Herne Hill #130 (Spring 2015) by The Herne Hill Society

HERNE HILL THE MAG A ZINE OF THE HERNE HILL SOCIET Y❧ ISSUE 130❧ SPRING

CRAMMED IN AND LATE — SO JUST WHY ARE WE STILL FACING MORE PAIN ON THE TRAINS? ▶ Bil Harrison reveals t the facts on Page 3 Ge ur yo py o

c day to

PECKHAM RESTORED

CARNEGIE UPDATE

▶ Station finally showing its true glory - Turn to Page 14

▶ What does the future hold for beloved library? Turn to Page 6

Sry OUTRAGE IN BROCKWELL U PFLull dviaents PARK AT NAKED BATHERS of

▶ Courts involved - Turn to Page 12

❧2015 ❧£2

THE HERNE HILL SOCIETY THE COMMITTEE President Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer

Bill Kirby Colin Wight chair@hernehillsociety.org.uk Laurence Marsh vicechair@hernehillsociety.org.uk Jeff Doorn secretary@hernehillsociety.org.uk Rosalind Glover treasurer@hernehillsociety.org.uk

Committee

Cynthia Anderson John Brunton Ian McInnes Sheila Northover Elizabeth Ochagavia Jackie Plumridge

Magazine

Mike Richards

CONTENTS

COMMENTS & ENQUIRIES To advertise in the Magazine advertising@hernehillsociety.org.uk To contribute to or comment on the Magazine editor@hernehillsociety.org.uk To comment on planning or licensing issues environmental@hernehillsociety.org.uk To order a publication publications@hernehillsociety.org.uk Membership enquiries membership@hernehillsociety.org.uk Local history enquiries localhistory@hernehillsociety.org.uk Herne Hill notice boards noticeboard@hernehillsociety.org.uk Website webeditor@hernehillsociety.org.uk Community safety publicsafety@hernehillsociety.org.uk Other issues enquiries@hernehillsociety.org.uk Postal and online addresses The Herne Hill Society PO Box 27845 LONDON SE24 9XA hernehillsociety.org.uk facebook.com/hernehillsociety Twitter @hernehillsoc Copy deadline for the Summer issue is 27 April, 2015. Opinions expressed in the Magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Herne Hill Society Committee, which likewise does not approve or endorse the quality or suitability of any goods or services advertised in the Magazine.

ADVERTISING

Advertising space is available in this Magazine for local businesses.. Contact Liz Ochagavia by e-mail on: advertising@hernehillsociety.org.uk

Transport news Brockwell Park arson attack An accident on Half Moon Lane Dulwich Road regeneration Herne Hill Society AGM Developments at Carnegie Library Blue plaque for Freddie Cleaner, Greener, Safer Programme Under Milk Wood Christmas Fair Dulwich Picture Gallery Review Donald Dean VC Outrage in Brockwell Park WWI air raid alerts Peckham restored A touch of magic The Yellow Peril Discovery in Milkwood Road Hot reception for bandits Christmas quiz answers The Lupinos of Herne Hill Planning & Licensing

3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 9 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 19 21 8

Diary of Events Herne Hill Society and other events

Councillors List of contacts

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

NEWS

WOEFUL TRAINS GETTING WORSE Thameslink troubles Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR) took over the running of our Thameslink services in September 2014 with much optimism and many news releases. As any Herne Hill railway commuter will attest, the performance has been woeful. This is borne out by the official statistics, which show the service standard to be well below their much vaunted ‘target’. The main problems have been: • The severe delays caused by the capacity restrictions and train re-routing resulting from the rebuilding of London Bridge Station by Network Rail (reckoned to cause about 60% of the problems) • A shortage of drivers inherited from First Capital Connect, unreliable elderly Thameslink trains, and GTR management difficulties (25% of the problems); • Other train-operating company actions (15% of the problems) The problems are getting worse. The bold target for PPM (Public Performance Measure – the percentage of trains arriving within five minutes of the scheduled

time) was 89.1% for the GTR Thameslink sub-operation. The actual figures for the first four months of GTR management up to and over Christmas were 81.1%, 76.4%, 78.7% and 77.3%. This last figure is almost the worst for the 53 sub-operations monitored and reported on, and many of the comparable London commuter services were much higher. There is little prospect for improvement in the short term – London Bridge station continues constrained, more trains are passing through Herne Hill, new drivers need to be trained, and no new carriages will be introduced until 2016 – and then on the Brighton services. Indeed, the measured performance for January will be much worse, given the problems of the burst water main flooding the Clerkenwell Tunnels just north of Farringdon.

Delayed: Late trains are leading to overcrowding and frustrated passengers One piece of good news is that we recently heard from the Southeastern Railway that a scheme has been agreed with Network Rail to improve Herne Hill station at a cost of more than £1 million. Work is scheduled to start this summer. The company will be sharing its plans with local stakeholders – hopefully giving us the opportunity to influence the outcome. Wings over Herne Hill: update Following publication of their Interim Report in December 2013, the Davies Airport Commission announced in September 2014 that it now ruled out the various ideas for a completely new airport somewhere in the Thames estuary. It says these ideas raise unresolved environmental and access issues, and would require too much public money. In November 2014, the Commission published a Consultation document setting out its views on the three options shortlisted in December 2013, and for which it had received submissions by the option promoters in May 2014. The three options are: a second runway at Gatwick; a third runway to the north of Heathrow (Heathrow Hub); and a third runway to the north-west of Heathrow. Comments were invited by February 2015. The Commission’s work will continue until

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

safely past the General Election. A response submitted on behalf of the Society is summarised as follows: • Herne Hill suffers from aircraft activity at Heathrow, and benefits from easy surface access to Luton and, potentially, to Gatwick; • The analysis has given insufficient attention to the low cost options, and the low traffic growth scenarios; • If a new runway is built, Gatwick provides the best location – for passengers, for the environment, for local jobs, and for the efficient use of public infrastructure; • The Society calls for revisions to the approach being used and for further comment before any long-term decisions. Townley Road turns Southwark’s proposed ban of the right turn for traffic out of Townley Road onto East Dulwich Grove by JAGS/Alleyn’s has caused a lot of recent controversy. There have been concerns over the last couple of years about the safety of pedestrians (mainly students) at the junction, and a desire to enhance the Green Dale to Townley Road link as a safe strategic route for cyclists (helped by finance from London Mayor Johnson for what some regard as vanity cycling projects). Bil Harrison

NEWS

Brockwell Park hit by arson attack People who read the South London Press or the Brockwell Park Community Partners’ website will already know about the appalling vandalism that took place on the evening of Tuesday, 13 January. For those that don’t, the attractive public shelter next to the tennis courts was burned down by one or more arsonists. The Metropolitan Police paid a visit to the site of the destruction and are investigating. So far there is nothing to report, but the investigation continues. If you saw anything suspicious going on round the shelter that might

Destroyed: All that remained of the public shelter near the tennis courts in Brockwell Park after it was burned down by arsonists in January be linked to the attack, please contact Paul Carter, Brockwell Park Manager.

He will then pass the information to the police. Paul’s contact details are:

Pcarter@lambeth.gov.uk, or 020 7926 6283. John Brunton

An Accident on Half Moon Lane What was Sunday 4 May 1913 like? Was it sunny or was it raining? We don’t know, but we do know that it was probably very windy. Mr Henry Ward Beach, aged 45, of 16 Kestrel Avenue, was passing ‘Homeland’, 48 Half Moon Lane, perhaps on his way to the pub or to church, when a tree branch fell on him and he was fatally injured. Back in March the Homeland’s tenant had contacted the Dulwich Estate office over the tree and they had sent their expert, Mr Owen Thomas, to report on it. He advised that some cutting back was required and the work was carried out. The inquest at the Lambeth Coroner’s Court later that week agreed a verdict of accidental death. The Coroner, in his summing up to the jury, said that in his opinion, short of removing the tree

altogether, the Estate had done all that was possible to protect their tenants and the public from danger. The deceased’s relatives were not so easily satisfied and consulted a solicitor. Shortly afterwards the Estate received a letter from Mr Frank W. Morris of 31 King William St EC. He said that, while he was not desirous of intimating legal proceedings, the College authorities should consider how far they should help the family in regard to the payment of funeral expenses. He noted that the amount was £21-12s (£21.60p) and offered to send a detailed breakdown if required. At the next Board Meeting the Estate Manager recommended that the Estate should pay and the meeting agreed. Ian McInnes

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

l Membership Renewals: Many thanks for keeping up the steady flow of membership renewals. We hope that all our existing members will be re-joining. Reminders are enclosed for those who have not yet responded to the renewal notices sent out in the last issue of the Magazine. To make it easier, you can renew online.

A TOUCH OF MAGIC

▶ Turn to Page 15

NEWS

DULWICH ROAD AT LAST SEEING BENEFITS OF REVAMP New bus stops and road layout improving traffic In planning the overall scheme for the regeneration of Herne Hill, a key element was to remove the bus routes from Railton Road, where there were stops outside the Railway Station, and to concentrate all the bus routes and stops in Dulwich Road. In transport planning terms, further segregation of trains and buses is generally not favoured, so the discussions with Transport for London (Tf L) highlighted the compensating benefits of our proposals. These included removing double-decker buses from Hurst and Rymer Streets, both narrow residential roads, and making Railton Road a more friendly space. Widening of Brockwell Passage was designed to provide a safer and more pleasant way between the railway station and the bus stops in Dulwich Road. These would be repositioned closer to the junction, improving access between various destinations and other routes. This was an important factor in obtaining the approval of Tf L, providers of the funding. The position of a single bus stop for all routes going south was fairly straightforward, situated half-way between the junction and Brockwell Passage. However, the two existing separate stops for buses going north towards Brixton were less satisfactory and had pavement build-outs. They had been causing delay to other north- and south-bound traffic. The original regeneration scheme simplified this arrangement by having a single stop for all north-bound routes in a wider part of the road to remove the congestion caused by the existing traffic hold-ups

Traffic overtaking buses veered into other lanes

and to reduce pollution by cutting carbon emissions from standing vehicles. But only recently when we met with Tf L did they re-confirm their agreement to the combined stop. By the time you read this, all work should have been finished. At the time of writing the pavement build-outs have been removed and the planned road resurfacing complete with the bus stop road markings in place. Even before completion it was easy to see that traffic flows had improved with pollution reduced. The countdown facility taken from the redundant stop is to be transferred to the south-bound stop to give welcome and easy access to information about bus arrival times. Conveniently located bus stops closer to the junction in a part of the road that permits the free movement of other

traffic is a solution that is beneficial to all: pedestrians, bus users and vehicle drivers. It also reduces the carbon profile of Herne Hill. Yet this and the widening of Brockwell Passage have remained the last pieces of the jigsaw in implementing the Herne Hill Junction Regeneration Scheme, the catalyst that has changed this part of the local community for the better. The detailed planning and the programme of works to implement this final part of the original plan, conceived 10 years ago, have been in place for some time. The overall regeneration scheme is now tantalising close to completion. Its success will facilitate the progression of other ideas to improve the public domain in Herne Hill. Herne Hill Regeneration Scheme Project Board

Herne Hill Society’s AGM 2015 The Society’s 2015 Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 11 March, at the Herne Hill United Church, junction of Red Post Hill and Herne Hill. Doors will open 7:30 for a 7:45pm start. There will be a review of activities and achievements over the past year, including reports from our

Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. There will also be the opportunity for members to ask questions and to suggest new areas in which the Society could usefully get involved. And there will be the usual elections for Officers and Committee members. We are always on the look-out for more people to help run the

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

Committee or to get involved in our work in other ways. Committee member nominations, proposed and seconded, must be received by the Secretary before the start of the AGM – contact details on page 2. If you would like more information, please get in touch with Colin, our Chair, who would be glad to help.

NEWS

New Developments at Carnegie Library Just before Christmas the library was transformed, with stylish white bookshelves laid out to reflect the curve of the dome skylight and the 1906 sunray pattern. Colourful, comfy seating, a long counter for laptops, more logical placing of the six public computers and a discrete corner Teen Zone add to the stunning new look. The Children’s Library has also been refurbished, with new bookshelves, colourful fun features and two computers. How was all this paid for? The budget for installing selfissue machines necessitated an overall refit and updating including replacing the large issue desk with a neat enquiries point. Our librarians now have more time to answer questions and give help. These developments were initiated by Lambeth Libraries Service in consultation with the Friends; it shows what can be achieved by working cooperatively together. Tables and bookshelves are on wheels, creating greater flexibility. Events and activities, during and out of public library hours will be easier to host; and there should be no question of shrinking or marginalising the library, as proposed in the recent options exercise. The Project Group has now completed its work, but instead of disbanding, has changed itself into a shadow trust board, making arrangements for the library building to be transferred to unelected trustees who would not be accountable to the local community. The Herne Hill Society should be concerned, not least because the proposals

Stunning: The new-look Children’s Library, part of the transformation before Christmas would require unwelcome interventions in a listed public building. On 30 January Lambeth announced proposals for cultural services to 2020. These include withdrawing funding from Carnegie, Upper Norwood and Durning

libraries and supporting “new community-led models” funded from an endowment formed by closing and selling off the Minet and Waterloo libraries. See www. lambeth.gov.uk/culture2020/ cultureconsultation. Consultation runs until

Future of the library

This is a worrying time for those who use and value the Carnegie building and the library service run from it. There is disagreement about the Community Hub proposals and how the Carnegie might be managed, assuming that it can indeed be saved. The view of the Chair of the Friends of Carnegie Library has been expressed here. However we will give more space in our next edition to this important local issue. Both sides will have the opportunity to express their views.

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

24 April. Anyone interested in ensuring the future of Carnegie Library is truly community-led should join the Friends, at the library or online at www. friendsofcarnegielibrary.org.uk. Jeffrey Doorn, Chair, Friends of Carnegie Library

▶ World War stories Turn to P12-13

Donald Dean VC, HERNE HILL HERO

NEWS

Cartoon by Gary Dexter, 15 November 2014. Reproduced by kind permission of The Spectator There has been much speculation over the years about the origin of the name ‘Milk Wood’. Dylan Thomas came to London in 1933 and stayed for about four years. One of

his mates from Swansea, the artist Alfred Janes, had digs in Herne Hill and Thomas shared with him. Apparently he was known to drink in the Half Moon (and elsewhere, no doubt). Alfred Janes painted several portraits of Thomas and lived in Dulwich for over 30 years, until his death in 1999.

Blue Plaque for Freddie? Keen observers walking around Herne Hill and readers of our Heritage Trail or Personalities book will spot a number of plaques and memorials to notable past residents. Additions are always welcome; and it was felt time to include boxer Freddie Mills in the roster. We have accordingly nominated him for a Blue Plaque. Initiated in 1866, the Blue Plaque scheme to honour significant people and sites has been run by English Heritage since 1986. Rules for consideration are strict and we made sure Freddie would fulfil the requirements: he has been dead for over 20 years, lived at a stillexisting address at a significant stage of his life, has not previously received or been nominated for a plaque, and his achievements are of lasting importance. Moreover, sports figures are under-represented. Born in Bournemouth in 1919, Freddie Mills had a highly successful boxing career from 1936, winning the British middleweight championship in 1940 and becoming world light-heavyweight champion in 1948. He served with the RAF in WWII and in India to 1946. After retirement from boxing in 1950, he became a popular light entertainer and was

respected for his charity work. Married at Herne Hill Methodist Church in 1948, he moved with his bride to 186 Denmark Hill and lived there until his death in 1965. English Heritage will now go through its assessment and selection process; and we wait to hear whether our candidate will be approved. Jeffrey Doorn

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

Cleaner Greener Safer Programme: Tree Campaign

We are pleased to say that our application to Southwark’s Cleaner, Greener, Safer (CGS) Programme for replacement trees has been successful. The award is for £5,000 to replace some of our lost street trees, to be replanted next winter. We understand that Southwark plans also to plant some trees this winter, meeting the costs from an existing budget. Sadly we don’t yet have any progress to report regarding planting on the Lambeth side. Two other applications for projects in Herne Hill have been approved for CGS support: £1,500 for a bench in Half Moon Lane; and about £6,000 to bring back into use the lighting in Sunray Gardens.

Planning & Licensing There are no wholly new planning issues to report, but several earlier schemes are updated below. 77 Herne Hill We reported last time a possible planning breach with the apparent construction of a roof extension. Southwark enforcement investigated at our request and reported that it was simply a structure to protect the roof while repair works were being carried out. There have been further reports of disturbance and possibly illegal activities relating to Dee Dee’s bar on the ground floor. We have urged local residents to report any untoward events to the police, using the 101 facility, or to Southwark Licensing or Planning, as appropriate; and to keep a diary of incidents. 42 Elfindale Road The Society opposed a revised application for a large roof extension. However, Southwark has given approval. Railway bridge advertisement hoarding A response from Southwark about the legality of this is still awaited.....after six months!! Pavement outside 294 Croxted Road We reported last time about the administrative error which resulted in Southwark’s refusal of an application to install a new

DULWICH POT & PLANT GARDEN

12B Red Post Hill, SE21 7BX. 020 7733 3697 www.dulwichpots.co.uk POTS Traditional and Contemporary Exterior and Interior Terracotta, Glazed, Polystone, Metal, Ceramic, Terrazzo, Fibreglass. PLANTS Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Grasses, Herbaceous, Perennials, Annuals and Herbs. COMPOSTS Multipurpose, Peat Free, John Innes, Ericaceous, Pebbles, Slate, Gravel, Grit. SHOP House Plants, Indoor pots, Tools, Seeds, Bulbs and horticultural supplies. Local delivery available. Free parking outside North Dulwich Station 8

box and higher pole not being communicated to the applicant in time. As a result the development went ahead. The Society made a formal complaint, the result of which was an apology and an intention to improve procedures in future. Higgs Industrial Estate, Loughborough Junction The Society opposed two applications for what seemed to us over-intensive development. Together with the Loughborough Junction Action Group and Cllr. Jim Dickson, we spoke against the scheme at the Planning Committee meeting. The applications were refused against Officer advice and new applications are expected to be submitted shortly. ‘Off the Cuff’ 301-303 Railton Road There has been a retrospective application for planning permission for this café/bar. The application is titled ‘Change of use to a wine and cheese club (Use Class A3/A4/A5)’. A decision is awaited. Tesco 128 Herne Hill The pedestrian passageway between Milkwood Road and Herne Hill has opened at last, but it seems most people still prefer to walk through the shops (old habits die hard?). The vehicle access route, designed to keep servicing traffic off the roads, is being used for parking and storage of cages, contrary to the planning conditions. This has been raised with Lambeth Council. We note that planting pits in the pavement have recently appeared at the front and back of the premises. Given Lambeth’s suspension of all street tree planting, this is a welcome sight. We raised the absence of tree planting with Lambeth last year, since trees were shown on the approved drawings for this development. It seems that the developers have taken heed. Parreira Restaurant, 49-51 Norwood Road We objected to an application from this restaurant to extend their current licence on Friday and Saturday nights to allow opening to 3:00am with music, dancing, late night refreshment, alcohol sales to 2:30am. Southwark Licence Sub-Committee approved an extension on those days, but with opening only until 2:00am and music, dancing, late-night refreshment, supply of alcohol all to 1:30am. There must also be no consumption of alcohol outside the premises after 9:00pm; and a maximum of five smokers outside at any one time. A number of other conditions were imposed mainly relating to sound insulation, sound levels and a prohibition on hiring the premises to third parties. David Taylor/John Brunton

Happy Birthday, FoBP! Launched at an inaugural meeting held in the Lido on 12 January 1985, this year marks the 30th birthday of the Friends of Brockwell Park. For 30 years the Friends have worked to protect and enhance our much loved and valued green space, and to ensure the preservation and enhancement of this jewel in Herne Hill’s crown. In the words of the famous epitaph – si monumentum requires circumspice – which loosely translated means: no need for any monument, just look around you. John Brunton

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

NEWS Live music was a key part of the day during all the festivities

You could almost hear the sleigh bells ringing as Herne Hill unveiled its Christmas extravaganza. From buzzing market stalls to Santa’s very special celebrity helpers, the 2014 Christmas Fair, organised by the Herne Hill Forum, once again pulled in the crowds. Hundreds of people gathered to pick up festive treats at the array of stalls which lined Station Square, with intricately crafted cards and funky printed accessories up for grabs. A firm favourite was Amy the sheep, who looked suitably Christmassy in her red-and-green coat. Christmas trees were flying off the shelves and with mulled cider aplenty, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into a Dickens novel, with a distinctive 21st century twist. There was a smorgasbord of musicians to keep the crowds entertained. Soprano Elizabeth Hungerford enchanted passersby with her soaring melodies, soon to be followed by the Cambria choir, who got Herne Hill swinging with some foottapping favourites. Lucy Harrower and Sarah Fisher who co-direct the Cambria choir said, “We were thrilled to see the crowds joining in and dancing away. We’ve had lots of new joiners since then and hope to come back next year”. The fun continued down Half Moon Lane, which played host to an Enchanted Winter Wonderland, led by ethical business group Blue Patch. Children gathered to

Celebrity Sparkle at the Herne Hill Christmas Fair

The wide selection of stalls and entertainment brought out crowds decorate over 100 biscuits, while the adults were treated to an eclectic mix of music outside the Half Moon Pub. The venue reestablished itself as a hub of Herne Hill as a classical trio, indie band and country group rocked out on the patio. The local shop fronts glowed beautifully, and attracted plenty of custom from the keen passers-by. Olley’s Fish Bar was transformed into a fairy-tale grotto, of which Santa himself would be proud. The star attractions were this year’s ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘Mama Santa’- Channel 4 Gogglebox’s Sandy and

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

Sandra. This celebrity duo greeted over 200 children with bucket-loads of Christmas cheer. The grotto was an instant hit and the Herne Hill Forum has been deluged with positive feedback. One lady commented: “The two ladies who played Mama Santa and her elf were just brilliant. My boy has never seen this before, but was enchanted. A fantastic effort by the organisers”. With children entertained, the adults were far from forgotten, as Slique Spa put on foot rubs and the Health Hub offered free health checks. As another Fair drew to a close and the stalls were packed up, it seemed that once again Herne Hill had delivered a special day. One visitor wrote: “My godson lives in a homeless hostel and has very little. But Herne Hill delivered the necessary magic”. Giles Gibson from the Herne Hill Forum agreed. “It was amazing to see the results of so much hard work by the Herne Hill Forum team and our local volunteers. It just goes to show what can be achieved with eager volunteers, dedication and enthusiasm.” Sarah Baldwin

www.bokishair.com 020 8678 6646

HAIR HAIR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

020 8678 6646 61 NORWOOD ROAD HERNE HILL SE24 9AA www.bokishair.com

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

OPENING HOURS MON-FRI 8AM-9PM SAT 8AM-6.30PM SUN CLOSED

NEWS

Canada & China at Dulwich Picture Gallery

rom the Forest to the Sea: Emily Carr in British Columbia finishes on 8 March; do not miss the chance to see (or see again) this wonderful show. We first plunge deep into Emily Carr’s world of dark forest scenes from her mature period. Her paintings are alive with movement and rhythm, tree trunks like carved sculpture and leaves like flowing cloth. Her careful depictions of the life and culture of indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast, British Columbia, are shown with displays of artefacts from museum collections, including the Horniman. First Nations people welcomed Carr and continue to revere her, as she did not exploit but celebrated them. From her first sight of totem poles in 1907 she was determined to understand, document and record what she feared was about to be swept away by white settlers. Her early watercolours are lighter and more delicate. It is fascinating to follow her development as she absorbs European conventions and later discovers post-impressionism and brings it to Canada, but

ultimately develops her own distinctive style. “Indian art broadened my seeing, loosened the formal tightness I had learned in England’s schools.” Charcoal drawings, abstractions and bold dramatic works emerged from periods in a caravan, when she would “go into the woods alone and look at the earth crowded with growth new and old, bursting from their strong roots”. Painting fast to capture everything, she experimented with oil paint thinned by petrol. We finish with bright, glowing seascapes, alongside which are helmets, hooks, harpoons and other objects associated with fishing and whaling. Carr’s shimmering views of cliffs, coves, sea and sky are glorious. When she could no longer paint she wrote, winning the Governor General’s medal for literature. It is a delight to discover this unique artist. Can you tell real from fake? Made in China: A Doug Fishbone Project, beginning 10 February, challenges visitors to identify a Chinese replica hanging among the 270 Old Master paintings on display. Close inspection will be needed to find the copy by one of China’s numerous exporters of handmade oil

paintings, which replaces the original in its frame. The public have until 26 April to find the fake and submit their answers via an iPad in the Gallery. Those spotting the forgery correctly will be entered into a competition to win a custom print from the Gallery’s collection. The replica will be revealed on 28 April when it will hang side by side with the original, so one can compare and contrast.

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

This is an intriguing exercise which should encourage us all to look closely at paintings, examining the brushwork, colour, ageing caused by varnish and the nuances of style and technique. Open Tuesday – Friday 10am-5pm; weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am5pm. Gallery and exhibition £11, seniors £10, cons £6; Friends and children free. Jeffrey Doorn

Donald Dean VC, a Herne Hill hero

onald John Dean was born in Herne Hill on 19 April 1897, the second son of John and Grace Dean. The family home, which would have been newly built when the family moved in, was at 7 Woodquest Avenue. This house, along with a number of other nearby properties in Woodquest Avenue and Milkwood Road, was destroyed in an air raid on 19 March 1941. Some time after 1901 the family moved to Sittingbourne in Kent. The 1911 census, however, shows Dean and two of his brothers living at Smith’s Farm, Appledore, near Ashford, where it seems they were being educated. On the outbreak of World War One Dean lied about his age and enlisted as a Private in the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. He served on the Western Front eventually working his way up to Captain. In WWII he joined up again, narrowly escaping from France in 1940, then serving in Madagascar and Italy and rising to the rank of Colonel. In civilian life Dean worked in the family brick-making business. He died in 1985 at his home in Sittingbourne and is buried in a family plot in the churchyard of St John the Baptist, Tunstall. Late in September 1918, only a few weeks before the Armistice, Donald, then an acting Lieutenant, was leading a platoon defending a recently captured and isolated German trench near Lens in northern France. Despite five German counterattacks accompanied by heavy machinegun fire, Donald and his men managed to drive back the attackers. For his part in this defence, Donald was awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation stated that the post was ill-prepared for defence, and that Lieutenant Dean worked unceasingly with his men to consolidate their position under heavy fire. Throughout the five attacks

FROM THE ARCHIVES THE HULL DAILY MAIL, 22 AUGUST 1916

Outrage in Brockwell Park

August 1916: the Battles of the Somme and of Verdun, two of the bloodiest in human history, were at their height. Germany declared war on Romania, and Italy on Germany; and fighting continued across Europe, in the Middle East, and East and North Africa. Meanwhile, back on the home front, a matter of grave concern occupied the attention of the London County Council – the outraging of public decency in Brockwell Park. A Warning to Bathers Mr R. W. Weight, of Camberwell, at Lambeth on Monday, was summoned by the London County Council for outraging public decency by failing to wear a bathing dress when bathing at Brockwell Park, Herne Hill. A bathing lake attendant at the part stated that he spoke to the defendant for not wearing a costume. Questioned by the defendant, the attendant admitted that there were generally naked men about in the process of drying themselves. Defendant: Some go through Swedish drill perfectly naked? Witness: Yes. Defendant: Did I call your attention to that? –Yes. Mr Biron (to defendant): I don’t quite follow your point. The defendant reminded his Worship that he was summoned for “outraging public decency”. He objected to his name being besmirched in that way. Men were allowed to stand about in the nude. Why should he be summoned? Mr Biron: Because the general principle is that when people bath in the public parks to which the public have access, they should wear some kind of bathing dress. What is the objection to wearing a costume? Defendant: There is no objection to wearing it. Mr Biron: Then why not do it? Defendant: My point is that if someone goes into the water without a costume he is charged with outraging public decency, but that if he stands naked, as they do by dozens, no notice is taken. Mr Biron ordered the defendant to pay a fine of 20s. “It is a common delusion,” said his worship, “that if A does a thing for which he is responsible it is a complete answer to say that B, C, and D did the same thing and have not been summoned.” Defendant: I should like to consider the advisability of appealing. Mr Biron: You can appeal, certainly.

he inspired his command with his own contempt for danger, setting the highest example of valour, leadership and devotion to duty. Donald Dean is featured in our interactive map commemorating WWI. You can access the map through www.hernehillsociety.

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

org.uk and explore the sites, people and events associated with Herne Hill, Dulwich and the surrounding area that are commemorated. We are adding more all the time and would welcome suggestions for inclusion. John Brunton/Laurence Marsh

West Norwood Fire Station, which is now a theatre, and Dulwich Fire Station (above), were both used for alerts

WWI Air Raid Alerts Zeppelin bombing of London started in May 1915. Warnings of raids were rudimentary: policemen on bicycles with signs round their necks reading ‘POLICE NOTICE TAKE COVER’. This was not very effective. Increasing losses meant that Zeppelin raids were phased out during 1917, the last being in October of that year. However, London was by then facing a new and increased threat from Gotha long-range bombers. An attack on 13 June 1917 killed 162 civilians, the highest death toll in a single raid of the war. There was a

Two of the early alerts for air raids

serious need to warn the population to take cover when raids were imminent. In July 1917 a new system was introduced. The approach of enemy

aircraft was signalled by the discharge of two explosive naval rockets from the look-out towers of London fire stations, including those at Dulwich and West

Norwood. The police continued to carry their warning notices as well as signs announcing the ‘all clear’. But this was reinforced by a new innovation: bugle calls from policemen or Boy Scouts travelling in cars. The Dulwich Fire Station was demolished in 1947. The site, at 512 Lordship Lane, is now occupied by a telephone exchange. The West Norwood Fire Station at 2a Norwood High Street has survived and is now used by the South London Theatre. John Brunton

More sites for commemorative map Our commemorative WWI online map has now expanded to include 63 sites - and we are continuing to find more. As well as Herne Hill, Dulwich and West Norwood, the map now covers sites in Camberwell, Brixton, Clapham and Tooting. Of course there are the inevitable war memorials: 25 of them so far, listing a total of 2,347 servicemen and civilians who lost their lives during the war – an incredible

number for such a relatively small area. But as well as these, there are people who were awarded medals for gallantry, descriptions of attacks on local shops with Germansounding names, the Wellcome Pharmaceutical Laboratories where treatments for the effects of poison gas were developed, army training and sheep grazing on Brockwell Park, tents and huts in Ruskin Park as a temporary extension to King’s

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

College Hospital to cope with the numbers of war wounded, Zeppelin raids, convalescent hospitals and much more. You can find the map by going to the Society’s website hernehillsociety.org.uk and clicking on the link. We are still on the lookout for sites and welcome suggestions. Send your ideas to localhistory@hernehillsociety.org.uk. John Brunton

The magnificent Waiting Room at the restored Peckham Rye Station

PECKHAM RESTORED

ur monthly meetings were launched to a sparkling start for the New Year. The room was packed to hear architect Benedict O’Looney, member of the Peckham Society committee, give a passionate and enthusiastic presentation about the conservation of old Peckham. Peckham has been inhabited from Roman times and, having been mentioned in the Domesday Book, went on to become prosperous during reign of Charles II (1660-1685), when Sir Thomas Bond built his grand mansion there. Bond was mentioned by Samuel Pepys; Bond Street was named after him; and he was the supposed ancestor of James. More recently a number of large Department Stores were set up there, including Marks and Spencer, Holdron’s, Jones and Higgins. Now Peckham remains as a vibrant, multi-cultural shopping area where a huge range of products are sold. We were advised to go and explore Khan’s Bargain store which currently sits on part of the site originally occupied by Holdron’s “The Store of the People”. Most impressive was the work which has been done to conserve parts of Peckham Rye Railway Station. Originally designed by Charles Driver and built in 1865, it suffered during the Beeching era when most of the building was

The minarets on the Islamic Centre and the Ladies’ ‘Sanitary Units’ at the station are two of the projects recently completed closed. Now much of it has been restored to its full splendour. The huge Waiting Room has been reopened, and will be in use again for a whole range of activities including meetings of the Peckham Society. New doors and windows have been fitted which enables you to look in and see the wonderful cast iron staircase inside. The ‘Sanitary Units’, i.e. the toilets — built in the 1930s — have been restored (in the case of the Gents’). Sadly the Ladies’, in an unexplained act of destruction by contractors working for Network Rail a few years ago, were demolished. But they have been partially restored without the sanitary fixtures or plumbing.

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

The toilets also include the beautiful glass mosaic floor built by Jesse Rust, a company based in Battersea. The work to restore this floor received a National Railway Heritage Award last year. Benny spoke reverently of the Arcade which had been built around the Railway Station in the 1930s. He was convinced that it had been modelled on Michelangelo’s Campidoglio in Rome! Most recent projects include the restoration of the Edwardian clock-face on the Jones and Higgins tower, due to be illuminated in the next few months; the minarets on the Peckham Islamic Centre in Choumert Grove and last, but not least, the restoration of Kennedy’s on Walworth Road, now worth visiting for a pizza. Val Suebsaeng

t is impossible not to return to a child-like state of awe and intrigue on stepping into the small but magically formed space at 19 Half Moon Lane. Barrie Westwell is surrounded by optical illusions in boxes, in cabinets and on display. I am privy to his magic show and I hear his tale. Trained as an engineer in Cheshire, he then worked in London until he grabbed an opportunity to work a spotlight on a cruise ship for a free holiday. One day he found a letter under his door inviting him to be Stage Manager. And he did this until the ship had to be scrapped. Back ashore with an Equity Card, he first worked the theatre and then TV. Fast forward 30 years and Barrie was lecturing to Media students. To entice them to his 9.30am lectures he performed magic and illusions relevant to the world of business. Misdirection, focus, presentation, expectation were all good discussion points. In 2011 he began performing at family parties and private shows around Herne Hill and Dulwich. But he had yet to fully develop his persona as The Illusioneer of Herne Hill. It was when he was offered the ground floor of the premises at 19 Half Moon Lane that Barrie contemplated a change of scene from his comfortable arrangement in his Herne Hill home. Getting up, he would turn left and was in his office, in easy reach of the photocopier on the landing. But here was a chance to extend and share his delight in keeping the different forms of magic alive. One to one or to a maximum of two people, he gives a series of three progressive workshop sessions in illusion and magic. The pupil’s goal might be to entertain in the school playground, at a dinner party or to start a Magic Club like one sixth-former who did exactly that at Dulwich College. His own early inspiration came from David Nixon and Tommy Cooper, when magic tricks were the preserve of boys impressing other boys. Nowadays young women are just as keen. Barrie’s teaching culminates in the pupil giving a private

A TOUCH OF MAGIC

Meet Barrie Westwell, Herne Hill’s master of misdirection known as The Illusioneer

The Illusioneer Barrie Westwell runs midweek showcases for aspiring magicians and has a cosy 20-seat stage for performances in his premises in Half Moon Lane performance of their new found skills. But if they are confident enough, his ‘Midweek Magic Mix Show’ is also a showcase for fledgling magicians. The performances at The Illusioneer are for all age groups. There is a pre-show in the foyer where there are lots of things to see and do while everyone gathers. Then everyone moves into the cosy, stylish, Little Theatre which seats 20, for a 45- to 90-minute show, the time depending on the age group Barrie now has recently acquired a performance and workshop tent that will get its outings at all the local summer fairs and school fêtes, as well as being available

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

for private hire. In addition to the Party Shows which are performed in a Parlour and Street Magic style, he has a Mind Magic Show, a Gambling Show and a Flea Circus starring The Great Camaroon, his sidekick Cleggy with the Flying Royals, as well as shows for Halloween and Christmas. Through the shows Barrie has integrated into Herne Hill in a new way, now as familiar with families of young children as he is with the parents of 20-somethings like himself. He shared in the loss to local business with the flood of 2013. Fortunately for Barrie the water didn’t reach as far as the inner sanctum, his small magically-charged stage. And fortunately for us, his shows can continue to amaze and entertain. You can contact Barrie at barrie@ theillusioneer.co.uk Becca Thackray

THE TALE OF Herne Hill’s Sax Rohmer and...

THE YELLOW PERIL

his ‘yellow peril incarnate in one man’ was the creation of Arthur Henry Ward, born in Birmingham in 1883 to Irish immigrant parents. He changed his name to Arthur Scarsfield Ward and wrote under a number of pen-names, the best known of which is Sax Rohmer, which he said meant ‘roaming blade’. Sax Rohmer claimed to have started work in a bank, at very much the same time as P.G. Wodehouse, and both started writing for Titbits and The Globe, before abandoning bank work to pursue careers as writers. While Wodehouse did work briefly for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, they have no record of Sax Rohmer under the various names he might have used. Christopher Frayling describes meetings with his widow, who called herself Elizabeth Sax Rohmer and lived in Lewes. She told him of their comfortable life in suburban Herne Hill where the immensely successful author of the Fu Manchu stories posed for publicity photographs in a silk robe, smoking a very ordinary pipe. His wife described him as ‘a gentle dreamer’ but also said that she locked him in his room to write. Between 1912 and 1959, Rohmer published 13 Fu Manchu novels, many of which were filmed. Though his full list of fiction titles is 72 and he wrote three

Dr Frances Wood reviews Christopher Frayling’s The Yellow Peril: Dr Fu Manchu and the rise of Chinaphobia

non-fiction works, one with George Robey, one with Little Tich and The Romance of Sorcery (1914), a collection of anecdotes about famous practitioners, and four stage plays. He started, however, in 1908 with lyrics for music hall songs including such ‘oriental’ titles as The Camels’ Parade: a desert arabesque, Aboo Tabah, The Pigtail of Li Fang Fu and Orange Blossoms: a Chinese tale. Tit-Bits, and other popular magazines to which Sax Rohmer contributed, included a quantity of titillating articles on sordid and exotic Limehouse and opium, whether consumed in Hong Kong or London. However, Frayling’s most striking revelation, arrived at through his intense and impressive survey of Sax Rohmer’s writing and the types of work he produced, is that ‘Fu Manchu was born in the Edwardian music hall. He is an indestructible pantomime villain…’ Apart from his caricatured evil, worthy of the wicked ‘off with his head’ Emperor or the fiendish Chinese wizard in Aladdin, it is indeed true that in his various escapes from threatening situations, stage effects such as trap-doors and thunderous fire-works

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

are often involved, as well as Houdini-like wrigglings from ropes and chains. Another relevant aspect of the Edwardian music hall was the popularity of ‘Chinese’ conjurors. Fu Manchu’s green eyes were described at length by Dr Petrie, ‘…they were narrow and long, very slightly oblique, and of a brilliant green. But their unique horror lay in a certain filminess (it made me think of the membrane nictitans in a bird) which, obscuring them as I threw open the door, seemed to lift as I actually passed the threshold, revealing the eyes in all their brilliant iridescence.’ As many have noted, green eyes are not at all ‘stereotypical Chinese’. As late as 1959, the year that Sax Rohmer died, P.G. Wodehouse had Bertie Wooster complain about his Aunt Dahlia in A Few Quick Ones: ‘This has shocked me, Jeeves. I wouldn’t have thought such an idea would ever have occurred to her. One could understand Professor Moriarty, and possibly Dr Fu Manchu, thinking along those lines, but not a wife and mother highly respected in Market Snodsbury, Worcestershire.’ l This is an extract from ‘Made in Herne Hill’ Times Literary Supplement, 9 January 2015 by Frances Wood. l Sax Rohmer features in Herne Hill Personalities, published by the Society and available from us online.

UNKNOWN BOUNDARY MARKER DISCOVERED

alking along Milkwood Road one day last November, I noticed a cast-iron sign embedded in the pavement abutting the front wall of No.159. I stooped down and tried to read the lettering: it appeared to be headed ‘BOUNDARY’ and beneath that on either side of a vertical line ‘Borough/County’. What could it be? Neither the boundary nor the marker appears on the Ordnance Survey maps of 1870, 1894 or 1913, neither is it featured in the Herne Hill Heritage Trail. I consulted Peter Jefferson Smith of the Clapham Society, who suggested an answer. It all goes back to the 1832 Reform Act, which created a constituency of Lambeth. The original scheme would have created too large a constituency, so to achieve approximate equality in terms of voters and population with other metropolitan areas, the commissioners appointed to fix parliamentary boundaries reduced the area for Lambeth. The constituency would comprise the parishes of St Mary Newington, St Giles

Camberwell and that part of the parish of Lambeth north of a line “defined in the Act”. That line was defined as: “From the Point at which the Road from London to Dulwich by Red Post Hill leaves the Road from London over Herne Hill in a straight Line to Saint Matthew’s Church at Brixton; thence in a straight Line to a Point in the Boundary between the respective Parishes of Lambeth and Clapham One hundred and fifty Yards South of the Middle of the Carriageway along Acre Lane.” Is the boundary marker on the line as set out in the statute? I laid my ruler on the pages of the 1913 Ordnance Survey map of Herne Hill, and was thrilled to discover that the marker is indeed on the line. One mystery remains as to why the marker was placed in the middle of the front of the house. I would have thought it would have been easier to place it between two houses. As it was, in which constituency were the people who lived at 159, or did they have a vote in both constituencies? In Herne Hill there are many parochial and local authority

The parliamentary boundary marker in Milkwood Road boundary markers, some of which are listed in the Herne Hill Heritage Trail, where more information can be found. The marker at 159 Milkwood Road marks a parliamentary

boundary, and as such it could be very rare. If that is the case, the discovery is even more exciting. Scheduled monument status, perhaps? Robert Holden

‘Hot reception for bandits’ in Half Moon Lane Report in the Aberdeen Journal, 18 August 1932. Mr Champion’s shop was at No. 23 Half Moon Lane, now the Kindred Bakery. HOT RECEPTION FOR BANDITS Flower Pot, Boots and Shoes Thrown at Startled Raiders Motor bandits

who engaged in two smash-and–grab raids on jewellers’ shops in South-East and East London in the small hours of yesterday morning met a hotter reception than they had bargained for. Mr S. R. Walker, manager of the shop in Hackney Road, Bethnal Green, on hearing the

sounds of breaking glass, snatched up a revolver he kept handy, dashed downstairs, and saw a man gathering what he could inside the broken window. The man jumped into a car which was at the kerb, and Mr Walker fired five shots at the vehicle as it made off. Hurried Departure

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

Half Moon Lane, at Herne Hill, was the scene of the second raid, where two men from a motor car smashed the window of the jewellers’ shop of Mr C. G. Champion and were helping themselves to the contents when a flowerpot hurled by the tenant of a flat opposite,

fell beside them. The startled raiders found themselves the next moment the target for a bombardment of boots, shoes, and other missiles from other neighbouring windows, and jumping into their car they drove away. Pursuit by another car which came up was unavailing.

DIARY OF EVENTS SPRING/SUMMER

FOR MORE iNFORMATION AND OTHER SOCIETIES’ EVENTS, SEE hernehillsociety.org.uk

SOCIETY EVENTS Wednesday, 11 March ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, followed by “Lambeth Architecture 1940 – 1965” by Edmund Bird This talk introduces the third in a series of books written in conjunction with Fiona Price and published by Lambeth Archives. Copious illustrations explore post-war developments in the area.

OTHER EVENTS Saturday, 14 March at 11:00 – 3:00pm South London Botanical Institute Moss Day. The first ever London Moss Trail will be formally opened. Learn about the most versatile plant group using botany and a smart phone! Refreshments. 323 Norwood Road SE24

Wednesday, 8 April “Conserving the Cuming Museum” by Judy Aitken, Heritage Manager, London Borough of Southwark. An illustrated talk outlining the painstaking restoration work after the fire in 2013.

Wednesday, 18 March at 6:30 for 7:00pm Friends of Carnegie Library ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. Join or renew your membership and help determine the future of your local library. More active volunteers always welcome. Free refreshments. Carnegie Library, 192 Herne Hill Road

Wednesday, 13 May “Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy” by Julian Harrison, Curator, British Library Discover the history and challenge the myth of the world famous document in its 800th anniversary. The British Library exhibition is on until 1 September. Saturday, 6 June THOMAS LYNNE BRISTOW MEMORIAL LECTURE The inaugural lecture in what is intended to be an annual event. Speaker and subject to be confirmed. Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park

OUR COUNCILLORS

Herne Hill Ward Lambeth Michelle Agdomar (Lab.) MAgdomar@lambeth.gov.uk @MichelleAgdomar Jim Dickson (Lab.) JDickson@lambeth.gov.uk @JimDicksLambeth 020 3149 6657 Jack Holborn (Lab.) JHolborn@lambeth.gov.uk @jack_holborn Thurlow Park Ward Lambeth Anna Birley (Lab.) ABirley@lambeth.gov.uk @annamayb Fred Cowell (Lab.) FCowell@lambeth.gov.uk @fredacowell Max Deckers Dowber (Lab.) MDeckersDowber@lambeth.gov.uk Village Ward Southwark Anne Kirby (Lab.) Jane Lyons (Con.) Michael Mitchell (Con.)

anne.kirby@southwark.gov.uk jane.lyons@southwark.gov.uk michael.mitchell@southwark.gov.uk 07535 932 326

Your MP Tessa Jowell MP (Lab.) jowellt@parliament.uk House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. 020 8333 1372

Saturday, 25 April at 3:00pm Friends of Carnegie Library “Tribute to Shakespeare in Words & Music” The Friends’ Musick present a concert in Elizabethan costume celebrating the Bard in his birthday week. Free entry. Free refreshments. Carnegie Library, Herne Hill Road l Unless otherwise stated, Herne Hill Society meetings will be at Herne Hill United Church Hall, at 7:30 (doors open) for 7:45pm. To avoid disturbance to others, please try to arrive before the speaker is introduced.

Your GLA Member Valerie Shawcross AM (Lab.)

valerie.shawcross@london.gov.uk GLA, City Hall, Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA 020 7983 4407

Environmental Contacts Lambeth Streetscene: Cleansing, rubbish removal, pot holes, abandoned vehicles, graffiti removal etc: Southwark Streetscene (as above):

020 7926 9000 020 7525 2000

Advertising Advertising space is available in this Magazine for local businesses at the following rates: Full page £70 Half page £35 Quarter page £18 Four issues for the price of three. There is a premium for a full-page advertisement on the back cover. Please provide your own artwork.

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

Christmas quiz: The answers

Why was the Charter School, Red Post Hill previously known as ‘Billy Biro’? It was originally William Penn (hence ‘Billy Biro’) School (and then Dulwich High School for Boys) before becoming The Charter School in 2000

Where did the seats in Sharp Works (haberdashery and knitting shop), Railton Road come from? From the former Cinema Grand at 222 Railton Road

This literary icon was born 100 years ago. He first came to London in 1933 and had links to Herne Hill. He was known to have drunk in the Half Moon pub. He had friends with lodgings, with whom he is thought to have stayed, in a road near the pub which may have been the inspiration for his final masterpiece. Who is he? Dylan Thomas (Under Milk Wood)

What was the function of the cast iron columns found in on the corner of Chaucer Road and Dulwich Road, on Dulwich Road by the bus stop nearest Meath House and at the junction of Water Lane and Dalberg Road? Victorian columns (stench Pipes) for

Congratulations to David Dutnall of Carver Road, who gave the right answer to every question, and even corrected us on the date of the music festival in question 6 (1937 not 1939). David’s prize, a bottle of Prince de Didonne VSOP Cognac, was donated by our generous Chair, Colin Wight. Thanks to Chris Bleathman for setting the questions.

launched a campaign to bring that part of the Effra which flows along the edge of Brockwell Park (and perhaps ultimately the whole of the Effra) back to the surface as a visible and enjoyable river

Which is the biggest park: Brockwell, Dulwich, Peckham Rye or Ruskin? Brockwell Park, at a little more than 50 hectares. Dulwich Park is 29 hectares and Ruskin nearly 15.

What tragic event occurred on 6 June 1892 at the formal public opening of Brockwell Park? Thomas Lynn Bristowe MP, who led the campaign to create the Park, had a heart attack and died in Brockwell Hall

venting fumes from the River Effra (now the Effra Sewer)

Who spent his childhood at 28 Herne Hill from the age of four? He wrote in his autobiography of the sketch he made when he was 13 of the bridge across the Effra from the bottom of Herne Hill to Norwood Road and the pleasure he got from “the tadpole-haunted ditch [the Effra] in Croxted Lane [now Road]”. John Ruskin

What scheme was proposed in 1992 to bring “windsurfing down Brixton road, fishing by the Oval or paddling through West Norwood”? The Effra Redevelopment Agency

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

Where in Herne Hill can you see two plaques on one house and whom do they commemorate? 2 Warmington Road. Richard Church and Sam King

What event in Herne Hill was the composer Michael Tippett involved with in the summer of 1939? A ‘Pageant of Youth’ in a temporary open air theatre in Brockwell Park near to the Herne Hill gate.

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

THE LUPINOS oF HERNE HILL

artin Humphries, Director of the Cinema Museum, presented an illustrated talk to the Society’s November meeting on Ida Lupino and her father Stanley. Stanley was born in Southwark in 1893. He trained as an acrobat and became a music hall performer. In the 1920s he was successful enough to appear in his own shows, went to Broadway in 1926/7 and starred in films in the 1930s. He died in London during the war in 1942 aged 48. We were treated to an example of his comedy in a film clip of Stanley singing “Steak and Kidney Pudding I Adore You”. Stanley and his wife Constance had two daughters, Ida and Rita. The family lived at 33 Ardbeg Road, Herne Hill, and later in Leigham

Above: Stanley Lupino (right) with Fred Emney in the 1938 film Hold my hand Right: Ida Lupino (far right) with sister Rita in the 1920s Court Road in Streatham. Ida was born in 1918 during the First World War. She trained at RADA when she was only 13. She was clearly something very special as, aged 14, she was offered a Hollywood contract. Ida left for America in 1933, accompanied by her mother. She never looked back. Success came quickly. Her

film credits are long, and she worked alongside great actors such as Basil Rathbone, Ronald Colman, Humphrey Bogart and Errol Flynn. Ida moved into TV in the late 1950s and was successful for many years as both an actress and a director. She died in 1995 at the age of 77. In her later years she became something

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

of a recluse. She married three times and had one daughter. Ida’s sister Rita was also an actress, but never managed to achieve the same success. The Herne Hill Society will be campaigning to put up a Blue Plaque on the house in Ardbeg Road where Ida was born and grew up. Val Suebsaeng

Herne Hill-Spring 2015

MSC “Olley’s Fish Experience in Herne Hill has become the

first in the UK to add a total of eight MSC certified species of fish to their menu. The fish and chip shop now offers its customers the widest choice of MSC certified fish in the country.”

Norwo od Ro ad

Park

ll Half Moon Lane

Brockwell

d Road

lwi

rn e

ilto

Hill

Milkwoo

Herne

Croxte

d Road

www.olleys.info Olleys Fish Experience

olleys@olleys.info olleysfishexp

65 - 69 Norwood Road, Herne Hill, London, SE24 9AA 0208 671 8259 (Takeaway)

0208 671 5665 (Restaurant)

Why not have fish & chips at your next event weddings, birthdays & anniversaries We can cater at your event “Mobile Fish & Chips” Herne Hill-Spring 2015

Opportunity Knocks With the continued lack of properties on the market and the Government ‘s ‘Help To Buy’ scheme, our local market has seen unprecedented price rises, often well in excess of the asking price! The lettings market also continues to be buoyant, a great opportunity for investors with interest rates at a historic low! Diana Burn, Founder

Thinking of selling? At Oliver Burn we pride ourselves on our ability to complete the sale. It is not just about getting an offer, this can often be the easy bit. The hard work is to ensure the whole process thereafter moves as swiftly and efficiently as possible towards a successful completion.

e d my home and that sh an e m t ou ab d re ca e sh ess Diana I knew that the team made the proc d an n ‘From the moment I met re ar W le. sa e th r portant to me fo stressful. I would have no ly ib ed understood what was im cr in en be ve ha d important enges that coul feel that I was the most d di very easy in spite of chall y all re I as , rn Bu r mending Olive hesitation at all in recom ess.’ factor in the whole proc Steven Coates Norwood Road, SE24

Herne Hill-Spring 2015