Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker - Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022

MEAD TO MEASURE gosnells going modern medieval on bermondsey beer mile

Issue 13

Kingsdale Foundation School

autumn 2022

First Class and Top of the Class

‘This popular school is a harmonious environment where pupils learn how to be successful in modern Britain’ OFSTED 2017 Applications for Sixth Form courses are now being accepted

Amelia, Jacob & Alex’s 8A*s & 2A Grades at A Level have enabled them to study English at Cambridge, Engineering at Sheffield and English at Cambridge respectively!

Matteo has taken advantage of achieving 4A* Grades at A Level to study Computer Science at Cambridge University!

Take advantage of the chance to visit Kingsdale Foundation School and see for yourself how we bring the best out of our students. A tour of Kingsdale Foundation School enables you to realise why we receive such glowing reports. In the Autumn term 2022 you will have just that opportunity as we will be holding Sixth Form Open Days for entry in September 2023. Scholarships in Mathematics and the Creative & Expressive Arts are on offer for gifted and talented candidates who meet our entry requirements. Scholars receive free individual or small group tuition provided by expert professionals to the value of £1,000 per annum.

Harnessing talent!

Kingsdale is a dynamic, exceptionally popular and progressive school that has invested £30m to develop an award-winning educational learning environment. In our specialist academic Sixth Form Campus, students study a combination of respected traditional, performing arts and creative A Levels in addition to alternative high value Level 3 courses. Our average class sizes have been as low as ten in the Sixth Form. We also pride ourselves on our excellent links to the best higher education institutions in the world. Residential trips to places such as Harvard and Yale in the USA are being organised once again subject to interest.

Prospective students are invited to come along to our Open Days or join our virtual tours to explore the fantastic opportunities and inspiring state-of-the-art facilities in our dedicated Sixth Form Centre. As Ofsted noted: ‘The range of subjects taught is imaginative, well constructed and contributes well to students’ achievement and their outstanding spiritual, cultural and moral development.’

Kingsdale Sixth Form Open Days 2022 Wednesday 28th September 4.30pm - 7.30pm Wednesday 9th November 1.30pm - 6.30pm

Wednesday 19th October 1.30pm - 6.30pm Wednesday 30th November 1.30pm - 6.30pm

Visits by Appointment Only. Virtual tours will be taking place and broadcast live during each event!

Visit www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk, call 020 8655 9723 or email sixthform@kingsdale.southwark.sch.uk for a Prospectus Alleyn Park, Dulwich,2 London SE2 l 8SQ

contents

autumn 2022

Bermondsey Festival: 10

About us Laura Burgoine

W

e’ve been based in the old Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey since 1994.

Our flagship publication, the Southwark News launched in 1987 and is now London’s only independent, paid for newspaper.

We created the Bermondsey Biscuit and Rotherhithe Docker in 2018 with support from sponsors including Sellar, Grosvenor, British Land, and many other local businesses.

We also publish the South Londoner each month, and the Greenwich and Lewisham Weekender every week.

We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

We use 100% recovered paper from the Ortviken paper mill in Sweden, a green energy provider who use biofuel instead of oil and provide heat for 10,000 single family homes.

Time & Talents: 42-43

London Bridge Oktoberfest: 24

Going out, out Lights camera action for Kino Bermondsey, autumn at the

5-11

Life scientific Boston in Bermondsey - big plans revealed for a life science

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Taking care of business Celebrate the Thames at London

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Food & drink Peckham mead-makers launch taproom in Bermondsey,

22-24

Memory lane The storied past of local historian, author & leader of the

30-31

Brunel Museum & the Village fete in the city returns

district in SE1

About us Editor Writers Design Marketing Media partnerships Finance Managing Directors

Laura Burgoine Michael Holland, Debra Gosling Lizzy Tweedale, Dan Martin, Hakob Muradyan Tammy Jukes, Clarry Frewin, Sophie Ali, Katie Boyd Anthony Phillips Emrah Zeki Chris Mullany, Kevin Quinn

Contact us Email enquiry@bermondseybiscuit.co.uk Phone 020 7231 5258 Facebook BermondseyBiscuit Instagram @bermondseybiscuit Website www.bbandrd.co.uk Printed by Ilif fe Print Published by Southwark Newspaper Ltd

Bridge this September Oktoberfest & more

Southwark Park Association 1869 Pat Kingwell

History At the turn of the century, families with up to 20 kids swapped the

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overcrowded slums amid the smoke and dirt of industrial Bermondsey for hopping holidays in the sleepy fields of Kent

Wellbeing Stepping into the Bermondsey Boxing Ring & new sports to try

39-40

Community

42-43

out in Canada Water

Volunteers needed at Rotherhithe institution Time and Talents as it celebrates 135 years of service to the local community

Property Smooth moves with Bermondsey declutterer Katherine Blackler

Our winter issue hits the streets in December.

Contact us to get involved 3

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autumn 2022

A thank you to our sponsors We'd like to acknowledge all our sponsors and supporters for helping us bring the

Bermondsey Biscuit and

Rotherhithe Docker to life.

4

autumn 2022

going out, out

Kino cinema keeping it reel after tough two years Laura Burgoine

B

ermondsey Square’s Kino is in a unique position with flats above, walls either side and the remains of Bermondsey Abbey underneath. But over the past couple of years, it’s been between a rock and a hard place, having to shut down completely during the various lockdowns and then trying to run while major building works and scaffolding took over Bermondsey Square, post Grenfell. Now, the building site is no more and Kino is back bringing its magic to locals.

MD Matt Breckon says: “We’ve got a big lounge bar, a lovely outdoor terrace and an intimate screening room. We have the largest screen possible for the size and shape of the cinema, crystal clear picture quality thanks to our digital projector (which is in a sound-proofed pod at the back) and recording studio quality sound.”

Kino has three venues. Its first: a 91-seat, old Victorian lecture hall in the Kentish village of Hawkhurst, its second is part renovated Victorian library, part new build in the centre of Rye, East Sussex, with two screens and an outdoor terrace/ café/bar. And finally there’s Bermondsey Square, formerly Rob Wray’s Shortwave cinema, which Kino acquired in 2017 after several years of discussions. The group made improvements “to bring it up to Kino concept”, including sourcing red Italian leather seats that Matt heard had been ripped out of a Soho screening room and then found on eBay. Fast forward to 2020 and the Bermondsey Square Kino was having its best months of trading in January and February… and then the pandemic hit and they closed overnight, and re-opened, and closed and so it went on. “We properly re-opened in May 2021 and then the scaffolding went up in Bermondsey Square, post Grenfell, and those works had to be done, but running a hospitality business under a building site was really hard,” Matt says. “The scaffolding was finally removed last month and it was a huge relief. We now need to remind everyone that we’re here, in the heart of buzzing Bermondsey.”

For its relaunch, Kino has new outdoor seating and plants and continues to screen a carefully curated selection of films which now include National Theatre lives. Jodie Comer’s Prima Facie has proven so popular, they’ve extended its run.

“The National Theatre plays are attracting a new audience,” Matt says.

Kino Bermondsey Square is both a bar and a cinema. “You can come and have a Pornstar martini and watch a film or just come for a glass of wine and a bite to eat while watching the world go by in the Square,” Matt says.

It’s also available for private hire; corporate companies hire out the space for team-building while Kino also run birthday parties, film festivals and private premieres.

The locale of locals, Matt says Kino is proudly independent and boutique. “It’s a tight knit community here in Bermondsey Village. We try to offer a varied programme on our one cinema screen; current releases and independent films.

People’s tastes are so diverse - the same person who likes an Iranian drama may also watch Top Gun: Maverick.” Kino has a membership programme which offers free tickets and discounts, a no-brainer for regulars.

The advantage of being a small cinema is the team does all its own programming in-house and can respond in real-time to audience demands and feedback. “Brexit impacted our business because people weren’t going out - they were at home glued to the TV watching it all, and Covid obviously had a major effect. But even during hard times, people need to find things that bring them enjoyment in life. We like to see ourselves as an affordable luxury; a local place to relax, socialise and be entertained without the temptation to press pause and put the kettle on or answer the phone!”

Visit Kino Bermondsey at 10 Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN. Phone: 020 7357 6845. www.kinodigital.co.uk/bermondsey

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Produced by Terrence Higgins Trust for .

Terrence Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg. no. 288527) and in Scotland (SC039986). Company reg.no. 1778149. Photography by THOMAS KNIGHTS.

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autumn 2022

going out, out

Autumn at the Brunel Laura Burgoine

F

rom this month onwards, there’s plenty of activity at the Brunel Museum to help you dig a little deeper into the story of the Thames Tunnel. The museum tells the story of the first successful tunnel under a river anywhere in the world. It was the result of the ingenuity of Marc Brunel, a French émigré to London (via New York) who gave his rather unusual middle name to his son, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who joined his father on working on the Tunnel, as his first engineering job.

During construction, the Brunels hosted the first underground concert party in 1827. Now, DEBUT classical continue that tradition with their monthly concerts, featuring awe-inspiring performances, time to chat to your favourite musicians and the chance to learn more about Brunel’s remarkable feat of engineering.

have changed the face of history, followed by a Q&A and, of course, an opportunity to buy the book.

Tunnel vision for autumn

Marc Brunel and His Son Wednesday 28 September from 7pm to 8pm (Doors open 6.30pm). Tickets: £5

Guided tour weekends

Isambard Kingdom Brunel is widely regarded as the greatest engineer ever to have worked in Britain – and some would say the greatest in the world.

But less is known about his father, Marc Brunel.

In this talk, Anthony Burton reflects on the often overlooked achievements of Marc Brunel, and the influence he had on his more famous son.

The story of the father and son team, Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel who conceived of and executed this audacious feat of Victorian engineering is vividly brought to life in video, museum displays and artefacts. The guided tours give unique access to this fascinating collection, together with an expert guide offering in-depth information and insight into the Thames Tunnel story.

Life lessons from an engineer, an explorer and a statesmen Wednesday 5 October from 7pm to 8pm (Doors open 6.30pm). Tickets: £5

Tours take place hourly, from 11.15am on these weekends: 24 and 25 September 15 and 16 October 19 and 20 November 10 and 11 December

There are many great people in history but only a handful who have achieved grand endeavours in two completely different fields of pursuit.

Brunel Book Club

Three notable ones were: . Isambard Kingdom Brunel, builder of tunnels, railways, bridges and ships . Roald Amundsen, the first to sail the Northwest

Brush up on your Brunel knowledge with the brand new Brunel Book Club. In these talks, a different author shares their perspectives on how the Brunels

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Passage and first to reach the South Pole. . Theodore Roosevelt, creator of US national parks and the Panama Canal.

In this talk, Brad Borkan, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, explains how Brunel, Amundsen and Roosevelt dealt with hardships, overcame obstacles and silenced the many naysayers who exclaimed, “it can’t be done.” Focusing specifically on Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Brad will reveal lessons and strategies from Brunel’s life and work that you can use to improve your own modernday life and career.

Debut Concerts at the Brunel Museum Thursday 15 September, Thursday 13 October, Thursday 10 November, from 7pm to 9pm (Bar opens at 6.30pm).

DEBUT’s concerts at Brunel Museum offers aweinspiring performances, hosted by soprano Lizzie Holmes (Royal Opera House, The Phantom of the Opera).

Visit the Brunel Museum at Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, SE16 4LF. Phone: 020 7231 3840. www.thebrunelmuseum.com

going out, out

autumn 2022

Living in a material world Laura Burgoine

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aterial Matters 2022 is a new fixture on the London design calendar. Based on the critically acclaimed podcast of the same name, the event’s inaugural edition takes place during this year’s London Design Festival, from 22-25 September, on the capital’s Southbank.

The event, which is part of the Bankside Design District, brings together over 40 world-leading brands, designers, makers and organisations to celebrate the importance of materials and their ability to shape our lives.

The fair will take place across five floors of the iconic Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf, an unadorned but magnificent former factory setting, and feature a wide range of exhibits: from an exhibition celebrating an upcoming monograph on the experience-driven strategic design agency LAYER, to a site-specific installation from leading gallery Ruup & Form, featuring work from textile artist Beatrice Mayfield and other multidisciplinary artists, via displays by innovators and experimentalists whose practice is at the cutting edge of materials, and products from a collection of leading brands.

The fair also features a lively and informed talks programme, joining forces with Negroni Talks, the renowned (and robust) architecture talks series to create two special panel discussions. There will also be a live version of Material Matters with Grant Gibson.

Material Matters is at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, SE1 9PH from September 22-25. Materialmatters.design

Oliver Pattisson Arts Picture Framing & Interiors Bespoke conservation framing

Bespoke conversation framing Traditional gilding and finishes 100s of pre-finished Traditional gildingframe andchoices finishes Contemporary designs

100’s of pre-finished frame choices Window / float mounting Art care and canvas stretching

Contemporary designs Mirrors and églomisé effects installations Window Art / float mounting Collection and delivery options

Art careContract and canvas stretching framing available Consultations outside shop opening hours

Mirrors and églomisé available on request effects Find at the corner of Artusinstallations Tower Bridge Road and Druid Street

Collection and delivery options 0203 0896608 / 07985 208711 Contract framing available www.oliverpattissonarts.com / info@oliverpattissonarts.com

Consultations outside shop opening hours available on request

Celebrating the people, stories & history of medicine from the Old St Thomas' Hospital in London Bridge www.oldoperatingtheatre.com Admission Charged Registered Charity Number 1155078

bermondsey street festival

autumn 2022

The Village fete in the city is back Laura Burgoine

Now in its 18th year, the Bermondsey Street Festival is bouncing back post-pandemic and decking the halls with designer bunting. Teaming up with IMAT at Bermondsey Square, at this year’s event you’ll find:

Food stalls The famous dog show (finishes at 4:30pm) Maypole dancing Bermondsey Lock Rin Tin Theatre Morocco Band Hot Jazz Books & Beers The Bermondsey Street Festival is on Saturday 17 September from 11am-7pm. Stalls close at 6pm, Tanner Street Park closes at 7pm. https://bermondseystreetfestival.org.uk

The Best Bermondsey Pooches are back for a further year Registration starts from 11am at Leathermarket Gardens and is limited to 20 a class.

The Entry Classes The Lily Award (1.30pm) which is Best Pedigree bitch The Eddie Award (2pm) which is Best Pedigree Boy The Holly Award (1pm) which is best mash up and/or rescue The Augusts & Nelly Bear Award (3pm) which is anything goes ... fancy dress, best trick, best 6 legs The top 2 from each class go through to BEST IN SHOW (3pm) The winner will receive £75 towards a Holly&Lil dog collar of their choice.

There will be small prizes for all runners up and losing entrants receive a ‘WE WOZ ROBBED’ rosette. There will be free pack of ByBenji treats for all entrants too and 10% off all collars leads and harnesses at Holly&Lil.

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Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. ~ William Morris

Engage Katherine Blackler and the team to help you to consciously create a calm, welcoming and organised space to live or work in 3 key steps 1. Declutter your physical space We’ll help you tackle the jobs you’ve been hiding from; whether it’s organising one cupboard, one room or the entire house.

2. Organise & store your belongings We’ll create systems and processes that work for you and your family. We’ll optimise your space by devising space-saving storage products or display solutions.

Get in touch today: katherine@sortmyspace.co.uk 07914 612531 sortmyspace.co.uk @sortmyspaceuk

3. Redesign your head space We’ll encourage you to focus mindfully on redesigning your environment, allowing you to gain more clarity on what’s important in your life and what you can let go of.

Quote BISCUIT for 20% off your consultation

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as one of our neighbours, present this advert to get a complimentary drink from the bar with each cinema ticket

food & DRINK

La dolce vita A culinary tasting tour of Angela Hartnett’s Café Murano Sarah Louise Chapel

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his Bermondsey Street Italian is the third London outpost of Angela Hartnett’s Murano. It’s a more casual offshoot of her Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant, as my foodie friend and dining partner for the night can testify after accidentally going to Mayfair first!

Café Murano Bermondsey is a large, well thought out space. There’s room for easily more than 100 diners but despite its large size, the clever design – booths, light and bright window tables, and a more intimate space at the back – it gives the diner a feeling of intimacy and warmth. The fun, friendly Italian waiting staff and dapper front of house manager Neil help to create a convivial atmosphere as do plenty of jovial sounds coming from the central kitchen space.

A diner feels that here is a place for good times.

The menu offers Cicchetti and antipasti; pasta, risotto and verdure; specials; pesce and carne; contorni.

autumn 2022 Fresh pasta and gnocci – all house-made of course – are of the highest quality as is superior-class risotto.

It’s to be expected with Hartnett and she delivers.

We couldn’t come and not try all three. Our rice, golden with saffron, had the softest mussels hidden within and the gentlest hints of parsley and lemon.

Tortelli with Westcombe ricotta was buttery, covered in delicately shaved fine Italian cheese and marjoram.

Gnocchi was smothered generously in the softest of lamb ragus with green olives, mint and lemon; it was a dish so deep in flavour and with meat so melting it made you believe an Italian nonna had lovingly stirred it on her stove for hours. The special of pork chop crispy sage and anchovy butter, and our sea bream, with baby braised courgettes and bright yellow blooming flowers, were as simple and as beautiful to look at as they were beautiful to eat.

Three scoops of home-made ice-cream – a neither dark nor milk chocolate, classic vanilla and pistachio – alongside a generous slice of chocolate caprese cake (the Italian version of a brownie) gave a perfect ending to a perfect meal. Other Italian options: panna cotta, tiramisu, in-season fruit tart, ricotta with poached apricots, taleggio with fennel crackers may have done the same. If only there had been room to find out!

If you don’t want to eat a full meal at Café Murano, there’s a bar to sit at for aperitivi and cicchetti (we started with textbook perfect outside-crispy-insidesoft-cheesy arancini and fresh summery caponata that gave bursts of different flavours... a pine nut here... a raisin there... that foodie friend said she’d like to lie down in a pool of ).

Just like the food, the drinks keep all things Italian.

The wine list focuses on small producers as well as Angela Hartnett’s own-label wines. Cocktails get you in the ‘la dolce vita’ spirit, such as gin-based Il Perfetto, featuring balsamic vinegar, or our Café Murano Spritz. This was an Aperol spritz with a difference - Luxardo Maraschino gave it a sweeter twist – and this joy of a cocktail looks like a sunset and tastes of holidays.

And at Murano that’s the feeling you get. A feeling of good times, of relaxation, of ‘la dolce vita’ and a feeling of being so happily satisfied with one of the most high class Italian meals south London has to offer.

Cafe Murano 184 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ Phone: 020 3985 1545 www.cafemurano.co.uk

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autumn 2022

life scientific

Is Bermondsey set to become the next Boston?

Major plans unveiled for new life science district

 Architect’s impressions of Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young Peoples’ Mental Health – Aerial View. Denmark Hill.

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world class Life Sciences District is coming to life in South-Central London. The area is set to become a centre for innovation with the creation of SC1, a transformative ecosystem of new spaces and partnerships dedicated to fostering health equity. Founded by King’s Health Partners, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation, and Lambeth and Southwark Councils, SC1 aims to build a global Innovation District in central London that holds its own in the UK and eventually globally, according to Executive Director, Georgina Rizik, a global healthcare executive with over 25 years’ experience in Canada, Switzerland, Germany and the UK.

Laura Burgoine

Neuroscience (IoPPN), and Maudsley Charity.

Notably, this hub also fosters innovation in Neurosurgery, Transplant and Haematology.

“We want to have the same global standing as Boston but for different reasons,” Georgina says.

 Architect’s impressions of Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young Peoples’ Mental Health – Front View. Denmark Hill

“I love London and I believe in this district,” she continues. “It’s a crowded market in London.

There are so many different initiatives going on, there’s lot of accelerators, incubators, charities, and so-called innovation districts. So it’s important when we’re creating this district to ask ourselves: why should someone choose to engage with SC1? Why should a founder want to collaborate with one of our researchersOr academics? Why would Big Tech or Big Pharma want to collaborate with us?”

“

We want to move the needle on health equity here in Lambeth and Southwark and become a global example for others,” Georgina tells the Biscuit. “SC1 is anchored by King’s College London. We have three innovation hubs: London Bridge BioMedical Hub, Denmark Hill Mind & Body Hub and Westminster Bridge MedTech Hub.”

“SC1 is born from the unique diversity of London. There are over 120 languages spoken in Southwark and Lambeth alone. What will put SC1 on the global map is that, cemented by the work of our seven phenomenal partners, we are unified in our unwavering commitment to not only reimagine innovation, but to also foster health equity.”

•

The MedTech Hub at the Westminster Bridge Campus hosts Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Technology, including the in-progress London’s Institute for Healthcare Engineering. The planned Royal Street development will support the ecosystem.

•

The BioMedical Hub at the London Bridge Campus will focus on drug discovery and experimental medicine and will include the development of properties on Snowsfields as life sciences scale space. This hub is also notable for excellence in Cancer, Advanced Therapeutics, Cell Therapy and Genomics.

 Architect’s impressions of London Institute for Healthcare Engineering (LIHE) – Entrance. Lambeth Palace Road.

•

The Mind & Body Hub at the Denmark Hill Campus has significant global strength in Mental Health and Neurosciences. The Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, combining research and NHS practice to change the story on mental health and help transform the lives of children and young people, is being developed in partnership between South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology &

 Architect’s impressions of London Institute for Healthcare Engineering (LIHE) – Aerial View.

Lambeth Palace Road.

Georgina’s 25+ years’ experience across private, public and non-profit organisations and her extensive experience navigating international healthcare systems, biotechnology businesses and the pharmaceutical industry make her a globally minded business leader with a patient-centric focus.

“No matter what diseases patients in our local community have, one of our centres will have world class healthcare for you,” Georgina says.

“We have 22 clinical academic groups. The depth and breadth is incredible in terms of what Kings Health Partners have done.”

“One of the crown jewels in Denmark Hill is the Pears Maudsley Centre for Young People’s Mental Health,” Georgina continues. “It will be a world leading centre for child and adolescent mental health, combining the best clinical care and the best scientific research to move the needle forward.”

For more information, visit: https://www.sc1.london

 SC1 London’s Life Sciences Innovations District – Overview of Three Hubs Reflecting Areas of Excellence.

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autumn 2022

SC1 – London’s New Life Sciences Innovation District: The Best In Health and Innovation Right On Your Doorstep

Architect’s impressions of Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young Peoples’ Mental Health Cafe, Denmark Hill.

What comes to mind when you think of South-Central London? The iconic heart of London - culture, diversity, history, an unwavering sense of energy, a thriving hub for business and arts, transport links, incredible architecture, the river… the list could go on.

However, it is about to get better. Amazing things are happening right here, right now, to bring investment and regeneration to this area and make South-Central London synonymous with worldclass science, innovation, health and technology.

Welcome to SC1 – the best in health and innovation right on your doorstep.

What is SC1?

SC1 is London’s new Life Sciences Innovation District founded to create a transformative life sciences ecosystem here in South-Central London. It has a simple mission to reimagine innovation and health equity. What this means for you is access to the best healthcare and the facilities to ensure everyone can reach their full potential for health and wellbeing, and homegrown cutting-edge science that will have an enduring impact not only locally but across the world.

How did SC1 come about?

SC1 is the culmination of a vision to build a worldrecognised home for life sciences in the heart of the capital and bring together world-leading institutions already making a difference in South-Central London under one umbrella. SC1 is anchored by the worldclass university, King’s College London (KCL), and supported by the founding partners of three NHS Foundations Trusts (Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, King’s College Hospital, South London and Maudsley), the Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, and the Boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark.

Why was it decided to create a science district here

to world-class facilities, prime real estate and lab space and an opportunity to collaborate with one another in close proximity.

 Aerial view of Westminster Bridge – MedTech Hub (Area marked in red is Royal Street).

Campus will focus on drug discovery and experimental medicine. Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation recently appointed Oxford Properties and Reef to partner with them in the development of their properties on Snowsfields as life sciences scale space.

• The Mind & Body Hub at the Denmark Hill Campus will build on the expertise of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences in connecting the mind and body. The hub also fosters innovation in Neurosurgery, Transplant and Haematology. Capital projects that will support the growth of this hub include: o The Pears Maudsley Centre for Children and Young Peoples’ mental health, combining research and NHS practice to change the story on mental health and help transform the lives of children and young people o A new Haematology Institute

in my area?

The area’s homegrown universities and hospitals already host a wealth of clinical and research expertise, which, coupled with the unique demographic of South-Central London, have the potential to transform the area into a powerhouse of healthcare innovation.

Lambeth and Southwark are home to an incredibly diverse community, with over 150 languages spoken.

This culturally-rich setting not only offers SC1 a diverse and talented workforce to pull from but is the ideal backdrop to address equal and fair access to healthcare.

How is the SC1 District made up, will it be an actual area?

SC1 is centred around three thriving innovation hubs all in close proximity to one another: • The MedTech Hub at the Westminster Bridge Campus will host biomedical engineering and healthcare technology, including a Surgical Interventional Engineering Suite for the creation and implantation of medical devices, KCL’s London Institute for Healthcare Engineering for early product development and Stanhope’s Royal Street development for MedTech businesses.

• The BioMedical Hub at the London Bridge

What will SC1 mean for me?

What this means for local people and the community at large is the very best of innovation and healthcare services on your doorstep, 60,000 new highquality jobs in the sector by 2050, an enhanced local environment with regeneration and sustainability, and pride in the area in which you live and work. We hope you benefit from SC1, but also come on this journey with us and be a part of this exciting vision.

For scientists and researchers, SC1 provides access

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What opportunities will SC1 offer for local entrepreneurs?

For entrepreneurs, the District is an opportunity to collaborate with world-class stakeholders in the NHS, KCL, investors, private sector companies and more importantly to get mentorship via accelerators.

In the long term, SC1 aims to foster transformative partnerships with local and global industry partners, entrepreneurs, community and stakeholders, who are united in the aim to increase health and wealth both locally and globally.

Georgina Rizik the Executive Director for SC1 says, “Patients, people and partnerships are at the heart of SC1’s goals. Together, we will create a District that is truly game-changing for innovation and health equity, while solidifying London as one of the best global Life Sciences hubs in the world.” www.sc1.london

 Aerial view of London Bridge – BioMedical Hub (Area marked in red is Snowsfields Quarter).

autumn 2022

IN ASSOCIATION WITH TEAM LONDON BRIDGE

LONDON BRIDGE COMMUNITY

Celebrate the Thames at London Bridge this September

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Tom Chivers by Akiko DuPont

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very September Totally Thames celebrates the world’s most famous river. This year, after the driest summer anyone can remember, we’re learning to appreciate the importance of our rivers and waterways even more, so the London Bridge community is excited to be hosting some of the headline events in this year’s festival.

Totally Thames provides an annual season of unique, diverse and accessible arts and culture throughout the month with activities taking place on, beneath, and along the River Thames.

The 30-day programme runs the 42-mile stretch of the Thames through working collaboratively with artists, local communities, river interest organisations and businesses.

With its maritime heritage and pride of place along the Thames, the London Bridge area always features prominently in the annual festival. Here is a selection of the exhibitions, walks, events, and talks along our stretch of the river: London Bridge Discovery Walk Weds 14 Sept, 1pm, with Blue Badge Guide Alan Read. Discover some of the events and the people behind the history of trade in the London Bridge area.

Hands on History: Discovering London Clay with Tom Chivers Thurs 15 Sept, 6-7.30pm, The London Bridge Hive. Explore the rich history and geography of the Thames with author, poet and licensed mudlark Tom Chivers.

Kids’ Choir Sun 18 Sept, 1pm, The Scoop -

London Bridge Discovery Tour

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London Bridge City. A heart-warming concert of 400 primary school children led by Richard Frostick.

Sing for Water Choir Sun 18 Sept, 2pm, a 500-strong choir raising money for WaterAid, The Scoop - London Bridge City.

River Net installation & talk by Irma Irsara Thurs 22 Sept, 12.30–1.30pm talk, The London Bridge Hive; 1.30pm – 7pm exhibition open and meet the artist. River Net is a time lapse video looking at our relationship with the materials we produce and their impact on the river.

Reflections Sat 24 Sept, 7.15-9pm – illuminated evening flotilla of over a hundred and fifty boats, including Gloriana (The Queen’s Rowbarge), sails from Chelsea to Tower Bridge.

‘Mudlark’ a Henry Reichhold Exhibition 1 to 30 Sept, London Bridge Station. A giant 2D installation and a virtual expo exploring the wonders and tranquillity of a seekers world.

For more details and the full 2022 programme visit totallythames.org Dates Thursday 1st – Friday 30th September 2022 Facebook @ThamesFestivalTrust Instagram @thamesfestivaltrust Twitter @ThamesFestTrust #TotallyThames Team London Bridge is a proud sponsor of Totally Thames.

food & DRINK

autumn 2022

Modern medieval mead on the Beer Mile Laura Burgoine

T

he Bermondsey Beer Mile now has a mead-maker in its midst with Peckham’s Gosnells moving into the ‘hood. Gosnells taproom, between Cloudwater and Moor Beer, opened at the end of August with its signature wildflower tipple on tap, which will be followed by an ever changing rotation of limited edition experiments. Previous limited editions include: sweet cherry mead, mojito mead and citrus and nettle, as well as more traditional original meads, which are available in bottles and cans.

Founder Tom Gosnell launched the old-fashioned drinks brand in 2014, after visiting the United States and sampling mead, which he found to be an interesting drink with a lot of nuance depending on where the honey had come from. Mead is a popular beverage in the US and Tom wanted to bring the drink back to the UK and resurrect it. “Usually mead has a reputation for being very old fashioned, heavy and a medieval style drink but we have revamped it, made it lighter, sparkling and much less alcoholic in some cases, so it’s more on the cider side,” says Gosnells team member CJ. “Instead of being viscous and sickly sweet, we have made it fresh, intriguing and modern. Basically we have given it a kick up the bum into modern times and it’s becoming really popular for those with intolerances to gluten and sulphites as it does not contain either of those.”

The drink is heavily influenced by the origin of the honey at its base, CJ says. “The exciting thing about it is that what the bees feed on really has an impact on the flavour. In the countryside, there are lots of fields and brambles, so the honey can have a very strong flavour depending on what is growing near the hive. Urban bees have a huge amount of variety in what they eat, as everyone’s gardens has something totally different in it! That’s why we have made a variety of drinks, like our vintages and postcode mead, that use all the same ingredients but just change the hive. When you try them side by side the results are incredible.”

Mead is sweet but not sickly as people might expect. “It’s lighter and a bit like a fruit cider. If you try it for the first time, the most popular ones are wildflower, which you can get on draft and in cans from our taproom or website. You can expect an aftertaste of honey rather than the sense of wiping clean a honey jar like Winnie the Pooh,” CJ says.

The mead-making process begins with the creators tasting all the honeys that come in to get a sense of the base flavour, before adding water and yeast to the mix. “Yeasts can vary. We might use a Chardonnay or a Champagne yeast depending on the recipe,” CJ says. “Next we will leave it to ferment (same as beer or wine). Once we have a good flavour we can either add more fruits or flowers to get the top notes or we add carbonation before it’s packaged.

“We like to say that our product is made with honey, water and time,” he continues.

“Mead doesn’t take an age to make but the quality of the ingredients is key to the end product and often sourcing and trying them is the thing that really takes time to get right.”

Gosnells is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4pm-10:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-10:30pm.

Visit the taproom at 72 Enid Street, SE16 3RA. www.gosnells.co.uk

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Igloo Flowers The Igloo team have been creating bespoke floral wonders from their workshops and branches in bustling Bermondsey street and vibrant Clapham Junction for over fifteen years.

Now open: our Urban Garden Centre at 64 Druid street SE1 selling a huge variety of garden and indoor plants, pots and homewares.

Serving up the finest drinks and Poulet every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Join us at our Bermondsey Street Festival after-party, 8pm Saturday September 17, for a Burlesque show and a West End singer Igloo Flowers 64 Druid St, SE1 2HQ

Friday 5-11pm | Saturday 12-11pm | Sunday 12-6pm 07539 142389 For more details, please contact us on

The Flower Pitch Bermondsey St / Tanner St park

info@poulet37.co.uk Poulet , 37 Maltby St, London, SE1 3PA

iglooflowers.com 07497 190613

Beautiful chirashi sushi bowls and dashi, freshly prepared to order on Bermondsey Street.

126 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TX Available on Deliveroo.

Instagram: omoide_uk/

The B Street Deli The original deli on Bermondsey Street

126 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TX Available on Deliveroo. omoide_uk/

We are here for you and open daily!

Monday - Friday 8am - 11pm, Sundays 8am - 10.30pm 0207 4033 943 www.bstreetdeli.co.uk/ Instagram: bstreetdelildn Twitter: BStreetDeliLDN

food & DRINK

autumn 2022

Dine and stein at Oktoberfest in London Bridge Laura Burgoine

L

ondon Bridge Experience is bringing a taste of Munich to SE1 with Oktoberfest celebrations at the Bermondsey Bierkeller. Expect authentic live Oompah bands, thirst quenching Paulaner beer (by the stein) and a whole smorgasbord of traditional Germaninspired street food. Keep the Bavarian party going with live DJs, the venue’s very own Bierkeller Boys, shuffle board, interactive darts, pool, foosball, ping pong and more! What better excuse for an amazing Bavarian night out?

Oktoberfest Bronze Package

£15

Oktoberfest silver Package

£40

Oktoberfest GOLD VIP Package

£65

Includes admission, a guaranteed reserved seat at the venue and one ice-cold stein of Paulaner Bier served in a traditional glass stein.

Includes admission, a guaranteed reserved seat in the VIP area, two ice-cold steins of Paulaner Bier with a pretzel and imported German Classic Bratwurst: the original hotdog served with caramelised onions tomato sauce, German mustard and chips.

Includes admission, a guaranteed reserved seat in the VIP area in front of the band, glass of German sparkling wine on arrival, two icecold steins of Paulaner Bier with a pretzel, five BBQ signature chicken wings or five BBQ cauliflower wings, imported German Classic Bratwurst and apple strudel and ice-cream.

Oktoberfest is at Bermondsey Bierkeller, 2-4 Tooley Street, SE1 2SY. Phone: 020 7403 6333. www.bermondseybierkeller.co.uk

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Bermondsey Larder, tucked away in the Bermonds Locke hotel, is a family run restaurant from the award-winning team behind Darby’s, Sorella, Bottle + Rye and Rye by the Water.

We are passionate about the craft behind our food and drink, from our freshly made bread to our carefully curated cocktails. We've got all the ingredients for a truly memorable meal.

Bermondsey Larder, Bermonds Locke, 153-157 Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 3LW Access from both Bermondsey Street and Tower Bridge Road www.bermondseylarder.com @bermondseylarder Flyer_A5.pdf

1

12/10/2021

22:35

A NEW BOXING GYM IN THE HEART OF BERMONDSEY

126 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TX Available on Deliveroo.

Instagram: omoide_uk/

16-18 and looking to start college?

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You won’t find boxercise or boxing-inspired classes in our gym, just pure boxing, tailored to every ability level. Our mission is to spread a love and respect for our sport to everyone who enters Bermondsey Boxing Club.

CMY

Come and see what Bosco can offer you.

Places available for an immediate start in:

Business Child Care IT and Digital Media Sport

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From first timers, to professionals, adults and youths everyone is welcome.

281 Jamaica Road, SE16 4RS www.bermondseyboxingclub.com 153 TOWER BRIDGE ROAD, LONDON SE1 3LW

0207 232 0440 info@bosco.ac.uk

2022 Maria enrols on an engineering degree

2075 Maria’s recognised for contributions to humanity

MARIA’S ENGINEERING STORY STARTED AT TEDI-LONDON. WILL YOURS? Study a global engineering degree with a difference right here in South East London.

Full scholarships available. tedi-london.ac.uk

Autumn 2022

Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com •

CANDIDE

MARK THOMPSON'S SCIENCE SHOW

SHOW OF HANDS WITH MIRANDA SYKES

BOLLYWOOD BRASS BAND

ALFIE MOORE

SAT 15 OCT 2pm

WED 23 NOV 8pm

Music by Leonard Bernstein, Book by Hugh Wheeler after Voltaire

Blackheath Halls Opera 2022 Tuesday 27 September | 7.00pm Thursday 29 September | 7.00pm Saturday 1 October | 2.30pm Sunday 2 October | 2.30pm

Tickets £23 | Concessions £19 | Under 12s £6 020 8463 0100 | blackheathhalls.com SHARED OWNERSHIP AT @Blackheathhalls @OperaBH #CandideBH

B E R M O N D S E Y , L O N D O N S E1 6

Perfect city living in a thriving neighbourhood

SAT 22 OCT 7.30pm

FRI 25 NOV 7.30pm

autumn 2022

Green light given for new affordable homes in SE16

Deck looking on to the courtyard at Zone L, scheduled for completion in 2025

Green spaces for residents in Zone L

Progression

As the scorching summer of 2022 draws to a close, plans for hundreds of new homes in Canada Water to meet local housing need are starting to take shape.

Over at what is known as Plot K1, on Roberts Close and close to Russia Dock Woodland, the construction of 79 new homes is advancing well, with the building expected to be finished in the next year. The development will be taken on by Southwark Council, providing 60 new council homes and plenty of homes with two or more bedrooms.

Benefitting from an abundance of green space with Russia Dock Woodland, in addition to a new 3.5-acre park and schools such as the nearby Alfred Salter Primary School, the homes will be ideal for families.

The Canada Water development is redeveloping Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, and the Printworks to provide a new town centre for the borough. It is being brought forward by British Land in partnership with Southwark Council, as a 50/50 joint venture with pension fund AustralianSuper.

New affordable homes

Community at its core

In July, the council approved plans for further new homes within the Canada Water development. This is an exciting milestone, as it opens the door for British Land to continue to help meeting the pressing need for new homes in the area.

Building a place that is at the heart of the community and connects local people to the opportunities it will deliver is at the core of what the Canada Water development means. So including local people and businesses is key and British Land wants them to be at the heart of this. With British Land’s commitment to deliver quality career progression and support businesses with access to opportunities for growth, such as Thrive, a low-cost workspace programme and support hub, the whole community can help shape and share in the development’s success.

Zone F, located across a portion of Surrey Quays Leisure Park, will provide around 400 new homes along with workspace, shops and restaurants. Zone L, which will be located near to the Printworks site, will deliver a further 237 new homes, of which 60% will be social rent, 25% market rent, and a further 15% will be intermediate tenure.

Both will feature plenty of public space for people to enjoy such as roof terraces, open courtyards, new tree planting and a variety of play areas.

As London’s first new town centre in 50 years, the Canada Water development aims to support local people and businesses to grow so that they are best placed to benefit from the opportunities that the development will bring.

With new affordable housing that meets the needs of the community, plus more jobs and facilities with sustainability at their heart, British Land is committed to a development that works with and for the community.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Of the approximate 3,000 new net zero homes delivered across the whole development, at least 25% will be social rent and 10% intermediate, making this announcement a significant start with much more to come over the next 10 years.

Contact us:

canadawater.co.uk

team@canadawater.co.uk

New council homes at Plot K1, due to be completed next year

0800 470 4593 (freephone)

@CWmasterplan

Canada Water Masterplan

29 GREEN LIGHT FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES_V4.indd 1

02/09/2022 13:43:15

memory lane

Parks and recreation Michael Holland

The storied past of local historian, author and leader of the Southwark Park Association 1869

P

at Kingwell grew up with his “wonderful parents and two lovely sisters” on the Rockingham and Tabard Gardens estates and attended the local primary school, Joseph Lancaster. His years at Walworth Secondary School seem, however, to be the most informative.

It was the teachers at Walworth who instilled and nurtured a passion for sport, English and history.

He name-checks ‘Paddy’ Price for backing his love of football and cricket, English teachers Valerie Avery, Alex McLeod and Peter Medway for opening his mind to “writing and books” and ‘Bruno’ Le Brun’s history lessons. He says now: “The interest in working-class stories and history fostered by my Walworth teachers has stayed with me ever since.” In fact, it was the high quality of Mr Le Brun’s lessons that Pat believes gave him the necessary skills to

30

get into University College, London, to study BSc International Relations, at a time when going to university was not as common as it is now.

On leaving education, Pat’s first job was in Rotherhithe library, a Salvation Army hall in Lower Road converted to replace the library in Rotherhithe Town Hall which was destroyed by a V1 rocket.

Here, working with “friendly, funny and generousminded characters” he could immerse himself in all the books and history that he wanted.

In 1975, the library moved to the Rotherhithe Civic Centre that opened in Albion Street, where Pat was eventually placed in charge of the children’s section and had story-telling duties. Because of working in close proximity to Southwark Park, Pat was able to play cricket there on pitches that he describes as “dangerous.” It was also where he would

autumn 2022

take walks with his girlfriend Lesley and her dog Jezebel that he also describes as “notoriously dangerous.” “It would snap at people’s legs,” he recalls. “It’s a wonder we never got banned by the parkies!” Lesley, on the other hand, was neither notorious or dangerous and, in 1975, they wed in Walworth Registry Office - next to Newington Library.

After around ten years of working in Southwark’s public libraries, Pat transferred into policy planning and project development. It was here in the late 1990s that he became much more involved with Southwark Park. “The park had sadly gone downhill in all sorts of ways,” he remembers. He joined The Friends of Southwark Park, formed by socially-conscious people to help bring about change. A successful National Lottery bid led to significant improvements in the park, “which still bring benefits to the community today – the lake extension, the new children’s playground, the two art galleries, the bowls pavilion and the bandstand are examples,” he declares proudly.

But being involved with The Friends of Southwark Park and its achievements had other benefits. “The restoration project gave me a lot of personal satisfaction, a circle of friends and a desire for knowledge about the park which has possibly strayed into the obsessive,” Pat says, adding that he was “very lucky” to work alongside “talented” colleagues. Pat went on to become Secretary.

Since those exciting fin de siècle days of change The Friends of Southwark Park has been connected to many events. Some of the stand-out results for Pat are: “The relocation of the Rotherhithe Caryatide, led by Gary Magold; Stewart Morgan’s documentary film It’s Our Park; Debra Gosling’s The Trees of Southwark Park; Alison Clayburn’s Voices of the Park; successful lobbying for more tennis courts, an outdoor gym, a synthetic cricket pitch, a better One O’Clock Club, an upgraded sports centre and a new café.”

He also enjoyed relocating the long-forgotten dolphin sculpture, the former centrepiece of Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, to the lake.

But in 2018, The Friends of Southwark Park fell into different hands, so the original founders established The Southwark Park Association 1869, a new group with similar aims to the old, offering the community “a democratic voice for their beloved parks.” Pat emphasises it is “a thriving, open and friendly organisation with hundreds of members and supporters, aiming to promote and protect Southwark Park and King’s Stairs Gardens.”

Already they have implemented events and noticeable improvements. “In 2019, we celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Southwark Park with a programme of activities involving local organisations,” Pat says.

“Highlights included the sinking of a time capsule containing creative work by children from Southwark Park Primary School; the publication of Women and Southwark Park; the children’s book Fun in the Park, created in partnership with Rotherhithe and Riverside Primary Schools, and

 Pat storytelling in Rotherhithe Civic Centre library in 1975

yarn bombing of park railings.”

In recent troubled times, when a community needed some light in the darkness of Covid, The Southwark Park Association 1869 provided that glimmer of normality while the world was in turmoil. Pat explains, “during the pandemic we made a decision not to close. Instead we provided the community with weekly updates online, which we know were appreciated. Last year we celebrated half a century of the Council’s ownership of Southwark Park with free activities for all ages such as guided bird, bat, heritage and tree walks; a ‘Come and Try’ bowls evening; a carol concert; a photography competition and exhibition, and the publication of Birds of Southwark Park booklet.”

The Southwark Park Association 1869 is totally voluntary, with no membership fees but goes a long way “on enthusiasm and partnerships.” This year, the Salter’s Centenary year, will see free concerts and free tennis sessions, thanks to the support and sponsorship of local charities and businesses, as well as backing from the Council.

And in between all the volunteering and campaigning, Pat Kingwell has still found time to research and write books on local history: Once Upon a Street in Bermondsey in 2016 and Once Upon a Street in Rotherhithe in 2017. They are both A-Z compilations of events, incidents or people connected with the streets of the two areas, mainly drawn from old newspaper articles. More recently Pat published Southwark Park and King’s Stairs Gardens: A Day Book, which costs £10 (or £13 posted) with all proceeds going to the Association.

Contact Pat on: ourpark@live.co.uk

 Pat and Lesley at their wedding

31

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way...

All good things are worth a wait, and one of the best things is the Annual Christmas Fair at The Finnish Church in London!

Mark down the dates: 25-27.11.2022 and 2-4.12.2022, Santa and his Finnish elves will be waiting for you with sausages, pastries, gift items and sweets!

Please follow us on www.finnishchurch.org.uk Twitter: @Lontoonkirkko Facebook: Lontoon merimieskirkko Instagram: @Lontoonmerimieskirkko Finnish church in London. 33 Albion Street, SE16 7HZ

Can you make Southwark

cleaner greener or safer?

We are inviting people who live or work in Southwark to propose ideas to make their local area a safer, healthier place to live.

What is the funding for?

When do I apply?

Contact

The application period for the 2023/24 round is open from 1 September to 2 October 2022 (midnight).

Telephone 020 7525 4077 or email cgs@southwark.gov.uk

The Cleaner Greener Safer and Devolved Highways programmes fund improvements across Southwark, e.g. new playgrounds, food growing planters, lighting, cycle parking, and zebra crossings.

How do I apply?

Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/ cleanergreenersafer for more information and to submit an online application. If you are unable to apply online, call 020 7525 4077.

Cleaner Greener Safer Ads/Flyers 2023-24 v2.indd 1

17/08/2022 11:24

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history

autumn 2022

Gone ‘opping!

Debra Gosling

M

any elderly residents have happy memories of the time when the only holiday they got was working in the hop fields of Kent every September. At the turn of the century there were families with anything up to twenty kids who lived in overcrowded slums amid the smoke and dirt of industrial Bermondsey. No wonder then that the sleepy Kent hop fields in the Garden of England were more like the Garden of Eden to them.

Every August the papers would also give a report on the year’s hops crop stating whether it was good or bad so that hoppers had some idea of how much cash they would make. Every year over 80,000 people went hopping. It combined earning extra money for winter boots and clothes with a chance to be out in clean air under the sun. Thin, pale London kids could run free in the green fields and scrump apples in the orchards. Sufferers of TB and rickets could bask in the sunshine while asthmatics treated their lungs to the unpolluted air. Mums and Grannies appreciated the beautiful landscape, tranquil dray horses and, most of all, the chance to have a peaceful chat and a cuppa. The whole family would go, including grandparents, family pets and even the local clergyman.

Come September, right up until the 1960s, London Bridge Station played host to half of

Bermondsey who noisily waited for the hopper’s special to whisk them away to their holiday destination. The hop farmers provided very basic accommodation, normally a corrugated tin hut and some straw, so all the comforts of home were packed up and taken along. Jam sandwiches and bread and dripping were given to the kids to eat on the journey; this was an age long before burger bars. Once on the train the holiday mood set in and everyone would sing and tell jokes. As the tops of the coastal houses appeared between the trees, the excitement grew. Upon arrival at the allotted hut, a spring clean began before replicating the home comforts back in Bermondsey. Curtains went up in the windows, tea was brewed, pans were hung up on hooks on the door and even pictures and mirrors were fixed up.

Hopping was hot, tough and tiring. Stripping the hops from the bines cut and stung the hands and turned them black so many people brought gloves.

It was a 12-hour day and back-breaking work but hoppers drank firkins (small barrels) of cider in the fields which no doubt kept them in the holiday spirit. People obviously got ill during the season so the Salvation Army and the Red Cross would set up hopper’s hospitals. Here they tended to wounds

and treated any diseases that sometimes broke out.

In 1928 there was a smallpox scare in Tunbridge Wells after a boy from Lambeth was discovered with pockmarks and peeling skin. He had contracted the virus at home but it had not manifested itself until he had been in the hopfields a week. A warning went out in the local paper of the time telling people to stay away from the fields until the virus had cleared.

Even though the work was hard there was still time for leisure. After a hard day, people would sit around the campfire singing, chatting and playing cards. Mary Barrett recalls Johnny, a man with a wooden leg, who came from a large family of hoppers. “We’d go down to Johnny’s hut with some bread that we would toast on his fire. He’d tell us kids ghost stories about a woman in white from the Medway. It was good fun until it came to walking back across the field in the dark to our own hut!”

Some people ventured down to the local pub and happily staggered back in the pitch dark.

The farmers would put on entertainment for the kids and organised treasure hunts, horse rides and competitions. There was also plenty of trade going on. Some farmers would give their workers a mid-season sub so that they could buy provisions

34

from the various callers to the fields. Professional photographers would visit and take pictures of the families in their best clothes, leaving their card for them to buy a picture when they got home. Traveller families brought their colourful painted caravans and camped for the season. They sold rabbits to the hoppers for their teas along with handmade baskets, pegs and heather. They were renowned for their herbal remedies and used the hops in their recipes.

Hop pillows for insomniacs and cures for digestive problems (and no doubt hangover cures for the cider!) were all available to buy. Travelling peddlers arrived laden with goodies such as braid, ribbons, buttons, brushes and pots and pans. Local vendors called into the fields and set up shop with cakes, fruit and toffee apples. All in all everyone made something out of hopping and went home happy.

As the weeks rolled on, the hop bines would gradually become bare as all the hops were picked and put in houses to be dried on the floor. At the end of the season the farmer would shout “pull no more bines” and the hoppers downed tools. With a good suntan, stained hands and some cash in their pockets the hoppers returned back to Bermondsey healthy, happy and relaxed from their “holiday.”

EDUCATION

“Choosing this school was the best decision. They truly care about the progress and wellbeing of my child.” Parent An infectious culture of aspiration, exploration and connectedness Our goal is simple: to provide an outstanding education for our community. Our pupils experience a broad, challenging and stimulating curriculum so they can reach their potential. Visitors to Compass School notice the calm and friendly learning environment, engagement in lessons and warm sense of community. Pupils bid you good morning, hold doors open and speak enthusiastically about their school.

Enabling pupils to fulfil their potential and passions We are passionate that education must reach beyond the academic so the whole child is educated and inducted into a culture where they can make the most of their talents and excel. Whether it’s The Brilliant Club, Oxbridge schemes or Leatherwork, pupils see and experience clear pathways to university. Debate Mate hones their critical thinking and oracy skills. Music instrument lessons, singing and dance enable pupils to fulfil their passion. We promote active and healthy lifestyles and our sports clubs include links with community groups Ballers’ Football and Greenhouse Table Tennis so pupils can continue their activity outside of school.

We are generous with trips, including going to the theatre and taking part in performances. We visit galleries, offer residentials and overseas visits, so pupils can have a truly enriched educational experience.

Giving back to our community We give back to our community through a broad range of charitable activities and outreach. Our annual First Give programme is built into the curriculum, so all pupils in a year group carry out social action for their chosen local charity and have the opportunity to pitch for an additional £1,000. Compass pupils provide coaching for local primary school pupils through our Greenhouse Table Tennis programme, or through Sports Leaders. Pupils also lead fundraising for causes such as Ukraine, the Manna Homeless Centre in London Bridge and Breast Cancer Awareness.

A new building for September 2023 and small class sizes Our new state-of-the art building due to open in September 2023 has a maximum capacity of 600 pupils which will be taught across 5 forms - an average class size of just 24 pupils.

There’s so much packed into our small school setting! Most of all, we’ve built an infectious culture of aspiration, exploration and connectedness with our community that must be seen to be appreciated.

So do come along and visit us this autumn. We’re just a stone’s throw from Bermondsey tube. A warm welcome awaits!

A new state-of-the-art building opening in September 2023

Open Events

2022 Open Evenings • Tue 13th September

5pm - 7pm

• Mon 26th September

Open Mornings • Thur 15th September

9am - 10:15am

• Mon 19th September

• Wed 28th September • Tue 4th October RI V ER T H A M

BERMONDSEY

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A 200 ic a Rd

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Please visit compass-schools.com/admissions for more information Compass School Southwark, Drummond Road, Bermondsey SE16 2BT 020 3542 6506 • info@compass-schools.com @compassSE16

@baconscollege Timber Pond Road, London, SE16 6AT Tel: 020 7237 1928

Open Evening Thursday 15th September (5-8pm)

Open Mornings Saturday 17th September (10am-12pm) Tuesday 20th September (9-10.30am) Wednesday 21st September (9-10.30am) Tuesday 27th September (9-10.30am) Wednesday 28th September (9-10.30am)

www.baconscollege.co.uk Proud to be rated a Good School in every aspect (summer 2022) Come and see us for yourself or visit

w w w. b a c o n s c o l l e g e. c o. u k

Bacons Bermondsey Biscuit ad Sept 2022.indd 1

31/08/2022 11:20:19

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98 Spacious en-suite bedrooms Bistro café and themed pub Sociable lounge and dining areas Daily fine dining and hospitality suite

• Roof terrace and landscaped gardens • Hair and pamper salon • Tailored meaningful activities

To find out more about life at Camberwell Lodge Care & Nursing Home contact Senior Customer Relations Manager Nina Rogers on 07549 035 654 or email nina.rogers@countrycourtcare.com.

020 4579 2199

Picton Street, Camberwell, London, SE5 7QH www.countrycourtcare.com

Compassionate... Reflective... Inclusive... Supportive... Transformative...

An 11 - 18 Church of England Girls’ School

Open Sessions 2022

Open Mornings: September 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, October 13th All sessions start at 10am (Headteacher’s talk at 10.45am) Open Evening: 29th September from 6pm Our The (Headteacher’s talk at 7.30pm)

Sixth Form Open Evening 20th October

rap Dog Winnie y s ‘Come and ays: see lovely sch my ool!’

New Kent Road, London SE1 4AN T: 020 7407 1843 W: www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk E: office@ssso.southwark.sch.uk

autumn 2022

wellbeing

Get into the ring in SE1 Laura Burgoine

G

et ready to step into the ring at Bermondsey Boxing Club, the third boxing club launched by The Boxing House founder Manya Klempner.

Connected to the Bermondsey Low Line, the club opened at the end of August, next to Planet Organic on Tower Bridge Road.

“The club is a proper boxing gym with just a few creature comforts to ensure our patrons feel good during and after a training session,” says gym manager Becks Smith. “We’re not a studio that does boxinginspired classes or boxercise. We have a vertical offering that seamlessly provides for newbies, keepfitters and recreational boxers, all the way through to white collar competitors and professional fighters.”

Bermondsey Boxing Club’s coaches are all directly involved in the sport of boxing to some degree. The senior coaches all run pro stables. “We don’t staff personal trainers who hold pads; we employ proper

boxing coaches,” Becks says. “We are all about ensuring the highest levels of coaching for all of our clients whether that client be a novice or a seasoned pro.”

Boxing has a multitude of benefits and appeals to a wide gamut. “To competitors and spectators, there is an opportunity to satisfy that primal drive to compete against another individual one-on-one. For those not looking to get punched in the face, boxing provides a high paced cardiovascular workout that makes you think, makes you sweat and it’s amazing how stress relieving smashing a bag or some pads can feel.”

Becks says the satisfaction of learning a new skill and progressions is second to none while the mental

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and physical benefits include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Reduce stress levels Strengthen your body Burn calories in spades Improve your cardiovascular system Build stronger muscles and bones

Most importantly, it’s an investment in your mental fitness, coach Greg says, encouraging people to take advantage of the opportunity to engage in “active mindfulness”.

“Boxing is intense. Not only physically but mentally too. That sort of intensity requires full focus and

concentration.

“At the end of a session, not only are you buzzing from the endorphins, rejoicing in a good sweat but you’re also realising and appreciating that you’ve actually checked out of your life for an hour. That’s cathartic. That’s therapeutic. That is oh-so-difficult to achieve for most of us. Boxing is the solution.”

Bermondsey Boxing Club offers a number of signature classes ranging from Box Box Box, a bagbased class focused on fundamentals, to Fighting Fit, a high intensity, half boxing / half conditioning-based class utilising many of the conditioning tools used to whip professional fighters into shape. Classes are varied. Some cater to all levels such as Box Box Box and Fighting Fit, whereas some are geared to the slightly more advanced client base, like Boxing Tactics or Intro to Sparring. The club also offers 1:1 sessions with all its coaches (5-7 credits per session).

Memberships can be purchased which allow unlimited self-train or All You Can Train (including all self-train, group classes, and sparring sessions). PT Sessions are available for an additional fee.

If all the options sound overwhelming, Becks says “don’t worry, we are a friendly lot. .. feel free to ask.”

The Intro Offer requires no commitment and minimal investment. Ultimately you have very little at stake. £30 for you to enjoy 2 classes and bring a friend to experience one of them. It’s fantastic. What are you waiting for?”

The club is open from 6am-9.30pm on weekdays and 8am-5pm on weekends.

Visit Bermondsey Boxing Club at 153 Tower Bridge Road, SE1 3LW. https://bermondseyboxingclub.com

wellbeing

autumn 2022

Wonderwall

C

anada Water is now home to the UK’s first multi-court outdoor Wallball venue. Charity UK Wallball has teamed up with British Land to create the two courts next to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. It’s free and the concept is simple: you hit the ball against the wall with your hands, a bit like squash against one wall but without a racquet. The game was created for inner-city communities, making use of tight urban areas.

Wallball is already hugely popular in cities like New York, where there are currently over 2,500 courts, and it’s now taking London by storm. Games typically last 15 minutes. BYO ball (an onsite vending machine also sells balls for £2). https://ukwallball.co.uk

Social climbers

T

he Arch Climbing Wall has opened its second site with a new 7500 square foot indoor bouldering space in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre.

A broad range of walls support all levels of ability – from complete beginners keen to try a new form of exercise, to experienced climbers looking to improve their technique and push their limits.

Indoor bouldering – a core practice amongst modern climbers – is a form of rock climbing that is practised low off the ground without the need for a rope or harness. The sport helps to build physical strength along with technical skill, while helping to improve cognitive function and problem-solving abilities**.

The centre will be open to climbers from the local community and beyond. Single sessions and memberships are available, starting from £5. The space will also be offered free of charge for community groups to use at certain times of the week, so that the space is accessible to everyone.

Visit www.archclimbingwall.com for further information.

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community

autumn 2022

42

autumn 2022

lives many young girls were expected to lead set about changing this and helped girls of leisure and education use their ‘time and talents’ in the service of others.

“It all started with wealthy women in Chelsea coming to Rotherhithe to help the poor families of the dockers,” Sarah says. “They were the early feminists and they sparked a social movement that’s still going today.”

T&T currently has around 80 volunteers hosting various extracurricular groups for pre-school to primary school aged children, including Forest School where kids can learn to grow vegetables in the idyllic Secret Garden, a spot which offered solace to many during the lockdowns. “95% of the people who come here don’t have outdoor space at home but we were able to keep outdoor activities running throughout the lockdowns, which was really important,” Sarah says. There’s also several groups for elderly people, including those with long-term mental health issues and dementia, respite for carers of patients with dementia, art groups, gardening clubs, repair shops (based on the Australian Men’s Shed Association) and more. Time and Talents has its own mini-bus so they can drive elderly members to and from sessions, as well as several rickshaws for taking housebound elderly residents of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe out for fresh air excursions.

Nine local schools refer children to T&T who they think would benefit from after-school clubs.

“During Covid we became a food hub delivering food to households in need on Rotherhithe Peninsula. Covid quickly unmasked poverty and we’re now seeing clothing poverty too,” Sarah says.

With what’s expected to be a difficult winter looming, volunteers and funding are more needed than ever. Sarah fundraises £500,000 a year just to keep the doors open. “British Land gave us our HQ at Surrey Quays shopping centre pro bono, which really helps us reach more people and we run a Holiday Hunger Club with help from Southwark Council, who we rent our main building from,” Sarah says.

The social enterprise also raises revenue by hiring out rooms in the venue for children’s parties or local events.

Many of the elderly people whom T&T work with today remember the organisation from their childhoods in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. They played on the roof playgrounds of T&T’s old buildings by the docks, were taught to sew by older women, learned to read and escaped poverty. The multi-generational connection has played a strong role in the community since its early roots.

Leading a grass roots organisation is not for the faint of heart but the passion of the people behind it is a life force all of its own. “I get to see the difference we make everyday,” Sarah says. “And because we’re small we can try things; we can pilot something and see if it works. We pride ourselves on knowing what’s needed in the community.”

Time after time Laura Burgoine

Join the team at Rotherhithe’s Time and Talents, where volunteers help four generations of locals

H

aving just celebrated its 135th year anniversary, Rotherhithe institution Time and Talents is showing no signs of slowing down. After a pandemic where they pivoted with the best of them, T&T are now calling for volunteers to help them continue to help members of the local community.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Time and Talents,” CEO Sarah Gibb says. “Our numbers dropped off when Covid first hit and then in the first weeks of the pandemic we got more applicants in one week than we usually get in a year.” Now numbers of volunteers have fallen again but the range of services on offer only continues to grow.

Housed in the old mortuary on Saint Marychurch Street (which features in Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend) Time and Talents originated in 1887 in the drawing rooms of Victorian society where a group of women who deplored the narrow, sheltered

Visit Time and Talents at the Old Mortuary, Saint Marychurch Street, SE16 4JE. Phone: 020 7231 7845. www.timeandtalents.org.uk To volunteer, contact referrals@timeandtalents. org.uk or phone 020 7232 5669 or complete the form timeandtalents.org.uk/volunteering

43

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Visit www.tonicatbankhouse.org Email info@tonichousing.org.uk Call 0207 971 1091

autumn 2022

property

Tips for a smooth house move Laura Burgoine

Bermondsey’s answer to Marie Kondo, Certified Professional Organiser at SortMySpace, Katherine Blackler, has all the right moves

W

hen you’re moving house there’s a lot to keep track of and it’s often cited as one of life’s most stressful milestones. Thankfully there are things you can do to reduce the stress levels.

Declutter!

Use your forthcoming move as a chance to review what you really still use and enjoy in your life and what you’ll realistically need and want in the next chapter. Paring things down at this stage will save you time and money because you won’t be paying removal services to pack up and transport unwanted stuff into your new home.

Plan ahead

Consider the following aspects of your move to see what you can arrange in advance of moving day. This will help you better handle the inevitable hiccups that arise with such a big transition:

Measure your existing furniture

Ensure items will actually fit into the new space and let go of anything that’s too bulky or surplus to requirements. If you can get access to your

new home in advance, take masking tape and a tape measure around and map out on the floors where the sofa, sideboards, beds and wardrobes etc might fit and try walking around the space to ensure your everyday routes flow easily. If you can’t access the property, ask the sellers for floor plans and dimensions. You can do the same planning on graph paper but you’ll need a bit more imagination to check there’s enough space to walk comfortably between the proposed furniture. Before squirreling excess furniture into a lock-up, seriously consider the long-term cost of offsite storage versus buying a new sofa in future – one that suits your tastes and household requirements at that stage!

Update utilities

Label consistently

Identify any perishable food, household plants and any family members and pets that cannot travel in the removal vans and work out how you’ll transport them safely on the day. Keep a bag or box with you on the day for essentials including moving paperwork, phone chargers and cables, critical medicines and some drinks and snacks. Keeping the kettle and tea/ coffee supplies and mugs handy will be well received by the removal team!

Understand what’s expected of you to disconnect your current utility supplies. Create a list of relevant account numbers and phone numbers or websites to submit final electric, gas and water meter readings on the move day. You should also take opening meter readings for the new property and submit these to that supplier. Some telephone, internet and TV services can be transferred to your new property. Contact the home moving team of each supplier 4-6 weeks beforehand to understand their processes and allow time to effect the switch.

Special Arrangements

You’ll probably find it easier to keep track of the move by referencing the new layout personally eg: Jessica’s bedroom, Guest room, Home Office etc rather than Bedroom 2, 3 & 4. But make it easy for the removal team to know where Jessica, your guests and the computer is destined to hang out by also labelling the door of each room in the new place on moving day with the same terminology as the cardboard packing boxes.

45

Meal planning

At least 4 weeks before moving day, stocktake what’s in the cupboards and freezer and create a meal plan to steadily dwindle down supplies ahead of the move day. Ideally you want to be able to defrost the freezer a few days prior to the move to avoid unnecessary leaks when you turn the power off and leave the house.

Update others

There will be various suppliers and contacts to update your new address with but you can also set up a Royal Mail forwarding service for 3, 6 or 12 months to catch any contacts that you’ve overlooked.

This will prevent sensitive data landing in the wrong hands.

You can download a handy checklist of who to update at www.sortmyspace.co.uk/housemovechecklist Here’s wishing you a smoother move!

Contact katherine@sortmyspace.co.uk or 07914 612531 or visit www.sortmyspace.co.uk

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