LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Distributed in the London
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Borough of Lambeth wards of Bishop’s, Clapham Town, Ferndale, Larkhall, Oval, Prince’s Stockwell, Brixton and Vassall
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APR 21 / MAY 21 / NO 11
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Borough has highest sexual offence rate in South London THERE are growing calls for action to ensure women are safe in the borough, following the murder of Brixton resident Sarah Everard in March.
indicate confidence in reporting, and improved systems of identification, but we also know that the true levels of sexual violence in the borough are likely to be significantly higher than the data tells us.
Lambeth has the second highest rate of sexual offences report of all London boroughs, analysis by Lambeth Life has revealed.
“The pioneering Gaia Centre, funded by Lambeth, was the first of its kind in the UK to offer a ‘single point of access’ for residents experiencing violence against women in girls. This means that anybody experiencing any form of gender-based violence in Lambeth can find all the tailored support they need under one roof.”
There were 1,067 sexual offences reported in Lambeth between February 2020 and February 2021, Metropolitan Police data shows – with 3.2 sexual crimes recorded per 1,000 people. Only Westminster has a higher sexual offence rate than Lambeth, with 3.7 offences per 1,000 people in the year to February. Lambeth has the highest sexual offence rate in South London, followed by neighbouring Croydon which saw 2.6 sexual crimes per 1,000 people in that time.
A month on from the vigil for Sarah Everard, we look at the change needed to make our streets safe. Credit: Erik Winther Paisley. Insta: @ewpaisley
“Sadly this is not a surprise to us. In September 2020, our Lambeth branch created a survey that was completed by over 200 people in the first few weeks it was live, which provides valuable information about the types of harassment women experience, and areas of London where this happens, including hot spots in Lambeth, including Brixton Market and Pop Brixton area, Brixton Hill, Vauxhall construction sites and around Brockwell Park.” (See page 5 for Lambeth Life’s full report on the survey).
Cllr Jacqui Dyer, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Community Safety, told Lambeth Life the council was working with the police and third sector specialist providers to ensure that Lambeth homes, streets, venues and transport are safe.
Lambeth sees Covid deaths plummet – but lags on jabs
In the first half of April, 31% of Lambeth residents had been vaccinated, seventh to last in the capital.
JUST one death was reported from Covid in Lambeth last month, analysis of government data reveals.
The borough saw just 14 new coronavirus cases a day, on average in March – down from 280 in January.
The death rate has plummeted across the country amid a successful vaccine rollout.
But with fears of a third wave growing, Lambeth ranks 26th out of 32 London boroughs for the proportion of residents who’ve had at least one vaccine dose.
Tower Hamlets ranks last with 27% of residents having at least one jab, while a majority of residents in Bexley, Bromley and Havering had been vaccinated.
beth residents are vaccinated. Neighbouring Southwark and Westminster also have relatively low vaccination rates, at around 31% of residents.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told Lambeth Life: “Our data reflects that a higher number of sexual offences were recorded in Lambeth Borough than most other individual London Boroughs over the last year. “That data groups a range of sexual offences across a number of different settings. As
Lambeth’s coronavirus death toll is down from 57 in February, and 165 in January.
a service we continually seek to identify ways in which we can improve our service to the public, including our response to sexual violence. “Police in South Central BCU are working closely with partners, including members of the Violence Against Women and Girls network, as part of that drive.” Korina Holmes, Women’s Equality Party Assembly candidate for Lambeth and Southwark, said she was ‘saddened’ to hear of the findings, adding:
The figures, compiled by the Local Government Association and analysed by Lambeth Life, reveals there is a long way to go before the majority of Lam-
Cllr Dyer said: “We have consistently prioritised funding for services to tackle all forms violence against women in girls, despite a decade of government funding cuts. “Our high reporting rates may
Lambeth’s new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy which be published later this year. “We are committed to ensuring that all Lambeth residents are safe from male violence and abuse. We remain committed to campaigning for the male behaviour change we must see, and working hard to supporting our communities in achieving that,” Cllr Dyer added. The Women’s Equality Party is calling for a ‘specialist police squad’ to be created to tackle sexual violence in the capital and to restore women’s trust in the criminal justice system, as well as long-term funding for specialist women’s services. Lambeth has a young population, which may contribute to the low vaccination rate. The average Lambeth resident is 35, compared to Havering’s average of 40. As of the 5th April, 500 people have now died from coronavirus in the borough since the pandemic began. Over three million Londoners have now had at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, almost half the capital’s population.
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Revealed: Ultra Low Emission Zone will save Lambeth’s NHS £100m by 2050 The study suggests that in the next 30 years, the ULEZ will lead to a reduction of 29.5% in air pollution-related diseases, saving the NHS more than £4 billion.
Josiah Mortimer, Lambeth Life Editor josiah@lambethlife.com
A STUDY commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) shows that the cumulative effects of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) could save Lambeth’s local NHS £100m by 2050. The study predicts that, without drastic action being taken to reduce pollution levels, the cost of air pollution to London’s NHS and social care system is projected to reach £15.4 billion by 2050. Labour says that in the two years since its introduction,
David Hawgood (CC)
the ULEZ has already played a major role in improving public health across London with further benefits expected following its expansion to the North and South Circular in October 2021.
A separate report from the GLA indicated that, before coronavirus restrictions were introduced in February 2020, levels of nitrogen dioxide in central London had reduced by 44 percent compared to the same period in 2017.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has pledged to back projects that support jobs in sustainable industries, address inequalities and tackle the climate emergency if re-elected. However, he has come under fire for backing projects such as the controversial Silvertown tunnel, which critics such as the Liberal Democrats say will increase road traffic and carbon emissions.
The number of Londoners living in areas with illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide has fallen by 94% since 2016. The number of schools located in these ‘danger zones’ has also fallen by 97%, from 455 in 2016 to just 14 in 2019,
Khan told Lambeth Life: “I am proud of the bold steps I’ve taken to protect Lambeth and Londoners as a whole from the deadly consequences of filthy air. The introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone is a game-changer in our fight
Greens launch Mayoral campaign with call for ballots on estates ‘regeneration’ ESTATES facing controversial regeneration projects would be given a ballot on council plans, under proposals from the Green Party.
Green mayoral candidate Sian Berry came third in 2016, and is pushing Labour mayor Sadiq Khan from the left.
The Greens launched their campaign for the London Assembly and Mayoral elections at the Cressingham Gardens estate near Brockwell Park last Thursday – an estate that is set for demolition as part of Lambeth Council’s regeneration plans. The Greens are making housing a key part of their campaign, with Londoners heading to the polls to elect the city’s leader and Assembly members on 6th May.
T: 0207 1834272 @lambethlife
In 2018, Sian Berry found that Mayor Sadiq Khan has been ‘quietly signing off’ funding for some of the most controversial estate schemes in London, including the Fenwick, Cressingham Gardens, and Knights Walk estates in Lambeth She wrote: “[This] is a harsh slap in the face to many residents on estates under threat who – thanks to his actions – will be denied a ballot at the last moment before his new policy comes in.”
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according to the study.
Backing Berry, Green baroness and former AM Jenny Jones wrote that Sian has championed “the right of tenants to have a decisive say on the redevelopment of their estates and made it one of her top priorities.” “Sadiq Khan was pushed to include it as a Labour manifesto promise in 2016, but then backtracked. Sian won the unanimous support of the Assembly for binding ballots for residents, and twisted the Mayor’s arm to enforce this as part of any Mayoral funding for schemes. Unfortunately, this didn’t stop the Mayor signing off of dozens of major
regeneration plans without any ballots just before he changed the policy. “This whole saga is a reminder of why having Green Assembly Members is great, but a Green Mayor would be better,” Baroness Jones wrote. Several estate regeneration
which is why I’m delighted it could ultimately save London’s NHS – and its heroic staff – billions. “Tackling pollution is not just a matter of public health, but of social justice. It is the poorest Londoners who are most affected by toxic air, even though they are the least likely to own a car. Marina Ahmad, Assembly Member candidate for Lambeth, said she was encouraged by the results of the study: “This pandemic has demonstrated the incredible commitment of our NHS workers who have been overworked and underfunded for too long. “I am glad that the ULEZ will help generate savings of £ 100,069,136 [by 2050] which can be reinvested in local NHS services protecting the health of Lambeth residents for many years to come.”
projects in Lambeth – led by council off-shoot Homes for Lambeth - have triggered several major local campaigns in opposition. The council insists the plans will lead to more social-rent homes in the borough when the process comes to an end.
Sian Berry AM at the Cressingham Gardens estate (centre), launching her mayoral campaign, with London Assembly candidates
Publisher Ibrahim Dogus
Sales Svetlana Yesilyurt
Editor Josiah Mortimer
Social Media Buse Yildirim, IDA Media
Design
EO Design & Digital
News Features Honor Cockroft Dorothy Reddin Hannah Davenport May Woods Emily Herbert
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Windrush Memorial to commemorate mother killed by Met Police Josiah Mortimer, Lambeth Life Editor josiah@lambethlife.com
equality, justice and truth’.
A memorial to a mother who was shot in her home by the Metropolitan Police in 1985 is to be unveiled on Brixton’s Windrush Square at the end of April.
The installation in Windrush Square has been organised and funded by Lambeth Council in partnership with the Groce family and Adjaye Associates and has received significant contributions from both the local business community and the public at large.
Designed by world-renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, the Pavilion will commemorate the life of Cherry Groce, an innocent mother who was shot in her home in 1985 by the Metropolitan Police. The memorial will act as a ‘beacon of hope in the pursuit of
Cherry was shot in front of her children at her house in Brixton and was left paralysed by the attack, suffering ill health and needing decades of care from her family before she died of complications from her injuries in April 2011. At the time, the
Fears of ‘second Windrush scandal’ as deadline looms for EU nationals to stay EU citizens in Lambeth are
crunch deadline.
being urged to sign up to
EU nationals must apply to the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) by 30
secure their right to live and work in the UK, ahead of a
police shooting sparked the 1985 uprising against institutional racism in Lambeth. The Metropolitan police force eventually issued an apology for their actions in 2014. Her son Lee Lawrence has written movingly about the shooting and the impact of the Met Police’s action on his life, on his mother’s life and the whole community. Mr Lawrence won the Costa biography award in January this year for the memoir, The Louder I Will Sing. Mr Lawrence said: “The injustice done to my mother on the 28th September 1985 and its aftermath, catalysed our community to act together relentlessly and persistently in the pursuit of justice for more than three decades. Our achievements together in that effort can inspire us to continue to work together to make justice a reality across
June this year to continue living and working in the UK. Lambeth has an estimated 40,000 EU citizens, and was the UK’s most pro-Remain borough in the 2016 EU referendum. Lambeth for Europe is campaigning to help EU citizens in Lambeth secure their status. The campaign group’s chair Heather Glass said: “EU
Lee Lawrence, Cherry’s son
our society.” Cllr Jack Hopkins, Lambeth Council Leader, said: “We are proud to be working alongside the Groce family and Sir David on this fitting memorial to Cherry Groce, an innocent woman from our borough who experienced terrible suffering as a result of a major injustice.
ing, for their resilience in the face of suffering and for their determination to create a long lasting tribute to their mum which will make sure this injustice will not be forgotten.”
“We hail the Groce family for their commitment in getting to the truth of Cherry’s shoot-
The Cherry Groce Memorial is scheduled to be officially unveiled in Windrush Square with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the end of April to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the passing of Cherry Groce.
citizens help make Lambeth what it is. We think that’s a big part of why our borough overwhelmingly rejected Brexit.
stances or in need of legal support can get a referral for help from Southwark Law Centre through the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
“We know many people have not yet applied for settled status, and we are concerned that they may face similar consequences as the Windrush generation, in trying to prove their right to continue their lives here.”
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Members for Voluntary Sector and Leisure, said: “By partnering with well-established local charities with a strong track record of supporting our communities we can help make sure people can secure their rights to stay.
The group is delivering leaflets across the borough in every EU language, highlighting the need to apply before the June deadline and offering contact information for advice and support. The campaigners are calling for everyone in the borough to reach out to their EU-national family members, friends and neighbours, to ensure they know they need to apply by 30 June. Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth, Southwark Law Centre and Indoamerican Migrant Refugee Organisation (IRMO) are also working together to support Lambeth residents in the final months of the EU Settlement Scheme Programme. Image credit: Garry Knight (CC)
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Those with complex circum-
“We know that for many people applying for settled status will be a straightforward task, but that for some there may be challenges. That’s why we are working to ensure equality of access for all.” Lambeth residents looking for support in completing a settlement application can contact Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth via Lambeth Adviceline (0344 488 9625), email appointments@caml. org.uk or online query form at www.caml.org.uk Spanish and Portuguese speakers can get support from IRMO by emailing info@ irmo.org.uk EU citizens are entitled to vote in the London Mayoral election on 6th May.
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Fury over Cabinet allowances paid to Labour campaign fund LAMBETH Council has diverted more than £200,000 of Cabinet Member’s allowances to Lambeth Labour group’s campaign fund since 2014. Cabinet Members are entitled
to a Special Responsibility Allowance to support their work. However, they can divert these funds to political groups if they do not wish to claim them for themselves. The news has triggered anger
from opposition Green and Conservative councillors, who say Cabinet members should not be ‘siphoning’ public money to their political party. The findings, which emerged
from a Freedom of Information Request from News from Crystal Palace revealed that between August 2014 to 4 February 2021, the council’s Payroll Services processed £225,384.00 in deductions from member allowances to be paid over to the Lambeth Labour Group Campaign Fund. In 2020 alone, £55,538 in deductions were transferred to the Lambeth Labour Group Campaign Fund. Cabinet Members are entitled to nearly £27,000 per year on top of their councillor allowance. Lambeth Council’s Green Party group said in a statement: “It is clear that these additional allowances are not needed by Labour members, and Lambeth residents are effectively paying Lambeth Labour party. The Green Group does not consider that so many additional paid allowances are necessary and
Lensicle (CC)
would reassess current posts and allowances.” The Greens are calling for the abolition of some cabinet posts, bringing the SRA budget down to £432,000 a year. Green party group co-leader Jonathan Bartley told Lambeth Life: “It beggars belief that while making cuts which have hurt some of Lambeth’s most vulnerable residents Labour councillors have simultaneously been awarding themselves huge allowances at council taxpayers expense and then diverting the money to the Labour Party. “Labour-run Lambeth council can make no claim to be on the side of the poorest. It is yet another example of Labour in Lambeth saying one thing but doing another.” A council spokesperson said: “Councillor renumeration is set by national standards to which Lambeth Council complies.”
Met police launch operation to convict those who assault NHS staff Josiah Mortimer Lambeth Life Editor josiah@lambethlife.com
THE Metropolitan police have launched a London-wide operation to crack down on assaults and hate crime against NHS staff, following a ‘successful’ pilot in Lambeth and other boroughs. The project means a senior officer must review all reports of assaults and hate crime against NHS staff. It follows a three-month pilot of work with the NHS, Met police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), aiming to increase convictions and protect NHS staff on the frontline. As well as senior police officer involvement, senior welfare and support staff within the NHS will be brought on board to help those who have been a victim of such crimes. A pilot scheme took place across five London boroughs between October 2020 and January 2021, involving Lam-
beth, Southwark, Bromley, Croydon and Sutton. Under the trial, 63 investigations into assaults on NHS staff secured a 26.45% charge rate.
punched, kicked, spat at, urinated on, strangled, thrown across a room, had faeces thrown on them and been racially abused.”
Before ‘Op Cavell’, over a three month period, 30 NHS and London Ambulance Service (LAS) assaults were recorded and revealed only 6.6% resulted in a charge.
Martin Machray, Joint Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England & Improvement – London, said: “The last year of the pandemic has shone a light on the selflessness and dedication of NHS staff. All our staff should be able to come into work without fear of violence, injury or abuse. We therefore welcome the rollout of this important initiative across mental health services
One of the biggest challenges officers and NHS staff face is that many NHS workers feel being assaulted is “part of the job”. Prior to the pilot, 50% of NHS staff in London who were assaulted would not support an investigation whereas the last three months has seen that number drop to 25%, the Met announced in a statement. Chief Inspector Luke Mooney, from the MPS, who led the pilot, said: “We are determined to make sure our NHS staff feel confident to report assaults or hate crime. There is no place in society for such abuse.. “Over the past three months alone (Jan – March 21) NHS and LAS colleagues have been
in London and we hope it will help protect and support our wonderful colleagues.” Paul Grzegorzek, Security Contract Manager at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust faces the prospect of assault at work on a regular basis. Paul said: “Day to day we have a lot of patients coming into the hospital suffering with a range of conditions, including mental health issues. Given the lockdown, people have been more reluctant to seek help from the NHS, and so are sometimes waiting until breaking point
before coming in. “We have also seen an uptick in intoxicated patients. These people sometimes become violent when staff are trying to help them because they are simply too intoxicated to understand what is happening. “As security, we must balance the safety of patients, staff and visitors whilst also showing compassion for patients and their situation. However, when people are knowingly being abusive to the staff or other patients, there is no excuse.”
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
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Cafe shows its love for Loughborough Junction with crowdfunding campaign Emily Herbert
people isolating.
them running.
THE Platform Cafe at Loughborough Junction has turned to crowdfunding after going above and beyond to support the local community over lockdown.
Volunteers were assigned to specific deliveries, allowing them to check in each week with the same people, offering a constant point of support and connection as well as regular healthy meals.
Money from the crowdfunder will allow the cafe to consolidate their work from the past year, sustaining their offer of free meals. It would also allow them to use their indoor space for community events by funding infrastructure for outdoor dining.
Forced to scale down on dayto-day service when lockdown began last year, the cafe chose to return to its roots as a hub for the community. A fundraising drive at the start of the pandemic allowed them to provide over 2000 free meals for local people experiencing hardship. They employed a local chef and coordinated a team of volunteers to deliver food to
The women raising awareness against harassment on our streets Honor Cockroft
CAMPAIGNERS are getting organised to tackle street harassment of women and girls in Lambeth. Lambeth Anti-Harassment Campaign, launched last autumn in conjunction with the Women’s Equality Party, is focused on combating the problem through simplifying harassment reporting processes, and working with men and boys to prevent harassing behaviour. Emily Reddon, 29, outlined the work of the campaign: “For too long, street harassment has been accepted as an inevitable part of living in the city as a woman, but we are sharing our ideas and suggestions with decision-makers and trying to work with them to push some of these ideas forward.” Last year she and her co-workers invited women from all over London to com-
plete a survey in order to better understand where, when and in what form women were experiencing harassment. With over 250 respondents, the survey found that 80% had experienced harassment, with 60% of respondents saying they are harassed once a month or more. Emily, based in Tulse Hill, explained that 88% of respondents never reported the harassment they faced to the police, with many saying they don’t think it would be taken seriously.
The results of the campaign’s survey were put to Lambeth Council in November 2020, but the request for a meeting was ignored. However, since the murder of Brixton resident Sarah Everard, Emily has noticed a sudden interest in talking about public sexual harassment from the press and local decision-makers.
One year on from the first lockdown, the cafe has successfully raised over £15,000 via crowdfunding online, to sustain their community support and keep
“We are furious it took a tragedy like this for our concerns about public sexual harassment and women’s safety to be heard and we are determined to continue the work…we have been doing for almost a year to ensure that politicians and police take responsibility for making London safer,” she said. In a statement following Sarah’s death, Lambeth Council committed themselves to “create a society where all women and girls are safe and free” through the provision of Violence Against Women and Girls services, and working within the local community to provide resources and support. When questioned on what they are doing to combat sexual harassment, a council spokes-
The Platform Cafe began as an opportunity to get local chefs cooking, demonstrating the rich diversity of the area, and they continue to host a local guest chef on Fridays. They use the fresh vegetables and herbs grown on site, as well as taking on surplus food from across the city.
person highlighted that crimes being committed in the streets are police issues. A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “Police take reports of harassment seriously. Anyone who is a victim is advised to report it and it will be appropriately investigated.” In March, Lambeth Life reported on the case of Clapham resident Georgina, 27, who was flashed by Clapham Common, on the night of the vigil for Sarah Everard. She reported it to nearby police but was told: “No, we've had enough with the rioters [sic] tonight, we're not dealing with it." Police officers later apologised after the story went viral, and have now published an e-fit of the suspect. With harassment hotspots located at Brixton Village, Brockwell Park and Vauxhall construction sites, amongst others, Emily explained that it is not just Lambeth that is the problem.
She said: “Speaking personally, I have experienced harassment that I would never report to police…because the messages I've received my whole life from police is that following up street harassment is a waste of their time. “That attitude needs to change, and our authorities need to encourage women to report, be respectful and supportive when we do, and make use of the data.”
Johanna Gilmour, an organiser, said of the free meal offer: “It allowed us to connect to people in parts of the community that we wouldn’t normally, in quite a deep and important way”.
“These [hotspots] will likely be replicated in areas across London so it is not that the problem is only in Lambeth, but that Lambeth can be seen as a microcosm of what life is like in London for women.
Twitter: @basicsketchbabe
“Street harassment is a form of violence against women and girls, and it happens everywhere.”
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Garden Museum highlights Windrush Generation’s horticultural heritage Earline Hilda Castillo Binger at her garden in Herne Hill, photographed ahead of the project launch. Hilda came to the UK from Trinidad in 1971 to train as a nurse. Emily Herbert
LAMBETH’S Garden Museum is launching a new project aiming to preserve and share the stories of Caribbean horticultural heritage in south London. The Caribbean Garden Heritage Project, enabled by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will tell stories about the contributions of the Windrush generation to Lambeth’s gardens. The first stage will see local
Sixth Form students recording interviews with members of the Caribbean community who keep a garden, or are involved in community gardens. The resulting oral history recordings will belong in the museum archives, where they will help the museum reflect its local community and history. The interviews will be accompanied by a series of photographs, to be displayed in an exhibition in the autumn. Alongside this will run a learning programme, including Caribbean cooking lessons and tropical plant drawing classes.
Green campaigners question anti-Low Traffic Neighbourhood petition DEBATE continues to rage over Lambeth’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes. Lambeth Council introduced five low-traffic neighbourhoods – restricting thoroughfares from cars – across the borough during the pandemic, at Oval Triangle, Railton Road, Ferndale Road, Streatham Hill and Tulse Hill. The LTNs have sparked major local debate,
partly as they were introduced through an emergency procedure that limited consultation beforehand. Hannah Ginnett, the Conservative candidate for Lambeth and Southwark, said while she was ‘very supportive’ of measures to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, the policy needs more consultation: “I’ve been struck by
the outcry by affected residents and fully support their movement to scrap these road changes and ask the council to have a complete rethink.” Ms Ginnett says the changes were ‘rushed’. But George Deacon, co-chair of Lambeth Living Streets, told this paper: “The council is right to trial the changes, let people experience the LTNs and then feed back via live consultations and communicating with councillors. “The level of interest and debate around these trials has vindicated the council’s approach and means that as a community we are shaping the future of our streets.”
Safer Streets for Tulse HIll
One petition on the council website against the low-traffic areas has garnered nearly 4,000 signatures, triggering headlines about the ‘unpopular’ LTNs. However, Lambeth Life has learnt that people are able to sign the petition multiple times with no verification process.
ing what food she could grow here. After retiring from nursing, she has been involved in Lambeth GP Food Co-op, which uses green spaces at GP surgeries in Lambeth to help local people grow their own food. Involvement in these community gardening projects allowed Hilda insight into the diversity of food growing across south London. The Garden Museum is also the site of the tomb of Captain Bligh, who first transported breadfruit from Tahiti to Jamaica. Janine Nelson, Head of Learning at the museum, noted the relevance of this history, as well as the importance of recognising its colonial roots. “This is a way of approaching the Caribbean and the story of the breadfruit from a different point of view”.
Ingrid Guyon/Fotosynthesis CIC Earline Hilda Castillo Binger (pictured) is being interviewed for the project. When Hilda
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moved to London from Trinidad 50 years ago, she brought with her a passion for explorThe paper was able to sign the petition multiple times with the name ‘Anti LTN’ from ‘Timbuktu, Mali’. While signatories are asked to tick that they live, work, or study in Lambeth, there was no email or address verification to show the signatory was a real person with a Lambeth address. Mr Deacon told Lambeth Life he was concerned that people from outside the borough could be signing and sharing the petition. The council is collecting data on the real-world effects of the LTNs, and the process concludes with a formal consultation on making them permanent or scrapping them. Lambeth Cyclists, which supports the LTNs, point to recent surveys showing the local LTNs are ‘very popular’. “The research shows in Lambeth they are about twice as likely to benefit the less well off.” In a survey, seven in ten Tulse Hill residents backed the new Low Traffic Neighbourhood, including 55% of people who drive a car.
Whether you’re a student or a gardener, if you’re interested in taking part you can contact janine@gardenmuseum.org.uk
Get registered, and vote by post, council urges LAMBETH residents are being urged to register early for a postal vote for the London Assembly and Mayoral election on May 6th. Everyone who is entitled to vote - and is registered to vote - can apply for a postal vote, avoiding the need to travel to the polling station on election day. You can apply for your postal vote via the Lambeth Council website until the 20th April, but residents are being encouraged to apply early due to a surge in demand during the pandemic. Residents must first be registered to vote in order to get a postal vote. The deadline to register to vote in person is 19th April. Sign up at gov.uk/register-to-vote An Electoral Commission study found a rise in people missing from the electoral roll, with ‘completeness’ in London dropping from 81% in 2015 to 76% in 2018.
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Merger of Streatham GP practices raises concerns over potential cuts Editor’s Note
Hannah Davenport
Hello and welcome to Lambeth Life! When I took on the job of editing this edition – the first since late 2019 – I didn’t quite know where to start. It would be impossible to cover the full gambit of what’s happened over the past year. But when I put the call out for community news stories, it didn’t take long to be inundated. The past year has seen previously unimaginable turmoil in our borough. We have lost 500 of our neighbours, friends and family members in Lambeth. And we know that Covid has hit some communities much harder than others. Which is why it has been so uplifting to see thousands of volunteers, community figures, and mutual aid activists come together over the past year – whatever their backgrounds – with a whole host of inspiring projects to help those most in need. Local businesses and our cultural life has taken a huge hit, shuttered by forces out of our control. But there’s an optimism growing now, as hospitalisations plummet and as Lambeth reopens. Can we expect a cultural boom - a new phase of recovery and new growth? There is so much amazing work going on in the borough, and we hope to give you a flavour of it in this issue. Local news is in a tricky state across the country, but it’s more vital than ever. So, here we are, gauging the appetite for a relaunched community paper. So if you want to see more local journalism, get in touch with your stories and ideas – and let’s see where this goes: josiah@lambethlife.com Thanks for reading, and here’s to the spring, Josiah
TWO Streatham NHS GP surgeries are now under the control of US insurance giant Centene. Edith Cavell Practice and Streatham High Practice in Lambeth were taken over by the US insurance company following approval for the deal last December. Both surgeries were run by AT Medics, a small private firm based in Streatham, who received permission by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to hand over power to Operose Health, part of the US insurance corporation Centene. The handover affected 49 AT Medics GP surgeries across 19 London boroughs, including Edith Cavell Practice and Streatham High Practice in Lambeth.
“Patients have been affected. Is this a kind of ‘rationalisation’ to save money? Big insurance companies like Operose are there to maximise profits.” According to the surgery, patients were notified by letter and given the option to re-register with nearby Edith Cavell surgery by the end of November 2020 or to find another GP. Streatham Place is currently open as a covid vaccination centre. An Operose Health spokesperson said: “We would like to reassure the patients of Streatham High Practice, Streatham Place Surgery and
LAMBETH has become the first London borough to bring Test and Trace in-house from contractors. The pilot "Local 0" scheme, rolled out at the start of March, means Lambeth residents who test positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by a local contact tracer instead of the centrally-run test and trace programme. Lambeth Council believes it will increase the effectiveness
of its test and trace programme by having direct local control.
of time required to track cases and improve response to future outbreaks.
Leader of Lambeth Labour Group, Cllr Jack Hopkins said: "The council and our partners know and understand our area and our residents best, which means we can react faster and effectively and save lives."
Lambeth Council passed a motion in January urging the government to devolve contact tracing to town halls to fill gaps in the national system. Labour have called for the government to pass full control of contact tracing to local authorities along with the required funding and resources.
The approach included access to Mobile Testing Units and Covid-19 test kits delivered door-to-door in affected areas. It is hoped the scheme will drastically reduce the amount
“Operose Health shares NHS values, provides NHS services and cares for NHS patients. Like other NHS providers, our care is free at the point of delivery, regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission.” Campaign groups like We Own It and Keep Our NHS Public are leading a national campaign against the sell-off of NHS GP practices and calling for the end of privatisation. We Own It argues privatisation leads to a decreased quality of public services, as private companies can make profit by cutting corners and underinvesting.
Another former Lambeth AT Medics surgery, Streatham Place Practice, has become a branch of Edith Cavell surgery.
One of the groups speaking out against the GP sell-off
Council takes control: Lambeth brings test and trace in house Hannah Davenport
Edith Cavell Surgery, that the day-to-day operations of any AT Medics GP surgery, the care that we deliver to our patients and the services accessed through our surgeries will not change.
Campaigners believe we could be seeing the concerning effects of ‘privatisation’ on local practices.
Gay Lee, Lambeth representative for campaign group Keep Our NHS Public, said: “When
Lambeth Life
they say there are no changes so we don’t need to worry about this, the Edith Cavell surgery has taken over the running of Streatham Place as a branch surgery, and some of those patients had to move to other practices while the rest have become Edith Cavell patients.
The £37 billion government NHS Test & Trace system has faced ongoing criticism, with a Public Accounts Committee
report stating there was still no clear evidence of its overall effectiveness. The report, published 10 March, said it was unclear whether its contribution to reducing infection levels has justified its cost. Anti-privatisation campaign-
NHS England
ers have long been concerned about the ‘lacklustre’ performance of outsourced Test and Trace handlers including Serco. Lambeth has got in touch with 85% of those who need to self-isolate during the pandemic, similar to neighbouring Wandsworth (87%) according to NHS figures.
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
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Delivering for the nation Order on the app tonight
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
FEATURES
When ‘Staying Home’ isn’t safe: Housing associations shamed into action on Lambeth estate May Woods
reports of damp in 2017, when they took back management of the buildings.
“I am not living, I am just existing.”
Optivo denied neglecting the properties, stating: “We’ve always promptly dealt with any reports of damp and mould to our homes and carried out recommended works.”
Bella*, an elderly resident of St Martin’s Estate in Tulse Hill, has had enough. Bella’s home is one of 600 across six blocks of the estate affected by dangerous levels of damp and mould. In a report commissioned in 2019, Lambeth Council concluded that Optivo, Metropolitan Thames Valley, and Notting Hill Genesis, the three landlords on the estate, had been aware of serious structural defects across their properties for a number of years. The report found that instead of fixing the issues raised by tenants and leaseholders, the housing associations instead “routinely assumed that the lifestyle and behaviour of residents were the primary factor for the presence of condensation, damp and mould in flats”. Bella’s verdict? Her landlord, Optivo, who last year recorded net profits of £18m, has little regard for her welfare, or for that of her neighbours. “It is very upsetting that Optivo is not concerned about how others and I are feeling in an unsafe damp flat, lockdown or no lockdown. As far as I can see, Optivo has no concern about our lives.” When, in March 2020, the government instructed the country to ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’, the assumption was clear: during a global pandemic of a contagious respiratory disease, home is the safest place to be. Yet for the affected residents of St Martin’s Estate, and for the people living in the 820,000 homes in England with damp problems (according to the 2019-2020 English Housing Survey), state mandated time indoors is a health risk in itself. NHS guidance
states that people living with damp and mould are more likely to have a weakened immune system and more likely to suffer respiratory problems and infections, allergies or asthma - all of which increase the risk of contracting a serious case of Covid-19. Rui De Sousa has Parkinson’s disease. He described being confined to his flat, sleeping in a room with damp spreading up the wall. “They don’t bother with us here because they don’t live in the conditions that we live in. This is not a good way to live,” Rui told me. Now, after a five-year campaign by the St Martin’s Residents Association (TRA), Lambeth Council has threatened to take legal action against the housing associations under the 2004 Housing Act. Upon receiving notice, all parties sprung into action. Inspections of the damage are underway, with block by block repair plans due by the end of April. Mould isn’t just a physical toxicity. According to Psychology Today, toxic mould based illness can manifest with exclusively psychiatric symptoms, including insomnia, brain frog, depression and disorientation. Research conducted in 2014 at Queen’s University, NY, found that respiratory exposure to any mould may cause brain inflammation, cognitive deficits,
Metropolitan Thames Valley have refuted the findings of the 2019 Council report, claiming they have seen no evidence of residents being blamed for the damp. All three companies pointed to plans for investment on the estate over the next five years.
and emotional problems. “They shift blame to the residents and you get to the point where you just want to give up” said Terry Cooper, a 65-year old local government employee. Terry and his wife Margaret bought their leasehold property over twenty years ago. Terry described a barrage of issues leading the couple to try to sell back to the landlord, who declined to buy the property back, promising instead to fix the problems. This never happened, Terry claims. “In my mother-in-law’s property, one bedroom was totally unusable. The bedroom she slept in had mould on the walls and above the window.” Terry’s sister-in-law still lives in the property. Mrs Josephine Rooney, Terry’s mother-in-law, suffered from dementia and passed away last year aged 92. Mrs Rooney was visited by her MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, in September 2020.
from spreading,” Addy-Ribiero wrote. With repairs on the horizon, Chris Blake, secretary of the TRA, reflected on the past five years. “Change is happening because we plugged away, coordinated complaints, lobbied the council, got the MP involved. “It’s a real community campaign. There is power in unity. But we’re still pushing, we’re holding the promises to account.” All three housing associations have apologised and committed to working together with the council and the TRA to fix the issues. Metropolitan Thames Valley say that they have been fixing problems on the estate throughout the past year, while Notting Hill Genesis say they carried out remedial works after they received
After visiting the estate, Ribeiro-Addy wrote a scathing letter addressed to all three housing associations. “I witnessed, first-hand, the holes in Mrs Rooney’s bedroom ceiling, that is disintegrating due to damp. Mrs Rooney has to keep the bedroom window ajar, all year round, as an attempt to encourage ventilation, in order to prevent the damp
St Martin’s Estate TRA
Rui is sceptical. “Progress is being made now because of the pressure we’re putting on”, he concluded. “Not because they care.” Update: Lambeth Council have confirmed they are not withdrawing a threat of enforcement action about damp problems on the estate. In a letter to Optivo on 19th March the council said “fundamentally you are still in the ‘discovery’ phase of the work, i.e. still identifying what the issues are, even though we are a long way down the road from when this was highlighted as a major issue by the residents at Full Council in July 2019”. As we don’t yet know what their proposals are “the Council is not in a position where it can categorically state that enforcement will not be used”. Similar letters were sent to Metropolitan and Notting Hill housing associations. * Some names have been changed
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Dear Neighbours, Firstly, I hope this message finds you and your family safe and well. England is re-opening - and so are our essential small businesses! So I am asking you to do, as you have always done and support your local traders, including my restaurants, at which we have enjoyed many happy times together. The last 12 months have been the toughest period since I set up my own business in 2004 and since I began working in the hospitality industry more than 25 years ago. As you know, the whole sector has been hit hard, so I would be delighted and honoured if you marked the easing of lockdown by booking a table at one of my restaurants. We are excited to be able to welcome you again outdoors at Troia Southbank and La Cucina di Mamma in Waterloo near London Eye. We have invested in Covid-safety measures, like extra cleaning and spot checks, to keep safe our diners and colleagues. I am writing to you today because you have supported the restaurants in the past. Now, as we rebuild businesses which employed 60 people prior to the pandemic, please come to us to help ensure we have a better tomorrow. You can take a quick look at the restaurants via the links below and book a table, if you have any questions, write to me direct on ibrahimdogus@gmail.com. I hope to see you soon - and thank you.
Call us for the bookings using the “neighbour” code to get a 25% discount* for your meals. Troia Southbank & La Cucina di Mamma will be open by 12th of April, and Westminster Kitchen by 17th of April. *Discount is not valid for drinks.
You can book a table with us via: Southbank Mediterranean Restaurant - aka Troia Westminster Kitchen https://www.westminsterkitchen.com/reservation
https://www.troia-restaurant.co.uk/reservation
La Cucina Di Mamma https://www.cucina-restaurant.com/reservation
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Brixton’s Advocacy Academy graduates take on air pollution Dorothy Reddin
BRIXTON’S training ground for young activists has just sent off a new group of graduates, keen to change the world. The Advocacy Academy was set up to help young people make a difference in society. Describing themselves as a ‘transformational Social Justice Youth Organising Movement’, the Advocacy Academy
provides South London’s young people with an opportunity to engage in local and national campaigns to achieve a more just society.
Academy represents: committed and passionate individuals who wish to change the society they live in to reflect their values more accurately.
The current Class of 2021 just graduated on 27 February 2021, producing the newest set of high achievers and proud activists.
Together, these four young activists founded the Choked Up campaign in October 2020, dedicated to fighting air pollution and transforming our society into a greener and healthier one.
Four recent graduates, Destiny Boka-Batesa, Nyeleti Brauer-Maxaeia, Kaydine Rogers, and Anjali Raman-Middleton epitomise what the Advocacy
A classmate of Anjali Raman-Middleton’s, Ella Kissi-Debrah, died in 2013 at
9-years-old due to an asthma attack. Air pollution was subsequently listed as a cause of death, which prompted Raman-Middleton to take a stance on climate change and fight for cleaner air. When these four young activists met at Brixton’s Advocacy Academy they were inspired to take it upon themselves to make a difference in the world. Nyeleti Brauer-Maxaeia said: “We want the Government to take air quality more seriously with effective legislation. We also want deprived communities and communities of colour to be recognised, taken seriously, and most of all protected when it comes to air quality.” This activism was cultivated at the Advocacy Academy, and these young people will continue to be activists as long as they have a platform.
Advocacy Academy
Poverty and the pandemic: How a Lambeth charity has stepped up to the plate Marion Weaver
parcels a week by partnering with the Healthy Living Platform charity.
IN March 2020, the charity Millennium Community Solutions (MCS) started a project providing food to Lambeth residents in need – and demand has been through the roof.
MCS partners with organisations to provide food parcels, befriending services, and tech education to marginalised groups, and phone distribution, digital access and assistive technology to the elderly and disabled.
Like many charities, MCS’s funding was hit badly by the pandemic, reducing their income by 75%. The move to virtual events in lockdown stopped them renting out their halls like Southwyck Hall to charities, a key source of their income. But the charity told Lambeth Life they have kept going - giving out 8641 hot meals to 2800 addresses since April 2020, 3150 grocery bags since last November. And they’ve provided 259 hot meals and food
disabled people. The shortage of the specific service seems especially frustrating when adjustments and support can be simple and inexpensive: “A braille keyboard costs £30,” she said. An author and beneficiary of MCS, whose disability left him unable to use his keyboard, didn’t know about the voice recognition on his computer. All it took was a simple explanation of the software to
“In the upcoming London Mayoral Elections in May, it’s important to engage and make sure you’re endorsing a candidate who has strong air quality policies,” Brauer-Maxaeia told Lambeth Life. According to the United Nations, air pollution every year results in more than 8.8 million premature deaths. This then disproportionately affects low-income countries and low-income communities around the world. The Choked Up campaign wants to ensure less-privileged communities get clean air to live and breathe in.
The Choked Up campaign is working throughout March and April to influence the
The Advocacy Academy prioritises people from working-class backgrounds, BAME individuals, women, the LGBTQ+ community, the disabled, young parents, refugees, and those not in education or employment.
enable him write a book about Guyana.
ing digital connectivity for the disabled and elderly.
Rev Thompson – who is a retired Jazz musician and a former St Thomas’s Hospital Governor – was frustrated to find that social services and a major Lambeth disability charity had no data on how many disabled Lambeth residents use the internet.
“There are just as many disabled people as there are people with mental health issues, but for some reason, disabled people are invisible,” she said.
She said Lambeth council and the government do not put enough funding into improv-
According to the charity, a major inequality in Lambeth exacerbated by the pandemic is the barriers faced for disabled people accessing the internet. The problem leads to social exclusion and unemployment. Reverend Minister Gail Thompson, CEO of MCS, highlighted the problem that MCS is the only Lambeth charity offering assistive technology, like tablets and voice recognition, and support to use it, to
London Mayoral Elections in May 2021, to ensure a candidate is elected that supports better air quality.
“I want to talk to MPs and councils about policy changes on disability and digital engagement. Policy change is my goal. Acknowledgement is my goal.” The charity leads an employability consortium and is encouraging businesses and organisations to join, and gain access to its funding and premises to tackle inequality issues in Lambeth. This June, the charity will launch another project: workshops on tech skills and coding for young people from underrepresented groups.
Rev. Gail Thompson (centre) CEO of Millennium Community Solutions, with recipients of phones distributed to organisations helping vulnerable and isolated people. Credit: MCS
Covid-19 has exposed deep inequalities in Lambeth, for marginalised groups including disabled and vulnerable people. Thankfully, community organisations have been ready to step up to the plate.
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Brixton versus the Tower: Residents scent victory in Hondo campaign Dorothy Reddin
LAST November, a 20-storey office tower block won council approval to be built in central Brixton. The #NoHondoTower campaign was born. The proposals would see Hondo Enterprises’ tower built on Pope’s Road in the centre of Brixton. But many Brixton residents vocalised their opposition to the building, with the pandemic likely to lead to a reduction in the need for inner-London office space. Taylor McWilliams, the owner of Hondo Enterprises, said the lack of office space in Brixton “is preventing growth, local jobs, and opportunities.” But local business Manager Debra Hay told Lambeth Life: “We don’t want or need the Hondo Tower. What we need
is to protect a place of significant importance to the Black community, affordable housing, opportunities for young people, support for Black-led businesses, and to celebrate diversity.” Civil Engineering student Tsiresy Domingos Tembwa added: “Economic development in Brixton should occur through the economic development of the people of Brixton, not their replacement by already affluent communities.”
its unique atmosphere. They don’t want Brixton to become another Clapham. “They want it to retain the vibrant street life it’s famous for.” Freddie Carty who lives on the border between Brixton and Clapham agrees, claiming despite the promise of more jobs, there was no need for the office development. An online petition opposing Hondo Tower attained over
Brixton resident Charlie Metcalfe said: “People are concerned because they believe building a tower block at the heart of Brixton will change
Lambeth Council is organising an Assembly of local people to work out how to work as a
In January 2021, the Mayor admitted he had not seen all the representations received by Lambeth Council, and agreed to reconsider his support. Mr Khan said his initial decision “should be considered of no effect.” Some residents have taken issue with the choice of building by Hondo Enterprises and whether another idea would
Plans for Hondo Tower in central Brixton
Lambeth prepares to host Citizens’ Assembly
FIFTY people from Lambeth will be chosen to help find a way to make the borough a greener and fairer place, in an upcoming ‘Citizens’ Assembly’ on climate change.
In response, the #NoHondoTower campaign turned to call on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who initially supported the building plans in December 2020.
Brixton has seen a steady trend of gentrification in the 21st century, and opponents to Hondo Tower say they are fighting for the rights of the local working-class community.
Power to the People? Josiah Mortimer
8,000 signatures but was dismissed by Lambeth Council.
community to get to net zero carbon emissions. Fifty people from the borough will be selected from a random sample, to reflect the local area. They will hear evidence from climate experts, innovative organisations and local campaign groups who will share ideas about what our borough can do to become carbon neutral. Lambeth Life understands the inten-
Neil Sheppeck (Environmental campaigner)
tion is for the process to kick off in May, but dates have not yet been agreed. "There are a lot of civil society organisations and a huge variety of talented people in our community ready and willing to work with the Council on making our borough a greener, fairer and more delicious place to live” said Nick Anim, from local sustainability and social justice group Transition Town Brixton.
Nick Anim (Transition Town)
Members of the Assembly will be selected so they reflect the wider population, including age, gender, ethnicity and social class. “This form of direct democracy shows how Lambeth is at the forefront of the Climate agenda. We need true engagement with citizens during this process.” said Neil Sheppeck, a representative from the steering group of environmental organisations in Lambeth. The assembly will be funded by the council but organised and facilitated by independent experts, and overseen by a Steering Group which includes representatives from organisations across the borough. They will help to make sure the assembly is presented with a range of evidence and help the people on it produce a clear set of recommendations for the borough to reduce carbon emissions to net zero. “We believe central and local government must do all it can to make low-carbon living and a low-carbon economy as
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have been received better. David Chambers lives on Mervan Road in Brixton. “It’s striking how unimaginative Hondo has been,” he told Lambeth Life. “They could have included an East London Line Station which would have been good for the people of Brixton, improving commuting times, promoting visitors, and also good for Hondo, as more footfall would increase the value of the building,” he said. A spokesperson from Hondo provided the following statement: “The project will deliver a massive boost to local businesses and market traders who have been severely impacted by the pandemic, bringing thousands of new, regular customers to these businesses. Our proposals will deliver 2,000 jobs for Brixton and £2.8m every year for the local economy.” But opponents have been cheered by the Mayor’s decision to call in the application. Both sides are waiting with bated breath to see what happens next. easy and attractive as possible. In January 2019 Lambeth Council became the first local authority in London, and one of the first in the country, to declare a climate emergency. We brought forward our target for making the operations of the council carbon neutral to 2030,” Neil told Lambeth Life. Citizens’ assemblies give members of the public the time and opportunity to learn about and discuss a topic, before reaching conclusions. Assembly participants are asked to make trade-offs and arrive at workable recommendations. What If Lambeth? are running four workshops asking what your future vision is about things like fashion and music, food and business in the borough. If you want to share your ideas or visions of what you would like a sustainable Lambeth to be like in the future, go to: whatIfLambeth.com
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
It’s time to lift the lid on failing estate ‘regeneration’ in Lambeth By Pete Elliot, Green Party councillor for Gipsy Hill DRESSED up by Lambeth Council’s leaders as something benevolent and positive that will wash away all of Lambeth’s housing problems, the council’s 100% owned ‘house-building’ company, Homes for Lambeth (HfL) is currently the biggest risk to the council – and therefore to all the services that the council provides. HfL’s annual plan was presented to the Council’s Cabinet Meeting in March and reassured none of the resident experts who spoke that it would ever deliver what is needed. Since 2012, Lambeth Council have been threatening to demolish the homes of around 1400 households across six of Lambeth’s estates, including Cressingham Gardens, Central Hill and South Lambeth Estates. So far, the council has spent over £100m setting up its brand-new private company and buying homes back from homeowners to demolish them some time in the next 20
years. Many of these homes are empty, at a time when the council has over 3,000 households in so-called temporary accommodation and has an embarrassing 33,000 households on its housing register. Money has been handed over to private companies such as Savills and Thorncliffe in opaque deals to force unwanted planning schemes through. In 2014 the Lambeth promised to build 1000 council homes by 2018, by April 2021 it has managed thirteen. Meanwhile on the estates zero (yes, zero) homes have been demolished and zero homes have been built by Homes for Lambeth, and the council has continued to sell off hundreds of council homes both privately at auction and under the government’s ‘right to buy’ scheme. Residents sidelined Residents on estates earmarked for demolition have been hit hard by the ‘plans’ for their homes due to a number of reasons: • They have had no say in the process and have not been balloted (a requirement for the council to qualify for London
Mayor Funding) • The so-called resident consultations have been a sham, especially during the last year under Covid. There have been significant equalities issues exposed due to digital exclusion • The homes have been neglected by the council for many years and are causing health issues. Flooding, electrical issues, rodents and old heating systems are the main problems. The homes are long overdue refurbishment, but some won’t be replaced for another 20 years. The pandemic has amplified problems as people have had to stay at home • The threat of losing their homes, alongside the neglect has harmed the mental health of residents, especially the elderly, some of whom have been in their homes for over 40 years • Interdependent communities have been broken up, and where homes have been left empty this has allowed for anti-social behaviour On estates where building works have started residents have been hospitalised due to
The South Lambeth estate. Credit: Stephen Richards dust, noise and vibrations The people hit hardest by these political choices, and for whom there is no light at the end of the tunnel, due to an absence of a housing strategy in Lambeth, are the 3,000 families in Temporary Accommodation (TA). Many of them are being used as property guardians on these estates by the council, to be moved along with no assistance, when their homes are demolished at some unknown point in the future. Some of Lambeth’s TA residents have been in this accommodation for over 12 years and the council is spending well over £30m a
year housing them instead of investing that money in housing. Flawed thinking Lambeth Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 but has done little to address this threat across the borough. The destruction of so many homes and felling of mature trees seriously impacts on our environment. Not building homes back to the highest standards is missing out on an opportunity to at least get one thing right with this destructive agenda. The lack of a joined-up housing strategy that links up the present and future housing needs of its residents, with the council’s plans for building, refurbishment and retrofitting of homes is an issue. Unaddressed, this issue will see us jeopardise some of our core services in the short-medium term and will leave future generations in massive debt and with homes that will not address the climate emergency and won’t fulfil the borough’s housing needs in the longer term.
Image credit: Cllr Pete Elliot with Denby Court residents. Their estate is facing demolition.
What is urgently needed is that the council must halt estate regeneration and work with residents and the Green Group of Councillors to develop a housing strategy that addresses our housing and environmental crisis and that genuinely prioritises those families most in need - not those that can afford to invest £600,000 on a one-bedroom flat.
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
A recovery for all: We need a transformation to tackle racism and sexism Helen Hayes Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood
SINCE the start of the Covid-19 pandemic a year ago, the number of local residents contacting my office for help has grown to unprecedented levels. More people than ever before are coming to their local MP with a wide range of serious problems and concerns, from housing to social security, household income, to care and support needs. The last year has exposed and deepened the disadvantage and inequality in our communities. It has also brought people together like never before, from the street-based WhatsApp groups and mutual aid groups, our Foodbanks, faith communities and voluntary sector organisations distributing emergency food or making meals for key workers and our amazing NHS workers and volunteers rapidly rolling out the vaccine programme.
Year of solidarity There have been times of deep solidarity - with the Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd, and more recently in the outpouring of grief and anger following the disappearance and death of Sarah Everard on a busy Lambeth street. After a year that has brought such terrible grief and pain, illness and financial hardship, loneliness and isolation, we must be absolutely resolute in our commitment to ensure that things do not return to business as usual. After a decade of austerity and cuts, many of our local communities and our public services
were left without the resilience to cope with the pandemic. Poverty and inequality fuelled coronavirus, and we saw people on lower incomes, Black people and People of Colour die disproportionately. For each one of us, the quality of our housing played a key role in determining whether lockdown was a difficult but tolerable experience, or utterly desperate. And while we know that the pandemic has been extremely tough for all children and young people who have missed months of education and time with their friends, the consequences have been most severe for those who had no access to laptops, broadband and data and not enough space to study quietly. Closing the gap This is where we must start as we rebuild following the pandemic. We need urgent action to reduce the attainment gap in education. The Government’s approach has been far too little too late, and without further funding and urgency, we will see a generation of young people whose lives are blighted for the long term. Our children need support to catch up with their education, but also access to a range of fun, exciting experiences with their friends to improve mental health and wellbeing. We must tackle the housing crisis. The Tories’ failure over a decade to build genuinely affordable social housing condemned too many people to repeated lockdowns in unsuitable or unsafe homes. The pandemic shows starkly that housing is a public health issue. Our current national planning system must be reformed to help deliver more
affordable homes for Lambeth residents. Our councils must be given the powers to buy land at an affordable price to deliver secure social housing at speed. We must deliver a zero-carbon recovery. Tackling climate change was the most important global challenge before the pandemic and that remains the case. As we have all spent much more time in our local neighbourhoods, we have also appreciated the value of our environment at local level, the need to cherish our parks and open spaces, reduce air pollution
and increase biodiversity in our city.
Whitewash And we must ensure a just recovery. I know that many across Lambeth are still reeling from the report of the Government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparity, which concluded that there is no institutional racism in the UK. This Government’s report denies the lived experience of Black people and People of Colour across the country who have experienced racism and the impacts of racial injustice in multiple ways. Racism cannot be tackled by denying the experience of its victims. Many previous reports have made recommendations for tackling racism in British institutions and communities, and their implementation must be central to our recovery.
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A safe borough Finally, as we return to a more social way of life in the coming weeks, we must make sure that our streets and public spaces are safe for women and girls. It should not have taken the appalling death of Sarah Everard to prompt the recognition that it is wrong that a vast majority of women and girls do not feel consistently safe on our streets. We must now make sure that meaningful change is delivered in the memory of Sarah Everard, Nicole Smallman, Bibaa Henry and all the women who have lost their lives to men who preyed on them in public spaces. The challenging experiences of the last year must be a catalyst for long-lasting change for the better for all of our communities in Lambeth and South London. There must be no going back.
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Elections 2021: London goes to the polls next month. How will it work? Emily Herbert
What does the Mayor of London do?
and sports provision and a new mentoring scheme.
ON May 6th, millions of Londoners will go to the ballot to cast their vote in local elections. Originally scheduled for May 2020, these elections were postponed in the first national lockdown.
The Mayor sets London’s budget for public transport, policing, and the work of the City Hall. In the last £17 billion budget, for example, £10.7 billion went to transport and £3.6 billion to police. They are responsible for policies such as culture, business, environment, health, housing, policing, and transport.
Shaun Bailey (Conservative) is challenging Khan to the role, after five years in the Assembly. Bailey is promising 8000 extra police officers on the streets and new youth service provisions. His transport policies include corporate sponsorship of the Underground, zero-emission buses, and reversing the Congestion Charge.
Unlike in a general election, we will be voting for multiple different posts in May. So… what are we voting for, how will each election work, and who is standing in Lambeth?
Mayor of London - pink ballot paper The Mayor of London, elected every four years, is responsible for the strategic government of London. The mayoral election uses the Supplementary Vote system (SV), meaning you will be able to vote not just for your favourite candidate, but also for a second choice candidate. The candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated first, and this candidate’s ballots are reassigned to second choices. This process is repeated until the candidate with the most votes wins.
Who is running? Sadiq Khan (Labour) is running for a second term. He is promising job creation through upskilling and business support. His green pandemic recovery plan includes improved walkways and cycleways. In response to the inequalities deepened over lockdown, he has proposed improved youth arts
Sian Berry (Green) is the party’s co-leader and currently sits in the London Assembly. Her policies include backing a London Renters Union, additional funding for social housing and a flattening of the Zone structure for transport. Luisa Porritt (Liberal Democrats) is running with a flagship policy of converting office space to create new affordable housing, alongside the crea-
tion of new jobs and apprenticeships. Other candidates include ‘anti-woke’ actor Laurence Fox, UKIP’s Peter Gammons, rapper Drillminister, and the Women’s Equality Party’s Mandu Reid. Members of the London Assembly to represent the Lambeth and Southwark constituency - orange ballot paper
Who is running? The following candidates have thrown their hat into the ring for Lambeth and Southwark. Marina Ahmad (Labour) has pledged to tackle homelessness and childhood hunger, end knife crime, cut school exclusions and combat racism. Hannah Ginnett (Conservative) opposes increases to council tax and supports increased policing within London.
The London Assembly consists of 25 members. 11 of these Members represent the whole capital, whilst the remaining 14 each represent a specific constituency.
Florence Cyrot (Liberal Democrat) had pledged to tackle the implications of Brexit on local businesses and communities. She is campaigning for early action on youth mental health.
When voting for the Lambeth and Southwark member of the Assembly, you will cast a vote for just one candidate - unlike in the mayoral race. The Constituency London Assembly Member elections use the first-past-the-post voting system; the candidate with the most votes wins.
Claire Sheppard (Green) ran for Parliament in 2019, and recently founded Nunhead Knocks, supporting local people isolating with Covid-19.
What does the London Assembly do? The primary role of the London Assembly is to hold the Mayor of London to account. They inspect the strategies and decisions put forwards by the sitting Mayor. If they judge that a strategy is not in the public interest, they can reject it. They can also reject the mayoral budget.
Members of the London Assembly representing the whole of London - yellow ballot paper This final ballot is to elect the 11 members of the London Assembly who represent the whole city. The election for London-wide Assembly Members uses another voting system: the additional member system. Instead of voting for individuals, you vote for a party. The 11 seats are then allocated to parties - who distribute seats among their candidates - such that the Assembly as a whole represents the support for each party across London. Make sure you’re registered to vote - the deadline is the 19th April. What the polls say A YouGov poll on the 8th April gave Sadiq Khan a clear lead in the race for City Hall. The survey put Khan at 47%, with Conservative Shaun Bailey a distant second at 26%. The poll was carried out by YouGov for the Mile End Institute, part of Queen Mary University.
Shaun Bailey (Con) and Sadiq Khan go head to head
The Greens’ Sian Berry was on 9% followed by Lib Dem candidate Luisa Porritt on 7%.
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
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Reflecting on Sarah’s Vigil: What happened? Florence Cyrot Liberal Democrat Assembly candidate for Lambeth and Southwark
HAVING moved to London 20 year ago, Clapham Common has played a central role in my life. It is where my daughters learned to ride a bike, where we met friends for picnics by the bandstand or just caught up with neighbours for a chat. I know everywhere like the back of my hand: the playgrounds, the roses by the Bowling green, the ducks by the ponds where Benjamin Franklin used to do his experiments. It has always been a welcoming and fun place to be. So when I heard about Clapham Common in the news a couple of weeks ago in such tragic circumstances, it shook me to the core. Having been told about the Vigil which had been organised by #ReclaimTheseStreets that Saturday evening I had every intention to attend and to take some time for a peaceful moment of recollection. As most are aware the Vigil was cancelled only the day before, owing to the Met using the pandemic argument to say
it was duly unsafe. They even issued threats of £10k fines for people attending. I found the decision both sad and questionable. Isn’t the issue of violence against women more important than outdoors coronavirus restrictions where there is little chance of infection - especially if the organisers had been allowed to regulate in a Covid safe way? Vigils are a peaceful way for all people to express their freedom of speech and make their voices heard. In today’s society, this should be accepted more than ever.
How it panned out People were already gathering in the afternoon to lay down flowers by the bandstand including HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. At 6pm when the Vigil was originally planned to start I was passing by and saw huge crowds gathering. Although I was very tempted to go, I thought that I would follow the organisers’ advice & stay away. As the evening progressed things really did get out of hand close to and around the
Simon Millson bandstand. Officers handcuffed women and removed them forcibly from the crowds. Shocking pictures were taken and we all saw them all over the media the next day. Change at the top This triggered a public uproar, such regretful events are the result of failure in leadership within the Metropolitan Police. Responsibility for this must lie at the top: the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick.
Remembering resistance: Brixton marks 40th anniversary of ‘uprising’ with major arts project THEY have been described as the most significant UK riots of the 20th century. Now, 40 years later, Brixton is marking 40 years since the ‘uprising’ against police brutality began. ‘81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance’ - launched on April 10th – is a year-long, ‘ambitious’ community-led cultural programme to reflect on the events that shook Brixton. The project involves hundreds of volunteers, including participants of the
riots all those decades ago. Thousands of cards have been sent to households across Brixton, setting out the aims of the project and the events of ’81. Organisers of the ‘81 Acts’ say the project will highlight the legacy of the 1981 uprisings. The launch month in April involves Covid-secure public installations, including a new street projection on Atlantic Road (see front page), and ‘black superheroes’ sprayed on Brixton’s
streets. Residents are also encouraged to buy from black-community owned shops as the borough reopens for business. In a statement, the organisers wrote: “In April 1981 Black communities in Brixton rose up in bloody confrontation with the Met Police against a backdrop of racism, severe economic recession and high unemployment. “A year before, Bristol had seen similar uprisings and the summer of ‘81 saw
Ed Davey, the leader of the Lib Dems and Luisa Porritt, Lib Dem candidate for London Mayor immediately called for her resignation. This is also a decision for the Mayor, Sadiq Khan and the Home Secretary, Priti Patel as both have roles in appointing the Commissioner. Strong action needs to be taken about men’s behaviour towards women and boys’ education needs to be appropriately improved. The voices of women who speak about violence at the hands of men
further serious uprisings in Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. It was a critical moment in the movement for social justice in Britain, leading to landmark recommendations for police reform and local regeneration policies. “Forty years later we invite you to revisit this moment and ask what has changed since April 1981. Working
A new Valentia Place mural by icreatenotdestroy - part of ‘81 Acts
are regularly ignored. Most women have experienced inappropriate touching, sexual and verbal harassment in public spaces and often from a very young age. This needs to change urgently and action needs to be taken now. Why should women always fear men? Is that what men really want for their daughters, mothers, sisters and friends? Florence Cyrot is the Lib Dem London Assembly candidate for Lambeth and Southwark.
collaboratively, we are bringing individuals, community groups and organisations together to create events and activities that explore the issues at stake and learn from this history of struggle.” Many of the events will centre around Railton Road, the ‘front line’ of the 1981 riots. The project is supported by Arts Council England, with partners including the Brixton Project and We Rise. The concept for 81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance came from artists Chloe Osborne and Tony Cealy, working with Brixton’s cultural and civic sectors.
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Support centre for women and girls reopens after lockdown A SUPPORT centre for women and girls in Lambeth is preparing to reopen in April, after moving online during
the lockdown.The Baytree Centre, based in Brixton has been an integral part of the community since 1991,
providing support through educational activities for local residents, as well as newly arrived migrants and refugees.
A spokesperson for the Centre told Lambeth Life its Women’s Service have been making regular wellbeing check-in calls to 278 women, and have been assisting families to access emergency provision such as foodbank vouchers, gas and electricity packages and benefits. “With the closure of our centre, during all national lockdowns, we have had to make significant re-adjustments to our services to provide support for the community remotely. “Our Youth Service have moved their afterschool programme of wellbeing, personal development and academic
support sessions one. We have expanded our mentoring programme, supporting 91 girls aged 6 to 20. “We have been running a full programme of ESOL classes online via Zoom and WhatsApp, to ensure that women and girls don’t miss out on learning English.” With many of the Centre’s clients not having access to internet or digital devices, Baytree has distributed 61 Laptops and tablets as well as 22 mobile routers to ensure people can stay socially connected, engage with their schoolwork and access online services during the lockdown. The spokesperson added: “We are grateful for the overwhelming commitment of our volunteers who provide invaluable support across all of Baytree’s online provision. We are looking forward to resuming sessions again, in person, at the centre, on April 26th.”
PARTNER CONTENT
Park Plaza hotels scale up support during the pandemic THE pandemic highlighted how vividly dependent our communities are on key workers. Millions of front-line staff left their homes every day to help maintain key services and a semblance of normality and we felt it was important to support them where we could and as well as to show our appreciation.
leagues for their eagerness to lend their talents to the NHS, in even the darkest days of the pandemic, and who continue their secondment in 2021 in hospitals, medical facilities and in aiding with the logistics and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines.
Help for local people Supporting our NHS The team at Park Plaza Victoria London, for example, offered first responders, including firefighters, police officers and medical staff, respite in-between shifts and call outs; Park Plaza Eindhoven offered free parking spaces to those working in healthcare, teachers or individuals involved in other initiatives in support of the crisis; and Holmes Hotel London delivered 78 boxes of chocolate Easter Eggs to St John’s Ambulance headquarters as a small act of kindness to show their gratitude. We want to thank our col-
The pandemic has had a devastating social economic impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our societies. As many local services had to close their doors, we supported a London charity that provided free meals to those in need at a local church. As part of the effort, more than 24,000 meals were served over the period of six weeks providing breakfast and lunch to up to 200 people a day. In December 2020, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London further partnered with Lambeth Council to join its Helping Hands programme.
The hotel donated 2,000 roast dinners, bringing together a team of 36 volunteers from the business to prepare and pack food boxes for distribution to elderly and vulnerable residents across Lambeth area of London. 2020 saw several other activities aimed at supporting local communities and charities.
In September, for example, TOZI London partnered with a charity which provides financial and emotional support to theatre workers and designed a special dish which was sold with a £1 donation alongside an additional discretionary £1 on every bill. Team members at Park Plaza Victoria London donated dry
goods, cereals and canned items to a charity that caters for vulnerable families as well as toilet rolls, toiletries and soaps to a homeless outreach centre; and our colleagues in Berlin donated 250 chocolate bunnies to a local charity for Easter.
Backing local business We’ve also been supporting local business in some of our properties, leasing commercial spaces to tenants. Whether it is a cheesemonger selling traditional, local varieties of cheese or a family-run jeweller, most of those are small local enterprises that play an important role in the local communities. We recognised the devastating effect various social distancing measures and falling footfall had on their cash flow and general sales in 2020 and we were glad to work with our tenants to offer special support and arrangements to assist them through hardship.
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
PARTNER CONTENT
Creativity has continued to flourish at 72 Upper Ground SAT in the heart of London and besides the River Thames, the South Bank is one of the capital’s richest cultural landmarks. The creativity, dynamism and diversity of the South Bank combined with its world-leading venues makes the South Bank a hot spot for artists and creatives alike. At 72 Upper Ground, the scheme that CO-RE and Mitsubishi Estate are proposing (pictured), we want to harness that creativity and create a scheme that will amplify the iconic arts and cultural offering of the South Bank while complementing the existing infrastructure. Sitting on the site of The London Studios, 72 Upper Ground will invigorate the space by having an ecosystem of commercial space, including affordable workspace, retail space and independent food and beverage offerings. This is in addition to new public realm such as green space, new routes through to the
South Bank and a rooftop terrace, accessible to the public. But crucially, our mission for the future site is to enhance this by offering a new cultural destination, where the best of Southbank and Lambeth is created and on show, led by placemaking agency Futurecity. The creation of a new multi-functional cultural destination could include, amongst others, immersive gallery and performance spaces, outdoor screenings and digital production spaces. While we consult and source community feedback, rather than leaving The London Studios empty, we saw this as an amazing opportunity to utilise this famous and sizeable space, particularly during a time when some cultural organisations have suffered in small spaces during COVID restrictions for office space. PREVIEW is our meanwhile programme for 72 Upper
Ground running until June 2021. The programme has provided socially distanced studio and office spaces to a range of occupiers, big and small, including international film production companies and Lambeth-based creative organisations, who we supported by giving them space at peppercorn rates. Since December last year, Young Creators UK (YCUK) have been bringing youth, creativity and social impact with their project, the Southbank Shutdown. Their innovative model of youth, creativity and social entrepreneurship allowed them to empower their young, diverse team to create one of the most accessible and professional creative toolkits in London. Their project has acted as a hub for artists, creative agencies, community leaders, councils and youth organizations to collaborate with them in new and exciting ways. Another big step on their mission to create change.
Black Cultural Archives is a heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people. Their programming tells powerful and vital stories, illuminating history and bringing ideas for all generations to the South Bank. Iconic Steps is a social enterprise supporting young people from diverse backgrounds that face multiple barriers into employment. We know that young people play an enormous role in creating a vibrant and engaging Lambeth and Iconic Steps trains them with digital production skills, that help young people fulfil their potential, and connects them directly to opportunity in the creative industry. We want to work with these creative organisations because they are telling incredible stories, doing amazing work, and creating real, impactful change for young people.
This is a huge part of our mission for 72 Upper Ground: creating a space in which the cultural significance fosters creativity for people of all ages and backgrounds and gives something back to the community. Through consultation and networking, PREVIEW has tested our cultural principles for the space and provide us with a strong understanding of the needs of occupier businesses, creative groups and charities, and the amenities and design features that they require. And these organisations are feeding into design and placemaking workshops with the architects, landscape architects and placemaking. It has been an enormous success. And armed with this knowledge, we know we can deliver a scheme that becomes the South Bank’s next great landmark. If you would like further details please email hello@ upperground.co.uk.
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
LGBT+ Lambeth: Line up your summer plans in London’s gayest borough Charley Jarrett
you luck in the ticket returns if – like me – you missed out!
THE hospitality sector has suffered in lockdown – a double whammy for LGBT venues after a decade of app-based courting. As the city blossoms once more into spring and out of lockdown, how are they faring in Britain’s gayest borough?
No news yet on Black Pride 2021: will it still be the Sunday after Pride in London, moved to September this year - and will it return to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens after its 2019 jolly over the Thames to Hackney (just off the medal podium as the UK’s fourth gayest borough)?
Waterloo’s BFI Flare festival of LGBT films ran virtually in March, for the second year running. Much of its offering is still online, with discount rates for under-25s.
The Eagle has announced Horse Meat Disco garden parties, every Sunday from 18 April – and London Bearfest starting 30 April.
If you can’t wait until June 21st for pints with pals, pop-up Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden’s snack trucks and picnic tables return mid-April – with drag bingo, RuPaul contestants and bottomless brunches. There are even sportsball viewings for those thus inclined.
The legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern and its denizens have been hosting Zoom parties and moved their activism online – including joining the recent campaign to ban harmful socalled conversion therapy. They promise we’ll “be queering it up again soon”.
The fabulous Mighty Hoopla returns to Brixton’s Brockwell Park this September, with Atomic Kitten, Sonique and Katie Price confirmed in their first line-up announcement. It’s already sold out, so I wish
As the weather warms, we look forward to a drink outside Bridge Bar near Clapham High Street. While there, why not pop into neighbouring Fetch for some fashion, fetish and fun? With similar ware to Oval’s FF
(click and collect is available). The Two Brewers online lockdown offering has been spectacular – from the dulcet tones of Mary Mac and the comedic stylings of Lucien Jack. Not long now to see them onstage in the flesh.
The Clapham theatre is
offering a one-week funded research and development (R&D) period in March, with the additional possibility of a professional production run at the theatre at a later point.
Leading Light Collective, one of the funding winners Credit: Xanthus
After socially distanced seating led to a bumpy pantomime season for Dick Whittington at Above the Stag, we’re delighted to hear its cabaret bar is reo-
pening soon – and can’t wait to see what productions they have in store for us next. So, as lockdown allows, rather than sauntering to Soho for an afterwork pint, support our fabulous local gay venues for springtime drinks here in South London. PS – If you’ve not already done so, don’t forget to complete the Census. Lambeth has a crown to keep. Did I mention we’re Britain’s gayest borough?
We’re yet to hear from The Cock Tavern about its reopening – but we hope to cool ourselves with its branded fans and cock-tails again soon. Orange Nation at Fire will kick off the reopening of nightclubs the minute it’s allowed – quite literally at one minute past midnight on 21 June. (“You may need to cover the cost of a rapid test before entering,” they say.) On a sweatier note still, the last remaining Chariots in Vauxhall – a staple of London’s sauna scene since 1996 – sadly did not survive lockdown. It announced its closure in January, five years after its Streatham branch shut down. But from June, Waterloo’s Pleasuredrome and Kennington’s Locker Room can heat up as the pandemic cools off. They didn’t
Bread and Roses Theatre announces funding for BAME-led theatre groups THE Bread & Roses Emerging Company Award 2021 has announced funding for two theatre companies led by people of colour.
benefit from 2020’s lockdown relaxation.
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The Bread & Roses Theatre is a fringe venue, which opened in 2014 above The Bread & Roses Pub in Clapham. A spokesperson for the Theatre said: “Artistic quality,
Colm Howard-Lloyd (Flickr). Bring on a summer of pride in Lambeth
equality and representation of our society’s real diversity are at the forefront of the theatre’s programming with a focus on new writing, underrepresented voices and distinctive work.” Both the Bread and Roses pub and the adjoining theatre company were granted funding from Lambeth Council from their Arts at Risk fund, but the company is still understood to be at threat of closure. The theatre is hoping to reopen with social distancing towards the end of May, albeit with a smaller capacity of 20 people instead of 60. “This will mean greatly reduced income until we can return to full audience capacity. That is one of the reasons that we launched our fundraising campaign recently as we need to raise as many funds as possible to secure our future,”
a spokesperson for the theatre told Lambeth Life. As well as hosting an inhouse schedule of its own, The Bread & Roses Theatre says it wants to empower theatre makers. This award is supported by Arts Council England & DCMS Culture Recovery Fund. The two selected companies are Leading Light Collective and Velvet Smoke Productions. Velenzia Spearpoint, Artistic Director for the Bread & Roses Theatre, said: “We feel incredibly privileged to have received many high calibre applications and read through many inspiring ideas. We are excited to be going onto this journey with Leading Light Collective and Velvet Smoke Productions under these extraordinary circumstances”
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
Babul
Spring in Ruskin Park. Credit: Josiah Mortimer
Tall imposing stature
Poets’ Corner
Brown man with warm twinkling eyes Well dressed I remember ernet.com for more information
poems from Poets in the After-
meets in Brixton to share their writing, chat and socialise.
noon, a monthly group which
Email charlotte.mackie@btint-
welcome.
Lambeth Life is pleased to host
or to join-new members are
It’s the first of April Spring Haiku
last night,
It’s the first of April,
Birds are singing
A heard of wild deer gave all a fright
It’s just another day –
As we watched from behind closed windows and doors
The second, come what may –
Blossom falls, spring confetti Hope is in the air
Retribution The planes are grounded, not allowed to fly, While a skylark soars in a cloudless sky. Over there! Look there! Down our once busy street A quiet cat parades on silken feet, And a group of goats roam a Welsh town Where once drunken revellers threw up and fell down. While in East London, yes, in East London
Instructed as we are to NOT GO OUTDOORS. The dawn chorus is loud, louder than ever before.
A day of old ‘codswallop’,
Thank you, Mister Boris, Please comb your hair today – We know you are too busy, So, we’ll look the other way! David H Turner
Lime leaves after rainfall…flowers…such smells,
Passion for Poetry Poetry has the power to soothe us through times of suffering. Poetry has the power to help lift us when we are lacking hope.
And such quiet! Such peace! Before our eyes
If you have never considered reading
the city transformed into countryside…
or writing poetry, please do.
Charlotte Mackie
I’d never seen anyone like him before He regularly came to see mum and dad Always with a grip filled like Aladdin’s cave With wonderful bright things Blankets bedding clothing Just kept snaking out of the grip As if they were all joined together Piece by piece bit by bit I watched on the edge of the space
‘Quite annoying!’ says one man, listening from his door. Smells? What about smells? I can tell you of smells,
In a long overcoat very smart
It might awaken a new passion in you. Patricia Headlam
Where the thick brown leather case lay
In the front room reserved for Sunday best only I was a child and knew my place But now it was hosting a sort of party As others who lived in the family house Craned their necks for a better view Of Babul’s riches the man who could And did bring sunshine hope ambition In his grip to an immigrant family And although I knew he didn’t Come from ‘back home’ Like mum dad others in the house did He was accepted and welcomed Another immigrant far from home Nadia Jones
LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
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LAMBETH LIFE
APR 21 - MAY 21
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