Southwark News - July 12th 2023

Issue 1642

Established: 1987

50p

July 13th 2023

southwarknews.co.uk

eXclusive interview

lions pay respect to their beloved chairman See page 30 See page 2

See page 3

is the council clearing e-bikes?

opera sensation Malakai went from his local choir to the big time

kennington's got talent

parking spaces could become miniature parks

See page 6

combating loneliness: age is no divide, See page 5 sign up now

Our new Charter, Your next chapter

We are delighted to announce that Compass School Southwark is joining the Charter Schools Educational Trust.

charterbermondsey.org.uk

2 NEWS Contents NEWS NEWS Pages 2-17 Pages 2-17

Public notices Public notices Pages 23-26 Pages 26-27 SPORT SPORT 27-32 Pages 29-32

By Robert Firth

© Google Street View

OPINION OPINION Pages 18-19 Pages 18-19 what's on Page 20 Arts Page 21 Family AnnouncemEnts Classified & & Classified Family Pages 22 & 23 announcements property Page 22 Page 24

local primary that has been without a permanent headteacher for over five years is set to close

Local Democracy Reporter Councillors are set to rubber stamp the closure of a Southwark primary school, which has been without a permanent headteacher for over five years, next week.

Pupils at Cobourg Primary School in Walworth will move to Camelot Primary School in Peckham from the next academic year under the proposed merger.

Cobourg is the only primary school in Southwark to be rated ‘requires improvement’ two times in a row by Ofsted. At its last inspection in March 2022, inspectors said inconsistencies in teaching at the school remained despite improvements in some subjects.

The school is one of just three primary schools in the borough currently rated less than ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by the education watchdog.

According to a council report proposing the school’s closure, it has failed to appoint a “substantive headteacher for more than five years,” leading to “ineffective and inconsistent” leadership.

Cobourg Primary School in Walworth will close from September 2023.

Provided councillors sign off the plans next week, Cobourg will become the fifth inner South London school to not reopen in September.

Townsend Primary School and St Francesca Cabrini Primary School, both in Southwark, and St Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls and Archbishop Tenison’s School, both in Lambeth, have already revealed they won’t

Southwark Council leader admits they 'haven't removed any e-bikes' yet Exclusive

Contact us if you have a story on 07973175511 or email

By Isabel Ramirez southwark's council leader, who wrote to operators a month ago stating they would remove and charge them for inappropriately placed e-bikes, says they have not removed any to date.

editor@southwarknews .co.uk

Last month, Cllr Kieron Williams wrote to e-bike providers claiming they would remove e-bikes that block roads and pavements and charge the operators.

Asked in a cabinet meeting on Monday, July 10, by Conservative candidate for Dulwich, Clive Rates, how many e-bikes they had removed to date (since June 13), the borough leader said they 'haven't.'

“So to date," Cllr Williams said, "we haven’t been removing them because we’ve been

We are a London Living Wage employer Do you have a story

for our news team?

Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.

reopen for the 2023/24 academic year.

A drop in pupil numbers has been blamed on these closures. Like other schools in Southwark and Lambeth, Cobourg Primary has struggled to attract enough students in recent years.

The school has space for 390 pupils but just under half (46 per cent) of places are currently unfilled. Applications to attend the school have halved in five years, from 114 in 2016/17 to 51

Council says they have not removed any e-bikes yet EXCLUSIVE:

SPECIAL GUEST AT CARNIVAL

Issue 1641

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 on a Thursday at: Community Matters Media Ltd Unit A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4DG. News and Sport: 020 7231 5258 Advertising: 020 7232 1639 News: news@southwarknews.co.uk Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

Established: 1987

50p

July 6th 2023

southwarknews.co.uk

See page 4

John Berylson 1953 - 2023

Millwall reeling after tragic death of owner

SNAKING AROUND THE ELEPHANT See page 3

TRAM EN ROUTE?

- see- page page44

Tributes pour in

LIONS' KING - see sport

See page 8

'PECKHAM'S WASTELAND'

See page 6

Our new Charter, Your next chapter

We are delighted to announce that Compass School Southwark is joining the Charter Schools Educational Trust.

charterbermondsey.org.uk

in 2021/22.

But Councillor Jasmine Ali, Southwark Council’s cabinet member for education, said the decision to close the school wasn’t “driven by the falling school rolls crisis” in a council report.

Cllr Ali, Labour member for Rye Lane, said the school’s Interim Executive Board (IEB) had concluded that merging the school with the ‘good’ rated Camelot Primary would improve education for students at both schools.

The IEB – which is made up of experienced education professionals – replaced Cobourg’s governors in June 2022 after they failed to improve standards at the school.

Cllr Irina von Wiese, education spokesperson for the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, said the Labour administration needed to do more to make the borough affordable for families. “Pupil numbers are falling because normal families cannot afford to live in our borough and they will continue to do so until we make serious progress in providing genuinely affordable housing in Southwark,” she said.

Cobourg Primary School and Camelot Primary School were contacted for comment about the merger but failed to reply before publication.

reporting them and they have been removed themselves within two hours."

This followed residents' concerns that the bikes were causing a hazard after being ‘hacked’ and ‘dumped.’

Cllr Williams explained that in the letter he urged for action from providers - and said the council would only act if no action was taken. "But if any provider isn’t removing them within two hours then we will remove them and we will charge them."

In the meeting, Cllr Williams added that this was not something officers should be doing. “I don’t want to be removing bikes I think it is an unnecessary action for us," he said, "the contracted officers have a lot of better things to be doing with their time.

Ultimately I would like to see us get to a London-wide contract where you can only park in the designated bays when those bays are available.”

The Southwark News is proud to be the only independent, paid for newspaper in London Southwark News started life as the Bermondsey News in 1987, as an A-4 photocopied sheet of paper and rapidly grew to cover the entire borough and the surrounding area. As the borough grew, so did the newspaper.

It is owned and run by Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn.

Former reporters for Southwark News, they bought the title in 2002, after the founder Dave Clark died suddenly from cancer four years earlier.

A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that a community-led, independent newspaper can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.

Follow our social media to be updated on local news

southwark-news

@southwark_news

Southwark News is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry).

We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 0207 231 5258.

If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

malakai bayoh: kennington’s 14-year-old opera sensation who reduced britain’s got talent Judges to tears ExcluSivE

By Herbie Russell BatheD in golden light, malakai reached down and pocketed handfuls of the ticker tape that, moments ago, were falling around him. the fourteen-year-old from kennington had just received the infamous golden buzzer on Britain’s got talent- and this was a moment he wanted to savour.

It was the sort of thing every budding performer dreams of. Malakai’s “flawless” rendition of Pie Jesu had just stunned the audience - even prompting the normally stoney-faced Simon Cowell to get on stage and embrace the young singer.

“One of the best voices I think I’ve ever heard,” Simon said.

Reflecting on that perfect moment, Malakai said: “I looked at my mum and my sister and they were jumping around so it was just really cool.”

In the three months since, Malakai’s rise has been breathtaking. He is releasing a debut album, has received gushing endorsements from the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and even caught Hollywood’s eye.

But Malakai admits that his mum remains his “biggest fan”. She was the first to see Malakai’s potential, encouraging him to audition for the choir at St George’s Cathedral, opposite the Imperial War Museum, after hearing him sing around the house.

“That was where we went to church so I would have gone there every Sunday anyway,” said Malakai.

The young tenor got his first taste of the big time aged twelve, when he was cast as Oberto in a production of Handel’s Alcina at the Royal Opera House. Sadly on the opening night, an audience member shouted “rubbish” as he sang his lines and booed him.

But Malakai has a confidence that belies his age. Asked if he ever gets nervous,

Malakai said: “Not really because you can’t really see people in the audience because it’s all pitch black. It’s kind of like you’re singing to an empty theatre.” He added: “It was a really nice place to perform.”

But nothing could have prepared him for the reaction to his performance on Britain’s Got Talent in April, when judge Alesha Dixon told him: “Whatever is pouring out of you was so heavenly and beautiful I actually went into a trance.” The YouTube clip has over 8.6 million views.

Malakai made it to the final where he sang Lucio Dalla’s 1986 song Caruso - an extraordinarily difficult song for even the most experienced of singers. Although he missed out on the top prize, the tenor received rave reviews again.

Was he disappointed not to win? In short, no. “Not really because I knew I tried my best and it was fun anyways,” said Malakai, beaming his now-trademark smile.

Malakai’s extraordinary talent has caught the attention of the world’s biggest music moguls. Universal Music, the record

Friday 21st July 1-6pm

A Healthy Exchange Conversations, ideas, activities, delicious food, and prize giveaways!

Join us for an afternoon to exchange ideas on health, wellbeing and how we can support one another to heal as a community.

w Walworth Living Room Surrey Square London, SE17 2JU Contact 020 7703 3803 walworthlivingroom.org info@pembrokehouse.org.uk

Scan the QR code to RSVP or visit http://bit.ly/3JRe1wD

Malakai

Bayoh Watch the video

nline

southwarknews.co.uk

© Craig Gibson

w

NEWS 3

company home of Pavarotti, has signed him and his debut album Golden is out this month.

One of Britain’s most celebrated living composers Sir Karl Jenkins offered to especially rearrange the song Benedictus for the album. “I met Karl Jenkins and that was really cool because he was really nice and he just looks really cool,” said Malakai.

He also got to meet Andrew Lloyd Webber who he said “had a lot of wisdom”.

Setting his sights on the film world, Malakai will also sing on the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Maestro, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper and produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

Despite the plaudits, Malakai’s feet remain firmly on the ground and he still attends Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in west London. Unsurprisingly, his classmates have been amazed by the last few months.

“They were all really happy for me and were like ‘you’re famous now’,” Malakai

said. But he added: “It’s just kind of normal. I still go to school. It’s not like a lot of change.”

Asked if he gets spotted in the street, he said: “Yeah sometimes. But they just say well done or have a picture… it’s quite nice.”

As he gets older, Malakai’s voice will change - and there were signs of that when his voice broke while singing in the Britain’s Got Talent final. But Malakai is confident he will adapt. “I’ll just sing in lower parts,” he said.

Malakai has plenty of interests outside of opera. He’s a huge Liverpool fan, and plays table tennis, rugby, football and basketball. But he still sees his future in the music industry: “I want to travel the world and sing and do concerts… Either that or I’d like to be a host for different types of shows.”

Whatever the future holds, Kennington can be proud of a homegrown talent whose voice is already reverberating around the world

4 NEWS

'pro-ltn' academic who tore down anti-ltn poster comes under fire

The Dulwich village lTN

By Herbie Russell southwark CounCil’s 'impartial' report on the Dulwich Village low traffic neighbourhood (Ltn) used research by an academic who tore down an anti-ltn poster.

Dr Anna Goodman, a scholar at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), made headlines this month when CCTV footage emerged of her removing a ‘Stop the West Dulwich LTN’ poster in a local shop.

The video has fuelled accusations that academics paid to peer review LTN schemes are secretly biased towards them.

Anti-LTN campaigners in Dulwich have now highlighted that Goodman’s research helped inform the council’s equality impact assessment for the Dulwich LTN, introduced in March 2020.

The report concluded that some residents’ concerns about the LTN including its impact on air quality and increased traffic on boundary roads “were not evidenced”.

Following the report, the Dulwich LTN was retained and attempts to expand it were only scuppered following a local outcry in May. The report referenced four studies coauthored by Goodman, who specialises in 'evaluating sustainable transport interventions', and works with the University of Westminster.

Goodman’s research was used to show that LTNs could lead to “reduced car ownership, lower road injury risk, and reduced street crime”.

At a Southwark Council cabinet meeting on Monday, July 10, Dulwich-based anti-LTN campaigner Bridget Furst asked: “Going forward will research and reports created by Dr Anna Goodman be considered unbiased by Southwark Council?”

In response, Cllr James McAsh, cabinet member for streets, said Goodman’s actions were “a very silly thing to do” and that “in a democracy, we want a free and fair exchange of ideas”.

However, he added that her behaviour “doesn’t affect the rigour of her research”

which was “ultimately to be decided by the peer review process”.

In a statement, Anna Goodman said: “I really regret taking down that poster from a local shop. Later that same day I returned the poster and apologised both to the person who made the poster and to the shopkeeper. I’d like to reiterate my apology to all local people involved in creating the poster who I’m sure, even if we hold opposing views, genuinely care every bit as much as me about doing what’s best for their local area.

"I’m engaged in a personal capacity with various campaigns in my local area, including around LTNs. This is separate from my professional role and my research, most of which is published in peer-reviewed journals."

It is understood that her employer the LSHTM has not launched a formal investigation following the incident.

But a spokesperson for the LSHTM did say: “We are following our procedure for reviewing allegations involving LSHTM academics and so cannot comment further at this time.”

Mystery 1961 letter discovered in Dulwich Village

By Herbie Russell a DulwiCh teaching assistant has stumbled across a letter written in 1961 - and wants to return it to its rightful owner.

Michelle Coare, 49, from West Norwood, spotted the letter on the road outside Dulwich Hamlet School, where she works, on Monday morning, July 10.

The vintage envelope, addressed to a Miss E Goodwin in Cheltenham, is in pristine condition - meaning it could be of sentimental value.

“I was walking on my way to school with a colleague who spotted the letter and I risked my life crossing the road,” Michelle joked.

She assumed somebody had dropped it on their way to a post box that day before realising it was dated February 6, 1961.

On that date ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ by The Shirelles was number 1 in the charts, while a little

The letter found outside Dulwich Hamlet School

known Liverpool outfit The Beatles played their first gig at Cavern Club and the Angolan War of Independence had just started.

The envelope had been cut open when they found it. The letter inside appears to be between two school pupils and mentions upcoming O-Levels.

Michelle said: It’s a beautifully written letter… it’s clearly been looked after all this time.”

The envelope is stuck with a vintage stamp featuring a youthful Queen

Elizabeth, saying ‘Postage Revenue 3D’.

The ‘d’ refers to the British predecimal penny, meaning the stamp would have cost three pence.

Michelle’s friend Alison Green, 45, also a teaching assistant, posted a photo of the letter on Twitter in the hopes of tracking down the owner.

She said they’d had “no response as of yet”.

If you know who the letter belongs to, contact herbie@southwarknews.co.uk

Aylesbury Estate resident's High Court battle with the council edges closer Aysen Dennis in her Aylesbury Estate flat

By Herbie Russell a southwark resident’s high court battle against the council is a step closer - after a judge gave her legal arguments the nod.

Aysen Dennis, 64, is battling to stay in her Aylesbury Estate home, which Southwark Council and developer Notting Hill Genesis plan to demolish building a 25-storey all-private tower in its place.

Describing the council’s £1.5 billion redevelopment as “social cleansing” due to an alleged lack of affordable housing, Aysen hopes the high court battle will halt or delay the scheme.

Aysen said: “It’s brilliant. We have been waiting for our papers to be accepted and now we’ve been given the go-ahead.”

Outline planning permission to redevelop the Aylesbury Estate was granted in 2015.

Aysen’s legal argument against Southwark Council and the developer is highly technical and hinges on a single word that was inserted in the original planning permission.

Outline planning permission establishes the main principles of a development, but allows the developer to hammer out the finer details in subsequent planning applications.

But in July 2022, Notting Hill Genesis inserted the word ‘severable’ into the outline planning permission.

According to Aysen’s lawyers, the insertion of ‘severable’ would allow the developer to build “something different from the approved scheme”.

But when Notting Hill inserted this change, it did so as a nonmaterial amendment. Non-material amendments are very minor changes and don’t require approval from elected councillors.

Aysen claims that the amendment was not minor, so should have been a material amendment.

“Southwark Council turned a blind eye to the amendment but, thankfully, we were watching,” Aysen said.

She says the council should now submit an entirely new outline planning application.

Southwark Council and Notting Hill Genesis are expected to argue the outline planning permission was “always severable” and that the

amendment merely clarified that fact.

Aysen says, even if she does not win, she hopes her case will delay the development. “Even if it prolongs their plans for a few months, that is something for us,” she said.

“The more they have to wait, the more construction prices go up and Notting Hill’s profits go down.”

The 2,758-flat Aylesbury Estate was completed in 1977 but, in 2015, Southwark Council approved Notting Hill Genesis’ plans to redevelop the estate.

Campaigners had long argued that refurbishment was preferable and, in a 2001 ballot, 70 per cent of residents voted against demolition.

But Southwark Council argued the estate was in such disrepair that refurbishment wasn’t viable. In 2002 the head of Southwark’s housing and regeneration department said it would cost the council a whopping £200 million to refurbish the sprawling estate.

The estate is being demolished in phases. Phase 2B, where Aysen lives, is particularly controversial because it involves slashing the number of social rent homes by almost 50 per cent.

Across the entire Aylesbury Estate, the New Southwark Plan envisages building 4,200 new homes with at least 2,249 social rent homes - less than the 2,758 social rent flats it once hosted.

In April, Aysen held a popular anti-gentrification exhibition in her flat, documenting her decades-long campaigning against redevelopment.

A Notting Hill Genesis spokesperson said: “We accept the High Court’s decision to allow the judicial review to proceed regarding the s96a decision to the Outline Planning Permission.

We look forward to the matter being resolved.

“We are very proud of our plans for the Aylesbury Estate regeneration which will deliver high-quality, safe and warm homes to replace those which are no longer fit for purpose.

We are committed to creating a fantastic, thriving mixed community with quality public space, top-class facilities and improved play and sport areas.”

Southwark Council was approached for comment

NEWS 5

Parking spaces could be turned into miniature parks © Southwark Council

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter Parking spaces could be turned into miniature parks under plan's to slash the number of cars on the road.

Southwark Council wants to cut the number of cars owned in the borough by ten percent over the next seven years as part of its plan to improve air quality and reduce traffic, revealed in its new transport strategy.

To encourage residents to ditch their cars, the Labour-run council is promising people they will live within 200 metres of a safe walking route and get a space in a cycle hangar within six months of applying for one.

It also plans to ban cars from streets outside all schools where it is possible to do so during pick-up and drop-off times by 2030. New safety measures will be introduced near schools on streets where this is not possible, such as those sitting on busy main roads.

Councillor James McAsh said: “Streets for People is a transport strategy but it also goes beyond that. It’s really looking at how we use our street space in all the different ways it can be used.

“In some places it will be possible to turn the equivalent of three parking spaces into a small linear park with some benches and trees. In some cases where there’s a cul-de-sac or there’s no through traffic, you could expand into the carriageway as a whole or turn it into something bigger.”

Cllr McAsh, who said he usually cycles

Councillor James McAsh

to work at Southwark Council’s Tooley Street headquarters, added that officials would focus on reaching out to “under heard” groups including local traders and disabled people while developing measures to encourage people to make the switch from cars.

But he said some traders’ fears about

the consequences of discouraging cars were “unfounded”, pointing to statistics that showed pedestrians on average spent more than drivers at local businesses, but over multiple trips.

He said: “If you drive to a shop, you are more likely to spend more money on that journey than you would if you walked to

Advertorial

the shop. However if you’re someone who walks, you’re more likely to spend more money in the local economy full stop but you’ll do it in lots of smaller journeys.”

Southwark Council has previously come under criticism from residents for its introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods [LTN], where streets are

closed off to traffic.

In May, officials scrapped plans to expand LTN in Dulwich Village after a backlash from disabled groups and blue badge holders.

The new 31 page transport strategy contains no mention of LTNs but commits the council to creating “nine new Streetspace schemes by 2030,” which are effectively the same thing.

Cllr McAsh said that all Streetspace schemes would be on internal roads that were not “through routes for most traffic”. The new strategy also commits the council to exploring “options to pedestrianise areas in town centres”.

But Cllr McAsh ruled out the council pedestrianising Rye Lane in Peckham.

The street was temporarily closed to all vehicles during the Covid-19 pandemic but reopened to buses and taxis afterwards, despite some residents wanting all vehicles to remain banned.

Cllr McAsh said it was “simply not possible to work out a route for buses to get near enough to the train station whilst keeping Rye Lane closed to buses.”

He added: “Buses are an absolutely key part of the transport infrastructure. There are a lot of people who can’t walk or cycle for those kind of distances who do rely on the buses. In that instance, we took the decision to allow buses to go through along with taxis and bikes and so on.

“My personal view as someone who cycles but isn’t the most experienced cyclist, I find Rye Lane relatively a good place to cycle. Without buses it would be safer still, but I think it’s a relatively good compromise.”

Hybrid Legal CRM, the changing world through machine learning

We see today how artificial intelligence is changing on how publishers and marketers transact with their audiences. The world is changing. Our reliance on technology is evolving through times and we become dependent on the need to have the right tool to ensure both our personal and business life is being managed.

2.

It’s no different to the enterprise world, technology is needed to understand customer behaviour and deliver what is needed, whether that may be a service or a product.

Hybrid Legal CRM is now evolving in the way in which law firms operates. Our data driven platform is helping law firms today to understand the customer trend, how a lead turns into a transactional process and the service management of a client’s legal matter.

Why CRM is important to a law firm?

Whether you are a small enterprise or firm of a 100, it’s all about managing your data that the firm receives. For example, if your business is receiving leads whereby you are not providing a particular legal service that your customer wants, without actual data, you would not be able to go before key decision makers to consider this approach.

Further to this, CRM allows you to ensure your enterprise is compliant with the regulatory requirements from client care letters to transaction records to matter management, all done through the Hybrid Legal CRM platform. We love to use the word “efficiency”

3.

4.

5.

and it can be said that Hybrid Legal CRM does that in a simple, intuitive way. Take a free trial with automated logins by clicking here: https://hybrid.techics.com/Free-Trial.

Keeping your data safe We know how important brand management is, that is why we apply the highest security on all our servers. You can read details of our security features of the platform by clicking here: https://hybrid.techics.com/BlogDetails/7/keeping-your-data-safe-with-us-onour-hybrid-legal-crm.

What are the key reasons & benefits to use a CRM? In simple words, a CRM helps a business to manage its customer data flow, to serving the customer and allowing your team to work together, regardless of their locations.

Some of the key benefits of using Hybrid Legal CRM: 1.

Email management. Hybrid Legal CRM will automatically identify the client’s email with the matter and will

save both the email & documents if sent, without the need for the user to do anything. A simple reply to the email, allowing you to bill this to your client and save the email in less than 1 minute.

Document management. Your clients can upload documents to the platform and the ability to interact digitally will save an average 15 minutes.

Task management. A critical function to ensure all legal matters which comes with deadlines are managed.

Workflows and automations. This helps both the sales team and Lawyers the ability to automate tasks, working in set workflows, to ensure the enterprise is managed as efficiently as possible.

Billable tasks and transactions. A simple, intuitive platform to ensure your financial aspect of the business is being managed.

Hybrid Legal CRM is designed to drive growth and increase profitability for your enterprise. The platform allows you to integrate into any financial or third-party tool, helping you manage your enterprise. It is the solution preferred by law firms to improve performance and connect all critical areas of law firm operations.

Need more information, speak to us today on 020 7237 3388 or email us at info@techics.com.

6 NEWS

By Isabel Ramirez tWO PeCKHAM-BASed women, who are nearly 50 years apart in age, have a new-found friendship thanks to a scheme that helps to tackle loneliness in people living alone.

Local charity, Link Age Southwark runs a befriending programme - where they match older people who live alone with volunteers to help them feel less lonely.

Paula, who lives in Peckham, became interested in the scheme after losing her partner, Carly, after 27 years together.

"Someone suggested it to me about eighteen months ago. So I thought 'Oh that would be lovely' - then nothing happened."

Paula explained she had to wait a while for any response as they were short of volunteers. Meanwhile, she said life was getting harder.

"I was sitting at home like a dummy just staring out the window," she said.

"I could feel my brain all getting washed out - like I was a zombie."

As well as losing her partner, she also recently broke both her hips and wrists.

"I was in pain and I was feeling fed up."

Then about four months ago, she said a light came into her life: Kila.

"When they said they had found someone, I wondered about what she'd be like. It didn't matter if she was old or young - but what if she was boring or doesn't like me?

But the moment they met, Paula said those worries went away.

"They told me she works for herself and immediately I was interested because that's what I always did."

"She said she had a dog - he really reminded me of my old dog."

The pair are nearly fiftyy years apart but they told us their similarities mean they don't even notice the age gap.

"She brightened my life," Paula continued, "she gave me something else to think about."

two women nearly 50 years apart find friendship through local scheme that tackles loneliness She added that she hopes they carry on being in each other lives.

Kila said she looks forward to meeting up with Paula, which they aim to do once a week.

The 38-year-old creative director lives in Peckham but is relatively new to the area. "I wanted to find a way to get more involved with the community here - the real community," she said.

"I started meeting Paula - she tells

incredible stories. I look forward to it every week. I love learning about her life - it's very different to mine.

Over the past year, the charity has been responsible for 199 befriending matches in Southwark.

Kila said she started volunteering for the scheme after losing her grandmother - who she said she was close to.

"She lived until she was 99 - and I just

Grandmother says Southwark Council has failed to repair her leaking home for two years - and its excuse is Covid

Lillian Williams

imagine how lonely she would have been if she didn't have us around her."

Evidence shows that loneliness leads to an increase in GP visits, earlier entry into residential care and is a contributor to depression. Over 9,000 older people live alone in Southwark and that figure is rising every year.

Deborah Hyde, from Link Age Southwark, said they are desperately looking for more volunteers.

By Herbie Russell

An 88-yeAr-OLd Peckham woman says she's endured a leak for roughly two years - with one council officer blaming Covid-19 for the delay.

Lillian Williams, who is totally deaf without her hearing aids, is terrified that the ceiling will fall in while she’s asleep and ruin her Clifton Estate home.

Her son, Nick Williams, has accused Southwark Council of “passing the buck” by blaming the pandemic - and says he’s considering legal action.

House-proud leaseholder Lillian, who has struggled to maintain her home since her husband died in 2021, said: “I have to keep the door shut because I don’t want to look at it.”

She says water pouring from above has ruined her bedding on countless occasions and that she has to cover the sheets with plastic. “I can’t make it nice in case it all falls through,” she said. “I’ve already had to buy new pillows. I just want it fixed.

There’s been all this mucking about, all this aggravation and sleepless nights," she said.

Southwark Council was first made aware of water pouring from Lillian’s upstairs neighbour’s balcony back in 2021.

Although Lillian is a leaseholder, she says Southwark Council is still responsible for fixing the leak as it isn’t coming from her flat. She says her neighbour has been cooperative and also wants to see the problem fixed.

Her son Nick made complaints about the

This story and others like this will be featured in Link Age Southwark's 30-year anniversary photo exhibition - which will take place next Saturday, July 15 at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

The 30th-anniversary event will run from 7 pm until 10 pm, and as well as the exhibition, there will be live music, a bar and canapés.

Tickets cost £55 and can be purchased by scanning this QR code leak on four separate occasions between January and June 2022.

In an email, a council officer admitted that “regrettably, nothing further was done” despite his warnings. Nick said he’d spent hours calling the council with no success: “Week after week we try the numbers they've provided and you’ll be on the phone for hours on end with no answer. And, in the end, it’ll turn off.”

A contractor reported fixing the leak in November 2022 but the Lillian’s family says it's continued. Seven months later, Lillian is still faced with a sodden patch that's growing in size. Explaining the delay, a council officer wrote in an email: “I can explain that the phased exit from the nationwide lockdown period (following the global Pandemic that began in March 2020), ended in July 2021. This left Local Authorities with a huge backlog of repair jobs that had been put on hold, as only emergency works had been allowed beforehand.”

Southwark Council has offered £275 compensation but Nick is unconvinced by the offer and the excuse: “This is going to have to go a bit further because Southwark Council are passing the buck saying it’s due to Covid.”

It’s not the first time Lillian has faced problems with her home. A separate issue last year saw her home flood six times - ruining her carpet and drenching her walls.

Southwark Council has been approached for comment.

NEWS 7

By Isabel Ramirez

sunset soirÉe in DulwiCh

A photo exhibition to celebrate a leading elderly charity is being launched this weekend at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Link Age Southwark is celebrating 30 years of alleviating loneliness for local older people and those living with a dementia diagnosis.

Showcasing the breadth of their work, the exhibition will be launched on 15 July as part of the charity’s annual Sunset Soirée fundraising event. The photos were taken by award-winning international photographer Nick Dolding, who is also a befriending volunteer.

As well as the exhibition, there will be live music, a bar and canapés. where? Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD when? Saturday, July 15 from 7:30 pm - 10 pm admission: Tickets cost £55 - go to linkagesouthwark.org to buy.

ghanaian FestiVal in CamBerwell

Southwark’s first Ghanaian Akwasidae festival, which honours heroes of the past, is coming to Camberwell, with traditional food, entertainment and Afrobeats.

Southwark Black Parents Forum is hosting the Akwasidae Festival at Camberwell Green Park. This historic festival is celebrated by those of the Ashanti region – in the southern part of Ghana.

It is a religious celebration to remember past leaders and heroes, the Ashanti royal lineage and Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

Traditional rites will be performed - relating to honouring personal and

what's on this weekend? community ancestors. They involve drumming, dancing and singing, as well as food offerings.

Other entertainment will include acrobats and music from Afrobeats artist, Article Wan. For children, there will be free face painters, arts and crafts and Busybee will provide free interactive tech sessions to keep them entertained. where? Camberwell Green Park & Garden, SE5 7AA when? Sunday, July 16 from 12 pm – 6 pm admission: Free (Reserve a ticket on Eventbrite: 'Akwasidae Festival 2023')

Grease as part of their summer line-up of outdoor showings.

Take a picnic, or try the onsite food and drinks – 'perfect for alfresco feasting with friends or date night delights.'

Two types of tickets are available for each screening meaning attendees can opt for a premium director seat (limited availability) or bring their own blanket and seats for easy, comfortable lounging. where? Dulwich Park, College Rd, SE21 7EB when? Saturday, July 15 at 9:15 pm admission: Tickets start from £17.50 go to thelunacinema.com to buy

With longer nights and rising temperatures, you can enjoy an outdoor screening of a 70s classic at Dulwich Park this weekend.

The Luna Cinema will be showing

Head down to Brixton on Saturday for some poetry, music and art - all performed and created by women.

Brave Poets - a platform staging live poetry and curated jams - is taking over POP Brixton for an afternoon of female

outDoor Cinema sCreening oF grease in DulwiCh Park

Neighbourhood Dance Classes at Central Executive Director: Mark Osterfield Artistic Director: Kate Coyne Central School of Ballet is a Registered Charity No. 285398 and Company Registered in England and Wales with Company No. 1657717. Photos by ASH Photography.

Neighbourhood Classes ad.indd 1

FeMInISt POetry slam in BriXton

weekend - with a whole host of free activities.

Hear music from Brixton Chamber Orchestra and DJ Soul Provyder; take a walk through the park to learn about trees; and watch some ballet or samba.

Get involved in workshops, play some games and sports, and giggle at a Punch and Judy show. where? Kennington Park, Kennington Park Rd, SE11 4BE when? Sunday, July 16 from 1 pm 6 pm admission: Free

wellness FestiVal in elePhant anD Castle

empowerment.

They will be raising money for Women for Women International and Rape Crisis UK - two charities that help women in moments of extreme vulnerability.

The diverse line-up includes up-andcoming female artists ready to leave you feeling inspired. An art exhibition, a craft market and workshops for the kids everything on the day has been created and will be led by women. where? 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ when? Saturday, July 15 from 12 pm - 7 pm admission: By donation (all funds raised will go to the selected charities)

kennington Park FestiVal

Take the kids on a free day out in Kennington - with samba, craft workshops and Punch and Judy.

Kennington Park Festival promises to bring families a fun day to top off the

Come together, try something new, and engage in the joys of dance at Central. Beginners Ballet and Contemporary African Dance classes for adults are available every Thursday and Friday for £12.

Castle Square is hosting a free family event for health and wellness, including a cycling challenge and Bollywood dance classes.

Elefit Wellness Festival is a free community event to promises 'one of the most feel-good days in the local community event calendar.'

For the ones with energy, there will be Bollywood and Afrobeats dance classes and a cycling challenge. Those looking for a reset can get involved in chair yoga, tai chi and a meditation class.

Or for a chance to connect with nature, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a Plant Bomb workshop where they can create their own gifts to take away.

Guests will be able to enjoy a DJ throughout the day and enjoy delicious eats from a variety of food stands from Castle Square. where? Castle Square, 40 Elephant Rd, London SE17 1EU when? Saturday 15th July 11 am - 5 pm admission: Free

Classes are available for £6 for Southwark and Lambeth residents* using the code CSBnh23 centralschoolofballet.co.uk/ adult-dance-classes/ *Proof of address required 05/07/2023 15:35:06

F.A.A.

F A ALBIN & SONS

020 7237 3637

Family Run Funeral Directors

RotheRhithe 52 Culling Road, London, SE16 2TN OuR OThER bRaNCh addRESSES aRE: welling 4 Welling Way, Welling, KENT, da16 2Rj T: 020 8856 7514

deptfoRd 164 deptford high Street, LONdON, SE8 3dP T: 020 8694 1384

sidcup 163 Station Road, Sidcup, KENT, da15 7aa T: 020 8308 0015

eAst london 378 barking Road, Plaistow LONdON, E13 8hL T: 020 7476 1861

MottinghAM 54-56 Mottingham Road, London, SE9 4QZ T: 020 8857 0330 cRAYfoRd 30-32 Crayford high Street, Crayford, KENT, da1 4hG T: 01322 533012

wAlwoRth 88 brandon Street, LONdON, SE17 1Nd T: 020 7313 6990

Serving the people of Bermondsey & Rotherhithe for over 200 years

www.albins.co.uk

10 NEWS The proposed Dulwich Village CPZ area

OAPs' knees-up Caribbean style

By Herbie Russell Camberwell pensioners celebrated their care home’s first birthday at a Caribbean-themed party last month.

Dulwich Villagers to pay £300 to park their cars

By Herbie Russell Dulwich Village residents will pay up to £300 to park their cars annually - as Southwark Council revs up its controlled parking zone (CPZ) programme.

The CPZ would require residents to have car parking permits - with prices varying depending on their cars’ environmental impact.

Locals have been asked to say what hours they’d like the resident’s permits to operate - but some people are opposed to the scheme entirely.

It's one of many CPZs Southwark Council is rolling out across the borough as it pushes for 100 per cent CPZ coverage

by August 2024.

Local anti-LTN campaigner and former Conservative candidate for Dulwich Village Clive Rates (pictured) is one of many campaigners angry about the consultation.

He has asked whether there’s any point in a consultation that doesn’t give residents an option to say ‘no’ to the CPZ. “Southwark is determined to install controlled parking everywhere in the borough. You will be ‘consulted’ – but you won’t be able to say ‘no thanks’,” he said.

Southwark Council sees CPZs as a key way of discouraging “the ownership and

Residents at Camberwell Lodge Care & Nursing Home were briefly transported to a tropical paradise of sun, sand and steel drums on Sunday, June 17.

They enjoyed singing to steel band performer Mark Cherrie, a delicious BBQ spread and a birthday cake topped with flowers.

Home Manager Beata Gozdur said: “We

had a wonderful day celebrating our 1st Birthday with our Caribbean-themed party. Thank you to everyone who came along and our local community for their continued support. We look forward to all of the exciting times ahead.”

In preparation for the day, the wellbeing team decorated the home with a beach-themed backdrop, leis, flowers and a tropical balloon arch.

The care home, which is run by Country Court, cares for up to 98 people, and has facilities including private dining, a wellness suite a pub and a rooftop terrace.

Bell's Cafe to host fundraiser for women's charity.

Southwark is determined to install controlled parking everywhere in the borough. You will be ‘consulted’ – but you won’t be able to say ‘no thanks use of polluting private cars”.

It also hopes the schemes will make the streets more accessible for nondrivers, encourage cycling and promote biodiversity.

However, some have questioned whether Southwark Council has a political mandate for its plans given there was no mention of controlled parking zones in Labour’s 2022 local manifesto.

Cllr James McAsh, Southwark’s cabinet member for streets, argues that its 2019 Movement Plan clearly stated the council’s aim to “introduce a boroughwide CPZ’.

But Clive Rates said the plan’s consultation spoke with a “tiny number of respondents to it, who weren’t even asked about controlled parking”.

He added that the plan has now been replaced with the ‘Streets for People’ plan

- which also fails to mention CPZs. Cllr James McAsh said: “Local people have repeatedly told the council that they want us to improve air quality, address the climate emergency, and make our borough even greener and safer.

“Introducing permits is an essential part of us achieving these things, and permit schemes have proven to be very successful in other parts of the borough.

“We understand that some people have concerns, and we are working on the ground to try to address those but this is a borough-wide initiative.”

Elsewhere in Southwark, consultation recently closed on the Queen’s Road and Nunhead CPZs. In Nunhead, some residents branded the consultation “shambolic” with some businesses warning it would force them to close.

Bermondsey belles party in the park

By Isabel Ramirez A popular park cafe, run by a Bermondsey woman, is hosting a fundraiser for a women's aid charity.

Bell Zeki, 54, fulfilled her dream of running her own little cafe three years ago and says she wanted to give back.

And she says she felt that it was only right to give back to a charity that helps women.

The event this Friday, July 14 from 5 pm at Bell's Cafe in Bermondsey Spa Gardens, is being held to raise money for Solace.

"I work 7:30 am until 9:30 pm every

day, seven days a week. It is hard, but I love it, working for the community. I try to help everyone.

"So that's why I decided to do something for ladies on their own."

The money from the event will go to Solace Women's Aid - a charity that offers free advice and support to women and children in London to build safe and strong lives.

"Solace does great work for women.

A lot of women who are on their own need help and it isn't always there from local authorities," said Bell.

At the party, Bell said there will be dancing, karaoke and food. The only rule - "no boys allowed," Bell added.

12 NEWS

Firefighters, who were called to a property on Sydenham Road at 4.15pm on Monday, July 3, believe there was a leak.

Four people from a neighbouring flat left the building and a man later went to hospital.

Firefighters had brought the situation under control by 7.05pm and ensured there were no elevated carbon monoxide levels before leaving.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “You can't taste, see or smell CO fumes, but it can kill in minutes.

"It's really important to fit a CO alarm in all rooms containing fuelburning appliances, ensuring that the alarm is able to be heard throughout the property. When sleeping, it's important that your alarm can wake

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms: • Headaches • Dizziness • Nausea or vomiting • Breathlessness • Collapse • Loss of consciousness

These symptoms also apply to your pets – so keep an eye on them too.

Poisoning symptoms can easily be confused with just feeling unwell, which is why CO poisoning is so dangerous, and so often missed.

Police make appeal after man assaulted on train travelling through London Bridge

Residents who opt for sustainable modes of travel, including public transport, can collect points and spend them at local businesses or donate them to charity.

The new app is part of Southwark Council’s ‘Streets for People’ initiative which could also see parking spaces become mini-parks (see page 5).

Councillor James McAsh, Cabinet

Member for the Climate Emergency, Clean Air and Streets, said: “This is a great new app that will incentivise us all to walk, cycle or use public transport more.

“It’s just one of a number of things we’re doing through our ambitious Streets for People strategy which sets out how we will make Southwark a clean, green and safe borough.”

The app, which works by automatically tracking users’ journeys, has already been used in other UK cities.

In Brighton, it reportedly encouraged users to replace 622,000 car trips, saving 392 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions

By Herbie Russell

Victim: Rohan Trotman

southwark CounCil is ‘paying’ residents to walk, cycle and run with its new BetterPoints app.

a woman and a child have been hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after an incident in sydenham.

you if it sounds.

"It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and learn what to do if you suspect someone may be affected.”

Two fire engines and two fire rescue units from Forest Hill, Beckenham, Lewisham and Bethnal Green fire stations attended the scene.

© British Transport Police

By Herbie Russell

By Herbie Russell

© Creative Commons

council will now 'pay' people to walk, cycle and run with new app

Woman and a child hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Anyone who signs up before the end of August can opt into the draw to win a folding electric bike or £100. There are also daily prize draws in July to win extra points.

In March, the council launched an online app allowing residents to report graffiti, potholes and fly-tipping.

Southwark Council hasn't decided which local businesses will participate yet and has asked local retailers to contact dave.ebbrell@betterpoints.uk to get involved.

You can download the app at southwark. betterpoints.uk

peckham man has been charged with murder of rohan trotman

Nineteen-year-old Yusuf Kallon, of Marmont Road, Peckham, appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, July 8.

He was also charged with two counts of robbery, possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis.

Police were called to the incident on Nunhead Green, near the junction with Gordon Road, at around 9.20pm on Sunday, June 25.

Rohan had suffered stab wounds and was taken to hospital by a member of the public.

But tragically, he died in hospital the next morning at 9.30am, despite the best efforts of medical staff.

Kallon was arrested on Thursday, July 6.

Rohan’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.

© Met Police

PoliCe haVe charged a man with murder following the fatal stabbing of rohan trotman in nunhead.

Police appeal after man punched unconscious on London Bridge train

By Herbie Russell PoliCe haVe released a photo of someone they want to speak to after a man was punched unconscious on a train travelling through london Bridge.

At around 2.40pm, on Saturday, June 24, the victim, who was with his friends, boarded a train travelling from Blackfriars to Brighton.

He then sat next to a stranger.

British Transport Police (BTP) say the stranger became verbally aggressive before punching the victim in the head.

The alleged assailant then disembarked at London Bridge station.

The victim lost consciousness and suffered bruising and a perforated eardrum as a result of the incident.

Officers believe the man pictured in the CCTV image may have information that could assist their investigation.

Those who recognise him, or have any information, are asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 370 of 24/06/2023. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NEWS 13

kennington block go ahead despite residents' anger

By Robert Firth

Some say it is too close to a Victorian water tower that once supplied Charlie Chaplin’s childhood home at the Lambeth workhouse

Local Democracy Reporter a nursing home will be bulldozed to make way for a fourteen storey tower block despite furious residents saying the area deserves better.

© From Lambeth Council planning documents

Plans to demolish Woodlands Nursing Home in Kennington and build 126 homes across six blocks in its place were approved narrowly by Lambeth councillors at a heated meeting on June 27.

Residents living nearby had urged councillors to vote down the proposals, saying they included too little affordable housing, would block light to their properties and were too close to a Victorian water tower that once supplied water to comedian Charlie Chaplain’s childhood home.

Previous plans to plonk a 29-storey tower with 258 homes on the nursing home site were thrown out by Lambeth Council in 2021 over fears the development was too big for the area and would block light to existing residents’ homes.

But this time around councillors voted by a majority of four to three to approve the development even though it contained just 20 affordable homes. The proposals rejected in 2021 promised that half of the total 258 homes would be affordable.

Mum-of-two Kim Loddo, a business owner who has lived in Kennington for 20 years, said the new plans were unacceptable. She told councillors: “I’m here because we deserve better than this.

“This site was part of the old NHS Lambeth Hospital. The council said it was suitable for 90 units and it was sold on the condition that 50 per cent of these would be affordable housing, affordable housing for us the people of Lambeth. […] It’s not good enough.”

Local resident James Hamer added: “In many ways this is worse than the appeal scheme.

"The main block is now just less than ten metres from the water tower.

"When compared to the public benefits which… are limited in terms of affordable housing, overbearing and overlooking and the distinct lack of housing compared to last time, the developer should have to do better and Lambeth deserves better so I urge you to refuse this scheme.”

Over 800 written objections to the planned development on the former nursing home site that has been empty

CGI of how the development would look next to the Victorian water tower.

CGI of planned 14-storey tower block for Kennington nursing home site.

for a decade were received by Lambeth Council.

The nearby Grade-II listed Master’s House building, which has been home to the Cinema Museum since 1998, will be unaffected by the proposals.

Labour councillor Rebecca Spencer, who went on to vote against the plans, quizzed council officers how the developer had been able to get away with providing so little affordable housing in the scheme.

In response, a representative from the council’s planning advisor Avison Young, hinted the viability of the development had been harmed by having to reduce its height.

He said: “The gross development value, the value of completed units, we’ve benchmarked that against some schemes in the wider Elephant and Castle area which we accept [are] significantly higher than the proposed scheme that as you’re aware has reduced the number of storey heights over a number of iterations over previous years.”

Neil Sams, from developer Lifestory Group, told councillors that the

redevelopment of the nursing home would benefit the local community.

He said: “The former nursing home on the site has been vacant and derelict for ten years, offering no benefit to the wider Kennington community.

“We wish to work in partnership with the council in order to deliver a range of

that’s all I really remember. One moment I was focussing on protecting the staff and patients in the hospital, and the next I was a patient myself in a hospital bed.

“It came as a huge shock to hear I’d had a stroke. Physical fitness is a big part of my job as a security officer, and I train every day. Stroke was not on my radar.”

Doctors carrying out a brain scan noticed a blood clot and Carlos underwent an emergency thrombectomy to surgically remove the blockage and restore blood flow to the brain. Dr Naga Kandasamy, Consultant Neuroradiologist at King’s College Hospital, said: “Thrombectomy is an incredible treatment that can save patients’ lives and alleviate the devastating effects a stroke can have.

“Stroke is a medical emergency, and this treatment needs to be given as quickly as possible. The incredible recovery Carlos

has made shows the difference it can make. It’s wonderful to see him back at work again.”

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST: Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped. arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm. speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you're saying to them. time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms

CGI of planned Kennington flats public benefits to the area, particularly at a time when there is such an acute need for affordable and private homes.”

Four Labour councillors: Jessica Leigh, Malcolm Clarke, Martin Bailey and Saleha Jaffer voted to approve the development.

Less than 20 minutes before casting her vote in favour, Cllr Jaffer, member for

St. Martin’s Ward, said she was going to reject the plans.

Scott Ainslie, Green councillor for Streatham St Leonards, Rebecca Spencer, Labour councillor for Gipsy Hill and Ibrahim Dogus, Labour councillor for Waterloo and Southbank voted against the plans.

Longest-serving hospital security guard makes 'incredible recovery' after stroke

By Herbie Russell a hosPital security guard who suffered a stroke has returned to work at king’s College hospital marking an “incredible recovery”.

Colleagues feared Carlos Moonsam, 62, from Greenwich, might never return to work. They say it’s “fantastic” to have the hospital’s longest-serving security guard back in the fold.

Ian Taylor, Head of Security and Helideck Operations at King’s College Hospital, said: “It is fantastic that Carlos was treated so well and has returned so quickly to the fold, as he has to be one of the kindest and most committed individuals I have known.”

Carlos first became unwell during a shift in May last year. He said: “Out of the blue I suddenly lost my balance, and

Carlos Moonsam (front) with the stroke team

#STARTSWITHME

FOR A HOT SUMMER Looking after your sexual health starts with you Find out how at STARTSWITHME.ORG.UK

Produced by Terrence Higgins Trust for HIV PREVENTION ENGLAND. Terrence Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg. no. 288527) and in Scotland (SC039986).Company reg no. 1778149. Photography by George Powell.

NEWS 15

By Herbie Russell While most eighteen-year-olds do their A-level exams in a school hall, Kenny Imafidon did his in a wing of Feltham Prison - accused of a murder he didn’t commit.

Twelve years later, aged 30, he runs a multi-million-pound business and is about to publish his memoir That Peckham Boy with Penguin.

Asked why he’s decided to tell his story, he said: “I don’t want people to ever feel like I can’t do this, or can’t do that. because of where I’m from or because this happened to me.”

Kenny grew up in Peckham, with his mum and brother, near the Clifton Estate in the late 90s and early 00s, and attended Kingsdale School in nearby Dulwich.

Looking back, Kenny said: “Peckham was considered a very rough area. There was definitely a lot of crime going on.

“It was very vibrant - a lot of very diverse people from all different kinds of communities so I very much felt at home.

But at the same time, it was notoriously known for all the wrong things.”

As a thirteen-year-old, Kenny found himself drawn into Peckham’s murky underworld and sold cannabis. “It was always a temporary thing. I knew there was much more for me in life but, at the same time, I wanted to earn money - do things and have stuff,” he said.

While some of his friends stayed in that world, Kenny chose a different path and started studying philosophy, politics, economics and history at Richmond upon Thames College. He looked set for a normal adolescence until his friend, seventeen-year-old Sylvester Akapalara, was shot dead in the Pelican Estate in December 2010.

To his utter shock, Kenny found himself arrested and charged for the murder. He was prosecuted under ‘joint enterprise’ - a legal mechanism that enables people to be charged with a crime even if they only encouraged or assisted it. Kenny had done neither of these things.

In the book, he writes: “Later I learned that the prosecution’s evidence against me was data from my mobile phone – so called cell-site evidence – which put me in the vicinity of the scene of the crime at the time of murder, even though it couldn’t prove what exact location.

“It also picked up that I’d been in communication with some of the others that day. I’d been at [one of the suspects] Sodiq’s place, after all.

“But I lived in Peckham. And we were friends. And I also hung out near the area where Sylvester’s murder took place, which also wasn’t too far from my own home.

“Surely, cell-site evidence alone couldn’t be enough to send me to prison?”

Tragically, it was. Kenny was denied bail and spent six months in Feltham Prison in south west London, facing a life

the Peckham author who did A-levels in prison accused of a murder he didn't commit

Kenny Imafidon

That Peckham Boy: Growing Up, Getting Out and Giving Back' by Kenny Imafidon

Time had passed and I’d had time to mature and reflect and felt like it was an important story to share and that really was the key thing... being mature and being able to look back. sentence at the upcoming trial. “This is your life on the line and you’re potentially looking at a sentence longer than the life you lived,” Kenny said.

“It just feels like the world is on your shoulders at that moment in time… [you’re thinking] wow I could actually be

spending the rest of my life here.”

At the trial, the judge found he had no case to answer meaning there was not enough evidence for a conviction.

Eventually, two men were jailed for the murder.

Kenny struggled to shake the trauma

really was the key thing... being mature and being able to look back.”

Today, Kenny runs a research company with a £1.1million turnover and twenty staff members. He also does work in prison with Lord Hastings to help prisoners with personal development.

Kenny says, for the time being, his goal is to help young men fulfill their potential, to help them realise that an ordinary boy in Pecham can achieve great things: “Seeing is believing. I’m trying to show people that you can live the life you want to live, trying to get people to dream big.”

'That Peckham Boy: Growing Up, Getting Out and Giving Back' by Kenny Imafidon is being published today

& Lobster, melt-in-the-mouth meat from Argentinian Grill, and much more.

The opening two weeks will also see sets from reggae-mixing legend Sir David Rodigan, YouTuber Harry Pinero and Kurupt FM’s Danny Rankin.

Customers can expect five indoor seating areas, served by a vibrant bar, and decked out with exposed industrial ceilings, foliage and neon signage.

The venue has free wifi, is disabledaccessible, family-friendly and dogfriendly.

Blake Henderson, managing director of Market Place, said: “Spotlighting new and innovative street food brands is central to our ethos as a company. We’re hugely excited to be welcoming ten incredible new vendors to Market Place Peckham this July, and bringing the hottest small businesses on London’s street food scene to the people of Peckham.”

Market Place Peckham will open on Saturday, July 15. To find out more about the venue and the events on offer go tomarketplaceuk.com

Huge new food market and music venue coming to Peckham Rye Lane next week

By Herbie Russell A trendy new food market is coming to Peckham’s Rye Lane - offering tasty grub and a jampacked calendar of live DJ sets.

A burger from Baba G's - one of the stalls at the market

and reputational damage that came from association with such a terrible crime.

“You’re searching online and you see this name and this is what it’s connected to,” he said. “You try to get a job, find a partner do normal things, this is there now [connected to] your name.”

He was able to overcome these struggles, aided by a relationship with God which Kenny says strengthened while he was in prison. He later got a scholarship to study Law at a private university.

Kenny started writing his book in 2017.

He said: “Time had passed and I’d had time to mature and reflect and felt like it was an important story to share and that

The new hang-out, named Market Place, will open inside the Aylesham Shopping Centre on Saturday, July 15.

The 250-capacity venue will host street food vendors selling cuisine from around the world. This includes Nigerian grub from Deptford-based Suya

16 NEWS

'These baby geese are the only children allowed to walk in and swim at Brockwell Lido', say frustrated pool users on Twitter

By Isabel Ramirez

Videos of seven goslings waddling into Brockwell Lido to have a dip have proved a hit on Twitter, but the post has resulted in many of the pool users taking a swipe at what they see as a flawed booking system.

Many of the viewers commented that the baby geese are the only "children" allowed to walk in and swim.

The family of Egyptian geese were spotted waddling into the lido in Herne Hill, before going for a dip in the water.

Now, people who use the pool are jesting that these seven goslings are "the only children allowed to swim" - as they criticise the booking system for 'working against families.'

A spokesperson from Brockwell Lido Users Group - which has been representing the pool users since 2001 told us: "Before the pandemic, there was no booking system. Adults could turn up with children and swim if the water was above 16 degrees.

"Older children could turn up independently and swim. This was what a community pool is supposed to be."

After the pandemic, Fusion, who lease the site from Lambeth Council, added a new booking system, but have maintained "customers are still welcome to turn up and pay."

In order to book a swim, each user has to be registered - which means only adults can book.

"Parents can book for children to swim at the same time as them but only for designated sessions called 'family swims', which sell out quickly and are heavily oversubscribed," the spokesperson from Brockwell Lido Users Group said.

"We have told them for over two years that the system in its current format actively works against families and children. Because pay-as-you-go users cannot get a refund on booked tickets it also works against casual and lowincome users who will only book on the day when they see the weather is nice. By that point, the lido is sold out."

This is not the first time the operators have been criticised, last month, residents reported issues around hygiene at the lido.

On whether they have received any response so far, the spokesperson for the users group said: "We are having ongoing meetings with Fusion but this has been going on for some time with no resolution."

We approached Fusion for comment and a spokesperson told us: "We’ve invested £50k in maintenance and improvements that customers will already be experiencing, with further, significant investment underway.

"Family swims form a large part of our offering, concentrated around morning, lunch and afternoon slots.

"Along with many Lidos, we now allow customers to book ahead, this has proved popular with customers because it offers

certainty, and prior to this 4-hour queues were common.

"We’d add that customers are still welcome to turn up and pay.

"We share the frustration where delays have been experienced, as a result of global supply chain issues, and we are working hard to minimise the disruption at a busy time."

Tessa Jowell Health Centre gets official opening - three years after welcoming its first patients

Jess Mills opens the Tessa Jowell Centre next to MP Helen Hayes to her left

By Herbie Russell The Tessa Jowell Health Centre has been officially opened - three years after it welcomed its first patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

By Herbie Russell A 29-year-old man has been stabbed

by Waterloo station and rushed to hospital.

Police were called to reports of a stabbing in the vicinity of Leake Street at 1.55am on Monday, July 10.

Officers and London Air Ambulance attended and the man was taken to a south London hospital for treatment.

His injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening.

A crime scene remains in place and there have been no arrests yet.

The police’s inquiries are ongoing.

A section of Leake street that runs under Waterloo Station.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 01:55hrs on Monday, 10 July to reports of a man stabbed in the vicinity of Leake Street, SE1.

“Officers and London’s Air Ambulance attended. A 29-year-old man was taken to a south London hospital for treatment; his injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening.

“A crime scene remains in place. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 605/10Jul.

© Google

The centre is named after Dame Tessa Jowell, the late Dulwich and West Norwood MP and health minister. Her daughter Jess Mills was on hand to cut the ribbon on Thursday, July 6.

The £22.5 million Dulwich facility has gained over 14,000 registered patients since it opened in May 2020 - and provides a range of health and wellbeing services under one roof.

Jess Mills said: “Mum was endlessly passionate about helping her constituents and doing everything she could to ensure accessible healthcare for all, so it’s the perfect tribute to see this health centre making such a huge contribution to local people.

“It has been such a challenging few years for all of us but the official opening of this building is a chance to celebrate what can be achieved by everyone working together to support the NHS and local communities, just as she would have wanted”.

After a successful career as a psychiatric social worker, Tessa Jowell served Dulwich and then Dulwich and West Norwood

from 1992 to 2015.

After she died from a brain tumour in 2018, residents voted to name the new health centre after her from a shortlist of six.

The centre is the result of a publicprivate partnership involving both the NHS and investment partner Fulcrum.

When it opened in 2020, it quickly became a vaccination site but social restrictions meant it never received an official opening ceremony.

Patients benefit from a GP surgery, pharmacy, renal dialysis unit, consultant outpatient clinic, blood tests, mental health services and cardiology and respiratory diagnostics.

Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes attended the opening ceremony and said: “This facility has been a lifeline for so many in Dulwich and West Norwood ever since it opened during the pandemic.

"It is fitting that it is named after Dame Tessa who fought so hard for this facility during her time in Parliament and would have been so proud to see it up and running.

“I look forward to seeing the Tessa Jowell Health Centre continue to thrive and serve the people of Dulwich and West Norwood so well.”

Labour’s shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting was also on-site.

Man rushed to hospital after stabbing by Waterloo station

Southwark News, Thursday JJuly 13 2023

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 17 NEWS 13

ADVERTORIAL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NHS! WE CELEBRATED a very special milestone on 5 July, marking 75 years of our National Health Service.

It was a day to recognise our incredible staff including five members of #TeamGSTT who

attended a special service at Westminster Abbey where they were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, health leaders and other NHS staff from across the country to celebrate the anniversary.

We also welcomed some very

special guests to the Trust including the Prime Minister who visited Evelina London Children’s Hospital where he joined a tea party with staff, patients and families and thanked colleagues for all their hard work.

And we were honoured to host their

Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales at St Thomas’.

They surprised NHS staff and patients from across the UK with a special NHS Big Tea party held earlier this year, and organised by NHS Charities Together.

Animation raises awareness of painful erections in teens with sickle cell disease A NEW animation is raising awareness of painful penile erections in teenage boys with sickle cell disease and the need for prompt action. This potentially harmful complication of the condition can lead to a medical emergency.

Sickle cell disease predisposes people to pain, anaemia, infections, and priapism. Priapism is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the penis is not properly regulated, causing an unwanted erection that lasts for hours.

Red blood cells become abnormally shaped, which makes it difficult to flow smoothly through blood vessels.

When priapism does not resolve spontaneously, it requires emergency

medical attention due to extreme pain. It can damage erectile tissue if not treated promptly.

The animation was developed in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Society and experts at Guy’s and St Thomas’ with the support of Boston Scientific.

It tells the story of Leon, a 13-yearold with sickle cell disease who recovers from a sudden and painful penile erection after his mother acts promptly, taking him to the Emergency Department (A&E).

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood condition and a genetic disease that affects people worldwide, particularly those from African, Middle East, Indian, Southern and Southeastern

Trust staff honoured by the King

Kendra Schneller

Prof Prokar Dasgupta

European origins.

Mr Majed Shabbir, consultant urological surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Attending the Emergency Department with an unwanted erection is the last thing any young man wants to do. But it is crucial if a prolonged erection lasts more than two hours, as delaying treatment can result in long-term damage to erections.

“It’s also important to inform someone if there is a recurring pattern of short-lasting but disruptive night time erections, known as “stuttering” episodes as they can impact normal erectile function.”

Find out more at: www. sicklecellsociety.org/priapism

TWO MEMBERS of staff from Guy’s and St Thomas’ have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Professor Prokar Dasgupta, honorary consultant urological surgeon at the Trust, received an OBE for services to surgery and science. Kendra Schneller, nurse practitioner, was made an MBE for services to homeless and inclusion health nursing.

Professor Dasgupta has been a consultant urologist at Guy’s Hospital since 2002, pioneering robotic surgery in urology in the UK, and became the first Professor of robotic surgery and urological innovation at King’s College London in 2009.

Prof Dasgupta, who is also foundation professor of surgery at King’s Health Partners, said: “This

A clip from the animation about priapism in boys with sickle cell disease

award does not belong to me but to our team, our outstanding national and international collaborators and our patients.”

Kendra Schneller is a nurse practitioner working with the health inclusion team at Guy’s and St Thomas’, joining in 2008. She won the Nursing Standard’s community nursing award for 2011 and has been working with people experiencing homelessness, including clients with addictions, sex workers and refugee and asylum seekers for over 14 years.

Kendra, who is also homeless and inclusion health programme lead at the Queen’s Nursing Institute, said: “I am humbled to receive this award and honoured to be able to be a small part of my client’s lives, in supporting them to access healthcare services equitably.”

Clean air matters

POOR AIR quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. Our new three-year Clean Air Plan, launched on 15 June, outlines how Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital Foundation Trusts will address air pollution, raise awareness and improve the health of patients, staff and local communities.

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England said: “Air pollution will continue to improve provided we are active in tackling it.

This report is a helpful contribution to tackling the problem of air pollution and its disproportionate effect on the most vulnerable.”

The Sustainability team has identified 5 focus areas and 28 priority actions including greener choices for transport. To find out more visit: www.gstt.nhs.uk/cleanairplan

Milestone for children’s intensive care service

A SPECIALIST children’s retrieval service led by Evelina London Children’s Hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The South Thames Retrieval Service (STRS) is an intensive care service, transporting critically ill children and young people from local hospitals to paediatric intensive care and critical care units across the south Thames region and further afield.

The team is made up of clinicians from Evelina London’s paediatric intensive care unit, who are trained in stabilising and transferring seriously ill children.

They provide expert advice to staff at local hospitals, while en route to retrieve patients in specially-equipped ambulances or in an air ambulance. When the team arrives, intensive care is provided to stabilise the patient and continues throughout the journey, so they can be safely transferred. Read more at: bit.ly/STRS-25

18 OPINION

Comment

'There have been a lot of goodbyes recently'

i

t is tough to see the departure of andrew nunn, the Dean of southwark Cathedral, who retired this month after lengthy distinguished service.

Andrew will be greatly missed and I’ve enjoyed the events to help everyone show their appreciation for his efforts locally, including a fitting farewell reception at Borough Market and a beautiful service at the Cathedral.

Andrew was integral to the work rebuilding the local community after the Borough Market and London Bridge terror attack in 2017 with a strong message of love and unity. He leaves the cathedral, congregation and wider community stronger than when he joined and we are all grateful for his amazing contribution.

However, some goodbyes are welcome: Johnson and Truss’ departures were especially, given the damage they have done to our country which will take years to unpick. Only last week the average five-year fixed mortgage rate has risen above six per cent as inflation continues to soar due to the Tory mini-Budget wrecking the economy.

The Tories used to claim to be the party of home ownership but have failed to build homes, failed to help leaseholders affected by new fire safety regulations, and failed to help renters by delivering promises to scrap ‘no-fault’ evictions or prevent sky-high rent increases.

The Tories also claimed to be the party of law and order but ignore fraud and antisocial behaviour,

from

Westminster

NEIL COYLE

MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark have seen rape prosecutions plummet, and we still have fewer police officers than in 2010.

The police have re-opened their investigation into the Christmas Tory law-breaking parties though. The ‘Jingle & Mingle’ party held during a covid lockdown was an insult to everyone following the rules and making sacrifices, including not seeing loved ones at the end of their lives. The current Prime Minister was fined for attending one party during lockdown but now spends millions of taxpayers’ money during a cost-of-living crisis trying to withhold information

about the events. He needs to come clean, share all information and not waste a penny more trying to cover the mistakes he made as Chancellor and continues to make now in Downing Street. He claimed this week he had not read the Partygate investigation report. Perhaps it was too long for him at 4.5 pages.

His Ministers are frustratingly blocking my amendment to the Consumers’ Bill going through Parliament. I want dangerous products removed from online marketplaces when identified by customers or British businesses. I aim to ensure

What do you do when you asked nicely for decades?

o

Ver FOrty years ago, scientists started systematically recording temperatures in locations around the world, precisely two metres above land and sea, to work out the average global temperature.

Last week was the hottest week on record, across the whole world The wolf of climate catastrophe is visibly tearing through our world People are dying in heatwaves in India, as temperatures hit levels the human body can’t survive.

Thirty square miles of Scottish nature reserve was destroyed in wildfires last month. Smoke from over 500 Canadian wildfires is drifting over the United States, with 100 million people on alert for air pollution.

But last week also saw the busiest day ever for flights. Gatwick is applying

for permission to create a second runway, at a cost of £500 million. The British government plans to licence over 100 new oil and gas projects and to drop an earlier pledge to spend £11.6 billion on climate and nature projects in developing countries.

Lots of people are shouting about the failure to act on the emergency.

They’re interrupting games of snooker, cricket and tennis, disturbing art galleries and board meetings. You might disagree with their approach, but as Dr Kirsty Sedgman asks in her book On Being Unreasonable, what do you do when ‘you've asked nicely and made petitions and done everything right for decades, and still nothing's changed?

If the world is literally burning, the ice caps melting, loved ones dying, and the people responsible for it all are sitting in an office […]? What's the reasonable

People are dying in heatwaves in India, as temperatures hit levels the human body can’t survive. thing to do in circumstances like these?’

If it makes you uncomfortable to see people throwing soup or scattering clouds of orange cornflour, remember that this is an alarm raised to save life as we know it.

Life on earth itself is a statistical improbability. Earth is a ‘Goldilocks planet’ – not too hot or too cold, but ‘just right’ for us.

There’s water in liquid form, and just the right mixture of gases in the atmosphere. What are the chances of that?

If we continue to heat the climate, we will leave the ‘habitable zone’. And we will lose the miraculous human creations that take us beyond mere survival. That’s why climate protests are taking place not just in parliament but in art, sport and music. Whether it’s the Hammersmith Palais or the Bolshoi Ballet – to quote Ian Drury – it’s all at risk.

I keep listening to Drury’s wonderful ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’: ‘A bit of grin and bear it, a bit of come and share it/You’re welcome we can spare it’. We can and we must.

Trading Standards and other agencies can do their job and protect customers from e-bike chargers that melt, or toys that don’t have fuses in the plugs and there is little excuse for Government inaction. I have secured amendments on each Bill Committee I have been on previously and hope my success rate continues now!

We are approaching Parliament’s summer recess when I get to spend even more time locally so if you’d like me to run an advice session or community meeting to discuss any issues affecting you then please get in touch!

Southwark

Green ELEANOR MARGOLIES Eleanor Margolies writes about theatre and on environmental issues, and is an active campaigner for urban green spaces and clean air. www.eleanormargolies.co.uk @ellanOrnell

OPINION 19

Combating loneliness is a battle we can all take part in as community spirit takes a beating

T

his week, we tell the heartwarming story of two women, 50 years apart in age, who have found friendship thanks to a local scheme that helps to tackle loneliness in people living alone.

According to Link Age Southwark, the charity that runs the scheme, there are around 9,000 older people living alone in the borough.

Isolation in a vibrant and exciting borough like Southwark can often go unnoticed. But there has and is still a great sense of community, if you can find it.

There is little doubt that major issues like the housing crisis, which has forced many families apart due to soaring rent costs; is eroding that sense of community. Whether it is viewed as regeneration or regentrification, the dismantling of estates, the constant fluctuation of populations, does see neighbours and friends as well as families lost - and what or who is there to fill the gap?

Paula, the 87-year-old woman who joined the befriending programme, said it herself - that before meeting Kila, she could feel her brain slowing down after losing her long-term partner.

People, no matter what age they are, need something to think about. They need company. For Link Age Southwark, ensuring residents are supported as they get older is at the heart of what they do.

But we all have a part to play in this. If you read the story and it made you smile - ask yourself: when was the last time you called your parents? Your grandparents? If they are not around anymore - have you checked on your neighbours?

At times, we are all guilty of being engulfed in our own worlds so much that we forget to check in on those around us who may need it most.

This story is a happy one, but not all are. It is devastating to hear of people dying alone, or people being left with little or no contact until they reach crisis point. What could have been avoided, had there been someone around to intervene, has now seen that person deteriorate to such an extent that they been left having to be move in care homes, when they could have continued to live their lives independently. Given the isolation that came with the pandemic, our older population especially need the sort of help being offered by Link Age Southwark and other charities locally.

cryptic Puzzle Clues Across 1 Well drilled, we hear, to get quickly in the swim (6-5) 9 But a fast dye doesn't (3) 10 The lean years? (5,4) 11 1 am a long time getting the picture (5) 13 Are in a snug place, relatively speaking (7) 14 It allows more freedom for the guests (6) 16 Continue to hold Mother in check (6) 18 Tedious music-maker? (7) 19 A prayer it's right to turn aside? (5) 20 Carries weight - smile at it crookedly (9) 21 Also in stools (3) 22 One who sticks up for his profession? (5-6)

Clues Down 2 Look for gold on the range? (3) 3 Is Susan to come out? (5) 4 Grins about a lot of corny things (6) 5 Time the poet was out and about to work (7) 6 Say again there is one tree out in the amount (9) 7 Weeping over the disgrace? (6,5) 8 Tied nations somehow to their fate (11) 12 Country where Laura is at sixes and sevens (9) 15 Sleep it out with the Corinthians, for example? (7) 17 Saintly irritation results in pain (6) 19 Reverend gentleman loses his head and takes to crime (5) 21 Draw a cravat (3)

Quick Puzzle Clues Across 1 Going out of use (11) 9 Centre (3) 10 Persistent effort (9) 11 Stream (5) 13 Having unequal sides (7) 14 Manage (6) 16 Tenant (6) 18 Power (7) 19 Social call (5) 20 Magnificence (9) 21 Vegetable (3) 22 Well-mannered (11)

Clues Down 2 Haircut (3) 3 Arrange (5) 4 Win the support of (6) 5 Related by family (7) 6 Absurdities (9) 7 Worshipping (6-5) 8 Respectful (11) 12 Worthy of reverence (9) 15 Softly radiant (7) 17 Explosive nasal sound (6) 19 Goddess of the hearth (5) 21 Friend (3)

Solutions to last week’s crossword Cryptic Across: 1 Informs 5 Vests 8 Stet 9 Redolent 10 German measles 13 Emit 14 Bard 17 Imponderables 19 Isabella 20 Iris 21 Gangs 22 Asphalt Down: Nether 3 Optimum 4 Marinated 5 Viola 6 Shelled 7 Satisfy 11 Embarrass 12 Writing 13 Explain 15 Rubbish 16 Venial 18 Needs Quick PUZZLE Across: 1 Slurred Larks 8 Edit 9 Madrigal 10 Introspective 13 Asti l4 Else 17 Transgression 19 Straight 20 Iron 21 Sum up 22 Planter Down: 2 Lading 3 Retorts 4 Enmeshing 5 Lyric 6 Ragtime 7 Solvent 11 Elemental 12 Attests 13 Anagram 15 Session 16 Morose 18 Skimp

Photos by Johan Persson

20 ARTS

what’s on

Get off to see The Wizard PrOBABLy tHe most famous theatre in the world is hosting one of the most famous stories in the world and that combination attracted just about everyone who fills our tV screens to the london Palladium for the opening of the wizard of oz, writes Michael Holland.

beneatha’s place in the young vic KWAMe KWeI-ArMAH’S play, ‘Beneatha’s Place’, inspired by the modern classic ‘a raisin in the sun’ and written as a response to ‘Clybourne Park’, is an intensely powerful satire that explores the complexities of both race and relationships, writes Bella Christy.

completely in contrast with their earlier portrayals.

I found Act 2 to be surprisingly witty, which was paired and juxtaposed with the weighty discussions about the place and significance of Black and African studies. It was a profound experience to be laughing one moment and in the next deeply reflecting on my perspective on race.

The one long scene grappled with notions such as white privilege, Black experience, racial quotas, power and guilt. I was particularly captivated by the anecdote of ‘straight white male’ being described as the lowest difficulty setting of life. What is more is that the audience felt part of the conversation occurring onstage: shock, laughter, agreement and discord rippled through the theatre as a way of people sharing their own opinions.

I think this was a brilliant play and production, the best I have seen in a while. I would certainly recommend going to The Young Vic and watching Beneatha’s Place.

Young Vic, The Cut, SE1 until August 5th.

Times: Mon - Sat, 7.30pm; Wed & Sat matinees, 2.30pm.

Booking: www.youngvic.org

London Palladium, Argyll street, W1F 7TF until September 3rd. Times: Wed - Sat 7pm; Thur & Sat matinees 2pm; Sunday 1pm & 5pm.

Admission: £25 - £154.50.

Booking: www.lwtheatre.co.uk

Photos by Marc Brenner

Written and first performed in 2013, this new production reacts to the culture wars ongoing in Britain and the United States. Kwei-Armah discusses how his play addresses the closing down of Black and African studies, the perception that the subject has lost its position as progressive, as well as the fatigue experienced by some in the back community regarding issues around race.

Act one and two are vastly different.

The first, sees Beneatha (Cherrelle Skeete) and her husband Joseph (Zackary Momoh) moving into their new home in Lagos, Nigeria in 1959. With a backdrop of political unrest and the escalating violence for independence, this act brings dramatic action in a series of intimate scenes. The shifts of energy in this act are incredible, captivating the audience as the characters navigate their emotions. They transition both seamlessly and jarringly from moments of love and security to moments of sombreness and anxiety,

from laughter and dancing to mania and grief. Each shift surprising and deeply evocative.

The relationship between Beneatha and Joseph is one full of love, and I feel their connection immediately. Often times romance grows on you throughout the course of a play, but in this case, the chemistry on stage felt so authentic as I relaxed into their portrayal of marriage.

This sense of ease, however, is short-lived.

While the main concern of the play is race, gender cannot be overlooked.

The dynamics between Beneatha and Joseph depict a traditional patriarchal relationship. In a pivotal moment, Joseph shouts ’I am your husband and you will listen to me’, stunning both Beneatha and the audience. Yet despite the prevailing patriarchal norms, Beneatha, a woman studying medicine, demonstrates a progressive mindset that surpasses expectations of women at the time.

50 or so years later, Beneatha, now a Dean at an Ivy League University, returns to her house in Nigeria for what unfolds to be an intense and argumentative faculty meeting. The same cast returns, multirolling as professors, each character so unique and skilfully constructed, there was nothing lacking as the actors’ talents were showcased, their characters

This is a big Lloyd Webber show with big songs - the originals known around the world - so there is little room for error. And there was little error because this has been fine-tuned over many months before its arrival in the West End. We start in dust-bowl destitution with the poor folk of Kansas battening down the hatches before the storm comes to blow away their houses and corn crop. Dorothy (Georgina Onuorah), however, and her dog Toto get caught up in the whirlwind and finds herself crash-landing on a wicked witch in Munchkinland, killing her stone dead.

The Munchkins are overjoyed but the deceased has a sister witch (Diana Pilkington) who is not happy and wants Dorothy’s glittering red shoes that give magical powers. A trip to see the Wizard of Oz (Gary Wilmot) is advised so off Dorothy goes, picking up a motley crew on the way.

Of course, the journey is no easy ride but they eventually get there with the brainless, heartless and the cowardly in the troupe firmly tested on the way.

On arrival, the Wizard tells Dorothy she has to get the Wicked Witch’s broom, which leads us into the second part of the story, entailing more wicked

witch problems, more songs and more adventures at supersonic speed.

Who knew Jason Manford (Cowardly Lion) could sing? Not me. Who guessed dance man Ashley Banjo couldn’t?

Yeh, probably, but as the Tin Man he had ample opportunity to show off his impressive robot moves, much to the pleasure of all those whooping every body-popping jerk in the audience.

This production of The Wizard of Oz has had a good run at The Curve, Leicester before this run, so we were getting its best version, and it showed.

It is a slick extravaganza of pinball machine bright lights, music and movement that takes you on a journey of joy.

We were all bouncing along the Yellow Brick Road, all eager to see Over The Rainbow, and extremely happy to hear that the witch is dead. And all the happiness was created by everyone on and off the stage.

But, as well as Nikolai Foster’s direction, and a set by Colin Richmond, quietly bounding around the sometimes overwhelming sight and sounds was Toto, magically brought to life by Puppeteer Ben Thompson; and even Musical Director George Dyer was a star as he energetically brought his orchestra up to sizzling point and beyond.

• 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.

Contact us on 020 7708 4556 or info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk Or pop into 305 -307 Camberwell rd, Camberwell Green, SE5 0HQ

Elim House Day Centre

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

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 To find out more, visit

0800 652 2989 Contact us on 020 7358 9502 or elimhouseoutreachworker@gmail.com Or pop into 86-88 Bellenden Road, Peckham, SE15 4RQ Website: elimhousedaycentre.com

A local charity supporting our neighbours in Southwark since 1938 Registered charity number: 303199 Registered company number: 420386

CARS + VANS ANY CONDITION ANY AREA PROMPT & POLITE SERVICE TELEPHONE

020 8659 8988 ANY DAY, ANY TIME, 7 DAYS MOBILE

07850 323 508 CLASSIC & UNSUAL CARS ALSO WANTED

Recruitment

www.scotscare.com or call

We are accepting walk-ins

www.bedehouse.org Tel: 0207 237 3881

WANTED

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

Registered Charity No.207326

WANTED RECORDS ROCK, POP, PUNK, INDIE, REGGAE, SOUL...

Elimhouse Community Association Southwark 86-88, Bellenden Road, Peckham, London SE15 4RQ.

Southwark based BAME community charity seeks the new recruit trustees, to support and contribute the work of the organisation. At present the organisation runs a community day centre for elderly people in Peckham.

If you have experience, in community management and any other related skills or experience we would like to hear from you.

LPS AND SINGLES - WHOLE COLLECTIONS WELCOME

Call: 07956 832314 / 020 8677 6907 Or Email: vinylwanted@aol.com

ALSO INTERESTED IN NON CHART CD COLLECTIONS

Receptionist & Administration Assistant Responsible to: Start date: Salary: Status: Days and Hours: Deadline:

Administration Manager ASAP Grade 3 - £24,954 - £26,625 (FTE) pro rata Permanent 25 hours per week: Monday to Thursday (12:30 – 17:30) Friday (12:00 – 17:00 Term time (plus two weeks) 13th July 2023

Role summary:

We are seeking to appoint a part time Receptionist to support a busy administrative team and to act as the first point of contact for students, parents and visitors. The receptionist will be an enthusiastic ambassador for Compass School Southwark, participating fully in the life of the school community.

Please contact us on by phone 020 7358 9502 or email: elimhousecas@gmail.com

Part-time Lunchtime Supervisors/Exam Invigilator Responsible to: Start date: Salary: Days and Hours: Deadline:

Senior Leadership Team ASAP Salary range £24.771 - £24,954 (FTE) £12.70 per hour 1 hour per day, five days per week, 13:00 - 14:00 Term time only 21st July 2023.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated and committed individual with excellent communication skills to join our team working in a friendly, lively environment to ensure the security, safety and good conduct of our students at lunchtimes and where appropriate, during examinations*.

The successful candidates will be responsible for supervising students in an area of the school during the lunch break and will need to have a confident and positive approach when working with our young people. *There may be exam invigilation opportunities available for the right candidate during examination periods.

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview and to experience lunchtimes first hand.

For further information about the school and the Trust, please go to www.compass-schools.com.

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date.

Please visit https://compass-schools.com/recruitment/vacancies/ to download the information pack and application form to apply.

If you have any questions, contact us at recruitment@compass-schools.com or 0203 542 6506.

Compass Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding children and all appointments will require an enhanced DBS check.

For further information about the school and the Trust, please go to www.compass-schools.com.

Please visit https://compass-schools.com/recruitment/vacancies/ to download the information pack and application form to apply.

If you have any questions, contact us at recruitment@compass-schools.com or 0203 542 6506.

Compass Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding children and all appointments will require an enhanced DBS check.

CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH

Making life better:

CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH

22 CLASSIFIED & RECRUITMENT

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 23

Birthday

To our beautiful amazing little princess

GRACIE MAY JONES Wishing you a wonderful 6th Birthday Have a great day.

All our love now and always, to the moon and back.

From your Dad, Nan, brother, uncle and cousins. xxx

Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com • & DANCE PART OF TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC

PHIL BEER

BEN GARROD OLAF FALAFEL Ultimate Dinosaurs Super Stupid Show

SEMELE

LINDISFARNE

AKA TRIO

SAT 7 OCT 8pm

SAT 28 OCT 8pm

SAT 2 SEP 8pm

Blackheath Halls Opera

TUE 26, THU 28 SEP 7pm SAT 30 SEP, SUN 1 OCT 2.30pm

SAT 7 OCT, 11am & 4pm SAT 21 OCT 3pm

Magic in the Air Tour

Antonio Forcione/Seckou Keita/Adriano Adewale

What's On 2023 REVEREND RICHARD COLES WED 1 NOV 8pm

IVO GRAHAM FRI 17 NOV 8pm

claykilncraft Pottery Teaching School + Open Access Membership + Commissions

Pottery classes, courses & open access studio

We are a small independent pottery teaching school offering one-off classes, courses & open access membership studio for beginners, enthusiasts, amateurs and semi-professionals in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Check out our website for a full list of all classes & courses plus dates & times: claykilncraft.com

facebook: Clay Kiln Craft at Do and Play twitter: @ClayKilnCraft instagram: @claykilncraft phone: 07976 290735 web: claykilncraft.com email: claykilncraftpottery@gmail.com 20 Church Road, Crystal Palace, London SE19 2ET

26 PUBLIC NOTICES LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (ASHBOURNE GROVE, LORDSHIP LANE, BLAKES ROAD, EMBA STREET, VARCOE ROAD, NIGEL ROAD, PARK STREET, TRANTON ROAD, UPLAND ROAD, WESTON STREET, FOREST HILL ROAD)

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (NORTH CROSS ROAD)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it made, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

2.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in: (a) Ashbourne Grove, at it’s junction with Lordship Lane (b) Lordship Lane, bus lane suspension in the north bound lane of carriageway between Chesterfield Grove and Ashbourne Grove (c) Blakes Road, between Innes Street and Ferdinand Drive (d) Emba Street, between Wilson Grove to it’s blocked end (e) Varcoe Road, between Verney Road to the side of No’s 45 Batwa House (f) Nigel Road, between Relf Road and Rye Lane (g) Park Street, between No’s 59 and Bank End (h) Tranton Road, between Keetons Road and Drummond Road (i) Upland Road, between No’s 283 and No’s 313 (j) Weston Street, between St Thomas Street and Melior Street (k) Weston Street, between St Thomas Street and Melior Street (l) Forest Hill Road, between Canonbie Road for approximately 25m (m) Lordship Lane, between Townley Road and Heber Road ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be imposed on both sides of the carriageway

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Lordship Lane, East Dulwich Grove, Melbourne Grove. Lordship Lane, Chesterfield Grove, Melbourne Grove. (2b) not applicable. (2c) Diamond Street, Southampton Way, Peckham Grove, Blakes Road. Innes Street, Chandler Street, Diamond Street. (2d) Janeway Street (2e) Bramcote Grove (2f) Peckham Rye, East Dulwich Road, Fenwick Road and Anstey Road. (2g) not applicable (2h) as indicated by the signs displayed (2i) Dunstans Road, Goodrich Road (2g) Wyneham Road, Beckwith Road, Elfindale Road, Herne Hill, Danecroft Road (2j) as indicated by the signs displayed (2k) as indicated by the signs displayed (2l) Forest Hill Road – Honor Oak Road, London Road, Lordship Lane, Barry Road, Peckham Rye (2m) not applicable

4.

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

5.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

6.

7.

The works will be in operation for (2a) & (2b) 24th July (2c) 26th July (2d) 24th July – 21st September (2e) 21st – 22nd July (2f) 21st July (2g) 22nd – 23rd July (2h) 24th July – 31st August (2i) 24th July (2j) 22nd – 23rd July (2k) 24th – 26th July (2l) 24th July – 17th August (2m) 20th July – 30th August Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 13th July 2023 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: (2a)&(2b) 00063019-000000582 (2c) ROADCLOSURE/BLAKES (2d) BER2-EMST120-01(2e) crane (2f) LPPAT2122/0454/ELN (2g) LBSCR12980 (2h) BER5-TRAN85-01 (2i) LPPAT2122/0290/JS (2j) LBSCR13031 (2k) LO00000500329329902 (2l) 00204255-00000006 (2m) 5515-02

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC, TEMPORARY PARKING RESTRICTION) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable works to be carried out, it intends to make an order the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named road, and to restrict parking in the same area of road.

2.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, park, load or unload in: North Cross Road, between Lordship Lane and Archdale Road.

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic: Adjacent roads as applicable.

4.

Parking will be restricted between Lordship Lane and Archdale Road during the road closure.

Vehicles parked on North Cross Road between Lordship Lane and Archdale Road may be relocated if they are within the works area.

5.

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

6.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

7.

The closure will be in operation from 08:00 on the 24th of July 2023 until approximately 16:00 on the same day.

8.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 13th July 2023 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (MARSHALSEA ROAD, REDCROSS WAY, UNDERHILL ROAD, UPLAND ROAD, VERNEY ROAD, STONEY STREET) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it intends, to make, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

2.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in: (a) Marshalsea Road, between Southwark Bridge Road and Borough High Street (b)Redcross Way, at it’s junction with Union Street (c) Redcross way at it’s junction with Southwark Street (d) Underhill Road, at it’s junction with Upland Road (e) Upland Road, at it’s junction with Underhill Road (f) Verney Road, at it’d junctions with Bramcote Grove (g) Stoney Street, at it’s junction with Park Street for 54m north

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Borough High Street, Borough High Street slip road, Southwark Street, Southwark Bridge Road. Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street, Blackfriars Road, Borough Road. Borough High Street, St Georges Road, Westminster Bridge Road, Borough Road, Southwark Bridge Road. (2b) Southwark Street, Omeara Street, Union Street. (2c) Park Street, Great Guildford Street. (2d) & (2e) Barry Road, Dunstans Road. Barry Road, Goodrich Road, Dunstans Road. (2f) as indicated by the signs displayed (2g) as indicated by the signs displayed

4.

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Redcross Way, between Marshalsea Road and Union Street will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for (2a)

5.

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Ayres Street, between Clenman Street and Union Street will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for (2a)

6.

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

7.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

8.

The works will be in operation for (2a) 31st July – 5th August, the works will be carried out between 20:00hrs and 05:00hrs (2b) & (2c) 31st July (2d) & (2e) 31st July (2f) 1st – 21st August (2g) 29th July

9.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 13th July 2023 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 ondon SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) 38537371 (2b) S171/REDCROSSWAY23 & (2c) S171/REDCROSSWAY23 (2d) 26422159 (2e) 53577853 (2f) 61608019 (2g) LBSCR13020

To p l a c e a p u b l i c n o t i c e , p l e a s e e m a i l e m @ c m - m e d i a . c o. u k

PUBLIC NOTICES 27

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; 37 SUTHERLAND SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 3EE (Ref: 23/AP/1811) Demolition and reconstruction of the existing boundary wall. (Within: Sutherland Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666) 747-759 & 765-775 OLD KENT ROAD AND LAND AT DEVONSHIRE GROVE LONDON SE15 1NZ (Ref: 23/AP/1862) Phased mixed-use redevelopment of the site, comprising: - Demolition of all existing buildings/structures, site clearance and excavation; - Construction of buildings to provide residential dwellings (Class C3) and flexible commercial, business and service space (Class E); - Construction of buildings to provide purpose built student accommodation including associated amenity and ancillary space, flexible commercial, business, service and community spaces within Classes E/F2(b) (Sui Generis); and - Provision of associated car and cycle parking, open space and landscaping, means of access and highway alterations, installation of plant and utilities and all other associated ancillary works incidental to the development.

For information: - Building A would be 33 storeys (maximum height of +116.05 metres AOD), plus basement, and comprise 641 purpose-built student accommodation units together with associated amenity and ancillary facilities (Sui Generis), and a 95.4 square metre GIA community hub (Class F2(b)) located at ground floor level; - Building B would be 19 storeys (maximum height of +71.88 metres AOD) and comprise 300 purpose-built student accommodation units together with associated amenity and ancillary facilities (Sui Generis), and a 86 square metre GIA cafe unit (Class E) located at ground floor level; - Building C would be 15 storeys (maximum height of +57.62 metres AOD) and comprise 75 shared ownership affordable homes (Class C3) together with associated amenity and ancillary facilities, and a 249 square metre GIA commercial unit (flexible Class E) located at ground floor level;

and - Building D would be 20 storeys (maximum height of +73.62 metres AOD), plus basement, and comprise 125 social rent affordable homes (Class C3) together with associated amenity and ancillary facilities, and a 478 square metre GIA commercial unit (flexible Class E) located at ground floor level.The application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES) in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended). This can be viewed on Southwark Council's Public Access for Planning Register. Hard copies of the ES are available for inspection at the Council's offices at 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). Hard copies can also be purchased from Temple Group Ltd, The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, London, SE1 2NQ (for further details contact Temple on +44 (0)20 7394 3700). Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ EIA AFFECT (Contact: Patrick Cronin 020 7525 5535)

ARCHES 31 TO 33 73 TANNER STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 3PL (Ref: 23/AP/1817) Change of use to Arches 32-33 for open Class E (Commercial, Business and Services), and drinking establishment and drinking establishments with expanded food provision, along with external and internal refurbishments, front and rear facade treatments Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453)

33 TRAFALGAR AVENUE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 6NP (Ref: 23/AP/1846) Removal of Condition 1-Approved plans and documents as required by planning permission 23/AP/0940 dated 05/06/2023 for Listed Building Consent: Replacement of cracked concrete front steps up to front door with sand stone as the original steps would have been.

Replacement of a cracked path stone at the bottom of the steps with a new piece of reclaimed riven York stone or by reorganising the original path stones if a piece of the correct size is not available. The original balustrades will be removed and put back in the new steps.

Water-proofing of the cellar under the steps.

Conditions(s) Removal: The stone identified in the stone sample is no longer available from the quarry. A new sample of available York stone which can be supplied has been submitted and identified as acceptable by Southwark Planning as a reasonable substitute. (Within: Trafalgar Avenue CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403)

PAVEMENT OUTSIDE 147 PECKHAM HILL STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5JZ (Ref: 23/AP/1879) Installation of 1 Smart Communications Hub with 2 inset digital advertising screens (Within: Rye Lane Peckham CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666)

FLAT A 2 BERMONDSEY SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 3UN (Ref: 23/AP/1721) Listed Building Consent: Re-conversion of the building to a single family dwellinghouse from two flats, and light refurbishment. Works to comprise: replacement of 2 internal door at ground floor; removal of hob from the kitchen at ground floor. (Within: Bermondsey Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403)

provision of air conditioning condenser.

Variation to include: T1 to be felled to ground level (Yew) T1A - proposed 20-25cm Magnolia Grandiflora Gallissionnere T2A - Proposed 3m Tall Amelanchier Tree. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Samuel Hepworth 020 7525 5465) Dated: 11 Jul 2023 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

2 LYNDHURST SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5AR (Ref: 23/AP/1654) Demolition of chimney breast in lower ground floor kitchen. (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403) 24 DULWICH VILLAGE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7AL (Ref: 23/AP/1830) Variation of Condition 4 'Existing Trees' for planning permission reference number 22/AP/1099: Part demolition of existing structure including garage, single and double storey side and rear extensions, front and rear garden reconfiguration including works to trees,

To p l a c e a p u b l i c n o t i c e , p l e a s e e m a i l e m @ c m - m e d i a . c o. u k Our weekly deadline is 4pm on Tuesdays

SPORT 29

ryder given steve hiser award

By John Kelly

Ryder accepted an honorary Fisher vest from Hiser’s wife, Sandra, and daughters, Natalie and Karen, at the Queen Victoria pub in Bermondsey last Saturday night.

Hiser passed away in May at the age of 82.

Islington’s Ryder, who turns 35 this month, challenged 32-year-old Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez - regarded as the best current pound-for-pound fighter on the planet - for his super-middleweight world titles in May. Fighting in Canelo’s home country of Mexico, Ryder took the champion all the way before losing the decision 118-109, 118-109 and 120-107 after the twelve rounds.

Ryder, who fought as an amateur for Angel Amateur Boxing Club, went the distance despite suffering a broken nose in the second round and being dropped in the fifth in front of more than 50,000 fans.

Ryder had called Hiser for advice three days before his fight with Canelo. Hiser’s response was typical. If it got tough, Ryder was to “stick the nut in, son”.

The idea for the award came from George Wadman, a coach at Fisher alongside his brother Andrew.

Ryder never boxed for Fisher but has a long association with the club. He is considered an ‘honorary’ Fisher fighter having first sparred there fourteen years ago. ‘The Gorilla’ often uses Fisher as an out-of-camp base and is known as a popular fighter who makes himself available to spar with anyone, including kids.

Andrew Wadman said: “This is so inspirational for the fighters and a class thing to do.”

After breaking his nose in the bout, Ryder was swallowing large amounts of blood and his bravery was recognised as it brought cheers from the home fans.

Wadman added: “That bravery shown

by Ryder is what brought the idea together with consent from Steve’s family. He is an honorary Fisher boy, and the award was presented in the Queen Victoria - whose landlord is former Fisher fighter Mark Thirlwall - by Natalie Hiser, Karen Hiser, Sandra Hiser and George Wadman for exceptional bravery against the odds.”

Presenting the award, Karen Hiser paid

© Fisher ABC

JOHn ryder has become the first recipient of the steve hiser award for Bravery as Fisher aBC continue to honour the legacy of their legendary coach.

Fighter with Fisher links receives bravery honour

John Ryder, far right, with, from left, George Wadman, Andrew Wadman, and Tony Sims (coach of Ted Cheeseman)

tribute to her father. “Dad was brave, really brave,” she said. “In the last weeks and days of his life he basically lived his last moments the way he lived his life. He never gave up, he never stopped trying.

He just dug in and kept going as long as he could.

“But this is a celebration. I want to tell you a little story that illustrates that dad was brave and he showed grit and determination all the way through his life. There was one story and I just kept thinking about it when I knew we were going to present this to John.

“He told me once that when he was a

bit younger he went to the beach and swam out into the sea. He turned around and he was way, way further out than he should have been. He thought, ‘oh shit, this is really bad, I better start swimming in’.

“So he started swimming and he was getting nowhere. He was getting knackered. He’d obviously got caught in a rip-tide. They’re really dangerous, you don’t get out of a rip-tide, you’re supposed to swim sideways. You don’t swim back in, nobody does that. No one swims back into the beach directly from a rip-tide…apart from dad.

“So he tried and he tried and he swam and he bloody well did it. He got onto that beach and he was absolutely knackered and absolutely exhausted.

Nobody around him had the faintest idea of what he’d just done. He’d basically just saved his own life through grit and determination and just bloodymindedness and not giving up.

“That’s what bravery is, isn’t it, just digging deep and it’s not giving up and finding the strength from somewhere.”

Turning to Ryder, Karen said: “Which is why this is awarded to you. I’d just like to say I heard somewhere this week

that bravery is infectious and I don’t know whether that’s true or not but I’d like to think that dad’s bravery inspired you, and your bravery is going to inspire others.”

Accepting the award, Ryder said: “Last year my amateur club closed down, so I’ve got a club now, which is good. I spent a lot of time at Fisher throughout my amateur days, sparring. It’s been like a second home throughout my career and still now as a pro I get down there a few times.

“Thank you, it’s been a pleasure - and long may it continue.”

bat was underpinned by 70 off 41 balls for opener Laurie Evans and 50 off 34 for Jason Roy from number three.

But they didn’t get as many as they should have on a used pitch, opening the door for England white ball captain Jos Buttler to put the game in Lightning’s favour with an opening 42.

Veteran Steven Croft also made 55, but it wasn’t enough.

At 119 for two after thirteen overs, 200 was likely for Surrey. However, Lancashire squeezed well, and wicketless Luke Wells conceded only 26 from four overs of leg-spin.

Sunil Narine only facing two balls from number seven and fellow overseas bowler Abbott not batting at all for Surrey was a surprise. The latter, for example, crashed a 34-ball century earlier in the competition.

Evans hit three sixes as 58 for one came off the powerplay, two of them

scooped over fine-leg in the same over from two-wicket seamer Tom Bailey and the other smashed over midwicket.

Evans reached his fifty off 28 balls shortly afterwards and helped his side to 93 for one after ten overs, by which stage Roy was settling.

Phil Salt and Croft both let boundaries slip through their legs in the outfield, though the latter ironically led to the wicket of Evans, who was bowled by Liam Livingstone as the score fell to 104 for two in the twelfth over.

Had Croft not misfielded, it would have only been one and Roy on strike.

Roy pulled Livingstone for a big six on the way to a 33-ball fifty. But he fell to a smart catch from Croft at cover off Luke Wood - 140 for three after fifteen overs.

Despite their ground fielding been sketchy - Surrey’s was worse Lancashire caught well. Dane Vilas took a superb low catch at long-off to help

Bailey remove Sam Curran late on.

Buttler started Lancashire’s pursuit by lofting his second ball for six over long-on off Will Jacks’ off-spin, and they got going well at 31 without loss after three overs.

Salt holed out to mid-off against Abbott as Lancashire, like Surrey had done, reached 50 for one after five overs.

Salt’s wicket brought Croft to the crease, and he hit four of his first ten balls to the boundary, outshining Buttler.

Having that said, the England captain then launched Narine’s first two balls for six over long-on to blow that theory to pieces, more importantly taking Lightning to 69 for one in the seventh over.

That became 94 for one after ten with Buttler 41.

That Buttler only added one more run

before slicing Dan Moriarty’s left-arm spin to gully - 97 for two in the eleventh over - boosted Surrey’s chances of a revival. And it proved a big moment.

Having shared 62 with Buttler, Croft remained but Jordan led a squeeze in the rate just as the home bowlers had done earlier.

Narine had Livingstone miscuing cheaply to deep midwicket, and Lancashire needed 64 off six overs at 124 for three.

Croft reached 50 off 32 balls shortly afterwards and while Daryl Mitchell was dropped on four in the deep, the target became 47 off four overs and later 29 off two.

Jordan yorked Croft and had Vilas caught at long-leg in the penultimate, also running out Wells - 168 for six - leaving Abbott with room for manoeuvre. He finished with one for 22 from four overs.

Surrey book Blast Finals Day with thrilling Lightning win

By Graham Hardcastle

InAUGUrAL VItALIty Blast champions surrey are through to Finals Day a week on saturday having just about defended a 188 target to win a high-scoring thriller against lancashire by thirteen runs at old trafford last weekend.

The 2003 winners inflicted a first home T20 defeat upon the Lightning in 22 games dating back to late 2020, and they did it as the hosts slipped from 124 for two in the 14th over of their chase to finish on 174 for six.

Captain and England white ball seamer Chris Jordan excelled with two for 27 from four overs, leaving Australian seamer Sean Abbott defending 19 off the last over to seal a semi-final meeting with Somerset at Edgbaston.

Surrey’s 187 for five having elected to

30 SPORT

Millwall pays respects to beloved chairman Fans and players have been paying tribute to John Berylson after his untimely death

Manager Gary Rowett led the tributes to Millwall's "tremendous" chairman

Berylson is survived by wife Amy and three children The squad were on a pre-season trip to Spain when they received the tragic news

There has been an outpouring of emotion following Berylson's passing

by Kiro Evans MILLWALL PLAYERS and staff visited the Den on Monday morning to pay their respects to John Berylson.

The American owner died aged 70 after an accident in Massachusetts in the United States.

Gary Rowett and the Lions’ squad arrived together at The Den after coming back from their pre-season training camp in Alicante.

Pictures from Millwall’s Twitter account showed players and staff outside the stadium preparing to leave flowers.

Captain Shaun Hutchinson and new signing Kevin Nisbet can be seen near Rowett as the players took in the beautiful tributes already left in

Berylson’s honour.

Fans went to Millwall’s stadium in numbers to leave flowers, shirts and scarves outside the ground in honour of the popular chairman.

A tweet from the official Millwall account said: “Thank you, Mr Chairman.

For everything.”

The club were left stunned by the shock passing of their much-loved owner last week.

Berylson became involved in Millwall in 2006.

He replaced Stewart Till as chairman and oversaw two promotions to the Championship.

Tributes have been paid by fans and players since news emerged of Berylson’s passing.

Club captain Shaun Hutchinson said: "He really was just an incredible guy.

The outpouring of love that we’re seeing does it justice.

“Every time he was over to watch a game I’d see him in the carpark and you almost had to pull him away from the fans, he literally wanted to meet every single person, speak to every single one.

It’s an extremely sad time for the club.

The whole club is in mourning.

“We are a family club and you’re seeing already the togetherness of the club in how determined we are to come together even more for John and building on his legacy.”

Millwall boss Rowett added his own tribute.

"All our thoughts go to his family, to his wife Amy and his children and grandchildren. It’s very hard to comprehend something of that magnitude," Rowett said.

"One of the players mentioned they’d never heard a bad word said about John.

I think that pretty much sums up what an amazing individual he was.

"The skill that John had was incredible, he’d always try to make you feel better if you’d lost a game or something had happened. He’d always try to support and make it feel like there was a way out of it, there was a route out of it and there was a strategy to move forward.

"It’s so difficult to comprehend, for me certainly, Millwall without John Berylson.

Because he was the figurehead, he was the inspiration and just a tremendous, tremendous owner and chairman."

Midfielder George Saville said: “An amazing owner but more importantly an amazing man. The club wouldn’t be where it is today without his dedication and support.

“Thank you doesn’t seem enough but everything going forward will be for him.

Sending all my love to Mr Chairman’s family, friends, as well as everyone connected past and present to Millwall Football Club.

“Rest in peace, Mr Chairman.”

Berylson attended Millwall's final match of last season, the dramatic 4-3 defeat to Blackburn at the Den, which saw the club fall at the final hurdle in their quest to get into the play-offs.

Despite the disappointing result, the chairman went onto the pitch at the final whistle and was applauded by supporters.

The first match at the Den after his death will be the friendly against Charlton on July 25. The first home league game will be against Bristol City on August 12.

bry and stop me

SPORT 31

ExcluSivE

by Kiro Evans

Murray Wallace in action against Rotherham

MUrrAy WALLACe is fit and raring to go ahead of the new season - and is not worried about new players competing for his spot in the line-up.

The defender missed the final four games of the campaign after suffering a hamstring injury in a 2-0 win over Preston in April.

It brought his season to a premature end in the thick of Millwall's unsuccessful playoff pursuit.

But the 30-year-old has recovered over the off-season and took part in Millwall's rigorous training camp in Spain.

Wallace told our paper: "I was in over the summer doing a lot of work making sure I was back fit, ready and available for preseason.

"The physios have done great work over the summer so I could join back up at the start of pre-season and go to the training camp and get my fitness up with the lads.

It's been great for me."

With Scott Malone released at the end of the last season, Wallace now has new competition on the left side of the defence after the Lions signed Joe Bryan.

The 29-year-old joined on a free deal after he was released by Fulham. He was the club's second signing of the summer after striker Kevin Nisbet arrived from Hibernian.

Wallace welcomes the fight for positions and believes the new boys have integrated well since joining.

He said: "I think it's very healthy to bring in players to get competition. With the likes of Scott Malone leaving we were looking a bit light in those defensive areas.

"So I'm delighted we've managed to bring in Joe. He's hit the ground running and he's a great addition to the squad. "[Bryan and Nisbet] have been brilliant and I think a key thing was bringing them in from the start and getting them on the training camp. Because when you go on these away trips you're literally rooming with them all and seeing the lads 24/7 so it's the perfect time to bond and get to know each other.

"It's brilliant for them that they managed to join us for the whole trip and they'll be delighted that they managed to get that full trip to ease themselves in."

Wallace was also impressed with the efforts of the young players who joined

Millwall defender unfazed by new competition Gary Rowett's squad in Alicante.

He added: "They've been brilliant. We know we've got a good group of young lads all pushing to break into the first team. We saw how well the under-21s did last year in their league and a lot of them have been pushing to train with us in the second part of last season and that's credit to them for

Match preview:

how well they've been doing.

"They've been brilliant in the off-season looking after themselves and they're looking fit and ready to go."

Millwall will take to the pitch in front of fans for the first time since May when they play Gillingham on Saturday.

The Gills are managed by Lions legend

Gillingham v Millwall

Neil Harris who signed Wallace from Scunthorpe in 2018.

The full-back is looking forward to seeing his former boss again in the opposition dugout at Priestfield.

He said: "I've got a good relationship with Neil. He brought me to the club and I will always be thankful to him for that.

"I enjoyed my time working under him and he's a Millwall legend so a lot of players will be looking forward to seeing him again."

Gillingham will be returning from a preseason trip to Italy where they played Como.

The Serie B side's president is former Millwall midfielder Dennis Wise.

Priestfield Stadium, Sat,15 July 13:00

Millwall set for emotional reunion with Neil Harris

by Kiro Evans MILLWALL PLAy their opening pre-season game on saturday when they face an emotional reunion with former boss neil harris at gillingham.

The Lions squad will look to up their fitness levels and get off to a winning start in their first match in front of fans since the tragic passing of John Berylson.

The late chairman appointed Harris as manager in 2015 and the pair were close friends. Harris was at The Den to pay tribute to a man he also called his "mentor".

Gary Rowett took the Millwall squad to Alicante earlier in July to put them through their paces in the baking Spanish heat.

He will be hoping they are raring to

go at Priestfield to face a Gillingham side that have already played two preseason games before the Londoners' visit.

The League Two club will be returning from Italy after playing a friendly against Serie B side Como.

Lions fans will be hoping to get a glimpse of their two new signings during the course of the afternoon.

Kevin Nisbet was signed from Scottish side Hibernian last month after a deal for him in January fell through.

The 26-year-old will now compete with Tom Bradshaw for a place in Millwall's attack or potentially play alongside him.

The club have also recruited Joe Bryan on a free transfer after his contract at Fulham expired.

The 29-year-old spent last season

on loan at French club Nice but will now be looking to climb the pecking order on the left-side of Rowett's defence.

Millwall lost a handful of players during the summer with Scott Malone and Mason Bennett released while Charlie Cresswell, Jamie Shackleton, Callum Styles and Oliver Burke all returned to their parent clubs after loan spells.

Gillingham have also been active in the transfer market with their signings including former QPR defender Conor Masterson and exSwindon midfielder Jonny Williams.

The Gills finished their League Two campaign in seventeenth after an impressive turnaround in the second half of the season.

The Kent-based side won just two of their opening 23 games last term

following relegation from League One - and only hit a paltry seven goals in that time.

But the club managed to find their feet in the back end of the season following a takeover by American businessman Brad Galinson.

Since resigning as Millwall boss in 2019, Harris has faced his former club twice when he was Cardiff City manager. The two games ended in 1-1 draws.

The Lions last played Gillingham in a competitive match in August 2018 with Millwall progressing in the League Cup first round on penalties after a goalless draw.

The London club's last trip to Priestfield was a 2021 summer friendly when the sides drew 1-1 after a late equaliser by Jake Cooper cancelled out Kyle Dempsey's opener.

Neil Harris

MATCH DETAILS Possible Millwall starting XI:

Long; McNamara, Hutchinson, Cooper, Wallace, Bryan; Saville, Evans; Flemming; Voglsammer, Nisbet.

Last meeting:

League Cup (August 14th, 2018): Millwall 0-0 Gillingham (Millwall won 3-1 on penalties)

INSIDE

Sport Southwark

page 29

muZZa determined to go 'step further' Lions are over play-off heartache

Murray Wallace

ExcluSivE Kiro Evans the millwall squad are determined to go a "step further" next season and break the top-six barrier, according to murray wallace.

The Lions missed out on the play-off positions in May after an agonising 4-3 defeat to Blackburn on the final day.

It is the fourth year in a row the club have come close to landing a place in the Championship play-offs, which offers the reward of a spot in the Premier League.

Wallace, 30, believes the squad will continue to get better and be "in or

around" the second tier's elite.

The defender told our paper: "We've been building each year and we want to go that step further.

"What can we do better, what can we do more, how can we improve? That's the main things we're looking at, regardless of who else is in the league. We can just focus on ourselves.

"So if we can look to improve every little thing that should stand us in good stead.

"We all know that if we keep improving we're going to end up in and around those play-offs. We just missed out last season but let's improve again and hopefully as long as we do things better we should improve our position."

The Championship promises to be as tough as ever this season with big clubs like Leicester, Leeds and Southampton dropping down while Plymouth, Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday have all risen from League One. But Wallace is undaunted by the challenge ahead.

"It does have a reputation for being a tough league," Wallace said. "And you've got some teams with big fan bases coming up from League One and you've got teams with big fan bases coming down from the Premiership and teams that were expected to go up last year didn't make it.

"It happens every year, it's a tough league every year so we're ready for the

Visit www.newsatden.co.uk for all the latest Millwall news online

challenge."

"I'm just looking forward to the start of the season. We're excited for that first game back which is Middlesbrough away which will be a long journey - but it's a good one to get out the way. Let's hope we can start the season strong and go up there and get a good result."

Millwall have four friendlies ahead of their return to competitive action.

A trip to Gillingham awaits on Saturday before the squad head to south London to take on League Two side Sutton United [July 18].

The Lions then host Charlton [July 25] before facing Zian Flemming's former team Fortuna Sittard [July 29] at The Den.

SURREY BOOK FINALS DAY SPOT CHOPPER PAYS TRIBUTE TO 'FRIEND' AND 'MENTOR'

By John Kelly Former millwall manager neil harris said John Berylson was a “class man” as he paid tribute to the lions owner.

Berylson appointed Harris as Millwall boss in April 2015 with relegation from the Championship almost inevitable.

Harris rebuilt the squad reaching two successive play-off finals, earning promotion in the second in 2017.

Lions all-time top-scorer Harris left in October 2019 and was replaced

by Gary Rowett. The two managers will see each other on Saturday when Millwall travel to Priestfield Stadium for their first pre-season friendly in front of fans.

Berylson passed away after a car accident in Cape Cod last Tuesday.

“He was a class man,” said Harris said on Kent Online. “A person who was a mentor and a chairman who taught me how to try and lead in a humble way, with humility but strength as well.

“He had real core family values that meant so much to all of us, and the way he supported me and my family was unconditional, and he became a friend as well.

“There was shock and sadness because of the suddenness of it. He was a really good man and Millwall has lost a really good chairman too soon, but his legacy at the club, where he has dragged them to where they are now, will live forever.

“Myself personally, I will miss him hugely, miss our chats and advice. He was the person I would go to for real strength of opinion and he never failed me once.”

Harris has American owners at the Gills in Brad and Shannon Galinson.

Harris added: “We had some real good times. That is what drives me on now and I am so pleased to work with a new American owner who has every bit of class and quality that John possessed and I want to have good times here.

“As a manager, it is not just about support financially, it is about support in different ways.

“When I took over at Millwall the club was in a really tough period and they were on the slide, the infrastructure was terrible, but we built it up. My years as manager was hugely successful but it was time for me to move on.”

THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%