Southwark Life Autumn 2013

Life Southwark

Autumn 2013

Keeping Southwark clean with TV star Jim Building new council homes Our new world class BMX track Get support as a carer Providing more primary school places

Check out our guide to Black History Month 2013

Your magazine from Southwark Council

www.southwark.gov.uk

The council plan outlines ten Fairer Future promises.

These promises are the council’s vision and demonstrate our commitment to transparency, outlining specifically how we intend to create a Fairer Future for all Southwark residents.

This is a summary of our promises and achievements. To find out more about our progress, please visit www.southwark.gov.uk/annualreport

Promise 1

Value for money

Provide improved value for money and keep council tax increases below inflation.

Promise 2

A safer borough

Work with residents and the police to make the borough safer for all by cracking down on antisocial behaviour and implementing our new violent crime strategy.

Promise 3

Warm, dry, safe homes

Deliver the first three years of our five year plan to make every council home warm, dry and safe.

Promise 4

Improved customer service

Improve our customer service with improved online services, including delivery of a better housing repairs service, independently verified by tenants.

Promise 5

Improve educational attainment

Introduce free healthy school meals for all primary school pupils and champion improved educational attainment for our borough’s children.

Promise 6

Support vulnerable people

Support vulnerable people to live independent, safe and healthy lives by giving them more choice and control over their care.

Promise 7

Encourage healthy lifestyles

Encourage healthy lifestyles by transforming Burgess Park, opening a new swimming pool at Elephant and Castle and awarding £2m to local sports projects to leave a lasting Olympic legacy.

Promise 8

Invest in libraries

Open Canada Water Library in autumn 2011.

Open a library in Camberwell and conduct a thorough review of the library service.

Promise 9

Homes, jobs and growth

Bring the full benefits and opportunities of regeneration to all Southwark’s residents and build new family homes on the Aylesbury Estate and at Elephant and Castle.

Promise 10

Cleaner, greener Southwark

Double recycling rates from 20 per cent to 40 per cent by 2014 and keep our streets clean.

Intro

Contents Focus 4

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Need to know... Blue Plaques, Green Flags, fire cuts legal challenge, community council fund and much more Building new council homes How the council is tackling the housing shortage head on

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Let's talk about... how the council spends your money – join in our conversation

Life

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Our new world class BMX track Transforming Burgess Park

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Money matters Helping you through difficult times

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Black History Month 2013 Our eight page guide to what's on

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Supporting our families Providing more primary school places

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Ivydale Primary School Headteacher Helen Ingham talks to us about her role and plans for the future of the school

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Keeping Southwark clean Meet star street sweeper Jim Lawrence

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Revitalising Southwark Regeneration transforming the borough

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Autumn 2013

www.southwark.gov.uk

welcome...

All children at Southwark primary schools returned from their summer holidays this term to a free healthy school meal, achieving our Fairer Future promise to provide free healthy school meals for every primary school pupil in Southwark. Free healthy school meals is one of this administration’s top priorities and I am proud that we have delivered it with over 21,000 children now benefitting.

In this edition of Southwark Life, you can read more about this as well as the progress that we are making on our other Fairer Future promises such as encouraging healthy lifestyles with a new world class BMX track, or improving educational attainment by providing more primary school places.

Also in Southwark Life, we set out our plans to build 11,000 new council homes – the largest council house building programme anywhere in the country for a generation. But, as well as our bold ambitions for the future, I am determined that we continue to get the basics right with the services that you rely on. A record number of Southwark residents say that they are satisfied with the cleanliness of Southwark’s streets. You can read how street sweeper Jim Lawrence has been keeping our streets clean for 33 years and helping make Southwark a borough that we can all be proud of.

Events Nunhead Festival and Comedy Club 4 Kids plus lots more

Info 30

How to... get support caring for your loved one

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Improving customer service

Peter John Leader of Southwark Council

New Walworth My Southwark customer service point

The Southwark Life team Contact us Do you have something to say about Southwark Life? Write to: Your letters, Southwark Life, Communications, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, Second floor, hub 5, SE1 2QH or email southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk. We will print a selection of letters but will edit those that are long.

We won’t print anonymous letters but can withhold your name and address if you request it.

Editors Wendy Foreman, Louise Timms Contributors Kim Bowers, Paul Cowell, Kim Hooper, Subira Massell, Miriam McGrath, Fariah Nanhoo, Louise Neilan, Maria Valdivia, Richard Wells, Claire Wortley Photography Hannah Maule-ffinch, Jamie Simonds Design Whatever Design Ltd

Keep in touch Southwark Life is a quarterly magazine with the next issue due out in the winter.

You can contact the magazine at southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk. For more regular updates on council news and events, follow us on social media at facebook.com/southwarkcouncil and at twitter.com/lb_southwark

Print Headley Brothers Printed on 100% recycled paper Distribution London Letterbox

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Need to know...

For news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter, find out more at www.southwark.gov.uk/enews

The community council fund 2014/2015 The community council fund 2014/15 will open for applications on 4 November 2013. The fund is aimed at community groups to enable them to hold events such as fun days, festivals, outings or activities which bring local people together. If you have a good idea and are not part of a formally constituted group, you can apply online at www.southwark.gov.uk/communitycouncilfund or complete an application form from your community council area officer by 12pm on 13 December 2013.

Do you have a working smoke alarm at home?

If not, you are four times more likely to die in a fire in the home.

A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family the valuable time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. Don’t take the chance on your family’s lives.

When changing your clocks on 27 October 2013, please take a few seconds to test your smoke alarm. By simply pushing the ‘test’ button, you could save the lives of your loved ones. For further information on fire safety visit www.southwark.gov.uk/firesafety

Modernising mental health services Share your views on the council’s proposals to introduce new services to provide information, advice and support to people with mental health conditions. The new services will support people's individual recovery, independence and involvement in their local communities. They will offer more choice while providing information and advice to all in the borough. Have your say at www.southwark.gov.uk/mhconsultation

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Are you looking after someone else’s child?

We have a responsibility to ensure that children are being properly cared for and that carers get the help they need. If your child is living with someone other than a parent or close relative for a period of 28 days or more, the law requires you to notify us of such an arrangement. For more information visit www.southwark.gov.uk/privatefostering

Your voice, your health, your care Healthwatch Southwark is the new independent champion of local voices, working with local people to improve health and social care services.

Healthwatch wants to hear your views about local services and/or you could volunteer with them. Find out more at www.healthwatchsouthwark.co.uk

Blue Plaques The nominations are in and voting is now open to decide which local name deserves a Blue Plaque to recognise their contribution to Southwark. This year’s nominees are Hollywood actress and director Ida Lupino, trade unionist Jack Jones, Arment’s Pie and Mash shop, the Old Southwark Town Hall and local historian Stephen Bourne.

Make sure you get your vote in by 31 October 2013. You can vote by emailing news@southwarknews.co.uk or by voting card at libraries across the borough, just fill in a card and place it in the Blue Plaques box.

Get active this autumn If you’re looking for ways to stay active, check out what’s going on near you at www.southwark.gov.uk/ getactive. You can search for a wide variety of sport and activity sessions from cheerleading to wheelchair basketball at venues throughout the borough. You can also use the website to find events which are happening in Southwark such as free cycling and running events. If you are a sports club or activity provider looking to list your sessions on the website please email laura.payne@ southwark.gov.uk for more information.

Focus

Southwark is joining with other councils to take legal action to try to prevent cuts to London’s fire service.

This follows the Mayor of London’s decision to agree to them despite huge opposition from many councils and the public. Southwark is one of the boroughs most affected and stands to lose Southwark Fire Station and one third of its fire fighters. Cllr Richard Livingstone, cabinet member for finance, resources and community safety, said: “It’s time to take our battle to the next level, after the Mayor chose to ignore hard facts regarding the threat to residents’ safety from his fire cuts.”

You can apply for the CGS fund to improve your local environment by making it cleaner greener or safer. There are two types of funding: CGS capital funding for permanent, physical improvements and CGS revenue funding for small, one-off schemes. Previous successful applications have been granted funding to plant trees and flowers in the local area, for street lighting and to improve children’s playgrounds for example. All ideas are considered by Southwark’s five community councils. The deadline for completed applications is 8 November 2013. To find out more about the fund and apply, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/cleanergreenersafer

www.southwark.gov.uk

Have you remembered to pay your rent?

Fire cuts legal action

Cleaner greener safer funding (CGS)

Autumn 2013

Council tenants should make paying their rent their first priority. If they refuse to pay their rent, we will take action to recover any debts and they could be evicted from their council home. If you are struggling to pay your rent, we can help you access support or agree a rent payment plan.

For debt and benefit advice, call 020 7525 2600 or speak to your housing or income officer in confidence. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/rent for more information.

Three more Green Flags for Southwark’s parks Three more Southwark parks have achieved the prestigious Green Flag status taking our total to 17. Burgess Park, Belair Park and Tabard Gardens received the national award from environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy. The awards are presented to the best parks and green spaces across the country. They are a sign to visitors that the space meets the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. Find out more about our parks at www.southwark.gov.uk/parks

Boris Johnson visits the Elephant This summer, Mayor of London Boris Johnson visited Elephant and Castle to see the ongoing regeneration of the area.

Southwark Leader Cllr Peter John showed the Mayor the sites where work is underway on new housing and the brand new leisure centre. The regeneration will bring 5,000 new homes, 6,000 jobs, a new park and vast improvements to transport and traffic. We will be consulting on transport improvements with TfL later this year.

Team Southwark – London Youth Games 2014 Love sport? Aged 11 to 18? Live or go to school in the borough?

Get involved and represent Southwark at the 2014 London Youth Games and compete to be the best in the capital. Find out more at www.southwark.gov.uk/londonyouthgames

Belair Park, Dulwich

Can you make a difference to the life of a disabled child or young person by providing a short break?

Come along to an information session where our experienced staff will answer your questions and help you decide whether caring for a disabled child is right for you.

The meeting will take place from 12pm on 19 October 2013 at Dulwich Library. For further information, please call 020 3049 8221/8047 or email familylink@southwark.gov.uk

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Tackling the housing shortage head on 125 Peckham Park Road - brand new block of 16 council homes

Promise 9 Homes, jobs and growth

Everywhere you turn, people are talking about housing

H

ouse prices, location, waiting lists, neighbours – housing is a subject that preoccupies us all.

In Southwark we have some specific housing challenges, primarily linked to the fact that demand for homes outstrips supply.

Southwark's population has also been steadily increasing and currently it stands at 288,300 (Census 2011); an increase of ten per cent over the past ten years. We’re already the biggest social housing landlord in London and the second biggest in the country. So whether you’re hoping to buy a four bed house or rent a council flat, the likelihood is that someone else is hot on your heels wanting the same thing.

It’s fantastic that people want to live in Southwark, and it’s not surprising given its rich heritage, cultural diversity, and the exciting regeneration going on all over the

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borough.

But with a waiting list of over 20,000 for a council property, it is clear that the council needs to do something innovative to help meet demand.

Did you know Southwark has...

39,000 council homes 14,500 leaseholders and council home owners Over 20,000 people on the waiting list for a council home

That is why Southwark Council recently announced plans to build 11,000 new council homes over the next 30 years – the country’s biggest council house building initiative. After consulting residents about proposals for the future of the council’s housing stock and carefully analysing our finances, we decided that we would build new council homes. We also want to improve the quality of all homes in the borough

Focus

Autumn 2013

www.southwark.gov.uk

Billie Steve Hedger Chair, Southwark Tenant Council “The announcement that Southwark will embark on a programme to build new council homes is incredible news. It’s fantastic that more households will be able to enjoy the safety and stability of a new home. This is a massive step towards addressing the current disconnect between housing supply and housing demand in the borough, and the construction alone will provide an enormous economic boost to Southwark.”

Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council “My own vision for housing in Southwark in 30 years time is of a place where you will not know whether you are looking at privately owned or council housing, where the quality of our council homes rivals or exceeds those produced for private sale, and where those properties are managed and maintained either by their residents, or the council, or by a combination of both. I hope other councils will look at our plans and consider joining Southwark in reversing the trend away from council housing, and start building now for a fairer future for all.”

and put more trust in local people to manage their homes and communities.

At a time when other councils, despite huge demand for affordable homes, are selling off council housing, Southwark is bucking the trend to ensure people from all walks of life can live in the borough.

Leader of Southwark Council, Cllr Peter John, explained: “I can't overstate the significance of this decision: as the country struggles with a huge housing shortage, Southwark is leading the way in finding a solution. We announced last year that we plan to build 1,000 new council homes in the next few years, and we are well on our way to delivering that plan. But frankly, even that large number of homes will barely scratch the surface of our 20,000 long housing waiting list,

Billie lives in Canada Water “I think as long as the new homes are given to people who really need them then why not?

All sorts of people need a council home - it’s so hard to get your foot on the ladder. Working people need council houses - we are working and struggling too.”

which is why we have decided to act.

We'll need to be innovative in raising what is inevitably a considerable sum of money, but the financial and social costs of not doing so would be far more challenging to deal with.”

Of course, a range of different types of homes are needed in Southwark and we are working with private developers and housing associations to ensure that new housing springs up across the borough, with the regeneration of areas like Elephant and Castle, and Peckham, not to mention the fashionable Bankside and Bermondsey.

Stuart Stuart is moving to a refurbished council flat in East Dulwich “It’s a very good idea and I think the government should help the council out by getting behind the scheme to help keep council rents at a fair rate. The private sector is just too expensive for some people.”

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Let’s talk about...

how the council spends your money Southwark spending challenge 2014/15

Promise 1 Value for money

Cllr Richard Livingstone

Cabinet member for finance, resources and community safety “Everyone knows that council budgets are being squeezed more every year. The cuts to Southwark’s grant from the government are among the largest in London, making us one of the hardest hit boroughs. Through the community conversation and the online budget simulator, residents can tell us which areas they value most and want to be protected. It also gives them a good idea of the hard decisions councils have to take when balancing budgets.”

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Faced with significant budget pressures and difficult decisions ahead, we want your views on the future of public services in Southwark

T

he council is facing significant budget pressures as a result of continued reductions in government funding and at a time of increasing demand for our services. As a result, we are facing further difficult decisions with a £23m budget gap, meaning a seven per cent saving target in 2014/15 and more savings to come in future years.

This comes on top of more than £90m savings between 2011/12 and 2013/14 in real terms.

Cllr Richard Livingstone, cabinet member for finance, resources and community safety, said: "Southwark has been particularly hard hit by government cuts and it’s only going to get worse. Not only is our funding falling by millions every year, but we anticipate that demand for some services will increase because of demographic changes and the potential impact of the government’s welfare reforms.

Southwark knows that many of its residents are struggling in this difficult economic climate, which is why we have frozen council tax for the last five years, and are helping families with free healthy school meals for all primary school pupils.

We will continue to deliver excellent

services and help people as best we can, but with a £23m budget gap in 2014/15 there will inevitably be some very difficult decisions ahead.

Despite the challenges we remain committed to ensuring all residents, businesses, and voluntary and community sector groups can make the most of the many opportunities that our borough has to offer. I would urge everyone to get involved and have their say on where the council spends its budget.”

During the summer we ran a series of community conversations across the borough to talk to residents about how the council spends its budget. This followed the successful community conversation in September 2010 which enabled over 600 local people (young and old) and community groups to take part in the Southwark spending challenge. We received a huge amount of input from local people, which all helped inform the budget decisions that we made.

As a result, services for vulnerable people and frontline services were preserved and back office and management costs were reduced.

Your feedback from this year’s community conversation will be available later in the year. The 2014/2015 budget will be agreed at council assembly in February 2014.

Focus

www.southwark.gov.uk

Autumn 2013

“

I found it really easy to spend money but making cuts is virtually impossible. Everything deserves funding. Martin

Local resident Martin taking part in the Southwark spending challenge during the summer

Deborah Local resident who attended a community conversation ”It was extremely hard because you want to save all the services that the local community benefits from. I chose to put extra money into public health because I think it’s extremely important... in my view, prevention is better than cure. You could make savings on leisure and some bureaucracy, especially that behind elections, highways and byways.

When you get five separate letters telling you the same thing you know there's something the council can do to use money more effectively.“

”

Data about local government funding allocations prepared by Newcastle City Council shows that Southwark lost £249 and Epsom and Ewell £15.18 per head between 2010/2011 through to 2014/2015 The Guardian 11.1.2013

Alex

NEED TO KNOW

Local resident who attended a community conversation “I really appreciate the efforts Southwark Council makes to connect with the community visually. Internet and online engagement is fantastic but it’s great to see the council making efforts to go out and talk to their community.”

You can still join in the conversation. Find out more about the Southwark spending challenge and budget and have your say online with our budget simulator at www.southwark.gov.uk/budget where you can propose new budgets for council services using an interactive slider to meet the budget target.

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Burgess Park world class BMX track...

it’s wheelie brilliant Promise 7 Encourage healthy lifestyles

Southwark proudly unveils its new £1.1m national standard BMX track, the latest addition in the ongoing transformation of Burgess Park and the Olympic legacy project

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B

MX bikers of all levels flocked to Burgess Park on Friday 16 August, for the official opening of the new national standard BMX track. The track was hailed as the country's best by British Cycling at the opening, the industry leaders also commended Southwark as London's new cycling Mecca. Cllr Peter John, Leader of the council, cut the ceremonial ribbon and former local resident Tre Whyte, national champion and Olympic development pro rider, declared the track officially open, marking the start of a fun filled day to remember.

The grand opening The atmosphere was electric as spectators were treated to breathtaking displays of stunt riding, jumps and tricks by the more experienced riders. New riders were not left out of the action. The track coaches, who are British Cycling qualified, were on hand to help with the basics and provide expert tips. Even the under fives had a chance to try out the new track on strider bikes specially designed for their size and ability.

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling, said: "The new track is a great addition to Burgess Park and we're proud to have our local BMX club now in residence.

Now that they have this amazing track I’m confident we’ll see more champions coming through the ranks. From pro riders to complete novices, the track is for the entire community to enjoy and a great activity for young people to get stuck into.”

Deborah and Jamal

"It's a great idea. It's good to see something for the kids to do. I wouldn't mind having a go too."

Winter 2011 2013 Focus Autumn Life

www.southwark.gov.uk

Tre Whyte

Come and try it out Anyone can come along and uncover their BMX skills at one of the rock up and ride sessions. These are based on a first come first served basis, with a maximum of 30 riders permitted on the track at one time. Or if you prefer you can guarantee your spot on a book and ride session. The track is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm. Visit the website for the track schedule and pricing, www.southwark.gov.uk/burgessparkBMX

It’s part of our Olympic legacy The new £1.1m track, funded

by Southwark’s Olympic Legacy Fund, British Cycling, the Mayor of London and the London Marathon Trust is the latest stage in the ongoing transformation of Burgess Park which was recently awarded Green Flag status.

Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and volunteering, said: “Just over a year ago, we were all amazed by the sporting talents of some of the world’s greatest sportsmen and women during the Olympics.

We’re now recreating more of that magic right here in Southwark.

The new track marks our solid commitment to bring sports and physical activity within reach of all our residents.”

Peter Cattermole, regional development manager, British Cycling, said: “British Cycling are very pleased to be able to partner with Southwark Council and other funders to build this fantastic new cycling facility. The new Burgess Park BMX track will allow many more young people to participate in BMX which has seen a huge growth in interest since the Olympics. This national standard track will allow people of all abilities to enjoy BMX and I’m sure that some will go on to compete at the highest level.”

Former Southwark resident and promising Olympic pro rider ”I’m sure so many young people are going to want to take up BMX riding, it’s a great sport and I’m proud that the borough I grew up in is investing in it in such a major way.“

CK Flash Peckham BMX, club coach The state of the art track hailed as the country's best

by British Cycling, is the new home of the British and national-champion producing Peckham BMX Club. At the track opening club coach CK Flash gave an emotional speech as he described the club’s journey to the top and their appreciation for the new track. He said: “We’re so happy to have a new home within Burgess Park. We hope the move will help us attract new members and uncover new talent. The new track inspires us to up our game and we’re confident that we can now set our sights on winning medals at the next Olympics.”

NEED TO KNOW • All riders must complete an induction before using the track • Bikes will be inspected before going onto the track and they must be in a good and safe condition • Appropriate safety equipment must be used including helmet, gloves, long trousers, long sleeved top and rubber soled trainers • Bikes, helmets and gloves are available for hire • Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/burgessparkBMX for the track schedule and pricing • For bookings call 020 8546 9842 or email southwark.sports@quadronservices.co.uk • For information about Peckham BMX Club visit www.peckhambmx.co.uk • For an update on all of Southwark’s Olympic legacy projects visit www.southwark.gov.uk/olympiclegacy

Photos courtesy of Amy Mathieson and David Mackenzie

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Life

Autumn 2013

When money’s too tight to mention...

www.southwark.gov.uk

Promise 1 Value for money

How Southwark’s residents are helping each other through difficult times

A

Kaffy

cross the UK, many people are feeling the pinch and Southwark is no different. It can be tempting to go to a payday lender, but high interest rates can cause real problems. But there are lots of local organisations and volunteers determined to help people through these tough times.

We are proud to work in partnership with some fantastic local organisations and volunteers offering invaluable support to residents needing help. If you’ve been affected by the government’s

cuts to benefits and are struggling to pay your rent or bills, there are drop in sessions throughout the borough offering advice and support.

Councillor Richard Livingstone, cabinet member for finance, resources and community safety, said: “People are having to cope with increasing economic challenges but we’re committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents. It’s great to see how the community is coming together in Southwark to support each other.”

London Mutual Credit Union Kaffy, Money Savvy community champion “I chair my local Tenants and Residents Association, so I know that a lot of people are affected by the recent changes to benefits.

There’s a lot of interest in our monthly Citizens Advice Bureau sessions, where advice and information is given to residents in financial difficulties.“

The credit union can help you get control over your finances and offers competitive, low-interest short and longer term loans. Find out more at www.creditunion.co.uk

Home search Southwark Citizens Advice Bureau and the Southwark Law Centre are helping Southwark Council tenants through the process of moving home due to homelessness, medical issues or government changes to housing benefit. Find out more at www.southwarkcabservice.org.uk/get_advice.htm

Money Savvy Southwark

NEED TO KNOW

These drop in sessions offer advice coordinated by the Southwark Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). Plus, ‘community champions’ can help those who may be having problems with bills or changes to benefits. Find out more at www.moneysavvysouthwark.org.uk

The council provides support for those who are struggling financially. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/ moneyworries for more information.

Make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to visit www.southwark.gov.uk/rightfullyyours Read full details from the government on the benefit changes at www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

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events continents

black history month

empire africa

caribbean

communities

migration music

art

music

immigration diaspora

culture

AFRICA story africa continents

empire

culture events

africa

caribbean

diaspora

art communities

music

empire

Exploring the heritage and history of Southwark’s African, Caribbean and Diaspora communities

caribbean

ure immigration

art

history

history

culture storytelling

1 to 31 october 2013

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www.southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

Foreword Welcome to the Black History Month programme which is set aside to learn, honour and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout history.

Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and volunteering

Cllr The Right Reverend Emmanuel Oyewole, deputy cabinet member for faith communities

Black History Month is open to participation by everyone and is developed, delivered and managed as an educational and historical awareness experience.

October is an opportunity to share with the world the vast contribution of African, Caribbean and Diaspora communities. It is a time to demonstrate pride in its creativity, celebrate its cultural identity and highlight its contribution to the economic, social and political landscape of London and the wider UK. The theme for 2013 is exploring the heritage and history of Southwark’s

Copyright George Osodi

HRM Agbogidi Obi James Anyasi II, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor

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African, Caribbean and Diaspora communities bringing together people from different backgrounds that share similar stories, histories, cultures and customs. To enable you to do this, we have brought together a range of events and activities for you to enjoy.

We are especially pleased to welcome Malorie Blackman Children’s Laureate as well as authors, Catherine Johnson and Dorothy Koomson to our Southwark libraries.

Alongside these, you will also find a number of smaller ‘in your community’ events taking place which include storytelling, songs and much more.

We hope you will find something that you, your family and friends will enjoy.

Nigerian monarchs - The Custodians of Peace and Culture by George Osodi Renowned Nigerian photographer George Osodi presents a stunning new collection of photographs documenting the modern day monarchs in Nigeria.

They are vestiges of a former age, but their ancient traditions are preserved and their wisdom and power still honoured. This exhibition introduces us to a way of life rarely glimpsed, with anthropological roots as deep as any on the earth, as they make the transition into the new millennium.

Date and time: 11 October to 3 November 2013, Thursday to Sunday 1pm to 6pm Venue: Bermondsey Project, 46 Willow Walk, SE1 5SF Cost: Free admission

FEATURED AUTHORS

Exclusive interview with Children’s Laureate

Malorie Blackman Malorie Blackman has written over 60 books for children and young adults, including the Noughts and Crosses series of novels (Noughts and Crosses won the Red House FCBG Children’s Book Award as well as being included in the top 100 of the BBC Big Read), Cloud Busting (winner of the Smarties Silver Award), Thief (winner of the Young Telegraph/Fully Booked Award) and Hacker (winner of the WH Smith’s Children’s Book Award and the Young Telegraph/Gimme 5 Award for best children’s book of the year). Her latest book is Noble Conflict, a war thriller.

In 2005, Malorie was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the world of children’s books. In 2008, she was then honoured with an OBE for her services to children’s literature. In June, Malorie was appointed Children’s Laureate 2013 to 2015.

Malorie will be speaking at Dulwich Library on 17 October at 7pm. See page 18 for details of how to book your free place.

We asked Malorie: When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

In my mid 20s, I was working as a computer programmer at the time. I had been writing stories and poems for my own amusement since I was seven or eight but it never occurred to me to try and write for publication until I was in my mid 20s.

Has there been any particular praise or criticism that has stuck with you?

The praise I most appreciate is when children and young adults write to me or tell me that they didn’t enjoy reading until they read one of my books and now they are avid readers. That makes it all worthwhile.

What were/ are your inspirations?

Each and every good book I read and people like Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Dorothy Dandridge, Pearl Bailey, the list goes on. The main thing that inspired me to write children’s books was the lack of books featuring black and minority ethnic children when I was a child and well into my adulthood.

In fact, we still need more.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

Read. Write from the heart. Don’t give up.

What one book do you wish that you had written?

There are a number of books that I’d love to have written but then I wouldn’t have had the joy of coming to them fresh, not knowing anything about them.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Though I long for the day when we don’t need a Black History Month because black history is taught as an integral part of the history national curriculum, in the meantime Black History Month is important to me because it means that all of our children won’t live in ignorance of the achievements of black and minority ethnic people throughout history. I didn’t learn about any historical black scientists, inventors, pioneers, classical composers, authors etc until I was in my 20s. As far as I’m concerned that was too long to wait.

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FEATURED AUTHORS

Exclusive interview with best selling author

Dorothy Koomson Dorothy Koomson is the international bestselling author of eight novels. Originally from south London, books and reading have always played a pivotal role in Dorothy’s life.

In 2006, Dorothy’s novel, My Best Friend’s Girl was selected as a Richard and Judy Summer Read and in 2010 The Ice Cream Girls was shortlisted for a Galaxy British Book Award. In 2013, The Ice Cream Girls was televised for ITV and appeared as a prime time three part Friday night series.

Dorothy’s eighth novel, The Rose Petal Beach, was a top five bestseller and was shortlisted for a Specsavers National Book Award. Her ninth novel, The Flavours of Love, will be published in November 2013.

Dorothy will be speaking at Canada Water Library on 15 October at 7pm. See page 18 for details of how to book your free place.

We asked Dorothy: When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

When I was younger I loved reading and used to spend hours doing so. I then read a set of stories called The Garden 16

Gang by Jayne Fisher who was 13 at the time she wrote and drew the books. I thought that if she could do it then I’d give it a try too.

I wrote my first book at 13 and it was called There’s A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. It was never published but I would write a chapter every night then pass it around to my school friends the next morning. I became a published author nearly 20 years later with The Cupid Effect.

What were/are your inspirations?

For my story ideas? It’s hard to put down one thing as an inspiration because I’m always eavesdropping on conversations and reading things on the news and think that would make a fantastic story. I regularly file away snippets of things I’ve heard and seen for another time. In everyday life I find ordinary people inspirational, that’s why my stories are usually about everyday people who run into situations that test and change them. So many people do amazing things even when they are faced with adversity and sometimes just getting to the end of the day without anything awful happening can be incredibly difficult. So, I’m inspired by everyday people.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

People often say Whoopi Goldberg would play me even though she’s older than me.

Apparently we have similar personalities, although the people who say that have never met Whoopi.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

Write. It sounds simple, but a lot of people spend too much time thinking they would like to write a book, or talking about writing a book, or wishing they could write a book but never actually do it. Also, keep going, even if you get lots of rejections, I had a lot of rejections; keep going if it’s what you really want to do. And finally, write what you love. Telling a story you love will be a comfort to you when the rejections come.

Read the full interviews with Malorie Blackman and Dorothy Koomson plus other author interviews including Trish Cooke and Catherine Johnson featured in our Black History Month programme at www. southwark.gov.uk/ blackhistorymonth

Events listings 1 to 31 October Daddy I want to be a black artist Kimathi Donkor’s exhibition ‘Daddy I want to be a black artist’, is the catalyst for a month long programme of free events and workshops for everyone at Peckham Space.

Time: Wednesday to Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm Venue: Peckham Space, 89 Peckham High Street, SE15 5RS Contact: Peckham Space Tel: 020 7358 9645 Web: www.peckhamspace.com Sunday 6 October Peckham black history re-enactment walks Take an historical walk through the streets of Peckham, led by S I Martin, meet some influential black people in history along the way, and listen to them recount their stories. The walk takes approximately an hour and a half.

Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Time: 11.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 4.30pm Venue: Meeting at Sojourner Truth Centre, 161 Sumner Road, SE15 6JL Friday 11 October Black history, Krio heritage in Southwark – just what do you know?

A quiz night like no other.

An entertaining and educational way to get to know the history of Sierra Leonean Krios, and their

links to Southwark. Includes stalls, a photo exhibition, presentations and live poetry.

Booking is essential. To book individual or quiz teams email secretary@kdulondon.org.uk or telephone 01689 768 005.

Time: 6pm to 11pm Venue: The Crypt, St Peters Church, Liverpool Grove, SE17 2HH Contact: Krio Descendants Union Web: www.kdulondon.org.uk Friday 11 October Ava Vidal Ava Vidal is a cool and composed comedian with an intriguing past. Before becoming a regular on the comedy circuit, she was a single mum, prison officer and boarding school rebel. With four Edinburgh shows now under her belt, Ava is a regular on television shows including Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock the Week.

Cost: Tickets £12, £10, call or go online to book, using the details below Time: 7.30pm Venue: Culture Space, Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR Contact: Canada Water Culture Space Tel: 020 8692 4446 Email: canada.water @thealbany.org.uk Web: www.canadawater culturespace.org.uk

FREE EVENTS

Saturday 12 October Black History Month and World Mental Health Day An afternoon of film, discussions, presentations and drumming, celebrating the history of community in African and Caribbean cultures and exploring its role in mental health and wellbeing.

Time: 12pm to 4pm Venue: Gilroy Hall, Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, SE5 0HF Contact: Cambridge House Tel: 020 7358 7000 Web: www.ch1889.org Saturday 12 October Author event: Trish Cooke Trish Cooke is the popular author of the bestselling book ‘So Much’. She will appear at Camberwell and Peckham Libraries and read excerpts from her new children’s book called ‘Look Back!’ followed by a book signing. For young people aged three to ten years and their families. Book your place using the contact details below. Read more about Trish at www.southwark.gov.uk/ blackhistorymonth Time: 11am to 12pm Venue: Camberwell Library, 17-21 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR Time: 2.30pm to 3.30pm Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR Contact: Southwark libraries Tel: 020 7525 0361 Email: southwark.libraries@ southwark.gov.uk 17

Events listings

FREE EVENTS

tuesday 15 October

Saturday 19 October

Saturday 19 October

Author event: Dorothy Koomson Dorothy Koomson's novels include My Best Friend's Girl and the recently televised The Ice Cream Girls. Dorothy will talk about and read from her work. This will be followed by a question and answer session, and book signing. Read an interview with Dorothy on page 16. Book your place using the contact details below.

Black Londoners For this afternoon only a pop up media studio will appear at the Aylesham Shopping Centre, allowing you to create graphic cards and signposts against the backdrop of passing pedestrians, and record your stories.

Cultural exhibition and head tie workshop with meditation A cultural exploration of body adornments worn by women from Africa to Asia, and an exhibition of African arts and crafts.

Time: 7pm Venue: Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR Contact: Southwark libraries Tel: 020 7525 1570 Email: southwark.libraries@ southwark.gov.uk thursday 17 October Author event: Malorie Blackman Malorie Blackman has written over 60 books for children and young adults, including the award winning Noughts and Crosses series of novels. Malorie will talk about and read from her work. This will be followed by a question and answer session, and book signing. Read more about Malorie on page 15.

Booking is essential. Book your place using the contact details below.

Time: 7pm Venue: Dulwich Library, 368 Lordship Lane, SE22 8NB Contact: Southwark libraries Tel: 020 7525 1570 Email: southwark.libraries@ southwark.gov.uk

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Time: 1pm to 7pm Venue: The Aylesham Shopping Centre, Rye Lane, SE15 5EW Contact: Chocolate Films Tel: 020 7793 4287 Web: www.chocolatefilms.com

Time: 2pm to 5pm Venue: St Hugh’s Church, Crosby Row, SE1 4PH Contact: St Hugh’s at George the Martyr Tel: 07760 252 655 Web: www.achurchnearyou.com/ bermondsey-st-hugh

saturday 19 October

wednesday 23 October

Author event: Catherine Johnson Catherine Johnson’s published books include Nest of Vipers and Arctic Hero and her screen work includes Bullet Boy and Holby City. Catherine will talk about and read from her work. This will be followed by a question and answer session, and book signing. Read an exclusive interview with Catherine at www.southwark.gov.uk/ blackhistorymonth.

Book your place using the contact details below.

Make a buba or wrapper In this taster you will learn to make either a traditional African top (buba) or skirt (wrapper) through free hand cutting and sewing. Register to guarantee a place (10 max). Adults only.

Time: 2pm Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR Contact: Southwark libraries Tel: 020 7525 1570 Email: southwark.libraries@ southwark.gov.uk

Time: 1pm to 3pm Venue: Thomas Calton Centre, Alpha Street, SE15 4NX Contact: Adult Learning Tel: 020 7358 2100 Email: adult.education@ southwark.gov.uk wednesday 23 October Zumba taster class After school, family Zumba taster class.

Time: 4pm to 5pm Venue: Thomas Calton Centre, Alpha Street, SE15 4NX Contact: Adult Learning Tel: 020 7358 2100 Email: adult.education@ southwark.gov.uk

Events listings Wednesday 23 October The Achebe legacy In this illustrated talk, writer and storyteller Sandra Agard will look at the work of Chinua Achebe and analyse his legacy through gifted writers such as Ben Okri and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Time: 7pm Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR Contact: Southwark libraries Tel: 020 7525 1570 Email: southwark.libraries@ southwark.gov.uk thursday 24 October Inspired to achieve: uplifting black youth and raising aspirations An inspirational event that celebrates the achievement of young black people, using African and Caribbean history and heritage to motivate and inspire young audiences to achieve their potential and raise achievement in education. The event will feature music, poetry and inspirational speakers.

Time: 5.30pm onwards Venue: London South Bank University, Keyworth Street, SE1 6NG Contact: Young Black and Successful Email: info@ybsgroup.co.uk or rita@ybsgroup.co.uk Web: www.ybsgroup.co.uk friday 25 October Samuel Dubois Quartet An award winning steel pan champion and gifted instrumentalist, Samuel began

FREE EVENTS

playing at the age of 13 and 20 years later has become the country’s foremost steel pan performer and teacher. Currently a member of Courtney Pine’s band, Samuel has worked with many of pop and jazz’s luminaries. Call or go online to book, using the details below.

Whorlton Road, SE15 3PD Contact: Adult learning Tel: 020 7358 2100 Email: adult.education@ southwark.gov.uk

Cost: Tickets £12, £10 Time: 7.45pm Venue: Culture Space, Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR Contact: Canada Water Culture Space Tel: 020 8692 4446 Email: canada.water@ thealbany.org.uk Web: www.canadawater culturespace.org.uk

Caribbean ancestry research Delve deep into your Caribbean family history through building and developing your family tree with genealogist and family historian Sharon Tomlin. Join the session for tips and tools to help you on your journey of discovery.

Book your place using the contact details below.

monday 28 to thursday 31 October African story time Traditional African stories, songs, games, puppet and mask making workshops for children aged five to 12 years and their families, during the autumn half term.

Time: 2pm to 4pm Venue: Bethwin Road Playground, 4 Bethwin Road, SE5 0YJ Contact: Bethwin Road Playground Tel: 020 7703 4281 wednesday 30 October Black History Month family day African craft, music, food, dance and fun for all the family.

Time: 4pm to 7pm Venue: Rye Oak Children’s Centre, Rye Oak Primary School,

friday 11 and saturday 26 october

Time: Friday 11, 4.30pm to 7.30pm, Saturday 26, 11am to 2pm Venue: John Harvard Library, Borough High Street, SE1 1JA Contact: Sharon Tomlin Email: info@ familyhistoryjamaica.com Web: www.familyhistory jamaica.com saturday 2 november Playing for real: Fela Kuti Music and dance workshops, during half term, by Kinetika Bloco for young people aged 14 to 25 years. Learn and perform the music of Fela Kuti along with other performance pieces from Kinetika Bloco’s repertoire, culminating in a live performance at the Canada Water Plaza.

Time: 4pm Venue: Plaza, Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR Contact: Kinetika Bloco Tel: 07795 142 535 Web: www.kinetikabloco.co.uk 19

In your community Community centres across the borough are taking part in this year’s Black History Month celebrations. Find out what’s happening in your area.

Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Friday 11 October to Sunday 3 November Venue: Bermondsey Project, 46 Willow Walk, SE1 5SF Exhibition: Nigerian Monarchs by George Osodi. See page 14 for more details.

BOROUGH, BANKSIDE AND WALWORTH Thursday 24 October Newington Estate TRA Time: 4pm Venue: Newington Community Hall, 77 Canterbury Place, Newington Estate, SE17 3AD Event: African drumming and storytelling by African Experience Thursday 31 October Walworth Methodist Church Time: 11am to 4pm Venue: 54 Camberwell Road, SE5 0EN Showcase: The vibrancy, colour and richness of the Diaspora community through poetry, song and dance CAMBERWELL Sunday 6 October The Flying Dutchman Time: 7pm to 10pm Venue: 156 Wells Way, SE5 7SY Films: Babylon and 343 Perspectives Thursday 17 October Empowering People for Excellence Time: 6pm to 9pm Venue: Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, SE5 0HF Workshop: Black identity: black Britain and Britishness 20

Saturday 19 October D’Eynsford TRA Time: 1pm to 4pm Venue: The Secret Garden, Belham Walk, SE5 7DX Showcase: Music, dance and film Thursday 24 October Kindred Minds Time: 4pm to 6pm Venue: Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, SE5 0HF Showcase: Crossways Centre shared reading event Saturday 26 October Bessemer Grange and Denmark Hill TRA Time: 3pm to 7pm Venue: Denmark Hill Community Centre, Denmark Hill, SE5 8HL Film: BME communities DULWICH Thursday 3 October Lew Evans House Time: 2pm to 2.30pm Venue: 188 Underhill Road, SE22 0QF Showcase: Crossways Centre shared reading event Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 October Kingswood residents association Time: 1pm to 3pm Venue: 37-38 Seeley Drive, SE21 8QR Workshops: For children NUNHEAD AND PECKHAM Saturday 12 October North Peckham and Commercial Way North TRA Time: 12pm to 8pm Venue: Learning and Resource Business Centre, Cator Street, SE15 AA

Showcase: Achievements of the black community and local stalls Saturday 12 October Pennack TRA Time: 2pm to 6pm Venue: Association Hall, Pennack Road, SE15 6DD Showcase: Music and film Thursday 17 October Elim House Time: 11am to 12.30pm Venue: 86 Bellenden Road, SE16 4RQ Showcase: Crossways Centre shared reading event Wednesday 23 October Aaina Women’s Group Time: 10am to 2.30pm Venue: Bellenden Old School, Bellenden Road, SE15 4DG Exhibition: Arts and crafts Saturday 26 October Bells Garden TRA Time: 1pm to 8pm Venue: 184-186 Rye Lane, SE15 4NF Showcase: Black heritage film, drumming, live music, Somalian fashion show and dance Saturday 26 October Crossways Centre Time: 5pm to 9.30pm Venue: 184-186 Rye Lane, SE15 4NF Showcase: Shared reading events and performances by Alexander D Great, Jalloh plus more Wednesday 30 October Southwark Muslim Women’s Association Time: 10.30am to 2pm Venue: Bellenden Old School, Bellenden Road, SE15 4DG Showcase: Sharing of knowledge, culture and history of black people

Winter 2011 2013 Focus Autumn Life

Providing more primary school places

W

e know that one of the things parents worry about is the pressure to get their child into a local primary school. We, like other local authorities across the country, have seen a significant increase in demand for reception class places, for example a five per cent increase in applications between 2011 and 2013.

This is why we have announced plans to invest around £15m to create hundreds of new, permanent primary school places to meet the increase in demand over the next few years.

For example, the council will be working with Ivydale Primary School in Nunhead to expand onto the site of the old

www.southwark.gov.uk

Promise 5 Improve educational attainment

We’re working with our outstanding primary schools and early years centres to offer more places and support for families across the borough

Bredinghurst School (see interview with headteacher Helen Ingham on page 22) and Dulwich Hamlet Primary school has also agreed to work with us to look at taking on new premises in the former Bellenden School building.

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We have taken the initiative and created a forward thinking plan to create new primary school places, balancing temporary expansions with the development of new, permanent places in exciting and innovative ways. We will work with some of our most popular local community schools ensuring new places are created where they are really needed – all underpinned with a commitment to quality. We want to make sure the children of Southwark continue to benefit from the best educational opportunities the borough can offer.”

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle Cabinet member for children’s services “I am thrilled the council is now offering universal free healthy meals as part of our commitment to provide all our primary school children with a nutritious, well balanced meal and put a little bit of money back in parents’ pockets.”

Free school lunches for all primary school pupils This year Southwark’s free healthy school lunch programme has been rolled out to every primary school pupil in the borough, from reception all the way to year six. The popular programme saw uptake of around 92 per cent in 2012 (compared with 43 per cent nationally, School Food Plan). Parents have told schools how important the programme is in helping them save money and how good it is for children to have a hot, healthy lunch.

NEED TO KNOW For more information on the council’s free healthy school lunch programme call 020 7525 5337 or email pupil.benefits@southwark.gov.uk

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Local children should be able to go to their local school

Helen Ingham has been headteacher at Ivydale Primary School in Nunhead for the last three years.

Ivydale is currently a two form entry school with up to 400 pupils but has recently announced plans to work with Southwark Council to expand into new premises on a neighbouring site. We spoke to her about her role and plans for the future of the school.

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Winter 2011 2013 Focus Autumn Life

Promise 5

www.southwark.gov.uk

Improve educational attainment Why did you become a teacher?

If I’m honest I always wanted to teach.

I do believe it is a vocation, it can’t be a career you take because it ‘fits in’ with your life for example thinking you get lots of holidays. Plus it sounds a cliché but I really did want to make a difference to children.

What attracted you to the role at Ivydale?

I was ready for headship and committed to south east London. I love it here, both the area and the feel of it educationally. I had been watching Southwark change from my earlier post in Lewisham and wanted to move across because I felt this was a local authority that knew how to work with schools to raise standards. Even in the three years I’ve been here I’ve seen that develop even more.

What were your impressions of Ivydale?

It’s a very welcoming school and community with a good ethos and it’s very creative, which is one of the things that drew me here.

But I also saw an opportunity to make a difference in standards and attainment. I knew it was about finding the balance between the creative side while adding weight to the academic side.

How do you think the school is viewed by the local community?

We are in the middle of a very residential community, there are no big businesses in the area, and the school is very much seen as an important part of the community. For example when we hold events it’s not just the pupils and their families that take part but people from the local neighbourhood. The school really is seen as a place where things are happening.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

It’s a bit of both. I do love that everyone cares about the school and has an opinion. It also gives us a responsibility.

One thing that people might have an opinion on is the potential expansion, what are your thoughts about it?

It's an exciting opportunity to enhance the learning environment at the school. Our current building is lovely but being a listed building there are restraints on what we can do to create a modern teaching environment.

With the new site we can really be in at the start of creating a fit-forpurpose building that will benefit the education of our children.

One of the concerns parents may raise is maintaining quality with a bigger school, do you think that will be a challenge?

The key thing is getting the staffing structure right; the relationship between the children and the adult in the room. If you get this right then it doesn’t matter about the size of the school. I know the immediate reaction to news like this might be that it means crammed classrooms but that won’t be the case. Obviously there are also financial benefits of having a bigger school and with extra money comes broader experiences for our children. Plus a bigger school tends to attract more experienced staff because there are more opportunities for career development and promotion, which can help us retain quality staff.

How have people reacted?

We've only just entered discussions and there will be plenty of opportunities for people to have their say. Personally I believe local children should be able to go to their local school, or at least have the choice to, and we need to be able to accommodate that.

How do you manage to keep kids active?

We are lucky to be surrounded by green spaces like Peckham Rye so we use every opportunity to get out and about, but on site we are at capacity.

This is another benefit of expansion we will have more outdoor space.

HELEN’s SOUTHWARK Nunhead Cemetery I love this because it’s a beautiful oasis of green right on our doorstep.

View from The Shard Just before it opened we were invited to take some children on a visit and we took our year ones because they were doing a project on building. It made quite an impact and the children talked about the visit for weeks. It’s a very impressive view.

Need to know If your child is starting primary or secondary school in September 2014, make sure you apply for a school place online before the deadline. It's quick, easy to do and available 24 hours a day.

For more information and to apply for your child's school place visit www.southwark.gov.uk/admissions Secondary school applications close 31 October 2013. Primary school applications close 15 January 2014.

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Keeping Southwark clean

Promise 10 Cleaner, greener Southwark

Southwark has some of the cleanest streets in London. Find out what we're doing to keep Southwark clean – and how you can help 24

I

t’s not easy keeping the streets clean but our street cleaning team is determined to make Southwark a borough to be proud of.

Every year, we remove roughly 16,000 tonnes of rubbish from Southwark's public highways and estates.

Our cleaning team always keeps an eye out for things like graffiti, dog fouling or dumped rubbish and when we find them, we get rid of them. There's lots you can do too, to keep your borough clean, firstly by not dropping litter, and if you notice any littering or flytipping report it to us. Plus, we’re one of

the only boroughs that will get rid of your bulky rubbish, like old furniture, absolutely free.

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling, knows that keeping Southwark clean is something we can all help out with. “Southwark residents are the happiest they’ve ever been with how clean the borough is, thanks to the very hard work of the council’s cleaning team.

We can all play our part, by putting our own rubbish in the bin and reporting any envirocrimes we see.”

Winter 2011 2013 Focus Autumn Life

www.southwark.gov.uk

A day in the life Recently on Channel 4’s Undercover Boss, our chief executive Eleanor Kelly shadowed street sweeper Jim Lawrence. He gives us the lowdown on what it’s really like keeping Southwark clean, a job he's been doing come rain or shine for 33 years.

“I wake up at 4am, have a cup of tea and then get myself ready to catch the bus. My dad was a lorry driver so he did early mornings too. Maybe it’s in the blood.

I pick up my barrow from Tiller Street and then get going. My beat is from Green Dragon Court all the way down to the Oxo Tower. When you start pushing the barrow it’s quiet but soon everyone starts trickling in.

I’m not one to push myself forward; I won’t say ‘Good morning’ unless someone says it to me. But folk get to know you and people round here, they’re up for a chat. They give lots of encouragement.

I’m Southwark born and bred. Went to school here, grew up here, live in Camberwell now. There’s a good community, though nowadays people don’t know their neighbours like they did when I was a kid. I started pushing my barrow at 31 and I’ve been here ever since, 33 years.

The area has really transformed.

Round Borough, where I work, it used to be just fruit and veg and now you find all kinds of things. There’s so much history in Southwark. I really like that.

It’s nice to work in a borough that cares about having clean streets. Now residents are the happiest they’ve ever been with cleaning. When I was younger, I didn’t care about littering.

Now I think, someone’s got to do what I do. It rubs off on you. There’s nothing hard about keeping a bit of rubbish on you until you get to a bin.

It just goes to show that if you try and keep the area clean, people notice and maybe they try that bit harder too. Just by being a bit more litter aware, people make the job a lot easier. Don’t get me wrong – if there was no litter I’d have no job, but we all have to play our part.

When my shift’s over, I go home. My dad’s not been too well so I have a chat with him, maybe give him a hand with the crossword or watch a DVD. Dinner and then bed by 10:30pm usually. I always sleep well.”

The majority try, but you do get the odd person who just throws their rubbish on the ground, even when I’m standing close by with my barrow.

There was one guy in a car, I’d just cleaned the street but he still threw his coffee cup out the window. It’s this attitude, you know, ‘It’s not my problem’. But it’s like my dad says, ‘You know you’ve done the work, so just walk on.’ Most people are really good. They take a bit of pride in the borough and do their bit.

I had a chap come up to me this morning and he said, ‘You’re doing a good job’ and that’s all you can hope to do.

NEED TO KNOW If you notice any littering in your area, such as dog fouling or flytipping, you can report it online at www.southwark.gov.uk/reportit or by calling 020 7525 2000.

Got bulky rubbish you need to get rid of? Call 020 7525 2000 or report it online at www.southwark.gov.uk/ bulkywastecollection and we’ll collect it for free.

It’s a crime not to dispose of your rubbish properly.

You will be fined £75 and could even be taken to court.

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Revitalising Southwark The immense regeneration taking place across Southwark is about transforming the lives of those who live and work in the borough

N

o matter which part of Southwark is yours, we’re actively seeking to bring the full benefits of regeneration to you. This means more affordable housing, new jobs, improved transport and better facilities. Cllr Fiona Colley, cabinet member for regeneration and

corporate strategy, said: “There’s more regeneration happening in Southwark today than at any time in the last decade and I’m excited to see some of our biggest projects now underway.” To give you just a taste of what’s going on, we’ve mapped out six of the main areas where you can see real change happening now.

Bankside, Borough and London Bridge London Bridge Station is undergoing a major redevelopment. Network Rail is creating a new concourse (bigger than the pitch at Wembley) and two new entrances on Tooley Street and St Thomas Street. The work will improve the routes around the station which, combined with increased capacity on the trains, will generate a massive increase in local trade. Coming hot on the heels of recent developments such as the new Blackfriars Station, Borough Market Hall, Flat Iron Square Plaza, The Shard viewing gallery and the Tate extension, this means that Bankside and Borough now more than ever, is one of the top destinations for London’s visitors. www.southwark.gov.uk/bankside

Promise 9 Homes, jobs and growth

Elephant and Castle The Elephant and Castle is the site of Southwark’s biggest regeneration project. By 2025 some £3bn will have been invested in the area. In recent years, the southern roundabout has been redesigned, St Mary’s Churchyard improved and the landmark Strata building completed. Now the regeneration is moving up a gear. Work has begun on our new council leisure centre (due to open in 2015) and a host of transport improvements are on the way, including the pedestrianisation of the northern roundabout. Most exciting of all, is the redevelopment of the Heygate Estate which finally began this summer. This project will open up the local environment, reconnect streets and create the largest new park to be built in central London for 70 years. But, most importantly, thousands of new flats and houses are now being built in the area, including at least 1,650 affordable homes. www.southwark.gov.uk/elephant

Camberwell

NEED TO KNOW For more information about these sites and all the other regeneration projects in the borough visit www.southwark. gov.uk/regeneration

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The centrepiece of the Camberwell regeneration programme is a new, two-storey library and landscaped area opposite Camberwell Green. Due to complete this time next year, the new facility makes good on the council’s Fairer Future promise to protect public libraries. The surrounding area will also benefit from investment to create a better streetscape and more green and public spaces. TfL will match this with improvements to transport, primarily Cycle Super Highway 5 (already started) which will run through Camberwell Green on its way from New Cross to Victoria. The Mayor of London has even backed the council’s call for a southern extension of the Bakerloo line, meaning Camberwell could soon be better connected than at any time in its history. www.southwark.gov.uk/camberwellregen

Winter 2011 2013 Focus Autumn Life

Bankside, Borough and London Bridge Bermondsey

Elephant and Castle

www.southwark.gov.uk

Canada Water

Aylesbury

Camberwell

Canada Water

Aylesbury The artwork and hoardings around Aylesbury have been put up so that local people can see what's new in terms of construction on site. The old Wendover offices now house a training centre to prepare apprentices for work in the construction industry, a scheme which the Creation Trust is running.

Meanwhile, completion of phase 1, site A has happened and the brand new homes are already filled with tenants and new owners. A decision on the chosen development partner for Aylesbury will be announced in the new year. www.southwark.gov.uk/aylesbury

Peckham

Nunhead

The Daily Mail’s decision to sell its printworks at Harmsworth Quays, brings the opportunity to reshape the council’s Area Action Plan for Canada Water. Over the past five years, millions of pounds have been invested in Canada Water, including a new library, plaza and housing. Now we want to boost the local economy and job opportunities by maximising the non-residential use of Harmsworth Quays with new offices, shops, and leisure facilities. Ideally, this will include a new campus for Kings College on the site. Consultation on the new proposals took place during the summer and you’ll be able to read about the outcomes, shortly, on the website. www.southwark.gov.uk/canadawateraap

East Dulwich Peckham

Dulwich

A new square is to be created outside Peckham Rye station, fronting Rye Lane. With the square, will come a raft of improvements to the area providing new space for small businesses and creating a new, attractive point of arrival and a focus for the town centre. Recently connected to the tube network via the Overground extension and with an increasingly popular arts and culture scene, Peckham is attracting visitors from across the city. However, we’re determined that the regeneration should benefit local residents first and foremost. The Area Action Plan, which sets out planning strategy for Peckham and Nunhead over the next 15 years, is due to be adopted in 2014. www.southwark.gov.uk/peckhamnunhead

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Events calendar Theatre

Festivals

Henry the Fifth Date: 8 October to 16 November Time: Performance times vary Admission: £10 to £16 Venue: Unicorn Theatre Web: www.unicorntheatre.com/henrythe-fifth Tel: 020 7645 0560 Info: Henry's running out of cash and all he can think about is the fact his neighbour's castle is bigger than his.

He decides to invade and a long and terrible war ensues in this dynamic and contemporary response to Henry V. For eight year olds and over.

The Scottsboro Boys Date: 18 October to 23 November Time: Wednesdays 7.30pm and Saturday matinees 2.30pm Admission: from £10, £19.50, £25, £35 Venue: Young Vic Web: www.youngvic.org Tel: 020 7922 2922 Info: In 1931 nine black teenagers board a train in Scottsboro, Alabama, in search of a new life. By the end of their journey, their lives, and those of every American, would be changed forever.

Nosferatu Date: 31 October to 2 November Time: Performances at 2pm and 6pm Admission: £10 to £16 Venue: Unicorn Theatre Web: www.unicorntheatre.com/ nosferatu Tel: 020 7645 0560 Info: Using humour, horror and unconventional objects, this inventive adaptation of the classic supernatural story is the perfect Halloween treat.

Make sure you join us for a spooky Halloween party on 31 October. For eight year olds and over.

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MERGE Festival Bankside Transformed Date: until 20 October Time: Various Venue: Various Bankside locations including Borough High Street and Blackfriars Road Web: www.mergefestival.co.uk Info: Artists Candy Chang, Alex Chinneck, Marcus Lyall and Mark Logue, celebrate the continuing regeneration of Bankside by converting hoardings and buildings across the district into public works of art, the majority of which are commissioned by MERGE.

Art and galleries

Annual Open #29 Date: 13 November to 1 December Time: 11am to 4pm Venue: Café Gallery Web: www.cgplondon.org Tel: 020 7237 1230 Info: The legendary unselected exhibition, which has led the field in 'hang the lot' aesthetics since 1984.

This year the ‘best in exhibition’ prize of £100 will be selected by artist patron Andrew Kötting.

Autumn 2013 Martin Brown Draws Horrible Histories Date: 19 to 20 October Time: 12pm to 1pm and 3pm to 4pm Admission: £8, children aged four and under can attend the event for free but will not have a seat (no ticket is required) Venue: Imperial War Museum Web: www.iwm.org.uk Tel: 020 7416 5000 Info: Horrible Histories® illustrator Martin Brown will be bringing his art to life in an action packed show full of jokes, stories and live drawing. Find out fabulous facts from history and see some of Martin’s signature drawings leap from his pen with suggestions from the audience adding to the fun.

Dazzle Date: 11 November to 5 January Time: 10.30am to 7.30pm, except Sundays when the gallery will close at 6pm Venue: gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf Web: www.coinstreet.org Tel: 020 7021 1631 Info: For 32 years, Dazzle has provided a much anticipated annual barometer for all that’s happening in contemporary jewellery design. This is a place to find both the internationally collected names and to discover new talent, handpicked from the graduate shows by the Dazzle team.

Comedy Club 4 Kids Date: 26 October Time: 12.30pm Admission: Tickets £7 or family ticket £24 (comprises of four tickets) Venue: Canada Water Culture Space Web: www.canadawaterculturespace.org.uk Tel: 020 8692 4446 Info: Cracking entertainment for everyone over the age of six, we have the best comedians on the UK circuit doing what they do best... but without the rude bits ‘A highlight for children...giving them a taste of some of the biggest names in comedy with the fun, rowdy feel of a real comedy club’ The Guardian.

For children aged six and over.

Winter 2011 2013 Focus Autumn Life

Last Fridays

A Patch of Autumn

Date: Any last Friday of the month Time: 6pm to 8pm Venue: Various Web: www.southlondonartmap.com Email: info@southlondonartmap.com Info: South London Last Fridays is a late night opening of galleries on the last Friday of every month from 6pm to 8pm. This is a free event, no booking required. Visit the events page to print your itinerary for the evening. SLAM recommends that you visit a different hub in Deptford, Peckham or Bankside to walk between galleries in each area. If you are adventurous travel between hubs by bus, car, train or bike.

Date: 28 to 30 October Time: From 10am Venue: Pavillion Cafe, Dulwich Park, College Road, SE21 7BQ Web: www.southwark.gov.uk/whatson Tel: 020 7525 3422 Info: Drop in family workshops to create knitted pumpkins, bats and spider webs while you learn knitting songs. Follow the trail of Illuminated creations displayed around the park at the closing event on Wednesday 30 October from 4.30pm. Adults and children of all ages welcome.

Viva La Vida En Peckham!

Ghost Graduation (Promoción Fantasma) Date: 26 October Time: 6pm Venue: Peckhamplex Web: www.brixtonreel.co.uk Tel: 0844 567 2742 Info: As part of The Brixton Reel Film Festival, watch the UK Premiere of this Spanish feel good comedy about a teacher who can see dead people and a gang of teenage ghosts who become his toughest class ever. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Date: 1 November Time: 4pm to 5pm Venue: Peckham Library, 112 Peckham Hill Street, London SE15 5JR Web: www.huglessdouglas.co.uk Info: Come and listen to bedtime stories and bring your teddies to a special event where you will meet the fabulous Hugless Douglas.

Your teddies will then spend the night with Hugless Douglas in the library for a sleepover.

All teddies will be tucked into bed safe and sound until you collect them. For children aged seven years and under.

Copyright David Melling

Other

Bedtime Stories with Hugless Douglas

East Dulwich Christmas Cracker Date: 7 December Time: 11am to 5pm Admission: Free Venue: North Cross Road Market and Lordship Lane Web: www.southwark.gov.uk/whatson Tel: 020 7525 2000

Info: Treat the family to a day filled with fabulous gifts, delicious food and local produce available in the local shops and at North Cross Road Market and take the chance to indulge in the Christmas entertainment which includes carol singing, dancing and colourful street performances in and around East Dulwich.

www.southwark.gov.uk

Nunhead Festival The Nunhead Festival is a range of events and activities celebrating all that is Nunhead and much more. Events will take place in a number of venues and locations around Nunhead and provide a great range of things for you to get involved in and enjoy. Some of the events include:

Appetite Festival Date: Until 6 October Venues: Various in Nunhead Web: www.appetitefestival.co.uk Info: Feasts, tastings, pop-ups restaurants, walks, exhibitions and performance all take place at this new food, drink and art festival for Nunhead.

Nunhead Craft Beer Festival Date: 21 to 27 October Venue: Various including The Old Nun's Head and Bambuni Web: www.bambuni.co.uk or www.theoldnunshead.co.uk Info: A week long festival in Nunhead, celebrating the best of the UK’s craft beer scene with tastings, comedy, food, film and music throughout the week in local venues, Bambuni and The Old Nun’s Head.

£3 Christmas Bazaar Date: 14 December Venue: Nunhead's Salvation Army and Nunhead Green Contact: Julia@artassembly.org.uk Info: Get into the Christmas spirit at this market which sits somewhere between a church Christmas Fete and an art show. 40 cutting edge artists and product makers will host stalls, where everything is £3 or under and offers all the best bits of a Christmas fair with an artsy twist.

For more information please email julia@artassembly.org.uk

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How to... get support caring for your loved one Promise 6 Support vulnerable people

If you provide care for someone, find out about all the ways you can get support, from benefits advice and managing finances to respite and social activities

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ccording to census statistics, there are approximately 5,000 known carers in Southwark but there are also thousands more that we don’t know about. Many don’t access services; because they don’t know about them or don’t think they would be entitled to them.

Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for health, adult social care and equalities, said: “You may or may not already think of yourself as a carer, but if you look after someone day to day, maybe your partner, your parents, or another disabled or frail relative, support is available. There are so many great services and resources to help you take care

of your loved one, but equally as important is the support that enables you to spend some time taking care of yourself.”

There are a number of independent organisations and charities, such as Carers UK and Southwark Carers, that offer a range of services to help you cope with your responsibilities as a carer.

The council offers carers a free, no obligation assessment so that you can see if additional support can be provided for you or you might be eligible for a direct payment to help you meet your needs. Read on for some useful top tips that will help you to find the right life balance as a carer.

Info

Verinder Chief executive of Southwark Carers Before coming to us people have usually been caring for someone for years and are at a very low point. As well as information and advice, we give them a place to talk, find something they’re good at and get their identity back. Even if you’re a carer, you have a right to a life of your own.

Autumn 2013

www.southwark.gov.uk

Brandy Aged 11, Brandy attends the Southwark Young Carers Project I care for my mum, little brother and sister. It doesn’t really feel like work but sometimes I get tired; I like the Young Carers Project because I make friends and we get to do things like talent shows and swimming.

I’m starting secondary school in September, I’m not worried that I won’t be able to juggle everything.

Our advice...

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Get an assessment Find out what kind of help and support you can get by having an assessment.

You may be able to get respite cover, short breaks or even certain grants and benefits. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/mysupportchoices to get started.

Plan for emergencies Have you ever thought about what would happen to the person you care for if something happened to you? Make sure you write out a detailed plan of what would need to happen if you were suddenly unable to care for your loved one.

Check out the useful resources at www.southwarkcarers.org.uk

You can get help as a young carer Anyone aged 18 and under who cares for someone can get support and advice, including how to combine your work or studies with your commitments as a carer.

Schemes like the Young Carers Project can offer you all kinds of support as well as the chance to take part in a range of social activities for free. Visit www.southwark. gov.uk/carers for more information.

Don’t suffer in silence If you find you’re struggling or you feel distressed at times, it may help to talk to someone. If you can’t talk to friends or family, there are many carers' support groups you can attend or online forums you can join. Southwark Carers offer a free counselling service to their registered members.

Carers Strategy The carers strategy outlines how the council and the NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) propose to support carers in leading fulfilled, independent lives while continuing with their caring responsibilities.

Read the draft strategy at www.southwark. gov.uk/carersstrategy and have your say on how carers’ needs should be met by filling in the questionnaire.

NEED TO KNOW Southwark Carers – is funded by the council and give support and advice to carers in the borough and information on how to access services and how to manage your responsibilities as a carer with others you may have, such as your job or education. They also run workshops and social groups for carers. Register as a member for free, visit www.southwarkcarers.org.uk or call 020 7708 4497.

Carers UK – is a national charity raising awareness of carers’ issues as well as providing information, support and advice and an online forum for carers to share their experiences. Visit www.carersuk.org or call their advice line on 0808 808 7777.

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Walworth welcomes My Southwark customer service point Promise 4 Improved customer service

Our new appointment based customer service point is now open in Walworth, replacing the Walworth one stop shop

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arlier this year we lost the popular Walworth one stop shop in a fire at the old Walworth Town Hall, which also housed the Cuming Museum.

Since then we have been working on identifying alternative premises where residents living in the Walworth area may be able to access council services. We are pleased to see that our new My Southwark customer service point located at 376 Walworth Road is already proving a hit with local residents.

Modelled along the lines of the customer service point at The Blue in Bermondsey, all visitors can use their personalised My Southwark online account in the self service area to access information about council services. They can also meet with customer services advisers, on an appointment basis, to request specialist information and advice in our new Walworth facility. They will also be able to drop in housing and council tax benefits forms and supporting documents.

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Cllr Ian Wingfield, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “We’ve been doing our best to provide Walworth residents with alternative services since the fire at Walworth Town Hall, but we know that travelling elsewhere in the borough will never be as convenient as having these services on your doorstep. The new customer service point gives residents access to all the services they need, and allows them to use it in the best way for them, either by booking ahead or dropping in. This is a great new facility in Walworth, and will help the council continue on its mission to deliver much better customer services for all residents.�

NEED TO KNOW Find out more about all our My Southwark customer service points at www.southwark.gov.uk/servicepoints

Info

Autumn 2013

www.southwark.gov.uk

Lily

SIGN UP To

Southwark resident “I think the new office is easy to find and in a good location and for me it’s better than going to Peckham. When the Walworth one stop shop burnt down, I had to go to the one in Peckham which was very busy. Here I came in, waited for two minutes, they called me, then I was finished which is what I want.”

Get your own personalised online My Southwark account In Southwark 50,000 people have got their own My Southwark account, 250 people are signing up every week, so what are you waiting for? Signing up is easy, there are plenty of benefits. You can sign up via our website and get access to a full range of services from the comfort of your home. Visit www.mysouthwark.gov.uk today.

Services available to you The Walworth My Southwark customer service point offers a full range of services including: • Council tax and benefits advice • Rent enquiries • Drop in self service and assisted service You can also meet with customer service advisers on an appointment basis, to request specialist information and advice. To make an appointment call 020 7525 5565.

If you require housing advice, speak to your resident or income officer, or call 020 7525 5000.

Future of Walworth Town Hall Outline proposals have been developed for rebuilding and improving Walworth Town Hall.

More information will be available shortly at www.southwark.gov.uk/walworthtownhall

Sharon Customer services officer “Residents are happy with the new office, especially as it is centrally located between Camberwell and Elephant and Castle. People like the appointment set up as it gives them dedicated time for their query and we can give them more time without feeling the pressure of a queue building up.”

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Autumn 2013

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