Lambeth Life 11th issue (Oct/Nov 2019)

Distributed in the London Borough of Lambeth wards of Bishop’s, Clapham Town, Ferndale, Larkhall, Oval, Prince’s Stockwell and Vassall

FREE OCT-NOV 2019 NO 11 www.lambethlife.com info@lambethlife.com 40p at Newsagents

Evelina London patients enjoy Back to Nature festival with Duchess of Cambridge

Community cafe where fairness is top of the menu

>> PAGE 4

>> PAGE 3

Archbishop’s Park Gardening Club Awarded 3 year Lottery Funding >> PAGE 10

Lambeth unveils the UK’s first rainbow road crossing Lambeth is the first place in the UK to install a permanent ‘rainbow crossing’ on its streets, to show solidarity with the LGBT+ community in the borough.

The crossing has been installed in Herne Hill, on two crossings outside the entrance to Brockwell Park; on the junctions of Dulwich Road with Railton Road, and Norwood Road with Dulwich Road.

A launch event on August 18 saw the crossing officially ‘opened’.

Lambeth has always been a borough that prides itself on inclusivity and openness, and the rainbow crossing is designed to be a symbol of that solidarity with the huge LGBT+ population of the borough, and London as a whole.

‘Proud’ Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth Cabinet member for Equ-

Mayor of Lambeth Ibrahim Dogus seeks Selection as Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate in Vauxhall

alities and Culture, said: “This is a colourful and fun symbol of Lambeth’s inclusivity.

“We’re proud of our LGBT+ community and have a tradition of championing equality and LGBT+ rights – this crossing celebrates that and is a

physical example of our bold and progressive thinking.

“What better time to unveil the rainbow crossing than in the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. We’ve come a long way, and in Lambeth we’re proud to be leading the

way.”

‘Inclusivity’ The Mayor of Lambeth Cllr Ibrahim Dogus said: “Lambeth’s diversity has always been our strength, and we have never been afraid to show it! >> PAGE 2

“My dad came to this country as a refugee. He was a political activist in Turkey and had to flee as his life was in danger. This country not only took him in, but several years later allowed us to join him so that we could re-unite as a family.

“While things were far from perfect, I can never forget that this country saved my dad’s life and gave us a home. It housed us, educated us and cared for us when we were sick.

“I will always be struck by the great things that Britain represents as open, tolerant country – where people from more than 150 different countries speak more than 250 different languages; as a country of refugees – a haven for people facing persecution from around the world; and as a compassionate country – where everyone, no matter how poor, could lead a fulfilling life.”

Read why Ibrahim hopes to represent Vauxhall in the next General Election on page 12...

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News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

LAMBETH LABOUR CONTINUES FIGHT FOR A PEOPLE’S VOTE

By Cllr Jack Hopkins, Leader, London Borough of Lambeth

Swimming Teacher Marina has been voted ‘best swimming teacher in Lambeth’, going through to the second round of a national competition.Marina has taught at Streatham and West Norwood Health and Leisure Centre for over three and a half years. She teaches children from pre-school upwards as part of the weekly Learn to Swim programme. Marina was nominated ‘best swimming teacher in Lambeth’ by pupils, parents and work colleagues all of whom were impressed her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to her job.

Dedicated and hardworking Anna, General Manager at Stre>>

STREATHAM SWIMMING TEACHER THROUGH TO NEXT ROUND atham Ice and Leisure Centre, said: “Marina is a hugely dedicated and hardworking individual.

She’s inspired and encouraged a huge range of swimmers to enjoy and benefit from their time in

the water. Marina is able to make even the most nervous swimmer feel comfortable and confident in the water, while encouraging the more able to progress and hone their skills.”

Regional semi-final More than 700 teacher nominations were made nationwide and Marina goes through to a regional semi-final. National judging will take place at the 2012 Olympic venue, the London Aquatics Centre.

Commenting on her win, Marina said: “I really enjoy teaching and when the children are grateful that I have taught them to swim it makes me happy”

Lambeth unveils the UK’s first rainbow road crossing >>

“This crossing is a symbol of the pride we have in our flourishing LGBT+ community and will light up Herne Hill with its message of inclusivity.

“It is just one of the many ways that we will continue to stand in solidarity with all those who face discrimination in our borough and beyond.”

Walk the Rainbow Signifying equality, diversity and inclusion a rainbow crossing comprises those colours which match the internationally recognised Pride flag.

T: 0207 1834272

‘Walk the Rainbow’ messaging will appear throughout the borough, guiding people to the Herne Hill gate at Brockwell Park to check

Website www.lambethlife.com Advertising info@lambethlife.com Social Media Svetlana Yesilyurt

out the crossing, with people being invited to share images on social media with the hashtags #WeAreLambeth and #HerneHillRainbow.

Publisher Lamberth Life Newspaper Ltd.

facebook @ lambethlife

At the end of August the Prime Minister gained permission from the Queen to prorogue Parliament from between 9-12 September until 14 October. This means that Parliament will be suspended for a whole month, and will only sit again for a mere two weeks before 31st October, the day that we are due to leave the European Union.

This is the momentous moment for our country and to not have parliamentary scrutiny is an act of cowardice at best, a dangerous drift away from democracy at worst.

Since Boris Johnson secured the prorogation of parliament, I’m proud to say that 1000s of Lambeth residents have joined over a million people in signing a petition calling for Parliament to not be prorogued.

Many Lambeth residents have also joined protests in Westminster and across London to demonstrate against the government’s decision to suspend Parliament. We in Lambeth Labour are clear: This affront to democracy cannot stand.

Boris Johnson formed a government on the basis of being able to command a majority in the House of Commons, he knows that this is impossible and that there is no majority for a Tory no deal Brexit – which would be a disaster for our country. So what has he decided to do? He has launched an executive coup, completely subverting the power of our elected MPs. It turns out that ‘taking back control’ was not so much to do with the sovereignty of the British Parliament, and more to do with Boris Johnson’s lust for executive power.

Editor Ayla Acar

Since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, Lambeth Labour councillors have been holding his administration to account on his promises and those of his predecessor. I wrote to Boris Johnson on his first day in office, urging him to truly put an end to austerity and to restore funding for councils which have been decimated over the last 10 years. Councillors sent postcards to the Chancellor to call for an immediate injection of funding to deal with the nationwide crisis in social care, as part of our Breaking Point campaign. Our Deputy Leader, Councillor Claire Holland, wrote to the new Home Secretary expressing our extreme concern at the plan to curb the rights of EU citizens by ending freedom of movement on 31st October in the event of a no deal Brexit.

We know that a Tory No Deal Brexit would be catastrophic for the country, and would have a hugely negative impact on the people living in Lambeth. It is our duty as elected representatives to protect our constituents from the disaster of a no deal Brexit and that is why we passed a motion at full council calling for a People’s Vote, where Remain must be an option on the ballot paper. Lambeth voted 78.6% to Remain, the highest remain vote of any Borough in London. It is our responsibility to continue to fight for their opportunity to have their say on the final terms, or to cancel Brexit altogether if that is their wish expressed in a second referendum.

We may well be facing a general election in October, November, or even sooner, and it is more vital than ever that we get a Labour Government which can govern this country for the many and not the few. We have a crisis in Local Government, the Tories will be withdrawing funding from schools in deprived areas, a Police force demoralised and becoming ever thinner, a creaking NHS and the bonds of society being undermined through deliberate acts of sabotage by this Tory Government. Only Labour will deliver a people’s vote, with remain on the ballot, and a government that truly works for all the people living here in Lambeth.

Features

Designers

Alexander Harris Charlie Blue Thomas

Olay Newspaper

instagram @lambeth_life

Photography

Ali Haydar Yesilyurt twitter@_LambethLife

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LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

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IBRAHIM DOGUS Publisher info@lambethlife.com

When I came to Britain in the 1990s I waited tables day and night to make my way in a new country.

With a mixture of hard work and good fortune I was able to work, save, build a business and buy a home. Those experiences helped drive me politically and, now that I hold a local leadership role as mayor, I am determined to create the same opportunities for people in London struggling to get by – that’s why I have set up a dedicated café for the homeless in Waterloo.

I am all too aware that not everyone enjoyed the good fortune I did more than 20 years ago when I walked into a job.

And, of course, those people already on the breadline in the 2010s have had to cope with years of austerity driven by misplaced Tory dogma and the ideology of an ever-smaller state.

London is one of the most vibrant and enterprising cities in the world. Its mayor, Sadiq Khan, has been steadfast in his desire to keep the city open, tolerant and rewarding of hard work amid the political chaos of the last three

COMMUNITY CAFE WHERE FAIRNESS IS TOP OF THE MENU >>

years. The scale of homelessness in the capital today, however, bears witness to the cruelty and incompetence of successive Tory governments led by out-of-touch leaders like David Cameron, Theresa May and the blustering Boris Johnson.

In Lambeth I am pleased to say we take a different approach.

In September I opened a coffee shop that aims to deliver great taste while making a difference.

With Love is a community charitable enterprise with a focus on helping the homeless.

The not-for-profit shop is based in Elizabeth House in the shadow of Waterloo station – a vast metal and concrete structure that was built in the 1840s, which honours the dead of the Great War and launched the first Eurostar service in the 1990s. It has a significant social history but today it risks being known for something ignoble – the rising tide of ho-

melessness, with rough sleepers clustering around the station. As a local councillor, this worries me. As a citizen, it angers me. As a local businessman, it puzzles me.

So, when commuters, tourists and shoppers stop at Waterloo they see With Love. They are buying our great-tasting morning coffee they will be encouraged to buy discounted food or a hot drink and donate it to someone who could not afford it. By buil-

ding opportunities for giving into our daily routine, With Love is encouraging giving at the same time as bringing people together, cutting the stigma around homelessness and creating a special type of enterprise. It has the simple aim of being a good business that’s also good for the community it serves.

We are now considering how to provide training opportunities for unemployed Londoners following the countless studies which show a direct link between a lack of traditional education, unemployment, poverty and homeless-

ness.

And for the staff we hire to work in With Love then we will pay them the London Living Wage and ensuring we put fairness at the top of the menu.

With Love will not end homelessness. We know we are just one part of a bigger solution which is being driven by community businesses across the capital. But, by providing warm food and warm conversation, we can strip out the ideology of austerity and make a real difference to the tired and the lonely.

The community business has been made possible by generous supporters including HB Reavis, who provided the premises rentfree, Ben & Jerry’s, who provided funds for refurbishment, and CocaCola, Just Eat, Cobra Beer and Chef Online who all made contributions.

You can find out more about this amazing project at www.facebook. com/withlovewaterloo/

“Delicious Food, Beautiful Atmosphere” Steaks&Burgers

020 7928 1986

www.westminsterkitchen.com

House, Unit 3A, County Hall, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, SE1 7GP

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News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

Evelina London patients enjoy Back to Nature festival with Duchess of Cambridge Three patients from Evelina London Children’s Hospital had fun outdoors with The Duchess of Cambridge at a special festival event which marked the opening of a new play garden.

Her Royal Highness, who is Patron of Evelina London, opened the Back to Nature play area at The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Wisley in Woking, Surrey.

The new play garden features two connected treehouses and slides which encourage families and friends to have fun together in a natural environment.

It was inspired by The Duchess’ previous Back to Nature gardens, which Her Royal Highness codesigned, and includes a hollow log from her RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, and the wildflower meadow and rolling hill showcased at Hampton Court.

Her Royal Highness invited

More than £2.5million is set to be invested

by Lambeth council and partners into a new community centre for children and young people at Slade Gardens in Stockwell.

The project, which will benefit residents in Stockwell and the surrounding area, will be carried out at the Slade Gardens Adventure Playground in Lorn Road. To make the project community-led Lambeth is handing the site over to a charity set up by local residents, the Slade Gardens Community Play Association.

Word from the Cabinet Cllr Andy Wilson, the council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the play

to attend with their families.

They enjoyed a range of outdoor activities including maypole dancing, a coconut shy, planting seeds, balloon modelling, learning circus skills and meeting animals in a petting farm.

Her Royal Highness spoke to Lorraine Chipps and her daughter Louise, who has brittle bone disease and recently had a hip replacement at Evelina London.

Lorraine, 47, from Eltham in south east London, said: “It was a really lovely day and the first time we’d been outside in a month as Louise has been recovering from surgery. She was so excited to meet The Duchess and was almost bursting afterwards.”

Louise said: “The Duchess asked me what my favourite part of the day was and I told her it was meeting a princess. She was beautiful.”

Miranda Jenkins, Deputy Director at Evelina London, said: “We are very grateful to The Duchess of Cambridge for inviting some of our patients to enjoy this special event. All three of them have recently undergone surgery so it was wonderful for them to have this experience after spending so much time in hospital.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a special event at Evelina London Children’s Hospital last December to mark the announcement of Her Royal Highness’s Patronage of Evelina London.

Evelina London is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The hospital was founded in 1869 as Evelina Hospital for Sick Children by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, whose wife, Evelina, died along with their baby in childbirth.

New community centre for Stockwell

Association who will need to secure a further £1.5million to complete the project. MAX Architects and all other experts worked on the project without charge. The Stockwell Park Residents Association have also backed the scheme Under the plans, a series of huts on the site will be replaced by an environmentally friendly 5,000 square foot sunken doubleheight modern building. It will feature three flexible meeting or play spaces which could be combined into one large area for conferences or performances, upstairs offices, a new café and public toilets.

Community engagement on the scheme has run by the play association and the park friends group, and planning permission has been granted. It is projected that work on the site will start in May next year with the new community centre set to open in May 2021.

children from some of her patronages to the Back to Nature Festival at Wisley. Evelina London patients

association on this project which will expand and improve local services for our residents. We thank the local people for their commitment to this project.

“Tackling inequality, building stronger communities and giving children the best start in life are our top priorities. Giving control of this site and this project to the community, alongside extra funding, helps achieves these goals.

Opportunities for local young people Interior of the Slade Gardens Community Centre” The association will have control of the Slade Gardens Adventure Playground site on a 99-year lease from 2019.

Their aims include creating new volunteering opportunities for adults and young people, running accredited training opportu-

Louise Chipps, 14, Evelina McFarlane, three, and Hope-Tia Marriner, 10, were delighted to be able

nities for them, setting up a new teenage parents job club and creating community meeting rooms.

Three beehives producing Slade Gardens Honey, polytunnel green housing and raised bed allotments will also be added to the site; and food grown will supply a new café. Young people will get food growing training at the site and work experience in the café.

The project also aims to boost outdoor activity, reach out to local communities and help keep the surrounding park clean and attractive. The adventure playground will remain at the heart of the scheme.

Young people to work at the café and food growing project will come via Divert, a Metropolitan Police charity operating in Lambeth to helping steer young pe-

ople in the criminal justice system away from negative behaviour and onto constructive paths.

Robin Langton, Slade Gardens Community Play Association chair, said: “I am delighted to see that the planning for this magnificent building is agreed.

“With Lambeth’s support, we have the best chance of securing the money we need for this project and realising our dream of keeping this marvellous children’s facility going alongside a state of the art new community centre which will the serve and the park and all the local people here.”

Investing in the community The exterior of the community Centre To support the scheme Lambeth is directing £1million to the Slade Gardens Community Play

News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

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SOS - save our streets from rat-running Waterloo residents and businesses are hoping that a Lambeth Council chief will back their aim to make side streets safer for tens of thousands of pedestrians and cyclists.

Increasing numbers of cars and vans are already rat-running between Waterloo Road and Stamford Street, mostly along Cornwall Road. Transport for London’s £28 million plans to redevelop Waterloo roundabout are projected to make the problem worse – the proposal to stop traffic turning right from Waterloo Road to Stamford Street would displace about 80,000 vehicles a year.

“Some vehicles really speed,” said Tim Hollins of Lambeth Estate Residents’ Association, which covers the Roupell Street Conservation Area. “In this area pedestrians and cyclists really have to come first.”

A recent TfL survey counted 2 million pedestrians a year walk along Roupell Street, and Cornwall Road is also a major walking route for commuters and tourists from Waterloo Station, as well as part of Cycle Quietway 1. The We Are Waterloo BID recently invested in new flower beds, murals and lighting to turn Cornwall Road into an environmentallyfriendly ‘greenway’, in line with Lambeth’s own draft Public Real Framework for the area. So more traffic in these streets could defeat these aims.

After two years of resident discussions with TfL and Lambeth, Cllr Claire Holland, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Clean Air, recently offered a solution banning traffic turning right from Waterloo Road into Exton and Alaska Streets.

But a public meeting of residents and businesses organised

by LERA and other residents’ associations covering Edward Henry Housing Co-operative and Peabody Stamford Street Estate, showed unanimous support for a different solution - closing the southern junction of Stamford Street and Cornwall Road.

“Cllr Holland’s solution reduces the risk of the TfL scheme making matters worse,” said Mr Hollins. “But our solution won support because it does more than that – it would be a real impro-

vement. It would end existing as well as new rat-running in both directions.”

Cllr Holland agreed to meet the groups and is now conside-

ring the resident and business solution. Residents have been supported by Florence Eshalomi AM, Kate Hoey MP and Bishop’s Ward councillors Kevin Craig, Ibrahim Dogus and Jennie Mosley.

“I strongly believe that local people are ideally placed to understand local issues,” said Cllr Dogus. “Their ideas are well thought-through, and not only tackle rat-running but meet the longerterm aims of Lambeth’s own strategic plan.”

Could you be a role model for a Child?

Become a volunteer mentor with Chance UK and help build a more positive future for a child in Islington, Camden, Southwark, Westminster, Haringey, Lambeth and Croydon. All we ask is that you can spare 2-4 hours a week, for 9-12 months.

You would be providing fun and inspiring sessions with a child who needs you.

Chance UK mentors children aged 5-12 years old experiencing behavioural and emotional difficulties. Through spending focused time with mentors one-to-one, we have found that the children we work with are able to develop their skills, raise aspirations and become more confident in themselves.

To find out more visit the become a mentor page on our website www.chanceuk.com Contact us on 020 7281 5858 or email volunteer@chanceuk.com Charity Registration Number 1046947

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News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

If you live in the area circled by Waterloo Road, Lambeth Road, the river and a jagged line from Hatfields down to the lower Blackfriars Road you are one of 7200 residents about to receive a polling card/who should have received a polling card for a referendum on October 24th. Over six hundred businesses in the area will also receive a card.

It’s not a re-run of that referendum, but an opportunity to

Make sure you vote vote for (or against) the Neighbourhood Development Plan, compiled since 2013 by the efforts of over 500 hundred volunteers who make up SoWN, or South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours.

Neighbourhood Plans are the product of the 2011 Localism Act, and they have been appearing throughout the country, though progress in the larger cities, particularly London, has been much slower. Only eleven plans have been made (i.e. agreed and approved) in the Gre-

ater London area, and only two of those are south of the river, in Richmond and Sutton.

Plans are intended to reflect the opinions of businesses and local residents about the state of their area, and how they see it developing. While the Plan must be in general conformity with the overarching plans of the Government, the Mayor and the local borough, and cannot be used to restrict development, there is plenty of scope to suggest ways in which the area can be improved for the good of all.

The Plan is examined by the local council (Lambeth and Southwark in SoWN’s case), but must ultimately be scrutinised by an Independent Examiner, generally a lawyer with planning expertise, and approved, before it can go forward to a referendum.

Once approved by a referendum of residents and businesses, a Neighbourhood Plan joins the heirarchy of local planning and becomes a set of statutory guidelines that must be consulted by developers. Reflecting the widespread concern

about air quality in the area, the SoWN plan is particularly strong on environmental policies and the protection of green and open spaces. It suggests, for example, that all new buildings in the Plan demise should have green roofs, or equivilant offset measures; or, in the absence of capacity for such features, the developer should seek to locate green roofs or spaces elsewhere in the locality.

A strong majority in favour of the plan in October would send out a message of support, not just for the plan itself, but to all those who have researched it and contributed to it since 2013. Please vote for the Plan on October 24th.

News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019 Evelina London Children’s Hospital hosted a visit from TV presenter and children’s author and illustrator, Konnie Huq on Monday 12 August.

Konnie has just released her first children’s book Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World and came to Evelina London to read an extract to young patients. Konnie also taught the basics of storytelling with a comic strip workshop and got minds racing with a science quiz.

The book is the first in a series centred around a nine-year-old, science obsessed lead character Cookie and takes influence from Konnie’s own upbringing. Konnie was extremely passionate about science at a young age and is a huge advocate for getting girls into science.

Konnie said: “As a children’s TV presenter for over a decade and now a mother of two young children, writing these books is very close to my heart. It’s so important to get kids enthused at a young age not only with reading but also a good sense of humour and even a touch of the anarchic.

The Cookie books do all this, while telling a real, relatable story about growing up, friendship and staying true to yourself. Plus, I’ve thrown in a bit of STEM learning – geeky habits die hard…”

Dr Hannah Bellsham-Revell,

As part of its commitment to making it safer for young people to walk, cycle and scoot to school and protect children from breathing in dangerous levels of pollution, Lambeth Council is proposing to introduce permanent timed road closures around a primary school.

Roads around Immanuel and St Andrew CE primary school in Streatham will be closed during morning and evening pick up and drop-offs.

School Streets trial After the trial, which took place in March this year to address concerns around road safety, ratrunning and parking issues, was widely supported by parents and local residents; saw an increase in pupils walking, riding and scooting to school and helped to reduce traffic and congestion in the schools immediate vicinity, the council and school deemed the trial to be a success.

What is the council proposing?

The trial, which ended on 23 July 2019, saw barriers in place to restrict road traffic around the school. Lambeth Council now wants to implement permanent timed closures around the school, and will use Automatic Number

Konnie Huq introduces debut book at London children’s hospital

consultant in paediatric cardiology at Evelina London, said: “It was really lovely that Konnie joined us at Evelina London to run an interactive workshop with some of our patients.

“Throughout our 150 years we have nurtured the potential of our patients with inspiring and educational activities, so it’s great that Konnie got to meet some of our

budding scientists.”

While visiting the hospital, Konnie met 12-year-old Isabelle Everest, who was born with cerebral palsy and has been a patient at Evelina London since she was five. Isabelle is not only a European judo champion, but also a science fanatic who wants to become a doctor when she’s older, after being inspired by the care she has received

throughout her life.

Isabelle said: “To meet Konnie, an actual author, was really great.

I particularly liked learning what ingredients you need to write a comic strip.

I want to give something back for everything the Evelina has done to look after me. I want to be a paediatrician so I can look after children and young adults, I want to sup-

Lambeth Council plans to introduce permanent timed road closures around primary school

Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at each of the 3 closure points on Northanger Road, at the junction with Westwell Road, Greyhound Lane and Buckleigh Road, which will help to enforce the experimental Traffic Management Order (TMO) and pedestrianised zone. Lambeth Council will aim to

replace the current barriers with the cameras in October.

Will I be affected by the closure?

The Council’s aim is to make the outside of the school into a pedestrian and cycle zone only during the school morning and afternoon. The school will operate

gates to enforce the closure for this trial until they are replaced with the cameras. With a TMO in place, an experiment carried out by the council to prevent vehicles accessing the closed road means even when the gates aren’t in place enforcement action can be taken by the council, as a violation is being

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port them through difficult times especially with the things I have been through. I don’t want any child to give up on their dreams.”

Konnie also met 11-year-old Munkh Batasaikhan, who has been a patient of Evelina London since he was a baby. Munkh was born with a rare condition called Diamond Blackfan Anaemia and like Isabelle, would also like to work in medicine when he is older.

Munkh said: “It’s because of Evelina London that I dream of being a doctor. I adore the hospital and most likely would love to work here. Evelina London is always a nice place to be.”

Konnie has been a permanent fixture on our screens since she was 16-years-old. She is best known for being the longest serving member of the Blue Peter team and, as well as presenting credits on many major television networks, has also co-written an episode of the acclaimed series Black Mirror.

Evelina London is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

The hospital was founded in 1869 as Evelina Hospital for Sick Children by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, whose wife, Evelina, died along with their baby in childbirth.

To find out how Evelina London will be celebrating its special birthday, visit www.evelinalondon. nhs.uk/150.

committed.

During these times access to the road will only be granted to blue badge holders and emergency vehicles. Residents will be able to leave the street by car and there will be advance warning signs at the entrances of the closed street to let drivers know about the restrictions.

Word from cabinet Cllr Claire Holland, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council with responsibility for Environment & Clean Air, said: ‘’We want to protect our future generations from breathing in toxic air, which is known to cause serious health problems such as lung defects, breathing problems and cancer and put the infrastructure in place for them to walk, cycle and scoot safely.

Having timed road closures around the school’s immediate surroundings means that children travelling to school will breathe in less toxic air and be able to do so more safely. It’s important that we act now and urgently to start making positive change and realise how harmful pollution is to people living in our borough and in London as a whole.’’

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News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

Jubilee Gardens’ playground – used by more than half a million children every year – has received a makeover thanks to £80,000 funding from Lambeth Council.

The well-loved Jubilee Gardens are owned and managed by The Jubilee Gardens Trust, who welcomed leader of Lambeth Council Cllr Jack Hopkins, and Mayor Cllr Ibrahim Dogus, to mark the official re-launching of the playground that originally opened in 2012.

After seven years of wear and tear from such heavy use, the playground’s most recent makeover saw a much-needed £80,000 upgrade, including a new safety surface and new equipment to improve the play value for younger children.

The cost of the makeover was met by Lambeth Council, using funding secured by the Council through the adjacent Southbank Place development.

The latest huge step in the ambitious scheme to bring hundreds of new homes and a theatre to central Brixton has been marked with a groundbreaking ceremony at Somerleyton Road.

The partners behind the Somerleyton Road regeneration scheme, including Lambeth Council, Homes for Lambeth (HfL) and contractors Galliford Try, put the first spade in the ground at the huge site on the corner of Coldharbour Lane.

It is six years since the council set out its ambitious vision for a project which includes over 300 homes – 50% of them affordable – the relocation of the renowned Ovalhouse Theatre to Brixton, a new purpose-built home for the ‘Block Workout’ street gym, and new workspaces and community facilities.

Following extensive consultation with local residents, the scheme has gathered pace over recent months, after the council appointed Galliford Try to push ahead with the first phase of the regeneration scheme – involving the development of the New Ovalhouse Theatre and the refurbishment of the listed building Carlton Mansions.

In January, Lambeth’s Cabinet

representatives of local residents, businesses and adjacent landowners.

The Gardens are maintained to a high standard and are extremely popular with local residents, employees and visitors to the area from London, the UK and all over the world – some 8 million a year.

‘Proud’

London’s ‘busiest playground’ re-launches on the South Bank ‘Delighted’ Cllr Jack Hopkins, Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “It’s great to be here on Jubilee Gardens and to see how they are enjoyed by so many thousands of people as a break from the busy South Bank.

“The council is delighted to

support the playground improvements which will benefit local residents and visitors alike. The extraordinary success of the South Bank is vitally important to Lambeth and its economy.

“The council is very supportive of the Jubilee Gardens Trust in its

work to maintain the Gardens to the highest possible standard.”

Jubilee Gardens Trust Unusually, for a prime Central London open space, Jubilee Gardens is managed by a small locally based charitable trust, comprising

Ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of regeneration work at Somerleyton Road

gave the green light to plans to build hundreds of new homes at the site. Cabinet members also recommended that HfL – the council’s wholly-council owned housing company – should build the new homes, in order to maximise the

number of genuinely affordable properties.

Word from the Cabinet Cllr Matthew Bennett, Cabinet Member for Planning, Investment and New Homes, is pictured officially breaking ground at the site,

alongside local councillor Donatus Anyanwu. Cllr Bennett said: “This is a proud day for everyone involved in this fantastic project and it clearly demonstrates how close we are to delivering these benefits for the people of Brixton.

Ted Inman, Chair of the Jubilee Gardens Trust, said: “A safe, welcoming environment for children is imperative for all major cities, and we are exceptionally proud to boast one of Britain’s best-used playgrounds.

“Jubilee Gardens and its newly re-vamped playground offers a much-needed open space amidst the hustle and bustle of this busy city, and its popularity is testament to it being loved by residents, visitors and businesses alike.“Lambeth Council is a key partner in our efforts to look after the Gardens and we really appreciate Lambeth’s support for these much-needed playground improvements. We will continue to work closely with the Council to ensure that we maintain Jubilee Gardens as a jewel in the crown of the South Bank.”

“We have spent years working closely with the community, making sure that everything we do is shaped by local residents, is unique to Brixton and provides the best chance of meeting the aspirations of people in the area.

“I am excited that, in the midst of a major housing crisis, Lambeth Council has the ambition and vision to provide genuinely affordable homes for people in the local area and Lambeth as a whole.”

The Somerleyton Road blueprint also reaffirms the original objectives for involving the whole community in the development.

It includes a community steering group which will oversee the project and create the Community Stewardship Body which will help to supervise the development in the long term.

The original objectives of the project, set out in a report to Cabinet in November 2013, included bringing the Ovalhouse Theatre to Brixton, maximising the amount of affordable housing for local people, and securing a long-term stewardship role for the community in the finished project.

The current planning consent for the scheme comprises 6 blocks, with provision for 304 homes – of which 50% are genuinely affordable – Extra Care homes, a nursery, a street gym, commercial space and retail space.

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LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

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Inspiring the next generation of local schoolgirls Staff from Guy’s and St Thomas’ have been inspiring the next generation of female scientists and healthcare workers, with the organisation I Can Be. In the first half of 2019, Guy’s and St Thomas’ staff hosted 24 visits from local children aged seven and eight, as part of its work to help people in south London get experience of healthcare and research careers.

Sessions for local schoolgirls with Guy’s and St Thomas’ staff have focused on a range of roles and subjects, including statistics, cells and bacteria, and speech and language therapy.

I Can Be brings young children into the world of work. It was founded for girls and has recently started running visits for boys.

The charity places particular emphasis on science careers, where women are underrepresented.

Jakki Brandon, a research nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’, has led sessions showing girls how she prepares newborns for MRI scans.

Jakki said of the visits: “I wanted to get involved with I Can Be, not only because I feel strongly

Lambeth Council is consulting on a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy to address how the borough will tackle and prevent homelessness in the future.

Rising levels of homelessness over the past decade are a tragedy that the council and our partners have been working hard to mitigate. The UK, especially London, is in the grip of a housing crisis. With a lack of central government investment in house building and rising costs in the private rented sector, more people are finding themselves without a permanent roof over their heads. According to the latest estimates from Shelter UK, 320,000 people in the UK now find themselves in either temporary accommodation or sleeping on our streets.

Despite significant cuts to the funding received from central

about providing opportunities for children and young people to learn about potential careers, but also because I’m passionate about my job.

“I feel really privileged to be in a role and a team which contributes to valuable research and healthcare. I felt that if I could help to spread that message in any way to children and young people then that would be hugely rewarding.”

In another visit, our researcher Emily Read taught girls about cells and bacteria by making petri dish art. Several of the girls who took part now want to be scientists.

Anastasia de Waal, founding director at I Can Be, said: “The visits to Guy’s and St Thomas’ have gone really well. That so many professionals, with important and busy jobs, wanted to give their time to inspire girls was overwhelming, and not something we’ve seen in many of the industries we work within.

“The staff have planned exciting and imaginative activities for the children, finding practical ways to teach them about complex things. The hands-on approach the volunteers have taken, and the time spent carefully planning these activities, makes the visits really special.

“The volunteers are having a

big impact on the children and making such an impression that many now want to follow in their footsteps.”

Chinonso Nwannadi, a human resources project manager at

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Consultation government, Lambeth Council has continued to ensure it does everything possible to help rough sleepers and those facing homelessness. This is combined with an ambitious affordable house building programme led by Homes for Lambeth, a house building company set up and wholly owned by Lambeth Council.

A focus on prevention The council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy sets out what it will do to prevent homelessness and support people who are sleeping rough.

The council has laid out a set of proposals which will focus on preventing homelessness, with over a 1,000 people a year receiving support. There are specific proposals for how to address the needs of our LGBT homeless community and a set of clear asks to

central government concerning the urgent need for them to assist us in producing a more joined-up, better-funded service which addresses the root causes of homelessness.

A wide range of support The council spends £4 million annually on critical services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes: • Close to 500 beds for rough sleepers across the borough and funding a team of people who go out morning and night to support homeless people.

• A range of services designed to improve the overall health of homeless people, including specialist GP services; specialist nurses; a team of social workers and substance abuse workers that vi-

sit projects across the Vulnerable Adults Pathway; a number of psychologists based at hostels and a hospital discharge team.

• Support and advice to people at risk of becoming homeless. This is personalised to each individual and can include temporary accommodation, food and fuel vouchers, second-hand furniture and other help to prevent people from sleeping rough.

As a result of our support and the invaluable support provided by charities, food banks and other people and organisations in the community, Lambeth has consistently reported the highest number of ‘prevention outcomes’ (successful preventions of homelessness) among all inner London boroughs during 2017-2018.

Lambeth Council

Guy’s and St Thomas’ who coordinates the visits, said “We want to inspire young children and our staff are great role models. We’re so grateful that they’re giving their time.”

wants your views This consultation and the final strategy is crucial to ensuring that services continue to help our most vulnerable re sidents. The council is asking residents, customers, partners and stakeholders to give their views on the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Your feedback will inform the development of the strategy itself which will be completed and published by 31 December 2019.

Word from cabinet Cllr Paul Gadsby, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are keen to make sure that our Homelessness and Rough Sleeping strategy continues to be strong, and I would encourage as many people as possible to put their views across so that we can continue to help as many people as possible. I would like to thank our staff and everyone in Lambeth for their tireless work in preventing homelessness.”

The consultation runs until Sunday 25 October 2019.

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10 LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

Archbishop’s Park Gardening Club Awarded 3 year Lottery Funding Archbishop’s Park is one of the 12 Green Flag parks which recognises a quality standard and strong community input. The club is now in its 10th year and serves many roles. As well as providing a valued social activity for those who want to get out and meet people, it aims to keep people both physically and mentally active whilst supporting the upkeep of the many gardens and green areas. Participants can grow plants from seed, tender the various beds, make wildlife habitats or grow fruit and vegetables in the nearby “pop-up” allotment.

Founder, Helen Lees said “We started with nothing and have created so much here including a wildlife area and pond, apiary, orchard and ornamental beds. Our support has changed over the years from replacing items such seating, picnic tables and the odd raised bed, to using public spaces for promoting well-being by bringing the community together and involving them in enjoyable activities. We welcome local residents and in particular

adults dealing with mental health issues who find the calmness of the park relaxing. One participant commented “Before my Dad died I was his main carer and didn’t go out. I lost contact with most of my friends but coming here is a little oasis of calm.” With the help from the lottery’s Community Fund we can not only offer more spaces, but are expanding to support the educational needs of the students at Roots and Shoots who experience barriers to learning.

Many of the students find entering the workplace or further training difficult and this new programme will provide wider opportunities to support basics such as team working, interpersonal skills along with practical gardening experience which will build on classroom learning.

The Gardening Club is open to local residents and runs 1.30-4.00 every Friday except Bank Holidays.

Want to find out more? Contact Helen 07981 908919. helenb.lees@btinternet.com

“Andy’s had a long day. Lambeth’s finest mixed grill is on the way.”

Delivering for the nation Order on the app tonight

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13/12/2018 16:53

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LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

Lambeth Council and businesses invest in more police There will be extra bobbies on the beat in Lambeth after the council approved plans developed with local businesses to pay for 11 new borough based police men and women.

The move will see four police constables and one police sergeant based at the council’s Civic

11

Community Safety, said: “Deep cuts to public services have seen a big fall in police numbers on our borough. However this council, and local businesses, remain determined to do all we can to tackle harm in our communities.

“For that reason we have worked hard to put this scheme together. The police officers we have agreed to pay for will focus on local issues, including anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, keeping people safe when out at night and stopping kerb crawling.”

Funding The scheme is expected to cost £1,700,000 over three years, including a £750,000 bill for the council. South Bank BID and the Vauxhall BID will contribute around £950,000. The new roles are being advertised with a view to have the officers in post by October 1 this year.

The Met used to pay for one extra police officer for every officer’s salary paid locally.

But budget pressures mean the scheme has been scrapped, and as a result the cost to the boroughs of directly employing two officers has gone up by £45,000.

The commitment supports goals from Lambeth’s Borough Plan which include making town centres feel safe and welcoming, as well as reducing anti-social behaviour. The goals are contained in the Lambeth’s Borough Plan Review which was adopted by the council at the same meeting.

Centre office in Brixton.

Another six police constables will be based with the South Bank Business Improvement District and the Vauxhall Business Improvement District. The decision, which will apply until 2022, was made by Lambeth council’s Cabinet meeting on the evening of July 22.

‘Keeping people safe’ Cllr Mo Seedat Cllr Mohammed Seedat, Cabinet member for Jobs, Skills and

Lambeth care home receives ‘Good’ rating from CQC A Lambeth care home for people with learning disabilities has received a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Staff at Sanctuary Supported Living’s Ashley Cooper House, which provides 24-hour residential care and support for people

with learning disabilities, were praised for responding to residents’ support needs with compassion and for providing “consistent, effective, timely care”.

The care home was assessed across five categories – care, safety, effectiveness, leadership and responsiveness – and achieved ‘Good’ ratings in each of them.

CQC inspectors found that staff were “friendly and caring” and treated residents with dig-

nity and respect. Residents were encouraged to live as independently as possible and were supported to make decisions about their care.

Inspectors also saw that each resident had a nominated keyworker who helped them to create a personalised care plan and work towards their personal shortterm and long-term goals.

The CQC report noted that residents who used wheelchairs were able to move around independently, including spending

time in the accessible garden, as the service was adapted to their physical needs.

Residents also had support from staff to meet their religious and cultural needs, including visiting a local place of worship and preparing meals according to their religion.

One resident told inspectors that they always felt respected by staff, saying, “they are polite and always ask for permission.”

Another added, “I like the staff, they are helpful and know how to

look after me.” One relative of a resident described staff as “like a family” to their loved one.

Local Service Manager, Bea Banda, said, “We’re delighted to receive a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC and particularly pleased that our staff have been recognised in the report for their kind and respectful approach to residents’ care.

“We are committed to helping residents to live as independently as possible and have maximum control of their lives.”

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12 LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

FROM SERV ING TABLES TO SERV ING VAUXHALL – DOGUS TELLS LAMBETH LIFE ABOUT HIS BID TO tington hospital.

Today, more than a decade on, Dogus’ physical scars have healed and life has moved on. The entrepreneur has worked and lived in Lambeth for more than a decade.

He has moved from teenage potwasher to the proprietor of Troia and Westminster Kitchen. More recently, the father-of-two has handed over management of the restaurants to his wife and other board members and embarked on a new chapter devoted to championing his community.

The small business owner who ran some of the South Bank’s bestknown eateries has become the community activist behind Lambeth Life and With Love, a new café set up to support the homeless in Waterloo.

What has remained with Dogus following that extraordinary attack, however, is the memory of the struggle to help clean up his community – as well as an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Britain despite the horror of being shot in the country that he came to for sanctuary.

Ibrahim Dogus hasn’t got the sort of background you’d normally associate with someone trying to make their way across the river into the Palace of Westminster – he was waiting on tables whilst our soon to be retired MP was already not a fresh face in the commons chamber.

An immigrant whose family came to Britain to escape threats of violence, or the reality of conflict, before taking a role in modern, democratic and liberal politics in an adopted homeland is a readily familiar one.

Where it takes a sudden and sobering twist with Ibrahim Dogus, however, is that this social entrepreneur fled Turkey only to be shot on the streets of Britain - the country to which he had pledged his future.

Dogus was barely into his twenties when a criminal gang responded to his efforts to stamp out drug-related violence in Hackney by, first, torching his car and then shooting him in the stomach.

The young restauranteur was lucky to survive and says he owes his life to the NHS doctors and nurses who treated him for several weeks in intensive care at Whit-

“I owe this country a huge debt,” “My dad was a political activist in Turkey and had to flee as his life was in danger. This country not only took him in, but several years later allowed us to join him so that we could re-unite as a family.

“While things were far from perfect, I can never forget that this country saved my dad’s life and gave us a home. It housed us, educated us and cared for us when we were sick.

“I will always be struck by the great things that Britain represents as open, tolerant country – where people from more than 150 different countries speak more than 250 different languages; as a country of refuge – a haven for people facing persecution from around the world; and as a compassionate country – where everyone, no matter how poor, could lead a fulfilling life.”

Never was that sense of gratitude shown more clearly than in March 2017 when, in the aftermath of the Westminster Bridge terror attack, Dogus opened the doors of his restaurants to provide free food and drink for who rushed into danger on that dark day.

He kept the restaurants open late into the evening to serve exhausted emergency service workers and it was for that moment of generosity – just one of many selfless acts across the capital that week – that earned him a community award from the Met Police’s Lambeth borough commander earlier

this year.

Looking back on the events of that spring day, Dogus discerns a wider truth which he feels epitomises the values of Londoners.

“It is through my restaurants and all charitable activities I have

proudly showcased the migrant contribution which forms the fabric of Vauxhall’s vibrant and diverse spirit.

“As a community activist, I have strived for more than 20 years to try to bring people toget-

her, particularly those from Turkish and Kurdish communities.”

That final point is a reference to his creation of the cross party organisation, the Centre for Turkey Studies (CEFTUS), which he set up in 2011 to encourage mu-

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LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

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– POPULAR LOCAL BUSINESSMAN IBRAHIM REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY IN WESTMINSTER nities from endless, acrimonious internal dispute and try to unite people from differing backgrounds.

“This is the single most important reason that I want to be an MP. Our country is at a crossroads. We are in grave danger of entering a dark place politically, where Government is dominated by dangerous right-wing nationalists. I can see the warning signs because at the moment, things don’t look too different to the country from which my family and I fled.​” He points in particular to three things in the record of the Tory government which crystallise how a party that used to describe itself as “one nation” has betrayed the British values of fairness and decency which it previously espoused – “Boris Johnson’s retreating from the world as we march towards a ‘no deal’ Brexit; Theresa May’s hostile environment for immigrants and ‘go home’ vans; and a relentless attack on the poorest and most disadvantaged which began under David Cameron.”

It is this mix of Tory economic incompetence, xenophobia and ideologically-driven cruelty that has pushed Dogus into seeking a new role as MP for Vauxhall.

The retirement of Brexiteer MP Kate Hoey, 30 years after she

tual understanding between the different ethnic groups of his country of birth.

It is that notion – of bringing people together – that could serve as a motto for Dogus. And it has proven to be one of the core mo-

tivations for entering politics.

Westminster politics has become broken, as is often said, and also dangerously bitter. He sees it as his central mission as social entrepreneur, mayor and Labour activist to spare commu-

was elected in a controversial byelection, has prompted a vacancy in a seat which some 77.6 per cent of voters backed Remain in 2016.

For Dogus, the selection contest to be Labour’s candidate is an opportunity to make the case

for the causes about which he and Vauxhall residents care so passionately – dismantling austerity, rebuilding public services, standing up for migrants and, yes, fighting for Britain to remain in the EU. Dogus has said “The Tories have so far miserably failed our communities across the country with their ideologically driven desire to leave the EU without a deal. I will fight to ensure that the United Kingdom remains the open, tolerant and compassionate country that welcomed me as a child. I will campaign and vote to remain in the EU.” It is with that simple explanation that Dogus hopes to convince Labour members and then Vaux-

hall residents to put him forward as their MP whenever the next general election comes – an event that looks sooner with every passing day.

Britain gave Dogus a job, an income, a place in the community. At times – after being shot, and then watching politics unfold since the referendum – he might have had cause to question the direction of the country. Now he is clear that the only way forward is to turf out the Tories and deliver a Labour government backed by a scores of new MPs determined to protect the historic security, rights and freedoms that make Britain an open, liberal and great nation.

Get in touch with Ibrahim

www.ibrahimdogus.org @ibrahim_dogus ibrahim4vauxhall@gmail.com

facebook.com/ibrahim4vauxhall 075 2518 5288

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14 LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

Plans to install more bike hangars in Lambeth In response to resident’s requests for more bike parking spaces, Lambeth Council is installing 41 new bike hangars around Lambeth this year. By 2022 there will be more than 2,600 spaces for people to use.

To continue the crackdown on illegal gaming, such as the ‘cup and ball’ scam, on Westminster Bridge, Lambeth Council is proposing an extension of its Street Gaming and Street Gambling Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) The PSPO, which has been in place in the South Bank area since 2016, is due to expire on 10 October 2019, aims to prevent street gambling and the associated antisocial behaviour which has a negative impact on local residents, visitors and businesses.

Since February this year, officers have issued over 290 fixedpenalty notices to offenders breaking the order, showing what an important role it plays in helping tackle this persistent problem.

Taking these and other factors into consideration Lambeth Council is now looking to extend the PSPO for a further 3 years.

Word from Cabinet Cllr Paul Gadsby, Cabinet Member for Housing, with responsibility for enforcement said: “Street gaming and gambling around the South Bank is a blight on one of London’s most popular destinations, so it’s vital that we extend this order and continue to work with the police and other local partners to clamp down on people who flout the law. Since this ground-breaking PSPO was introduced we’ve issued hundreds of fines to offenders.

Street gaming and gambling is linked with other crime, including

Climate emergency Lambeth Council recently declared a climate emergency and committed to going carbon neutral by 2030. The cycle hangar programme is an important part of the council’s work to clean up our air and help

more people to take up active travel like cycling and walking.

Cycling is a win-win for our health and the environment – reducing our reliance on polluting transport at the same time as getting more active.

Word from Cabinet Cllr Claire Holland, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council with responsibility for Environment & Clean Air, said: ‘’I’m delighted more bike hangars are being installed around Lambeth this year, making cycling more accessible to residents who don’t have the space to store their bikes securely indoors.

To tackle the climate crisis all of us need to switch cars and cabs for bikes and public transport, and these bike hangars are just one of the initiatives we’ve introduced to make cycling the best way to get around Lambeth. With new cycle lanes, quietways and changes to road layouts being introduced all over the borough, we’re supporting our residents to use less polluting ways of travelling around London, cleaning up our air and making

Lambeth Council looks to extend its PSPO for Street Gambling and Gaming [Image credit: South Bank London]

Many residents lack indoor space to keep their bikes secure, so since 2012 Lambeth Council has been installing special bike hangars around the borough.

With 220 installed so far, the council is consulting residents on 55 roads which have been identified for the next phase of hangars to be installed.

With a rise in the number of people choosing cycling as their main way of getting around the council wants to ensure more people have access to secure bike storage facilities, making the decision to get out on our bikes as simple as possible!

theft and pick-pocketing, so it’s important that we have the right tools to tackle it. We also know that there are vulnerable people caught up in this, with links to modern-day slavery, human trafficking and prostitution – the PSPO plays an important role in our efforts to protect them” Our existing PSPO and current legislation

Extending the order for a further 3 years will help us to continue to tackle some of the ASB we are witnessing – some examples are listed below: • Large groups blocking the pavement on Westminster bridge • Pedestrians being forced into the road to avoid games and the crowds it attracts • Offenders harassing

passers-by, touching members of the public and encouraging them to play • People refusing to hand over money being verbally abused and threatened with physical violence • Attracting other unlawful activity y to the bridge, including unlicensed street performers and vendors Under the ‘Gambling Act 2005’

our streets safer for everyone.”

In demand It’s clear that our programmes are starting to have an effect, as we’ve seen exceptional demand for new hangars all over Lambeth. Our teams are working flat out to install new hangars and identify new locations for future use.’’ The bike hangars, provided by Cycle Hoop, have room for up to 6 bikes each and take up half a parking space.

Lambeth Council’s proposals The proposed locations can be viewed on maps of Lambeth’s proposed cycle hangar location webpage. There are currently 220 hangars already installed providing 1,320 bike spaces, but there is lots of demand for more to be installed.

People who have applied for a space and were added to the council’s waiting list will be prioritised when the new spaces become available, with some spaces available for residents who hadn’t applied already if hangars aren’t already full. the current legislation classifies the above as offences, but these can be difficult to prove and often leads to ASB not being enforced.

The aim of our PSPO is to take action and enforce against those carrying out these offences.

Why are we extending the PSPO? Modern-day slavery, human trafficking, prostitution, exploitation of minors, pick-pocketing and theft, and the deliberate targeting of vulnerable people are all linked with street gaming and street gambling, which has a severe impact on people and the local area.

This has been confirmed by analysing Lambeth Council’s and the Metropolitan Police’s data.

This data analysed included a sample of 100 crimes reported since January 2017 and various behavioural patterns were identified: • Reports of theft and pickpocketing • Victims lured into revealing cash which was then snatched/ stolen • Reports of victims being fraudulently conned out of money • Breaches of criminal behaviour orders • Victims surrounded and threatened by a group of gamers • Weapons found on gamers following searches • Assault or obstruction of police officers • Offenders found in possession of stolen goods • Missing persons linked to street gaming and street gambling • Vulnerable children were taken into police protection Lambeth Council and the Metropolitan Police will face challenges in enforcing against street gaming and street gambling to reduce this negative behaviour if the current PSPO is not extended.

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Veggie café branches out for community Menus from all over the world, gardening and training events combine to make a new Lambeth-run veggie café a place for the community.

future.

Local cooks, worldwide menu We’re open for lunch, brunch and home-made cakes. The café’s cooks and menu are ever-changing, with a collective of local cooks from all over the world each bringing their own style, cultures and backgrounds to the dishes. They include local residents like Misiek, who lives right next to the café and is very proud to be able to cook for his community.

Community café Bonnington Café, the co-operatively run vegetarian and vegan restaurant from Vauxhall’s Bonnington Square, is bringing its much-loved affordable home-cooking to a second location right on the boundary of Lambeth – and working to bring communities and neighbours together.

Local produce

Community centre The café on Thessaly Road opened this summer and is Bonnington Café’s first outreach space since opening in the early 1980s. The aim is to revive and restore an underutilised community centre (the Yvonne Carr Centre SW8 4HT) and create a new community centred

Brockwell Park has won three London in Bloom Gold Awards, with Clapham Common and Kennington Park also among the highest scores.

around food and horticulture.

There’ll be learning events and activities free (with returnable deposit) every month for the local community.

Training and growing

In September, planned food, training and growing events include: • Pizza-making workshop • Community gardening – planting lettuce leaves and other fastgrowing produce for the café’s salads

• Hosting a workshop with a prestigious catering college – giving local people a taster of a career in the hospitality industry • Giving local charity FAST’s cooking club use of our kitchen and café space to inspire chefs of the

Five ‘London in Bloom’ golds for Lambeth

London in Bloom visited Lambeth in the heat of summer, looking at green spaces big and small, judging how the borough meets the changing needs of visitors and how those green spaces are looked after and improved.

Overall, we won Silver-Gilt (one below Gold) as a borough, with three of Lambeth’s parks and gardens scoring five gold medals. No Lambeth site scored lower than silver-gilt in any category, including small conservation areas, cemeteries and churchyards.

Gold awards • Brockwell Park was an outs-

For more information For opening hours, prices, booking for training events and more, visit https://www.bonningtoncafeonthessaly.com/

a first time entry and a Silver-Gilt winner. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens entered for the first time and won Silver Gilt, to go with their successful first entry in the Green Flag best parks awards earlier this year. Archbishop’s Park scored Silver-Gilt for the second time after first entering in 2018.

All the Silver Gilt winners are listed below.

Community winners Local people who take pride in their environment also independently entered London in Bloom 2019. Residents of Stockwell’s Spurgeon Estate reopened their pocket park in July after 20 years of being locked and neglected, and the group was defined as ‘Thriving’ by London in Bloom.

Other ‘Thriving’ community gardening groups include the Friends of Gipsy Hill, Streatham Common Co-Op and Pearman Street Community Gardens. Brockwell Park’s Community Greenhouses and Eden Community Garden were judged ‘outstanding’.

Word from the Cabinet Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth Council cabinet member for equalities and culture, said: “We’re delighted to see more and more local communities putting themselves forward for London in Bloom Awards – and doing so well. This recognition from London in Bloom reflects the commitment that the friends of the parks groups and community co-operatives – as well as our Parks staff – put into maintaining and improving their local environment in spaces like gardens, churchyards, and parks both big and small.”

The café’s food is based on fresh ingredients from its neighbour New Covent Garden Market (we use the local market to support local businesses and reduce food miles).

VINCI St. Modwen have partnered with New Covent Garden Market and Bonnington Café, funding the project to make it affordable and accessible to local communities in.

Silver Gilt medallists

tanding three times Gold medal Winner, in the Large Park (above 25 Acres) and Heritage Park of the Year categories. The walled garden also won Gold.

• Kennington Park’s Flower Garden won gold for the second year running in the walled garden category.

• Clapham Common won

a Gold ‘Common of the Year’ Award.

Maintaining success Streatham Coimmon LNR was

• Cottington Community Garden • Cottington Estate Community Beds • Eardley Road Sidings Nature Reserve • Streatham Common LNR • Slade Gardens • Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens • Archbishop’s Park • Myatt’s Fields Park • Kennington Park • John’s Church Gardens Waterloo

16 LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019 • Mia Mifsud, three, had both her kidneys removed after they grew to the size of an adult kidney • Her dad, Dion, donated a kidney and she’s survived sepsis five times • She walked for the first time last month and was the youngest competitor at the British Transplant Games A three-year-old girl has celebrated her first anniversary of receiving a new kidney at Evelina London by becoming the youngest competitor at the British Transplant Games.

Mia Mifsud, from Gibraltar, had both her kidneys removed when she was three months old due to a rare genetic condition called autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).

The condition caused both her kidneys to grow to 15cm, bigger than the size of an adult kidney, which resulted in life-threatening complications, including a mini stroke and severe breathing and digestive problems.

Mia’s mother, Danielle, said: “On our third day in hospital after Mia was born the doctor noticed that her stomach was hard and he suspected that something was wrong.

Tests showed cysts on her kidneys but at that stage the doctors were not able to give us a diagnosis.

“The hospital rang Evelina London Children’s Hospital for advice and the following day we took the first aeroplane out of Gibraltar to London. Thankfully the doctors there were able to diagnose Mia with ARPKD. We were completely shocked when we found out that her kidneys were bigger than an adults. They were causing Mia serious problems which meant the first weeks of her life were spent in and out of the paediatric intensive care unit.”

In August 2018 after spending two years on dialysis – an artificial way of removing toxins from the blood which the kidneys would usually flush out – her father, Dion, donated one of his kidneys to her. He had the operation at Guy’s Hospital.

The surgery was a success but the medication to stop Mia’s body Mums and dads across the country have replaced street signs with new names incorporating chemical symbols for air pollution for back to school week At the beginning of September, parents prepared for the start of school with an unusual activity. In between washing PE kits and buying school stationery, they took to the streets for some guerilla stickering.

The group is deeply concerned about the effects roadside air pollution is having on their children’s health during the walk to school.

So parents from Bristol, Leeds and London have given their children’s school street a new name- incorporating the chemical symbols for Nitrogen Dioxide - one of the most

Miracle Mia becomes youngest competitor at British Transplant Games

from rejecting the new kidney meant her immune system was suppressed, resulting in her developing sepsis five times between January and June this year.

Danielle, 34, said: “We were devastated when Mia had her kidneys removed. The first kidney was removed when she was six weeks old and the other one six weeks later.

It was very heart-breaking seeing her on dialysis. We couldn’t bath her and she was on a heavily restricted diet. Thankfully my husband was able to donate his kidney but we had to wait for her to put on weight before they could go ahead with the operation.

“The surgery was a success but Mia has been through so much since the transplant. We feared her life was in serious danger after she repeatedly developed sepsis but she has continued to pull through.

She really is a fighter.”

Thanks to the care she received at Evelina London, Mia has now recovered and in July started walking

for the first time.

Last month she attended the British Transplant Games in Wales with her parents and her sister, River, as part of the Evelina London team.

Mia was the youngest competitor at the games and took part in a number of events, including the under-fives 25m dash race.

Danielle said: “We are extremely thankful to Evelina London for the fantastic care Mia has received.

Everyone has been really invested in making sure she got the treatment she needed – we owe Mia’s life to them.

“The nurses in the renal team have really gone out of their way to look after us and make sure we’re all comfortable, from collecting Mia’s medication when I’ve not been able to, helping find us suitable accommodation in London and answering my calls and texts, even late at night. Nothing is ever too much.

I really couldn’t have asked for better care.

“I haven’t been able to return to Gibraltar since we arrived in London but I’m hopeful we will be able to return before the end of the year.

Our main priority is making sure Mia is well and healthy.”

The British Transplant Games are held every year and see hospital teams from across the UK compete in 25 different sports events, such as swimming, tennis, table tennis, badminton, cycling and athletics.

Evelina London’s Transplant Games team, the Evelina VIPs, is made up of patients who have received care at the children’s hospital following a kidney transplant.

Together they brought home 58 medals – including 15 Gold, 25 Silver and 18 Bronze – and won the Best Children’s Kidney Team.

Danielle said: “Attending the

London parents highlight toxic air on school streets by renaming signs

harmful pollutants emitted by vehicles.

All the parents involved are members of The Air Team, a group of parents across the UK who are worried about the damage air pol-

lution is causing to their children’s health.

Air Team member Jemima Hartshorn (and founder of South London campaigning group Mums for Lungs) renamed her son’s nursery street in Brixton, and a road in Dulwich (both London) with several schools on it. She said: “There is a desperate need for change, we want to raise awareness because we think people would rethink their mode of travel if they knew about the devastating health impacts of car emissions on

children’s health.”

A recent study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health revealed that 29 per cent of all new childhood asthma cases across the UK are caused by air pollution, and according to research by Queen Mary University, children in cities can have up to 10% less lung capacity.

The Air team are calling for the new government to implement new clean air legislation with strong, enforceable action to cut air pollution across the UK.

News British Transplant Games was an incredible experience. It’s the first holiday we have taken as a family since Mia was born. It was amazing connecting with other families who have been on a similar journey to us. We all got a lot out of it including Mia’s sister, River, who was able to participate in the events for siblings.

“Watching Mia take part in the 25m dash race and cross the finish line was a very special moment for us. It really showed how far she has come and what a determined little girl she is. We were completely blown away as she only started walking three weeks before. Everyone was cheering her on. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”

The Evelina VIPs are supported by team managers Grainne Walsh, transplant advanced nurse practitioner, Cathy Gill, senior play specialist and Pat Hayes, dispensary manager, plus 11 volunteers.

Grainne Walsh said: “We are delighted Mia is doing so well and was able to take part in the British Transplant Games. Having a child who has undergone a transplant can be a very isolating and lonely experience, so the games are a great opportunity for our patients and their families to come together and create a network of support.

“The games really highlight the positive impact kidney transplants have on our patients and their families’ lives. It’s always lovely to see our patients enjoying themselves, especially children who were previously very unwell. We enter a team every year but this year was extra special as Evelina London is celebrating 150 years of saving lives and improving health.”

Evelina London is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

The hospital was founded in 1869 as Evelina Hospital for Sick Children

by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, whose wife, Evelina, died along with their baby in childbirth.

To find out how Evelina London will be celebrating its special birthday, visit www.evelinalondon. nhs.uk/150 The British Transplant Games 2019 event was held in Newport from 25-28 July.

Air Team member Shazia AliWebber is renaming two of her sons’ school streets in Hackney, London. She said: “The UK has consistently breached EU air pollution limits and the High Court has ruled three times that the Government ‘must try harder’ to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels” “My kids are going back to school - it’s time the government went back to school on air pollution and stepped up with measures and policies that will actually reduce air pollution for everyone, especially children whose lungs are still developing, the elderly and other vulnerable groups including the increasing number of children with asthma”.

News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

17

Joanna Lumley leads college’s fundraising appeal Joanna Lumley has stepped in to support a £15 million fundraising campaign to transform the capital’s leading adult education college.

Morley College London has set a target of £18 million to improve and expand facilities at its historic centre in Waterloo, with £3 million already having been secured from the Mayor of London’s Skills for Londoners Capital Fund.

The actress and former model has become the College’s fundraising patron after discovering the work of one of its community-based centres in Stockwell, south east London, where she is a close neighbour.

Attending a launch for the fundraising appeal at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall on Tuesday, September 10, she said: “As a neighbour of one of Morley College’s centres in Stockwell, I’m very much aware of the good work they do and was delighted to be asked to support the College as its fund-raising patron.

“I’m very excited to hear about the ambitious improvements the College plans to make to its facilities in Waterloo. Morley has a wonderful reputation for encouraging adults to find and develop their creative talents and has played a big role in enriching the lives of people and the cultural life of London.

“This is a new phase in Morley’s very proud history and I would encourage people to get involved as we build on this by creating facilities which will maintain its place at the heart of adult education long

into the future.”

Planned improvements include an improved reception and entrance area, transforming the study and performance facilities, upgra-

ding the exhibition space, enlarging the library, creating a new lecture theatre, building a bridge to connect the two buildings, and improving outdoor areas for the

benefit of students.

Morley was founded by the social reformer Emma Cons in 1889, with an endowment from the Liberal MP Samuel Morley. It caters

largely for adult students from London and beyond. Many great names have been associated with the College, including its former musical directors, the composers Gustav Holst and Michael Tippett, as well as Virginia Woolf, Margaret Drabble, David Hockney, Maggi Hambling and Jonathan Miller.

Its founding principles of charity and philanthropy continue to be a driving force as its tutors experts in their field - pass their knowledge to more than 13,000 students every year.

The College, based at Westminster Bridge Road, offers full and part-time courses in the creative arts, humanities and science.

Its courses cater for a wide range of abilities - whether students are motivated by personal or professional development.

The fundraising effort, under the Morley Forward campaign, the College’s first such fundraising drive in 50 years, will ensure the institution continues to meet the expectations of students for decades to come.

Dr Andrew Gower, the college’s Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have Joanna Lumley’s support for this campaign to increase still further the enormous part Morley College London has played in the cultural life of London, a city which has built a worldwide reputation for its contribution to the creative industries.

“Her kind words of support are reflective of the wider reputation of Morley, which has played a major role in the cultural life of the capital since its foundation backstage at the Old Vic theatre just down the road.

“The fund-raising initiative will enable us to greatly enhance the student experience.”

Gasworks presents (15,952km) via Trans-Sahara Hwy N1 19 September – 15 December 2019 Gasworks presents (15,952km) via Trans-Sahara Hwy N1, the first institutional solo exhibition by London-based artist Kudzanai-Violet Hwami. Born in Zimbabwe, Hwami left her homeland at the age of nine amidst political turmoil. Drawing on personal experiences of geographical dislocation and displacement, her intensely pigmented paintings combine visual fragments from a myriad of sources such as online images and haunting family photographs, which collapse past and present into bold afro-futuristic visions.

While memories and visions of childhood in Zimbabwe have dominated her work to date, Gasworks’ exhibition bears testimony to her

desire to reconnect with her country of origin, combining found images with pictures taken during a recent visit that forced her to confront her romantic notions of belonging and rootedness.

Looking for a way to immerse herself in present day Zimbabwe, Hwami spent a month at Dzimbanhete, an artist run space in the outskirts of Harare, and lived with a traditional healer. However, instead of gaining the spiritual connection she was seeking, this experience made her feel removed and 'othered’ by the inability to fully embed herself in the context she calls home.

Hwami’s new work embodies this personal search by layering digital collages produced on a tab-

let. These images become the starting point for large-scale canvases, a process that reflects on the specific role of mediation taken by digital technology and online communication in the everyday lives of dias-

poric subjects. The resulting work overlaps narratives and combines stories that provide a personal take on the representation of black bodies, gender and sexuality, while also raising questions about family roots and colonial routes, spirituality, political power and displacement. Within this, the exhibition’s title (15,952km) via Trans-Sahara Hwy N1, literally maps the distance and route between Hwami’s home town in Zimbabwe and London. It also talks about Hwami’s physical and spiritual background as well as her journey into adulthood in the UK. After representing Zimbabwe at the 58th Venice Biennale, Gasworks’ exhibition groups Hwami’s

most ambitious body of work continuing her personal reflection on uprooting and re-grounding. Bold and tender, Hwami’s work interweaves memory, testimony, imagination and the political longing for a truer world.

Kudzanai-Violet Hwami’s exhibition is commissioned and produced by Gasworks, where she has been a studio holder since August 2018, and generously supported by Tyburn Gallery.

Gasworks exhibition programme is supported by Catherine Petitgas and Gasworks Exhibitions Supporters.

Free admission. Address: Gasworks, 155 Vauxhall St, London SE11 5RH

LAMBETHLIFE LIFEOCTOBER 2018 22 LAMBETH 22 18 LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

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LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

GCSE students learn real life healthcare and research skills South London GCSE students have been gaining experience of a range of healthcare and research training, including emergency medicine, mental health and palliative care. The teenagers attended a special school run by the NIHR Guy’s and St Thomas’ Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

The week long King’s Health Partners Summer School gave 20 students from Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham a range of experiences at health organisations in south London.

It included simulations of births, leg fractures and cardiac arrests.

The students also worked with the paediatric research team from Evelina London Children’s Hospital, and found out about the research taking place across Guy’s and St Thomas’.

Students took part in a simulation of providing mental health care to a patient, played by an actor, with severe depression and substance abuse. The session, run by Maudsley Simulation Centre, took the patient from a suicide attempt to recovery. This gave the students valuable insight into mental as well as physical health care and opened up important discussions in the group.

Lambeth Council has agreed to loan the iconic Old Vic £3.75million to unlock a series of educational and cultural experiences for young people in the borough.

The funding, which is being matched by neighbouring Southwark Council, will help support the creation of a new £12million centre, The Annex.

The council has worked with The Old Vic so the scheme best benefits the community and supports both Lambeth’s Borough Plan and the council’s Creative and Digital Industries Strategy for Growth.

As a result the new building will be opened up to the community for a range of employability, social mobility, wellbeing and community projects.

The Old Vic will support the council’s public health approach to keeping young people safe by piloting a pupil safety zone at key times of the day, run projects to tackle the root cause of violence and run specific sessions for at risk young people. There will be drop-in skills and training sessions, mentoring,

Social benefits to flow from Old Vic theatre project funding

a safe space for young people to revise for exams and a new home for community choirs.

The Old Vic will offer nine Lambeth teens work experience, have a youth trustee each year, offer subsidised tickets for locals and host free Christmas events to bring older and younger people together. Discussions are taking place with ZooNation Academy of Dance to bring workshops run by the top hip-hop dance academy to south London for the

The group also had sessions with Science Gallery London, the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care and teams from King’s College London on topics including imaging and stem cell research. Alaae Brahime, 15, from St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School in Southwark, said: “It’s an unexplainable feeling to learn about a profession that is so necessary in our society and future.

Now I can say I’ve been in the shoes of a doctor, medical researcher, midwife, nurse, surgeon, scientist and psychologist.”

Prince Cole, 15, from Bishop Thomas Grant School in Lambeth,

first time. The estimated value of the theatre’s community benefits programme is close to £2million.

‘Cultural icon’ Cllr Jack Hopkins, Lambeth Council Leader, said: “The Old Vic is a cultural icon and we are incredibly proud to have it in Lambeth on the boundary with Southwark. Increasingly our role as a Council is to harness the energy and dynamism of the borough in a way that benefits all our communities.

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said: “The Summer School for me really was an extraordinary opportunity to explore future careers. My favourite thing about it was the wide variety of activities presented to us which were not only fun and interactive but informative to the point where I can carry it onwards in my life.”

Professor Charles Wolfe OBE, Director of the NIHR Guy’s and St Thomas’ Biomedical Research Centre said: “I speak from experience when I say that biomedical research is one of the most rewarding careers you could choose to pursue. Every day my colleagues and I work towards our goal of discovering new ways to diagnose and treat diseases, in order to improve the lives of our pa-

tients and the clinical care that they receive. I hope that this year’s Summer School inspires the students to consider a career in research.”

Professor Sir Robert Lechler, Executive Director of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre, said: “Our partners work together to solve some of the biggest health challenges that face our local communities. I hope the King’s Health Partners Summer School students will be inspired by our people and our research, and we help and encourage them to pursue their own careers in medical research that will have a positive impact on solving the health challenges of the future.”

King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a collaboration between King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.

“We are determined to open up our creative industries to the diverse, but often under-represented, talented young people in the borough, particularly those from BAME backgrounds. Partnerships with organisations such as The Old Vic are crucial if we are going to achieve that. “As a result I believe that the support we are set to discuss providing The Old Vic for this project matches our important goals and ambitions for the community.”

Collaboration The Old Vic, which was 200 years old last year, already works with communities in Lambeth and Southwark to support growth, employment, social mobility and education through a range of projects.

They include employment programmes such as Front Line and Take the Lead, educational programmes Schools Club and Summer School, and community-based programmes including as Matinee Idols and Curtain Up. But the theatre, which wants to expand this important work, is running out of space and many projects have to

be run off-site. The Annex, which it is hoped will open in 2022, will be a new five-storey centre next to the main building that will expand its total floor space by a sixth and will allow the theatre to double it community work.

‘Once in a generation opportunity’ Kate Varah, The Old Vic’s Executive Director, said: “The Annex is a once in a generation opportunity.

With the visionary collaboration of Lambeth and Southwark Councils, we will together ensure that this vibrant theatre sustains financially and that its wide-reaching social engagement is so deeply embedded that there can never be any doubt about the value of The Old Vic to those it serves: a civic resource, a beacon for cultural adventure, a place where everyone can explore in an environment where they feel truly welcome.”

Under the funding agreement, signed off by Lambeth Council last week, the authority will provide a 10-year loan to the Old Vic Theatre Trust at an agreed rate of interest.

News

20 LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

Winter at Southbank Centre celebrates the holiday season with dazzling shows, delicious food and free events for all the family 8 November 2019 – 5 January 2020 From 8 November 2019 to 5 January 2020, Winter at Southbank Centre presents a bumper celebration for the holiday season packed with concerts, events and culinary delights for all ages including a festive programme of free events.

Winter highlights include: Concerts, shows & events • Black Beauty brings fun and adventure to Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room in a five-star show combining storytelling, music and puppetry (14 Dec 2019 – 5 Jan 2020) • With new acts including the Brazilian Wheel of Death, Circus 1903 returns to transport audiences to the golden age of circus (19 Dec 2019 – 5 Jan 2020) • The perfect mix of glamour and laughs, Fascinating Aïda is back with the World Premiere of a brand new cabaret show (10 Dec 2019 – 5 Jan 2020) • Concerts from the Philharmonia Orchestra include Grand Christmas Classics with The Bach Choir (15 Dec) and The Glory of Christmas with Trinity Boys Choir and Brighton Festival Chorus (15 Dec) • Seasonal gigs include Rufus & Martha Wainwright’s A Not So Silent Night (6 Dec), Ian Shaw

& Claire Martin’s Early Xmas Cracker (8 Dec) and Kate Rusby at Christmas (10 Dec) • Enjoy carols and festive hits at Christmas with Alan Titchmarsh (14 Dec), Organoke: The Alternative Carol Service (8 Dec) and Jonathan Cohen’s Christmas Carol Singalong (14 Dec) • Nadiya Hussain celebrates the publication of her memoir, Finding My Voice (1 Dec)

IT’S SHREXIT! As Brexit looms on the horizon, a swamp dwelling Ogre with foul smelling breath, a short temper and a booming voice, is offering UK citizens the chance to board

a fairy tale big red bus, with the destination being a magical alternative to post-Brexit Britain.

Shrek and his fairy tale friends of Far Far Away, situated at Shrek’s

• LGBTQI+ events across Winter include Burgerz by Travis Alabanza (29 Nov – 1 Dec), A Very Polari Xmas: Featuring Lisa Jewell (9 Dec), Drag Syndrome at Christmas (15 Dec), The Legends and Legacies Yuletide Special (21 Dec), Queer Tango London (26 Dec) and more.

• The Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer plays host to free events throughout Winter including

Adventure! London, on London’s south bank, have sought micro-nation status in an audacious bid to seek independence from the United Kingdom.

The bold move known as ‘Shrexit’ is being led by the famous green Ogre following concerns over sanctions on slime and border restrictions for the free move-

Caribbean Christmas with Just Vibez (14 Dec), Gamelan Winter Chimes (18 Dec), Kids Countdown with Ida Barr (31 Dec) and Winter Choirs (8 – 19 Dec) • New Year’s Eve Spectacular presents five floors of themed club nights, six bars, live acts, fifteen DJs, continuous dance lessons, and outdoor spaces offering the perfect view of the UK’s largest annual fireworks display (31 Dec)

Onsite • Southbank Centre’s Winter Market is back offering an exquisite selection of food and drink across an array of pop-up bars and eateries and the chance to shop for gifts and seasonal goodies from a range of traders (8 Nov 2019 – 5 Jan 2020) • Favourites such as The Circus Bar and Bar Under the Bridge make a welcome return and new additions include Mac & Cheese Truck and Applebee’s Fish • Jimmy’s Lodge provides a truly unique dining experience with their private igloos • Under the showman tents of The Circus Bar, families can enjoy food, refreshments and a warm fire at a Pop-up Cinema showing Beauty and the Beast, Frozen and other timeless classics old and new (11 Nov – 29 Dec) • Images from the London is Love photographic project with artist Liz Johnson Artur are displayed across the windows of Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall (7 Nov 2019 – 7 Jan 2020) • Squidsoup transforms the Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer with an immersive new artwork consisting of 200 beautiful orbs suspended from the iconic ceiling

ment of witches on broomsticks.

The impending application will put forward a proposal for Far Far Away to be recognised as an independent country by the United Nations and its member states.

‘Shrexit’ will see Far Far Away seek independence from the UK with Shrek spotted heading ‘Ogre’ the English Channel to Brussels to commence talks with Jean-Claude Juncker regarding joining the EU and access to the single market to ensure the unencumbered flow of gingerbread from the continent.

Wasting no time in establishing a government, Shrek has already appointed his cabinet, consisting of (but not fully inclusive of): · Princess Fiona, Home Secretary ·Puss In Boots, Secretary of State

for Defence · Donkey, Secretary of State for Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs British and International travellers visiting London can now head to Shrek’s Adventure! London, where they can apply for Far Far Away citizenship before October 31st with a chance to win free family entry for a year in 2020.

Ironically, this journey commences with a big red bus. However, this one flies and takes would-be citizens to the kingdom of Far Far Away, the magical journey then ending with a meeting with the new leader of their land, Shrek himself.

Andrew Walker, General Manager at Shrek’s Adventure! London said: “Shrexit and Brexit share some uncanny commonalities as both journey’s start with a fantastical big red bus and both involve being presented with remarkable characters that only your imagination could have created.

“Far Far Away as an independent state may seem a far-fetched notion but Shrexit may seem relatively normal when compared to the bumpy Brexit road the UK has been on for the past three years.

But like all good fairy tales, at least we can expect Shrexit to have a happy ending.”

News

LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019 This year London Fashion Week featured ‘Next Generation Regeneration: Fashion and Revolution’ ,a unique Windrush themed celebration held in partnership between the council and supermodel turned art curator, actor and campaigner Eunice Olumide.

It featured free fashion and sustainability presentations, top musicians, live question and answer sessions, and will culminate in a catwalk show on Sunday, September 15 at Lambeth Town Hall to celebrate the huge and positive impact on society of the Windrush generation.

The event was held in contrast to the ‘Windrush Scandal’ in which people from the Caribbean who were invited by the UK government to help rebuild the country after the Second World War were wrongly denied citizenship.

‘Huge influence’ Eunice, who was awarded an MBE in 2017, said: “The fashion industry has long been linked to revolution, anarchy and significant change within culture and society.

It is an area where marginalised groups have often been able to bring recognition to various serious social, economic and environmental

Lambeth hosts unique Windrush event during London Fashion Week

issues within everyday life.

“This event ties those themes together and will highlight how AfroCaribbean culture and society have had a huge influence on the British fashion scene, both in post war Britain and in the pre-colonial period.

This community contribution is ra-

rely articulated and actually stunts African, Afro-Caribbean development in the wider global fashion and art markets.

“It also serves as a repost to the terrible treatment people suffered as a result of the Windrush Scandal for the which the Government

rightly had to apologise for and finally recognised by reversing their mistakes and setting up a compensation scheme.”

The Windrush generation are named after the Empire Windrush that arrived in the UK on 22 June 1948 carrying passengers from the

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Caribbean who were invited by the UK government to help rebuild the country after WWII. It is estimated that around 550,000 people from the Caribbean migrated to the UK between 1948 and 1973.

Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture, is part of the Windrush Generation. She lobbied the Government to admit their errors and worked hard to support people who had, in some cases,. lost their jobs, homes and livelihoods because of incorrect Home Office policies.

‘Stand united’ Cllr Winifred said: “Lambeth is the heart of the Windrush community and we stand united in celebrating their contribution to rebuilding post-war Britain, and subsequent positive impacts on British society. We’re delighted to be working with Eunice on what will be a positive event that highlights just some of the Windrush Generation’s achievements since the ‘50s.

“This show supports our wider efforts to highlight the treatment of the Windrush generation. This also includes campaigning for a memorial monument in Windrush Square, and really exploring the impact of the hostile environment policies on the Windrush pioneers, and the subsequent younger generations.”

For more information on the show visit Twitter @NGRGFW. To read about the campaign to ‘Make Windrush Square in Brixton the home of the Windrush memorial’ visit www.change.org/.

Lambeth welcomes mental health campaigner to launch suicide prevention conversations On World Suicide Prevention Day, Lambeth Together, a partnership of local public and voluntary sector organisations, invited mental health experts, charities, doctors and more to share in a commitment to joining the new ‘zero suicides’ target for London.

In 2014 Jonny Benjamin started a social media campaign to #findMike, the passer-by who talked him out of taking his own life in Lambeth. The campaign went viral and led to Jonny re-connecting with Neil, (the real name of the stranger who stopped him) and the two of them campaigning for suicide prevention and setting up the ‘Beyond Shame, Beyond Stigma’ charity.

Lifesaving conversations On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September, Jonny joined Lambeth Mayor Cllr Ibrahim Dogus, GP and Chair of NHS Lambeth CCG Adrian McLachlan and suicide prevention charities the Listening Place and Papyrus to launch Lambeth Together’s new partnership approach to suicide

prevention. The theme was “anyone can have a lifesaving conversation”.

Talking feelings Jonny said: “Many mental health problems start in the teenage years, we should do more, earlier. From the age of 5 I was scared

of what was in my head, but didn’t have anyone to talk to about it, so I didn’t. At school, people came to talk about careers, they didn’t talk about feelings. The only mental health education I got was the film ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. At university, I was sent to a suicide ward. They watched me

24 hours a day but never spoke to me. I know I can’t talk myself out of wanting to die. I was stopped from killing myself by a stranger. Noone had listened before. No-one said ‘you’re going to be all right. ”

New pathway Lambeth’s Living Well Network

Alliance also chose World Suicide Prevention Day to share the news of its new crisis pathway for adults, providing a range of options for people in the borough seeking help with urgent mental health issues: • he Single Point of Access (SPA), a telephone assessment service to help people get the right support first time • New short-term mental health support services seeing people for up to 12 weeks • New weekday outreach services making it easier to support people in mental health crisis at home – the target is to make this a 7-days-a-week service within three months.

London’s new Zero Suicide initiative also recommends that every organisation should have a lead suicide prevention champion. Cllr Ed Davie, Cabinet member for health and adult social care introduced the council’s champion, Cllr Joshua Lindsey, who will focus on raising awareness among high-risk and vulnerable groups, including men under 50.

NEWS MayNews / June 19 News

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LAMBETH LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

Education from children

Brixton bat walk inspires animal-friendly young artist A walk in Windmill Gardens has turned into a message about environmental protection.

On the night that the ‘bat signal’ was projected into the

worldwide night sky to celebrate the 80th anniversary of fictional character Batman, a walk in a Lambeth park taught young (and adult) naturalists about the reality of bats.

Windmills and bats Dr Iain Boulton of Lambeth’s

Parks Team ran a guided bat walk and talk for 32 people in Windmill Gardens, Brixton Hill for the Friends of Windmill Gardens, Lots of bats were seen and heard. “It’s been a good autumn for Lambeth bats – and a great evening for humans” said Iain.

Isabella was one of three children there, and her mum emailed next day to say how learning the truth about bats had inspired her: “Isabella kept making kissing lips sounds to show her teachers in school about bats’ sounds when they’re flying and bouncing around. She wants to do a show and tell all her friends at school to learn more about bats.

Sharing the message that children shouldn’t be afraid of bats

Night fairies “She said to me: ‘Mummy, I want to do bat art , which shows how cute bats are, not scary, not drinking blood like vampires and nothing to do with Hallowe’en,

Refill Brixton is on a mission to make refilling your water bottle as easy, convenient and cheap as possible.

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they are night fairies and adorable like babies. I wish I could hold them for a while. But you can’t keep them as pets because they are protected by law, you could see them and hear them’.

I was delighted to hear this, clearly she was absorbing so much last night in Windmill Gardens.

This inspired her to do her bat art to help people love wild life and protect our environment, and give more people the idea to come to nature to see feel the beauty of nature.

Know bats better Isabella’s pictures have been shared to the website of the Bat Conservation Trust (based in Kennington). Mum and daughter will both be very happy if ‘bat art’ helps people know more about bats and protect them better.

portunity to make this a thing of the past. It’s good business sense with customers more likely to return to Refill places to eat or shop. We’re blessed with incredible water quality, now it’s time to make it easier to access on the go.”

Word from the Cabinet What if Bowie sang “Planet Earth is blue and there’s something you can do”… to protect it? A Refill scheme in Brixton encourages cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries, museums and other businesses to sign up to the free Refill app and put a sticker in their window welcoming passers-by to fill up their bottle for free.

Cllr Claire Holland, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council and Cabinet Member for the Environment and Clean Air, said : “Community-based refill schemes have already put thousands of refill stations on the map. We are proud to see Lambeth’s local businesses support this initiative and working together to stop single-use plastic water bottles and plastic pollution at source.”

City to Sea The average adult buys at least 3 plastic water bottles every week – a startling 175 every year.

In total, some 7.7 billion plastic bottles bought across the UK each year result in substantial single-use plastic waste in our oceans. City to Sea, a not-forprofit organisation headed by campaigner Natalie Fee, launched Refill in 2015, aiming to cut plastic bottle use by tens of millions each year.

Positive customers Leonie Watson, Local Coordi-

Helping land and water

Free refill scheme launched to cut plastic waste nator for Refill Brixton, explains why both businesses and their customers should get involved:

“Here in Brixton we’re rightly proud of our electric atmosphere and edgy appearance but

single-use plastic bottles make up 10% of litter in the Thames.

Refill Brixton gives us all the op-

Natalie Taylor, Refill London Coordinator, says “Every time we refill a bottle we help keep streets and open spaces tidy too.

Refill Brixton are making waves in the area with many businesses becoming Refill Stations” Water UK say: “We’re passionate about tackling the problems caused by plastic bottles, which clog up rivers and drains, and pollute our seas. By refilling water bottles, we can all help turn this harmful tide.”

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LAMBETH LAMBETH LIFE LIFE OCT-NOV 2019

May / June 19

Delivering for the nation Order on the app tonight

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12/12/2018 12:46