Black heritage stories told in special photo and oral exhibition

ONE Picture My Story is a photographic display and oral history project sharing stories from Southwark’s Black heritage communities.

Held at Canada Water Library on Surrey Quays Road, the free exhibition by Southwark Archives started with a simple idea: bring along your favourite photograph of Southwark to a reminiscence group and tell the group the story behind it so these personal accounts could be shared.

ONE Picture My Story is part of the Southwark Today exhibition showing until 27 June 2023 at Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library. An accompanying booklet containing photographs and descriptions for each of the contributors is available to view at Southwark Archives and selected Southwark Council libraries.

Opening hours for Canada Water Library are: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 12pm to 4pm.

Building works reach roof level at two council homes sites in Bermondsey

Building works have reached the roof level and continue at pace at two sites providing 40 new council homes, play spaces and communal gardens at St Saviours Estate in West Bermondsey.

Southwark Council is building 24 new council homes in a five-storey building at the Maltby Street site, including four wheelchair adapted duplex flats. The council is also providing disabled car parking spaces, bike storage, communal gardens and a playground as part of the development.

The council is building another 16 new council homes in a five-storey building at the Fendall Street site. This development also includes a wheelchair adapted flat, bike storage, a new ball court, a play area and a communal garden.

Both sites replace old garages and pram sheds that were part of the St Saviours Estate.

Cllr Darren Merrill, cabinet member for council homes and homelessness, said: “These 40 new council homes across both sites will be a real asset for the local community, helping to tackle the housing crisis locally and enhancing the local area.”

Paul Hunt, operations director for ARJ Construction Ltd, said: “Affordable housing is a critical need in our society. ARJ Construction Ltd are proud to be working with Southwark Council to deliver these high-quality new council homes for many individuals and families who need affordable housing.”

The Maltby Street development is expected to complete in December 2023 and the Fendall Street development is expected to complete in early 2024.