Brixton Bugle October 2019

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BRIXTON BUGLE YOUR FREE

No 77 | OCTOBER 2019

Published monthly in and for Brixton

ISSN 2397-852X

TIME TO TAKE THE P OUT OF BRIXTON PRESENTING – SUPER LUCA

Tireless

FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 10

UNDERGROUND ART Brixton Blue goes on view

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Campaigners relaunch their five-year-old campaign for public toilets in town centre Five years after he began his campaign to “Take the P out of Brixton”, Rob Goacher has renewed his call for action to provide public toilets for the people attracted by the night-time economy.

A resident of Tunstall Road, opposite the Tube station, he says that the plague of public urination is affecting a large area of central Brixton, from Rushcroft Road by Windrush Square to Nursery Road behind Marks & Spencer.

Some 400 people from his immediate vicinity responded to the launch of the campaign.

He and supporters are frustrated by the failure of stop-gap measures like “splashback paint” on walls, the apparent decline in thorough street cleaning, and the failure to reopen the public toilets on Windrush Square.

Super Luca, 7, who produces his own music with Apple’s GarageBand app, was just one of 54 performers at the second Junior Open Mic Festival in Brockwell Park

COMMUNITY PAPER

Goacher has been tireless in raising the issue, and is adamant that the problem is as bad as it has ever been.

He recalls a meeting on the issue with local MP Helen Hayes, police representatives and local councillors who watched as a man proceeded to urinate outside the window of the pub where they were meeting in broad daylight.

The winner of Lambeth council’s “bringing people together” award in 2015 for his support for vulnerable people in the area, Goacher says that a meeting of the Brixton Neighbourhood Forum in 2016 was told by Cllr jack

Hopkins, now leader of Lambeth council, that Lambeth council had the necessary funds and toilets would be built the following year.

Supporters of the campaign point out that the council is about to spend £400,000 on 20 new bike hangars, but cannot find the money for toilets in Brixton. “Cyclists need to pee too,” says Goacher.

UNCOMPROMISING Meet Eliane Correa

No action “We’ve had meetings, consultants, more meetings, but no action,” says another campaign supporter.

The campaigners have suggestions for a number of places that a toilet could be sited, including the currently vacant railway arch on Atlantic Road nearest to Brixton Road, which they say would be ideal because of its closeness to the Tube station.

It was the advent of all-night Tube trains that led to an escalation of the problem.

The now-empty Starbucks next to the Tube is another likely site, say campaigners who add that TfL has also promised to address the problem.

“A friend sent me a message saying: ‘The stench of urine is disgusting in Brixton’,” says Goacher.

He says that, to begin with, the pedestrianised area of Tunstall Road near the Bowie mural was properly cleaned with disinfectant but that, now, it is just hosed down by a moving vehicle.

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2 NEWS brixtonblog.com 2019 OCTOBER

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Climate strikers and supporters in Windrush Square protest

By Melissa Veitch Hundreds of people rallied in Brixton before joining millions across the globe in last month’s Global Climate Strike.

Around 250 people, both young and old, gathered in Windrush Square, using speeches and chants to demand urgent climate action.

“I think what today is about is that ordinary people actually have a real role to play in fighting against climate change,” said Extinction Rebellion Lambeth’s Richard Donnelly, who helped to organise the rally in support of a strike by Lambeth members of the trade union Unison.

“We’re seeing people waking up to the danger and starting to flex their muscles and starting to find out how they can exercise power in the world. And if you participate in that process as well, we’ll be stronger, but also, you’ll feel stronger, you’ll feel like you have more control over the situation.”

Brixton MP Helen Hayes (Lab, Dulwich and West Norwood) spoke of the urgent need to act and praised the children present for making a difference and standing up for their futures.

Speaking to the Brixton crowd, Cllr Claire Holland, Lambeth council’s deputy leader, vowed that the council would take steps to reduce its carbon footprint to become carbon neutral in 2030.

She called on the whole community to help bring this goal to fruition, stating: “We have to work with our trade unions, businesses, climate groups, residents and with our communities because we can only do this if we tackle this emergency together.”

Lambeth council was the first London borough to declare a climate emergency yet, controversially, did not give its school pupils automatic time off to take part in the strike.

In response to the council decision, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion said: “At the same time council officials are being encouraged to join the strike, schools in Lambeth are being told there’ll be penalties for those who do. It’s still too much mixed messaging.

“We’d like to see Lambeth supporting the strike in every way and that does mean accepting that students will want to take part in this because it’s about their future and it’s their right to strike.”

Despite this there was a large number of local school children at the rally.

They carried home-made signs with pride and were seen interviewing union and council members about what they could do to help fight climate change.

Richard Donnelly said this should encourage others to follow their example adding: “Look at the tens of thousands of students who are risking disciplinary action from their school and take inspiration from it.”

Laura Pearson brought along her two-year-old son Leo. “I’m starting him early!” she said. “He doesn’t understand yet, which kind of breaks my heart – he has no idea why we’re here or what is at stake.”

Richard Donnelly said this should encourage others to follow their example adding: “Look at the tens of thousands of students who are risking disciplinary action from their school and take inspiration from it.”

Fleurie Forbes said she joined the rally because she

could no longer sit by and do nothing and urged other residents to do the same encouraging them to take “any action in the right direction, however big or small.”

In a statement to the Bugle, Claire Holland said: “Young people across Lambeth are passionate about the need to act now to avert climate disaster and to save our planet.

“We are encouraging schools to hold events across Lambeth today and have supported events in Lambeth town hall and across the borough.”

Rebels at town hall declaration pledge more action in October BAFTA award-winning actor Mark Rylance read a “declaration of rebellion” against the government on the steps of Lambeth town hall in Brixton last month.

The actor, who is also a locally based environment

campaigner, joined Extinction Rebellion (XR) members at the event.

XR – one of the fastest growing movements in British history – is calling on the UK government and others to take immediate

radical action. Almost 1,000 people have joined the Rebellion campaign in Lambeth.

Rylance – who won a best supporting actor Oscar in 2016 for his role in Bridge of Spies – resigned from

the Royal Shakespeare Company earlier this year in protest at its sponsorship by oil giant BP. “In October, Extinction Rebellion will once again rise up in London, demanding that the government

makes the climate crisis its top priority,” said Rylance.

“At town halls across the country, rebels like me are coming together to reaffirm our sacred duty to rebel against government inaction.”

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com

NEWS 3

Arches owner calls on Network Rail to open access to shops As scaffolding obscuring shops on the north side of Atlantic Road entered its third month in place, The Arches Company, which owns the freehold of the shops, called on Network Rail to “explore all options” to open access to the shopfronts.

The scaffolding is supporting the platform of Brixton station. Network Rail, the former owner of the arches, is still responsible for the platform.

Michelle Ulyatt of The Arches Company said: “We have been in discussions with Network Rail about the work taking place at Brixton station and the impact this is having on tenants who have returned to our Brixton scheme.

“We have been feeding back tenants’ concerns to them and keeping our tenants informed when new information becomes available.”

“We recognise the significant disruption this work is causing our tenants and we are working with them to understand what more can be done to support their businesses.

“As a priority, we are identifying ways to help drive footfall, such as signage and wayfinding, and urging Network Rail to explore all options for the scaffolding design to open up access to the shop-fronts.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for the disruption, and are doing everything we can to mitigate the problems for local traders.

“For safety reasons, the scaffolding is absolutely essential due to the deterioration of the steel beams which support the platform above.

“We have now lifted the temporary road closure and reopened the walkway beneath the scaffolding to the public, which should improve footfall to shops.

“Our engineers are now working on a detailed design to fix the structure and are exploring the possibility of creating openings in the scaffold in front of the affected shops.

“Although we can’t give a definitive timescale now, we are working to fix the structure and remove the scaffolding as soon as possible.”

Images captured by the Bugle in June this year show the state of steel bars supporting the platform above

‘INCREDIBLE ATMOSPHERE’ AT DWAYNAMICS AWARDS London Mayor Sadiq Khan spoke of the “incredible atmosphere” in Lambeth town hall in Brixton at the Dwaynamics awards ceremony last month.

Some 100 awards recognised the accomplishments of inspirational young Londoners.

Praising “the tireless work of Pastor Lorraine Jones”, whose son, Dwayne, founded

Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmons of the Metropolitan Police presented awards

Could

you

Long-established shops on Atlantic Road are closing after years of blight caused by Network Rail’s plan for wholesale refurbishment of the arches that was approved in August 2016

workers and grass roots organisations that we need to take responsibility for ensuring that the people within our communities are supported and have the tools needed to tackle this surge in violence.

“We want to change the current situation where intervention only happens when things have already gone drastically wrong.”

Similar events will take place across the country at the same time.

101377(5.19)

‘Brixton says no’ march Parents, hospital workers, teachers and others who see first-hand the impact violence has on families and communities will march from Kennington Park to Windrush Square on 12 October under the banner #brixtonsaysno to highlight the seriousness of violence affecting young people. The march starts at 2pm.

Organisers say: “We believe as a group of bereaved parents, families, teachers, community

Pastor Lorraine Jones with MP Helen Hayes and Mayor Sadiq Khan

foster?

Dwaynamics before he was murdered in Brixton, the mayor said the awards were “shining examples of what young people can achieve when given opportunities and support”.

Lambeth councillor Irfan Mohammed with groundbreaking jockey Khadijah Mellah

Pop in for a chat and join us for a coffee at San Marino Cafe.

The fostering team will be holding walk in information sessions every Wednesday from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

Call us: 020 7926 8710 or online: lambeth.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption Location: San Marino Café, 413 Brixton Road, Brixton, SW9 7DG

4 NEWS brixtonblog.com 2019 OCTOBER

Buskers who are banned elsewhere ‘head for Brixton’ Buskers are coming to Brixton because they have been banned by other London councils, campaigners say.

They are calling on Lambeth council to use powers that, they say, the other councils are using to stop late-night anti-social noise.

And they have identified a new source of noise pollution in central Brixton – tour guides

Drumkit busker outside Brixton Tube using megaphones and other amplified address systems right outside people’s homes.

The campaigners stress that they are not opposed to all busking and that they have good relations with ones that play at reasonable times and not too loudly.

“It’s anti-social busking that is the problem,”

said one resident. “We haven’t got a problem with someone who comes along with a violin and plays. It’s the amplifiers and the drumkits.

“We are being imposed on by people who are not part of our neighbourhood.”

The residents say that, despite their winning a ruling from the local government ombudsman, the council is not tackling the problem. They acknowledge that it has taken one busker to court and that he no longer performs in Brixton.

They suspect he may be in prison after repeatedly breaching a ban on him playing in Brixton after 9pm.

Although they have been asked if there are sites that night be suitable for busking outside the largely residential centre of Brixton, the residents say they are not prepared to try to push the problem onto the doorsteps of others.

However, they would not mind the buskers using “that nice courtyard in the centre of the new town hall complex”.

The residents say that the council is not using legislation like the Public Highways Act 1980 that provides for a £300 fine for blocking the highway.

The Environment Act also bans people from unreasonably and substantially interfering with the use and enjoyment of a home or other premises.

They say the Control of Pollution Act 1974 makes it illegal to use amplified equipment on a public highway between 9pm and 8am.

Buskers in Kensington and Chelsea are opposing the use of public space protection orders, introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, to ban buskers.

Brixton residents say they have spoken to buskers who have told them that they have come to Brixton from Hackney because they are not allowed to play there.

They say that they have also spoken to buskers in Brixton who have been banned and fined £600 in Camden.

Store manger Rebecca Claydon (centre) with Stiphanie Baah (left) and James Barrett

Barnardo’s seek volunteers to help with backlog of donations Barnardo’s, the children’s charity, is looking for people to volunteer at its store in Brixton Road after the number of donated items has increased over the past few months.

Rebecca Claydon, store manager, said: “We are one of the largest charity shops in the area, which means we have the capacity to accept a large volume of donated items.

“However, we do occasionally develop a backlog in our stock rooms which is why, at present, we desperately need more volunteers.

“We receive an incredible range of items from stylish vintage clothing and furniture to beautiful pieces of artwork and rare vinyl records.

“By having a few more volunteers who can give whatever time they have to the store means we can reduce our current backlog and raise even more money for the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.”

James Barrett who volunteers at the Brixton store said: “My grandparents adopted two kids through Barnardo’s many years ago, so it’s always been a charity which has been close to my family.

“I have been volunteering for almost six years and I got involved through a work programme organised by the job centre.

“You never see the same thing twice in the store and no

two days are ever the same. It keeps life interesting and it’s a great way to feel good.”

Stiphanie Baah from Tulse Hill said: “I have been volunteering in the shop for the past three months and I really love it. I love the team who are really friendly.

“Volunteering is a good opportunity for me to pursue my career in retail and boost my CV. “Barnardo’s are really flexible and there are lots of different things to do in the store.

Sometimes I help out at the back and other times I can be on the till. It’s a nice way to meet people too.”

AA www.barnardos.org.uk/ volunteer

Polo event fundraiser for Ebony Horse Club

Joshua Villar (left) in action

NEW MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

Joshua Villar, the 85kg Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) national champion (and a ballet dancer in his youth) has opened a new martial arts school at Effraspace in Brixton along with business partner and fellow teacher Kitty Erickson. The school teaches Tai Chi, Kung Fu and Chinese Kickboxing to adults and children. Classes take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Classes are available for all levels, but no prior martial arts knowledge is required to attend class.

Children learn the basic movements of Kung Fu through games and traditional drills and then take these movements and learn how to use them with partners or through pad drills.

AA www.wushulondon.co.uk

Riders from Brixton’s Ebony Horse Club will visit upmarket Ham Polo Club on Saturday 28 September.

Friends and supporters are being urged to join in a fun day out at London’s last remaining polo club.

It is hosting an end-ofseason day of polo in aid of Ebony, whose young members from Ebony Horse Club will face off against a team of the charity’s staff and volunteers.

Two teams of polo pros will take to the field after that.

It is the latest high profile equine event for the club after its Khadijah Mellah hit the headlines in August when she won the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood and became the first jockey to ride in a race in Britain wearing a hijab.

The Ham event is hosted by Ebony patron, Ronke Phillips, senior

Ebony riders at last year’s event correspondent at ITV London and will feature an auction by veteran ITN newsreader Alastair Stewart.

All proceeds from the event will go to the charity.

Phillips said: “I am so proud to be a patron of Ebony Horse Club.

“I’ve watched the charity and its incredible members go from strength to strength over the years.

“It’s been a gamechanger for the young people of South London – especially when you see the positive impact the club is having.

“Not only do young riders have the opportunity to learn new skills by training for, and taking part in, the polo match, it is also a fantastic day to invite guests to come and support the club, and celebrate in the success of the young riders.”

Susan Collins, chair of trustees for Ebony said: “Last year’s event raised enough money to pay for nine children from low-income families to get the chance to be around horses.

“One day, they might be on our polo team, or even winning a race at Goodwood!

“Whatever happens, we’re there to help, support and make sure they have better futures.”

Khadijah Mellah was a member of the polo team last year and is now the subject of an ITV documentary, Riding A Dream, produced by racing presenter and Ebony patron Oli Bell.

AA Ham Polo Club, Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AH. Saturday 28 September, noon to 5pm. Tickets from £20 (children under 12 free). Visit http://bit.ly/EHC-polo-2019

NEWS 5

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com

Council takes direct control of play and youth services Young Lambeth Coop (YLC), established by the council in 2014, which has had a major role in commissioning local work with young people, lost this role at the end of September.

A Lambeth council spokesperson said: “The council has reached a joint agreement with the YLC, which had responsibility for commissioning and co-creating play and youth services in Lambeth, in partnership with young people and the voluntary youth sector.”

It will no longer deliver services in the borough.

“The council and YLC will be working together closely to ensure an effective transfer to these new arrangements,” the spokesperson said.

“Lambeth is investing over £800,000 per year in direct youth and play services to deliver this, as well as investing over £1m in ongoing funding to address youth violence and committing nearly £500,000 of funding from the community levy on development sites for youth and

play services.”

According to the council changes will mean: ●● Services for young people will be commissioned directly by the council, working with young people. ●● A “new focus” to help youth and play organisations work more closely together, share resources and bring funding into the borough. ●● Maintaining the voice of young people in young people’s services; including the continuation of a steering group and youth commissioners programme. A new organisation will manage the Lambeth Youth Council, including the Young Mayors Fund. ●● Additional funding for services that support vulnerable young people as part of the council’s commitment to tackling serious youth violence. ●● Direct funding for services will be maintained despite the council’s financial challenges due to government cuts and commissioned by the council.

The changes come at a time of increasing concern about

serious youth violence and gaps in youth provision.

Local organisations involved in youth work have suggested that it made no sense for the council to commission the YLC to in turn commission work from smaller groups.

Others have said that an emphasis on funding projects, rather than providing “core funding” for groups was harming some of them.

YLC was a key element of Lambeth council’s “co-operative council” approach.

Former council leader Steve Reed told The Guardian newspaper in November 2012, when the approach was approved: “We are trying to find a way to reinvent public services to make them more responsive to individual preferences and lifestyles.

“We want public services that do things with people rather than do things to people.

“At its core, this is about shifting power to people so they have more control over their lives.”

Laundry to target locals A new Laundry restaurant on Coldharbour Lane next to Brixton Village is due to open in November.

Owner Melanie Brown, who launched The New Zealand Cellar in Pop Brixton in 2015, says it will be an all-day neighbourhood restaurant, café and wine shop, open seven days a week. She told a meeting of Lambeth council’s licensing sub-committee that The Laundry will be “aimed at the local community”.

An advertisement for a new manager for The Laundry says that “further growth to multi-sites” is anticipated.

The restaurant, in the

former laundry that was bought by local developer Lexadon after it ceased trading in 2014, will be over two floors.

Ground floor casual dining will seat 45. The lower ground floor 32. An outdoor terrace will have a capacity of up to 50.

After several objections from people living in nearby Milles Square and Carney Place to proposed licensing hours, especially for the outside terrace, a meeting of Lambeth council’s licensing sub-committee heard that the proprietors had agreed new hours.

These will see the interior of The Laundry

close at 11pm from Sunday to Wednesday and midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Terrace will close at 9.30pm and 10.30pm over the same days.

Brown said the project “encapsulates our vision of a traditional neighbourhood bistro coupled with new world heritage and flair”.

The successful candidate for the restaurant manager job will be “passionate about providing insanely awesome customer service”.

The laundry development also includes commercial units and 13 flats.

3 # LO GO

BLM044

6 COMMUNITY BUSINESS brixtonblog.com

By Eva Goudouneix Lambeth Community Solar (LCS), the first borough-wide energy co-op is offering shares in its first project, installing solar panels on two local schools.

It has big plans to install solar panels on roofs across the borough, leading it towards a green, sustainable and inclusive future.

Working with residents, schools, local businesses and Lambeth council, the co-op also provides training for young people and educational activities around energy and environment issues.

LCS is supported by Repowering London, a social enterprise developing community-owned energy projects.

Repowering has a successful track record of projects, raising more than £450,000 and installing solar panels generating more than 300 kW in Brixton, Hackney, Vauxhall, and Kensington and Chelsea.

Lambeth council and the Greater London Authority have expressed support to the project.

The co-op’s first project will be to install 145kW of solar panels on Elmgreen and the Norwood schools in the South of the borough, beginning this month.

The clean electricity will be sold to the schools at a discounted price and the surplus will be sold to the grid.

Profits will be used to pay back the investors, run the co-op and create a community fund of £35,000 over the project’s lifetime.

LCS has launched a community

CHRIS ANDREOU

Community solar power co-op launches share offer for local people

2019 OCTOBER

share offer to raise the £137,000 needed to buy and install the panels. Anyone with a UK bank account can invest from £100 upwards. Lambeth residents under 25 can invest from £50.

LCS says investors will receive their capital back alongside average interest payments of 3% across the projects’ 20-year lifetime.

All investors become members of the co-op, giving them a say on how the project is run and how the community fund is spent.

Lambeth residents who cannot invest can become members of the co-op with a symbolic £1, ensuring that it remains inclusive.

LCS has been working closely with both schools on this project. Its logo (inset) was designed by a Norwood student, and it has delivered workshops on climate change at the school.

Eight students from both schools were selected for a day of paid work experience installing solar panels.

In future, the community fund will allow LCS to organise further activities to raise awareness around energy and environment issues among young people and help them to learn new skills.

The project is expected to save 31 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, which is the equivalent of what 3,500 trees take out of the atmosphere over the same period – that’s more trees than there are in Brockwell Park.

AA The share offer ends on 22 November 2019. Visit www.repowering.org.uk/ LCS.

Ebony Rose Dark performs at a moving-in party in September for Tripod’s new social enterprise residents, Extant, the UK’s leading company of visually impaired artists and theatre practitioners.

Hot desk space vacant at town hall Tripod, the Brixton workspace inside Lambeth town hall, has hot desk spaces available for freelances and small businesses as well as a larger office space.

In the year it has been open, the space, designed by local creatives Eley Kishimoto and

Eight students had a day of paid work experience installing solar panels

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Damien Bowles, has been home to video editors, animators, digital and experiential marketers, photographers, theatre professionals and software designers.

It has hosted community and business support events, including a tenant tea launch party

and a Brexit readiness workshop, as well as Art Clubber and TechClub nights.

Tripod is operated by Meanwhile Space, a social enterprise that brings temporarily redundant space into use.

AA tripod@meanwhilespace.com.

How recycled pallets and food waste benefit adventure playground scheme InUse-ReUse, which the Bugle featured in our June 2019 issue, has a new project to use recycled wooden pallets from Brixton market.

Founder Dennis Boateng launched the recycling outfit in 2017 with the support of the Brixton Business Improvement District.

Two years later, he secured a pilot contract with Lambeth council and became a resident maker at The Remakery in camberwell to ramp up furniture production using wood from the pallets.

As we reported in June, Boateng then won funding from Lambeth council’s contractor Veolia and the Mayor of London, via the Brixton -based charity Urban Growth, to use the wood from pallets to make products for the Slade Gardens rejuvenation project.

This is developing the popular Stockwell adventure playground with an “edible playground” and wildlife ponds for hosting educational outdoor activity workshops for local children and the community.

The funding enabled InUseReUse to build and install hand-made pallet benches, compost bins and fencing.

Veolia also donated 5,000 litres of peat-free compost, produced from London’s food and garden waste, for the Slade Gardens project.

Steve Verrier, senior

Orsetta Hosquet, project manager for the Slade Gardens scheme, tries out one of the benches contract manager at Veolia Lambeth, said: “It’s encouraging to see locals finding ways to reuse and recycle instead of throwing something away.

“We’re so pleased that, through our recycling fund for communities, we’re enabling people to do the right thing with Lambeth’s waste.”

Boateng said: “We thrive on finding projects that have an emphasis on the circular economy, and this particular project has enabled us to push wood waste higher up the recycling hierarchy.

“With over 60 parks and

green spaces in the borough of Lambeth, there is scope to replicate this project in other locations and increase the use of local resources.”

Since 2018 Veolia has donated almost £12,000 and 9,000 litres of compost to 13 Lambeth projects that tackle environmental issues.

AA If you have an idea for a community project in the borough that would have a positive impact on the environment, you can find out how your project might be funded at veolia.co.uk/london/ recycling-fund-communities

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com COMMUNITY NEWS 7

Local heroes honoured in Brixton library ceremony More than 60 people celebrated local heroes at Brixton library when local MP Helen Hayes unveiled the digital roll of honour with new names including Jimmy Rogers (inset), founder of Brixton Topcats to those already nominated.

A portrait of Norma Williamson

by Bugle cartoonist and local artist Pam Williams was unveiled

by Julia Shelley, former Age UK Lambeth chief executive, in the presence of Norma’s son Stuart.

Born in Jamaica, Norma Williamson lived in Stockwell after arriving in the UK with her mother.

She joined the NHS, retiring as a director of human resources at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

A trained mediator, Norma used all her skills to help people whenever she could. Appalled by the isolation of many older people around her she became a Trustee for Age UK. She was also a tireless volunteer in Brixton, treasurer for 16 years for the Brixton Society, and an active supporter of Brixton market.

Friends of Tate Library, Brixton, said: “The roll of honour and Norma’s portrait are meant as a constant reminder to all library users of our Local Heroes, their commitment to our community and legacy for us all.”

AA To find out more about Local Heroes visit www.brixtonsociety.org.uk/local-history/ projects/local-heroes

Freedom and support for older people to do fun things MYsocial, run by Age UK Lambeth, an independent local charity that has been supporting older people for more than 70 years, is back for the autumn, covering six neighbourhoods including Brixton.

The scheme, which runs more than 60 events a month, helps people to discover friendships and connect with their community.

The aim is to help older people to live independent lives.

Each event is hosted to ensure everyone is welcomed and feels supported.

Many of the Brixton events take place at the Vida Walsh centre off Windrush square. Activities include yoga, ballroom dancing, computer classes, multi-sport, Pilates, seated exercise, yak and yarn, and creative writing.

Fadha, who lives in Tulse Hill and has been a member of MYsocial for two years, said: “I want to feel like I’m not on my own, but I also want to be free to do what I want and I don’t need someone to hold my hand.

MYsocial gives me the right balance of freedom and support to do fun things.

“Having the hosts are great as it means you don’t feel lost when you arrive and they are around if there are any issues later on.”

Cecily, who also lives in Tulse Hill, volunteers as a host. “It is a really flexible role that I can fit around work. I really enjoy meeting people, making sure everyone knows each other and seeing everyone get along.

“The events are fun and enjoyable, it is rewarding and uplifting to do. This

is such an important service and I enjoy being part of it.”

MYsocial is looking for hosts and befrienders. To find out more and how to get involved, visit www. ageuk.org.uk/lambeth If you would like to join MYsocial visit mysocial. london or call 020 3143 5695.

AA To keep MYsocial affordable for the people that use it, Age UK Lambeth is asking the local people if they would consider making a donation or setting up a direct debit.

More information at www. ageuk.org.uk/lambeth

Help to get into work

Parent co-op nursery places

Young carers celebrate

The BiG Youth Social Action Volunteers Scheme helps young people who are not in education, employment or training to realise their potential.

The brainchild of social entrepreneur Lionel Best, it offers a 12-week course including English and maths qualifications, business support for young entrepreneurs, football coaching qualifications and hospitality training. The scheme also provides work experience opportunities.

A bestysinspirationalguidance. co.uk

Childspace, a parent co-operative nursery, has spaces available. With a garden backing onto Brockwell Park, it provides space for creative play in small sessions for children from 16 months to three years run by a fully trained nursery manager and assistant with one parent also staying.

Parents are involved in all aspects of running the nursery.

AA childspace.brockwell@ gmail.com or visit www. childspacenursery.org

Lambeth Young Carers (LYC) will celebrate the work and talent of young adult carers at the Department Store on Ferndale Road on Friday 4 October (6–8pm) and Saturday 5 October (12–4pm).

LYC is a service provided

by Carers’ Hub Lambeth.

The event will showcase creative work by the young carers as well as talks and performances by the carers and professionals. Everyone is welcome.

AA http://bit.ly/ LYC-celebrate-2019

Cecily

Brixton street artist Tizer created his latest mural in front of a crowd at Pop Brixton in September.

Commissioned by Johnnie Walker, that ran a bar in Pop over the summer, it was presented to the local charity Make Shift Foundation which helps young people into employment using Pop facilities.

Hate crime partners’ day of hope at Pop Brixton festival Lambeth Disability Hate Crime partnership is holding a Hope Fest as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week on Wednesday 16 October from 1 to 7pm at the Pop Box in Pop Brixton.

Abs Tripp community development team leader at Disability Advice Service Lambeth (Dasl) said the event is about giving people hope by sharing hate crime experiences to give people confidence

and to raise awareness of hate crime in the community.

There will be talks, live music, food, dancing, drumming and network ing opportunities.

The event is supported by the Metropolitan Police and Lambeth Council.

Groups attending will include Faiths Together in Lambeth, Lambeth and Southwark Mind, Lambeth council counter extremism

team, and Lambeth council sensory impairment teams.

Lambeth Hate Crime partnership members include Age UK Lambeth, Breaking out the Bubble, Dasl, Lambeth Learning Disability Assembly, the local police hate crime team, the Royal Association for Deaf People, and the Why Me? restorative justice project.

AA For more details and to register visit hopefestlambeth. eventbrite.co.uk

Fadha

Mosaic Clubhouse is looking for new Trustees Mosaic Clubhouse is a fantastic mental health charity located in the heart of Brixton. Every single day of the year we help people build their confidence and skills to better manage their mental health and get back to living positive daily lives through better relationships, work or education.

Do you like what we do? Do you want to give something back to your community? Then get in touch and come and visit. We are a very friendly bunch and make great lunch. For more information check out www.mosaicclubhouse.org or contact Chris Thomas at c.thomas@mosaicclubhouse.org

8 CREATIVE BRIXTON brixtonblog.com

2019 OCTOBER

ARTS Story of a struggle to succeed

By Leslie Manasseh

Brixton Blue – work on a massive scale Artist Denzil Forrester was on hand for the launch of his work Brixton Blue as the new Brixton Tube mural that will be on show for a year. Commissioned by Transport for London (TfL), his giant creation is the latest version of his 1982 work, Three Wicked Men, now in the Tate Gallery that was inspired by the death in police custody of his friend Winston Rose.

Brixton Blue adds new elements to Three Wicked Men – sound systems, a DJ, and a child capturing the scene with a smartphone.

It is the first major UK public commission for the Grenada-born artist whose current recognition comes after decades of work all over London. For 30 years he taught at South London’s Morley College, and was based for many years at Islington Art Factory. While he is now an artist in demand – he was being filmed for a documentary in Brixton – his path to fame has not been quick or straight.

For some time he had to store his giant works in a shed in Stoke Newington belonging to his family after he was dismissed by the Islington Art Factory. He won a judgement at an employment tribunal against the factory, but could not return.

Now living in Truro, Cornwall, he has had recent exhibitions in London and New York (where he lived for two years in the eighties

thanks to a scholarship) and is the subject of a book published to coincide with the London exhibition.

The Tube mural is part of TfL’s 2019 Art on the Underground programme that looks at the role artists can play in developing ideas of togetherness and belonging.

Earlier this year Denzil Forrester’s work

was on show at Brixton’s 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning on Railton Road. The exhibition saw the launch of a film, Denzil’s Dance, directed by Julian Henriques of London, Goldsmiths College.

In it, Denzil Forrester visits Jamaica for the first time to use his “gesture drawing” technique, inspired by Kimon Nicolaides’ book The Natural Way to Draw, to express the musical performance of the sound system session as a composition of texture, colour, light, line and perspective. “Music and dance were, and still are, my main sources of inspiration,” he says.

“I was lucky to be in Hackney at the right time – the 80s. I had access to all the major dub blues nightclubs – Phebes, All Nations and Four Aces. For the very first time I was in a big space with dub reggae playing at maximum volume, it was a piece of heaven on earth.

“I began to take my sketchbook, A1 paper and drawing equipment and draw. It was dark and smoky. I didn’t care what the people looked like – I just wanted to draw movement, action and expression. I was interested in the feeling and energy of the crowd.”

Denzil Forrester says: “My paintings haven’t been seen much by the general public, this is a golden opportunity for a fast moving audience to see my work on a massive scale.”

Known for his vibrantly coloured works of dancehall scenes, he says that, as he painted Brixton Blue, “it just got darker”.

Film of a life’s work to make climate change real

By Jessica Dyer A new film by Brixton-based Cal Murphy Barton will follow the life of pioneering scientist Peter Wadhams, the world’s leading expert on sea ice and an outspoken climate activist.

In 2016 Cal came across A Farewell To Ice by Wadhams which describes the “strange and intricate connections” between melting sea ice and planetary climate change.

“I knew that this author’s lived experience could speak beautifully (and terrifyingly)

to one of the great existential crises of our time.”

Cal pitched him “the idea that we could make a film about his life and work on the ice”.

The film will involve digitising a private archive of around 10,000 35mm slides.

“These film slides were taken in the Arctic between 1974 and the early-1990s as part of Peter’s field work.

And they’ve been retrospectively charged with a kind of unsettling essence, in that they now stand as testament to a

rapidly changing (even lost) Arctic. The idea is to build a narrative around the process of unboxing and exploring this treasure-trove of material – using Peter’s interaction with the slides (as he rediscovers them) to recover his own lived experience on film.”

Cal and his team of collaborators are looking at a two-year timescale. “The priority at present is fundraising for the first stage of production, which we hope to complete by late spring of next year.

“So much of what we hear

and read on climate change and the breakdown of the Arctic has a distancing effect,” says Cal. “It all seems too big, intractable and abstract an issue. I’m hoping that, in documenting the lived experience of one individual who has spent 50 years at the frontline of Arctic field work, we can make a film that goes some way towards rectifying this.”

AATo support the film visit http://bit.ly/KS-FTII. Funding closes on 14 October.

Djofray Makumbu’s story is about a struggle against the odds – how one young man’s talent, determination and hard work brought him artistic success. This story is on show in Brixton Library from 1 to 16 October in a mixed media exhibition including painting, animation, film and sculpture that is part of the library’s Back History Month offering.

Born in East London and now in his twenties, Djofray is open about the struggles he has faced from an early age – with dyslexia and with an educational establishment that wanted him to lower rather than raise his sights. But a combination of his own relentless efforts, a forceful mother and a few inspirational teachers, enabled him to win a place to study art at Goldsmiths, University of London where his final year project, Dreams, won the 2018 Alumno/SPACE award.

His work tells his story in a very candid way and also reflects and illuminates the stories of young Black men growing up in London. He says his work is “like a diary”

recording his life and “things that happen in the community … and because I found it so difficult to express myself in words, I started painting and drawing” How many artists are stopped by police on the way back from their own art show on suspicion of having stolen the work? I am fairly sure that it would only be a young Black male. Djofray’s painting Stress Artist shows in very stark and uncompromising visual language how it feels.

Djofray knows he has been lucky. His life could have turned out very differently. Two Paths is a painting which shows how risky and fraught life can be for young men like him. Just as he is open and honest about his personal struggles, he does not shy away from problems like knife crime and how dangerous life can be on the streets of London.

He talks at first hand about family members getting hurt and losing friends though stabbings and how these traumas find expression in his work. Mistaken Identity is an animation with a very sobering message about how easy it can be to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Djofray is at home with a variety of techniques and media. His paintings and illustrations are bold, colourful and energetic, echoing the best of comic book and cartoon art. But there is also a surprise in the show – a first outing for a major piece of work.

He is an inspiring young man. Despite so many obstacles and pitfalls, he never gave up his dream of being an artist. He might in turns be angry and sad about what is happening in his world, but his is also a positive story of hope. It’s worth seeing.

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com CREATIVE BRIXTON 9

MUSIC

Celebration not toleration Dave Randall meets Eliane Correa, a committed and uncompromising musician who uses music to talk about the state of the world The pianist, composer and bandleader Eliane Correa has suggested we meet in the Melange chocolate shop in Peckham.

It’s a busy time for the rising star of the London Latin music scene and between sips of salted caramel hot chocolate she brings me up to speed.

On Saturday 5 October her own band, Wara, bring their dancefloor-filling London/ Havana soundclash to Brixton’s Hootananny ahead of the release of their new single Tiempo.

Next, she dons her curator cap for the London Latin Jazz Festival which takes place at the Pizza Express in Dean Street from 21 to 26 October. Her turn at the festival comes on Friday 25, when she’ll perform with La Evolución, a 12-piece Cuban salsa orchestra featuring some of the finest Cuban and Latin musicians in the UK. Expect a selection of fiery originals and some Cuban classics.

That leaves Correa with a day or two to pack her bags for an extensive European tour with The World of Hans Zimmer – a symphonic multi-media celebration of the composer.

Correa grew up between Luxembourg and Cuba and now splits her time between London, Barcelona and Havana.

Classically trained at the Luxembourg Conservatoire, she went on to specialise in piano and composition at the renowned Instituto Superior de

Arte in Havana, Cuba, before completing a BA and MA in Ethnomusicology at the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS) in London.

Her qualifications, commitment

and talent are beyond question, but what really sets Correa apart is her uncompromising desire to use music to talk about the state of the world. She has frequently spoken out in support of migrant

...where we hi-five local musical movers and shakers.

We ask five questions to get to know the people who play regularly or contribute in other ways to Brixton’s live music scene. This month it’s the turn of Ese Okorodudu

BRIXTON

HI-FIVE

rights and against racism, and recently declined offers to perform in Israel in solidarity with Palestinian calls for a cultural boycott.

I ask her what messages Wara will bring to the Hootananny: “First and foremost we stand for a celebration of multiculturalism and a celebration of immigrants, as opposed to ‘tolerance’. You ‘tolerate’ something you don’t like. We are about: ‘This is my home. Thank you for celebrating my presence here with me’.

“It’s about everybody’s right to move and to not have borders.

We stand for no-one to be ‘illegal’.

“We are a feminist band but in an intersectional way – we don’t solely believe that feminism is what the older generation say it is, so if, for example, you want to cover your head you can.

“We stand for people being able to dance around clubs without some sleazy person rubbing their crutch up against your bum.

We stand against racism and we have a new song that celebrates Afro-Latinas. We stand against homophobia. We stand against right-wing capitalist bullshit in general!”.

Catch Wara’s party with a purpose at the Hootananny on Saturday 5th.

The London Latin Jazz Festival features the Brazilian funk of Ed Motta, the London Tango Orchestra, a night of Afro-Colombian jazz presented

by Emeris Solís and La Wey Segura, fado from Claudia Aurora, Afro-Cuban jazz from Jay Phelps and Hammadi Valdés, and of course Eliane Correa & La Evolución. For more information visit: londonlatinjazzfest.com.

AADave Randall is a musician and author of Sound System: The Political Power of Music.

Jazz on an autumn day As autumn sets in, the roadshow edition of 2 Decks And A Mixer returns instore to Brixton’s Pure Vinyl records on Ferndale Rd, at 6pm on Sunday 29 September.

Enter UK jazz territory delving into fusions of funk, Afro, broken beat and Brasilian. With conversations from Resolution 88 and Seed Ensemble’s Cassie Kinoshi – plus pick’n’play with Marcia Davinyl MC.

Mambista Mambista is back on 4 October and on the first Friday of the month until the end of the year at West Norwood’s Portico Gallery.

AA 4 October – Frank Williams Quartet (South African township jazz) AA 1 November – Los Domingos (big band salsa) AA 6 December – Ray Carless & Club Skaaville Allstars (ska, bluebeat and jazz) 8pm till late. Tickets £10 on the door, £8 in advance. from porticogallery.org.uk

Let it Roll Let It Roll, billed as the world’s biggest drum and bass festival, has announced the first wave of artists for its first ever full UK event on Halloween weekend, Saturday 25 October at Brixton’s O2 Academy.

Headliner Sub Focus follows the success of his crossover drum and bass smash Desire and Solar System.

Some 5,000 drum and bass fans are expected to attend.

What do you do and where do you do it?

What are you listening to at the moment?

I’m a singer-songwriter and guitarist for the band Ese & The Vooduu People and also a backing vocalist for Alabama 3. We’re all based in and around Brixton. I perform all over the country with Alabama 3 and mostly in London with my outfit. The furthest afield I’ve performed with my band was last weekend in North Wales at Cerys Matthews’ festival The Good Life Experience.

I’m currently listening to Sly and the Family Stone’s 1973 album Fresh, Minnie Riperton, who has an incredibly beautiful voice, and Led Zeppelin.

Favourite memories of playing in Brixton?

My favourite memory of playing in Brixton would be from last year, when we performed at the 414 on Coldharbour Lane (which is now closed), where we filmed and recorded a live version of the title track of my debut album Up In Smoke. Ese & The Vooduu People have also played at The Hootannany, Brixton Jamm, Prince of Wales and The Hand in Hand which has also closed its doors.

Favourite album of all time and why?

I don’t have a favourite album of all time, but I will say the artist who has inspired me the most is Mr Jimi Hendrix. I love all of his commercial releases. My current favourite album is Fresh by Sly and the Family Stone.

I’ve pretty much got it on repeat everyday, but that will probably change soon.

Where can we hear you next?

I’ll be performing at the The Oak in Kingston on Friday 4 October, at The Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace on Saturday 12 October, and The Tabernacle in Notting Hill on Sunday 20 October in the evening.

The last gig is in aid of an anti-knife crime charity, see: http://bit.ly/YDT-TDTYS

10 MUSIC XXX brixtonblog.com EXTRA brixtonblog.com 2019 OCTOBER

From Brixton and around the world in search of steel pans Simone Richardson learns how Keith Musuman Morton created his steel pan documentary film Birmingham-born Keith Musuman Morton calls Brixton home after living here for 10 years and in London for more than 20.

His passion is steel pans.

He spent eight years travelling from Brixton to seven countries – Trinidad and Tobago, where steel pans originated, USA, Canada, UK, Nigeria, Japan and Switzerland – to make Panomundo.

The idea for the film came to him when he met Californian Charysse Tia Harper in 2009 at the

Oxjam is back – enjoy it and get involved

By Steve Powdrill After a three-year absence, Brixton Oxjam is set to return on 13 October, with preparations well under way for the largest UK grassroots music festival – there were 33 local Oxjams last year.

Local musicians took a stand against poverty in September, singing their hearts out on Windrush Square to raise funds for Oxfam and the upcoming local festival.

The “Buskathon” was the first part of the Oxjam launch – an all-day array of musical talent with local artists and bands performing from 10am to 8pm, raising vital donations.

First up was singer-songwriter, Patti Paige, who has played the blues in South London using the same guitar for decades. “Her name is Jezebel,” she beams, holding the special guitar and says she’s glad Oxjam is back in Brixton.

“Brixton has always been about music, right from when I first moved here. There’s always been so much culture here so there’s nothing quite like it, it’s good fun and real community.”

Also among the eight dedicated acts was Mamma Green, an acoustic band belting out funky covers of

Mamma Green in Windrush Square well-known pop songs. Band member Simon hopes the music at this year’s festival will help bring people from different backgrounds together.

“We accidentally came together as a band – together we’re Spanish, Italian, Mozambican and British – it shows music is all about making connections, building bridges and having a good time.”

Enthusiastic festival assistants and managers were also on hand with buckets of enthusiasm – and charity buckets too, to help raise funds and facilitate the event.

While Oxfam is an international charity aiding those in poverty all

Sun out for young talent in Brockwell Park

Charysee and Keith in Brixton New York Independent Film Festival.

“I was there showing my film Day One and she was with her film about the Trinidad and Tobago carnival. We swapped our films and showed them where we live – her in the US and me in Brixton.

“Someone in the audience asked: ‘Why are there no steel pans covered in the film where they originated in T&T?’ So then I researched and there was only one film, directed by [American folk singer and political activist] Pete Seeger who made a film in 1958 about the steel pan.

“So that was the moment where we agreed the film was on – and we headed out to Trinidad and Tobago to start the story.”

Charysee worked with Keith as producer.

Keith’s introduction to steel pans was after he left school at 17 – “I was unemployed and where I grew up in Birmingham I was introduced to the free steel pans at the West Indian centre there. I only had a few lessons but a good friend of mine went too and has travelled all round the world ever since doing it.”

Keith points out that the London All Stars steel pan band often busk outside the Brixton Tube.

AA Find out more about the film on YouTube: http://bit.ly/YT-Panomundo AA Buy or hire it at xploretheworld.biz/ Panomundo

around the world, Oxjam spokesperson Leia Robertson-Dunbar believes their work can also do a lot of good close to home.

“Oxjam is the largest grassroots festival in the UK and it benefits communities we’re working in by supporting local businesses and artists. It’s such a fun process and we’re all really passionate about the cause and the music.”

Later in the evening, scores of music lovers queued to enter the Oxjam launch party, at Market House on Coldharbour Lane – just one of the local businesses getting involved with the good cause.

The late-night club event featuring four local DJs soon filled out, with crowds grooving out to Afro beats, house and disco while their ticket sales went towards helping Oxfam beat poverty worldwide.

Missed out on the launch party?

Fear not, the main event is coming up and building momentum. You can get tickets for Brixton Oxjam on the Oxjam website or on the day at Blues Kitchen, Market House and Prince of Wales, where the multi-venue festival will be taking place.

With poverty and homelessness unfortunately affecting many in Brixton and surrounding areas, Leia from Oxjam says there is plenty we all can do to help the cause before the festival.

“Try to be aware of any local charities in your area. Donate old clothes and try to shop in charity shops. You can do anything from cake-sales to a marathon – it really depends on the person.

“You can also get involved with the Oxjam festival. We are still recruiting a variety of roles, from stage managers and ticket assistants to musicians performing at the festival.”

AA For more information, visit oxfamblogs.org/oxjam

The second Junior Open Mic festival outside Brockwell Hall was another great success with act after act of talented local youngster watched by parents, friends and passers-by in warm late-summer sunshine.

An eight-year-old fronted a rock band in miniature and teenagers performed their own songs – all helped by professionals from the music industry.

Thirty-two acts (totalling 54 young artists with an average age of 12) performed, before Voice Kids 2019 winner, 13-year-old Sam Wilkinson, closed the fourhour event.

Brockwell Park Community Partners, who organised insurance and other key services, were joined by other local sponsors to back the event.

Organiser Andy Gray of Junior Open Mic (JOM), the parent-led community group behind the festival, said it confirmed our part of South London as a hotspot for youth music. As well as several Brixtonbased charities using music to work with young people, within a two-mile radius of Brockwell Park are four independent JOMs – including the largest and second largest in the UK. AA Local Junior Open Mics: Junior Open Mic – Sundays @ Off The Cuff Music Bar, Herne Hill (contact andyg.coms@ gmail.com for dates) Brixton Youth Open Mic – Ritzy Cinema mezzanine – second Saturday of the month at 1pm West Norwood Feast – Junior Open Mic Longfield Hall Youth Jam – Myatts Field

Clockwise from this image: Super Luca, 7, who produces his own music with Apple’s GarageBand app; Jordan Nash, 13, who already has a career in film and television; Fin, who gave an arresting performance of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain; and RIP, a fourpiece fronted by eight-year-old singer Ben

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com OPINION 11

Where COMMENT today’s How safe is the rest students of Network Rail? learn how to fight for the future of us all BRIXTON BUGLE

In August 2016 Lambeth council granted planning permission for the wholesale rebuilding of Network Rail’s arches on Atlantic Road.

To anyone who followed the arguments, it might seem scarcely credible that Network Rail could have been unaware then of the problems that are today so clearly apparent on Atlantic Road.

Its representatives said that tenants needed to be moved out, lock, stock and barrel, so that the arches could be thoroughly and safely worked on.

Yet it appears that they were either unaware or ignored the problems above the arches, a platform – complete with an attractive and substantiallooking metal statue that would do a lot of damage if it were to fall onto Atlantic Road – that was a long way past its sell-by date.

The people who warned of the blight that the proposed closure of the arches for just one year would have on Brixton as a shopping centre could not, in their worst nightmares, have dreamt that three years later the arches would still either be empty or obstructed by a dense forest of scaffold poles.

Now Network Rail does not even own the arches. We could note in its defence that it was forced to sell them by a government whose policies of privatisation and austerity were coming back to bite it. But that is not the point.

One might speculate that Network Rail’s priority was not to benefit Brixton, but to add notional value to its properties here before it sold nearly every railway arch in the country to a consortium of two giant property developers.

Whatever its motivation was, it is surely time for Network Rail to realise that, if it was unaware of the problems of the platform above Atlantic Road, then it might also be unaware of other problems in its ageing brickwork that towers above much of Brixton.

Anybody who walks through Brixton or who works or lives in Brixton must be assured that every inch of Network Rail’s infrastructure that sits above and beside them has been checked thoroughly and will be checked thoroughly at frequent intervals.

It may be that a luxuriant growth of rosebay willow herb – named the bombsite flower because it flourished in them after the last war – is a sign of robust and well-maintained brickwork.

If it is not, then Network Rail needs to act, and act now, in Brixton.

If you have a complaint about the Brixton Bugle, see bit.ly/BBB_complaints for how to pursue it Regulated by IMPRESS: The independent monitor for the press 16–18 New Bridge Street EC4V 6AG 020 3325 4288 complaints@impress.press www.impress.press

By Linda Quinn The Brixton-based Advocacy Academy is dedicated to preparing young people to bring about social change.

A free academy fellowship gives students the tools, skills and confidence to tackle thorny subjects. Students choose a particular issue to tackle throughout an intense six-month course.

They choose big ones – domestic violence, sexual harassment, racism, body image, bullying, homelessness and mental illness.

This year’s students launched their campaigns at the Houses of Parliament with local MP and host Helen Hayes.

Although the topics are diverse, the common threads running through the speeches were confidence, passion and eloquence.

Academy students work with top campaigners, creatives, academics and coaches to help them develop skills ranging from leading a grassroots campaign to addressing MPs in the House of Commons.

On the right are edited extracts from four Brixton students’ debut speeches. MPs had better watch their backs.

Applications for next year’s programme open in January 2020. A free Advocacy Academy fellowship is perfect for anyone who is passionate about changing things in their community, society or world. Applicants must be going into Year 12 or 13 and living or going to school in South London (an SW or SE home or school postcode).

Applicants complete an online form and submit 200 words, or a three-minute video, telling the academy what makes them angry. An informal interview follows.

No particular grades or experience are needed.

AA theadvocacyacademy.com

MP Helen Hayes with this year’s Advocacy Academy students at the Houses of Parliament

#ICFREE – OLAMIDE TAIWO (17)

We are not the stereotypes people make about us Our campaign addresses racial profiling and the perception of BAME people in our society.

There are many stereotypes and misconceptions about who we are.

Our campaign, ICFREE wants to challenge this.

The concept comes from the identity codes used by the police

and how, when black people are identified, there always seems to be a generalised tone when speaking about us.

The majority of us are categorised as IC3, despite the fact that we are not all the same.

We aim to address the problems that surface in the education and

criminal justice system, when we generalise people into one category.

ICFREE liberates BAME people from racial profiling. We are not the stereotypes that people make about us. We want to change the perceptions people have of us. We want to be #ICFREE

ICONIQ – GABRIELLA SANCHEZ ANGO (17)

A community not only of celebration but of understanding ICONIQ started simply, a group of loud queer kids sitting in a misshapen circle, reminiscing on the good old days when things were much simpler and we hadn’t yet learnt first-hand how cruel the world could be.

Sitting in that circle, telling our stories, felt a lot like pulling teeth.

At first, none of us spoke.

Then, the floodgates opened and

years and years of anger and bitterness came out.

It was then that ICONIQ, a safe space for the queer youth of Lambeth, came to life.

No more ultimatums. No more sacrifices. Simply a place where kids get to be kids. Where you can be as queer and as loud as you want.

As queer kids, we have spent most of our lives hiding. ICONIQ

doesn’t believe in that. ICONIQ believes in a community that can save lives, a community of not only celebration but understanding and learning too.

At ICONIQ, we intend to provide kids with the family they should have had so that, maybe, one day they can learn what so many of us struggled with – how to be proud of who they are.

NO PAPERS PLEASE! PETAR (17)

A charter to create safe havens for migrants The UK has always been a nation of immigrants. This does not mean that migrants have always been welcome.

Lambeth has had 718 racist hate crimes in the past year. In the month after the Brexit vote, hate crimes rose by 58%. What has the government’s official policy been?

The hostile environment.

Policies intended to make life for undocumented migrants hard and deporting them easy. This has meant that much needed legal aid has been slashed for those who need it most. And the widespread use of indefinite detention, which has been incredibly ineffective and almost always results in mental or physical harm for those inside.

This is why we are launching our campaign: No Papers Please.

Our aim is to create a charter that boroughs can sign up to, to become safe havens for migrants.

Signing up to the charter would mean that the borough would have to protect the rights and dignity of all migrants, be they documented or not.

FILL IN THE BLANKS – ROCHELLE (16)

Why we must teach our youth about the horrors of empire Year 8. Second period. History class …

We’re learning about the transatlantic slave trade and my teacher begins the lesson by proclaiming that slavery has nothing to do with race.

I open my mouth in protest but no words come out. I leave the classroom angry and confused. Silent. I

was speechless.

Four years later, I have found my voice as part of a group called Fill in the Blanks.

We are campaigning for a compulsory Key Stage 3 history module on British colonial history because we believe this will lead to a reframing of immigrant identities and subvert the narrative that

empire was a beneficial and benevolent endeavour.

White supremacy cannot, and will not, be dismantled until we teach people to acknowledge the horrors of empire.

We can continue to feed young people the fantasy that we live in a post-colonial vacuum, or we can begin to teach our history and fill in the blanks.

Brixton Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening Brixton’s diverse business culture. We represent more than 500 levy‑paying businesses and work to develop new and exciting opportunities for Brixton.

It’s all about Brexit Michael Smith, Director of the Brixton Business Improvement District Whatever it is – Deal or No Deal – businesses across the UK, including businesses in Brixton, must now get ready for 31 October 2019.

Some businesses may already be seeing some impact following the referendum in 2016. A negative impact on their supply chain or an inability to retain staff. The result of the referendum could even be impacting on sales. In essence, these could be all Brexitrelated problems.

If your business in Brixton is being impacted in any way (positively or negatively) that you can attribute to Brexit, let us know. Drop us a line at admin@brixtonbid.co.uk with your Brexit-related business experience.

In the meantime, Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has unveiled a grant scheme for business organisations and trade associations to support businesses in preparing for Brexit ahead of 31 October. This Business Readiness Fund is open to business organisations and trade associations throughout the UK. The funding will support events, training and the production of advice packs to assist businesses in making sure they are fully prepared for a Brexit.

Applications for grants will be accepted up to Monday 30 September 2019 and administered through the dedicated website: www.gov.uk/-business-grants

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has updated information how VAT rules for UK businesses trading with EU countries would be affected if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, including detailed instructions on completing the European

community sales list: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ vat-for-businesses-if-theres-no-brexit-deal HMRC has also updated its guidance on bringing goods intended for business into or taking goods out of the UK in baggage or a small motor vehicle: www.gov.uk/guidance/bringing-merchandisefrom-or-to-the-uk-in-baggage-if-the-uk-leavesthe-eu-without-a-deal The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has updated guidance on preparing food and drink businesses for a no-deal Brexit: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-food-and-drinksector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit The Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has updated guidance on international road haulage: www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-internationalroad-haulage-after-brexit and www.gov.uk/guidance/ ecmt-international-road-haulage-permits Locally, Lambeth Larder has updated its website to better connect people to emergency

food and support.

Deal or no deal, Brexit will impact on us all – businesses as well as consumers.

We know that in Brixton more than 40% of people working in the night-time economy are EU residents. The EU settlement scheme outreach sessions by Seraphus Law, Respito Charity, Portuguese Council and IRMO are still live and another public advice session is due in October.

The fall in the value of sterling (£) against other currencies, another Brexit-related development, could have played a role in the demise of Thomas Cook plc.

Could the decline in our currency also be having an impact on your business?

Business Improvement Districts are ideally placed to provide information to local businesses on how to address some of the possible requirements of any Brexit happening after 31 October.

We need, however, to hear what your Brexit related issues/experiences are. Let us know at admin@brixtonbid.co.uk Only in Brixton

BID DEAL MEANS BRIXTON CAN NOW RECYCLE ITS PAPER COFFEE CUPS Brixton BID is to launch the first paper coffee cup recycling scheme in Lambeth, providing local independent coffee shops with advice and facilities to encourage consumers, residents and visitors to dispose of cups in an environmentfriendly way.

UK recyclers now have the capacity to process all of the paper cups used here, but because they have a plastic lining to stop hot drinks from leaking, they need to be collected separately from other paper for recycling. So special recycling points are needed, along with clear communication to help users to find them.

The Brixton BID project is one of 12 across the UK that have secured grants of up to £100,000 to develop facilities to collect used cups. They are part of

the Cup Fund initiative managed by the environmental charity Hubbub and financed by Starbucks from a 5p charge on paper cups to encourage customers to increase their use of reusable cups.

All cups collected by the funded projects will be recycled in the UK, becoming paper bags, greetings cards and other products which will be manufactured locally to reduce transport costs. Some of the recycled-paper products will return to the locations where the cups were collected, creating a closed loop.

Gavin Ellis, director and co-founder of the Hubbub foundation, said: “While reusable cups are the most environmentally friendly choice, billions of paper cups are still being used each

year and most are not currently recycled.

“There is the capacity to recycle them, so the Cup Fund will introduce cup recycling points in high footfall locations to collect large numbers of cups and ensure that they are recycled.

“We have been so impressed with the scale of the winning projects’ ambitions and we are looking forward to supporting them over the coming year.”

Brixton BID can count on at least 20 independent coffee shops, including the Volcano coffee roastery, to be part of the scheme. It is estimated that at least 10% of the estimated total of 120,000 cups a year used in Brixton can be collected.

The BID is delighted to be given this opportunity to introduce coffee cup recycling in Brixton. Our local businesses

are committed to delivering a clean and healthy environment for everyone and the introduction of coffee cups recycling points throughout our participating independent coffee shops is another step in the right direction.

Greening, air quality and recycling are top priorities for the BID and we hope that, with the introduction of this scheme local residents, employees and visitors can enjoy a Brixton coffee whilst doing the right thing for the environment.

ABOVE: Sealing the recycling deal (l-r) Reece Simwogerere, Brixton BID; Trewin Restorick, CEO and founder of Hubbub; Gavin Ellis; director and co-founder of Hubbub, Hammant Patel Villa, Brixton BID; Chantel Facey and Michael Smith, Brixton BID

Brixton Market features in a new tourist poster for Victoria Line destinations

Michael Smith joined Refill Brixton coordinator Leonie Watson to launch a free water refilling station on Windrush Square.

Switch to tap to fight plastic pollution and save money!

CONNECT WITH US

BRIXTON BID Room 3C, Floor 3 International House Canterbury Crescent London SW9 7QD 020 3417 7373 BrixtonBID BrixtonBID brixtonbid.co.uk

14 FASHION brixtonblog.com 2019 OCTOBER

Eunice Olumide (left) and Sonia Winifred at the show

Brixton, in its own way, as always, marked both London Fashion Week and Oxfam’s Second Hand September last month

Show highlights a vital component of British fashion Simone Richardson watches a catwalk show with a difference It’s London Fashion Week and I’m sitting in the town hall in Brixton to see a catwalk show with a difference.

Next Generation Regeneration: Fashion and Revolution was a Windrush-themed celebration of creativity in which Lambeth council partnered Eunice Olumide, supermodel turned art curator,

actor and campaigner. Olumide, who was awarded an MBE in 2017, said: “This event will highlight how Afro-Caribbean culture and society have had a huge influence on the British fashion scene, both in post-war Britain and in the pre-colonial period.

“This community contribution is rarely articulated and actually stunts African, Afro-Caribbean development in the wider global fashion and art markets.

“It also serves as a riposte to the

terrible treatment people suffered as a result of the Windrush scandal.”

Sonia Winifred, council cabinet member for equalities and culture, worked with Eunice Olumide to organise the show.

Cllr Winifred, who has lived in Brixton since 1965, is also behind the campaign and petition to have the monument to the Windrush generation sited in Brixton’s Windrush Square in and not Waterloo as currently planned.

“I love the diversity of Brixton,”

she said. “It has survived two riots.

People are still talking about gentrification, but I still feel the buzz and would never live anywhere else.”

The fashion show saw a display of black T-shirts with an expressive reaction to the treatment of the Windrush generation, all saying: “Compensation Not Detention”.

Barry Simpson, who has lived in Brixton since 1954 and works as an art and maths teacher, was enjoying being at the Windrush evening explained why.

“I was born in Brixton and love the community. I grew up here from 1954 with my Jamaican parents.

My father was a barber I went in to watch and met a lot of people from all over the Carribbean and Africa so that was a good education.

“The way Windrush people have been treated is unbelievable – being locked up in detention centres and deported. I didn’t think I would ever see anything like that. Everybody can see the contribution these people made.”

Traid – reuse, recycle, recreate Brixton’s Traid has always been ahead of the trend, upcycling clothes since July 2013.

Simone Richardson dropped in Traid, a charity with 11 shops in London dedicated to stopping people throwing away clothes, has given more than £3 million to projects improving social and environmental conditions in the textile industry – helping cotton farmers to reduce pesticide use, establishing cooperative textile businesses and developing eco-friendly textile production processes.

Laura Casas (left), originally from Spain, manages the Brixton store. “I have learned how to run

a store, the value of clothes and how to give second-hand clothes a life,” she says. “Traid tries to educate younger people in the idea of reusing and recycling.”

Laura grew up with the love of her own creations after studying creative patterning in Spain followed by a tailoring course at Newham College in East London.

Her personal sense of style is amazing. She always tries to reuse, recycle and recreate her own clothes, saying: “When you get a hand on it, it is rewarding and you are inspired.

“I like to take something that no one wants any more and give it a second life. I try to do it for myself, to create new out of things that already exist. I never

Vintage – the lifestyle choice Steve Powdrill meets Brixton’s maker and mender The battle against fast fashion was waged all last month, with Second-hand September in full swing. Oxfam’s initiative encouraged shoppers to shun the high street and buy only second-hand clothes – and some took the challenge of sustainable fashion even further.

“I’m not buying new for a year,” says vintage-lover Sarah Bennett, who runs Make Do And Mend in Pop Brixton, her much-loved shop for retro fashion now in its fifth

year. “If anyone can commit to not buying new clothes for a year, it’s got to be me!”

“Making do and mending” is an ethos that has been catching on, says Bennett, as Oxfam was reporting that 11 million items of clothing are sent to landfills each week in the UK. “I’ve noticed a shift in the last few years … vintage has gone from being a niche thing, to being fashionable, to now, when people are seeking it out and making it

Sarah Bennett in her Pop Brixton shop

go out and buy fabrics.”

Francesco Colucci (right) moved from Italy ten years ago after training in fine arts and has been doing the window dressing at Traid Brixton ever since.

“The part that I love most about my job is how I translate my ideas in the final result,” he says. “I make use of garments, accessories and objects that I found in the shop.”

Francesco says people’s approach to sustainability has changed. “Second hand no longer means scrap, but raises an awareness against consumerism and expectation.”

AA Traid, 2 Acre Lane 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday, 11am – 5pm Sunday

a conscious lifestyle choice and committing to doing that.”

While buying from second-hand and charity shops is a great way to help save the planet, a knowledge of how to repair stained, ripped or ill-fitting clothing can save you pennies in the process.

Love Your Clothes, a campaign started by London Recycles, is offering 20 free workshop classes to fashion-conscious Londoners on how to repair and adjust the clothing they love. Book at londonrecycles. co.uk/love-your-clothes-london Make Do and Mend’s popular alterations service has taken a short break – but Bennett tells me she hopes to bring it back – “That’s always been the idea of the business,

to open somewhere that is a vintage shop, but also doing workshops and classes to help people learn how to repair or alter their clothes.”

Local shoppers can instead look forward to the Brixton Vintage Kilo Sale, organised by the Make Do and Mend team. The next, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September, will be an eclectic mix of seasonal, trend-led items and vintage staples on offer for £15 a kilo at Pop Brixton.

“There are rails and rails of clothes in all styles. It’s such a fun event with music, staff are really cool and friendly and it’s just a great atmosphere,” says Bennett.

Open from 11am to 5pm, the event is free entry and everyone is welcome.

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com FOOD & DRINK 15

FOOD & DRINK REVIEW: BEAST OF BRIXTON (SUNDAY LUNCH)

Beast for sore eyes Abby Jones gets her Sunday service at Beast of Brixton

The Beast of Brixton opened its secret door almost five years ago, and the secret spread.

Word of mouth will tell you it is one of Brixton’s favourite Sunday lunches.

The Beat has recently opened up the downstairs as a coffee shop cafe, but the charm of the upstairs prevails, and it’s Sunday roasts (and late-night parties) where James Duke-Evans and Will Nelson’s beastly souls reside.

It feels like the last day of a late summer as we sit bang in the middle of the room, window open to the panorama of Acre Lane, enjoying the Sunday sunshine and Brixton breeze, to a backdrop of funky soul.

They have done well at making the room comfortable (much needed when you’re in for a roast) as well as friendly and fun. The decor fits the building, pretty wallpaper meets rock memorabilia; gothic tattoo parlour meets your gran’s house all at the same time. Shabby chic meets retro chintz.

The hardest part is choosing between the Sunday options, but the beastly boys are anti-food waste and are often selling out, so there is a smart pre-order service to make sure you get what you want (and nothing gets wasted). Choose between: The Beast, 25-day dry-aged striploin of beef, The Bird, Banham Farm hen, The Bleeter, leg of Pennine Lonk lamb, The Swine, Gloucester Old Spot pork belly and The Herbivore, slow roasted butternut squash stuffed with pearl barley risotto.

We chose The Herbivore and The Beast.

The beef showed its age (as it were), proper flavour, pink in the middle with a deep, sticky,

veal reduction gravy. Roasted squash and pearl barley was nicely textured, tasty and not the apologetic offerings the veggie and vegan are sometimes faced with.

A stellar supporting cast of mini carrots, good roasties, big Yorkshire puds, broccoli, parsnip puree and, my highlight, indulgently creamed leeks.

There is relaxed fine dining flourish scattered around, the beef came with an ox cheek beignet, braised cheek, deep fried in Japanese panko breadcrumbs. Classy elevating touches and little feelgood twists.

Pricely niced as well, herbivore under £15, beef £17. For those not planning to do anything for the rest of their Sunday, double down with two roast meats and all the trimmings for £23.

Come hungry and leave full should be the core requirement of Sunday dining, followed by a lie down in front of Last of the Summer Wine re-runs. Or the footie.

The Beast is not only proud of its roasts, it’s bloomin’ proud of its cocktails too. As any medical professional will tell you, a few cocktails really help a roast go down and Sundays can often have a hair of the dog remedial requirement. Alongside their outstanding Bloody Marys, other cocktails to assist digestion include a refreshing gin-based Country Cup, the hearty Rumbunctious (rum & ginger combo), The Moonwalk which matches Cointreau, grapefruit, rose water and prosecco and a Peach Jam Sour which is suitably frothy in its own excitement.

The Beast roars its mighty mischief over Acre Lane like a rebellious teenager in its upstairs bedroom but has definitely brought a maturity to its roast rebellion, joint by joint, gravy test by gravy test, into something beautiful. Like the tiger who came to tea, this is the Beast that came to Brixton.

Join us 19 Oct 12pm-12am Live music, good times, great beers!

89 Acre Lane, SW2 5TN | 07514 753063 | thebeastofbrixton.co.uk | @beastofbrixton

GET A TASTE OF BRIXTON IN OUR NEW TAP ROOM! Super fresh beer right where it’s made.

10 taps, other drinks, merch & more!

DRINK IN / TAKE OUT

OPENING HOURS

WED & THURS 5-10PM FRI 5-11PM SAT 12-11PM SUN 2-6PM

ARCH 548, BRIXTON STN RD, SW8 9PF TWITTER @BRIXTONBREWERY INSTAGRAM @BRIXTONBREWERYTAPROOM

16 FOOD & DRINK brixtonblog.com

2019 OCTOBER

REVIEW: TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD

Gin coming Nick Buglione gets stirred and shaken at Tequila Mockingbird

Midweek martinis, school night cocktail bar launch? Why not?

Tequila Mockingbird (pun intended) are a little family of south London cocktail connoisseurs who have moved into what was formerly Dip & Flip on Atlantic Road (more of that later). Their other nests – Putney, Clapham and Tooting.

I had my first martini at The Savoy’s American Bar, would happily die in the Connaught Bar with a whiskey sour, but these days, the gin-fuelled, Instagram friendly, Mad Men inspired explosion in cocktailery has taken shaking and stirring out of those elite hallowed (and expensive) halls into a world of avant garde creations and funky experimentation.

Deep down I am a classicist (whose self-indulgent cocktail claim to non-fame was teaching the barman at The Waldorf how to make a Southside Royale) but we are letting out hair down.

Turning up in downtown Brixton, already well served for cocktails and Americana “soak it up” dining, means you either get it right or go home. Admittedly this is launch

night when everyone is on their A-game (and you probably draft your slickest bar guys in?) but things are looking good. Open to 2am on weekends with DJs, atmospherics are along the party clubby road.

There is an art to a proper cocktail. They take time. They require a precision in balance, flavour combo and temperature.

They need quality spirits. They should be savoured. They don’t always need novelty trimmings.

Tequila Mockingbird do both, classics and the more sideways with bells and whistles.

Their signature is a “secret recipe” punch served “flaming” in a tiki tankard. Disney Princess is a kitsch, technicolour fusion of vodka, strawberry, bubblegum syrup and candy floss.

They are also launching a series of Bowie-inspired cocktails with a pound for every one sold going to local schools for music equipment.

So, unleash your Diamond Dogs on the Ziggy Stardust (Seven and 384, we have to say, got there first), Rebel Rebel and Space Oddity, rum, strawberry liqueur, pink guava puree & bubble-gum syrup lime juice and pink popping candy.

We steered a (relatively) conservative route through Pornstar

Martini; Berrylicious – Beefeater gin, Chambord and strawberry puree and fresh lime; Bramble – gin, lemon and crème de mure (blackberry liqueur); and Guava Gang; – Malibu, Cointreau, orange juice and pink guava puree. Pretty in Pink. Fast, slick and sharp.

The true test is the Martini – completely simple, but done badly, a car crash. My friend behind the bar delivers a perfect Dirty Martini, sans brine; Beefeater, extra dry vermouth, shaken and garnished with two olives. Just right. School night lethal.

This is the first Mockingbird to throw food into the mix. Less by grand design than the site came with a working kitchen, so might as well use it?

In what will apparently be a rolling menu of pop-ups, the Dip & Flip guys have stayed on for cheeseburgers, wings and y’know.

I never quite got the gravy thing with Dip & Flip (there is messy and then there is messy) but tonight’s cheeseburgers were pretty good.

So, to add to an already punchy mix of cocktail bars in and around Coldharbour Lane, add Tequila Mockingbird. Party cocktails for party people, classics done well for the rest of us.

64 Atlantic Road, SW9 8PY | tequilamock.com/brixton | @tequilamock

Directly from block to plate.

Family run, local butcher – Established in 1962, three generations of Jones family have been working in the business.

Focus on quality – We supply quality meat and poultry with first-class service.

Visit our online shop jonesthebutcher.me.uk

Meat, the way it’s meant to be.

Greek pitas and plates made from scratch.

Now open at 441 Coldharbour Lane SW9 8LN. Follow us

@mikosgyros

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com FOOD & DRINK 17 MIDDLE RANGE DINING

Stuck in the middle with you?

Nick Buglione gets lost between expensive meals and cheap eats

I have eaten the occasional meal that some could call borderline immoral.

A double Michelin-starred meal at The Square in its Phil Howard heyday, Savoy Grill (for Omelette Arnold Bennett), “Rockefeller” sushi at Dinings, Simon Rogan’s Fera tasting menu at Claridge’s and a, once in a lifetime, triple Michelin star blow out at Restaurante Lasarte in Barcelona (where we genuinely thought the next couple through the door would be George and Amal).

The bill would have propped up a couple of third world economies.

But, I never left one of those evenings feeling short-changed. Not one of them wasn’t worth it.

And ditto the other end of the spectrum. I don’t pop to Jeff The Chef or many of the Pop ground floor outposts and feel shortchanged. Same for a quick pizza – sourdough Margherita and a beer for a tenner, fine with me. Souvlaki, a quick Honest, some Pho, Jerk, whatever. Street food at street food

prices, no problem.

For those that remember it, I practically set up residence in Speedy Noodle (RIP).

My problem, is what is in between. I get stuck in the middle.

Granted, once you hit the age of kids and babysitters, a meal out

is more than a meal out. I have to pay a barely conscious teenager fused to a smartphone to eat half the fridge and fall asleep in front of my TV before my wallet reaches a restaurant. Pop 30-odd quid on the bill.

So it’s the mid-table meals. Those

mid-weekers. Starters, mains (I don’t do desserts) and a couple of glasses of something, rolling in at £60, £70 or more. And not being much better than I can pull off in my own kitchen. Say what we like about elite pricing at “posh” restaurants, but I can’t cook like Phil Howard.

In poetic parallel, our high road chain eateries have been closing faster than Mariano Rivera. Strada gone, Jamie’s Italian gone, Zizzi, Café Rouge, Prezzo, Byron shutting sites left right and centre. And why Giraffe still exists I don’t know.

Unimaginative, common denominator aggregated cooking in identikit dining rooms. The rise and fall of the chains. Who treated us like lemmings, convenience diners to be upsold olives or edamame for a fiver.

Maybe restaurants are doing what cinemas had to realise? The pile them high and charge them a fortune for soggy nachos era has turned into “it’s got to be enough of an experience to beat the sofa and Netflix”. And seeing as how half the world is dining via motorbike delivery, eating out has to be enough of an experience to beat just thumbing it through with Deliveroo in your boxers?

Brixton, of course, is not just another high-road to hell for eating out. There are some great meals that aren’t highway robbery. For every Wahaca there is someone doing something more interesting for less money round the corner.

That’s where you will find me, or in the kitchen actually cooking something. nickbuglione.com

18 WHAT’S ON brixtonblog.com 2019 OCTOBER

WHAT’S ON Celebrating queer life through portraiture Queer Portraits is an exhibition of Sarah Jane Moon’s large portraits of people who identify as LGBTQI+ or queer.

It opens at Brixton’s

Portrait of transgender performer Krishna Istha

Gallery Downstairs at the Department Store on 2 November and will be the first time the paintings have been shown together.

Sarah Jane Moon is a London-based painter whose portraiture frequently explores identity, sexuality and gender presentation.

Her subjects are often people close to her or whom she admires for their commitment to live authentically and forge ahead in their chosen industry.

The portraits create a powerful statement on contemporary life lived with pride.

AA Queer Portraits runs from Saturday 2 November to Thursday 14 November.

Admission is free.

Lambeth councillor Jacqueline Dyer will chair a symposium on Race and Inequality in Mental Health organised by Block 336 in partnership with Lambeth & Southwark Mind. The symposium is from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 12 October and coincides with Kat Anderson’s Restraint Restrained exhibition at 336, jointly commissioned with the Black Cultural Archives. It will hear from people with professional and lived experience of systemic racial inequality and is designed to raise consciousness around problems facing Lambeth and the UK. Tickets: http://bit.ly/336-RIMH

Rembrandt works from all over world for Dulwich show

Brixton artist John Bateson will be exhibiting at 25 Pulross Road, SW9 8AF

Lambeth artists open their doors Artists and makers across Lambeth will open their studios, work spaces and homes to the public on Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 October from 10am to 6pm.

Arts and crafts including painting, sculpture, photography, textile design, jewellery, ceramics and print making will be on show.

Entrance to all venues is

free and an online map is at www.lambethopen.com.

Organiser and artist Tim Sutton said: “Lambeth Open provides an affordable opportunity for artists and makers to showcase work in their local area. Too often these gold mines of creativity are hidden away and we hope our event helps shine a light on our wonderful and

colourful creative community.

“All artists and makers will be present at their venues, so visitors can find out how items are made and the various techniques involved.

We are so lucky to have all this talent on our doorstep and something worth showing off to the rest of London.”

AA For further information email tim@lambethopen.com

Loan works from the Louvre in Paris, the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, and Gemäldegalerie, Berlin will be among those on show at Dulwich Picture Gallery’s exhibition, Rembrandt’s Light (4 October to 2 February).

Visitors will also see a book with two personal entries by the great artist that will leave the Netherlands for the first time since it was created in 1652.

The exhibition, London’s contribution to “The Year of Rembrandt” marking the 350th anniversary of his death, will explore the artist’s mastery of light through 35 of his greatest works and will be lit by leading British cinematographer Peter Suschitzky (director of photography The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Empire Strikes Back, and Mars Attacks!).

The exhibition will use a new LED Bluetooth lighting system designed to create an atmospheric visitor experience.

AA Visit dulwichpicturegallery. org.uk

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com WHAT’S ON 19

WHAT’S ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN BRIXTON

At the centre of Britain’s Black history Lambeth libraries, the Black Cultural Archives and local organisations are hosting local Black History Month events with authors, films, music, dance, theatre and a month-long chance to learn about and celebrate African Caribbean heritage and culture.

STORIES FROM THE STREET: WINDRUSH AND THE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT FILM Tuesday 22 October, 7pm Brixton Library

Brixton-based artist Tony Cealy presents Stories from the Street, a behind-the-scenes dramadocumentary interspersed with interviews and narratives from Brixton people on the implications of the recent Windrush scandal and the government’s hostile environment policy. Photographed and edited by Nathaniel Bagot Sealey www.tonycealy.com

THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE IN LAMBETH: SUCCESS STORY IN EDUCATION Wednesday 2 October, 6.30pm Brixton Library

HERE TO STAY, HERE TO FIGHT: A RACE TODAY ANTHOLOGY Friday 25 October, 7pm Brixton library

Dr Feyisa Demie shares the historical evidence of the presence of African people in Lambeth and their success story in education. The format includes a presentation, Q&A and open discussion. All welcome.

Join members of the Race Today Collective, past contributors and those today who take inspiration from Race Today, to launch the first book-length anthology of articles – Here to Stay, Here to Fight.

From 1974 to 1988, Race Today, the journal of the Brixton-based Race Today Collective, was at the centre of the struggle for racial justice in Britain. Organised by the Darcus Howe Legacy Group in collaboration with Lambeth libraries.

BLACK CULTURAL ARCHIVES FILM FESTIVAL 2019 Friday 4 – Sunday 6 October BCA, Windrush Square A three-day festival dedicated to Black films from across the diaspora. Curated in association with arts and culture newspaper Alt Africa. Films and activities for all ages. Various times and locations (see www.blackculturalarchives.org)

COME DINE WITH ME (BLACK HISTORY EDITION) WITH ROBIN WALKER Friday 4 October, 6.30– 9.30pm BCA, Windrush Square Hear about ancient and medieval African history from historian and writer, Robin Walker while being treated to a four-course meal. Tickets £36.97 + booking fee, includes meal info@bcaheritage.org.uk

ABC MERRIMAN-LABOR: A SIERRA LEONEAN IN SOUTH LONDON 1906-1919 WITH S I MARTIN Monday 7 October, 7pm Minet library Take a journey around the South London Pan African scene 1906-1909 through the eyes of ABC MerrimanLabor, the Sierra Leonean lawyer and entrepreneur. His 1909 book Britons Through Negro Spectacles shines a comic light on attitudes to Africans in Britain and lets readers compare community relations now and then.

BLACK POPPIES WITH AUTHOR STEPHEN BOURNE Tuesday 8 October, 7pm Carnegie Library Stephen Bourne presents an illustrated talk about the recently published second edition of Black Poppies, winner of the Southwark Arts Forum literature prize. The critically acclaimed book explores the lives of Black servicemen and

Brixton library, 10 October: Djofray Makumbu opens his diary and invites audiences into the world of a young Black man on a journey of self-expression

LONDON IS THE PLACE FOR ME – A TRIBUTE TO OUR WINDRUSH RESIDENTS Saturday 26 October, 7.30pm St Martins Community Centre, Tulse Hill.

Britain’s Black community during the First World War.

Admission on the door by donation (£5 suggested).

DJOFRAY MAKUMBU – EMOTION PICTURE. ART EXHIBITION LAUNCH Thursday 10 October, 6pm Brixton Library

PAN AFRICAN BOOK SALE Saturday 12 October, 12–6pm BCA, Windrush Square

As part of Brixton library’s visual Black History Month, Djofray Makumbu opens up his diary and invites audiences into the world of a young Black man on a journey of self-expression. (See page 8).

SONG OF SOLOMON – BRIXTON RADICAL READS BOOK GROUP SPECIAL Friday 11 October, 7pm Brixton library Join the reading group to discuss Song of Solomon, the landmark work

by Nobel Prize winner author Toni Morrison. For a copy of the book contact the library on 020 7926 1056.

THE STUART HALL PROJECT 11 October 7–10.30pm Effra Space, Effra Parade The Stuart Hall Project is a 2013 British film written and directed

by John Akomfrah, centred on Jamaican cultural theorist Stuart Hall, one of the founding figures of the New Left, New Left Review and a key architect of cultural studies in Britain. Doors open 7pm for drinks and food. Screening 7.30pm (105 minutes) followed by Q&A.

An opportunity to buy some of the best in Black books. If you are interested in works by authors from across the diaspora this is not an event to be missed.

PEGASUS OPERA COMPANY PRESENT: LEGACY & HOPE Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm Brixton Library Join Pegasus Opera for an evening of splendid singing. The evening will end with audience participation.

Booking: http://bit.ly/PoC-LAH

BLACK HISTORY STUDIES PRESENTS ‘AFRICA BEFORE THE SLAVE TRADE’ Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm St Martins Community Centre, Tulse Hill, SW2 3QX The Hidden History of Africa before the Slave Trade is a presentation that addresses one key question: What history did Black people have before the slave trade started? This lecture discusses the Empire of Mali, the Yoruba kingdoms, medieval Sudan, medieval Ethiopia and the East African coast.

For tickets and more information call 020 8674 3038 or visit www.stmartinscc.org

The St Martins Community come together to celebrate the contributions and achievements of their local Windrush residents. A commemorative evening filled with song, dance and poetry. For tickets visits www.stmartinscc.org

TRIBES, WITH DAVID LAMMY Saturday 26 October, 7pm Brixton library In 2007, inspired by the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act and looking to explore his own African roots, David Lammy took a DNA test. It revealed that he was 25% Tuareg tribe (Niger), 25% Temne tribe (Sierra Leone), 25% Bantu tribe (South Africa), with 5% traces of Celtic Scotland and a mishmash of other unidentified groups. Both memoir and call-toarms, Tribes explores both the benign and malign effects of our need to belong. This book is a fascinating and perceptive analysis of not only the way the world works but also the way we really are.

DARK & LIGHT THEATRE PERFORMANCE Thursday 31 October, 7pm Brixton library Older people from Lambeth have spent the last two months making a live interactive theatre and heritage performance at Longfield Hall.

The project celebrates and commemorates the Dark & Light

Theatre Company who were based in Brixton during the 1970s. The performance will be a sharing of the group’s memories of Brixton during the early 1970s. The project was led by local Brixton based arts practitioner Tony Cealy. www.tonycealy.com

FEAST IN THE ARCHIVE Sunday 27 October, 3pm – 6pm BCA, Windrush Square.

An afternoon of culinary delights. Delve deep into the archives as well as enjoying entertainment, history and community. Tickets £25 +booking fee. info@bcaheritage.org.uk

BCA PRESENTS HERO Sunday, October 27, 5pm Ritzy Brixton Black Cultural Archives provides another opportunity to see the film Hero inspired by the extraordinary life and times of Trinidadian war veteran Ulric Cross. BCA will receive 25% of every ticket sold. £10.88 + booking fee.

EXHIBITIONS THE COLDHARBOUR PROJECT Friday 18 October to Sunday 27 October. Brixton Library The Coldharbour Project is a 360° virtual reality film that takes viewers on an alternative tour of Brixton, meeting people who have shaped Brixton’s cultural fabric over several decades. Viewers journey through Brixton Market, Windrush Square and Railton Road (the Frontline). Along the way, they meet authors Alex Wheatle and S I Martin, Felix Buxton (Basement Jaxx), Ricky Ranking, George Lightfoot and Lorna G of Nasty Rockers Sound System, Linda Bellos, Michael Groce, the Legs 17 Eleven Sound System and the Brixton Immortals dominoes team, as well as market traders and customers. Produced by the Independent Film Trust and Booted and Rooted, the project has involved local people at every stage of the production process.

DEAR AYEEYO, PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 24 September to 9 November BCA, Windrush Square Writer, poet and curator Amina Jama brings the photography of the award-winning Yasin Osman to the Black Cultural Archives.

Immerse yourself in the vibrancy and emotion of Yasin’s exhibition in honour of his grandmother.

Admission £3.

AA This page contains just a selection of events. For a full listing pick up a printed guide from your local library or download a brochure from http://bit.ly/LBL-BHM19

20 WHAT’S ON brixtonblog.com 2019 OCTOBER

Jamila Omar’s selection of gigs and more in Brixton and nearby FRI 27 @ PRINCE OF WALES

Supa Dupa Fly is taking it STRICTLY OLD SKOOL at the Prince. Expect to hear 90s & 00s R&B from Aaliyah, TLC, Missy, Brandy, Kelis, Usher, Destiny’s Child, SWV J.T & loads more. 90s & 00s hip-hop from 2Pac, Biggie, Lil Kim, DMX, Jay-Z, Busta, Kanye, The Neptunes, Busta & Ludacris from the best to do it! There will be No Drake, No Kendrick, No Future, No Grime and no Trap!

9pm – 4am. £10 door.

SAT 28 @ HOOTANANNY

And What? presents South African superstar MC Toya Delazey with her RAP FUSION. Expect hard-hitting lyrics in her native Zulu as well as English over very danceable electronic beats. One-Drum (Abass Dodoo) launches his new project, fusing traditional Ghanaian Highlife beats with funk, blues and jazz. Support from Ohnoda French and Cocco.

9pm – 3am. Free before 10pm. £5 – £8 after.

SUN 29 @ WINDMILL

All musicians and all styles are welcome to the No Frills FOLK CLUB. Expect Irish, Welsh, English and Scottish, American old time, bluegrass and western swing, French, Yiddish, East European, Scandinavian, Greek, Turkish, Balkan and more. Swap styles, share tunes and learn stuff. 7pm. Free.

MON 30 @ POP BRIXTON

Each Monday, Neville from Wu Style TAI CHI CHUAN holds a free community class in Brixton. This traditional Chinese martial art has many potential health benefits including improved posture and balance, circulation, flexibility, core strength, joint mobility, focus and concentration. Open to all and suitable for all ages and abilities. 12.30 – 1.30pm. Free.

TUE 1 @ THE JUNCTION

SAT 5 @ ELECTRIC BRIXTON

Dimension, real name Robert Etheridge, is an ELECTRONIC MUSIC producer and DJ from London who lets his music do the talking. His passion for bold architectural design, sleek aesthetic and theological themes has helped propel Dimension to establish himself as one of the most exciting, sought-after producers in his field. 10pm – 5am. £TBA.

SUN 6 @ WINDMILL

As a WARM UP TO HALLOWEEN come and join Season of the Riff Fest for an entire day of monstrous riffs and beers. With The Red Widows, Trevor’s Head, Shyrykull, Human Leather and more. 2pm. £8 adv / £10 OTD.

MON 7 @ HOOTANANNY

The inspirational BRIXTON BOOKJAM is back, presented by up and coming standup Donnette Brown. Those reading short excerpts from their work include Kate Morrison, Diana Skelton, Deirdre Shanahan, Kaethe Cherney, Sophia Jai, Nick Cox, Bobbie Darbyshire and Marianne Kavanagh (with more to be announced). 7.30pm. Free.

TUE 8 @ JAG SPORTS CLUB

Brockwell Swimmers’ weekly Tuesday SWIM SESSIONS at this Herne Hill sports club could help you improve your swimming technique and meet other swimmers. The coached sessions are led by a qualified instructor. 7.30 – 9.30pm. £12 per session.

WED 9 @ BRIXTON LIBRARY

Every first Friday and third Saturday of the month sees THROWDOWN at this-friendly Coldharbour Lane venue, where you can expect some serious crate digging with a bit of scratching and the occasional funk/ disco/boogie edit from DJs Matt Klemara and Mr Corsini. 9pm – 3am. Free before 10pm, £5 after.

GIGS IN THE GREENHOUSES season in Brockwell Park still has events to go with, as always, delicious botanical cocktails, locally brewed beer and home-made and grown food.

Saturday September 28 4pm to 7pm Lucy Farrell With the Furrow Collective, Lucy won

The return of Pop’s annual OKTOBERFEST celebration which, due to popular demand, will now be taking place over two beerfilled weekends this October. Expect steins of traditional German bier from World Of Wurst. Lederhosen dress encouraged! Midday – 11.30pm. Free.

SAT 12 @ DOGSTAR

Spread over three floors of this long-running Brixton stalwart, you can expect a fun and friendly vibe at DOGSTAR SATURDAYS. This week sees DJs Franky B and Gem Precious take to the decks. 10pm – 4am. Free before 10, £5 after.

SUN 13 @ CAFE CAIRO

Discover this hidden gem on Landor Road which, as part of the Halloween build-up, will be showing a range of spooky, suspenseful, terrifying, silly, gory and SCARY FILMS throughout October. This week it’s 1920s classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Cuddle up with hot cocktails, hot water bottles, a fireplace and delicious veggie and vegan pizzas. Doors 6pm, film 7.30pm. Free.

best group in the 2017 BBC Radio 2 folk awards. She is now embarking on a solo career. Not to be missed. £10 (£7) Sunday 6 October 4pm to 5.45pm, Danzon Part of Herne Hill Music Festival, Danzon, a blues guitar duo play the works of great 1930s-40s jazz and blues guitarists. £10

WED 23 @ OFF THE CUFF

Herne Hill’s Off The Cuff Bar presents a night of LIVE MUSIC from local singers and songwriters each and every Wednesday. Well worth a look. 8pm. Free.

THUR 24 @ EFFRA HALL TAVERN

This long-running JAZZ JAM SESSION is still going strong after many years at this muchloved Brixton boozer. Come down early to get a seat as it gets super busy and feel free to get up and dance if the mood takes you. 9pm – midnight. Free.

WED 16 @ OFF THE CUFF

FRI 25 @ SARAY

Composer, producer and singer ESBE will be performing a selection of songs from all four of her albums, including tracks from two new releases, Far Away and Ten Songs. Special guest will be the fantastic Timmy Fisher. 7.30 – 9.30pm. Free.

Family-run Turkish restaurant Saray in Herne Hill has launched a weekly BELLYDANCE dinner show on Friday nights.

A night to enjoy great food, drinks and live entertainment that is also a lot of fun. 9pm – 11pm.

THUR 17 @ BRIXTON ORCHARD

SAT 26 @ PRINCE OF WALES

This community project aims to encourage more people to interact with the natural world on their doorstep. Help to maintain this green oasis on one of Brixton’s busiest junctions by joining in at this weekly VOLUNTEER GARDENING SESSION (each Thursday afternoon) where you’ll learn to care for fruit trees and young edible hedgerow plants. 1 – 2.30pm. Free.

FRI 18 @ BROCKWELL GREENHOUSES

SAT 19 @ POP BRIXTON

FRI 11 @ POP BRIXTON

FRI 4 @ MARKET HOUSE

Test your knowledge to win a £25 bar tab at this weekly PUB QUIZ, held every Tuesday. 8 –10pm. Free.

THUR 10 @ 02 ACADEMY BRIXTON

WED 2 @ SUPERCUTE

Heading for Extinction and What to Do About It is a talk organised by EXTINCTION REBELLION which documents the latest research on the climate crisis. It shows why urgent action is required, and explains how we can use non-violent direct action. 7 – 9pm. Free.

TUE 15 @ TRINITY ARMS

Each week Better Fridays run THERAPEUTIC GARDENING afternoons, where you can enjoy a spot of gentle gardening with support from qualified psychotherapist Cathy. Bring your own lunch. Tea and biscuits provided. 1pm – 4pm. Free.

Following a stunning performance at Coachella and the release of new single, Perfect Timing, French producer FKJ heads for London for a massive headline show. 7 – 11pm. £32 – £40.

THUR 3 @ PORTICO GALLERY

Each Monday at this Streatham venue learn and develop your skills in CUBAN SALSA with some of London’s most experienced teachers. There are five dedicated class levels a night, followed by a chance to show off new moves with DJ Rich (one of the UK’s leading Cuban specialist DJs). Classes 7.30pm, club 9.45pm. £5 club only. £7 with class.

Get in touch with your creative side and explore and learn CRAFTS old and new.

Crafts will include sewing, embroidery, beading, macrame and many more! 1.30 – 3.30pm. Free.

With an accomplished house band featuring bar manager Luke Fowler getting dextrous on the double bass, expect some TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP in an affordable, independent boozer. 7.30 – 11pm. Free.

Come for a dance at Latino Thursday each week in Brixton Village market, where LATIN MUSIC and good vibes take centre stage. Sup on award-winning cocktails while being entertained by great Latin DJs, percussionists, dancers and a wide variety of Latino music genres. 7.30 – 11pm. Free.

MON 14 @ HIDEAWAY

The Near Mint RECORD FAIR is held every other month at Pop, combining independent labels, record shops and record dealers selling everything from soul, disco, funk, hip-hop and house to Latin, rock, jazz, folk, country and dance. Midday – 6pm. Free.

SUN 20 @ BRIXTON ACADEMY

Killswitch Engage storm into Brixton. This American METALCORE band has sold over 4m records in the States and is considered notable within the new wave of American heavy metal, as well as one of the earliest leading forces of the metalcore genre. 7 – 11pm. £33 – £43.

MON 21 @ ALLEYN’S SCHOOL

Brockwell Swimmers’ WATER POLO sessions are held in Dulwich every Monday until 9 December. Open to all levels of players over 18. All are coached by professional and national-league players. The sessions normally start with basic skill techniques, finishing with a team match before decanting to the pub for a ‘game analysis’. 8 – 9pm. £15.

TUE 22 @ EFFRA SOCIAL

Tuesdays mean PUB QUIZ. Tommy McTrivia hosts one of the busiest quizzes in Brixton, with a cash prize for first place and boobie prizes for second and second to last place.

To book email effrasocial@anticlondon.com.

Starts 8pm, £5 per team.

(£7). www.hernehillfestival.org Sunday 13 October 4pm to 5pm, Nkomba Part of Herne Hill Music Festival, Nkomba are a contemporary African folk band who play an energetic mixture of Malawian folk songs and African roots music. £8 (£5) Book: www. hernehillfestival.org

Soundtracked by the finest haunted house and terrifying techno the big eerie smoke has to offer, immerse yourself across Brixton’s ROOFTOP RAVEYARD with an eclectic deep and nu-disco demonic delight of a Halloween line-up. Featuring previous headliners Tube & Berger with support from electronic legend Alex Metric, an array of guests and regular residents from ByDay ByNight. 10pm – 4am. £20 – £25.

SUN 27 @ BLUES KITCHEN

Come nurse your souls with the Sunday ritual of BBQ and booze. wind down the weekend as James Riley provides the soundtrack with a mixture of soothing BLUES AND COUNTRY. 8pm – midnight. Free.

MON 28 @ EFFRA SOCIAL

Comedy improvisation show Duck Duck Goose host their IMPROV JAM plus guests in the Effra Social’s Churchill Lounge every Monday. You can watch or join in!

7.30pm. Free.

TUE 29 @ POP BRIXTON

Each Tuesday (except the first one of the month) drop in for a LIFE DRAWING session with illustrator and drawing tutor Rana Fadavi. Expect an inspiring venue, great models and professional, friendly tuition.

With poses from one minute to one hour there is something for everyone and all abilities are welcome. Buy materials in the class or bring your own. 7 – 9pm. £10.

WED 30 @ HOOTANANNY

Nova presents live music from Ha’pennies (acoustic, rock and pop with a BLUESY UNDERTONE) and Maella (dirty guitars and melodic contours). 9pm – midnight. Free.

THUR 31 @ PHONOX

Celebrate Halloween (and Brexit, if that’s your thing) at THE BRIXTON HORROR STORY. Expect a night of dancing, spooking, drinking, screaming and more as you rock on down to the deathly sounds of all things Americana.

With four costume themes – Asylum, Freak Show, Coven and Apoclaypse. 10pm – 3.30am. £5.98 – £9.21.

Saturday October 19, 1- 5pm, Harvest Festival feast and music Emma Tubmen and Shotley Crue sing while the greenhouses’ cob oven is fired up to roast courgettes, marrows and squashes grown in the gardens.

Seasoned with Brockwell Park garlic, onions, tomatoes and herbs and served with home-grown salads, ferments and

home-baked sourdough bread, it should be delicious. £7 (£5).

Guitar lessons in the gardens 28 September, 12 and 26 October 1-on-1 one-hour guitar lessons with teacher Patrick Reynolds for beginners or improvers. £10 (£7).

Visit www.brockwellgreenhouses.org. uk/events/

OCTOBER 2019 brixtonblog.com WHAT’S ON 21

NEW FRIDAY NIGHT AT HABESHA

Matthew O’Keefe (left) practises with friends

‘My London’ theme for festival

By Anetha Sivananthan St Michael’s arts festival in October, based in the Stockwell church, will feature leading names in the performing arts.

Led by Matthew O’Keefe, founder of the Brixton Chamber Orchestra and Lunchbreak Opera, the three-week festival takes in half-term and is designed to peak children’s curiosity about poetry, theatre, art, literature, music and filmmaking.

Guests will include author and journalist Nicholas Coleridge, Radio 4 presenter Ed Stourton and renowned flautist William Bennett.

Local talent will also be represented at this year’s festival and aspiring artists will have the chance to exhibit paintings, ceramics, photography and sculptures.

The theme of this year’s festival will be “My London”, with plenty of activities for children.

Filmmakers Lemon Wedge will provide a filmmaking session, Shakespeare Unwrapped will help kids conquer the language of Shakespeare, and Morley College will allow them to get to grips with arts and crafts.

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the performances of classical music group Musica Antica Rotherhithe, who have achieved great success with 17th century opera, and other musical talents including soprano Camilla Seale and a performance by Lunchbreak Opera of Puccini’s lesser known opera Gianni Schicchi.

The festival starts on Thursday 3 October and runs until the 20th. It is sponsored

by Ludlowthompson and supported by Waterstone Books. The festival takes place in St Michael’s Church on Stockwell Park SW9 0DA. Tickets for families, adults and children are available at http://bit.ly/St-Michael-Arts-Festival

Friday 27 September sees the first time that the Hold That Note crew will kick off the weekend at Habesha restaurant and bar at 256 Brixton Road.

An Eritrean menu will be on offer.

There will be world music with a strong emphasis on Afro, Latin, reggae, jazz, boogie, funk and soul. DJs Darkwood and Danny Dixon will lay down serious grooves and Brixton’s own Shamha Vibration join in with their African drums and accompany local spoken word masters Uncle Errol and Beadyman.

AA From 7pm to 12am. For a limited period there will be a 2 for 1 deal for £10.

Tickets from Eventbrite.

Award for novel based in Brixton Libby Page’s debut novel, The Lido has won W H Smith’s Thumping Good Read award.

The judges said they were blown away by the book and its story of a heartwarming friendship.

The novel is about Kate, who works for a local paper in Brixton.

When she is assigned to write about the threatened closure of the local lido she meets regular swimmer Rosemary an 86-year-old widow.

Through the relationship readers discover the lido’s history and its place in Rosemary’s life. What starts as a local interest story blossoms into a friendship as they galvanise the community to fight the closure.

Judge Peter James said: “The Lido really did stand out for so many of those who read it.

“A gentle, simple yet

constantly compelling story that does what all great fiction should do – both make you want to turn the page, and at the same time enrich us with its characters, their lives, their failings and their strength.

“Ultimately, it delivers a heart-warming triumph of the human spirit.”

WANT TO BE A YOUNG COMMUNITY CHAMPION? Brixton based not-for-profit community arts enterprise Art4space, funded by a Lambeth council cooperative local investment plan, is seeking 11–19-year-olds who want to learn new creative skills and how to develop a community project.

Its Community Champions scheme will run for six sessions from 10am to 4 pm at its studio in Stockwell on Saturday October 16, half term October 21, 22, 23 and 24, and Saturday 2 November.

Email jewels@art4space.co.uk to find out more and book a place.

F R I D AY OCTOBER 4TH 21:00 - 03:00

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22 WHAT’S ON brixtonblog.com 2019 OCTOBER

What’s on at Whirled Booksmart Monday 30 September – Wednesday 2 October | 8pm Sunday 6 October | 6pm Booksmart is a coming of age comedy written by an all-female team and a debut feature for director Olivia Wilde. It’s about high school best friends and bonds that last a lifetime – with a bad trip, sex, and a serial killer.

Amazing Grace Thursday 3 October | 8pm Aretha Franklin (inset), the Queen of Soul, recorded a gospel album before an ecstatic audience in 1972 at The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles.

The result, Amazing Grace, became her top-selling album as well as the top-grossing gospel collection of all time.

The inspirational sessions were also filmed by a crew led

by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sydney Pollack. Technical and legal problems meant that the film has never been seen.

Until now.

Music lovers will not want to miss this thrilling film, which is both an extraordinary look at a key moment in American musical and social history and a record of one of America’s greatest artists doing what she did best.

An Impossible Love Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 October | 8pm Sunday 13 October | 6pm A semi-autobiographical novel is the basis of

Leaving and Summertime director Catherine Corsini’s decades-spanning drama.

Rising star Virginie Efira is superb as Rachel, a young woman whose affair in the 1950s with a callous young man (Niels Schneider) results in the birth of a daughter and a relationship that continues across decades.

Based on Christine Angot’s controversial novel, Corsini’s impeccably directed and moving drama is beautifully made and stunning to look at.

Only You Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 October | 8pm Sunday 20 October | 6pm A contemporary romantic drama starring Laia Costa and Josh O’Connor, from first-time filmmaker Harry Wootliff.

Only You was shown as part of the London Film Festival’s First Feature competition.

Darkness Visible Monday 21 – Wednesday 23 October | 8pm Sunday 27 October | 6pm A memorable phrase from Milton’s great poem about Satan and humanity, Paradise Lost, provides the title for Darkness Visible – a supernatural thriller from Kolkata, India, filmmaker Neil Biswas set in his home city. A second generation British-Indian kid, Ronnie, goes back to his mother’s homeland for the first time when she suddenly goes missing from London and turns up in a hospital India. From there, things start to unravel, as Ronnie slowly realises that everything his mother told him about their past is untrue …

BERLIN BLUES BACK IN BRIXTON The Berlin Blues Cabaret returns to Brixton library on National Poetry Day, 4 October.

The cabaret is a celebration of the life of Beata Duncan with readings from her poetry collections Berlin Blues and a new sequel Breaking Glass, describing her experience as a child refugee in the UK and her life as a student during the London Blitz.

Half of the event will be songs composed from poems in both two collections, performed by local composer and singer Andreas Demetriou with his Berlin Blues Band.

There will also be an introduction by Beata’s son Stephen Duncan hosted by Friends of Brixton Library.

Berlin Blues is a posthumous collection of poems by Beata Duncan published by Green Bottle Press. It also formed the basis for a performance at the library in January 2018.

South Social festival – a river full of dead pigs The next South Social Film Festival partners with the Chinese Visual Festival to examine China’s strong visual impact on cinema and art.

Festival director Cathy Yan was born in China and lived in Hong Kong and the US. She was a reporter for the Wall Street Journal.

The film, Dead Pigs, is about the environment, pollution, industrial waste and the business that goes with it.

The main characters in the film are a bumbling pig farmer, a feisty salon owner, a sensitive busboy, an expat architect and a disenchanted rich girl.

All converge and collide as thousands of dead pigs float down river towards Shanghai.

Dance will come from Lucia Tong, who works to

uncover intuitive truths through the body and creates works with her own company Pangea Art and with Arts 4 Human Rights.

Food will be Shanghaistyle cuisine based on colour, aroma and taste. The menu for the festival includes Shanghai dumplings (Xiao long bao), cha siu piggy buns and a selection of grilled Chinese tapas.

Thursday, 3 October, 6 to 10.30pm, Cinema Museum, 2 Dugard Way, SE11 4TH Tickets are £18 for film and dance, and £28 including food.

Concessions £10.

The festival opens at 6pm with food and drinks, followed by an introduction and dance.

Film screening at 7.30pm with a panel discussion at 9.30pm.

AA southsocialfilmfestival.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2019

Hill Mead HERALD Reading Anansi

Anansi, a mythical character originating in West African culture and often taking the shape of a spider, is also one of the most important characters in African American and Caribbean folklore and a topic for this year’s Black History Month at Hill Mead. In Year 5 creative writing, children read the first part of a tale, Anansi and the haunted House, and then imagined how it might continue …

“As he walked for miles to reach his next clue, his legs couldn’t hold him anymore. Anansi decided to close his eyes and walk. It felt like he had been walking for years but he really had just taken three steps. He opened his eyes and heard a voice say: “Hello, you enemy” His heart jumped, he didn’t want to go into the creepy house but he knew in order to get his next clue he had to go in. As he opened the door it went “creak”, then he stepped in.”

Bianca, Year 5

“Anansi was almost there and he could see the haunted house. He finally got to the door. The door creaked whilst he opened it. The sound made an echo, Anansi asked: “Anybody here?” From the outside of the house it looked small but inside, it was dirty, rusty and old. From the door, he could see a little light which was the capsule. He tried to open it but it was impossible to crack the code. Suddenly, he could feel the floor moving, it was like an earthquake. He rushed outside …”

Tatiana, Year 5

The very dark tent – like a scary cave, but without bears

What can we see in the dark?

By Rohimot and Daniel, Year 3 We are learning about light for our science topic. The teachers set up a very dark tent, it was almost like a scary cave, but without bears.

First we had to predict what could see in the tent in bright light, dim light and no light.

We had to predict which surfaces we might see, they were plain white card, neon, florescent green, shiny silver and black.

I (Rohimot) predicted that I would see the neon light in a dim light and I was right. I predicted that I would

Hill Mead pupils visit an exhibition of African art at the Horniman Museum

The Pot of Wisdom Year 4 have been reading the African tale Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom Anansi is boastful and selfish and tells everyone he is super smart.

We don’t think he is a likeable character and we can’t understand how he can carry that big pot of wisdom on his back.

He is as small as a normal spider!!

The story of the pot of wisdom is about Anansi wanting to become even smarter.

He collected all the wisdom in the whole world, put it in a pot and then carried the pot on his back.

He planned to take the pot to the skygod who would give him a reward.

He wanted a crown to show that he was the “sage of all time”.

As Anansi climbed the coconut

tree, the people were cheering him on.

Halfway up the coconut tree, he began to wave at the people. He wanted to make sure everyone could see how clever he was to have all the wisdom in the world – which meant that no-one in the world knew anything!

He waved with all his eight legs and he forgot that he needed to hold on to the coconut tree and the pot of wisdom.

He smashed down to the ground, the splinters from the pot flew all over the world. The people got their wisdom back and Anansi was no smarter than he was before!

■■This story was retold by Afnan and Samuel, Year 4

see the florescent light in no light and I was wrong!

I (Daniel) predicted that I would see all the different cards except the black in no light. I was wrong because you could not see anything with no light.

We discovered that with no light you cannot see anything and you need light for everything!

We discovered that the colours reflect some of the light.

■■ My question is: “If the world was only black and white, would we be able to see?” Rohimot.

■■ My question is “how do we make the different colours of paint?” Daniel.

Exploring our identities with pictures

By Teana and Elizabeth, Year 6 Year six experienced another great workshop at the Dulwich Picture Gallery.

We were exploring identity through pictures, showing the meaning of ourselves. I think of it as “acting by drawing” (Elizabeth).

My class started by looking closely at coins, as they have silhouettes of important people such as the Queen.

We discovered that round the edges are more symbols and dates.

We designed our own coins using a special paint which is very sticky and a pencil to carve.

I carved my portrait and things that I like to do. I like arts and

craft, so I carved out paintbrushes, pencils, scissors, paper and origami boats. Around the edge are important dates, my name and a message: “Happy Day”. (Teana) My class began with studying a painting in the gallery, the portrait of Elizabeth and Mary Linley by Thomas Gainsborough.

We were asked to find clues and messages in the portrait which would tell us about the sisters.

I noticed the book of musical notes held by one sister, but I didn’t see the guitar beside her until Nevaeh spotted it.

In the art studio, we looked at portraits that had been changed by another artist using every colour for the skin and features. So

our self-portraits were of ourselves, but not looking like us.

My self-portrait shows my funny side which I keep secret.

I drew elf ears – can you see them? My Afro is a rainbow and I have bear ears. Can you spot my glasses? (Elizabeth).

BRIXTON

Bugle SPORT

Brixton Ballers recover stolen wheelchair Wheelchair basketball player David Batista got back his £5,000 sport chair that was stolen from Brixton Rec – and his ambition to play for the national team – after a sting operation involving the police.

Percy Hutchful, coach of the Brixton Ballers wheelchair basketball team based at the Rec, thanked the national wheelchair

basketball community for the way they rallied round after the theft was announced.

He said that the club had been contacted by someone offering to sell it a sports wheelchair.

A former Brixton Ballers player agreed to meet the seller to check if it was the stolen chair that was being offered for sale.

The meeting confirmed that

it was the stolen chair, so the police were notified and a sting meeting set up that resulted in the return of the chair.

The stolen chair is designed for elite athletes and was donated to the club which has played and trained at Brixton Rec for more than seven years.

RIGHT: David Batista with coach Austin Kentebe

Dulwich miss out, but look to future

Dulwich Cricket Club’s hopes for promotion were dashed on the last day of the season, but they finished higher than ever before and have hopes for next year. John Lewis reports BANK OF ENGLAND 178-7 (44.1) beat DULWICH 176-9 (50) by 3 wickets Dulwich’s hopes of promotion from Division 2 of the AJ Fordham Surrey Championship ended in disappointment as they lost by three wickets at Bank of England, while chief rivals Stoke D’Abernon easily defeated Farnham.

So Dulwich slipped one place to finish fourth.

This is the highest the local team has achieved in six seasons in Division 2, and they will be looking to build on this and launch another promotion bid next season.

With 14 year-old-leg spinner Ahmed Khan bowling 10 straight overs for just 23 runs, there is plenty to look forward to.

Dulwich won the toss and elected to bat. Chris Purshouse and skipper Ed Stolle got off to a rapid start against a wayward opening attack, putting on 61 for the first wicket in 11 overs.

But this proved to be a false dawn as Bank skipper Kit Winder brought himself on and struck with his first two deliveries, having Stolle leg before for 17 and Matt Marfani caught behind first ball. He and left-arm spinner Rory Sale imposed such restraint that only 22 runs came from the next 13 overs, while Winder took two more wickets and Sale got the vital one of Purshouse, lbw with 45 off 68 balls.

Dulwich had lost five wickets for just 22 runs to falter to 83-5 in the 24th over. The pair bowled their ten overs straight through to finish with 4-19 and 1-25 respectively.

Jon Lodwick and keeper Will Bancroft also found scoring difficult, needing 15 overs to add 36 for the sixth wicket before Bancroft was stumped for 21 and Lodwick run out two overs later for 18 to make it 127-7 in the 41st over.

Two wickets off successive balls for James Woodroff reduced them to 147-9 after 44.3 overs, and It was left to Simon Harwood to mount an assault which saw 29 runs come from the last 5.3 overs, and 20 from the last two. Harwood was unbeaten with 38 off 34 balls, while Samir Hussain gave him good support with 4 off 11, as Dulwich closed on 176-9 after their 50 overs.

When 14 year-old-leg spinner Ahmed Khan entered the bowling attack, Dulwich had some hope. He so mesmerised the batsmen that he bowled his ten overs straight through for just 23 runs.

But the end of his spell saw Bank advance to a three-wicket victory off the first ball of the 45th over.

It was like flying – and I wanted to do that Brixton BMX club invited people to try the sport at their Brockwell Park track – Simone Richardson went along It was a sunny Saturday when people of all ages joined the Brixton BMX Club open day in Brockwell Park – an opportunity for beginners to get on a bike – run in partnership with the charity Access Sport and British Cycling, the national governing body for cycle sport.

Steph Waters, BMX delivery manager at Access Sport, said: “Our aim is making cycling inclusive for women and for those with disabilities and under-represented groups and that is where we work with community clubs.

“Brixton BMX is a great example of a community club with people from all walks of life that support us with women-only and disability sessions as well.”

Professional trainers were on hand, including Tre Whyte from Peckham, a member of the Great Britain BMX senior squad, and his brother Kye. Tre said: “It was an inspiration when I saw the first BMX jump in Brockwell Park. It was like flying

and I wanted to do that. I started winning races and it made me want to venture on. You have to be fierce and get up when you fall on a BMX. Just be confident, pick up and do it again.”

Silvi Vargas, a BMX teacher at Brockwell Park, will be representing Great Britain at next year’s BMX World Championships in Houston, Texas. She started riding when she was 10 after watching Colombian Mariana Pajón win an Olympic gold medal.

“I knew BMX was for me! I started training in Brockwell Park in 2017 when the track was redone

by Access Sport. I started riding at least three times a week.

“I became part of Access Sport last year because I wanted to encourage more riders to get

Tre Whyte and, left, Silvi Vargas started – especially women and girls. BMX is a very male-dominated sport and I believe there needs to be more visibility of women and girls in the sport and more female coaches.”

She is also doing a coaching apprenticeship with Access Sport to encourage more riders to get started – particularly women and girls – giving them the support she lacked when she was growing up.

Silvi said: “Helping other young girls get active and enjoy cycling is such a massive passion of mine.

Often, kids in Brixton are already interested in cycling – doing tricks and wheelies near where they live – but it’s so important to give them a safe space to practise as well as positive role models.

“I’ve worked with a group of

Round 5 of the 2019 club series hosted by the BMX racing clubs of London takes place at the Brockwell Park track on Sunday 29 September. The series provides a platform for novice riders to get a taste of BMX racing and an opportunity for more experienced riders.

girls who had been excluded from school. Watching their joy as they realised they could do it and seeing their confidence build from week to week was absolutely amazing.

“They realised that they’re part of something positive and that they have support to make something of themselves now, and that’s really powerful.

“I really hope that more people will join us and give BMX a go. The thrill of BMX is guaranteed to get your heart racing, and the health benefits it brings are amazing too.”

Mike Woof, Brixton BMX press officer, puts his money where his mouth is and is involved in riding alongside his two sons Otto and Tom. Tom said he had worried about his dad but that they both love it. “I started BMX because my brother did it. I saw him on a track when I was three years old. It was the adrenalin that attracted me and now my Dad and I join each other racing.”

Brixton BMX riders rise to the challenge of a difficult track BMX clubs from Brixton, Peckham and Merton made the long drive to the Broomfield track near Herne Bay in Kent for the annual South region championships There was a jovial atmosphere at the end-ofseason event that was blessed with good weather.

Brixton fielded 27 of the 255 contestants competing in age classes from 9 up to 50+.

The track – one of the longest in the South region with six berms and seven straights – provided plenty of challenges for riders.

Narrow berms, bumpy in places, made overtaking challenging.

In male nine-year-olds Brixton’s Harvey Tomlinson scored 4th place in his A final while in female 9–10year-olds, Isla Radcliffe scored 3rd in her A final.

Brixton had five riders in the male 13-year-olds and competition was fierce between them through all their heats. Max Alfrey crossed the line first in the B final, followed closely by Ezra Thompson in 2nd and Tien Albert in 4th. Kieran Beneochrist and Alex Tayler had diced with each other through their heats, Kieran taking higher placings. However in their A final,

Alex pulled out the stops and crossed the line in 2nd place, with Kieran taking 4th.

In male 14-year-olds, Joel Peck scored 6th in his A final against tough competition.

Dad John Peck took first place in the 50+ cruiser B final, with David Radcliffe in 4th, while Mike Woof took 5th in grand veterans, again for riders aged 50+.