See sport
harris demaNds more after loss
See page 7
See page 11
camberwell primary should close, says southwark couNcil
Residents and politicians unite in plea to end the gridlock in Rotherhithe
thiNgs to do for the rest of the easter holidays
See page 8
See page 4
sadiQ khaN aNNouNces plaNs for ‘bakerloop’ eXpress bus
JobS /Cla SSifiEd
Pages 17
publiC NotiCES
Pages 18-20
Sport
Pages 21-24
‘skyrocketiNg’ la Nd values mean 46 per cent of surveyed southwark charities are based in ‘unaffordable’ premises, a charity sector organisation has warned.
The shocking results of a survey conducted by Community Southwark have prompted it to launch a ‘matchmaking service’ for landlords and charities.
Community Southwark hopes the new service will encourage private and public landlords to fill their underused spaces with food banks, debt advice services and other charitable organisations.
Anood Al-Samerai, Chief Executive of Community Southwark, said: “We are delighted that funders and the council understand the challenges which charities and community groups face in finding affordable and suitable space.
“Working in partnership we hope to maximise and match the opportunities already out there, and improve decisions about voluntary and community sector space for the future.”
Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle has previously raised concerns about rising commercial rates in the borough.
According to a Freedom of Information request submitted by Southwark News, the
average annual lease of Southwark’s lock-up shops - premises without attached quarters for the shop owner - was £14,282 a year in 2023.
Working in partnership with Southwark Council and United St Saviour’s Charity, Community Southwark also hopes to encourage new developers to include more charity space in their proposals.
Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Democracy and Finance, said: “We are very proud to be part of this new partnership to drive up the supply of affordable space that meets the needs of our charities and local groups.
“Their work is invaluable and we want to make sure that we are making full use of Southwark’s buildings on their behalf and crucially, the people they support.
“This includes the council looking at our own portfolio, as well as working with developers and landlords.”
Southwark is home to over 1,300 registered charities providing essential services to the community, especially vulnerable groups.
Community Southwark is the umbrella body for the community and voluntary sector in Southwark supporting charities and community groups with advice, training, and volunteers that regularly use the junction.”
He added: “We have one of the most comprehensive borough-wide exemption policies for Blue Badge holders in London.”
NomiNatioNs are open for the southwark stars awards - an annual competition celebrating those who dedicate themselves to bettering the borough.
Anyone can nominate people across ten categories and all nominees have a chance of being invited to the ceremony at Tate Modern on June 7.
Previous winners include Alex Blayden, a volunteer disability sports coach and Leanne Pero, a breast cancer survivor who created a support network for BAME women.
In 2023, Hadi Sharifi of Panjshir Aid, was given the charity of the year award for his work offering outdoor-based
1:1 mentoring and group workshops to young people.
“It’s important as many people nominate as possible,” said Anood AlSamerai, CEO of Community Southwark, the charity that has been organising the awards for over fifteen years.
“We know our borough faces challenges but there are also many wonderful people giving their time and energy to tackle inequalities and make Southwark a better place to live and work.”
Everyone is invited to nominate candidates for the Southwark Stars Awards 2024. Nominations can be submitted online via Community Southwark’s website: communitysouthwark.org/nominateyour-southwark-stars-for-2024/ with a deadline of April 18.
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. Contents
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 FaMilY-run salon, which locals describe as ‘the best thing in camberwell’, has survived for nearly 40 years within an ever-changing area.
Whilst businesses left, right and centre are closing, Head to Toe Salon on Camberwell Church Street has stood strong - but what makes it so special?
We went to see Fay Francis, who took on the business from her mum and aunt around seven years ago.
“When it opened in 1987, my mum was the beauty therapist and my aunty was the hairdresser,” she told us.
Going from washing hair and sweeping at thirteen years old, Fay now ‘runs the show.’
Having been around so long, they have a plethora of loyal customers, including exSouthwark Mayor, Vicky Naish - who has been going for 24 years and ‘wouldn’t go anywhere else.’
“I like it because they do what I want - not just what they want,” Vicky, who is now in her 80s, told us, “And they always fit me in, even at short notice.
“They even let me bring my own shampoo.”
Since the ‘80s, the salon has undergone a few ‘makeovers’ - with plush leather chairs and a flower wall having replaced the dated wooden interior from when it opened.
But Fay said although she’s modernised
“But for as long as I can remember, Head to Toe has been here. I think it’s just got something special that other places don’t have I guess.”
Sam, who lives in Bermondsey, goes to the salon for her weekly blow-dry.
The mum-of-two said both of her children are autistic and at other salons, she has even been told to leave because ‘they didn’t understand.’
it to ‘keep up with the times’ it was important to make sure everyone still felt welcome.
“We’ve still kept the old-school vibe of the salon.
“We still write everything by hand - we take cash. None of us have fancy gadgets.
She added: “I just think it keeps the tradition of the place and the feel of a family business.”
One regular, Jill - whom Fay described as an ‘absolute delight’ - died suddenly
during the pandemic. “She’d been coming since before I was even born.
“She used to come in to help out on reception for free sometimes if we were busy.”
Fay said that even though funeral numbers were limited at the time, she and her mum attended. “Jill used to joke and say when she died, she wanted me to make her a tiara so she would feel like a queen on her deathbed.
“So I did. It broke my heart.”
She added: “We see these people all the time - they are part of our family. There would be no business without the people.”
Carrie Jordan, who said she gets ‘anything you can think of’ done at the salon, said: “I’ve been coming here for about 17 years and my mum has been coming for much longer.
“I’ve always lived around Camberwell and even now there’s lots of places that open and then close quite quickly - I don’t think it’s an easy place to thrive in.
“But here they’re really good,” she said, “my daughter got her first haircut when she was four and now she’s twelve and still comes here. They have an understanding of autism. They know my kids and my kids know them and feel comfortable here.
“It’s the best place in Camberwell.”
Their loyalty to their regulars might be unmatched, but Fay is not afraid of experimenting with new things - including their own creation: ‘the bum facial.’
“It’s a lot more popular than people would think,” she revealed.
“Everyone’s taking pictures of their bums as much as their faces now.
Fay explained the treatment involves steaming and exfoliating the area: “People usually get it before they go on holiday.”
“We try to introduce something for everyone,” she joked.
Asked if she’s planning on keeping this going for another 40 years - Fay said: “The responses we get from people and how much we affect their lives - I can’t imagine giving that up.
“Making people feel good is like a drug.”
local politicia Ns have urged southwark council to “end the chaos” on lower road reportedly caused by a new cycle lane.
Councillors’ calls for action have come just days after a cyclist was hospitalised in a collision at one of the junctions.
Rotherhithe residents have endured “miles of backed up traffic” since construction started last summer, the Liberal Democrat councillors have said.
When approached for comment last week, Southwark Council said the cycleway was part of its “huge amount of work to make the borough more cycle-friendly”.
The Labour-run council had reportedly assured residents the gridlock would subside once works were completed but residents claim the issues have continued.
Lib Dem Councillor Adam Hood has now called on the council and Transport for London (TfL) to “start coming up with serious, long-term solutions”.
Cycleway 4, a continuous lane from London Bridge to Greenwich, was hailed as creating “a clearer and safer” route for cyclists, by TfL on its official opening earlier this month.
The 1.3km two-way protected cycle track along Lower Road was heralded as the “final piece of the puzzle”, by TfL who worked on the scheme with Southwark Council.
But local residents and businesses claim it’s created gridlock along Lower Road - from the junction at Plough Way through Redriff Road and up to the Rotherhithe Tunnel.
Residents were further incensed after a cyclist was injured in a collision with a car on Ann Moss Way - where some say cyclists are forced into oncoming traffic.
Septimus, a local worker who was at the scene, slammed the newfangled junction. He said: “It’s crazy. It’s high risk. Just one of these days I was saying we need to have the traffic lights. I knew something was going to happen.”
Bimbe, a local worker who was also at the scene, said: “Nearly two weeks ago it nearly happened to me… this is a hazard!”
Southwark Council has reportedly said the ongoing disruption is caused by traffic light timings and abuses of parking and loading.
But after speaking with residents, Cllr Hood has urged the council to consider significant changes to the scheme’s design.
Potential solutions include changed traffic light timings, repainted parking bays and a ‘no U-turn’ sign on Worgan Street, Cllr Hood said.
He has also called for a “full review” of the Ann Moss Way-Lower Road junction, where the cyclist was injured. Surrey Docks Councillor Adam Hood said: “The community has been dealing with this issue for far too long. The council said the traffic would improve after the cycle lane was complete but it clearly has got no better and now we’ve had a serious accident on a junction
Emergency services were called to Ann Moss Way
Cyclist caught in collision
a cyclist was involved in a collision with a car on lower road in rotherhithe last week.
London Ambulance Service was called to the junction of Ann Moss Way at 12.37pm on Tuesday, March 26.
An ambulance was dispatched and a patient was treated at the scene before being taken to a major trauma centre.
Police were also at the scene discussing the collision with witnesses.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 12:37 this afternoon (March 26) to reports of a road traffic collision between a bicycle and a car at the junction of Lower Road and Ann Moss Way, SE16.
“We dispatched an ambulance to scene. We treated a patient at the scene before taking them to a major trauma centre.”
The Met Police have been approached for comment.
we knew was a concern. People feel ignored and let down.
“TfL and Southwark Council need to come together, treat this problem with
the urgency it merits and start coming up with serious, long-term solutions.”
Southwark Council and TfL have been approached for their latest comments.
Cycleway
is now
a key local business have long stressed its concerns over cycleway 4 branding it an “accident waiting to happen”.
Funeral directors F a albin and sons is off lower road and has served the community for over 200 years.
it’s also home to a cemetery where thousands of people’s ashes are buried.
Owner Jon Dyer said the traffic along lower road had become “unbearable” since works began on the cycleway.
Whereas before there were four lanes of motor traffic, two northbound and two southbound, a southbound lane has been removed to accommodate a new cycle lane.
much of the company’s clientele live in areas like sidcup and Blackheath but drive in to visit the albin memorial garden.
“people say having their mum’s ashes here keeps them connected,” Jon said.
He added: “But on a saturday afternoon, it’s not even worth them attempting to come and visit and it shouldn’t be like that. it’s got to the point where it’s unbearable.”
His brother simon dyer, also a co-owner, said the cycle lane was confusing with cyclists often going the wrong way down the road. He said: “this cycle highway. if you watch the bikes, they go straight through the red lights. it’s crazy.”
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
aNdrea parker wasn’t surprised when one of the three south london primary schools she leads was rated ‘outstanding’ by ofsted.
Ms Parker, who leads a federation of three primary schools in Lambeth, said the rating was simply a reflection of where Jessop Primary School was at.
But sitting to the left of her in an upstairs office at the school on Lowden Road on Tuesday, March 26, Kenneth Baffoe, head of Jessop Primary, admits to a degree of anxiety before Ofsted arrived. It had been over a decade since the school was last visited by the education watchdog and it was his first inspection as head of the school.
The bar was set high. Last time Ofsted came in 2012 the school was rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas except one, and in recent years London has seen a string of previously outstanding schools plummet in their ratings after such a long gap between inspections.
Any worry Mr Baffoe had swiftly
“Each child has the opportunity to develop a key skill. This includes swimming, cycling and horse riding excursions.”
evaporated when the results of the inspection were published on Wednesday, March 20. Jessop Primary School maintained its top rating and the Ofsted report was glowing.
The school was praised for setting ‘consistently high expectations’ and quickly identifying and nurturing pupils’ talents. The curriculum was described as ‘meticulously designed’. Additional experiences offered by the school encouraged pupils to be ‘ambitious about their futures’, the report added.
Following the report’s publication, local MP Helen Hayes called Jessop ‘a fantastic community school’. Ben Kind, a Lambeth councillor responsible for education, said staff had ‘much to be proud of’.
a BraNd new sainsbury’s local has opened on camberwell road offering food, a costa coffee machine and a click & collect point.
The supermarket opened the store in February following the success of an outlet on Peckham Road which opened in 2016.
The 3,014 sq ft shop by Burgess Park is based inside a unit below Wyndham Studios, a 59-apartment residential development.
The store is just a ten-minute walk from the M&S on Walworth Road which
recently announced its closure after over 100 years of serving local shoppers.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said:
“We’re always looking for opportunities to open fantastic new Sainsbury’s stores in great locations and Camberwell Road presented us with a chance to bring Sainsbury’s commitment to providing ‘Good food for all of us’ closer to more customers in South London as part of a modern development on a busy junction.
“We hope the new store will build on the success of our nearby convenience store on Peckham Road, which as proved popular with customers since it opened in 2016.”
“It’s about developing a curriculum that opens up opportunities for children that they would otherwise not encounter,” Mr Baffoe told me.
“Each child has the opportunity to develop a key skill. This includes swimming, cycling and horse riding excursions. Every child has the opportunity to learn the violin or cello and children have exposure to a plethora of instruments they continue to learn through school.”
“Our curriculum is all about ensuring children have additional opportunities. It’s about giving them an eye into the wider world,” Ms Parker added.
“Children don’t come here to meet their potential; children come here and discover their potential. Creative arts and quality drama gives children the
appetite to learn more.”
A third (32.7 per cent) of students at the school are on free school meals, higher than the national average of 23.8 per cent. All the while, houses on the same street as the school regularly sell in excess of £1 million. The result is a school community which comes from a wide range of social backgrounds.
To encourage mixing between parents, the school runs a number of initiatives, including joint sports days and a ‘dad’s club’, where fathers and their children come together and do activities.
“The guys who come might not hang out together normally but the school designs a programme of parental engagement. If it’s possible in our school community, it’s possible on a larger scale,” Mr Baffoe explained.
Such is the community among parents at the school, numerous parents wrote letters sharing their views of the school which they handed to inspectors. The contents of the letters formed part of Ofsted’s evidence for its report.
Yet the school faces a threat to its future that even all the parental support
and top Ofsted reports in the world can’t prevent – there aren’t enough kids. Lambeth Council is reducing the school’s reception intake from 45 pupils to 30 from September, due to the falling number of children in the borough.
“The local authority recently asked for it to be a one form entry school. It’s going from a two form to a one form entry school. As a maintained school free at the point of delivery for our community, it’s a shame,” Ms Parker said.
“It’s to do with the [falling] birth rate and the removal of families who rely on social housing from London, and the developments going up are not being affordable or family friendly,” Mr Baffoe added.
Brexit and the cost of living have exacerbated the problem, according to Ms Parker. Families can get more for their money outside of London and enjoy a better quality of life.
“What we want really is to have a great school, which we have, and for as many children to access it as possible,” she said.
tHe orgaNisers of one of the biggest fringe theatre events in england said they will continue to support artists, despite the festival closing for good.
Last month, the VAULT Festival announced its closure after failing to secure funding for a new venue.
From 2012 until 2023, the Edinburghstyle festival was based in The Vaults – an underground venue in Waterloo’s graffiti tunnel.
Since it began, the festival programmed more than 3,000 shows from over 12,000 emerging artists – including launching the careers of comedians like Joe Lycett, Mae Martin and James Acaster.
Andy George, CEO and co-founder of VAULT Festival commented on the end of an era.
“It’s a huge loss and it’s getting more and more difficult for the grassroots artists to start careers, let alone maintain them.
“Creatives, artists and performers need these kinds of festivals and venues to learn their trade and hone their craft.
“Not everyone can get to the West End or will find a show that’s on there which speaks to them, but they may find that at a smaller venue outside zone one or somewhere else in the city or the country.”
He continued: “I think we made the sector more diverse and inclusive.
“We encouraged experimenting and embracing all talent and gave artists a platform to hone their craft and learn their trade. We also encouraged people to have fun while they’re doing it.
vault
‘will continue to support’ new
despite end of festival
“It
One of the ways it was inclusive, was that there was no charge for artists to put a show on.
Naomi Westerman, a playwright based in Woolwich, said she started her career at the VAULT Festival because of how accessible it was.
She runs the disabled fringe theatre company Little but Fierce.
“Over the years I’ve had five productions at Vault, including two which went on to win awards and transfer to major theatres. None of that would have happened without Vault.”
The 44-year-old continued: “It was a phenomenal showcase for people with limited access.
“It’s free - you don’t have to pay them upfront. Compared to taking a show to Edinburgh which is very expensive.”
She explained that the festival even provided support to its artists, with tech and marketing.
“Over the last few years, we’ve lost a lot of creative opportunities, like at the Old Vic for instance.
“It feels like all the pathways for emerging artists are just closing – it’s terrifying.”
She added that as a playwright, it’s very difficult to get work – a feat that has been made harder without the annual festival.
“There are other fringe festivals, but they
don’t have a big reputation. Critics go to the Vault Festival. “There’s a buzz.”
The VAULT Creative Arts, the charity behind the VAULT Festival, runs The Glitch – an arts café in Waterloo which is staying open.
Andy said: “The charity intends to continue to work through their venue which supports emerging artists and LGBTQ+ led collectives and they will look to keep the spirit of VAULT Festival alive.”
He said that whilst there is ‘no feasible option’ for the festival to return, he hopes others will ‘continue to push for change.’
Naomi added that a group of more experienced creatives are currently banding together to do just that. They are organising an event to explore how established theatre artists could support new and emerging theatre artists, following the ‘death’ of the Vault Festival.
For updates on this, check out @ waptheatre on X.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from The Vaults venue itself said they are ‘always looking for new shows’ to commission for the space and will continue to do so as usual.
From m aypole dancing to meeting fluffy animals - here’s our pick of free things to do with the kids over the easter break.
Spring has sprung at the Southbank Southbank Centre is putting on a day of spring activities in its roof garden.
Drop in for creative workshops led by local artists, and pop-up performances throughout the day.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
When: Wednesday 3 April
Admission: Free
Around the Maypole
Head to the Riverside Terrace at Southbank Centre for a family ceilidh jam centred around a traditional Maypole. Learn the dance routine to live music, mixing maypole dancing with street dance.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
When: Sunday 7 April
Admission: Free
Bunnies on the Old Kent Road
Meet some animals at Pets at Home
The ‘My Pet Pals’ workshops will be returning for Easter. Running until Sunday 14 April, come and join in on this cool workshop that’s all about Fish. Kids can watch how they swim and learn some fun facts about them while also getting involved in some
crafts and colouring. Kids will receive activity sheets, and a My Pet Pals certificate, and there is a chance to meet some of our amazing animals.
Recommended age 4+
When: Daily until Sunday 14 April
Where: Pets at Home, Old Kent Road
Admission: Free (reserve a spot here.)
Workshop for kids while you shop
Easter workshops are on at IKEA this holiday.
Whilst you’re shopping or in the area, kids can enjoy a range of crafts workshops - including egg decorating and wreath making.
When: Various dates and times
Where: IKEA Greenwich, 55-57
Bugsby’s Way, SE10 0QJ
Admission: Free
Alpacas in Vauxhall
Head to Vauxhall City Farm, it is home to goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs and even a trio of inquisitive alpacas called Cookie, Rolo and Toffee.
If you go at a weekend and head to Cuddle Corner - you can get close to some of the smaller residents, or buy a VIP Meet & Greet experience where you can spend 20 minutes with your favourite furry, or not-so-furry, friend.
Where: Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, Vauxhall, SE11 5HS
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10:30am4pm (booking for large groups only.)
Admission: Free
Gaming at Waterloo
Board game bonanza at Draughts, all kids under 12 can play a range of board games for free - with a fullpaying adult.
Where: Draughts Waterloo, Arch 16, Leake St, SE1 7NN
When: Always
admission: Free (for adults it’s £7.50-£9.50).
Trail around Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands has a free family-friendly (age 3+)
trail through its galleries. Help city rat Riley Ratcliffe learn about some of her ancestors on display in the museum. There are various other children’s activities on certain dates through the holidays too — click here for more information.
Where: Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL
When: Saturday 30 March- Sunday 14 April
Admission: Free
This is a brand new play session at National Maritime Museum in Greenwich for children with special educational needs.
Disabled children, children with additional needs and their families are invited to the monthly session led by disabled creatives, who will respond to the needs of the families participating.
Explore the museum’s collections, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together as a family, and meet other local families, too.
Where: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF
When: Saturday 13 April 2024, monthly on Saturdays, 11am to 12:30pm
Admission: Pre-book for free online
a NeW express bus from elephant and castle to lewisham is part of sadiq khan’s plans if he is re-elected next month.
The Mayor of London said the new route will track that of the proposed Bakerloo line extension. He has also reiterated his warning that the election will be close between him and the Tory candidate.
The Superloop-style service would run from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham, stopping at new locations at Burgess Park, Old Kent Road, and New Cross Gate.
To be christened the ‘Bakerloop’, buses are expected kitted out in brown livery, fittings and moquettes to match the colour scheme of the Bakerloo line.
Khan’s Conservative opponent in the 2 May mayoral election is opposed to the Mayor’s TfL fares freeze and his trial of Off-Peak Fridays which offer reduced fares.
The new express bus service is hoped to help kickstart housing development in the area, while work on the tube extension is progressed.
Khan is currently ‘finalising details’ of the Bakerloo Tube extension, with construction set to commence by the
end of the decade. The 4.7-mile route would include several new stations and improve connectivity to National Rail, Overground and buses.
TfL estimates that the Bakerloo extension would support at least 10,000 new local jobs, 85,000 additional local jobs within 45 minutes of Lewisham, and 50,000 new homes.
Like the proposed Bakerloop bus, it will end at Lewisham. However, proposals for a second phase could see the Tube line extend further, terminating at Hayes.
TfL data has shown that Superloop services are popular with the public, with ridership figures showing demand on the initial tranche of Superloop routes is 15 per cent higher than the network average level.
Richard Simpson, the owner of Cummin’ Up Caribbean since 1991, said the bus would help local businesses.
“I was very fortunate to get a site right next to New Cross Gate and one of the key benefits is that anyone who was travelling to the city would have to go through New Cross.
“Access to public transport and the provision of public transport was a
By Herbie Russell
a maN has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after an alleged stabbing at kennington underground Station.
Nicholas Orlando Green, 35, has also been charged with sexual assault after a person reported being groped as the suspect left the station.
Officers were called to the station at 10.30pm on Wednesday, March 27, following reports of a stabbing on the northbound platform.
Police said a second man was believed to have been injured after attempting to prevent the attack.
Green, of Kennington Park Road,
key factor in helping my business to succeed and the new Bakerloop bus service will only be of greater benefit to local businesses.”
Sadiq Khan said: “The new Superloop services have been a huge success in outer London so far, and if I’m re-elected the new Bakerloop Express will help Londoners get between Elephant & Castle, Old Kent Road, New Cross and Lewisham much quicker and more easily.
“I continue to make the case as strongly as ever that we need the Bakerloo line Tube extension to get underway as soon as possible, and TfL is lobbying ministers about the funding the project needs. In the meantime, I’m determined that we do all we can to provide the very best service across south London.
Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council said this was ‘great news for South London.’
He commented: “It’s yet another investment in our community from the Labour Mayor of London. We’re already working with Sadiq to upgrade Elephant and Castle station and to deliver thousands of new jobs and truly affordable homes along the Old Kent Road. This new express service will keep all of this work moving forward at pace.”
has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of a bladed article and one count of sexual assault in relation to an incident.
He was scheduled to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Saturday, March 30.
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Kennington underground station at around 10.30pm on 27 March following reports of a man being stabbed on the northbound platform. A second man was also believed to be injured after bravely stepping in to try to prevent the attack.
“A further member of the public later reported being groped as the suspect left the station.”
By newsdesk
star Wars actor John Boyega has spoken about his childhood friendship with damilola taylor in peckham, and how his poem read at his funeral ultimately spurred him on with his ambition to be a movie star.
He was interviewed by John Wilson on BBC Radio 4’s Last Word, as part of a look at the life of Richard Taylor, Damilola’s father - who died last week after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Boyega was one of the last people to see ten-year-old Damilola alive before he was fatally stabbed in the leg in a Peckham stairwell in 2000. Speaking of those final hours, the actor, who was eight at the time of Damilola’s killing, said:
“From the hours we left him in Peckham to the hours when I went home, and then the police were at our door and there was a whole investigation that we were involved in, was definitely life-changing for me, definitely altered my perspective.”
“Even though I was young, it was a shock to understand how mortality worked. To think that somebody as young as me could pass away in such a horrific way was hard for me
to understand or comprehend. And I definitely think [his death] has shaped me through the years and just affected my perspective on certain things.”
He spoke about a poem that Damilola had written and which his father read at his funeral, about, “how far he wanted his dreams to spread”. It “gave birth to this mentality that I had”, Boyega said. “What is truly my dream? Do I have the guts to identify what my dream is? Am I too young to identify my dream and work towards it?
“And after reading that poem, I was just like, yeah, I have no excuse. I want to be a movie star.”
Boyega admitted that he had never spoken publicly about his friend before. “I’m quite private in general, but with this specifically, it’s that celebrity thing of not wanting to get in front of very real-life news.” But he decided to talk after Richard Taylor’s death, adding: “Now that he’s gone, if I don’t speak up now, when am I ever going to speak up?”
The actor also had warm words for the Damilola Taylor Trust, set up by his parents after their son died, and called Mr. Taylor someone who was “for the people and the community” who turned his son’s “tragic loss into something triumphant”.
By Isabel Ramirez
a siNgle mum on the aylesbury estate, who has spent years in a flat infested with rats, was featured on an episode of itv’s tonight programme last week.
Georgie Howell showed the nightmares she has endured on a programme that looks into Britain’s pest problem - and whether it is ‘spiralling out of control.’
This paper previously covered her story in December 2022 - and the problem appears to have only gotten worse.
On the show, an emotional Georgie, who has lived on the Walworth estate
for four years, says: “I’m actually living with cockroaches, rats and mice, centipedes - you name it, it’s here.”
She went on to explain that now her children ‘don’t want to be there’ and frequently stay out of the house.
“My little boy always says to me... I want to stay out. He doesn’t want to come home and it makes me feel like a bad mum because he always wants to stay at my mum’s or my nan’s.”
She was one of four people to feature on the programme which aired on Thursday 28 March at 8:30 pm.
Although Southwark Council did not respond at the time of the show, a spokesperson later commented: “Pests present a complex challenge for councils nationwide, exacerbated
by factors like climate change and evolving pest behaviours.
“Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in providing free and responsive pest control services to our tenants. While the Aylesbury Estate goes through change, the health and well-being of our tenants on-site is a key priority and we are finalising plans to reduce infestation including improved waste storage and adding improved waste disposal facilities.
“This will reduce access to food sources by rodents and support the work of the pest control teams in addressing rodent infestations on the estate.”
Catch up on Home Invasion: Britain’s Pest Problem on ITVX.
a kids’ ball court between Bermondsey and rotherhithe has had a huge makeover, complete with a table tennis table and sprint tracks.
Silwood Basketball Court was one of seven under-used sites across London and Essex to be transformed - and now it looks unrecognisable.
Housing Association L&Q invested £1m to modernise the sports areas, in a bid to ‘tackle inactivity and inequality.’
Along with some new running tracks and an all-weather table tennis table
- the crumbling basketball court has been completely revamped, with an astroturf court and hoops.
The investment also went towards creating a new play area at the pocket park on Island Road in Bermondseycomplete with a climbing frame, swings and a slide, as well as picnic tables. 12:37
The work done by L&Q, Axis Europe and Play Innovation on these two parks saw them receive a prestigious award from the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) for Small Sports or Play Project of the Year (under £350k).
Police believe all the men pictured are Birmingham fans. Credit: Met Police
By Herbie Russell
police are trying to identify eleven people after disorder following the millwall v Birmingham match left several officers injured.
The men, who police believe are all Birmingham supporters, are wanted in connection with the incident outside The Den on Saturday, March 9.
rotHerHitHe resideNts are suffering déjà vu after launching their fourth battle against rotherhithe parking restrictions in the last 26 years.
Local campaigner Andy Hind says Southwark Council’s plan to introduce a control parking zone (CPZ) - meaning residents must pay up to £300 to park - is a “moneymaking scheme”.
The 65-year-old remembers when the council “wrongly” said the opening of the Jubilee Line Extension in 1999 would escalate local parking pressure and thinks a CPZ is just as unnecessary today.
Southwark Council was approached for comment but did not respond.
Detectives are also reviewing video footage to identify those involved.
Met Police officers arrested a 29-yearold man in Birmingham on suspicion of affray on Tuesday, March 26. He was taken into custody in Birmingham before being released on bail.
West Midlands Police have been helping the Met with its investigation.
Detective Constable Phil Dickinson, of the Met’s Public Order Crime Team, said: “The vast majority of football supporters are there to enjoy the game, with a small number spoiling the atmosphere for others.
“The Met’s unit that deals with disorder at football matches will prosecute those looking to engage in criminality before, during or after fixtures in London.” Anyone able to identify anyone in the images is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, 100 per cent anonymously, with the reference number of the image which you wish to identify.
The proposed boundaries of a new Rotherhithe Village CPZ
© Southwark Council Consultation Documents
By Isabel Ramirez
a NeW superhero series is coming to netflix and it’s filmed in peckham and deptford.
From the creator of Blue Story, Rapman, comes ‘Supacell’ - a six-part sci-fi drama which follows a group of ordinary people from South London who find out they have superpowers.
As the five characters grapple with their newfound abilities, one man must unite them all to help save the love of his life, Dionne (played by Adelayo Adedayo - The Responder and Some Girls).
The brand-new series will premiere on Netflix in June.
Although the exact locations haven’t been released yet, the first shot in the trailer shows Rye Lane so we can only guess it is based close by.
Other scenes show Deptford High Street and Burgess Park.
Along with Adelayo Adedayo, the main cast includes Tosin Cole (61st, Street, Till, Ear for Eye); Nadine Mills (Sliced and The Weekend); Eric Kofi Abrefa (Blue Story, BMF); Calvin Demba (The Rig, Life, Micky and the Bear); Josh Tedeku (Moonhaven, A Town Called Malice) and Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan and Deadpool 2).
You can watch the trailer now on YouTube.
Two Papa Johns stores to close in Southwark
By Herbie Russell
“Taking free parking spaces away and making people pay by other means is an infringement of the whole area.”
The proposed zone, stretching from the Rotherhithe Tunnel to Elephant Lane, is currently an island of free parking surrounded by a sea of CPZs.
Private roads and those on housing estates are excluded from the scheme including St Marys Estate, Henley Close, Adams Garden Estate, Western Place and Clarence Mews. Southwark Council claims the
Andy, whose paper petition against the plans has garnered roughly 65 signatures, said: “There’s a lot of free spaces… friends come round and they can park on the street and they don’t have to pay or whatever.
“majority of roads” in the area have high parking pressure of 80 per cent or more.
By introducing a CPZ, it hopes to reduce parking pressure and encourage residents to walk and cycle and instead of driving.
But Andy insists “there’s a lot of free spaces” adding that when “friends come round and they can park on the street and they don’t have to pay or whatever”.
He said Southward Council had previously proposed parking permit schemes for the Rotherhithe Village area in 1998, 2003 and between 2016
and 2018.
But the council says there have been ‘changes over the years’ resulting in added parking pressures meaning a fourth CPZ proposal in 26 years. It did not say what these changes were when approached for comment.
The proposed Rotherhithe Village CPZ comes just weeks after Southwark Council unveiled its revised zones in Nunhead, Dulwich and Queens Road.
The latest consultation period for the CPZ ended on March 17. If Southwark Council decides to press ahead with the plans, there will be a statutory consultation in July 2024.
piZZa lovers will be disappointed to hear that two papa Johns outlets in southwark are closing down.
The stores in Peckham and East Dulwich are among sixteen in London and 43 in the UK earmarked for closure.
The pizza chain has decided to slice away at outlets that are deemed to be ‘underperforming’.
Papa Johns, the UK’s second-biggest pizza takeaway brand, operates 524 locations across the UK.
The chain’s first British restaurant opened in 1999 in Gray’s in Essex.
The pizza giant announced in January that as many as 100 store locations could be facing the chop.
By Herbie Russell
S O uthwark C O un C il has defended its decision to ease the sale of dilapidated council homes in its wealthiest areas.
This paper revealed earlier this month that the council had approved a rule change making it easier to flog posh flats that fall into disrepair.
Previously, council officers could only approve the sale of council assets worth less than £750,000 with the cabinet’s approval. But now only sales over £3 million require the cabinet’s thumbs up.
Charmain Graves, Chair of resident organisation Bankside Village, said the council should avoid selling its voids - a term used to describe homes in disrepair.
Speaking at Council Assembly (March 20), she suggested the council invest more in voids to “alleviate the hardship” of people on the housing waiting list.
Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Finance responded by saying the voids being sold were
too expensive to refit.
She added that sale proceeds would be invested in the existing housing stock and “steady” the council’s housing fund.
Graves also said the Labour-run council should wait for a change in government which could mean local authorities have more money to renovate voids.
But Cllr Cryan admitted a Labour victory wouldn’t necessarily mean improved local funding deals for local authorities.
She said it could be “some time” before councils get “more favourable settlements” because of a decade of Conservative financial policy around local authority funding.
Cllr Cryan did not specify any particular policy but she has previously criticised the 2012 Welfare Reform Act.
This meant councils had to reduce rent levels by one per cent each year from 2016, which Cllr Cryan has previously said “dismantled” councils’ financial models
c amberwell school closure
‘oNly viable optioN’, s outhwarkBy Herbie Russell
a camBerWell primary school must close as it is the ‘only viable option’, southwark council has said.
Dismayed parents at Comber Grove Primary School have held a rally and events opposing the closure since November.
But Southwark Council has said the school’s falling pupil numbers, and its £185,000 budget deficit, mean it should close this August.
The council is now publicising its closure proposals with cabinet councillors set to vote on the final decision to close in June.
If approved, Southwark Council has said it will not sell the school building and instead use it for educational purposespossibly as a centre for SEND children.
Cllr Jasmine Ali, Cabinet Member for Education, wrote to parents: “I am so sorry that I have been unable to find a way to
k ids are being invited to enter a national poetry contest where they could win the chance to get their poems published on trains.
The competition asks children aged 5-13 to write about one of their favourite places to travel to on a Thameslink train, or a place on the train line they think other people should visit.
It is being run by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) in partnership with Children’s Laureate and poet, Joseph Coelho.
Submissions are now open and will close on Friday 10 May. Ten lucky winners will then have their poems displayed on trains and at stations across the GTR network, so they can be read and admired by travellers far
and wide.
They will also receive complimentary return rail travel for themselves and four family members – for a summer adventure of their choice.
Open for six weeks, the competition aims to encourage children’s creativity and reduce screen time by tasking young people to write a short poem about somewhere they love to visit by train.
To inspire young, budding poets, Joseph Coelho has written his own piece, titled ‘To Hastings We Go!’ and inspired by a family’s exciting trip to Hastings on a train.
Joseph Coelho, who will be judging the winning entries, said: “Poetry is a wonderful way to get children exploring their innate creativity and their voice, helping them to see that their words have power.
“One of my earliest memories of writing is during a poetry competition when I was twelve years old, so I am truly looking forward to reading the entries. I encourage the youngsters who get involved in GTR’s poetry competition to have fun with it and good luck to all who enter.”
Poems will be judged based on language and structure; theme; creativity and uniqueness and inspiration.
Winners will be contacted between 3-14 June before the official announcement on 24 June.
To enter GTR’s Poetry in Motion competition and view full T&C’s, go to. thameslinkrailway.com/
poetryinmotion
Submissions are open now and close 23:59 on Friday 10 May
keep the school open – I know how much the school is loved by you, your children and the surrounding community.”
She pledged to support parents and staff, both of whom have previously complained about poor communication by Southwark Council.
Southwark, and boroughs across London, are struggling to keep primary schools amid falling admissions which is caused by numerous factors.
Schools receiving funding on a per pupil basis meaning schools with fewer registered pupils receive less government funding.
At Comber Grove, there are only 140 pupils despite the school having capacity for 240, a council report said.
Cllr Ali said this had left the school with a £185,000 funding shortfall which is “only likely to get worse”. This low number of pupils is partially caused by falling local birth rates. In
Ncil
Camberwell Green ward - where the school is - the birth rate fell by 26 per cent between 2016 and 2021 and is expected to fall another 23 per cent this year.
Soaring housing and rent prices, Southwark Council’s regeneration schemes like that on the Aylesbury, and Brexit have also been cited as factors.
By the summer, Comber Grove is now expected to join a growing list of Southwark schools that have closed.
Since the 2022/2023 academic year, St Francesca Cabrini and Townsend Primary have both closed due to falling admissions.
Meanwhile, Cobourg Primary School has amalgamated with Camelot Primary School and Harris Free has amalgamated with Harris Primary Academy, Peckham in 2023.
Last week, Southwark Council approved the decision to close Ann Bernadt Nursery School in Peckham.
By Herbie Russell
tHe liB dems have called for southwark council’s leader to resign over a “litany of housing failures”.
The opposition described Cllr Kieron Williams’ record as “appalling” - citing several major works projects that went millions over budget and could lead to fraud investigations.
The Lib Dems have pointed out that Cllr Williams was in charge of housing when controversial major works projects for the Devon Mansions and the Canada Estates were signed off between May 2019 and June 2020.
Those projects have since seen residents complain of shoddy workmanship and being ignored by the council.
The opposition has also called for Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Stephanie Cryan to resign from her post, who led housing when the Kirby Estate project was first signed off.
According to council reports, the
pair were responsible for regularly monitoring these projects as their costs soared and residents’ complaints poured in.
Southwark Council’s interim Housing Director apologised “unreservedly” for failings and audits into the projects have begun - with fraud investigations still a possibility.
The Lib Dems also said housebuilding in the borough was “grinding to a halt” after projects on the Bells Gardens and Lindley Estates were paused over a lack of funds.
Although the Lib Dems’ council motion only asks the politicians to “consider their positions”, the party has since said this is equivalent to a call for resignation.
Barry Duckett, Chair of the Canada Estate Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TRA), where Southwark News exclusively revealed works had gone £1.7 million over budget and seventeen months over schedule, has called for their resignations for months. He said: “The leader should resign.
a BaNkside tower block caught fire last week with firefighters treating residents for smoke inhalation.
Part of an eighth-floor flat on Blackfriars Road was damaged by the blaze on Wednesday, March 27.
Three people left the property before London Fire Brigade (LFB) arrived and were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by paramedics.
LFB believes the fire, which took place between 8.34pm and 9.08pm, was accidental and caused by candles.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Lambeth, Dockhead, Soho, Whitechapel, Dowgate and surrounding fire stations were deployed.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson
said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from anything else that can easily catch alight.
“Consider using battery-powered, flameless LED candles instead, which are safe even if you fall asleep. Whilst they may cost more upfront than traditional candles, they will last considerably longer, giving you better value for money.
a Festival of comedy, writing and music is coming to peckham for a thrilling third year this summer.
Peckham Fringe will mainly take place at Theatre Peckham from May till June, with extra shows at Camberwell’s Golden Goose pub.
There will be laughs from disabled comedian ‘Variety D’, a production that won a VAULT Festival award and immersive poetry from Two Brown Owls. The Windrush Warriors, to be showcased in late May, will be a dramatic comedy about the Windrush Scandal.
There needs to be a shake up of this cabinet because you will not build a relationship with your tenants if you do not consult with them, do not listen to them and do not take any notice of what they have to say.”
Southwark Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Cllr Emily Tester said: “The crises and scandals hitting housing in Southwark seem to be never ending. “Housebuilding grinding to a halt while the housing waiting list climbs higher and higher. Major works projects millions over budget and years over schedule. Damp, mould and disrepair rampant in council homes.
“It is time for real accountability. Members of the cabinet who have presided over this appalling record remain in key decision making roles –even leading the council – and it is time they considered their positions, as we consider them to be untenable.”
Council Leader Kieron Williams - who saw off a challenge to his leadership last week - declined to comment.
A flat fire in Bankside has prompted a candle safety warning.
“If you do choose to use traditional candles ensure you place them in a heatresistant holder, on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over and away from materials that could catch fire. Never leave them unattended around your home, take particular care with children and pets and blow them out properly before you go to bed.
“We also recommend taking some time to carry out a few simple checks to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker can guide you around your home and provide you with specific advice to reduce fire risks.”
Audiences can also saddle up for a wild cowboy clown romp in BANGTAIL which tells the story of a man in search of his manhood, being performed on May 31 and June 1.
These are just some of the many shows audiences can enjoy with the full line-up available online.
Suzann McLean MBE, Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham, said: “Our annual Peckham Fringe festival is a testament to the power of community and creativity.
“Our Ambassadors have curated a lineup that showcases the diverse voices and stories of our community. I invite everyone to join us in this inclusive and dynamic celebration of the arts.
Rotherhithe theatre company performed at The Shard and raised over £7,000
By Isabel Ramireza rOtherhithe-baSeD charity, that has been giving free theatre classes to the community for over 50 years, has just raised thousands after they performed at the shard.
Last week, members of the London Bubble Theatre delivered a ten-minute preview of their newest production, ‘Influenced,’ at Europe’s tallest building. Forming part of the 2024 Arts for Impact campaign, orchestrated by The Big Give, the dynamic performance, brought to life by the theatre’s exceptionally skilled cast, highlighted the challenges posed by social media for young individuals and delved into the intricate social dynamics within school and home environments.
During the live performance, the event fundraising goal of £7,000 was quickly surpassed, with all proceeds going towards the enrichment of the Young Theatre Makers programme. The programme aims to equip individuals ages 18-25, who face educational, social and employment challenges, with performance and
leadership skills.
Marie Vickers, Artistic Director at London Bubble Theatre, commented: “It’s been an absolute honour and privilege for us at London Bubble Theatre to showcase our newest production at The Shard.
“Thank you to everyone who has generously donated; your support has been instrumental and will directly benefit our Young Theatre Makers programme and our Southwark community.”
It amplifies the voices of marginalised groups, including those with lived experiencesofmentalillnessandvarious hardships. Through a combination of workshops, performances, and paid work experiences, the programme seeks to enhance life opportunities for its participants.
London Bubble Theatre Company has been offering community theatre for all for fifty years. They work with the community to find ways of telling the stories of people who feel unheard in society.
Donate to London Bubble at londonbubble.org.uk/donate/
local cHildreN with special needs are fighting even harder for their saturday sports club to stay open after some were turned away from other facilities.
The Saturday SEN Club in Rotherhithe offers free sports to children with special educational needs and is attended by around 90 children every week.
Despite serving the area for nearly two decades, they will soon have to close after they missed the deadline to apply for funding.
The club, which many parents have described as ‘life-saving’, has an opendoor policy and has ‘never turned a child away.’ Since the news broke before Christmas that they did not get their funding - which would have sustained them for three more years - parents began
their campaign to save the vital facility.
This included starting a fundraising page. It costs the club £45,000 per year to run.
As a result of the ongoing campaign, the council has agreed to fund them until the end of the academic year. But manager Glyn Davies explained because they can’t apply for another three years, this still means the club has to close.
“We’re grateful that the council has agreed to fund us until the summer,” Glyn told us. “But after that, we can’t afford to stay open.”
The funding they lost out on - known as short breaks funding - was received instead by three other facilities: Whippersnappers, an outdoor and indoor activities club catering for both Southwark and Lambeth, Endorphinsan arts and crafts club and SportWorksthe only comparable one in this case as it offers sports. Southwark Council told us the short
breaks offer was widened to include a range of activities after young people, parents, and guardians ‘were consulted.’
However, some parents claimed that when they heard that the Rotherhithe club was closing, they reached out to the new sports provider - only to be ‘turned away.’
This is because SportWorks offers a staff-to-participant ratio of 1:4 - when most of the children at the Rotherhithe club require one-to-one.
Even though the other two providers - Whippersnappers and Endorphinsdo offer one-to-one, so can work with children with profound needs, they are not sports clubs.
Single mum Aida said her son, Reuel, 16 has been going to the club for 11 years and has ‘never missed a week.’
“When I heard the club was closing I applied for the other sports group,” she explained. “But they said they could not take him because he needs one-to-one support.”
Aida explained that at the Saturday Club, Reuel - who has autism and is non-verbal - gets a tailored training programme. “He runs on the treadmill and he does trampoline. All week, Reuel looks forward to coming.”
She added that this club was the ‘only time’ he got the chance to exercise.
Another regular at the club is nineyear-old Olivia. Olivia has Prader-Willi syndrome, which means she struggles with her weight. But since going to the club her mum Denise said it helps keep her healthy: “This club helps her a lot. Mentally and physically it wouldn’t be nice if she couldn’t come here anymore. She loves it here.”
These concerns were echoed by a significant number of other parents - who said they were scared to tell their children of the news. “Children with autism hate to break their routine,” a parent told us.
“If they’ve been coming here for years
and can’t come anymore they won’t understand.”
Michelle said her son Nico, who is 18, was turned away from the new sports club due to his age. “There’s no other sports facility for him to go to if this one closes - because he is seen as an adult now.”
On this issue, Southwark Council told us there is a range of local provisions for older children aged 16-25, go to localoffer. southwark.gov.uk/youth-offer/socialnetworks-events/ A council spokesperson added: “We recognise that these changes may be unsettling for some families as we work towards to creating a fairer, more equitable offer for the many families who have a child with SEND in Southwark. We will continue to evaluate and identify any areas for further improvement of our short breaks offer, working closely with families and short break providers.” SportWorks declined to comment.
cyclists and drivers are often presented as being at odds. But bizarrely, the newly opened cycle lane along rotherhithe’s lower road could be bringing these two rival factions together.
Unfortunately, that’s not because everyone is bathing in the glory of its clever design. Instead, drivers and cyclists are increasingly saying Cycleway 4 could be a danger to road users.
Construction of Cycleway 4 - an unbroken cycle route between London Bridge and Greenwichbegan in July 2019. Since then, the route has gradually been built in phases, with the final stretch along Lower Road officially unveiled by Southwark Council and Transport for London (TfL) in March. It’s all part of City Hall’s drive to get Londoners on their bikes and out of their cars, a policy pioneered by former mayor Boris Johnson and taken up by Sadiq Khan.
But Cycleway 4’s official opening ceremony in early March, attended by Southwark councillors and TfL bosses, put a glossy sheen on a heavily criticised project.
We first wrote about the problems drivers and cyclists were facing along the route in November 2022. Local business FA Albin & Sons, a highly-respected funeral directors, warned that the removal of a southbound motor traffic lane to accommodate the new cycle route was creating gridlock.
“Blind spots” and an abrupt end to the southward cycle lane meant cyclists also risked hurtling into oncoming traffic, company owner Simon Dyer warned. Further down the road, we exclusively revealed that Southwark Council had fined drivers £125,000 in just four months for driving infractions outside Surrey Quays station. Drivers claimed the fines were unfair. They said the roadworks at the junction of Redriff and Lower Road, also part of Cycleway 4’s construction, were forcing drivers illegally to stop in a yellow box junction.
Without a proper investigation into the cycle route’s design, it would be presumptive to say it had made the road unsafe. But there is evidence it could be imperilling cyclists. We recently reported that a cyclist was injured on the junction with Ann Moss Way and people at the scene told our reporter the new layout was likely to blame.
After the story was published, another cyclist emailed our news desk saying they had also been in a collision on Lower Road, leaving him with two fractured elbows. Once again, he blamed the new design.
That’s not to say all cyclists are worried about Cycleway 4. The London Cycling Campaign said it was “so happy” to see it open having campaigned for the route for decades. But something is clearly afoot. Local politicians have urged Southwark Council and TfL urgently to investigate whether it can be improved.
With evidence mounting that Cycleway 4 is far from perfect, we back those calls for a review.
Clues Across
1 New phrase for celestial being (6)
7 Baby likely to be taken aback by mother (7)
8 Concerning five which are on hand (7)
9 Use most of the tinsel for this insertion (5)
10 Favourite coming round hoping to win (9)
12 Eat, drink and be merry showing the way to sin (3)
13 Likewise it sends me back (4)
15 One is in need of something tasty (7)
17 Remain in support (4)
19 Cut in surgical operations (3)
21 Revolutionary driving force (9)
22 Very fine, but no star! (5)
23 It allows material expansion (7)
24 Champion father and son at home (7)
25 Animal has a scar round two points (6)
Clues Down
1 Cocktails for fellowtravellers? (8)
2 Administration of regiment not up to strength (6)
3 Paddy gets the bird as a matter of form (7)
4 Minor member of the family tree (5)
5 Drink suits the sheriff’s men to a T (6)
6 Touched in a material (4)
7 The frank language of someone on the level? (56)
11 Soft light please (4)
13 Figure I’d look up to (4)
14 Trim lace according to measurement (8)
16 Cheer, being given a rise (7)
18 Horrifies father returning with friends (6)
20 Book illustrations in pastel (6)
21 Arrogance in the jungle (5)
22 Concessions to work in the ship? (4)
Across 4 Proper 8 Denoted 9 Stress 10 Backcloth 11 Wide 13 Relay 14 Nemesis 16
Airless 18 Plain 19 Leis 21 Perimeter 22 Elders
QUICK
Across:
Pardoned (6) 8 Eyeglass (7) 9 Hanging point of ice (6) 10 Citizen of Moscow (9) 11
Surrender (4) 13 Worship (5) 14 Written document (7) 16 Figure (7) 18 Begin (5)
19 In the midst (4) 21 Used for coiffure (4,5) 22 Country (6) 23 Bereaved husband (7)
24 Not unusual (6)
Down: 1 Riddle (9) 2 Anxious (9) 3 In existence (5) 5 Step (4) 6 Distress signal (6) 7 More
profound (6) 9 Irritating (5) 11 Standard (9) 12 Lowered (9) 15 Maritime (5) 16 State (6)
BotH iN europe and in the uSa the politics of the last decade has been dictated by ever polarising division as nations have leaned towards populist leaders and ideas, writes Christopher Peacock
Our institutions of learning have always been where these ideas are discussed and dissected. Power of Sail, a play by Paul Grellong pivots its action around the invitation of a controversial speaker to attend Harvard and now gets its European debut. Benjamin Carver, a holocaust denier and white supremacist, has been invited to speak at Professor Charles Nichols’ annual symposium at Harvard. Nichols insists the invite is to put Carver on the stage where his ideas can be dismantled in front of everybody. Nichols readily comments that “the only way to combat hate speech is with more speech”.
Amy Katz, a Jewish Dean and Nichols’ favourite alumnus, Baxter Forrest, both try to dissuade him
and retract the invite. The leaking of Carver as a speaker snowballs and angry protests sweep across campus.
Two favoured grad students and fellowship applicants, Lucas Poole and Maggie Rosen come to discuss with their professor the merits and rights of free speech and how best to deal with the impending visit.
In a face to face meeting between Carver and Nichol at a compound in Maine, with fellowship contender Poole in tow, another student protest ends tragically. What is then revealed in the final scenes are the motives that everybody has kept hidden. Grellong’s playing with the narrative structure and combative direct language are the tools for this examination of ethics and is the play’s strength. Julian Ovenden as Charles Nichols does feel a little young in the casting but does well with the characterisation of a man who feels like he is losing touch with the cutting edge of academia. Paul Farnsworth’s design has the set spinning and
HaviNg Worked together from red pitch’s inception, writer tyrell Williams and director daniel Bailey bring representation of young black boys to a west end stage, writes Bella Christy.
After two majorly successful runs at The Bush Theatre, Red Pitch transfers to @sohoplace, bringing with it an incredible cast. Kedar Williams-Stiring (Sex Education), Emeka Sesay (The Power), and Francis Lovehall (A Thousand Blows) have a magnetic rapport; they breathe energy into this play about ambition, friendship, and the inevitability of change.
Red Pitch follows three lively 16-year-old boys from the same estate with big goals of becoming professional footballers. The boys exude infectious energy, their performance fresh and playful. Red Pitch is original, significant, and hilariously quick-witted. Francis (Omz) calls it “a ‘think again’ piece for the people who have made assumptions about young black boys from ends”.
turning from office to train platform and bar, with social media projections on the set in these scene changes it does add to the disquiet feeling.
What I found is that there was a lot of ground the play wants to cover in a short space of time and in the end, rather than giving time for us to see more from the characters, the show moved on. This then meant that the dramatic reveals did not pack as much of a punch as they had intended. Never wanting to achieve resolution, Power of Sail does certainly commit to the task of entertaining and wanting to make its audience think about the themes after the curtains close.
Menier Chocolate Factory, 55 Southwark Street, SE1 until 18th May.
Booking: www.menierchocolatefactory.com 0207 378 1713
The play deals with themes of gentrification and displacement through the eyes of the youth. How does so-called ‘regeneration’ affect young people? We watch the boys grapple with this is their own way, talking parents and politics.
The boys’ youthful banter is fastpaced and comical. The audience was onside (pun intended) and cracking up no more than 30 seconds in. It seems there are two main things they like to discuss: football... and girls. While you didn’t need any football knowledge to follow along, the less youthful generation may struggle to keep up with the slangbut hey, maybe a new word will be learnt.
In the round staging was an expert choice. It emulated a stadium with its tiered levels, reaching up to the gods. In fact, you can draw a lot of similarities between theatre and football. Both ‘performances’, chanting and singing often involved, commonly two halves.
Physical theatre moments act as transitions, breaking up the more true-to-life scenes. The actors’
physicalities combined with UK rap music and skilful lighting is immersive and provides an insight into the boys’ dreams and aspirations. I also have to mention the dance scene: the boys can move! So much energy and the audience lapped it up.
The play also includes a halfdecent fight scene - easier said than done - especially in the round. I often find I am underwhelmed by stage fights, or they are so bad that they’re funny. This one was done really well and nicely offset the humorous tone of the play.
Red Pitch is the best piece of theatre I have seen recently, I couldn’t recommend it more.
Soho Place, London, W1D 3BG until 4th May.
Tickets from £25.
Booking: www.sohoplace.org 0330 333 5963
LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION
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) Benhill Road, between No’s 37 and no’s 41
(b) Benhill Road, junction with Benhill Road to 15m west into Owgan Close
(c) St Aidans Road, between Marcus Garvey Mews and No’s 82
(d) Bellenden Road, between Holly Grove and Blenheim Grove
(e) Glasshill Street, between Pocock Street and Webber Road
(f) Maltby Street, between Tanner Street and Millstream Road
(g) Newcomen Street, between Bowling Green Place and Tennis Street (h) Scoresby Street, between Blackfriars Road and Gambia Street
(i) Union Street, between No’s 47 and No’s 49 to it’s junction with Redcross Way (j) Great Suffolk Street, between Dolben Street and Union Street (k) Ewer Street, between Union Street and bridge (l) Green Hundred Road, between Ethnard Road and Windspoint Road ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced on both sides of the carriageway (north and south side)
3.The alternative routes for affected traffic as indicated by the signs displayed
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.The works will be in operation for (2a) 15th – 17th April (2b) 18th – 20th April (2c) 15th – 19th April (2d) 15th April (2e) 11th – 12th April (2f) 17th – 18th April (2g) 11th, 18th April (2h) 18th – 19th April (2i) 12th – 19th April (2j) 15th – 16th April (2k) 16th – 17th April (2l) 8th – 19th April
7.Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk
Dated this 4th April 2024
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) 23357599-conway (2b) 65691257-conway (2c) 000032081176-001 (2d) 32089694-S81 (2e) LBSCR13417 (2f) LBSCR13422 (2g) LBSCR13411/-1 (2h) LBSCR13425 (2i) 90240001 (2j) grt/suff/bri(2k) ewer/bri (2l) 30761-WAL-WK15
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1)
(REDCROSS WAY, SUGAR LANE, STEEDMAN STREET)
1.The Council of the London Borough of Southwark, hereby gives notice that to enable works to take place by Erith, Thames Water, and Centurion it intends, to make an order, the effect of which, will be to temporarily suspend the existing southbound one way traffic flow system in part of Redcross Way and to close Sugar Lane and Steedman Street
2.Whilst the restriction is in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs are displayed:
(a) The existing southbound ‘one-way’ traffic flow system in Redcross Way, located between Park Street and Southwark Street, will be suspended to allow for a temporary ‘two-way’ traffic flow system.
(b) Prohibit traffic in Sugar Lane, located between George Row and East Lane (c) Steedman Street, between Walworth Road and Hampton Street
3.Alternative routes for affected traffic (a) Construction vehicles will access Park Street, via Redcross Way (b) East Lane, George Row (c) as indicated by the signs displayed
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 work and for any vehicle being used in connection with police, fire or ambulance purposes and anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.
5.The restriction will come into force foe (2a) between the 19th April – 11th August and will be operational Monday – Friday, between 08:00hrs - 18:00hrs and Saturday 09:00hrs –14:00hrs. (2b) 19th April – 30th May (2c) 17th April at 22:00hrs – 18th April 06:00hrs
6. Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network & Parking Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk
Dated this 4th April 2024 Ian
(2b) BER1-SULA80-01 thames (2c) LBSCR13426.2.2centurion/bridge
Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003
Please take notice that I / we Walworth Arms Ltd
Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of The Tankard, 176-178 Walworth Road, LONDON, SE17 1JL
The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are
A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH
A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp
It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.
Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
Date of application: 25th April 2024
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A2 GLA ROAD (OLD KENT ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND BANNED TURN) ORDER 2024
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable water main refurbishment works to take place at A2 Old Kent Road.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle;
(1) from turning right into Old Kent Road from Albany Road;
(2) from turning right into Albany Road from Old Kent Road;
(3) from turning right into Old Kent Road from Humphrey Street;
(4) from proceeding directly from Humphrey Street onto Albany Road.
The Order will be effective at certain times from 7.00 PM on the 5th April 2024 until 5.00 AM on the 8th April 2024 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.
4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:
(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;
(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.
5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs via for pedal cycles Old Kent Road, Nile Terrace, Oakley Place, Old Kent Road to
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;
51 GROVE LANE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8SP (Ref: 24/AP/0607)
Listed building consent for the proposed works include creating a garden access opening at basement level on the rear facade, installing new windows and replacing the existing roof on the rear extension, altering the entrance at the basement level (front of the house), and undertaking minor internal alterations. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)
MAWDLEY HOUSE WEBBER ROW ESTATE
WEBBER ROW LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1
8XQ (Ref: 24/AP/0791)
Listed Building Consent for the installation of a fibre optic network. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)
DELARCH HOUSE WEBBER ROW ESTATE
WEBBER ROW LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1
8QU (Ref: 24/AP/0792)
Listed Building Consent for the installation of a fibre optic network. Reason(s) for publicity:
STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)
OVERY HOUSE WEBBER ROW ESTATE
WEBBER ROW LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1
8QX (Ref: 24/AP/0790)
Listed Building Consent for the installation of a fibre optic network. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)
LAKANAL SCEAUX GARDENS LONDON
SOUTHWARK (Ref: 24/AP/0830)
Construction of boiler flue routed up the (southern) side elevation of Lakanal House to
enable high level discharge from boiler room. (Within: Sceaux Gardens CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666)
25 WESTMORELAND ROAD LONDON
SOUTHWARK SE17 2AX (Ref: 24/AP/0839)
New shopfront (previously open as shutter only) (Within: Walworth Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447)
2 PONTYPOOL PLACE LONDON
SOUTHWARK SE1 8QF (Ref: 24/AP/0743)
Installation of air conditioning system for the existing commercial space at 2 Pontypool Place, which consists of indoor and outdoor units. The change to exterior of 2 Pontypool Place consists of making three 70 mm diameter penetrations through existing wall in order to route the required AC ducting to the external AC unit. Indoor units will be placed internally within the ground floor office of 2 Pontypool Place, while the outdoor unit is placed on the terrace roof of 12 Valentine Place, belonging to Weston Williamson and Partners. (Within: Valentine Place CA)
Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Alex Lambert 020 7525 1353)
53 BURBAGE ROAD LONDON
SOUTHWARK SE24 9HB (Ref: 24/AP/0833)
Rear dormer loft conversion featuring a rear facing window and finished in zinc cladding. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Megan Stevens )
46 DATE STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 2HQ (Ref: 24/AP/0832)
Notice of application to vary a premises licence
Notice is given that: OLIVER MAN has applied to: SOUTHWARK COUNCIL to vary a premises licence at: THESE DAYS APERITIVO BAR, 100 DRUID ST, SE1 2HQ.
The following variations have been proposed:
- To extend the ON PREMISE sale of alcohol from 23:00 to 00:00 Mondays - Sundays
The licensing register listing details of the variation is held at : https://www.southwark.gov.uk/business/licences/licence-applications-list
To make a representation -
Address - Regulatory Services, 3rd Floor Hub 1, PO Box 64529, London, SE1P 5LX
Email - licensing@southwark.gov.uk
Any representations against this application must be made in writing and received by the Licensing Service at the above address, by no later than the 25/04/24.
Residents and businesses in the vicinity of the premises, or their representatives, may make representations on licensing objectives grounds only, i.e. the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, public safety and the protection of children from harm. Copies of all representations will be sent to the applicant. It is an offence, liable on conviction to a fine up to £5000 for an applicant to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with the application.
Date of application: 28th March 2024
Construction of a single Storey rear extension (Within: Liverpool Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki )
16 CHADWICK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4RA (Ref: 24/AP/0845)
Removal of disused chimney stack to front of main roof (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)
18 MANOR GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 1SX (Ref: 23/AP/3550)
Change of use from general industrial use (Use Class B2) to commercial kitchen (Use Class E(b)). Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ (Contact: Ali Weatherup 02075255471)
16 CHADWICK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4RA (Ref: 24/AP/0843)
Installation of new and replacement windows/doors to rear and side elevation, infill of kitchen door and installation of new velux rooflight to outrigger roof. (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Agneta Kabele 07548097486)
188 CAMBERWELL GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8RJ (Ref: 24/AP/0567)
Listed Building Consent for the replacement of the windows and doors on the property with timber slim lite double glazed replacements. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)
Dated: 02 Apr 2024comments to be received within 21 days of this date.
STEPHEN
PLATTS - Director of Planning andGrowth
tokei H ad just one competitor at the all stars Brazilian Ju-Jitsu europeans competition in crystal palace late last month - but he claimed a goal medal for the tooley street club.
Wilfred Taylor won four fights to take the title and £250 prize cheque.
This was a competition that draws fighters from a large catchment area and has categories for the much higher grades. Taylor decided to throw his hat in the ring to test his skills in the purple belt category. Progression up the grades is much slower in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu than many martial arts and a purple belt usually takes around ten years of training to achieve. It is a relatively rare sight on the mat. Taylor is one of only two purple belts at Tokei, so the competition was a great opportunity to test himself and see where he stood amongst his peers.
Taylor did not travel to the competition alone as he had a small team of supporters with him, to cheer him on and watch the higher-level contests. Taylor entered the under-76kg category, for which the fights were six minutes in duration unless ending earlier by submission.
As might be expected at the higher grades, the standard was fierce, the grappling was fast, and it was technical. Taylor did however have something of a slightly hidden advantage in the first 30 seconds of every contest. This was because in addition to being a Ji-Jitsu purple belt he is also a judo black belt. Judo is mostly stand-up grappling, and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu is mostly on-the-ground grappling, but it begins standing up. Taylor used this advantage well to score some early points in all of his fights.
All of his fights went the full distance with the winner being decided on points. One of these fights, which in essence became the gold medal contest, was decided by the smallest margin in Brazilian jujitsu of a ‘half point’ or ‘advantage’. After sharing the news of his success with the rest of the club, Tokei are expecting a few more people to be crosstraining over the coming weeks.
Tokei Brazilian Ju-Jitsu train in a purposebuilt dojo off Tooley Street on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as judo on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. They are a club with a significant proportion of more mature players returning to the sport. New players are always very welcome.
By John Kelly
cHris koNgo rose again on easter sunday after more than a year out of the ring to defeat bitter rival Florian marku on points at the o2 arena in greenwich.
Bermondsey’s Kongo won a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards of 9694, 96-93 and 98-92 after ten rounds, to hand Albanian Marku a first professional defeat in his fifteen-fight career.
It was Kongo’s first victory since June 2022, coming fourteen months after his defeat to Ekow Essuman, as he improved his professional record to 15-2.
Marku started aggressively and Kongo sustained a cut over his right eye as his
opponent landed in close.
But Kongo got on top using his longer reach to pick off Marku. Kongo was able to step in and connect before moving back before Marku could counter.
By the sixth round Kongo had gained control, and his work was starting to show as Marku had swelling around his eyes.
Towards the end of the seventh Kongo was able to snap his opponent’s head back with quick jabs. Marku struggled to land as the bell sounded on another confident round from Kongo.
Marku’s frustration was illustrated in the eighth round when he twice punched Kongo on the back of the head and he was deducted a point by referee Howard Foster. Marku was also warned he would
be disqualified if he repeated those misdemeanours.
Kongo admitted he had a tough year out of the ring as he gave his reaction ringside after getting the decision for the IBO intercontinental welterweight belt.
“First of all, I want to thank my Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ. I came here, we prayed, I believed, I trusted in the work. I trusted in [coaches] Barry Smith, I trusted in Lee Wylie and I trusted in Ben Davison,” Kongo said.
“All you’ve got to do is trust.
“Last year, I took an L [loss], but that didn’t stop me from sticking to it in the gym and keep working. Keep working and working and working. And I always knew that one day it would pay off.
“I promised myself, once I win this I’m going straight back in the gym. I’m getting back to work, nobody is going to stop me, I’m going to keep staying disciplined inside of the ring and training, and outside.
“In the first couple of rounds I felt his power and I said, ‘yeah, this ain’t stopping me, no way, he’s not stopping me’. I just said in my head, ‘stay disciplined, keep working, stay disciplined, keep working’. And it paid off.
“Just remember, I’ve had a year out of the ring and for sure, it was hard for me, it was really hard. One thing I did was stick in the gym. I stayed in the gym 24/7 and I kept, kept, kept working. That’s the main thing.
“And I’d like to say, I’m actually proud of myself for doing that.”
DulwiC h ha M let ’S promotion charge collapsed over a disastrous easter weekend when they lost two games to go from a point off the play-off places to six with four games left of their isthmian league premier division season.
The Hamlet lost 3-0 at Carshalton Athletic on Monday, with all three goals coming in the second half.
Dulwich started the day level on points with their rivals, but former Millwall winger Mason SaundersHenry gave the hosts the lead two minutes into the second half.
Oluwabunmi Babajide made it 2-0 and Michael Chambers’ own goal completed a disastrous afternoon at the War Memorial Sports Ground.
Hakan Hayrettin’s Hamlet were aiming to bounce back after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Billericay Town in front of a 2,787 attendance at Champion Hill.
Danny Mills’ goal in the 37th minute looked like it would be enough to take three points.
But two goals from Alfie Cerulli in the 86th and 88th minutes left the home supporters stunned.
Hayrettin said afterwards he felt some of his players were “running on empty” as their promotion hopes slipped away.
Carshalton and Billericay are three points ahead of ninthplace Dulwich and three points off Horsham in the last play-off spot as the Hamlet’s chance of an immediate return to the National League South appears to be gone. Dulwich have now lost three of their last five league games after only one defeat in their previous ten.
Dulwich play Enfield Town at Champion Hill this Saturday at 3pm.
They then travel to Canvey Island and Folkestone Invicta before their last game against Cray Wanderers at Champion Hill on Saturday, April 27.
By John KellyFiSher SluMPeD to a disappointing 2-0 sceFl premier division defeat to Holmesdale at st paul’s on monday.
Wale Odedoyin struck in the seventeenth minute before Albie Omara added the second fourteen minutes from time.
Ajay Ashanike’s Fish are twelfth in the table. There was also a defeat for Stansfeld in the same division.
The Stans went in front at Corinthian through Reiss Skeen’s goal on 20 minutes.
But the hosts hit back after the break when Jack Billings equalised in the 62nd minute and Michael Hagan made it 2-1 in the 75th minute. Stansfeld are 20th.
Fisher are at Lordswood on Saturday and Stansfeld travel to Bearsted. Both games kick off at 3pm.
EXCLUSIVE
by Kiro EvansPaul iFill has revealed that his over-exuberant celebrations during tim cahill’s goal is what left him going off a stretcher in Millwall’s Fa Cup semi-final win over sunderland.
The Lions experienced one of the greatest days in their history 20 years ago when they beat the Black Cats 1-0 to reach the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Cahill’s goal after 26 minutes was enough for the win and sparked crazy celebrations inside Old Trafford.
Only minutes later Ifill appeared to overstretch for the ball and was forced to come off.
The former winger, who currently works in New Zealand as head coach at Wellington Olympic, exclusively told our paper: “I haven’t really told too many people this, I talk about it over here [in New Zealand]. But what actually happened, and it’s a bit embarrassing, is that after the goal, when Timmy runs off to celebrate, I ran off behind him.
“But as he turned, I turned as well to go after him and catch him. But I actually pulled my groin then.
“I didn’t say anything but as we’re celebrating, I’m thinking ‘s***, I think I’ve done my groin.’ I tried to sprint and try and tell myself there’s nothing wrong but as soon as I took off to try and do that, bang. It was even worse and I realised I done something pretty bad here.”
Ifill, 44, went off with a groin issue before captain Kevin Muscat went off later in the first half after suffering a broken knee cap. Ifill’s teammates would never let him forget the difference in their exits.
He added: “The embarrassing part of it all though was I got stretchered off and then 20 minutes later, Kevin Muscat breaks his knee cap and manages to walk off the pitch.
“The boys gave me absolute pelters for months for that. Me getting stretchered off with a sore groin while Kevin is walking off with a broken knee cap.”
Millwall players and fans remember FA Cup semi-fi nal win over Sunderland 20 years on
Neil Harris said millwall’s famous run to the Fa Cup final was among the best memories in his entire career.
Today marks 20 years since the Lions beat Sunderland to end up in the Millennium Stadium showpiece against Manchester United, the first time they had ever reached an FA Cup final in their entire history.
They would go on to lose that game 3-0 against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side but the feelings of pride and emotion from getting to the final as a second-tier club, along with the memories of the legendary victory over the Black Cats at Old Trafford, would stay with many.
Harris started up front that day and told our paper: “It was a fantastic day. The atmosphere in Old Trafford was electric, it was a carnival atmosphere. The excitement in the players... I don’t remember a lot of fear in our changing room at all.
“The anticipation of trying to win a semifinal to play in the FA Cup final for Millwall football club was unprecedented. It was a position we didn’t expect to find ourselves in. It was quite a young group.
“I was fortunate enough to captain the side during the semi-final and I just remember the elation at the end, and the realisation that we had made an FA Cup final as a Millwall player.
“But I also remember reflective moments as well. I was sitting on the bus home with Matty Lawrence and just saying to him ‘we’re going to play in an FA Cup final.’ It was just shock.
“Wonderful times, magic memories. Certainly some of my greatest moments in professional football was that cup run.”
Paul Ifill, whose shot was blocked seconds before Tim Cahill hit the rebound in the 1-0 win, also remembers how monumental that game was in his career.
He told our paper: “I think [the Sunderland game] is probably the top one
for me. Everyone talks about the final, and this sounds terrible as a professional, but I think we all knew you could play that final against Man United 100 times and we would maybe nick a draw and win on penalties once.
“Very rarely do I get asked to speak about a play-off game, or any individual game, yet 20 years later, I speak about the FA Cup semi and FA Cup final a couple of times a week.
“I was only 24 years old and you don’t realise the gravity of what you’re doingyou’re just doing it, you’re just getting on with your job - and then many years later you look back and go ‘wow, that was pretty cool. I’m glad I was a part of that.”
The game was also memorable for the many supporters who travelled down to Manchester.
Lions fan Gary Staff said: “It was just one of the greatest days I’ve ever had. Still to this day, 20 years later, it still makes me tearful and emotional knowing we did it
that day.”
“[At full-time] There were tears everywhere. It was pure emotion. It was the strangest feeling in the world - Millwall in an FA Cup final? And I remember going to the FA Cup final and actually seeing the trophy there is when it hit me the most.
“We drove home, we were singing. There were cars with Millwall fans everywhere. Even other clubs that had played that day were pleased for us. It was amazing sensation.”
Supporter Donna Connor said: “It’s tears, it’s disbelief, it’s joy - so many emotions wrapped into one. People hugging and jumping over chairs. You were just standing there thinking ‘did we really do this? Have we really won?’
“It’s a day that every Millwall supporter will remember.”
Read the full, extended story of players and fans reminiscing about Millwall’s special day at Old Trafford on NewsAtDen+
by Kiro Evans
millWall Face yet another season-defining match when they travel to huddersfield town for a relegation six-pointer.
Monday’s defeat at Rotherham United - coupled with the Terriers drawing with Stoke City - mean now just four points separate Millwall from Huddersfield, who occupy the final place in the bottom three.
If the Lions were to lose for a second time in six days in Yorkshire, it would leave them in their most perilous position of the season and at serious risk of playing in League One come August.
How exactly they have ended up back in this situation having only recently hit a purple patch under Neil Harris speaks to how intensely competitive it is down at the bottom of the Championship. The Lions boss will be making it clear to his players that the Rotherham defeat must be a blip only and not the beginning of a slide back towards the bottom three.
Huddersfield will sniff opportunity for three points in this game and are searching for their first victory in seven matches. Andre Breitenreiter was appointed as their head coach in the middle of February but has only managed one win so far.
John Smith Stadium, Saturday 6 April 15:00
It has been a dreadful season for the west Yorkshire side who, let’s not forget, were the beaten play-off finalists as recently as May 2022.
Since then no one has been able to arrest the slide gripping this club and the fanbase will be worried that this sorry situation will leave them in the third-tier for the first time since 2012.
Huddersfield have been the draw kings so far with sixteen in the Championship but they will know only a win will do this time.
It finished as a draw back at The Den in December when Brooke NortonCuffy’s second half goal was cancelled out by a Delano Burgzorg’s penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Possible Millwall starting XI: 4-4-1-1: Sarkic; Leonard, Tanganga, Cooper, McNamara; Norton-Cuffy, De Norre, Saville, Honeyman; Flemming; Obafemi
Last meeting: Championship, December 16Millwall 1-1 Huddersfield
Brooke Norton-Cuffy scored when Millwall played Huddersfield back in December
millWall crasHed to a poor defeat at bottom side rotherham united to leave themselves once again looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone.
After 70 goalless minutes, Rotherham pounced twice in the closing stages through Sebastian Revan and substitute Charlie Wyke to grab their first win since Boxing Day.
Ryan Longman came off the bench to net an equaliser just a few minutes after Millwall fell behind but the Millers breached the Lions late on again.
In truth both of Millwall’s conceded goals were avoidable and they also spurned many opportunities with Rotherham keeper Viktor Johansson repeatedly denying them.
But travelling fans would have still expected far better against a side had not scored in any of their previous five games and had lost ten of their last eleven matches in the Championship.
The win means Rotherham have managed to avoid being officially relegated for at least a few more days.
Far more pressingly for Neil Harris is the fact that Millwall have slipped three places in the table after some big results for the sides around them. They are now four points off third-bottom
Huddersfield Town and travel to the Terriers for what is now another crunch match in Yorkshire on Saturday.
Millwall improved as the game went on but started off slow, and lost one of their players early on to injury.
A collision between Murray Wallace and Sam Nombe after six minutes left both players prone and the game halted. The pair eventually got to their feet but it became clear not long after that the clash had left Wallace worse for wear. He would be subbed off after 22 minutes for Danny McNamara.
Rotherham would be the slightly better team until the half-hour mark, during which Jake Cooper had an appeal for a penalty turned down after he appeared to be pushed in the back when contesting a high ball.
After 32 minutes, Michael Obafemi won the ball back in the Rotherham box, played it to Casper De Norre who quickly tapped it to Zian Flemming on the edge of the box. The Dutchman’s curling effort was impressively turned around the post by the Rotherham keeper. Cooper then had a header go just wide as Millwall ended the half the stronger.
They would also be the better side at the beginning of the second half as they began to build intensity and momentum. Flemming looked lively and would come
close with two attempts minutes apart on a corner.
A goal was coming as the sun slowly emerged at the New York Stadium after an hour and it seemed likely to be Millwall’s. They missed a golden chance when Japhet Tanganga had a free header from a corner saved by Johansson, but then Odoffin had a free header from a corner at the other end that he put over the bar a couple minutes later.
That moment would be encouragement enough for Rotherham who, having been second best for most of the second half, suddenly struck. Defender Revan had not scored before for the Millers but he cut inside confidently on the edge of the box and sunk a shot into the bottom corner.
Millwall, to their credit, responded well to the setback and should have equalised before they did with Johansson pulling off another big save to deny Obafemi. But then substitute Longman did score as he poked home from close-range after Cooper dragged a ball to the back post.
But the goal would be in vein when Rotherham went back ahead
It was all too simple from a defensive perspective with goalscorer Revan putting a simple cross in but Wyke got the better of Tanganga and flicked it home after 86 minutes.
The Lions huffed and puffed
throughout the six minutes added on but they ran out of time.
millwall: 4-4-1-1: Sarkic; Leonard (Norton-Cuffy 74’), Tanganga, Cooper (c), Wallace (McNamara 24’); Honeyman (Mayor 74’), De Norre, Saville (Esse 87’), Watmore (Longman 74’) ; Flemming; Obafemi.
rotherham: 3-5-2: Johansson; Odoffin, Humphreys, Revan; Seriki (Ferguson 63’), Rinomhota, Clucas (Lindsay 80’), Rathbone, Bramall (Peltier 90+1); Nombe (Wyke 79’), Eaves.
By Kiro EvansDunCan watMOre has praised millwall fans for giving the players a positive “vibe” inside the den.
The Lions have struggled at home for much of the season but have been picking up results under Neil Harris, beating Watford and Birmingham City before drawing 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion on Good Friday last week.
Millwall have won only six of their 20 games at The Den this season and have scored the second-fewest home goals after Stoke City. But the atmosphere in home games has improved in recent weeks.
Speaking after the draw with West Brom, Watmore told Millwall TV: “As the manager has spoken about all week, the vibe at The Den is really good at the moment. And we as players feel that. It’s enjoyable and we’re grateful for the support we’ve been getting.
“It makes a huge difference. As footballers we try to do our job the best we can no matter what’s going on outside but it makes a huge difference when you feel that energy and positivity from the fans.”
Watmore opened the scoring against the Baggies in the first half but he and Michael Obafemi would miss huge chances to make it 2-0. Millwall were made to pay when West Brom won a penalty that was tucked home by John Swift.
millWall’s JoiNt under-18 manager wants his players to have no regrets when they leave the pitch tonight.
The young Lions face a mammoth FA Youth Cup semi-final game away at Leeds United as they look to overturn the odds again and get to the final.
Millwall beat nine-time winners
Chelsea on penalties at The Den in February, reaching their first semifinal in 30 years. They are now in the final four of a competition that began with 630 teams.
Larry McAvoy, who manages the youth side alongside Chris Perry,
believes his players have taken confidence from that major upset. He told our paper: “I think the boys are just really excited. Going into the Chelsea game there was a lot of hope for a game of that magnitude and I think we’ve now got more belief after taking a really big scalp. There will definitely be nervousness but it will be healthy nerves hopefully.
“As much as we can, we need to be relaxed, play our normal game, not let the nerves get to us and make sure we come off the pitch with no regrets and hopefully the result goes our way.”
Along with taking out Chelsea in the quarter-finals, Millwall have had to beat Barking, Grimsby and Coventry City to get this far.
Striker Kavalli Heywood has
already netted six goals in the competition and McAvoy is excited about his potential.
He said: “Kavalli developed really well. He come in at the under-13s and he was someone who came with a lot of ability but just needed some work in terms of the professionalism of the game and tidying his game up and making good decisions.
“He had a tough season last season where he perhaps didn’t get the goals or the outcomes that he wanted but this season he’s played a lot more and he’s a confidence player. When he’s confident, he’s really difficult to play against.”
Fans can watch the game online for free on the FA Player from 7pm tonight (Thursday, April 4).
By Kiro Evans
Neil Harris has challenged his players to rise again after their unexpected stumble on easter monday. Millwall went to bottom-side Rotherham United knowing that a win would edge them closer to safety and relegate their opponents.
But the Lions missed a handful of chances and then conceded cheap goals to allow the Millers to win for the first time since Boxing Day while Millwall were plunged back into danger. They now face a crunch game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday in a match that could go a long way to deciding who stays up and who goes down.
Harris initially triggered a huge turnaround in form when he returned for his second spell as head coach at Millwall and now needs his players to
find their form again.
He said: “Every game is a big game. [Rotherham] was a big game, West Brom was a big game. Huddersfield’s exactly the same.
“I expect to see a response on the training ground. I want to see leadership from the group and the senior players.
“From the players who weren’t in the team, I want to see character from them and hunger on the training pitch to be in the team on Saturday.
“We have to respond to this game accordingly. It was a disappointing result against a team at the foot of the table but we can’t dwell on this. It’s a short season now, six games to go, and we’re in a lot healthier position than we were six games ago. We were level on points with the two teams above Rotherham and we’re now four points clear of them.
“So we have to make sure we continue our vein of form and put in a strong
performance and positive result at Huddersfield.”
The defeat marks the first time Millwall have seriously underperformed under Harris, starting the game too slowly and being fallible defensively. Rotherham had not scored in any of their previous five games before Millwall arrived in south Yorkshire.
Harris said his players had been “excellent” up until that game but urged them to not let their standards drop again.
He said: “What we’ve done until today was excellent work. We built a togetherness around how we want to play and how we want to achieve our goals between now and May.
“It’s a disappointing result and a huge frustration for us. I’m angry as we’ve absolutely thrown it away.
“If a team has enough to beat you because they outplay you and have momentum, then that’s football. But we
threw it away.
“And that’s when I look at the group. As individuals and as a group they’ve been brilliant for me, but today did we do enough? Did we have a strong enough mentality to win for the football club? I’m not sure we did.”
Japhet Tanganga, Michael Obafemi and Zian Flemming missed big chances in the 2-1 loss on Monday and the Millwall boss could not hide his frustration.
He said: “We made enough chances to win two or three games of football. I’m talking about clear-cut chances as well. The quality of player we have, we need to put the ball in the goal. We’ve not scored enough goals all season.
“If you’re not going to be ruthless at one end, then you have to be ruthless at the other end. And we have been since my arrival, but today we wasn’t. We didn’t do enough as a unit to keep the ball out of the net.”
By Kiro Evans
millWall are facing an issue at left-back after murray Wallace was subbed off with injury against rotherham united.
The defender, making his first start since February, had an airborne collision with Rotherham attacker Sam Nombe early into Monday’s 2-1 defeat against the Millers.
Wallace carried on but looked visibly uncomfortable and was subbed off after 24 minutes for Danny McNamara. The 31-year-old started the game after Joe Bryan limped out of the Good Friday draw with West Bromwich Albion.
Lions head coach Neil Harris said he expected Bryan to miss a couple of weeks of football while it is unclear how serious Wallace’s issue is.
Reflecting on the incident, Harris said: “His back stiffened up and his neck stiffened up so probably a bit of whiplash for Murray. We’ll have to see how he goes over the next couple of days.
“We brought Murray back in today as a left-footed full-back without Joe Bryan so it’s obviously a blow to lose your two-backs.”
McNamara started the first three games under Harris at left-back and now could return to the starting line-up if Wallace and Bryan miss Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield Town.
