HERNE HILL SOCIETY EVENTS At Herne Hill United Church Hall, at 7:30 for 7:45pm, unless otherwise stated. Sunday 2 September: “Heritage Trail Part 2” Guided walk by Robert Holden. Meet at Herne Hill Station at 2:00pm.
HERNE HILL JUNCTION Detailed analysis and modelling now been completed for a number of alternative designs for the Junction. These are: the proposals recommended by the Project Board (Option A); moving the slip road four metres further towards the Junction (Option B); moving the slip road twelve metres further towards the Junction (Option C); and there being no slip road, but a left turn only lane for vehicles going from Norwood Road into Dulwich Road (option D). The results of the exercise show that Option D will not improve pedestrian safety and will reduce the capacity of the Junction to handle vehicle flows, leading to longer tail-backs than
Wednesday 12 September: “My Life in Show Business, Part 2 The Santa Years” by Robert Holden Wednesday 10 October: “Murder by Chloroform? The Trial of Adelaide Bartlett” by Robert Flanagan Wednesday 14 November: “The Story of Bankside” by Len Reilly, Lambeth Archives Wednesday 12 December: Silver Anniversary Readings by members of the Society at present. . The level of vehicle saturation will increase to 117%, leading to greater tail-backs than at present, with all the consequent impact on the environment, pedestrian comfort and safety. Option B will result in a smaller pedestrian island, reducing its capacity to handle crowds people at large events and the scope for high quality landscaping. Less effective site-lines will reduce vehicle and pedestrian safety. And the resulting slip road curvature will require a potentially dangerous ‘negative’ camber or an inconvenient step up for pedestrians going to and from the park. continued on Page 2
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Junction from Front Page Option C will provide less scope for introducing or improving pedestrian crossings; and inadequate site-lines and reverse road cambers will compromise vehicle safety. The residual small island will neither provide scope for landscaping improvements nor to improve pedestrian access to the Park. Roads will continue to dominate the area.
Option A provides the most benefit in terms of improving bus flows, pedestrian and cycle safety and the scope for landscaping the Junction and Park entrance. It offers the best site-lines for drivers and pedestrians; facilitates the introduction of pedestrian crossings at all roads; enables the slip road to be set at the same level as the pavements (shown to slow vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety); gives a pedestrian island that can be landscaped in a character sympathetic to the park thus providing an attractive ‘bridge’ between the junction and park. Its simple shape and clutter free design allow for free movement with optimum visibility for both vulnerable road users and vehicles.
CLEANER, GREENER SAFER Under Southwark’s ‘Cleaner, Greener, Safer’ programme, individuals and groups can make proposals to their Community Council, bidding for money to fund projects that will help make environmental and safety improvements to their local area. In each of the past two years, we have put in a bid to repaint and refurbish the Croxted Road railway bridge. Unfortunately we were not successful, partly because the cost of the project would have taken too large a slice of the available budget. Our bid for 2007 is more modest. We have proposed that Dulwich Community Council agree the funds to erect a Community Notice Board in Half Moon Lane. The cost would be up to £2,500 for a good quality design that fits in with the character of the area. A community notice board would be of great benefit, both to the Society and to the many other local organisations in Herne Hill. It would help us all to reach a wider public, promoting greater community awareness and involvement, and increasing support for activities and initiatives designed to improve the quality of life of Herne Hill residents. Decisions on applications are likely to be announced in October. We would welcome ideas for Society bids for 2008.
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Option A gives the best balance between the needs of Park users, pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle safety, bus priority and accessibility, the environment, regeneration, local residents and businesses. It has received overwhelming backing from Herne Hill residents and traders. Our MP, Tessa Jowell, our GLA member Val Shawcross, all Herne Hill Ward Councillors, Village Ward Councillors as well as traders representatives have expressed their strong support. This is the best chance for years to get the Junction improved, and to reverse the continuing decline of Herne Hill centre and Norwood Road. If we lose this opportunity, the Junction will stay unchanged for many more years – a blight on Herne Hill, its residents and its businesses. Next Steps Detailed landscape design is well advanced. The planning application for the changes to the park boundary will be submitted to Lambeth Planning very soon. Some details have still to be resolved, including the scope for straight-across as opposed to staggered pedestrian crossings (we are strongly in favour of the former); negotiations over widening Brockwell passage; and discussions with London Buses over eliminating bus movements in side streets.
THE HERNE HILL SOCIETY AT TWENTY FIVE The Herne Hill Society was founded in March 1982 at a meeting called by Patricia Jenkyns. Monica Wood, Jane Fenwick, and Father Clements were among the members of the first committee, while Bill Newton was elected the first chair. The first edition of the Newsletter, in April 1982, included an article on changes to the traffic flow in Railton Road. What’s new! In those days producing the newsletter was a scissors and glue job, in great contrast to the computer technology of today. But throughout it has been lively and informative and, for those unable to get to the meetings, the way to keep in touch with the society. The first committee meetings were held in committee members’ homes; but the monthly meetings were held in the Catholic Church in Polar Walk. In September 1991 the public meetings moved to the United Church Hall where they continue today. Peter Layton, the local glassblower, Sidney Carter the poet and musician, and Sam Wanamaker of the Globe Theatre, have been among many fascinating speakers who have entertained and informed us over the years. Our first publications were local history pamphlets written by Patricia Jenkyns, complemented by local postcards and a series of line drawings including of the Carnegie Library and Sunray Gardens. In 2003 the History Group produced the Herne Hill Heritage Trail, which went on to win the Walter Bor award presented by the London Forum of Civic Societies. In 2006 we published Herne Hill Personalities, launched by Lord Lester of Herne Hill in the Carnegie Library Gallery. The Society’s stand at events such as the Lambeth Country Show is the main outlet for publication sales; but also helps attract new members.
This is a responsible and time consuming job, but one that has had some very good results. Both Councils have often responded positively to our objections and suggestions. There are many active community organisations in Herne Hill that we have helped to found - Friends of Brockwell Park, Friends of Ruskin Park and the Herne Hill Forum. We have been active within the Lambeth Local History Forum and, in recent years, maintained a presence at the Dulwich Community Council. Another of our achievements has been to produce several winners in the Brain of Lambeth competition, including the late Lucien Prechner and our current vice chair, John Brunton. In 2002 we became a Registered Charity. This has produced various advantages, including a useful income from claiming Gift Aid. Our website enables internet users to browse for local news, join the society, ask questions and order publications. In our twenty fifth anniversary year, we have been looking back to show how we have grown and developed into the active society we are today. This is thanks entirely to the voluntary hard work and commitment of committee members over the years, which has led to our respected and influential position in the community today. New members are always welcome and there is always space on the committee for people with new ideas and drive. Do get in touch.
Over the years the Society has been involved in many campaigns and projects. In 1982 we were involved in changes to the flow of traffic through the Herne Hill junction; in summer 1997 we campaigned to save the Sorting Office from closure and it remained open until 2007 when, despite our best efforts, it finally shut. In 1998 we hosted a meeting to protest against Lambeth’s proposal to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone around the station. Following a local “no” postal vote, the idea was dropped. It is now being consulted upon again, and the result remains to be seen. In 1999 there was a serious threat to close the Carnegie Library and the Society supported the newly formed Friends of Carnegie Library and their successful campaign to not only keep the library open, but to increase its hours and the services offered within. Over the last twenty five years we have been actively monitoring planning applications and supporting residents in planning matters in both Lambeth and Southwark, as well as supporting conservation issues.
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MAHATMA GHANDI ESTATE Lambeth has granted temporary planning permission to re-house some of those vehicles and services from the Council’s environmental fleet, that will be displaced from the Shakespeare Road depot. This is to make way for the new Academy to be built on the depot site and planned to open in its permanent buildings in September 2009. Mahatma Ghandi will be used for smaller vehicles and the education bus fleet. This will be for three years to allow the Council to secure a permanent site for all the vehicles from Shakespeare Road.
However, no firm decisions appear yet to have been made. The Society will continue to keep a watch on the situation and support local residents to ensure that lives are not blighted by inappropriate developments or land use affecting residential areas.
LAMBETH COUNTRY SHOW
Jonathan Rush, a local resident, led the campaign against earlier proposals to relocate the entire environmental services fleet to Milkwood Road. He has commented: “We are obviously very pleased that the Council has decided not to use the Mahatma Ghandi Estate permanently for its entire fleet of 50 dustcarts. Although having a temporary depot isn't ideal, we think it is a vast improvement on the Council's original plans - and it will also allow the new school on Shakespeare Road to go ahead.” Jonathan also reports that “We have asked the Council to consult local people on the management plan for the temporary depot. The aim of this is to ensure that promises made about things like avoiding unnecessary noise early in the morning or late at night are kept and that the Council has sensible plans in place to manage traffic and parking by employees at the depot.”
Bill Kirby, Paul Bessemer (centre) and Robert Holden outside the Herne Hill Society’s stand at this year’s Lambeth Country Show. Paul is the great great grandson of the famous engineer, inventor and former Herne Hill Resident, Sir Henry Bessemer (18131898). He is currently researching and writing a book on his illustrious great great grandfather.
There remains the problem of finding a permanent site for the whole fleet. We understand that a suitable location in an industrial area may have been found.
Sir Henry Bessemer is one of the 142 people whose biographies are included in the Society’s latest book ‘Herne Hill Personalities’.
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BROCKWELL LIDO 70TH ANNIVERSARY
We all thought the day would never come and in a summer which has had more than its share of nasty shocks and surprises, the 70th anniversary of Brockwell Lido on 10th July proved one of the brightest sparks in a season of otherwise unnaturally dank and dismal washouts. Many people have contributed towards the Lido’s survival. But for those involved in the day’s preparations, the main concern was how the weather would treat us. And this time, the gods turned kind. Despite rain either side of the anniversary and threatening dark clouds throughout the day itself, the weather simply refused to rain on our parade. Celebrations started early with 50 or so `early birds’ appropriately gathering at 7am to launch the day which also saw the publishing of Out of the Blue, the history of Brockwell Park Lido by local historian, Peter Bradley.
grafted pictures of the lido in the 1930s and from last year onto the top of the cake - the evening’s events brought past and future together with simple ceremony, informality and colour. Thelma Phelps, thrown into the lido on the first day it opened in 1937, came all the way from Nottingham, at 85 still as sparky as ever. Speeches from the new owners, Fusion Leisure, the Deputy Mayor of Lambeth and BLU chair, Mary Hill, suitably acknowledged the hard work and vision that has saved Brockwell from closure and the fate that has befallen so many other outdoor swimming pools in recent years. Food and drink were served by Casey, part of the duo of Paddy and Casey who had helped to keep Brockwell Lido so alive in the difficult, interim years.
As the sun began to set on the happy co-mingling of local residents, young and old, Brixtonians, Herne Hillers and many from much further afield, a tiny wet-suited figure could finally be seen jumping joyously into the deep end, echoing that made by Thelma Phelps seventy years ago. `A future Olympian’ was how Peter Bradley described the little one’s moment. But, in truth, it was everybody’s moment – a magical climax to a day that celebrated the triumph of optimism and community over resignation and defeat. Carole Woddis
LLOYD’S BANK CLOSURE The branch of Lloyds Bank at 24 Half Moon Lane has now closed permanently. This follows a number of security incidents leading to a decision by the bank that, as there was no scope for taking further measures to protect against attempted robberies, the branch was no longer viable. We have been told by Lloyds that the cash point will also close once the lease on the premises has been given up. July 10th was indeed both a celebration of all that had gone before and a promise of the future. For whilst the early part of the day consisted of swims and cake cutting – starring two magnificent cakes provided by local baker, Kindred Bakery, who had ingeniously
Over recent years, Herne Hill has lost three banks and a building society. We are now left with just the cash point at Sainsbury’s and the Post Office. This is further evidence of the effects of the area’s decline and of the long overdue need for the regeneration that the Junction project will help bring about.
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SCHOOL VOLUNTEERING IN HERNE HILL RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme of Community Service Volunteers) has launched a Schools Volunteering project covering Lambeth, and would like to recruit volunteers for schools in and around Herne Hill. There are four Primary Schools and one Foundation School in Herne Hill, providing education and cultural skills to the children of the area, and contributing in diverse ways to the vitality of the community – to take just one example, children from Lambeth schools were involved in the recent reopening of the Royal Festival Hall. Schools present a great opportunity for people to give a morning or an afternoon a week as a volunteer, helping with reading, maths or other class-room activities, or in a whole range of other ways. Most volunteers help in primary schools, though volunteers who want to help in secondary schools are very welcome. Volunteers are greatly appreciated by the teachers and – especially – by the children. Individual attention from a volunteer can provide a significant boost to a child’s reading, confidence and willingness to learn. Volunteers are an invaluable assistance to hard-pressed teachers and, of course, the volunteers gain greatly from the experience. Local people in local schools, bringing people together across cultures and generations: everyone wins! Readers interested in volunteering are invited to contact Tony Bell: Tel: 020 7652 4276; e-mail: tonybell-rsvp@ntlworld.com. Information about RSVP can be found on its website http://www.csvrsvp.org.uk/ and the CSV website: http:// www.csv.org.uk/. Tony Bell
PAVING FRONT GARDENS There is growing concern about the increasing practice of paving over front gardens. Recent proposals for CPZs in Herne Hill may have encouraged some people to consider off-street parking. However, this problem is not confined to Herne Hill. The London Assembly reported in September 2005 that two-thirds of the capital’s front gardens are either partially or wholly covered in hardsurfacing, largely to create off-street car parking. Gardens make up more than a third of London’s green space. They provide a vital habitat for many animal, bird and plant species. Front gardens make an invaluable contribution to the quality of the local street scene, a contribution that is lost if they are paved over. Paving means that gardens can no longer absorb rain-water. The consequent water run-off significantly increases local flood risks. And vehicles entering and exiting these parking areas can cause a danger to pedestrians and other road users. In most cases planning permission is not needed to
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develop hard-standings over front gardens, where they belong to single family dwellings; i.e. houses not subdivided into flats or blocks of flats. However, permission may be needed in Conservation Areas. The highway authority has a duty to provide crossovers (sloped or drop kerbs) passing on the full cost to the householder. This is subject to sightlines, highway safety etc. requirements being met. For crossovers on busier roads, vehicles must be able to enter and exit in forward gear. And on classified roads, the applicant has to obtain planning consent. The Society has objected to a number of such applications, for example on Herne Hill, Herne Hill Road and Dulwich Road, where we felt that the use of such crossovers would compromise highway safety. The London Wildlife Trust is conducting a campaign to help save London’s gardens – see www.wildlondon.org.uk for more information. The Society also takes very seriously the unjustified loss of any green space. Front gardens make a vital contribution to our area’s ecology and the quality of our streetscapes. It is unfortunate that current planning law allows the loss of front gardens to go on almost unchecked. And the recent planning White Paper does not seem to address the issue. As this is a national problem, we have written to our MP Tessa Jowell asking her to press for positive action from her Government colleagues. We urge anyone who shares our concerns to do the same.
‘OUT OF THE BLUE’ Peter Bradley’s latest book is published by Brockwell Lido Users (BLU) as part of the festivities marking the Lido’s 70th birthday. Subtitled ‘A Celebration of Brockwell Park Lido 1937 - 2007’, it is much more than a simple chronicle of those years. First, we are taken right back to the 1890s, when the London County Council (LCC) agreed to form lakes in the newly opened Brockwell Park. Swimming, with separate times for girls, boys and men (women didn’t get a look in until 1929) soon became a regular and very popular activity. We learn of the changing bye-laws, regulations and developments over the 50 year period until the lake was finally closed to bathers. The history is by no means dry (you should excuse the expression); among the spicier details is the fact that men and boys generally swam nude. Later attempts to impose ‘morality’ on attire (slips under trunks, full costume instead of briefs) were largely resisted or ignored. People power is a running theme.
The story of how the Lido came to be built, paid for and managed is a tale of negotiation, and sometimes conflict, between the LCC and the Metropolitan (later London) Borough of Lambeth (MBL/ LBL). The period of the 1930s was of course one of widespread concern for public health and fitness; it was recognised that open air swimming was very beneficial. Many lidos were built in greater London and elsewhere; sadly, few of them survive. The Brockwell Lido has endured many vicissitudes. Its glory days, decline and closure, resurgence and eventual rebuilding and reopening are described with affection and lively style. The book is well researched and beautifully illustrated. Interspersed with the official history are anecdotes and quotes from the 71 interviews conducted by Peter and the ten-member Oral History team, as well as from some of the 873 people who responded to a 2001 BLU survey. Each chapter contains a timeline highlighting the key events in the era covered. In addition, there are useful appendices, copious footnotes and a comprehensive index. The author obviously spent many hours ploughing through LCC and MBL/LBL council minutes as well as archive newspapers and image collections. Among the books, film and other sources listed, it is gratifying to see this Society’s Newsletter. Out of the Blue tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the Lido. It is an invaluable resource, an absorbing read and a loving record of the deep affection in which this special amenity is held. Available from the Herne Hill Society at £6.99 + £1.00 postage.
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25 YEARS IN HERNE HILL As one of the founder members of the Society, and a town planner (although I try to keep that quiet from a lot of people), I have a particular interest in the local surroundings and in the architecture of the area and in particular what new buildings have been built and what has been saved or kept. I have lived in Herne Hill for a year longer than the Society has been in existence. This is a personal recollection of some of the changes in the area and of the issues the Society got involved in. Unfortunately I am not a good archivist or a keen photographer so I don’t have a good record of what changes have happened. I have relied on my memory (not quite as good as it was!) and if any readers have any photos or recollections of changes, it would be interesting to hear from you and we can perhaps print some of the contributions in a future edition of the Newsletter. At least until recently there have been very few major changes to the heart of Herne Hill. Most of the major buildings are still there, although the uses may have changed and there have been some bits of infill. I’m sure many of you remember the Nat West bank, now the Three Monkeys. But who remembers the florists (Florence’s?) in part of what is now Sainsbury’s? At one stage there was a car showroom there, then a furniture showroom and now the supermarket. Of course the old Post Office has gone and work has at last started on the new development of a shop and flats above in what should be a striking modern building. Just up the hill, there is now a large vacant site where the petrol filling station was, next to the now sadly deserted Sorting Office. Quite a large site, likely to get developed for flats and we hope to play a large part in influencing what goes on there. There have been quite a few changes along Milkwood Road over the last 25 years. The industrial units next to the railway have changed that side of the road and the Society did get involved to try to improve the external appearance and landscaping when they were being built. There has also been some new housing to replace those destroyed by fire some years ago, the remodelled open space and the new Michael Tippett School being built down towards Loughborough Junction. The school is being designed by the same firm that built the London Eye, but the design will be different! When I joined the committee in 1982, I had just taken a job with Lambeth as a planner. One of the schemes I got involved in a few years later was appearing for the Council at an appeal about the future of the Shakespeare Road sidings site. The site has been derelict for a number of years and a rare bee orchid had appeared. This led the Council to try to keep the site as an open space and it turned down an application for housing. I defended the Council's case at the inquiry, only to find my own case undermined by the then Chair of the Planning Committee saying,
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in a national newspaper interview, that they had only turned it down as it was for private housing and if it had been social housing it would have been OK. I think I left for Greenwich Council soon afterwards! I can't remember what line the Society took then, but it was very active against another of Lambeth's proposals in the 1980s to put a running track in Brockwell Park. There was a lot of opposition to this and the case ended up in the High Court where it was decided Lambeth had acted illegally in not consulting properly. A triumph for local activism, this may have been the spur for the formation of the Friends of Brockwell Park, which has since become a very active and successful local group. Going towards Tulse Hill from the centre, there are a couple of old well liked local buildings now being converted into flats: the conversion of the former Booker bookbinding factory and the former Bon Bonné night club. This is part of a London wide trend and we have quite a few other commercial sites gone the same way. I used to use the plumbers merchants along Norwood Road, the bakery in Rosendale Road and we used to get our milk delivered from the depot in Rosendale Road, which may go the same way. But I never did go to the night club! The Society got involved in many of these schemes and we like to think had an influence over the final result by making well argued cases about overdevelopment and car parking. One of our roles is to seek to protect local amenities; and although I like to think we are not a 'nimby' organization, we do object to schemes that we think are inappropriate and both Southwark and Lambeth Councils do take our views into account. We are certainly quite active in making our views known in particular about licensing applications and what we regard as 'unneighbourly' residential extensions. Large parts of Herne Hill are now designated as 'Conservation Areas' where protection against change is greater. There is an argument for extending these to other streets which give Herne Hill so much of its character as a late Victorian and Edwardian suburb. Who knows, in 25 more years the whole area may be protected and we might be looking to add the new building on the petrol station site to the schedule of listed buildings! David Taylor
RAILTON ROAD PARKING At last, the traders’ wish for short term ‘shopper’ parking at the Herne Hill end of Railton Road looks like being realised. The designs have been agreed; specifications drawn up for contractors to carry out the necessary construction work and other modifications; and the traffic orders made. Current plans are to introduce the short-term parking by mid August.
TRANSPORT NEWS Buses Route 37: now running to Putney Heath, an extension from Putney Station. Route 333: proposed to change the route between Brixton and the Elephant and Castle, to go via Stockwell and Clapham Road to Kennington. Route 415: a new route proposed to run between Tulse Hill and Elephant and Castle via Brixton Road and Kennington Park Road - every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 20 minutes on Sundays and evenings. East London Line The existing service will close on 22nd December 2207 and should reopen by June 2010. Replacement bus services will operate as follows:
HERNE HILL’S LATE NIGHT ECONOMY The Licensing Act 2003 came into force in November 2005. The aims of the act were to end the previous outdated licensing regimes and deliver a more streamlined and unified licensing system. Some of its key features are: • Flexible opening hours, with the potential for up to 24 hour opening, seven days a week, subject to consideration of the impact on local residents, businesses etc. • A single premises licence covering the supply alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment, replacing the nine previous licensing regimes.
• Bus ELC: New Cross Gate to New Cross via Evelyn Street and Surrey Quays to Canada Water.
• Premises licences issued by licensing authorities - usually the local authority.
• Bus ELR: a loop service running Canada Water, Rotherhithe, Salter Road, Redriff Road to Canada Water.
• All applications scrutinised by the police. Local residents and businesses can also make representations.
• Bus ELW: from Wapping via Shadwell to Whitechapel.
Since November 2005, Herne Hill has increasingly become a venue for late night activities. Many pubs, bars and restaurants have taken advantage of the Act to extend their opening hours. There are shops selling alcohol 24/7; and some bars can now sell alcohol until 4.00am and stay open until 5.00am.
These services are needed whilst the new underground line is being built from Highbury to Crystal Palace and West Croydon. New Rail timetables were published in May covering the period until 8th December 2007, and are available at local stations. Bill Kirby
Herne Hill is primarily a residential area. However, many people now find themselves living near to establishments offering late night entertainment. Since the expansion of these activities, there has been a marked increase in the disturbance to local residents. Increased parking by visitors to late-night venues, greater traffic volumes, more street litter, shouting in the street, slamming car doors, revving car engines, all disturb and disrupt people who live in nearby streets and who are entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of their homes as well as to a good night’s sleep. Other anti-social activities, such as urinating in front gardens, vomiting onto the pavement and illegal trading, are also a direct result of late night entertainment and sale of alcohol. There are also strong indications of a serious increase in crime levels in Herne Hill that must be linked to the growth of late-night activities and displacement from other areas. It is vital to provide the necessary protection for local Herne Hill residents whose lives are blighted by the disturbance and anti-social activities associated with the behaviour of some of the people who visit places of late night entertainment. It is therefore Herne Hill Society policy to object to any licensing application that will result in an expansion of the area’s late night economy. The Herne Hill Forum shares this view. Its meeting in September will be focusing on this topic - 'What kind of late night Herne Hill do we want?' Watch out for more details.
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FROM THE HERNE HILL FORUM CHAIR The tipping point has been reached This year, we have reached the point for the first time in our history on this planet where there are more people living in cities than in the countryside. It looks like this trend will accelerate. We all know about village life, leaving the door unlocked, knowing all your neighbours and feeling part of something. In the urban world we are just starting to learn how to create our own communities and the way of behaving. The learning curve is steep and often painful. In our small neck of the woods in Herne Hill we are struggling to create our identity. The area is changing, sometime for the better but not always. The inrush of new commercial venues licensed until the early hours of the morning is drastically changing the area and ambience. We also have a share of establishments that exploit slack enforcement to see how long they can get away with bending the rules, or just downright flouting them. It doesn’t make for a level playing field for the traders who want to work together to improve the area. On the positive side we have two great schemes hopefully about to commence and one that has reached fulfilment.
There are excellent alternative locations (the nearby railway arches for instance) that would make a far better location for the park maintenance contractors’ vehicles than valuable green space. In addition there is an area next to the Cressingham Gardens entrance where the park could be expanded to encompass this area. It would then benefit from the lottery funding. The end result is a bigger park, safer and greener main entrance and the start of the regeneration of Herne Hill. The project that has nearly reached fulfilment? The Brockwell Lido refurbishment of course. A great example of a local community working in partnership, an excellent contractor and the Council to produce a fantastic result. Giles Gibson
ROSENDALE ROAD RAILWAY BRIDGE The railway bridge in Rosendale Road, near the junction with Norwood Road, was Grade II listed in 1981. Plants growing out of the brickwork looked unsightly and may eventually have damaged the structure. So we wrote to Network Rail asking them to clean it up. Within hours of posting the letter and before it can have left the Sorting office, workmen arrived and cut down the vegetation. Such is the power of the Herne Hill Society!
The Herne Hill Junction regeneration scheme has been long in the planning with extensive work done by many local residents and traders. It will bring major changes and improvements to the area, improved areas for traders, better pedestrian and cycle facilities along with a much improved and safer access into the jewel in Lambeth’s Crown – Brockwell Park. The lottery bid for the Park is nearly complete and looks great. It has been the result of much hard work by many local enthusiasts and officers. It will bring the park back up to the level that it should have been years ago before the ‘managed decline’ and funding cuts took effect. Both projects have a common area in the Junction and main park entrance and rely on each other to succeed. As was always envisaged there will be a very small sliver of park cut off to allow for buses and cycles to access round the corner faster. The entire Junction project funding is predicated on being able to improve the time it takes buses to get through the junction area. The brief given to the junction planning team has always been that the take on the park should be the absolute minimum (if any) that is possible. No one wants to lose any of the park, hence the care being taken on ensuring that this is uppermost in everyone’s mind. I personally hope that the park size can not just be maintained but expanded. The Norwood Lodge area is possibly going to be earmarked for a park contractors’ depot rather than public parkland.
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Unfortunately they did not touch the buddleia by the tracks and they left all the roots, so the plants have begun to grow again. Looks like another letter next year.
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF... Helpers urgently needed for fabulous opportunity to create a WILDLIFE GARDEN at Carnegie Library Novices and visionaries welcomed alike. Please call Sue Madden 020 7274 7526
PLANNING AND LICENSING 24 Rollscourt Avenue We objected to a proposed one-bedroom basement flat, with glazed balustrade, on the grounds that the design and materials of this balustrade look incongruous and out of place in the front of this property. Lambeth refused the application. 201 Railton Road, SE24 0LU We objected to a proposed single storey rear extension that would that would give neighbours an unacceptable sense of enclosure and, in our view, would breach a number of Lambeth’s planning policies. Lambeth subsequently permitted the application. 30 Brantwood Road, SE24 0DJ We objected to a proposal for a mansard roof extension and Juliet balcony on the grounds that it would be out of keeping with the character of the property, bring a sense of overlooking and intrusion on neighbours and breach a number of Lambeth’s planning policies covering house extensions. The application was later withdrawn; but resubmitted as an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness that Lambeth agreed to grant. 128 Railton Road On the grounds that it would breach Lambeth’s planning policies relating to house extensions, we objected to an application to infill the ‘L’ at the rear of this property with a single storey extension. Lambeth subsequently refused the application 160 Denmark Hill An appeal has been made against Lambeth’s decision to refuse an application for a basement level and single/two storey rear extensions. We have written to the planning inspectorate supporting Lambeth’s decision and pointing out the likely negative impact on the street scene and on neighbours. 17 Milton Road We objected to an application for a rear extension on the grounds that the proposed second floor roof terrace on the second floor would result in an unacceptable sense of overlooking and loss of privacy for occupants of neighbouring properties, in both Milton Road and in Shakespeare Road. Lambeth subsequently refused the application 39 Spenser Road, London SE24 0NS The applicants appealed against Lambeth’s refusal of permission to retain a single storey rear extension. We supported Lambeth’s decision on the grounds that the development is overly dominant and out of character with this and adjoining properties in the Poet’s Corner Conservation Area; and use of extension’s flat roof as a terrace would result in disturbance, overlooking and loss of privacy to neighbours. The Planning Inspector allowed the appeal, subject to the flat roof not being used as a balcony, roof garden or similar.
Licensing Saturation Policy: Southwark We submitted views to Southwark on the suggestion to establish a ‘Saturation Policy’ for a number of areas in the Borough, including Herne Hill. Our view is that no decisions relating to Herne Hill should be taken without considering the position of the area as a whole – Lambeth as well as Southwark. We also commented that licensing applications would best be dealt with on case-by-case basis, taking into account the local impact, rather than the imposition of a onesize-fits-all policy. Southwark has decided not to proceed with a saturation policy for Herne Hill, but to keep the situation under review. 82 Frankfurt Road The Society objected to a scheme for a roof extension earlier this year as it was felt to be an inappropriate design. This was however given permission by Southwark Council. More recently an application for a lawful development certificate for these works was submitted: there is an existing permission for a ground floor extension and if the roof conversion works are completed first, they can be carried out under what is called ‘permitted development rights’. It seemed to the Society that the applicant was trying to get too much new development on quite a small house affecting local amenities and we objected to the latest application. No decision has yet been made. 119 Herne Hill The Society has objected to several proposals for this property in recent years. These have involved conversion into a number of flats and on occasions involving a new house in the rear garden. However, a scheme for conversion to five flats did get permission two years ago. Works started a few weeks ago, but without the benefit of consent from the Dulwich Estate. A local resident alerted the society to this and we sent in an objection to the Estate. Consent was refused as it was felt the number of flats was too many and work stopped. The owner is now considering a revised scheme. Tsolo Restaurant and Jazz Bar 49-51, Norwood Road On the grounds that the growth of the late night economy is already causing serious disturbance to Herne Hill residents, we have objected to an application that would have allowed this establishment, at weekends, to sell alcohol until 4.00am and to stay open until 5.00am. Mufy’s Bar Restaurant 113 Dulwich Road Also on the grounds that the growth of the late night economy is already causing serious disturbance to Herne Hill residents, we have objected to an application that would have allowed this establishment serve alcohol to 2.00am seven days a week; and open to 2.00am (3.00am Saturday and Sunday).
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CARNEGIE’S BREATHING SPACE The Friends of Carnegie Library had cause to celebrate this summer, after being awarded a grant of £9,339. The money, from the Big Lottery Fund’s Breathing Places programme, will be used to bring the library’s back garden into use. A one-year project, in partnership with Lambeth Libraries Archives & Arts and Lambeth Parks, is under way. It includes ground clearance, refurbishment of the back steps and creation of disabled and push-chair access, a secure storage area for garden tools, gazebo tent and portable seating, installation of benches, signage and planting. A launch event was held on 7th July, a lovely hot, sunny day which demonstrated how much a safe, secluded, quiet reading space is needed. Speeches by representatives of the Friends, the Library Service and Parks outlined the challenges ahead, the opportunities for people of all ages in the community to get involved and the importance of wildlife. There was a reading of Kipling’s “The Glory of the Garden”; and locally based author Jay Rayner wished us well. Refreshments were served in the Gallery, followed by the usual Saturday activities of the Chess Club and Reading Group. A competition inviting ideas and suggestions for “An Ideal Library Wildlife Garden” generated much enthusiasm. There is ample scope to take an active part in this project: volunteers are needed for a garden group to help with weeding, preparation, planting and tending. Continuing to care for the revitalised garden will help facilitate the library’s wider use, with educational activities, storytelling, wildlife observation and monitoring and special events. If you can contribute in any way, please leave your details in the Friends’ tray in the library. JD
Sunday 9 September at 11:00am - 3:00pm Friends of Brockwell Park: “Big Draw 2007”, a chalk on the path day, this year staged earlier than the October national event in hopes of better weather. Saturday & Sunday, 15 & 16 September London Open House: Free entry to over 600 buildings and sites; an architectural festival with activities celebrating design excellence. Brochure available in public libraries. Monday 17 September at 8:00pm Streatham Society: “Dr Barnardo’s” by Jill Moffatt (venue as above) Tuesday 18 September at 7:45pm Sydenham Society: “Sex and Scandal in Sydenham” by Steve Grindlay at St Bart’s Church Hall, Westwood Hill Wednesday 19 September at 7:15pm Lambeth Archives: “How to Trace Your Herne Hill House History” by Alan Piper at Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road SE24 Saturday 6 October at 10:00am-5:00pm Lambeth Archives: OPEN DAY “Having a Field Day - Sport in Lambeth” Exhibitions, talks, stalls (including that of HHS) Minet Library, Knatchbull Road SE5 Sunday 14 October at 3:00pm Peckham Society:
Thursday 16 August at 8:00pm Norwood Society:
“Theatres & Cinemas of Peckham” by Richard Norman (Author) at Goose Green Centre, St John’s Church, East Dulwich Road SE22
“Herne Hill Harriers” by Kevin Kelly at the Phoenix Centre, Westow Street SE19
Thursday 18 October at 8:00pm Norwood Society:
Sunday 19 August at 2:00pm Peckham Society:
“Fitzroy & Darwin” by May Johnson, Croydon Society at the Phoenix Centre, Westow Street SE19
Peckham & tram route walk (2 hours) Meet at Peckham Rye Station Led by Peter Frost
Thursday-Saturday, 18 - 20 October at 8:00pm Dulwich Players:
OTHER SOCIETIES’ EVENTS
Saturday 1 September at 12:00-5:00pm Fete on Peckham Rye Common Organised by Friends of Peckham Rye Park Monday 3 September at 8:00pm Streatham Society: “London’s Markets, Market Halls & Exchanges” by Dave Perrett at “Woodlawns”, 16 Leigham Court Road SW16
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“Our Country’s Good”, by Timberlake Wertenbaker In 1788, Botany Bay convicts prepare a production of “The Recruiting Officer”. at Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College £6.00 from boxoffice@dulwichplayers.org.uk Sunday 21 October at 2:00pm Friends of Brockwell Park: Autumn Walk. Meet at the Clock Tower
NORWOOD ROAD REGENERATION The stretch of Norwood Road, on the Southwark side, between the Railway Bridge and Croxted Road has become one of the worst grot-spots in Herne Hill. On the boundary between Lambeth and Southwark, neither Council seems to want to take proper responsibility for the area. And the split in policing responsibility between three Community Safety Teams and two Borough Commands means a lack of useable data, coordination and effective action by the police to tackle crime and anti-social activities. There are the usual nuisances of graffiti and pavement chewing gum. But the problems along this stretch are compounded by poor quality pavements, illegal street trading, crime displacement from other areas, muggings and other criminal behaviour, and illegal activities in the railway arches to the rear. Much of all this results from late night drinking and drunken behaviour. The result has been a reluctance of people to use the shops. This in turn has lead to a down-turn in local trade, urban deprivation and an even more hostile environment. Fed up with this situation and wanting change, Norwood Traders presented a petition to Councillors at the July Dulwich Community Council meeting. Led by Harry Niazi from Olley’s, the traders highlighted all the problems affecting not just their businesses but the local population too. They called on Southwark to stop ignoring this part of Herne Hill, for the Council to face up to its responsibilities and work with them to help turn this shopping parade into one that is clean, healthy, prosperous and safe. Faced with these entirely justifiable concerns, Councillors claimed that work is going on to address the problem and that liaison with Lambeth would be improved. They also identified some initiatives that, if put in place, would be a small step towards improving the area. A commitment was given to remove all the pavement gum; and there is a plan to plant 14 plane trees along the parade and install 12 hanging baskets. Southwark is also liaising with the police to try to introduce a more effective approach to curbing crime and anti-social behaviour. But part of the problem is that much of the anti-social behaviour occurs in the early hours of the morning, when Community Safety Officers are tucked up in bed. How can the community help? Elsewhere in this Newsletter, there is a report on Herne Hill’s growing late night economy. We strongly believe that many of the area’s problems, including those of the Norwood Road shopping parade, stem from the growth of late night activities. As a Society we are totally against any more premises being allowed to operate into the early hours. We have recently opposed two such applications; and will oppose any similar ones in the
future. However, local authority Licensing Officers find it difficult to argue against such applications if there are no noise or nuisance complaints from the locality. So if your sleep is disturbed by noise or other anti-social behaviour, don’t just curse and put your fingers in your ears. Take a few moments to call your Council’s noise line. All these calls are logged and the information used when deciding on any future applications to extend late night activities. Lambeth noise complaints line: 020 7926 5999 Operates Sunday to Thursday: 10pm - 3am; Friday and Saturday: 10pm - 5am Southwark 24/7 noise hotline: 020 7525 5777
FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORK IN HERNE HILL This autumn, Thames Water hope to start the important work (mentioned in Newsletter 99, p6) of replacing the sewers so that they can accommodate any heavy rainfall as well as their normal contents, and avoid any repeat of flooding. At present they are applying for permission from Lambeth Council and the Police for the necessary rolling programme of road closures. I went along to the consultation evening on 20th June to find out more. In Fawnbrake Avenue, short sections of the road will be closed to carry out the works, but I understand it will have the effect of closing the road to through traffic between October 2007 and February 2008. Kestrel Avenue will be similarly closed in sections near the doctors’ surgery, between the junction of Rollscourt Avenue and Herne Hill. This is planned between the middle of February and mid March 2008. The closure of Gubyon Avenue between Woodquest Avenue and Herne Hill will be mid march to mid April. Other roads in the programme are Flaxman, Eastlake, Northway, Milbrook, Barrington, Railton (Brixton end) as well as part of Denmark Hill near Ruskin Park and parts of Coldharbour Lane and Tulse Hill. I understand that all the work will be finished by the end of 2008. This will clearly have a considerable effect on parking and through traffic as the work is done; and also a knock-on effect for nearby roads during this time. On the lighter side, it will almost certainly upset the driving schools! However the Society view is that this is essential work, and hopefully Thames Water will be able to keep to the timetable. For further information, please contact Andrew Wolfe, project manager on 0845 920 0800 or customer.feedback@thameswater.co.uk SN
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FORMER POST OFFICE SITE Work has now started where the Post Office once stood at number 134 Herne Hill. Planning permission was granted June 2006 for redevelopment of this important site. Approval was given for a five storey building containing seven two bedroom selfcontained flats on the upper floors, with 179 square metres of commercial space on the ground floor. This could be used either for retail, financial/professional services or as a restaurant.
UPDATE ON DULWICH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL local care for local people
Dulwich Community Hospital is an exciting opportunity to establish a modern community-based facility to improve the health of people in South Southwark and South-East Lambeth. It will focus on providing responsive health and social care services in a primary and community setting. The initial business case for Dulwich Community Hospital was approved by Southwark Primary Care Trust Board in March 2007. It is now going through a formal approvals process that we hope will be completed during the summer. On the successful completion of this, details regarding service specification, designs and costs will be finalised and an application submitted to Southwark Council for full planning permission for the community hospital. A final business case will then be developed.
There remains uncertainty about the future of the other nearby important vacant site, where the filling station once stood at 128 Herne Hill. As reported in the last Newsletter, in May we wrote to the current owners, Coast & Capital (Portfolio) LLP, asking them to consider restoring the pedestrian access between Herne Hill and Milkwood Road, in any future proposals for the site. We are still waiting for a response.
The community hospital has been shaped by the active involvement of local people. We will be developing existing services and providing new ones and will include services such as: • A primary care centre staffed by GPs, social workers, health visitors, district nurses and counsellors • A community long- term conditions centre, supporting patients with long-term conditions such as coronary heart disease and diabetes •
DULWICH POT & PLANT GARDEN
Diagnostic services including x-rays, blood tests, ECGs and ultrasound
•
An expanded satellite renal dialysis unit
12B Red Post Hill, SE21 7BX. 020 7733 3697
•
A range of intermediate care services
•
Physical rehabilitation services
•
Foot health
•
Adult therapy and social care services
•
Elderly day services
•
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
•
Cardiac rehabilitation
POTS Traditional and Contemporary Exterior and Interior Terracotta, Glazed, Polystone, Metal, Ceramic, Terrazzo, Fibreglass
PLANTS Trees, Specimen Shrubs, Grasses, Herbaceous, Perennials, Annuals
COMPOSTS Multipurpose, John Innes, Ericaceous, Organic, Pebbles, Slate, Gravel, Grit,
GIFTS Vases, Interior pots, Tool sets, Lights, Hats, Children's Tools and many other Gardening Goodies! Free local delivery Free parking outside North Dulwich Station
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There will also be a café and multi faith space; and a wellbeing centre (charity or non NHS funded) is proposed. A permanent exhibition ‘Building the past into our future’ is open every weekday at the community hospital and the latest edition of Dulwich Community Hospital News is now available. For further information about Dulwich Community Hospital project please visit www.dulwichcommunityhospital.nhs.uk, contact Wendy Foreman on 020 7525 2245 or write to Wendy at Southwark Health and Social Care, Woodmill Building, Neckinger, London SE16 3QN. Wendy Forman
HERNE HILL STADIUM John Watts, a life long cyclist and past president of the Southern Counties Cycling Union, has written a fascinating booklet about our local cycle track, called Herne Hill Stadium to Herne Hill Velodrome, a History from 1891 to 2007. Perhaps most famous for hosting the Olympic cycling events in 1948, the stadium held its first meeting in May 1891. There were several other tracks in existence or planned, including at Crystal Palace, Catford and Kennington but a local enthusiast, George Hillier, concerned at the quality of the Crystal Palace surface, managed to secure funds for a new track. This was going to be at Balham but was eventually located on the site in Burbage Road. It was built at first with a wood and cork surface but this was soon replaced by a cement surface: much safer in the wet. Athletics was prominent in the early years with world records being set and good use being made by the Herne Hill harriers before they moved their base to Tooting Bec. During the early years of World War 2, the site was used as a barrage balloon site and in 1942, when the lease was up for renewal, Sainsbury’s expressed an interest! But the National Cycling Union took the site on and a new asphalt surface was laid in 1944.
site recently revealed , it seems a good time to have produced a history of perhaps Herne Hill’s most famous site. Well illustrated, the booklet at 70 pages is very good value at £5 plus 90pp from chriswatts@ecosse.net (01293 524312). My favourite photo shows a long queue of people trying to get into the already full stadium in the 1930’s, all with their bikes in Burbage Road, all wearing jackets and most with hats. DT
TULSE HILL CPZ This autumn, Lambeth propose to carry out the first stage of consultations on a proposed CPZ that could cover a large slice of Tulse Hill. The CPZ will not necessarily include the whole area. Residents’ views will influence which streets will be selected. A ‘Stakeholder Group’ has been set up, on which John Brunton represents the Society. Subject to the results of the first and second stage consultations, Lambeth’s current plan is to implement the CPZ in autumn 2008. The consultation will include some of Herne Hill - the rectangle bounded by Rosendale, Turney, Croxted and Norwood Roads, including Hawarden and Guernsey Groves. Here there is already very severe parking stress, particularly since Southwark introduced a CPZ along Croxted Road. And the 60+ new flats currently being built in the area will only increase the parking problems. Many residents will welcome these proposals.
After the success of the Olympics (with Reg Harris winning a silver medal in the 1000m sprint) there were regular meetings but it became more difficult for the NCU and its successor to maintain the track and a new lease was taken on by the LCC in 1960. Control later passed to Southwark council after the abolition of the GLC but for some time use of the facilities had been declining with less interest in track cycling. Nevertheless a new track was laid by 1992 but later financial constraints led to ambitious redevelopment plans being abandoned. At one stage, Dulwich College Estates sought a commercial leisure developer; but that plan fell through and British Cycling currently has a short term lease until 2008. With its future uncertain but with ambitious proposals for a new centre for London cycling on the Olympic
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A STREATHAM SUFFRAGETTE Our May Talk on Leonora Tyson, by Anne Ward
It was 4th March 1912, and most of the shop windows in Oxford Street lay shattered on the pavements. Imagine the public shock and outrage - it was those suffragettes again! The Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) founded by the Pankhurst family in 1903 was at the height of its militancy. Their motto was Deeds not Words followed by the cry of Votes for Women! Worse was to follow, with an attack on No.10, Downing Street. One hundred and twenty women were arrested, among them our local heroine, Leonora Tyson. Leonora was born Leonora Helen Wolff on 13th August 1883 in Bradford. Her father Gustav Wolf was a Doctor of Music of German descent, while her mother Rosa Ashton was a descendant, 19 generations removed, of Edward the Third. In 1908 the family, now with six children, moved to live at 37 Drewstead Road, Streatham. The name of Wolf was dropped, possibly due to anti-German feeling, and the name of Tyson was adopted. By 1901, Rosa Tyson, with Leonora, now aged 17, sister Diana, 31, and brother Norman aged 15, moved to 74 Croxted Road. It is not known whether Leonora's father had left home or died, but the family seems to have been financially secure, and kept one domestic servant.
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Leonora, her mother and Diana joined the WSPU in 1908 as active members, presiding regularly at meetings in Streatham and Lambeth, and taking part in demonstrations and deputations. The lot of women was still hard in Edwardian times. A woman could be raped, beaten and imprisoned by her husband with impunity. He could divorce her for adultery, but a husband's adultery was not grounds for divorce. Women were fighting both for personal freedoms and for a voice in Parliament to bring about social reforms in the areas of women's and children's sweated labour, health, housing and education. Women had started campaigning for the vote in 1812, when the first women's suffrage petition was presented to the Commons by Henry Hunt. In 1867 John Stuart Mill presented the second petition. Various societies were formed, but nothing came of their efforts, and patience finally exhausted, civil disobedience and violence became the order of the day. Leonora's part in the attack on No. 10 Downing Street did not go unnoticed. She was arrested and sentenced to two month's hard labour "for breaking windows at Government offices", the damages being estimated at a few shillings. Holloway's day began at 5.30am and included Chapel at 8.30am. Leonora hated it all, the ugliness of the harsh prison clothing, the smell of the
unwashed inmates, the poor food, and the stifling lack of air. As a protest against the ‘hard labour’ of her sentence, she refused to do prison work, and this was used as a pretext for withdrawing visiting rights, or receiving any letters, food or books from outside. Nevertheless, notes were smuggled in and out, usually in the laundry, and these are now held at the Museum of London. Leonora went on hunger strike on Sunday April 14th 1912. She took the shrewd precaution of informing her doctor and lawyer beforehand, and having them make frequent enquiries as to her health. She was force-fed on the following Wednesday evening. She endured her rough treatment with stoicism, but there are contemporary accounts of barbaric cruelty to women less well connected. Leonora was released from prison on 8th May and was given a rousing reception at Streatham Town Hall. She was presented with, a silver medal and a dispatch case and bookstand. Leonora plunged again into suffragette activities, including a speaking tour of Germany (she was bilingual) and a demonstration on Streatham Common attended by 5,000 people. Two processions were organised, with the suffragette colours of green, white and purple prominently displayed. Leonora was always in demand as a speaker on these occasions. By October that year, there was a split in the leadership of the WSPU when the Pankhursts decided on a new even more militant policy of damaging streetlights, railway carriages, flowerbeds, golf courses and fire bombing letterboxes. The death of Emily Davidson under the hooves of the King's horse at Epsom shocked the nation.
opposition and ostracism, many enduring physical violence and suffering". DC "NO STONE UNTURNED" The story of Leonora Tyson, a Streatham Suffragette, by Anne Ward. Published by Local History Publications, 316 Green Lane, Streatham, London SW16 3AS
SOUTHWARK AND LAMBETH ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY October 9th: Kate Sutton - Finds Officer and Community Archaeologist The Michael Faraday Community Excavation and Portable Antiquities November 13th: Alastair Douglas - Archaeologist, PreConstruct Archaeology Recent Excavations at Bermondsey Abbey December 11th: AGM & PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE Dennis Turner - Archaeologist and Historian The Castles of Surrey All lectures Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. at Co-Op Hall, 106 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8LN, between Cornwall Road and the Young Vic. Light refreshments are served at 7:00. Visitors £1.00 towards costs please.
Leonora, after a farewell reception, left to take up a position at Anstey Physical Training College in Leicestershire, but by January 1914 she was back in Streatham. Public meetings had now become quite dangerous, with heckling and abuse from organised gangs of youths. Leonora had occasionally to be bundled away for her own safety. With the outbreak of World War One, the WSPU called off their campaign, and women were gradually recruited into the war effort to do men's work. In 1918 women were given limited suffrage, but it was 1928 before they gained full voting rights. Leonora never married, but lived an active life as a public speaker. She travelled to America in 1954, where Christabel Pankhurst lived. Leonora Tyson died from breast cancer in 1959, aged 75, at the home of her niece in East Sheen. A bronze memorial scroll was erected in Victoria Street in 1970 "to commemorate the courage and perseverance of all those men and women who in the long struggle for votes for women, selflessly braved derision,
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CHILDREN AT DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Following an intriguing show of artists’ self-portraits, the Dulwich Picture Gallery turns to another sort of human representation. “The Changing Face of Childhood: British Children’s Portraits & their Influence in Europe” shows how depictions of youngsters evolved over the years. Before the 17th century, paintings of the offspring of aristocrats were stiffly posed miniature versions of their parents. Then in the 1630s, Van Dyke portrayed Charles I’s children as lovable, innocent creatures, though within the established style of courtly representation. From the 1760s, Gainsborough developed a more natural style which set new standards, with well observed views of carefree, childlike behaviour. Using loose brushwork, he gave a dynamic notion of children in their own environment. Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Lawrence
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adopted the motif of children in a landscape setting, which became popular throughout Europe. Artists such as Angelika Kauffman travelled from the continent to see these works and were greatly influenced by them. In the late 18th century Age of Enlightenment, interest in children’s portraits spread beyond royal and noble families to the bourgeoisie; children came to be seen as independent characters and were shown against landscapes that reflected their personalities, wild, free and full of potential. This is a fascinating show which will charm and delight people of all ages. The exhibition runs from 1 August - 4 November; and the gallery is open Tuesdays to Fridays 10:00-5:00; weekends and Bank Holiday Monday 11:00-5:00: £7, £6 seniors, £3 concessions; ‘Friends’ and children free. Take advantage of the Special Offer: bring this article to get 2 for 1 entry. JD
AMITY READING CLUBS Amity Reading Clubs meet twice a week, on Monday evenings 7-9pm and now, on Wednesday afternoons 2.30-4.30pm at Carnegie Library. Adults are helped to read and write on a one-to-one basis. We would welcome committed volunteers for the afternoon sessions. The library is warm, the atmosphere welcoming and quiet, and the students are very grateful for our support. Please call Caroline Knapp on 020 7274 2443 or e-mail: cknapp@btinternet.com
RUSKIN PARK CENTENARY FAIR Ruskin Park celebrated her 100th Birthday in February this year, with a concert in St. Saviour’s Church Hall. However, the main event was an outdoor fair held on 23rd June. Music from the newly restored bandstand delighted everyone, and drew people into the park. Performers included the Southwark Jazz Band who practice in the church on Wednesdays when we have our open meetings in the hall. There were the usual stalls. The Friends of Ruskin Park sold commemorative mugs and bags. The books and other publications on the Herne Hill Society stand were popular, and we raised nearly £100, as well as recruiting some new members. The highlight for many was the people who took up the invitation to dress in one of the fashions from the last hundred years. The picture shows (left) our own, our very own, Annie Gelly (as Lady Tumbril, formerly Tillie Stubbs “the darling of the music halls”) and Ceres Dandridge (as Septima Valley, a cousin of Octavia Hill, who would have liked to build an orphanage next to King’s College Hospital. Both looked wonderful and definitely added some class to the proceedings. Ceres
also ‘dressed’ the two Lambeth Park Rangers, Theresa Hoare as nurse Vera England, waiting to go off to nurse in World War 1; and Lara MifsudBonicci as Lavinia Larkins, ‘the vicar’s sporty daughter’. The Friends’ next project is to convert the stable block into a café/visitor centre. Interested local residents are needed to join a working group to progress the plans. For more information about this project and to join the Friends of Ruskin Park, contact membership secretary Louisa on louifawcett@yahoo.co.uk or 0207 737 5561 SN
BEING PREZ Society Member Dave Gelly is well known as a writer on jazz and as a radio presenter. Dave’s latest book ‘Being Prez, the Life and Music of Lester Young’ has just been published. Praising Dave’s work, the famous Humphrey Littleton said “What a glorious book. I expected from Dave Gelly informed and perceptive commentary on Lester Young’s music. What came as a rich bonus was the warm light Dave has shone through the veil of obscurantism behind which the jazz genius chose to live his life.”. Published by Equinox, price £16.99, Dave’s book will be available locally from Dulwich Books, 6 Croxted Road.
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Copy deadline for the Winter issue is Friday 19th October 2007. Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the Editors or the Herne Hill Society Committee.
ENVIRONMENTAL PHONE NOS. Lambeth Streetscene (cleansing, rubbish removal, pot holes, abandoned vehicles, graffiti removal etc.) Phone number:
020 7926 9000
Southwark Streetscene (equivalent): Advertising space is available in this Newsletter for local businesses at the following rates: Full page
£40.00
Half page
£25.00
Quarter page
£12.50
Eighth page
£ 7.50
Classified (business card)
£ 5.00
(4 insertions for the price of 3) Full page is standard A4 (297 x 210mm). Either you can provide your own artwork or we can help with typesetting, free of charge, and include your logo. Please contact: Brenda Jones 020 7771- 1409 THE HERNE HILL SOCIETY Committee 2007 - 2008
Phone number:
020 7525 2000
YOUR COUNCILLORS Herne Hill Ward, Lambeth: Jim Dickson (Lab.) jdickson@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7737 1791) Kirsty McHugh (Lab.) kmchugh@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7924 9038) Becca Thackray (Green) rthackray@lambeth.gov.uk (07946 219394) c/o Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW.
Thurlow Park Ward, Lambeth: Irene Kimm (Con.) ikimm@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7926 2149) Clare Whelan (Con.) cwhelan@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7926 2149) John Whelan jwhelan@lambeth.gov.uk (020 7926 2149)
Chair
Sheila Northover 020 7274 2638 Email: sheila.northover@virgin.net
c/o Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW.
Vice Chair
John Brunton 020 8678 1757 Email: johndbrunton@yahoo.com
Village Ward, Southwark:
Secretary Treasurer
Jeff Doorn 020 7274 7008 Email: doornjeffrey@hotmail.com Rosalind Glover 020 8678 1757 Email: rosalindglover@yahoo.com
Committee
Diana Chadney 020 7274 7210 Email: diana.chadney@btinternet.com Robert Holden 020 8674 5101 Email: robertjholden@btinternet.com Brenda Jones 020 7771 1409 Bill Kirby 020 7274 0532 Membership Secretary Caroline Knapp 020 7274 2443 Email: cknapp@btinternet.com David Taylor 020 7733 5031 Email: davidjtaylor13@btinternet.com Colin Wight 020 7733 2573 Email: colin.wight@bl.uk Archivist Vacant Newsletter Production John Smallwood 020 7401 3561 Mobile: 07956 468 466 Email: johnvsmallwood@btinternet.com Editorial Address and Membership subscriptions: Herne Hill Society, PO Box 27845, LONDON SE24 9XA
Website address: www.hernehillsociety.org.uk
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Robin Crookshank Hilton (Con.) robin.crookshank.hilton@southwark.gov.uk (020 8613 6046) Toby Eckersley (Con.) toby.eckersley@southwark.gov.uk (020 7701 3112) Nick Vineall (Con.) nick.vineall@southwark.gov.uk (020 7358 3524) c/o Town Hall, Peckham Road, London SE5 8UB
Your GLA Member Valerie Shawcross AM (Lab.) valerie.shawcross@london.gov.uk (020 7983 4407) GLA, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA
Your MP Tessa Jowell MP (Lab.) jowellt@parliament.uk (020 8333 1372) House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA