’s high tech sector (25%) is significantly higher than the national average (18%), according to the latest data from Mercer. The consultancy also found that small companies have the largest pay gap, with a 30% difference in (median) pay between all male and female employees, and a 26% gap when considering mean base salaries. This difference reduces as company sizes grow. Where the data allowed comparison of pay between women and men in equal job roles, the pay gap was much smaller, typically 8%. This is comparable to the UK norm of 9% “The considerable pay gap in the sector comes as no surprise to most, though this crude measure hides a bigger issue than just pay,” said Chris Charman, reward expert at Mercer. “A simple averaged figure across a whole organisation is easily skewed by disproportionate numbers of senior male high earners and men in specialist roles. “In fact a large gap is more likely to indicate a lack of women in professional and senior positions, rather than simply an uneven pay structure. “To narrow the gap it is not enough for firms to be equal pay compliant, they also need to support a healthy pipeline of women being promoted through the organisation. “Many high-tech companies are working hard to ensure women are given equal career opportunities, however the pay gap is perpetuated by the lack of female candidates available for professional industry roles.” Mr Charman explained that this is a reflection of an imbalance in wider society, where only 14.4% of the UK STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) workforce is female.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Supper club has a recipe for success A GROUNDBREAKING supper club project is providing an opportunity for young people to move from temporary accommodation into more permanent homes in the rental market. After sell out series in Brick Lane and Finsbury Park, Fat Macy’s is now heading to the Printworks Kitchen in December for a unique Christmas event series. Fat Macy’s, creation of young entrepreneurs Meg Doherty and Fred Andrews, is a social enterprise that engages young Londoners living in temporary accommodation in a voluntary cooking scheme and pays them the equivalent of £10 per hour via a trust fund that can only be used for a rental deposit on a house. Whilst saving for a deposit, the young volunteer chefs also gain food hygiene and health and safety qualifications. Fat Macy’s innovative model came about after witnessing first-hand the issues young residents at YMCA North London were having moving into their own home after staying in supported accommodation. The founders say: “Young people living in hostels and other supported accommodation often struggle to
move into their own homes because it’s near impossible to save for a deposit when living in such a volatile situation – mostly those we work with are on benefits, often stuck on a zero hour contract, and unable to save any money towards a deposit to move into a more long-term housing solution.” “Fat Macy’s combats this in two ways – by training residents in qualifications they may need for work and helping them saving for a deposit. “We want to challenge the stigma
BARBICAN DENTAL CENTRE BARBICAN DENTAL CENTRE
Fann St
ane
Long Lane
nL
Goswell Rd
Barbican
t
Cosmetic Treatment Orthodontics
lde
e et
Old Stree
Go
Old Str
General Dentistry
n For tu
Beech St
e St
Dental Implants Sedation Tooth Whitening Hygienist Service
Double up this winter
surrounding homelessness. We want to create a space that allows people who have become homeless, to get on with rebuilding their lives, rather than getting stuck in a benefit trap.” Kenny is one young person enrolled with Fat Macy’s. He has been living at YMCA North London for the past year and a half. He said: “The potential Fat Macy’s has to turn my life around is incredible – there is nothing else that offers me a real solution to the situation I’m trapped in. Now, I’m achieving things I never thought possible.” Fat Macy’s has been running since March, and 10 young people have since passed through the scheme. With every series, five new chefs to start their Fat Macy’s journey. Every volunteer chef who signs up commits to 60 hours of volunteering, which in return secures a minimum of £600 in deposit savings. This is released as soon as a tenancy agreement is signed and is paid directly to the landlord. As chefs complete the 60-hour programme, they have the option to continue volunteering or are supported to find other employment. The next Fat Macy’s supper club will be held at the Printworks Kitchen, Clerkenwell, throughout December.
SOCIAL Enterprise UK (SEUK) has put together a comprehensive Christmas gift guide to help shoppers give twice this winter. All of the products found in the online catalogue come from social enterprises, meaning the profits from any sales will go towards making a difference in wider society. “We have put together a gift guide that contains a variety of beautiful products, including handmade chocolates, footballs, wallets, jewellery, luxury notebooks, gifts for the home and, of course, the gift no Christmas would be complete without – socks,” said an SEUK spokesman. “They’re handily sorted into gifts for him, for her, for children, for under £20, and for a touch of indulgence – when you might want to splurge on someone.” Search ‘Social Enterprise UK gift guide’ online.
Statement of intent excites the chamber NEW steps towards devolution for the Capital were welcomed by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry following the announcement of the Autumn Statement. Chancellor Philip Hammond announced London will receive £3.15billion as its share of national housing budget to deliver more than 90,000 homes. In addition, the government will devolve the adult education budget to London as well as employment services, while more welcome news came in the form of Whitehall saying it would continue to work with the city to explore further devolution of powers in the coming months.
Bestowing
Providing NHS and Private Dental Care in the City
Call to make an appointment 0207 253 3232
16 – 18 Goswell Road, London, EC1M 7AA www.barbicandentalcentre.com info@barbicandentalcentre.com
Chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Colin Stanbridge, explained that he and his organisation were thrilled to be hearing the ‘right types of noises’ with regard to bestowing more power on London’s authorities. “The doubling of UK export finance capacity is also good news for business. “Likewise we welcome investment in infrastructure, in faster broadband and tech research. “All these are vital if we are to maintain our competitiveness as a global city and the rest of the country is to benefit from London’s economic success. “But we all know, as the Chancellor himself acknowledged, that these are uncertain times for businesses and we need further reassurance and more specifics.”
£3.15bn housing pledge: Chancellor Philip Hammond
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
30 November - 06 December 2016 | Page 7
Entertainment Matters
Worst fears are explored in timely tale
under intense scrutiny: homeless in the Capital
LOVE WILL TELL THE STORIES OF THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THIS FESTIVE SEASON
HOMELESSNESS always comes under a particularly harsh spotlight at this time of year. While the rest of the Capital is bathed in the warm glow of festive cheer, most people find it almost impossible to imagine waking up on Christmas Day without a home to go to or family to celebrate with. It’s a desperate situation, one that acclaimed theatre director Alexander Zeldin felt compelled to explore after reading first-hand experiences in a report from homeless charity Shelter. “The voices within it were very touching, raw
and unfiltered,” he says. “At this time of year there is a feeling of togetherness in the air... as a theatre maker and dramatist it felt like a potentially rich situation.” The result is LOVE, the story of three families who find themselves crammed into temporary accommodation in the lead up to Christmas. The characters – a middle-aged man and his elderly mother, a young family with a baby on the way, and a woman recently arrived from Sudan – were developed using the devising method with the performers. Improvisation is essential to building the
What’s on in the City this week
on beauty and the process of creation”. Sampling recordings from Cold War radio broadcasts, and repeating melodic and harmonic patterns throughout the different pieces, Jóhannsson works subtle codes into the music, reflecting on themes of change, rebirth and renewal. 9 December Barbican Hall, Silk Street EC2Y 5DS
DANCE / The Red Shoes The 1948 hit film inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale will be brought to life on the Sadler’s Wells stage this Christmas under the direction of one of the great showmen of British dance, Matthew Bourne. Ashley Shaw takes on the role of Victoria Page, a young ballerina torn between the man she loves and her pursuit to become a prima ballerina. Word is that fans of the film can expect a fairly faithful reproduction on stage with a few surprises along the way – this is a director who staged a widelyacclaimed homoerotic adaptation of Swan Lake, after all. 6 December to 29 January Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue EC1R
gentleman of note: Jóhann Jóhannsson
CONCERT / Jóhann Jóhannsson His music has soundtracked hit films Sicario, The Theory of Everything and, most recently, science fiction drama Arrival, and now Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson will lead an expanded performance of music from his first album in six years, the eagerly anticipated Orphée. Inspired by various re-tellings of Orpheus, the work is described as “a meditation
FILM / The Underwire Film Festival Gender inequality remains rife within film industry, a plight Underwire Festival’s organisers are keen to shine a light on with their showcase celebrating women working in film across the crafts. Now in its seventh year, the festival recognises talent across directing, producing, screenwriting, editing, cinematography, sound design, and composing, where women have kicked some serious goals considering they make up just 22% of the crew on an average feature film. The programme of shorts, features, talks and seminars is city-wide with several highlights at the Barbican, including an appearance (via Skype) from BAFTA-winner Esther May Campbell scheduled to talk through her featurelength debut Light Years. Until 4 December underwirefestival.com DOCUMENTARY / Moving Museum 35 Earlier this year, award-winning London-based artist Mira Calix headed to China to work with students of Nanjing University of the Arts on bringing museums into everyday life. The result was a sound installation for the No. 35 commuter bus, a piece that reached more than 22,000 passengers over three months. Notebooks were left on the buses for passengers to respond to the challenging work, which Calix used to create a 15-minute video art piece, accompanied by an excerpt of the original hour long quadrophonic sound track. The work gives an insight into the hearts and minds of the people of Nanjing and how art can be integrated into the everyday. Until 4 December Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA
storyline and script. The cast is asked to think about what had happened to the characters in the months, weeks and days leading up to when the play starts and improvise throughout rehearsal to bring the story to life. Alexander describes this process as one of “writing on” the actors. “The first choice is the constitution of the group as the characters will change if the actors are different,” he says. “Their stories, energies, ideas and input but also, crucially, their bodies and the silent messages we get from them. “Bodies, rhythm and atmosphere are as important to me as words, they are also language and have an equal weight in my writing process.” Some of the cast, including Janet Etuk and Emily Beacock, worked with Alexander in a similar fashion on Beyond Caring, which toured nationally earlier this year. The critically-acclaimed play followed four
temp workers on zero-hour minimum wage contracts, telling quietly devastating stories of human struggle, as with LOVE. Alexander acknowledges similarities between the two productions, but says he tries not to over-analyse his choice of subject. “I’m interested in telling stories about people that touch me and who are in a situation that feels possible to investigate through a theatrical process,” he says. “In looking for a situation I am looking for one that is at once extremely precise and yet is also able to be kind of suggestive of something that is immediately current to us right now, that we can all feel together. “The question is always the same – how can we together feel and experience the world, understand the world through doing theatre together?” LOVE opens at the Dorfman Theatre on 5 December until 10 January
Page 8 | 30 November - 06 December 2016
Community Matters EXHIBITION / That Dreadful Fire As the final commemorations wrap up for the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London, catch the last day of this exhibition, documenting the devastation through English and foreign accounts, sermons and public records from Guildhall Library’s collections. Until 30 November Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH TALK / Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones British farmer and businessman Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones will appear as part of St Mary-At-Hill Church’s series of monthly conversations encouraging people to discuss and debate the issues that are important in our lives. The Jamaican-born, Birmingham-raised founder of The Black Farmer food products will share some of his learnings from life, business and, more recently, his battle with leukaemia. 1 December, 6pm-7.30pm St Mary-At-Hill Church, Lovat Lane, Eastcheap EC3R 8EE CONCERT / A Christmas Carol Join Ebenezer Scrooge and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, for Charles Dickens’s festive tale. Scrooge questions his ghostly guides and demands answers to the great questions we all face in this version of the seasonal classic adapted for actors, the BBC Singers and the BBC Symphony Orchestra by composer Neil Brand. 2 December, 7.30pm Barbican Hall, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
What’s on when & where in the City EXHIBITION / Alpine Vistas Photographer Martin Sturgess has been exploring all corners of Switzerland for more than a decade, documenting the majesty of the mountains and the beauty of the valleys. Having made the transition from using film to digital, he is again printing his work himself. This final step of the creative photography process is key to his images, which are printed using traditional cotton rag papers and pigment inks. 2 December to 31 December Barbican Library, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS SEMINAR / Queer Time; Queer Place; Queer Action: Sexualities and Localities The London Metropolitan Archives’ 14th annual LGBT History conference will look at the way sexual identities have been formed and expressed across different times and places. Developed in conjunction with the Raphael Samuel History Centre and the Sexualities and Localities project from Birkbeck College and Leeds University, the workshops and discussions will look specifically at the experiences of black LGBT people, a general
feeling festive: in Spitalfields
overview of LGBT history in London, plus a spotlight on Islington as an area of influence on the LGBTQI community. 3 December, 9.30am-5pm London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road EC1R 0HB WALK / Dickens Christmas Walk Celebrate the festive season and learn what inspired one of Britain’s most famous authors to create iconic characters like Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger in the Museum of London’s guided tour around Victorian London. Bookings required. 3 December to 13 January, various times Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN MUSIC / Spitalfields Music Winter Festival From Bach to Bollywood, the Spitalfields Music Winter Festival presents an intriguing mix of music in the East End’s most opulent, historic venues including Christ Church and the Masonic Temple. Renowned pianist Melvyn Tan leads a stellar programme of big name performers that will make the festival’s 40th year its biggest yet. Look out for festival favourites The Sixteen and Solomon’s Knot (left), as well as a Shakespeare-inspired programme with The English Concert. Check spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk for event listings. 4-11 December Various locations FAIR / City Christmas Fair Enjoy a festive shopping experience at the City Christmas Fair in aid of Wellbeing of Women, a charity dedicated to improving the health of women and babies. Find last-minute gift inspiration from more than 50 amazing stalls laden with luxury items; from exquisite jewellery to delicious food, handmade crafts and unique stocking fillers. After the shopping has been taken care of, unwind with a glass of fizz at the Champagne Bar, place a bid in the very popular silent auction and buy raffle tickets for a chance to win fantastic prizes.
let’s talk: Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
5 December, 11am-8pm Drapers’ Hall, Throgmorton Street EC2N 2DQ THEATRE / Jack and the Beanstalk: Lean, Green and Fully Erect Self-proclaimed fairy godmother of panto Jeremy Donovan has been making the theatre more accessible for audiences and actors with lunchtime panto shows at the Bridewell Theatre since 2010. “Many people’s first experience of live theatre is pantomime, but then we lost them to extortionate ticket prices,” he says. “I’d love to get them back and show them what fun live theatre still is.” This year’s show is an adults-only take on the magic beans mix up; full of frippery, innuendo and sheer naughtiness. 5-9 December, 1pm Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane EC4Y 8EQ
Weekly Planner
Wednesday EXHIBITION / That Dreadful Fire Thursday TALK / Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones Friday CONCERT / A Christmas Carol Saturday SEMINAR / Queer Time; Queer Place; Queer Action: Sexualities and Localities Sunday MUSIC / Spitalfields Music Winter Festival Monday FAIR / City Christmas Fair Tuesday THEATRE / Jack and the Beanstalk: Lean, Green and Fully Erect
To act as a City Matters Collection Point contact: 020 8640 6015
Find Our Collection Points: Guildhall Library Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH
Pod Good Food 75 King William Street, London EC4N 7BE
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
Protestant Truth Society Inc - Book Shop 184 Fleet St, London EC4A 2HJ
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
Coffee Stall In front of St Mary Abchurch, Abchurch Lane, London EC4N 7BA
Romo Coffee 1 Minster Court, Mincing Ln, London EC3R 7AE Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, 65 Ludgate Hill London EC4M 7JH
Scott’s Shoe repair & Dry Cleaners City Thameslink Station, Holborn Concourse London EC4M 7RA The Old Bank of England Pub 194 Fleet St, London EC4A 2LT Ye Old Cheshire Cheese 145 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BU
w w w.cit y m at te r s . lo n d o n
Page 10 | 30 November - 06 December 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
Page 12 | 30 November - 06 December 2016
Extra Matters Job well done by Barts Health AN innovative training programme at Barts Health NHS Trust has helped nearly 1,900 people from across east London in their search for employment this year. Aimed at vulnerable people from deprived communities – particularly those with a disability, long-term condition or poor health history – the programme offers skills training as a route to employment. A total of 160 candidates secured a job with Barts Health upon completion of various placements across the trust. Andrew Attfield, associate director for Public Health at Barts Health, said: “Recognising that employment is linked to improved health outcomes, we seek to provide people with essential training or work experience and a reference, plus boost their confidence to help them reach their potential. “I am proud of the dedication shown by our participants and offer my sincere congratulations.”
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Olympian James cracks into the big time with Freedom of the City DOUBLE Olympic gold medalist James Cracknell OBE has been granted ‘Freedom of the City’ of London for his work on public health and road safety in the Capital. Following in the footsteps of previous modern-day recipients such as JK Rowling, Morgan Freeman and Dame Judi Dench, Cracknell picked up the honour in a ceremony at London’s Guildhall on Wednesday afternoon last week. “The Capital is my home and a city I care passionately about so I’m very grateful to be presented with Freedom of the City of London.
Tradition “The first thing I asked was whether I’d still need to pay for parking and the Congestion Charge – unfortunately apparently I do, although I’m now allowed to drive sheep across London Bridge and get drunk in the city centre without getting arrested so it does have it’s benefits. “It’s an honour to be part of such a long-standing tradition.” Cracknell, who won two Olympic gold medals and six World Championship titles throughout his rowing career, is currently president of the London Road Safety Council, a cause close to his heart after suffering a
severe road accident himself whilst cycling across the US in 2010. He is also a vocal public health campaigner who works closely with The Policy Exchange on obesity strategy. Ever determined to have a positive impact in the community and help to shape public view of sport, Cracknell recently announced the launch of a mass participation running series to help combat obesity in regions of the UK with the highest rates of lifestyle disease. Started in 1237, Freedom of the City is believed to be one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence in the UK – and even the world.
latest gong: James Cracknell is used to picking up accolades
Unique With the title, the Freeman was granted various privileges including driving sheep over London Bridge, being drunk and disorderly without fear of arrest, or, if sentenced to death, being hanged with a silken rope. Today most of the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared, but it nevertheless remains a unique part of London’s history.
PUBLIC NOTICES Licensing Act 2003 Notice of Variation of a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that, Mohammed Kobir Uddin has applied to the City of London on 29 November 2016 to vary the premises licence in respect of Mumbai Square, 7 Middlesex Street, London E1 7AA The proposed variation is to extend opening hours for Live Music, Sale of Alcohol, Recorded Music and Dance. Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 03:00 hours. 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 29/12/2016. 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.
Force is united for White Ribbon Day THE City of London Police force stood united with the female victims of domestic on International White Ribbon Day – and vowed to continue to work to end violence against women. Officers wore distinctive ribbons on 25 November as part of a campaign that is now in its 17th year. White Ribbon Day also marked the start of #16Days of Activism; a call to eradicate aggression towards women of all ages on a global scale. The campaign will conclude on Human Rights Day on Saturday 10 December. Detective Inspector Anna Rice, head of the City’s public protection unit (PPU), said: “We are incredibly proud to support both White Ribbon Day and #16Days.
Professionalism “At City of London Police we pride ourselves on the professionalism and care with which we deal with reports of domestic abuse. “In the Square Mile we have very low numbers of permanent residents so the vast majority of cases reported to us are transferred out to other forces. “We take our responsibility of taking the initial report and compiling an informative safeguarding plan very seriously.” All cases of domestic abuse dealt with by the City of London are overseen by specially trained officers from the PPU. The unit is a dedicated resource to investigate reports of domestic abuse, domestic rape and sexual offences, child abuse, forced marriage, honour-based abuse, female genital mutilation
and complex hate crime cases. Officers used the magnitude of the campaigns to underline the fact that anyone can become a victim of domestic violence. A spokesman for the force said that people experience abuse regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, class, age or disability. Domestic abuse, they say for example, may also occur in a wide range of different relationships, including heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender, as well as within families.
Safeguarding DI Rice added: “We have strong links with our partners at the Corporation and work closely with them to provide a multi-agency safeguarding response. “We continually review risk assessments to ensure that appropriate levels of support are given to the victims. “We meet regularly at multi-agency risk assessment conferences to ensure that our highrisk cases are effectively managed. “Given our relatively small size, we are able to provide a high level of support for all victims. “Each victim, regardless of risk level, has the opportunity to meet with Ayesha, our vulnerable victims co-ordinator based within the City of London Police public protection unit. “She is able to support all victims of domestic abuse, not just high risk, which is a privileged position and not the case in other boroughs.”
It’s Not Magic!
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
Winter City Cycling League TEAM TIME TRIAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
City of London Police Emma Attwood 00:17.52
Rob Sweet 00:11.93
Lauren Lunniss 00:14.28
Ian Edwards 00:12.72
Ben Ellen 00:11.71
Stu Ford 00:11.67
Nuffield Health Luke Copeland 00:12.63
Felix Ogeah 00:13.86
Momentum Transport Sharon Moller 00:15.24
Roy McGowan 00:13.26
Derek Griffiths 00:13.04
David Hart 00:12.09
City of London Air Quality Andrew Grieve 00:13.80
Kelly Wilson 00:16.06
Ben Kennedy 00:14.38
Asmajan Noori 00:16.38
City of London Built Environment Emma Norton 00:17.72
Steve Presland 00:16.70
Chris Sharpe 00:13.68
Gordon Dewar 00:14.14
New London Architecture Lettie McKie 00:18.18
Lucie Murray 00:17.46
Emma Attwood 00:18.21
Marc Byrne 00:21.05
Rebecca Scurlock 00:16.22
Peter Murray 00:13.50
McGee Kevin Murphy 00:13.70
Ash Gami 00:14.28
Nomura Nina Swallow 00:17.16
Carol Neil 00:23.55
Victoria Collins 00:15.62
Rob Eveleigh 00:14.62
00:52.83
00:53.49
00:53.63
01:00.62
01:02.24
01:05.36
01:07.24
01:10.95
Page 16 | 30 November - 06 December 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
In Profile
Declaration of Independents
all in this together: members of the East End Traders’ Guild. Photos below by: Colin O’Brien and Sarah Ainslie
TRADERS STILL THE BEATING HEART OF EAST END FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY A WEEKEND fry-up at E. Pellicci on Bethnal Green Road is an East End tradition. But those stumbling in this Saturday in search of a full English to soak up their sins from the night before might have to wait for one of the Formica tables, as the legendary café has taken a reservation from a very important guest. Sadiq Khan will join members of the East End Trades Guild (EETG) for breakfast on 3 December to kick off the group’s first ever East End Independents’ Day. Traders all over East London will be holding special events, activities, talks and tours to showcase independent businesses and their contribution to the area’s local character. a day on the tiles: Milagros’ Juliette Tuke
The Mayor of London agreed to begin what will likely be a jammed-packed Small Business Saturday at the greasy spoon after an impassioned appeal from the guild’s founder Krissie Nicolson. “We sent a video inviting Sadiq to breakfast via Twitter but when we didn’t get a response we weren’t about to just sit around and do nothing,” Krissie says of the decision to front up at the Mayor’s Question Time in Brent last month. One gets the sense, even after the briefest of conversations with Krissie, that she’s not an easy person to say ‘no’ to. The local resident and mother of one founded the EETG in 2012 after learning of the possible closure of one of Spitalfields’ oldest traders. Paper bag supplier Gardners Market Sundriesmen had been operating out of its Commercial Street premises for more than 140 years, but a staggering rent increase looked set to put fourth-generation owner Paul Gardner out of business. It’s a story that was becoming all too familiar in the East End; the independent traders that had made the area so popular were being forced out of it. “I was studying a masters of community organising at the time, and I came across
Gardners’ story on [local blog] Spitalfields Life,” Krissie says. “They were able to get enough support to compel the landlord to agree to a more gradual rent increase but, having lived in Hackney for 20 years, I saw how other residents and businesses were being pushed out. “Paul introduced me to other traders in the area and in developing a network of small business we discovered they were all facing the same issues. They wanted to work together to build an organisation that harnesses collective action for the protection of their interests.” Four years later and EETG is a fully-fledged trade association with more than 150 members. Krissie was made the EETG’s director in July following a crowdfunding campaign to support East End Independents’ Day; a concept she says was entirely the work of the members. “Juliette Tuke from Milagros in Columbia Road, Rick Mast from Mast Brothers on Redchurch Street – everybody came together to make this happen,” Krissie says. We’ve had people from all sectors uniting to support each other in what is a difficult time post-Brexit vote, and I think that process of working together is just as important as the outcome.” Local tour operators and EETG members Alternative London will lead walking tours of East London’s most popular shopping hubs, including Columbia Road, Brick Lane and Spitalfields, as well as through Hackney, London Fields and Mile End.
going down a treat: Deli Downstairs
An exploration of Shoreditch and Spitalfields will stop in on local traders C.E Burns & Sons, Gardeners Bags, Dragana Perisic and Urban Species, while Columbia Road’s Making & Doing Tour will showcase the area’s craft credentials. A more foodie-focused tour of Broadway Market and Well Street will take in hotspots 4Cose, F Cooke, Fin and Flounder,
Oliver Rowe and Five Points brewery, finishing off with Christmas pudding at Deli Downstairs. There will be a series of surprise pop up events in the lead up to the day, but the real action begins – as anything should – with a decent breakfast. Krissie is hoping the Mayor’s appearance will be the beginning of a strong “constructive” relationship. “Sadiq is very pro-business, and we are all
confident he will do what he can to help traders. We want to make sure his partnerships are with a diverse representation of businesses, and not just the big ones. “We’re hoping to discuss some of the issues facing our members and come up with some solutions to protect the heart of the East End.” East End Independents’ Day is on 3 December throughout East London. Visit eastendtradesguild.org.uk for more details.
Treat to your loved ones this Christmas to a Beauty Gift Card from Primas Beauty Clinic, next to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Laser hair removal, facials all skin types and conditions, cellulite and slimming, microblading, tanning, massages and more...
Open till 8pm Visit us at 12 Ludgate Square, Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7AS www.primasbeauty.com | 0207 213 9550