Herne Hill Society Newsletter #106

HERNE HILL SOCIETY EVENTS At Herne Hill United Church Hall, at 7:30 for 7:45pm, unless otherwise stated.

HERNE HILL JUNCTION Work starts on first phase Work has begun on the first phase of this project to upgrade and improve the Junction, a project that will lead to the long-overdue regeneration of the centre of Herne Hill and of the main entrance to Brockwell Park.

Transport for London (TfL), the main funder, gave the go-ahead and the contractors moved in on Monday 19th January.

This first phase covers continued on Page 3 the planned works for

Wednesday 11 February: "Recasting Crystal Palace" by John Greatrex, former Chair of Crystal Palace Foundation.

Journey of a corner of Paxton's structure to a northern foundry and back to the park.

Wednesday 11 March: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Followed by “Educating Ethel”, the story of education for girls

by Anne Ward, Lambeth Archives.

Wednesday 8 April: “Pomp and Ceremony in the Square Mile” A romp through the City’s civic year

by Billy Dove, elected member of City of London Corporation, with service on some thirty committees.

Wednesday 13 May: “Helping Combat Climate Change”

by Rob Basto. He obtained a PhD for research into the Earth’s atmosphere, now runs a software production company and is actively involved with environmental groups.

We need dramatically to reduce our use of fossil fuels. The problem is serious, but the solution is simple. The talk gives a global perspective of the situation and how we can tap into the abundant clean renewable energy available.

Wednesday 10 June: “Cantors and Canticles: Jewish and Christian Music Antiquity to Present Day” by Alexander Knapp, pianist, composer and lecturer.

Dr Knapp has held positions at SOAS, RCM , Cambridge, Goldsmith’s and City University.

The relationship between the two musical traditions, with many recorded examples.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday 11th March 2009

The Herne Hill Society’s Annual General Meeting will be held Wednesday 11th March, 7:30 for 7:45 at the United Church Hall at the top of Red Post Hill.

This year we are proposing to elect a President. Then the current committee will stand down and a new committee will be elected. There is an outstanding vacancy for someone to contribute to our work and take minutes of meetings. We meet eleven times a year, generally the first Tuesday of the month, conducting the Society’s business with lively, friendly discussions.

Nominations should be sent to the Secretary before the AGM. If you wish to nominate a Society member for the committee, please be sure he or she is willing to stand!

After the tea break there will be an illustrated talk on the history of education for girls by Anne Ward of Lambeth Archives.

The AGM gives us a chance to review the past year, socialize and look to the future. Be there and make it happen.

JD

TRANSPORT NEWS “The world’s our oyster”….. (but not on overground rail…..) and “Cry Freedom!!”

1. RAIL UPDATE Oystercard The Oystercard currently cannot be used at a number of overground rail stations and news reaches us that there are plans to widen its use. Southern, SouthEastern and First Capital Connect are working towards accepting the Oystercard across their networks, with a target trial run by latest September 2009. We must appreciate that this is a difficult thing to achieve as many stations are served by more than one rail company.

North Dulwich station The December timetable heralded a cutback in service of two of the six trains an hour (the East Croydon ones). Lobbying is going on to try to reverse these cuts but no progress has been made in restoring services to date.

2. UNDERGROUND RAIL UPDATE The Northern Line upgrade is planned to be finished

by December 2011 prior to the Olympics. Bank will be a key interchange station. A year ago the Northern Line broke all records by carrying 4 million passengers in a day!!

3. LONDON BUSES UPDATE a) Ross-en? Why? On a cold or rainy day what better than to take a 68 or 468 from the “Fox-on-the-Hill” on Denmark Hill to Tulse Hill to listen to the automated bus-stop destination announcements? At the two stops almost opposite each other further along Denmark Hill between Sunray Avenue and Deepdene Road the on-

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board voice says “Sunset Road”. The gem of course is at the junction of Norwood Road and Rosendale Road where the announcement is “Ross-en-dale Road” instead of “Row-sen-dayle”. Of course we are asking “Ross-en?” “Why”? We are advised that these errors will be rectified – enjoy them while you can! b) Hybrid buses 1,200 are being introduced, although none in the immediate Southwark / Lambeth area. c) Bendy-buses The first three routes where they will be phased out are the 38, 507 and 521. Other routes will follow and the Mayor hopes to have the new Routemaster bus in service by 2011. d) “Cry Freedom” – Mayor honours “Freedom Pass” 24 hour usage From 2nd January the Mayor of London fulfilled his election pledge by making the “Freedom Pass” usable on TfL (Transport for London) buses, trams and tubes at any time. This is a huge concession to the many “Senior Citizens” whose “Freedom Passes” have transformed their lives.

However, one does need always to check that certain bus, tube and tram services and routes are not excluded from the scheme for some reason, and please DO note that this concession DOES NOT EXTEND TO RAIL SERVICES, where travel is generally not permitted before 0930.

In order to reassure yourselves about the latest situation BEFORE use your Pass please do check at www.freedompass.org or enquire in person or by phone to any TfL travel centre 4. MOTORCYCLES Motorcycles can now travel in bus lanes BUT ONLY on red routes: an 18 month trial started on 5th January.

David Cianfarani

From Front Page

Rymer Street and Hurst Street. It involves regenerating the footways and carriageways and constructing speed tables at each end of Hurst Street and a speed table at the Dulwich Road end of Rymer Street. TfL has also approved the start of some other peripheral work in Milkwood Road (a raised zebra crossing outside the tunnel entrance to the station) and in Railton Road. In addition, as part of a local safety scheme, two new zebra pedestrian crossings will be constructed in Dulwich Road: one on the south-east side of Shakespeare Road and the second on the north-west side of Hurst Street.

Transport for London Directorate of Traffic Operations has now produced a report on the Junction proposals. This report recommends that the scheme should proceed, subject to implementation of SCOOT, a computerised traffic control system that responds automatically to fluctuations in traffic flow through the use of on-street detectors. It also proposes that the slip road zebra crossing be converted to signal control, should experience show this to be appropriate.

An independent consultant’s report has also

been received comparing the relative safety of the agreed scheme and an alternative submitted by the Friends of Brockwell Park (FoBP) Committee. This report concludes that, on safety grounds, the agreed scheme is the preferred option. Members of the FoBP Committee presented their ‘alternative’ scheme at a meeting in January with senior Officers from Lambeth Council. However, Council Officers remained concerned about the safety implications of the ‘alternative’ proposals.

Architects have now been appointed to produce designs for upgrading and improving Brockwell Passage. This will make pedestrian access to and from the station and Dulwich Road very much more pleasant.

We hope that, as set out in the latest timetable, preliminary work will begin during February on the slip road for west bound vehicles going between Norwood and Dulwich Roads.

Further updates on the project will be available on the Herne Hill Society’s website: www.hernehillsociety.org.uk.

JB

Works in Hurst and Rymer Streets

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PEABODY ESTATE Planned Improvements The Peabody Estate in Rosendale Road is one of a number of London housing projects built by the Peabody Trust, the charity founded by the American philanthropist George Peabody (1795-1869) to provide decent housing for the working poor. This estate was built between 1901 and 1908 in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style.

It comprises 142 two-storey cottages and 170 flats in five blocks.

Despite the attractiveness of the buildings, the overall environment is of poor quality. The wide roads are in a poor state of repair and the narrow pavements give little attention to the needs of pedestrians. There are no proper ‘communal’ areas, few trees and very little other planting.

Proposed design for Rosendale Road entrance

Following consultations with residents, the Trust has submitted proposals to Lambeth Planning for a scheme to improve the whole estate. The key

priorities, as indicated by residents, are to improve roads and pavements using more attractive materials, improve lighting and more greenery. Other concerns that will be addressed include the lack of play facilities and communal areas.

The proposed design will allow for tree planting and to reduce the current visual dominance of rows of parked cars. An informal community space will be developed between two of the apartment blocks, where vehicle access will be limited and the main entrance will be improved and widened with brick columns to be more in keeping with the design of the rest of the estate.

Proposed communal area

ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW Last summer an edition of the popular BBC1 programme, The Antiques Roadshow, was filmed at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

It attracted large numbers of local people and our own Robert Holden was filmed talking about his collection of artefacts that belonged to his grandmother, who was a London midwife in the thirties and forties. He has not heard whether his piece will be used in the programme, but is hopeful.

Other HHS members were there too and so it will certainly be worth looking out for familiar faces. The programme will be screened in two parts – on 8th and 15th February, at 7.00pm.

SN

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Subject to planning approval and barring any major changes to the plans, work should start on site by the late summer. This will result in very welcome improvements to one of Herne Hill’s attractive Conservation Areas.

JB

FROM THE ARCHIVES Peabody Buildings Rosendale Road Herne Hill, SE

(Close to Brockwell Park)

——— REDUCED RENTS THREE ROOMS, 6s 6d } TWO ROOMS, .. 4s 9d } PER WEEK ONE ROOM, .. .. 2s 9d } ———

Apply to the SUPERINTENDENT, on the Premises

South London Press Advertisement, 4th April 1903

MILKWOOD ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

MEMBERSHIP

Speeding motorists have for too long been a problem in Milkwood Road. Chicanes at the Herne Hill end have helped things there. However, many people remain seriously concerned about vehicle speeds further north. And these concerns are confirmed by observations of traffic speeds and by the numbers of reported vehicle crashes and collisions.

98% of local residents responding to Lambeth’s consultation exercise in June/July 2008 supported introducing further safety measures into Milkwood Road. Lambeth has now published firm proposals for traffic calming measures along nearly all of Milkwood Road, from Herne Hill to the junction with Poplar Road. The work is expected to start in March or April.

The proposals will involve removing two of the existing chicanes – one between Shardcroft and Gubyon Avenues and the second to the north of Gubyon Avenue. These will be replaced with pedestrian refuge islands. Ten sets of speed cushions will be installed at regular intervals, starting to the south of Shardcroft Avenue. In addition, a speed activated sign for south-bound traffic will be located between Heron Road and Poplar Road, flashing a warning when the speed limit is being exceeded.

The project is funded by Transport for London.

JB

Welcome to new members Iris Jones and Ian McInnes who joined in December 2008.

Subscriptions for the New Year continue to pour in.

I am grateful to all those who heeded my plea to renew on time and save us sending out reminder letters in the spring.

CK

GREEN RECYCLING IN LAMBETH AND SOUTHWARK The Society Committee discussed the green garden waste recycling scheme in Lambeth a few months ago, and I wrote to ask Lambeth to consider reinstating regular collections, rather than the collection on request system as at present. I have had a reply stating that, in April, they will be piloting scheduled garden waste collections in parts of Streatham and Norwood. Depending on the results of the pilot they intend to extend the service to the rest of the Borough, although there is no timetable for this yet. This is good news for Lambeth residents. To arrange a collection or order more biodegradable garden waste bags, call 0207 926 9000 or email recycling@lambeth.gov.uk.

Meanwhile in Southwark the collections take place regularly once a fortnight on the same day as household rubbish collection. Bags and brown bins can be obtained on 0207 525 2000 or by using the online form on the Southwark website www.southwark.gov.uk, following the links to environment, recycling then garden waste recycling.

SN

MILKWOOD ROAD BINS In 2007 we raised with Lambeth the issue of three large wheeled refuse bins that were located on the pavement in Milkwood Road near to the junction with Herne Hill. As well as being unsightly in what is now a Conservation Area, the bins virtually blocked the pavement. This was illegal and made it difficult for people to pass, particularly in wheel chairs or with prams or push-chairs. Unfortunately Lambeth Officers declined to take action, appearing to think that the problem was just too difficult to resolve.

In December 2008 we had another site meeting with a different Council Officer and Councillor Kirsty McHugh from Herne Hill Ward. This time the result was different. Two of the large bins have since been removed and replaced, on an experimental basis, by standard sized bins to take rubbish from the block of flats. The third large bin remains in place.

This is slightly better than before; but the situation is still unacceptable. The large bin still makes it difficult for some people to pass. Rubbish bins should not be permanently located on a pavement such as this and we will continue to press the issue.

JB

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WANTED: HHS REPRESENTATIVE FOR LAMBETH COMMUNITY POLICE CONSULTATIVE GROUP For many years the Herne Hill Society has been sending a representative to this important organisation, which was set up following the Brixton riots in 1981. It is a community led forum for Lambeth residents and businesses to engage with the police and other agencies, working together to make Lambeth a safer and fairer place. Anyone working, studying or living in Lambeth can join.

There is now a vacancy as our nominated representative has recently decided to step down to follow other interests. He assures me that he has found the experience most worthwhile and would be very happy to talk to anyone interested in finding out more.

Is there any member who would be interested in taking over this role for the Society? The LCPCG meets monthly at 6pm on the first Tuesday of the month (the same evening as our committee, so current committee members are not available) usually at Brixton Town Hall. Agendas, minutes and reports are sent out by email prior to the meeting.

If you are interested in finding out more, please look at www.lambethcpcg.org.uk, or contact Sheila Northover (contact details the back page) for further information.

SN

RUSKIN PARK NEWS The Friends of Ruskin Park continue to lobby for improvements to this popular park, and now have an active Newsletter Editor and Membership Secretary who are keen to promote their activities and involve more people. There are several ongoing projects that need encouragement and support, including the completion of the transformation of the old bowling green into an attractive garden, the conversion of the stable block for community use, and the upgrade of the children’s playground.

Another item discussed at the last Friends’ meeting was the proposal to site a helipad for Kings College Hospital in the park, instead of the present rather casual arrangements we are familiar with.

The Friends have an active volunteer group, who meet by the stable block on the first Saturday of every month at 10am for two hours.

If you enjoy Ruskin Park and would like to get involved, contact Doug Gillies on 020 7733 5018, email friendsofruskinpark@gmail.com for a membership form or turn up to a meeting.

Membership is £5 a year (£3 concessions) and includes a free newsletter. The Friends meet regularly at St Saviours Church Hall, Finsen Road, SE5 at 7.30pm; the next meeting will be 26th March, so put the date in your diary and just come along. See you there.

SN

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THREE HILLS COMMUNITY FORUM The Three Hills Community Forum is a local group representing people living in and around Red Post Hill, Denmark Hill and Herne Hill. I have represented the Herne Hill Society on the Forum committee for several years, and we have participated in the three Fairs organised by the Forum.

The Forum’s 5th A.G.M. took place last November.

The acting Chair, the Revd. Hugh Dawes, reported that there has been concern over the future of the shops on Crossthwaite Avenue, particularly the Post Office and Pharmacy. However, active communication with the local community has proved to be difficult for some time, partly through lack of personnel and financial resources.

The matter of better advertising the presence of the shops and disabled access is currently being pursued.

Funding is available through the Camberwell Community Council, and Hugh Dawes is trying to ensure that this is used to promote the Crossthwaite shops.

Despite the lack of activity, the Forum has continued to meet on a two-monthly basis. But for some time it has been considering voluntary de-registration from the Charity Commission. At the A.G.M it was unanimously agreed that the Forum should deregister.

If in the future resources become available, deregistration can be reversed.

Honorary Officers were elected: Chair - Hugh Dawes; Secretary -Joan Petch; Treasurer - Paula Webb. They will consult with each other three times a year.

Should the Forum become active again, the necessary organisational structures will again be put in place.

Brenda Jones

YELLOW LINES IN CROXTED ROAD The borough boundary between Lambeth and Southwark runs down Croxted Road, but Lambeth has responsibility for the road. Regular users will know that there is a difficult corner close to the bridge at the northern end close to where Croxted Road joins Norwood Road. This bend is made much worse by parking on both sides of the road, and if two buses or lorries meet on the bend there is a considerable hold up while they get past each other.

Robert Holden has contacted Lambeth on behalf of the society to ask for a re-instatement of the yellow lines on the Lambeth side of the road, which were removed when the road was resurfaced. At the same time, Southwark Council has been asked to regularise the parking situation on the Southwark side of Croxted Road, where vehicles parked right on the bend make the situation that much more dangerous.

He is following this up and hopes for a result very soon.

SN

LAMBETH PEST CONTROL I used to be a rat catcher, but now……

There can be few more enthusiastic and engaging Council officials than Paul Cooper, who is Manager of Lambeth’s Public Health and Pest Control Department, which is based on the edge of Herne Hill in Wanless Road. And this is in spite of the fact he is responsible for dealing with some unsavoury aspects of life from rats to drug needles and disposing of bodies.

with one team dealing with responses to public calls and one acting on a proactive basis. They make sure that where infestation is found, the premises are revisited to make sure it does not reoccur. Several other London boroughs have since introduced Lambeth’s approach.

Foxes are not a pest, although some might think they are, scrabbling around in dustbins and making horrific noises. But many people are apparently very attached to our local wild mammals.

Paul started his career working for Rentokil but moved to Lambeth 20 years as a ‘rat catcher’. The department he is now responsible for has 27 employees and they operate as an in house contractor to the Council. They are all Council employees but need to cover their costs, and this is done by charging for the majority of their services.

Brown Rat (rattus norvegicus) But the work is not all about rat catching. Paul’s other area of responsibility covers many aspects of public health, including animal welfare, mainly collecting stray dogs but also licensing pet shops, disposing of noxious materials and foodstuffs, and for what are called statutory funerals, where there is no one to make private funeral arrangements or the occasions where bodies are found. One slightly bizarre aspect of this service is that the ashes from cremations are stored in a cupboard along with personal possessions, a rather melancholy aspect to Paul’s staffs’ work.

Female Bed Bug (cimex lectularius) The pest control side of the service deals with infestations by rats, mice, cockroaches and ants and also infestations which are not regarded as affecting public health, such as fleas, wasps and bedbugs. If there are rats in a residential property, these will be dealt with free of charge; but all other infestations are charged for. Paul is rightly proud of the fact that he and his staff have reduced the level of pest and vermin infestation in the Borough down to 3% of all properties when the national average is 5% and the figure in inner cities is generally much higher. They have done this by introducing a targeted approach,

They also collect sex and drug related items: there is a strong risk to the public of picking up used needles and a free rapid response service deals with these.

The main risk is not, as many would think, HIV infection but hepatitis. Apparently dogs are more at risk than small children as they roam round in bushes.

And finally they are responsible for dealing with nuisance caused by pigeon roosting and for pigeon netting, but not under railway bridges, which has been a cause of concern in the past in Herne Hill. These are dealt with by Network Rail.

The Lambeth website has some additional information and contact details. The phone number to report infestation is 020 7926 8860 and the drugs items hotline is 020 7926 8888.

Clearly providing an essential but not widely known service, Paul and his team operate in some unpleasant areas but are at the forefront of work to protect us all from members of the animal kingdom most of us would rather not know about.

David Taylor

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OBITUARY KENNY FROST, MBBA OBE (8th February 1945 - 22nd November 2008) As a teenager I used to pop into the newspaper shop in the arch under the bridge at Herne Hill, on my way back from watching the latest exploits of Millwall F. C., to buy the ‘pink’ sporting paper that came out every Saturday evening with match reports and hastily revised League positions. The ‘shop’ was actually only a newsstand but the owners, Kenny and Susan Frost had built a wooden kiosk, in front of which was displayed all the newspapers and a host of magazines. Behind it, in the cavernous depths of a former cooper’s yard, beavered away some thirty youngsters getting ready the Sunday morning deliveries to over a thousand local homes.

Kenny’s business acumen was inherited from his maternal grandfather Jimmy Costello, who, along with Bill Kingston, is credited with starting Brixton Market, selling firewood from a barrow. Kenny would open the doors at 2am daily without fail (his motto was ‘lateness is a discourtesy’) and, together with Susan, built a business that won awards from the wholesale newspaper industry. At its peak he was turning over £250k annually. How bad?

Kenny, who attended a school in Brixton where the Headmaster was credited with the phrase “Education to you boys is not so much ‘pearls before swine’, as ‘imitation pearls’ before REAL swine”, was not a success academically. In fact he struggled with ‘word blindness’ which is even more testimony to his drive and determination to succeed financially. And how ironic that he should do so selling newspapers?

When Kenny sold up the business he found it difficult to re-adjust and he and Sue split up. He went to work at Lambeth Council in the Cleansing and Streetcare department where he could maintain his early morning working pattern. He soon built up a rapport with his fellow workers and rose to the position of Senior Branch Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union (now Unite). What Kenny lacked in formal education he made up for in eloquence and persuasive charm which endeared him to worker and management alike. He was able to see the argument from both sides and usually able to diffuse or settle

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amicably any grievance before it got too far.

Nine years ago he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As the disease began to take over he was unable to play a full part in the workplace but continued as best he could, dictating letters and handling phone calls from his Peckham home. When cancer was diagnosed he reluctantly gave up his bed at home and went into Kings Hospital where he died on St. Cecilia’s Day. I would visit Kenny once or twice a week, usually at 6am when he was at his most productive. He would always ask me what was happening in Herne Hill and we would reminisce about ‘Lofty’ the toilet attendant, ‘Jerry-under-the-arch’, and Don Louis’ cycle shop!

Jim Davidson

SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS UNCHANGED Your Committee has decided to leave Society membership subscriptions unchanged for a further year. We are having to bear significant cost increases for items such as printing, postage, Lambeth Country Show charges (doubled in 2008), hall hire etc.

However, we have managed to maintain a small surplus of income over expenditure and we still have a healthy reserve.

JB Note from the Treasurer: I am pleased to report that the Society’s provisional accounts for 2008 show our income as £4,749 against expenditure of £4,423 i.e. a surplus of £326.

However this is a reduction on our £1,200 surplus in 2007.

Our main sources of income (subscriptions/donations, the sale of publications and Newsletter advertising) were down; but so too was our overall expenditure.

The full, examined, accounts will be available at the AGM on Wednesday 11th March and on request to the Society after that date.

RG

RUSKIN READERS AT CARNEGIE LIBRARY Could you spare a couple of hours a week to help an adult learn basic literacy skills?

We provide support and training at our friendly clubs giving one-to-one help with reading and writing. We meet on Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons during term-time.

If this voluntary work might suit you please telephone Caroline Knapp on 020 7274 2443 or email cknapp22@btinternet.com.

Do you know of someone who might need help with reading and writing? There is a chance to socialise and we go on outings from time to time.

CK

OTHER SOCIETIES’ EVENTS Monday 16 February at 8:00pm Streatham Society: “Age Concern Lambeth and its work” by Julia Shelley at “Woodlands”, 16 Leigham Court Road SW16 Sunday 22 February at 3:00pm Peckham Society: “Recent Archaeology in Southwark” by Dr Christopher Constable at Goose Green Centre, St John’s Church, East Dulwich Road SE22.

Streatham Society: “The History of Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police” by Maggie Bird at “Woodlands”, 16 Leigham Court Road SW16.

Wednesday 4 March at 11:00am/2:30pm British Association for Local History (BALH): Visit to Apothecaries Hall and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. As HHS is an affiliate of BALH, our members may join this and other visits at member rates.

See www.balh.co.uk for details.

Tuesday 10 March at 7:30pm Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Society: “Recent Local Archaeological and Historical Work” by various speakers at Co-op Hall, 106 The Cut, Waterloo SE1.

Refreshments 7:00. £1.00 donation.

Monday 16 March at 8:00pm Streatham Society: “The Primary Care Trust Lambeth” by Gill Baker at “Woodlands”, 16 Leigham Court Road SW16.

Thursday 19 March at 6:30 for 7:00pm Friends of Carnegie Library: Annual General Meeting. Join or renew your membership and help celebrate the Friends’ 10th anniversary.

New committee members welcome to contribute to future events and developments in our library.

Refreshments available. at the Gallery, Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road.

Saturday 28 March at 7:30pm Dulwich Helpline: Fundraising concert with “The New Foxtrot Serenaders” dance band; special guest Jo Brand at Michael Croft Theatre, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road SE22. £15, £12 cons. 0208 299 2623 Thursday – Saturday, 2-4 April at 8:00pm Dulwich Players: “The Rivals” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

Classic comedy of manners featuring the hilarious Mrs Malaprop at Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College SE21. £8 from the Art Stationers or on the door.

Tuesday 14 April at 7:00pm Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Society: “Excavations at a Greenwich Tide Mill”

by Simon Davis/Andy Daykin, Archaeologists, Museum of London — Venue as 10 March Sunday 19 April at 3:00pm Peckham Society: AGM, followed at 3:30 by “Southwark’s Modern Architecture in a Victorian Townscape”

by Alan Camp, Architect at Goose Green Centre, St John’s Church, East Dulwich Road SE22.

Saturday 25 April at 7:30pm Dulwich Helpline: Fundraising concert including Tchaikovsky’s Fifth at Holst Hall, James Alleyn's Girls' School, East Dulwich Grove SE22. £7 (Cons £5) on the door.

Tuesday 12 May at 7:30pm Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Society: “The Elephant Entertains” by Richard Norman, Historian Venue as 10 March

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PLANNING AND LICENSING 28 Acland Crescent In commenting on an application to build a single storey rear extension, we urged Lambeth thoroughly to investigate the possible impact of the proposed extension on neighbours before reaching a decision on this application.

Lambeth has granted permission for the development, but imposed conditions designed to safeguard the amenities of neighbouring properties.

181 Denmark Hill The society objected in October 2008 to the proposal to convert the main building on the Denmark Hill into four houses and to demolish the coach house to provide access to four new houses in the rear garden.

We were concerned about the development of the rear garden, the proximity of the new houses to neighbours and the overall impact of the development in an unspoilt wooded area. The scheme was subsequently revised to have fewer houses and, although we welcomed the changes we still had some concerns. A number of local residents also objected and so did Lambeth Council for reasons of a possible traffic hazard, as the proposed access road is close to the traffic lights at the Herne Hill/ Herne Hill Road junction.

In January 2009 Southwark granted full planning permission.

4 Dorchester Drive Last year we objected to proposals for a roof extension, including a rear dormer and a one/two storey side extension. Lambeth refused the application, but the applicant has now appealed this decision.

We have written to the Planning Inspectorate confirming our reasons for objecting to the proposals.

These include that the design and size of the proposed rear dormer window is unsympathetic to the scale and appearance of the rear elevation of the existing property and markedly ill-proportioned in relation to the other windows.

77 Herne Hill In autumn 2008, we pointed out to Southwark enforcement officers that a high wall was being built around the forecourt of these premises, the former Hart to Hart restaurant. After Council intervention, the wall has been reduced in height, although we have since pointed out to the Council that the use of the forecourt for presumably outdoor eating and the new shop front also needs planning permission.

A further response from the Council is awaited.

119 Herne Hill There have been many applications for this prominent and attractive house on the corner of Ruskin Walk over the last few years. The Society objected to several applications which involved converting it to a number of flats and building a house in the back garden. It did finally receive permission for conversion into three flats; but the developer decided

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to refurbish it as a family house. However the details had not been agreed with the Dulwich Estate and work was halted for some months in 2008 while this was sorted out. Recently, a high close boarded fence appeared which needed permission. A quick call to Southwark’s enforcement officers resulted in a more attractive and lower picket fence. Investigation by a member of the Committee revealed that one of the historic boundary posts on Ruskin walk that had disappeared had been removed for safe keeping and not lost. The sign, listed in the Society’s Herne Hill Heritage Trail, is now safely back in place alongside the fence of number 119.

Plot opposite 251-275 Milkwood Road We objected to an application for a three/four storey building comprising 48 flats on this long-vacant site.

Lambeth subsequently refused the application; but the developers have appealed this decision. We have written to the Planning Inspectorate repeating the reasons for our objection: in particular that the proposed development would be significantly out of scale with its surroundings and unacceptably dominate the local street scene and that current problems of parking stress in the area would unacceptably increase.

2A Milton Road An application to build a single storey house proposes a rather high dominant and featureless wall fronting onto Milton Road along the length of the site. We have urged Lambeth’s Planning Committee to propose design modifications to ensure that the wall has a positive impact on the local visual environment.

Lambeth has approved the application; but subject to a number of conditions including some relating to landscaping and materials to be used for elevations.

Sebastian’s, 49-51 Norwood Road We drew the attention of Village Ward Councillors to the piles of rubbish that had accumulated at the entrance to the arches at the back of the Norwood Road shopping parade. The rubbish has gone.

However, Southwark Licensing have written to Sebastian’s informing them that they would breach Condition 762 of their Premises Licence by dumping rubbish, which is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

276 Rosendale Road There has been an application for change of use of the existing ground floor restaurant to retail use; and to extend and convert the property to provide 2 x 1 bedroom and 1 x 2 bedroom flats. Responding to neighbours’ concerns about possible loss of privacy, we suggested to Lambeth that a condition be attached to any approval that would prohibit the roof of a proposed single storey rear extension being used as a sitting out area.

Lambeth has refused the application on grounds that include the detrimental effect of the proposals on the local streetscape and the impact on neighbours’ amenity.

THE BRIXTON SYNAGOGUE

WATERWORDS

Few people know that, next door to Halfords, the handsome white painted building at number 49 Effra Road, with its columned porch and flanked by pedimented pavilions, was once the Brixton Synagogue.

A building in the grounds of Rutland Lodge had been used as a synagogue since 1913. However, this proved inadequate to meet the needs of a large influx of Jews into the area. So a new synagogue was built on the site, with seating for 429 men and 191 women.

It was completed and consecrated in September 1921.

At its peak in 1960, the synagogue had 614 male

On two weekends in summer 2007, one wet and miserable, one hot and sunny, visitors to Brockwell Lido were invited to write poetry to help celebrate the pool’s 70th birthday. Over 170 people took part, and the result is this charming book. The 128 poems embrace not only the writers’ experiences or memories of the Lido, but swimming in general and water in its many manifestations. From tactile sensations to inner feelings and associations to flights of fancy and imagination, a picture is built of what the pool means to people.

members. However, demographic changes led to the congregation’s decline. The building finally closed in 1981. Services continued to be held in a nearby building until 1986, when the remaining small congregation was amalgamated with the Streatham Synagogue.

The building was eventually sold to a property developer who retained the front façade whilst demolishing the rear part to build units housing small businesses. It was opened as the “Eurolink Business Centre” in 1992.

The Brixton Society has recently published a well illustrated booklet “The Brixton Synagogue” (16pp.) telling its story. Copies, £2.49p plus 40p post and packing, can be obtained from the Brixton Society’s Membership Secretary, Diana Linsky, email wjdcl@globalnet.co.uk, tel. 020 7274 3835.

JB

CARNEGIE WINTER FAIR 2008 The Friends of Carnegie Library held their winter fair on 6th December, and alongside bric-a-brac, tombola, craft and cake stalls, as usual the Society sold publications. The event was successful and fairly well attended; but it was felt there was a lot of competition from other events nearby.

All credit goes to the FoCL committee who this year dressed themselves up as Christmas decorations and brightened up the proceedings by their presence.

Father Christmas was also there and was kept busy with a steady stream of children.

SN

Though certain themes recur: the initial chill, sound sensations, first visits and learning to swim, each poem is a unique expression; and there are often surprising images and impressions. We are carried from our local park to exotic places around the world, via rivers, waterfalls, harbour, sea and ocean, where we meet donkeys, dolphins and mermaids.

The writers are of all ages, from children so young one marvels that they knew the words; and the editors have wisely chosen not to “correct” or smooth over any irregularities, mistakes or rough edges. These are after all heartfelt, spontaneous expressions, brought out through coaxing, gentle guidance and perhaps occasional help with shaping.

It is a very well-produced book, made even more attractive by the inclusion of 22 colourful drawings.

All titles are in blue, and six of the poems are reproduced as wavy blue lines flowing over page bottoms. Four colour photographs illustrating the poetry sessions give a flavour of the fun. BLU and editors Melanie Mauthner and Hylda Sims are to be congratulated for a joyous publication.

Waterwords is available from local bookshops Tales on Moon Lane and Dulwich Books and via the BLU website www.brockwelllido.com price £6.95.

JD

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BRIAN BEHAN IN HERNE HILL When compiling Herne Hill Personalities, we heard that Irish playwright Brendan Behan had once lived here. As no evidence turned up, however, we could not include him. It now transpires the former resident was not Brendan, but his younger brother Brian.

Born in Dublin 10th November 1926, Brian was as much of a tearaway as Brendan; he was sent to a harsh Christian Brothers school after a petty theft aged eleven. In 1950, with 3/4d (17p) in his pocket, he emigrated to London and found work on the Festival of Britain construction site as a bricklayer. He joined the Communist Party, became an active trade unionist and wound up in Brixton Prison in 1951 for leading a go slow. The same year he married Celia Johnson, with whom he had three daughters.

Brian rose to the CPGB’s EC, toured the communist block and met Stalin and Mao. However, he left in 1956 after the Soviet invasion of Hungary. He joined the Socialist Labour League as Secretary, but was later expelled for “deviation-ism”. In 1958 he was sent to Wandsworth Prison following a dispute at the Shell Centre site. Brendan had joined him on the picket line.

After a work injury, he left bricklaying and entered Sussex University as a mature student in 1969.

Having written his autobiography, With Breast Expanded, in 1964, he embarked on a successful career as playwright and novelist, and also lectured at the London College of Printing from 1973 to 1990.

He died 2nd November 2002.

It’s not clear when he moved to Herne Hill, but he was certainly here in the mid-late 60s. A former assistant at Carnegie Library in 1967 remembers the normal calm and quiet disrupted by Behan’s occasional visits, when he would “lean his beefy forearm on the counter”, towering over the librarian as she stamped his books with the date punch.

“Admit it, darlin’,” he boomed, “working that little machine gives you a powerful sexual thrill!”

The family moved onto a houseboat in Shoreham in 1969. In 1975 Behan’s marriage ended; he remarried in 1988. In 1990 he retired to Brighton, where in addition to producing plays he took up nudism, often shocking local ladies by swimming naked in the sea.

Ever the self-publicist, he was summed up in his

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obituary in the Guardian as “Courageous, contentious and exhilarating”.

JD Copies of our publication Herne Hill Personalities are still available from the Society, price £5 plus £0.50p postage.

HERNE HILL’S OWN RAILWAY Did you have a model railway as a child? Have you ever dreamed of being an engine driver, conductor or guard? Now you could have your chance, right here in Herne Hill. No, this isn’t a recruitment initiative by Network Rail at the four mainline stations which serve our area, or one of the various rail companies whose trains carry commuters, shoppers, day-trippers and other travellers to, from and through Herne Hill.

There is another railway which is our very own.

One of the most delightful attractions of Brockwell Park is the Miniature Railway, which runs from the Herne Hill gate to the Lido. A class 08 diesel shunter with two carriages runs along a 220 metre track. The style of the train is Stanier, named after Sir William Stanier (1876-1965), who designed and built many locomotives for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway.

The train was formerly owned and run by Ronald Baker; readers will remember the opening ceremony with then Lambeth Mayor, Cllr Tim Sargeant on 1 June 2003. John Roberts and Julian Hulland took over the running two years later. The railway is open for trips every Saturday and Sunday from Easter to the end of October, weather permitting. As John says, the miniature train commands great respect and fond memories for many residents who see their children and grandchildren taking the rides they enjoyed in their youth.

Sadly, the railway has suffered low-level vandalism over the years, e.g. stones on the line. More seriously, the ticket office was burned down some years ago (you can still see the stone where it was). However, work is underway to improve the service. Another beautiful train is being created with engine and two carriages. A low short fence has been made and put up.

The next step is track laying to create capacity for two trains. Volunteers are needed to help dig and lay track between now and Easter. Also needed are volunteer crew members to stand in for odd shifts or provide lunchtime driving relief. Crew members would be taught how to drive, guard and general maintenance.

Long term ambitions include rebuilding the station at the Lido entrance and possibly extending track around or through the woodlands to the rear of the current track. There could even be a link to a boating lake, exposing a narrow strip of River Effra. Anyone interested in getting involved in any capacity is urged to contact John Roberts on friends@brockwellpark.com.

JD

LAMBETH MEDIATION SERVICE a talk by Sonia Reid At least one member preparing to listen to Sonia's talk had only the woolliest idea of what a mediation service is and how it works. Sonia spoke eloquently of the need for mediation, especially in an area of high density living, where conflicts of many sorts can arise. Common causes of disputes are noise, children causing a nuisance, car parking, animals, rubbish, boundaries, damage to properties, the list is long.

Conflicts can escalate from disputes between individuals to estrangements between families, neighbours and even whole streets.

Mediation is born out of conflict, where there are disagreements, annoyances, competition or inequalities, and when safety, loved ones, status or finances are threatened. When communication between angry people has broken down, the Mediation Service may be called in to help. This service is a registered charity, manned by trained volunteers. Mediators always work in pairs for safety. Each contesting party is seen separately, and allowed to express their feelings. They are asked to treat each other with respect - and here Sonia gave some vivid examples of disrespect - and to listen without interrupting while the other person is speaking, not always an easy thing to accomplish.

Next the opposing parties are brought together in a safe neutral place, and each is allowed to express their views. Any agreement reached belongs to the combatants, not to the mediators, and a copy of it is made and given to both parties. Even if no agreement is reached, the situation may be defused as each party

has a clearer view of the problem.

Mediators do not judge or blame, just enable communication between the contestants, which may help them to reach an agreement they can live with.

Sonia was warmly thanked for her well presented and illuminating talk.

DC

Concert at All Saints Lovelace Road, SE21 7.00pm Saturday 7 March 2009

Haydn, Nelson Mass English songs: James Bowman counter-tenor Tickets : £20 (£15 concessions) at the door. £15 (£12 concessions) in advance from: Brockwell Art Services, 232-234 Railton Rd, SE24 0JT; phone 020 7274 7046.

Following the concert there will be a supper and auction; tickets (pre-booking essential) £25, with a glass of Bucks Fizz.

This concert is in aid of a new organ for All Saints

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THE FUTURE OF THE DULWICH HOSPITAL SITE The National Health Service in Southwark has published a consultative document setting out its Primary Health and Community Care strategy for the next five to ten years.

Primary Care covers a range of services: general practitioners, pharmacists, dentists and opticians.

Community Care services include Health Visitors, District Nurses, foot health, sexual and reproductive health, community rehabilitation and small specialist services such as the diabetes nursing team. To meet the new and different challenges to the NHS, the plan is to develop a network of core services based on four Health and Social Care Centres, one of which will be on the Dulwich Hospital site. The core services will include GPs, management of long-term conditions e.g. diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, maternity, blood testing, X-ray, heart and lung conditions, some mental health services and renal dialysis.

The aim of the proposals is to develop more services nearer to people’s homes by moving services from hospitals to the community and bringing together in one place a range of health care professionals to provide a wider range of joined up services. The Centre will provide primary care services from 8.00am to 8.00pm, seven days a week.

In the long term, some patients now using hospital Accident and Emergency services will be re-directed

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to a Health and Community Care Centre providing a walk-in service, minor injuries clinic and pre-booked GP appointments. Hospitals can then concentrate on the more urgent and complex cases.

NHS Southwark would like the views of the community on these proposals. The consultation runs from 19th January to 17th April 2009. You can respond by logging on to the web site www.southwarkpct.nhs.uk and completing the on-line response form. Or you can contact Rosemary Watts, Head of Patient Experience, rosemary.watts@southwarkpct.nhs.uk (tel. 020-32996444) and request a copy of the consultation document "Transforming Southwark NHS" which includes a response form.

Telephone surveys, discussion groups and feedback events are also being conducted. If you would like to take part please call 0845-230-0139 (calls charged at local rate) Extracted from "Transforming Southwark NHS", published by NHS Southwark and Southwark Council.

Brenda Jones

ARCHIVES OPEN DAY 2008 The popular Lambeth Archives Open Day took place in November this year instead of September and, thanks to a team of volunteers, the Society publications stall was there.

The theme for the day this year was ‘Celebrate our Century’, and this was interpreted in several ways.

The main talks took place across the road in the Michael Church and were ‘Celebrating Our Century’, with Len Reilly, one of the Archivists; ‘Cinema Lambeth’, with various speakers on themes from the 1940s to the 1980s; ‘Lambeth Town Hall and local landmark architecture’ by Edmund Bird, who is now Heritage Advisor to the Mayor of London (and is a Herne Hill Society member); ‘The voyage of the Windrush, 60 years on’ by Steve Martin, local author and, finally, a panel of speakers from local societies who argued the merits of their own corner of Lambeth under the title of ‘The best of Lambeth’.

Many thanks to Jeff Doorn who contributed to our coming a very respectable third out of six societies by putting together an illustrated talk on people who lived in Herne Hill in the twentieth century.

Elsewhere in the main Minet Library building other activities took place. Story telling, nursery rhymes and Punch and Judy appealed to the very young, while others took part in workshops in the archives search room, learning about researching family history, preserving family records, an introduction to house and local history and a session on Caribbean family history.

Although it was a wet day there was sufficient interest in our stall for £134 to be raised in sales and new memberships, and new friends and links were made.

SN

DOROTHY DENE The Story of a Working Class Girl Who Moved from Clapham to Seek a Better Life A talk by David Perkins Dorothy Dene was born Ada Alice Pullen, the daughter of an engineer, Abraham Pullen and his wife Sarah. In 1861 they were living in Clapham, having moved down from Durham with their two eldest children, Tom and Ada. Eight more children followed, though the last, named Dorothy, died young. At the 1881 census, Abraham had disappeared and Sarah is recorded as being paralysed.

Sketch of Dorothy by Lord Leighton It behoved the daughters to find employment. Ada cherished hopes of becoming an actress, but her first recorded occupation is as an art student in the studio of the artist Louisa Starr Canziani. Some small parts came her way on the stage, and she came to the notice of the artist and sculptor Frederick Leighton. She

became his favourite model, and was frequently seen leaving his house in Holland Park by the back entrance.

Described as being of above average height, with abundant golden-chestnut hair, and eyes either brown, or large and violet, she possessed a flawless complexion and "long lithe arms". Her classical face and figure found favour with the Pre-Raphaelites, and the painter G. F. Watts admired her greatly. She was Leighton's ideal woman, and she appeared in his "Cymon and Iphigenia", "Greek Girls Playing Ball" and "Summer Moon". It was rumoured that Leighton was in love with Dorothy, but there was a difference of forty years in their ages. Dorothy became engaged to be married to Anthony Crane, son of Sir WaIter Crane, but Lady Crane objected and the engagement was broken off, in spite of Leighton paying for elocution lessons for Dorothy. At about this time Leighton, now Sir Frederick, collaborated with Burne-Jones in an exhibition of "Pure Nudes," including a statue of Pygmalion. George Bernard Shaw was a friend of both artists, and it seems possible that these events inspired his own work of the same name.

Dorothy still hankered after a stage career, and appeared in several productions, earning generally unkind reviews. Paralysed with fright on one occasion, she mostly overacted to an irritating degree.

Sir Frederick became Lord Leighton in the New Year's Honours List of 1896, but sadly died the day after receiving the honour, the shortest barony ever.

Dorothy was now without her devoted patron, but she and her sisters had been left well provided for. She and her sister Hetty, made a home for the younger girls at 10 Edenmore Mansions in Kensington. Dorothy spasmodically continued her career. She even went to America, but found little success there and the tour was abandoned.

David also entertained us with stories of other contemporary painters and their models. It is said that Andrew Lloyd Webber discovered G. F. Watts' "Flaming June" while still a schoolboy, but lacked the funds to buy it. He has since made up for this youthful disappointment. This wellknown painting has been described by the critic Tom Lubbock as "very orange," and

by Brian Sewell as "try this for thighs." So with laughter and a little gentle nostalgia, we learned that Dorothy sadly died early at the age of forty - Clapham's own Eliza Doolittle.

DC

“Flaming June�

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THE HERNE HILL HARRIERS, 1889-2008 A talk by Kevin Kelly, author of "Herne Hill Harriers into the Millennium: a history of the Herne Hill Harriers" In 1889 a number of young local lads would spend the winter evenings playing dominoes and cards in the parlour of a sweet shop owned by Mr. and Mrs. Pickford at 99 Milkwood Road, which was next to the Nevill's Bakery entrance. Having organised successful paper-chases in 1888, they decided to establish the Herne Hill Harriers. Two sets of

99 Milkwood Road – arrowed

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brothers, the Otways, Charles and Harry, and the Davalls, Arthur and Ernie, were founder members, as were Harry Death, Harry Simpson, Fred Woodham, George Jeffries, George Grieve and Will Suffield.

The Milkwood Tavern became an early club headquarters, though the Lilford, the Fox-under-the Hill, and the Half Moon pubs were later used.

The cycle track in Burbage Road opened in 1891.

Inside was a 4-lane cinder running track, the oldest in London. The Harriers used this until 1938, when a much larger track was built at Tooting Bec. The club went from strength to strength and, by the 1930s, had 300 members. The famous red and black hoops with black shorts appeared in track, long distance and cross country events. Photographs from as early as 1904, names and achievements flowed past us. There was the great Jack Butler who won the London to Brighton race in 1903; and then walked home again.

Fred Fulford and Joe Deakin, always rivals, ran for England in 1905. The club had ten members in the British team at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, coming home with a collection of medals. Trophies were stored in the cellar of the Half Moon pub, surviving being flooded out.

Successes continued through the 1930s. In all, 97 members gained international selection, with Dennis Pell competing against the great Sydney Wooderson.

WW2 brought disruption to athletics, though Kevin described a contest in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, with a bomb site being used as the long jump pit.

After the war the club continued to thrive, with more familiar names emerging - George Broad, (pole vaulting and long jump), Mike Maynard, and Ian

Boyd, an Olympic competitor. Ron Clark won the Polytechnic marathon and was shown clasping surely the biggest trophy ever. 1969 saw the club’s 80th anniversary and Joe Deakin, now aged 90, ran two laps of the track, to show he could.

In 1976, women were admitted and are having great success. The latest shining light is Jade Johnson, with many promising young athletes coming up.

Membership now stands at about 500 and the club is flourishing. Kevin was too modest to mention his own sporting achievements, the fact that he is a Life Member, or that his family have followed in his footsteps. He is also the author of a massive tome, the result of many years of devoted research, without which the records of this famous club might have been irretrievably lost.

We were able to look at a small selection of Kevin's vast collection of memorabilia. These included some early medals discovered in Australia, early fixture cards from 1892 onwards, journals, address lists, medals and, poignantly, examples of the Wolsey brand of singlet worn in those first years (shoulders had to be covered).

Kevin's talk was greatly appreciated and warmly applauded.

DC "Herne Hill Harriers into the Millennium", 638 pages.

A history of the Herne Hill Harriers compiled by Kevin Kelly is available from the author at: Herne Hill Harriers, 71, Penwortham Road, Streatham, London SW16 6RH. Price: £33.00, postage: £6.95

MUSIC HALLS OF LONDON the December talk by Chris Sumner The scuffling sound of extra chairs hastily being organised indicated a keen interest in this popular speaker's subject. Music Hall in London had its origins in the entertainment provided in the saloon bars of public houses, which had themselves developed from the Pleasure Gardens such as Vauxhall and Cremorne. Buildings were small and intimate, musicals were "song and supper" events, with local entertainers. The most famous was the Grecian Saloon, started in 1825 at the Eagle, off the City Road, of "Pop goes the weasel" fame. It was here that the great Marie Lloyd made her debut at the age of 14 in 1884.

The first true Music Hall was the Canterbury in Westminster Bridge Road, followed by the Middlesex in Drury Lane and then the rush was on. By 1865 there were 32, seating between 500 and 5,000 people.

By 1878 there were 78 large Music Halls and 300 smaller venues. The last vestiges of the public house image were swept away, and splendid "theatres of variety" appeared of marble and freestone, lavishly appointed and brilliantly lit with electric lights.

Chris had recordings of many of the old songs, collected by Roy Hudd, some recorded in the 1940's by the last of the original performers. Music Hall songs could be romantic, patriotic, humorous or sentimental as the occasion demanded. Each singer had songs written specifically for them, and here we

Continued on Page 19

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ITALIAN FEAST AT DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Three overlapping exhibitions at Dulwich Picture Gallery comprise a banquet of art with the rich flavour of Italy. ‘Neapolitan Paintings’ presents two recently-conserved pictures, The Locksmith and The Return of the Prodigal Son. Who painted them is uncertain. The Locksmith appears heavily influenced

by Caravaggio; indeed it was once attributed to him.

However, it is now thought to be by a follower of Jusepe de Ribera. The Prodigal Son first came to the gallery as a Ribera but is now believed to come from the circle of another master painter. Whoever made them, these powerful images are splendid examples of the sumptuous production of 17th century Naples. Shown in their newly restored state for the first time, the display continues to 14th June.

The Return of the Prodigal Son ©Trustees of the Dulwich Picture Gallery

Next on the menu is ‘Paolo Veronese: the Petrobelli Altarpiece’. Subtitled ‘Reconstructing a Renaissance Masterpiece’, it brings together four parts of one of the largest altarpieces produced in 16th century Italy.

Painted by Veronese c1565, the work was brutally cut up and sold in pieces when the church and convent which displayed it was closed and destroyed c1785.

The four known surviving fragments come from Dulwich, Scotland, Canada and Texas; the latter piece, until recently believed lost, was discovered by Dulwich’s curator. Reassembled for the first time in some 225 years, the display of this important work is a rare opportunity not to be missed. The exhibition runs from 10th February to 3rd May, after which it travels to Ottawa.

The final course offers a taste of Italy through British eyes: ‘Sickert in Venice’, from 4th March to 31st May. German born Walter Sickert (1860-1942) is known as the father of modern British art. The actor turned artist studied with Whistler and Degas, whose techniques he adopted and adapted. He first visited Venice in 1895 in a failed attempt to save his marriage. If Venice can’t rekindle romance, nothing can! He did, however, find his identity as an artist and made many further visits to the city that inspired some of his finest, most ravishing work. In true Impressionist fashion he painted architectural landmarks under different lighting conditions, later concentrating on figures in interiors. His pictures are intriguing and thoroughly absorbing. The exhibition is divided into themes demonstrating his wide range: Views and Vistas, Nocturnes, Figures and Groups, Painting the Nude. Venice was where Sickert matured as an artist, developing the style that brought him

18

success and fame and influenced the next generation of British artists. This is the first ever exhibition devoted to Sickert’s Venice paintings; the luscious display will satisfy any palate.

Sickert, The Rialto courtesy H H-H Dulwich Picture Gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 10:00-5:00; weekends & Bank Holiday Mondays 11:00-5:00. Late opening 6:30-10:00 the third Thursday of the month. Gallery and Exhibition £9; Seniors £8; Conc. £5; Friends and children free.

JD

Music Halls from Page 17 had Harry Champion's "Any Old Iron" and "Boiled Beef and Carrots", the audience joining in rather shyly at first and then with increasing gusto. Chris had with great forethought, printed out a selection of songs. We had Marie Lloyd's "A Bit of a Ruin that Cromwell Knocked About a Bit", and "The Boy in the Gallery" and Vesta Victoria's "Waiting at the Church" and "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow", all sung with great feeling. Well into our stride now, we roared into "I do like to be beside the Seaside", "I'm 'Enery the Eight'th, I am, I am", "If it wasn't for the Houses in between", and similar gems. Many of the great names of Music Hall appeared - Florrie Ford, Ella Shields, Albert Chevalier, Vesta Tilley, all celebrated in their day.

Supporting artists were less fortunate and worked long hours for pathetically low wages. In January 1907, a long-brewing dispute came to a head between artists, stage hands and theatre managers at the Holborn Empire. The strike lasted two weeks, enthusiastically supported by the music hall stars such as Marie Lloyd and Gus Elen, and resulted in the establishment of a minimum wage and a maximum working week, and also to the application of copyright law to musical compositions.

Music Hall was noted for its variety. There were male and female impersonators, including the great Vesta Tilley. There was stand up comedy, double acts, with one performer as stooge for the other, and many speciality acts such as magic and escapology, ventriloquists, cycling tricks, knife-throwing, dancing, juggling, fire eaters, animal acts, shadow

puppets, the list seems endless.

World War One was probably the high point of the Music Hall. Marie Lloyd died in 1922, and though its popularity continued, the cinema was invading the land, and radio broadcasting was advancing rapidly.

By the middle of the 20th century, only a few working Music Halls remained, and now are just a nostalgic memory. A few buildings survive, mostly with a different use, and Wilton's Music Hall in Stepney has an active supporters group working towards restoration.

A last song or two, and Chris was warmly thanked for a splendid evening's entertainment.

DC

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Copy deadline for the Summer issue is Friday 17th April 2009.

Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the Editors or the Herne Hill Society Committee.

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Either you can provide your own artwork or we can help with typesetting, free of charge, and include your logo.

Please contact: Brenda Jones 020 7771- 1409 THE HERNE HILL SOCIETY Committee 2008 - 2009 Chair

Sheila Northover 020 7274 2638 Email: sheila.northover@virgin.net

Vice Chair

John Brunton 020 8678 1757 Email: johndbrunton@yahoo.com

Secretary

Jeff Doorn 020 7274 7008 Email: doornjeffrey@hotmail.com Rosalind Glover 020 8678 1757 Email: rosalindglover@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer Committee

Diana Chadney 020 7274 7210 Email: diana.chadney@btinternet.com Robert Holden 020 8674 5101 Email: robertjholden@btinternet.com Brenda Jones 020 7771 1409 Bill Kirby 020 7274 0532 Membership Secretary Caroline Knapp 020 7274 2443 Email: cknapp22@btinternet.com Laurence Marsh 020 7737 0568 Email: laurence@marsh62.co.uk David Taylor 020 7733 5031 Email: davidjtaylor13@btinternet.com Colin Wight 020 7733 2573 Email: colinwight@btinternet.com (co-opted) John Smallwood 020 7401 3561 Mobile: 07956 468 466 Email:jvsmallwood2007@btinternet.com Editorial Address and Membership subscriptions: Herne Hill Society, PO Box 27845, LONDON SE24 9XA

Website address: www.hernehillsociety.org.uk

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ENVIRONMENTAL PHONE NOS. Lambeth Streetscene (cleansing, rubbish removal, pot holes, abandoned vehicles, graffiti removal etc.)

Phone number:

020 7926 9000

Southwark Streetscene (equivalent): Phone number:

020 7525 2000

YOUR COUNCILLORS Herne Hill Ward, Lambeth: Jim Dickson (Lab.) jdickson@lambeth.gov.uk (07932 792 435) Kirsty McHugh (Lab.) kmchugh@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7924 9038) Becca Thackray (Green) rthackray@lambeth.gov.uk (07946 219394) c/o Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW.

Thurlow Park Ward, Lambeth: Irene Kimm (Con.) ikimm@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7926 2149) Clare Whelan (Con.) cwhelan@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7926 2149) John Whelan (Con.) jwhelan@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7926 2149) c/o Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW.

Village Ward, Southwark: Robin Crookshank Hilton (Con.) robin.crookshank.hilton@southwark.gov.uk (020 8613 6046) Toby Eckersley (Con.) toby.eckersley@southwark.gov.uk (020 7701 3112) Nick Vineall (Con.) nick.vineall@southwark.gov.uk (020 7358 3524) c/o Town Hall, Peckham Road, London SE5 8UB

Your GLA Member Valerie Shawcross AM (Lab.) valerie.shawcross@london.gov.uk (020 7983 4407) GLA, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA

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