South London Weekly - October 20th 2023

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Community matters

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Issue 21 ∙ 50p ∙ October 20 2023 ∙ www.southlondon.co.uk

See sport

See page 14

marc of aPProval

Brixton man sentenced to 29 Years After he murdered his wife and then set their house on fire See page 14

there is still more to do this Black historY month See page 21

Bus cut is ruining the school run

See page 16

Plans to convert old town hall into flats

See page 2

2 NEWS

NEWS Pages 2-17 arts Pages 18-19 History Pages 20-21 Classified Pages 26 Public notices Pages 27-28 SPORT

Meridian House, as seen on Greenwich High Road.

Pages 29-32

A CGI of the proposed development of Meridian House, as seen on Greenwich High Road.

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter A former town hall in South London is planned to be converted into a set of flats.

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Greenwich Council has received plans to convert its old town hall, called Meridian House, into a set of 73 flats.

The proposal, sent by Riverlow Group, would see the roof of the building on Greenwich High Road being extended to accommodate the new homes.

Council documents said 21 per cent of the new flats would be “affordable”.

Space would also be provided for shops on the ground floor, which would created 62 new jobs.

Planning documents from JTP on behalf of the Riverlow Group said the development also hopes to make the clock tower observation deck available for the public to visit. The plans said the tower has been inaccessible for over 50 years due to health and safety issues.

Council officers said in their report: “Members of the public shall be granted

SouthLondonWeekly.

recreational access to the viewing gallery within the clock tower free of charge on at least 4 occasions per year for the lifetime of the development.

"Prior to the occupation of the development, details of the management plan to facilitate public access to the clock tower viewing gallery shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the [council].”

Council documents said Meridian House is a Grade II listed building and was built in 1939,

SouthLondonWeekly.

Community matters

Issue 19 ∙ 50p ∙ October 13 2023 ∙ www.southlondon.co.uk

See pages 14-15

Community matters

Editor: Kevin Quinn Reporters: Herbie Russell; Isabel Ramirez Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Kiro Evans Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising: Clarry Frewin, Sophie Ali Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Published weekly at: Community Matters Media Ltd, Unit A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4DG. News and Sport: 020 7231 5258 Advertising: 0020 7232 1639 News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

LIFE ON THE ESTATE THAT WAS ONCE HOMES TO SPITFIRES

BLUES BOUNCE BACK

WWII ART OF BLACK BRITONS See page 17

See sport

MAN CHARGED WITH BRIXTON MURDER Victim Keelen Morris Wong.

See page 4

ICE RING SET FOR APPROVAL See page 10

100s OF HOMES IN BEXLEY? See page 10

serving as the town hall until 1965.

The building was later used by the Greenwich School of Management before it entered administration in 2019, and has remained empty ever since.

Historic England described the building as “iconic” and felt the extension would have a considerable impact on the structure.

The body said in its response: “In our view, the proposals would negatively affect a key element of the building’s significance –

specifically its striking composition, which is central to its architectural interest and the original design intent… Due to the extent of the harm we have identified, Historic England is unable to support the proposals.”

The plans for the building have received 124 letters of support from locals following several rounds of consultation last year.

Neighbours praised the building being repurposed to provide housing in the borough and felt it would help deter anti-social behaviour around the empty structure.

Council officers added: “It is considered that the proposal would cause less than substantial harm to the Grade II Listed Meridian House and this harm would be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal.

"The proposed mixed use redevelopment of the site is considered the only viable means of securing the long term conservation of the heritage asset.”

The application to convert Meridian House into a set of flats will be discussed at a planning board meeting for Greenwich Council on October 17.

The South London Weekly is an independent newspaper covering all of south London and beyond Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: South London Weekly, Southwark News and Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines The South Londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker.

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Plans to convert old town hall into flats

Contents

NEWS 3

london Bridge attraction faces unusual 'Bad luck' after 'cursed' Painting arrives

By Isabel Ramirez

A LonDon Bridge tourist attraction has a new painting that staff believe is 'cursed', claiming ever since it arrived they've had 'bad luck, heard noises and been chased by figures.'

The painting, which depicts a young girl with stern-looking eyes, was just meant to be a part of the new show at The London Bridge Experience - but staff have got more than they bargained for.

James Kislingbury, Managing Director at the venue - an interactive walk-through attraction that combines history and horror - said he came across the painting when shopping for props for their Halloween adult-only show.

"The show is all about being cursed," he told us. "I spotted it in an online auction and thought it would make an interesting talking point."

Mr Kislingbury bought the painting for £1,600. But he said when he travelled down to Hastings to pick it up, things started to get 'weird.'

"The seller had bought it from a charity shop," he told us. "It had already been returned before by people claiming it had a creepy aura."

He said when he asked the lady why she was selling it, she claimed things had been happening to her: "She said a figure had chased her and her dog wouldn't stop

barking at it. She had kept it in a cupboard ever since she bought it."

"As I was leaving, her mum turned to me and said - 'do you know what you're letting yourself in for?'"

Mr Kislingbury added that before he started working at The London Bridge Experience - which was voted the UK's scariest attraction - he "didn't believe in this kind of stuff," referencing the paranormal.

However, on picking up the mysterious artwork, he said he instantly noticed 'weird things happening.'

"My car broke down on the way back," he claimed. "And since it's been here at London Bridge, staff have been complaining of hearing weird noises and being chased."

He continued: "The other day I was alone on site and found myself humming along to music that was playing. Then it suddenly dawned on me - 'Who was playing the music?'" he said. "It's really creepy.

"Some staff say they feel like they're being followed and won't even be in the same room as the painting."

Shannon Fagan said she's worked there for nine years and has 'definitely noticed' the curse - but she added that she doesn't believe it to be harmful.

"The other day I was here on my own and I saw a black swooshy figure go through the door in front of me," she told us.

"We are used to things happening - once

James Kislingbury, Managing Director at the venue, and the painting as well.

"Of course, things have happened before.

It's a venue that holds a lot of history so we have always felt strange activity.

"But it seems to have gone to a different level."

Despite the 'bad luck' they claim to have experienced, Mr Kislingbury said they don't plan on getting rid of the painting anytime soon. "We're definitely going to keep it where it is - it's got a new home with us."

He added that they are keen to find

in a while, people say they've seen things, you know. But since this painting arrived it's every other day now.

"I don't think she means any harm though."

Mr Kislingbury said some staff members did not know about the idea the picture was 'cursed' before now.

And yet - the streak of bad luck goes on. "The wifi completely failed across the whole building the other day, and the washing machine broke as well," he told us. "I broke my collarbone the other day

out more about it: "If anyone can tell us anything about the artist or the history behind it - we'd love to hear it."

For Halloween this year, The London Bridge Experience is hosting two Halloween shows - a daytime familyfriendly one for younger guests and for older guests, there is an evening adult-only scare show Cir-Curse, featuring the new 'cursed' painting.

Are you brave enough to face her?

Go to thelondonbridgeexperience.com for more information.

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4 NEWS

rebecca launches kits to fight hygiene poverty

Exclusive

By Isabel Ramirez

Rebecca Johnson, 28, currently works in a theatre in central London.

A Borough-based woman is donating deodorant, wipes and other personal care items to local schools whilst helping to educate local teens on hygiene.

Rebecca Johnson, 28, who works in a theatre in central London, is currently on a mission to help ease the pressure on families who struggle to access hygiene products.

She told us the idea for the 'Refresh Kits' first came about last year, when a group of young girls visited her workplace and she noticed some of them were showing signs of poor hygiene.

"It made me think back to when I was at school," she said, "there was a lot of bullying. I even remember a teacher embarrassing one student in front of the whole class by smelling a scarf she was wearing."

Rebecca, who grew up in Elephant and Castle and now lives in Borough, added that for teenagers, hygiene can be an awkward subject that is not always easy to overcome. "For me, I was raised by my sister and she would make sure me and my little sister had deodorant, everything we needed," she explained, "but even then we didn't know how to change it if we needed to."

She added it is even harder if families are in poverty, commenting, "Sometimes you do have to wash your uniform during the week - but a lot of families can't afford to do that, especially at the moment. And some people struggle to access basic

© Chadwick (Creative Commons)

Three stabbed after incident in Dulwich's Belair Park

Belair Park in West Dulwich.

By Herbie Russell Police have said that three men have been treated for stab wounds after they responded to an incident in a Dulwich park at the weekend.

Police were called to Gallery Road, by Belair Park, to reports of a stabbing at 2.46am on Saturday, October 7.

A 21-year-old man was found suffering from stab wounds while two others, aged 20 and 22, attended a local hospital with stab wounds.

Police have since arrested three men, aged 25, 22 and 20, in connection with the incident.

None of the injuries sustained were lifethreatening or life-changing.

The next day, the Belair Park car park was reportedly closed to the public.

Gallery Road was also reportedly closed for some hours after the incident while police gathered forensic evidence.

Enquiries are ongoing and police have asked anyone who saw or knows anything to call 101 stating CAD839/07OCT.

The kits are in discreet bags and include items such as deodorant, wipes and lip balm.

hygiene products."

The kits are in discreet bags and include items such as deodorant, wipes and lip balm. "So if I can do my bit to help them out, then I want to do that."

As fate would have it, she explained that her old university, London South Bank, held a competition earlier this year for the chance to win money for an idea.

"I applied but it was over months you had to spend developing your pitch," she continued, "and during that time I was developing the idea of Refresh Kits."

She ended up coming second in the competition and won £1,000 to go towards the kits - which also include lip balm and tampons.

"I reached out to my old secondary school - Harris Academy Bermondsey with the idea to donate the kits to them but the whole Harris Federation reached out and loved the idea."

Last month she donated the first 100 kits to Harris Girls' Academy in East Dulwich, on the advice of the Harris Federation. She explained: "They are kept in the Head of

Year's office and students know they are there should they need them. They are in discreet bags as well."

A spokesperson from Harris Girls' said staff and students were 'delighted'

by Rebecca's donation, commenting: "Students from disadvantaged backgrounds face many barriers to success and Rebecca’s support will help our young women to feel confident to focus on their educational goals and aspirations."

As well as donating the products Rebecca said she also wants to raise

awareness of hygiene poverty and stop 'hygiene shaming' in schools. "Kids are not nice when you're at school."

According to Rebecca, each one costs around £5 to make, so to help spread the idea further she is currently raising money.

And she said it is not stopping there either. This Friday, she has been invited to attend the House of Lords with Harris Academy, to discuss her give-back program and how to take it further.

She added: "In the new year, I want to take the idea to schools across the country."

If you're a business or organisation that wants to get involved by donating products to the initiative, get in touch with Rebecca at refresherkits@outlook.com She is also fundraising for the project and said she would appreciate any donations from people wanting to keep it going. To donate go to gofundme.com and type in 'Refresh Kits In Schools.'

Ancient Roman mausoleum and mosaics to go on permanent public show in Borough's Wood Yards The Roman mosaics and mausoleum were discovered earlier this year

By Herbie Russell An “extremely rare” Roman mausoleum and four mosaics discovered in Borough will be displayed to the public in a permanent community space.

Excavators stumbled upon the beautifully preserved tomb while working on the Southwark Street site in June this year.

The developer has now put forward plans to house the archaeological finds in a community space ensuring Londoners can enjoy their majesty for years to come.

Archaeologists believe the mausoleum was a burial ground for some of the wealthier members of Roman Britain.

The Museum of London Archaeology believes the quality of its preservation makes it one of the most intact Roman tombs ever discovered in the UK. Excavators have uncovered 3,000 archaeological finds on the site, including four mosaics “of national importance”, numerous Roman skeletons and heaps of treasure.

Antonietta Lerz, senior archaeologist at MOLA, told the BBC the site was a

"microcosm for the changing fortunes of Roman London" and provided "a fascinating window" into the lives of its settlers.

The new community space, named Wood Yards, will house both the restored mausoleum and the four mosaics, providing public viewing access.

It will host archaeological events and have a new cycle hub attached to it somewhere visitors can safely store their bicycles.

The site forms part of the Liberty of Southwark - a development that will see the construction of offices, retail units and 36 new homes of which 50 per cent will be affordable.

The archaeological finds will go on permanent display in a community space

PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH HM GOVERNMENT

Every mind matters: make time to take care of your mental wellbeing L

ooking after our mental health improve our mental wellbeing. Try The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access and wellbeing is not something the free, practical, self-help tips and a range of NHS services, including mental health we should just do when it’s poor; techniques inspired by cognitive services. It is available to all patients aged 13 and it’s something we can all take steps to behavioural therapy at over who are registered with an NHS GP practice in maintain, just like our physical health. nhs.uk/every-mind-matters England and the Isle of Man. Working long hours as a secondary Get the free NHS App to: Talk about it school teacher led Emi to seek out l Order repeat prescriptions Talking to someone we trust about some activity to help her deal with how we’re feeling can help stop us l View your GP health record the stress. Since joining the Barnet from feeling lonely – plus sharing how securely Choral Society in 2017, she has been you are feeling with friends or family rehearsing with them once a week. l Get health advice will help them understand what “For about two hours you are totally l Find NHS services near you you’re going through, and together involved,” she says. “There’s nothing For more you can explore solutions. informat ion visit nhs.uk/n hs-app or quite like singing in a choir.” download from the App Store or Google Play.

She has since changed jobs and had Get the most from sleep a son, who’s aged three, meaning that Good-quality sleep makes a big things that might work for you: making her singing also offers some precious difference to how we feel mentally and them part of your daily routine can help downtime. physically. Every Mind Matters has tips you tackle issues like anxiety, low mood “I think it makes a huge difference for improving your sleep, including an and stress, as well as maintain good mental having something to look forward do email programme to help you develop that’s ‘mine’ during the week,” adds Emi, wellbeing. good bedtime habits.

Start finding your little big thing with now a learning and development adviser. these top tips: Get closer to nature “It’s like exercise – even if you’re not in Spending time in green spaces like parks the mood, you go along and you forget all Move more or gardens can lift your mood and help the other stuff you have on your plate.”

Being active is good for your mind as well If you want to take steps to boost your as your physical health. Try an activity that you feel more relaxed; bring nature into your life by tending to plants on a mental health but don’t know where is right for your physical abilities and you windowsill or balcony. to begin, there are plenty of ways you enjoy doing on a regular basis, whether can help yourself with simple actions that’s an online yoga class, dancing around For more information on maintaining good mental health, visit nhs.uk/everythat can lead to positive results without the home or short walks in the fresh air. mind-matters costing a penny.

Taking the time to do one small thing Manage your feelings each day for your mental health can Sometimes we develop unhelpful patterns If you are struggling with anxiety and/ or depression, head to nhs.uk/talk to find help you feel a lot better. To get started, of thought that can lead to unhelpful your local NHS Talking Therapies search Better Health- Every Mind behaviour, so recognising them and service.

Matters where you can find free, simple thinking about them differently can

Staying fit, spending time in nature and taking time to talk to someone you trust can all help us to maintain our mental health and wellbeing. For Emi Morimoto, singing alongside 100 others in her local choir has its own special magic: “there’s a sense of community which is lovely. If you don’t show up, people might get in touch”.

Get appy!

Help in a crisis

n If you are having thoughts of suicide, are harming yourself or have thought about self-harm it is important to tell someone. n These thoughts and feelings can be complex, frightening and confusing but you do not have to struggle alone. If you cannot wait to see a doctor

and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, or you just need somebody to talk to, contact one of the organisations below to get support right away: n Find your local 24/7 NHS crisis line at nhs.uk/ urgentmentalhealth or visit 111.nhs.uk n If you are under 35 and experiencing thoughts

of suicide, or for anyone that is concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide, visit papyrus-uk.org, call 0800 068 4141 (9am-midnight, 365 days a year), text 07860 039 967 or email pat@ papyrus-uk.org n If your life or someone else’s life is at risk call 999

6 NEWS

Brixton residents demanding action after shocking incidents of anti-social behaviour on their doorsteps

By Robert Firth

Brixton locals have demanded the police and council take action to stop drug users relieving themselves on their doorsteps.

Residents living in the town centre claim antisocial behaviour in the area is the worst it has ever been with users taking drugs outside their homes, dealers selling narcotics on every street corner and XL bullies running around off leads.

Many of the affected streets are just minutes by foot from Brixton Police Station, but locals claim they rarely see any officers around.

They say the situation has grown worse since officers from the police’s town centre team were moved to deal with robberies and violence across a wider area of South London.

According to several residents spoken to by the Local Democracy Reporting Service [LDRS], an officer admitted there were 20 unfilled posts in the Met’s Brixton town centre team at a community meeting in September.

The LDRS asked the Met if this claim was true but it didn’t reply.

The Met did however admit that officers from Brixton’s town centre team had “recently been moved to the borough’s proactive taskforce which will focus on dealing with local issues across the area.”

The Met added that it was “aiming to fill the town centre team posts as soon as possible.”

Lee Arthur, a resident of Brixton for over three decades, said antisocial behaviour in the area was the worst he had ever known. He said: “We’ve got people defecating on our doorsteps.

We’ve had it on our front door four times.

"They use the street as a toilet if they want to relieve themselves day or night.

It has gotten progressively worse and I have not seen it this bad in the 30 years I

Ros Griffiths, a community activist, said the Brixton community needed to be involved in designing a response to deal with antisocial behaviour, alongside police and the council.

Person collapsed in doorway of Brixton resident's home. Supplied still from CCTV footage to LDRS

It has never been this bad. There’s daily crack use on my doorstep.

- local resident have been here.”

Mr Arthur added that he believed the local council, Lambeth, and the community were as responsible as the police for taking action to deal with the problem.

Another local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It has never been this bad. There’s daily crack use on my doorstep. I’ve had crack users defecating on my doorstep.

"Brixton Station Road is completely lawless. There’s guys openly selling drugs and XL bully dogs not on leads.

“I’ve got my 11 year old daughter.

She came back from school and there

were three crack users on the doorstep.

Do the police and council think that’s acceptable?”

He added that he wanted to see police officers in the area, proper monitoring and maintenance of CCTV and more help from the council for addicts.

Ros Griffiths, a community activist, said the problems in Brixton town centre had reached a tipping point.

She said: “We have drug dealers on every corner in Brixton town centre.The African and Caribbean war memorial was graffitied.

"I’ve seen a lot of drug paraphernalia around. Brixton even smells of urine. It’s

not nice.

“The time for talking is over, we need action. But the community needs to be involved in designing the response. It can’t be seen as an afterthought.”

In a statement, the Met told the LDRS it was “aware of concerns around antisocial behaviour in the Brixton town centre area and this is being treated as one of our local priorities.”

It added that “officers will be present in hotspot locations at key times when we know antisocial behaviour is most prevalent.”

In a briefing note from August seen by the LDRS, chief inspector Mark Kent

from Lambeth’s Neighbourhood Policing team was more direct. He admitted “that the reduction in visible presence in [Brixton’s] town centre has led to an increase in anti-social behaviour and drug taking.”

Dr. Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth Council’s cabinet member for safer communities, said the council had installed CCTV in the local area and was conductng patrols.

He added: “This is an issue that will not disappear overnight, but we will continue to do everything we can to make sure it is stamped out. There are, however, some issues that can best be tackled by the police.

“The main issues raised at this public meeting were drug dealing and drug taking, both of which are criminal offences which require a police response.

"Although council officers do not have the jurisdiction to enforce criminal law, where necessary we are happy to work closely with the police asserting their powers to tackle anti-social behaviour for the good of the whole community.”

Drivers baffled by conflicting speed limit signs Local Democracy Reporter Drivers have been left baffled by conflicting speed limit signs on a South London Road.

Painted markings indicating that Streatham High Road was a 20mph zone appeared next to an existing 30mph sign on the busy thoroughfare last week.

Motorists travelling down the 1.8 miles road have been left scratching their heads at the contradictory signage, unsure which speed limit to follow.

Transport for London [TfL] confirmed the speed limit on the road remains 30mph and said all signs would be replaced ahead of a new 20mph speed limit coming into force in December.

But the delay in updating the signs had left some motorists confused, with drivers struggling to understand why they all haven’t been updated sooner.

Alex Mapp, 41, said he did a double take when he passed the conflicting signs on his way back from the supermarket on Monday (October 9).

He said: “I slowed down because of the new road markings, but then seeing

that sign totally threw me off.

“It made me question if I was seeing okay. It’s ridiculous that no one spotted this when they were drawing the new signs on the road.

"I come down here regularly, but can you imagine if you didn’t know the area? It’s very confusing.”

Commuter Florence Mccallum said other drivers seemed spooked by the conflicting signs. She said: “It’s so idiotic. You have drivers slowing down then speeding up and then slamming the brakes on again.

"It’s so so confusing for everyone.

Nobody knows what they’re doing. It needs sorting out soon.”

A local resident, who declined to give their name, added: “I don’t drive so it doesn’t affect me but I saw it earlier when I walked past and I couldn’t believe it.

"I don’t know if they forgot it or something. If it [Streatham High Road] is becoming 20 miles per hour though I support that. People go way too fast down here all the time.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “To reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads, we are currently in the process of

© Robert Firth

By Robert Firth

Conflicting speed limit signs on Streatham High Road in Lambeth. introducing 65km of new 20mph speed limits in Lambeth and other boroughs in South London.

"The speed limit on Streatham High Road remains 30mph until the new limits come into force in December.

"We are installing new signs and all signage will be updated before the lower speed limit comes into force.”

six guiltY of 2017 murder

convicted (left to right): Ryan Brown, Jason Smith, Jamie Marshall, Divon henrycampbell, Sorraviho Smith, Nyron John-Baptiste

Photos: Met Police

NEWS 7

By Herbie Russell

Six men have been convicted of murder - almost six years after a teenager was lured to a south London park and stabbed to death.

Michael Jonas died from stab wounds to the chest in Betts Park, Bromley, in November 2017.

A group of six teenagers were charged with his murder but the prosecution discontinued the case in 2018 while the police investigation continued.

In October 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reinstated the original charges against the six men and they were remanded until trial.

All six were convicted of murder and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, November 20.

Those found guilty of murder were Nyron Jean Baptiste, 22, from Penge, Divon Henry-Campbell, 23, from Streatham, Jason Smith, 20, from Dartford, Jamie Marshall, 22, from Penge, Ryan Girense Brown, 21, from Croydon and Sarraviho Smith, 23, from Camberwell.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb said: “This has been a long and complex investigation but we were determined to keep fighting for justice and we are F.A.A.

pleased these men will now be off the streets of London and unable to cause further harm.”

Police were called to Betts Park on November 2, 2017, following a report that a man was injured Officers discovered Michael Jonas who was suffering from multiple stab injuries.

Despite paramedics’ efforts, he died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination established the cause of death as stab wounds to the chest.

The police investigation revealed

that, at around 7pm, Michael had been approached by five of the group as he walked down Anerley Road. The group then walked into the park together.

At 7.12pm, the sixth member of the group John-Baptiste was captured arriving at the scene, with phone analysis showing he’d been called to come by Henry-Campbell.

Three minutes later, by 7.15pm, all the defendants were seen fleeing the park on bicycles. The fatal attack had taken no more than 120 seconds.

The court heard that DNA from

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bloodstains at the scene was also found to be one billion times more likely to be from Jean-Baptiste than from an unknown or unrelated individual.

None of the group ever admitted responsibility or gave reasons for their action, however the court heard that they had believed Michael was a ‘snitch’ and so carried out their fatal attack All six defendants had been arrested and charged by early December 2017.

The CPS dropped the case the following year but officers continued gathering evidence meaning the CPS reinstated the

Victim Michael Jonas

charges five years later.

DCI Webb said: “Michael was just 17 when he was fatally stabbed in a violent, pre-planned attack. His family remain devastated by his loss and will never come to terms with what happened that night."

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8 NEWS

By Herbie Russell there Are not many football clubs in the uK that have an LGBtfriendly team affiliated to them but millwall is one of just two that do, alongside Charlton.

how millwall has Become a haven for gaY footBallers

Millwall Romans FC at the St Paul's Sports Ground

© Millwall Romans © Millwall FC

Chairperson and player Paul Loding told us: “I remember being in the stands watching a game with my dad and hearing the shouts of f*ck off you queers. Things like that set you back.”

The 6'2" Essex football lad was not referring to a Millwall game. It was back in his childhood at a match in Sussex. But he would never have imagined that many years later he and his teammates would find a home in south London playing under the name Millwall Romans.

Formed in 2006, the team was actually a north London-based side without an affiliated club until Millwall Community Trust approached them in 2020 and they have not looked back.

The affiliation has transformed the side. The team benefits from free kit, equipment and a minibus for away days. Most impressively, they have access to the St Paul’s Sports Ground in Rotherhithe for training and matches - the same pristine surface where Millwall’s Lionesses train.

Thanks, at least in part, to the support offered by Millwall FC, Paul and the team can reflect on recent success.

Last year, they won the London Unity League, a competition for LGBT+ teams. And players who spoke to us laughingly recalled winning the GFSN National Cup in Manchester and enjoying an ‘open top tour’ around the city in Paul’s convertible.

With so many good memories on and off the pitch, it’s hard to believe that, at one point, it looked like Paul had hung up his boots for good. “I left football aged sixteen,” he says. “I’d played for a team in Barking. It was okay. They were a good group of guys. But I couldn’t feel at home there.

“It had quite an Essex-blokey feel, which is fine. We all drink beer - it’s not like we don’t,” he laughs. “But it was like I was living this lie because I wasn’t saying I’ve got a boyfriend at home. I’d try to avoid the questions.”

It’s a story that many of the players have some version of - tales of hiding relationships from friends and family.

There were some reservations about joining Millwall, the home of “no one likes us, we don’t care”. Captain John Goodyear said: “It was something we discussed as a team because there obviously is that reputation with Millwall.”

But he says those concerns subsided as soon as the partnership began.

“Once we became part of the Millwall Community Trust, they were amazing and so supportive,” he says. “Every time we’ve been to the Den we’ve been made to feel really welcome. So it’s been really eye-opening for us.”

The feel-good factor is infectious and appears to have filtered out from the club and into the streets of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Take the The Brunel pub, formerly The Adam & Eve. Depending on who you ask, it used to be a “locals’ pub” or “a little rough round the edges”, but certainly not a gay bar.

The pub has retained its traditional feel - it’s still heaving on match days and attracts the old regulars. But, at the same time, it's welcomed the Romans with open arms. “We’re really friendly with the pub. Every home game we’ll be in there. If it’s an early kick off, we’ll be in the pub at two o’clock and finish at ten and that does get a bit

Chairperson and player Paul Loding

Millwall Romans FC at London Pride dangerous!” laughed Paul, recalling marathon drinking sessions.

But post-match tomfoolery aside, is there really a need for LGBT-friendly football clubs? And by separating gay players from straight players, could they actually be a barrier to integration? Paul points out that football can still be a very hostile place for LGBT people and that’s why these clubs exist. Millwall Romans, he pointed out, is made up of gay and straight players, and aims to create a comfortable place for all sexualities.

He explains: “I was quite late coming out. I was 24 when I came out to one of

The team often enjoys a post-match drink at The Brunel my straight friends and then I was 28 when I told my mum and 30 when I told my dad. Without having this facility, it would have been quite difficult. I think that’s why these teams exist - so we can just be ourselves irrelevant of who’s around.”

When it comes to tackling homophobia, football still has work to do. There are stunningly few openly gay professionals and the Qatari World Cup arguably demonstrates FIFA’s lukewarm attitude to sexual orientation equality.

Paul even admits that, despite the support he’s received from Millwall FC,

he’s still wary of how some fans could react if they were to parade around the stadium. In the past, the woman’s side - the Millwall Lionesses - have walked around the pitch at the Den at halftime, something he wouldn’t want for the Romans.

“As great as Millwall are, I think if we did parade ourselves around the pitch at halftime I still think we would receive a few boos,” he said.

He added that he believes this is a fear he has over "mob mentality" and not representative of how he thinks Millwall fans really feel.

Paul believes the best way to tackle

discrimination is to take a proactive approach: “I want to educate people and say ‘don’t say that’. That could be your son, that could be your nephew, that can’t be comfortable in their own skin.”

Fortunately, Paul knows change is possible. He came out to his Dad aged 30 and can still remember the response; “I don’t know if I agree with it, I don’t know if I agree with the lifestyle.” Today, Paul’s dad has completely changed his attitude and “massively” regrets what he said.

“He watches us every Sunday now,” Paul says with a proud smile.

NEWS 9

28-Year-old with terminal cancer wants to fundraise £15,000 for guY's hosPital

By Isabel Ramirez

A 28-YeAr-oLD man with terminal cancer, who says he had 'zero symptoms' before being diagnosed, is taking on a series of challenges to raise money for Guy's hospital to help future patients.

Mason Morgan, from Balham, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour in September last year.

"I had zero symptoms," he explained.

"That weekend I was packing and sorting stuff out for Australia. Then I vividly remember picking up a white T-shirt and blacking out for 15-30 seconds... After that, I rang NHS 111, and they told me to go to King’s College Hospital, and I didn’t leave there for four weeks," Mason recalled.

He had a high-grade (aggressive) brain tumour and had surgery at King’s College Hospital to try and remove it.

Unfortunately, the nature of the tumour meant complete removal wasn’t possible, although surgeons removed as much as it was safe to.

Despite the devastating diagnosis and ongoing treatment at Guy's Cancer

Centre, he continues with his job in marketing for a finance company in London Bridge.

Mason has embarked on a mission to raise funds for cancer research and support. He will take on challenges to raise money including running the London Marathon.

Mason shared about his participation in the Cancer Survivors’ Day fashion show at Guy’s Hospital: "I wanted to do it to give back for all the care, assistance, and support I’ve received. I was more excited than worried or nervous.

"I would recommend it to other cancer patients and cancer survivors. It builds your confidence and makes you more comfortable with your diagnosis."

Mason's efforts extend beyond the runway. He has set an ambitious fundraising goal of £15,000, intending to support Guy’s Cancer Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support.

To achieve this, he plans to undertake a series of challenges, including the Vitality London 10K, the Royal Parks Half Marathon, and the London Marathon.

“My friends, family and colleagues have all been supportive. I can’t thank

them enough. You can sit on the sofa and be in a rut and be depressed but I strive not to be like that. I try to be the opposite.

“It stops me from doing lots of things.

It’s a challenge every day. Making something to eat is a challenge because I can’t use my right side as well as I used to. You have to figure out certain ways around it. It’s part of me and you have to deal with whatever cards you are dealt.”

Brain tumours are a significant health concern, especially among young adults. Statistics reveal that brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in individuals under 40, reducing life expectancy by an average of 27 years.

Mason’s determination to raise awareness about this issue and contribute to research efforts is pivotal in addressing this critical health issue.

Guy’s Cancer Charity supports Guy’s Cancer to transform cancer care through the very latest developments in personalised care.

Go to justgiving.com 'Mason Challenge' to donate.

You can sit on the sofa and be in a rut and be depressed but I strive not to be like that. I try to be the opposite - Mason Morgan

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10 NEWS Graham Poole outside M. Manze Pie & Mash

farewell to London's greatest pieman Graham Poole 1952 - 2023

The eldest grandson of Michele Manze, Graham dedicated his heart and soul to the business for over 50 years and was much loved throughout the family and by the staff, he will be sorely missed

By Herbie Russell South London’s most famous pie-maker Graham Poole, who “dedicated his life and soul” to the M. Manze Pie & Mash dynasty, sadly passed away last month.

Graham Michele Poole died from cancer at his home in Warlingham on September 24, aged 70, accompanied by his beloved wife and daughter.

The tireless businessman served the family enterprise for over half a century, ensuring the people of Bermondsey and Peckham never went without their traditional, liquor-soaked grub.

Hundreds of tributes have poured in following his passing, with people sharing fond memories of a caring boss and dedicated family man.

Graham was born in 1952, in Surrey, to Lionel and June Poole. He grew up with three siblings; Lesley his older sister and his two younger brothers Rick and Geoff.

Graham was born into a pie-making lineage. His grandfather Michele Manze, an Italian who migrated to London in 1878, to escape the poverty on southern Italy, established the first Manze pie shop in 1902.

The business reached a zenith in 1930 when there were thirteen pie shops.

Despite the following decades of economic downturn, by the time Graham was born, two stores had survived in Peckham and

by Tower Bridge.

Graham, who would eventually grow to be 6’4”, was tall from a very early age and his size and strength made him the perfect candidate for the hard graft of pie shop work.

He started working at the Peckham shop when he was just thirteen. His brother Rick said: “Because he was a big lad he was able to handle the pastry.

“If you’re looking at pastry which weighs 30kg and you’re making it by hand, it’s pretty physical.”

While his stature made him a dab hand in the kitchen, it could run him into trouble at school, where his friends affectionately nicknamed him ‘Tiny’.

“He was in size elevens by primary school and the only shoes they could get to fit him were desert boots so the headmistress had a hissy fit over that,” said Rick.

He was a bright student and did well enough to get into Archbishop Tenison’s, Croydon, back when it was a grammar school.

But while all the boys were given the option to pursue other careers, Graham only ever had eyes for Manze’s.

Like all the boys, he started off as Saturday staff doing the dishes but gradually rose through the ranks, and eventually made the Peckham outlet his own.

The Peckham shop did well under Graham’s stewardship who, despite his high standards, was a conscientious boss

who could light up the room with his “infectious laugh”.

Many of those who wrote tributes on Facebook recalled working under him.

Charlie Fletcher wrote: “I worked at the Peckham shop in 83/84 with Graham, Bob, Jamie and a few others.

“Graham always had time to talk and advise me (especially where I was doing things wrong) but always ended the day with a smile and a hand on my shoulder.

“Taught me how to treat people the right way and have often thought of him with fondness over the years. RIP Graham.”

Mark Reddin wrote: “R.I.P Graham a nice man and good boss in my early working years enjoyed working at Manze’s”.

In 1985, disaster struck the business.

London was gripped by a wave of race riots and the chaos of Brixton spilled over into Peckham.

Late on September 30, Graham received a call from a police officer saying the shop had been set alight by petrol bombs.

Rick said: “It was quite gutting for him because that was his shop. It was quite sad to see it. It was just the top half which had the fire which had spread over from the carpet shop next door.”

A lengthy legal battle with the insurers ensued after they refused to reinstate the shop. For the next five years, the business survived on the shop on Tower Bridge Road.

The brothers would re-open the Peckham shop in 1990 and secure a

financial settlement in the High Court in 1995.

In 1986, he married his wife Angela who he met while she was working as a secretary for the company solicitor.

Together they had two children. His daughter was named Michele, after Rick's grandfather. The pair had a “great relationship”.

“She was definitely Daddy’s girl,” said Rick.

They also had a son together, named James, who was disabled and sadly died very young.

With the brothers' father Lionel passing away in 1988, Graham, Geoff and Rick started co-running the business together.

Rick said: “The business was our life. If we were at home we were talking about it.

If we were at work we were doing it. If you go and see relatives you’re talking about it.

You’re thinking about it 24/7 as well.”

Over the years, Manze’s garnered lots of press attention which meant Rick was often thrust into the limelight.

In the early 2000s, celebrity chef Rick Stein filmed an episode of ‘Food Heroes’ at the shop.

The two of them got on well, so much so that when Graham’s health deteriorated years later, he received a letter of good wishes from Rick.

In 2020, they won the 2020 Food Heritage Award and Linda Robson of Loose Women paid them a visit to present them with the award.

Fortunately, food was not only Graham’s job but his passion. A skilled chef, he was often found in the kitchen, cooking up one of his trademark Italian dishes for the family.

A dish called Macaroni and Conserve, a Neapolitan pasta dish passed down from their ancestors, was a speciality.

Ever the family man, he also enjoyed piling down to the family’s bungalow in Seasalter, where cousins, uncles and aunts would spend long holidays on the beach.

Graham fought a long battle with cancer which began ten years ago. “He was really strong with that,” said Rick.

He beat the cancer in his throat but it returned a few years later. He underwent an operation which meant he could no longer swallow his food.

But even when his cancer spread, meaning he could no longer eat himself, he would still cook for his wife.

In a tribute to Graham, M. Manze Pie & Mash wrote online: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Graham Poole on Sunday 24th September at the age of 70.

“The eldest grandson of Michele Manze, Graham dedicated his heart and soul to the business for over 50 years and was much loved throughout the family and by the staff, he will be sorely missed.

“Graham retired in 2019 but was always happy to be on hand for any advice he could give the business. He is survived by his loving wife and daughter.”

NEWS 11

mum who gave Birth in car Park thanks hosPital staff ExcLuSivE

By Isabel Ramirez A MoTher-oF-Two, who gave birth in King's college hospital car park after leaving home 'a bit too late', is thanking the 'amazing' staff who helped her.

On Sunday 25 June, staff from the emergency and maternity departments teamed up to deliver baby Ted James after his mother Nina's labour progressed faster than anyone imagined.

Nina Segal, 35, a playwright from Forest Hill, said she didn't quite make it inside the hospital after 'leaving home a bit too late.'

Talking about Ted’s arrival into the world, she said: “I never felt like either Ted or I were in any danger. But I do see that it could have all gone very differently.

Everyone at King's is amazing and we are very, very grateful.”

Nina explained that her waters had broken the night before, but they spent the night at home after checking it was okay.

The mother-of-two, who wrote a play currently being shown at the Rose Theatre in Bankside told us: "Ted's my second child. We were more confident this time and keen not to rush.

"In the morning we got checked again, but they said we could go home as we

didn't want to be induced."

She recalled going home with her partner, Jeff James, who 'made a nice lunch.' "To be honest we just stayed at home a bit too long," she said.

When her contractions were more frequent and with the earlier advice of a midwife, Nina said they made their way to the hospital.

"As soon as I laid eyes on the hospital my body was like - it's time to push.

"It was a sunny day and there were loads of hospital staff on their break outside. I vividly remember one staff member was eating a cornetto - but she dashed it over her shoulder when they realised how soon Ted would be born."

Nina said when it was clear that they couldn't make it upstairs to the ward, staff acted fast - which involved putting up privacy screens and making sure she had somewhere to lie to give birth.

"When they heard him cry, everyone broke into applause," she continued, "I forgot we were in public."

Despite the unconventional birthplace, the hospital's car park in Denmark Hill, Nina commented that it was 'much easier' than her first birth, saying: "My body knew what to do. It happened so fast."

On a lighthearted note, Nina said because the hospital is on the borough boundary - the birth certificate was complicated as they had to pinpoint exactly where baby Ted was born. "I

Nina with baby Ted a few months later Photo supplied by family .

Emergency and maternity staff helped to deliver baby Ted James in the king's college hospital car park.

Photo supplied by the family. didn't realise how much admin would be needed for a baby being born in a car park," she joked.

After careful deliberation, it turns out he is a Lambeth lad - "If he had been born on the other side of the main road, it would have been Southwark!" Nina said.

Luckily there were no complications following the birth, and both Nina and baby Ted were ready to go home the next day.

For their efforts that day, the staff are up for a Lifesaver of the Year award

Commenting on this, Nina said: "I'd love them to win. The awards are amazing - the NHS is amazing. They provide the best care - even in a car park."

The King’s Stars Annual Awards, supported by King’s College Hospital Charity, recognise and celebrate staff and teams at the Trust who go the extra mile for patients and the wider community.

The winner of one special category, Lifesaver of the Year, is selected by the public.

Another nominee for the award

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is Surgeon Bassel Zebian and the Neurosurgery Team at King’s College Hospital - who saved a baby's life after successful pioneering keyhole surgery.

Surgeon Nicholas Faure Walker and the Intensive Care Team at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) have also been nominated. They saved a man's life who was told his chances of survival were low after undergoing 13 hours of surgery.

Voting is now open at www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/7P682VD and the winner will be announced on Thursday 2 November.

What's On 2023

AKA TRIO

Antonio Forcione/Seckou Keita/Adriano Adewale

SAT 18 Nov, 11am & 3pm

Sat 28 Oct, 8pm

Sun 26 Nov, 7pm

Elgin Quartet Lunchtime Recital

Mon 30 Oct, 1.10pm

Nina Stibbe

chaired by Nicholas Wroe

Fri 17 Nov, 7.30pm

NEWS 13

Harris Academy footballers swap polo shirts for swanky new kits thanks to £33K donation

By Herbie Russell

Young footballers at Southwark’s Harris Academy schools have swapped their polo shirts for swanky new strips thanks to a donation worth £33,000.

Online clothing retailer MandM kindly gave £250,000 to the Harris Federation meaning all its 54 schools will be playing in fresh kits this season.

Harmony, a Harris Academy Peckham student and footballer, said: “I feel so happy wearing this new kit.

It’s really comfortable.

“We used to wear our PE kits before, a polo t-shirt with leggings or shorts, and this kit now makes me feel like I’m part of a team. It makes me feel proud!”

The lucky schools are Harris Academy Peckham, Harris Academy Bermondsey, Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich, Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich, and their two primaries in East Dulwich and Peckham Park.

The new shirts have been personalised for each school, featuring their distinctive badge and colours, and are sponsored by MandM. Each school bundle includes match tops for outfield players and goalkeepers, shorts and socks as well as a team kit bag.

A SOUND DECISION Corsica Studios at Elephant & Castle wins battle to stay

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter An Elephant & Castle nightclub has won its fight to remain in its home months after it was told it would have to leave because of new flats planned within ten metres of the venue.

Corsica Studios will be able to stay in its two railway arches, Southwark Council confirmed at a meeting on Tuesday, October 17.

The 500-capacity nightclub had been told that it would have to move up the road to protect future residents from noise nuisance, as part of the regeneration of the centre of Elephant and Castle. But the club, which has been based in the railway arches by Elephant and Castle

Mike Tomkins, the Chairman of MandM, with footballers at Harris Academy Peckham Mike Tomkins, Chairman of MandM, said: “As a business, MandM is aligned with the Harris Federation’s values in social mobility and equality so we are delighted to be helping make

a difference for their students and doing what we can to encourage participation in sport.”

Sir Dan Moynihan, CEO of the Harris Federation, said: “Our 54 primary and

secondary academies are setting new standards of educational achievement in some of the most challenging and disadvantaged areas of London.

“Sport is a really important part

of our success so we, and the many young footballers at our academies now playing in new kits as a result of MandM’s generosity, are hugely grateful for this collaboration.”

South Bank parks receive top prizes

By Herbie Russell Two South Bank parks have won gold awards in a Londonwide gardening competition.

Corsica Studios in Elephant and Castle has won its fight to remain in its home. Photo from Google Street View railway station since 2002, has now been told it can stay where it is after acoustic experts found a solution that prevents sound from leaking out from the venue.

A report presented to the council’s cabinet on October 17 said that bosses at Corsica Studios objected to the proposed move after Labour-run Southwark Council obtained a compulsory purchase order [CPO] allowing them to carry out the relocation plans in February.

They told council officials the move “was not their preferred outcome” and asked the council to reassess if the club could remain where it was.

New acoustic surveys were carried out in summer and a solution was found that prevents sound leakage, which involves the construction of a “sound mitigation lobby” on the western side of the venue.

One of the two arches further up the road that Corsica Studios was due to move into will now become replacement premises for Beset, a logistics company that will have to move as part of the redevelopment of Elephant and Castle centre.

The other arch could become home to Latin American supermarket DistriAndina, which also has to relocate as part of the regeneration plans.

Councillors approved a new CPO which will allow the so-called “sound mitigation lobby” to be built on the façade of Corsica Studios at the cabinet meeting.

Councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for sustainable development, said: “Essentially what this report does is propose the withdrawal of the existing CPO that was made in February and

puts forward proposals for a revised and improved CPO. "Two things to note in particular: an improved position in relation to Corsica Studios, the nightclub that operates at Elephant and Castle.

“A solution has been found that will allow them to stay in situ with an improved acoustic solution that deals with the noise from the nightclub and any conflict there might be with residential in the future.

"That then itself has enabled an improved position for a number of small businesses that need to relocate into some of the arches.”

Councillor Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark Council, said: “It’s really welcome that work has happened with Corsica to find a solution that helps them stay where they are.”

The Red Cross Garden and Tate Modern Community Garden, both managed by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, took the top prizes at the London in Bloom Awards.

Waterloo Green and the historic Crossbones Garden off Union Street also received silver awards.

The judges, who visited each park described the Red Cross Garden as “a pleasure to visit” and praised the style of the Tate Community Garden.

All the parks are free to enter and supported by gardening volunteer groups.

Red Cross Garden, Waterloo Green and Tate Modern Community Garden were also the recipients of Green Flag Awards this summer.

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said the gardens were “vital green spaces… bring people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles”.

In total 30 Southwark parks have Green Flag Awards, the third highest out of all the local authorities in the UK. These include Peckham Rye Park, Dulwich Park, Burgess Park, Southwark Park and more.

14 NEWS

By Herbie Russell

A man has been jailed for a minimum of 29 years for stabbing his wife to death before starting a house fire to conceal the murder.

Jurors found Amidu Koroma, 48, of Railton Road, Brixton, guilty of murdering Mariam Kamara, 46, on Thursday, October 12, following a trial at the Old Bailey.

He also received a concurrent sevenyear sentence for arson.

Police described the murder as "brutal" and said that starting a fire to cover his tracks “put other members of the public at risk”.

Detectives launched a murder investigation after being called to a house fire on Railton Road in the early hours of January 24, 2022.

Koroma and the couple’s son escaped the blaze but Ms Kamara’s body was found in an upstairs bedroom. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were immediately suspicious

because Koroma had made little effort to save his wife from the burning building and had instead gathered clothes for his son.

They also found a large store of jerry cans containing petrol in the loft and detectives could smell accelerant coming from the vicinity of Ms Kamara’s body. This led them to believe the fire had been started deliberately.

Despite her body being severely damaged by the fire, a post-mortem examination found she’d suffered one or more stab wounds to the neck and chest before the fire was set.

Police undertook an extensive investigation which included a thorough search of the property, gathering witness statements and taking expert advice.

A forensic scientist was consulted who said it was likely the fire had been started by the ignition of petrol.

A consultant plastic surgeon also said a burn on Koroma’s foot of about eight to nine centimetres could only have

Photo: Met Police

Brixton man jailed for 29 years for murdering his wife then setting their house on fire Amidu Koroma.

Mariam Kamara

happened through close contact with fire.

This contradicted Koroma's claims that he’d been unable to access the room where the fire was to rescue his wife.

Forensic evidence also revealed Mariam's blood was on his clothing as well as burn damage caused by a transient flame.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal murder and an appalling act of violence against a woman.

“After murdering his wife, Koroma then started a fire to cover up his

actions. This was a further selfish act which put other members of the public at risk.

“My officers conducted an in-depth investigation into this murder and worked hard to gather a range of evidence which pointed to Koroma as the killer.

“Our thoughts are with Ms Kamara’s family and friends and in particular with her son who we continue to support through this trauma.

“The Met is committed to reducing violence against women and thankfully Ms Kamara’s killer has been brought to justice today.”

The Capitol in Forest Hill ushered out its last punters at the weekend after JD Wetherspoon made the “commercial decision" to close the site.

The iconic boozer was located at the former Capitol cinema, described as a “rare survival” of a complete 1920s art deco picture house.

JD Wetherspoon PLC announced the premises had been put up for sale back in September 2022 prompting a wave of appreciation for the unique pub on social media.

One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “Capitol, Wetherspoons in Forest Hill SE23, due to close this Sunday 15 October. Impressive pub in old theatre/cinema, no one seems to know it's [sic] future.”

Another pub appreciator previously wrote: “The prettiest maybe but most defintely [sic] the grandest Wetherspoons in London. The Capitol in Forest Hill.”

The Capitol cinema was built in 1929 on the site of three mid-19th century houses named Prospect Villas, once inhabited by the Hanoverian princess Sophie Matilda.

The cinema’s opening ceremony saw music from a live orchestra and speeches from the local MP and mayor.

Its first picture was the silent film ‘Man, Woman and Sin’ starring heartthrob of the day John Gilbert and Hollywood icon Greta Garbo.

The Capitol Wetherspoons, Forest Hill.

A mannequin cinema attendant was on hand to help customers at the JD Wetherspoon pub

Photo: JD Wetherspoon

London’s ‘grandest’ Wetherspoons, based inside a converted 1920s Forest Hill cinema, has permanently closed its doors.

The cinema was renamed the ABC in 1968 and was then a bingo hall from 1979 to 1996, becoming a Wetherspoons thereafter.

The pub was notable for its ostentatious interior and use of vintage film posters for decoration.

There was even a preserved ticket booth featuring a mannequin theatre attendant.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that The Capitol pub has now closed. Its last trading day was Sunday 15 October. This is a commercial decision undertaken by the company We appreciate the loyalty of our customers and staff over the years.”

It is currently unclear if there is a new buyer and, if so, who it is.

JD Wetherspoon has now closed 35 boozers over the last nineteen months having been hit hard by rising costs.

Photo: JD Wetherspoon

By Herbie Russell

Photo: Google

Last orders at 'Grandest' Wetherspoons in London

A movie poster of ‘Man, Woman and Sin’.

NEWS 15

Photo: James Billings

Roald Dahl themed adventure trail coming to the National Theatre from this half term

By Herbie Russell

The National Theatre is inviting kids to enjoy a free Roald Dahlthemed adventure trail based on his famous novel The Witches.

Huge replica moon in Southwark Cathedral

By Herbie Russell A huge replica moon is being suspended from the ceiling of Southwark Cathedral until the end of October.

Named ‘Museum of the Moon’, the seven-metre diameter sculpture is an approximate scale of 1:500,000, with each centimeter representing 5km.

Designed by artist Luke Jerram, the model is internally lit and features high-resolution NASA imagery of the lunar surface.

The installation has been described as “a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition”.

Its accompanying music has been composed by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Museum of the Moon is touring different locations around the world and will change as it gathers new musical compositions on its journey around the globe.

Museum of the Moon is being displayed at Southwark Cathedral from October 10 to 28. Details for tickets and opening times are as follows: Monday to Saturday Daytime visits: Adults | £3 Children (4-17) | £1.50 Children (0-3) | FREE Family (2 x Adults 2 x Paying Children) | £8 Lunar Lates 13, 17. 23, 25, 27, 28 October Experience the Museum of the Moon at night. Adults | £6 Children (4-17) | £3 Children (0-3) | FREE Family (2 x Adults 2 x Paying Children) | £15 Tickets are available from the Eventbrite page.

Kingswood Library reopens in its new home

By Herbie Russell The Kingswood Library has reopened in a new home three years after it closed during the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Eager bookworms poured into the new facility on Seeley Drive, on the Kingswood Estate, to celebrate the grand opening on Saturday, September 30.

Visitors can now enjoy a range of books, a dedicated children’s area for story times, free Wi-Fi, study spaces, and an outdoor reading area.

Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Parks, said: “We’re pleased to see a new, permanent library in the Kingswood area of Dulwich. It's a space

we've all been eagerly waiting for.

“The library is not just a place to study but also a hub for key community groups, providing an important space for residents.”

At the launch day, local people enjoyed free community activities including arts and crafts, storytelling and poetry reading.

As well as the new library space, Southwark Council will work with community organisation Kingswood Arts to curate activities and events.

Library opening times: Monday 2pm to 6pm Tuesday 10am to 2pm Wednesday closed Thursday 2pm to 6pm Friday 10am to 2pm Saturday 1pm to 5pm Sunday closed

The National Theatre

Hotel set to be built where the TSB bank on The Blue used to be

By Herbie Russell

A hotel with 25 rooms is set to be built where the TSB bank on The Blue in Bermondsey used to be.

Developer Hansali Corporate Fulham Ltd is putting forward plans to construct the four-storey building on 253-255 Southwark Park Road and 1 Bombay Street in Bermondsey.

The site is currently home to the disused bank building and a vacant mechanics, according to planning documents.

Local people, including the area’s former MP Sir Simon Hughes, were disappointed when TSB announced the branch would close in April last year.

Hansali Corporate Fulham Ltd has now submitted plans to demolish the buildings on the site and build a fourstorey, 25-bedroom hotel.

There will also be a commercial space at ground floor, expected to house a cafe or co-working space.

The hotel rooms will vary between 14m² and 21m², with two being disabled-accessible.

The developer has said it aims to ensure the building is in character with the rest of the street, including the distinctive Blue Anchor pub two doors down.

To achieve this, initial plans say the new building will have a “large open shopfront” style and buff-coloured brickwork.

The one parking space on Bombay Street would be converted into a blue badge badge holder’s space.

The existing buildings were built in the 19th century. One of them was damaged by bombing in World War II reducing it to a single-storey flat-

Photo: Southwark Planning Documents

Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram, when in Ely Cathedral, UK, 2019.

Beginning this October half-term, young visitors will receive a game pack containing a series of activities on arrival.

Inspired by Luke’s quest to defeat the Grand High Witch, players will have to explore all corners of the theatre if they hope to foil the evil sorceress’s plan.

Participants will decipher maps, decode spells and spot the hidden witches illustrated on the walls before claiming their prize at the end.

The National Theatre is showcasing a musical version of The Witches from November 7 in its Oliver Theatre.

Published in 1983, The Witches was included in the BBC’s list of 100 most influential novels, compiled in 2019.

'The Witches Adventure Tail' will run from October 21 until January 2. No booking is required. Dates and times can be found here.

The site of the former TSB bank on Southwark Park Road.

A computer-generated image depicting of what the new hotel could look like on Southwark Park Road roofed structure.

Despite their age, a heritage statement commissioned by the developer concluded it was a off “limited townscape merit”.

An archaeological report found there was “low potential” for the discovery of historical remains dating from prehistoric eras to the medieval period.

16 NEWS

South Londoners push back against bus cuts on their busy school run My youngest has had detention a couple of times for not getting to school on time as a result of the new timetable.

He always says it’s not my fault, the buses are late, didn’t come or were full.

© Wandsworth Council

Cycling plans set out for Wandsworth Bridge

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter Safety for cyclists is set to improve at a bridge over the River Thames in West London with the introduction of a new segregated cycle lane later this month.

The measure is part of a wider programme of works at Wandsworth Bridge, which is 83 years old.

The two-metre-wide segregated cycle lane will run northbound over the bridge from Wandsworth roundabout to the junction with Carnwath Road in Hammersmith and Fulham.

The existing southbound cycle lane is being kept on the bridge, while a new northbound bus lane is also being introduced.

Wandsworth Council said the changes are set to be introduced later this month under a temporary traffic order.

It said discussions with Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Transport for London (TfL) on the introduction of a cycle lane scheme covering a wider area are ongoing.

It follows the completion of major repairs at the bridge, which reopened in both directions to vehicles on October 1 after closing for 10 weeks.

The scheme involved replacing crucial bearings in its substructure to make sure it stays stable over the coming decades.

Labour councillor Jenny Yates, cabinet member for transport, said there had been a big increase in the number of people cycling over the bridge in recent years.

She said it was important for the council to put in place “measures that make those journeys safer”.

Councillor Yates added: “Many journeys in the city are relatively short and we want to support people to make them by bike or on foot if they can.

"Walking and cycling is good for health and wellbeing and helps improve the air we all breathe. That’s why we are working hard to improve our cycling infrastructure to make it easier for people to unlock the benefits of active travel.

“Improving this infrastructure will play a pivotal role in achieving our target for 78per cent of trips by residents to be by walking, cycling and public transport by 2030.”

- Steve Penketh

Councillor Clare Bonham and Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon heading the stop cuts to 450 bus route campaign

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter The 450 bus service will now run every ten minutes instead of eight on Monday to Saturday, after a new timetable came into force on the 30th of September.

The affected route links West Croydon with Lower Sydenham, via Crystal Palace.

Much of the 450’s route is not met by another service.

While TfL confirmed no changes to the 450’s frequency any other time , the new timetable has drawn much public criticism.

Steve Penketh, who lives next to a 450 bus stop on Harold Road, Crystal Palace, has children that use the service to get to school in Dulwich each day.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s a hugely busy service. My children used to be able to have their breakfast, leave the house and always get to school on time.

It was quite straightforward.

"The problem they’ve got now with the diminished service is that the bus is incredibly full and far less frequent.

“If it’s full, and they can’t get on it, they

will end up missing the next leg of their journey and be late for school.

"In fact, my youngest has had detention a couple of times for not getting to school on time as a result of the new timetable. He always says it’s not my fault, the buses are late, didn’t come or were full.

"Of course [the school doesn’t take that into account], if they’re late they’re late.

“They are going to have to get used to it and modify their journey. They will have to have breakfast earlier and get out of the house earlier, but it’s just a bit of a pain in the backside.

“People rely on the bus service. It’s a very busy line and there are always plenty of people waiting for it.

"Crystal Palace is very hilly as well.

I know some people could walk, but there are plenty of people who can’t.

"We heard nothing from TfL about this, the only way I found out was through councillors who are campaigning against it.”

The introduction angered many residents and regular users, who were not informed of the change due to TFL’s policy of no consultation regarding a service reduction.

The provider must only consult the public if they remove a whole route.

West Croydon resident and bus route campaigner, Dan Houghton, also told the LDRS: “I use the 450 a few times every week as there’s a bus stop outside my block – it’s a busy service, well-used by local people and especially older residents.

"I’m very surprised TfL has cut the frequency, given that we need more buses in Outer London, not less.”

The new timetable was accompanied by the announcement that a new fleet of zero-emission electric buses will replace the route’s existing Euro VI diesel buses.

In response, Dan said: “While the new electric vehicles are welcome, and much quieter, they definitely seem to be smaller than the previous ones and more cramped.

"We really need TfL to think again, listen to local people, and reverse the cuts to the 450 service.”

The new timetable was approved despite overwhelming support for the service and an improvement of its fleet.

This support was gauged in a public survey organised by Liberal Democrat councillor for Crystal Palace & Upper

Norwood Councillor Claire Bonham.

Bonham’s summer survey of 210 people showed 94.2% of people opposed the move to reduce the frequency of the service, while nearly 43% of recipients said the service was very crowded at all times of the week.

As a result, she created a petition to reverse the cuts, which has so far garnered 251 signatures. She said: “The 450 bus is a vital lifeline for residents in Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood.

"It helps many older and less mobile residents get out and about in what is a very hilly area, as well as connecting local people to The Triangle and Croydon Hospital.

"The response to my surgery was overwhelming, with 95% of respondents opposing reductions in frequency to this busy, well-used service.”

Deputy Chair of London Assembly’s Transport Committee added: “The Mayor is breaking his promise to residents in outer London by cutting services like the 450.

"With the expansion of ULEZ, it doesn’t make sense to be cutting back on this route when we are trying to encourage people to use public transport and leave their cars at home.

"I urge the Mayor and Transport for London to think again, and reverse their cuts to the 450 bus.”

When approached for comment, Bob Blitz, Bus Network Planning Manager at TfL, said: “We regularly review our services according to customer demand. Following an extensive review, we identified route 450, which runs between Lower Sydenham and West Croydon, operating with more capacity than needed to meet the current and expected demand during these times.

“This change in frequency allows us to operate the service efficiently to meet customer demand and customers should see minimal impact to their journeys.

"There is no change to the frequency of route 450 at any other time, and the times of the first and last buses on any day of the week remains the same.

"This route is now also a new zeroemission electric bus route.”

NEWS 17

Purse-friendlY art comes to Battersea this month

Tributes paid to Bromley councillor Andrew Lee who sadly passed away

Conservative Councillor Andrew Lee represented the Hayes and Coney Hall ward for Bromley Council after being elected in 2022.

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter A South London council has announced a local councillor died last week, with his colleagues since sharing tributes to celebrate his life.

The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park

By Holly O'Mahony the AfforDABLe Art fair returns to Battersea this october, bringing together works from over 100 galleries and showcasing thousands of artworks spanning painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media.

All artworks are original, with prices starting at £50 and increasing gradually to the top price of £7,500.

Being pocket friendly is at the heart of the Fair, and works are divvied up by price brackets: viewers can shop collections for under £500, for example, or under £1,000.

Another pull for the cash-strapped (presumably most of us in this current climate) is that payments can be split into up to 10 interest-free instalments, rather than having to cough it up in one

go.

An annual highlight is the Recent Graduates exhibition, which this year takes the title An Intimate Vocabulary.

Who knows, you just might pick up a work by one of tomorrow’s leading names?

With the fair falling in October, Black History Month, a new exhibition celebrating this, run in partnership with Black British Art, sounds promising too.

Internationally minded, the Fair offers visitors a chance to gallery hop around the world, purchasing art you never would have come across otherwise.

Professional galleries exhibiting this year include Paris’s De Medicis Gallery; UK and Hong Kong-based Fan Art; New York’s Able Fine Art gallery; The Hague’s Chiefs & Spirits; and Milan’s Deodato Arte gallery.

Got the kids in tow? Make the most of

the weekend’s family hour, from 11am – 12pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

It’s not only about shopping, either.

Visitors have the chance to meet fellow art enthusiasts when they stick around for the Fair’s after-dark events. These Lates, held on Thursday and Friday evenings, are a chance to have a drink and a boogie to live DJs. Don’t get too carried away, mind, or you might wake up with a slightly too ‘out there’ painting on your wall.

The Affordable Art Fair at Evolution London, Battersea Park, Queenstown Road, London SW11 4NJ, UK. October 19, 11am – 5pm, Art After Dark Late 5 – 9pm; October 20, 11am – 5pm, Art After Dark Late 5 – 9pm; October 21, 11am – 6pm; October 22, 11am – 6pm.

Admission: £10.60+. www.affordableartfair.com/fairs/ london-battersea-autumn/

Conservative Councillor Andrew Lee, who represented the Hayes and Coney Hall ward for Bromley Council, passed away “suddenly” on October 5, the local authority said in a statement last week.

Cllr Lee was elected as a ward councillor in 2022, and was previously the campaign manager for the Bromley Conservatives for 14 years.

Conservative Councillor Alexa Michael, who represents the Hayes and Coney Hall ward, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that Cllr Lee fulfilled a lifelong wish to become a ward councillor when he was elected. She added that she was grateful for his wise counsel, patience and good humour.

Conservative Councillor Thomas Turrell, also representing the Hayes and Coney Hall ward, told the LDRS: “I had the great pleasure of knowing Andrew for over a decade.

"First, working together as campaign managers and then as ward colleagues.

Andrew was a stalwart of not just Bromley politics, but all of South London.

"We will all miss his advice, friendship, wit and humour. Our thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.”

Cllr Lee worked in the retail and advertising sector before becoming involved in politics, and ran a consultancy business in Bromley borough in his later life.

Conservative Councillor Nicholas Bennett said Cllr Lee was 66 years old when he died and previously ran to be elected in Lewisham while he lived on Blacklands Road, off Southend Lane. He added that Cllr Lee enjoyed visiting Iceland and the Isle of Wight with his wife Gill.

Political groups in Bromley borough, including Labour and Lib Dems, expressed their condolences to Cllr Lee’s family, friends and colleagues on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Conservative Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council, told the LDRS on behalf of the Bromley Conservative Group that Cllr Lee’s passing had come as a deep personal loss.

He added: “We have all been shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Andrew’s sudden demise and our thoughts are firmly with his widow Gill, their friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.

"Hayes and Coney Hall ward has very sadly lost an outstanding councillor as a result of Andrew’s cruel and untimely departure, who was also an amazingly talented friend to many and a local politician.

"He will be desperately, sadly missed by everyone that knew him. Andrew, may you rest in peace dear friend.”

Boy, 16, injured in Brixton shooting

By Herbie Russell A siXTeen-YeAr-oLD boy has been rushed to hospital after reports of a shooting in Brixton.

Police were called to Fairmount Road at 9.45pm on Wednesday, October 11, following reports of a shooting.

Met Police officers, including specialist firearms officers, found the victim at a residential address suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was treated at the scene before being rushed to a South London hospital where his condition was deemed nonlife-threatening.

Detectives from Central South

Command have launched an investigation.

At this stage, there have been no arrests.

Detective Constable Nick Fletcher said: "This could easily be a murder investigation. The victim of this shooting, a 16-year-old boy, has suffered a serious injury but is now in a stable condition in hospital.

"I'm keen to speak to anyone who was in the Fairmount Road area on Wednesday evening."

Anyone with information or footage that could help police should call 101 ref CAD 8470/11 Oct. Or Crimestoppers, 100 per cent anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

18 ARTS

what’s on

The Innocence and Experience of an Artist

Ed Gray has been painting London for many years now and is always compiling lists of places in the capital that he wants to paint in the future.

Lists so long that they overwhelm his thoughts so much he eventually bins them and starts a new list, an act that shows that Gray is always looking ahead and also that as long as he can hold a brush he will be painting the city he loves, writes Michael Holland.

I visited the artist at his studio and asked him to explain his art in simple terms. ‘It is one big collective painting of my relationship to our city, a tapestry that’s developing over time as I change and the city changes.’

It has been a while since his adoring and discerning - fans have seen any new artwork from Gray; his last exhibition was in 2018 and a planned 2020 exhibition was scuttled by Covid. A bad time for almost everyone.

‘I retreated, he recalls. ‘The city emptied and my wife Ingrid and I were homeschooling and trying to keep working… I spent a lot of time painting over stuff and starting again, and again.’ Admitting, ‘I was a bit stuck, to be fair.’

Fortunately, he had projects already on the go. One, Ode To Joy, about the ‘monumental incompetence of leaving the EU… an idea constructed with lies and deception’, shows the clashes between Remainers and Leavers outside Westminster.

Gray describes the work as ‘a snapshot of a country imploding, a vortex into which the far right has attempted to infiltrate, dragging our government further to the right.’

This is perhaps my favourite Ed Gray painting; it shows our society's best and absolute worst. We stopped while I enjoyed this masterpiece in all its glory and I am amazed at how what looks like a simple painting of people, actually has so much else going on, and I tell him so.

He then takes me through almost every centimetre of the canvas, explaining each motif and symbol and what I thought was just randomly dropped litter, I find are metaphors for something very complex.

Another painting completed during the lockdowns was Torsion, a painting of St Thomas’s Hospital that Gray had begun to sketch in 2016-2018, a time when junior doctors were striking (as they still are now). ‘The painting was about the pressures that the NHS was under even before Covid and is named after the Naum Gabo fountain in the hospital grounds, across the river from the Houses of Parliament’ the artist points out.

‘Torsion means to twist and break under pressure… I finished the painting just as Covid became a tragic reality.’

Again, the smaller images within the painting tell a bigger story.

And now that the worst of Covid is over, Ed Gray has an exhibition to look forward to: ‘Scenes of Innocence & Experience’ at

the House Of Annetta in the East End. I asked Ed how this came about. ‘I became very interested in the venue once I’d learned about the aims of the house, which was the former home of the late cyberneticist, activist and architect Annetta Pedretti. Annetta left no will when she died in 2018, so her family gave the house to the Edith Maryon Trust, whose aim is to “seek to withdraw land from the flow of commodities and hereditary property and thus from speculation permanently, in order to promote social housing or workplaces”, which immediately interested me as even in my fairly short lifetime recent developments in many parts of London have focused solely on commodity at the expense of community.

‘My work is about communities,’ he continues after taking a breath, ‘layered connections and connectivity so there’s a great crossover with the aims of the house. The house was built in 1710 so on a metaphysical level I’m interested in a building that has so much history in it and I like the fact that I’m filling a very old empty space with the people I’ve sketched in the streets and cajoled, caressed and compressed into one and half metre canvases…

‘As it’s a Georgian house I chose a title for the exhibition from one of my favourite visionary Georgian artists, Soho’s own William Blake. It seemed to fit. In these paintings, there is innocence

and experience. The pre-Brexit era and pre-Covid era seem more innocent times.

We’ve all had a lot to experience these last few years, collectively as a nation and individually in the confines of our homes.’

Both Torsion and Ode To Joy will be in the exhibition and Ed will include other works more local to the Spitalfields venue. There will be one of Whitechapel during Covid: ‘Not the empty streets I’d imagined, but a different crowd. In the painting people are consoling each other outside the hospital, fathers suddenly find themselves unable to work and look after children, people getting used to mask-wearing, and the homeless are still homeless. It’s a depiction of wariness, loss, indifference and community strength.’

The central image is a man on a tree stump - we were all stumped, for a while.’

Ed Gray has a story for every person in his art. If they do not have a story or a connection to what he wants his picture to say, they won’t be there; no one gets in just to fill space in an Ed Gray painting.

I wondered if those streets around Brick Lane, just a couple of stops away from his Rotherhithe home, feel different.

‘Definitely! He claims excitedly. ‘It’s different in every direction. It’s the market, it’s Banglatown, but there’s a lot of wealth there too, and all the fashionistas. It’s changed so much since I was a boy, as the city does. Watching that process is exhilarating, that’s what city living is all about.’

Ed was quite animated now. ‘I’m working on an evening scene of Shoreditch Station, a lot of party people.

But I don’t think it will be ready for the show. I’ll exhibit it as a work in progress so people can see the process.’

Will exhibiting in an East End gallery attract a new audience?

‘Every show brings new people, especially as I’m giving an intensive series of free tours of the exhibition, and am hoping to get primary and secondary schools at the tours because as an art teacher, I think it’s so important for young people to experience art outside of schools. Our art colleges and art courses are under threat, and the art curriculum is under pressure from right-wing politicians who claim they don’t see the benefit of creative thinking.’

What next?

‘After the exhibition tours, I’ll carry on with my Spitalfields work, and hopefully by being there and meeting people and exhibiting, I’ll have learned even more about the area.’

House Of Annetta, 25 Princelet Street, E1 6QH from 20th October - 6th November.

Booking and opening times details for the exhibition and tours are on the website: www.edgrayart.com Free school visits by appointment October 30th – November 6th Book all visits by email: info@edgrayart.com

ARTS 19

Joel Horwood’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s magical realism novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, is a realistically magical spectacle of amazement and delight, writes Michael Holland.

Being new to this genre, my pragmatic mind missed much of what was happening, but I was mightily impressed at what I was seeing, which was all thanks to the team behind the puppets, puppetry, costumes, lighting and sound.

So much good stuff for Director Katy Rudd to work her own magic with.

We begin with the suicide of the lodger of a family that lost its mother a year before. Dad (Trevor Fox) sends his Boy(Keir Ogilvy) home while he deals with the police, but he is befriended

by Lettie Hempstock(Millie Hikasa) who takes him to her house where she lives with two other generations of Hempstocks; her mother Ginnie(KemiBo Jacobs) and her grandmother Old Mrs Hempstock (Finty Williams). Boy quickly realises that Lettie ‘knows things’ and that this dynasty of sorceresses are all a bit weird in this house of imagination and wants to return to his own home to be safely squabbling with his younger sister (Laurie Ogden) and reading the books of childhood escapism that he loves so much, instilled in him by his much-missed mother.

If only life was that easy when you’re twelve. Instead, he is allowed to venture to the edge of the forest to summon up demons with Lettie and allow the bad witch Ursula (Charlie Brooks) into his home as the new lodger.

That did not go well for Boy because now the demons he had unleashed were all after him, and the main one was in

the heart of his home and loved by his dad and sister. Trickery and magic erupt indoors as the whole house seems to be out to get him, but by using knowledge gleaned from his own books he manages to escape to the Hempstocks’ farm where they would help him fight the next battle.

Not my genre at all but by now I was fully enthralled in this eye-catching

© BJDeakinPhotography_installation shot

Art unbuilds the gates

Photo by Brinkhoff Moegenburg

Liberate the Inner-child

Arts

spectacle where bangs and flashes created scares and shocks to make us jump and scream.

The monsters in this phantasmagorical extravaganza could match any CGI beast I’d seen on screen, as the oohs and aahs from the audience testified. And when our protagonists dive into the ocean to escape I knew I wanted to revisit the books of my own childhood where

rabbit holes and wardrobes were portals to other worlds.

I’m not sure I’d want a wormhole in my arm where demons could tunnel in and out, though I think I would like a family of good witches at the end of my street.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is ideal for the discerning young reader and the adult who never grew up. And also for old sceptics who still have an

inner child ready to be liberated.

A home in London is an increasingly fragile dream. UNBUILD: a site of possibility, is Drawing Room’s first exhibition in their permanent home after 20 years of nomadic tenancies. They have invited five artists to inhabit their new space, to help answer the question of what this space will be for the artists who work within it and the community that surrounds it, writes Madeleine Kelly.

the four white walls. Then, there is Emily Speed’s table. On it a wattle construction embedded in what could be a coffee table appears on closer inspection to be hessian fingers clinging onto the wood.

These fingers further dissolve the space between building and body, making and unmaking the structures we live in.

Tanoa Sasraku explores this idea in her work A Tower to Say Goodbye.

Hanging from the ceiling like a tattered flag, this work was made during a residency in a disused postal sorting office during the pandemic. Made from layers of paper stitched together and then distressed (or unbuilt) it is a manifestation of the building’s effect on her. First shown in the sorting office and now displaced in Bermondsey, it also stands as a manifestation of her effect on the building. Do Ho Suh delves deeper into this sense of relocation and dislocation, using machine-rendered drawings of buildings he has lived in and then drawing back into them. The artist relinquishes control of the building, and then he takes it back.

Control is difficult to come by in a city under constant development. For many, The Pickle Factory, even with its quota of social housing, represents a slowly gentrifying area in which their presence is slowly built over, in which they no longer

have a home. Jessie Brennan’s To Agitate, Still, hangs at the back of the room – the outcome of working with those on the neighbouring Setchell Estate. Remnants of the Estate’s plants litter paper sheets tacked on to the walls. An elegy and a manifesto, Brennan hopes the outcome of her work will encourage the Drawing Room’s continued work with diverse local audiences.

In the first room of this show, is the fruit of this hope. Working with three local groups, including a youth group, artists from across the globe encourage the community to draw themselves back into the story. The youth group are encouraged by artist Al Hassan Issah, to tack their drawings to trees, bus stops, and most movingly to the gates that guard The Pickle Factory. Briefly, the gated community has fallen in this exhibition.

Beyond the gates the gallery calls. It extends its permanent home to those dealing with impermanence. It does not give concrete answers to our lack of space but rather new ways of imagining home, of clinging on to one world and dreaming of another.

It is not an easy question. Drawing Room’s new home is owned by developer London Square. They bought the old Branston Pickle Factory in 2016, planning to turn it into a combination of luxury flats and artists’ studios with 35% of the homes being marked out for affordable housing. As ‘one of the most fashionable districts in London, with a great creative vibe’, Bermondsey was a desirable location for London Square who wished ‘to build on this to redefine this as a new destination in SE1.’

Given this context, UNBUILD seems an odd title for Drawing Room’s first show in their new home. The dis-ease goes beyond the name. First, of course, there are the bodies. There is a large yellow lung in the corner. The lung is Ian Keir’s creation, an inflatable that protrudes into the space disrupting the clean lines of

Noël Coward Theatre, 85 - 88 St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AP. Until 25 November 2023.

Times: Mon - Sat 7.30-m; Thur & Sat matinees 2.30pm.

Admission: £15 - £125 Booking: oceanonstage.com 0344 482 5151

Drawing Room, 1b New Tannery Way. Bermondsey, SE1 5WS until 10th December.

Admission: Free.

Details: www.drawingroom.org.uk

20 HISTORY

History

the jean jeanies

Lower Road with Jays on the right by woman here iS a tale of some eastern europeans who immigrated to the uK and became Bermondsey legends. They travelled many miles across the seas and landed in rotherhithe, with a destiny of ensuring the area’s youth were suitably dressed, writes Debra Gosling...

This is Lower Road around 1905 – it hasn’t changed a great deal, despite the area being bombarded in the Second World War. In the old picture, you can see the dockers hanging around, waiting to be called on for work.

This side of the road is now totally redeveloped, with the Osprey Estate prominent, but the right side remains true to its original layout.

Trades come and go but Jays menswear sold jeans and jumpers here for almost seventy years.

Their shop was situated just by where the lady is standing in the 1905 picture. The head of the family was Samuel Jorish, a Prussian Jew who landed here in the early 1900s (around the time when the Lower Road photo was taken).

Sam naturalised his name to Jay, much easier for locals to pronounce. His ancestors were tailors, but he went into the hairdressing business and had a barber’s shop. He made a bit of a name for himself, too.

He was so efficient with a razor that he won an award for the most wet shaves performed in one hour!

Sam’s son Alf wasn’t interested in carrying on the “fastest barber in town” tradition and found his calling in menswear. After the war, there was a glut of forces clothing that was no longer needed – all those “call ups” had returned to Civvy Street. So, what to do with so many coats, trousers and jumpers?

Alf saw an opportunity for the surplus uniforms. He repaired and sold them to the

dockers as tough work clothing. The docks were exposed to all weather conditions and the work there was hard. Alf provided those heavy woollen sailors’ jumpers to keep out the cold, damp conditions – and the army trousers were tough enough to resist rough wooden packing cases, oil and rusty nails.

Besides English and the family’s native tongue, young Alf spoke twenty words in as many different languages; just enough to sell to the foreign sailors coming into the dock.

Dockers’ clothing had to be practical, anything to keep warm; so, in addition to the clothes, Alf sold them balaclavas; long johns; reefer jackets and thick socks. When a new craze for post-war kids took off, Alf was literally on the ball – Sorbo rubber balls from America were very popular and cheap enough to buy with pocket money. He had a stall down The Blue where he sold them, along with a line in repaired silk stockings – they were still hard to come by and the ladies eagerly bought them up!

As fashions changed, local boys in the 1960s wanted “bovver boots”; in the 1970s it was Harrington jackets and, in the 1980s, no lad would be seen dead without his Farah slacks.

Jays supplied them all, but their stock of clothes for dockers was the mainstay. Until the docks closed. The area became one dead, depressed zone with many redundancies and poverty loomed. Undeterred, as warehouses turned into posh apartments, Alf’s sons turned to builder’s clothes and safety wear. Everyone wears denim and their huge range of jeans continued to be popular.

But now it has all gone – the Jays brothers have retired, and the shop is now a supermarket, run by a new wave of immigrants. History repeats itself.

HISTORY 21

what's on for Black History Month?

By Isabel Ramirez

October's not over yet so in case you missed it - here's a list of events celebrating Black History Month in southeast London.

Catford Back to back show

Broadway Theatre is hosting a night out for all the family and connoisseurs of music with two shows in one night.

To celebrate the 75th Windrush anniversary but also coinciding with Black History Month - Catford's theatre presents back-to-back shows. First is a play about a Windrush family, followed by a concert by The Freedom Band UK who will be playing songs from that era.

Guests are encouraged to wear something from the '60s or '70s. Everyone is welcome and there is full wheelchair accessibility.

When? Saturday 28 October, 7:30 pm 10:30 pm Where? Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU Admission: £27.50 - £34.50 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

Tickets available on Eventbrite.co.uk

We Are Windrush Reggae Choir

A photo exhibition

Another Windrush-themed performance at the Broadway - this time told through the warm vibrations of reggae.

Reggae Choir presents We Are Windrush, a captivating and soul-stirring event that showcases this musical ensemble, honouring the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Windrush Generation.

The show will also incorporate elements of storytelling, spoken word, and captivating visuals, creating an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of the audience.

When? Saturday 21 October, 7:30 pm Where? Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU Admission: £20 - £25 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

Peckham Black History Month quiz

Test your black history knowledge with this quiz at Jumbi in Peckham.

As well as testing There will be prizes to be won.

When? Thursday 19 October at 7 pm.

Where? Jumbi Peckham, 133 Copeland Road, Unit 4.1, SE15 3SN Admission: From £3

See thirty portraits that capture the history of local black heritage communities.

One Picture My Story is an oral history and pictorial project - a collaboration between Southwark Archives and The London College of Communication.

When? Until Friday 29 Dec; 9am-8 pm Where? Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR Admission: Free (no booking required)

Portraits of Peckham

Enjoy an exhibition detailing the untold stories of school students in Peckham.

A UAL (University of the Arts) exhibition based at Peckham Levels during Black History Month, that seeks to provide space for the often unseen stories, narratives and histories from the local community of Peckham.

Conceived by artist and UAL academic Sharon Bertram, the show brings together projects she has worked on with local schools in Peckham.

Throughout the month of October, locals are invited to visit and spend time in the space, view some of these projects, and add your memories, thoughts and portraits to an ever-growing display over the course of the exhibition.

They have also been running free

workshops every Friday since the start of October. Check out the next one coming up on October 20 - Portrait Drawing Workshop.

When? Until Tuesday 31 October Where? Peckham Levels, 95a Rye Ln, SE15 4ST / Admission: Free

Camberwell Black Joy: On Stage

A community arts project is hosting performances of the show they've been working on, as part of a series of workshops funded by the council's Black History Month Fund.

Different generations of women within one family recall their great-great grandmother's famous chicken soup. As they recount the tale as they remember it, from the origins of the recipe to fond memories of family, they lovingly put together the recipe for the soup.

When? Friday 20 October and Saturday 21 October at 8 pm Where? Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, Camberwell, SE5 0XT Admission: Free

Lagos, Peckham, Repeat

A free exhibition that explores Peckham's identity as 'Little Lagos'.

When? Until 29 October

Where? Camberwell's South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Rd, SE5 8UH Admission: Free

Brixton Brilliant Black British History

For families and history enthusiasts, there's a free exhibition currently on at Brixton's Black Cultural Archives.

Coinciding with the release of Atinuke and Kingsley Nebechi's book Brilliant Black British History, it's an opportunity to introduce young minds to the diverse heritage that makes up Britain.

When? Until Sunday 28 January 2024 Where? Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton SW2 1EF Admission: Free Opening Times Thursdays - Saturdays: 10:00 – 18:00 Sundays: 12:00 – 17:00

New Cross Book Destival

Goldsmiths in New Cross hosts the Black Book Festival, celebrating writers and publishers from the African Diaspora.

This grassroots festival is a platform to showcase the books, talents, services and initiatives that the black community is

making to the book industry throughout the world.

The event provides an opportunity for the global community to listen to new and exciting black writers and publishers, learn about the global Black book industry and more. There are also seminars and workshops on topics such as writing, marketing and publishing your own book.

When? Saturday 21 October from 11 am Where? Goldsmiths University, 8 Lewisham Way, SE14 6NW Admission: Free entry to book expo with 40 stalls. Paid entrance to seminar presentations and book expo.

Tickets available on Eventbrite.co.uk

Walworth Windrush exhibition

Explore the history of some of Southwark's black communities with this exhibition in Walworth.

The Windrush 75 Exhibition at Walworth Library aims to commemorate the Windrush pioneers through a personal collection of objects that speak to a lived experience.

When? Until 31 October from 12 pm - 8 pm Where? Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library, 145-147 Walworth Road, SE17 1RW Admission: Free

Windrush-themed bus serving route 40 for Black History Month © TFL

By Herbie Russell A Windrush-themed Transport for London (TfL) bus is ferrying passengers around to celebrate Black History Month.

N: TfL's Windrush-themed bus

The double-decker has been wrapped in a colourful design and will serve route 40 going from Dulwich, through Camberwell and Walworth, and terminating in Clerkenwell.

It’s one of several new features TfL has brought to its network to honour Black people’s historic contribution to the UK, including live DJs at overground stations and poetry.

Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s

Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, said: “This Black History Month, I’m delighted that TfL is honouring the Black staff members who played – and continue to play – an instrumental role in developing and running London’s transport network.

“This year’s celebration is especially auspicious as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of Windrush. Many of those who arrived on the ship went on to work for TfL, and their incredible contribution to our lives must always be valued.”

TfL used the bus as a float at Notting Hill Carnival - one of more than 100 elaborately decorated vehicles that wowed revellers this summer.

Its graphics were designed by artist

Baraka Carberry who has also designed Windrush-themed stamps for this year’s celebrations.

Brixton station is hosting a photo series celebrating Black women members of TfL staff titled 'Saluting Our Sisters’.

On top of that, DJ Bentley B is playing sets in October at Shepherd’s Bush, White Hart Lane and Dalston Junction.

TfL has also curated a leaflet of poems by Black poets including Benjamin Zephaniah, Lemn Sissay and Grace Nichols.

Bentley B's sets will take place at the following times: ∙ Wednesday 18 October: Shepherd's Bush ∙ Tuesday 24 October: White Hart Lane ∙ Tuesday 31 October: Dalston Junction

26 CLASSIFIED

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Open Wednesday-Friday 9am-3pm

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Elim House Day Centre

YOU MATTER TO US programme started Tuesday 9th May. 100 Day programme combating loneliness within our elders

We are accepting walk-ins

Contact us on 020 7358 9502 or elimhouseoutreachworker@gmail.com Or pop into 86-88 Bellenden Road, Peckham, SE15 4RQ Website: elimhousedaycentre.com

ScotsCare is here to help and support Scots and their families in Greater London Our services include: Financial Support | Advocacy | Counselling | Sheltered Housing | Homelessness | Job Coaching | Social Events | Volunteering

DAILY SPECIALS | FRESH BARISTA COFFEE | HOME-COOKED SOUP AND CAKE

Join award-winning artist Jacob V Joyce for Community Mural workshops at the Walworth Living Room on Friday 6th and 13th October 11am-1pm. This workshop series uses collage and poetry to explore collective ideas about health and the social model of healing. Throughout the sessions poems and collages made by participants will create a mural that will move throughout Walworth and be displayed at the Walworth Living Room.

Walworth Living Room Surrey Square London, SE17 2JU

To find out more, visit

www.scotscare.com

Contact 020 7703 3803 walworthlivingroom.org info@pembrokehouse.org.uk

or call

0800 652 2989 to speak with a case worker to see how we can assist you.

SCAN ME Scan the QR code or visit linktr.ee/pembrokehouse to discover our activities and register to hear about news from our work in the neighbourhood.

Registered Charity No.207326

Making life better: • Learning Disabilities Service • Youth Adventure Project • Starfish, Domestic Abuse Project

Southwark Pensioners’ Centre Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.

Offering advice, support, activities, rooms for hire and a voice for older people.

www.bedehouse.org Tel: 0207 237 3881

Contact us on 020 7708 4556 or info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk

A local charity supporting our neighbours in Southwark since 1938

Or pop into 305 -307 Camberwell rd, Camberwell Green, SE5 0HQ

Registered charity number: 303199 Registered company number: 420386

EDUCATION All photos are of our classes

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DAY, EVENING AND WEEKEND COURSES

Our courses can help you develop your creativity or gain the skills and qualifications you need for work and further education.

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More information is available at: www.lewisham.gov.uk/adultlearning Adult Learning Lewisham ALL TOGETHER WE FLOURISH

PUBLIC NOTICES 27

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD AREA IMPROVEMENTS

MINOR TRAFFIC SCHEMES – 23/24 Q1

The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (Camberwell Station Road area) Order 202* The London Borough of Southwark (Free parking places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping restrictions) (Camberwell Station Road area) Order 202* 1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it proposes to make the above orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The effects of the ‘Charged-for parking places’ Order, (within Controlled Parking Zone ‘K’) would be:(a) in CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD remove a total of 49.5m ‘pay’ parking on the north-west side (i) 5m opposite No. 1, (ii) 5.5m opposite No. 5, (iii) 20m o/s Railway Arch 361, and (iv) 19m o/s Railway Arches 362 to 364); (b) in CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD (i) north-west side o/s Railway Arches 362 to 364 add new ‘permit-holders only’ parking 5m in length, and (ii) south-east side opposite Railway Arches 362 to 364 remove ‘permit-holders only’ parking bay 25.5m in length; (c) in KNATCHBULL ROAD o/s The Sacred Heart RC Church (i) north-west side add new ‘pay’ parking 7m in length, and (ii) south-east side reduce in length by 16.5m an existing ‘pay’ parking bay (35.5m remains); (d) in STATION TERRACE north-east side reduce in length by 1m an existing ‘permit-holders only’ parking bay (17.5m remains).

3.The effects of the ‘Free parking places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping restrictions’ Order would be:(a) in CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD south-east side o/s Nos. 1 and 3 Camberwell Station Road remove existing free ‘short stay’ parking 13m in length and replace with new DYLs; (b) in CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD (i) north-west side o/s Railway Arches 362 to 364 add 5m new DKBs to existing DYLs, and (ii) south-east side opposite Railway Arches 362 to 364, convert 14m existing SYLs to DYLs; (c) in CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD north-west side either side of the new cycle track add new DYLs with contiguous DKBs (i) o/s Railway Arches 362 to 364 (7.5m), and (ii) o/s Railway Arch 361 (24m); (d) in KNATCHBULL ROAD o/s The Sacred Heart RC Church north-west side (i) install two new electric vehicle only re-charging points each 5m in length, which may be used by electric vehicles for recharging only either for a max stay of 4hrs (no return within 2hrs between the hours of 8 am to 6 pm Mondays – Saturdays), or without time limit for the remaining hours in the week, (ii) remove 17m existing SYLs to accommodate the parking changes, and (iii) convert 12.5m existing SYLs to DYLs; (e) in KNATCHBULL ROAD o/s The Sacred Heart RC Church south-east side extend existing SYLs by 16.5m to accommodate for changes to parking; and (f) add new DYLs and amend existing DYLs on both sides in CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD between its boundary with Transport for London ‘red route’ (a point 23m south-west of the south-western kerbline of Camberwell New Road) and a point 3.5m south-west of the north-eastern boundary wall of No. 69 Camberwell Station Road (Woodrow Court), and in STATION TERRACE (at its junction with Camberwell Station Road) to accommodate changes to parking and to amend the layout to accommodate kerb-line build-outs and a new segregated cycle track.

NOTES: (1) ‘permit-holders only’ parking refers to parking places for holders of valid parking permits within the Controlled Parking Zone ‘K’ and ‘pay’ parking refers to parking places in which paid ticket holders are permitted to park within the permitted hours. (2) ‘SYLs’ refer to ‘timed waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines), ‘DYLs’ refer to 'at any time' waiting restrictions (double yellow lines), and ‘DKBs’ refer to 'at any time' loading restrictions (double kerb blips). (3) All measurements are in metres ‘m’ and are approximate. (4) All measurements are in metres ‘m’ and are approximate. (5) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking 4. Southwark Council hereby GIVES FURTHER NOTICE, in accordance with sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980, intends to re-create a length of the footway and carriageway space on the northwest side of CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD into a ‘one-way’ segregated cycle track for use by cyclists travelling in a north-eastward direction only from a point 19.5m north-east of the north-eastern boundary wall of No. 69 Camberwell Station Road (Woodrow Court) north-eastward for a distance of 23m.

The cycle track, which will have a width throughout of 1.5m, is proposed to aid cyclists to link with existing and new cycle routes and networks, and to avoid fast moving traffic on the carriageways.

Priority is maintained for pedestrians when entering or crossing segregated cycle tracks from the footways.

5. Southwark Council hereby GIVES FURTHER NOTICE under sections 90A to 90I of the Highways Act 1980 and in accordance with the provisions of the Highways (Traffic calming) Regulations 1999, propose to construct a speed tables of flat-top construction having a maximum height level with the surrounding kerb, and covering the entire width of the cycle track or carriageway at the following locations in CAMBERWELL STATION ROAD:(a) throughout the ‘one-way’ segregated cycle track referred to in item 3 preceding; and (b) extending from a point 29m north-east of the north-eastern boundary wall of No. 69 Camberwell Station Road (Woodrow Court) north-eastward for a distance of 10m.

6. For more information about these proposals please contact the Council’s Highways Team – Highways@southwark.gov.uk.

7. Copies of the supporting documents (this Notice, the proposed Orders, and a statement of the Council's reasons for making the Orders) may be found online at www.southwark.gov.uk/trafficorders; paper or digital copies of plans showing the location and effect of the Orders and the supporting documents may be requested by emailing traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk, or inspected by appointment only at: Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH - from the date of this Notice until the end of a period of six weeks from the date on which the Orders are made. Email traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk (or call 020 7525 3497) for booking details.

8. Anyone wishing to make any representations either for or to object to the proposals, may use our consultation portal at https://consultation.appyway.com/southwark; or send a statement in writing to: Traffic Order Consultations, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2324012 Camberwell Stn Road area’ by 9 November 2023. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

9. Under requirements of current access to information legislation, any letter, form or e-mail sent to the Council in response to this Notice may be subject to publication or disclosure, or both, including communication to other persons affected.

Dated 19 October 2023 Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

To place a public notice, please email em@cm-media.co.uk or phone 020 7232 1639

The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (MTS 2324-Q1) Order 2023 The London Borough of Southwark (Free parking places, Loading places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping restrictions) (MTS 2324-Q1) Order 2023 The London Borough of Southwark (Prescribed Routes) (Alexis Street) Traffic Order 2023 1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that on 19 October 2023 it has made the above Orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The effects of the Orders are:(a) in ALEXIS STREET to introduce a point road closure south-east of its junction with Macks Road, in which all motor vehicles will be restricted access - the restrictions will be enforceable using traffic signs and removable bollards and there will be exemptions provided for emergency services and for vehicles used in maintenance; (b) within CPZ 'B' in HARDERS ROAD north-west side opposite Nos. 61 and 63 Harders Road (i) split and reduce in length by 10m existing 'shared-use' (40m total remains), and (ii) add 10m new DYLs; (c) within CPZ 'C1' in UFFORD STREET north-east side, north-west of its junction with Burrows Mews (i) reduce in length existing 'permit' by 6.6m (23.5m remains), and (ii) add new 'at any time' DPPP (6.6m in length); (d) within CPZ 'EC' in WELLS WAY east side o/s Nos. 127, 129 and 131 Wells Way (i) reduce in length existing 'permit' by 6m (10m remains), (ii) relocate an existing 'at any time' DPPP northward by 5m (and increase to standard 6.6m in length), and (iii) add 5m new DYLs to accommodate the changes; (e) within CPZ 'F' in DRUID STREET (i) south-west of its junction with Tooley Street relocate an existing cycle hangar from the south-east side to the north-west side (o/s Lewes House, Druid Street) and extend existing DYLs by 2.5m south-east side to accommodate, and (ii) north-west side (o/s Lewes House, Druid Street) reduce in length existing 'permit' by 3.55m (19.5m remains) and add 1m new DYLs; (f) within CPZ 'G’ in GEORGE ROW north-west side, north-east of its junction with Wolseley Street add cycle hangar and 1m DYLs (relocated from Wolseley Street), and reduce existing 'permit' by 3.55m (12m remains); (g) within CPZ 'G’ in WOLSELEY STREET south-east side, west of its junction with George Row (i) remove an existing cycle hangar (relocated to George Row) and (ii) increase existing 'permit' by 3.55m (new length 24m); (h) within CPZ 'GR’ in ALSCOT ROAD south of its junction with Spa Road (i) relocate existing cycle hangar and 1m DYLs from the east side to the west side, (ii) west side reduce in length existing 'shared-use' by 3.55m (64m remains), and (iii) east side increase in length existing 'shared-use' by 3.55m (new length 20.5m); (i) within CPZ ‘H’ in BRUNEL ROAD south-east side o/s No. 32 Brunel Road (i) formally remove cycle hangar and 1m DYLs, and (ii) increase in length existing 'permit' by 3.55m to accommodate (new length 48m); (j) within CPZ ‘L’ in CHAMPION GROVE south-east side south-east of its south-easternmost junction with Grove Lane (i) add cycle hangar and add 1m new DYLs (relocated from Grove Lane), and (ii) reduce in length existing 'permit' by 3.55m to accommodate (20.5m remains); (k) within CPZ 'OKR' in VERNEY ROAD north side opposite Nos. 20 to 30 (evens) (i) reduce existing 'shared-use' by a total of 65m (52m total remains), (ii) and add 65m total new DYLs to accommodate; (l) within CPZ 'PW' in AVONDALE RISE west of its junction with Copleston Road (i) relocate existing cycle hangar from the north side to the south side and add 1m new DYLs east of the new location, (ii) north side increase in length existing 'permit' by 3.55m (new length 20.5m), (iii) south side formalise an existing car club parking place (5m in length) and relocate westward by 13.5m, and (iv) south side reduce in length existing 'permit' by 3.55m (10m remains) and relocate eastward by 8m; (m) within CPZ ‘SEB’ in SIMMS ROAD south-west side, east of its junction with St James's Road (i) relocate an existing cycle hangar and 1m DYLs eastward by 11.5m and extend existing DYLs by further 1m, (ii) increase existing 'permit' by 3.55m (new length 16.5m), and (iii) reduce existing 'shared-use' by 4.55m to accommodate (15.5m remains); (n) formalise (i) a cycle hangar in GROVE LANE north-east side opposite No. 118 Grove Lane (to be relocated to Champion Grove), and (ii) in WANLEY ROAD an existing 'at any time' DPPP (6.6m in length) south-east side o/s No. 9 Wanley Road; (o) add SKBs (which operate between 8.00 am - 6.30 pm) onto existing DYLs in (i) GUYS STREET (total of 20m) on both sides south-east of its junction with Kipling Street, (ii) KIPLING STREET (total of 139m) west side a total of 6.5m either side of its junction with Porlock Street, 15m opposite its junction with Guys Street and 43m south of its junction with Snowsfields, east side a total of 69m south of its junction with Snowsfields and 5.5m south of its junction with Guys Street, and (iii) SNOWSFIELDS (total of 32.5m) on both sides at its junction with Kipling Street; (p) in PORLOCK STREET on both sides and throughout, convert all existing SYLs to DYLs and add SKBs (which operate between 8.00 am - 6.30 pm); (q) convert all existing SYLs to DYLs and add SKBs (which operate 7.00 am – 7.00 pm) in (i) HALPIN PLACE on both sides and throughout, (ii) HUNTSMAN STREET north-west side across its junction with Halpin Place (5.5m in total), and (iii) TATUM STREET south-east side across its junction with Halpin Place (6.5m in total); (r) in COPELAND ROAD west side opposite Nos. 72-74 Copeland Road, convert 13.5m existing SYLs to DYLs; (s) in CRYSTAL PALACE ROAD east side south of its junction with East Dulwich Road, extend existing DYLs by an additional 6m; (t) in GROSVENOR PARK (i) south side o/s No. 45 Grosvenor Park, formalise 2.5m of existing SYLs, and (ii) convert a total of 15m existing SYLs to DYLs north-east side o/s No. 41 Grosvenor Park and south side o/s No. 45 Grosvenor Park; and (u) add new DYLs in COLLEGE ROAD/FOUNTAIN DRIVE on the eastern and north-eastern side between a point 8m south of a point opposite the southern kerb-line of Kingswood Drive and a point 81m north-west of its junction with Crystal Palace Parade (402m in total), GOODRICH ROAD southwest side o/s No. 52 Goodrich Road (8m), IVYDALE ROAD (155m in total): (i) south-west side o/s Nos. 14 to 16 evens (15m), o/s No. 34 (6m), o/s Nos. 76 to 80 evens (15m), o/s Nos. 98 and 100 (6m), o/s Nos. 202 to 210 evens (34m), o/s Nos. 214 and 216 (10m), (ii) west side o/s No. 248 (18m) and (iii) north-east side o/s Nos. 15 to 19 odds (15m), o/s No. 61 (6m), o/s Nos. 81 to 85 odds (15m), o/s Nos. 205 to 209 odds (15m), KINGSWOOD DRIVE north side opposite its junction with Hitherwood Drive (58.5m), and WANLEY ROAD on both sides o/s Nos. 11 to 38 Wanley Road (74m in total).

NOTES: (1) ‘DPPP’ refers to disabled persons parking places which may only be used by vehicles displaying a valid disabled persons 'blue badge'. (2) ‘permit’ refers to parking places for holders of valid parking permits within the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) listed; ‘shared-use’ refers to parking places in which holders of a valid permit for the CPZ listed or ‘pay’ paid ticket holders are permitted to park within the permitted hours. (3) ‘SYLs’ refer to timed waiting restrictions, ‘DYLs’ refer to 'at any time' waiting restrictions and ‘SKBs’ refer to timed loading restrictions. (4) All measurements are in metres ‘m’ and are approximate. (5) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking 3. Copies of the Orders, which will come into force on 23 October 2023, and of all other relevant documents are available for inspection at Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH, by appointment only. E-mail traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk or call 020 7525 3497 for booking details.

4. Any person desiring to question the validity of the Order/s or of any provision contained therein on the grounds that it is not within the relevant powers of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or that any of the relevant requirements thereof or of any relevant regulations made thereunder has not been complied with in relation to the Order/s may, within six weeks of the date on which the Order was made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.

Dated 19 October 2023 Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

Our weekly deadline is 5pm on Tuesday

28 PUBLIC NOTICES LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 (as amended) The planning applications listed below can be viewed on the planning register at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/ You can use facilities at your local library or 'My Southwark Service Points' to access the website.

How to comment on this application: You should submit your comments via the above link. Comments received will be made available for public viewing on the website. All personal information will be removed except your postal address. Online comments submitted without an email address will not be acknowledged and those marked 'confidential' will not be considered. Written comments can be submitted to; Southwark Council, Chief executive's department, Planning division, Development Management, PO Box 64529, London SE1 5LX. Reason for publicity. The applications are advertised for the reasons identified by the following codes: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); DEP - departure from the development plan; EIA - environmental impact assessment (these applications are accompanied by an environmental statement a copy of which may be obtained from the Council - there will be a charge for the copy); MAJ - major planning application; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building; EMPTY LAND AT 105 PAGES WALK LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 (Ref: 23/AP/2688) Outline planning permission (with the matters of appearance, landscaping and layout reserved) for construction of 3 x 2 bedroom terrace houses (Within: Pages Walk CA) Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT (Contact: Paul Ricketts ) THE LIBERTY OF SOUTHWARK (FORMERLY LANDMARK COURT) LAND BOUNDED BY SOUTHWARK STREET REDCROSS WAY AND CROSS BONES GRAVEYARD LONDON SE1 1RQ( Ref: 23/AP/2810) Minor material amendment of planning permission 19/AP/0830: 'Mixed-use development involving the demolition of 25-33 Southwark Street, the restoration of 15 Southwark Street for residential use and the erection of new buildings comprising: a part 6/8/9storey office (Class B1) building incorporating a single-storey basement, flexible ground floor uses (Classes A1/A2/A3/A4 and D2) and workspace units (Class B1); a 3-storey workshop building (Class B1); a marketplace with up to 9 permanent stalls (Class A1); 36 residential units in the refurbished 15 Southwark Street building and a new 8-storey block; associated areas of new public realm; hard and soft landscaping; enhancements to Crossbones Burial Ground; means of access and enclosure, and; ancillary plant and equipment.' Namely to facilitate changes to the approved office and residential buildings. Changes to include additional floorspace, office use of 15 Southwark Street, alongside amendments to approved plant enclosures, public realm and landscaping and incorporation of a permanent structure to house archaeology finds within the site. (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Nathaniel Young ) 32 SOUTHWARK STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 1TU (Ref: 23/AP/2811) Installation of four air conditioning (AC) units and one kitchen extract system at roof level. (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA

(Contact: Agneta Kabele 07548097486) CITY BRIDGE HOUSE 57 SOUTHWARK STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 1RU (Ref: 23/AP/2820) The temporary change of use of the fourth floor at 57 Southwark Street from office (Class E) to a mixed-use office (Class E) and education (Class F1) use (Within: Thrale Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Agneta Kabele 07548097486) RAILWAY ARCH 164 SOUTHWARK BRIDGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0DG (Ref: 23/AP/2849) Change of use of to flexible uses within Use Class E (a-d, g(ii) and/or (iii)). (Within: King's Bench CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Agneta Kabele 07548097486) 76 BURBAGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE24 9HE (Ref: 23/AP/2857) Construction of single storey rear extension.

Construction of extension to existing dormer.

Removal of side window and addition of two skylights to existing roofs; proposed upgrade of existing fenestration to match existing in appearance.

(Amended description) (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: William Tucker 07925 637 210) 188 TOOLEY STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 2TZ (Ref: 23/AP/2826) Variation of Condition 1 'Approved Plans' of planning permission 18/AP/0442: Construction of a part ground, first and second floor rear extension (Within: Tooley Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447) 140 TAPPESFIELD ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 3EZ (Ref: 23/AP/2871) Construction of external storage to front elevation.

(Within: Nunhead Green CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Megan Stevens ) 2 TALFOURD ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003

Days

Start time

Finish time

Monday to Sunday

07:00

23:00

The provision of regulated entertainment: Monday to Sunday

07:00

23:00

Opening hours:

07:00

23:00

Monday to Sunday

CORNERSTONE STUDIOS 1 ADDINGTON SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 0HF (Ref: 23/AP/2739) Proposal includes: - Internal remodelling to provide a better quality and variety of flexible workspace - New and replacement external doors - New door within curtain wall, external ramp and steps in courtyard Replacement and new exterior lighting - Partial change of use from D1 (education and training) to Class E to provide Class E throughout the site (Within: Addington Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447)

Dated: 17 Oct 2023 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

149 CHADWICK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4PY (Ref: 23/AP/2807) Conversion of lower ground floor garden area into a below street level bike storage area. Creating a new lower ground floor entrance to the property and the creation of a bin storage area. (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876) 10 BERMONDSEY SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 3UN (Ref: 23/AP/2881) Change of use of a ground floor cinema unit (Sui Generis) to flexible uses within Use Class E (a, b and/or d) (Within: Bermondsey Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447) HONOR OAK PUMPING STATION HICHISSON ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 3AN (Ref: 23/AP/2873) Listed Building Consent: Replacement of two roof lanterns. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng )

Notice of Application to Vary a Premises Licence made under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003

Please take notice that I / we Pempeople Inc Limited have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of Livesey Exchange LEX2, 567 Old Kent Road, London, SE1 5EW The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are

The supply of alcohol:

SE15 5NY (Ref: 23/AP/2783) Construction of a single storey side extension along the side of the outrigger (Within: Sceaux Gardens CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki )

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Date of application: 5th October 2023

Please take notice that I / we Thuy Anh Nguyen have made application to Southwark Council to vary the Premises Licence in respect of Pho Thuy Tay 1B Rotherhithe Old Road, SE16 2PP The proposed variation is as follows: New opening and closing times. CCTV footages save up to 30 days Days

Start time

Finish time

The retail sale of alcohol:

Tuesday to Sunday

11:30

22:30

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Sunday

11:30

23:00

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Date of application: 30th September 2023

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that Ebernardez Limited has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at We Are European Latinos, 182 Garratt Lane, SW18 4ED for Sale of alcohol for consumption on & off premises and times Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 23:00 Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 03-11-2023 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk 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, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.

SPORT 29

Hamlet hold off Kingstonian's charge to end losing streak

By Nicko Barber at Champion Hill

DULWICH HAMLET ended a threegame losing streak in the Isthmian League Premier Division with a thrilling 3-2 win against Kingstonian at Champion Hill last weekend.

Photo by Dave Anderson

The classic cliché, football is a game of two halves, took on a different meaning as the first half was underwhelming and devoid of execution by both Hamlet and the visitors. It was in the second half that the match took a turn in tempo seeing a five-goal thriller conclude with the Dulwich as narrow victors in a finish littered with chances.

Champion Hill was busy and buzzing at kick-off. The food stands were smoking and the 3,000-odd fans in attendance were hungry for more than just gyros and burgers. The order for most of the

attendees was a Hamlet victory and hopefully a side dish of goals. What initially arrived was an empty plate.

Only two shots were registered on target in the first half, the first coming in the 29th minute. There were contrasting approaches from both teams without the ball. Dulwich were gifted easy possession with the Ks happy to leave their strike partnership of Eddie Dsane and Andy Somo surplus to requirements when defending, knowing the Hamlet were finding it difficult to break them down.

The hosts, on the other hand, went man-for-man out of possession from Kingstonian’s goal-kicks, inviting the opponent to launch the ball forward to an exposed Hamlet defence – who much of the time were matched up in a four versus four.

While one team sat off, the other

softly in goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey’s hands.

The Hamlet continued to produce a series of attempts on goal, with Luke Wanadio combining with Mills once again to force Tolfrey into a double-save.

The mounting pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Akwo Tarh Ayuk Taku found the top-right corner from Jerome Binnom-Williams’ pass.

It was no longer rumbles, but roars that could be heard.

Wanadio, Dulwich Hamlet’s reliable winger, made it 3-0 in the 67th minute, smashing a glorious shot into the left corner. The ravenous Champion Hill was bouncing.

Kingstonian tried to respond but Dsane spurned a one-on-one in the 59th minute before Rio Campbell missed a sitter when he skied over.

However, on 73 minutes, Kingstonian’s

pressed high up the pitch. However, one belief was shared – little concern that the opposition could score.

Cue half-time and some rumbling stomachs.

While the first half was spent waiting for something to spark the game into action, the second was completely different.

Right from the restart the Hamlet pressured the Kingstonian goal, after substitutes Ryley Scott and Anthony Jeffrey had replaced Sean BonnettJohnson and club captain Mark Ricketts at the break to provide fresh verve and energy. It was Jeffrey who crossed for Danny Mills to head home at the back post inside a minute of the second half.

Mills had another chance in the 51st minute but he couldn’t generate enough power on his header and the ball landed

captain Mark Waters got a goal back after some fluid build-up play resulted in him arriving in the box and finishing low to Will Lakin’s bottom-left corner.

Waters’ goal appeared to unsettle Hakan Hayrettin’s side and the visitors almost scored again two minutes later only for Thomas Collins’ chip to hit the bar.

Kingstonian did make it a nervy finish when Niran Butler headed home in the last minute, but the Hamlet hung on to move out of the relegation zone and up to sixteenth.

The second-half feast left the majority of the 3,191 in attendance satisfied. “I’m just privileged to be leading this team,” Hayrettin said.

Dulwich travel to fourth-place Whitehawk this Saturday for a 3pm kickoff.

Fisher claim derby spoils St Paul’s side hold nerve in shootout

By John Kelly FISHER EDGED out rivals Stansfeld after a penalty shootout in the first round of the Kent Senior Trophy at St Paul’s last weekend.

Teddy Jones gave Ajay Ashanike’s hosts the lead in the 78th minute but the Stans levelled just two minutes later through Jack Carty’s penalty.

An additional 30 minutes of extratime couldn’t separate the sides in front of an attendance of 187 in Rotherhithe.

Carty was sent off for what appeared to be dissent four minutes into extra-time but the Fish failed to make their numerical advantage count before the 120 minutes elapsed.

Teddy Jones scored in normal time and then fired home the winning penalty

Kyron Cooper, Ade Gbolahan, Namory Kane and Jamie Brown scored their spot-kicks for Fisher as the away side were also successful with their first four attempts.

But their luck was out when their fifth spot-kick came back off the post giving Jones the opportunity to win it, which he took.

There is more cup action at St Paul’s this weekend, this time in the first round of the FA Vase with Wembley the visitors for a 3pm kick-off.

The Stans are also in Vase action at the same time as they travel to Snodland Town.

In the Kent County League Premier Division, Peckham Town beat New Romney 5-1 at the Menace Arena.

Kieran Dowding, Jacob Kemp, Nicky Meta, Yacoub Suleman and Chris

Caretaker bosses set to continue in charge Millwall Lionesses 3-2 Ashford United

By Jeff Burnige at St Paul’s

Millwall are understood to be considering continuing with their joint-managers, as they have made a superb start.

The three points were bagged after another quality brace from veteran top-scorer Emma Whitter

at 1.30pm.

In a great double-header last weekend, the Millwall under-18s began their defence of the Capital Women’s Cup Junior Section with an

Emma Whitter scored a brace

impressive 9-0 defeat of Clapham United Women of the Greater London Women’s League, which included a hat-trick for Quiana Dillon-Bent.

Photo by Keith Gillard

THE LIONESSES continued their excellent recovery under caretaker managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland with a third successive victory, this time a 3-2 win over Ashford United in their London & South East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division game at St Paul’s last weekend.

and the vital second goal from Liv McGregor. Whitter’s own second goal was inevitable as Ashford were under constant pressure and it proved to be crucial because the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage-time to make it 3-2.

This was surprising as the defence had looked much more settled and secure, with Emel Huseini consistent at left-back and Chrissi Wiggins bringing experience in goal. Among the five substitutes, youngsters Melissa Jones and Shay Bennett performed excellently.

This victory lifted the Lionesses up to seventh in the table.

Attention is now very much on this Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup Cup third round qualifying tie against Margate in Rotherhithe. Kick off is

Weber were on target for Mary Phillip’s side.

In the same division, Bermondsey Town lost 1-0 at Fleetdown United.

Levi Gold scored the only goal for the hosts.

And Stansfeld (O&B) lost 2-0 at Ide Hill, with Thomas Goodayle and Callum Heath scoring for the home side.

Peckham host Snodland Town Reserves in the second round of the Bill Manklow Inter-regional Challenge Cup at 2.45 pm this Saturday.

Bermondsey are away at New Romney in the league at 2.45pm on Saturday.

Stansfeld (O&B) host Tenterden Town in the Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield on Saturday at 2pm.

Burgess Park claim Kent title

By John Kelly BURGESS PARK Community Cricket Club has won the Kent County League Division 9 title - after five years of hard work and dedication.

Burgess Park finished above closest challengers Bromley and Bexleyheath after a 112-run win over Orpington Ocelots.

Saiful Islam, the club’s vice-chairman who also top-scored over the campaign with 553 runs, said: “This victory is not only a testament to the talent and perseverance of our players, but also a reflection of the strong community spirit that exists within Southwark.

“Our club has been a hub for cricket enthusiasts, providing a safe and inclusive environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy the sport.”

Islam added the club want to “inspire other local clubs and individuals to pursue their sporting dreams”.

30 SPORT

Kerr off the mark

Sam Kerr

Forward nets opener as Fran Kirby returns to Blues line-up

By John Kelly SAM KERR scored her first goal of the season as Chelsea defeated West Ham United 2-0 at Kingsmeadow last weekend to maintain their unbeaten start to the Super League season.

© Action Plus

Australia international Kerr headed the opener in the 36th minute from Niamh Charles’ cross.

Emma Hayes’ side made sure of the points in added-time when Erin Cuthbert fired in as Chelsea won a seventeenth successive league game at home since a 0-0 draw against Arsenal in February 2022.

“It’s nice to be back at Kingsmeadow and I thought we played well against a tough, improved West Ham, to be fair,” Kerr said.

“I thought we possessed the ball well, maybe we didn’t get the goal as early as we would have liked but this league’s getting tougher, every team is getting better. It was a nice performance and to keep a clean sheet at home is always nice.

“It seems like it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for me lately but I’m happy to be back at Kingsmeadow, back playing minutes. I’m getting better every week. I’m not fully there yet but it’s nice to score and get a win.”

Charles was named player of the match after her performance at left wing-back.

“West Ham started the game really well and they made us work for it,” Charles said. “The first goal settled us down a little bit, and then we were able to find our rhythm a little bit more. It was a good win. We had to work hard for it. We’re delighted with the three points.

“It’s our first clean sheet this season and that’s what you build a winning run off, being

hard to break down. We’re delighted with that too.”

“We’ve been working on how the wingers can provide width so our more creative players in the middle can get on the ball and overload.

“That’s definitely a role I take on and I’m more than happy to do it, doing the running so the more creative players can get on the ball in dangerous areas.

“I really want to contribute defensively but also when I can in attack. Sam’s been on at me about putting a good ball in the box so it’s so nice when it comes off. If you give her one chance, she is going to bury it, that’s how good she is.

“Whenever her and Fran [Kirby] come back you really notice it. They’re world class.

Having that strength in depth and players that can create something out of nothing is really good for us. They’re such intelligent players.

Hopefully they can stay fit which will be good for everyone.”

It was England international Kirby’s first start since last February after she recovered from a knee injury.

“I’m so happy for Fran,” Hayes said. “She had not played more than 45 minutes before, now 55 minutes and we will keep on building that.

“She had some nice touches and we need to keep building her fitness. She accepts that, whether it is starting or coming from the bench.

“She won't start every game. We need Fran on the pitch for the later part of the season and to keep her progressing. We need our best players fit and available all of the matches.”

Chelsea are at home to Brighton this Sunday at 2pm.

By Paul Green

MAURICIO POCHETTINO can’t wait to lock horns with Arsenal this weekend as Chelsea bid to continue their winning run.

The Blues will take on the Gunners at Stamford Bridge for the late Saturday kickoff full of confidence having won their last three games.

Arsenal are also in fine form having overcome Manchester City 1-0 before the international break.

Pochettino has been impressed by

how opposite number Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners into genuine title contenders and is eager to see how his own young squad get on against their London rivals.

“We are going to play against a very good team,” the Chelsea boss said. “I think that in the last few years they are building a very good squad and have a very good coach who I know very well.

“Mikel is a very good friend and they are doing a fantastic job.

“It is a team that is ready now to compete for big things and that is why it is a really

exciting challenge to compete with them.

“We are in a different process, in a different time.

“But I think it is important to see our players how they are going to compete against a team that is more mature.”

There may have been a rocky start to Pochettino’s tenure at the Bridge but the Argentine reiterated injuries have been a big factor.

Chelsea are eleventh in the table, nine points off second-place Arsenal.

“First of all it is about recovering all the players,” he said. “We have many players

© Action Plus

Poch looking forward to battle against ‘good friend’ Arteta Mauricio Pochettino injured – and key players that cannot compete and train with us and that is very important.

“You can see how different a club like Man City [are], how affected they are when there is Rodri or De Bruyne [unavailable].

These are only two players but for us we miss many players, key players.

“I can’t help to develop and to improve the team faster.

“When we recover all the players for sure we will be ready to compete for big things.

“Even now we need to believe that we can compete for big things without the circumstances.”

SPORT 31

tiPs for toP six

allan campbell is hoping his success with promoted Luton can transfer to the Lions

Allan Campbell joined Millwall on loan from Luton Town on transfer deadline day in September

ExcLuSivE

by Kiro Evans ALLAn cAmPBeLL believes "togetherness" and doing the small things right could be the key to unlocking millwall's promotion dreams.

The 25-year-old was part of the Luton Town squad who went up via the play-offs last season after beating Coventry City on penalties at Wembley.

It was the second year in a row the Hatters managed to get into the top six, with the Lions falling just short of joining them on both occasions.

Campbell is now on loan at The Den for a year and is hoping some of his

play-off success will rub off on his new club.

The midfielder, who has started the last six games, says doing the basics right off the pitch and sticking together on the pitch is the way to crack the Championship.

He told our paper: "It's about the togetherness in the team and the squad, really striving for one goal.

Everyone pushing each other in training, having high standards, not just letting everything slip. Even just basic things off the park like recovery, eating, everything to be the best you can be and everybody doing the exact same thing.

"It's the one percents. The eating, the

sleeping, recovery, the extras all add up in the end and I think if you that, that's the recipe for success.

"The main thing is [at Millwall] you've got that togetherness as a club and striving for the one goal. You come together as a team and really push to get anything you want. And I think last year, at Luton, we had that togetherness and that really helped us get over the line. If we can all come together and strive to get better and push in that one direction, I'm sure we'll have success."

Campbell has slotted straight into the first team and has formed an intriguing midfield trio with Zian Flemming and Casper De Norre.

The Scotsman thinks the three of them can grow stronger together the more time they spend on the pitch.

He said: "Obviously at first it's just getting used to the players, trying to build relationships on the park and the training pitch, and I think we're starting to come together quite well.

We just need to keep trying to get our consistency in our performances and results and I'm sure we'll do well this season.

"It probably comes with time, really.

Normally when you're playing with good players it doesn't take too long so hopefully the more you play with each other, the more you can combine and try to help the team get the results."

Away from club football, Campbell was delighted to see his country Scotland qualify for next year's European Championships during the international break.

He received his first international call-up last May before making his debut against Armenia and hopes to force his way back into contention by next summer.

Campbell added: "It's always a target. To represent your country is the biggest honour you can have. Also, the competition is massive, there's a lot of good players but I just need to keep my head focused and just show what I'm about and hopefully get another call-up."

Valley to take on Michael Appleton’s League One side on the weekend of November 4.

“Over the moon. Over the moon for the supporters, the players and the staff, everyone behind the scenes who have made it so supportive of me to get on with my job and make it easier for me,” McKimm said. “[Out of] any team I’ve managed, that second-half performance was way up there above and beyond what we’ve produced before.

“I said to them if we’d come in 2-1 down [half-time] I was still positive on what we were going to do. I thought we played some really good stuff in the second half, they took on board what we wanted, how the structure was going to be in the second half compared to the first half.

They did it to a tee and deserved their rewards and their goals.

“There are not many times in football you can enjoy something. We’re going to enjoy it because it’s some result, against a team higher [in the football pyramid], scoring five goals and possibly could have had more. Good luck to Gav and his team, they are a good side and will cause a lot of teams problems, but I thought second half they played how I want them to play and how they want to play. And they enjoyed that.”

The Millers have already played eight matches in this season’s competition after coming through three replays over five rounds. They have bagged £22,069 in prize money. They will earn another £41,000 if they can produce one of the great FA Cup shocks next month.

By John Kelly

Bromley face the League One Tangerines on the weekend of November 4.

Woodman’s side are at home to Oxford City in National League action this Saturday at 3pm.

Millers secure huge Addicks tie

By John Kelly

The Eltham-based Isthmian League South East Division side were 1-0 and the 2-1 down against Gavin MacPherson’s Isthmian League Premier Division visitors but came back with a brace each for Kyrell Lisbie - son of former Addicks striker Kevin - and Freddie Parker, and a goal from Adam Coombes three minutes into stoppage-time.

The Millers then got arguably the best draw possible as they will travel to The

BroMLeY wiLL play Blackpool at home in the first round of the fA cup after their 3-2 win over national League rivals wealdstone at hayes Lane last weekend.

Goals from Alexander Michael Kirk, Michael Cheek and Ben Krauhaus in the first 31 minutes had Andy Woodman’s side cruising in this fourth round qualifying tie.

Max Kretzschmar pulled a goal back in the 54th minute and Nathan Ferguson got another in the third minute of added-time for the visitors, who featured on-loan Millwall players Kyle Smith and Abdul Abdulmalik.

Millwall's Kyle Smith is on loan at Wealdstone

© Brian Tonks/Millwall FC

crAy vALLey Pm manager Steve mcKimm was “over the moon” as his side came from behind to beat enfield Town and reach the first round proper of the FA Cup - where they landed a prestigious tie against Charlton Athletic.

Ravens fly through

© Action Plus

Community matters

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HAMLET HOLD OFF KINGS CHARGE

Page 29 Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

By John Kelly chArLton AthLetic have signed goalkeeper sam walker on a free transfer on a deal until January.

Defender earns praise from Gareth Southgate

By John Kelly cryStAL PALAce centre-back marc Guehi has earned high praise from england manager Gareth southgate.

Guehi, 23, was handed his international debut by Southgate last year in a 2-1 win over Switzerland.

Guehi started the 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifier draw against Ukraine and 3-1 friendly win against Scotland last month. He then came on as a 63rdminute substitute for John Stones as England qualified for the tournament next year by beating Italy 3-1 on Tuesday night.

“Marc is doing really, really well,” former Palace defender Southgate said ahead of that Group C game. “He’s played with great maturity in the two

games last month.

“At times he might not catch the eye in the way that some other players do because he’s in the right place, so he’s not having to turn round and cover for something that he’s got wrong.

“He’s a very calm player, positionally excellent, composed with the ball, very good mentality. So we think he’s developing very well.”

Guehi explained he had been closely observing the experienced Stones and Harry Maguire to improve his game.

“I'm fortunate enough to be here and to get selected, so just watching [Maguire and Stones] every day, the way they train, their qualities and, you know, almost trying to mimic or take things from their game that I can add to my game,” Guehi said.

“I think that's what they've done

[to help him]. They've just been themselves, really.”

Palace return to Premier League action after the international break with a difficult trip to Newcastle United this Saturday.

Roy Hodgson’s side have made a positive start to the season and sit ninth in the table despite the loss of star attacker Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer to Galatasary in the summer and a number of injuries to key players including Michael Olise.

But Jordan Ayew believes others such as Odsonne Edouard and Ebere Eze have stepped up this season.

“Obviously Wilf has done great things for the club – he was a really big player for us – but now that he’s not here, there are other players with quality who can step in and do

charlton athletic sign experienced keeper

something big for the team,” Ayew said.

“Odsonne has done it before. He did it at Celtic. We just need to make sure he has opportunities each game.

Our job is to make sure that he has chances. Then it’s his job to finish them. We know he will score. He shows it in training every day and no doubt, if we have confidence in the game, he can and will do it.

“That’s what we as a team are trying to do, we’re all trying to contribute for the team to be successful..

“We all know Ebs is a special talent and a special player. He’s done really well and shown everyone his quality.

He got a well-deserved England callup and, now he must push on. I hope he’ll build on last season and continue into this season in style.”

Walker, 32, made 28 starts for Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership last season and also had a loan spell at AFC Wimbledon. He came through the ranks at Chelsea before permanent moves to Colchester United in 2014 and Reading in 2018. Walker has made over 350 professional appearances.

Addicks manager Michael Appleton moved to sign Walker after an injury to Harry Isted left him with just one senior goalkeeper, Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

“I'm delighted,” Walker said. “I've been keeping myself sharp and ready for the right opportunity and this feels good. I spoke with [goalkeeping coach] Stephen Henderson and obviously Harry is out for a little bit so they need a bit of cover and someone to come in.

“I feel ready to contribute to the squad who are obviously going really well at the moment. I know a couple of the lads anyway, so I've come in and fitted in nicely. I'm looking forward to contributing to the team.”

Technical Director Andy Scott said: “Sam is a very experienced goalkeeper who will push Ash for the first team shirt while Harry is recovering from his injury and then compete with them both.

“He has played a lot of first-team football at all levels and has demonstrated maturity and quality in the time he has spent with us and gives us excellent cover in the goalkeeping department.”

Meanwhile, Karoy Anderson made his Jamaica debut last weekend, playing alongside Charlton team-mate Michael Hector in a 4-1 win over Grenada in the CONCACAF Nations League.

“It’s been a great experience and I still haven’t taken it in fully,” Anderson said. “Looking back at it, even after the games sitting in the changing room, it’s just unbelievable. It’s been a joy and an honour to be here, it’s one of the biggest achievements you can have to play for your country.

“I called my mum after I made my debut and she was ecstatic. There aren’t many words to describe her reaction, but it was good!”

Terell Thomas was in action for Saint Lucia in the same competition, as they beat and then lost to Guadeloupe.

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